Service provision program, service provision method, and server

Abstract

To provide a service provision program, a service provision method, and a server capable of specifying a service and granting a privilege to the service not only when the service is started but also specifying a new privilege to the service during the provision of the started service.SOLUTION: A server acquires cartridge information indicating the type of a cartridge mounted in a target printer and time information indicating usage time of the target printer. The server specifies a first privilege to be granted when provision of a service related to the target printer is started based on the cartridge information and the time information. The server stores the cartridge information and the time information. The server starts provision of the service to which the first privilege is granted. The server specifies a second privilege to be newly granted to the service that has started to be provided, on the basis of the cartridge information and the time information stored in a storage unit (S109, S111).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a service providing program, a service providing method, and a server. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a server installed by a printer vendor. The server provides services such as a flat-rate service in which the fee is a fixed amount according to the number of sheets of printing paper used, and an automatic ordering service in which cartridges are automatically ordered. The server also identifies benefits such as discounts that are valid for a certain period from the start of the service according to the type of cartridge installed in the printer at the time of the service contract and the accumulated power-on time of the printer, and grants them to the service. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-79023 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand to add new benefits to a service not only when the service starts, but also while the service is being provided. However, in the above-mentioned server, benefits are identified and added to the service only when the service starts. This causes a problem in that a new benefit cannot be identified and added to the service after the service starts and while the service is being provided.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a service providing program, a service providing method, and a server that can not only identify a service and grant it to the service when the service is started, but also identify a new benefit and grant it to the service while the started service is being provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A service provision program according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a receiving step of receiving a start request for requesting a computer of a server that provides a service related to a printer to start the service, an acquisition step of acquiring cartridge information indicating a type of cartridge installed in a target printer, which is the printer to which the service requested by the start request received in the receiving step is to be provided, and time information indicating a usage time of the target printer, a first identification step of identifying a first benefit that is granted when provision of the service related to the target printer is started, based on the cartridge information and the time information acquired in the acquisition step, and and the time information in a memory unit; a start step of starting provision of the service requested by the start request accepted in the receiving step, wherein, if the first benefit is identified in the first identification step, the start step starts provision of the service to which the identified first benefit is assigned; a second identification step of identifying a second benefit, which is the benefit to be newly assigned to the service whose provision has been started in the start step, based on at least one of the cartridge information and the time information stored in the memory unit; and, if the second benefit is identified in the second identification step, an assignment step of newly assigning the identified second benefit to the service being provided.

[0007] According to the first aspect, the computer stores in the storage unit the cartridge information and time information referenced when identifying the first benefit to be provided when the provision of the service is started. Therefore, the computer can identify the second benefit to be provided for the service being provided based on the cartridge information and time information stored in the storage unit. Therefore, the computer can provide the benefit not only at the start of the service but also during the provision of the service.

[0008] In the first aspect, the second identification step may identify the second benefit when the type indicated by the cartridge information matches the type of a first cartridge that is pre-installed when the target printer is sold, and may not identify the second benefit when the type indicated by the cartridge information matches the type of a second cartridge different from the first cartridge. In other words, when a request is made to start a service with the first cartridge that is pre-installed when the printer is sold, the computer can identify a second benefit to be assigned to the service being provided and assign it to the service. Therefore, when a service whose start was requested in the initial stage of use of the purchased printer is being provided, the computer can assign the second benefit to the service being provided.

[0009] In a first aspect, the second identification step may identify the second benefit having a relatively high level of usefulness when the type indicated by the cartridge information matches the type of the first cartridge and the usage time indicated by the time information is within a predetermined time, and may identify the second benefit having a relatively low level of usefulness when the type indicated by the cartridge information matches the type of the first cartridge and the usage time indicated by the time information is longer than the predetermined time. In this case, the computer can identify a more useful second benefit and grant it to the service being provided when a request to start the service is made in an early stage of use of the purchased printer and within a short period of time after the printer is started to be used.

[0010] In the first aspect, the second identification step may identify the second benefit having a relatively high benefit when the usage time indicated by the time information is within a predetermined time, and may identify the second benefit having a relatively low benefit when the usage time indicated by the time information is longer than the predetermined time. In this case, the computer can identify a more beneficial benefit and grant it to the service when a request to start a service is made within a short period of time from the start of use of the printer.

[0011] In a first aspect, the service includes delivery of the cartridge, and the first identifying step identifies the first benefit when the type indicated by the cartridge information is the type of a first cartridge pre-installed in the target printer when it is sold or the type of a second cartridge commercially available, and does not need to identify the first benefit when the type indicated by the cartridge information is the type of a third cartridge delivered as part of the service. In this case, the computer can prevent the first benefit from being repeatedly provided to a printer for which the service is already being provided.

[0012] In the first aspect, the computer may further execute a third identification step of identifying a third benefit that is the common benefit regardless of the type indicated by the cartridge information, and the starting step may start providing the service to which the identified third benefit is added if the third benefit is identified by the third identification step. In this case, the computer can add the common benefit to services to which the first benefit is not added.

[0013] A service providing method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a service providing method for providing a service related to a printer, the method including: a receiving step of receiving a start request for requesting the start of the service; an acquisition step of acquiring cartridge information indicating a type of cartridge installed in a target printer, which is the printer to which the service requested by the start request received in the receiving step is to be provided, and time information indicating a usage time of the target printer; a first identification step of identifying a first benefit that is granted when the provision of the service related to the target printer is started, based on the cartridge information and the time information acquired in the acquisition step; The method includes a storage step of storing time information in a storage unit, a start step of starting provision of the service requested by the start request accepted in the acceptance step, the start step being for starting provision of the service to which the specified first benefit is assigned if the first benefit is identified in the first identification step, a second identification step of identifying a second benefit to be newly assigned to the service started to be provided in the start step based on at least one of the cartridge information and the time information stored in the storage unit, and an assignment step of newly assigning the specified second benefit to the service being provided if the second benefit is identified in the second identification step. According to the second aspect, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the first aspect.

[0014] A server according to a third aspect of the present invention is a server that provides a service related to a printer, and includes: an acceptance means for accepting a start request that requests the start of the service; an acquisition means for acquiring cartridge information indicating a type of cartridge installed in a target printer, which is the printer to which the service requested by the start request accepted by the acceptance means is provided, and time information indicating a usage time of the target printer; a first identification means for identifying a first benefit that is granted when the provision of the service related to the target printer is started, based on the cartridge information and the time information acquired by the acquisition means; and The third aspect includes a storage means for storing information in a storage unit, a start means for starting provision of the service requested by the start request accepted by the acceptance means, the start means starting provision of the service to which the specified first benefit is added when the first benefit is specified by the first specification means, a second specification means for specifying a second benefit to be newly added to the service started to be provided by the start means based on at least one of the cartridge information and the time information stored in the storage unit, and an addition means for newly adding the specified second benefit to the service being provided when the second benefit is specified by the second specification means. According to the third aspect, it is possible to achieve an effect similar to that of the first aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system 1 and an electrical configuration of a printer 2 and servers 4 and 5. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart of a main process. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart of a condition determination process. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart of a joining process. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of a contract process. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart of an additional benefit providing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] A service providing system according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, simply referred to as "system 1") will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to explain technical features that may be adopted by the present invention. The configurations of the devices described are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0017] <System 1 Overview> The system 1 is a system for providing a flat-rate billing service (hereinafter referred to as the "flat-rate service") and an automatic ordering service for the printer 2. The flat-rate service is available by paying a predetermined flat-rate fee. The flat-rate service is a service in which, only when the number of printed sheets in a specified period (e.g., one month) exceeds the contracted number of printed sheets (e.g., 1,000 sheets), a billed amount is paid, which is the sum of the flat-rate fee and an additional fee according to the number of printed sheets exceeding the contracted number of printed sheets. The automatic ordering service is a service in which, when the amount of ink remaining in a cartridge installed in the printing unit 26 of the printer 2 falls below a specified amount, a new cartridge is automatically ordered and delivered. Hereinafter, the flat-rate service and the automatic ordering service are collectively referred to as the "services".

[0018] 1, the system 1 includes a printer 2, a terminal device 3, and servers 4 and 5. The printer 2 and the terminal device 3 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 8. The printer 2 and the terminal device 3 are capable of communicating with each other via the LAN 8. The printer 2, the terminal device 3, and the servers 4 and 5 are connected to the Internet 9. The printer 2, the terminal device 3, and the servers 4 and 5 are capable of communicating with each other via the Internet 9.

[0019] The printer 2 is a peripheral device with a printing function. The printer 2 may be a multi-function device with a scanning function, a FAX function, etc. in addition to the printing function. The printer 2 has a control unit 20, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a communication interface (I / F) 25, and a printing unit 26.

[0020] The control unit 20 includes a CPU 21 and a memory 22. The CPU 21 is responsible for the overall control of the printer 2. The memory 22 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 22 stores at least the printer ID, the printer model name, firmware, the firmware version (hereinafter referred to as "FW version"), and time information. The printer ID is a code that identifies the printer 2. The printer model name is a name given to each model of the printer 2. The firmware is a program executed by the CPU 21. The FW version indicates the version number of the firmware. The time information indicates the usage time of the printer 2. The CPU 21 constantly calculates the cumulative value of the power-on time of the printer 2, and stores it in the memory 22 as time information.

[0021] The operation unit 23 has a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the printer 2 by operating the operation unit 23. The display unit 24 is a display for displaying various information. The communication I / F 25 is a driver element for connecting to the LAN 8 and communicating. The printing unit 26 is an inkjet printing mechanism. Cartridges that contain ink are attached to the printing unit 26. The printing unit 26 executes printing by using the ink in the cartridges.

[0022] The cartridges are classified into three types: a first cartridge, a second cartridge, and a third cartridge. The first cartridge is pre-installed when the printer 2 is sold. For example, if a user desires early application of a service related to the printer 2, the first cartridge is installed by the vendor of the printer 2 when the printer 2 is sold. The second cartridge can be purchased at a sales store and is not installed when the printer 2 is sold. The third cartridge is a cartridge that is ordered and delivered based on an automatic ordering service.

[0023] An IC chip that stores a cartridge number is attached to the cartridge. The CPU 21 of the printer 2 can identify which type of cartridge, the first, second, or third cartridge, the cartridge that is attached to the printer 2 is, by reading the cartridge number from the IC chip of the attached cartridge.

[0024] The server 4 manages detailed information about the printer 2 (hereinafter referred to as "printer detail information"). The server 4 has a control unit 40 and a communication I / F 43. The control unit 40 is equipped with a CPU 41 and a memory 42. The CPU 41 is responsible for the overall control of the server 4. The memory 42 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 42 stores the programs executed by the CPU 41 and the printer detail information. The printer detail information includes the printer model name, FW version, time information, and cartridge information for each printer ID. The communication I / F 43 is a driver element for connecting to the Internet 9 and communicating.

[0025] The procedure by which the server 4 obtains the printer detail information and stores it in the memory 42 is as follows. The CPU 21 of the printer 2 periodically reads from the memory 22 the printer ID, printer model name, FW version, and time information stored in the memory 22. The CPU 21 periodically reads the cartridge number from the IC chip of the installed cartridge. The CPU 21 identifies the type of cartridge as cartridge information based on the read cartridge number. The CPU 21 periodically transmits the read printer ID, printer model name, FW version, time information, and identified cartridge information to the server 4.

[0026] The CPU 41 of the server 4 receives the printer ID, printer model name, FW version, time information, and cartridge information that are periodically transmitted from the printer 2. The CPU 41 associates the received printer model name, FW version, time information, and cartridge information with the received printer ID, and stores them in the memory 42 as detailed printer information.

[0027] The server 5 is installed on the Internet 9 by the vendor of the printer 2. The server 5 executes various processes required to provide the service. The server 5 includes a control unit 50, an operation unit 53, and a communication I / F .

[0028] The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51 and a memory 52. ​​The CPU 51 is responsible for the overall control of the server 5. The memory 52 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 52 stores the programs executed by the CPU 51 and a database 55 (see FIG. 2) described below. The operation unit 53 includes a plurality of keys. The vendor of the printer 2 can input various instructions to the server 5 by operating the operation unit 53. The communication I / F 54 is a driver element for connecting to the Internet 9 and communicating.

[0029] The terminal device 3 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, or a tablet PC.

[0030] <Database 55> 2, the database 55 stored in the memory 52 of the server 5 will be described. The database 55 includes an account database, a printer database, a user information database, a contract management database, a contract status database, a contract content database, and a printer status database.

[0031] The account database manages accounts registered to receive services. In the account database, account IDs and account names are associated with each other. An account ID is a code for identifying a registered account. An account name is the name of an account identified by the corresponding account ID. An account ID and account name are set by a user who wishes to receive a service through a registration procedure (S13, see FIG. 3). One account is set for each user.

[0032] The printer database manages the printers 2 to which the services are to be provided for each account. In the printer database, the account ID, printer ID, and printer model name are associated with each other. The account ID and printer ID are set by a user who wishes to receive the services by carrying out a registration procedure by specifying a registered account ID and the printer ID of the printer 2 to which the services are to be provided (S15, see FIG. 3). The printer model name is set by obtaining it from the server 4 (S15, see FIG. 3). Note that a user can use one account to register multiple printers 2 to which the services are to be provided.

[0033] The user information database manages personal information about users who have registered accounts. In the user information database, account IDs, names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, and payment methods are associated with each other. The name, address, telephone number, and email address respectively correspond to the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the user who has registered the account indicated by the account ID. The payment method indicates the method of payment for fees associated with the provision of services. The name, address, telephone number, email address, and payment method are set by the user completing a registration procedure (S23, see FIG. 3).

[0034] The contract management database manages subscription contracts to services for each printer 2. In the contract management database, printer IDs and contract IDs are associated with each other. The contract ID is a code that identifies a contract concluded for the printer 2 identified by the corresponding printer ID. The contract ID is determined and set when subscribing to a service (S71, see FIG. 6).

[0035] The contract status database manages the status of the subscription contract to the service. In the contract status database, a contract ID, a contract name, a contract status, and history information are associated with each other. The contract name indicates the name of the contract identified by the corresponding contract ID. The contract name is determined and set when subscribing to the service (S71, see FIG. 6). The contract status indicates the status of the contract identified by the corresponding contract ID, as either "under contract" or "expired." The contract status is set to "under contract" when a subscription contract to the service is concluded (S85, see FIG. 6). On the other hand, for example, when a contract cancellation process (not shown) is executed or the expiration date of the credit card set in the payment method in the user information database has passed, the contract status is set to "expired." The history information indicates the history of the service provided based on the contract identified by the corresponding contract ID.

[0036] The contract content database manages the type and content of services and benefits, as well as services and benefits that are provided based on a contract. In the contract content database, a service / benefit ID, a name, a content, and a contract ID are associated with each other. The service / benefit ID is a code for identifying a service or benefit. A benefit is a benefit related to a discount on the amount charged to a user as compensation for the provision of a service. The name indicates the name of the service or benefit. The content indicates the specific content of the service or benefit. For example, as an example of the content of a flat-rate service, a contracted number of prints (e.g., 500 sheets) and a pay-per-use fee (e.g., 0.02 [$ / sheet]) when the number of prints in a predetermined period exceeds the contracted number of prints are set. Also, as an example of a benefit, discount period information (e.g., 4 months) indicating a free period of the flat-rate fee and discount number information (e.g., 400 sheets / month) indicating the number of prints that can be printed free of charge during the free period when the number of prints exceeds the contracted number of prints are set. The service / privilege ID, name, and content are set by the vendor of the printer 2 through the operation unit 53.

[0037] The contract ID indicates a contract concluded to subscribe to the corresponding service or benefit, and is set when a subscription contract to a service is concluded (S85, see FIG. 6).

[0038] The printer status database manages the status of the printer 2 for which a subscription contract to a service has been concluded. In the printer status database, printer ID, printer status, cartridge information, and time information are associated with each other. The printer status indicates the subscription status of the printer 2 identified by the corresponding printer ID, by being either "subscribed" or "not subscribed" to the service. The printer status is set to "not subscribed" before a subscription contract to a service is concluded, and is set to "subscribed" after a subscription contract to a service is concluded (S53, see FIG. 5).

[0039] As the cartridge information, the type of cartridge that was attached to the printer 2 at the time the service started is set out of "first cartridge," "second cartridge," or "third cartridge." As the time information, the usage time of the printer 2 at the time the service started is set. The cartridge information and time information are set based on the printer detail information received from the server 4 (S83, see FIG. 6).

[0040] <Main processing> 3, a description will be given of main processing executed by the CPU 51 of the server 5. When the power supply of the server 5 is turned on, the CPU 51 starts the main processing by reading and executing a program stored in the memory 52.

[0041] The CPU 51 determines whether or not a start request for requesting the start of a service has been received from the terminal device 3 (S11). If the start request has not been received (S11: NO), the CPU 51 returns the process to S11 and waits until the start request is received.

[0042] A user who wishes to sign a subscription contract for a service and start the service performs an operation for requesting the start of the service on the terminal device 3. When the terminal device 3 accepts the operation, it transmits a start request to the server 5. When the CPU 51 of the server 5 receives the start request (S11: YES), the process proceeds to S13.

[0043] The CPU 51 executes the following process to register a new account for the user. First, the CPU 51 transmits account registration screen data to the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 displays a registration screen on the display based on the registration screen data received from the server 5. The registration screen includes input boxes for an account ID and an account name. The user inputs the account ID and account name into the input boxes. The terminal device 3 transmits the account ID and account name input into the input boxes to the server 5. The CPU 51 of the server 5 associates the account ID and account name received from the terminal device 3 and stores them in the account database (see FIG. 2). As a result, the CPU 51 registers a new account for the user requesting the start of the service (S13).

[0044] Next, the CPU 51 executes the following process to newly register the printer 2 to which the service is to be provided. First, the CPU 51 transmits registration screen data for the printer 2 to the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 displays the registration screen on the display based on the registration screen data received from the server 5. The registration screen includes input boxes for the account ID and the printer ID. The user inputs the account ID and the printer ID into the input boxes. The terminal device 3 transmits the account ID and the printer ID input into the input boxes to the server 5. The CPU 51 of the server 5 receives the account ID and the printer ID. The CPU 51 transmits request data including the printer ID to the server 4 to request the printer model name corresponding to the printer ID received from the terminal device 3. The CPU 41 of the server 4 receives the request data from the server 5. The CPU 41 refers to the printer detail information and acquires the printer model name corresponding to the printer ID included in the request data. The CPU 41 transmits the acquired printer model name to the server 5. The CPU 51 of the server 5 associates the account ID and printer ID received from the terminal device 3 with the printer model name received from the server 4, and stores them in the printer database (see FIG. 2). In this way, the CPU 51 registers the printer 2 to which the service will be provided (S15). Hereinafter, the printer 2 registered in S15 as the recipient of the service will be referred to as the "target printer."

[0045] The CPU 51 executes a condition determination process (see FIG. 4) to determine the subscription conditions for the service (S17). The condition determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 4. First, the CPU 51 transmits request data including the printer ID of the target printer to the server 4 to request printer detail information about the target printer (S31). The CPU 41 of the server 4 receives the request data from the server 5. The CPU 41 obtains from the memory 42 the printer detail information corresponding to the printer ID included in the received request data. The CPU 41 transmits the obtained printer detail information to the server 5.

[0046] The CPU 51 of the server 5 determines whether the printer detail information transmitted from the server 4 has been received and acquired (S33). If the CPU 51 has received and acquired the printer detail information (S33: YES), it extracts the printer model name included in the acquired printer detail information. The CPU 51 determines whether the service can be provided to the target printer based on the extracted printer model name (S35). For example, the CPU 51 may store in advance in the memory 52 the printer model name of the printer 2 for which the service can be provided. In this case, if the printer model name extracted from the printer detail information is stored in the memory 52 as the printer model name of the printer 2 for which the service can be provided, the CPU 51 determines that the service can be provided (S35: YES). The CPU 51 advances the process to S37.

[0047] Next, the CPU 51 extracts the FW version included in the acquired printer detail information. The CPU 51 determines whether the service can be provided to the target printer based on the extracted FW version (S37). For example, the CPU 51 may store in advance in the memory 52 the FW version of the firmware of the printer 2 that can provide the service. In this case, if the FW version extracted from the printer detail information is stored in the memory 52 as a FW version that can provide the service, the CPU 51 determines that the service can be provided (S37: YES). The CPU 51 advances the process to S39.

[0048] Next, the CPU 51 extracts cartridge information included in the acquired printer detail information. If the extracted cartridge information indicates the type of the first cartridge or the second cartridge (S39: YES), the CPU 51 determines that the subscription condition for the service is met (S41). The CPU 51 ends the condition determination process and returns the process to the main process (see FIG. 3).

[0049] On the other hand, if the CPU 51 fails to acquire the printer detail information sent from the server 4 (S33: NO), if it determines that it is impossible to provide the service based on the printer model name or FW version (S35: NO, S37: NO), or if the cartridge information indicates a third cartridge type (S39: NO), it determines that the conditions for joining the service are not met (S43).The CPU 51 ends the condition determination process and returns the process to the main process (see FIG. 3).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, when it is determined in the condition determination process (S17) that the conditions for joining the service are not satisfied (S19: NO), the CPU 51 returns the process to S11.

[0051] When the CPU 51 determines through the condition determination process (S17) that the conditions for subscription to the service are met (S19: YES), it executes the following process to allow the user to select the type of desired service. First, the CPU 51 transmits service selection screen data to the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 displays a selection screen on the display based on the selection screen data received from the server 5. The selection screen includes a service selection menu. The user selects the desired service from the selection menu. The terminal device 3 transmits the service ID of the selected service to the server 5. The CPU 51 of the server 5 acquires the service ID received from the terminal device 3 (S21). Hereinafter, the service indicated by the service ID acquired through the process of S21 is referred to as the "target service."

[0052] The CPU 51 executes the following process to allow the user to register user information. First, the CPU 51 transmits registration screen data of the user information to the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 displays the registration screen on the display based on the registration screen data received from the server 5. The registration screen includes input boxes for the user's name, address, telephone number, email address, and payment method. The user inputs the name, address, telephone number, email address, and payment method in the input boxes. The terminal device 3 transmits the name, address, telephone number, email address, and payment method input in the input boxes to the server 5. The CPU 51 of the server 5 stores the name, address, telephone number, email address, and payment method received from the terminal device 3 in the user information database in association with the account ID stored in the account database by the process of S13. In this way, the CPU 51 registers the user information (S23).

[0053] The CPU 51 executes subscription processing (see FIG. 5) to make a subscription contract to the target service selected by the user (S25). The subscription processing will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The CPU 51 executes contract processing (see FIG. 6) to conclude a subscription contract to the target service (S51).

[0054] The contract processing will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The CPU 51 determines the contract ID and contract name of the new subscription contract to be concluded (S71). The CPU 51 associates the determined contract ID and contract name and stores them in the contract status database (see Fig. 2). Hereinafter, the contract ID determined by the processing of S71 will be referred to as the "target contract ID." The CPU 51 associates the printer ID of the target printer with the target contract ID and stores them in the contract management database (see Fig. 2).

[0055] The CPU 51 determines whether the type indicated by the cartridge information included in the printer detail information acquired by the process of S31 (see FIG. 4), i.e., the type of cartridge installed in the target printer at the start of the target service, is the first cartridge (S73). Note that if it is the first cartridge, the user of the target printer may have already desired early application of the service when purchasing the target printer.

[0056] If the CPU 51 determines that it is the first cartridge (S73: YES), it then determines whether the time indicated by the time information included in the printer detail information acquired by the process of S31 (see FIG. 4), i.e., whether the usage time of the target printer is within a predetermined time (S75). Note that if the usage time of the target printer is within the predetermined time, the user of the target printer may wish to enter into a subscription contract for the service at an early stage after purchasing the target printer.

[0057] When the CPU 51 determines that the usage time of the target printer is within a predetermined time (S75: YES), it specifies a first benefit having a relatively high benefit (hereinafter referred to as a "first high benefit") as a benefit to be granted at the start of the target service (S77). On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the usage time of the target printer is longer than the predetermined time (S75: NO), it specifies a first benefit having a relatively low benefit (hereinafter referred to as a "first low benefit") as a benefit to be granted at the start of the target service (S79). The CPU 51 advances the process to S81.

[0058] In addition, if the CPU 51 determines, based on the printer detail information acquired by processing S51, that the type of cartridge installed in the target printer at the start of the target service is not the first cartridge (S73: NO), it does not identify the first benefit and proceeds to processing S81.

[0059] The CPU 51 specifies a third benefit as a benefit that is given at the start of the target service regardless of the cartridge information and the time information (S81).

[0060] The CPU 51 stores the cartridge information included in the printer detailed information acquired by the process of S31 (see FIG. 4) as the cartridge information corresponding to the printer ID of the target printer in the printer status database (see FIG. 2). The CPU 51 also stores the time information included in the printer detailed information acquired by the process of S31 (see FIG. 4) as the time information corresponding to the printer ID of the target printer in the printer status database (see FIG. 2) (S83). The CPU 51 stores "not subscribed" as the printer status corresponding to the printer ID of the target printer in the printer status database (see FIG. 2).

[0061] The CPU 51 stores the target contract ID as the contract ID corresponding to the service ID of the target service in the contract content database (see FIG. 2). When the CPU 51 identifies the first high benefit by the process of S77, it stores the target contract ID as the contract ID corresponding to the benefit ID of the first high benefit in the contract content database (see FIG. 2). When the CPU 51 identifies the first low benefit by the process of S79, it stores the target contract ID as the contract ID corresponding to the benefit ID of the first low benefit in the contract content database (see FIG. 2). The CPU 51 stores the target contract ID as the contract ID corresponding to the benefit ID of the third benefit in the contract content database (see FIG. 2). The CPU 51 stores "under contract" as the contract status corresponding to the target contract ID in the contract status database (see FIG. 2) (S85). This concludes a subscription contract for the service indicated by the target contract ID.

[0062] The CPU 51 extracts a service ID and a privilege ID associated with the target contract ID from the contract content database (see FIG. 2). The CPU 51 stores the extracted service ID and privilege ID as history information corresponding to the target contract ID in the contract state database (see FIG. 2) (S87). The CPU 51 ends the contract process and returns the process to the subscription process (see FIG. 5).

[0063] As shown in Fig. 5, after completing the contract process (S51), the CPU 51 switches the printer status corresponding to the printer ID of the target printer in the printer status database (see Fig. 2) from "not subscribed" to "subscribed" (S53). The CPU 51 ends the subscription process and returns the process to the main process (see Fig. 3).

[0064] As shown in Fig. 3, after completing the subscription process (S25), the CPU 51 extracts from the contract content database (see Fig. 2) a target service, which is a service indicated by a service ID associated with the target contract ID, and a benefit indicated by a benefit ID associated with the target contract ID. The CPU 51 grants the extracted benefit to the extracted target service. The CPU 51 starts providing the target printer with the target service to which the benefit has been granted (S27). The CPU 51 returns the process to S11.

[0065] <Additional bonus granting process> The additional benefit granting process will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In the additional benefit granting process, a new benefit is granted to a service that has been started to be provided by the process of S27 (see Fig. 3) of the main process. For example, the vendor of the printer 2 inputs an instruction to grant a new benefit to a specific service via the operation unit 53 of the server 5. When the CPU 51 receives the instruction to grant a new benefit to the specific service, it reads out and executes a program stored in the memory 52 to start the additional benefit granting process.

[0066] The CPU 51 accepts a service for which a special benefit is to be newly granted via the operation unit 53 (S101). Hereinafter, the accepted service will be referred to as the "target service" as in the main processing (see FIG. 3). The CPU 51 refers to the contract content database (see FIG. 2) and identifies the contract ID associated with the service ID of the target service. Hereinafter, the identified contract ID will be referred to as the "target contract ID" as in the main processing. The CPU 51 refers to the contract management database (see FIG. 2) and further identifies the printer ID associated with the target contract ID (S101).

[0067] The CPU 51 refers to the printer status database (see FIG. 2) and acquires the cartridge information and time information associated with the printer ID identified by the process of S101 (S103). Hereinafter, the printer identified by the identified printer ID will be referred to as the "target printer", as in the main process.

[0068] The CPU 51 determines whether the type indicated by the cartridge information acquired in the process of S103, i.e., the type of the cartridge attached to the target printer at the start of the target service, is the first cartridge (S105). When the CPU 51 determines that the cartridge is the first cartridge (S105: YES), the CPU 51 determines whether the time indicated by the time information acquired in the process of S103, i.e., the usage time of the target printer, is within a predetermined time (S107). When the CPU 51 determines that the usage time of the target printer is within the predetermined time (S107: YES), the CPU 51 specifies a second privilege (hereinafter referred to as a "second high privilege") with relatively high usefulness as a privilege to be newly granted to the target service being provided (S109). On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the usage time of the target printer is longer than the predetermined time (S107: NO), the CPU 51 specifies a second privilege (hereinafter referred to as a "second low privilege") with relatively low usefulness as a privilege to be newly granted to the target service being provided (S111). The CPU 51 advances the process to S113.

[0069] It should be noted that if the CPU 51 determines, based on the cartridge information acquired by processing in S105, that the type of cartridge installed in the target printer at the start of the target service is not the first cartridge (S105: NO), it does not identify the second benefit and proceeds to processing in S113.

[0070] When the CPU 51 identifies the second high privilege by the processing of S109, it stores the target contract ID as the contract ID corresponding to the privilege ID of the second high privilege in the contract content database (see FIG. 2). When the CPU 51 identifies the second low privilege by the processing of S111, it stores the target contract ID as the contract ID corresponding to the privilege ID of the second low privilege in the contract content database (see FIG. 2). As a result, the second privilege is newly granted to the target service being provided to the target printer (S113).

[0071] The CPU 51 extracts a service ID and a privilege ID associated with the target contract ID from the contract content database (see FIG. 2). The CPU 51 stores the extracted service ID and privilege ID as history information corresponding to the target contract ID from the contract state database (see FIG. 2) (S115). The CPU 51 ends the additional privilege granting process.

[0072] <Actions and Effects of the Present Embodiment> The server 5 stores the cartridge information and time information referred to when identifying the first benefit (first high benefit or first low benefit) to be granted when the provision of the service is started in the printer status database stored in the memory 52 (S83). That is, the type of cartridge installed in the printer 2 and the usage time of the printer 2 at the time when the subscription contract for the service is concluded and the provision of the service is started are stored in the printer status database. The server 5 then identifies a second benefit to be newly granted to the service being provided based on the cartridge information and time information in the printer status database. That is, the second benefit is identified based on the conditions (type of cartridge and usage time of the printer 2) at the time when the provision of the service is started. Therefore, the server 5 can identify and grant an appropriate benefit to the service not only at the start of the service but also during the provision of the service.

[0073] When a service is started with the first cartridge installed (S105: YES), the server 5 can identify a new second benefit during the provision of this service and grant it to the service (S109, S111). Therefore, when a service that was started in the early stages of use of the purchased printer 2 is being provided, the server 5 can grant the second benefit to the service being provided. Also, when a user has already desired early application of the service at the time of purchasing the printer 2, the server 5 can grant a new second benefit to the service being provided for this printer 2.

[0074] If the usage time of the printer 2 is within the predetermined time (S107: YES), the server 5 identifies a second high privilege that is relatively more beneficial (S109). On the other hand, if the usage time of the printer 2 is longer than the predetermined time (S107: NO), the server 5 identifies a second low privilege that is relatively less beneficial (S111). Therefore, when a request to start a service is made within a short period of time from the start of use of the printer 2, the server 5 can identify a more beneficial second high privilege and grant it to the service being provided.

[0075] If the type indicated by the cartridge information is the third cartridge (S39: NO), the server 5 determines that the condition for joining the service is not met (S43). The reason for this is that the third cartridge is a cartridge that is ordered and delivered based on an automatic ordering service, and therefore it is highly likely that provision of the service has already begun. Therefore, in such a case, the server 5 does not identify the first benefit and does not start the service, thereby preventing the printer 2 already providing the service from being provided with the same service twice or the first benefit being provided repeatedly.

[0076] The server 5 specifies the third benefit at the start of the service regardless of the cartridge information and the time information (S81). This enables the server 5 to provide the common benefit to a service to which neither the first high benefit nor the first low benefit is provided.

[0077] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. The server 5 may be installed on the Internet 9 by a business operator different from the vendor of the printer 2. The vendor of the printer 2 may not prepare the hardware of the server 5 by itself, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor of the printer 2 may prepare a program for the server 5 and introduce it into the above environment to realize the server 5. Instead of a flat-rate service, the server 5 may provide a pay-as-you-go billing service in which an amount according to the number of printed sheets in a predetermined period (for example, one month) is paid. The privilege given to the service is not limited to a discount, and may be points given to the user, etc.

[0078] 3 to 7 may not be executed by the CPU 51 of the server 5, but may instead be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit. The communication I / F 25 of the printer 2, the communication I / F 43 of the server 4, and the communication I / F 54 of the server 5 may be wireless I / Fs or wired I / Fs.

[0079] The server 5 may be composed of a single server, or may have multiple servers. For example, the server 5 may have a first server, a second server, and a third server. For example, the first server may register an account and the printer 2 by executing the processes of S11 and S13 of the main process (see FIG. 3). For example, the second server may start providing a service to which a first benefit is provided by executing the processes of S17 to S27 of the main process (see FIG. 3). For example, the third server may provide a second benefit to a service being provided by executing an additional benefit providing process (see FIG. 7).

[0080] In the above, the printer detail information of printer 2 is stored in server 4. Server 5 obtains the printer detail information from server 4 by transmitting request data to server 4 (S31). In response to this, server 5 may transmit request data directly to printer 2. When printer 2 receives request data from server 5, it may transmit the printer detail information to server 5. Server 5 may obtain the printer detail information by receiving the printer detail information transmitted from printer 2.

[0081] In the additional benefit granting process, if the type of cartridge installed in the target printer at the start of the service is the first cartridge (S105: YES), the server 5 specifies the second high benefit or the second low benefit according to the usage time of the target printer (S109, S111). In contrast, in the additional benefit granting process, the server 5 may specify the second benefit based on only one of the cartridge information and the time information. For example, the server 5 may perform the process as follows.

[0082] For example, if the type of cartridge installed in the target printer at the time the service starts is the first cartridge (S105: YES), the server 5 may identify the second high privilege regardless of the usage time of the target printer. On the other hand, if the type of cartridge installed in the target printer at the time the service starts is not the first cartridge (S105: NO), the server 5 may identify the second low privilege regardless of the usage time of the target printer.

[0083] Also, for example, if the type of cartridge installed in the target printer at the start of the service is the first cartridge (S105: YES), the server 5 may specify a common second benefit regardless of the usage time of the target printer. On the other hand, if the type of cartridge installed in the target printer at the start of the service is not the first cartridge, the server 5 may not specify a second benefit and may not grant it to the service.

[0084] Also, for example, the server 5 may identify the second benefit based only on the time information, without making a judgment based on the cartridge information (S105). In this case, for example, the server 5 may identify a common second benefit when the target printer is used for a predetermined time or less. On the other hand, when the target printer is used for a longer time than the predetermined time, the server 5 may not identify the second benefit and may not grant it to the service.

[0085] The predetermined time used as a criterion for identifying the second benefit may be changed as appropriate depending on the content of the second benefit. For example, when the vendor of the printer 2 operates the server 5 to provide the second benefit to the service being provided, the vendor may set the predetermined time in the server 5 accordingly.

[0086] The first cartridge is not limited to being pre-installed in the printer 2, and may be, for example, a cartridge that is included with the printer 2 when it is purchased, or may be, for example, a cartridge that is sold as a set with the printer 2.

[0087] If the type of cartridge installed in the target printer at the time the service is started is the third cartridge (S39: NO), the server 5 may start a service that does not provide the first benefit. In this case, the printer 2 can receive the new service after the contract for the service already being provided is terminated.

[0088] The usage time of the printer 2 indicated by the time information is not limited to the cumulative value of the power-on time of the printer 2. For example, the usage time may be the elapsed time since the printer 2 was first turned on, the cumulative time when the printer 2 is not in the power saving mode (normal state), etc.

[0089] <Other> The process of S11 is an example of the "reception step" of the present invention. The process of S31 is an example of the "acquisition step" of the present invention. The processes of S77 and S79 are an example of the "first identification step" of the present invention. The process of S83 is an example of the "storage step" of the present invention. The process of S27 is an example of the "start step" of the present invention. The processes of S109 and S111 are an example of the "second identification step" of the present invention. The process of S113 is an example of the "assignment step" of the present invention. The process of S81 is an example of the "third identification step" of the present invention. The memory 52 is an example of the "storage unit" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the process of S11 is an example of the "reception means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the process of S31 is an example of the "acquisition means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the process of S77 and S79 is an example of the "first identification means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the process of S83 is an example of the "storage means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the process of S27 is an example of the "start means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 performing the processes of S109 and S111 is an example of the "second specifying means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 performing the process of S113 is an example of the "granting means" of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 2: Printer 3: Terminal device 4, 5: Server 50: Control section 52: Memory 55: Database

Claims

1. The server computer that provides printer services a receiving step of receiving a start request for requesting the start of the service; an acquisition step of acquiring cartridge information indicating a type of cartridge installed in a target printer, which is the printer to which the service requested by the start request accepted in the acceptance step is provided, and time information indicating a usage time of the target printer; a first identification step of identifying a first benefit that is a benefit to be granted when provision of the service related to the target printer starts, based on the cartridge information and the time information acquired in the acquisition step; a storage step of storing the cartridge information and the time information acquired by the acquisition step in a storage unit; a start step of starting provision of the service requested by the start request accepted in the acceptance step, the start step starting provision of the service to which the specified first benefit is granted when the first benefit is specified in the first identification step; a second specifying step of specifying a second benefit, which is the benefit to be newly provided for the service that has been started to be provided in the starting step, based on at least one of the cartridge information and the time information stored in the storage unit; an adding step of adding the specified second benefit to the service being provided when the second benefit is specified by the second specifying step; A service provision program for executing the above.

2. The second specifying step includes: Identifying the second benefit when the type indicated by the cartridge information matches the type of a first cartridge that is pre-installed in the target printer at the time of sale; When the type indicated by the cartridge information matches the type of a second cartridge different from the first cartridge, the second benefit is not specified.

2. The service providing program according to claim 1,

3. The second specifying step includes: identifying the second benefit having a relatively high benefit when the type indicated by the cartridge information matches the type of the first cartridge and the usage time indicated by the time information is within a predetermined time; If the type indicated by the cartridge information matches the type of the first cartridge and the usage time indicated by the time information is greater than the predetermined time, the second benefit having a relatively low level of benefit is identified.

3. The service providing program according to claim 2.

4. The second specifying step includes: If the usage time indicated by the time information is within a predetermined time, the second benefit having a relatively high usefulness is identified; If the usage time indicated by the time information is greater than the predetermined time, the second benefit having a relatively low level of benefit is identified.

2. The service providing program according to claim 1,

5. the service includes delivery of the cartridge; The first identifying step includes: Identifying the first benefit when the type indicated by the cartridge information is the type of a first cartridge that is pre-installed in the target printer when it is sold, or the type of a second cartridge that is commercially available; When the type indicated by the cartridge information is the type of a third cartridge delivered by the service, the first benefit is not specified.

2. The service providing program according to claim 1,

6. a third identification step of identifying a third benefit, the third benefit being a common benefit, regardless of the type indicated by the cartridge information; The starting step includes: When the third benefit is identified by the third identification step, provision of the service to which the identified third benefit is given is started.

2. The service providing program according to claim 1,

7. A service providing method for providing a printer-related service, comprising the steps of: a receiving step of receiving a start request for requesting the start of the service; an acquisition step of acquiring cartridge information indicating a type of cartridge installed in a target printer, which is the printer to which the service requested by the start request accepted in the acceptance step is provided, and time information indicating a usage time of the target printer; a first identification step of identifying a first benefit that is a benefit to be granted when provision of the service related to the target printer starts, based on the cartridge information and the time information acquired in the acquisition step; a storage step of storing the cartridge information and the time information acquired by the acquisition step in a storage unit; a start step of starting provision of the service requested by the start request accepted in the acceptance step, the start step starting provision of the service to which the specified first benefit is granted when the first benefit is specified in the first identification step; a second specifying step of specifying a second benefit, which is the benefit to be newly provided for the service that has been started to be provided in the starting step, based on at least one of the cartridge information and the time information stored in the storage unit; an adding step of adding the specified second benefit to the service being provided when the second benefit is specified by the second specifying step; A service providing method comprising:

8. A server that provides a printer-related service, a reception means for receiving a start request for requesting the start of the service; an acquisition means for acquiring cartridge information indicating a type of cartridge installed in a target printer, which is the printer to which the service requested by the start request accepted by the acceptance means is provided, and time information indicating a usage time of the target printer; a first specifying means for specifying a first benefit that is to be granted when provision of the service for the target printer is started, based on the cartridge information and the time information acquired by the acquiring means; a storage unit that stores the cartridge information and the time information acquired by the acquisition unit in a storage unit; a starting means for starting provision of the service requested by the start request accepted by the accepting means, the starting means starting, when the first benefit is identified by the first identifying means, the providing of the service to which the identified first benefit is given; a second identification means for identifying a second benefit, which is the benefit to be newly provided to the service started by the starting means, based on at least one of the cartridge information and the time information stored in the storage unit; an assigning means for assigning the specified second benefit to the service being provided when the second benefit is specified by the second specifying means; A server comprising:

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