Computer program for controller, controller, and method for controlling controller

Abstract

To provide a technique by which user convenience is improved.SOLUTION: A controller displays notification information related to an impossible state on a display unit of a terminal device, before displaying an instruction screen for urging a user to execute authentication operation on the display unit, when it is in the impossible state in which a function execution device cannot be received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technique related to a control device that displays notification information on a display unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system including a mobile terminal device, a printer, and a server. After receiving a physical authentication start notification from the mobile terminal device, the printer accepts physical authentication by a user and then transmits a notification of acceptance of the physical authentication to the mobile terminal device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-156401 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the possibility that the printer may enter a state in which it is unable to accept physical authentication. This specification provides a technique for improving user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a control device, which may cause a computer of the control device to function as each of the following units, that is, a first display control unit that, when a function performing device is in an impossible state where it is unable to accept an authentication operation, causes a display unit of a terminal device to display notification information relating to the impossible state before causing the display unit to display an instruction screen for prompting a user to perform the authentication operation.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the function performing device is in an incapable state, the control device causes the display unit of the terminal device to display notification information before causing the display unit of the terminal device to display the instruction screen. This allows the user to know that the function performing device is in an incapable state before performing an authentication operation on the function performing device. This improves user convenience.

[0007] A computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, a control device implemented by the computer program, and a method for controlling the control device are also novel and useful. Also novel and useful is a communication system including a control device, a function executing device, and a terminal device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of each table. [Diagram 3] 11 is a flowchart of an application process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart of a first screen display process executed by the terminal device. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart of a second screen display process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of a third screen display process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device in case A in which the printer is not registered in the terminal device and the user has not subscribed to the service. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device in case B in which the printer has already been registered on the terminal device and the user has not yet subscribed to the service. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device in case C in which the printer has already been registered on the terminal device and the user has not yet subscribed to the service. [Figure 10]13 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device in case D in which the printer has been registered in the terminal device and the user has subscribed to a charge service. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a list of second messages included in the notification information. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart of a printer process executed by a printer in a first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (First Example) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) 1, the communication system 2 includes a plurality of printers 10A and 10B, a terminal device 100, and a server 200. The printers 10A and 10B, and the terminal device 100 are connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) 4. The printers 10A and 10B, and the terminal device 100 are capable of communicating with each other via the LAN 4. The printers 10A and 10B, the terminal device 100, and the server 200 are connected to the Internet 6. The printers 10A and 10B, the terminal device 100, and the server 200 are capable of communicating with each other via the Internet 6.

[0010] (Configuration of Server 200) The server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printers 10A and 10B (hereinafter, simply referred to as the "vendor"). The server 200 may be a physical server, a virtual server on the cloud, a virtual machine, or the like. The server 200 may be a single server, or a collection of multiple servers. The server 200 may be a server on an intranet, or a cloud server on the Internet 6. In a modified example, the server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business entity different from the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor may not prepare the hardware of the server 200 by itself, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may prepare a program (i.e., software) for the server 200 and introduce it into the above-mentioned environment to realize the server 200. In this embodiment, as an example, a form in which the server 200 is a physical server will be described.

[0011] The server 200 provides multiple types of printing services. The multiple types of services include a charge service, a remote printing service, and a subscription service (hereinafter, referred to as "subscription service"). The charge service is a service for which a charge is required. The charge service is a service for which a user pays a fee in advance and is able to print the number of sheets corresponding to the fee paid. Specifically, in the charge service, the fee (fee) paid in advance by the user is deducted each time a printing function is executed. The remote printing service is a service for which a charge is not required. The remote printing service is a service for which a print instruction can be sent to a printer via the server 200 from outside the home. If a user subscribes to the remote printing service, the user can use the service without paying a fee. The subscription service is a service for which a charge is required. A subscription service is a service in which a fixed amount is charged if the number of printed pages in a specified period (e.g., one month) is less than the contracted number of printed pages (e.g., 1,000 pages), and if the number of printed pages in the specified period exceeds the contracted number of printed pages, a total amount is charged that is the fixed amount plus an amount corresponding to the number of printed pages exceeding the contracted number of printed pages. Note that the charge service and subscription service also include an automatic ordering service that automatically orders a new cartridge when the amount of ink remaining in a cartridge installed in the printer falls below a specified amount.

[0012] The server 200 includes a communication interface 220 and a control unit 230. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F". The communication I / F 220 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The memory 234 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. As an example, the main storage device includes a RAM and a cache memory. As an example, the auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. In the auxiliary storage device of the memory 234, a program 240, a service table 242, and a user table 244 are stored. The CPU 232 realizes various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0013] (Configuration of printers 10A and 10B) The printer 10A is a peripheral device capable of executing a printing function. In a modified example, the printer 10A may be a multi-function device capable of executing a scanning function, a facsimile function, a copying function, and the like in addition to the printing function. The printer 10A has a device ID "DV1" and a model name "MN1". The device ID is a name given by a printer administrator. The model name is a name indicating the model of the printer. In this embodiment, there are multiple types of printers including a dedicated printer and a general-purpose printer. A dedicated printer is a printer that can receive a charge service and a remote printing service, but cannot receive a subscription service. The dedicated printer is allowed to execute a printing function on the condition that the device ID of the printer is registered in the server 200 as a printer that receives a charge service. In addition, the dedicated printer is allowed to execute a printing function as long as the device ID of the printer is registered in the server 200 as a printer that receives a charge service, even if the device ID is not registered in the server 200 as a printer that receives a remote printing service. A general-purpose printer is a printer that can receive remote printing services and subscription services, but cannot receive charge services. A general-purpose printer is allowed to execute a printing function even if the device ID of the printer is not registered in the server 200 as a printer that receives services. The printer 10A is a dedicated printer. The printer 10A includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, and a communication I / F 20.

[0014] The operation unit 12 is an I / F that allows a user to input various information to the printer 10A. The operation unit 12 includes hardware keys, software keys (objects), or both. For example, the operation unit 12 includes a touch screen, buttons, or both. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The print execution unit 16 includes an inkjet, electrophotographic, or thermal print engine. The inkjet print engine includes a print head that ejects ink droplets. The electrophotographic print engine includes a photoconductor and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photoconductor. The thermal print engine includes a print head that generates heat by a heater. The communication I / F 20 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 20 may be a wired I / F or a wireless I / F.

[0015] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. A program 40 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 34. The CPU 32 realizes various processes in accordance with the program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0016] The printer 10A operates in either an enabled state where the printer 10A can accept physical authentication or an disabled state where the printer 10A cannot accept physical authentication. The printer 10A manages whether the printer 10A is in the enabled state or the disabled state by using a flag (not shown) stored in the memory 34. The physical authentication is an authentication operation for authenticating a user, and is a physical operation on the printer 10A. The physical operation includes a hardware key operation, a software key operation, or a combination thereof. The printer 10A authenticates the user by the execution of the operation. This authentication can also be said to be authentication for ensuring that the user is near the printer 10A. In this embodiment, the physical authentication is an operation required when the user first joins the service. The printer 10A operates in the disabled state when the printer 10A is offline, when the printer 10A is executing a printing function, when the user is operating the operation unit 12 of the printer 10A, or when communication between the printer 10A and the server 200 cannot be executed. The state in which the printer 10A is offline means that the terminal device 100 cannot detect the printer 10A using communication. The state in which communication cannot be performed between the printer 10A and the server 200 means, for example, that the server 200 is down or that a fault has occurred in the Internet 6. The printer 10A operates in a communication possible state when the printer 10A is online, the printer 10A is not executing a printing function, the user is not operating the operation unit 12 of the printer 10A, and communication can be performed between the printer 10A and the server 200.

[0017] Printer 10B has a similar configuration to printer 10A, except that printer 10B has a device ID of "DV2" and a model name of "MN2" and is a general-purpose printer. Since printer 10B is a general-purpose printer, execution of the printing function of printer 10B is permitted at the time of purchase of printer 10B.

[0018] (Configuration of terminal device 100) The terminal device 100 is a terminal device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a tablet PC, a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, etc. The terminal device 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication I / F 120, and a control unit .

[0019] The operation unit 112 is an I / F that enables a user to input various information to the terminal device 100, and includes, for example, a touch screen, buttons, or both. The display unit 114 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The communication I / F 120 is connected to the LAN 4.

[0020] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The memory 134 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. An OS program 140 and an application program 142 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 134. Hereinafter, the OS program 140 and the application program 142 will be referred to as "OS 140" and "application 142", respectively. The OS 140 controls the basic operations of the terminal device 100. The application 142 causes the printer 10A or the like to execute a printing function. The CPU 132 realizes various processes according to the programs loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0021] (Configuration of tables 242 and 244; FIG. 2) The service table 242 and the user table 244 in the memory 234 of the server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0022] The service table 242 is a table for managing service information corresponding to each of a plurality of types of services. In the service table 242, a model name, charge service information, remote printing service information, and subscription service information are stored in association with each other. The charge service information, remote printing service information, and subscription information indicate either a value of "ON" indicating that the service is supported, or a value of "OFF" indicating that the service is not supported. Each piece of information in the service table 242 is set by the administrator of the server 200. In this embodiment, in the service information associated with a specific model (e.g., "MN1"), both the charge service information and the subscription service information are not set to "ON".

[0023] The user table 244 is a table for managing registration information corresponding to each of a plurality of types of services. In the user table 244, a user ID, first registration information corresponding to a charge service, second registration information corresponding to a remote printing service, and third registration information corresponding to a subscription service are stored in association with each other. The first registration information stores the device ID of a printer that receives the charge service. The second registration information stores the device ID of a printer that receives the remote printing service. The third registration information stores the device ID of a printer that receives the subscription service.

[0024] (Application processing: Figures 3 to 10) With reference to Figs. 3 to 10, the application process executed by the application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described. The application 142 starts the process of Fig. 3 when it receives an operation for starting the application 142 (hereinafter, referred to as "application start operation"). The application 142 accesses each piece of hardware, such as the display unit 114, the memory 134, and the communication I / F 120, via the OS 136, and executes various processes. In the following description, the fact that the application 142 executes processes via the OS 140 will be omitted as appropriate. Also, communication between the devices is executed via a communication I / F (e.g., 20, 120, 220). Therefore, in the following description, when describing communication, the expression "via a communication I / F" will be omitted.

[0025] In S10, the application 142 displays a home screen 300 (see FIGS. 7 to 10) on the display unit 114. Information displayed on the home screen 300 differs depending on whether or not a printer is registered in the terminal device 100. Note that "the printer is registered in the terminal device 100" can also be said to mean that the printer is registered in the application 142. Information displayed on the home screen 300 differs depending on the type of printer registered in the terminal device 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the home screen 300 in the case where a printer is not registered in the terminal device 100 includes a print button 302, a setting button 304, and a device object 306 including a character string "not selected". The device object 306 is an object that indicates information about a printer registered in the terminal device 100 as a printer that executes a print function via the application 142. The device object 306 also functions as a button for searching for a printer to be registered in the terminal device 100. As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, when the printer 10B, which is a general-purpose printer, is registered in the terminal device 100, the home screen 300 includes a print button 302, a setting button 304, a remote button 308, a subscription button 309, and a device object 306. In this case, the device object 306 displays the device ID "DV2" and the model name "MN2" of the registered printer 10B. The remote button 308 is a button for subscribing to a remote printing service. The subscription button 309 is a button for subscribing to a subscription service. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the printer 10A, which is a dedicated printer, is registered in the terminal device 100, the home screen 300 includes a print button 302, a setting button 304, a remote button 308, and a device object 306. In this case, the device object 306 displays the device ID "DV1" and the model name "MN1" of the registered printer 10A.

[0026] 3, the application 142 monitors whether the device object 306 (see FIG. 7) on the home screen 300 is operated. If the application 142 accepts an operation on the device object 306, the application 142 determines YES in S12 and proceeds to S14.

[0027] In S14, the application 142 executes a search process for searching for a printer belonging to the LAN4, and displays a device selection screen 310 (see FIG. 7) on the display unit 114. In the search process, the application 142 transmits a search signal to the LAN4 for searching for a printer belonging to the LAN4. In response to transmitting the search signal to the LAN4, the application 142 receives a response signal including a device ID and a model name from a printer belonging to the LAN4 (two printers 10A and 10B in this embodiment). The application 142 uses the received response signal to display the device selection screen 310 on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 7, the device selection screen 310 includes device buttons 312 and 314 corresponding to the received response signals, and a cancel button 316. The device buttons 312 and 314 are buttons for selecting a printer to be registered in the terminal device 100. The device buttons 312 and 314 are buttons corresponding to the printers 10A and 10B, respectively.

[0028] 3, the application 142 determines whether an operation for selecting a printer to be registered in the terminal device 100 (hereinafter, referred to as a "device selection operation") has been performed. Specifically, the application 142 determines whether the device buttons 312, 314 (see FIG. 7) on the device selection screen 310 have been operated. If the application 142 receives an operation of the device buttons 312, 314, it determines that the device selection operation has been performed (YES in S16), and proceeds to S18. On the other hand, if the application 142 receives an operation of the cancel button 316 (see FIG. 7) on the device selection screen 310, it determines that the device selection operation has not been performed (NO in S16), and returns to S10.

[0029] In S18, the application 142 executes a first screen display process (see FIG. 4). The first screen display process is a process for displaying a screen for subscribing to a charge service on the display unit 114. When S18 ends, the application 142 proceeds to S20.

[0030] In S20, the application 142 executes a second screen display process (see FIG. 5). The second screen display process is a process for displaying a screen for subscribing to a remote printing service on the display unit 114. When S20 ends, the application 142 proceeds to S22.

[0031] In S22, the application 142 executes a third screen display process (see FIG. 6). The third screen display process is a process for displaying a screen for subscribing to a subscription service on the display unit 114. When S22 ends, the application 142 returns to S10. When S22 ends, the application 142 stores the device ID and model name of the printer selected in S16 in the memory 134. This completes the registration of the printer in the terminal device 100.

[0032] In parallel with the monitoring of S12, the application 142 monitors whether an operation for subscribing to a remote printing service (hereinafter, referred to as a "remote printing service selection operation") is performed in S30. Specifically, the application 142 monitors whether the remote button 308 (see FIG. 8) on the home screen 300 is operated. When the application 142 receives the operation of the remote button 308, it determines that the remote printing service selection operation has been performed (YES in S30), and proceeds to S32.

[0033] In S32, the application 142 executes the second screen display process (see FIG. 5). When S32 ends, the application 142 returns to S10.

[0034] Simultaneously with monitoring S12 and S30, the application 142 monitors whether an operation for subscribing to a subscription service (hereinafter, referred to as a "subscription service selection operation") is performed in S40. Specifically, the application 142 monitors whether the subscription button 309 (see FIG. 8) on the home screen 300 is operated. When the application 142 receives an operation of the subscription button 309, it determines that a remote printing service selection operation has been performed (YES in S40) and proceeds to S42.

[0035] In S42, the application 142 executes a third screen display process (see FIG. 6). When S42 ends, the application 142 returns to S10. Although not shown, when the application 142 accepts an operation of the print button 302 (see FIG. 8) on the home screen 300 in a state where a printer is registered in the terminal device 100, the application 142 executes a process for causing the registered printer to execute a print function. Furthermore, when the application 142 accepts an operation of the setting button 304 (see FIG. 8) on the home screen 300, the application 142 causes the display unit 114 to display a screen for changing the settings of the registered printer.

[0036] (First screen display process; Fig. 4, Fig. 7, Fig. 8) The first screen display process executed in S18 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0037] In S50, the application 142 judges whether the printer selected by the user (hereinafter, referred to as the "target printer") supports the charge service. The application 142 transmits a support information request including the model name of the target printer (hereinafter, referred to as the "target model name") to the server 200. The support information request is a signal for requesting the server 200 to transmit the support information. The support information includes service information corresponding to each of a plurality of types of services. When the server 200 receives the support information request from the terminal device 100, the server 200 identifies the service information of each service by using the service table 242 in the memory 234 and the target model name in the request. The server 200 transmits the support information including the service information corresponding to each service to the terminal device 100. When the application 142 receives the support information from the server 200, the application 142 judges whether the charge service information in the received support information is "ON". If the charge service information is "ON" (YES in S50), the application 142 proceeds to S52, and if the charge service information is "OFF" (NO in S50), the application 142 ends the process of FIG.

[0038] In S52, the application 142 displays a charge service screen 320 on the display unit 114. As shown in Fig. 7, the charge service screen 320 includes a first service message 322 and a next button 324. The first service message 322 includes information for urging the user to subscribe to the charge service and pay the fee. As an example, the first service message 322 is "Please subscribe to the charge service and perform a charge."

[0039] 4, the application 142 monitors whether the Next button 324 (see FIG. 7) on the charge service screen 320 is operated. If the application 142 receives an operation of the Next button 324, the application 142 determines YES in S54 and proceeds to S56.

[0040] In S56, the application 142 judges whether the target printer has been registered in the server 200 as a printer for receiving the provision of a service. The application 142 transmits an inquiry signal including the target model name to the server 200. The inquiry signal is a signal for inquiring whether the target model name is registered in the user table 244 of the server 200. When the server 200 receives the inquiry signal from the terminal device 100, the server 200 judges whether the target model name is registered in the user table 244 of the server 200. When the target model name is registered in the user table 244, the server 200 transmits registered information indicating that the target model name has been registered to the terminal device 100, and when the target model name is not registered in the user table 244, the server 200 transmits unregistered information indicating that the target model name is unregistered to the terminal device 100. When the application 142 receives registered information from the server 200, the application 142 judges YES in S56 and proceeds to S72, and when the application 142 receives unregistered information from the server 200, the application 142 judges NO in S56 and proceeds to S60.

[0041] In S60, the application 142 judges whether the target printer is in an impossible state. The application 142 transmits a state information request to the target printer. The state information request is a signal for requesting transmission of state information indicating the state of the target printer. The state information in this embodiment includes print-related information indicating whether the target printer is executing a print function, operation-related information indicating whether the user is operating the operation unit of the target printer, and communication-related information indicating whether communication between the target printer and the server 200 can be performed. When the target printer receives the state information request from the terminal device 100, the target printer specifies whether the print function is being executed, whether the user is operating the operation unit of the target printer, and whether communication between the target printer and the server 200 can be performed. The target printer transmits a survival confirmation signal to the server 200 to judge whether communication between the target printer and the server 200 can be performed. When the target printer receives a response signal to the survival confirmation signal from the server 200, it determines that communication between the target printer and the server 200 is executable, and when it does not receive a response signal from the server 200, it determines that communication between the target printer and the server 200 is not executable. The target printer then transmits state information including print-related information, operation-related information, and communication-related information to the terminal device 100. When the print-related information indicates that the target printer is executing a print function, when the operation-related information indicates that the user is operating the operation unit of the target printer, or when the communication-related information indicates that communication between the target printer and the server 200 is not executable, the application 142 determines that the target printer is in an impossible state (YES in S60), and proceeds to S62. On the other hand, if the print-related information indicates that the target printer is not executing a print function, the operation-related information indicates that the user is not operating the operation unit of the target printer, and the communication-related information indicates that communication can be performed between the target printer and the server 200, the application 142 determines that the target printer is in a possible state (NO in S60) and proceeds to S70. Also, if the application 142 does not receive status information from the target printer, it determines that the target printer is in a impossible state (YES in S60) and proceeds to S62.The application 142 does not receive status information from the target printer when the target printer is offline.

[0042] In S62, the application 142 displays a notification screen 326 (see FIG. 7) on the charge service screen 320. As shown in FIG. 7, the notification screen 326 includes notification information 328 indicating that the target printer is in an impossible state, a retry button 330, and a cancel button 332. The notification information 328 includes information indicating the cause of the target printer being in an impossible state. As shown in FIG. 11, as an example, when the target printer is in an impossible state because the target printer is offline, the notification information 328 is "Physical authentication cannot be accepted because the printer is offline." As another example, when the target printer is in an impossible state because the target printer is executing a print function, the notification information 328 is "Physical authentication cannot be accepted because the printer is executing a print function." As another example, when the target printer is in an impossible state because the user is operating the operation unit of the target printer, the notification information 328 is "Physical authentication cannot be accepted because another user is operating the printer." Also, as an example, if the target printer is in an inoperable state due to the inability to communicate between the target printer and the server 200, the notification information 328 is "Physical authentication cannot be accepted because the printer cannot communicate with the server." In this way, the user of the terminal device 100 (hereinafter, referred to as the "target user") can know that the target printer is in an inoperable state and the reason why the target printer is in an inoperable state by looking at the notification screen 326. This improves user convenience.

[0043] In S64 of Fig. 4, the application 142 monitors whether the retry button 330 (see Fig. 7) on the notification screen 326 is operated. If the application 142 accepts the operation of the retry button 330, it determines YES in S64 and returns to S60. With this configuration, the target user can reconfirm whether the target printer is in an impossible state by operating the retry button 330. This improves user convenience.

[0044] In addition, in parallel with monitoring S64, the application 142 monitors in S66 whether the cancel button 332 (see FIG. 7) on the notification screen 326 is operated. If the operation of the cancel button 332 is accepted, the application 142 determines YES in S66 and returns to S52.

[0045] Also, in S70, the application 142 transmits a maintenance request to the target printer. The maintenance request is a signal for requesting the target printer to maintain the available state for a predetermined time (for example, two minutes). When the target printer receives the maintenance request from the application 142, the target printer maintains the available state for a predetermined time. Therefore, the target printer does not receive a print instruction transmitted from another device until the predetermined time has elapsed since the target printer receives the maintenance request. Also, the target printer does not accept any operation other than physical authentication until the predetermined time has elapsed since the target printer receives the maintenance request. With this configuration, it is possible to increase the possibility that the target printer is in the available state when the target user performs physical authentication on the target printer. Therefore, the convenience of the user is improved. In a modified example, the target printer may maintain the available state from the time the target printer receives the maintenance request until the time the target printer accepts physical authentication.

[0046] In S72, the application 142 determines whether or not the target user is currently logged in to the server 200. If the target user is currently logged in to the server 200 (YES in S72), the application 142 proceeds to S78, and if the target user is not currently logged in to the server 200 (NO in S72), the application 142 proceeds to S74.

[0047] In S74, the application 142 displays a login screen 340 on the display unit 114. As shown in Fig. 7, the login screen 340 includes a user ID input field 342 for inputting a user ID, a password input field 344 for inputting a password, and a login button 346.

[0048] 4, the application 142 accepts a login operation of inputting a user ID and a password. When the application 142 accepts the login operation, it transmits the input user ID and password to the server 200. When the server 200 receives the user ID and password and the user authentication using the user ID and password is successful, the target user's login to the server 200 is completed.

[0049] S78 is the same as S56. If the application 142 determines YES in S78, the application 142 proceeds to S82, and if the application 142 determines NO in S78, the application 142 proceeds to S80.

[0050] In S80, the application 142 displays an instruction screen 350 on the display unit 114 to prompt the user to perform physical authentication. As shown in FIG. 7, the instruction screen 350 includes a prompt message 352 to prompt the user to perform physical authentication, and a next button 354. As an example, the prompt message 352 is "Please press the color copy button and the monochrome copy button simultaneously." This allows the target user to know the contents of the physical authentication and that it is necessary to perform the physical authentication. In a modified example, the physical authentication may be performed by operating an object (e.g., an OK button) on a screen displayed on the display unit of the target printer.

[0051] Although not shown in the figure, when physical authentication is performed on the target printer, the target printer displays a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not the first subscription process may be started. Note that even if physical authentication is performed on the target printer when the target printer is in an impossible state, the target printer does not accept the physical authentication, so the confirmation screen is not displayed. The first subscription process is a process for subscribing to the charge service. When an operation for starting the first subscription process is performed on the target printer, the first subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the server 200. The first subscription process includes an establishment process, a first registration process, a payment process, and the like. The establishment process is a process for establishing a constant connection between the target printer and the server 200. The constant connection is, for example, an Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) connection. The first registration process is a process for registering the device ID of the target printer (hereinafter, referred to as the "target device ID") in the first registration information of the user table 244 of the server 200. In response to the target device ID being sent from the target printer to the server 200, the target device ID is registered in the first registration information. The payment process is a process for paying the printing fee. In the first subscription process, a plurality of screen data (web pages) are sent from the server 200 to the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 uses a web view function to display the screen data received from the server 200 on the display unit 114. Note that if a constant connection has already been established between the target printer and the server 200 at the time the first subscription process is executed, that is, if the target user has already subscribed to a service other than the charge service, the establishment process is omitted.

[0052] In S82, the application 142 causes the display unit 114 to display a process in progress screen 400. The process in progress screen 400 includes a message 402 indicating that the first joining process is being executed (for example, "First joining process is being executed."). Note that if the result of S78 is determined to be NO, the application 142 causes the display unit 114 to display an instruction screen 350 (see FIG. 7), and then causes the display unit 114 to display the process in progress screen 400 when information indicating that physical authentication has been accepted is received from the target printer.

[0053] In S84, the application 142 monitors whether the first subscription process is completed. For example, the application 142 determines that the first subscription process is completed when a notification indicating that the first subscription process is completed is received from the server 200. When the application 142 determines that the first subscription process is completed, it determines YES in S84 and ends the process in FIG.

[0054] (Second screen display process; Fig. 5, Fig. 8) The second screen display process executed in S20 and S32 in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG.

[0055] In S100, the application 142 determines whether the target printer supports the remote printing service. As in S50 of Fig. 4, the application 142 sends a support information request including the target model name to the server 200, and receives the support information from the server 200. If the remote printing service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S100), the application 142 proceeds to S102. On the other hand, if the remote printing service information is "OFF" (NO in S100), the application 142 ends the processing of Fig. 5.

[0056] In S102, the application 142 displays a remote printing service screen 360 on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 8, the remote printing service screen 360 includes a second service message 362, a next button 364, and a cancel button 366. The second service message 362 indicates the contents of the remote printing service. As an example, the second service message 362 is "If you subscribe to the remote printing service, you will be able to print using a printer away from home."

[0057] 5, the application 142 monitors whether the Next button 364 (see FIG. 8) on the remote printing service screen 360 is operated. If the application 142 receives an operation of the Next button 364, the application 142 determines YES in S104 and proceeds to S106.

[0058] S106 and S110 are respectively the same as S56 and S60 in FIG. 4. If the application 142 judges YES in S106, it proceeds to S122, and if the application 142 judges NO in S106, it proceeds to S110. If the application 142 judges YES in S110, it proceeds to S112, and if the application 142 judges NO in S110, it proceeds to S120. S112 is the same as S62 in FIG. 4, except that the notification screen 326 is displayed on the remote printing service screen 360 (see FIG. 8). S114 and S116 are respectively the same as S64 and S66 in FIG. 4. If the application 142 judges YES in S114, it returns to S110, and if the application 142 judges YES in S116, it returns to S102. S120 to S130 are the same as S70 to S80 in FIG. 4. S132 is similar to S82, except that a process in progress screen 410 is displayed on the display unit 114, which includes a message 412 indicating that the second subscription process is being executed (e.g., "Second subscription process is in progress.").

[0059] When the physical authentication is performed on the target printer after the instruction screen 350 (see FIG. 8) is displayed on the display unit 114, the target printer displays a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not the second subscription process may be started. The second subscription process is a process for subscribing to a remote printing service. When an operation for starting the second subscription process is performed on the target printer, the second subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the server 200. The second subscription process includes an establishment process, a second registration process, and the like. The second registration process is a process for registering the target device ID in the second registration information of the user table 244 of the server 200. In response to the target device ID being transmitted from the target printer to the server 200, the target device ID is registered in the second registration information. Note that in the second subscription process, the establishment process may be omitted, as in the first subscription process.

[0060] In S134, the application 142 monitors whether the second subscription process is completed. For example, the application 142 determines that the second subscription process is completed when a notification indicating that the second subscription process is completed is received from the server 200. When the application 142 determines that the second subscription process is completed, it determines YES in S134 and ends the process in FIG.

[0061] (Third screen display process; Fig. 6, Fig. 9) The third screen display process executed in S22 and S42 in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG.

[0062] In S150, the application 142 determines whether the target printer supports a subscription service. As in S50 of Fig. 4, the application 142 transmits a support information request including the target model name to the server 200, and receives the support information from the server 200. If the subscription service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S150), the application 142 proceeds to S152. On the other hand, if the subscription service information is "OFF" (NO in S150), the application 142 ends the processing in Fig. 6.

[0063] In S152, the application 142 displays a subscription service screen 370 on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 9, the subscription service screen 370 includes a third service message 372, a next button 374, and a cancel button 376. The third service message 372 indicates the content of the subscription service. As an example, the third service message 372 is "If you subscribe to the subscription service, you can use printing at a fixed rate."

[0064] 6, the application 142 monitors whether the Next button 364 (see FIG. 9) on the subscription service screen 370 is operated. When the application 142 receives an operation of the Next button 364, the application 142 determines YES in S154 and proceeds to S156.

[0065] S156 and S160 are the same as S56 and S60 in FIG. 4, respectively. When the application 142 judges YES in S156, it proceeds to S172, and when the application 142 judges NO in S156, it proceeds to S160. When the application 142 judges YES in S160, it proceeds to S162, and when the application 142 judges NO in S160, it proceeds to S170. S162 is the same as S62 in FIG. 5, except that the notification screen 326 is displayed on the subscription service screen 370 (see FIG. 9). S154 and S156 are the same as S64 and S66 in FIG. 4, respectively. When the application 142 judges YES in S164, it returns to S160, and when the application 142 judges YES in S166, it returns to S152. S170 to S180 are the same as S70 to S80 in FIG. 4. S182 is similar to S82, except that a process in progress screen 420 is displayed on the display unit 114, which includes a message 422 indicating that the third subscription process is being executed (e.g., "Third subscription process is in progress.").

[0066] When physical authentication is performed on the target printer after the instruction screen 350 (see FIG. 9) is displayed on the display unit 114, the target printer displays a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not the third subscription process may be started. The third subscription process is a process for subscribing to a subscription service. When an operation for starting the third subscription process is performed on the target printer, the third subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the server 200. The third subscription process includes an establishment process, a third registration process, and the like. The third registration process is a process for registering the target device ID in the third registration information of the user table 244 of the server 200. In response to the target device ID being transmitted from the target printer to the server 200, the target device ID is registered in the third registration information. Note that in the third subscription process, the establishment process may be omitted, as in the first subscription process.

[0067] In S184, the application 142 monitors whether the third subscription process is completed. For example, the application 142 determines that the third subscription process is completed when a notification indicating that the third subscription process is completed is received from the server 200. When the application 142 determines that the third subscription process is completed, it determines YES in S184 and ends the process in FIG.

[0068] (Specific cases: Figures 7 to 11) Screens displayed on the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100 in specific cases A to D will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] (Case A; Figure 7) With reference to Fig. 7, a case A in which the printer is not registered in the terminal device 100 and the target user is not subscribed to the service will be described. In the initial state of case A, the printer 10A is offline. Also, the user table 244 of the server 200 is empty. Note that in the following, operations executed by the CPU of each device (e.g., CPU 132) will not be described with the CPU as the subject, but with each device (e.g., terminal device 100, etc.) as the subject.

[0070] When the terminal device 100 receives an application start operation, it determines that the printer is not registered in the terminal device 100, and displays the home screen 300 including the device object 306 in which the character string "not selected" is written (S10 in FIG. 3). When the terminal device 100 receives a device selection operation for operating the device object 306 on the home screen 300 (YES in S12), it executes a search process and displays the device selection screen 310 (S14). When the terminal device 100 receives an operation of the device button 312 on the device selection screen 310 (YES in S16), it executes a first screen display process (S18 in FIG. 3, FIG. 4). The terminal device 100 transmits a support information request including the model name "MN1" of the printer 10A to the server 200, and receives support information including the charge service information "ON", the remote printing service information "ON", and the subscription service information "OFF" from the server 200. The terminal device 100 determines that the charge service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S50 in FIG. 4), and displays the charge service screen 320 (S52).

[0071] When the terminal device 100 accepts the operation of the Next button 324 on the charge service screen 320 (YES in S54), it transmits an inquiry signal including the model name "MN1" to the server 200 and receives unregistered information from the server 200. In this case, the terminal device 100 determines that the printer 10A has not been registered to the server 200 (YES in S60) and transmits a status information request to the printer 10A. In this case, since the printer 10A is offline, the terminal device 100 does not receive status information from the printer 10A even after a predetermined time has elapsed since transmitting the status information request to the printer 10A, and a timeout occurs. In this case, the terminal device 100 determines that the printer 10A is in an impossible state (YES in S60) and displays a notification screen 326 including notification information 328 on the charge service screen 320. The notification information 328 in this case indicates that the printer 10A is offline.

[0072] After the notification screen 326 is displayed, the target user performs an operation on the printer 10A to transition the printer 10A from an offline state to an online state. This changes the printer 10A from an impossible state to an possible state. Next, the target user operates the retry button 330 in the notification screen 326 (YES in S64). This causes the terminal device 100 to send a status information request to the printer 10A again. Since the printer 10A has changed from an impossible state to an possible state, the terminal device 100 receives status information from the printer 10A. In this case, the print-related information indicates that the target printer is not executing a print function, the operation-related information indicates that the user is not operating the operation unit of the target printer, and the communication-related information indicates that communication can be performed between the target printer and the server 200. Therefore, the terminal device 100 determines that the printer 10A is in a possible state (NO in S60) and sends a maintenance request to the printer 10A (S70). Next, the terminal device 100 determines that the target user is not logged in to the server 200 (NO in S72), and displays the login screen 340 (S72). When the terminal device 100 accepts the input of the user ID "U1" and password (YES in S76), it transmits the input user ID "U1" and password to the server 200. Next, the terminal device 100 determines that the printer 10A has not been registered with the server 200 (YES in S78). In this case, the printer 10A displays the instruction screen 350 (S80).

[0073] After the instruction screen 350 is displayed on the terminal device 100, when an operation for starting physical authentication and the first joining process is performed on the printer 10A, the first joining process is executed between the printer 10A, the terminal device 100, and the server 200. When the terminal device 100 receives information indicating that the physical authentication has been accepted from the printer 10A, it displays a process in progress screen 400 (see FIG. 4) (S82). When the terminal device 100 receives a notification indicating that the first joining process has been completed from the server 200, it determines that the first joining process has been completed (YES in S84), and ends the first screen display process (S18 in FIG. 3, FIG. 4). In this way, the user ID "U1" and the first registration information "DV1" are stored in association with each other in the user table 244 of the server 200. That is, the target user's joining the charge service is completed.

[0074] Although not shown, the terminal device 100 then executes a second screen display process (S22 in FIG. 3, FIG. 5) and a third screen display process (S24 in FIG. 3, FIG. 6). Then, when the third screen display process ends, the terminal device 100 stores the device ID "DV1" and model name "MN1" of the printer 10A in the memory 134, and displays the home screen 300. In this case, the device object 306 of the home screen 300 displays the device ID "DV1" and model name "MN1" of the printer 10A.

[0075] (Effect of Case A) As described above, when the terminal device 100 accepts a device selection operation and the printer 10A is in an inoperable state, the terminal device 100 displays the notification information 328 before displaying the instruction screen 350. After the device selection operation is performed, there is a high possibility that physical authentication will be performed on the printer 10A. With the above configuration, the notification information 328 can be displayed at an appropriate timing. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0076] Furthermore, when the printer 10A changes from an impossible state to an possible state, the terminal device 100 displays the login screen 340 before displaying the instruction screen 350. The target user moves to the location where the printer 10A is installed in order to perform physical authentication for the printer 10A. At this time, there is a possibility that the target user will not take the terminal device 100 with him / her. Therefore, in a configuration in which the login screen 340 is displayed after the instruction screen 350 is displayed, the target user may not notice that the login screen 340 is displayed on the terminal device 100 after performing physical authentication on the target printer. With the above configuration, it is possible to reliably cause the target user to input the user ID "U1".

[0077] (Case B; Figure 8) 8, a case B in which the printer 10B has been registered in the terminal device 100 and the target user has not yet subscribed to the service will be described. In the initial state of case B, the user table 244 of the server 200 is empty.

[0078] When the terminal device 100 receives an application start operation, it determines that the printer 10B has been registered in the terminal device 100, and displays the home screen 300 including the device object 306 in which the device ID "DV2" and the model name "MN2" are described (S10 in FIG. 3). When the terminal device 100 receives an operation of the remote button 308 on the home screen 300 (YES in S30), it executes a second screen display process (S32, FIG. 5). The terminal device 100 transmits a support information request including the model name "MN2" of the printer 10B to the server 200, and receives support information including the charge service information "OFF", the remote printing service information "ON", and the subscription service information "ON" from the server 200. The terminal device 100 determines that the remote printing service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S100 in FIG. 5), and displays the remote printing service screen 360 (S102).

[0079] When the terminal device 100 accepts the operation of the Next button 364 on the remote printing service screen 360 (YES in S104), it transmits an inquiry signal including the model name "MN2" to the server 200 and receives unregistered information from the server 200. In this case, the terminal device 100 determines that the printer 10B has not been registered with the server 200 (YES in S106). Next, the terminal device 100 transmits a status information request to the printer 10B. In this case, it is assumed that the printer 10B is executing a print function at the time when the printer 10B receives the status information from the terminal device 100. In this case, the print-related information in the status information transmitted from the printer 10B to the terminal device 100 indicates that the printer 10B is executing the print function. Since the print-related information indicates that the printer 10B is executing the print function, the terminal device 100 determines that the printer 10B is in an impossible state (YES in S110). In this case, the terminal device 100 displays the notification screen 326 including the notification information 328 on the remote printing service screen 360 (S112). The notification information 328 in this case indicates that the printer 10B is executing the printing function.

[0080] After the target user confirms that the execution of the print function by the printer 10B has been completed, that is, that the printer 10B has changed from an impossible state to an possible state, the target user operates the retry button 330 in the notification screen 326 (YES in S114). As a result, the terminal device 100 transmits a status information request to the printer 10B again and receives status information from the printer 10B. In this case, the terminal device 100 determines that the printer 10B is in an possible state (NO in S110) and transmits a maintenance request to the printer 10B (S120). Next, the terminal device 100 determines that the target user is not currently logged in to the server 200 (NO in S122) and displays the login screen 340 (S124). When the terminal device 100 accepts the input of the user ID "U1" and password (YES in S126), it transmits the input user ID "U1" and password to the server 200. Next, the terminal device 100 determines that the printer 10B has not been registered with the server 200 (YES in S128). In this case, the terminal device 100 displays the instruction screen 350 (S120).

[0081] Thereafter, when an operation for starting physical authentication and the second joining process is performed on the printer 10B, the second joining process is performed between the printer 10B, the terminal device 100, and the server 200. Then, when the terminal device 100 receives information indicating that the physical authentication has been accepted from the printer 10B, it displays a process in progress screen 410 (see FIG. 5) (S132). When the terminal device 100 receives a notification indicating that the second joining process has been completed from the server 200, it determines that the second joining process has been completed (YES in S134) and ends the second screen display process (S32 in FIG. 3, FIG. 5). As a result, the user ID "U1" and the second registration information "DV2" are stored in association with each other in the user table 244 of the server 200. That is, the target user's joining to the remote printing service is completed.

[0082] (Case C; Figure 9) 9, a case C in which the printer 10B has been registered in the terminal device 100 and the target user has not yet subscribed to the service will be described. In the initial state of case C, the user table 244 of the server 200 is empty.

[0083] The home screen 300 in Fig. 9 is similar to the home screen 300 in case B in Fig. 8. When the terminal device 100 accepts an operation of the subscription button 309 on the home screen 300 (YES in S40 in Fig. 3), it executes the third screen display process (S42, Fig. 6). As in case B, the terminal device 100 receives support information corresponding to the model name "MN2" from the server 200. The terminal device 100 determines that the subscription service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S150 in Fig. 6), and displays the subscription service screen 370 (S152).

[0084] When the terminal device 100 accepts the operation of the Next button 374 on the subscription service screen 370 (YES in S154), it transmits an inquiry signal including the model name "MN2" to the server 200 and receives unregistered information from the server 200. In this case, the terminal device 100 determines that the printer 10B has not been registered in the server 200 (YES in S106). The terminal device 100 transmits a status information request to the printer 10B. In this case, the printer 10B is in an available state at the time when the printer 10B receives the status information from the terminal device 100. Therefore, the terminal device 100 determines that the printer 10B is in an available state based on the status information received from the printer 10B (NO in S160) and does not display the notification screen 326. The terminal device 100 transmits a maintenance request to the printer 10B (S170), determines that the target user is not logged in to the server 200 (NO in S172), and displays the login screen 340 (S174). When the terminal device 100 accepts the input of the user ID "U1" and password (YES in S176), it transmits the input user ID "U1" and password to the server 200. Next, the terminal device 100 determines that the printer 10B has not been registered in the server 200 (YES in S178). In this case, the terminal device 100 displays the instruction screen 350 (S180). The process executed thereafter is the same as that of case B in FIG. 8, except that the third subscription process is executed and the process in progress screen 420 (see FIG. 6) is displayed. As a result, the user ID "U1" and the third registration information "DV2" are stored in association with each other in the user table 244 of the server 200. That is, the subscription of the target user to the subscription service is completed.

[0085] (Effect of Case C) As described above, when the printer 10B is in a usable state, the terminal device 100 displays the instruction screen 350 without displaying the notification information 328. When the printer 10B is in a usable state, the notification information 328 is unnecessary information for the target user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary information from being displayed on the terminal device 100, improving user convenience.

[0086] (Case D; Figure 10) 10, a case D in which the printer 10A has been registered in the terminal device 100 and the target user has subscribed to the charge service will be described. In the initial state of the case D, the user ID "U1" and the first registration information "DV1" are stored in association with each other in the user table 244 of the server 200.

[0087] When the terminal device 100 receives an application start operation, it determines that the printer 10A has been registered in the terminal device 100, and displays the home screen 300 including the device object 306 in which the device ID "DV1" and the model name "MN1" are described (S10 in FIG. 3). When the terminal device 100 receives an operation of the remote button 308 on the home screen 300 (YES in S30), it executes the second screen display process (S32, FIG. 5). As in case A in FIG. 7, the terminal device 100 receives support information corresponding to the model name "MN1" from the server 200. The terminal device 100 determines that the remote printing service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S100 in FIG. 5), and displays the remote printing service screen 360 (S102).

[0088] When the terminal device 100 accepts the operation of the Next button 364 on the remote printing service screen 360 (YES in S104), it transmits an inquiry signal including the model name "MN1" to the server 200 and receives the registered information from the server 200. In this case, the terminal device 100 judges that the printer 10A has been registered to the server 200 (YES in S106) and does not judge whether the printer 10A is in an unavailable state or not. Next, the terminal device 100 judges that the target user is not currently logged in to the server 200 (NO in S122) and displays the login screen 340 (S124). When the terminal device 100 accepts the input of the user ID "U1" and password (YES in S126), it transmits the input user ID "U1" and password to the server 200 and judges that the printer 10A has been registered to the server 200 (YES in S128). After that, even if the target user does not perform physical authentication on the printer 10A, the second subscription process is executed between the printer 10A, the terminal device 100, and the server 200. Therefore, the terminal device 100 displays the process execution screen 410 (see FIG. 5) without displaying the instruction screen 350 (S132). When the terminal device 100 receives a notification indicating that the second subscription process is completed from the server 200, it determines that the second subscription process is completed (YES in S134) and ends the second screen display process (S32, FIG. 5). As a result, the user ID "U1" and the second registration information "DV1" are stored in association with each other in the user table 244 of the server 200. That is, the subscription of the target user to the remote printing service is completed in a state where the target user has already subscribed to the charge service.

[0089] (Effect of Case D) As described above, when the printer 10A is in an inoperable state and the device ID "DV1" is stored in the user table 244 of the server 200, the terminal device 100 does not display the notification information 328 and the instruction screen 350. When the device ID "DV1" is stored in the user table 244 of the server 200, the second joining process can be executed even if physical authentication is not executed on the printer 10A. This is because the target user has already executed physical authentication. For this reason, the notification information 328 and the information displayed on the instruction screen 350 are unnecessary for the target user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary information from being displayed on the terminal device 100, improving user convenience.

[0090] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the above configuration, when the terminal device 100 determines that the target printer is in an impossible state using the status information received from the target printer (YES in S60 of FIG. 4, YES in S110 of FIG. 5, YES in S160 of FIG. 6), it displays the notification information 328 on the display unit 114 before displaying the instruction screen 350 on the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100. This allows the user to know that the target printer is in an impossible state before performing physical authentication on the target printer. This improves user convenience.

[0091] (Correspondence) The control unit 130 of the terminal device 100 is an example of a "control device." The printers 10A and 10B are examples of a "function executing device." The retry button 330 in the notification screen 326 of FIG. 7 is an example of a "retry object." The printing function is an example of a "specific function." The device selection operation, the remote printing service selection operation, and the subscription service selection operation are examples of a "specific operation." The device ID is an example of "device identification information." The user ID is an example of "user identification information." The user ID and password are examples of "login information."

[0092] S62 in FIG. 4, S112 in FIG. 5, and S162 in FIG. 6 are examples of the process executed by the "first display control unit."

[0093] (Second Example) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the contents of the processes executed in S60 in Fig. 4, S110 in Fig. 5, and S160 in Fig. 6 are different from those in the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate configurations and processes common to the embodiments, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0094] In S60 of FIG. 4, the application 142 transmits a determination request to the target printer. The determination request is a signal for requesting the target printer to determine whether the target printer is in an impossible state or an possible state. When the target printer receives the determination request from the terminal device 100, the target printer determines whether the target printer is in an impossible state or a possible state. Specifically, the target printer determines whether a printing function is being executed, whether a user is operating an operation unit of the target printer, and whether communication between the target printer and the server 200 is not executable. When a printing function is being executed, when a user is operating an operation unit of the target printer, or when communication between the target printer and the server 200 is not executable, the target printer determines that the target printer is in an impossible state and transmits first result information indicating that the target printer is in an impossible state to the terminal device 100. Furthermore, when the target printer is not executing a printing function, the user is not operating the operation unit of the target printer, and communication between the target printer and the server 200 is executable, the target printer determines that the target printer is in a usable state and transmits second result information indicating that the target printer is in a usable state to the terminal device 100. When the application 142 receives first result information from the target printer, it determines YES in S60 and proceeds to S62, and when the application 142 receives second result information from the target printer, it determines NO in S60 and proceeds to S70. Note that, even when the application 142 does not receive result information from the target printer, it also determines YES in S60 and proceeds to S62. In S110 of FIG. 5 and S160 of FIG. 6, the application 142 also transmits a determination request to the target printer and determines whether the target printer is in an impossible state or not by using the result information received from the target printer. Note that the process of determining whether the target printer is in an impossible state or in a usable state may be executed by using an Application Programming Interface (API) stored in the target printer.

[0095] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the above configuration, when the result information received from the target printer indicates that the target printer is in an impossible state (YES in S60 of FIG. 4, YES in S110 of FIG. 5, YES in S160 of FIG. 6), the terminal device 100 displays the notification information 328 on the display unit 114 before displaying the instruction screen 350 on the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100. Therefore, the user can know that the target printer is in an impossible state before performing physical authentication on the target printer. Therefore, user convenience is improved. Also, the processing load of the terminal device 100 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the terminal device 100 determines whether the target printer is in an impossible state or a possible state.

[0096] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0097] (First Modification) In the above first and second embodiments, the terminal device 100 displays the notification information 328 and the instruction screen 350 without receiving the notification information 328 and the instruction screen data representing the instruction screen 350 from the target printer. In this modification, the terminal device 100 receives the notification information 328 and the instruction screen data representing the instruction screen 350 from the target printer. The printer 10A of this modification executes the printer process of FIG.

[0098] (Printer processing; Figure 12) The printer process executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10A will be described with reference to FIG.

[0099] In S210, the CPU 32 monitors whether operation information is received from the terminal device 100. The operation information is information indicating that any one of a device selection operation, a remote printing service selection operation, and a subscription service selection operation has been executed. When operation information is received from the terminal device 100, the CPU 32 determines YES in S210 and proceeds to S212.

[0100] In S212, the CPU 32 determines whether the printer 10A is in an unusable state. If the printer 10A is in an unusable state (YES in S212), the CPU 32 proceeds to S214, and if the printer 10A is in a usable state (NO in S212), the CPU 32 proceeds to S220.

[0101] In S214, the CPU 32 transmits notification screen data including the notification information 328 to the terminal device 100. When the terminal device 100 receives the notification screen data from the printer 10A, it displays the notification screen 326 (see FIG. 7).

[0102] In S216, the CPU 32 determines whether or not retry information has been received from the terminal device 100. The retry information is information indicating that the retry button 330 in the notification screen 326 has been operated. If the CPU 32 receives retry information from the terminal device 100 (YES in S216), the process returns to S212, and if the CPU 32 does not receive retry information from the terminal device 100 (NO in S216), the process ends in FIG. 12. Note that if retry information is not received from the terminal device 100, this refers to the case where the cancel button 332 in the notification screen 326 is operated.

[0103] Furthermore, in S220, the CPU 32 transmits instruction screen data representing the instruction screen 350 to the terminal device 100. When the printer 10A receives the instruction screen data, the terminal device 100 displays the instruction screen 350 (see FIG. 7).

[0104] In S222, the CPU 32 maintains the printer 10A in a ready state for a predetermined time (e.g., two minutes). That is, the printer 10A does not receive a print instruction sent from another device until the predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the printer 10A is in a ready state. Furthermore, the printer 10A does not accept any operations other than physical authentication until the predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the printer 10A is in a ready state. With this configuration, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the target printer is in a ready state when the target user performs physical authentication on the target printer. This improves user convenience.

[0105] In S224, the CPU 32 monitors whether physical authentication is accepted. If physical authentication is accepted, the CPU 32 determines YES in S224 and proceeds to S226.

[0106] In S226, the CPU 32 displays a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not it is OK to start the subscription process for subscribing to the service.

[0107] In S228, the CPU 32 judges whether or not an operation for starting the joining process has been performed. If the operation for starting the joining process has been received (YES in S228), the CPU 32 proceeds to S230. On the other hand, if the operation for starting the joining process has not been received (NO in S228), the CPU 32 ends the process of FIG.

[0108] In S230, the CPU 32 executes the first subscription process, the second subscription process, or the third subscription process between the server 200 and the terminal device 100. When S230 ends, the CPU 32 ends the process of FIG.

[0109] According to the above configuration, when the printer 10A is in an impossible state (YES in S60 of FIG. 4, YES in S110 of FIG. 5, YES in S160 of FIG. 6), the printer 10A displays the notification information 328 on the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100 before displaying the instruction screen 350 on the display unit 114. This allows the user to know that the printer 10A is in an impossible state before executing physical authentication on the printer 10A. This improves user convenience.

[0110] In this modified example, the control unit 30 of the printer 10A is an example of a “control device.” S214 in Fig. 12 is an example of a process executed by a “first display control unit.”

[0111] (Second Modification) The notification information 328 may include information for changing the target printer from an impossible state to an possible state. As shown in FIG. 11, for example, when the target printer is in an impossible state because the target printer is offline, the notification information 328 is "The printer is offline. Change the printer to online and then press the retry button." In addition, for example, when the target printer is in an impossible state because the target printer is executing a print function, the notification information 328 is "The printer is executing a print function. Press the retry button after the printer finishes printing." In addition, for example, when the target printer is in an impossible state because a user is operating the operation unit of the target printer, the notification information 328 is "Another user is operating the printer. Press the retry button after the other user has completed operating the printer." In addition, for example, when the target printer is in an impossible state because communication between the target printer and the server 200 is not possible, the notification information 328 is "The printer cannot communicate with the server. Press the retry button after the printer can communicate with the server." With this configuration, the target user can learn how to change the target printer from an unavailable state to an available state, thereby improving user convenience.

[0112] (Third Modification) The notification screen 326 may not include the retry button 330. In this modification, the application 142 may determine whether the target printer is in an impossible state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the application 142 determined that the target printer is in an impossible state. That is, the application 142 determines again whether the target printer is in an impossible state without accepting an operation by the user.

[0113] (Fourth Modification) The notification screen 326 may have a pull-down or slide switch for causing the terminal device 100 to determine again whether the target printer is in an impossible state, instead of the retry button 330. In this modification, the pull-down or slide switch is an example of a "retry object."

[0114] (Fifth Variant) Printers 10A, 10B need only be in an impossible state in at least one of the following states: printers 10A, 10B are offline; printers 10A, 10B are executing a printing function; a user is operating the operation unit 12 of printers 10A, 10B; and communication cannot be performed between printers 10A, 10B and server 200.

[0115] (Sixth Variation) The "function performing device" may be capable of performing a scan function, a facsimile function, and a copy function in addition to a print function. In this variation, the function performing device may be in an incapable state when performing a scan function, a facsimile function, or a copy function. In this variation, the scan function, the facsimile function, and the copy function are examples of a "specific function."

[0116] (Seventh Modification) The "function performing device" may be capable of performing a scan function and a facsimile function in addition to a print function. In this modification, physical authentication is required to change the function settings of the function performing device. As an example, changing the function settings of the function performing device means changing the function performing device from a disabled state in which the scan function is disabled to an enabled state in which the scan function is enabled. In this modification, when the terminal device 100 accepts an operation to change the function settings of the function performing device and the function performing device is in an incapable state, the terminal device 100 displays a notification screen 326 before displaying the instruction screen 350. In this modification, the operation to change the function settings of the function performing device is an example of a "specific operation to be performed before an authentication operation."

[0117] (Eighth Modification) The application 142 of the terminal device 100 may execute S72 to S76 after S80 in Fig. 4. Moreover, the application 142 may execute S132 to S136 after S130 in Fig. 5, and may execute S172 to S176 after S180 in Fig. 6. That is, the application 142 may cause the display unit 114 to display the instruction screen 350, and then cause the display unit 114 to display the login screen 340.

[0118] (Ninth Modification) When the printer 10A is in an inoperable state and the device ID "DV1" is stored in the user table 244 of the server 200, the terminal device 100 may display at least one of the notification screen 326 and the instruction screen 350. In this modification, S56 and S78 in Fig. 4, S106 and S128 in Fig. 5, and S156 and S178 in Fig. 6 can be omitted.

[0119] (Tenth Modification) The terminal device 100 does not have to send a maintenance request to the target printer. In this modification, S70 in Fig. 4, S120 in Fig. 5, and S170 in Fig. 6 can be omitted. In this modification, the "maintenance request transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0120] (Eleventh Modification) In S60 of FIG. 4, the application 142 may transmit a signal to the target printer requesting execution of an operation simulating physical authentication. When the target printer receives a signal from the terminal device 100, the target printer simulates physical authentication. Then, when a confirmation screen is displayed on the display unit of the target printer after the physical authentication is simulated, the target printer determines that the physical authentication has been successful and transmits success information to the terminal device 100. On the other hand, when a confirmation screen is not displayed on the display unit of the target printer after the physical authentication is simulated, the target printer determines that the physical authentication has failed and transmits failure information to the terminal device 100. When the terminal device 100 receives success information from the target printer, the terminal device 100 determines that the target printer is in a possible state (NO in S60), and when the terminal device 100 receives failure information from the target printer, the terminal device 100 determines that the target printer is in an impossible state (YES in S60). When the application 142 receives success information from the target printer, the application 142 transmits an erase request to the target printer requesting erasure of the confirmation screen. Similar processing can be executed for S110 in FIG. 5 and S160 in FIG.

[0121] (Twelfth Variation) In each of the above embodiments, the processes of Figures 3 to 12 are realized by software (e.g., programs 40, 140, 142, 240), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0122] In addition, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings exert technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies exemplified in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives itself has technical utility.

[0123] In this disclosure, "at least one of A, B, and C" means "A," "B," "C," "A and B," "A and C," "B and C," or "A, B, and C."

[0124] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing of this patent application, even if each claim is dependent on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the fact that each claim can be dependent on only those some of the claims. Each claim can also be dependent on other claims that are not dependent on it at the time of filing to the extent that there is no technical contradiction. In other words, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) A computer program for a control device, comprising: The computer of the control device is composed of the following parts: a first display control unit that, when a function performing device is in an impossible state where it is unable to accept an authentication operation, causes a terminal device to display, on a display unit, notification information regarding the impossible state before causing the display unit to display an instruction screen for urging a user to perform the authentication operation. (Item 2) 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the notification information includes information indicating that the function performing device is in the impossible state. (Item 3) 3. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the notification information includes information for changing the function performing device from the disabled state to a enabled state in which the function performing device can accept the authentication operation. (Item 4) The computer program further causes the computer to causing the function performing device to function as a first determination unit that determines whether the function performing device is in the impossible state or in a possible state in which the function performing device can accept the authentication operation; when it is determined that the function executing device is in the impossible state, the first display control unit causes the display unit to display the notification information and a retry object before causing the display unit to display the instruction screen; 4. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the first judgment unit judges again whether the function executing device is in the impossible state or the possible state when an operation of the retry object is accepted. (Item 5) The computer program further causes the computer to 5. The computer program product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a function executing device that, when the function executing device is in a state capable of accepting the authentication operation, functions as a second display control unit that causes the display unit to display the instruction screen without causing the display unit to display the notification information. (Item 6) The computer program further causes the computer to 6. The computer program product according to any one of items 1 to 5, further comprising a third display control unit that causes the display unit to function as a third display control unit that causes the display unit to display the instruction screen when the function executing device changes from the impossible state to an possible state in which the authentication operation can be accepted after the notification information is displayed on the display unit. (Item 7) 7. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the impossible state includes a state in which the function performing device is offline. (Item 8) 8. The computer program product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the impossible state includes a state in which the function performing device is performing a specific function. (Item 9) 9. The computer program product according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the impossible state includes a state in which a user is operating an operation unit of the function execution device. (Item 10) 10. The computer program product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the impossible state includes a state in which communication between the function performing device and a server is impossible. (Item 11) the control device is a control unit of the terminal device, The computer program further causes the computer to a reception unit that receives a specific operation to be performed before the authentication operation; 11. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the first display control unit, when the specific operation is accepted and the function executing device is in the impossible state, causes the display unit to display the notification information before causing the display unit to display the instruction screen. (Item 12) the specific operation is an operation for selecting the function performing device, when the authentication operation is accepted after the instruction screen is displayed on the display unit, the function performing device transmits device identification information for identifying the function performing device to a server providing a service related to the function performing device; Item 12. The computer program product of item 11, wherein the server stores the device identification information when receiving the device identification information from the function performing device. (Item 13) The computer program further causes the computer to a fourth display control unit that, when the function performing device changes from the impossible state to an possible state in which the authentication operation can be accepted after the notification information is displayed on the display unit, causes the display unit to display a login screen for logging in to the server before causing the instruction screen to be displayed on the display unit; a login information transmission unit configured to transmit login information including user identification information to the server in response to the input of the login information to the login screen, when the server receives the login information from the terminal device and receives the device identification information from the function performing device, the server stores the user identification information and the device identification information included in the login information in association with each other. The login information transmission unit; Item 13. The computer program according to item 12, (Item 14) when the function performing device is in the impossible state and the device identification information is not stored in the server, the first display control unit causes the display unit to display the notification information before causing the display unit to display the instruction screen; 14. The computer program according to item 12 or 13, wherein when the function performing device is in the disabled state and the device identification information is stored in the server, the notification information and the instruction screen are not displayed. (Item 15) The computer program further causes the computer to 15. The computer program according to any one of items 11 to 14, further comprising a computer program causing the computer to function as a maintenance request sending unit that sends a maintenance request to the function performing device to request that the function performing device maintain the capable state for a predetermined time when the specific operation is accepted and the function performing device is in a capable state in which it can accept the authentication operation. (Item 16) The computer program further causes the computer to 15. The computer program according to any one of items 11 to 14, wherein the operation information transmitting unit transmits operation information indicating that the specific operation has been accepted to the function performing device when the specific operation is accepted, and when the operation information is received while the function performing device is in a state in which the authentication operation can be accepted, the function performing device functions as the operation information transmitting unit that maintains the state in which the authentication operation can be accepted for a predetermined period of time. (Item 17) the control device is a control unit of the terminal device, The computer program further causes the computer to a status information request sending unit that sends a status information request that requests the sending of status information indicating a status of the function performing device; a state information receiving unit that receives the state information from the function performing device in response to the state information request being transmitted to the function performing device; a second determination unit that, when the state information is received from the function performing device, determines whether the function performing device is in the impossible state or in a possible state in which the function performing device can accept the authentication operation, using the state information; 17. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the first display control unit, when it is determined that the function executing device is in the impossible state, causes the display unit to display the notification information before displaying the instruction screen. (Item 18) the control device is a control unit of the terminal device, The computer program further causes the computer to a determination request transmitting unit configured to transmit to the function performing device a determination request requesting the function performing device to determine whether the function performing device is in the disabled state or in a enabled state in which the authentication operation can be accepted; a result information receiving unit that receives result information indicating a judgment result from the function performing device in response to the judgment request being transmitted to the function performing device; 17. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the first display control unit, when the result information indicates that the function executing device is in the impossible state, causes the display unit to display the notification information before displaying the instruction screen. (Item 19) A control device, a display control unit that, when a function executing device is in an impossible state where it is unable to accept an authentication operation, causes a display unit of a terminal device to display notification information regarding the impossible state before causing the display unit to display an instruction screen for urging a user to perform the authentication operation. (Item 20) 1. A method for controlling a control device, comprising: a display control step of, when a function performing device is in an impossible state in which it is unable to accept an authentication operation, causing a display unit of a terminal device to display notification information regarding the impossible state before causing the display unit to display an instruction screen for urging a user to perform the authentication operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 2: communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10A: printer, 10B: printer, 12: operation unit, 14: display unit, 16: print execution unit, 20: communication I / F, 30: control unit, 32: CPU, 34: memory, 40: program, 100: terminal device, 112: operation unit, 114: display unit, 120: communication I / F, 130: control unit, 132: CPU, 134: memory, 140: OS program, 142: application program, 200: server, 220: communication I / F, 230: control unit, 232: CPU, 234: memory, 240: program, 242: service table, 244: user table

Claims

1. A computer program for a control device, comprising: The computer of the control device is composed of the following parts: a display unit that displays notification information regarding an inability to accept an authentication operation on a display unit of a terminal device before displaying an instruction screen on the display unit of the terminal device to prompt a user to perform the authentication operation when the function executing device is in an inability to accept an authentication operation.

2. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the notification information includes information indicating that the function performing device is in the disabled state.

3. 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the notification information includes information for changing the function performing device from the disabled state to a enabled state in which the function performing device can accept the authentication operation.

4. The computer program further causes the computer to causing the function performing device to function as a first determination unit that determines whether the function performing device is in the impossible state or in a possible state in which the authentication operation can be accepted; when it is determined that the function executing device is in the impossible state, the first display control unit causes the display unit to display the notification information and a retry object before causing the display unit to display the instruction screen; The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first determination unit, when an operation on the retry object is accepted, determines again whether the function executing device is in the impossible state or the possible state.

5. The computer program further causes the computer to 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit configured to, when the function performing device is in a state capable of accepting the authentication operation, function as a second display control unit that causes the display unit to display the instruction screen without causing the display unit to display the notification information.

6. The computer program further causes the computer to 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to function as a third display control unit that, when the function performing device changes from the incapable state to an available state in which the authentication operation can be accepted after the notification information is displayed on the display unit, causes the display unit to display the instruction screen.

7. The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the impossible state includes a state in which the function performing device is offline.

8. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the impossible state includes a state in which the function performing device is performing a specific function.

9. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the impossible state includes a state in which a user is operating an operation unit of the function performing device.

10. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the impossible state includes a state in which communication between the function performing device and a server is impossible.

11. the control device is a control unit of the terminal device, The computer program further causes the computer to a reception unit that receives a specific operation to be performed before the authentication operation; 2 . The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first display control unit, when the specific operation is accepted and the function executing device is in the impossible state, causes the display unit to display the notification information before causing the display unit to display the instruction screen.

12. the specific operation is an operation for selecting the function performing device, when the authentication operation is accepted after the instruction screen is displayed on the display unit, the function performing device transmits device identification information for identifying the function performing device to a server providing a service related to the function performing device; The computer program product of claim 11 , wherein the server stores the device identification information when the server receives the device identification information from the function-performing device.

13. The computer program further causes the computer to a fourth display control unit that, when the function performing device changes from the impossible state to an possible state in which the function performing device can accept the authentication operation after the notification information is displayed on the display unit, causes the display unit to display a login screen for logging in to the server before causing the display unit to display the instruction screen; a login information transmission unit configured to transmit login information including user identification information to the server in response to the input of the login information to the login screen, when the server receives the login information from the terminal device and receives the device identification information from the function performing device, the server stores the user identification information and the device identification information included in the login information in association with each other. The login information transmission unit; The computer program product of claim 12,

14. when the function performing device is in the impossible state and the device identification information is not stored in the server, the first display control unit causes the display unit to display the notification information before causing the display unit to display the instruction screen; 13. The computer program product according to claim 12, wherein when the function performing device is in the disabled state and the device identification information is stored in the server, the notification information and the instruction screen are not displayed.

15. The computer program further causes the computer to 12. The computer program product according to claim 11, further comprising a maintenance request transmitting unit configured to transmit, when the specific operation is accepted and the function performing device is in an available state in which the authentication operation can be accepted, a maintenance request requesting that the available state be maintained for a predetermined time to the function performing device.

16. The computer program further causes the computer to 12. The computer program product according to claim 11, further comprising an operation information transmitting unit configured to transmit, when the specific operation is accepted, to the function performing device operation information indicating that the specific operation has been accepted, and when the operation information is received in a state in which the function performing device is capable of accepting the authentication operation, the operation information transmitting unit is configured to maintain the capable state for a predetermined period of time.

17. the control device is a control unit of the terminal device, The computer program further causes the computer to a status information request sending unit that sends a status information request that requests the sending of status information indicating a status of the function performing device; a state information receiving unit that receives the state information from the function performing device in response to the state information request being transmitted to the function performing device; a second determination unit that, when the state information is received from the function performing device, determines whether the function performing device is in the impossible state or in a possible state in which the function performing device can accept the authentication operation, using the state information; 2 . The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first display control unit, when it is determined that the function performing device is in the impossible state, causes the display unit to display the notification information before causing the display unit to display the instruction screen.

18. the control device is a control unit of the terminal device, The computer program further causes the computer to a determination request transmitting unit configured to transmit to the function performing device a determination request requesting the function performing device to determine whether the function performing device is in the disabled state or in a enabled state in which the authentication operation can be accepted; a result information receiving unit that receives result information indicating a judgment result from the function performing device in response to the judgment request being transmitted to the function performing device; 2 . The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first display control unit, when the result information indicates that the function executing device is in the impossible state, causes the display unit to display the notification information before causing the display unit to display the instruction screen.

19. A control device, a display control unit that, when a function executing device is in an impossible state where it is unable to accept an authentication operation, causes a display unit of a terminal device to display notification information regarding the impossible state before causing the display unit to display an instruction screen for urging a user to perform the authentication operation.

20. 1. A method for controlling a control device, comprising: a display control step of, when a function performing device is in an impossible state in which it is unable to accept an authentication operation, causing a display unit of a terminal device to display notification information regarding the impossible state before causing the display unit to display an instruction screen for urging a user to perform the authentication operation.

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