Service provision system, information processing device and program

Abstract

To enable presenting a plan for a printing service that is suitable for a usage mode of a printer 1 of a user P.SOLUTION: Provided is a service provision system 1000 for providing a printing service, the service provision system 1000 includes: a determination unit 202 for, when a first user P1 who has registered to use the printing service sets up a second printer 12, determining a printing service plan corresponding to a usage history of the first user P1 based on total number of printed pages information indicating the usage history of a first printer 11 by the first user P1; and a terminal device 4 for, when the first user P1 sets up the second printer 12, presenting the printing service plan determined by the determination unit 202 as a printing service plan when using the printing service for the second printer 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a service providing system, an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for informing a user of a printing device of a service plan related to printing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for notifying a user of a billing plan for an image processing service based on a job log of an image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-035779 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional techniques, when a user sets up a new printing device, it is difficult to provide guidance on a plan that is suited to the manner in which the user will use the printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above problem is a service provision system that provides a printing service, the service provision system comprising: a memory unit that stores printing history information indicating the usage history of a first printing device by a first user who is registered to use the printing service; a determination unit that, when the first user sets up a second printing device, determines a plan of the printing service that corresponds to the usage history of the first user based on the printing history information of the first printing device; and an information processing device that, when the first user sets up the second printing device, presents the plan of the printing service determined by the determination unit as the plan of the printing service when using the printing service when using the second printing device.

[0006] Another aspect of the invention that solves the above problem is an information processing device that includes a control unit that provides guidance on a printing service plan, and the control unit provides guidance on the printing service plan that corresponds to the first user's usage history, determined based on printing history information that indicates the first user's usage history of the first printing device, when setting up a second printing device by the first user who has registered to use the printing service, as the printing service plan when using the printing service when using the second printing device.

[0007] Yet another aspect for solving the above problem is a program that causes a processor of an information processing device to function as a program execution unit that provides a plan for a printing service, and the program execution unit provides, in setting up a second printing device by a first user who has registered to use the printing service, a plan for the printing service that corresponds to the first user's usage history, determined based on printing history information that indicates the first user's usage history of the first printing device, as the plan for the printing service when using the printing service when using the second printing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a service providing system. [Diagram 2] A diagram showing the configuration of a provision server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a provision server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [1. Service provision system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a service providing system 1000. As shown in FIG. The service providing system 1000 is a system that provides a printing service that can be used when using the printing device 1. The printing service is a service related to printing by the printing device 1. In this embodiment, the printing service is a service that delivers consumables for the printing device 1. The printing service is a service in which a user of the printing service pays a usage fee for using the printing service for a certain period of time, and is a so-called subscription-based service. In this embodiment, a service in which a user of the printing service pays a usage fee for using the printing service for one month is exemplified. Also, in this embodiment, ink is exemplified as a consumable delivered by the printing service.

[0010] The service providing system 1000 includes a providing server 2. The providing server 2 is a server device that manages a print service. The providing server 2 is connected to a network NW including the Internet, a telephone network, and other communication networks, and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The providing server 2 is managed, for example, by a company that operates a print service. In addition, although the provision server 2 is represented by one block in each drawing, this does not necessarily mean that the provision server 2 is composed of a single server device. For example, the provision server 2 may include multiple server devices with different processing contents.

[0011] The service providing system 1000 includes a delivery server 3. The delivery server 3 is a server device that instructs a delivery person to deliver a delivery item to a delivery destination H. The delivery server 3 is owned, for example, by a company that has been entrusted with delivery operations by a company that operates a printing service, and issues delivery instructions to a delivery person who is an employee of the company. The delivery server 3 is connected to a network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. In this embodiment, the delivery item that the delivery server 3 instructs to deliver is a container such as an ink cartridge that contains ink. In addition, although the delivery server 3 is represented by one block in each figure, this does not necessarily mean that the delivery server 3 is composed of a single server device. For example, the delivery server 3 may be composed of multiple server devices with different processing contents.

[0012] 1 shows three users P: a first user P11, a first user P12, and a second user P2. The first user P11 and the first user P12 are users P (hereinafter also referred to as "first user P1") who are registered to use the print service. The second user P2 is a user P who is not registered to use the print service.

[0013] FIG. 1 also shows a first printing device 11. The first printing device 11 is the printing device 1 used by the first user P1. The first printing device 11 is an inkjet printer that receives ink from an attached ink cartridge to perform printing. FIG. 1 shows a case where the first user P11 uses the first printing devices 11-1 and 11-2. FIG. 1 also shows a case where the first user P12 uses the first printing device 11-1. Here, in this embodiment, as an example, the first printing device 11-1 is an inkjet printer with four-color printing specifications, and the first printing device 11-2 is an inkjet printer with six-color printing specifications. That is, the first printing device 11-1 is an inkjet printer that can eject up to four colors of ink from an inkjet head. The first printing device 11-2 is an inkjet printer that can eject up to six colors of ink from an inkjet head.

[0014] FIG. 1 also shows a second printing device 12. The second printing device 12 is a printing device 1 that is newly used by a user P. The second printing device 12 is an inkjet printer, and prints by receiving ink from an attached ink cartridge. FIG. 1 shows a case where a first user P11 newly uses a second printing device 12-1. FIG. 1 also shows a case where a first user P12 newly uses a second printing device 12-2. FIG. 1 also shows a case where a second user P2 newly uses a second printing device 12-1. In this embodiment, as an example, the second printing device 12-1 is an inkjet printer with four-color printing specifications, and the second printing device 12-2 is an inkjet printer with six-color printing specifications.

[0015] The service providing system 1000 includes a terminal device 4. The terminal device 4 is a computer used by a user P. In this embodiment, a portable computer such as a smartphone is exemplified as the terminal device 4, but the terminal device 4 may be a desktop computer or a laptop computer. The terminal device 4 is connected to a network NW and communicates with the providing server 2. The terminal device 4 also communicates with the printing device 1. The communication between the terminal device 4 and the printing device 1 may be communication via a local network established at the delivery destination H, or may be direct communication such as Wi-Fi Direct that performs wireless communication without going through an access point. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark. The terminal device 4 is an example of an "information processing device."

[0016] 1 shows a case where a first user P11 is using a terminal device 41. When the first user P11 uses the first printing devices 11-1 and 11-2, the terminal device 41 communicates with the first printing devices 11-1 and 11-2. When the first user P11 uses the second printing device 12-1, the terminal device 41 communicates with the second printing device 12-1.

[0017] 1 shows a case where a first user P12 is using a terminal device 42. When the first user P12 uses the first printing device 11-1, the terminal device 42 communicates with the first printing device 11-1. When the first user P12 uses the second printing device 12-2, the terminal device 41 communicates with the second printing device 12-2.

[0018] 1 shows a case where the second user P2 is using the terminal device 43. The terminal device 43 communicates with the second printing device 12-1 when the second user P2 uses the second printing device 12-1.

[0019] In the printing service provided by the service providing system 1000, ink cartridges that store ink to be consumed by the printing device 1 are delivered to a delivery destination H designated by a user P.

[0020] The printing service offers plans for using the printing service. These plans allow printing of a certain number of pages by the printing device 1 for a certain period of time at a fixed price, and any printing exceeding the fixed number is charged according to the number of pages. Hereinafter, the number of pages that can be printed within the fixed price range is referred to as the "printable number of pages."

[0021] [2. Provisioning Server Configuration] Next, the configuration of the provision server 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the provision server 2. As shown in FIG.

[0022] The provision server 2 includes a server control device 20 and a server communication unit 21.

[0023] The server communication unit 21 includes communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to the network NW under the control of the server control device 20.

[0024] The server control device 20 is equipped with a server processor 200, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro-processing unit), and a server memory 210, and controls each part of the provision server 2 by the server processor 200 executing programs stored in the server memory 210. The server memory 210 corresponds to an example of a “storage unit”.

[0025] The server memory 210 stores programs executed by the server processor 200 and data processed by the server processor 200. The server memory 210 stores a control program 211 executed by the server processor 200, a first management DB 212, a second management DB 213, and various other data. The server memory 210 has a non-volatile storage area. The server memory 210 has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area of ​​the server processor 200. The server memory 210 is constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0026] The first management DB 212 is a database that manages one record R1 for each first user P1. Each record R1 includes a user ID (Identification). The user ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the first user P1. Each record R1 also has a sub-record SR. The sub-record SR includes total number of pages printed information, total period of use information, and specification information. The total number of pages printed information is information indicating the total number of pages printed by the first printing device 11. The total period of use information is information indicating the total period during which the first printing device 11 was used. The specification information is information indicating the specifications of the first printing device 11, and in this embodiment indicates a four-color printing specification or a six-color printing specification. If the first user P1 has used multiple first printing devices 11, each record R1 has a sub-record SR for each first printing device 11. The total number of printed sheets information is an example of "print history information."

[0027] The second management DB213 is a database that manages one record R2 for each first user P1. Each record R2 includes a user ID, a password, delivery address information, payment method information, and contract plan information. The password is authentication information for authenticating that the user is the first user P1. The delivery address information is information indicating the delivery address H, such as an address. The payment method information is information indicating the method of payment for the printing service usage fee. For example, when the payment method indicates a payment method by credit card, the payment method information includes a combination of information indicating that the payment method is a credit card and a credit card number. The contract plan information is information indicating the printing service plan contracted by the first user P1.

[0028] The server processor 200 functions as a server communication control unit 201 and a determination unit 202 .

[0029] The server communication control unit 201 communicates with devices connected to the network NW via the server communication unit 21 .

[0030] The determination unit 202 determines a print service plan to be introduced to the first user P1. The operation of the determination unit 202 will be described in detail later.

[0031] [3. Terminal device configuration] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 4 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 4. As shown in FIG.

[0032] The terminal device 4 includes a terminal control device 40, a terminal communication unit 44, and a touch panel 45.

[0033] The terminal communication unit 44 includes communication hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the provision server 2 and the printing device 1 under the control of the terminal control device 40.

[0034] The touch panel 45 includes a display panel and a touch sensor that is provided over the display panel or is integral with the display panel. The display panel displays information under the control of the terminal control device 40. The touch sensor detects a touch operation and outputs the detected operation to the terminal control device 40. The terminal control device 40 executes a process corresponding to the touch operation based on an input from the touch sensor.

[0035] The terminal control device 40 includes a terminal processor 400 such as a CPU or MPU, and a terminal memory 410 , and controls each part of the terminal device 4 . The terminal memory 410 stores programs executed by the terminal processor 400 and data processed by the terminal processor 400. The terminal memory 410 stores applications 411 executed by the terminal processor 400 and various other data. The terminal memory 410 has a non-volatile storage area. The terminal memory 410 has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area of ​​the terminal processor 400. The terminal memory 410 is constituted by, for example, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The terminal processor 400 is an example of a "processor." The application 411 is an example of a "program."

[0036] The application 411 is an application program that controls the printing device 1. The application 411 may be a dedicated application program for controlling the printing device 1, or may be a browser.

[0037] The terminal processor 400 functions as an application execution unit 401 by reading and executing the application 411 . The application execution unit 401 is an example of a "program execution unit."

[0038] The application execution unit 401 communicates with the provision server 2 and the printing device 1 via the terminal communication unit 44.

[0039] The application execution unit 401 displays information using the touch panel 45. In this embodiment, the application execution unit 401 displays a setting screen SG using the touch panel 45. The setting screen SG is a screen for making settings for starting to use the printing device 1.

[0040] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an example of the setting screen SG. The setting screen SG is a chat-style user interface that displays information including characters and images in a conversational format on the touch panel 45. Here, the chat format refers to a display format in which information is displayed from one end and the other end of an axis perpendicular to the scroll direction of a display image displayed on the touch panel 45, like a conversational display.

[0041] The contents of the setting screen SG shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are only a part of the contents of the setting screen SG. 4 and 5, the setting screen SG includes a UI background area SGA, and a plurality of pieces of device message information J1 and user message information J2 arranged in the UI background area SGA. The UI background area SGA is a virtual area that is not limited by the size of the display area of ​​the touch panel 45. In directions A and B that correspond to the vertical axis of the touch panel 45, the UI background area SGA is larger than the touch panel 45. The display image of the setting screen SG is scrolled in the directions A and B.

[0042] The device message information J1 and the user message information J2 are display objects displayed in the UI background area SGA and include characters and images. The device message information J1 and the user message information J2 can be rephrased as messages and comments. The device message information J1 and the user message information J2 are arranged side by side along the direction in which the display image on the setting screen SG is scrolled.

[0043] The device message information J1 is a message posted to the user P by an application on the terminal device 4, and includes at least either text or images. The device message information J1 includes information used for setting the printing device 1, information specifying a task, and information instructing the user P to perform an operation. When the device message information J1 is information that requests a positive or negative response from the user P, it includes options J11 and J12. Option J11 is an option for inputting an affirmative response. Option J12 is an option for inputting a negative response.

[0044] The user message information J2 is a message posted in response to an input operation by the user P on the terminal device 4.

[0045] In the setting screen SG of this embodiment, device message information J1 that recommends the use of a printing service is displayed. Hereinafter, device message information J1 that recommends the use of a printing service is referred to as recommended use message information J13. In Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, a display object having the character string "We recommend that you use a printing service when using this printer" is the recommended use message information J13.

[0046] In the setting screen SG of this embodiment, when the first user P1 is performing settings on the setting screen SG, device message information J1 that informs the user of the print service plan is displayed. Hereinafter, the device message information J1 that informs the user of the print service plan is referred to as plan information message information J14. In FIG. 4, a display object having a character string saying "The following plan is suitable for you when using the print service" is the plan information message J14. The plan information message J14 includes plan information J15 that indicates the print service plan. As will be apparent from the description below, the print service plan indicated by the plan information J15 is a plan determined by the provider server 2. In addition, the plan information message J14 includes inquiry information J16 that inquires whether or not to contract for the print service with the plan indicated by the plan information J15. In FIG. 4, the character string saying "Do you want to contract for the print service with this plan?" is the inquiry information J16. Furthermore, the plan guide message information J14 includes an option J11 for inputting an affirmative reply to the inquiry indicated by the inquiry information J16, and an option J12 for inputting a negative reply.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows an example of the setting screen SG when a first user P1 is setting up the printing device 1, and Fig. 5 shows an example of the setting screen SG when a second user P2 is setting up the printing device 1. As is clear from comparing Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, in the setting screen SG of this embodiment, when the second user P2 is setting up the printing device 1, the setting screen SG displays recommended use message information J13 but does not display plan guidance message information J14.

[0048] The recommendation message J13 and plan guide message J14 are displayed on the setting screen SG after the terminal device 4 and the printing device 1 are connected for communication.

[0049] Returning to the explanation of the terminal device 4, the application execution unit 401 generates print data and transmits the print data to the printing device 1 via the terminal communication unit 44. The print data includes image data of the image to be printed, a print command conforming to the command system of the printing device 1, and the like.

[0050] [4. Operation of each part of the service provision system] Next, the operation of each unit of the service providing system 1000 related to the setting of the second printing apparatus 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device 4. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the provision server 2.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the application execution unit 401 determines whether the user P operating the terminal device 4 is a first user P1 or a second user P2 (step SA1).

[0052] Step SA1 will now be described in detail. In step SA1, the application execution unit 401 displays an input screen for inputting a user ID and a password on the touch panel 45. If an operation to skip inputting the user ID and password is performed on the input screen, the application execution unit 401 determines that the user P operating the terminal device 4 is the second user P2 who is not registered to use the print service. On the other hand, if a user ID and a password are input and user authentication based on the input user ID and password is successful, the application execution unit 401 determines that the user P operating the terminal device 4 is the first user P1 who is registered to use the print service. In user authentication based on the user ID and password, the user ID and password input on the input screen are transmitted to the provision server 2. In this user authentication, if the provision server 2 determines that the combination of the received user ID and password is stored in the second management DB 213, the authentication is successful.

[0053] When the application execution unit 401 determines that the user P operating the terminal device 4 is the second user P2 (step SA1: second user), it starts displaying the setting screen SG (step SA2).

[0054] Next, the application execution unit 401 determines whether or not a communication connection with the second printing apparatus 12 has been established in the settings of the second printing apparatus 12 (step SA3).

[0055] When the application execution unit 401 determines that communication connection with the second printing device 12 has been established (step SA3: YES), it acquires model information and specification information of the second printing device 12 from the second printing device 12 (step SA4). The model information of the second printing device 12 is information that indicates the model of the second printing device 12, such as a serial number or a manufacturing number. The model information and specification information are stored in the memory of the second printing device 12.

[0056] Step SA4 will now be described in detail. The application execution unit 401 transmits request information requesting model information and specification information to the connected second printing device 12. Upon receiving the request information, the second printing device 12 reads out the model information and specification information stored in memory, and transmits the read model information and specification information to the terminal device 4 as a response to the request information. The application execution unit 401 then receives the model information and specification information from the second printing device 12, thereby acquiring the model information and specification information from the second printing device 12.

[0057] Next, the application execution unit 401 determines whether or not the second printing apparatus 12 connected for communication is a model compatible with the printing service, based on the model information acquired in step SA4 (step SA5).

[0058] The determination in step SA5 is performed, for example, as follows. If model information of a model compatible with the printing service is registered in the terminal device 4, the application execution unit 401 determines whether the model information acquired in step SA4 matches the registered model information, and if they match, makes a positive determination in step SA5, and if they do not match, makes a negative determination in step SA5. Also, for example, if model information of models compatible with the print service is registered in the providing server 2, the application execution unit 401 transmits the model information acquired in step SA4 to the providing server 2. The providing server 2 determines whether the model information received from the terminal device 4 matches the registered model information, and transmits the determination result to the terminal device 4. Then, the application execution unit 401 makes a positive determination in step SA5 if the received determination result indicates a match, and makes a negative determination in step SA5 if the received determination result indicates a mismatch.

[0059] When the application execution unit 401 determines that the second printing apparatus 12 connected for communication is not a model compatible with the printing service (step SA5: NO), the application execution unit 401 performs the process of step SA18.

[0060] On the other hand, if the application execution unit 401 determines that the second printing device 12 connected for communication is a model that supports the printing service (step SA5: YES), it determines whether the timing has arrived to display the recommended message information J13 (step SA6).

[0061] Step SA6 will now be described in detail. A display order is set for the multiple pieces of device message information J1 displayed on the setting screen SG. The application execution unit 401 displays the device message information J1 on the setting screen SG in accordance with this display order, and if the next piece of device message information J1 to be displayed is the recommended use message information J13, the application execution unit 401 makes a positive determination in step SA6.

[0062] If the application executing unit 401 determines that the timing to display the recommendation message J13 has not arrived (step SA6: NO), it performs the determination in step SA6 again.

[0063] On the other hand, if the application executing unit 401 determines that it is time to display the recommendation message J13 (step SA6: YES), the application executing unit 401 displays the recommendation message J13 on the setting screen SG (step SA7). Next, the application executing unit 401 performs the process of step SA18.

[0064] Returning to the explanation of step SA1, if the application execution unit 401 determines that the user P operating the terminal device 4 is the first user P1 (step SA1: first user), it starts displaying the setting screen SG (step SA8).

[0065] Next, the application execution unit 401 determines whether or not a communication connection with the second printing apparatus 12 has been established in the settings of the second printing apparatus 12 (step SA9).

[0066] If the application execution unit 401 determines that the communication connection with the second printing device 12 has been established (step SA9: YES), the application execution unit 401 acquires model information and specification information of the second printing device 12 from the second printing device 12 (step SA10). In step SA10, the application execution unit 401 acquires the two types of information by the same method as in step SA4.

[0067] Next, the application execution unit 401 determines whether the connected second printing device 12 is a model compatible with the printing service based on the model information of the second printing device 12 acquired in step SA10 (step SA11). In step SA11, the application execution unit 401 performs the determination in the same manner as in step SA5.

[0068] Next, if the application executing unit 401 determines that the second printing apparatus 12 connected for communication is not a model compatible with the printing service (step SA11: NO), the application executing unit 401 performs the process of step SA18.

[0069] On the other hand, if the application execution unit 401 determines that the connected second printing apparatus 12 is a model compatible with the printing service (step SA11: YES), it transmits plan request information to the provider server 2 (step SA12).

[0070] The plan request information is information that requests the plan information J15. The plan request information includes the user ID entered on the input screen when starting the display of the setting screen SG, and the specification information of the second printing device 12 acquired in step SA10.

[0071] Now, the operation of the provision server 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the server communication control unit 201 receives plan request information from the terminal device 4 (step SB1).

[0072] The determination unit 202 performs a determination process (step SB2). The determination process is a process for determining a print service plan. In the determination process, the print service plan is determined based on the plan request information received in step SB1. In the determination process, the determination unit 202 acquires the plan request information from the server communication control unit 201, and performs the determination process using the acquired plan request information.

[0073] The determination unit 202 identifies, from the first management DB 212, a record R1 having a user ID included in the plan request information (step SB21).

[0074] Next, the determining unit 202 determines whether the identified record R1 includes multiple sub-records SR (step SB22).

[0075] If the determination unit 202 determines that multiple sub-records SR are included (step SB22: YES), it determines whether the identified record R1 contains a sub-record SR that contains the same specification information as the specification information of the plan request information received in step SB1 (step SB23).

[0076] If the determination unit 202 determines that there is a sub-record SR that contains specification information that is the same as the specification information in the plan request information (step SB23: YES), it selects a sub-record SR that contains the same specification information as the specification information in the plan request information from the multiple sub-records SR, and reads out total print count information and total usage period information from the selected sub-record SR (step SB24).

[0077] Returning to the explanation of step SB23, if the determination unit 202 determines that there is no sub-record SR that includes the same specification information as the specification information in the plan request information (step SB23: NO), it identifies one sub-record SR from the identified record R1 (step SB25). In step SB25, the determination unit 202 identifies, for example, one sub-record SR whose total number of printed sheets indicated by the total number of printed sheets information is the largest.

[0078] Next, the determination unit 202 reads out the total number of printed pages information and the total usage period information from the sub-record SR identified in step SB25 (step SB26).

[0079] Returning to the explanation of step SB22, if the deciding unit 202 determines that multiple sub-records SR are not included (step SB22: NO), it reads out the total number of printed sheets information and the total usage period information from the identified record R1 (step SB27).

[0080] The decision unit 202 decides on a print service plan based on the total number of printed sheets information and the total usage period information read out in any one of steps SB24, SB26, and SB27 (step SB28).

[0081] Step SB28 will now be described in detail. First, the determination unit 202 calculates the number of sheets printed per month based on the total number of sheets printed indicated by the total printed sheet number information and the total period indicated by the total usage period information. For example, assume that the total number of printed sheets indicated by the total number of printed sheets information is M sheets, and the period indicated by the total usage period is T days. Note that M is an integer of 1 or more. Also, T is an integer of 1 or more. In this case, the determination unit 202 divides T days by 30 or 31 to convert the period of T days into a period in months. Then, the determination unit 202 divides the M sheets, which is the total number of printed sheets, by the period converted into months to calculate the number of printed sheets per month.

[0082] Next, in step SB28, when the determination unit 202 calculates the number of printed sheets per month, it determines a plan for the printing service according to the calculated number of printed sheets. For example, assume that for the printing service, there are provided a first plan with a fixed amount of X1 yen and a printable number of M1 sheets, a second plan with a fixed amount of X2 (X2 > X1) yen and a printable number of M2 (M2 > M1) sheets, and a third plan with a fixed amount of X3 (X3 > X2) yen and a printable number of M3 (M3 > M2) sheets. And assume that the number of printed sheets per month calculated by the determination unit 202 is M4 sheets. In this example, when M4 ≤ M1, the determination unit 202 determines the first plan in step SB28. Also, in this example, when M1 < M4 ≤ M2, the determination unit 202 determines the second plan in step SB28. Also, in this example, when M2 < M4, the determination unit 202 determines the third plan in step SB28. Note that in this example, the printing service is configured with three plans, but the printing service may be provided with more plans in which both the fixed amount and the printable number are different, or may be provided with two types of plans in which both the fixed amount and the printable number are different.

[0083] When the determination unit 202 determines the plan for the printing service through the determination process, the server communication control unit 201 transmits plan information J15 indicating the plan for the printing service determined through the determination process to the terminal device 4 (step SB3).

[0084] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 6, the application execution unit 401 receives the plan information J15 from the provider server 2 (step SA13).

[0085] Next, the application executing unit 401 determines whether or not it has been determined that the timing to display the recommendation message information J13 and the plan guide message information J14 has not arrived (step SA14). The determination in step SA14 is made in the same manner as in step SA7.

[0086] If the application executing unit 401 determines that it is not time to display the recommendation message information J13 and the plan guide message information J14 (step SA14: NO), the application executing unit 401 performs the determination of step SA14 again.

[0087] On the other hand, if the application execution unit 401 determines that the time has come to display the recommended use message information J13 and the plan guidance message information J14 (step SA14: YES), it displays the recommended use message information J13 and the plan guidance message information J14 on the settings screen SG (step SA15).

[0088] Next, the application execution unit 401 determines whether or not to perform contract processing for the printing service (step SA16). In step SA16, if option J11 of the plan information message information J14 is selected, the application execution unit 401 determines to perform contract processing for the printing service, and if option J12 of the plan information message information J14 is selected, the application execution unit 401 determines not to perform contract processing for the printing service.

[0089] When it is determined that the contract process for the print service is to be performed (step SA16: YES), the application execution unit 401 performs the contract process for the print service (step SA17).

[0090] In step SA17, the application execution unit 401 transmits contract request information requesting the start of a contract for a print service to the provision server 2. The contract request information includes the plan information J15 displayed in step SA15. The contract request information also includes a user ID. Upon receiving the contract request information, the provision server 2 identifies, from the second management DB 213, a record R2 that includes the user ID of the received contract request information. The provision server 2 then updates the plan indicated by the contract plan information in the identified record R2 to the plan indicated by the plan information J15 of the received contract request information, and performs payment according to the payment method information in the identified record R2.

[0091] The application executing unit 401 determines in step SA18 whether or not to end the display of the setting screen SG (step SA18).

[0092] When it is determined that the display of the setting screen SG should not be ended (step SA18: NO), the application executing unit 401 performs the determination of step SA18 again.

[0093] On the other hand, if it is determined that the display of the setting screen SG should be ended (step SA18: YES), the application executing unit 401 ends this process.

[0094] The explanation of FIG. 1 shows a case where a first user P11 uses the first printing devices 11-1 and 11-2. The explanation of FIG. 1 also shows a case where a first user P1 newly uses a second printing device 12-1. When the first user P11 configures the second printing device 12-1 using the terminal device 41, the provision server 2 determines a printing service plan based on the sub-record SR of the first printing device 11-1, which has the same specifications as the second printing device 12-1. Then, the terminal device 41 displays the printing service plan determined by the provision server 2 on a setting screen SG.

[0095] Also, the explanation of FIG. 1 shows a case where the first user P12 uses the first printing device 11-1. Also, the explanation of FIG. 1 shows a case where the first user P12 newly uses the second printing device 12-2. When the first user P12 configures the second printing device 12-2 using the terminal device 41, the provision server 2 determines a printing service plan based on the sub-record SR of the first printing device 11-1 used by the first user P12. Then, the terminal device 41 displays the printing service plan determined by the provision server 2 on a setting screen SG.

[0096] 1 illustrates a case where a second user P2 newly uses the second printing device 12-1. Since the second user P2 has not registered for the printing service, when the second user P2 configures the second printing device 12-1 using the terminal device 43, the terminal device 41 does not introduce the printing service plan, but instead recommends the use of the printing service.

[0097] 5. Other embodiments The above-described embodiment shows one aspect, and any modification and application are possible.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the printing service is a service that delivers a container of ink used in the printing device 1. In other embodiments, the printing service may be a service that delivers consumables for the printing device 1 other than ink. Examples of consumables for the printing device 1 other than ink include paper and a waste ink box for ink. Furthermore, if the printing device 1 is an electrophotographic printer, a container of toner may be delivered in the printing service.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the printing service is a service for delivering consumables for the printing device 1, but the printing service is not limited to a service for delivering consumables for the printing device 1. For example, the printing service may be a service for remotely monitoring the printing volume of the printing device 1 and dispatching someone to perform maintenance on the printing device 1 as necessary.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the total number of printed pages information is exemplified as the "print history information", but the "print history information" may be information indicating the total amount of ink used. In this case, the determination unit 202 calculates the amount of ink used per month from the total usage period information, converts the calculated amount of ink used per month into the number of printed pages, and determines the print service plan.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the printing device 1 equipped with an ink cartridge is exemplified as the "printing device", but the "printing device" is a printing device of the CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System) type that allows ink to be refilled after the fact into the ink tank that supplies ink to the inkjet head. In this case, the printing service delivers ink bottles filled with ink to the delivery destination H.

[0102] In the embodiment described above, the total number of printed sheets information, the total usage period information, and the specification information are configured to be stored in the server memory 210, but these three pieces of information may be stored in the terminal memory 410 of the terminal device 4. In this configuration, the application execution unit 401 may have the function of the determination unit 202 described above. In this configuration, the terminal memory 410 corresponds to the "storage unit."

[0103] The above-mentioned printing device 1 may be a multifunction machine having a scanning function and a facsimile function in addition to a printing function.

[0104] The printing device 1 described above may be a serial type inkjet printer, a line type inkjet printer, or a lateral type inkjet printer.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, the specifications of the printing device 1 are four-color printing specifications or six-color printing specifications, but the specifications of the printing device 1 are not limited to either of these two, and may be one-color printing specifications, two-color printing specifications, eight-color printing specifications, or ten-color printing specifications. Note that the N-color printing specifications are specifications that allow a maximum of N colors of ink to be ejected from the inkjet head. N is an integer equal to or greater than 1.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, the specification information indicates a four-color printing specification or a six-color printing specification, but in other embodiments, the specification information may indicate other specifications, such as the type of inkjet head.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 4 is exemplified as the “information processing device”, but the “information processing device” is not limited to the terminal device 4 and may be, for example, a computer included in the printing device 1.

[0108] In other embodiments, the functions of the server processor 200 and the terminal processor 400 may be implemented by multiple processors or semiconductor chips.

[0109] The components of the provision server 2 and the terminal device 4 shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are merely examples and are not particularly limited. It is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each component individually, and it is of course possible to configure the components so that the functions of each component are realized by a single processor executing a program. Some of the functions realized by software may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the components of the provision server 2 and the terminal device 4 may be changed as desired.

[0110] The step units of the operation shown in Figures 6 and 7 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operations of the terminal device 4 and the provision server 2, and are not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names thereof. The processing units may be divided into more step units according to the processing contents. One step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. The order of the steps may also be changed as appropriate.

[0111] 6. Summary of this Disclosure The following is a summary of this disclosure. (Supplementary Note 1) A service providing system that provides a printing service, comprising: a memory unit that stores printing history information indicating a usage history of a first printing device by a first user who is registered to use the printing service; a determination unit that, when the first user sets up a second printing device, determines a plan of the printing service that corresponds to the usage history of the first user based on the printing history information of the first printing device; and an information processing device that, when the first user sets up the second printing device, presents the plan of the printing service determined by the determination unit as the plan of the printing service when using the printing service when using the second printing device.

[0112] According to this configuration, when a user sets up a new printing device, a printing service plan based on the printing history information of printing devices that the user has used in the past can be presented. Therefore, when a user sets up a new printing device, a plan suitable for the user's usage pattern of the printing device can be presented.

[0113] (Supplementary Note 2) The service providing system described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the storage unit stores, for each of the first printing devices, specification information of the first printing device and printing history information of the first printing device, and the determination unit acquires the specification information of the second printing device, and if there are multiple first printing devices used by the first user, selects printing history information of the first printing device based on the acquired specification information of the second printing device and the specification information of the first printing device stored in the storage unit, and determines a plan for the printing service based on the selected printing history information.

[0114] With this configuration, if a user has used multiple printing devices in the past, a plan can be determined based on the print history information of a printing device that has the same specifications as the printing device the user is configuring. Therefore, when the user configures a new printing device, a plan that is best suited to the way the user uses the printing devices can be presented.

[0115] (Appendix 3) A service providing system as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein, when a second user who is not registered to use the printing service sets up the second printing device, the information processing device does not provide information on plans for the printing service, but instead recommends using the printing service when using the second printing device.

[0116] According to this configuration, when a user who is not registered to use the printing service sets up a new printing device, the user can be guided to use the printing service.

[0117] (Appendix 4) The service providing system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the information processing device displays information in chat format on a setting screen for configuring the second printing device, and displays plan information indicating the plan of the printing service determined by the determination unit in chat format on the setting screen, thereby providing information about the plan of the printing service determined by the determination unit.

[0118] According to this configuration, since the printing service plan can be presented to the user as a message from the information processing device, the user can understand the printing service plan as a message to himself / herself. Therefore, the printing service plan can be presented to the user so that the user can understand the printing service plan as a message to himself / herself.

[0119] (Appendix 5) The service providing system described in Appendix 4, wherein when the information processing device receives an operation to contract for the printing service on the setting screen, it performs contract processing for the printing service using the plan for the printing service indicated by the plan information.

[0120] According to this configuration, a contract for the printing service under the proposed plan can be made by performing a contracting operation, so that the user can easily make a contract for the printing service under the proposed plan.

[0121] (Additional Note 6) An information processing device comprising a control unit that provides guidance on a printing service plan, wherein the control unit provides guidance on a printing service plan corresponding to a first user's usage history determined based on printing history information indicating the first user's usage history of the first printing device in setting up a second printing device by the first user who is registered to use the printing service, as the printing service plan when using the printing service when using the second printing device.

[0122] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the service providing system described in Supplementary Note 1 can be achieved.

[0123] (Addendum 7) A program that causes a processor of an information processing device to function as a program execution unit that provides information on a printing service plan, and in the setting up of a second printing device by a first user who has registered to use the printing service, provides information on the printing service plan that corresponds to the first user's usage history, determined based on printing history information that indicates the first user's usage history of the first printing device, as the printing service plan when using the printing service when using the second printing device.

[0124] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the service providing system described in Supplementary Note 1 can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1...printing device, 2...providing server, 3...delivery server, 4, 41, 42, 43...terminal device (information processing device), 11, 11-1, 11-2...first printing device, 12, 12-1, 12-2...second printing device, 20...server control device, 21...server communication unit, 40...terminal control device, 44...terminal communication unit, 45...touch panel, 200...server processor, 201...server communication control unit, 202...determination unit, 210...server memory (storage unit), 211...control program, 212...first management DB, 213...second management DB, 400...terminal Processor (processor), 401...application execution unit, 410...terminal memory, 411...application (program), 1000...service provision system, H...delivery destination, J1...device message information, J11...options, J12...options, J13...usage recommendation message information, J14...plan guidance message information, J15...plan information, J16...inquiry information, J2...user message information, NW...network, P...user, P1, P11, P12...first user, P2...second user, SG...setting screen, SGA...UI background section.

Claims

1. A service providing system for providing a printing service, a storage unit that stores print history information indicating a usage history of a first printing device by a first user who is registered to use the print service; a determination unit that determines a plan of the printing service corresponding to a usage history of the first user based on printing history information of the first printing device in a setting of the second printing device by the first user; and an information processing device that presents, in a setting of the second printing device by the first user, a plan of the printing service determined by the determination unit as a plan of the printing service in a case where the printing service is used in the use of the second printing device, Service delivery system.

2. the storage unit stores, for each of the first printing devices, specification information of the first printing device and print history information of the first printing device; The determination unit is Acquire specification information of the second printing device; When the first user has used a plurality of first printing devices, the printing history information of the first printing device is selected based on the acquired specification information of the second printing device and the specification information of the first printing device stored in the storage unit; determining a plan for the printing service based on the selected printing history information; The service providing system according to claim 1 .

3. In setting the second printing device by a second user who is not registered to use the printing service, the information processing device does not provide information about the plan of the printing service, and recommends using the printing service when using the second printing device; The service providing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The information processing device includes: displaying information in a chat format on a setting screen for setting the second printing device; displaying, on the setting screen, plan information indicating the plan of the printing service determined by the determination unit in a chat format, thereby providing information about the plan of the printing service determined by the determination unit; The service providing system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The information processing device includes: When an operation for making a contract for the printing service is accepted on the setting screen, a contract process for the printing service is performed based on the plan of the printing service indicated by the plan information. The service providing system according to claim 4 .

6. A control unit is provided to guide a printing service plan, The control unit is In setting up a second printing device by a first user who is registered to use the printing service, presenting a plan of the printing service corresponding to the usage history of the first user, which is determined based on printing history information indicating the usage history of the first printing device by the first user, as a plan of the printing service when the printing service is used in the use of the second printing device; Information processing device.

7. The processor of the information processing device, It functions as a program execution unit that provides printing service plans, The program execution unit is In setting up a second printing device by a first user who is registered to use the printing service, presenting a plan of the printing service corresponding to the usage history of the first user, which is determined based on printing history information indicating the usage history of the first printing device by the first user, as a plan of the printing service when the printing service is used in the use of the second printing device; program.

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