Computer program for terminal apparatus, terminal apparatus, and method for controlling terminal apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique for displaying a first notification screen at an appropriate time to prompt a user to upgrade a computer program.SOLUTION: A terminal apparatus determines whether a computer program for the terminal apparatus is a first version or higher if a first operation is accepted for utilizing a first function that is realized by cooperation between a target apparatus, which is different from the terminal apparatus, and a first service providing server that provides a first service related to the target apparatus, and displays a first notification screen for prompting a user to upgrade the computer program if it is determined that the computer program is not the first version or higher. If the terminal apparatus does not accept an operation to perform the version upgrade of the computer program on the first notification screen, the terminal apparatus restricts the user from using the first function via the terminal apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a technology related to a terminal device that displays a first notification screen.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system including a plurality of MFPs, a terminal device, a notification server, a service providing server, and a service management server. The terminal device receives notification information from the notification server. The terminal device displays a notification screen when filter conditions and timing conditions are satisfied.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the version update of the computer program for the terminal device.

[0005] This specification provides a technology capable of displaying a first notification screen for prompting a user to update the version of a computer program at an appropriate timing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This specification discloses a computer program for a terminal device. When a first operation for using a first function realized by cooperation between a computer of the terminal device, a target device different from the terminal device, and a first service providing server that provides a first service related to the target device is received, a first determination unit determines whether the computer program is a first version or higher. When it is determined that the computer program is not a first version or higher, a first display control unit causes a first notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the version of the computer program to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device. When an operation for executing an upgrade of the computer program is not received on the first notification screen, a first restriction unit restricts the user from using the first function via the terminal device. It may function as such.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when the terminal device receives a first operation and determines that the computer program is not a first version or higher, the terminal device displays a first notification screen. Therefore, the terminal device can display the first notification screen at an appropriate timing. Accordingly, the convenience of the user is improved.

[0008] A computer-readable recording medium storing the above computer program, a terminal device realized by the above computer program, and a method for controlling the terminal device are also novel and useful. Also, a communication system including the terminal device, the target device, and the first service providing server is novel and useful.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] (First Embodiment) (Configuration of Communication System 2; FIG. 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a plurality of printers 10A and 10B, a terminal device 100, a first service providing server 200, a second service providing server 300, a management server 400, and a program distribution server 500. Hereinafter, the service providing server will be referred to as the "SP server". 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 can communicate via the LAN 4. The printers 10A and 10B, the terminal device 100, the first SP server 200, the second SP server 300, the management server 400, and the program distribution server 500 are connected to the Internet 6. The printers 10A and 10B, the terminal device 100, the first SP server 200, the second SP server 300, the management server 400, and the program distribution server 500 can communicate via the Internet 6.

[0011] (Configuration of Printers 10A and 10B) The printers 10A and 10B are peripheral devices (i.e., peripheral devices such as a PC) capable of executing a printing function. In a modified example, the printers 10A and 10B may be multifunction devices capable of executing a scanning function, a facsimile function, a copying function, etc. in addition to the printing function. The printer 10A has a device name "DV1" and a model name "MN1". The printer 10B has a device name "DV2" and a model name "MN2". The device name is a name assigned to each of the printers 10A and 10B by the administrator of the printer. The model name is a name indicating the model of the printer.

[0012] (Configuration of Terminal Device 100) The terminal device 100 is a terminal device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a PDA, a desktop PC, a notebook PC, or a tablet PC. The terminal device 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication interface 120, and a control unit 130. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as the "I / F".

[0013] The operation unit 112 is a user interface that enables a user to input various information to the terminal device 100. The operation unit 112 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys (operation objects), hardware keys, or both. The hardware keys include, for example, buttons or switches. The display unit 114 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may be a touch panel or may not be a touch panel. Further, 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.

[0014] 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. 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. The OS program 140 and the 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 "app 142", respectively. The OS 140 controls the basic operations of the terminal device 100. As an example, the app 142 causes the printer 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. Hereinafter, various processes realized by the CPU 132 according to the programs may be described as being mainly performed by the OS 140 or the app 142. Further, a device table 144 and a version table 146 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 134.

[0015] (Configuration of the First SP Server 200) The first SP server 200 is a server installed on the Internet 6 by the vendors of printers 10A and 10B (hereinafter simply referred to as "vendor"). The first SP server 200 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The first SP server 200 provides a subscription service related to the printer (hereinafter referred to as "sub-service"). The sub-service is a flat-rate service in which a flat-rate amount is billed when the number of printed sheets in a predetermined period (e.g., one month) is less than or equal to the contract printed sheet number (e.g., 1000 sheets), and when the number of printed sheets in the predetermined period exceeds the contract printed sheet number, the sum of the flat-rate fee and the amount corresponding to the number of printed sheets exceeding the contract printed sheet number is billed. The sub-service may include an automatic ordering service that automatically orders a new cartridge when the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge installed in the printer reaches or falls below a predetermined remaining amount. The user can use the sub-service function corresponding to the sub-service via the terminal device 100. The sub-service function is realized by the cooperation between the printer and the first SP server 200. The sub-service function includes functions such as a function to subscribe the user to the sub-service and a function to change settings related to the sub-service.

[0016] (Configuration of the second SP server 300) The second SP server 300 is a server installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor. The second SP server 300 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The second SP server 300 provides a remote printing service related to the printer. The remote printing service is a service that enables a printing instruction to be sent to the printer from a remote location via the second SP server 300. The user can use the remote printing service function corresponding to the remote printing service via the terminal device 100. The remote printing service function is realized by the cooperation between the printer and the second SP server 300. The remote printing service function includes functions such as a function to subscribe the user to the remote printing service and a function to change settings related to the remote printing service.

[0017] (Configuration of Management Server 400) The management server 400 is a server installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor. The management server 400 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The management server 400 manages the versions of programs for using the sub-service and the remote printing service. A management table 440 is stored in the memory 434 of the management server 400.

[0018] (Configuration of Program Distribution Server 500) The program distribution server 500 is a server installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor. In a modification example, the program distribution server 500 may be installed on the Internet 6 by an operator different from the vendor. The program distribution server 500 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The program distribution server 500 manages application programs for the terminal device and firmware for the printer. The firmware is a program for realizing specific operations of the printer (for example, operations of the print execution unit, etc.).

[0019] (Configuration of Each Table; Figure 2) With reference to Figure 2, the contents of the device table 144, the version table 146 of the terminal device 100, and the management table 440 of the management server 400 will be described.

[0020] The device table 144 of the terminal device 100 is a table for managing information regarding devices registered in the app 142. In the device table 144, a device name, a model name, first subscription information, second subscription information, and selection information are stored in association with each other. The first subscription information indicates either "subscribed", which indicates that the device has subscribed to the subscription service, or "not subscribed", which indicates that the device has not subscribed to the subscription service. The second registration information indicates either "subscribed", which indicates that the device has subscribed to the remote printing service, or "not subscribed", which indicates that the device has not subscribed to the remote printing service. The selection information indicates either "ON", which indicates that the device associated with the information is the destination of the instruction information, or "OFF", which indicates that the device is not the destination of the instruction information. The instruction information is a print instruction or the like.

[0021] The version table 146 of the terminal device 100 is a table for managing minimum version information. In the version table 146, a function name and minimum version information are stored in association with each other. The function name is, for example, "subscr" indicating the subscription service function, "remote printing" indicating the remote printing service function, and the like. The minimum version information is information indicating the minimum version required to use the service function associated with the information.

[0022] The management table 440 of the management server 400 is a table for managing minimum version information. In the management table 440, an app ID, a function name, a model name, country information, and minimum version information are stored in association with each other. The app ID is information for identifying a mobile application program or a PC application program. Each piece of information in the management table 440 is set by the administrator of the management server 400. According to the above configuration, the minimum version information can be managed for each app, each function name, each model name, and each country information.

[0023] (Registration process; Figure 3) Referring to FIG. 3, a device registration process for registering a device with the application 142 will be described. Hereinafter, all communications executed between the terminal device 100 and other devices (printer 10A, 10B, and each server 200, 300, 400, 500) are executed via the communication I / F 120 of the terminal device 100. Therefore, hereinafter, the description "via the communication I / F 120" will be omitted. Also, the application 142 accesses each hardware such as the display unit 114, the memory 134, and the communication I / F 120 via the OS 136 to execute various processes. Hereinafter, the description that the application 142 executes processes via the OS 140 will be appropriately omitted for explanation.

[0024] First, the user of the terminal device 100 performs an operation on the terminal device 100 to start the application 142. Thereby, the application 142 of the terminal device 100 causes the display unit 114 to display the home screen SC2. The home screen SC2 includes a print button 600, a settings button 602, and a device object 604. The device object 604 indicates information about the device that is the destination of the instruction information. When two or more devices are registered with the application 142, information about one of the two or more devices is displayed in the device object 604. Specifically, in the device table 144 of the terminal device 100, the device name and model name stored in association with the selection information "ON" are displayed in the device object 604. Also, when no device is registered with the application 142, the character string "not selected" is displayed in the device object 604.

[0025] At T10, the user performs an operation on the device object 604 on the home screen SC2. As a result, the application 142 executes a search process to search for devices belonging to LAN4, and causes the display unit 114 to display the device selection screen SC4. In the search process, in response to transmitting a search signal for searching for devices belonging to LAN4 to LAN4, the application 142 receives a response signal including a device name and a model name from devices belonging to LAN4 (two printers 10A and 10B in this embodiment). The application 142 uses the received response signal to cause the display unit 114 to display the device selection screen SC4. The device selection screen SC4 includes device buttons 610 and 612 corresponding to the received response signal, and a cancel button 614. The device buttons 610 and 612 are buttons for selecting a device to be registered in the application 142. The device buttons 610 and 612 are buttons corresponding to the printers 10A and 10B, respectively.

[0026] At T12, the user performs an operation on the device button 610 on the device selection screen SC4. As a result, the application 142 registers the device name "DV1" and the model name "MN1" associated with the device button 610 in the device table 144. Further, the application 142 stores the first registration information "unregistered", the second registration information "unregistered", and the selection information "ON" in the device table 144. In this way, the printer 10A is registered in the application 142. Then, the application 142 causes the display unit 114 to display the home screen SC6. The home screen SC6 includes a print button 600, a setting button 602, and a device object 604, and in addition, a subscription button 620 and a remote print button 622. The subscription button 620 and the remote print button 622 are buttons for using the subscription service function and the remote print service function, respectively. Also, the device name "DV1" and the model name "MN1" are displayed on the device object 604 of the home screen SC6.

[0027] (First Check Process; Figure 4) Referring to FIG. 4, the first check process executed by the application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described. The application 142 starts the process of FIG. 4 when it receives an operation on the remote printing button or the subscription button on the home screen.

[0028] In S10, the application 142 identifies the target service function. When the application 142 receives an operation on the subscription button, it identifies the subscription service function as the target service function, and when it receives an operation on the remote printing button, it identifies the remote printing service function as the target service function.

[0029] In S12, the application 142 determines whether the minimum version information indicating the minimum version Vmin corresponding to the target service function is stored in the version table 146. When the application 142 determines that the minimum version information is stored in the version table 146 (YES in S12), it proceeds to S14. On the other hand, when the application 142 determines that the minimum version information is not stored in the version table 146 (NO in S12), it omits S14 and proceeds to S16.

[0030] In S14, the application 142 determines whether the current version Vnow of the application 142 is equal to or higher than the minimum version Vmin corresponding to the target service function. The current version information indicating the current version Vnow is stored in the memory 134. When the application 142 determines that the current version Vnow is equal to or higher than the minimum version Vmin (YES in S14), it proceeds to S16. On the other hand, when the application 142 determines that the current version Vnow is less than the minimum version Vmin (NO in S14), it proceeds to S40. Note that the case where the current version Vnow is less than the minimum version Vmin means that the user cannot use the target service function via the terminal device 100 because the application 142 does not conform to the target service function. As an example, the case where the application 142 does not conform to the target service function means that the application 142 does not conform to the protocol for using the target service function.

[0031] In S16, the application 142 determines whether the terminal device 100 and the management server 400 can communicate with each other. For example, the application 142 sends a PING signal to the management server 400. In this case, the application 142 determines whether the terminal device 100 and the management server 400 can communicate with each other according to whether it receives a response signal to the PING signal from the management server 400. When the application 142 determines that the terminal device 100 and the management server 400 can communicate with each other (YES in S16), it proceeds to S18. On the other hand, when the application 142 determines that the terminal device 100 and the management server 400 cannot communicate with each other (NO in S16), it proceeds to S30. Note that the case where the terminal device 100 and the management server 400 cannot communicate with each other means, for example, that the management server 400 is down, the management server 400 is under maintenance, there is a communication failure in the Internet 6, or there is a communication failure between the LAN 4 and the Internet 6. Note that in a modified example, when the application 142 determines NO in S16, it may display an error notification screen indicating that the terminal device 100 and the management server 400 can communicate with each other on the display unit 114 and then proceed to S30.

[0032] In S18, the application 142 transmits a version information request to the management server 400. The version information request is a signal for requesting the transmission of version information corresponding to the target service function. The version information request includes the application ID "AP1" of the application 142, the function name, the model name, and the country information. The function name is the function name of the target service (for example, "Subsc", "Remote Printing"). The model name is the model name of the printer (hereinafter referred to as "target printer") stored in association with the selection information "ON" in the device table 144. The country information is information indicating the country where the target printer is installed. When the management server 400 receives the version information request from the terminal device 100, it specifies the minimum version information using each piece of information in the request and the management table 440. Then, the management server 400 transmits the version information including the specified minimum version information to the terminal device 100.

[0033] In S20, the application 142 receives the version information from the management server 400. According to such a configuration, the application 142 can execute the processing after S22 using the latest version information.

[0034] In S22, the application 142 updates the version table 146 using the received version information. Specifically, the application 142 stores, in the version table 146, the minimum version Vmin indicated by the minimum version information included in the version information as the minimum version Vmin required for using the target service function.

[0035] In S24, the application 142 determines whether the current version Vnow of the application 142 is equal to or higher than the minimum version Vmin indicated by the minimum version information included in the received version information. If the application 142 determines that the current version Vnow is equal to or higher than the minimum version Vmin (YES in S24), it proceeds to S26. On the other hand, if the application 142 determines that the current version Vnow is lower than the minimum version Vmin (NO in S24), it proceeds to S40.

[0036] In S26, the application 142 executes function execution processing (see FIG. 5). The function execution processing is processing for the user to use the target service function via the terminal device 100.

[0037] In S30, the application 142 causes the home screen to be displayed on the display unit 114. When S30 ends, the application 142 ends the processing of FIG. 4.

[0038] Also, when it is determined as NO in S14 or when it is determined as NO in S24, the application 142 causes the first application notification screen to be displayed on the display unit 114 in S40. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first application notification screen will be described. The first application notification screen SC10 in FIG. 6 is a screen displayed when the target service function is a subscription service function. The first application notification screen SC10 includes a message 630A, an upgrade button 632, and a cancel button 634. The message 630A includes a message indicating that the subscription service function cannot be used in the current version Vnow and a message prompting the user to upgrade the application 142. The user can upgrade the application 142 by performing an operation of selecting the upgrade button 632. The first application notification screen SC12 in FIG. 7 is a screen displayed when the target service function is a remote printing service function. The first application notification screen SC12 includes a message 630B, an upgrade button 632, and a cancel button 634. The message 630B includes a message indicating that the remote printing service function cannot be used in the current version Vnow and a message prompting the user to upgrade the application 142.

[0039] As described above, when the app 142 determines NO in S14 of FIG. 4 using the lowest version information in the version table 146, it does not send a version information request to the management server 400. When the lowest version information in the management table 440 of the management server 400 is updated, the lowest version Vmin indicated by the lowest version information becomes higher. That is, the lowest version Vmin indicated by the lowest version information in the version table 146 of the terminal device 100 will not be higher than the lowest version Vmin indicated by the lowest version information in the management table 440. For this reason, when it is determined NO in S14 using the lowest version information in the version table 146, the current version Vnow is less than the latest lowest version Vmin. According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the execution of unnecessary processing.

[0040] In S42, the app 142 determines whether it has received a version upgrade operation of selecting the version upgrade button on the first app notification screen. When the app 142 determines that it has received a version upgrade operation (YES in S42), it proceeds to S44. On the other hand, when the app 142 determines that it has not received a version upgrade operation (NO in S42), it proceeds to S30. That is, when the version upgrade operation is not received, the home screen is displayed on the display unit 114 without using the target service function. For this reason, it can be said that the app 142 restricts the user from using the target service function via the terminal device 100.

[0041] As described above, when the app 142 determines that the terminal device 100 and the management server 400 cannot communicate, it also restricts the user from using the target service function via the terminal device 100. If an attempt is made to use the target service function without determining whether the current version Vnow is greater than or equal to the lowest version Vmin using the latest version information, an error may occur. In this case, the user may feel annoyed. According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the user from feeling annoyed.

[0042] In S44, the application 142 supplies a store screen display instruction to the OS 140. The store screen display instruction is a signal for instructing the OS 140 to display the store screen corresponding to the application 142. When S44 ends, the application 142 ends the process of FIG. 4. Note that when the OS 140 acquires the store screen display instruction from the application 142, the OS 140 causes the display unit 114 to display the store screen. Then, when the OS 140 receives an operation for upgrading the application 142, the OS 140 transmits a program request to the program distribution server 500 and receives the application of the highest version Vmax from the program distribution server 500. Next, the OS 140 upgrades the application 142 in the memory 134 using the received application of the highest version Vmax. As a result, the application 142 is upgraded to the highest version Vmax. Note that the application 142 is restarted in response to the upgrade of the application 142.

[0043] (Function execution process; FIG. 5) With reference to FIG. 5, the function execution process executed in S26 of FIG. 4 will be described.

[0044] In S60, the application 142 uses the device table 144 to determine whether a user who uses the target printer has subscribed to a service corresponding to the target service function (hereinafter referred to as the "target service"). The application 142 identifies the subscription information corresponding to the target service stored in association with the device name of the target printer in the device table 144. When the sub-service is the target service, the application 142 identifies the first subscription information in the device table 144, and when the remote printing service is the target service, the application 142 identifies the second subscription information in the device table 144. When the identified subscription information is "ON", the application 142 determines YES in S60 and proceeds to S90. On the other hand, when the identified subscription information is "OFF", the application 142 determines NO in S60 and proceeds to S62.

[0045] In S62, the application 142 causes the display unit 114 to display a service screen corresponding to the target service. With reference to FIG. 8, the service screen displayed when the subscription service is the target service will be described. First, the application 142 transmits a screen data request (URL) corresponding to the current version Vnow to the first SP server 200, receives service screen data from the first SP server 200, and causes the display unit 114 to display a service screen SC14 represented by the received service screen data. The service screen SC14 includes a message 640 and a subscribe button 642. The message 640 indicates the content of the subscription service. As an example, the message 640 is "When you subscribe to the subscription service, you can use printing at a fixed amount." Although not shown in the figure, the service screen when the remote printing service is the target service includes a message indicating the content of the remote printing service instead of the message 640.

[0046] In S64 of FIG. 5, the application 142 accepts a subscription operation for operating the subscribe button on the service screen.

[0047] In S70, the application 142 executes a firmware check process for checking the version of the firmware installed in the target printer. In the firmware check process, the application 142 transmits a firmware version information request to the target printer, and receives firmware version information indicating the version of the firmware installed in the target printer from the target printer. The application 142 determines whether the version indicated by the firmware version information is the highest version of the firmware. When the version of the firmware is not the highest version, the application 142 determines that the firmware needs to be updated. On the other hand, when the version of the firmware is the highest version, the application 142 determines that the firmware does not need to be updated.

[0048] In S72, the application 142 determines whether it is determined that a firmware version upgrade is necessary in the firmware check process. If the application 142 determines that a firmware version upgrade is not necessary (NO in S72), it proceeds to S74. On the other hand, if the application 142 determines that a firmware version upgrade is necessary (YES in S72), it proceeds to S80.

[0049] In S74, the application 142 executes a subscription process. The subscription process is a process for subscribing to a target service.

[0050] When the target service is a subscription service, the subscription process is executed among the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the first SP server 200. The subscription process includes a first establishment process, a first device registration process, a payment information registration process, and the like. The first establishment process is a process for establishing a constant connection between the target printer and the first SP server 200. The constant connection is, for example, an Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) connection. The first device registration process is a process for registering the device name of the target printer with the first SP server 200. When the device name is transmitted from the target printer to the first SP server 200, the device name is registered with the first SP server 200. The payment information registration process is a process for registering information for paying the printing fee. In the subscription process, a plurality of screen data (web pages) are transmitted from the first SP server 200 to the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 uses the web view function to display the screen data received from the first SP server 200 on the display unit 114. In this way, the subscription to the subscription service is completed. That is, the user can subscribe to the subscription service by using the subscription service function via the terminal device 100.

[0051] In addition, when the target service is a remote printing service, the subscription process is executed among the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the second SP server 300. The subscription process includes a second establishment process, a second device registration process, and the like. The second establishment process and the second device registration process are the same as the first establishment process and the first device registration process, except that the communication target is the second SP server 300. In this way, the user's subscription to the remote printing service is completed. That is, the user can subscribe to the remote printing service by using the remote printing service function via the terminal device 100.

[0052] When the subscription process of S74 ends, the application 142 ends the process of FIG. 5. In addition, when the subscription process ends, the application 142 changes the first subscription information or the second subscription information in the device table 144 to "ON".

[0053] In addition, when it is determined as YES in S72, in S80, the application 142 causes the firmware notification screen SC16 to be displayed on the service screen SC14. The firmware notification screen SC16 includes a message for prompting the user to upgrade the firmware of the target printer, an upgrade button 650, and a cancel button 652.

[0054] In S82, the application 142 accepts an operation on the firmware notification screen SC16. When the application 142 accepts an operation of selecting the upgrade button 650, after sending an upgrade instruction to the target printer, it ends the display of the firmware notification screen SC16 and returns to S62. When the target printer receives an upgrade instruction from the terminal device 100, it executes a process for upgrading the firmware. On the other hand, when the application 142 accepts an operation of selecting the cancel button 652, it ends the display of the firmware notification screen SC16 without sending an upgrade instruction and returns to S62.

[0055] Also, when it is determined as YES in S60, in S90, the application 142 causes the function setting screen to be displayed on the display unit 114. The function setting screen SC18 in FIG. 5 is a screen that is displayed when the target service is a subscription service. The function setting screen SC18 includes setting information 660, a setting button 662, and a cancel button 664. The setting information 660 includes settings related to the subscription service (for example, contract print quantity, print quantity, ink remaining amount, contract plan, payment method, etc.). The setting button 662 is a button for changing the settings related to the subscription service. Note that when the target service is a remote printing service, the setting information on the function setting screen includes settings related to the remote printing service.

[0056] In S92, the application 142 receives a setting operation for changing the settings related to the target service.

[0057] In S94, the application 142 executes a setting process. The setting process is a process for changing the settings corresponding to the setting operation received in S92. When the target service is a subscription service, the setting process is executed between the terminal device 100 and the first SP server 200. When the target service is a remote printing service, the setting process is executed between the terminal device 100 and the second SP server 300. When S94 ends, the application 142 ends the process in FIG. 5. In this way, the user can change the settings related to the target service via the terminal device 100. That is, the user can change the settings of the target service by using the target service function via the terminal device 100.

[0058] (Effect of this embodiment) As described above, when the terminal device 100 receives an operation of selecting a subscription button on the home screen and the application 142 determines that the version is not equal to or higher than the minimum version Vmin corresponding to the subscription service function (NO in 24 of FIG. 4), the terminal device 100 displays a first application notification screen SC10 (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the subscription service function (S40). Therefore, the terminal device 100 can display the first application notification screen SC10 at an appropriate timing. Accordingly, the convenience for the user is improved.

[0059] Also, when the terminal device 100 receives an operation of selecting a remote printing button on the home screen and the application 142 determines that the version is not equal to or higher than the minimum version Vmin corresponding to the remote printing service function (NO in 24 of FIG. 4), the terminal device 100 displays a first application notification screen SC12 (see FIG. 7) corresponding to the remote printing service (S40). Therefore, the terminal device 100 can display the first application notification screen at an appropriate timing according to the service function selected by the user. Accordingly, the convenience for the user is improved.

[0060] (Corresponding relationship) App 142 is an example of a "computer program for a terminal device". Printers 10A and 10B are examples of "target devices". The subscription service is an example of a "first service". The subscription service function is an example of a "first function". The operation of selecting the subscription button 620 on the home screen SC6 in FIG. 3 is an example of a "first operation". When the target service is the subscription service, the minimum version Vmin used in S24 of FIG. 4 is an example of a "first version". The first app notification screen SC10 in FIG. 6 is an example of a "first notification screen". The remote printing service is an example of a "second service". The remote printing service function is an example of a "second function". The operation of selecting the remote printing button 622 on the home screen SC6 in FIG. 3 is an example of a "second operation". When the target service is the remote printing service, the minimum version Vmin used in S24 of FIG. 4 is an example of a "second version". The first app notification screen SC12 in FIG. 7 is an example of a "second notification screen". The version information request in S18 of FIG. 4 is an example of an "information request". The model name is an example of "identification information". The country information is an example of "region information". The minimum version Vmin used in S14 of FIG. 4 is an example of a "third version". The firmware notification screen SC16 in FIG. 5 is an example of a "third notification screen".

[0061] S24 in FIG. 4 is an example of a process executed by a "first determination unit". S40 in FIG. 4 is an example of a process executed by a "first display control unit". S30 after passing through NO in S42 of FIG. 4 is an example of a process executed by a "first restriction unit".

[0062] (Second Embodiment) The communication system 2 of the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, in the second embodiment, the management table 440 of the management server 400 includes maximum version information in addition to the application ID, function name, model name, country name, and minimum version information. The maximum version information is information indicating the maximum version that can use the service function, and is information indicating the version corresponding to the SP server capable of executing the service function. Also, in S20 of FIG. 4, in response to the application 142 transmitting a version information request to the management server 400, the application 142 receives version information including the minimum version information and the maximum version information from the management server 400. Further, in S26 of FIG. 4, instead of the function execution process of FIG. 5, the application 142 executes the function execution process of FIG. 9.

[0063] (Function execution process; FIG. 9) Referring to FIG. 9, the function execution process executed in S26 of FIG. 4 will be described.

[0064] In S110, the application 142 determines whether the current version Vnow is less than the maximum version Vmax indicated by the maximum version information included in the received version information. If the application 142 determines that the current version Vnow is less than the maximum version Vmax (YES in S110), it proceeds to S112. On the other hand, if the application 142 determines that the current version Vnow is not less than the maximum version Vmax (NO in S110), it proceeds to S120.

[0065] In S112, the application 142 causes the second application notification screen to be displayed on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 11, the second application notification screen SC20 includes a message 680, an upgrade button 682, and a cancel button 684. The message 680 includes a message indicating that an application of a version newer than the current version Vnow is available, a message indicating that the latest functions can be used by using the application of the new version, and a message for confirming whether to upgrade the application 142. The content displayed on the second application notification screen SC20 is the same whether the target service is a subscription service or a remote printing service. The latest function when the target service is a subscription service is, for example, a function corresponding to an automatic ordering service. According to the above configuration, the user can know that the application 142 of the highest version Vmax exists. Therefore, the convenience of the user is improved.

[0066] In S114 of FIG. 9, the application 142 determines whether it has received an upgrade operation of selecting the upgrade button on the second application notification screen. When the application 142 determines that it has received an upgrade operation (YES in S114), it proceeds to S44 in FIG. 4. On the other hand, when the application 142 determines that it has not received an upgrade operation (NO in S114), it proceeds to S120.

[0067] In S120, the application 142 determines whether the current version Vnow matches the highest version Vmax. When the current version Vnow matches the highest version Vmax (YES in S120), the application 142 proceeds to S140. On the other hand, when the current version Vnow does not match the highest version Vmax (NO in S120), the application 142 proceeds to S130.

[0068] In S130, the application 142 executes a second function execution process (see FIG. 10). The second function execution process is a process for using a target service function via the terminal device 100. When S130 ends, the application 142 ends the process of FIG. 9.

[0069] S140 to S174 are the same as S60 to S94 in FIG. 5. Note that in S142, the application 142 causes the display unit 114 to display a service screen corresponding to the current version Vnow (i.e., the highest version Vmax). With reference to FIG. 12, the service screen SC22 displayed in S142 will be described. The service screen SC22 is an example of a screen displayed when the current version Vnow, the minimum version Vmin, and the highest version Vmax are "3.0.0", "2.0.0", and "3.0.0", respectively. In the present embodiment, when the first SP server 200 corresponds to the version "3.0.0", it can provide a flat-rate service and an automatic ordering service, and when it corresponds to a version less than "3.0.0", it can provide only the flat-rate service. First, the application 142 transmits a screen data request corresponding to the current version Vnow "3.0.0" to the first SP server 200, receives service screen data from the first SP server 200, and causes the display unit 114 to display the service screen SC22 represented by the received service screen data. The service screen SC22 includes a message 690, a first subscription service button 692, and a second subscription service button 694. The message 690 is the same as the message 640 in FIG. 8. The first subscription service button 692 is a button for subscribing to a subscription service that includes only the flat-rate service. The second subscription service button 694 is a button for subscribing to a subscription service that includes the flat-rate service and the automatic ordering service.

[0070] (Second function execution process; FIG. 10) With reference to FIG. 10, the second function execution process executed in S130 of FIG. 9 will be described.

[0071] S190 is the same as S60 in FIG. 5.

[0072] In S192, the application 142 causes the service screen to be displayed on the display unit 114.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the service screen displayed in S192 will be described. First, referring to FIG. 13, the service screen SC24 displayed in S192 after YES in S110, NO in S114, and NO in S120 will be described. When it is determined that YES in S110, NO in S114, and NO in S120, the current version Vnow is lower than the highest version Vmax. Specifically, the application 142 has not been upgraded to the highest version supported by the SP server corresponding to the target service. The service screen SC24 in FIG. 13 is a screen displayed when the current version Vnow, the lowest version Vmin, and the highest version Vmax are "2.0.0", "2.0.0", and "3.0.0", respectively. First, the application 142 sends a screen data request corresponding to the current version Vnow "2.0.0" to the first SP server 200. In this case, although the first SP server 200 can send the service screen data corresponding to the highest version Vmax "3.0.0", it sends the service screen data corresponding to the lowest version Vmin "2.0.0" to the terminal device 100. Then, the application 142 causes the service screen SC24 represented by the service screen data received from the first SP server 200 to be displayed on the display unit 114. The service screen SC24 includes a message 690 and a first subscription service button 692. That is, the service screen SC24 does not include the second subscription service button 694 (see FIG. 12). In this way, the use of the automatic ordering service is restricted by the first SP server 200.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 14, the service screen SC26 displayed in S192 of FIG. 10 after NO in S110 of FIG. 9 and NO in S120 will be described. When it is determined that NO in S110 and NO in S120, it is the case where the current version Vnow is less than the maximum version Vmax. Specifically, the SP server corresponding to the target service has not been upgraded to the version corresponding to the current version Vnow. The service screen SC26 in FIG. 14 is a screen displayed when the current version Vnow, the minimum version Vmin, and the maximum version Vmax are "3.0.0", "2.0.0", and "2.5.0", respectively. First, although the application 142 can send a screen data request corresponding to the current version Vnow "3.0.0", it sends a screen data request corresponding to the maximum version Vmax "2.5.0" lower than the current version Vnow "3.0.0" to the first SP server 200. In this case, the first SP server 200 sends the service screen data corresponding to the maximum version Vmax "2.5.0" to the terminal device 100. Then, the application 142 causes the display unit 114 to display the service screen SC26 received from the first SP server 200. The service screen SC26 is the same as the service screen SC24 in FIG. 13. That is, the service screen SC26 does not include the second subscription service button 694 (see FIG. 12). In this way, the use of the automatic ordering service is restricted by the application 142.

[0075] S194~S224 are the same as S64~S94 in FIG. 5.

[0076] (Corresponding relationship) The second application notification screen SC20 in FIG. 11 is an example of the "fourth notification screen".

[0077] The specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples exemplified above. The modification examples of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0078] (First Modification Example) In the above-described embodiment, each of the servers 200, 300, 400, and 500 is a physical server. However, each of the servers 200, 300, 400, and 500 is not limited to a physical server and may be a virtual server or a virtual machine on the cloud. That is, the vendor may not prepare the hardware of the server 200 by itself and may utilize an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may prepare the programs (i.e., software) of each of the servers 200, 300, 400, and 500 and introduce them into the above environment to realize each of the servers 200, 300, 400, and 500. In another modification example, each of the servers 200, 300, 400, and 500 may be installed on the Internet 6 by an operator different from the vendor.

[0079] (Second Modification Example) When the app 142 of the terminal device 100 receives a subscription operation for the service screen or a setting operation for the function setting screen, it may execute the first check process of FIG. 4. In this modification example, when the service button on the home screen is selected, the app 142 uses the device table 144 to determine whether the user who uses the target printer has subscribed to the target service. Next, when the user has not subscribed to the target service, the app 142 causes the service screen to be displayed on the display unit 114, and when the user has subscribed to the target service, the app 142 causes the function setting screen to be displayed on the display unit 114. Next, when the app 142 receives a subscription operation for the service screen or a setting operation for the function setting screen, it executes the first check process. In this modification example, in the function execution process of the first embodiment, S62, S64, S90, and S92 in FIG. 5 are omitted. Also, in the function execution process of the second embodiment, S142, S144, S170, S172 in FIG. 9, and S192, S194, S220, S222 in FIG. 10 are omitted.

[0080] (Third Modification Example) When the application 142 of the terminal device 100 determines NO in S42 of FIG. 4, the user may be restricted from using the target service function by displaying, on the display unit 114, an error notification screen indicating that the target service function cannot be used.

[0081] (Fourth Modification Example) The communication system 2 may include only one of the first SP server 200 and the second SP server 300. In this modification example, the user can use only one of the subscription service function and the remote printing service via the terminal device 100. In this modification example, the "second determination unit", the "second display control unit", and the "second restriction unit" can be omitted.

[0082] (Fifth Modification Example) The application 142 of the terminal device 100 may display, in a pop-up manner on the display unit 114, a screen for prompting the user to subscribe to the subscription service (or remote printing service). In this modification example, when the application 142 receives an operation on the screen, it executes the first check process in FIG. 4.

[0083] (Sixth Modification Example) The application 142 of the terminal device 100 may transmit a version information request to the management server 400 every time a predetermined time elapses. In this modification example, in the first check process, the application 142 uses the version information received from the management server 400 every time a predetermined time elapses to execute S24 in FIG. 4. In this modification example, S16 to S20 can be omitted. In this modification example, the "information request transmission unit" and the "version information reception unit" can be omitted. In another modification example, the user of the terminal device 100 may input the minimum version information into the terminal device 100.

[0084] (Seventh Modification Example) The management table 440 of the management server 400 only needs to include one or more pieces of information among the application ID, function name, model name, and country information. Further, the management table 440 may include OS information regarding the type of OS. The OS information is, for example, information indicating Android (registered trademark) or iOS.

[0085] (Eighth Modification Example) The "identification information" is not limited to the model name and may be the serial number or MAC address of the printer.

[0086] (Ninth Modification Example) The "regional information" is not limited to the national information and may be information indicating a range wider than the national information or information indicating a range narrower (such as a city) than the national information.

[0087] (Tenth Modification Example) The version information request transmitted in S18 of FIG. 4 only needs to include one or more pieces of information among the app ID, function name, model name, and national information. For example, when the version information request only includes the national information, the management server 400 transmits the version information including the app ID, function name, model name, and the lowest version information associated with the national information in the request to the terminal device 100. Then, the app 142 of the terminal device 100 specifies the lowest version information associated with the app ID "AP1" of the app 142, the function name corresponding to the target service function, and the model name of the target printer among the version information received from the management server 400.

[0088] (Eleventh Modification Example) S16 in FIG. 4 can be omitted. In this modification example, the "third determination unit" can be omitted.

[0089] (Twelfth Modification Example) S12, S14, and S22 in FIG. 4 can be omitted. In this modification example, the "fourth determination unit" and the "memory control unit" can be omitted.

[0090] (13th Modification Example) In the first embodiment, S70, S72, S80, and S82 in FIG. 5 can be omitted. Also, in the second embodiment, S150, S152, S160, S162 in FIG. 9 and S200, S202, S210, S212 in FIG. 10 can be omitted. In this modification example, the "fifth determination unit" and the "third display control unit" can be omitted. Also, in another modification example, in the first embodiment, S70, S72, S80, S82 in FIG. 5 may be executed before S10 in FIG. 4. The same applies to S150, S152, S160, S162 in FIG. 9 and S200, S202, S210, S212 in FIG. 10 of the second embodiment.

[0091] (14th Modification Example) The "first function" may be a remote printing service function, a consumable purchase service function corresponding to a consumable purchase service, a remote scanning service function corresponding to a remote scanning service, etc. The "second function" may be a subscription service function, a consumable purchase service function, a remote scanning service function, etc.

[0092] (15th Modification Example) In each of the above embodiments, the processes in FIGS. 3 to 14 are realized by software (for example, programs 140 and 142), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0093] Also, the technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Also, the technology exemplified in this specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of purposes simultaneously, and achieving one of these purposes itself has technical usefulness.

[0094] In the claims of a patent application at the time of filing, even if each claim depends only on some of the claims, each claim is not limited to depending only on some of the claims. Within a technically non - conflicting range, each claim can also depend on other claims that it did not depend on at the time of filing. That is, the technologies of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows. (Item 1) A computer program for a terminal device, causing a computer of the terminal device to when a first operation for using a first function realized by cooperation between a target device different from the terminal device and a first service - providing server that provides a first service related to the target device is received, a first determination unit that determines whether the computer program is of a first version or higher; a first display control unit that, when it is determined that the computer program is not of the first version or higher, causes a first notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the version of the computer program to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device; a first restriction unit that restricts the user from using the first function via the terminal device when an operation for executing an upgrade of the computer program is not received on the first notification screen; A computer program that functions as such. (Item 2) The computer program further causes the computer to when a second operation for using a second function realized by cooperation between the target device and a second service - providing server that provides a second service related to the target device is received, a second determination unit that determines whether the computer program is of a second version or higher; a second display control unit that, when it is determined that the computer program is not of the second version or higher, causes a second notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the version of the computer program to be displayed on the display unit; In the second notification screen, when an operation for performing a version update of the computer program is not accepted, a second restriction unit that restricts the user from using the second function via the terminal device; The computer program according to item 1, which functions as (Item 3) The computer program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first operation is an operation for subscribing to the first service. (Item 4) The computer program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first operation is an operation for changing settings related to the first service. (Item 5) The computer program further causes the computer to An information request transmission unit that transmits an information request to a management server when the first operation is accepted; A version information reception unit that receives, from the management server, version information indicating the first version, which is the version of the computer program required to use the first function, in response to the information request being transmitted to the management server, and functions as The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the first determination unit determines whether the computer program is equal to or higher than the first version indicated by the version information. (Item 6) The management server stores, in association with each of a plurality of devices, identification information for identifying the device and the version of the computer program required to use the first function. The information request includes target identification information for identifying the target device. The computer program according to item 5, wherein the version information indicates the first version stored in the management server in association with the target identification information. (Item 7) The management server stores, for each of a plurality of pieces of area information, in association with the area information, the version of the computer program necessary for using the first function. The information request includes target area information indicating the area where the target device is installed. The version information indicates the first version stored in the management server in association with the target area information, and is the computer program according to item 5 or 6. (Item 8) The computer program further causes the computer to function as a third determination unit that determines whether the terminal device and the management server can communicate when the first operation is received. When it is determined that the terminal device and the management server cannot communicate, the first restriction unit restricts the user from using the first function via the terminal device, regardless of whether the computer program is the first version. This is the computer program according to any one of items 5 to 7. (Item 9) The terminal device further includes a memory capable of storing the version of the computer program necessary for using the first function. The computer program further causes the computer to function as a fourth determination unit that determines whether the computer program is equal to or higher than the third version stored in the memory when the first operation is received and the third version as the version of the computer program necessary for using the first function is stored in the memory. When it is determined that the computer program is equal to or higher than the third version, the information request transmission unit transmits the information request to the management server. When it is determined that the computer program is not equal to or higher than the third version, the information request is not transmitted. When it is determined that the computer program is not the third version or higher, the first display control unit further causes the first notification screen to be displayed on the display unit. The computer program further causes the computer to When the version information is received from the management server, function as a storage control unit that stores, in the memory, the first version indicated by the version information as the version of the computer program necessary for using the first function, instead of the third version. The computer program according to any one of items 5 to 9. (Item 10) The computer program further causes the computer to When it is determined that the computer program is the first version or higher, a fifth determination unit that determines whether it is necessary to upgrade the firmware installed in the target device, When it is determined that it is necessary to upgrade the firmware, a third display control unit that causes the third notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the firmware to be displayed on the display unit, Function as the computer program according to any one of items 1 to 9. (Item 11) The computer program further causes the computer to When the first operation is received, a fifth determination unit that determines whether the computer program is less than the highest version that can use the first function, When it is determined that the computer program is the first version or higher and less than the highest version, a fourth display control unit that causes the fourth notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the computer program to the highest version to be displayed on the display unit, Function as the computer program according to any one of items 1 to 10. (Item 12) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the first version is the minimum version of the computer program required to utilize the first function. (Item 13) A terminal device, When a first operation for utilizing a first function realized by cooperation between a target device different from the terminal device and a first service providing server that provides a first service related to the target device is received, a first determination unit that determines whether the computer program installed in the terminal device is equal to or higher than a first version; A first display control unit that, when it is determined that the computer program is not equal to or higher than the first version, causes a first notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the version of the computer program to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device; A first restriction unit that restricts the user from using the first function via the terminal device when an operation for executing an upgrade of the version of the computer program is not received on the first notification screen; A terminal device comprising the above. (Item 14) A method for controlling a terminal device, A first determination step of determining whether the computer program installed in the terminal device is equal to or higher than a first version when a first operation for utilizing a first function realized by cooperation between a target device different from the terminal device and a first service providing server that provides a first service related to the target device is received; A first display control step of causing a first notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the version of the computer program to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device when it is determined that the computer program is not equal to or higher than the first version; In the first notification screen, when an operation for executing a version update of the computer program is not accepted, a first restriction step of restricting the user from using the first function via the terminal device; A method comprising the same.

Explanation of Signs

[0095] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10A: Printer, 10B: Printer, 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, 144: Device table, 146: Version table, 200: First SP server, 300: Second SP server, 400: Management server, 434: Memory, 440: Management table, 500: Program distribution server

Claims

1. A computer program for a terminal device, when the computer of the terminal device receives a first operation for using a first function realized by cooperation between a target device different from the terminal device and a first service providing server that provides a first service related to the target device, a first determination unit that determines whether the computer program is of a first version or higher; a first display control unit that causes a first notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the version of the computer program to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device when it is determined that the computer program is not of the first version or higher; a first restriction unit that restricts the user from using the first function via the terminal device when an operation for executing the version upgrade of the computer program is not received on the first notification screen; A computer program that functions as such.

2. The computer program further causes the computer, when a second operation for using a second function realized by cooperation between the target device and a second service providing server that provides a second service related to the target device is received, to determine whether the computer program is of a second version or higher; a second display control unit that causes a second notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the version of the computer program to be displayed on the display unit when it is determined that the computer program is not of the second version or higher; a second restriction unit that restricts the user from using the second function via the terminal device when an operation for executing the version upgrade of the computer program is not received on the second notification screen; The computer program according to claim 1, which functions as such.

3. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the first operation is an operation for subscribing to the first service.

4. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the first operation is an operation for changing a setting related to the first service.

5. The computer program further causes the computer, An information request transmission unit that transmits an information request to a management server when the first operation is received; A version information receiving unit that receives, from the management server, version information indicating the first version, which is the version of the computer program necessary for using the first function, in response to the information request being transmitted to the management server, and functions as such; The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the first determination unit determines whether the computer program is equal to or higher than the first version indicated by the version information.

6. The management server stores, for each of a plurality of devices, in association with each other, identification information for identifying the device and the version of the computer program necessary for using the first function. The information request includes target identification information for identifying the target device. The computer program according to claim 5, wherein the version information indicates the first version stored in the management server in association with the target identification information.

7. The management server stores, for each of a plurality of pieces of regional information, in association with each other, the version of the computer program necessary for using the first function in association with the regional information. The information request includes target regional information indicating the region where the target device is installed. The computer program according to claim 5, wherein the version information indicates the first version stored in the management server in association with the target regional information.

8. The computer program further causes the computer to function as a third determination unit that determines whether the terminal device and the management server can communicate with each other when the first operation is received; The computer program according to claim 5, wherein the first restriction unit restricts the user from using the first function via the terminal device regardless of whether the computer program is the first version when it is determined that the terminal device and the management server cannot communicate with each other.

9. The terminal device further includes a memory capable of storing the version of the computer program necessary for using the first function. The computer program further causes the computer to When the first operation is received and a third version is stored in the memory as the version of the computer program necessary for using the first function, the computer program functions as a fourth determination unit that determines whether the computer program is equal to or higher than the third version stored in the memory. When it is determined that the computer program is equal to or higher than the third version, the information request transmission unit transmits the information request to the management server. When it is determined that the computer program is not equal to or higher than the third version, the information request is not transmitted. When it is determined that the computer program is not equal to or higher than the third version, the first display control unit further causes the first notification screen to be displayed on the display unit. The computer program further causes the computer to When the version information is received from the management server, the computer program functions as a storage control unit that stores, in the memory, the first version indicated by the version information as the version of the computer program necessary for using the first function, instead of the third version. The computer program according to claim 5.

10. The computer program further causes the computer to When it is determined that the computer program is equal to or higher than the first version, a fifth determination unit that determines whether it is necessary to upgrade the firmware installed in the target device. When it is determined that it is necessary to upgrade the firmware, a third display control unit that causes a third notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the firmware to be displayed on the display unit. The computer program according to claim 1, functioning as such.

11. The computer program further causes the computer to When the first operation is received, a fifth determination unit that determines whether the computer program is less than the highest version that can use the first function. When it is determined that the computer program is equal to or higher than the first version and lower than the highest version, a fourth display control unit that causes the display unit to display a fourth notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the computer program to the highest version of the computer program. The computer program according to claim 1, which functions as

12. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the first version is the lowest version of the computer program required to use the first function.

13. A terminal device, When a first operation for using a first function realized by cooperation between a target device different from the terminal device and a first service providing server that provides a first service related to the target device is received, a first determination unit that determines whether the computer program installed in the terminal device is equal to or higher than a first version; A first display control unit that causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a first notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the computer program when it is determined that the computer program is not equal to or higher than the first version; A first restriction unit that restricts the user from using the first function via the terminal device when an operation for executing an upgrade of the computer program is not received on the first notification screen; A terminal device comprising

14. A method for controlling a terminal device, comprising: A first determination step of determining whether the computer program installed in the terminal device is equal to or higher than a first version when a first operation for using a first function realized by cooperation between a target device different from the terminal device and a first service providing server that provides a first service related to the target device is received; A first display control step of causing the display unit of the terminal device to display a first notification screen for prompting the user to upgrade the computer program when it is determined that the computer program is not equal to or higher than the first version; In the first notification screen, when an operation for executing the version update of the computer program is not received, a first restriction step of restricting the user from using the first function via the terminal device; A method comprising the above.

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