Notification program, notification system, and notification method

Abstract

To provide a notification program, a notification system, and a notification method which can properly encourage a user to subscribe to a service.SOLUTION: A management server 5 can communicate with a printer and a device 3 via a network. The management server 5 acquires terminal information relevant to a user's operation with respect to the device 3, from the device 3. The management server 5 determines an object terminal which is a terminal for requiring notification for urging application of the service with respect to the printer, based on the acquired terminal information (S915). The management server 5 transmits a notification request for requiring the notification, with respect to the determined object terminal (S921). The device 3 receives the notification request (S611), and displays a notification screen (S615).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification program, a notification system, and a notification method for notifying information related to services applied to a printer.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus capable of contracting for a toner automatic delivery service. When the remaining amount of toner becomes less than a predetermined threshold value and a contract for the toner automatic delivery service has been made, the printing apparatus notifies an information management server. The information management server arranges for a delivery company to deliver toner to the user of the printing apparatus. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of toner becomes less than a predetermined threshold value and a contract for the toner automatic delivery service has not been made, the printing apparatus causes a notification screen for recommending a contract for the toner automatic delivery service to be displayed on the operation unit. Thereby, the printing apparatus prompts the user to contract for the toner automatic delivery service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the notification screen is displayed on the operation unit, the user does not always visually recognize the operation unit of the printing apparatus. When the user does not visually recognize the operation unit of the printing apparatus, the user cannot recognize that the notification screen is displayed on the operation unit. For this reason, it is desirable to appropriately prompt the user to join the service by performing a notification that is easy for the user to recognize.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a notification program, a notification system, and a notification method capable of appropriately prompting a user to join a service.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The notification program according to the first aspect of the present invention causes a computer of a device capable of communicating with a plurality of terminals via a network to acquire terminal information related to a user's operation on each of the plurality of terminals from each of the plurality of terminals, a acquisition process; a determination process of determining a target terminal, which is a terminal that requests a notification for prompting the application of a service to a printer, from the plurality of terminals based on the terminal information acquired by the acquisition process; and a transmission process of transmitting a notification request for requesting the notification to the target terminal determined by the determination process. It is characterized by executing.

[0007] According to the first aspect, the device determines a target terminal for which to request a notification for promoting participation in a service based on terminal information related to a user's operation on the terminal. Therefore, the device can appropriately determine, based on the terminal information, a terminal that is likely to be recognized by the user when the notification is executed as the target terminal. Therefore, the device can appropriately prompt the user to apply the service by causing the target terminal to execute the notification.

[0008] The notification system according to the second aspect of the present invention is a notification system including a plurality of terminals and devices capable of communicating via a network. Each first processor of the plurality of terminals executes a terminal transmission process of transmitting terminal information related to a user operation to the device. The second processor of the device executes a device acquisition process of acquiring the terminal information transmitted from each of the plurality of terminals, a determination process of determining, from the plurality of terminals, a target terminal that is a terminal for which to request a notification for prompting application of a service to a printer based on the terminal information acquired by the device acquisition process, and a device transmission process of transmitting a notification request for requesting the notification to the target terminal determined by the determination process. The first processor executes a terminal acquisition process of acquiring the notification request transmitted from the device and a notification process of causing the user to execute the notification based on the notification acquired by the terminal acquisition process. According to the second aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved.

[0009] The notification method according to the third aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition process of acquiring terminal information related to a user operation for each of a plurality of terminals from each of the plurality of terminals, a determination process of determining, from the plurality of terminals, a target terminal that is a terminal for which to request a notification for prompting application of a service to a printer based on the terminal information acquired by the acquisition process, and a transmission process of transmitting a notification request for requesting the notification to the target terminal determined by the determination process. According to the third aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings used are for explaining the technical features that the present invention can adopt. The configuration of the device described in the drawings is not intended to be limited thereto and is merely an illustrative example.

[0012] <Overview of System 1> As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes printers 201, 202, 203 (hereinafter, when not distinguishing them from each other, collectively referred to as "printer 2"), devices 3, 4, and a management server 5. The printers 2, devices 3, 4, and management server 5 can communicate with each other via the network 9. Communication via the network 9 is performed by at least one of wired and wireless. The network 9 may be any of a LAN, the Internet, and a dedicated line, or may have a configuration including two or more of these. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the printers 201 to 203 and the devices 3 and 4 are used by a common user.

[0013] The printer 2 is a peripheral device equipped with an inkjet printing function. The printer 2 executes a printing operation in response to receiving a printing instruction from devices 3 and 4. Also, the printer 2 executes a copying operation to copy a document in response to the user setting a document on the document glass and inputting a copy instruction.

[0014] The printer 2 includes a control unit 20, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a communication interface (I / F) 25, a printing unit 26, and a scanning unit 27. The control unit 20 includes a CPU 21 and a memory 22. The CPU 21 is in charge of overall control of the printer 2. The memory 22 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 22 stores at least the programs executed by the CPU 21. The operation unit 23 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the printer 2 by operating the operation unit 23. The display unit 24 is a display for displaying various information. The communication I / F 25 is a driver element for connecting to the network 9 and performing communication. The printing unit 26 is an inkjet printing mechanism. A cartridge for storing ink is mounted on the printing unit 26. The printing unit 26 executes printing using the ink in the cartridge. The scanning unit 27 reads a document set on the document glass.

[0015] Note that the user can receive a flat-rate printing service and an automatic ordering service by subscribing to a service plan by designating the printer 2. The flat-rate printing service is a service in which, only when the number of printed sheets in a predetermined period (for example, one month) exceeds the contract printing sheets (for example, 1000 sheets), the user pays a billing amount obtained by adding an additional fee corresponding to the number of printed sheets exceeding the contract printing sheets and a flat-rate fee. The automatic ordering service is a service in which, when the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge mounted on the printing unit 26 of the printer 2 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount, a new cartridge is automatically ordered and delivered. For example, as service plans, an S plan, an M plan, and an L plan with different fees are prepared. The fees increase in the order of the S plan, the M plan, and the L plan. The higher the fee plan, the more advantageous it is for the user.

[0016] Device 3 is a notebook PC. Device 4 is a smartphone. Devices 3 and 4 can each execute at least a browser application and a printing application. The printing application is a dedicated application prepared for the user to execute a printing operation on Printer 2. The user designates print data and inputs the number of copies via the printing application executed on Devices 3 and 4. Devices 3 and 4 transmit a print instruction including the print data and the number of copies to Printer 2 via Network 9. When Printer 2 receives a print instruction via Network 9, it repeatedly executes the printing operation of the print data included in the print instruction for the number of copies included in the print instruction. Note that Devices 3 and 4 may be PDAs, tablet PCs, desktop PCs, etc.

[0017] Device 3 has a control unit 30, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, and a communication I / F 35. The control unit 30 includes a CPU 31 and a memory 32. The CPU 31 controls the entire device 3. The memory 32 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 32 stores at least the programs executed by the CPU 31. The operation unit 33 includes a keyboard and a mouse. The user can input various instructions into Device 3 by operating the operation unit 33. The display unit 34 is a display for displaying various information. The communication I / F 35 is a driver element for connecting to Network 9 and communicating.

[0018] Device 4 has a control unit 40, an operation unit 43, a display unit 44, and a communication I / F 45. The control unit 40, the display unit 44, and the communication I / F 45 correspond to the control unit 30, the display unit 34, and the communication I / F 35 in Device 3. The CPU 41 and the memory 42 of the control unit 40 correspond to the CPU 31 and the memory 32 of the control unit 30 of Device 3. The operation unit 43 includes a touch panel.

[0019] The management server 5 requests the printers 2 and devices 3 and 4 to prompt the user to subscribe to a service plan. Also, the management server 5 functions as a web server that provides a website (hereinafter referred to as the "printer information site") where information about the printer 2 (such as driver and firmware version information) can be viewed.

[0020] The management server 5 has a control unit 50 and a communication I / F 53. The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51 and a memory 52. The CPU 51 controls the overall operation of the management server 5. The memory 52 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 52 stores at least the program executed by the CPU 51, an account table 521 (see FIG. 2), a usage table 522 (see FIG. 3), a service table 523 (see FIG. 4), and a flag table 524 (see FIG. 5). The communication I / F 53 is a driver element for connecting to the network 9 and performing communication.

[0021] The printers 2, devices 3 and 4, and the management server 5 may download programs from another server connected to the network 9 and store them in their respective memories. Also, the programs of the printers 2, devices 3 and 4, and the management server 5 may be updated by programs received from another server connected to the network 9. Also, the programs of the printers 2, devices 3 and 4, and the management server 5 may be provided to each in a state stored in a storage medium.

[0022] <Various Tables> FIG. 2 shows an example of the account table 521. The account table 521 is used to manage the users of the devices 3 and 4 and the printer 2. In the account table 521, an account, a user ID, and a password are associated.

[0023] Figure 3 shows an example of the usage status table 522. The usage status table 522 is used to manage the usage status of the user for devices 3 and 4. In the usage status table 522, the account, the terminal IDs of devices 3 and 4, the number of operations, the execution time, the number of views, the number of printed sheets, and the number of printing times are associated with each other.

[0024] Figure 4 shows an example of the service table 523. The service table 523 is used to manage the subscription status to the service plan. In the service table 523, the account, the terminal ID of printer 2, the service plan, and the cartridge are associated with each other.

[0025] Figure 5 shows an example of the flag table 524. The flag table 524 is used to manage the operation status of devices 3, 4 and printer 2, and the execution status of the copy operation in printer 2. In the flag table 524, the terminal IDs of printer 2 and devices 3 and 4, the first ON flag or the first OFF flag, and the second ON flag or the second OFF flag are associated with each other. The first ON flag or the first OFF flag indicates the operation status of printer 2 and devices 3 and 4. The second ON flag or the second OFF flag indicates the execution status of the copy operation in printer 2.

[0026] <Registration sequence> The registration sequence shown in Figure 6 is executed to create an account, register printer 2 and devices 3 and 4, and subscribe to a service plan. Hereinafter, for ease of understanding of the description, the fact that the CPU 21 of printer 2 executes a process is rephrased as "printer 2 executes a process". The fact that the CPUs 31 and 41 of devices 3 and 4 execute processes respectively is rephrased as "devices 3 and 4 execute processes". The fact that the CPU 51 of the management server 5 executes a process is rephrased as "management server 5 executes a process".

[0027] First, device 3 causes the display unit 34 to display the account creation screen received from the management server 5. The account creation screen includes text boxes for entering a username and a password. The user operates the operation unit 33 to enter the username and password in the text boxes of the account creation screen. Device 3 transmits an account creation request including the entered username and password to the management server 5 (S101).

[0028] The management server 5 receives the account creation request (S401). The management server 5 creates an account in response to the received account creation request (S403). The management server 5 associates the username and password included in the account creation request with the created account and stores it in the account table 521 (see FIG. 2).

[0029] Next, device 3 causes the display unit 34 to display the device registration screen received from the management server 5. The device registration screen includes a text box for entering a terminal ID. The user operates the operation unit 33 to enter the terminal ID, which is the identification information of each of devices 3 and 4 used by the user, in the text box of the device registration screen. Device 3 transmits a device registration request including the entered terminal ID to the management server 5 (S103).

[0030] The management server 5 receives the device registration request (S405). The management server 5 associates the terminal ID included in the device registration request with the account created in S403 and stores it in the usage status table 522 (see FIG. 3) (S407).

[0031] Next, the device 3 causes the display unit 34 to display the service subscription screen received from the management server 5. The service subscription screen includes a text box for entering the terminal ID, which is the identification information of the printer 2 that subscribes to the service plan, a check box for selecting the service plan, and a start button. The user operates the operation unit 33 to enter the respective terminal IDs of the printers 201 and 203 that subscribe to the service plan among the printers 201 to 203 used by the user. Further, the user selects the check box of the service plan to be subscribed. Then the user selects the start button. The device 3 transmits a service start request including the entered terminal ID and the selected service plan to the management server 5 (S105).

[0032] The management server 5 receives the service start request (S409). The management server 5 associates the terminal ID and the service plan included in the received service start request with the account created in S403 and stores them in the service table 523 (see FIG. 4) (S411).

[0033] Next, the management server 5 transmits a PIN code to the device 3. The device 3 receives the PIN code from the management server 5 and causes it to be displayed on the display unit 34. The user of the device 3 operates the respective operation units 23 of the printers 201 and 203 to enter the PIN code displayed on the display unit 34. The printers 201 and 203 each transmit the entered PIN code to the management server 5. The management server 5 receives the PIN code from the printers 201 and 203 and transmits a token to the printers 201 and 203. The printers 201 and 203 receive the token from the management server 5. Thereby, communication becomes possible between the printers 201 and 203 and the management server 5.

[0034] Printers 201 and 203 each send printer information including their own terminal ID and the cartridges used to the management server 5 (S301). The management server 5 receives the printer information (S413). The management server 5 associates and stores the cartridges included in the received printer information with the same terminal ID as the terminal ID included in the received printer information in the service table 523 (see FIG. 4) (S415). Note that when the management server 5 executes the automatic ordering service, it determines the cartridges to be ordered by referring to the service table 523.

[0035] <First Collection Sequence> The first collection sequence shown in FIG. 7 is executed to collect the usage status of the applications executed on devices 3 and 4 by the management server 5.

[0036] Device 3 determines whether a predetermined transmission cycle has arrived (S121). If device 3 determines that the transmission cycle has not arrived (S121: NO), it waits until the transmission cycle arrives. If device 3 determines that the transmission cycle has arrived (S121: YES), it acquires the number of times the operation unit 33 has been operated by the user between the previous transmission cycle and the current transmission cycle. Device 3 sends terminal information including its own terminal ID and the acquired number of operation times to the management server 5 (S123). The management server 5 receives the terminal information from device 3 (S421).

[0037] Device 3 aggregates the execution time of the applications executed between the previous transmission cycle and the current transmission cycle for each application. Device 3 sends terminal information including its own terminal ID and the aggregated execution time for each application to the management server 5 (S125). The management server 5 receives the terminal information from device 3 (S423).

[0038] If the browser application has been executed between the previous transmission cycle and the current transmission cycle, Device 3 acquires the number of times the printer information site has been viewed via the browser application. Device 3 transmits terminal information including its own terminal ID and the acquired number of views to the management server 5 (S127). The management server 5 receives the terminal information from Device 3 (S425).

[0039] If the printing application has been executed between the previous transmission cycle and the current transmission cycle, Device 3 multiplies the number of pages of the specified print data via the printing application by the number of print copies input, and calculates the number of printed sheets. Device 3 acquires the number of printing times indicating the frequency of printing instructions to Printer 2. Device 3 transmits terminal information including its own terminal ID, the calculated number of printed sheets, and the acquired number of printing times to the management server 5 (S129). The management server 5 receives the terminal information from Device 3 (S427).

[0040] The management server 5 stores the number of operations included in the terminal information received in S421 in association with the same terminal ID as the terminal ID included in the terminal information received in S421 in the usage status table 522 (see FIG. 3) (S429). The management server 5 stores the execution time included in the terminal information received in S423 for each application in association with the same terminal ID as the terminal ID included in the terminal information received in S423 in the usage status table 522 (S429). The management server 5 stores the number of views included in the terminal information received in S425 in association with the browser application corresponding to the same terminal ID as the terminal ID included in the terminal information received in S425 in the usage status table 522 (S429). The management server 5 stores the number of printed sheets and the number of printing times included in the terminal information received in S427 in association with the printing application corresponding to the same terminal ID as the terminal ID included in the terminal information received in S427 in the usage status table 522 (S429).

[0041] Device 4 executes the same processes as S121 to S129 executed by Device 3 (S221 to S229). The management server 5 receives terminal information from Device 4 (S431 to S437). The management server 5 stores, in the usage status table 522, the number of operations, execution time, number of views, number of printed pages, and number of printing times included in the terminal information received in S431 to S437, in association with the same terminal ID as the terminal ID included in the terminal information received in S431 to S437 (S439).

[0042] <Second collection sequence> The second collection sequence shown in FIG. 8 is executed to collect the operation status of the user with respect to Devices 3 and 4 by the management server 5.

[0043] Device 3 determines whether the operation unit 33 is being operated by the user (S141). When Device 3 determines that the operation unit 33 is being operated (S141: YES), it transmits operation information including its own terminal ID and a first ON notification for notifying that it is being operated, to the management server 5 (S143). The management server 5 receives the operation information from Device 3 (S441). On the other hand, when Device 3 determines that the operation unit 33 is not being operated (S141: NO), it transmits operation information including its own terminal ID and a first OFF notification for notifying that it is not being operated, to the management server 5 (S145). The management server 5 receives the operation information from Device 3 (S443).

[0044] When the management server 5 receives operation information including a first ON notification in S441 (S445: YES), it stores the first ON flag in association with the same terminal ID as the terminal ID included in the operation information in the flag table 524 (see FIG. 5) (S447). When the management server 5 receives operation information including a first OFF notification in S443 (S449: YES), it stores the first OFF flag in association with the same terminal ID as the terminal ID included in the operation information in the flag table 524 (S451).

[0045] Device 4 executes the same processes as S141 to S145 executed by Device 3 (S241 to S245). The management server 5 receives operation information from Device 4 (S453, S455). The management server 5 executes processes similar to S445 to S451 to associate and store the first ON flag or the first OFF flag with the terminal ID identical to the terminal ID included in the operation information in the flag table 524 (S457 to S463).

[0046] <Third collection sequence> The third collection sequence shown in FIG. 9 is executed to collect the operation status of the user with respect to the printer 2 and the execution status of the copy operation by the management server 5.

[0047] The printer 2 determines whether the operation unit 23 is being operated by the user (S371). When the printer 2 determines that the operation unit 23 is being operated (S371: YES), it transmits operation information including its own terminal ID and the first ON notification for notifying that it is being operated to the management server 5 (S373). The management server 5 receives the operation information from the printer 2 (S471). On the other hand, when the printer 2 determines that the operation unit 23 is not being operated (S371: NO), it transmits operation information including its own terminal ID and the first OFF notification for notifying that it is not being operated to the management server 5 (S375). The management server 5 receives the operation information from the printer 2 (S473).

[0048] When the management server 5 receives operation information including the first ON notification in S471 (S475: YES), it associates and stores the first ON flag with the terminal ID identical to the terminal ID included in the operation information in the flag table 524 (see FIG. 5) (S477). When the management server 5 receives operation information including the first OFF notification in S473 (S479: YES), it associates and stores the first OFF flag with the terminal ID identical to the terminal ID included in the received operation information in the flag table 524 (S481).

[0049] When a copy instruction for executing a copy operation is input via the operation unit 23, the printer 2 executes the copy operation. The printer 2 determines whether it is in the copy operation (S377). When the printer 2 determines that it is in the copy operation (S377: YES), it transmits printer information including its own terminal ID and a second ON notification for notifying that it is in the copy operation to the management server 5 (S379). The management server 5 receives the printer information from the printer 2 (S491). On the other hand, when the printer 2 determines that it is not in the copy operation (S377: NO), it transmits printer information including its own terminal ID and a second OFF notification for notifying that it is not in the copy operation to the management server 5 (S381). The management server 5 receives the printer information from the printer 2 (S493).

[0050] When the management server 5 receives printer information including a second ON notification in S491 (S495: YES), it associates and stores a second ON flag with the terminal ID identical to the terminal ID included in the printer information in the flag table 524 (S497). When the management server 5 receives printer information including a second OFF notification in S493 (S499: YES), it associates and stores a second OFF flag with the terminal ID identical to the terminal ID included in the received printer information (S501).

[0051] <Notification sequence> The notification sequence shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 is executed to give a user a notification prompting subscription to a service plan.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 10, the management server 5 determines whether a predetermined notification period has arrived (S911). If the management server 5 determines that the notification period has not arrived (S911: NO), it waits until the notification period arrives. If the management server 5 determines that the notification period has arrived (S911: YES), it determines whether there is a printer 2 or devices 3, 4 that have been operated by the user (S913). The management server 5 refers to the flag table 524 (see FIG. 5), and if the first ON flag is stored, it determines that there is a printer 2 or devices 3, 4 that have been operated by the user (S913: YES). Also, the management server 5 determines that an operation has been performed by the user on the printer 2 or devices 3, 4 corresponding to the terminal ID associated with the first ON flag in the flag table 524.

[0053] The management server 5 determines the printer 2 or devices 3, 4 on which the user has performed an operation as the transmission destination of a notification request for requesting a notification to prompt the user to subscribe to a service plan (S915). Hereinafter, the printer 2 or devices 3, 4 determined as the transmission destination of the notification request are referred to as "target terminals". For example, as shown in the flag table 524A shown in FIG. 10, if the terminal ID "3" is associated with the first ON flag, since the user has performed an operation on device 3 with the terminal ID "3", the management server 5 determines device 3 as the target terminal (S915).

[0054] Next, the management server 5 determines whether the printers 201 to 203 used by the user of device 3 determined as the target terminal include a printer 2 that has not subscribed to the service plan. The determination method is as follows.

[0055] The management server 5 refers to the usage table 522 (Figure 3), and identifies the account "ACCOUNT1" associated with the terminal ID "3" of the device 3 determined as the target terminal. Next, the management server 5 refers to the service table 523 (see Figure 4), and identifies the printer 201 with the terminal ID "201" and the printer 202 with the terminal ID "202" associated with the identified account "ACCOUNT1". The management server 5 determines based on the service table 523 whether any of the identified printers 201 and 202 are not subscribed to the service plan (S917). Here, in the service table 523, the service plan "M" is associated with the terminal ID "201", and no service plan is associated with the terminal ID "202". In this case, the management server 5 determines that the printer 202 that is not subscribed to the service plan is included (S917: YES).

[0056] The management server 5 determines the printer 202 that is not subscribed to the service plan as the printer to which the service plan prompting the user to subscribe (hereinafter referred to as the "applicable printer") applies (S919). The management server 5 sends a notification request to prompt the device 3, which is the target terminal, to subscribe to the service plan for the applicable printer (S921).

[0057] The device 3 receives the notification request (S611). The device 3 determines whether the printing application is being executed (S613). If the device 3 determines that the printing application is not being executed (S613: NO), it waits until the printing application is executed. When an operation to start the printing application is performed via the operation unit 33, the device 3 starts the printing application. If the device 3 determines that the printing application is being executed (S613: YES), it displays a notification screen to prompt subscription to the service plan for the applicable printer on the screen of the printing application displayed on the display unit 34 (S615).

[0058] If the management server 5 determines that all of the printers 201 to 203 have already subscribed to a service plan (S917: NO), it does not determine the applicable printer and does not send a notification request to the device 3 which is the target terminal.

[0059] On the other hand, if the management server 5 determines that there are no printers 2 and devices 3 and 4 in operation (S913: NO), as shown in FIG. 11, it determines whether a copy operation is being executed on the printer 2 (S931). The management server 5 refers to the flag table 524 (see FIG. 5), and if the second ON flag is stored, it determines that there is a printer 2 on which the copy operation is being executed (S931: YES). For example, as shown in the flag table 524B shown in FIG. 11, since the terminal ID "202" is associated with the second ON flag, the management server 5 determines that the copy operation is being executed on the printer 202 with the terminal ID "202" (S931: YES). The management server 5 determines the printer 202 as the target terminal to which the notification request is to be sent (S933).

[0060] Next, the management server 5 determines whether the printer 202 determined as the target terminal has not subscribed to a service plan (S935). Here, in the service table 523 (see FIG. 4), since no service plan is associated with the terminal ID "202" of the printer 202, the management server 5 determines that the printer 202 has not subscribed to a service plan (S935: YES). In this case, the printer 202 which is the target terminal will simultaneously be the applicable printer which is the target of the service plan prompting the user to subscribe. The management server 5 sends a notification request for prompting subscription to the service plan for the applicable printer to the printer 202 which is the target terminal (S937).

[0061] The printer 202 receives the notification request (S811). The printer 202 displays a notification screen for prompting subscription to the service plan applicable to the printer 202 on the display unit 24 (S813).

[0062] Note that when the management server 5 determines that the printer 202 has already subscribed to the service plan (S935: NO), it does not send a notification request to the printer 202 which is the target terminal.

[0063] On the other hand, when the management server 5 determines that there is no printer 2 that is executing a copy operation (S931: NO), as shown in FIG. 12, it determines the target terminal based on the number of operations, execution time, number of views, number of printed sheets, and number of printing times stored in the usage table 522 (see FIG. 3) (S941). Specifically, the management server 5 determines the target terminal by any one of the following methods (1) to (6).

[0064] (1) Determine the devices 3 and 4 with the terminal IDs associated with the largest number of operation times as the target terminals. (2) Calculate the total execution time for each terminal ID, and determine the devices 3 and 4 with the terminal ID associated with the longest total time as the target terminals. (3) Determine the devices 3 and 4 with the terminal ID having the longest execution time of the print application as the target terminals. (4) Determine the devices 3 and 4 with the terminal IDs associated with the largest number of view times as the target terminals. (5) Determine the devices 3 and 4 with the terminal IDs associated with the largest number of printed sheets as the target terminals. (6) Determine the devices 3 and 4 with the terminal IDs associated with the largest number of printing times as the target terminals.

[0065] Note that the management server 5 selects which method among (1) to (6) to prioritize according to user settings or the like. Hereinafter, the description will be made on the premise that the device 4 has been determined as the target terminal.

[0066] Next, the management server 5 refers to the usage table 522 (FIG. 3) and the service table 523 (see FIG. 4), and determines whether there is a printer 2 that is not subscribed to the service plan among the printers 201 to 203 used by the user of the device 4 determined as the target terminal (S943). When the management server 5 determines that there is a printer 2 that is not subscribed to the service plan (S943: YES), it determines the printer 2 that is not subscribed to the service plan as the applicable printer (S945). The management server 5 transmits a notification request for prompting subscription to the service plan for the applicable printer to the device 4 that is the target terminal (S947). Note that when the management server 5 determines that all of the printers 201 to 203 used by the user of the device 4 specified as the target terminal have already subscribed to the service plan (S943: NO), it does not determine the applicable printer and does not transmit a notification request to the device 4 that is the target terminal.

[0067] The device 4 receives the notification request (S711). The device 4 determines whether the printing application is being executed (S713). When the device 3 determines that the printing application is being executed (S713: YES), it displays a notification screen for prompting subscription to the service plan for the applicable printer over the screen of the printing application displayed on the display unit 44 (S715). On the other hand, when the device 4 determines that the printing application is not being executed (S713: NO), it causes the notification screen to be displayed on the display unit 44 by push notification (S717). Also, when an operation for starting the printing application is performed via the operation unit 43 thereafter, the device 4 starts the printing application. After starting the printing application, the device 4 displays the notification screen over the screen of the printing application displayed on the display unit 44 (S719).

[0068] <Actions and effects of this embodiment> The management server 5 determines a target terminal for which to request a notification for promoting service plan enrollment based on information (terminal information, operation information, printer information) transmitted from the printer 2 and devices 3 and 4 (S915, S933, S941). Note that the number of operations, execution time, number of views, number of printed sheets, and number of printing times included in the terminal information are all defined according to the user's operations on the operation units 33 and 43 of the devices 3 and 4. Also, the first ON notification or the first OFF notification included in the operation information is defined according to the user's operations on the operation units 23, 33, and 43 of the printer 2 and devices 3 and 4. Further, the second ON notification or the second OFF notification included in the printer information is defined according to the user's operations on the operation unit 23 of the printer 2. Therefore, it can be said that the terminal information, operation information, and printer information are information related to the user's operations on the printer 2 and devices 3 and 4. For this reason, when the notification screen is displayed, the management server 5 can appropriately determine, as the target terminal, the printer 2 or devices 3 and 4 that are highly likely to be recognized by the user based on the terminal information, operation information, and printer information. Therefore, the management server 5 can appropriately prompt the user to enroll in the service plan by causing the target terminal to display the notification screen.

[0069] The more frequently the devices 3 and 4 are operated, the longer the time the user uses these devices 3 and 4. For this reason, by setting these devices 3 and 4 as the target terminal, the possibility that the user recognizes the notification increases. In contrast, the management server 5 determines the device 3 or 4 with the most operation times as the target terminal (see S941, (1)). Therefore, the management server 5 can appropriately prompt the user to enroll in the service plan by transmitting a notification request to the target terminal to display the notification screen.

[0070] The longer the execution time of the applications executed by devices 3 and 4, the longer the time the user uses these devices 3 and 4. In contrast, the management server 5 determines the devices 3 and 4 with the longest total execution time as the target terminals (see S941, (2)). Therefore, by determining these devices 3 and 4 as the target terminals and displaying the notification screen, the possibility that the user recognizes the notification screen is increased. Accordingly, the management server 5 can appropriately prompt the user to subscribe to the service plan.

[0071] The more the user of devices 3 and 4 with a long execution time of the printing application is interested in the service plan of the printer 2. In contrast, the management server 5 determines the devices 3 and 4 with the longest execution time of the printing application as the target terminals (see S941, (3)). Thereby, the management server 5 can prompt the user interested in the service plan to subscribe to the service plan.

[0072] The more the user of devices 3 and 4 with a large number of views of the printer information site by the browser application is interested in the service plan of the printer 2. In contrast, the management server 5 determines the devices 3 and 4 with the largest number of views of the printer information site as the target terminals (see S941, (4)). Accordingly, the management server 5 can prompt the user interested in the service plan to subscribe to the service plan.

[0073] The more the user of devices 3 and 4 with a large number of printed sheets input via the printing application and the number of printing instructions performed via the printing application is interested in the service plan of the printer 2. In contrast, the management server 5 determines the devices 3 and 4 with the largest number of printed sheets or printing times as the target terminals (see S941, (5)(6)). Thereby, the management server 5 can prompt the user interested in the service plan to subscribe to the service plan.

[0074] When the printer 2 is executing a copy operation, it is highly likely that the user is using the printer 2. Therefore, by displaying a notification screen on the display unit 24 of the printer 2 during the copy operation, the possibility that the user recognizes the notification screen is increased. On the other hand, the management server 5 determines the printer 2 that is executing the copy operation as the target terminal (S933). As a result, the management server 5 can cause the user to appropriately recognize the notification screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the printer 2, so that the user can be appropriately prompted to subscribe to the service plan.

[0075] The management server 5 determines the printer 2 or devices 3, 4 being operated by the user as the target terminal (S915). The management server 5 can cause the user who is operating to appropriately recognize the notification screen by displaying the notification screen on the determined target terminal. Note that the management server 5 preferentially determines the printer 2 or devices 3, 4 being operated by the user as the target terminal (S915) rather than determining the target terminal according to (1) to (6) (S941). For this reason, when the first ON flag is not stored in the flag table 524 and there are no printer 2 and devices 3, 4 being operated (S913: NO), the management server 5 determines the target terminal according to (1) to (6) (S941). On the other hand, when the first ON flag is stored in the flag table 524 and there are printer 2 and devices 3, 4 being operated (S913: YES), the management server 5 determines the printer 2 or device 3, 4 on which the user is performing an operation as the target terminal (S915) and does not determine the target terminal according to (1) to (6). As a result, the management server 5 can cause the user who is operating to preferentially recognize the notification screen.

[0076] The management server 5 transmits a notification request only to the printer 2 or devices 3, 4 determined as the target terminal, and does not transmit a notification request to devices 3, 4 or the printer 2 other than the target terminal. The management server 5 can effectively prompt the user to subscribe to the service plan by displaying the notification screen only on the target terminal.

[0077] When devices 3 and 4 receive a notification request during the execution of a printing application (S613: YES, S713: YES), they display a notification screen overlaid on the screen of the printing application (S615, S715). On the other hand, when device 3 receives a notification request when the printing application is not running (S613: NO), it waits until the printing application is executed, and after the printing application is launched, it displays the notification screen (S615). Also, when device 4 receives a notification request when the printing application is not running (S713: NO), it causes the notification screen to be displayed on display unit 44 by push notification (S717), and after the printing application is launched, it displays the notification screen overlaid on the screen of the printing application (S719). That is, the notification request sent from management server 5 specifies the timing of the notification so that the notification screen is displayed at a timing according to the state of the target terminal. Thus, management server 5 can specify the timing at which the target terminal displays the notification screen at a timing according to the state of the target terminal.

[0078] <Modification Example> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. The information referred to by management server 5 when determining the target terminal is not limited to terminal information (number of operations, execution time, number of views, number of printed sheets, number of printing times), operation information (first ON flag), and printer information (second ON flag). Management server 5 may determine the target terminal based on other information related to operations on printer 2 and devices 3 and 4. For example, management server 5 may acquire from printer 2 the time when printer 2 is not in the sleep state, that is, the driving time. Management server 5 may determine the target terminal based on the driving time.

[0079] The applications executed on devices 3 and 4 are not limited to browser applications and printing applications. For example, devices 3 and 4 may be capable of executing email applications and SNS applications. The management server 5 may determine the target terminal based on the execution time of the email application and the SNS application. The management server 5 may obtain from the printer 2 the number of operations of the operation unit 23 of the printer 2, the number of printed sheets, and the number of printing operations performed by the printer 2. The management server 5 may determine the target terminal based on the number of operations, the number of printed sheets, and the number of printing operations obtained from the printer 2.

[0080] When there are a plurality of printers 2 and devices 3 and 4 in operation, the management server 5 may determine all of them as target terminals and send a notification request, or may determine only any one of them as the target terminal and send a notification request.

[0081] The management server 5 may determine the target terminal by two or more methods among (1) to (6). For example, the management server 5 may send a notification request to all of the target terminals determined in each of (1) to (6). Also, for example, the management server 5 may determine as the target terminal the terminal with the most occurrences determined in each of (1) to (6).

[0082] The management server 5 may determine as target terminals all of the printer 2 and devices 3 and 4 in operation, the printer 2 performing a copy operation, and the devices 3 and 4 determined by (1) to (6), and send a notification request.

[0083] The management server 5 may send a notification request specifying the time when the notification screen is to be displayed to the target terminal. The specified time may be determined according to the operating state of the target terminal. The target terminal may display the notification screen at the time specified in the received notification request.

[0084] In addition to the printing function and the scanning function, the printer 2 may be a multifunction device having a FAX function or the like. The printing method of the printer 2 is not limited to the inkjet method, and other printing methods may be used. Part or all of the processing executed by the management server 5 may be executed by another device (for example, a dedicated device).

[0085] <Others> The processes of S421 to S427, S431 to S437, S441, S443, S453, S455, S471, S473, S491, and S493 are examples of the "acquisition process" and "device acquisition process" of the present invention. The processes of S423 and S433 are examples of the "first acquisition process" of the present invention. The processes of S441, S443, S453, S455, S471, and S473 are examples of the "second acquisition process" of the present invention. The processes of S915, S933, and S941 are examples of the "decision process" of the present invention. The processes of S921, S937, and S947 are examples of the "transmission process" and "device transmission process" of the present invention. The processes of S123 to S129, S223 to S229, S143, S145, S243, S245, S373, S375, S379, and S381 are examples of the "terminal transmission process" of the present invention. The processes of S611, S711, and S811 are examples of the "terminal acquisition process" of the present invention. The processes of S615, S813, S715, S717, and S719 are examples of the "notification process" of the present invention. The CPUs 31 and 41 of the devices 3 and 4 are examples of the "first processor" of the present invention. The CPU 51 of the management server 5 is an example of the "second processor" of the present invention. The printer 2 and the devices 3 and 4 are examples of the "terminal" of the present invention. The management server 5 is an example of the "device" of the present invention. The CPU 51 of the management server 5 is an example of the "computer" of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0086] 1: System 2: Printer 3, 4: Devices 5: Management Server 9: Network

Claims

1. In a computer of a device capable of communicating with a plurality of terminals via a network, an acquisition process of acquiring terminal information related to a user operation for each of the plurality of terminals from each of the plurality of terminals, a determination process of determining, from the plurality of terminals, a target terminal that is a terminal for which a notification for prompting application of a service to a printer is requested based on the terminal information acquired by the acquisition process, and a transmission process of transmitting a notification request for requesting the notification to the target terminal determined by the determination process A notification program for causing the above to be executed.

2. The acquisition process acquires, from each of the plurality of terminals, as the terminal information, the execution time of an application executed on each of the plurality of terminals, The determination process identifies the longest execution time among the plurality of execution times acquired from the plurality of terminals by the acquisition process, and determines, as the target terminal, the terminal that transmitted the identified execution time. The notification program according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition process acquires, from each of the plurality of terminals, as the terminal information, the execution time of the application for giving an instruction to the printer, which is executed on each of the plurality of terminals. The notification program according to claim 2.

4. The acquisition process acquires, from each of the plurality of terminals, as the terminal information, information including at least one of the number of printed sheets and the frequency of print instructions input via an application for giving an instruction to the printer, which is executed on each of the plurality of terminals, The determination process when the acquisition process acquires a plurality of the number of printed sheets from the plurality of terminals, identifies the largest number of printed sheets among the acquired plurality of the number of printed sheets, and determines, as the target terminal, the terminal that transmitted the identified number of printed sheets, when the acquisition process acquires a plurality of the frequencies from the plurality of terminals, identifies the highest frequency among the acquired plurality of the frequencies, and determines, as the target terminal, the terminal that transmitted the identified frequency The notification program according to claim 1.

5. The acquisition process acquires, from each of the plurality of terminals, as the terminal information, the number of times of browsing a predetermined site by a browser running on each of the plurality of terminals, The determination process The notification program according to claim 1, characterized in that the most frequent view count among the plurality of view counts obtained from the plurality of terminals by the acquisition process is specified, and the terminal that transmitted the specified view count is determined as the target terminal.

6. The acquisition process acquires, from each of the plurality of terminals, the number of operations indicating the number of times each of the plurality of terminals has been operated, as the terminal information, The determination process The notification program according to claim 1, characterized in that the most frequent operation count among the plurality of operation counts obtained from the plurality of terminals by the acquisition process is specified, and the terminal that transmitted the specified operation count is determined as the target terminal.

7. The acquisition process acquires, from each of the plurality of terminals, operation information indicating whether or not each of the plurality of terminals is in a state of being operated by the user, as the terminal information, The determination process The notification program according to claim 1, characterized in that the terminal that transmitted the operation information indicating that it is in an operating state by the acquisition process is determined as the target terminal.

8. The acquisition process a first acquisition process that acquires, from each of the plurality of terminals, the execution time of the application executed on each of the plurality of terminals, as the terminal information, and a second acquisition process that acquires, from each of the plurality of terminals, operation information indicating whether or not each of the plurality of terminals is in a state of being operated by the user, as the terminal information including The determination process when the plurality of execution times are acquired from the plurality of terminals by the first acquisition process and the operation information is not received by the second acquisition process, the longest execution time among the plurality of execution times is specified, and the terminal that transmitted the specified execution time is determined as the target terminal, when the plurality of execution times are acquired from the plurality of terminals by the first acquisition process and the plurality of operation information is acquired from the plurality of terminals by the second acquisition process, the terminal that transmitted the operation information indicating that it is in an operating state is determined as the target terminal The notification program according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

9. The transmission process The notification program according to claim 1, wherein the notification request is transmitted to the target terminal determined by the determination process, and the notification request is not transmitted to the terminal not determined by the determination process.

10. wherein any one of the plurality of terminals is the printer, the acquisition process further acquires printer information indicating whether the printer is in the middle of executing a copy operation, the determination process The notification program according to claim 1, wherein when the printer information indicating that the copy operation is being executed is acquired by the acquisition process, the printer that transmitted the printer information is determined as the target terminal.

11. the transmission process The notification program according to claim 1, wherein the notification request specifying the timing of the notification is transmitted to the target terminal determined by the determination process.

12. A notification system including a plurality of terminals and devices capable of communicating via a network, each first processor of the plurality of terminals executes a terminal transmission process of transmitting terminal information related to a user operation to the device, the second processor of the device an apparatus acquisition process of acquiring the terminal information transmitted from each of the plurality of terminals, and a determination process of determining, from the plurality of terminals, a target terminal that is a terminal that requests a notification for prompting the application of a service to a printer based on the terminal information acquired by the apparatus acquisition process, and executes an apparatus transmission process of transmitting a notification request for requesting the notification to the target terminal determined by the determination process, the first processor a terminal acquisition process of acquiring the notification request transmitted from the device, and causes the user to execute a notification process for the notification based on the notification acquired by the terminal acquisition process A notification system characterized by the above.

13. an acquisition process of acquiring terminal information related to a user operation for each of a plurality of terminals from each of the plurality of terminals, a determination process of determining, from the plurality of terminals, a target terminal that is a terminal that requests a notification for prompting the application of a service to a printer based on the terminal information acquired by the acquisition process, and a transmission process of transmitting a notification request for requesting the notification to the target terminal determined by the determination process A notification method characterized by comprising the above.

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