Server, computer program for server, and communication system

Abstract

To facilitate update of a version of specific software in a device.SOLUTION: A server stores authority information indicating use authority related to use of a service. When a recommended version of specific software used in a device matches a current version of the specific software stored on the device, or when automatic update setting that allows the specific software used in the device to be automatically updated without a user's instruction is changed from being invalid to valid based on the user's instruction, the server determines reward authority, which is the authority to be granted as a reward and is the authority related to the authority to use the service. After determining the reward authority, the server updates the authority information associated with the specific device so that the reward authority becomes valid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a server, a computer program for a server, and a communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a monitoring device that collects information about security settings from devices such as personal computers. The monitoring device calculates the appropriateness of security measures for each device, assessing whether the security measures are being implemented appropriately. The monitoring device determines the amount of incentive to be awarded to the user based on the appropriateness, and notifies the user of the determined amount of incentive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7158357 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This specification discloses a new technique that can facilitate updating of specific software versions on devices used to consume a service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The techniques disclosed in this specification can be implemented in the following application examples.

[0006] [Application Example 1] A server communicably connected to a device used for service utilization, the server comprising: a first storage unit that stores authority information indicating a utilization authority regarding the utilization of the service, wherein the authority information is associated with identification information for identifying the device; a second storage unit that stores recommended version information indicating a recommended version of specific software used in the device, wherein the recommended version information is associated with type information indicating the type of the device, and the recommended version is a version obtained by updating the specific software in the device at least once; a receiving unit that receives, from a specific device, device information including the identification information and current version information for specifying the current version of the specific software stored in the specific device; a reward determination unit that determines a reward authority, which is an authority regarding the utilization authority and is an authority to be granted as a reward for updating the specific software to the specific device when the recommended version of the specific software based on the device information and the recommended version information matches the current version of the specific software based on the current version information; and an authority information update unit that updates the authority information associated with the specific device in the first storage unit so that the reward authority becomes valid after the determination of the reward authority.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when the recommended version obtained by updating the version of specific software at least once matches the current version of the specific software in a specific device, a utilization authority regarding service utilization can be granted to the device as a reward for updating the specific software. As a result, an incentive to update specific software in the device can be given to the user of the device, and thus the update of the version of specific software in the device used for service utilization can be promoted.

[0008] [Application Example 2] A server communicably connected to a device used for service utilization, the server comprising: a storage unit that stores authorization information indicating an authorization right regarding the service utilization, the authorization information being associated with identification information for identifying the device; a reception unit that receives, from the specific device, a notification indicating that an automatic update setting that allows automatic update of a version of specific software used in the specific device without receiving a user instruction has been changed from invalid to valid based on a user instruction; a reward determination unit that determines a reward right that is a right regarding the utilization right and is a right to be granted as a reward for the setting change of the automatic update setting to the specific device when the notification is received; and an authorization information update unit that updates the authorization information associated with the specific device in the storage unit so that the reward right becomes valid after the determination of the reward right.

[0009] According to the above configuration, when an automatic update setting that allows automatic update of a version of specific software without receiving a user instruction is changed from invalid to valid based on a user operation, a utilization right regarding service utilization can be granted to the device as a reward for the setting change. As a result, an incentive to enable the automatic update setting can be given to the user of the device, so that the update of the version of specific software in the device used for service utilization can be promoted.

[0010] Note that the technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms. For example, it can be realized in the form of a method in a server, a communication system including a server and a device, these servers, methods, communication systems, or a computer program for realizing the functions of the device, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] A. First Embodiment A-1. Configuration of System 1000 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of system 1000. System 1000 includes a printer 100, a first server 300A, a second server 300B, and a relay server 200.

[0013] The printer 100 is a device that consumes ink as a printing material and performs printing. The printer 100 includes, as a controller of the printer 100, a CPU 110, a volatile memory device 120 such as a DRAM, and a non-volatile memory device 130 such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Further, the printer 100 includes a display unit 140 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying an image, an operation unit 150 such as a button or a touch panel for acquiring an operation by a user, a printing mechanism 170, and a communication interface (communication IF) 180.

[0014] The communication IF180 is an interface for connecting to the Internet IT, for example, a wired interface compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless interface compliant with the Wi-Fi standard.

[0015] The CPU110 is an arithmetic unit (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile memory device 120 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU110 performs processing. The non-volatile memory device 130 stores a computer program PGp for controlling the printer 100 and an information database IB in which various types of information described later are recorded. <000>

[0016] In this embodiment, the computer program PGp is pre-stored in the non-volatile memory device 130 and provided during the manufacture of the printer 100. Alternatively, the computer program PGp can be provided in a form downloaded from a server connected via the Internet IT, or in a form recorded on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a USB memory.

[0017] The computer program PGp is a program (software) that realizes various processes for controlling the printer 100 and is also called firmware. For example, by executing the computer program PGp, the CPU110 realizes printing processing and service-related processing. The printing processing is a process of controlling the printing mechanism 170 to print an image on the printing mechanism 170. The service-related processing is a process for providing the first printing service and the second printing service described later to the user in cooperation with the first server 300A, the second server 300B, and the relay server 200. These printing services will be described later.

[0018] The computer program PGp (firmware) is appropriately updated for improving printing processes and service-related processes realized by the computer program PGp, solving newly discovered security issues, etc. In this embodiment, the version update of the computer program PGp is not automatically executed as described later, but is executed in response to a user's instruction.

[0019] The information database IB stores the setting information of the printer 100 and the information necessary to receive the printing service using the printer 100. Details of the information database IB will be described later.

[0020] The printing mechanism 170 executes printing according to the control of the CPU 110. The printing mechanism 170 of this embodiment is an inkjet printing mechanism that uses a plurality of types of inks (for example, four types of inks: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) stored in the ink tank 190 as coloring materials to print an image on a recording medium. Alternatively, the printing mechanism 170 may be an electrophotographic printing mechanism that uses toner stored in a toner cartridge as a coloring material to print an image on a recording medium.

[0021] The first server 300A, the second server 300B, and the relay server 200 are, for example, computers operated by an operator (for example, an operator who manufactures and sells the printer 100) that provides a printing service, for example, cloud servers.

[0022] The first server 300A provides the first printing service described later. The first server 300A includes a CPU 310 as a controller of the first server 300A, a volatile storage device 320 such as a DRAM, a non-volatile storage device 330 such as a hard disk or a flash memory, and a communication interface (IF) 380. The communication IF 380 is, for example, a wired interface compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0023] The CPU 310 is an arithmetic unit (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile memory device 320 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 310 performs processing. The non-volatile memory device 330 stores a computer program PGsA and a first database DBa.

[0024] The computer program PGsA is provided in a form that is uploaded, for example, by an operator who operates the first printing service. The CPU 310 of the first server 300A executes the computer program PGsA to execute processing related to the first printing service.

[0025] The first database DBa stores various types of information necessary for the first printing service. Details of the first database DBa will be described later.

[0026] The second server 300B provides a second printing service, which will be described later. Although not shown in the figure, the second server 300B includes a controller (310, 320, 330, 380) in the same manner as the first server 300A. However, the non-volatile memory device 330 of the second server 300B stores a computer program PGsB different from the computer program PGsA and a second database DBb different from the first database DBa.

[0027] The computer program PGsB is provided in a form that is uploaded, for example, by an operator who operates the second printing service. The CPU 310 of the second server 300B executes the computer program PGsB to execute processing related to the second printing service.

[0028] The second database DBb stores various types of information necessary for the second printing service. Details of the second database DBb will be described later.

[0029] In addition, in FIG. 1, only one printer 100 is illustrated, but the first server 300A and the second server 300B provide printing services to a large number of users using a large number of printers. In the following, various processes for one printer 100 will be described, but these processes are independently executed for each of a plurality of printers (hereinafter also referred to as target printers, for example, printer 100) used for the service.

[0030] The relay server 200 mainly relays communication between the servers 300A and 300B that provide printing services and the target printer (for example, printer 100). The relay server 200 includes, like the servers 300A and 300B, a CPU 210 as a controller, a volatile storage device 220, a non-volatile storage device 230, and a communication IF 280. The volatile storage device 220 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 210 performs processing. A computer program PGr, a management database DBm, and an update program group UP are stored in the non-volatile storage device 230.

[0031] The communication IF 280 is, for example, a wired interface compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark). Since the communication IF 280 is connected to the Internet IT, the relay server 200 can communicate with the servers 300A and 300B via the Internet IT. Also, when the printer 100 is connected to the Internet IT, the relay server 200 can communicate with the printer 100 via the Internet IT.

[0032] The computer program PGr is provided in a form uploaded by, for example, an operator who operates the printing service, like the computer programs PGsA and PGsB. The CPU of the relay server 200 realizes the function as the relay server 200 by executing the computer program PGr.

[0033] Specifically, the relay server 200 (CPU 210) realizes processing related to relay processing and firmware (computer program PGp) update of the printer 100 described later by executing the computer program PGr.

[0034] The management database DBm stores information used for processing related to relay processing and firmware update, details of which will be described later. The update program group UP includes update programs for each of a plurality of models of the target printer. The update program is a computer program for updating the version of the firmware used in the target printer to the recommended version. The update program is transmitted to the target printer (for example, printer 100) in the firmware update process described later.

[0035] A-2. Outline of Printing Service In this embodiment, two types of printing services with different charging methods are provided, namely, the first printing service provided by the first server 300A and the second printing service provided by the second server 300B.

[0036] Both the first printing service and the second printing service manage the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 190 of the printer 100 and include a service of delivering an ink bottle containing ink for replenishing the ink tank 190 to the user of the printer 100.

[0037] The charging method of the first printing service is a flat-rate system in which a fixed fee is charged at specific intervals. For example, in the first printing service, the printing fee up to a predetermined number of printable sheets per month (for example, several hundred sheets to tens of thousands of sheets) is a monthly flat-rate fee. In the first printing service, when the number of printable sheets is exceeded, a fee is added according to the number of exceeded sheets. Thus, the excess number of sheets is a per-volume printing service, so it can also be said that the first printing service is a service that combines a flat-rate system and a per-volume system. The printer maintenance and the fee for the ink bottle for replenishment are included in the printing fee.

[0038] The charging method for the second printing service is a per-unit charge system where the fee is charged according to the number of printed sheets. For example, in the second printing service, the user can prepay the fee for the desired number of planned printed sheets and perform printing for the prepaid number of planned printed sheets. The printer maintenance and the fee for the ink bottle for replenishment are included in the printing fee.

[0039] A-3. Description of Each Database First, the management database DBm stored in the non-volatile storage device 230 of the relay server 200 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the management database DBm. The management database DBm in FIG. 2 includes a version information table VT and a device registration table DT.

[0040] The version information table VT is a table in which model information and recommended version information are recorded in association with each other. In FIG. 2, for example, the recommended version information "VD_a" is associated with the model information "MD_a".

[0041] The model information is type information indicating the type (model) of the printer that can be used as the target printer, and is, for example, a model name or a model number. The recommended version information is information indicating the version of the firmware (also called the recommended version) that is preferably used in the target printer, and is, for example, a version number. The recommended version is, for example, the latest version of the firmware at the current time, and is a version obtained by updating the firmware at least once when the printer 100 is manufactured. The recommended version information is updated, for example, by the business operator manufacturing the target printer such as the printer 100 in accordance with the update of the recommended version of the firmware.

[0042] The device registration table DT is a table in which the user's account ID and device information are recorded in association with each other. The device information includes a device ID for identifying the device, the model information described above, and firmware-related information. In FIG. 2, for example, the device ID "DID_a" of printer 100, the model information "MD_a" of printer 100, and the firmware-related information "PV_a" of printer 100 are recorded in association with the account ID "AC_a".

[0043] The firmware-related information includes current version information and firmware update history information. The current version information indicates the version of the firmware currently being used in the printer having the corresponding device ID, that is, the current version of the firmware stored in the printer. The firmware update history information is history information regarding multiple updates of the firmware in the printer having the corresponding device ID. The firmware update history information is, for example, information that records, for each update process, the date and time when the firmware update process was performed in the past and the version of the firmware after the update by the update process. By referring to the update history information, it is possible to specify the number of firmware updates, the update frequency, etc. in the target printer.

[0044] Next, the databases DBa and DBb stored in the non-volatile storage devices 330 of the servers 300A and 300B will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the databases DBa and DBb. As shown in FIG. 2(A), the database DBa of the first server 300A includes a service information table STa.

[0045] The service information table STa is a table in which information related to the first printing service is recorded for each printer used for the first printing service. For example, in the service information table STa, printing authority information, ink management information, and reward authority information are recorded in association with the device ID that identifies the printer. In FIG. 2, printing authority information "PA_a", ink management information "IK_a", and reward authority information "PI_a" are recorded in association with the device ID "DID_a" of printer 100.

[0046] The printing authority information is usage authority regarding the use of the printing service, specifically, information indicating the printing authority given to the user of the printing service.

[0047] For example, in the flat-rate first printing service, the printing authority information includes the number of sheets MC that can be printed in the current month, the number of sheets MP that have been printed in the current month, the carry-over possible number CO, and the number of sheets OP that can be printed offline.

[0048] The number of sheets MC that can be printed in the current month is the number of sheets that can be printed only with the flat-rate fee in the month including the current time point (also called the current month). The number of sheets MP that have been printed in the current month is the number of sheets printed in the current month. When the number of sheets MP that have been printed in the current month exceeds the number of sheets MC that can be printed in the current month, a fee for the excess number of sheets (MP - MC) is incurred. The fee for the excess number of sheets is a per-unit charge system and is an amount corresponding to the excess number of sheets. The number of sheets MC that can be printed in the current month is the number of sheets obtained by adding the carry-over number of sheets from the previous month, which will be described later, to the basic number of sheets.

[0049] The carry-over possible number CO is the upper limit value of the carry-over number of sheets. The carry-over number of sheets is the difference (MC - MP) between the number of sheets MC that can be printed in the current month and the number of sheets MP that have been printed in the current month when the number of sheets MP that have been printed in the current month is less than the number of sheets MC that can be printed in the current month at the end of the current month. The carry-over number of sheets is added to the basic number of sheets of the next month with the carry-over possible number CO as the upper limit.

[0050] The offline printable number of sheets OP is the number of sheets that can be printed when the target printer (e.g., printer 100) is in the offline state. The offline state is a state in which the target printer cannot communicate with the relay server 200. Note that a state different from the offline state, that is, a state in which the target printer is connected to the Internet IT and can communicate with the relay server 200 is also called the online state. The first server 300A cannot grasp the number of sheets printed by the target printer in the offline state until the target printer becomes online. For this reason, if a large amount of printing is performed in the offline state, there is a possibility that the corresponding amount of fees cannot be recovered. In order to suppress the occurrence of such non-recovery of fees, the offline printable number of sheets OP is set. When the target printer is in the offline state, it cannot execute printing of a number of sheets exceeding the offline printable number of sheets OP.

[0051] The ink management information is information indicating the remaining amount of each ink used for printing by the target printer, for example, CMYK inks. The first server 300A manages the remaining amount of ink of the target printer using the ink management information.

[0052] The reward authority information is information regarding the rewards assigned to the target printer. In this embodiment, as the reward, the usage right of the service, specifically, the printing right of the printing service is used. The printing right used as the reward is also called the reward printing right. For example, the reward authority information of the first printing service includes the additional printable number of sheets AMC, the additional carry-over possible number of sheets ACO, and the additional offline printable number of sheets AOP.

[0053] When the additional printable number of sheets AMC is enabled, it is the number of sheets added as a reward to the monthly printable number of sheets MC described above. When the additional carry-over possible number of sheets ACO is enabled, it is the number of sheets added as a reward to the carry-over possible number of sheets CO described above. When the additional offline printable number of sheets AOP is enabled, it is the number of sheets added as a reward to the offline printable number of sheets OP described above.

[0054] As can be understood from the above description, the reward printing permission of the first printing service may include, for example, the printing permission to execute printing for the additional printable number of sheets AMC exceeding the monthly printable number of sheets MC. Further, the reward printing permission may include the printing permission to execute printing for the additional carry-over printable number of sheets ACO exceeding the carry-over printable number of sheets CO in the next month when the carry-over number of sheets in the current month is more than the carry-over possible number of sheets CO. Further, the reward printing permission may include the printing permission to execute printing for the additional offline printable number of sheets AOP exceeding the offline printable number of sheets OP even in the offline state.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2(B), the second database DBb of the second server 300B includes a service information table STb. The service information table STb is a table in which information related to the second printing service is recorded for each printer used for the second printing service. For example, in the service information table STb, similar to the service information table STa, printing permission information, ink management information, and reward permission information are recorded in association with the device ID that identifies the printer. In FIG. 2, printing permission information "PA_b", ink management information "IK_b", and reward permission information "PI_b" are recorded in association with the device ID "DID_b" of a printer (not shown).

[0056] As described above, the printing permission information is information indicating the printing permission given to the user of the printing service. For example, in the second printing service based on the metered system, the printing permission information includes the cumulative number of printed sheets TP and the cumulative charged number of sheets CP.

[0057] The cumulative number of printed sheets TP is the cumulative value of the number of sheets printed using the target printer from the start of use of the second printing service to the current time. The cumulative charged number of sheets CP is the cumulative value of the number of sheets that are allowed to be printed on the target printer based on the charged amount. The cumulative charged number of sheets CP increases by charging. The remaining number of sheets allowed to be printed based on the charged amount (also referred to as the remaining charged number of sheets RN) is the number obtained by subtracting the cumulative number of printed sheets TP from the cumulative charged number of sheets CP (RN = CP - TP).

[0058] As described above, the ink management information is information indicating the remaining amount of ink used for printing in the target printer, for example, the remaining amount of each of the CMYK inks. The first server 300A manages the remaining amount of ink in the target printer using the ink management information.

[0059] As described above, the reward authority information is information regarding the reward assigned to the target printer. In this embodiment, the printing authority of the printing service is used. For example, the reward authority information of the second printing service includes the additional charge number of sheets ATP, the free charge coupon information FC, the discounted charge coupon information PC, and the additional printable number of sheets AMC.

[0060] The additional charge number of sheets ATP is the number of sheets that, when enabled, is added as a reward to the cumulative charge number of sheets CP described above. The free charge coupon information FC is information on a coupon that can perform an additional charge for a predetermined number of sheets (for example, 10 to 100 sheets) for free. The free charge coupon information FC includes, for example, information indicating the number of sheets that can be additionally charged and information indicating the expiration date of the coupon. The discounted charge coupon information PC is information on a coupon that can perform an additional charge for a predetermined number of sheets (for example, 10 to 100 sheets) at a discounted rate lower than the normal rate. The discounted charge coupon information PC includes, for example, information indicating the number of sheets that can be additionally charged, information indicating the discount rate, and information indicating the expiration date of the coupon.

[0061] As can be understood from the above description, the reward printing authority of the second printing service may include, for example, the printing authority to execute printing for the number of additional charge sheets ATP. Further, the reward printing authority may include the acquisition authority (corresponding to a coupon) to acquire the printing authority for a predetermined number of sheets for free or at a discounted rate.

[0062] Next, the information database IB stored in the non-volatile memory device 130 of the printer 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3(C), the information database IB of the printer 100 includes setting information "ST_a", print permission information "PA_a", ink management information "IK_a", and reward permission information "PI_a".

[0063] The setting information includes setting information regarding the printer 100, setting information related to printing, network settings related to connections with a local network or the Internet IT, etc. The print permission information is information regarding the printing service using the printer 100. In this embodiment, the printer 100 is used for the first printing service. For this reason, the print permission information in the information database IB is the same information as the print management information stored in the service information table STa (FIG. 3(A)) of the first server 300A that provides the first printing service. The ink management information is information indicating the remaining amount of ink used for printing by the printer 100, for example, each of the CMYK inks. The ink management information is the same information as the ink management information stored in the service information table STa (FIG. 3(A)) of the first server 300A. The reward permission information "PI_a" is the same information as the reward permission information stored in the service information table STa (FIG. 3(A)) of the first server 300A that provides the first printing service.

[0064] A-4. Operation of the system 1000 A-4-1. Print service provision process First, the process for providing the print service will be described. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the user of the printer 100 has concluded a usage contract for the first printing service. In this case, the first server 300A cooperates with the printer 100 to provide the first printing service to the user. Specifically, while the printer 100 is powered on and connected to the Internet IT, a constant connection (for example, a constant connection according to XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol)) is established with the relay server 200. As a result, the printer 100 and the first server 300A can communicate with each other via the relay server 200.

[0065] As an example, the information collection process executed during the provision of the printing service will be described. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of the information collection process. When the timing of periodic transmission arrives, the printer 100 (CPU 110) transmits service usage information to the relay server 200 at S2. The timing of periodic transmission may be, for example, several times a day or once every minute.

[0066] The service usage information includes information related to the usage record of the service, for example, that is, information related to the number of printed sheets and the ink consumption status in the printer 100. Specifically, in the case of the first printing service, the service usage information includes the latest number of printed sheets MP for the current month and information indicating the remaining amount of ink in the printer 100. The service usage information may further include status information indicating the state (error state or normal state) of the printer 100. Also, the service usage information may include information indicating that the final destination is the first server 300A.

[0067] When the relay server 200 (CPU 210) receives the service usage information from the printer 100, it transmits the service usage information to the first server 300A at S4. When the first server 300A (CPU 310) receives the service usage information, it updates the first database DBa based on the service usage information at S6. Specifically, in the first database DBa (FIG. 3(A)), the printing permission information "PA_a" and the ink management information "IK_a" associated with the device ID "DID_a" of the printer 100 are updated.

[0068] By repeatedly performing the information collection process in FIG. 4 periodically, the first server 300A can recognize the usage status (printing status) of the printing service using the printer 100 and the remaining amount of ink.

[0069] Although illustration is omitted, the first server 300A executes various other processes related to the first printing service. For example, when the remaining amount of ink in the printer 100 reaches or falls below a reference level, the first server 300A executes a process of sending an ink bottle or ink cartridge containing replenishing ink to the user of the printer 100. Also, the first server 300A periodically executes a process of settling the usage fees for the first printing service. The first server 300A executes a process of updating the printing permission information of the printer 100 recorded in the service information table STa according to the status of the usage fee settlement and the usage status of printing. Then, the first server 300A executes a process of sending an instruction (permission update instruction) to update the printing permission information recorded in the information database IB of the printer 100 to the printer 100 via the relay server 200.

[0070] A-4-2. Process for updating the firmware version of the printer 100 For example, when problems such as security or bugs occur in the firmware, a version that solves the problem is released, so it is preferable that the firmware be updated to that version. Also, if there are many types of firmware versions for a large number of printers used for the printing service, the first server 300A needs to support printers operating with various types of firmware versions, making it difficult to guarantee operation. For this reason, it is preferable that the firmware (computer program PGp) of the target printer (for example, printer 100) be updated to the recommended version (generally the latest version).

[0071] Here, in this embodiment, an operation by the user (for example, input of a version update instruction) is required to update the firmware version of the target printer. This is because if the firmware version of the target printer is automatically updated without receiving an operation from the user, there is a possibility that operations and functions contrary to the user's intention may be added to the target printer. For this reason, in this embodiment, a device is devised to give an incentive to the user so as to promote the update of the target printer's firmware to the recommended version.

[0072] Figures 5 and 6 are sequence diagrams of the firmware update process. The firmware update process is a process that updates the version of the firmware of the printer 100 and grants a reward according to the update.

[0073] In S10 of FIG. 5, the printer 100 (CPU 110) transmits a firmware information request to the relay server 200. The firmware information request includes the device ID of the printer 100. This firmware information request is executed periodically, for example, once a day.

[0074] When the relay server 200 (CPU 210) receives the firmware information request, in S12, it identifies the recommended version and the current version of the firmware of the printer 100. Specifically, the relay server 200 refers to the device registration table DT (FIG. 2), refers to the device ID of the printer 100, and identifies model information such as the model name of the printer 100. The relay server 200 refers to the version information table VT (FIG. 2) and acquires the recommended version information corresponding to the model information. Thereby, the recommended version of the firmware of the printer 100 is identified. The relay server 200 refers to the device registration table DT, identifies the firmware-related information of the printer 100, and acquires the current version information included in the firmware-related information. Thereby, the current version of the firmware of the printer 100 is identified.

[0075] In S14, the relay server 200 determines whether it is necessary to update the firmware of the printer 100. Specifically, when the current version and the recommended version of the firmware of the printer 100 match, it is determined that the update is not necessary. When the current version and the recommended version of the firmware of the printer 100 are different, it is determined that the update is necessary.

[0076] When the relay server 200 determines that the firmware update of the printer 100 is not required (S14: NO), at S16, the relay server 200 sends a non-update notification indicating that the firmware update is not required to the printer 100. The printer 100 receives the non-update notification. In this case, the firmware update process ends at this point.

[0077] When the relay server 200 determines that the firmware update of the printer 100 is required (S14: YES), at S18, the relay server 200 sends an update required notification indicating that the firmware update is required to the printer 100.

[0078] When the printer 100 receives the update required notification, at S20, the printer 100 displays an update instruction screen W1 on the display unit 140. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the update instruction screen W1. The update instruction screen W1 includes, for example, a message MS1 indicating that a new version of the firmware is available, a message MS2 for confirming whether to update the firmware version, and instruction buttons BTy and BTn. The instruction button BTy is a button for inputting an instruction to update the firmware version. The instruction button BTn is a button for inputting an instruction not to update the firmware version. The user inputs an instruction by pressing either the instruction button BTy or BTn.

[0079] When the printer 100 acquires the instruction input by the user, at S22, the printer 100 determines whether the acquired instruction is an update instruction. If the instruction input by the user is not an update instruction (S22: NO), that is, if the instruction is an instruction not to update the firmware version, the firmware update process ends.

[0080] If the instruction input by the user is an update instruction (S22: YES), at S23, the printer 100 sends a firmware update request for requesting an update of the firmware version to the relay server 200.

[0081] When the relay server 200 receives a firmware update request, at S24, it transmits to the printer 100 an update program for updating the version of the firmware of the printer 100 to the recommended version. The update program for the printer 100 is selected from among a group of update programs UP (FIG. 1) stored in the non-volatile storage device 230.

[0082] When the printer 100 receives the update program, at S26, it updates the firmware (computer program PGp) stored in the non-volatile storage device 130 by executing the update program. As a result, the version of the firmware is updated to the current recommended version.

[0083] At S28 after the firmware update, the printer 100 transmits to the relay server 200 an update completion notification indicating that the firmware update has been completed. The update completion notification includes the version of the updated firmware, that is, the current version information indicating the current firmware version.

[0084] When the relay server 200 receives the update completion notification, at S29, it updates the firmware-related information of the printer 100. Specifically, in the device registration table DT (FIG. 2), it updates the current version information included in the firmware-related information "PV_a" associated with the account ID "DID_a" of the printer 100, and the firmware update history information.

[0085] In S30 of FIG. 6, the relay server 200 checks whether the version of the firmware of the printer 100 has been updated to the recommended version. Specifically, the relay server 200 determines whether the current version of the firmware (i.e., the version after update) indicated by the current version information included in the update completion notification matches the recommended version of the firmware of the printer 100 identified in S12 of FIG. 5. If the current version and the recommended version match, the relay server 200 determines that the firmware version of the printer 100 has been updated to the recommended version.

[0086] If the firmware version of the printer 100 has not been updated to the recommended version (S30: NO), the firmware update process ends. If the firmware version of the printer 100 has been updated to the recommended version (S30: YES), in S31, the relay server 200 obtains firmware update history information from the firmware-related information "PV_a" associated with the device ID "DID_a" of the printer 100 in the device registration table DT (FIG. 2).

[0087] In S32, the relay server 200 obtains the number of past firmware updates in the printer 100 based on the firmware update history information.

[0088] In S33, the relay server 200 sends a firmware update notification to the server that provides the printing service using the printer 100, that is, the first server 300A. The firmware update notification is a notification indicating that the firmware version of the printer 100 has been updated to the recommended version. The firmware update notification includes update count information indicating the number of updates obtained in S31 and update date / time information indicating the update date and time. The update date and time is the date and time when the firmware of the printer 100 was updated to the recommended version. For example, the current date and time is used as the update date and time.

[0089] When receiving a firmware update notification, the first server 300A (CPU 310) executes reward determination processing in S34. The reward determination processing is processing for determining whether to grant a reward to the printer 100 in response to an update of the firmware in the printer 100, and if so, determining the content of the reward to be granted.

[0090] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the reward determination processing (S34 in FIG. 6). In S230, the first server 300A (CPU 310) determines whether the update date and time is within the reward granting period starting from the update possible date of the recommended version. The update possible date is the date and time when the firmware becomes updatable to the recommended version. For the update possible date, the update program for updating the firmware to the recommended version is stored in the relay server 200 and the date and time when it becomes transmissible from the relay server 200 to the printer 100 is used. The update possible date may be recorded in the first server 300A by, for example, an administrator of the first server 300A. Alternatively, the update possible date may be notified from the relay server 200 to the first server 300A. The reward granting period is, for example, a period of about 1 to 6 months. For the update date and time, the date and time indicated by the update date and time information included in the firmware update notification is used.

[0091] If the update date and time are outside the reward granting period (S230: NO), the first server 300A determines at S260 that there is no reward and ends the reward determination process. If the update date and time are within the reward granting period (S230: YES), the first server 300A determines the reward amount according to the past update count at S250 and ends the reward determination process. When the past update count is large, more rewards are granted than when the past update count is small. For example, in this embodiment, as the reward printing permission, a printing permission is granted that allows printing of the additional printable number of sheets AMC exceeding the monthly printable number of sheets MC. For this reason, when the past update count is large, a larger number of additional printable numbers of sheets AMC are determined than when the past update count is small. As an example, when the past update count is 1 to 2 times, the additional printable number of sheets AMC is determined to be 30 sheets, when the past update count is 3 to 5 times, the additional printable number of sheets AMC is determined to be 50 sheets, and when the past update count is 6 times or more, the additional printable number of sheets AMC is determined to be 80 sheets.

[0092] Note that as the reward printing permission, when the carry-over number of sheets for the current month is more than the carry-over possible number of sheets CO, a printing permission may be granted that allows printing of the additional carry-over possible number of sheets ACO exceeding the carry-over possible number of sheets CO in the next month. Also, as the reward printing permission, a printing permission may be granted that allows printing of the additional offline printable number of sheets AOP exceeding the offline printable number of sheets OP even in the offline state. Which type of printing permission is granted may be determined randomly, for example, may be determined sequentially in a predetermined order, or may be determined to be the type of printing permission selected by the user in advance. Regardless of the type of printing permission, the reward amount (additional printable number of sheets AMC, additional carry-over possible number of sheets ACO, additional offline printable number of sheets AOP) is determined to be larger as the update count is larger.

[0093] In S35, the first server 300A determines whether the result of the reward determination process is that there is a reward. If the reward amount is determined at S250 in FIG. 8, it is determined that there is a reward. If there is no reward (S35: NO), the firmware update process ends.

[0094] When there is an update, in S36, the first server 300A updates the reward permission information in the service information table STa according to the determined reward. For example, the case where the determined reward printing permission is a printing permission that can execute printing for the additional printable number of sheets AMC exceeding the monthly printable number of sheets MC will be described. In this case, the first server 300A adds information indicating the determined additional printable number of sheets AMC and reward granting date and time information in association with the reward permission information associated with the device ID of the printer 100. The reward granting date and time information is information indicating the date and time when the reward printing permission was granted. For example, information indicating the execution date and time of S36 (the current date and time) is used.

[0095] In S38, the first server 300A sends a permission update notification to the relay server 200. The permission update notification includes that the printing permission of the printer 100 has been updated and information indicating the update content. The information indicating the update content is information indicating that the reward printing permission has been added. For example, it is information indicating that information indicating the additional printable number of sheets AMC has been added.

[0096] When the relay server 200 receives the permission update notification, in S40, it sends a permission update instruction to the printer 100 based on the permission update notification. When the printer 100 receives the permission update instruction, in S42, it updates the reward permission information in the information database IB based on the permission update instruction. For example, when the added reward printing permission is a printing permission that can execute printing for the additional printable number of sheets AMC exceeding the monthly printable number of sheets MC, information indicating the additional printable number of sheets AMC is added to the above-mentioned reward permission information.

[0097] As described above, by updating the reward permission information on both the first server 300A and the printer 100 (S36, S42), the reward printing permission granted to the printer 100 becomes effective. For example, the printer 100 can execute printing for the additional printable number of sheets AMC exceeding the monthly printable number of sheets MC.

[0098] Next, a reward invalidation process for invalidating the reward printing permission given in the firmware update process will be described. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of the reward invalidation process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the invalidation condition determination process (S52 and S55 in FIG. 9).

[0099] In S52 of FIG. 9, the first server 300A executes an invalidation condition determination process for the printer 100. The invalidation condition determination process is a process for determining whether an invalidation condition for invalidating the enabled reward printing permission is satisfied. The invalidation condition determination process is periodically executed, for example, once a day, after the reward printing permission of the printer 100 becomes valid.

[0100] In S310 of FIG. 10(A), after the reward printing permission of the printer 100 becomes valid, it is determined whether the recommended version of the firmware of the printer 100 has been changed. For example, when a new version of the firmware is released and the new version is set as the new recommended version, it is determined that the recommended version of the firmware has been changed. For example, when a new version is released, for example, in the version information table VT of the relay server 200, the recommended version information of the model of the printer 100 is updated to information indicating the new version, and an update program for the new version is added to the update program group UP. As a result, the version of the firmware of the printer 100 becomes in a state where it can be updated to the new version. For example, the first server 300A inquires of the relay server 200 whether the recommended version of the printer 100 has been changed. The first server 300A thereby determines whether the recommended version of the printer 100 has been changed.

[0101] When the recommended version of the firmware of the printer 100 is changed (S310: YES), the first server 300A determines to invalidate the reward printing authority of the printer 100 in S320. When the recommended version of the firmware of the printer 100 has not been changed (S310: NO), the first server 300A skips S320 and ends the invalidation condition determination process. As can be understood from the above description, the invalidation condition of this embodiment is that the recommended version of the firmware has been changed.

[0102] Returning to FIG. 9, the description will be continued. At the time of the invalidation condition determination process of S52, it is assumed that the new version of the firmware has not been released and the recommended version information has not been changed. For this reason, in the invalidation determination process of S52, the reward printing authority of the printer 100 is maintained as valid.

[0103] Thereafter, it is assumed that a new version of the firmware of the printer 100 is released. For example, an update program for updating the firmware of the printer 100 to a new version is uploaded to the relay server 200 by the operator who operates the relay server 200 and the first server 300A. In S53, the relay server 200 stores the uploaded update program in the non-volatile storage device 230. That is, the uploaded update program is added to the update program group UP (FIG. 1). In S54, the relay server 200 changes the recommended version information associated with the model information of the printer 100 in the version information table VT so that the new version of the firmware is the new recommended version. [[ID=⑨]]

[0104] As a result, at the time of the invalidation determination process of S55, since the recommended version information has been changed, in the invalidation determination process of S55, the reward printing authority of the printer 100 is determined to be invalid.

[0105] Because the reward printing authority of printer 100 is determined to be invalid in the invalidation condition determination process of S55, the first server 300A updates the reward authority information in S56 to invalidate the reward printing authority of printer 100. Specifically, the first server 300A deletes information related to the reward printing authority to be invalidated, i.e., information related to the reward printing authority added in S36 of FIG. 6, from the service information table STa. For example, if the reward printing authority to be invalidated is a printing authority that allows printing of an additional printable number AMC of sheets in excess of the current month's printable number MC, information indicating the additional printable number AMC and the reward grant date and time information are deleted from the reward authority information associated with the device ID of printer 100.

[0106] In S58, the first server 300A sends an authority update notification to the relay server 200. The authority update notification includes information indicating that the printing authority of the printer 100 has been updated and the details of the update. The information indicating the details of the update is information indicating that the reward printing authority has been invalidated, for example, information indicating that the information indicating the additional printable number AMC has been deleted.

[0107] When the relay server 200 receives the authority update notification, it sends an authority update instruction based on the authority update notification to the printer 100 in S60. When the printer 100 receives the authority update instruction, it updates the reward authority information in the information database IB based on the authority update instruction in S62. For example, if the reward printing authority to be invalidated is a printing authority that allows printing of an additional printable number AMC of pages in excess of the current month's printable number MC, the information indicating the additional printable number AMC is deleted from the above-mentioned reward authority information.

[0108] As described above, the reward authority information is updated in both the first server 300A and the printer 100 (S56, S62), and the reward printing authority granted to the printer 100 is invalidated. For example, the printer 100 will no longer be able to print more than the printable number MC for the current month.

[0109] The operation of the system 1000 has been described above by taking the case where the printer 100 is used for the use of the first printing service as an example. When the printer 100 is used for the use of the second printing service, instead of the first server 300A, the second server 300B executes the processes executed by the first server 300A in FIGS. 4, 6, and 9. Also, in this case, as the reward printing authority, a reward printing authority suitable for the second printing service of the metered system is determined.

[0110] For example, in the reward determination process (FIG. 8) of S34 in FIG. 6, as the reward printing authority, a printing authority that can execute printing for the additional charge number of sheets ATP may be determined. Alternatively, as the reward printing authority, an acquisition authority (corresponding to a coupon) that can acquire the printing authority for a predetermined number of sheets free of charge or at a discounted price may be determined. In this case, in S36 and S42 of FIG. 6, information indicating the additional charge number of sheets ATP and the above-described free charge coupon information FC and discounted charge coupon information PC are added to the reward authority information.

[0111] According to the first embodiment described above, the first server 300A communicably connected to the target printer (e.g., printer 100) used for the use of the printing service includes a first database DBa that stores a service information table STa including printing authority information (FIGS. 1 and 3(A)). The relay server 200 includes a management database DBm that stores a version information table VT including recommended version information indicating the recommended version of the firmware used in the printer 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The relay server 200 receives the device ID and the current version information from the printer 100 vice (S10 in FIG. 5, S28 in FIG. 5). When the recommended version of the firmware based on the device ID and the recommended version information and the current version of the firmware based on the current version information match between the relay server 200 and the first server 300A (YES in S30 in FIG. 6), the relay server 200 determines the reward printing authority to be granted as a reward for the firmware update to the printer 100 (S31 to S34 in FIG. 6). After determining the reward printing authority, the first server 300A updates the reward authority information associated with the printer 100 (device ID of the printer 100) in the service information table STa so that the reward authority becomes valid (S36 in FIG. 6). As a result, when the recommended version of the firmware of the printer 100 matches the current version of the firmware in the printer 100, the reward printing authority regarding the use of the printing service can be granted to the printer 100 as a reward for the firmware update. As a result, an incentive to update the firmware in the printer 100 can be given to the user of the printer 100, so that the firmware update in the printer 100 used for the use of the printing service can be promoted. As a result, the probability that the version of the target printer (e.g., printer 100) used for the printing service is quickly updated to the recommended version can be improved. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of security problems and problems in which the printing service does not operate due to the use of firmware of a version different from the recommended version in the target printer.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, instead of giving a reward to the user, a reward is given to the printer 100. For this purpose, for example, when the printer 100 is used by a plurality of users, not a specific user but all users who use the printer 100 can enjoy the merits (for example, the merit that the additional printable sheet count AMC increases). As a result, not only a specific user but also all users who use the printer 100 can be given an incentive to update the firmware version. Since the firmware of the printer 100 can be updated if an update instruction is input by any of a plurality of users, the possibility that the firmware of the printer 100 is updated to the recommended version can be further increased.

[0113] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the relay server 200 specifies the recommended version for the printer 100 (S12 in FIG. 5). Then, when the current version of the firmware stored in the printer 100 is different from the recommended version (YES in S14 in FIG. 5), in response to the firmware update request (S24 in FIG. 5) transmitted from the printer 100 based on the user's instruction, the relay server 200 causes the firmware of the printer 100 to be updated so that the version of the firmware of the printer 100 becomes the recommended version (S24 in FIG. 5). Then, after the firmware of the printer 100 is updated, the first server 300A determines the reward printing permission (S34 in FIG. 6). As a result, when the firmware of the printer 100 is updated to the recommended version based on the user's instruction, as a reward for the update, the reward printing permission regarding the use of the printing service can be given to the printer 100. Therefore, by promoting the autonomous firmware update, the update of the firmware version can be promoted.

[0114] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the relay server 200 determines whether the update date and time of the firmware in the printer 100 is within the reward period starting from the update available date of the recommended version (S230 in FIG. 8). When the update date and time is within the reward period (YES in S230 in FIG. 8), the relay server 200 determines the reward printing permission so as to give more rewards than when the update date and time is outside the reward period (S250 in FIG. 8). For example, in this embodiment, when the update date and time is within the reward period (YES in S230 in FIG. 8), a reward is given, and when the update date and time is outside the reward period (NO in S230 in FIG. 8), no reward is given. As a result, an incentive for the user to update the firmware within the reward period can be given, so that early update of the firmware can be promoted.

[0115] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, after updating the reward permission information associated with the printer 100 so that the reward printing permission becomes valid, the first server 300A determines whether an invalidation condition is satisfied (S52, S55 in FIG. 9, S310 in FIG. 10). When the invalidation condition is satisfied (YES in S310 in FIG. 10, S55 in FIG. 9), the first server 300A updates the reward permission information associated with the printer 100 so that the enabled reward printing permission becomes invalid (S56 in FIG. 9). The enabled print reward permission may not preferably be permanently valid. In this embodiment, a reward permission that is not preferably permanently valid can be invalidated. For example, if the reward printing permission for the additional printable number of sheets AMC is not invalidated once, when the recommended version of the firmware is changed and then the firmware is updated to the new recommended version again, it may be difficult to grant the print reward permission. This is because if the reward printing permission is not invalidated and the reward printing permission is granted many times, the number of printable sheets per month may increase excessively.

[0116] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the relay server 200 changes the recommended version information stored in the version information table VT in order to change the recommended version of the firmware of the printer 100 (S54 in FIG. 9). The invalidation condition of the printing reward permission is that the recommended version has been changed (S310 in FIG. 10). As a result, when the recommended version is changed, the printing reward permission can be invalidated once, so that when the firmware is updated to the changed recommended version, it is easy to grant the printing reward permission again as a reward. As a result, it is possible to induce the user to update the firmware to the changed recommended version.

[0117] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the relay server 200 acquires firmware update history information (S31 in FIG. 6). The relay server 200 and the first server 300A determine the reward printing permission based on the firmware update history information (S32 to S34 in FIG. 6, S250 in FIG. 8). As a result, it is possible to grant a reward corresponding to the update history of the firmware in the printer 100.

[0118] More specifically, the first server 300A determines the reward printing permission such that the more the number of past firmware updates specified based on the firmware history information, the more reward printing permission (S250 in FIG. 8). For example, when the number of updates is the first number (for example, 1 to 2 times), the reward printing permission is determined to grant the first reward (for example, the additional printable sheet number AMC = 30 sheets). When the number of updates is the second number (for example, 3 to 5 times) more than the first number, the reward printing permission is determined to grant the second reward (for example, the additional printable sheet number AMC = 50 sheets) more than the first reward. As a result, an appropriate reward can be granted according to the number of firmware updates. For example, since it is very preferable to update the firmware to the recommended version many times from the viewpoints of security and operation guarantee, it is considered appropriate that a larger amount of reward is granted.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the service provided by the first server 300A is a printing service using a printer (e.g., printer 100), and the reward authority is a reward printing authority that is the printing authority for a specific number of sheets, or an acquisition authority (e.g., a coupon) for acquiring the reward printing authority (FIGS. 3(A) and (B)). As a result, it is possible to promote the update of the firmware of the printer 100 used for the use of the printing service.

[0120] More specifically, the printing service includes a flat-rate first printing service (FIG. 3(A)). The reward printing authority of the first printing service includes the printing authority for the additional printable number of sheets AMC printable within a specific period (e.g., one month) (FIG. 3(A)). Also, the reward printing authority of the first printing service includes the printing authority for the additional carry-over possible number of sheets ACO that can be carried over to the second specific period (e.g., the next month) following the first specific period (e.g., the current month) out of the printable number of sheets for the first specific period (FIG. 3(A)). As a result, it is possible to promote the update of the firmware of the printer 100 used for the printing of the flat-rate second printing service.

[0121] Also, the printing service includes a usage-based second printing service (FIG. 3(B)). The reward printing authority of the second printing service includes the printing authority provided free of charge or at a discounted price (additional printable number of sheets AMC, free charge coupon information FC, discounted charge coupon information PC). As a result, it is possible to promote the update of the firmware of the printer used for the use of the usage-based second printing service.

[0122] As can be understood from the above description, the printer 100 in this embodiment is an example of a specific device, the firmware (computer program PGp) is an example of specific software, and the reward granting period is an example of the first period.

[0123] B. Second Embodiment The basic configuration and operation of the system 1000 of the second embodiment are the same as the configuration and operation shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. In the second embodiment, the settings of the printer 100 include the automatic firmware update setting. The automatic firmware update setting is a setting that allows the version of the firmware used in the printer 100 to be automatically updated without receiving a user's instruction.

[0124] For example, when the automatic firmware update setting is set to be effective, in the firmware update process of FIG. 5, when the printer 100 issues an update required notification in S18 of FIG. 5, it transmits a firmware update request to the relay server 200 without obtaining a user's update instruction. That is, in FIG. 5, after S18, the transmission of the firmware update request in S23 is immediately performed without executing S20 and S22. Then, when S24 and S26 in FIG. 5 are executed and the firmware is updated to the recommended version, the firmware update process is terminated.

[0125] When the automatic firmware update setting is set to be ineffective, the firmware update process shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is executed. However, in the second embodiment, no reward may be given for manual firmware update. That is, in the second embodiment, the processes from S28 in FIG. 5 to S42 in FIG. 6 may be omitted.

[0126] In the second embodiment, the following automatic update related processes are executed. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of the automatic update related process. The automatic setting related process is started when the user inputs an automatic firmware update setting instruction to the printer 100. The automatic firmware update setting instruction is an instruction to change the automatic firmware update setting from invalid to valid in a state where the automatic firmware update setting is invalid. For example, the automatic update setting instruction is input by the user via a setting instruction screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 140.

[0127] When the printer 100 obtains the automatic update setting instruction, in S101, it changes the automatic firmware update setting from invalid to valid.

[0128] When the printer 100 enables the automatic update setting of the firmware, at S102, it sends an automatic update setting notification indicating that the automatic update setting has been changed from invalid to valid to the relay server 200. The automatic update setting notification includes the device ID of the printer 100. When receiving the automatic update setting notification, the relay server 200 sends the automatic update setting notification to the first server 300A at S104.

[0129] When the first server 300A receives the automatic update setting notification, at S 106, it determines the reward printing permission. The determined reward printing permission is the same as that in the first embodiment. For example, it is a printing permission that can execute printing for the additional printable number of sheets AMC exceeding the monthly printable number of sheets MC. The reward printing permission may be a printing permission that can execute printing for the additional carry-over printable number of sheets ACO exceeding the carry-over printable number of sheets CO in the next month when the carry-over number of sheets in the current month is more than the carry-over possible number of sheets CO, or it may be a printing permission that can execute printing for the additional offline printable number of sheets AOP exceeding the offline printable number of sheets OP even in the offline state. The reward amount (for example, the additional printable number of sheets AMC) is determined to be a predetermined fixed value.

[0130] At S108, the first server 300A updates the reward permission information in the service information table STa according to the determined reward, similar to S36 in FIG. 6. At S110, similar to S38 in FIG. 6, the first server 300A sends a permission update notification to the relay server 200. The permission update notification includes information indicating that the printing permission of the printer 100 has been updated and the update content. When receiving the permission update notification, the relay server 200 sends a permission update instruction to the printer 100 based on the permission update notification at S112, similar to S40 in FIG. 6. When receiving the permission update instruction, the printer 100 updates the reward permission information in the information database IB based on the permission update instruction at S114, similar to S42 in FIG. 6.

[0131] As described above, by updating the reward authority information on both the first server 300A and the printer 100 (S108, S114), the reward printing authority granted to the printer 100 becomes valid.

[0132] As described above, the operation of the system 1000 of the second embodiment has been described by taking the case where the printer 100 is used for the use of the first printing service as an example. When the printer 100 is used for the use of the second printing service, instead of the first server 300A, the second server 300B executes the processes executed by the first server 300A in FIG. 11. Also, in this case, as described in the first embodiment, as the reward printing authority, a reward printing authority suitable for the second printing service with a metered system is determined.

[0133] For example, in S106, as the reward printing authority, a printing authority that can execute printing for the additional charge number of sheets ATP is determined. Alternatively, as the reward printing authority, an acquisition authority (corresponding to a coupon) that can acquire the printing authority for a predetermined number of sheets free of charge or at a discounted price may be determined.

[0134] Also, in the reward invalidation process for invalidating the reward printing authority of the second embodiment, invalidation conditions different from those of the first embodiment are used. For example, in the second embodiment, when the automatic update setting of the firmware is set to invalid, it is determined that the invalidation condition is satisfied, and the reward printing authority is invalidated. Alternatively, when a predetermined period (for example, one year) has elapsed after the automatic update setting of the firmware is set to valid, it may be determined that the invalidation condition is satisfied, and the reward printing authority is invalidated.

[0135] According to the second embodiment described above, the first server 300A communicably connected to the target printer (e.g., printer 100) used for the use of the printing service includes a first database DBa that stores a service information table STa including printing permission information (FIGS. 1 and 3(A)). The relay server 200 receives an automatic update setting notification indicating that the setting has been changed from the printer 100 when the automatic update setting of the firmware is changed from invalid to valid based on the user's instruction (S102 in FIG. 11). When the first server 300A receives the automatic update setting notification, it determines a printing reward permission as a reward for the setting change of the automatic update setting for the printer 100 (S106 in FIG. 11). After determining the reward printing permission, the first server 300A updates the reward permission information associated with the printer 100 so that the reward printing permission becomes valid (S108 in FIG. 11). As a result, when the automatic update setting of the firmware of the printer 100 is changed from invalid to valid based on the user's instruction, the printing permission regarding the use of the printing service can be granted to the printer 100 as a reward for the setting change. As a result, an incentive to enable the automatic update setting in the device can be given to the user of the device, so that the update of a specific software version in the device used for the use of the service can be promoted.

[0136] C. Modification Example (1) In the first embodiment described above, the invalidation condition for invalidating the valid reward printing permission of the printer 100 is that the recommended version of the printer 100 has been changed (S310 in FIG. 10). Instead of this, other invalidation conditions may be adopted. That is, the condition determined in S310 of FIG. 10(A) may be other conditions. For example, the invalidation condition may be that a predetermined period (e.g., several days to several weeks) has elapsed since the recommended version of the printer 100 was changed.

[0137] For example, instead of S310 in Fig. 10(A), S310B in Fig. 10(B) may be adopted. In S310B, the first server 300A determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the update date when the firmware of the printer 100 can be updated to the current recommended version. Then, when the predetermined period has elapsed since the update date (S310B: YES), the first server 300A determines to invalidate the reward printing permission (S320 in Fig. 10(A)), and when the predetermined period has not elapsed since the update date (S310B: NO), the first server 300A maintains the reward printing permission as valid. That is, the invalidation condition may be that a predetermined period has elapsed since the update date to the current recommended version. Even in this case, when a predetermined period has elapsed since the update date to the current recommended version, the reward printing permission can be invalidated once. As a result, for example, when the recommended version is changed later and the firmware is updated to a new recommended version again, it is easy to grant the reward printing permission.

[0138] Also, instead of S310 in Fig. 10(A), S310C in Fig. 10(C) may be adopted. In S310C, the first server 300A determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the update date when the firmware of the printer 100 is updated to the current recommended version. Then, when the predetermined period has elapsed since the update date (S310C: YES), the first server 300A determines to invalidate the reward printing permission (S320 in Fig. 10(A)), and when the predetermined period has not elapsed since the update date (S310C: NO), the first server 300A maintains the reward printing permission as valid. That is, the invalidation condition may be that a predetermined period has elapsed since the update date to the current recommended version. In this case, when a predetermined period has elapsed since the update date to the current recommended version, the reward printing permission can be invalidated once.

[0139] (2) In the above-described first embodiment, the relay server 200 transmits the update program to the printer 100, thereby updating the version of the firmware of the printer 100 (S24 and S26 in FIG. 5). The method of updating the firmware is not limited to this, and other methods may be used. For example, the printer 100 may access a server for firmware update that has nothing to do with the printing service different from the relay server 200 or the first server 300A, and download the update program from the server to update the firmware of the printer 100. Alternatively, the user may access a server for firmware update using a terminal device such as his / her personal computer, and download the update program from the server. Then, the firmware of the printer 100 may be updated by transferring the update program from the terminal device to the printer 100 using a storage device such as a USB memory or a communication means such as Wi-fi. In these cases, the processes of S10 to S26 in FIG. 5 are omitted, and after the firmware is updated, the printer 100 may simply send the update completion notification of S28 to the relay server 200.

[0140] (2) In the above-described first embodiment, in the reward determination process (FIG. 8), when the update date of the firmware is within the reward granting period (YES in S230 of FIG. 8), the first server 300A determines the reward printing permission (S250 in FIG. 8), and when it is outside the reward granting period (NO in S230 of FIG. 8), it determines that there is no reward (S260 in FIG. 8). Not limited to this, for example, the first server 300A may determine the reward printing permission whether the update date of the firmware is within the reward granting period or outside the reward granting period.

[0141] Also in this case, it is preferable that the first server 300A determines the reward printing permission so as to grant more rewards when the update date of the firmware is within the reward granting period than when it is outside the reward granting period. The first server 300A may determine exactly the same reward printing permission whether the update date of the firmware is within the reward granting period or outside the reward granting period.

[0142] (3) In the above first embodiment, when the invalidation condition is satisfied, the reward printing authority granted to the printer 100 is invalidated (FIG. 9). Instead of this, the reward printing authority granted to the printer 100 may be permanently valid.

[0143] (4) In the above first embodiment, the past update count is acquired based on the firmware update history information, and the reward amount of the reward printing authority is determined according to the update count (S31 to S34 in FIG. 6, FIG. 8). The method for determining the reward amount is not limited to this. For example, based on the firmware update history information, for example, the ratio of updates performed within the reward granting period among a plurality of past firmware updates is acquired, and the higher the ratio, the larger the determined reward amount may be. Alternatively, the period from the update possible date when the update to the recommended version becomes possible to the update date when the update is actually performed is calculated, and the shorter the period, the larger the determined reward amount may be. Furthermore, the reward amount may be determined to be a fixed predetermined amount at all times without using the firmware update history information or the like.

[0144] (5) In each of the above embodiments, the printer 100 is used as the device used for providing the service, but other types of devices may be adopted. The device may be, for example, a scanner or a digital camera that generates image data by optically reading an object using an image sensor. The device may be, for example, a sewing machine that forms an image such as a pattern on a fabric by embroidering the fabric using a thread, or a terminal device such as a smartphone or a personal computer.

[0145] Further, the device is not limited to an image processing device such as a printer, a scanner, a camera, or a sewing machine, and various devices configured to be connectable to the Internet IT may be adopted. For example, the device may be a device unrelated to images, such as a home appliance product such as a refrigerator or a microwave oven, or a music player or a temperature sensor.

[0146] The services provided by servers 300A and 300B may be various services according to the devices adopted. The services can be, for example, services realizable by remotely operating a device by sending a command to the device, or services realizable by collecting information about the device by sending a command to the device.

[0147] (6) The reward printing right exemplified in the first embodiment is just an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the reward printing right may be a combination of two or more of the following three printing rights: a printing right that can execute printing for the additional printable number of sheets AMC exceeding the monthly printable number of sheets MC; a printing right that can execute printing for the additional carry-over printable number of sheets ACO exceeding the carry-over printable number of sheets CO in the next month when the carry-over number of sheets in the current month is more than the carry-over possible number of sheets CO; and a printing right that can execute printing for the additional offline printable number of sheets AOP exceeding the offline printable number of sheets OP even in the offline state. Alternatively, the reward printing right may be a coupon or points that can acquire the right selected by the user among the above three rights.

[0148] Furthermore, for example, in the case of the second printing service, the reward printing right may be a right (so-called pre-borrow printing right) that allows printing a predetermined number of sheets even when the remaining recharge number of sheets RN becomes 0 and the fee is allowed to be paid later. Also, the reward printing right may be a right to perform printing beyond the expiration period of a printing right with a predetermined expiration period (for example, a printing right for a recharge number of sheets with a defined expiration period).

[0149] Also, for example, the reward printing right may be a right to print predetermined paid content (for example, character image data or font data). Also, the reward printing right may be a right to store image data in a cloud server and perform printing using the image data.

[0150] Furthermore, when services using devices different from the printer as described above are adopted, the reward rights granted for updating the firmware of these devices to the recommended version may be in various forms according to the content of the service. For example, the reward rights may be free usage rights that allow the use of a paid service for a predetermined period of time for free. Alternatively, the reward rights may be discounted usage rights that allow the use of a paid service at a discounted price for a predetermined period of time. Also, when a scanner is adopted as the device, the reward rights may be, for example, the right to transmit scan data using e-mail.

[0151] (7) In the above embodiment, the first printing service is provided by two servers, the relay server 200 and the first server 300A, and the second printing service is provided by two servers, the relay server 200 and the second server 300B. Instead of this, the printing service may be provided by one server, or may be provided with roles shared by three or more servers capable of communicating with each other. For example, the first printing service may be provided in cooperation with, in addition to the relay server 200 and the first server 300A, an account management server that manages user accounts and an order placement server that manages the ordering of printing materials such as ink.

[0152] (8) In the above embodiment, reward printing rights are granted for updating the version of the firmware of the printer 100. However, this is not the only case. For example, when software other than the firmware, for example, an application program for the printing service, is installed in the printer 100, reward printing rights may be granted for updating the version of the application program, for example.

[0153] (9) In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, a part or all of the configuration realized by software may be replaced with hardware.

[0154] The present invention has been described based on the embodiments and modification examples above. However, the above-described embodiments of the invention are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist and the scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0155] 1000... System, 100... Printer, 110... CPU, 120... Volatile memory device, 130... Non-volatile memory device, 140... Display unit, 150... Operation unit, 170... Printing mechanism, 180... Communication IF, 190... Ink tank, 200... Relay server, 210... CPU, 220... Volatile memory device, 230... Non-volatile memory device, 280... Communication IF, 300A... First server, 300B... Second server, 310... CPU, 320... Volatile memory device, 330... Non-volatile memory device, 380... Communication IF, DBa... First database, DBb... Second database, DBm... Management database, DT... Device registration table, IB... Information database, IT... Internet, PGp, PGr, PGsA, PGsB... Computer programs, STa, STb... Service information tables, UP... Update program group, VT... Version information table

Claims

1. A server communicably connected to a device used for service utilization, A first storage unit that stores authority information indicating the authority to use the service, wherein the authority information is associated with identification information for identifying the device, the first storage unit; A second storage unit that stores recommended version information indicating a recommended version of specific software used in the device, wherein the recommended version information is associated with type information indicating the type of the device, and the recommended version is a version obtained by updating the specific software in the device at least once, the second storage unit; A receiving unit that receives, from a specific device, device information including the identification information and current version information for specifying the current version of the specific software stored in the specific device; When the recommended version of the specific software based on the device information and the recommended version information matches the current version of the specific software based on the current version information, a reward authority that is an authority regarding the utilization authority and is to be granted as a reward for updating the specific software to the specific device A reward determination unit for determining; An authority information update unit that updates the authority information associated with the specific device in the first storage unit so that the reward authority becomes valid after the determination of the reward authority; A server comprising.

2. The server according to claim 1, further comprising: A recommended specification unit for specifying the recommended version for the specific device; When the version of the specific software stored in the specific device is different from the recommended version, in response to an update request for the specific software transmitted based on a user instruction from the specific device, the specific software stored in the specific device is updated so that the version becomes the recommended version. An update unit; After updating the specific software stored in the specific device, the reward determination unit determines the reward authority, the server.

3. The server according to claim 1, An update date and time determination unit that determines whether or not the update date and time when the specific software is updated to the recommended version in the specific device is within a first period starting from the date and time when the specific software becomes updatable to the recommended version, The reward determination unit determines the reward authority so as to give a greater reward when the update date and time is within the first period than when it is outside the first period, server.

4. The server according to claim 1, further comprising: An invalidation determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined invalidation condition is satisfied after updating the authority information associated with the specific device so that the reward authority becomes valid, The authority information update unit updates the authority information associated with the specific device so that the rewarded authority that has been made valid becomes invalid when the invalidation condition is satisfied, server.

5. The server according to claim 4, The invalidation condition includes that a second period has elapsed since the date and time when the specific software became updatable to the recommended version, server.

6. The server according to claim 4, further comprising: A recommended version change unit that changes the recommended version information stored in the second storage unit in order to change the recommended version of the specific software, The invalidation condition includes either that the recommended version has been changed or that a third period has elapsed since the recommended version was changed, server.

7. The server according to claim 4, The server includes that a fourth period has elapsed since the date and time when the specific software stored in the specific device was updated to the recommended version.

8. The server according to claim 1, further comprising: A history information acquisition unit that acquires update history information, which is information regarding updates to the specific software in the specific device, The reward determination unit determines the reward authority based on the update history information, server.

9. The server according to claim 8, The reward determination unit When the number of times the specific software has been updated to the recommended version in the past in the specific device is the first number of times, determines the reward authority so as to give a first reward, A server that determines the reward authority to grant a second reward greater than the first reward when the number of updates is a second number greater than the first number.

10. The server according to claim 1, wherein the device is a printer, the usage authority includes a printing authority to perform printing using a printing service, the reward authority includes a reward printing authority that is the printing authority for a specific number of sheets, or an acquisition authority to acquire the reward printing authority.

11. The server according to claim 10, wherein the printing service includes a per-volume printing service in which a fee is charged according to the number of printed sheets, the reward printing authority includes the printing authority provided free of charge or at a discounted fee.

12. The server according to claim 11, wherein the printing service includes a flat-rate printing service in which a fixed fee is charged at regular intervals, the reward printing authority includes the printing authority for a predetermined number of sheets that can be printed within the specific period, or the printing authority for a predetermined number of sheets that can be printed in a first specific period, and that can be carried over to a second specific period following the first specific period.

13. A computer program for a server comprising: a first storage unit communicably connected to a device used for service utilization and storing authority information indicating the usage authority regarding the service utilization, wherein the authority information is associated with identification information for identifying the device; and a second storage unit storing recommended version information indicating a recommended version of specific software used in the device, wherein the recommended version information is associated with type information indicating the type of the device, and the recommended version is a version obtained by updating the specific software in the device at least once. The computer program further comprises: a receiving function for receiving, from a specific device, device information including the identification information and current version information for specifying the current version of the specific software stored in the specific device. A receiving function that receives, from a specific device, device information including the identification information and current version information for specifying the current version of the specific software stored in the specific device. A reward determination function that determines a reward right, which is a right related to the usage right and is a right to be granted as a reward for updating the specific software for the specific device when the recommended version of the specific software based on the device information and the recommended version information matches the current version of the specific software based on the current version information. An authority information update function that updates the authority information associated with the specific device in the first storage unit so that the reward authority becomes valid after the determination of the reward authority. A computer program that causes a computer to implement the above.

14. A communication system including one or more devices and a server connectable to the devices via a network, A first storage unit that stores authority information indicating a usage right regarding the use of a service, wherein the authority information is associated with identification information for identifying the device. A second storage unit that stores recommended version information indicating a recommended version of specific software used in the device, wherein the recommended version information is associated with type information indicating the type of the device, and the recommended version is a version obtained by updating the specific software in the device at least once. A reward determination unit that determines a reward right, which is a right related to the usage right and is a right to be granted as a reward for updating the specific software for the specific device when the recommended version of the specific software specified based on the device information including the identification information of the specific device and the recommended version information matches the current version of the specific software stored in the specific device. An authority information update unit that updates the authority information associated with the specific device in the first storage unit so that the reward authority becomes valid after the determination of the reward authority. A communication system comprising the above.

15. A server communicably connected to a device used for the use of a service, A storage unit that stores authority information indicating a usage right regarding the use of the service, wherein the authority information is associated with identification information for identifying the device. When an automatic update setting that allows automatic updating of specific software used in a specific device without receiving a user's instruction is changed from invalid to valid based on the user's instruction, a receiving unit that receives from the specific device a notification indicating that the automatic update setting has been changed from invalid to valid. When receiving the notification, a reward determination unit that determines a reward authority that is an authority regarding the usage authority and is an authority to be granted as a reward for the setting change of the automatic update setting to the specific device. After the determination of the reward authority, an authority information update unit that updates the authority information associated with the specific device in the storage unit so that the reward authority becomes valid. A server comprising the above.

16. A storage unit that is communicably connected to a device used for using a service and stores authority information indicating a usage authority regarding the use of the service, wherein the authority information is associated with identification information for identifying the device. A computer program for a server comprising a storage unit. When an automatic update setting that allows automatic updating of specific software used in a specific device without receiving a user's instruction is changed from invalid to valid based on the user's instruction, a receiving function that receives from the specific device a notification indicating that the automatic update setting has been changed from invalid to valid. When receiving the notification, a reward determination function that determines a reward authority that is an authority regarding the usage authority and is an authority to be granted as a reward for the setting change of the automatic update setting to the specific device. After the determination of the reward authority, an authority information update function that updates the authority information associated with the specific device in the storage unit so that the reward authority becomes valid. A computer program that causes a computer to implement the above.

17. A communication system comprising one or more devices and a server connectable to the devices via a network. A storage unit that stores authority information indicating a usage authority regarding the use of a service, wherein the authority information is associated with identification information for identifying the device. The storage unit. A reward determination unit that determines a reward authority, which is an authority regarding the usage authority and is a privilege to be granted as a reward for the setting change of the automatic update setting to the specific device when the automatic update setting that allows automatically updating the specific software used in the specific device without receiving a user's instruction is changed from invalid to valid based on the user's instruction; An authority information update unit that updates the authority information associated with the specific device in the storage unit so that the reward authority becomes valid after the determination of the reward authority; A communication system comprising the above.

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