Server, computer program for server, and communication system

Abstract

To provide a user with a privilege so as to be an incentive to continue a service contract.SOLUTION: A server stores authority information indicating use authority related to use of a specific service. The server receives consumable information regarding consumables in a specific device from the specific device, determines based on the consumable information whether or not a specific condition indicating that a work time has come when a user may need to perform work to replenish the specific device with consumables is met, and if the specific condition is met, determines privilege authority, which is authority that should be granted to the specific device as a privilege and is authority related to the use authority of the specific service. After determining the privilege authority, the server updates the authority information associated with the specific device in a storage unit so that the privilege authority becomes valid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a server, a computer program for the server, and a communication system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for awarding a user a reward according to the usage status of a service by the user in a system for an electronic payment service. The usage status to be considered includes the purchase unit price, the purchase frequency, the contract continuation period, and the profit rate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification discloses a new technique capable of awarding a privilege to a user so that the user of a service provided using a device is motivated to continue the service contract.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The technique disclosed in this specification can be realized as the following application examples.

[0006] [Application Example 1] A server that is communicably connected to a device used by a user for using a specific service during a contract and that consumes consumables, the server including: a storage unit that stores authorization information indicating an authorization right regarding the use of the specific service, the authorization information being associated with identification information for identifying the device; a receiving unit that receives consumable information regarding the consumables in the specific device from the specific device; a determination unit that determines whether or not a specific condition is satisfied that indicates that a working time has arrived at which a user's work for replenishing the consumables in the specific device may occur based on the consumable information; a privilege determination unit that determines, when the specific condition is satisfied, a privilege right that is a privilege to be granted to the specific device and that relates to the use authorization right of the specific service; and an authorization information update unit that updates the authorization information associated with the specific device in the storage unit so that the privilege right becomes valid after the determination of the privilege right.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when a working time at which a user's work for replenishing consumables in a device may occur arrives, the use authorization right of a specific service can be granted as a privilege. As a result, a privilege can be granted to the user so as to motivate the user of the specific service provided using the device to continue the contract for the specific service.

[0008] 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 the 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 Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] A. First Embodiment A-1. Configuration of System 1000 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system 1000. The system 1000 includes a printer 100, a terminal device 200 owned by the user of the printer 100, a management server 300, and a privilege server 400.

[0011] The printer 100 is a device that consumes ink as a consumable and performs printing, and is used for the use of a printing service (described later) with which the user has a contract. The printer 100 includes, as a controller of the printer

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] In this embodiment, the computer program PGp is provided by being pre-stored in the non-volatile memory device 130 at the time of manufacturing 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 CD-ROM or the like.

[0015] The CPU110 executes various processes for controlling the printer 100 by executing the computer program PGp. For example, although details will be described later, the CPU110 controls the printing mechanism 170 to execute a printing process for causing the printing mechanism 170 to print an image. In addition, the CPU110 communicates with the management server 300 to execute processes related to the printing service described later.

[0016] The printing mechanism 170 executes printing according to the control of the CPU 110. The printing mechanism 170 of the present embodiment includes a mounting portion 175 on which an ink cartridge 190, which is a container containing ink, is detachably mounted. The printing mechanism 170 is an inkjet printing mechanism that prints an image on a recording medium using the ink (for example, black ink) contained in the ink cartridge 190 as a coloring material. Instead of this, the printing mechanism 170 may be a type of printing mechanism that includes a fixed ink tank and uses the ink contained in the ink tank as a coloring material. Furthermore, the printing mechanism 170 may be an electrophotographic printing mechanism that prints an image on a recording medium using the toner contained in a toner cartridge as a coloring material.

[0017] The terminal device 200 is a computer including a CPU, a memory, and a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) not shown in the figure, and is, for example, a smartphone. In a modified example, the terminal device 200 may be a personal computer or a tablet computer. The terminal device 200 includes a predetermined communication interface not shown in the figure, for example, a wireless communication interface compliant with a Wi-Fi standard or a mobile communication standard (for example, an LTE standard). An application program AP is installed in the terminal device 200. The application program AP causes the CPU of the terminal device 200 to realize processing related to the printing service. Hereinafter, the functions realized by the CPU of the terminal device 200 by executing the application program AP are also referred to as "terminal applications". The terminal application communicates with, for example, the management server 300 and executes processing related to the printing service as described later. Note that a browser program may be installed in the terminal device 200 instead of the application program AP. In this case, the terminal device 200 functions as a web browser by executing the browser program. Then, the terminal device 200 functioning as a web browser may communicate with the management server 300 and execute processing related to the printing service.

[0018] The management server 300 and the privilege server 400 cooperate to provide a printing service using a printer (e.g., printer 100). The management server 300 and the privilege server 400 are, for example, computers operated by a business operator (e.g., a business operator who manufactures and sells printer 100) that provides a printing service, such as cloud servers.

[0019] The management server 300 includes a CPU 310 as a controller of the management server 300, 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).

[0020] The CPU 310 is an arithmetic unit (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile storage device 320 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 310 performs processing. The non-volatile storage device 330 stores a computer program PGm and a management database DBm in which various types of information described later are recorded.

[0021] The computer program PGm is provided, for example, in a form uploaded by a business operator that operates a printing service. The CPU 310 of the management server 300 provides a printing service to a user by executing the computer program PGm. For example, the management server 300 cooperates with the privilege server 400, the terminal device 200, and the printer 100 to execute processing related to the printing service described later.

[0022] Similar to the management server 300, the privilege server 400 includes a CPU 410 as a controller of the privilege server 400, a volatile storage device 420 such as a DRAM, a non-volatile storage device 430 such as a hard disk or a flash memory, and a communication interface (IF) 480. The communication IF 480 is, for example, a wired interface compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0023] The CPU 410 is an arithmetic unit (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile memory device 420 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 410 performs processing. The non-volatile memory device 430 stores a computer program PGb and a privilege database DBb in which various types of information described later are recorded.

[0024] The computer program PGb is provided in a form uploaded by, for example, an operator who operates a printing service. The CPU 410 of the privilege server 400 executes the computer program PGb to execute processing related to privileges granted to users in the printing service, as will be described in detail later.

[0025] In FIG. 1, only one printer 100 and one terminal device 200 are illustrated, but the management server 300 provides a printing service to a large number of users using a large number of printers. Hereinafter, various processes for the printing service for one printer 100 and the terminal device 200 will be described, but these processes are executed independently for each of a plurality of printers (hereinafter also referred to as target printers, for example, printer 100) used in the printing service.

[0026] The printing service of this embodiment includes a service for managing the remaining amount of ink in the printer 100 and delivering an ink cartridge 190 or an ink bottle that stores ink for replenishing the printer 100 to the user of the printer 100.

[0027] The charging method of the printing service is a per-unit system in which a fee corresponding to the number of printed sheets is charged. For example, in the printing service, a user can prepay a 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 replenishing ink are included in the printing fee.

[0028] A-2. Description of Each Database First, the management database DBm stored in the non-volatile memory device 330 of the management server 300 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the management database DBm. The management database DBm includes an account table AT, a device registration table DT, and a service information table ST.

[0029] The account table AT is a table in which user information is registered. The user information includes the account of the user of the printing service and information associated with the account. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the user information includes an account ID, a password, a user name, and contract information. In the example of FIG. 2, the account ID "AC_a", password "PW_a", user name "KEN", and contract information "SI_a" of the management user of the printer 100 are recorded. The contract information includes, for example, the content of the contract with the user and the contract date, that is, the contract date information indicating the date when the use of the printing service by the user started based on the contract. Although not shown, the account table AT includes other user information required for the printing service. The other user information includes, for example, the user's address (the mailing address of the ink cartridge), email address, and payment information such as credit card numbers.

[0030] The device registration table DT is a table in which an account ID and device information are recorded in association. The device information includes a device ID for identifying the device and model information, etc. Thereby, the user identified by the account ID and one or more printers used when using the printing service are associated. In the example of FIG. 2, the account ID "AC_a" of the user of the printer 100 is recorded in association with the device ID "DID_a" and model information "MI_a" of the printer 100.

[0031] The service information table ST is a table in which information related to the printing service is recorded for each target printer used for the printing service. For example, in the service information table ST, printing permission information and ink management information are recorded in association with the device ID that identifies the target printer. In the example of FIG. 2, the device ID "DID_a" of printer 100, the printing permission information "PA_a", and the ink management information "IK_a" are recorded.

[0032] The printing permission information is usage permission regarding the use of the printing service, specifically, information indicating the printing permission given to the user of the printing service. For example, in a pay-per-print printing service, the printing permission information includes the cumulative number of printed sheets TP and the cumulative charged number of sheets CP.

[0033] 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 using the 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 amount already charged. The cumulative charged number of sheets CP increases by charging. The remaining number of sheets allowed to be printed based on the amount already charged (also called 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).

[0034] The ink management information includes ink remaining amount information RI and ink replenishment history information HI. The ink remaining amount information RI is information in which the transition of the remaining amount of ink used for printing in the target printer, for example, the remaining amount of black ink, is recorded. The ink remaining amount information RI includes information indicating at least the current remaining amount of ink and the remaining amount of ink immediately before the current remaining amount changes. The management server 300 manages the remaining amount of ink in the target printer using the ink remaining amount information RI. The ink replenishment history information HI is the ink replenishment history in the target printer, that is, information regarding multiple replenishments, and includes, for example, information indicating the date and time when ink was replenished in the past. By referring to the ink replenishment history information HI, for example, the number of times ink has been replenished in printer 100 in the past can be specified.

[0035] In addition, for printers of the type in which ink is supplied from an ink cartridge 190 such as the printer 100, ink replenishment is performed by replacing the ink cartridge 190. For printers of the type in which ink is supplied from an ink tank fixed to the printing mechanism, ink replenishment is performed, for example, by pouring ink from an ink bottle into the ink inlet of the ink tank.

[0036] Next, the privilege database DBb stored in the non-volatile memory device 430 of the privilege server 400 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the privilege database DBb and the information database IB. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the privilege database DBb includes a privilege management table BOT.

[0037] The privilege management table BOT is a table in which information regarding privilege authorities granted to a target printer is recorded for each target printer used for the printing service. For example, in the privilege management table BOT, privilege authority information and expiration date information are recorded in association with the device ID for identifying the target printer. In the example of FIG. 3, the device ID "DID_a" of the printer 100, the privilege authority information "PI_a", and the expiration date information "LT_a" are recorded.

[0038] The privilege authority information is information regarding privilege authorities to be granted as a privilege to the target printer. For example, the privilege authority information includes free charge coupon information FC and discounted charge coupon information PC.

[0039] The free charge coupon information FC is information on a coupon that allows free additional charging for a predetermined number of sheets (for example, 10 to 100 sheets). The discounted charge coupon information PC is information on a coupon that allows additional charging for a predetermined number of sheets (for example, 10 to 100 sheets) at a discounted rate lower than the normal rate.

[0040] As can be understood from the above description, the privilege right is a right regarding the right to use the printing service (i.e., the printing right). In this embodiment, it is an acquisition right (corresponding to a coupon) that can acquire the printing right for a predetermined number of copies free of charge or at a discounted price.

[0041] The expiration date information is information indicating the expiration date of the privilege right. In this embodiment, it is information indicating the expiration date of the above-mentioned coupon. The expiration date of the coupon is, for example, 1 to 6 months from the issuance of the coupon.

[0042] Next, the information database IB stored in the non-volatile storage device 130 of the printer 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3(B), the information database IB of the printer 100 includes setting information "ST_a", printing right information "PA_a", and ink management information "IK_a".

[0043] The setting information includes setting information regarding the printer 100, setting information related to printing, and network settings related to the connection to the local network or the Internet IT. The printing right information is information regarding the printing service using the printer 100. Specifically, the printing right information in the information database IB is the same information as the printing management information stored in the service information table ST (FIG. 3) of the management server 300. The ink management information is information indicating the remaining amount of ink used for printing in the printer 100 and the ink replenishment history. The ink management information is the same information as the ink management information stored in the service information table ST (FIG. 3) of the management server 300.

[0044] A-3. Operation of the System 1000 Next, the operation of the system 1000 will be described. FIGS. 4 to 7 are sequence diagrams showing the operation of the system 1000 of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the privilege number determination process. For example, a user who desires to provide a printing service purchases the printer 100 and connects it to the Internet IT. Further, the user starts the above-mentioned terminal application of the terminal device 200 and executes an operation for subscribing to the printing service, for example, inputting personal information required for the contract.

[0045] In S2, in response to the user's operation, the terminal device 200 (terminal application) communicates with the management server 300 and executes a contract process for concluding a usage contract for the printing service. The communication between the terminal device 200 and the management server 300 is executed according to a known protocol, for example, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). In the contract process, for example, in the account table AT, the account ID "AC_a", password "PW_a", user name "KEN", and contract information "SI_a" are recorded. Also, in the device registration table DT, the account ID "AC_a", device ID "DID_a", and model information "MI_a" are recorded.

[0046] In S4, the management server 300 executes an ink shipping process for shipping the first ink cartridge 190 to the user. For example, the management server 300 transmits information for shipping the ink cartridge 190, for example, a code indicating the type of the ink cartridge 190 and information indicating the delivery destination (for example, address and name) of the ink cartridge 190, to a server (also called a delivery server) (not shown) of the delivery carrier of the ink cartridge 190. The management server 300 receives an identification number (also called a cartridge number) of the ink cartridge 190 to be delivered from the delivery server. As a result, the ink cartridge 190 reaches the user of the printer 100.

[0047] The user attaches the delivered ink cartridge 190 to the attachment part 175 of the printing mechanism 170 of the printer 100 to make the printer 100 in a printable state. When the user inputs a print instruction to the printer 100 via, for example, the terminal application or the operation unit 150, in S10, the printer 100 executes printing according to the print instruction.

[0048] In S12, the printer 100 transmits to the management server 300 the usage information of the printing service in which the immediately preceding printing is reflected. The usage information includes information indicating the usage status of printing and the ink consumption status in the printer 100. Specifically, the usage information includes information indicating the cumulative number of printed sheets TP included in the printing permission information of the information database IB and the remaining ink amount. The remaining ink amount is the current remaining ink amount in the printer 100, that is, the remaining ink amount after printing in S10. Note that in this embodiment, the printer 100 establishes a constant connection with the management server 300 while the power is on, for example, a constant connection conforming to XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol). The communication between the printer 100 and the management server 300 is executed using the constant connection.

[0049] When the management server 300 receives the usage information, in S13, it updates the related information based on the usage information. Specifically, in the service information table ST, the cumulative number of printed sheets TP included in the printing permission information associated with the device ID of the printer 100 and the remaining ink amount information RI included in the ink management information are updated.

[0050] In S14, the management server 300 determines a reduction number determination process for determining the reduction number BN to be returned to the user. Specifically, the management server 300 uses a random number to perform a lottery with a predetermined winning probability WR. The winning probability WR is represented by WR ={(1 + n) / N}. n is the number of times the printing service has been started or the ink has been replenished for the printer 100, that is, the number of times the ink cartridge 190 has been replaced in the printer 100. The ink replenishment number n is specified by referring to the ink replenishment history information HI (Fig. 3(B)) included in the ink management information of the information database IB. The initial value of the replenishment number n is 0. N is an adjustment value for adjusting the winning probability, and the larger N is, the lower the winning probability. When the result of the lottery of the winning probability WR is a win, the management server 300 determines the reduction number BN to be 1 or more, and when the result of the lottery of the winning probability WR is a loss, the management server 300 determines the reduction number BN to be zero. The reduction number BN at the time of winning may be, for example, a fixed value or a value corresponding to the number of printed sheets in S10.

[0051] In S15, the management server 300 executes a reduction reflection process for reflecting the determined reduction number BN in the authority information of the printer 100. Specifically, in the service information table ST, the reduction number BN is added to the cumulative charge number CP included in the printing authority information associated with the device ID of the printer 100.

[0052] In S16, the management server 300 sends a reduction notification including information indicating the reduction number BN to the printer 100. When receiving the reduction notification, the printer 100 executes a reduction reflection process in S18. For example, in the information database IB, the reduction number BN is added to the cumulative charge number CP included in the printing authority information.

[0053] In S20, the management server 300 determines whether the ink remaining amount of the printer 100 is less than or equal to the reference amount THe based on the ink remaining amount information RI. The reference amount THe is the ink remaining amount when the order of the next ink cartridge 190 can be placed by the user with a small amount. For example, the reference amount THe is an amount that is a predetermined amount more than the ink remaining amount at which the ink cartridge 190 should be replaced. The predetermined amount corresponds to, for example, the amount of ink estimated to be used between when the ink cartridge is ordered and when it is delivered to the user. The reference amount THe is, for example, about 3 to 10% of the ink amount contained in a new ink cartridge.

[0054] As described above, it can be said that the condition that the ink remaining amount is less than or equal to the reference amount THe indicates that the time for the user to place an order or replace the ink cartridge 190 has arrived.

[0055] If the ink remaining amount is more than the reference amount THe (S20: NO), the management server 300 ends the process. When a print instruction is input to the printer 100, the process starts again from S10.

[0056] When the remaining ink amount is less than or equal to the reference amount THe (S20: YES), the management server 300 sends a privilege issuance request to the privilege server 400 at S22 in FIG. 5. When the privilege server 400 receives the privilege issuance request, it records the privilege rights to be granted to the printer 100 at S24. Specifically, in the privilege management table BOT (FIG. 3(A)), the privilege right information and the expiration date information associated with the device ID of the printer 100 are updated. For example, free charge coupon information FC is added to the privilege right information in association with a privilege number for identifying the privilege right. Information indicating the expiration date of the privilege right based on the free charge coupon information FC is added to the expiration date information. The expiration date is a predetermined period (e.g., 1 to 6 months) from the issue date and time (e.g., the current date and time). As a result, a privilege right (e.g., a free charge coupon) is effectively issued. In this embodiment, the privilege right to be issued is a free charge coupon, but instead, the privilege right to be issued may be a paid charge coupon.

[0057] At S26, the privilege server 400 sends a privilege notification indicating that the privilege right has been issued to the management server 300. The privilege notification includes privilege information. The privilege information includes, for example, information indicating the type of the issued privilege right (e.g., being a free charge coupon) and the privilege number. When the management server 300 receives the privilege notification, it sends the privilege notification to the terminal device 200 at S28. The privilege notification may be sent as a push notification to the terminal application or by an email to the user's email address. In a modified example, the privilege notification may be sent to the printer 100. In this case, S30 and S32 described later are executed by the printer 100.

[0058] When the terminal device 200 receives a privilege notification, at S30, based on the privilege notification, it displays a privilege notification screen W1 on the display unit of the terminal device 200. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the first embodiment. The privilege notification screen W1 in FIG. 9(A) includes a message MS1 indicating that a privilege such as a free charge coupon has been granted, a message MS2 indicating the expiration date, and buttons BTy and BTn. Button BTy is a button for inputting an instruction to use the privilege. Button BTn is a button for inputting that the privilege is not to be used at present. If within the expiration date, the user can use the privilege by inputting an instruction to use the privilege at an arbitrary timing.

[0059] When the terminal device 200 obtains an instruction to use the privilege, at S32, it transmits a privilege use request for requesting the use of the privilege to the management server 300. The privilege use request includes the privilege information described above.

[0060] When the management server 300 receives the privilege use request, at S34, it transmits a validity confirmation request for requesting confirmation of whether the privilege is valid to the privilege server 400. The validity confirmation request includes the privilege number included in the received privilege information.

[0061] When the privilege server 400 receives the validity confirmation request, at S36, it executes a validity confirmation process for confirming whether the privilege (for example, a free charge coupon) is valid. For example, the privilege server 400 refers to the privilege information in the privilege management table BOT to confirm whether the privilege number included in the validity confirmation request is recorded. When the privilege number is recorded, the privilege server 400 refers to the expiration date information in the privilege management table BOT to determine whether the expiration date of the privilege having the privilege number has expired. If the expiration date of the privilege has expired, the privilege server 400 determines that the privilege is invalid; if the expiration date of the privilege has not expired, the privilege server 400 determines that the privilege is valid.

[0062] In S38, the privilege server 400 transmits a confirmation result notification indicating whether the privilege is valid to the management server 300. When receiving the confirmation result notification, the management server 300 determines in S40 whether the privilege is valid according to the confirmation result notification.

[0063] If the privilege is not valid (S40: NO), the management server 300 ends the process. That is, if the validity period of the privilege has expired, it is determined that the privilege is not valid, and the use of the privilege is prohibited. If the privilege is valid (S40: YES), the management server 300 executes the first privilege sheet number determination process (FIG. 8(A)) in S42.

[0064] When the first privilege sheet number determination process in FIG. 8(A) starts, in S210, the management server 300 specifies the usage period of the printing service using the printer 100. Specifically, the management server 300 acquires the contract date information. The contract date information is information indicating the date when the use of the printing service by the user started based on the contract, and is included in the contract information of the account table AT as described above. The management server 300 specifies the period from the date and time indicated by the contract date information to the current time as the usage period.

[0065] In S220, the management server 300 determines the number of printed sheets to be granted as a privilege (hereinafter also referred to as the privilege sheet number) according to the usage period of the printing service, and ends the first privilege sheet number determination process. When the usage period is long, the privilege sheet number is larger than when the usage period is short. As an example, when the usage period is less than 2 years, the privilege sheet number is determined to be 30 sheets; when the usage period is 2 to 5 years, the privilege sheet number is determined to be 50 sheets; and when the usage period exceeds 5 years, the privilege sheet number is determined to be 80 sheets.

[0066] In S44 of FIG. 5 after the first privilege count determination process, the management server 300 updates the print privilege information of the printer 100 so as to add print privileges for the number of privilege counts. Specifically, the management server 300 adds the number of privilege counts determined in the first privilege count determination process to the cumulative charge count CP included in the print privilege information associated with the device ID of the printer 100 in the service information table ST (FIG. 2).

[0067] In S46, the management server 300 sends a print privilege update instruction to the management server 300. The print privilege update instruction includes information indicating the above-mentioned number of privilege counts. When the printer 100 receives the print privilege update instruction, in S48, it updates the print privilege information based on the print privilege update instruction. Specifically, the printer 100 adds the number of privilege counts included in the received print privilege update instruction to the cumulative charge count CP included in the print privilege information of the information database IB. When the print privilege information of the information database IB is updated, the process ends.

[0068] In this way, at the timing when the ink remaining amount in the printer 100 becomes equal to or less than the reference amount THe, print privileges for the number of privilege counts are granted free of charge as a privilege. As a result, an incentive for the user to continue the print service works. When the user continues to use the print service, since it is necessary to replenish the ink, an order for an ink cartridge is placed. For example, the user starts the above-mentioned terminal application of the terminal device 200 and inputs an ink order instruction for ordering the ink cartridge 190 to the terminal device 200. In a modified example, the user may operate the operation unit 150 of the printer 100 and input an ink order instruction to the printer 100. In this case, the process of S52 described later is executed by the printer 100.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6, when the terminal device 200 acquires an ink order instruction, at S52, it transmits ink order information to the management server 300. When the management server 300 receives the ink order information, at S54, it executes an ink shipping process of shipping the ink cartridge 190 to the user. This ink shipping process is the same as the ink shipping process of S4 in FIG. 4. As a result, the management server 300 receives the cartridge number of the shipped ink cartridge 190. Then, the ink cartridge 190 reaches the user's hand of the printer 100.

[0070] Here, the fact that the ink cartridge 190 is ordered means that the user has performed an ordering operation of the ink cartridge 190, and also means that a subsequent operation of the user to replenish ink (replace the ink cartridge 190) will occur. For this reason, it can be said that the fact that the ink cartridge 190 is ordered is a condition indicating that the working time when the ordering operation and replacement operation of the ink cartridge 190 by the user occur has arrived.

[0071] At S56, the management server 300 transmits a privilege issuance request to the privilege server 400 in the same manner as S22 in FIG. 5. When the privilege server 400 receives the privilege issuance request, at S58, it records the privilege authority to be granted to the printer 100 in the same manner as S24 in FIG. 5.

[0072] Since the privilege authority information associated with the device ID of the printer 100 in the privilege management table BOT (FIG. 3(A)), free charge coupon information FC is added in association with the privilege number.

[0073] Furthermore, in the privilege management table BOT (Fig. 3(A)), information indicating the expiration period of the privilege right based on the free charge coupon information FC is added to the expiration period information associated with the device ID of the printer 100. Here, the expiration period of the privilege right granted at the time of ordering the ink cartridge 190 is calculated from the replacement date of the ink cartridge 190, that is, the date when the ink is replenished in the printer 100 (ink replenishment date), rather than the issue date and time. For example, the expiration period is a predetermined period (e.g., 1 to 6 months) from the ink replenishment date. For this reason, at the current time, the privilege right (free charge coupon) is issued, but it cannot be used until the ink cartridge 190 reaches the user's hands and is replaced in the printer 100.

[0074] In S60, similar to S26 in Fig. 6, the privilege server 400 transmits a privilege notification indicating that the privilege right has been issued to the management server 300. When receiving the privilege notification, the management server 300 records, in S61, the privilege number and the cartridge number included in the privilege notification in the temporary recording table TT in association with each other. The cartridge number is the number of the ink cartridge 190 delivered by the ink delivery process in S54 and is received from the delivery server in the ink delivery process.

[0075] In S62, similar to S28 in Fig. 6, the privilege notification is transmitted to the terminal device 200. In a modified example, the privilege notification may be transmitted to the printer 100.

[0076] When the terminal device 200 receives a privilege notification, at S63, based on the privilege notification, it displays a privilege notification screen W2 on the display unit of the terminal device 200. The privilege notification screen W2 in FIG. 9(B) includes a message MS3 indicating that a privilege such as a free charge coupon has been granted, a message MS4 indicating that it can be used after the ink cartridge is replaced, a message MS5 indicating the expiration date, and a button BT. When the button BT is pressed, the display of the privilege notification screen W2 ends. At this point, since the privilege (for example, a free charge coupon) cannot be used, the privilege notification screen W2 does not include a button for inputting an instruction to use the privilege.

[0077] When the ink cartridge 190 shipped based on the ink shipping process of S54 in FIG. 6 reaches the user, the user replaces the used ink cartridge 190 mounted on the mounting unit 175 of the printer 100 with the newly arrived ink cartridge 190. By replacing the ink cartridge 190, the printer 100 is replenished with ink.

[0078] In S64 of FIG. 6, the printer 100 detects that the printer 100 has been replenished with ink, in other words, detects that the ink cartridge 190 has been replaced in the printer 100. For example, the printer 100 is equipped with a known remaining amount sensor that detects the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 190. The printer 100 can detect the replacement of the ink cartridge 190 by using the remaining amount sensor to detect that the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 190 has increased. Alternatively, the printer 100 may be equipped with a mounting sensor that detects whether the ink cartridge 190 is mounted. Then, the printer 100 may detect the replacement of the ink cartridge 190 by using the mounting sensor to detect that the ink cartridge 190 has been removed and then detecting that the ink cartridge 190 has been mounted.

[0079] When the printer 100 detects that the ink has been replenished, at S66, the printer 100 transmits an ink replenishment notice indicating that the ink has been replenished to the management server 300. The ink replenishment notice includes information indicating the remaining ink amount and the cartridge number. The remaining ink amount is the remaining ink amount after the replacement of the ink cartridge 190. Therefore, the remaining ink amount indicates that the remaining ink amount in the printer 100 has increased compared to before the replacement. The cartridge number is a number that identifies the ink cartridge 190 and is read from the memory provided in the ink cartridge 190.

[0080] When the management server 300 receives the ink replenishment notice, at S67, it executes cartridge-related processing. In the cartridge-related processing, the management server 300 checks whether the cartridge number received from the delivery server in the ink delivery process of S54 matches the cartridge number included in the ink replenishment notice. Usually, these cartridge numbers match. The management server 300 further updates the ink remaining amount information RI of the printer 100 in the service information table ST. The management server 300 further records the ink replenishment date and time in the ink replenishment history information HI of the printer 100 and updates the ink replenishment history information HI. The current date and time is used as the ink replenishment date and time. At this point, the date and time when the ink was replenished (the date and time when the ink cartridge 190 was replaced) is determined, so the expiration date of the privilege (free charge coupon) is determined.

[0081] At S68, the management server 300 transmits an instruction to display the privilege usage screen to the printer 100. Note that the instruction to display the privilege usage screen may be transmitted to the terminal device 200 instead of the printer 100. In this case, S70 and S72, which will be described later, are executed by the terminal device 200 instead of the printer 100.

[0082] When the printer 100 receives an instruction to display the privilege usage screen, it displays the privilege usage screen W3 on the display unit 140 at S70. The privilege usage screen W3 includes a message MS6 indicating that privilege authorities such as free charge coupons can be used, a message MS7 indicating the determined expiration period, and buttons BTy and BTn. As described above, the button BTy is a button for inputting an instruction to use the privilege authority, and the button BTn is a button for inputting that the privilege authority is not to be used at present. If it is within the expiration period, the user can use the privilege authority by inputting an instruction to use the privilege authority at an arbitrary timing.

[0083] When the printer 100 obtains an instruction to use the privilege authority, it transmits, at S72 in FIG. 7, a privilege usage request for requesting the use of the privilege authority to the management server 300.

[0084] When the management server 300 receives the privilege usage request, it transmits, at S74, a validity confirmation request for requesting confirmation as to whether the privilege authority is valid to the privilege server 400. The validity confirmation request includes information indicating the privilege number of the privilege authority to be used and the above-described ink replenishment date and time. The privilege number is a privilege number associated with the cartridge number included in the ink replenishment notification received at S66 in the temporary record table TT (FIG. 6).

[0085] When the privilege server 400 receives a validity confirmation request, at S76, similar to S36 in FIG. 5, it executes a validity confirmation process to confirm whether the privilege (e.g., free charge coupon) is valid. For example, the privilege server 400 refers to the privilege information in the privilege management table BOT to confirm whether the privilege number included in the validity confirmation request is recorded. When the privilege number is recorded, the privilege server 400 refers to the expiration date information in the privilege management table BOT and the ink replenishment date and time included in the validity confirmation request to specify the expiration period of the privilege having the privilege number. The expiration period is, as described above, a period starting from the ink replenishment date and time. That is, the expiration period is a period that expires after the ink replenishment date and time. When the expiration period of the privilege has expired, the privilege server 400 determines that the privilege is invalid, and when the expiration period of the privilege has not expired, the privilege server 400 determines that the privilege is valid.

[0086] At S78, the privilege server 400 sends a confirmation result notification indicating whether the privilege is valid to the management server 300. When the management server 300 receives the confirmation result notification, at S80, it determines whether the privilege is valid according to the confirmation result notification.

[0087] If the privilege is valid (S80: YES), the management server 300 executes the second privilege number determination process at S82.

[0088] FIG. 8(B) shows a flowchart of the second privilege number determination process. At S310, the management server 300 specifies the number of ink replenishments in the printer 100, that is, the number of times the ink cartridge 190 has been replaced in the past, based on the ink replenishment history information HI in the printer 100 recorded in the service information table ST.

[0089] In S320, the management server 300 determines the number of print sheets to be granted as a privilege (also referred to as the privilege sheet count) according to the number of ink replenishments. When the number of ink replenishments is large, the privilege sheet count is made larger than when the number of ink replenishments is small. As an example, when the number of ink replenishments is less than 10 times, the privilege sheet count is determined to be 30 sheets; when the number of ink replenishments is between 10 and 30 times, the privilege sheet count is determined to be 50 sheets; and when the number of ink replenishments exceeds 30 times, the privilege sheet count is determined to be 80 sheets.

[0090] In S330, the management server 300 refers to the ink remaining amount information RI in the printer 100 recorded in the service information table ST to identify the ink remaining amount before replenishment. The ink remaining amount before replenishment is the remaining amount of ink immediately before the ink is replenished in the printer 100. In this embodiment, it is the remaining amount of ink immediately before the ink cartridge 190 is replaced. For example, by referring to the ink remaining amount information RI, the ink remaining amount immediately before the ink replenishment (the replacement of the ink cartridge 190 in this embodiment) notified by the ink replenishment notification of S66 is identified.

[0091] In S340, the management server 300 adjusts the privilege sheet count determined in S320 according to the ink remaining amount before replenishment. For example, an additional sheet count corresponding to the ink remaining amount before replenishment is determined, and this additional sheet count is added to the privilege sheet count determined in S320. When the ink remaining amount before replenishment is small, the additional sheet count is made larger than when the ink remaining amount before replenishment is large. As an example, when the ink remaining amount before replenishment is less than 5% of the ink amount of a new ink cartridge 190 (also referred to as the new ink amount), the additional sheet count is determined to be 30 sheets; when the ink remaining amount before replenishment exceeds 5% of the new ink amount, the additional sheet count is determined to be 0 sheets.

[0092] In S84 of FIG. 7 after the second privilege quantity determination process, the management server 300 updates the print permission information of the printer 100 so as to add print permissions for the number of privilege quantities. Specifically, the management server 300 adds the privilege quantity determined in the second privilege quantity determination process to the cumulative charge quantity CP included in the print permission information associated with the device ID of the printer 100 in the service information table ST (FIG. 2).

[0093] In S86, the management server 300 transmits a print permission update instruction to the management server 300. The print permission update instruction includes information indicating the above-mentioned privilege quantity. When the printer 100 receives the print permission update instruction, in S88, it updates the print permission information based on the print permission update instruction. Specifically, the printer 100 adds the privilege quantity included in the received print permission update instruction to the cumulative charge quantity CP included in the print permission information of the information database IB.

[0094] If the privilege is not valid (S80: NO), the management server 300 skips S82 and S84 and proceeds to S90. Therefore, in this case, the processes of S82 to S88 are not executed. That is, if the expiration period of the privilege has expired, the privilege is determined to be invalid, and the use of the privilege is prohibited.

[0095] In S90, the management server 300 determines whether or not the extension condition of the warranty period of the printer 100 is satisfied. In this embodiment, the extension condition is a condition based on the number of ink replenishments in the printer 100. The extension of the warranty period is performed up to 3 times in this embodiment. For example, the extension condition for the first extension is that the ink has been replenished 20 times, the extension condition for the second extension is that the ink has been replenished 40 times, and the extension condition for the third extension is that the ink has been replenished 50 times.

[0096] When the extension condition is satisfied (S90: YES), the management server 300 executes an extension process for the warranty period of the printer 100 in S92. For example, the initial value of the warranty period is two years from the purchase of the printer 100. When the first extension condition is satisfied, the warranty period is extended by one year to three years. When the second extension condition is satisfied, the warranty period is further extended by two years to five years. When the third extension condition is satisfied, the warranty period is further extended by six months to five years and six months. For example, the information on the warranty period is included in, for example, the contract information of the user of the printer 100. For this purpose, in the extension process, for example, the management server 300 updates the information on the warranty period included in the contract information associated with the account ID of the user in the account table AT (Figure 2).

[0097] Here, as described above, regarding the extended period of the warranty period, the second extended period is longer than the first extended period, and the third extended period is shorter than the first and second extended periods. The reason why the second extended period is longer than the first extended period is that from the perspective of giving the user an incentive to actively use the printing service for a longer time, it is preferable to increase the benefits as the number of ink refills increases. On the other hand, from the perspective of the durability of the printer and the progress of the printer's performance, when the usage period of the printer becomes relatively long, the merit of replacing the printer becomes greater. This is because when the usage period of the printer becomes long, the possibility of printer failures and the like increases, and the possibility that new products with improved performance are on the market also increases. For this reason, the third extended period is made shorter than the first and second extended periods. This can suppress giving the user an incentive to use the printer for an excessively long time and suppress the decrease in the willingness to replace the printer.

[0098] In S92, the management server 300 transmits a warranty period extension notice to the terminal device 200 notifying that the warranty period has been extended. The warranty period extension notice may be transmitted as a push notification to the terminal application, or may be transmitted by an email to the user's email address. In a modification example, the warranty period extension notice may be transmitted to the printer 100. In this case, S94 described later is executed by the printer 100.

[0099] When the terminal device 200 receives the warranty period extension notice, in S94, based on the warranty period extension notice, an extension notice screen W4 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 200. The extension notice screen W4 in FIG. 9(D) includes a message MS8 indicating that the warranty period of the printer 100 has been extended, a message MS9 indicating the date and time when the extended warranty period expires, and a button BT. When the button BT is pressed, the display of the extension notice screen W4 ends.

[0100] According to the present embodiment described above, the management server 300 receives information indicating the remaining ink amount from the printer 100 (S12 in FIG. 4). Based on the information indicating the remaining ink amount, the management server 300 determines whether a specific condition indicating that the time has come for the user's operation for replenishing the ink, specifically, the ordering operation or replacement operation of the ink cartridge 190, is satisfied (S20 in FIG. 4). Specifically, it is determined whether the remaining ink amount of the printer 100 is equal to or less than the reference amount THe as the specific condition (S20 in FIG. 4). When the specific condition is satisfied (YES in S20 in FIG. 4), the management server 300 and the privilege server 400 determine the privilege (S22, S24, S42 in FIG. 4). After determining the privilege, the management server 300 updates the print privilege information associated with the printer 100 in the service information table ST so that the privilege becomes valid (S44 in FIG. 4).

[0101] Similarly, the management server 300 receives ink order information from the printer 100 (S52 in FIG. 6), and when it receives the ink order information, in other words, when a specific condition is satisfied when the ink cartridge 190 is ordered, it determines the privilege right (S56, S58 in FIG. 5, S82 in FIG. 7). After determining the privilege right, the management server 300 updates the print permission information associated with the printer 100 in the service information table ST so that the privilege right becomes valid (S84 in FIG. 7).

[0102] Thus, according to this embodiment, when the working period (ordering work or replacement work) in which a user's work for replenishing ink to the printer 100 may occur arrives, the use right of the print service can be granted as a privilege. As a result, the privilege can be effectively granted to the user so as to induce the user of the print service provided using the printer 100 to continue the print service contract.

[0103] More specifically, when a user of the print service decides whether to continue using the print service or to cancel the contract and discontinue using the print service, it is often the timing when work related to ink replenishment by the user occurs. For example, if a user plans to cancel the print service but orders replenishment ink (e.g., an ink cartridge or an ink bottle), the replenishment ink may be wasted even if it arrives. For this reason, the user decides whether to cancel the print service at the timing of ordering ink. When continuing the print service, the user may order ink, and when canceling the print service, the user may not order ink.

[0104] Also, even when the user plans to cancel the printing service but replenishes the ink (for example, replaces the ink cartridge 190), the ink replenished in the printer 100 may be wasted. Therefore, at the timing of replenishing the ink, the user decides whether to cancel the printing service. If the user continues the printing service, the user may replenish the ink in the printer 100. If the user cancels the printing service, the user may not replenish the ink in the printer 100. In this case, after canceling the printing service, the user can use the ink with another printer or resell the ink.

[0105] In this embodiment, the privilege is granted at the timing when user operations such as ordering and replenishing ink occur. As a result, for example, the possibility that the user orders and replenishes ink to continue the printing service by using the granted privilege can be effectively increased.

[0106] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management server 300 determines the privilege based on the ink replenishment history information HI (S310 and S320 in FIG. 8(B)). As a result, a privilege corresponding to the ink replenishment history can be granted. For example, the ink replenishment history reflects the usage tendency of the printing service by the user, such as the usage frequency. Therefore, by referring to the ink replenishment history information HI, for example, many privileges can be granted to users to be favored, such as heavy users.

[0107] Specifically, the management server 300 identifies the number of ink replenishments and determines a specific privilege such that the greater the number of ink replenishments, the greater the privilege (S310 and S320 in FIG. 8(B)). For example, when the number of ink replenishments is a first number (e.g., less than 10 times), the privilege printing privilege is determined to grant a first privilege (e.g., the number of privilege sheets = 30 sheets). When the update count is a second number greater than the first number (e.g., 10 to 30 times), the privilege printing privilege is determined to grant a second privilege greater than the first privilege (e.g., the number of privilege sheets = 50 sheets). As a result, appropriate privilege can be granted according to the number of ink replenishments. For example, a large number of ink replenishments means that the user is performing a large number of prints using the printing service, so it is considered appropriate to grant a larger amount of privileges from the perspective of preferentially treating heavy users.

[0108] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management server 300 identifies the usage period of the printing service by the user (S210 in FIG. 8) and determines the privilege according to the usage period (220 in FIG. 8). For example, when the usage period is a first period (e.g., less than 2 years), the privilege printing privilege is determined to grant a third privilege (e.g., the number of privilege sheets = 30 sheets). When the usage period is a second period longer than the first period (e.g., 2 to 5 years), the privilege printing privilege is determined to grant a fourth privilege greater than the third privilege (e.g., the number of privilege sheets = 50 sheets). Users who have used the printing service for a long time are users who are preferentially treated. This embodiment can appropriately grant privilege so as to preferentially treat users with a long usage period of the printing service.

[0109] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as described above, when the remaining amount of ink in the printer 100 becomes below the reference (YES in S20 of FIG. 4), or when the ink cartridge 190 is ordered (S52 of FIG. 6), if it is determined that a specific condition is satisfied, the privilege is determined (S22 and S24 of FIG. 5, S56 and S58 of FIG. 6). As a result, since the specific privilege can be appropriately determined at the timing when the ink ordering operation or replenishment operation occurs, it is possible to give the user an incentive to continue the printing service contract at an appropriate timing.

[0110] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the above-described specific conditions are satisfied (specifically, when the ink cartridge 190 is ordered), the management server 300 determines the privilege (52, S56, S58 in FIG. 5), and then, when the ink is replenished in the printer 100 (S64 in FIG. 6), updates the print permission information so that the privilege becomes valid (S84 in FIG. 7). As a result, since the specific privilege can be determined appropriately at the timing when the ink ordering operation or replenishment operation occurs, it is possible to give the user an incentive to continue the print service contract at an appropriate timing.

[0111] More specifically, when the above-described specific conditions are satisfied, the privilege is determined, and the determined privilege is notified to the user (S60, S62, S63 in FIG. 6). Then, when the ink is actually replenished (S64 in FIG. 6), the management server 300 updates the print permission information so that the privilege becomes valid (S84 in FIG. 7). As a result, for example, by notifying the user that a privilege can be obtained if the ink is replenished before the ink is ordered and the ink is replenished, the user can be given an incentive to replenish the ink in the printer 100 and continue the print service. For example, it is possible to more effectively suppress the user from canceling the print service contract without replenishing the obtained ink in the printer 100.

[0112] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management server 300 and the privilege server 400 determine whether the expiration date of the privilege has expired (S76 in FIG. 7) in response to a privilege usage request (S72 in FIG. 7) based on a user's usage instruction. If the expiration date has expired, the use of the privilege is prohibited (NO in S80 in FIG. 7). The expiration date of the privilege is a period that expires after the ink is replenished. It may not be preferable for the privilege to be permanently valid. In this embodiment, the use of the privilege can be prohibited by setting an expiration date. Also, since the privilege cannot be made unavailable before the ink is replenished, it is possible to prevent the expiration date from expiring before the user replenishes the ink and losing the incentive to replenish the ink.

[0113] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the ink replenishment in the printer 100 is performed by replacing the ink cartridge 190 mounted on the mounting portion 175. The management server 300 identifies the ink remaining amount before replenishment in the printer 100 (S330 in FIG. 8(B)) and determines the privilege according to the ink remaining amount before replenishment (S340 in FIG. 8(B)). For example, when the ink remaining amount before replenishment is a first remaining amount (for example, an amount exceeding 5% of the new ink amount), the privilege is determined to grant a fifth privilege (for example, additional number of sheets = 0 sheets). When the ink remaining amount before replenishment is a second remaining amount less than the first remaining amount (for example, less than 5% of the new ink amount), the privilege is determined to grant a sixth privilege greater than the fifth privilege (for example, additional number of sheets = 30 sheets).

[0114] When the ink cartridge 190 is replaced with a new ink cartridge with unused ink remaining in the ink cartridge 190, the ink remaining in the ink cartridge 190 will be discarded without being used. Therefore, from the perspective of reducing the amount of ink to be discarded, in the printer 100 of the type that replenishes ink by replacing the ink cartridge 190, it is preferable that the ink amount before replenishment is as small as possible. According to this embodiment, the smaller the ink amount before replenishment, the more privilege authorities are given to the user. Therefore, it is possible to give the user an incentive to replace the ink cartridge 190 in a state where the remaining ink amount is as small as possible. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of ink discarded due to being replaced with the ink cartridge 190 with unused ink remaining therein.

[0115] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management server 300 extends the warranty period of the printer 100 according to the number of ink replenishments (S90 in FIG. 7). Thereby, it is possible to give the user an incentive to continuously use the printing service for a long time.

[0116] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when printing is performed by the printer 100, the management server 300 executes a reduction sheet number determination process to determine the reduction sheet number (S14 in FIG. 4). The management server 300 grants the printing authority for the determined number of reduction sheets as a privilege (S14 in FIG. 4). Since the reduction sheet number is determined based on the winning probability WR that increases as the number of ink replenishments increases, the reduction sheet number increases as the number of ink replenishments increases. As a result, the more the number of ink replenishments increases by the user using the printing service for a long time, the more privileges can be obtained. Therefore, this can give the user an incentive to continuously use the printing service for a long time.

[0117] As can be understood from the above description, the information indicating the remaining ink amount and the ink order information in the first embodiment are examples of consumable information, and the order and replacement of the ink cartridge 190 are examples of user operations. In the first embodiment, the remaining ink amount becoming equal to or less than the reference amount THe and the ink cartridge 190 being ordered are examples of specific conditions.

[0118] B. Second Embodiment The operation of the system 1000 in the above embodiment is an example, and various modifications are possible. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the system 1000 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, instead of the processes of FIGS. 5 to 7 in the first embodiment, the process of FIG. 10 is executed. Specifically, in S20 of FIG. 4, when the remaining ink amount of the printer 100 is equal to or less than the reference amount THe (S20: YES), the process proceeds to S22B of FIG. 10.

[0119] In S22B, the management server 300 executes an ink shipping process of shipping the ink cartridge 190 to the user. The process of S22B is the same as the process of S54 in FIG. 6. That is, in the second embodiment, even without an order instruction from the user, when the remaining ink amount becomes equal to or less than the reference amount THe, the ink cartridge 190 is automatically ordered. Also, in the second embodiment, after the ink shipping process, the issuance of privilege rights (coupons) (S56 to S60 in FIG. 6) is not performed.

[0120] When a new ink cartridge 190 arrives at the user's hand of the printer 100, the user replaces the ink cartridge 190 to replenish the ink in the printer 100.

[0121] In S24B, similar to S64 in FIG. 6, the printer 100 detects that the ink in the printer 100 has been replenished, in other words, that the ink cartridge 190 has been replaced in the printer 100.

[0122] In S26B, similar to S66 in FIG. 6, the printer 100 transmits an ink replenishment notification indicating that the ink in the printer 100 has been replenished to the management server 300. The replenishment notification includes information indicating the remaining ink amount and the cartridge number.

[0123] When the management server 300 receives an ink replenishment notification, it executes the second privilege count determination process at S28B to determine the privilege count. The second privilege count determination process is the same process as S82 in FIG. 7 and is the process shown in FIG. 8(B).

[0124] In S30B, similar to S84 in FIG. 7, the print permission information of the printer 100 is updated so as to add the print permission for the determined number of privilege counts. That is, in the service information table ST (FIG. 2), the privilege count determined in the second privilege count determination process is added to the cumulative charge count CP included in the print permission information associated with the device ID of the printer 100.

[0125] In S32B, similar to S86 in FIG. 7, the management server 300 transmits a print permission update instruction to the management server 300. The print permission update instruction includes information indicating the above-mentioned privilege count. When the printer 100 receives the print permission update instruction, in S34B, similar to S88 in FIG. 7, it updates the print permission information based on the print permission update instruction. That is, the privilege count included in the received print permission update instruction is added to the cumulative charge count CP included in the print permission information of the information database IB.

[0126] In S36B, the printer 100 displays the privilege notification screen W5 on the display unit 140. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the privilege notification screen W5 of the modified example. The privilege notification screen W5 includes a message MS10 indicating that print permission for the number of privilege counts has been granted as a privilege for replacing the ink cartridge 190, and a button BT. When the button BT is pressed, the display of the privilege notification screen W5 ends.

[0127] According to the second embodiment described above, the management server 300 receives an ink replenishment notification from the printer 100 (S26B in FIG. 10), and when it receives the ink replenishment notification, in other words, when the ink is replenished, it determines the privilege authority on the assumption that a specific condition is satisfied (S28B in FIG. 10). After determining the privilege authority, the management server 300 updates the print authority information associated with the printer 100 in the service information table ST so that the privilege authority becomes valid (S30B in FIG. 10).

[0128] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the print authority can be granted as a privilege at the timing when the operation of the user who replenishes the ink in the printer 100 occurs. As a result, the privilege can be effectively granted to the user so as to motivate the user of the print service provided using the printer 100 to continue the print service contract. For example, it is possible to suppress the user from canceling the print service contract without replenishing the ink in the printer 100.

[0129] As can be understood from the above description, in the first embodiment, the determined privilege authority is the acquisition authority (so-called coupon) for acquiring the print authority, but in the second embodiment, the determined privilege authority is the print authority itself for the number of privilege sheets.

[0130] Further, the ink replenishment notification in the second embodiment is an example of consumable information, and the replacement of the ink cartridge 190 is an example of the user's operation. In the second embodiment, the replenishment of the ink (the replacement of the ink cartridge 190) is an example of a specific condition.

[0131] C. Modification (1) In each of the above embodiments, when specific conditions are satisfied (for example, in the first embodiment, when the remaining ink amount becomes equal to or less than the reference amount THe or when ink is ordered, and in the second embodiment, when ink is replenished), some kind of privilege is always granted. Not limited to this, for example, the management server 300 or the privilege server 400 may conduct a lottery for privileges when specific conditions are satisfied, and determine the grant of privilege only when winning the lottery, and may determine not to grant the privilege (make it without privilege) when winning the lottery.

[0132] In this case, by varying the winning probability of the lottery according to the number of ink replenishments or the usage period of the printing service, the amount of privilege that the user can obtain may be varied according to the number of ink replenishments or the usage period of the printing service.

[0133] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the printing service is a metered printing service. Instead of this, the printing service may be a flat-rate printing service.

[0134] In a flat-rate printing service, for example, a fixed fee is charged every specific period. For example, the printing fee up to a predetermined number of printable sheets per month (for example, several tens to several thousands of sheets) is a monthly fixed fee. When the number of printable sheets is exceeded, a fee is added according to the number of exceeded sheets. In this way, since the number of exceeded sheets is a metered printing service, it can also be said that this printing service is a service that combines a flat-rate system and a metered system. The maintenance of the printer and the fee for the replenishing ink are included in the printing fee.

[0135] In the case of such a flat-rate printing service, the printing privilege information recorded in the service information table ST includes, for example, the number of printable sheets MC for the current month, the number of printed sheets MP for the current month, the carry-over possible number CO, and the offline printable number OP.

[0136] The monthly printable quantity MC is the number of copies that can be printed with only a fixed fee in the month including the current time (also referred to as the current month). The monthly printed quantity MP is the number of copies printed in the current month. When the monthly printed quantity MP exceeds the monthly printable quantity MC, a fee for the excess quantity (MP - MC) is incurred.

[0137] The carry-over possible quantity CO is the upper limit value of the carry-over quantity. The carry-over quantity is the difference between the monthly printable quantity MC and the monthly printed quantity MP (MC - MP) when the monthly printed quantity MP is less than the monthly printable quantity MC at the end of the current month. The carry-over quantity is added to the monthly printed quantity MP of the next month with the carry-over possible quantity CO as the upper limit.

[0138] The offline printable quantity OP is the number of copies that can be printed when the target printer (e.g., printer 100) is in an offline state. The offline state is a state where the target printer cannot communicate with the management server 300. Note that a state different from the offline state, that is, a state where the target printer is connected to the Internet IT and can communicate with the management server 300 is also called an online state. The management server 300 cannot grasp the number of copies 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 fee cannot be collected. In order to suppress such non-collection of fees, the offline printable quantity OP is set. The target printer cannot execute printing of a quantity exceeding the offline printable quantity OP when it is in an offline state.

[0139] In the case of a fixed-rate printing service, the privilege printing right may include, for example, the printing right to execute printing for an additional printable quantity AMC exceeding the monthly printable quantity MC. Also, the reward printing right may include the printing right to execute printing for an additional carry-over possible quantity ACO exceeding the carry-over possible quantity CO in the next month when the carry-over quantity of the current month is more than the carry-over possible quantity CO. Also, the reward printing right may include the printing right to execute printing for an additional offline printable quantity AOP exceeding the offline printable quantity OP even in the offline state.

[0140] (3) In each of the above embodiments, the privilege right is the right to obtain printing rights, and is granted to the user in the form of coupons convertible into the printing rights for a predetermined number of copies. Not limited to this, the right to obtain printing rights may be granted to the user in the form of points convertible into the printing rights for a number of copies corresponding to the points, for example.

[0141] (4) In the second privilege number determination process (FIG. 8(B)) of each of the above embodiments, the number of ink replenishment times is specified based on the ink replenishment history information HI, and the amount of privilege rights is determined according to the number of ink replenishment times (S310, S320 in FIG. 8). The method for determining the amount of privilege rights is not limited to this. For example, based on the ink replenishment history information HI, the ink replenishment frequency, for example, the number of ink replenishment times per predetermined period, is specified, and the higher the ink replenishment frequency, the more privilege rights may be determined.

[0142] Alternatively, the ink consumption amount or the number of printed copies per predetermined period may be specified, and the more the ink consumption amount or the number of printed copies, the more privilege rights may be determined. Also, similar to the first privilege number determination process (FIG. 8(A)), the longer the usage period of the printing service, the more privilege rights may be determined. Furthermore, the amount of privilege rights may be determined to be a fixed predetermined amount at all times without using the ink replenishment history information HI or the like.

[0143] Also, regarding the first privilege number determination process (FIG. 8(A)) of each of the above embodiments, similar to the second privilege number determination process, the amount of privilege rights may be determined using various methods.

[0144] (5) In each of the above embodiments, examples of specific conditions that trigger the determination of privilege rights include the ink remaining amount becoming equal to or less than the reference amount THe, an ink order being placed, and ink being replenished. However, it is not limited to this. Other conditions indicating that the user's operation for replenishing consumables has actually occurred or is highly likely to occur, or other conditions indicating that the user's operation is highly likely to occur in the near future, may be adopted as specific conditions. For example, if, based on the past ink replenishment history information HI, a specific period (e.g., a specific month) in which ink replenishment is highly likely to be carried out within a year can be determined, the specific condition may be that the specific period has arrived.

[0145] (6) In the first embodiment above, the privilege rights are provided with an expiration period starting from the issue date or the ink replacement date. Instead of this, the expiration period of the privilege rights may be until the next ink order date or ink replacement date. Also, the privilege rights may be permanently valid.

[0146] (7) In each of the above embodiments, the printer 100 is used as the device for providing the service, but other types of devices may be adopted. Specifically, various other devices that consume some consumables, such as a sewing machine that forms a pattern using thread, a water server that supplies water, and various devices that operate by consuming fuel, may be used.

[0147] The services provided by the management server 300 and the privilege server 400 may be various services according to the devices adopted. The services may be, for example, services that can be realized by remotely operating the device by sending a command to the device, or services that can be realized by collecting information about consumables from the device by sending a command to the device.

[0148] (8) In the above embodiment, the printing service is provided by two servers, namely the management server 300 and the privilege server 400. Instead of this, the printing service may be provided by one server, or may be provided with roles shared by three or more servers that can communicate with each other. For example, a contract server, a sheet count management server, and an order management server may cooperate to realize the functions of the management server 300 in the embodiment. The contract server manages, for example, the account table AT and mainly executes processes related to contracts with users. The sheet count management server manages, for example, the service information table ST and mainly executes processes related to the cumulative print count TP and the cumulative charge count CP. The order management server manages, for example, the remaining ink amount and mainly executes processes related to ink ordering and shipping.

[0149] (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.

[0150] As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments and modified examples. 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 spirit and the scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0151] 1000… System, 100… Printer, 110… CPU, 120… Volatile memory device, 130… Non-volatile memory device, 140… Display unit, 150… Operation unit, 170… Printing mechanism, 175… Mounting unit, 180… Communication IF, 190… Ink cartridge, 200… Terminal device, 300… Management server, 310… CPU, 320… Volatile memory device, 330… Non-volatile memory device, 380… Communication IF, 400… Privilege server, 410… CPU, 420… Volatile memory device, 430… Non-volatile memory device, 480… Communication IF, AP… Application program, AT… Account table, BOT… Privilege management table, DBb… Privilege database, DBm… Management database, DT… Device registration table, IB… Information database, IT… Internet, PGb, PGm, PGp… Computer program, ST… Service information table

Claims

1. A server communicably connected to a device that consumes consumables and is used by a user to use a specific service during a contract, a storage unit that stores authority information indicating the usage authority regarding the use of the specific service, where the authority information is associated with identification information for identifying the device, the storage unit, a receiving unit that receives consumable information regarding the consumables in the specific device from a specific device, a determination unit that determines whether a specific condition indicating that a working time has arrived, in which a user's operation for replenishing the consumables in the specific device may occur, is satisfied based on the consumable information, a privilege determination unit that determines a privilege right that should be granted as a privilege to the specific device when the specific condition is satisfied, and that is a privilege regarding the usage privilege of the specific service, a privilege information update unit that updates the privilege information associated with the specific device in the storage unit so that the privilege right becomes valid after the determination of the privilege right, A server comprising the above.

2. The server according to claim 1, further comprising: the storage unit stores replenishment history information which is information regarding a plurality of replenishments of the consumables in the specific device, the privilege determination unit determines the privilege right based on the replenishment history information. A server.

3. The server according to claim 2, further comprising: the replenishment history information includes information for specifying the number of replenishments of the consumables in the specific device, the privilege determination unit, when the number of replenishments of the consumables in the specific device in the past is a first number, determines the privilege right so as to grant a first privilege, when the privilege right is a second number greater than the first number, determines the privilege right so as to grant a second privilege greater than the first privilege. A server.

4. The server according to claim 1, further comprising: the privilege determination unit, specifies the usage period of the specific service by the user, when the usage period is a first period, determines the privilege right so as to grant a third privilege, when the usage period is a second period longer than the first period, determines the privilege right so as to grant a fourth privilege greater than the third privilege. A server.

5. The server according to claim 1, The work of the user includes ordering the consumables for replenishment or replenishing the consumables for the specific device. The determination unit is a server that determines that the specific condition is satisfied when the remaining amount of the consumables in the specific device becomes less than or equal to a reference value or when the consumables are ordered.

6. The server according to claim 1, wherein the work of the user includes replenishing the consumables for the specific device. The determination unit is a server that determines that the specific condition is satisfied when the consumables are replenished in the specific device.

7. The server according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines the privilege when the specific condition is satisfied, and the privilege information update unit updates the privilege information so that the privilege becomes valid when the consumables are replenished in the specific device after the determination of the privilege.

8. The server according to claim 7, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user of the determined privilege when the specific condition is satisfied.

9. The server according to claim 5, comprising an expiration date determination unit that determines whether the expiration date of the privilege has expired according to a usage request based on the instruction of the user, wherein when the expiration date of the privilege has expired, the use of the privilege is prohibited, and the expiration date is a period that expires after the time when the consumables are replenished.

10. The server according to claim 6, wherein the specific device includes a container mounting portion to which a container containing the consumables is detachably mounted, and the replenishment of the consumables in the specific device is performed by replacing the container mounted on the container mounting portion, and the privilege determination unit identifies the remaining amount before replenishment, which is the remaining amount of the consumables immediately before the consumables are replenished in the specific device, determines the privilege so as to grant a fifth privilege when the remaining amount before replenishment is a first remaining amount, and determines the privilege so as to grant a sixth privilege greater than the fifth privilege when the remaining amount before replenishment is a second remaining amount less than the first remaining amount.

11. A computer program for a server including a storage unit that is communicably connected to a device used by a user for using a specific service during a contract period and that consumes consumables, and stores authorization information indicating authorization rights regarding the use of the specific service, wherein the authorization information is associated with identification information for identifying the device. A receiving function for receiving consumable information regarding the consumables in the specific device from the specific device. A determination function for determining whether a specific condition indicating that a working time has arrived when a user's operation for replenishing the consumables in the specific device may occur is satisfied based on the consumable information. A privilege determination function for determining a privilege right that should be granted as a privilege to the specific device when the specific condition is satisfied, and that is a privilege right regarding the use privilege of the specific service. An authorization information update function for updating the authorization information associated with the specific device in the storage unit so that the privilege right becomes valid after the determination of the privilege right. A computer program for causing a computer to implement the above.

12. A communication system including one or more devices and a server connectable to the devices via a network, A storage unit that stores authorization information indicating authorization rights regarding the use of the specific service, wherein the authorization information is associated with identification information for identifying the device, the storage unit, An acquisition unit for acquiring consumable information regarding the consumables in the specific device from the specific device. A determination unit for determining whether a specific condition indicating that a working time has arrived when a user's operation for replenishing the consumables in the specific device may occur is satisfied based on the consumable information. A privilege determination unit for determining a privilege right that should be granted as a privilege to the specific device when the specific condition is satisfied, and that is a privilege right regarding the use privilege of the specific service. An authorization information update unit for updating the authorization information associated with the specific device in the storage unit so that the privilege right becomes valid after the determination of the privilege right. A communication system comprising the above.

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