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 services including a first 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 of a second service different from the first service, and updates the authority information associated with the specific device in a storage unit so that the privilege authority becomes valid after the privilege authority is determined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for providing rewards to users in an electronic payment system according to their usage of the service. The usage conditions taken into consideration include purchase price, purchase frequency, contract duration, and profit margin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7214267 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This specification discloses a new technology that can effectively provide rewards to users of services provided using devices so as to motivate them to continue subscribing to the services. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0006] [Application Example 1] A server communicably connected to a device used by a user for using a first service under contract, the device consuming consumables, the server storing authority information indicating usage authority regarding the usage of services including the first service, the authority information being associated with identification information for identifying the device, the storage unit, a receiving unit for receiving consumable information regarding the consumables in the specific device from the specific device, and based on the consumable information, a determination unit for determining whether a specific condition indicating that the working time when the user's work for replenishing the consumables in the specific device may occur has arrived, and when the specific condition is satisfied, a privilege determination unit for determining a privilege right which is a privilege to be granted to the specific device as a privilege and which is a privilege regarding the usage of a second service different from the first service, and an authority information update unit for updating the authority 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 specific condition indicating that the working time when the user's work for replenishing the consumables in the device used for the usage of the first service may occur has been satisfied, the usage privilege of the second service different from the first service can be granted as a privilege. As a result, a privilege can be effectively granted to the user so as to be an incentive for the user of the first service provided using the device to continue the contract of the first service. Furthermore, the user of the first service can experience the second 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 a server and a device, these servers, methods, communication systems, or a computer program for realizing the functions of the device, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the like.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0009]

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Best 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 system 1000. System 1000 includes a printer 100, a terminal device 200 owned by a user of the printer 100, a management server 300, and a content server 400.

[0011] Printer 100 is a device that consumes ink as a consumable and performs printing, and is used by a user to use a printing service or a content service (described later) under contract. Printer 100 includes, as a controller of Printer 100, a CPU 110, a volatile memory device 120 such as a DRAM, and a non-volatile memory device 130 such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Further, Printer 100 includes a display unit 140 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying an image, an operation unit 150 such as buttons or a touch panel for acquiring operations by the user, a printing mechanism 170, and a communication interface (IF) 180.

[0012] The communication IF 180 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 CPU 110 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 CPU 110 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 pre-stored and provided 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 CPU 110 executes various processes for controlling the printer 100 by executing a computer program PGp. For example, although details will be described later, the CPU 110 controls the printing mechanism 170 to execute a printing process for causing the printing mechanism 170 to print an image. Also, the CPU 110 communicates with the management server 300 to execute processes related to a printing service and a content service, which will be described later.

[0016] The printing mechanism 170 executes printing in accordance with 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. Alternatively, 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 (e.g., 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 Wi-Fi standards or mobile communication standards (e.g., LTE standards). An application program AP is installed in the terminal device 200. The application program AP causes the CPU of the terminal device 200 to implement processing related to the printing service. Hereinafter, the functions implemented 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 the management server 300, for example, and executes processing related to the printing service and the content 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 provides a printing service using a printer (e.g., printer 100). The management server 300 also provides a content service using a printer in cooperation with the content server 400. The management server 300 and the content server 400 are, for example, computers operated by a business operator providing a printing service (e.g., a business operator manufacturing and selling printer 100), for example, a cloud server.

[0019] The management server 300 includes a CPU 310 as a controller of the management server 300, a volatile memory device 320 such as a DRAM, a non-volatile memory 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 memory device 320 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 310 performs processing. The non-volatile memory device 330 stores a computer program 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 an operator who 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 content server 400, the terminal device 200, and the printer 100 to execute processing related to the printing service and the content service described later.

[0022] The content server 400 provides a content service in cooperation with the management server 300. Similarly to the server, the content server 400 includes a CPU 410 as a controller of the content server 400, a volatile memory device 420 such as a DRAM, a non-volatile memory 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 PGc and a content database DBc in which various types of information described later are recorded.

[0024] The computer program PGc is provided in a form uploaded by, for example, an operator who operates a printing service or a content service. By executing the computer program PGc, the CPU 410 of the content server 400 executes processing related to the content 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. In the following, 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 for the printing service.

[0026] A-2. Overview of the Service In the system 1000 of this embodiment, two services, specifically, a printing service and a content service, are provided as services using the printer 100.

[0027] In the printing service of this embodiment, the remaining amount of ink in the printer 100 is managed, and an ink cartridge 190 or an ink bottle that stores ink for replenishing the printer 100 is delivered to the user of the printer 100.

[0028] The billing method for the printing service is a per-unit system where the fee is charged according to the number of printed sheets. For example, in the printing service, the user can prepay the fee for the desired number of planned printed sheets and then perform the printing for the prepaid number of planned printed sheets. The fees for printer maintenance and ink for replenishment are included in the printing fee.

[0029] The content service of this embodiment includes multiple types of services related to content data showing multiple types of content images. Specifically, the content service includes, for example, one or more font providing services that provide font data showing the fonts of characters, and one or more character providing services that provide character data showing images of characters such as animations and comics. In addition, the content service includes a template providing service that provides one or more template data showing image templates including patterns and designs such as greeting cards (e.g., New Year cards and Christmas cards) and calendars. The font providing service may include, for example, a service that provides font data capable of suppressing the ink consumption.

[0030] In the content service, the content data that the user wishes to use is downloaded to the user's printer 100, enabling the printer 100 to print the content images and the images generated using the content images. As described above, the content images include, for example, character fonts, character images, and patterns and designs for greeting cards (e.g., New Year cards and Christmas cards).

[0031] The billing method for the content service is a method of paying a fixed fee for each content image or for each group of content images including multiple content images. It may also be a method of paying a fee determined corresponding to the period of using the content.

[0032] In the content service, for example, a user operates the operation unit 150 of the printer 100 to select a service to be used from the above-described plurality of services (for example, a font providing service, a character providing service, a template providing service). The printer 100 transmits a usage request for the service selected by the user to the management server 300. The management server 300, in response to the usage request, performs a settlement process for the selected service, generates a content key for downloading content data to be provided, and transmits it to the printer 100. The printer 100 uses the content key to download content data from the content server 400. The printer 100 prints a content image or an image generated using the content image using the downloaded content data.

[0033] A-3. Description of Each Database First, the management database DBm stored in the non-volatile storage 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, a service information table ST, and a content usage history table CT.

[0034] 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 the 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 based on the contract started. Although illustration is omitted, the account table AT includes other user information necessary for the printing service. 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.

[0035] The device registration table DT is a table in which an account ID and device information are recorded in association with each other. The device information includes a device ID for identifying the device and model information, etc. Thus, the user identified by the account ID and one or more printers used when using the printing service are associated with each other. 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.

[0036] The service information table ST is a table in which information related to the printing service and information related to the content service are recorded for each target printer used for the printing service. For example, in the service information table ST, printing permission information, ink management information, and content permission information are recorded in association with the device ID for identifying the target printer. The printing permission information and the ink management information are information related to the printing service. The content permission information is information related to the content service. In the example of FIG. 2, the device ID "DID_a", printing permission information "PA_a", ink management information "IK_a", and content permission information "CI_a" of the printer 100 are recorded.

[0037] The printing permission information is information indicating the usage rights regarding the use of the printing service, specifically, the printing rights 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 number of charged sheets CP.

[0038] 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 number of charged 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 number of charged sheets CP increases with charging. The remaining number of sheets allowed to be printed based on the amount already charged (also called the remaining charged sheets RN) is the number obtained by subtracting the cumulative number of printed sheets TP from the cumulative number of charged sheets CP (RN = CP - TP).

[0039] The ink management information is information in which the transition of the remaining amount of the ink used for printing, for example, the remaining amount of black ink, is recorded in the target printer.

[0040] Note that for a printer of a 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 a printer of a 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 inlet of the ink tank.

[0041] Content permission information is information that indicates the usage rights regarding the use of content services for each printer. The content permission information includes a content key CK and service information CSI associated with the content key CK. The service information CSI includes information indicating services that can be used with the corresponding content key CK among a plurality of services (for example, a font providing service, a character providing service, a template providing service) that constitute the above-described content service. Further, the service information CSI includes information indicating whether rights regarding the service (for example, the right to download content data or the right to print a content image) are valid. The content key CK is authentication information used when the target printer (for example, printer 100) uses the content service, and is prepared for each service that the target printer can use. The content key CK is, for example, a character string consisting of a predetermined number of randomly generated characters.

[0042] The content usage history table CT is a table in which the usage history of the content service is recorded for each target printer used for the content service. In the service information table ST, content usage history information (for example, "CH_a") is recorded in association with a device ID (for example, "DID_a") that identifies the target printer. The content usage history information is recorded, for example, in association with the usage period, for services that are being used using the target printer and services that have been used in the past among a plurality of services that constitute the above-described content service.

[0043] Next, the content database DBc stored in the non-volatile memory device 430 of the content server 400 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the content database DBc and the information database IB.

[0044] In the content database DBc of FIG. 3(A), a plurality of content data provided in the content service are stored. Each content data (e.g., "CD_1") is associated with a content ID (e.g., "CID_1") that identifies the content data.

[0045] Next, the information database IB stored in the non-volatile memory device 130 of the printer 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3(B), the information database IB of the printer 100 includes setting information "ST_a", print permission information "PA_a", ink management information "IK_a", and content permission information "CI_a".

[0046] The setting information includes setting information regarding the printer 100, setting information related to printing, and network settings related to connections with a local network or the Internet IT. The print permission information is information regarding the print service using the printer 100. Specifically, the print permission information in the information database IB is the same information as the print permission information stored in the service information table ST (FIG. 3) of the management server 300. The ink management information is information indicating the transition of the remaining amount of ink used for printing in the printer 100. 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. The content permission information is information indicating the usage permission regarding the use of the content service using the printer 100. The content permission information is the same information as the content permission information stored in the service information table ST (FIG. 3) of the management server 300.

[0047] A-4. Operation of System 1000 Next, the operation of the system 1000 will be mainly described with respect to the print service. FIGS. 4 to 6 are sequence diagrams showing the operation of the system 1000 of the first embodiment. For example, a user who desires to provide a print service connects the printer 100 to the Internet IT. Further, the user starts the above-described terminal application of the terminal device 200 and executes an operation for joining the print service, for example, input of personal information necessary for a contract.

[0048] In S2, in response to the user's operation, the terminal device 200 (terminal application) communicates with the management server 300 to execute 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, an account ID "AC_a", a password "PW_a", a user name "KEN", and contract information "SI_a" are recorded in the account table AT. Also, an account ID "AC_a", a device ID "DID_a", and model information "MI_a" are recorded in the device registration table DT. Thus, by referring to each database, the correspondence relationship among the user's information, the device's information, and the contract's information can be specified.

[0049] 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 referred to as a delivery server) not shown in the figure of the delivery carrier of the ink cartridge 190. The management server 300 receives an identification number (also referred to as a cartridge number) of the ink cartridge 190 to be delivered from the delivery server. Thereby, the ink cartridge 190 reaches the user's hand of the printer 100.

[0050] The user attaches the delivered ink cartridge 190 to the attachment portion 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.

[0051] In S12, the printer 100 transmits the usage information of the printing service in which the immediately preceding printing is reflected to the management server 300. 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. 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.

[0052] When the management server 300 receives the usage information, in S15, 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 ink management information (information on the remaining ink amount) are updated.

[0053] In S20, the management server 300 determines whether the remaining ink amount of the printer 100 is less than or equal to the reference amount THe based on the ink management information. The reference amount THe is the remaining ink amount at which the next order of the ink cartridge 190 can be placed by the user to a small extent. For example, the reference amount THe is an amount that is a predetermined amount more than the remaining ink 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 amount of ink contained in a new ink cartridge.

[0054] As described above, it can be said that the condition that the remaining ink amount is less than or equal to the reference amount THe indicates that the time for the user to perform the ordering operation or replacement operation of the ink cartridge 190 has arrived.

[0055] If the remaining ink 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 is restarted from S10 again.

[0056] If the remaining ink amount is less than or equal to the reference amount THe (S20: YES), the management server 300 executes privilege determination processing at S24 in FIG. 5. The privilege determination processing is a process of determining, as a privilege to be granted as a privilege to the printer 100 (hereinafter referred to as a privilege), the use privilege of one of a plurality of services (for example, a font providing service, a character providing service, a template providing service) constituting the above-described content service.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the privilege determination processing. In S240, the management server 300 acquires content usage history information of the printer 100. Specifically, the management server 300 refers to the service information table ST (FIG. 2) and acquires content usage history information associated with the device ID of the printer 100.

[0058] In S250, the management server 300 refers to the content usage history information and determines, as a privilege, the use privilege of a service that has no usage history among the above-described plurality of services. When there are a plurality of services with no usage history, the use privilege of one selected service is determined as a privilege according to a predetermined priority order or randomly. Further, when there is no service with no usage history, the management server 300 may not determine a privilege, or may determine, as a privilege, the use privilege of one service selected according to a predetermined selection rule. For example, the use privilege of a service that is not currently used and whose period from the date when the service was canceled in the past to the present is the longest may be determined as a privilege.

[0059] In S26 of FIG. 5 after the privilege determination process, the management server 300 generates a content key CK, which is authentication information for using the determined privilege. In S27, the management server 300 updates the content privilege information of the printer 100. Specifically, in the service information table ST (FIG. 2), the content privilege information associated with the device ID of the printer 100 is updated. For example, the content key CK and the privilege information indicating the privilege are recorded in association in the content privilege information. Also, at this stage, the privilege, specifically, the privilege to download content data and the privilege to print using the content data, is set to invalid.

[0060] In S28, the management server 300 sends a privilege notification to the printer 100 indicating that the privilege is granted as a privilege. The privilege notification includes the above-described content key CK and the privilege information. The privilege information includes, for example, the types of services that become available due to the privilege.

[0061] When the printer 100 receives the privilege notification, in S29, based on the privilege notification, it updates the content privilege information in the information database IB. For example, similar to S27, the content key CK and the information indicating the privilege are recorded in association in the content privilege information. At this stage, the privilege is set to invalid.

[0062] In S30, based on the privilege notice, the printer 100 displays a privilege notice screen W1 on the display unit 140 of the printer 100. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the first embodiment. The privilege notice screen W1 in FIG. 8(A) includes a message MS1 notifying that the remaining ink amount is low, a message MS2 indicating that content services can be used when ordering ink (ink cartridge or ink bottle), and a button BT. When the button BT is pressed, the display of the privilege notice screen W1 ends. In a modified example, the management server 300 may store the identification information (such as email address, app ID, etc.) of the terminal device 200 as user information in association with the account ID, send a privilege notice to the terminal device 200, and cause the terminal device 200 to display a privilege notice screen.

[0063] In this way, when the remaining ink amount in the printer 100 reaches or falls below the reference amount THe, the user is notified that a privilege can be obtained by ordering ink. This provides an incentive for the user to order ink and, consequently, to continue using the printing service. When the user continues to use the printing service, the user places an order for ink. For example, the user launches the above-described terminal application on the terminal device 200 and inputs an ink order instruction to the terminal device 200 to order an ink cartridge 190. In a modified example, the user may operate the operation unit 150 of the printer 100 to input an ink order instruction to the printer 100. In this case, the process of S32 described below is executed by the printer 100.

[0064] When the terminal device 200 acquires an ink order instruction, at S32, it transmits ink order information to the management server 300. When the management server 300 receives the ink order information, at S34, 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 30 receives the cartridge number of the shipped ink cartridge 190. Then, the ink cartridge 190 is delivered to the user of the printer 100.

[0065] In S36, the management server 300 updates the content permission information of the printer 100 so as to activate the privilege rights granted to the printer 100. Specifically, in S27 described above, the information regarding the privilege rights recorded in the content permission information is updated in the management server 300, and the right to download the content data related to the privilege rights and the right to print using the content data are activated.

[0066] In S38, the management server 300 sends an activation notice indicating that the privilege rights have been activated to the printer 100. When receiving the activation notice, the printer 100 updates the content permission information in the information database IB so as to activate the privilege rights in S39. For example, in S29, the information regarding the privilege rights recorded in the content permission information is updated in the printer 100, and the right to download the content data related to the privilege rights and the right to print using the content data are activated.

[0067] In this way, by activating the privilege rights in the content permission information of both the management server 300 and the printer 100, the user can use the privilege rights using the printer 100 and make part of the content service available.

[0068] In S40, the printer 100 displays the activation notification screen W2 on the display unit 140 of the printer 100. The activation notification screen W2 in FIG. 8(B) includes a message MS3 for notifying gratitude for the ink order, a message MS4 for notifying that the content service has become available due to the ink order, and a button BT. When the button BT is pressed, the display of the activation notification screen W2 ends. In a modified example, the management server 300 may adopt a form in which an activation notification is transmitted to the terminal device 200 and the activation notification screen is displayed on the terminal device 200. In this case, content can be confirmed on the display unit (not shown) of the terminal device 200, and content can be confirmed immediately after the ink order instruction without shifting the eyes from the terminal device 200 to the printer 100.

[0069] When the user uses the privilege right to print a content image on the printer 100, the user inputs a predetermined content image print instruction to the printer 100 via the operation unit 150. When the printer 100 acquires the content image print instruction, at S42, the printer 100 transmits a privilege content request to the management server 300. The privilege content request includes the content key CK received at S28.

[0070] When the management server 300 receives the privilege content request, at S44, the management server 300 executes service identification processing. For example, the management server 300 refers to the content privilege information of the printer 100 in the service information table ST to search for the content key CK included in the privilege content request. The management server 300 refers to the service information CSI associated with the searched content key CK to identify the service corresponding to the content key CK. As a result, one service is identified from the plurality of types of services constituting the content service.

[0071] In S46, the management server 300 transmits a content request for requesting the content data of the identified service to the content server 400. The content request includes, for example, a content ID for identifying the content data of the identified service.

[0072] When the content server 400 receives a content request, at S48, it reads out content data having the content ID included in the content request from the content database DBc and transmits it to the management server 300. When the management server 300 receives the content data, at S50, it transmits the content data to the printer 100.

[0073] When the printer 100 receives the content data, at S52, it prints a content image using the content data. In this way, when the user orders the ink cartridge 190, one service constituting the content service becomes available, and for example, printing can be performed using the content data provided by the service.

[0074] When the ink cartridge 190 shipped based on the ink shipping process of S34 in FIG. 5 reaches the user's hand, the user replaces the used ink cartridge 190 mounted on the mounting portion 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.

[0075] In S54 of FIG. 6, the printer 100 detects that the printer 100 has been replenished with ink. In other words, the printer 100 detects that the ink cartridge 190 has been replaced in the printer 100. For example, the printer 100 is provided 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 detecting an increase in the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 190 using the remaining amount sensor. Instead of this, the printer 100 may be provided 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 detecting that the ink cartridge 190 has been removed using the mounting sensor and then detecting that the ink cartridge 190 has been mounted.

[0076] When the printer 100 detects that the ink has been replenished, at S56, 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 for identifying the ink cartridge 190 and is read, for example, from the memory provided in the ink cartridge 190.

[0077] When the management server 300 receives the ink replenishment notice, at S58, it executes cartridge-related processing. In the cartridge-related processing, the management server 300 checks whether the cartridge number received from the distribution server in the ink shipment processing of S34 matches the cartridge number included in the ink replenishment notice. Normally, these cartridge numbers match. The management server 300 further updates the remaining ink amount included in the ink management information of the printer 100 in the service information table ST.

[0078] At S60, the management server 300 updates the content permission information so as to invalidate the privilege rights granted to the printer 100. Specifically, the management server 300 deletes the information related to the privilege rights (content key CK and service information CSI) from the content permission information associated with the device ID of the printer 100 in the service information table ST (FIG. 2).

[0079] At S62, the management server 300 transmits an invalidation notice indicating that the privilege rights have been invalidated to the printer 100. When the printer 100 receives the invalidation notice, at S63, based on the invalidation notice, it updates the content permission information in the information database IB. For example, the printer 100 deletes the information related to the privilege rights from the content permission information in the information database IB.

[0080] In this way, by deleting the information regarding the privilege rights in the content privilege information of both the management server 300 and the printer 100, the user becomes unable to use the content service that has become available as a privilege using the printer 100.

[0081] In S64, the printer 100 displays the invalidation notification screen W3 on the display unit 140 of the printer 100. The invalidation notification screen W3 in FIG. 8(C) includes a message MS5 indicating that it has become impossible to use the content service using the privilege rights, and a button BT. When the button BT is pressed, the display of the invalidation notification screen W3 ends. In a modified example, the management server 300 may adopt a form in which an invalidation notification is transmitted to the terminal device 200 and the invalidation notification screen is displayed on the terminal device 200.

[0082] 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 a user operation for ink replenishment, specifically, an ordering operation or replacement operation of the ink cartridge 190, which may occur, is satisfied (S20 in FIG. 4). Specifically, it is determined as a specific condition whether the remaining ink amount of the printer 100 is equal to or less than the reference amount THe (S20 in FIG. 4). When the specific condition is satisfied (YES in S20 in FIG. 4), the management server 300 determines a privilege for using a content service different from the printing service (S24 in FIG. 4, FIG. 7(A)). After determining the privilege, the management server 300 updates the content privilege information associated with the printer 100 in the service information table ST so that the privilege becomes valid (S36 in FIG. 5). As a result, when a specific condition indicating that the time has come for a user operation for ink replenishment to the terminal device 200 is satisfied, the use privilege of a content service different from the printing service can be granted as a privilege. As a result, it is possible to effectively grant a privilege to the user so as to motivate the user of the printing service provided using the printer 100 to continue the contract of the printing service. Furthermore, the user of the printing service can experience the content service.

[0083] The user's usage pattern will be described in more detail. In many cases, the timing at which a user of a printing service decides whether to continue using the printing service or cancel the contract and discontinue using the printing service is the timing when an operation related to ink replenishment by the user occurs. For example, if a user plans to cancel the printing service and orders replenishment ink (e.g., an ink cartridge or an ink bottle), the replenishment ink may become wasted even if it arrives. For this reason, the user decides whether to cancel the printing service at the timing of ordering ink. When continuing the printing service, the user may order ink, and when canceling the printing service, the user may not order ink.

[0084] 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. For this reason, the user decides whether to cancel the printing service at the timing of replenishing the ink. When continuing the printing service, the user may replenish the ink in the printer 100, and when canceling the printing service, the user may not replenish the ink in the printer 100. In this case, the user can use the ink with another printer or resell the ink after canceling the printing service. In this case, for the provider of the printing service, the ink fee that should originally be recovered with the printing fee cannot be recovered, which is not preferable for the provider of the printing service.

[0085] In this embodiment, the privilege is granted at the timing when the user's operations such as ordering and replenishing the ink occur. As a result, for example, the possibility that the user orders and replenishes the ink to continue the printing service in order to use the content service using the granted privilege can be effectively increased.

[0086] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as described above, the management server 300 determines that a specific condition is satisfied when the remaining amount of ink in the printer 100 becomes equal to or less than the reference amount THe (S29 in FIG. 4). As a result, the usage right of the content service can be granted to the user at an appropriate timing when the ink ordering operation or replenishment operation can be performed. Therefore, a privilege can be effectively granted to the user so as to encourage the user to continue the printing service contract.

[0087] When the ink remaining amount in the printer 100 reaches or falls below the reference amount THe (YES in S20 of FIG. 4), the management server 300 determines the privilege (S24 in FIG. 4). After the determination of the privilege, when ink order information indicating that ink has been ordered is received (S32 in FIG. 5), the content privilege information is updated so that the privilege becomes valid (S36 in FIG. 5). As a result, the user can use the content service using the privilege as a reward for the ink ordering operation being performed. Therefore, the privilege can be granted at an effective timing that serves as an incentive for the user to order ink.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the ink remaining amount in the printer 100 reaches or falls below the reference amount THe (YES in S20 of FIG. 4), the privilege is notified to the user (S30 in FIG. 5, FIG. 8(A)). In this way, by notifying the user of the privilege regarding the use of the content service when the ink remaining amount reaches or falls below the reference amount THe, an incentive to order ink is given, and when the ink is actually ordered, the privilege can be granted. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the user from canceling the printing service contract without ordering ink.

[0089] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, after the management server 300 updates the privilege information update unit so that the privilege becomes valid (S36 in FIG. 5), when an ink replenishment notification indicating that ink has been replenished is received at the printer 100 (S56 in FIG. 6), the management server 300 updates the content privilege information so as to invalidate the privilege (S60 in FIG. 6). It may not be preferable for the privilege (the right to use the content service) to be permanently valid. For example, since the content service of this embodiment is provided for a fee, if the content service is permanently provided as a free privilege, it will cause unfairness among users who are using the content service by paying a fee. In this embodiment, for example, when the ink is replenished, the privilege can be invalidated, so that such unfairness can be suppressed. Furthermore, users who have used the content service for free for a certain period may pay a fee to use the content service if they like the content service and want to continue using it, so that the use of the paid content service can be promoted.

[0090] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the ink replenishment notification includes ink remaining amount information indicating that the remaining amount of ink has increased in the printer 100 (S56 in FIG. 10). As a result, the management server 300 can recognize that the ink has been replenished by recognizing that the remaining amount of ink has increased in the printer 100, so that the privilege can be invalidated at the timing when the ink is replenished.

[0091] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the service subject to the privilege is a service selected based on the content usage history information associated with the device ID of the printer 100, and is a service that has not been used in the past using the printer 100 among the content services that can be used using the printer 100 (FIG. 7). As a result, a content service that the user has never used using the printer 100 can be provided to the user as a privilege. As a result, the user can experience a new service. Therefore, for example, the use of the content service can be promoted.

[0092] As can be understood from the above description, the information indicating the ink remaining amount in the first embodiment is an example of consumable information, and the ordering and replacement of the ink cartridge 190 are examples of user operations. In the first embodiment, the ink remaining amount becoming equal to or less than the reference amount THe is an example of a specific condition. Also, the printing service in the first embodiment is an example of the first service, and the content service is an example of the second service.

[0093] B. Second Embodiment The operation of the system 1000 in the above embodiment is an example, and various modifications are possible. FIGS. 9 and 10 are sequence diagrams of the operation of the system 1000 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, instead of the processes in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the first embodiment, the processes in FIGS. 9 and 10 are executed. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the same processes as those in FIGS. 5 and 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the processes different from those in FIGS. 5 and 6 are denoted by reference numerals with "B" appended at the end.

[0094] S24 to S34 in FIG. 9 are the same processes as S24 to S34 in FIG. 5. In S36B of FIG. 9, the management server 300 updates the content permission information of the printer 100 in the service information table ST so as to enable the permission to download the content data related to the privilege given to the printer 100. At this stage, different from the first embodiment, the permission to print using the content data remains invalid.

[0095] In S38B, the management server 300 sends a downloadable notification indicating that the right to download content data related to the privilege has been activated to the printer 100. When the printer 100 receives the downloadable notification, in S39B, based on the downloadable notification, the printer 100 updates the content privilege information of the printer 100 so as to activate the right to download the content data related to the privilege in the information database IB. As a result, the user can download the content data related to the privilege to the printer 100. However, at this stage, the printer 100 cannot print a content image using the content data.

[0096] In S40B, the printer 100 displays a downloadable notification screen W4 on the display unit 140 of the printer 100. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the second embodiment. The downloadable notification screen W4 in FIG. 11(B) includes a message MS6 notifying gratitude for the ink order, a message MS7 notifying that content data can be downloaded by the ink order, a message MS8 notifying that a content image can be printed after ink replenishment, and a button BT. When the button BT is pressed, the display of the downloadable notification screen W4 ends. In a modified example, the management server 300 may adopt a form in which the downloadable notification is sent to the terminal device 200 and the downloadable notification screen is displayed on the terminal device 200.

[0097] When the user downloads content data using the privilege, the user inputs a predetermined download instruction to the printer 100 via the operation unit 150. When the printer 100 acquires a content image print instruction, in S42B, the printer 100 sends a download request for the content data to the management server 300. The download request includes the content key CK received in S28 of FIG. 9. In a modified example, in S42B, a form in which the terminal device 200 sends a download request to the management server 300 may be adopted.

[0098] When the management server 300 receives a download request, it executes the processes of S44 to S50 in FIG. 10 in response to the download request. The processes of S44 to S50 in FIG. 10 are the same as the processes of S44 to S50 in FIG. 6. As a result, the printer 100 receives content data related to privilege rights.

[0099] When the printer 100 receives the content data, at S52B, it stores the content data in the non-volatile storage device 130. For example, the user can display the content image indicated by the content data on the display unit 140 by operating the operation unit 150. At this stage, the printer 100 cannot print the content image.

[0100] When the ink cartridge 190 sent based on the ink sending process of S34 in FIG. 9 reaches the user's hand, as in the first embodiment, the user replenishes the printer 100 with ink by replacing the ink cartridge 190 of the printer 100.

[0101] When the ink cartridge 190 is replaced, the processes of S54 to S58 in FIG. 10 are executed. The processes of S54 to S58 in FIG. 10 are the same as the processes of S54 to S58 in FIG. 6.

[0102] In subsequent S60B, the management server 300 updates the content privilege information of the printer 100 in the service information table ST so as to enable the printing privilege for printing the content image using the content data related to the privilege rights granted to the printer 100.

[0103] In S62B, the management server 300 sends a printable notice indicating that the printing privilege for printing the content image has been enabled to the printer 100. When the printer 100 receives the printable notice, at S63B, it updates the content privilege information in the information database IB so as to enable the printing privilege for printing the content image based on the printable notice.

[0104] In this way, when the printing permission is enabled in the content permission information of both the management server 300 and the printer 100, the user can print the content image by using the privilege of the printer 100 with the privilege.

[0105] In S64B, the printer 100 displays the printable notification screen W5 on the display unit 140 of the printer 100. The printable notification screen W5 in Fig. 11(B) includes a message MS9 notifying gratitude for ink replacement, a message MS10 notifying that the content image can be printed by ink replacement, and a button BT. When the button BT is pressed, the display of the printable notification screen W5 ends.

[0106] When the user causes the printer 100 to print a content image by using the privilege, the user inputs a predetermined content image print instruction to the printer 100 via the operation unit 150. When the printer 100 acquires the content image print instruction, in S66B, the printer 100 prints the content image by using the content data saved in S52B.

[0107] According to the second embodiment described above, when ink order information is received (S32 in FIG. 9), the management server 300 updates the content authority information so that the download authority of the content data related to the privilege becomes valid (S36B in FIG. 9). After receiving the ink order information, when the management server 300 receives an ink refill notice (S56 in FIG. 10), the management server 300 updates the content authority information so that the printing authority to print a content image using the content data related to the privilege becomes valid (S60B in FIG. 10). As a result, at the timing when ink is ordered, the content data can be downloaded as a privilege, and at the timing when the printer 100 is refilled with ink, the printing privilege to print a content image using the content data can be granted as a privilege. As a result, privileges can be effectively granted to the user so that the user of the printing service provided using the printer 100 has an incentive to continue the contract for the printing service. For example, it is possible to suppress the user from canceling the contract for the printing service without refilling the printer 100 with ink.

[0108] C. Modification Example (1) In each of the above embodiments, as described above, the specific condition that triggers the execution of the specific privilege determination process (S24 in FIGS. 5 and 9) is that the remaining ink amount of the printer 100 is equal to or less than the reference amount THe. The specific condition is not limited to this, and various conditions indicating that the operation timing when the ordering operation or replacement operation of the ink cartridge 190 may occur has arrived may be used.

[0109] For example, the specific condition may be that ink order information has been received. In this case, the ink order information is an example of consumable information. In this case, for example, when the management server 300 receives the ink order information, the management server 300 may execute the privilege determination process of S24 in FIG. 5 to determine the privilege, and immediately activate the privilege to enable the content service. Alternatively, when the management server 300 receives the ink order information, the management server 300 may execute the privilege determination process of S24 in FIG. 5 to determine the privilege, and then when the management server 300 receives the ink refill notice, the management server 300 may activate the privilege to enable the content service.

[0110] Alternatively, the specific condition may be receiving an ink replenishment notice. In this case, the ink replenishment notice is an example of consumable information. In this case, for example, when the management server 300 receives an ink replenishment notice, it may execute the privilege determination process of S24 in FIG. 5 to determine the privilege, and immediately activate the privilege to make the content service available.

[0111] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the ink replenishment notice includes information on the ink remaining amount indicating that the ink remaining amount in the printer 100 has increased compared to before replacement (S56 in FIG. 6). Instead of this, the ink replenishment notice may include a notice indicating that the detachable ink cartridge 190 has been removed from the printer 100. Furthermore, the ink replenishment notice may include a notice indicating that the detachable ink cartridge 190 has been attached after being removed from the printer 100. Even in this case, the management server 300 can appropriately recognize that the ink has been replenished.

[0112] Also, the printing mechanism 170 of the printer 100 may be a type of printing mechanism that includes a fixed ink tank and uses the ink stored in the ink tank as a coloring material. In this case, the ink tank is provided with an inlet for injecting ink, and the inlet is configured to be openable and closable by a cap or the like. In this case, the ink replenishment notice may include a notice indicating that the openable and closable inlet has been opened. Furthermore, the ink replenishment notice may include a notice indicating that the openable and closable inlet has been closed after being opened. Even in this case, the management server 300 can appropriately recognize that the ink has been replenished.

[0113] (3) In each of the above embodiments, when specific conditions are met (for example, when the ink remaining amount becomes equal to or less than the reference amount THe), a privilege right to always use the content service is granted. Not limited to this, for example, the management server 300 and the content server 400 may conduct a lottery for privileges when specific conditions are met, and determine the granting of privilege rights only when winning the lottery, and decide not to grant privilege rights (to make it without privilege rights) when losing the lottery. Also, the content of the service granted as a privilege may be determined by lottery.

[0114] In this case, by varying the winning probability of the lottery according to the number of ink replenishment times or the usage period of the printing service, the amount of privilege rights obtained by the user may be varied according to the number of ink replenishment times or the usage period of the printing service.

[0115] (4) In each of the above embodiments, the printing service is a pay-per-use printing service. Instead of this, the printing service may be a flat-rate printing service.

[0116] In the 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 exceeding the printable number of sheets, a fee is added according to the number of exceeded sheets. In this way, since the number of exceeded sheets is a pay-per-use printing service, it can also be said that this printing service is a service that combines a flat-rate system and a pay-per-use system. The printer maintenance and the fee for the replacement ink are included in the printing fee.

[0117] (6) In the first embodiment above, the privilege right is invalidated at the timing when the ink is replenished. Instead of this, the privilege right may be invalidated when a predetermined period (for example, one month) has passed since the ink order date or the ink replenishment date, or may be invalidated when a predetermined period has passed since the date when the privilege right was made valid. Also, the privilege right may be permanently valid.

[0118] 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 kind of consumable, for example, a sewing machine that forms a pattern using thread, a water server that supplies water, or various devices that operate by consuming fuel, may be used. Alternatively, the device may be a multifunction device including a printing mechanism that prints an image by consuming a coloring material and a reading mechanism that generates scan data by reading a document using an image sensor. Further, the printing mechanism of the device may be an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser printer) that prints an image using toner as the coloring material instead of ink.

[0119] The services provided by the management server 300 and the content server 400 may be various services according to the device adopted, and it is preferable that the services provided are a plurality of services including a first service and a second service different from the first service. And the privilege given to the user who uses the first service is preferably the usage right regarding the use of the second service. For example, when the device is a sewing machine that forms a pattern using thread, the first service may be a service that automatically delivers the thread to the user according to the consumption of the thread, and the second service may be a service that provides pattern data indicating the patterns that can be formed using the thread. Also, when the device is a multifunction device, the first service may be a printing service similar to the above embodiment, and the second service may be a storage service that stores the generated scan data in a cloud server.

[0120] (8) In the above embodiment, the printing service is provided by two servers, namely the management server 300 and the content 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 capable of communicating 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.

[0121] (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.

[0122] As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments and modification 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 of the present invention are included therein.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0123] 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… Content server, 410… CPU, 420… Volatile memory device, 430… Non-volatile memory device, 480… Communication IF, AP… Application program, AT… Account table, CT… Content usage history table, DBc… Content database, DBm… Management database, DT… Device registration table, IB… Information database, IT… Internet, PGc, 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 first service under contract, a storage unit that stores authority information indicating the usage authority regarding the usage of services including the first service, the authority information being 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 the specific device, a determination unit that determines whether a specific condition is satisfied indicating that a working time has arrived when a user's operation for replenishing the consumables for the specific device may occur based on the consumable information, a privilege determination unit that determines a privilege right which is a privilege to be granted to the specific device and is a right regarding the use of a second service different from the first service when the specific condition is satisfied, 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:

2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the user's operation includes an operation of ordering the consumables for replenishment or an operation of replenishing the consumables to the specific device, and the determination unit determines that the specific condition is satisfied when the remaining amount of the consumables in the specific device becomes equal to or less than a reference or when the consumables are ordered.

3. The server according to claim 2, wherein the receiving unit further receives order information indicating that the consumables for the specific device have been ordered, the determination unit determines the privilege right when the remaining amount of the consumables in the specific device becomes equal to or less than a reference, and the privilege information update unit updates the privilege information so that the privilege right becomes valid when the order information is received after the determination of the privilege right.

4. The server according to claim 2, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies the user of the determined privilege right when the remaining amount of the consumables in the specific device becomes equal to or less than a reference.

5. The server according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit further receives replenishment information indicating that the consumables have been replenished in the specific device, The privilege information update unit is a server that updates the privilege information so that the privilege of the privilege becomes valid, and then updates the privilege information so that the privilege of the privilege becomes invalid when the replenishment information is received.

6. The server according to claim 5, wherein the replenishment information includes either a notification indicating that a detachable container for accommodating the consumable in the specific device has been removed or a notification indicating that an openable inlet for injecting the consumable in the specific device has been opened.

7. The server according to claim 5, wherein the replenishment information includes remaining amount information indicating that the remaining amount of the consumable in the specific device has increased.

8. The server according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit further stores usage history information indicating services used by the device in the past in association with the identification information for identifying the device, and the second service is a service selected based on the usage history information associated with the identification information of the specific device, and is a service that has not been used by the specific device in the past among the services available for use with the specific device.

9. The server according to claim 1, wherein the device is a printer, the first service is a printing service for performing printing using the printer, the second service is a content service for providing content image data indicating a content image, the privilege of the privilege includes a first privilege for downloading the content image data and a second privilege for printing the content image using the content image data, the receiving unit further receives order information indicating that an order has been placed for the consumable for the specific device and replenishment information indicating that the consumable has been replenished in the specific device, and the privilege information update unit updates the privilege information so that the first privilege becomes valid when the order information is received, and updates the privilege information so that the second privilege becomes valid when the replenishment information is received after the order information is received.

10. A computer program for a server including a storage unit that is communicably connected to a device used by a user for using a first service under a contract and that consumes consumables, and stores authority information indicating an authority to use a service including the first service, wherein the authority information is associated with identification information for identifying the device. A receiving function that receives consumable information regarding the consumables in the specific device from the specific device. A determination function that determines whether a specific condition is satisfied, the specific condition indicating that a work timing 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 function that determines a privilege authority that is a privilege to be granted to the specific device as a privilege and that is related to the use of a second service different from the first service when the specific condition is satisfied. An authority information update function that updates the authority information associated with the specific device in the storage unit so that the privilege authority becomes valid after the determination of the privilege authority. A computer program for causing a computer to implement the above.

11. A communication system including one or more devices that consume consumables and a server connectable to the devices via a network, a storage unit that stores authority information indicating an authority to use a service including a first service under a contract by a user of a specific device, wherein the authority information is associated with identification information for identifying the device, the storage unit, an acquisition unit that acquires consumable information regarding the consumables in the specific device, a determination unit that determines whether a specific condition is satisfied, the specific condition indicating that a work timing 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 a privilege authority that is a privilege to be granted to the specific device as a privilege and that is related to the use of a second service different from the first service when the specific condition is satisfied, an authority information update unit that updates the authority information associated with the specific device in the storage unit so that the privilege authority becomes valid after the determination of the privilege authority. A communication system comprising the above.

Images