Application program, control method, and terminal device

Abstract

To provide an application program, a control method, and a terminal device which can quickly execute a series of processing.SOLUTION: An application program is for a terminal device. The terminal device comprises a CPU which executes a series of processing related to a communication device. The CPU executes first processing in which communication with the communication device is restricted of the series of processing (S105). The CPU executes second processing in which the communication with the communication device is unnecessary, while executing the first processing (S111).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an application program, a control method, and a terminal device.

Background Art

[0002] The printing system of Patent Document 1 includes a printing service device, a printer, and a distribution server. The printing service device provides a printing service to a user. The printer executes printing in cooperation with the printing service device. For example, when printer information is registered in the printing service device, the firmware of the printer may not correspond to the printing service provided by the printing service device. In this case, the distribution server distributes the firmware corresponding to the printing service to the printer. The firmware distributed from the distribution server is installed in the printer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] During the installation of the firmware, the communication between the printing service device and the printer is restricted, and it is necessary to wait for the completion of the firmware installation to register the printer information. Therefore, the progress of a series of processes in the printing system may be delayed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an application program, a control method, and a terminal device that can quickly execute a series of processes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The application program according to the first aspect of the present invention is an application program for a terminal device that causes a communication device to execute a series of processes, and causes a computer of the terminal device to function as a first execution unit that executes a first process in which communication with the communication device is restricted among the series of processes, and a second execution unit that executes a second process that does not require communication with the communication device while the first process is being executed by the first execution unit.

[0007] Even when the above application program executes the first process in which communication with the communication device is restricted, it can execute a series of processes promptly.

[0008] The control method according to the second aspect of the present invention is a control method for controlling a terminal device that causes a communication device to execute a series of processes, and includes a first execution step of executing a first process in which communication with the communication device is restricted among the series of processes, and a second execution step of executing a second process that does not require communication with the communication device while the first process is being executed in the first execution step.

[0009] The above control method obtains the same effect as the first aspect.

[0010] The terminal device according to the third aspect of the present invention is a terminal device including a control unit that causes a communication device to execute a series of processes, and the control unit executes a first execution process of executing a first process in which communication with the communication device is restricted among the series of processes, and a second execution process of executing a second process that does not require communication with the communication device while the first process is being executed in the first execution process.

[0011] The above terminal device obtains the same effect as the first aspect.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] A service providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "System 1") will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to are used to explain the technical features that the present invention can adopt. The configurations of the devices described are not intended to be limited thereto, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, System 1 includes a communication device 2, a terminal device 3, and management devices 4 and 5. The communication device 2 is a printer having a communication function. The terminal device 3 is a portable device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone). The management devices 4 and 5 are servers that manage various data. The communication device 2 and the terminal device 3 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 8. The communication device 2 and the terminal device 3 can communicate via the LAN 8. The connection method to the LAN 8 may be wired or wireless. The communication device 2, the terminal device 3, and the management devices 4 and 5 are connected to the Internet 9. The communication device 2, the terminal device 3, and the management devices 4 and 5 can communicate via the LAN 8 and the Internet 9.

[0015] The communication device 2 includes a control unit 20, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a communication interface (I / F) 25, and a printing unit 26.

[0016] The control unit 20 includes a CPU 21 and a memory 22. The CPU 21 is in charge of the overall control of the communication device 2. The memory 22 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 22 stores a device ID, a model name, firmware, a firmware version (hereinafter referred to as "FW version"), and time information. The device ID is information for identifying the communication device 2. The model name is a name assigned to each model of the communication device 2. The firmware is a program executed by the CPU 21. The FW version indicates the version number of the firmware. The time information indicates the usage time of the communication device 2. The CPU 21 constantly calculates the cumulative value of the power-on time of the communication device 2 and stores it in the memory 22 as time information.

[0017] The operation unit 23 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the communication device 2 by operating the operation unit 23. The display unit 24 is a display for displaying various information. The communication I / F 25 is a driver element for connecting to the LAN 8 and performing communication. The printing unit 26 is an inkjet printing mechanism. A cartridge for storing ink is attached to the printing unit 26. The printing unit 26 executes printing using the ink in the cartridge.

[0018] An IC chip storing a cartridge number is attached to the cartridge. The CPU 21 of the communication device 2 can identify information on the type of the cartridge attached to the communication device 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "cartridge information") by reading the cartridge number from the IC chip of the attached cartridge. Note that information corresponding to the type of the cartridge may be stored in the IC chip of the cartridge, and the CPU 31 may read this information to identify the cartridge information.

[0019] An application used by the user is installed in the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 includes a control unit 30, a touch panel 33, and a communication I / F 35.

[0020] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 31 and a memory 32. The CPU 31 is in charge of overall control of the terminal device 3. The memory 32 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 32 stores various programs and application programs for executing applications. The touch panel 33 has the functions of a display unit and an operation unit. The user can input various instructions to the communication device 2, the management device 4, and the management device 5 by operating the touch panel 33. The communication I / F 35 is a driver element for connecting to the LAN 8 and performing communication.

[0021] For example, the user can operate the terminal device 3 to execute registration for a service (hereinafter, also referred to as "service subscription process"). The "service" includes, for example, a billing service, an automatic ordering service, a notification service, etc. The billing service and the automatic ordering service are so-called "subscriptions". The billing service is a service that provides printing of a preset number (for example, 200 sheets) at a fixed amount by paying a fixed fee. In the billing service, for example, when the number of printed sheets on the communication device 2 in a predetermined period (for example, 1 month) exceeds the contract printed sheet number (for example, 1000 sheets), the user pays the billing amount obtained by adding the additional fee corresponding to the number of printed sheets exceeding the contract printed sheet number and the fixed fee. The automatic ordering service is a service that automatically orders and delivers a new cartridge when the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge of the communication device 2 becomes less than or equal to a predetermined remaining amount. The notification service is a service that notifies the terminal device 3 of information regarding the management devices 4 and 5, the communication device 2, etc., for example.

[0022] The management device 4 is installed on the Internet 9 by the vendor of the communication device 2. The management device 4 manages detailed information regarding the communication device 2 (hereinafter, also referred to as "device identification information"). The device identification information is information for each device ID such as a model name, an FW version, time information, and cartridge information.

[0023] The management device 4 includes a control unit 40 and a communication I / F 45. The control unit 40 includes a CPU 41 and a memory 42. The CPU 41 is in charge of overall control of the management device 4. The memory 42 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 42 stores programs executed by the CPU 41 and device identification information. The communication I / F 45 is a driver element for connecting to the Internet 9 and performing communication.

[0024] The management device 5 is installed on the Internet 9 by the vendor of the communication device 2. The management device 5 manages various information (hereinafter also referred to as "user information") necessary for providing services to users. User information is personal information such as, for example, email addresses, passwords, payment information, etc.

[0025] The management device 5 includes a control unit 50 and a communication I / F 55. The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51 and a memory 52. The CPU 51 is in charge of overall control of the management device 5. The memory 52 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 52 stores programs executed by the CPU 51. The communication I / F 55 is a driver element for connecting to the Internet 9 and performing communication.

[0026] In order to receive the services of the above system 1, the user needs to register "device identification information" with the management device 4 and register "user information" with the management device 5.

[0027] With reference to Figure 2, an explanation will be given of the procedures performed by a user who has purchased the communication device 2 to receive the above services. For example, the user performs the procedures of each block B1 to B7 shown in Figure 2. The user operates the terminal device 3 to install an application (B1). When the procedure of block B1 is performed by the user, the processing performed by the terminal device 3 is called "installation processing".

[0028] The user performs communication settings for the network of the communication device 2 (B2). When the procedure of block B2 is performed by the user, the process performed by the terminal device 3 is referred to as "communication setting process". The communication setting process enables the communication device 2 to communicate with the terminal device 3, the management devices 4 and 5 mutually.

[0029] The user performs initial settings for the communication device 2 (B3). When the procedure of block B3 is performed by the user, the process performed by the terminal device 3 is referred to as "initial setting process". The initial setting process is a process for setting the communication device 2 to a usable state. In the initial setting process, for example, the terminal device 3 prompts the user to attach the ink cartridge to the communication device 2. Ink replenishment to the communication device 2 is performed by the user. Also, in the initial setting process, the terminal device 3 accepts settings such as image quality adjustment at the time of printing by the user.

[0030] The user updates the firmware of the communication device 2 to the latest version (B4). For example, it is assumed that the user instructs the terminal device 3 to update the firmware, but it may be updated automatically. The firmware may be downloaded directly from the management device 4 to the communication device 2, or may be downloaded from the management device 4 to the communication device 2 via the terminal device 3. When the procedure of block B4 is performed by the user, the process performed by the terminal device 3 is referred to as "first process". During the firmware update, the communication device 2 becomes unable to communicate with the terminal device 3 and the management devices 4 and 5. That is, the first process is a process in which communication with the communication device 2 is restricted.

[0031] When the update of the firmware of the communication device 2 is completed, the user registers, for example, device identification information in the management device 4 (B5). Therefore, the management device 4 can acquire the FW version etc. of the updated firmware among the device identification information. When the procedure of block B5 is performed by the user, the process performed by the terminal device 3 is referred to as "third process". For example, the terminal device 3 instructs the communication device 2 to register the device identification information in the management device 4. The third process is a process that can be executed only after the first process, that is, after the firmware update. Also, the third process is a process that requires communication with the communication device 2.

[0032] The user performs the service registration procedure (B6). When the procedure of block B6 is performed by the user, the process performed by the terminal device 3 is referred to as "second process". The second process is a process that does not require communication with the communication device 2. The second process includes, for example, a service subscription process. The service subscription process is a process for a user of the communication device 2 to subscribe to a service. The service subscription process includes an input process, a second registration process, a third registration process, and the like. The input process is a process for allowing the user to input user information. For example, the terminal device 3 displays a format for the user to input user information. The second registration process is a process for registering the user information input by the user from the terminal device 3 to the management device 5. The third registration process is a process for registering the on / off setting of the notification function from the management device 5 and the like. These pieces of information are registered in the database of the memory 52 of the management device 5.

[0033] When block B6 is completed, the procedure is completed (B7). As a result, the user can receive the service provided by the vendor.

[0034] The above is the procedure normally performed by the user. Note that each process executed by the terminal device 3 in the procedures of each block B1 to B7 is also collectively referred to as "a series of processes". During the firmware update of block B4, communication becomes impossible. Therefore, it is necessary to wait for the completion of the firmware update to execute the procedures after block B5. On the other hand, the terminal device 3 can execute a series of processes without interruption by executing the following main process.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, the main process will be described. The main process is started, for example, when a user who has purchased the communication device 2 installs an application on the terminal device 3 (see block B1 in FIG. 2). In this case, the CPU 31 reads the application program from the memory 32 and executes the main process.

[0036] When the main process starts, the CPU 31 determines whether to execute the first process (S101). If it is determined that there is no need to execute the first process (S101: NO), that is, if it is determined that the FW version is the latest, the CPU 31 executes a series of processes in the normal order (S103). Except for the installation of the application (B1), a series of processes are executed in the order shown in FIG. 2, for example. The CPU 31 waits for a series of processes to complete and then ends the main process.

[0037] If it is determined that the first process needs to be executed (S101: YES), the CPU 31 starts the first process (S105). For example, the communication device 2 downloads the firmware from the management device 4 or the terminal device 3 and executes the firmware update process. In this case, the communication device 2 becomes unable to communicate with the management devices 4 and 5 and the terminal device 3.

[0038] The CPU 31 determines whether to execute the second process (S107). If it is determined that there is no need to execute the second process (S107: NO), the CPU 31 advances the process to S115. Examples of cases where there is no need to execute the second process include cases where the service subscription is not applicable or user information has already been registered.

[0039] On the other hand, if it is determined that the second process needs to be executed (S107: YES), for example, when the user subscription process is still pending, the CPU 31 determines the process with the highest priority among the second processes (S109). The CPU 31 determines that the process that requires the longest time to complete among the second processes is the process with the highest priority. For example, in the service subscription process, it is necessary for the user to input personal information into the terminal device 3. In this case, since it affects the user's work efficiency, it takes time for the process. Therefore, the CPU 31 determines, for example, that the input process among the service subscription processes is the process with the highest priority.

[0040] The CPU 31 executes, among the second processes, the process with the determined higher priority first (S111). As a result, the second processes are executed in order from the process with the highest priority. That is, the CPU 31 executes the second process while executing the first process.

[0041] The CPU 31 determines whether or not the first process has been completed (S113). In this case, for example, the CPU 31 checks, for example, whether there is a notification from the communication device 2 indicating that the firmware update has been completed. If it is determined that the first process has not been completed (S113: NO), the CPU 31 returns the process and continues the second process. The CPU 31 executes the determination as to whether or not the first process has been completed at a predetermined cycle.

[0042] On the other hand, if it is determined that the first process has been completed (S113: YES), the CPU 31 advances the process to S115. When migrating from S113 to S115, it is also assumed that the second process is interrupted and the third process is performed. Also, when migrating from S113 to S115, there may be a case where the remaining second process is still incomplete.

[0043] The CPU 31 determines whether or not it is necessary to execute the third process (S115). If it is determined that there is no need to execute the third process (S115: NO), the CPU 31 advances the process to S119. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is necessary to execute the third process (S115: YES), the CPU 31 executes the third process (S117). In this case, for example, the CPU 31 executes the first registration process and registers the device identification information in the management device 4. Even if the second process is incomplete, the CPU 31 causes the execution of the third process to be prioritized over the second process. The CPU 31 can promptly register the device identification information and the like in the management device 4. After the end of the third process, the CPU 31 advances the process to S119.

[0044] The CPU 31 determines whether to execute the second process (S119). For example, when the second process is interrupted during the transition from S113 to S115 (S119: YES), the CPU 31 resumes the second process (S121). Also, when there is a second process that has not yet been executed (S119: YES), the CPU 31 executes the remaining second processes (S121). The CPU 31 ends the main process.

[0045] On the other hand, when all the second processes are completed (S119: NO), the CPU 31 ends the main process. Thereby, a series of processes is completed. The user can receive the provision of services related to the communication device 2.

[0046] As described above, the CPU 31 executes the first process in which communication with the communication device 2 is restricted among a series of processes. While executing the first process, the CPU 31 executes the second process that does not require communication with the communication device 2.

[0047] Even when executing the first process in which communication with the communication device 2 is restricted, the above system 1 can execute a series of processes promptly.

[0048] The first process includes an update process. The update process updates the firmware of the communication device 2. Even when communication between the communication device 2 and the terminal device 3 is restricted due to the firmware update, the system 1 can execute a series of processes promptly.

[0049] The second process includes a service subscription process. The service subscription process includes a service subscription process for subscribing a user of the communication device 2 to a service. The above system 1 can execute a series of processes promptly by executing the user's service subscription process while executing the first process.

[0050] The service subscription process includes an input process. The input process is a process for inputting user information of a user of the communication device 2. The system 1 can execute a series of processes promptly by having the user input user information while executing the first process.

[0051] The service registration process includes a secondary registration process. The secondary registration process is a process of registering user information input by the input process from the terminal device 3 to the management device 5. The system 1 can quickly execute a series of processes by registering the user's user information in the management device 5 during the execution of the first process.

[0052] The CPU 31 determines whether the first process has been completed. When the CPU 31 determines that the first process has been completed, it executes a third process that requires communication with the communication device 2. The system 1 can execute the third process after waiting for the completion of the first process.

[0053] The CPU 31 executes the determination of whether the first process has been completed at a predetermined cycle. The system 1 can confirm the completion of the first process at a predetermined cycle. Therefore, the system 1 can, for example, promptly execute the third process after the completion of the first process.

[0054] The CPU 31 executes the processes with higher priority among the second processes first. The system 1 can execute the second processes with higher priority first even during the execution of the first process.

[0055] The CPU 31 determines that the processes that require a long time to complete among the second processes are the processes with higher priority. The CPU 31 executes the processes with the determined higher priority first. The system 1 can, for example, complete the processes that take a long time among the second processes first.

[0056] In the above description, the CPU 31 is an example of the "computer" of the present invention. The process of S105 executed by the CPU 31 is an example of the "first execution unit" of the present invention. The process of S111 executed by the CPU 31 is an example of the "second execution unit" of the present invention. The process of S113 executed by the CPU 31 is an example of the "judgment unit" of the present invention. The process of S117 executed by the CPU 31 is an example of the "third execution unit" of the present invention. The process of S109 executed by the CPU 31 is an example of the "decision unit" of the present invention.

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and various modifications are possible. The technologies disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined within a non-contradictory range. For example, although the communication device 2 was an inkjet printer, it is not limited thereto, and a thermal printer may also be used. For example, in addition to the printing function, the communication device 2 may be a multifunctional device equipped with a scanning function, a FAX function, and the like. For example, the communication device 2 may be anything as long as it can cooperate with the terminal device 3. For example, the communication device 2 may be anything as long as it has a communication function for gadgets such as automobiles, home appliances, and headphones owned by individual users. Further, the communication device 2 may be an industrial device such as a machine tool. That is, the communication device 2 may be any device in which the first process is executed.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the terminal device 3 was a smartphone, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal device 3 may be a device such as a tablet PC, a PC, or a PDA. In the above embodiment, different information was managed by the management devices 4 and 5, but it may be managed by either the management device 4 or the management device 5, or more management devices may be provided. The locations of the management devices 4 and 5 are not limited to within Japan, and they may be installed overseas. The information of the management devices 4 and 5 may be managed in a distributed manner. The owners of the management devices 4 and 5 are not limited to vendors.

[0059] The procedures shown in FIG. 2 were performed in the order of blocks B1 to B7, but it is not limited thereto. The processes of B1 to B7 may be rearranged within a possible range. Further, processes other than blocks B1 to B7 may be added. For example, the unpacking process of the communication device 2 may be performed before and after the installation process (B1) of the application. For example, after purchasing the communication device 2, the user unpacks the packaged communication device 2. Here, when the procedure of block B1 is performed by the user, the process performed by the terminal device 3 is referred to as the "unpacking process". For example, in the unpacking process, the terminal device 3 may notify information such as "Have you unpacked the product?" in characters or voice. Further, not all of the processes of blocks B1 to B7 in FIG. 2 are necessary for a series of processes. Blocks may be omitted within a range where a series of processes can be executed promptly.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the first process was an update process, but it is not limited to this. For example, the first process may include a first registration process. That is, the first registration process, which is the third process after firmware update, may be regarded as the first process. When the first registration process is performed, the communication speed between the communication device 2 and the terminal device 3 may be restricted. When the CPU 31 executes the first registration process, that is, even while the communication speed is decreasing, it may cause the second process to be executed. Therefore, even when the communication between the communication device 2 and the terminal device 3 is restricted due to the communication between the communication device 2 and the management device 4, the system 1 can execute a series of processes promptly.

[0061] Also, the first process may include a communication setting process for executing the communication settings of the communication device 2. When performing the communication setting process, the communication speed with the terminal device 3 may be restricted. When the CPU 31 executes the communication setting process, that is, even while the communication speed is restricted, it may cause the second process to be executed. The system 1 can execute a series of processes promptly even when the communication is restricted during the communication setting of the communication device 2.

[0062] Also, the first process may include an initial setting process. For example, while the user is performing the initial setting, a second process that does not require the user's operation may be executed. Therefore, even when executing the initial setting process, the system 1 can execute a series of processes promptly. Since the communication device 2 is a printer, for example, even when the system 1 executes the initial setting process of the printer, such as ink replenishment and image quality adjustment, it can execute a series of processes promptly.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the process with the highest priority among the second processes was determined, but it is not limited to this. For example, the priority may be determined in advance. The priority information may be stored as a table. The CPU 31 may refer to the table and execute the second process with the highest priority. Also, the priority may be determined by other factors rather than the time required for the process.

[0064] Note that instead of the CPU 31, an ASIC, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like may be used as the processor. Each main process may be distributedly processed by a plurality of processors. The communication device 2 may include, for example, another non-temporary storage medium such as an HDD. The non-temporary storage medium may be any storage medium capable of retaining information regardless of the period for which the information is stored. The non-temporary storage medium may not include a temporary storage medium (e.g., a transmitted signal).

[0065] Various programs may be downloaded (i.e., transmitted as a transmission signal) from, for example, servers (e.g., management devices 4 and 5) connected to a network (not shown) and stored in a memory such as an HDD. In this case, the various programs only need to be stored in a non-temporary storage medium such as an HDD provided in the server.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0066] 1 System 2 Communication Device 3 Terminal Device 30 Control Unit 31 CPU

Claims

1. An application program for a terminal device that executes a series of processes related to a communication device, The computer of the terminal device, a first execution unit that executes a first process among the series of processes in which communication with the communication device is restricted; and a second execution unit that executes a second process that does not require communication with the communication device while the first execution unit executes the first process; An application program characterized by functioning as

2. The first process includes an update process for updating firmware of the communication device.

2. The application program according to claim 1.

3. The first process includes a first registration process of registering device identification information related to the communication device from the communication device to a management device.

2. The application program according to claim 1.

4. The first process includes a communication setting process for executing communication settings of the communication device.

2. The application program according to claim 1.

5. The first process includes an initial setting process for setting the communication device to a usable state.

2. The application program according to claim 1.

6. The communication device is a printer 6. The application program according to claim 5.

7. The second process includes a service subscription process for subscribing to a service for a user of the communication device.

2. The application program according to claim 1.

8. The service subscription process includes an input process for inputting user information of the user of the communication device.

8. The application program according to claim 7.

9. The service subscription process includes a second registration process of registering the user information input by the input process from the terminal device to a management device.

9. The application program according to claim 8.

10. The application program further causes the computer to: a determination unit that determines whether the first process has been completed; and a third execution unit that executes a third process that requires communication with the communication device when the determination unit determines that the first process has been completed; to function as 2. The application program according to claim 1.

11. The determination unit determines whether the first process is completed at a predetermined interval. The application program according to claim 10, characterized in that...

12. The second execution unit executes, first, among the second processes, the process with the highest priority. The application program according to claim 1, characterized in that...

13. The application program further causes the computer to function as: A determination unit that determines that, among the second processes, the process that requires a long time to complete is the process with the highest priority. and The second execution unit executes, first, the process with the highest priority determined by the determination unit. The application program according to claim 12, characterized in that...

14. A control method for controlling a terminal device that executes a series of processes related to a communication device, the method comprising: A first execution step of executing a first process in which communication with the communication device is restricted among the series of processes; and A second execution step of executing a second process that does not require communication with the communication device while the first process is being executed in the first execution step. The control method is characterized by comprising: ...

15. A terminal device including a control unit that executes a series of processes related to a communication device, wherein: The control unit: Executes a first execution process of executing a first process in which communication with the communication device is restricted among the series of processes; and Executes a second execution process of executing a second process that does not require communication with the communication device while the first process is being executed in the first execution process. The terminal device is characterized by: ...

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