Computer program for controller, controller, and method of control of controller

Abstract

To disclose a technique of prompting a user using more than one printer to subscribe to a service.SOLUTION: A computer program for a controller causes a computer of the controller to function as a collection unit of collecting print history information of each of a plurality of printers; a calculation unit for, for each of the printers, calculating a subscription print cost as a print cost in a case where a service related to a printer is subscribed to and a non-subscription print cost as a print cost in a case where the service is not subscribed to, using the print history information, for at least two of the printers, the subscription print cost calculated for the printer being cheaper than the non-subscription print cost calculated for the printer; and a first output unit for outputting subscription information which prompts a user to subscribe to a service related to a printer for at least two of printers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a control device capable of executing processes related to a plurality of printers. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for calculating a fee corresponding to a fee plan by using log information of image processing executed by an image processing device, and presenting the fee plan to a user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-035779 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-177736 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned techniques do not take into consideration the fact that a user uses multiple image processing devices. This specification discloses a technique for encouraging users who use multiple printers to subscribe to a service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a control device, which causes a computer of the control device to function as: a collection unit that collects print history information for each of a plurality of printers; a calculation unit that uses the print history information to calculate, for each of the plurality of printers, a subscription print cost that is the print cost when subscribing to a service related to that printer and a non-subscription print cost that is the print cost when not subscribing to the service, where, for at least two of the plurality of printers, the calculated subscription print cost for that printer is lower than the non-subscription print cost for that printer; and a first output unit that outputs, for each of the at least two printers, subscription information encouraging the at least two printers to subscribe to the service related to that printer.

[0006] According to the above configuration, subscription information is output for at least two printers for which the printing cost when subscribing to a printer-related service is lower than the printing cost when not subscribing to the service. It is possible to encourage at least two printers, among multiple printers, for which subscribing to the service is highly beneficial, to subscribe to the service.

[0007] A computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program is also novel and useful. Also, the above-described control device itself and a control method for the above-described control device are novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of each table. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of the process for collecting information from each printer. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a process for displaying an offer screen. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 shows a specific example of an offer screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a specific example of an offer screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First Example) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figures 1 and 2) 1, the communication system 2 includes a plurality of printers 10, 40, 42, and 44, a terminal device 50, and a server 100. The plurality of printers 10, 40, 42, and 44 and the terminal device 50 are connected to a local area network (LAN) 4 and can communicate with each other via the LAN 4. The terminal device 50 may be a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, or a tablet PC, or may be a stationary terminal device such as a desktop PC. The LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. The server 100 is connected to the Internet 6 and can communicate with the terminal device 50 and each of the printers 10, 40, 42, and 44.

[0010] A printer application is installed in the terminal device 50. The printer application is an application program that controls a printer (for example, 10, 40, 42, 44). The printer application is provided by, for example, the vendor of the printers 10, 40, 42, 44.

[0011] (Printer 10 configuration) The printer 10 is a peripheral device (i.e., a peripheral device such as the terminal device 50) that can perform a printing function. The printer 10 may be a multi-function device that can perform a scanning function, a fax function, etc. in addition to a printing function. The printer 10 has a serial number "SN1." The serial number is an identification number assigned to the printer when it is manufactured.

[0012] The printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a communication interface 18, and a control unit 30. The operation unit 12 is a user interface that allows a user to input various information to the printer 10. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys (operation objects), hardware keys, or both. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and may or may not be a touch panel. The print execution unit 16 includes an inkjet, electrophotographic, or thermal print engine. The communication interface 18 is connected to a LAN 4. The communication interface 18 may be an interface for performing wireless communication or an interface for performing wired communication. Note that hereinafter, the term "interface" will be referred to as "I / F."

[0013] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory includes RAM and cache memory. The non-volatile memory may be a ROM, a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The non-volatile memory stores a program 36. The program 36 stored in the non-volatile memory is loaded into the volatile memory, and the program 36 is executed by the CPU 32, thereby realizing various processes.

[0014] The other printers 40, 42, and 44 have the same configuration as printer 10. Printers 40, 42, and 44 have serial numbers "SN2," "SN3," and "SN4," respectively. For example, multiple printers 10, 40, 42, and 44 are managed by a single administrator. For example, multiple printers 10, 40, 42, and 44 are installed within a single business establishment. Note that the number of multiple printers is not limited to four, and may be two, three, five, or more.

[0015] (Configuration of Server 100) The server 100 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printer 10. In a modified example, the server 100 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business entity other than the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for the server 100 on its own, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor prepares a program (i.e., software) for realizing the server 100 and installs it in the environment. The server 100 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers.

[0016] The server 100 provides a printer-related subscription service (hereinafter referred to as the "subscription service"). With the subscription service, if the number of pages printed within a unit period (e.g., one month) is less than or equal to a maximum number of pages (e.g., 100 pages), only a basic fee is charged. If the number of pages printed within the unit period exceeds the maximum number of pages, the sum of the basic fee and an additional fee corresponding to the number of pages printed exceeding the maximum number of pages is charged. The subscription service includes an automatic shipping service that automatically ships a new cartridge when the remaining amount of color material (e.g., ink, toner, etc.) in a color material cartridge installed in a printer falls below a specified level. The cost of the cartridge is included in the basic fee for the subscription service. Note that below, color material cartridges are referred to as "CTG."

[0017] The server 100 includes a communication I / F 118 and a control unit 130. The communication I / F 118 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes in accordance with a program 136 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. Details of the memory 134 are similar to those of the memory 34 of the printer 10. The program 136 stored in the non-volatile memory is loaded into the volatile memory, and the program 136 is executed by the CPU 132, thereby realizing various processes. The memory 134 further stores a user table 138, a plan table 140, a cartridge table 142, and a history table 144.

[0018] (Tables 138, 140, 142, and 144: Figure 2) The contents of each table 138, 140, 142, and 144 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In the user table 138, account information, serial number, model name, printer name, contract information, address information, and payment information are stored in association with each other. The account information is information for a user to log in to the server 100 and includes a user ID and password. The serial number is the serial number of the printer used by the user. The model name is the model name of the printer used by the user. The printer name is the name given to the printer by the user. The contract information is information indicating the subscription service plan subscribed to by the user and is one of "Not subscribed," "Light," and "Heavy." Details of the plans will be described later. The address information is information indicating the address to which the CTG is to be shipped. The payment information is information for a user to pay the usage fee for the subscription service and includes, for example, a credit card number, expiration date, etc.

[0019] When a user accesses the server 100 using a terminal device (e.g., 50) and inputs account information (e.g., "AC1"), address information (e.g., "AD1"), and payment information (e.g., "PI1"), each piece of information is stored in the user table 138. At this time, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the printer 10, communication is performed between the printer 10 and the server 100, and the serial number "SN1" of the printer 10 is transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 100. As a result, the server 100 stores the serial number "SN1" in association with the account information "AC1." Furthermore, while logged in to the server 100, the user can select a subscription service plan. As a result, the server 100 stores contract information in association with the account information "AC1." When the user has not subscribed to the subscription service, the server 100 stores "Not Subscribed" as contract information in association with the account information "AC1."

[0020] 2, the server 100 stores multiple serial numbers "SN1," "SN2," "SN3," and "SN4" in association with one account information "AC1." This allows multiple printers 10, 40, 42, and 44 to be managed by a user (e.g., an administrator) identified by the account information "AC1."

[0021] The plan table 140 stores the plan type, model name, base fee, maximum print count, unit price, and volume discount in association with each other. Plan types are either "Not subscribed," "Light Plan," or "Heavy." Here, "Not subscribed" means not subscribing to a subscription service, i.e., not signing a contract for the subscription service. "Light" refers to a light plan for users who use printers relatively infrequently (i.e., light users). "Heavy" refers to a heavy plan for users who use printers relatively frequently (i.e., heavy users). Note that in a modified example, plan types are not limited to "Light" and "Heavy" and may include, for example, "Medium." "Medium" refers to a medium plan for users who use printers neither frequently nor frequently, i.e., users between light and heavy users (i.e., middle users). In another modified example, a printer with the model name "MN1" may offer only the Light Plan, and a printer with the model name "MN2" may offer only the Heavy Plan. The printer vendor pre-stores various information in the plan table 140.

[0022] In the subscription service of this embodiment, a usage fee is charged to the user for each unit period of one month. The basic fee is the fee required for one month. The maximum number of prints is the maximum number of print media that can be printed in one month within the basic fee. The unit price is the fee per print required when the maximum number of prints is exceeded. For example, for the model name "MN1," the following fees are pre-determined: the basic fee for the Light Plan is 100 yen, and the basic fee for the Heavy Plan is 280 yen, which is higher than the Light Plan. The maximum number of prints for the Light Plan is 100 sheets, and the maximum number of prints for the Heavy Plan is 300 sheets, which is higher than the Light Plan. The unit price for the Light Plan is 1.1 yen, and the unit price for the Heavy Plan is 1 yen, which is cheaper than the Light Plan.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the basic fee and unit price vary depending on the model name. For example, comparing the light plans, the basic fee and unit price for model name "MN1" are 100 yen and 1.1 yen, while the basic fee and unit price for model name "MN2" are 110 yen and 1.2 yen. In the example of Figure 2, the maximum number of prints is the same for model name "MN1" and model name "MN2," but in modified examples, the maximum number of prints may be different for model name "MN1" and model name "MN2." In other modified examples, the basic fee and unit price may be the same for model name "MN1" and model name "MN2."

[0024] The non-subscription plan means that the user is not subscribed to the subscription service, so the basic fee and maximum number of prints are both zero. As shown in Figure 2, even the non-subscription plan has a set unit price. The unit price for the non-subscription plan is the average cost per print. The average cost is calculated based on information such as the price of CTGs available for the printer 10, etc. (e.g., cartridge table 142). As shown in Figure 2, the average cost differs between model names "MN1" and "MN2."

[0025] The volume discount refers to the discount rate applied to the usage fee when one user subscribes to a subscription service for multiple printers. In the example of Figure 2, if a user subscribes to a subscription service for three or more printers, the usage fee is discounted by 2%. If a user subscribes to a subscription service for six or more printers, the usage fee is discounted by 3%. In other words, the more printers a user subscribes to, the higher the discount rate. In the example of Figure 2, the discount rate is the same for model names "MN1" and "MN2," but in other examples, the discount rate may be different for model names "MN1" and "MN2." The discount rates shown in Figure 2 are merely examples.

[0026] The cartridge table 142 stores the prices of CTGs. For example, a printer with model name "MN1" can print using either a CTG with CTG name "MN1-01" or a CTG with CTG name "MN1-02." The two types of CTGs differ in the amount of colorant they can accommodate and in price. The CTG price of "1,000 yen" and the number of printable sheets when using this CTG, "500 sheets," are stored in association with the CTG name "MN1-01." The CTG price of "1,500 yen" and the number of printable sheets when using this CTG, "1,000 sheets," are stored in association with the CTG name "MN1-02." A printer with model name "MN2" can print using a CTG with CTG name "MN2-01." The price of a CTG with the CTG name "MN2-01" is different from the price of a CTG with the CTG name "MN1-01."

[0027] In the history table 144, the month, CTD name, and number of printed pages are stored in association with each other for each printer serial number. The printer periodically (e.g., daily, hourly, etc.) transmits the printer's serial number, the CTD name of the CTD currently installed in the printer, and the cumulative number of printed pages to the server 100. This allows the server 100 to calculate and store the number of printed pages for one month.

[0028] (Process for collecting information from each printer; Figure 3) Referring to Figure 3, the process by which the server 100 collects information from each of the printers 10, 40, 42, and 44 will be described. In the following description, for ease of understanding, the operations realized by the CPU of each device (e.g., CPU 32, 132) will be described primarily in terms of each device (e.g., printer 10, terminal device 50, server 100) rather than primarily in terms of the CPU. Furthermore, communication between the printer 10 and the server 100 is carried out via "communication I / F 18" and "communication I / F 118." In the following description of communication between the printer 10 and the server 100, the terms "via communication I / F 18" and "via communication I / F 118" will be omitted.

[0029] The user accesses the server 100 and stores in advance the account information "AC1", the serial numbers "SN1" to "SN4" of the printers, the address information "AD1", and the payment information "PI1" in the user table 138 (see FIG. 2).

[0030] When the printer 10 determines at T10A that a predetermined timing has arrived, it transmits notification information to the server 100 at T12A. The predetermined timing is, for example, a predetermined time of day. The notification information includes the serial number "SN1" of the printer 10, the cumulative number of printed pages, the CTD name of the current color material CTG, and the remaining amount of color material in the color material CTG (hereinafter referred to as "remaining CTG amount").

[0031] When server 100 receives notification information from printer 10 at T12A, it updates history table 144 at T14A using the information in the notification information. Specifically, server 100 stores the notification information previously received from printer 10. Server 100 calculates the difference between the cumulative number of printed pages in the notification information currently received and the cumulative number of printed pages in the notification information previously received, and adds this difference to the number of printed pages for this month associated with serial number "SN1."

[0032] The model name of the printer 10 is "MN1." If the CTD name included in the notification information is "MN1-01" or "MN1-02," the server 100 can recognize which CTD is currently installed in the printer 10 and stores the CTD name along with the number of printed pages in the history table 144. For example, in the history table 144 of FIG. 2, the CTD name "MN1-01" or "MN2-02" is stored in association with the serial number "SN1."

[0033] Furthermore, if the user of the printer 10 has subscribed to the subscription service, the server 100 determines whether the remaining CTG amount in the notification information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. If the server 100 determines that the remaining CTG amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, it dispatches a new CTG in T14A. Specifically, the server 100 identifies the address information "AD1" associated with the serial number "SN1" in the notification information from the user table 138 and outputs instructions to dispatch a new CTG addressed to the address information "AD1." The output of the instructions includes, for example, sending the instructions to a terminal of a worker who will dispatch the CTG. In a modified example, the output of the instructions includes, for example, sending the instructions to a dispatch server configured separately from the server 100.

[0034] The printer 10 repeatedly executes the process T12A (for example, periodically, such as every hour), which causes the server 100 to repeatedly execute the process T14A.

[0035] T12B and T12C are similar to T12A, except that printers 40 and 42 send notification information to server 100. T14B and T14C are similar to T14A, except that the number of pages printed this month associated with serial numbers "SN2" and "SN3" is updated. Although not shown in FIG. 3, printer 44 also sends notification information to server 100. Through the process of FIG. 3, the cumulative number of pages printed for each of multiple printers 10, 40, 42, and 44 is collected by server 100.

[0036] (Process to display the offer screen; Figure 4) Referring to FIG. 4, a process for displaying an offer screen that prompts a user to join a subscription service will be described.

[0037] When server 100 determines in T20 that the specified timing has arrived, in T22 it uses the information in each table 138, 140, and 144 to calculate the subscribed printing cost and non-subscribed printing cost for each of two or more printers corresponding to the contract information "non-subscribed." The subscribed printing cost is the printing cost for subscribing to the light plan and heavy plan, respectively, and the non-subscribed printing cost is the printing cost for not subscribing to either plan. Here, the specified timing is, for example, a specified date and time within a week. In T24, server 100 stores the printing costs for each of the multiple printers calculated in T22.

[0038] At T30, the user activates the printer application by operating the terminal device 50. At T32, the terminal device 50 transmits a login request including the account information "AC1" to the server 100 in accordance with the activated printer application.

[0039] When the server 100 receives a login request from the terminal device 50 at T32, it authenticates the account information “AC1” included in the login request. In this case, the authentication is successful, so the server 100 transmits home screen information representing a home screen to the terminal device 50 at T34.

[0040] When the terminal device 50 receives the home screen information from the server 100 in T34, it displays the home screen in T36. The home screen includes a plurality of icons indicating various services that the server 100 can provide.

[0041] Furthermore, if authentication of the account information "AC1" is successful, the server 100 determines in T38 whether there is a plan to which the user indicated by the account information "AC1" has not yet subscribed. Specifically, the server 100 determines whether at least one piece of contract information stored in association with the account information "AC1" in the user table 138 indicates "not subscribed." In this case, all of the contract information stored in association with the account information "AC1" in the user table 138 indicates "not subscribed." In this case, the server 100 determines that there is a plan to which the user has not yet subscribed, and executes the processing from T40 onward. Note that if it is determined that there is no plan to which the user has not yet subscribed, the processing from T40 onward is not executed.

[0042] In T40, the server 100 transmits notification screen information representing a notification screen to the terminal device 50. The notification screen is a screen that displays a notification to the user.

[0043] When the terminal device 50 receives the notification screen information from the server 100 in T40, it displays the notification screen in T42. The notification screen is displayed, for example, overlapping with the home screen of T36. The notification screen is, for example, a pop-up notification. The notification screen is, for example, a screen notifying the user that they have not subscribed to the subscription service.

[0044] The user views the notification screen at T42 and performs an operation in accordance with the notification screen at T44. In this case, the terminal device 50 transmits operation information to the server 100 indicating that the operation in accordance with the notification screen has been performed.

[0045] When the server 100 receives operation information from the terminal device 50 in T46, it transmits selection screen information representing a selection screen to the terminal device 50 in T48. The selection screen is a screen for selecting one or more printers from among the multiple printer names stored in association with the account information "AC1" in the user table 138. The selection screen includes a list of one or more printer names stored in association with the contract information "Not Subscribed" from among the multiple printer names stored in association with the account information "AC1".

[0046] When the terminal device 50 receives the selection screen information from the server 100 in T48, it displays the selection screen in T50. In T52, the terminal device 50 receives an operation from the user to select one or more printer names on the selection screen. In T54, the terminal device 50 transmits a selection result including the one or more printer names selected by the user on the selection screen to the server 100. The user can use the selection screen to select the printer for which information should be displayed.

[0047] When the server 100 receives the selection result from the terminal device 50 in T54, it determines in T56 the printer to be displayed as a message on the offer screen. The printer to be displayed is a printer, of the one or more printers indicated by the selection result, whose subscription printing cost is lower than the non-subscription printing cost. In the processing of T56, a printer to be displayed whose subscription printing cost is lower than the non-subscription printing cost is determined from the list of printers stored in association with the account information "AC1" (for example, the list of serial numbers "SN1" to "SN4" in FIG. 2). The user logged in to the server 100 can be prompted to sign up for a subscription service for the printers managed by the user.

[0048] In T58, server 100 determines whether to apply a volume discount. For example, if the user of account information "AC1" is not currently subscribed to any plans, server 100 determines whether to apply a volume discount based on the number of printers to be displayed determined in T56. Also, for example, if the user of account information "AC1" is currently already subscribed to several plans, server 100 determines whether to apply a volume discount based on the total number of printers already subscribed to plans and the number of printers to be displayed determined in T56.

[0049] In T60, the server 100 transmits offer screen information representing an offer screen to the terminal device 50. The offer screen includes, for each of the one or more printers to be displayed determined in T56, a message encouraging the user to subscribe to a subscription plan associated with the printer. The message includes the subscription printing cost calculated in T22. Here, if it is determined in T58 that a volume discount should be applied, the message includes the subscription printing cost with the volume discount applied.

[0050] When the terminal device 50 receives the offer screen information in T60, it displays the offer screen in T62.

[0051] (Specific case: Figure 5) Specific cases C1 to C3 of the offer screen will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In each case, the user with account information "AC1" is not subscribed to any plan. In each case, the history table 144 stores the number of prints this month for printers 10, 40, 42, and 44: "22 sheets," "150 sheets," "206 sheets," and "305 sheets." The table in FIG. 5 shows the printing costs calculated using the above number of prints in T22 of FIG. 4. For example, the subscription printing cost for the light plan for printer 10 with serial number "SN1" is the basic fee of "100 yen" for model name "MN1," because the number of prints this month, "22 sheets," is less than the upper limit of "100 sheets." For example, the subscribed printing cost for the Light Plan for printer 40 with serial number "SN3" is the basic fee of "110 yen" + unit price of "1.2 yen" x ("206 sheets" - "100 sheets") = "237 yen" because the number of sheets printed this month is "206 sheets," which is greater than the upper limit of "100 sheets." For example, the unsubscribed printing cost for printer 10 with serial number "SN1" is the number of sheets printed this month is "22 sheets" x unit price of "2.2 yen" = "48 yen."

[0052] (Case C1; Figure 5) Case C1 is a case in which all printers are selected in T50 of FIG. 4. In this case, in T56, three printers 40, 42, and 44, among all printers, whose subscription printing costs are lower than the non-subscription printing costs are determined as printers to be displayed. Furthermore, in T58, it is determined that a discount rate of "2%" will be applied to three or more printers. As shown in FIG. 5, the offer screen in this case includes messages M1 to M4. For example, as shown in the table in FIG. 5, for printer 40 with serial number "SN2" (i.e., printer name "printer2"), when comparing the Light Plan, Heavy Plan, and non-subscription, the subscription printing cost for the Light Plan is the cheapest. Therefore, server 100 determines to include message M2 on the offer screen for printer name "printer2," encouraging the user to subscribe to the Light Plan. Message M2 includes a subscription printing cost of "152 yen," which is the Light Plan subscription printing cost of "155 yen" with a discount rate of "2%." Furthermore, since the Light Plan has the lowest print subscription cost for printer 42 with serial number "SN3," the offer screen includes message M3 encouraging the user to subscribe to the Light Plan for printer 42. Furthermore, since the Heavy Plan has the lowest print subscription cost for printer 44 with serial number "SN4," the offer screen includes message M4 encouraging the user to subscribe to the Heavy Plan for printer 44. Here, messages M3 and M4, like message M2, include the subscription print costs of "232 yen" and "289 yen" with the discount rate "2%" applied.

[0053] Furthermore, the printer 10 with serial number "SN1" has the lowest printing cost without subscription. Therefore, the server 100 determines not to include a message on the offer screen that prompts the printer 10 to subscribe to any plan.

[0054] Message M1 also includes the total subscription printing cost of "printer2," "printer3," and "printer4" (i.e., printers 40, 42, and 44), which is "673 yen." Message M1 allows the user to know not only the subscription printing cost of each printer, but also the total cost to be paid each month. This improves user convenience.

[0055] In this case, the subscription printing cost is lower than the non-subscription printing cost for the three printers 40 to 44. Messages M2 to M4 can encourage the three printers 40 to 44, which have the greatest merits for subscribing to the subscription service, to subscribe to the subscription service.

[0056] In this case, the offer screen does not include a message encouraging the printer 10, whose subscription printing cost is higher than its non-subscription printing cost, to join the subscription service. This can prevent the printer 10 from being prompted to join the subscription service if the merit of joining the subscription service is low.

[0057] 2, the basic fee and unit price for the light plan differ between model name "MN1" and model name "MN2." Message M2 includes the subscription printing cost calculated based on the contents of the plan for model name "MN1," and message M3 includes the subscription printing cost calculated based on the contents of the plan for model name "MN2." Appropriate messages can be output based on the contents of the plans, which differ depending on the model name.

[0058] (Case C2) Case C2 is a case where the printer names "printer2" and "printer3" are selected in T50 of Figure 4. In this case, in T56, printers 40 and 42 corresponding to the printer names "printer2" and "printer3" are determined as the printers to be displayed. In this case, since there are two printers to be displayed, it is determined in T58 that the volume discount will not be applied.

[0059] The offer screen in this case includes messages M5 to M8. Message M6 is similar to message M2, except that it includes a subscription printing cost of "155 yen" with no discount applied. Message M7 is similar to message M3, except that it includes a subscription printing cost of "237 yen" with no discount applied. Message M5 includes the total subscription printing cost of "printer2" and "printer3," which is "392 yen."

[0060] Message M8 indicates that a 2% discount rate applies when subscribing to three or more devices. When message M8 is selected by the user, server 100 causes terminal device 50 to display the same offer screen as in case C1. This allows the user to know the subscription printing cost when the 2% discount rate is applied. In particular, the user can learn that subscribing to a subscription service for three or more devices offers more benefits than subscribing to a subscription service for two devices.

[0061] (Case C3) Case C3 is a case where the printer name "printer4" is selected in T50 of Figure 4. In this case, in T56, the printer 42 corresponding to the printer name "printer4" is determined as the printer to be displayed. In this case, since there is only one printer to be displayed, it is determined in T58 that the volume discount will not be applied.

[0062] The offer screen in this case includes messages M9 and M8. Message M9 is similar to message M4, except that it includes the subscription printing cost of "295 yen" without any discount rates applied. In particular, the user can learn that subscribing to the subscription service for three or more devices is more advantageous than subscribing to the subscription service for one device.

[0063] (Correspondence) The server 100, the program 136, and the CPU 132 are examples of a "control device," a "computer program," and a "computer," respectively. The four printers 10, 40, 42, and 44 are examples of a "multiple printers." The cumulative number of printed pages is an example of "printing history information." The costs calculated for the light plan and the heavy plan are an example of a "subscribed printing cost." The costs calculated for the non-subscribed plan are an example of a "non-subscribed printing cost." In case C1 of FIG. 5, the three printers 40 to 44 corresponding to the printer names "printer2" to "printer4" are an example of "at least two printers." In case C2, the two printers 42 and 44 corresponding to the printer names "printer2" and "printer3" are an example of "at least two printers." Messages M2 and the like are examples of "subscription information." The list of serial numbers in the memory 134 and the user table 138 are examples of a "memory" and a "list." The account information "AC1" is an example of "specific account information." The selection screen of T50 in Figure 4 is an example of a "selection screen." The model names "MN1" and "MN2" are examples of a "first model name" and a "second model name," respectively. The printer 44 corresponding to "printer4" in case C3 in Figure 5 is an example of a "single printer." The cost displayed on the offer screen in case C2 and the cost displayed on the offer screen in case C1 are examples of a "first cost" and a "second cost," respectively. The cost displayed on the offer screen in case C3 and the cost displayed on the offer screen in case C1 are examples of a "third cost" and a "fourth cost," respectively. Messages M1 and M5 are examples of a "total value."

[0064] T12A and the like in Fig. 3 are examples of processing realized by the "collection unit." T22 and T60 in Fig. 4 are examples of processing realized by the "calculation unit" and the "first output unit," respectively.

[0065] (Second Example) (Specific case: Figure 6) This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except for the difference in the content of the offer screen. The case in FIG. 6 is a case in which the same costs as those in each case in FIG. 5 are calculated, and all printers are selected in T50 of FIG. 4, similar to case C1 in FIG. 5. In this case, the offer screen includes a cost table TB1 instead of messages M1-M4. The cost table TB1 includes all results calculated in T22 of FIG. 4 for one or more printers selected in T50 of FIG. 4. In other words, the cost table TB1 includes costs other than the minimum cost. The cost table TB1 also includes each cost calculated for printers 10 whose subscription printing costs are higher than their non-subscription printing costs.

[0066] Additionally, cost table TB1 includes a highlighting feature that highlights the lowest subscription printing costs. The highlighting feature may, for example, change the color of a table column from the colors of other columns, or change the color of text from the colors of other text. In the example of Figure 6, the highlighting feature is represented by a gray highlight.

[0067] In this case, of all the printers selected by the user, there are three printers for which subscribing to the subscription service is highly beneficial. Therefore, cost table TB1 displays the cost with a discount rate of "2%" applied to three or more printers. Furthermore, cost table TB1 includes a message indicating that the discount rate of "2%" has already been applied.

[0068] According to the configuration of this embodiment, a user can compare all of the subscribed printing costs and non-subscribed printing costs calculated for multiple printers and multiple types of plans, and consider whether or not to subscribe to a plan.

[0069] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0070] (Variation 1) The "print history information" is not limited to the cumulative number of printed sheets, but may be, for example, the remaining CTG amount. In this case, the server 100 may calculate the ink usage amount per month using the change in the remaining CTG amount over the course of a month. The server 100 may then calculate the subscribed printing cost and the non-subscribed printing cost using the ink unit price and the ink usage amount.

[0071] (Variation 2) Instead of transmitting the offer screen information, the server 100 may transmit information for outputting a sound corresponding to the message M2 or the like to the terminal device 50. In this variation, transmitting information for outputting a sound is an example of "outputting subscription information."

[0072] (Variation 3) The "service" is not limited to a subscription service, and may be, for example, an automatic CTG shipping service with no monthly basic fee. In this automatic shipping service, the user may be charged a fee each month calculated using the number of CTGs shipped in a unit period of one month and the prices in cartridge table 142. The subscription printing cost may then be calculated using the number of printed pages in history table 144 and the prices in cartridge table 142.

[0073] (Variation 4) The offer screen may include not only a message for the printer name stored in association with the account information "AC1," but also a message for other printer names not associated with the account information "AC1." In this variation, the "determining unit" can be omitted.

[0074] (Modification 5) T50 in Fig. 4 does not have to be executed. In this modification, the "selection screen" can be omitted.

[0075] (Variation 6) The timing at which the processes of T22 and T24 in FIG. 4 are executed is not limited to the arrival of the predetermined timing of T20, but may be, for example, the timing at which a login request of T32 is received.

[0076] (Variation 7) It is not necessary to perform discounts on costs based on the volume discounts in the plan table 140 of Fig. 2. In this variation, the "second cost" and "fourth cost" can be omitted.

[0077] (Variation 8) The offer screen of Fig. 5 does not have to include messages M1 and M5. In this variation, the "total value" can be omitted.

[0078] 3 to 6 may be executed by a terminal device (e.g., 50), a printer control unit (e.g., 30), or the like, instead of the server 100. In this modification, the terminal device and the printer control unit are examples of a "control device."

[0079] (Modification 10) In the above embodiment, the CPU 32 executes the program 36 to realize the processes shown in Figures 3 to 6. Alternatively, any of the processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0080] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful.

[0081] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing, even if each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the fact that each claim can depend on only those some of the claims. To the extent that there is no technical contradiction, each claim can also depend on other claims that were not dependent at the time of filing. In other words, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: The features of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below. (Item 1) A computer program for a control device, comprising: The computer program causes the computer of the control device to a collection unit that collects print history information from each of a plurality of printers; a calculation unit that uses the print history information to calculate, for each of the plurality of printers, a subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, and a non-subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when not subscribing to the service, wherein, for at least two printers among the plurality of printers, the subscription printing cost calculated for the printer is lower than the non-subscription printing cost calculated for the printer; a first output unit that outputs, for each of at least two printers among the plurality of printers, subscription information that prompts the user to subscribe to a service related to the printer; A computer program that functions as a (Item 2) The control device a memory for storing a list of the plurality of printers in association with specific account information; a determination unit that determines the at least two printers by comparing the subscription printing cost with the non-subscription printing cost for each of the plurality of printers corresponding to the list stored in association with the specific account information; Item 1. The computer program according to item 1, comprising: (Item 3) The computer program further causes the computer to: a display control unit that displays on a display unit a selection screen for selecting two or more printers from the plurality of printers; The first output unit outputting the subscription information for each of the at least two printers among the two or more printers; 3. The computer program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the subscription information is not output for printers other than the at least two printers among the two or more printers. (Item 4) 4. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first output unit does not output the subscription information for printers other than the at least two printers among the plurality of printers. (Item 5) the plurality of printers includes a first printer having a first model name and a second printer having a second model name different from the first model name; the second service content associated with the second printer is different from the first service content associated with the first printer; the at least two printers include the first printer and the second printer; 5. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the first output unit outputs, for the first printer, first subscription information encouraging the user to subscribe to the first service, and outputs, for the second printer, second subscription information encouraging the user to subscribe to the second service. (Item 6) The computer program further causes the computer to: a second output unit that outputs the subscription information indicating that a service related to one of the plurality of printers can be subscribed to at a first cost, the second output unit not outputting the subscription information encouraging subscription to a service related to a printer other than the one of the plurality of printers, and the subscription printing cost calculated for the one printer is lower than the non-subscribed printing cost calculated for the one printer; the at least two printers include the one printer; 6. The computer program of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the first output unit outputs the subscription information for each of the at least two printers indicating that a service related to the printer can be subscribed to at a second cost that is lower than the first cost. (Item 7) The first output unit outputting the subscription information indicating that a service related to a specific printer among the at least two printers can be subscribed to at a third cost when the number of the at least two printers is N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2); 7. The computer program of claim 1, wherein when the number of the at least two printers is M (where M is an integer greater than N), the computer program outputs the subscription information indicating that a service related to the particular printer can be subscribed to at a fourth cost that is lower than the third cost. (Item 8) The computer program described in any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the first output unit further outputs the added printing costs calculated for each of the at least two printers and a total value of the added printing costs calculated for each of the at least two printers. (Item 9) A control device, a collection unit that collects print history information from each of a plurality of printers; a calculation unit that uses the print history information to calculate, for each of the plurality of printers, a subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, and a non-subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when not subscribing to the service, wherein, for at least two printers among the plurality of printers, the subscription printing cost calculated for the printer is lower than the non-subscription printing cost calculated for the printer; a first output unit that outputs, for each of at least two printers among the plurality of printers, subscription information that prompts the user to subscribe to a service related to the printer; A control device comprising: (Item 10) A control method for a control device, comprising: a collection step of collecting print history information from each of a plurality of printers; a calculation step of calculating, for each of the plurality of printers, a subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, and a non-subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when not subscribing to the service, using the print history information, wherein, for at least two printers among the plurality of printers, the subscription printing cost calculated for the printer is lower than the non-subscription printing cost calculated for the printer; a first output step of outputting, for each of at least two printers among the plurality of printers, subscription information that prompts the user to subscribe to a service related to the printer; A control method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 18: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: Program, 40 to 44: Printers, 50: Terminal device, 100: Server, 118: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: Program, 138: User table, 140: Plan table, 142: Cartridge table, 144: History table, M1 to M9: Message, TB1: Cost table

Claims

1. A computer program for a control device, comprising: The computer program causes the computer of the control device to a collection unit that collects print history information from each of a plurality of printers; a calculation unit that uses the print history information to calculate, for each of the plurality of printers, a subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, and a non-subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when not subscribing to the service, wherein, for at least two printers among the plurality of printers, the subscription printing cost calculated for the printer is lower than the non-subscription printing cost calculated for the printer; a first output unit that outputs, for each of at least two printers among the plurality of printers, subscription information that prompts the user to subscribe to a service related to the printer; A computer program that functions as a

2. The control device a memory for storing a list of the plurality of printers in association with specific account information; a determination unit that determines the at least two printers by comparing the subscription printing cost with the non-subscription printing cost for each of the plurality of printers corresponding to the list stored in association with the specific account information; The computer program of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The computer program further causes the computer to: a display control unit that displays on a display unit a selection screen for selecting two or more printers from the plurality of printers; The first output unit outputting the subscription information for each of the at least two printers among the two or more printers; The computer program according to claim 1 , wherein the subscription information is not output for printers other than the at least two printers among the two or more printers.

4. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first output unit does not output the subscription information for printers other than the at least two printers among the plurality of printers.

5. the plurality of printers includes a first printer having a first model name and a second printer having a second model name different from the first model name; the second service content associated with the second printer is different from the first service content associated with the first printer; the at least two printers include the first printer and the second printer; 2. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the first output unit outputs, for the first printer, first subscription information that prompts the user to subscribe to the first service, and outputs, for the second printer, second subscription information that prompts the user to subscribe to the second service.

6. The computer program further causes the computer to: a second output unit that outputs the subscription information indicating that a service related to one of the plurality of printers can be subscribed to at a first cost, the second output unit not outputting the subscription information encouraging subscription to a service related to a printer other than the one of the plurality of printers, and the subscription printing cost calculated for the one printer is lower than the non-subscribed printing cost calculated for the one printer; the at least two printers include the one printer; 2. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the first output unit outputs the subscription information indicating, for each of the at least two printers, that a service related to that printer can be subscribed to at a second cost that is lower than the first cost.

7. The first output unit outputting the subscription information indicating that a service related to a specific printer among the at least two printers can be subscribed to at a third cost when the number of the at least two printers is N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2); 2. The computer program of claim 1, wherein when the number of the at least two printers is M (where M is an integer greater than N), the computer program outputs the subscription information indicating that a service related to the specific printer can be subscribed to at a fourth cost lower than the third cost.

8. 8. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the first output unit further outputs the added printing costs calculated for each of the at least two printers and a total value of the added printing costs calculated for each of the at least two printers.

9. A control device, a collection unit that collects print history information from each of a plurality of printers; a calculation unit that uses the print history information to calculate, for each of the plurality of printers, a subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, and a non-subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when not subscribing to the service, wherein, for at least two printers among the plurality of printers, the subscription printing cost calculated for the printer is lower than the non-subscription printing cost calculated for the printer; a first output unit that outputs, for each of at least two printers among the plurality of printers, subscription information that prompts the user to subscribe to a service related to the printer; A control device comprising:

10. A control method for a control device, comprising: a collection step of collecting print history information from each of a plurality of printers; a calculation step of calculating, for each of the plurality of printers, a subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, and a non-subscription printing cost, which is the printing cost when not subscribing to the service, using the print history information, wherein, for at least two printers among the plurality of printers, the subscription printing cost calculated for the printer is lower than the non-subscription printing cost calculated for the printer; a first output step of outputting, for each of at least two printers among the plurality of printers, subscription information that prompts the user to subscribe to a service related to the printer; A control method comprising:

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