Controller, computer program for controller, and method executed by controller

Abstract

To provide a technique of properly outputting information which prompts subscription to services.SOLUTION: A controller has a memory storing type information of a color material cartridge and cost-related information of a color material cartridge in relation to each other. The controller calculates a subscription print cost in a case where a service is subscribed to and a non-subscription print cost in a case where a service is not subscribed to, using print history information of a printer, and outputs first subscription information if the subscription print cost is cheaper than the non-subscription print cost. The controller calculates the non-subscription print cost, using the first cost-related information related to first type information, in a case where a first type of color material cartridge is used by a printer, and calculates the non-subscription print cost, using a second cost-related information related to second type information, in a case where a second type of color material cartridge is used by a printer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technique related to a control device capable of executing processes related to a printer. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that uses log information of image processing executed by an image processing device to calculate multiple fees corresponding to multiple rate plans and presents the cheapest rate plan to the 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 technology does not take into consideration the costs incurred when a user does not subscribe to a rate plan. This specification discloses a technology that can appropriately output information that encourages a user to subscribe to a service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a control device. The control device may include a memory that stores, for each of a plurality of types of color material cartridges, type information indicating the type of color material cartridge and cost-related information related to the cost of the type of color material cartridge, in association with each other. The computer program may cause the control device to function as a calculation unit that uses print history information of the printer to calculate 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, and a first output unit that outputs first subscription information encouraging subscription to the service if the subscription printing cost is lower than the non-subscription printing cost. The calculation unit may calculate the non-subscription printing cost by using first cost-related information stored in the memory in association with first type information indicating the first type of color material cartridge when the printing history information indicates that a first type of color material cartridge among the multiple types of color material cartridges has been used by the printer, and may calculate the non-subscription printing cost by using second cost-related information stored in the memory in association with second type information indicating the second type of color material cartridge when the printing history information indicates that a second type of color material cartridge among the multiple types of color material cartridges has been used by the printer, the second type of color material cartridge being different from the first type of color material cartridge, the second cost-related information being different from the first cost-related information.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when a first type of color material cartridge is used by the printer, the control device calculates the non-subscription printing cost using first cost-related information associated with first type information indicating the first type of color material cartridge, and when a second type of color material cartridge is used by the printer, the control device calculates the non-subscription printing cost using second cost-related information associated with second type information indicating the second type of color material cartridge. Therefore, the control device can appropriately output the first subscription information based on the accurate non-subscription printing cost.

[0007] A computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program is also novel and useful. The control device itself and the method executed by the control device are also novel and useful. A communication system including the control device and other devices (e.g., printers, terminals, etc.) is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] An example of each table is shown below. [Figure 3] 1 shows a sequence diagram of each process executed by each device. [Figure 4] The result screens for Case A and Case B are shown. [Figure 5] The result screen for Case C is shown. [Figure 6] The result screen for Case D is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Configuration of communication system 2: Figure 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer 10, a terminal device 50, and a service providing server 100. The printer 10 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 service providing server 100 is connected to the Internet 6. Hereinafter, the service providing server 100 will be referred to as a "Service Providing (SP) server."

[0010] (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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] (SP Server 100 Configuration) The SP server 100 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printer 10. In a modified example, the SP server 100 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business entity other than the above vendor. In another modified example, the above vendor may not prepare the hardware for the SP server 100 in-house, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the above vendor prepares a program (i.e., software) for realizing the SP server 100 and installs it in the above environment. The SP server 100 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers.

[0014] The SP 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 the 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 of the subscription service. Note that below, color material cartridges are referred to as "CTG."

[0015] The SP server 100 includes a communication interface 118 and a control unit 130. The communication interface 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 140, a plan table 142, and a history table 144.

[0016] (Tables 140, 142, and 144: Figure 2) The contents of each table 140, 142, 144 will be described with reference to Figure 2. In the user table 140, account information, serial number, contract plan information, address information, and payment information are stored in association with each other. The account information is information that allows a user to log in to the SP server 100 and includes a user ID and password. The serial number is the serial number of the printer used by the user. The contract plan information is information that indicates the plan of the subscription service contracted by the user and is one of the non-subscribed plan, light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan. The address information is information that indicates the address to which the CTG will be shipped. The payment information is information that allows a user to pay the usage fee for the subscription service and includes, for example, a credit card number, expiration date, etc.

[0017] When a user accesses the SP 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 140. At this time, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the printer 10, communication is executed between the printer 10 and the SP server 100, and the serial number "SN1" of the printer 10 is transmitted from the printer 10 to the SP server 100. As a result, the SP server 100 stores the serial number "SN1" in association with the account information "AC1." Furthermore, while logged in to the SP server 100, the user can select a subscription service plan. As a result, the SP server 100 stores contract plan information in association with the account information "AC1." When the user has not subscribed to the subscription service, the SP server 100 stores the non-subscribed plan as contract plan information in association with the account information "AC1."

[0018] Plan table 142 stores plan types, basic fees, upper limit print counts, and excess fees in association with each other. Plan types include non-subscription plans, light plans, medium plans, and heavy plans. Here, non-subscription plans mean that the user is not subscribed to a subscription service, i.e., that a contract for the subscription service has not been made. The light plan is a plan for users who use printers relatively infrequently (i.e., light users). The heavy plan is a plan for users who use printers relatively frequently (i.e., heavy users). The medium plan is a plan for users who use printers neither infrequently nor frequently, i.e., users somewhere between light users and heavy users (i.e., middle users).

[0019] 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 overage fee is the fee per print required when the maximum number of prints is exceeded. The following fees are predetermined for the Light Plan, Medium Plan, and Heavy Plan. The basic fee for the Light Plan is the cheapest at 100 yen, and the basic fee for the Heavy Plan is the most expensive at 280 yen. The Light Plan has the lowest maximum number of prints at 100 sheets, and the Heavy Plan has the highest maximum number of prints at 300 sheets. The Light Plan has the highest overage fee at 1.1 yen, and the Heavy Plan has the cheapest overage fee at 1 yen.

[0020] The non-subscription plan indicates that the user is not subscribed to the subscription service, and therefore the basic fee and maximum print count are both zero. The printer 10 can print using either a CTG type identified by CTGID "001" or a CTG type identified by CTGID "002." Here, the CTGID is an ID that identifies the type of CTG, not an ID that identifies individual CTGs of the same type. Therefore, the CTGID can be rephrased as, for example, a CTG name or a CTG type name. The two types of CTGs differ in the amount of colorant they can accommodate and in price. The CTG ID "001" is associated with the CTG price of "1,000 yen" and the printable number of pages when using that CTG of "500 pages." The CTG ID "002" is associated with the CTG price of "1,500 yen" and the printable number of pages when using that CTG of "1,000 pages."

[0021] The printer vendor stores each fee in advance in the plan table 142. In particular, the vendor checks in advance the fee and maximum number of prints for each CTG, and stores this information as an excess fee for unsubscribed plans.

[0022] In the history table 144, the month, CTDID, 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 CTDID of the CTD currently installed in the printer, and the cumulative number of printed pages to the SP server 100. This allows the SP server 100 to calculate and store the number of printed pages for one month.

[0023] (Processing performed by each device: Figure 3) Next, the processing executed by each of the devices 10, 50, and 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. 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 with each device (e.g., printer 10, terminal device 50, SP server 100) as the subject, rather than with the CPU as the subject.

[0024] The user of printer 10 accesses SP server 100 and stores account information "AC1," serial number "SN1," address information "AD1," and payment information "PI1" in user table 140 (see FIG. 2) in advance. The user may or may not have already subscribed to the subscription service. The contract plan information in user table 140 indicates the subscribed plan if the user has already subscribed to the subscription service, and indicates the unsubscribed plan if the user has not already subscribed to the subscription service.

[0025] When the printer 10 determines at T10 that a predetermined timing has arrived, it transmits notification information to the SP server 100 at T12. 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 CTDID 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").

[0026] When the SP server 100 receives notification information from the printer 10 at T12, it updates the history table 144 at T14 using the information in the notification information. Specifically, the SP server 100 stores the notification information previously received from the printer 10. The SP 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."

[0027] If the CTDID included in the notification information is "001" or "002," the SP server 100 can recognize which CTD is currently installed in the printer 10 and stores the CTDID along with the number of printed sheets in the history table 144. For example, in the history table 144 of FIG. 2, the CTDID "001" or "002" is stored in association with the serial number "SN1." However, in April 2022, 150 sheets are stored with a blank CTDID (i.e., "-"). This means that the CTDID included in the notification information is neither "001" nor "002," and the SP server 100 was unable to recognize the CTD currently installed in the printer 10.

[0028] Furthermore, if the user of the printer 10 has already subscribed to the subscription service, the SP server 100 determines whether the remaining CTG amount in the notification information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. If the SP server 100 determines that the remaining CTG amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, it dispatches a new CTG in T14. Specifically, the SP server 100 identifies the address information "AD1" associated with the serial number "SN1" in the notification information from the user table 140 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 SP server 100.

[0029] The printer 10 repeatedly executes the process of T12 (for example, periodically, such as every hour), which causes the SP server 100 to repeatedly execute the process of T14.

[0030] Next, a process for encouraging a user to subscribe to a subscription service when the user has not yet subscribed to the service will be described. At T20, the terminal device 50 accepts a login operation from the user to the SP server 100. The login operation includes input of account information "AC1". At T22, the terminal device 50 transmits a login request including the account information "AC1" to the SP server 100.

[0031] When the SP server 100 receives a login request from the terminal device 50 at T22, it authenticates the account information “AC1” included in the login request. In this case, the authentication is successful, so the SP server 100 transmits home screen information representing the home screen to the terminal device 50 at T30.

[0032] When the terminal device 50 receives home screen information from the SP server 100 in T30, it displays the home screen in T32. The home screen includes a plurality of icons indicating various services that the SP server 100 can provide. The plurality of icons includes an icon indicating a simulation for selecting a subscription plan. When the terminal device 50 accepts a selection of the icon from the user in T34, it transmits selection information indicating the plan simulation to the SP server 100 in T36.

[0033] When the SP server 100 receives the selection information from the terminal device 50 in T36, it first identifies, in T40, from the user table 140, the serial number "SN1" associated with the logged-in account information "AC1," and then identifies the history information associated with the serial number "SN1" from the history table 144. Then, in T42, the SP server 100 uses the history information and the plan table 142 to calculate multiple printing costs corresponding to multiple plans. Then, in T50, the SP server 100 transmits result screen information representing a result screen corresponding to the multiple printing costs to the terminal device 50.

[0034] When the terminal device 50 receives the result screen information from the SP server 100 at T50, it displays the result screen at T52. This allows the user to view the result screen and decide whether or not to subscribe to the subscription service.

[0035] (Case A: Figure 4) Next, specific cases will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. Note that in this embodiment, the history information corresponding to serial number "SN1" in history table 144 in FIG. 2 includes the number of printed sheets from January 2022 onward, but does not include the number of printed sheets from December 2021 onward. This means that a user accessed SP server 100 in January 2022 and performed processing to register each piece of information in user table 140. Case A in FIG. 4 is a case in which the processing of T20 to T52 in FIG. 3 is performed in February 2022. In this case, SP server 100 identifies history information associated with serial number "SN1" from history table 144 at T40 in FIG. 3. In particular, SP server 100 identifies information for January 2022, one month before February 2022, from the identified history information.

[0036] Next, in T42, SP server 100 calculates multiple printing costs corresponding to multiple plans using the information for January 2022 and plan table 142. Specifically, because the information for January 2022 indicates CTDID "001" and 64 sheets, SP server 100 first identifies 1,000 yen / 500 sheets (i.e., 2 yen / sheet) corresponding to CTDID "001" from plan table 142. Next, SP server 100 calculates 128 yen (64 sheets x 2 yen / sheet) as the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan. Because 64 sheets does not reach the upper limit of the number of prints for any of the printing plans, SP server 100 calculates the basic fees of 100 yen, 190 yen, and 280 yen as the printing costs corresponding to the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan, respectively. In this way, the SP server 100 calculates each printing cost for the most recent month at the time of executing the plan simulation, and can compare each printing cost according to the user's most recent usage of the printer 10. Therefore, the SP server 100 can provide the user with an appropriate simulation result according to the most recent usage.

[0037] Because the printing cost corresponding to the Light Plan (100 yen) is cheaper than the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (128 yen), the SP server 100 generates result screen data representing the result screen SC1 and transmits the result screen data to the terminal device 50 at T50. As a result, at T52, the result screen SC1 is displayed on the terminal device 50. The result screen SC1 includes a message M1 indicating that subscribing to the subscription service will result in lower printing costs compared to not subscribing to the subscription service. This informs the user that subscribing to the subscription service will result in lower printing costs. The result screen SC1 also includes a message M2 recommending subscribing to the Light Plan, which has the lowest printing costs. This informs the user that they should subscribe to the Light Plan. The result screen SC1 also includes a message M3 indicating the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (128 yen) and the printing cost corresponding to the Light Plan (100 yen). This allows the user to easily understand how much the printing cost will change between subscribing to and not subscribing to the subscription service. Note that the result screen SC1 does not include the printing costs (190 yen and 280 yen) corresponding to the medium plan and heavy plan, which are higher than the non-subscribed plan. However, in a modified example, the result screen SC1 may include the printing costs corresponding to the printing plans, which are higher than the non-subscribed plan.

[0038] (Case B: Figure 4) Case B in Figure 4 is a case where the processes of T20 to T52 in Figure 3 are executed in March 2022. In this case, the SP server 100 identifies the history information associated with serial number "SN1" from the history table 144 at T40 in Figure 3. In particular, the SP server 100 identifies information for February 2022, which is one month before March 2022, from the identified history information.

[0039] Next, in T42, SP server 100 calculates the printing cost for the non-subscribed plan as 44 yen (22 sheets x 2 yen / sheet) using the same method as in Case A. Because 22 sheets does not reach the maximum number of prints for any of the print plans, SP server 100 calculates the basic fees of 100 yen, 190 yen, and 280 yen as the printing costs for the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan, respectively. The printing costs for all of the subscription service plans are higher than the printing cost (44 yen) for the non-subscribed plan. In this case, SP server 100 typically calculates the printing cost for each print plan based on the printing history for the most recent three months. However, as described above, the history information for serial number "SN1" does not include the number of prints made before December 2021. Therefore, SP server 100 cannot identify the printing history for the most recent three months (i.e., December 2021 to February 2022). Therefore, the SP server 100 does not calculate the printing cost based on the printing history for the most recent three months.

[0040] If the printing cost corresponding to any of the subscription service plans is higher than the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan, the SP server 100 generates result screen data representing the result screen SC2 and transmits the result screen data to the terminal device 50 at T50. As a result, at T52, the result screen SC2 is displayed on the terminal device 50. The result screen SC2 does not include message M1 of case A. Instead of message M1, the result screen SC2 includes message M4 indicating the number of users who have already subscribed to the subscription service. This allows the user to subscribe to the subscription service. The result screen SC2 also includes message M5 recommending subscribing to the light plan, which has the lowest printing cost of the three print plans of the subscription service. This allows the user to know that they should subscribe to the light plan. The result screen SC2 also includes message M6 indicating the printing cost (100 yen) corresponding to the light plan. This allows the user to know an estimate of the printing cost required if they subscribe to the subscription service. The result screen SC2 does not include the printing cost (44 yen) corresponding to the non-subscribed plan. However, in a modified example, the result screen SC2 may include the printing cost (44 yen) corresponding to the non-subscribed plan.

[0041] (Case C: Figure 5) Case C in Figure 5 is a case where the processes of T20 to T52 in Figure 3 are executed in May 2022. In this case, the SP server 100 identifies the history information associated with serial number "SN1" from the history table 144 at T40 in Figure 3. In particular, the SP server 100 identifies information for April 2022, which is one month before May 2022, from the identified history information.

[0042] Because the information for April 2022 indicates CTDID "001" and 200 sheets, the SP server 100 identifies from the plan table 142 the price of 1,000 yen / 500 sheets (i.e., 2 yen / sheet) corresponding to CTDID "001." Furthermore, because the information for April 2022 indicates CTDID "-" and 150 sheets, the SP server 100 identifies from the plan table 142 the cheapest excess fee of 1,500 yen / 100 sheets (i.e., 1.5 yen / sheet) among the excess fees corresponding to CTDID "001" and "002." In this way, when a CTG that the SP server 100 cannot recognize is used by the printer 10, the SP server 100 uses the cheapest excess fee to calculate the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan. This prevents the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan from being excessively higher than the actual printing cost.

[0043] Next, SP server 100 calculates the printing cost for the non-subscribed plan as 625 yen (200 sheets x 2 yen / sheet + 150 sheets x 1.5 yen). Since the total number of sheets to be printed is 350, SP server 100 calculates the printing cost for the light plan as 375 yen (basic fee 100 + (350 sheets - maximum number of sheets printed: 100 sheets) x excess fee 1.1 yen). Similarly, SP server 100 calculates the printing cost for the medium plan as 347.5 yen (basic fee 190 + (350 sheets - maximum number of sheets printed: 200 sheets) x excess fee 1.05 yen), and calculates the printing cost for the heavy plan as 330 yen (basic fee 280 + (350 sheets - maximum number of sheets printed: 300 sheets) x excess fee 1 yen).

[0044] Because the printing costs corresponding to all of the plans (375 yen, 347.5 yen, and 330 yen) are lower than the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (625 yen), SP server 100 generates result screen data representing result screen SC3 and transmits the result screen data to terminal device 50 at T50. As a result, result screen SC3 is displayed on terminal device 50 at T52. Result screen SC3 includes message M1 indicating that subscribing to the subscription service will result in lower printing costs compared to not subscribing to the subscription service. Result screen SC3 also includes message M7 recommending subscribing to the heavy plan, which corresponds to the lowest printing cost. Result screen SC3 also includes message M8 recommending subscribing to the medium plan, which corresponds to the next lowest printing cost, and message M9 recommending subscribing to the light plan, which corresponds to the next lowest printing cost. This allows the user to know that not only the heavy plan but also the medium plan or light plan will be cheaper than not subscribing to the subscription service. The result screen SC3 further includes a message M10 indicating the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (625 yen) and the printing costs corresponding to each printing plan that is cheaper than the non-subscribed plan (375 yen, 347.5 yen, 330 yen).

[0045] (Case D: Figure 6) Case D in Figure 6 is a case where the processes of T20 to T52 in Figure 3 are executed in July 2022. In this case, the SP server 100 identifies the history information associated with serial number "SN1" from the history table 144 at T40 in Figure 3. In particular, the SP server 100 identifies information for June 2022, which is one month before July 2022, from the identified history information.

[0046] Next, since the information for July 2022 indicates CTDID "002" and 20 sheets, the SP server 100 identifies 1,500 yen / 1,000 sheets (i.e., 1.5 yen / sheet) corresponding to CTDID "002" from the plan table 142 at T42. Next, the SP server 100 calculates 30 yen (20 sheets x 1.5 yen / sheet) as the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan. Because 20 sheets does not reach the maximum number of prints for any of the print plans of the subscription service, the SP server 100 calculates the basic fees of 100 yen, 190 yen, and 280 yen as the printing costs corresponding to the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan, respectively.

[0047] The printing costs corresponding to all of the subscription service plans are higher than the printing cost (30 yen) corresponding to the non-subscribed plan. In this case, SP server 100 calculates the printing costs corresponding to each printing plan based on the printing history for the most recent three months (i.e., April to June 2022). SP server 100 also calculates the printing costs for April and May using the same method as above. SP server 100 then calculates the printing costs for the most recent three months (790 yen, 575 yen, 727.5 yen, and 890 yen).

[0048] Because the printing costs for the most recent three months corresponding to the light plan and the medium plan (575 yen and 727.5 yen) are lower than the printing cost for the non-subscribed plan (790 yen), the SP server 100 generates result screen data representing the result screen SC4 and transmits the result screen data to the terminal device 50 at T50. As a result, at T52, the result screen SC4 is displayed on the terminal device 50. The result screen SC4 includes the above-mentioned message M1. The result screen SC4 further includes a message M11 recommending subscribing to the light plan, which has the lowest printing cost, and a message M12 recommending subscribing to the medium plan, which has the next lowest printing cost. In particular, message M11 indicates that this is a simulation based on the printing history of the most recent three months. This allows the user to know that, based on the printing history of the most recent three months, subscribing to the subscription service will reduce printing costs and that they should subscribe to the light plan or the medium plan. The result screen SC4 further includes a message M13 indicating the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (790 yen) and the printing costs corresponding to each printing plan that is cheaper than the non-subscribed plan (575 yen, 727.5 yen).

[0049] (Effects of this embodiment) According to this embodiment, when a CTG having CTDID "001" is used by the printer 10, the SP server 100 calculates the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan using the 1,000 yen / 500 sheets associated with CTDID "001" (see Cases A and B in FIG. 4 and Case C in FIG. 5). When a CTG having CTDID "002" is used by the printer 10, the SP server 100 calculates the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan using the 1,500 yen / 1,000 sheets associated with CTDID "002" (see Case C in FIG. 5 and Case D in FIG. 6). This allows the SP server 100 to appropriately output the result screen SC1, etc., based on the accurate printing cost.

[0050] (Correspondence) The SP server 100 and the printer 10 are examples of a "control device" and a "printer," respectively. The CTDID is an example of "type information." The CTDID "001" and the CTDID "002" are examples of "first type information" and "second type information," respectively. The overage fee for the non-subscribed plan in the plan table 142 is an example of "cost-related information." 1,000 yen / 500 sheets and 1,500 yen / 1,000 sheets are examples of "first cost-related information" and "second cost-related information," respectively. The printing costs corresponding to the light plan, the medium plan, and the heavy plan are examples of "subscribed printing costs." The printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan are an example of "non-subscribed printing costs." The result screen SC1 for case A and the result screen SC2 for case B in Figure 4 are examples of "first subscription information" and "second subscription information," respectively. The message M1 in Figure 4 is an example of a "specific message." One month and three months are examples of a "unit period" and a "predetermined period," respectively. The number of printed sheets is an example of a "print volume." The light plan and the medium plan are examples of a "first printing plan" and a "second printing plan," respectively. Messages M7 and M8 in FIG. 5 are examples of a "first message" and a "second message," respectively. T42 in FIG. 3 is an example of processing executed by a "calculation unit." T50 is an example of processing executed by a "first output unit" and a "second output unit."

[0051] 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.

[0052] (Variation 1) The SP server 100 may be configured with a single server or multiple servers. For example, the SP server 100 may be configured with a first server and a second server, with the first server executing the process of T14 in Figure 3 and the second server executing the process from T22 onwards.

[0053] (Variation 2) The "unit period" is not limited to one month, but may be other periods such as one week, half a month, six months, one year, etc. The "predetermined period" is not limited to three months, but may be other periods longer than the "unit period" (for example, half a month, six months, one year, etc.).

[0054] (Variation 3) "Print history information" is not limited to the number of printed sheets per month, but may also be the amount of color material used per month, the number of color material CTGs used per month, etc. In this case, the amount of color material used, the number of CTGs, etc. are examples of "print volume."

[0055] (Variation 4) In case B of Fig. 4, if the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan is cheaper than the printing cost corresponding to any of the subscription service plans, the SP server 100 may send result screen data representing a result screen that does not recommend subscribing to the subscription service to the terminal device 50, instead of the result screen SC2. In this variation, the "second output unit" can be omitted.

[0056] (Variation 5) There do not have to be three types of plans: light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan; there may be two types of plans, or there may be only one type of plan. Generally speaking, a "service" does not have to have multiple printing plans.

[0057] (Variation 6) In a printing plan, the basic fee, the upper limit of the number of prints, and the excess fee do not have to be set; for example, only the basic fee may be set, or only the fee per print may be set. Generally speaking, in a "first (or second) printing plan," the first (or second) basic fee, the first (or second) upper limit of the number of prints, and the first (or second) excess fee do not all have to be determined in advance.

[0058] (Variation 7) The result screens SC1 to SC4 in FIGS. 4 to 6 can be modified in various ways. For example, result screen SC1 may not include messages M2 and M3. For example, result screen SC2 may not include messages M5 and M6. For example, result screen SC3 may not include messages M8 and M9. In this case, result screen SC3 may include, instead of message M10, a message indicating only the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan and the printing cost corresponding to the cheapest heavy plan. Also, for example, result screen SC3 may not include messages M7 to M10. For example, result screen SC4 may not include message M12. In this case, result screen SC4 may include, instead of message M13, a message indicating only the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan and the printing cost corresponding to the cheapest light plan. Also, for example, result screen SC4 may not include messages M11 to M13. Generally speaking, the "first subscription information" may not include the first message and the second message, and may not include the subscription printing costs and the non-subscription printing costs.

[0059] (Variation 8) The printer 10 may be configured to be able to use only either a CTD having a CTGID "001" or a CTD having a CTGID "002," i.e., unable to use a CTD whose CTDID is unrecognizable. In this case, the printer 10 does not send notification information (see T12 in FIG. 3) containing the unknown CTDID to the SP server 100. Therefore, the SP server 100 does not need to calculate printing costs based on the unknown CTDID. Generally speaking, it is not necessary to anticipate a situation in which a color material cartridge that is not included in the multiple types of color material cartridges is used by the printer.

[0060] (Variation 9) In T42 of Fig. 3, the SP server 100 may not calculate the printing cost for the most recent month, but may calculate the printing cost for two or more recent months, or may calculate the printing cost for one or more months in the past that are not the most recent. Generally speaking, the "calculation unit" may not calculate the subscribed printing cost for the most recent unit period and the non-subscribed printing cost for the most recent unit period.

[0061] (Variation 10) In case D of Fig. 6, if the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan for the most recent month is lower than the printing cost corresponding to any of the subscription service plans, the SP server 100 may cause the terminal device 50 to display the result screen SC2 of case B of Fig. 4 without calculating each printing cost for the most recent three months. Generally speaking, the "calculation unit" does not need to calculate the subscribed printing cost for a predetermined period and the non-subscribed printing cost for a predetermined period.

[0062] (Variation 11) The printer 10 may be configured to store a plan table 142 and a history table 144 corresponding to the printer 10. In this case, the printer 10 updates the stored history table 144 at T10 in FIG. 3. That is, T12 and T14 are not executed. Alternatively, the following may be executed instead of T20 to T52: When the printer 10 receives a predetermined operation, it uses the stored plan table 142 and the stored history table 144 to calculate multiple printing costs corresponding to multiple printing plans. This process is similar to T40 and T42, except that the printer 10 is the main controller. The printer 10 then generates a result screen SC1 or the like based on the comparison results of each printing cost and displays the result screen SC1 or the like on the display unit 14. In this variation, the control unit 30 of the printer 10 is an example of a "control device." Generally speaking, the "control device" does not have to be a server configured separately from the printer.

[0063] (Modification 12) In the above embodiment, each process in FIG. 3 is realized by software, but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0064] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings 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.

[0065] 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: (Item 1) A computer program for a control device, comprising: the control device includes a memory that stores, for each of a plurality of types of color material cartridges, type information indicating the type of color material cartridge and cost-related information relating to the cost of the type of color material cartridge, in association with each other; The computer program causes the control device to: a calculation unit that uses print history information of a printer to calculate a subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, and a non-subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when not subscribing to the service; a first output unit that outputs first subscription information that encourages subscription to the service when the subscription printing cost is lower than the non-subscription printing cost; The calculation unit When the printing history information indicates that a first type of color material cartridge among the plurality of types of color material cartridges has been used by the printer, first cost-related information stored in the memory in association with first type information indicating the first type of color material cartridge is used to calculate the non-subscription printing cost; When the printing history information indicates that a second type of color material cartridge among the plurality of types of color material cartridges, which is different from the first type of color material cartridge, has been used by the printer, second cost-related information stored in the memory in association with second type information indicating the second type of color material cartridge, the second cost-related information being different from the first cost-related information, is used to calculate the non-subscription printing cost. Computer program. (Item 2) The computer program further causes the control device to: The computer program described in item 1 functions as a second output unit that outputs second subscription information that encourages subscription to the service when the subscription printing cost is higher than the non-subscription printing cost, the second subscription information being different from the first subscription information. (Item 3) the first subscription information includes a specific message indicating that subscribing to the service will result in lower printing costs than if the user does not subscribe to the service; 3. The computer program of claim 2, wherein the second subscription information does not include the specific message. (Item 4) the service comprises a plurality of printing plans; the calculation unit calculates a plurality of subscription printing costs corresponding to the plurality of printing plans; The computer program of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first output unit outputs the first subscription information when any of the plurality of subscription printing costs is lower than the non-subscription printing cost. (Item 5) The plurality of printing plans include: a first printing plan in which a first basic fee required for a unit period, a first upper limit value related to the printing volume within the unit period, and a first surcharge fee required when the first upper limit value is exceeded are predetermined; a second printing plan in which a second basic fee required for the unit period, a second upper limit value related to the printing volume within the unit period, and a second surcharge fee required when the second upper limit value is exceeded are predetermined; The second basic fee is different from the first basic fee, the second upper limit is different from the first upper limit, Item 5. The computer program of item 4, wherein the second surcharge is different from the first surcharge. (Item 6) The computer program of item 4 or 5, wherein the first subscription information includes a first message recommending a printing plan corresponding to the lowest subscription printing cost among the two or more subscription printing costs when each of the two or more subscription printing costs among the plurality of subscription printing costs is lower than the non-subscription printing cost. (Item 7) 7. The computer program of claim 6, wherein the first subscription information further includes a second message recommending a printing plan corresponding to a subscription printing cost different from the lowest subscription printing cost among the two or more subscription printing costs. (Item 8) The computer program of any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the calculation unit further calculates the non-subscription printing cost using the cheapest cost-related information among the plurality of cost-related information stored in the memory when the printing history information indicates that a color material cartridge not included in the plurality of types of color material cartridges has been used by the printer. (Item 9) 9. The computer program of any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the first subscription information includes the subscription printing cost and the non-subscription printing cost. (Item 10) In the service, a basic fee required for a unit period, an upper limit related to the amount of printing within the unit period, and an excess fee required when the upper limit is exceeded are determined in advance, The calculation unit calculating the subscription printing cost for the most recent unit period using the printing history information for the printer, the basic fee, the upper limit, and the excess fee; calculating the non-subscription printing cost for the most recent unit period using the printing history information and the cost-related information for the printer for the most recent unit period; A computer program described in any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the first output unit outputs the first subscription information if the subscription printing cost for the most recent unit period is lower than the non-subscription printing cost for the most recent unit period. (Item 11) The calculation unit further calculating the subscription printing cost for the specified period using the printing history information, the basic fee, the upper limit, and the excess fee for the specified period, the specified period being the most recent specified period of the printer and longer than the unit period; calculating the non-subscription printing cost for the predetermined period using the printing history information of the printer for the predetermined period and the cost-related information; The computer program described in Item 10, wherein the first output unit further outputs the first subscription information when the subscription printing cost for the specified period is lower than the most recent non-subscriber printing cost, even if the subscription printing cost for the most recent unit period is higher than the non-subscriber printing cost for the most recent unit period. (Item 12) 12. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the control device is a server configured separately from the printer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 18: Communication interface, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: Program, 50: Terminal device, 100: Service providing server, 118: Communication interface, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: Program, 140: User table, 142: Plan table, 144: History table

Claims

1. A computer program for a control device, comprising: the control device includes a memory that stores, for each of a plurality of types of color material cartridges, type information indicating the type of color material cartridge and cost-related information relating to the cost of the type of color material cartridge, in association with each other; The computer program causes the control device to: a calculation unit that uses print history information of a printer to calculate a subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, and a non-subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when not subscribing to the service; a first output unit that outputs first subscription information that encourages subscription to the service when the subscription printing cost is lower than the non-subscription printing cost; The calculation unit When the printing history information indicates that a first type of color material cartridge among the plurality of types of color material cartridges has been used by the printer, first cost-related information stored in the memory in association with first type information indicating the first type of color material cartridge is used to calculate the non-subscription printing cost; when the printing history information indicates that a second type of color material cartridge among the plurality of types of color material cartridges, which is different from the first type of color material cartridge, has been used by the printer, the non-subscription printing cost is calculated using second cost-related information stored in the memory in association with second type information indicating the second type of color material cartridge, the second cost-related information being different from the first cost-related information; Computer program.

2. The computer program further causes the control device to: The computer program of claim 1, further comprising: a second output unit that outputs second subscription information that encourages subscription to the service when the subscription printing cost is higher than the non-subscription printing cost, the second subscription information being different from the first subscription information.

3. the first subscription information includes a specific message indicating that subscribing to the service will result in lower printing costs than if the user does not subscribe to the service; The computer program product of claim 2 , wherein the second subscription information does not include the specific message.

4. the service comprises a plurality of printing plans; the calculation unit calculates a plurality of subscription printing costs corresponding to the plurality of printing plans; The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the first output unit outputs the first subscription information if any of the plurality of subscription printing costs is lower than the non-subscription printing cost.

5. The plurality of printing plans include: a first printing plan in which a first basic fee required for a unit period, a first upper limit value related to the printing volume within the unit period, and a first surcharge value required when the first upper limit value is exceeded are predetermined; a second printing plan in which a second basic fee required for the unit period, a second upper limit value related to the printing amount within the unit period, and a second surcharge fee required when the second upper limit value is exceeded are predetermined; the second basic fee is different from the first basic fee; the second upper limit value is different from the first upper limit value, The computer program product of claim 4 , wherein the second surcharge is different from the first surcharge.

6. 5. The computer program of claim 4, wherein the first subscription information includes a first message recommending a printing plan corresponding to the lowest subscription printing cost among the two or more subscription printing costs when each of the two or more subscription printing costs among the plurality of subscription printing costs is lower than the non-subscription printing cost.

7. 7. The computer program product of claim 6, wherein the first subscription information further includes a second message recommending a printing plan corresponding to a subscription printing cost different from the lowest subscription printing cost of the two or more subscription printing costs.

8. 2. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the calculation unit further calculates the non-subscription printing cost using the cheapest cost-related information among the plurality of cost-related information stored in the memory when the printing history information indicates that a color material cartridge not included in the plurality of types of color material cartridges has been used by the printer.

9. The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the first subscription information includes the subscription printing cost and the non-subscription printing cost.

10. In the service, a basic fee required for a unit period, an upper limit related to the amount of printing within the unit period, and an excess fee required when the upper limit is exceeded are predetermined, The calculation unit calculating the subscription printing cost for the most recent unit period using the printing history information for the printer, the basic fee, the upper limit, and the excess fee; calculating the non-subscription printing cost for the most recent unit period using the printing history information and the cost-related information for the printer for the most recent unit period; The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first output unit outputs the first subscription information if the subscription printing cost for the most recent unit period is lower than the non-subscription printing cost for the most recent unit period.

11. The calculation unit further calculating the subscription printing cost for the specified period using the printing history information, the basic fee, the upper limit, and the excess fee for the specified period, the specified period being the most recent specified period of the printer and longer than the unit period; calculating the non-subscription printing cost for the predetermined period using the printing history information of the printer for the predetermined period and the cost-related information; The computer program of claim 10, wherein the first output unit further outputs the first subscription information when the subscription printing cost for the specified period is lower than the most recent non-subscription printing cost, even if the subscription printing cost for the most recent unit period is higher than the non-subscription printing cost for the most recent unit period.

12. 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a server configured separately from the printer.

13. A control device, a memory that stores, for each of a plurality of types of color material cartridges, type information indicating the type of color material cartridge and cost-related information relating to the cost of the type of color material cartridge in association with each other; a calculation unit that uses print history information of a printer to calculate a subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, and a non-subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when not subscribing to the service; a first output unit that outputs first subscription information that encourages subscription to the service when the subscription printing cost is lower than the non-subscription printing cost; The calculation unit When the printing history information indicates that a first type of color material cartridge among the plurality of types of color material cartridges has been used by the printer, first cost-related information stored in the memory in association with first type information indicating the first type of color material cartridge is used to calculate the non-subscription printing cost; when the printing history information indicates that a second type of color material cartridge among the plurality of types of color material cartridges, which is different from the first type of color material cartridge, has been used by the printer, the non-subscription printing cost is calculated using second cost-related information stored in the memory in association with second type information indicating the second type of color material cartridge, the second cost-related information being different from the first cost-related information; Control device.

14. A method performed by a controller, comprising: the control device includes a memory that stores, for each of a plurality of types of color material cartridges, type information indicating the type of color material cartridge and cost-related information relating to the cost of the type of color material cartridge, in association with each other; The method comprises: a calculation step of calculating a subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, and a non-subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when not subscribing to the service, using the printing history information of the printer; a first output step of outputting first subscription information that encourages subscription to the service if the subscription printing cost is lower than the non-subscription printing cost; The calculation step When the printing history information indicates that a first type of color material cartridge among the plurality of types of color material cartridges has been used by the printer, first cost-related information stored in the memory in association with first type information indicating the first type of color material cartridge is used to calculate the non-subscription printing cost; when the printing history information indicates that a second type of color material cartridge among the plurality of types of color material cartridges, which is different from the first type of color material cartridge, has been used by the printer, the non-subscription printing cost is calculated using second cost-related information stored in the memory in association with second type information indicating the second type of color material cartridge, the second cost-related information being different from the first cost-related information; method.

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