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

Abstract

To disclose a technique which can improve the convenience of a user.SOLUTION: A controller calculates a subscription print cost as a print cost in a case where a service related to a printer is subscribed to, using print history information of a printer. The service includes at least one of print plans with a basic fee necessary for a unit period of time and an upper limit related to the print amount in the unit period of time, which are predetermined. The controller calculates a subscription print cost, using the print history information of the printer in at least M (M is an integer of at least 2) of unit periods of time, for each of the periods of time, and outputs related information related to M number of subscription print costs in the M number of periods of time.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 fee plans and presents the cheapest fee 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] This specification discloses a technique that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a control device. The computer program may cause the control device to function as the following units: a first calculation unit that uses print history information of a printer to calculate an subscribed printing cost, which is the printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, the service including at least one print plan in which a basic fee required for a unit period and an upper limit related to the amount of printing within the unit period are predetermined; the first calculation unit calculates the subscribed printing cost for each of M periods equal to or greater than the unit period (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) using print history information of the printer for the corresponding period; and an output unit that outputs related information related to the subscribed printing costs for M periods.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the control device outputs information related to M subscription printing costs for M time periods. This allows the user to be provided with information corresponding to the printing history for each of the M time periods. This improves user convenience.

[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] 10 shows a result screen for Case A in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 shows a result screen for Case B in the first embodiment. [Figure 6]10 shows a result screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 shows a result screen of the third embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 shows a result screen of the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First Example) (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 Light Plan, Medium Plan, and Heavy Plan have the following predetermined fees: The Light Plan has the cheapest basic fee of 100 yen, and the Heavy Plan has the highest basic fee of 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 of 1.1 yen, and the Heavy Plan has the cheapest overage fee of 1 yen. 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. The "2 yen" overage fee for the non-subscribed plan is the fee required per print when the user purchases the CTG themselves. The printer vendor stores each fee in advance in the plan table 142. In particular, the vendor calculates the "2 yen" fee per print based on the CTG fee and stores this fee as the overage fee for the non-subscribed plan.

[0020] 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 serial number 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.

[0021] (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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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, and the remaining amount of color material in the current color material CTG (hereinafter referred to as "remaining CTG amount").

[0024] 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."

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] When the SP server 100 receives the selection information from the terminal device 50 in T36, in T40, it first identifies the serial number "SN1" associated with the logged-in account information "AC1" from the user table 140, 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.

[0031] Next, in T44, the SP server 100 compares the calculated printing costs to determine whether there is a cost advantage to subscribing to the subscription service compared to not subscribing to the subscription service (i.e., the non-subscription plan).Then, in T50, the SP server 100 transmits result screen information representing a result screen according to the determination result of T44 to the terminal device 50.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (Case A: Figure 4) Next, specific cases will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Case A in Figure 4 is a case in which the processes 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 April to June 2022, which is the three months immediately preceding July 2022, from the identified history information. In this case, the number of printed sheets for April to June 2022 is 120, 100, and 115, respectively.

[0034] Next, in T42, SP server 100 calculates multiple printing costs corresponding to multiple plans using the information for April to June 2022 and plan table 142. Specifically, because the number of pages printed in April 2022 is 120, SP server 100 calculates 240 yen (120 pages × 2 yen overage fee) as the printing cost for April corresponding to the non-subscribed plan. SP server 100 calculates 122 yen (100 yen + (120 - 100) pages × 1.1 yen overage fee) as the printing cost for April corresponding to the light plan. Because the number of pages printed in April 2022, 120, does not exceed the upper limit of the number of pages printed for the medium plan and the heavy plan, SP server 100 calculates (or determines) the basic fees of 190 yen and 280 yen as the printing costs for April corresponding to the medium plan and the heavy plan, respectively.

[0035] Because the number of pages printed in May 2022 is 100, SP server 100 calculates the printing cost for May corresponding to the non-subscribed plan as 200 yen (100 pages x 2 yen overage fee). Because the number of pages printed in May 2022, 100 pages, does not exceed the upper limit of printing pages for each of the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan, SP server 100 calculates the printing costs for May corresponding to the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan as the basic fees of 100 yen, 190 yen, and 280 yen, respectively.

[0036] Because the number of pages printed in June 2022 is 115, SP server 100 calculates the printing cost for June corresponding to the non-subscribed plan as 230 yen (115 pages x 2 yen overage fee). SP server 100 calculates the printing cost for June corresponding to the light plan as 116.5 yen (100 yen + (115 - 100) pages x 1.1 yen overage fee). Because the number of pages printed in June 2022, 115, does not exceed the upper limit of pages printed for the medium plan or heavy plan, SP server 100 calculates the printing costs for June corresponding to the medium plan and heavy plan as the basic fees of 190 yen and 280 yen, respectively.

[0037] As described above, the SP server 100 calculates the printing costs corresponding to the four printing plans, the non-subscription plan, the light plan, the medium plan, and the heavy plan, for each of the three months from April to June 2022. That is, the SP server 100 calculates 12 printing costs (three months x four printing plans).

[0038] In this embodiment, the SP server 100 determines in T44 that there is a cost advantage if there is a printing plan that is cheaper than the printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan in all three months. In this case, the SP server 100 determines that the three-month printing costs corresponding to the light plan (122 yen, 100 yen, 116.5 yen) are each cheaper than the three-month printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (240 yen, 200 yen, 230 yen). Therefore, the SP server 100 determines that there is a cost advantage for the light plan. The SP server 100 also determines that the three-month printing costs corresponding to the medium plan (190 yen, 190 yen, 190 yen) are each cheaper than the three-month printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (240 yen, 200 yen, 230 yen). Therefore, the SP server 100 determines that there is a cost advantage for the medium plan. On the other hand, SP server 100 determines that the three-month printing costs for the heavy plan (280 yen, 280 yen, 280 yen) are higher than the three-month printing costs for the non-subscribed plan (240 yen, 200 yen, 230 yen). Therefore, SP server 100 determines that there is no cost advantage to the heavy plan.

[0039] In T50, the SP server 100 generates result screen data representing a result screen SC1 recommending subscription to the printing plan determined to offer a cost benefit, and transmits the result screen data to the terminal device 50. As a result, in 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 further includes a message M2 recommending subscription 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 further includes a message M3 recommending subscription to the medium plan, which has the next lowest printing costs. This informs the user that there are cost benefits not only for the light plan but also for the medium plan, compared to not subscribing to the subscription service. The result screen SC1 further includes a table T1 showing three months' worth of printing costs corresponding to the non-subscription plan, the light plan, and the medium plan. This allows the user to easily see how much printing costs will differ between subscribing to a subscription service and not subscribing to one. Note that table T1 does not include three months' worth of printing costs corresponding to the heavy plan, which has no cost benefits. However, in a modified example, table T1 may include printing costs corresponding to printing plans that have no cost benefits.

[0040] (Case B: Figure 5) In case B of Fig. 5, the processes of T20 to T52 in Fig. 3 are also executed in July 2022. However, in this case, the number of printed sheets from April to June 2022 is 120, 30, and 115, respectively.

[0041] As in case A of FIG. 4, the SP server 100 calculates the number of prints (240 yen, 122 yen, 190 yen, 280 yen) corresponding to each printing plan for April 2022 in T42.

[0042] Because the number of pages printed in May 2022 is 30, SP server 100 calculates the printing cost for May corresponding to the non-subscribed plan as 60 yen (30 pages x 2 yen overage fee). Because the number of pages printed in May 2022, 30 pages, does not exceed the upper limit of printing pages for each of the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan, SP server 100 calculates the printing costs for May corresponding to the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan as basic fees of 100 yen, 190 yen, and 280 yen, respectively.

[0043] As in case A of FIG. 4, the SP server 100 calculates the number of prints (230 yen, 116.5 yen, 190 yen, 280 yen) corresponding to each printing plan for June 2022.

[0044] In this case, in T44, SP server 100 determines that the April and June printing costs corresponding to the Light Plan (122 yen, 116.5 yen) are lower than the April and June printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (240 yen, 230 yen). However, SP server 100 determines that the May printing cost corresponding to the Light Plan (100 yen) is higher than the May printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (60 yen). Therefore, SP server 100 determines that there is no cost advantage to the Light Plan. SP server 100 determines that the April and June printing costs corresponding to the Medium Plan (190 yen, 190 yen) are lower than the April and June printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (240 yen, 230 yen). However, SP server 100 determines that the May printing cost corresponding to the Medium Plan (190 yen) is higher than the May printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (60 yen). For this reason, SP server 100 determines that there is no cost advantage to the middle plan. SP server 100 determines that the three-month printing costs corresponding to the heavy plan (280 yen, 280 yen, 280 yen) are each higher than the three-month printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (240 yen, 60 yen, 230 yen). For this reason, SP server 100 determines that there is no cost advantage to the heavy plan.

[0045] If there is no printing plan determined to have a cost benefit, the SP server 100 generates result screen data representing the result screen SC2 at T50 and transmits the result screen data to the terminal device 50. 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 from case A in FIG. 3. Instead of message M1, the result screen SC2 includes message M4 indicating the number of users who have 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 printing plans offered by the subscription service. This allows the user to know that they should subscribe to the Light Plan. The lowest printing cost is determined based on the total printing costs for April to June 2022. For example, the Light Plan is 338.5 yen (122 yen + 100 yen + 116.5 yen), while the Medium Plan and Heavy Plan are 570 yen (190 yen + 190 yen + 190 yen) and 840 yen (280 yen + 280 yen + 280 yen), respectively. Therefore, the printing plan corresponding to the cheapest printing cost is the Light Plan. The result screen SC2 further includes a table T2 showing three months' worth of printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan and three months' worth of printing costs corresponding to the cheapest Light Plan. This allows the user to know an estimate of the printing costs required if they subscribe to the subscription service. Note that in a modified example, table T2 does not need to include the printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan, or it may include the printing costs corresponding to the Medium Plan and the Heavy Plan.

[0046] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the SP server 100 outputs result screens SC1 and SC2, which contain information related to the printing costs for three months corresponding to each printing plan. Therefore, the SP server 100 can provide the user with information corresponding to the printing history for each of the three months. This improves user convenience.

[0047] (Correspondence) The SP server 100 and the printer 10 are examples of a "control device" and a "printer," respectively. The printing costs corresponding to the light plan, the medium plan, and the heavy plan are examples of a "subscription printing cost." The printing cost corresponding to the non-subscription plan is an example of a "non-subscription printing cost." The result screen SC1 for Case A in FIG. 4 and the result screen SC2 for Case B in FIG. 5 are examples of "related information." Messages M1 to M3 included in the result screen SC1 are examples of "first subscription information." Messages M4 and M5 included in the result screen SC2 are examples of "second subscription information." Message M1 is an example of a "specific message." Each printing cost corresponding to, for example, the light plan in table T1 included in the result screen SC1 is an example of "M subscription printing costs." One month and the number of printed sheets are examples of a "unit period" and a "print volume," respectively. T42 in FIG. 3 is an example of processing executed by the "first calculation unit" and the "second calculation unit." T44 and T50 are examples of the processes executed by the "determining unit" and the "output unit", respectively.

[0048] (Second embodiment: Figure 6) A second example will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In the case of Fig. 6, similar to case B of Fig. 5, the processes of T20 to T52 of Fig. 3 are executed in July 2022, and the number of printed sheets from April to June 2022 is 120, 30, and 115, respectively.

[0049] In T42, SP server 100 calculates the printing costs for each printing plan for three months, similar to case B in Fig. 5. SP server 100 then calculates the total printing costs for each printing plan for three months. The non-subscribed plan costs 530 yen (240 yen + 60 yen + 230 yen), and the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan costs 338.5 yen, 570 yen, and 840 yen, respectively.

[0050] In this embodiment, the SP server 100 determines in T44 that a cost benefit exists if the total printing cost for three months corresponding to a certain printing plan is lower than the total printing cost for three months corresponding to a non-subscribed plan. In this case, the SP server 100 determines that the total printing cost for three months corresponding to the light plan (338.5 yen) is lower than the total printing cost for three months corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (530 yen). Therefore, the SP server 100 determines that the light plan has a cost benefit. The SP server 100 determines that the total printing cost for three months corresponding to the medium plan (570 yen) is higher than the total printing cost for three months corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (530 yen). Therefore, the SP server 100 determines that the medium plan has no cost benefit. The SP server 100 determines that the total printing cost for three months corresponding to the heavy plan (840 yen) is higher than the total printing cost for three months corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (530 yen). For this reason, the SP server 100 determines that there is no cost advantage in the heavy plan.

[0051] In T50, the SP server 100 generates result screen data representing a result screen SC3 recommending subscription to a printing plan determined to offer cost benefits, and transmits the result screen data to the terminal device 50. As a result, in T52, the result screen SC3 is displayed on the terminal device 50. The result screen SC3 includes the messages M1 and M2 described above. The result screen SC3 also includes a table T3 showing three-month printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan, their total, and three-month printing costs corresponding to the light plan, their total. This allows the user to easily understand how much printing costs will differ between subscribing to a subscription service and not subscribing. Note that table T3 does not include three-month printing costs corresponding to the medium and heavy plans, which are higher than the non-subscribed plan, and their total. However, in a modified example, table T3 may include printing costs corresponding to printing plans that are higher than the non-subscribed plan.

[0052] (Third Example: Figure 7) A third example will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The case in Fig. 7 is a case in which the processes T20 to T52 in Fig. 3 are executed in July 2022. The number of printed sheets from April to June 2022 is 45, 30, and 115, respectively.

[0053] Because the number of pages printed in April 2022 is 45, SP server 100 calculates the printing cost for April corresponding to the non-subscribed plan as 90 yen (45 pages x 2 yen overage fee). Because the number of pages printed in April 2022, 45, does not exceed the upper limit of pages printed for each of the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan, SP server 100 calculates the basic fees of 100 yen, 190 yen, and 280 yen as the printing costs for April corresponding to the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan, respectively. Next, SP server 100 calculates the printing costs for May and June corresponding to each printing plan, as in case B of Figure 5.

[0054] In this embodiment, the SP server 100 determines that there is a cost benefit if there is a printing plan that is cheaper than the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan for at least one month between April and June 2022. In this case, the SP server 100 determines that the June printing cost (116.5 yen) of the three-month printing costs (100 yen, 100 yen, 116.5 yen) corresponding to the light plan is cheaper than the June printing cost (230 yen) corresponding to the non-subscribed plan. Therefore, the SP server 100 determines that there is a cost benefit for the light plan. The SP server 100 determines that the June printing cost (190 yen) of the three-month printing costs (190 yen, 190 yen, 190 yen) corresponding to the medium plan is cheaper than the June printing cost (230 yen) corresponding to the non-subscribed plan. Therefore, the SP server 100 determines that there is a cost benefit for the medium plan. On the other hand, SP server 100 determines that the three-month printing costs for the heavy plan (280 yen, 280 yen, 280 yen) are higher than the three-month printing costs for the non-subscribed plan (90 yen, 60 yen, 230 yen), respectively. Therefore, SP server 100 determines that there is no cost advantage to the heavy plan.

[0055] In T50, the SP server 100 generates result screen data representing a result screen SC4 recommending subscription to the printing plan determined to offer cost benefits and transmits the result screen data to the terminal device 50. As a result, in T52, the result screen SC4 is displayed on the terminal device 50. The result screen SC4 includes the message M1 described above. The result screen SC4 also includes a message M6 recommending subscription to the light plan, which is the cheapest plan based on the printing history for June 2022, and a message M7 recommending subscription to the medium plan, which has the next lowest printing costs. The result screen SC4 also includes a table T4 showing three months of printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan, the light plan, and the medium plan. Note that table T4 does not include three months of printing costs corresponding to the heavy plan, which has no cost benefits. However, in a modified example, table T4 may also include printing costs corresponding to subscription plans that have no cost benefits.

[0056] (Fourth Example) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. As in the first to third embodiments described above, in T40, the SP server 100 identifies print history information for the three months (e.g., April to June 2022) immediately preceding the day on which the processes of T20 to T52 in FIG. 3 are executed. In T42, the SP server 100 calculates the printing costs corresponding to four printing plans, namely, the non-subscribed plan, the light plan, the medium plan, and the heavy plan, for each of the three months. Then, in this embodiment, in T44, the SP server 100 determines that a cost advantage exists if there is a printing plan that is cheaper than the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan for two or more months of the three months (e.g., April to June 2022).

[0057] For example, in the case of FIG. 5, the SP server 100 determines that the printing costs corresponding to the light plan and the medium plan are lower than the printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan in the two months of April and June. That is, the SP server 100 determines that there is a cost advantage to the light plan and the medium plan. On the other hand, the SP server 100 determines that the printing costs corresponding to the heavy plan are higher than the printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan in every month from April to June. That is, the SP server 100 determines that there is no cost advantage to the heavy plan. In this case, at T50, the SP server 100 transmits result screen data representing a result screen similar to the result screen SC1 of FIG. 4 to the terminal device 50.

[0058] Also, for example, in the case of FIG. 7, the SP server 100 determines that the printing costs corresponding to the Light Plan and the Medium Plan are lower than the printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan for the month of June only. In this case, the SP server 100 also determines that there is no cost advantage to the Light Plan and the Medium Plan. The SP server 100 also determines that the printing costs corresponding to the Heavy Plan are higher than the printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan for every month from April to June. In other words, the SP server 100 determines that there is no cost advantage to the Heavy Plan. In this case, the SP server 100 transmits result screen data representing a result screen similar to the result screen SC2 of FIG. 5 to the terminal device 50 at T50.

[0059] (Fifth Example) This embodiment is basically the same as the fourth embodiment. However, the SP server 100 determines in T44 that a cost benefit exists if a printing plan with a lower printing cost than the non-subscribed plan exists in more than half of the three months (e.g., April to June 2022). Here, if three months of printing history information is used, the above "more than half of the months" is two months or more. Therefore, for example, in the cases of FIGS. 5 and 7, the SP server 100 performs a determination similar to that of the fourth embodiment. On the other hand, the SP server 100 determines that a cost benefit does not exist if the printing cost corresponding to any printing plan of the subscription service is higher than the printing cost corresponding to the non-subscribed plan in more than half of the three months. Note that, for example, if four months of printing history information is used, the above "more than half of the months" is two months or more.

[0060] (Sixth Example) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the user cannot select which subscription service plan to subscribe to; they can only select whether or not to subscribe to the subscription service. Therefore, in the user table 140 of FIG. 2, if the user has not subscribed to the subscription service, the unsubscribed plan is stored as the contract plan information. If the user has subscribed to the subscription service, information indicating that the user has subscribed is stored as the contract plan information. Furthermore, the plan table 142 does not specify overage fees for the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan. If the user has subscribed to the subscription service, the SP server 100 charges a basic fee of 100 yen for the light plan if the monthly print volume is 100 or less; charges a basic fee of 190 yen for the medium plan if the monthly print volume is more than 100 but less than 200; and charges a basic fee of 280 yen for the heavy plan if the monthly print volume is more than 200 but less than 300. In other words, the print plan is automatically determined based on the monthly print volume.

[0061] (Specific case: Figure 8) The case in FIG. 8 is a case where the processes T20 to T52 in FIG. 3 are executed in July 2022. The number of printed sheets from April to June 2022 is 160, 90, and 250, respectively.

[0062] In T42, SP server 100 uses the information for April to June 2022 and plan table 142 to calculate the printing costs for three months corresponding to the non-subscribed plans. Specifically, since the number of printed pages for April to June 2022 is 160, 90, and 250, respectively, SP server 100 calculates the printing costs for the three months corresponding to the non-subscribed plans as 320 yen (160 pages x 2 yen overage fee), 180 yen (90 pages x 2 yen overage fee), and 500 yen (250 pages x 2 yen overage fee), respectively. SP server 100 further calculates the total printing costs for the three months corresponding to the non-subscribed plans as 1,000 yen (320 yen + 180 yen + 500 yen).

[0063] Next, SP server 100 uses the information for April to June 2022 and plan table 142 to calculate the printing costs for three months when subscribing to the subscription service (hereinafter referred to as "service costs"). Specifically, because the number of pages to be printed in April 2022 is 160, SP server 100 selects the medium plan as the printing plan for April and calculates a basic fee of 190 yen for the medium plan. Similarly, because the number of pages to be printed in May and June 2022 is 90 and 250, respectively, SP server 100 selects the light plan and heavy plan as the printing plans for May and June, and calculates basic fees of 100 yen and 280 yen for the light plan and heavy plan, respectively. SP server 100 further calculates a total service cost for three months of 570 yen (190 yen + 100 yen + 280 yen).

[0064] In this embodiment, the SP server 100 determines in T44 that there is a cost benefit if the total service cost for three months is lower than the total printing cost for three months corresponding to the non-subscribed plan. In this case, the SP server 100 determines that there is a cost benefit if the total service cost for three months (570 yen) is lower than the total printing cost for three months corresponding to the non-subscribed plan (1,000 yen). Therefore, the SP server 100 determines that there is a cost benefit.

[0065] If the SP server 100 determines that there is a cost benefit, it generates result screen data representing a result screen SC5 recommending subscription to the subscription service in T50 and transmits the result screen data to the terminal device 50. As a result, in T52, the result screen SC5 is displayed on the terminal device 50. The result screen SC5 includes the above-mentioned message M1. The result screen SC5 further includes a table T5 showing three months' worth of printing costs corresponding to the non-subscribed plan, their total, and three months' worth of service costs, their total.

[0066] If the SP server 100 determines that there is no cost advantage, it generates result screen data representing a result screen similar to the result screen SC2 in Fig. 5 in T50 and transmits the result screen data to the terminal device 50. However, the result screen includes table T5 instead of table T2.

[0067] 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.

[0068] (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.

[0069] (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, or one year. The "M periods" do not have to be three one-month periods, but may be two one-month periods, two or more two-month periods, or two or more three-month periods. Alternatively, the "M periods" do not have to be two or more of the same period (for example, three one-month periods in the embodiment), but may be different periods that are equal to or greater than the unit period. For example, in Case A of FIG. 4, June 2022 may be one period, May and June 2022 may be another period, and May to July 2022 may be another period. Furthermore, for example, the most recent month may be one period, the most recent six months may be another period, and the most recent year may be another period.

[0070] (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."

[0071] (Variation 4) In T42 of FIG. 3, printing costs corresponding to non-subscribed plans do not have to be calculated. In this case, excess fees corresponding to non-subscribed plans do not have to be stored in plan table 142, and further, processing in T44 is omitted. In T42, SP server 100 calculates each printing cost corresponding to each printing plan of the subscription service, and in T50 transmits result screen information representing a result screen including information related to each printing cost (e.g., information indicating recommended printing plans, each printing cost itself, etc.) to terminal device 50. In this variation, the "determination unit" can be omitted.

[0072] (Variation 5) In case B of Fig. 4, if the SP server 100 determines that there is no cost benefit, it may transmit result screen data representing a result screen that does not recommend joining the subscription service to the terminal device 50, instead of the result screen SC2. Generally speaking, the "output unit" does not have to output related information including the second joining information.

[0073] (Variation 6) The result screens SC1 to SC5 in Figures 4 to 8 can be modified in various ways. For example, result screen SC1 may not include message M1, may not include messages M2 and M3, or may not include table T1. Generally speaking, the "first subscription information" may not include a specific message, and may not encourage subscription to the printing plan with the greatest cost advantage. Furthermore, the "related information" may not include M subscription printing costs.

[0074] (Variation 8) There do not have to be three types of plans: light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan; there may be four or more types of plans, two types of plans, or only one type of plan. If there is only one type of plan, the "service" does not have to include N printing plans.

[0075] (Variation 9) 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.

[0076] (Variation 10) In T34 of FIG. 3, the terminal device 50 may accept from the user the selection of an icon indicating a plan simulation, as well as the selection of multiple months (e.g., January to June 2022) that are the subject of the simulation. In this case, in T36, the terminal device 50 transmits selection information indicating the selected multiple months (i.e., multiple periods) to the SP server 100. In T40, the SP server 100 identifies history information for the multiple periods and calculates printing costs using the history information for the multiple periods. For example, if January to June 2022 is selected, the SP server 100 calculates the printing costs for each of January to June corresponding to each printing plan. Other processing is the same as in the above-described embodiments. In this variation, the multiple months selected by the user are an example of "M periods."

[0077] (Modification 11) 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 is composed of the following parts: a first calculation unit that calculates a subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, by using printing history information of the printer; The service includes at least one printing plan in which a basic fee required for a unit period and an upper limit related to the amount of printing within the unit period are predetermined, the first calculation unit calculates the additional printing cost for each of M periods (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) equal to or greater than the unit period, using printing history information of the printer for that period; an output unit for outputting relevant information related to the M subscription printing costs for the M time periods; A computer program that functions as a (Item 2) The computer program further causes the control device to: a second calculation unit that calculates a non-subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when the user does not subscribe to the service, by using the printing history information of the printer; the second calculation unit calculates a non-subscription printing cost for each of the M periods using print history information of the printer for that period when the basic fee required for the unit period and the upper limit value related to the print volume within the unit period are not determined, and a unit fee that is a fee per unit print volume is determined in advance; a determination unit that determines whether there is a cost benefit in subscribing to the service compared to not subscribing to the service by using the M subscription printing costs for the M periods and the M non-subscription printing costs for the M periods; Item 2. The computer program of item 1, wherein the output unit outputs the related information including first subscription information encouraging subscription to the service when it is determined that the cost advantage exists. (Item 3) The computer program of item 2, wherein the output unit outputs the related information including second subscription information that encourages subscription to the service and that is different from the first subscription information when it is determined that the cost benefit does not exist. (Item 4) 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; 4. The computer program of item 3, wherein the second subscription information does not include the specific message. (Item 5) The determination unit determining that the cost advantage exists if the joining printing cost is lower than the non-joining printing cost in any of the M periods; 5. The computer program of any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the computer program determines that the cost advantage does not exist if the joining printing cost is higher than the non-joining printing cost in at least one of the M periods. (Item 6) The determination unit determining that the cost advantage exists when the total of the joining printing costs for each of the M periods is lower than the total of the non-joining printing costs for each of the plurality of periods; 5. The computer program of any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the computer program determines that the cost advantage does not exist if the sum of the subscription printing costs for each of the M periods is higher than the sum of the non-subscription printing costs for each of the plurality of periods. (Item 7) The determination unit determining that the cost advantage exists if the joining printing cost is lower than the non-joining printing cost in at least one of the M time periods; 5. The computer program of any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the computer program determines that the cost advantage does not exist if the joining printing cost is higher than the non-joining printing cost in any of the M periods. (Item 8) The determination unit determining that the cost advantage exists if the joining printing cost is lower than the non-joining printing cost in two or more of the M time periods; A computer program described in any one of items 2 to 4, which determines that the cost advantage does not exist if the joining printing cost is higher than the non-joining printing cost in any of the M periods, or if the joining printing cost is lower than the non-joining printing cost in only one of the M periods. (Item 9) The determination unit determining that the cost advantage exists if the joining printing cost is lower than the non-joining printing cost in at least half of the M periods; 5. The computer program of any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the computer program determines that the cost advantage does not exist if the joining printing cost is higher than the non-joining printing cost in more than half of the M periods. (Item 10) The service includes N printing plans (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 2), The N printing plans have different basic fees and different upper limits, In the N printing plans, an excess fee required when the upper limit is exceeded is determined in advance, and the excess fees are different from one another; the first calculation unit calculates N of the added printing costs corresponding to the N of the printing plans for each of the M periods, thereby calculating (M×N) of the added printing costs; The computer program according to any one of items 2 to 9, wherein the judgment unit uses the (M×N) joining printing costs and the M non-joining printing costs to determine whether the cost advantage exists. (Item 11) Item 11. The computer program according to item 10, wherein the output unit outputs the related information including the first subscription information encouraging subscription to the printing plan with the greatest cost benefit among the N printing plans when it is determined that the cost benefit exists. (Item 12) The service includes N printing plans (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 2), The N printing plans have different basic fees and different upper limits, The N printing plans do not specify an excess fee required when the upper limit is exceeded, 10. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the service charges the user the basic fee for a printing plan corresponding to the amount of printing within the unit period among the N printing plans. (Item 13) Item 13. The computer program of any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the associated information includes the M subscription printing costs. (Item 14) 14. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the control device is a server configured separately from the printer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 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 is composed of the following parts: a first calculation unit that calculates a subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, by using printing history information of the printer; The service includes at least one printing plan for which a basic fee required for a unit period and an upper limit related to the amount of printing within the unit period are predetermined, the first calculation unit calculates the additional printing cost for each of M periods (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) equal to or greater than the unit period, using printing history information of the printer for that period; an output unit for outputting relevant information relating to the M subscription printing costs for the M time periods; A computer program that functions as a

2. The computer program further causes the control device to: a second calculation unit that calculates a non-subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when the user does not subscribe to the service, by using the printing history information of the printer; the second calculation unit calculates a non-subscription printing cost for each of the M periods using print history information of the printer for that period when the basic fee required for the unit period and the upper limit value related to the print volume within the unit period are not determined, and a unit fee that is a fee per unit print volume is determined in advance; a determination unit that determines whether there is a cost advantage in subscribing to the service compared to not subscribing to the service by using the M subscription printing costs for the M periods and the M non-subscription printing costs for the M periods; The computer program according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs the related information including first subscription information encouraging subscription to the service when it is determined that the cost advantage exists.

3. The computer program according to claim 2, wherein the output unit outputs the related information including second subscription information that encourages subscription to the service, the second subscription information being different from the first subscription information, when it is determined that the cost benefit does not exist.

4. 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 3 , wherein the second subscription information does not include the specific message.

5. The determination unit determining that the cost advantage exists if the joining printing cost is lower than the non-joining printing cost in any of the M periods; The computer program product of claim 2 , wherein the cost advantage is determined to be absent if the joining printing cost is higher than the non-joining printing cost in at least one of the M time periods.

6. The determination unit determining that the cost advantage exists when the total of the joining printing costs for each of the M periods is lower than the total of the non-joining printing costs for each of the plurality of periods; The computer program of claim 2 , wherein the cost advantage is determined not to exist if a sum of the joining printing costs for each of the M time periods is higher than a sum of the non-joining printing costs for each of the plurality of time periods.

7. The determination unit determining that the cost advantage exists if the joining printing cost is lower than the non-joining printing cost in at least one of the M time periods; The computer program of claim 2 , wherein the cost advantage is determined not to exist if the joining printing cost is higher than the non-joining printing cost in any of the M time periods.

8. The determination unit determining that the cost advantage exists if the joining printing cost is lower than the non-joining printing cost in two or more of the M time periods; 3. The computer program of claim 2, wherein the cost advantage is determined not to exist if the joining printing cost is higher than the non-joining printing cost in any of the M periods, or if the joining printing cost is lower than the non-joining printing cost in only one of the M periods.

9. The determination unit determining that the cost advantage exists if the joining printing cost is lower than the non-joining printing cost in at least half of the M periods; The computer program of claim 2 , wherein the cost advantage is determined not to exist if the joining printing cost is higher than the non-joining printing cost in more than half of the M time periods.

10. The service includes N printing plans (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2), The N printing plans have different basic fees and different upper limits, In the N printing plans, an excess fee required when the upper limit is exceeded is determined in advance, and the excess fees are different from one another. the first calculation unit calculates N added printing costs corresponding to the N printing plans for each of the M periods, thereby calculating (M×N) added printing costs; The computer program product according to claim 2 , wherein the determination unit determines whether the cost advantage exists by using the (M×N) joining printing costs and the M non-joining printing costs.

11. 11. The computer program product according to claim 10, wherein the output unit outputs the related information including the first subscription information that encourages subscription to the printing plan with the greatest cost benefit among the N printing plans when it is determined that the cost benefit exists.

12. The service includes N printing plans (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2), The N printing plans have different basic fees and different upper limits, In the N printing plans, an excess fee required when the upper limit is exceeded is not determined, 2. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the service charges the user the basic fee for a printing plan corresponding to the amount of printing within the unit period, out of the N printing plans.

13. The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the associated information includes the M participating printing costs.

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

15. A control device, a first calculation unit that calculates a subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, by using printing history information of the printer; The service includes at least one printing plan for which a basic fee required for a unit period and an upper limit related to the amount of printing within the unit period are predetermined, the first calculation unit calculates the additional printing cost for each of M periods (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) equal to or greater than the unit period, using printing history information of the printer for that period; an output unit for outputting relevant information relating to the M subscription printing costs for the M time periods; A control device comprising:

16. A method performed by a controller, comprising: a first calculation step of calculating a subscription printing cost, which is a printing cost when subscribing to a service related to the printer, using print history information of the printer; The service includes at least one printing plan for which a basic fee required for a unit period and an upper limit related to the amount of printing within the unit period are predetermined, the first calculation step calculates the additional printing cost for each of M periods (M being an integer equal to or greater than 2) equal to or greater than the unit period, using print history information of the printer for that period; an output step of outputting relevant information relating to the M number of the participating printing costs for the M number of time periods; A method comprising:

Images