Computer program for terminal device, terminal device, and method implemented by terminal device

Abstract

To provide a technique that improves user convenience.SOLUTION: A terminal device detects execution of a purchasing operation for purchasing consumables by a user. The terminal device acquires history information from memory storing history information regarding printer consumables. When execution of a purchasing operation is detected and the history information satisfies given conditions, the terminal device outputs guidance information corresponding to printer-related services.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification discloses a terminal device that outputs guidance information. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic toner delivery system that includes an MFP, an information management server, and a sales company server. The MFP determines that the remaining toner amount is less than a specified value, and if it determines that the toner delivery information is not set to "deliver toner," it displays a screen that allows the user to proceed with the toner delivery contract. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-111023 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-190155 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-161271 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This specification provides a technique that improves user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a terminal device. The computer program may cause a computer of the terminal device to function as a detection unit that detects that a purchase operation for purchasing a printer consumable has been performed by a user, an acquisition unit that acquires history information related to the consumable from a memory that stores the history information, and an output unit that outputs guidance information corresponding to a service related to the printer when the purchase operation has been detected and the history information satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the terminal device detects that a user has performed a purchase operation and outputs guidance information when the history information satisfies a predetermined condition, thereby allowing the user to check the guidance information, thereby improving user convenience.

[0007] The present invention also provides a novel and useful computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, a terminal device implemented by the computer program, and a method for controlling the terminal device. The present invention also provides a novel and useful communication system including the terminal device and the printer. [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] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device 100 in the purchase preparation process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a guidance process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a guide screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a subscription screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of a purchase screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a guidance process executed by a terminal device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a guidance process executed by a terminal device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First Example) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer 10, a terminal device 100, a management server 200, a service providing server 250, and a sales server 300. The printer 10 and the terminal device 100 are capable of communicating with each other via a LAN 4. The printer 10, the terminal device 100, the management server 200, the service providing server 250, and the sales server 300 are connected to the Internet 6. The printer 10, the terminal device 100, the management server 200, the service providing server 250, and the sales server 300 are capable of communicating with each other via the Internet 6.

[0010] (Printer 10 configuration) The printer 10 is a peripheral device (i.e., a peripheral device such as a PC) that can execute a printing function. The printer 10 has a model name "MN1" and a device name "DV1." The model name is a name that indicates the printer model. The device name is a name given by the printer administrator. The printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, and a communication interface 20. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F."

[0011] The operation unit 12 is an I / F that allows the 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 hardware keys include, for example, buttons or switches. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel may also be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0012] The print execution unit 16 includes an inkjet print engine equipped with a print head that ejects ink droplets. A color material cartridge is attached to the print execution unit 16.

[0013] The communication I / F 20 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 20 may be a wired I / F or a wireless I / F.

[0014] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. As an example, the main storage device includes a RAM and a cache memory. As an example, the auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. A program 40 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 34. The CPU 32 performs various processes in accordance with the program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0015] (Configuration of terminal device 100) The terminal device 100 is a terminal device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a tablet PC, etc. The terminal device 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication I / F 120, and a control unit .

[0016] The operation unit 112 is a user interface that allows a user to input various information to the terminal device 100. The operation unit 112 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys (operation objects), hardware keys, or both. The hardware keys include, for example, buttons or switches. The display unit 114 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The communication I / F 120 has a configuration similar to that of the communication I / F 20 of the printer 10.

[0017] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The memory 134 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. An OS program 140 and an application program 142 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 134. OS stands for Operating System. Hereinafter, the OS program 140 and the application program 142 will be referred to as "OS 140" and "app 142," respectively. The OS 140 controls the basic operations of the terminal device 100. The app 142 is a program that assists in initial printer configuration. A user table 144 is also stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 134.

[0018] (Configuration of management server 200) The management server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printer 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "vendor"). In a modified example, the management server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business entity other than the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for the management server 200 on its own, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may prepare a program (i.e., software) for the management server 200 and implement it in the above-mentioned environment to realize the management server 200.

[0019] The management server 200 is a server that manages information related to plans for services provided by the service providing server 250. A plan table 244 is stored in the memory 234 of the management server 200.

[0020] (Configuration of service providing server 250) The service providing server 250 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor. In a modified example, the service providing server 250 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business operator different from the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor may not prepare the hardware of the service providing server 250 by itself, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may prepare a program (i.e., software) for the service providing server 250 and implement the program in the above-mentioned environment to realize the service providing server 250.

[0021] The service providing server 250 provides a printer-related subscription service. Hereinafter, the subscription service will be referred to as the "subscription service." The subscription service is a service for which a fee is charged. A subscription service is a service in which a flat rate is charged if the number of printed pages in a specified period (e.g., one month) is less than or equal to a maximum number of printed pages (e.g., 1,000 pages), and if the number of printed pages in the specified period exceeds the maximum number of printed pages, a total amount is charged that is the flat rate plus an amount corresponding to the number of printed pages exceeding the maximum number of printed pages. The subscription service also includes an automatic ordering service that automatically orders a new cartridge when the amount of ink remaining in a cartridge installed in a printer falls below a specified level.

[0022] (Configuration of sales server 300) The sales server 300 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor. In a modified example, the sales server 300 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business operator other than the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for the sales server 300 on its own, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may prepare a program (i.e., software) for the sales server 300 and implement the program in the above-mentioned environment to realize the sales server 300.

[0023] The sales server 300 is a server that sells color material cartridges for the printer 10.

[0024] (Table configuration; Figure 2) The contents of the user table 144 of the terminal device 100 and the plan table 244 of the management server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0025] The user table 144 of the terminal device 100 is a table for managing information related to users. The user table 144 stores account information, device name, model name, contract plan information, number of times information, and previous determination date information in association with each other. The account information is information for the user to log in to the service providing server 250 and the sales server 300, and includes a user ID and password. The contract plan information indicates the plan name of the subscription service to which the user has subscribed. If the user has not yet subscribed to a subscription service, "not subscribed" is stored in the contract plan information. The number of times information indicates the number of times the user has purchased a color material cartridge. The previous determination date information is information indicating the date on which a YES was determined in S14 of the guidance processing (see FIG. 4) described below. Hereinafter, the date on which a YES was determined in S14 of the guidance processing will be referred to as the "previous determination date."

[0026] The plan table 244 of the management server 200 is a table for managing subscription service plans. The plan table 244 stores plan names, basic fee information, maximum print count information, and overage fee information, all associated with each other. Plan names are either the light plan, the medium plan, or the heavy plan. The light plan is for light users who use printers relatively infrequently. The heavy plan is for heavy users who use printers relatively frequently. The medium plan is for users who use printers neither frequently nor frequently, i.e., users somewhere between light and heavy users. Hereinafter, users between light and heavy users will be referred to as "middle users." The basic fee information indicates the basic fee, which is the fee required per month. The maximum print count information indicates the maximum number of print media that can be printed per month within the basic fee. The overage fee information indicates the overage fee, which is the fee per print required when the maximum print count is exceeded.

[0027] (Purchase preparation process; Figure 3) The purchase preparation process will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The purchase preparation process is part of the process for purchasing a colorant cartridge. In the following, all communications between the printer 10 and the terminal device 100 and other devices (such as the management server 200) are performed via the communication I / Fs 20 and 120. Therefore, the phrase "via the communication I / F 20 (or 120)" will be omitted. Also, in FIG. 3, for ease of understanding, the processes performed by the CPU (e.g., CPU 32) of each device (e.g., the printer 10) will be described as the subject, rather than the CPU.

[0028] When the app 142 of the terminal device 100 receives an app launch operation to launch the app 142, it displays a home screen SC2 on the display unit 114. The home screen SC2 includes a printer object 400, a print button 402, a settings button 404, a consumables purchase button 406, and a subscription button 408. The printer object 400 displays information related to the device name and model name of the printer registered in the app 142. In this embodiment, since the printer 10 is registered in the app 142, the device name "DV1" and model name "MN1" of the printer 10 are displayed in the printer object 400. The printer object 400 also functions as a button for displaying printer status information displayed in the printer object 400 on the display unit 114. The status information includes remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of colorant cartridges installed in the printer, printer information, etc. The printer information includes the device name and model name. The subscription button 408 functions as a button for subscribing to a subscription service and a button for changing the subscription service plan. In this embodiment, regardless of whether the user has subscribed to a subscription service, the home screen SC2 includes the consumables purchase button 406. In a variation, if the user has not subscribed to a subscription service, the home screen SC2 may include the consumables purchase button 406, and if the user has subscribed to a subscription service, the home screen SC2 may not include the consumables purchase button 406.

[0029] When the app 142 receives an operation to select the printer object 400 on the home screen SC2, it displays a status screen SC4 on the display unit 114. The status screen SC4 includes remaining amount information 410, a consumables purchase button 412, printer information 414, a back button, and a cancel button 418. The remaining amount information 410 indicates the remaining amount of the color material cartridge installed in the printer 10. The printer information 414 includes the device name "DV1" and model name "MN1" of the printer 10. The consumables purchase button 412 has the same configuration as the consumables purchase button 406 on the home screen SC2. The back button 416 is a button for displaying the home screen SC2 on the display unit 114. The cancel button 418 is a button for canceling the registration of the printer 10. In this embodiment, the status screen SC4 includes the consumables purchase button 412 regardless of whether the user has subscribed to a subscription service. In a variant example, if the user has not yet subscribed to a subscription service, the status screen SC4 may include a consumables purchase button 412, and if the user has subscribed to a subscription service, the status screen SC4 may not include the consumables purchase button 412.

[0030] When the application 142 receives an operation to select the consumables purchase button 406 on the home screen SC2 or the consumables purchase button 412 on the status screen SC4, the application 142 displays a first purchase screen SC6 on the display unit 114. The first purchase screen SC6 includes a cartridge selection object 420, an add button 422, and a cancel button 424. The cartridge selection object 420 includes check boxes corresponding to "C," "M," "Y," and "K." The user can specify the type of color material cartridge to purchase by performing an operation on the check boxes in the cartridge selection object 420. The add button 422 is a button for displaying a second purchase screen SC22 (see FIG. 7) on the OS 140. When the application 142 receives an operation to select the add button 422, the application 142 determines that a purchase operation to purchase a color material cartridge has been performed by the user.

[0031] (Guidance process; Figure 4) A guidance process executed by the app 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The app 142 executes the process of FIG. 4 when the add button 422 (see FIG. 3) on the first purchase screen SC6 is selected. The app 142 executes the process of FIG. 4 using the device name and model name displayed in the printer object 400 (see FIG. 3) on the home screen SC2. The following description will be given taking as an example a case where the device name "DV1" and the model name "MN1" are displayed in the printer object 400 (see FIG. 3). The app 142 accesses each piece of hardware, such as the display unit 114, the memory 134, and the communication I / F 120, via the OS 140 to execute various processes. The following description will omit, as appropriate, the process executed by the app 142 via the OS 140.

[0032] In S10, the application 142 uses the model name "MN1" to determine whether the printer 10 supports a subscription service. As an example, the application 142 sends a support information request including the model name "MN1" to the management server 200. The support information request is a signal requesting the management server 200 to transmit support information indicating whether a printer having the model name included in the request supports the subscription service. Although not shown in the figure, the management server 200 stores information indicating whether a printer corresponding to each model name supports the subscription service. Therefore, upon receiving a support information request from the terminal device 100, the management server 200 transmits the support information to the terminal device 100. If the support information received from the management server 200 indicates that the printer 10 supports the subscription service, the application 142 determines YES in S10 and proceeds to S12. On the other hand, if the support information indicates that the printer 10 does not support the subscription service, the application 142 determines NO in S10 and proceeds to S60.

[0033] In S12, the application 142 determines whether the user of the printer 10 has subscribed to a subscription service. The application 142 identifies the contract plan information stored in association with the device name "DV1" from the user table 144. If the contract plan information is "not subscribed," the application 142 determines that the user has not subscribed to a subscription service (NO in S12) and proceeds to S14. On the other hand, if the contract plan information is not "not subscribed," the application 142 determines that the user has subscribed to a subscription service (YES in S12) and proceeds to S60.

[0034] In S14, the application 142 determines whether a predetermined period has passed since the previous determination date. The predetermined period is, for example, 30 days. The application 142 identifies previous determination date information stored in association with the device name "DV1" from the user table 144, and identifies the previous determination date indicated by the previous determination date information. If the predetermined period has passed since the previous determination date (YES in S14), the application 142 proceeds to S20. On the other hand, if the predetermined period has not passed since the previous determination date (NO in S14), the application 142 proceeds to S60.

[0035] In S20, the application 142 determines whether the number of purchases is equal to or greater than a first number threshold. The first number threshold is a threshold for determining whether to display a subscription service information screen on the display unit 114. The first number threshold is an integer equal to or greater than 2. The application 142 identifies the number of purchases information stored in association with the device name "DV1" from the user table 144, and identifies the number of purchases indicated by the number of purchases information. If the number of purchases is equal to or greater than the first number threshold (YES in S20), the application 142 proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if the number of purchases is less than the first number threshold (NO in S20), the application 142 proceeds to S60.

[0036] In S22, the app 142 determines whether the number of purchases is equal to or greater than a second number threshold. The second number threshold is a threshold for determining whether or not to display the guide screen SC10 (see FIG. 5) for the heavy plan on the display unit 114. The second number threshold is greater than the first number threshold. If the number of purchases is equal to or greater than the second number threshold (YES in S22), the app 142 proceeds to S24. On the other hand, if the number of purchases is less than the second number threshold (NO in S22), the app 142 proceeds to S40.

[0037] In S24, the app 142 displays a guide screen SC10 for the heavy plan on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide screen SC10 includes service information 430, a subscribe button 432, and a "Proceed to purchase site" button 434. The service information 430 in the guide screen SC10 includes information introducing the subscription service, information indicating that the heavy plan is a plan recommended for the user, and information indicating the contents of the heavy plan. The subscribe button 432 is a button for subscribing to the subscription service. The "Proceed to purchase site" button 434 is a button for accessing the sales server 300.

[0038] 4, the application 142 determines whether or not a subscription operation for operating the subscription button 432 on the guidance screen SC10 has been accepted. If the subscription operation has been accepted (YES in S30), the application 142 proceeds to S32. On the other hand, if the subscription operation has not been accepted (NO in S30), the application 142 proceeds to S34. A subscription operation not being accepted refers to a case where an operation on the "Proceed to Purchase Site" button 434 on the guidance screen SC10 has been accepted.

[0039] In S32, the application 142 executes a registration process to register the serial number "SN1" and the model name "MN1" of the printer 10 in the service providing server 250. The application 142 identifies the serial number "SN1" and the model name "MN1" from the user table 144, and transmits the serial number "SN1" and the model name "MN1" to the service providing server 250. As a result, the serial number "SN1" and the model name "MN1" are registered in the service providing server 250.

[0040] In S34, the application 142 supplies a sign-up screen display instruction to the OS 140. The sign-up screen display instruction is an instruction to cause the OS 140 to display a sign-up screen SC20 (see FIG. 6) for signing up for a subscription service. When S34 ends, the application 142 ends the processing in FIG. 4. Note that when the application 142 ends the processing in FIG. 4 after determining YES in S14, it updates the previous determination date information in the user table 144 to today's date and resets the number of times information in the user table 144.

[0041] When the OS 140 receives a sign-up screen display instruction from the application 142, it sends a sign-up screen data request to the service providing server 250, receives the sign-up screen data from the service providing server 250, and displays the sign-up screen SC20 (see FIG. 6 ) represented by the sign-up screen data on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 6 , the sign-up screen SC20 includes a message 440 for inquiring of the user as to whether or not to sign up for the subscription service, a registration button 442, and a cancel button 444. The registration button 442 is a button for signing up for the subscription service. When the user selects the registration button 442 on the terminal device 100, a sign-up process is executed between the printer 10, the terminal device 100, and the service providing server 250. The sign-up process includes an establishment process, a plan selection process, a payment information registration process, a table update process, etc. The establishment process is a process for establishing a constant connection between the printer 10 and the service providing server 250. The constant connection is, for example, an Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) connection. The plan selection process is a process for selecting a plan to which the user will subscribe. The payment information registration process is a process for registering information for paying printing fees. The table update process is a process for updating the contract plan information stored in the user table 144 in association with the device name "DV1."

[0042] Furthermore, if the determination in S22 of FIG. 4 is NO, then in S40, the app 142 determines whether the number of purchases is equal to or greater than a third number threshold. The third number threshold is a threshold for determining whether or not to display the guide screen SC12 (see FIG. 5) for the middle plan on the display unit 114. The third number threshold is greater than the first number threshold and less than the second number threshold. If the number of purchases is equal to or greater than the third number threshold (YES in S40), the app 142 proceeds to S42. On the other hand, if the number of purchases is less than the third number threshold (NO in S40), the app 142 proceeds to S50.

[0043] In S42, the app 142 displays a guide screen SC12 for the middle plan on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide screen SC12 is similar to the guide screen SC10 for the heavy plan, except that the information displayed in the service information 430 is different. The service information 430 in the guide screen SC12 includes information introducing subscription services, information indicating that the middle plan is a plan recommended for the user, and information indicating the contents of the middle plan. When S42 ends, the app 142 proceeds to S30. In this way, the app 142 switches the service information included in the guide screen depending on the number of purchases. Therefore, appropriate information can be provided to the user.

[0044] In S50, the app 142 displays a guide screen SC14 for the Light Plan on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide screen SC14 is similar to the guide screen SC10 for the Heavy Plan, except that the information displayed in the service information 430 is different. The service information 430 in the guide screen SC14 includes information introducing subscription services, information indicating that the Light Plan is a plan recommended for the user, and information indicating the contents of the Light Plan. When S50 ends, the app 142 proceeds to S30.

[0045] If the determination is NO in S10, YES in S12, NO in S14, NO in S20, or NO in S30, then in S60 the app 142 supplies a purchase screen display instruction to the OS 140. The purchase screen display instruction is an instruction to cause the OS 140 to display the second purchase screen SC22 (see FIG. 7).

[0046] When the OS 140 receives a purchase screen display instruction from the application 142, it sends a purchase screen data request to the sales server 300. The purchase screen data request includes the model name "MN1" of the printer 10 and type information indicating the type of color material cartridge that has been checked on the first purchase screen SC6 (see FIG. 3). Hereinafter, the color material cartridge that has been checked will be referred to as the "target color material cartridge." When the sales server 300 receives the purchase screen data request from the terminal device 100, it uses the model name "MN1" and type information in the request to identify the target color material cartridge and sends purchase screen data to the terminal device 100 that includes information indicating that the target color material cartridge has been selected. When the OS 140 of the terminal device 100 receives the purchase screen data from the sales server 300, it displays the second purchase screen SC22 (see FIG. 7) represented by the purchase screen data on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 7, the second purchase screen SC22 includes a selection object 450 and a basket 452. The selection object 450 is an object for selecting the type of product to purchase. The basket 452 includes information indicating the number of products to be purchased. In this embodiment, the target color material cartridge has already been selected, so the basket 452 includes "1." The user can purchase the target color material cartridge by performing an operation to select the basket 452. In this way, both the user's operation of selecting the add button 422 on the first purchase screen SC6 (see FIG. 3) and the operation on the basket 452 on the second purchase screen SC22 are operations for purchasing the target color material cartridge.

[0047] As described above, if the printer 10 does not support a subscription service or if the user has already subscribed to a subscription service, the application 142 supplies a purchase screen display instruction to the OS 140. If the printer 10 does not support a subscription service or if the user has already subscribed to a subscription service, information about the subscription service is not useful to the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary information from being displayed, improving user convenience.

[0048] In S62, the application 142 updates the purchase count information in the user table 144. Specifically, the application 142 increments the purchase count information associated with the device name "DV1" by "1" in the user table 144. When S62 ends, the application 142 ends the processing in FIG. 4.

[0049] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, when the terminal device 100 detects that a purchase operation has been performed by the user and the number of purchases is equal to or greater than the first number threshold (YES in S20 of FIG. 4), it displays the guide screens SC10, SC12, and SC14 (S24, S42, S50). This allows the user to check the content of the subscription service. This improves user convenience.

[0050] (Correspondence) The app 142 is an example of a "computer program for a terminal device." The color material cartridge is an example of a "consumable item." The user's operation of selecting the add button 422 on the first purchase screen SC6 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a "purchase operation." The number of purchases information in the user table 144 is an example of "history information." Whether the number of purchases is equal to or greater than a first number threshold is an example of a "predetermined condition." A subscription service is an example of a "service." The guide screens SC10, SC12, and SC14 are examples of "guide information." The first number threshold is an example of a "first threshold." The medium plan is an example of a "first printing plan." The heavy plan is an example of a "second printing plan." The second number threshold is an example of a "second threshold." The service information 430 in the guide screen SC12 of FIG. 5 is an example of "first service information." The service information 430 in the guide screen SC10 of FIG. 5 is an example of "second service information." The second purchasing screen SC22 is an example of a "sales page." The add button 422 on the first purchasing screen SC6 in Fig. 3 is an example of an "object." The first purchasing screen SC6 in Fig. 3 is an example of a "predetermined screen."

[0051] T16 in Fig. 3 is an example of a process executed by the "detection unit." S50 in Fig. 5 is an example of a process executed by the "output control unit."

[0052] (Second Example) A communication system 2 of the second embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the user table 144 of this embodiment stores usage information indicating the usage amount of the color material cartridge, instead of the number of times information of the first embodiment. The application 142 periodically (for example, every day, every hour, etc.) transmits a remaining amount information request to the printer 10, requesting the printer 10 to transmit remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the color material cartridge. Then, when the application 142 receives remaining amount information from the printer 10, it calculates the difference between the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received this time and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received last time, and updates the usage amount information in the user table 144.

[0053] Moreover, the application 142 of the terminal device 100 of this embodiment executes the guidance process of FIG. 8 instead of the guidance process of FIG.

[0054] (Guidance process; Figure 8) The guidance process executed by the application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that, in the following, the same step numbers are assigned to processes common to the embodiments, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Also, in Fig. 8, for ease of viewing, steps different from the guidance process in Fig. 4 are surrounded by thick lines.

[0055] If the determination in S14 is YES, then in S120, the application 142 determines whether the usage amount is equal to or greater than a first usage amount threshold. The first usage amount threshold is a threshold for determining whether to display a subscription service information screen on the display unit 114. The application 142 identifies the usage amount information stored in association with the device name "DV1" from the user table 144, and identifies the usage amount indicated by the usage amount information. If the usage amount is equal to or greater than the first usage amount threshold (YES in S120), the application 142 proceeds to S122. On the other hand, if the usage amount is less than the first usage amount threshold (NO in S120), the application 142 proceeds to S60.

[0056] In S22, the application 142 determines whether the usage amount is equal to or greater than the second usage amount threshold. The second usage amount threshold is a threshold for determining whether or not to display the guide screen SC10 (see FIG. 5) for the heavy plan on the display unit 114. The second usage amount threshold is greater than the first usage amount threshold. If the usage amount is equal to or greater than the second usage amount threshold (YES in S122), the application 142 proceeds to S24. On the other hand, if the usage amount is less than the second usage amount threshold (NO in S122), the application 142 proceeds to S140.

[0057] In S140, the application 142 determines whether the usage amount is equal to or greater than a third usage amount threshold. The third usage amount threshold is a threshold for determining whether or not to display the guide screen SC12 (see FIG. 5) for the middle plan on the display unit 114. The third usage amount threshold is greater than the first usage amount threshold and less than the second usage amount threshold. If the usage amount is equal to or greater than the third usage amount threshold (YES in S140), the application 142 proceeds to S42. On the other hand, if the usage amount is less than the third usage amount threshold (NO in S140), the application 142 proceeds to S50.

[0058] When the application 142 terminates the processing of FIG. 4 after determining YES in S14, it updates the previous determination date information in the user table 144 to today's date and resets the usage information in the user table 144.

[0059] In this embodiment, the application 142 switches the service information included in the guidance screen depending on the amount of use, thereby making it possible to provide appropriate information to the user.

[0060] (Correspondence) The usage information in the user table 144 is an example of "history information." Whether the usage is equal to or greater than the first usage threshold is an example of a "predetermined condition." The first usage threshold is an example of a "third threshold." The second usage threshold is an example of a "fourth threshold."

[0061] (Third Example) A communication system 2 according to a third embodiment will now be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the user table 144 according to this embodiment stores price information indicating the purchase price of a color material cartridge, which is a consumable item for the printer 10, instead of the number-of-times information of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the application 142 of the terminal device 100 according to this embodiment executes the guidance process of Fig. 9 instead of the guidance process of Fig. 4.

[0062] (Guidance process; Figure 9) The guidance process executed by the application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, for ease of viewing, steps that differ from the guidance process in Fig. 4 are surrounded by thick lines.

[0063] If the determination in S14 is YES, then in S220, the app 142 determines whether the purchase amount is equal to or greater than a first amount threshold. The first amount threshold is a threshold for determining whether to display a subscription service information screen on the display unit 114. The app 142 identifies the purchase amount stored in association with the device name "DV1" from the user table 144, and identifies the purchase amount indicated by the purchase amount. If the purchase amount is equal to or greater than the first amount threshold (YES in S220), the app 142 proceeds to S222. On the other hand, if the usage amount is less than the first amount threshold (NO in S220), the app 142 proceeds to S60.

[0064] In S22, the application 142 determines whether the purchase amount is equal to or greater than a second amount threshold. The second amount threshold is a threshold for determining whether or not to display the guide screen SC10 (see FIG. 5) for the heavy plan on the display unit 114. The second amount threshold is greater than the first amount threshold. If the purchase amount is equal to or greater than the second amount threshold (YES in S222), the application 142 proceeds to S24. On the other hand, if the purchase amount is less than the second amount threshold (NO in S222), the application 142 proceeds to S240.

[0065] In S240, the application 142 determines whether the purchase amount is equal to or greater than a third amount threshold. The third amount threshold is a threshold for determining whether or not to display the guide screen SC12 (see FIG. 5) for the middle plan on the display unit 114. The third amount threshold is greater than the first amount threshold and less than the second amount threshold. If the purchase amount is equal to or greater than the third amount threshold (YES in S240), the application 142 proceeds to S42. On the other hand, if the purchase amount is less than the third amount threshold (NO in S240), the application 142 proceeds to S50.

[0066] In S262 after S60, the application 142 updates the price information in the user table 144. The sales prices of the color material cartridges of the printer 10 are stored in the memory 134 of the terminal device 100. The application 142 identifies the target color material cartridge designated by the user on the first purchase screen SC6, and identifies the purchase price corresponding to the target color material cartridge in the memory 134. Next, the application 142 adds the identified purchase price to the price information in the user table 144. When S262 ends, the application 142 ends the processing of FIG. 4.

[0067] When the application 142 terminates the processing of FIG. 4 after determining YES in S14, it updates the previous determination date information in the user table 144 to today's date and resets the amount information in the user table 144.

[0068] In this embodiment, the application 142 switches the service information included in the guidance screen depending on the purchase amount, thereby making it possible to provide the user with appropriate information.

[0069] (Correspondence) The amount information in user table 144 is an example of "history information." Whether the purchase amount is equal to or greater than a first amount threshold is an example of a "predetermined condition." The first amount threshold is an example of a "fifth threshold." The second amount threshold is an example of a "sixth threshold."

[0070] 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.

[0071] (First Modification) "Consumables" are not limited to colorant cartridges, but may also be print media, etc. Furthermore, if the print execution unit 16 includes an electrophotographic print engine equipped with a photosensitive member and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photosensitive member, a toner cartridge may be an example of a "consumable." Furthermore, if the print execution unit 16 includes a thermal print engine equipped with a print head that generates heat using a heater, thermal paper may be an example of a "consumable."

[0072] (Second Modification) The "communication device" is not limited to a printer, but may be a multifunction device having a scanner function in addition to a printing function, a copier, or the like.

[0073] (Third Modification) The "service" is not limited to a subscription service. For example, it may be an automatic ordering service in which a server automatically orders a new color material cartridge when the remaining amount of the color material cartridge falls below a threshold.

[0074] (Fourth Modification) The "memory" is not limited to the memory 134 of the terminal device 100, but may be a memory of an external server. In this modification, a user table 144 is stored in the memory of the external server.

[0075] (Fifth Modification) The subscription service may include only one plan. In this modification, S22, and S40 to S50 in FIG. 4 may be omitted in the first embodiment. Also, in this modification, S122, S140, S42, and S50 in FIG. 8 may be omitted in the second embodiment. Furthermore, in this modification, S222, S240, S42, and S50 in FIG. 9 may be omitted in the third embodiment. In another modification, the subscription service may include two plans. In this modification, S40 and S50 in FIG. 4 may be omitted in the first embodiment. Also, in this modification, S140 and S50 in FIG. 8 may be omitted in the second embodiment. Furthermore, in this modification, S240 and S50 in FIG. 9 may be omitted in the third embodiment. In a further modification, the subscription service may include four or more plans.

[0076] (Sixth Modification) S12 in Figures 4, 8 and 9 can be omitted. In this modification, the "supply unit" can be omitted.

[0077] (Seventh Modification) In an environment where there are no printers that do not support the subscription service, S10 in Figures 4, 8, and 9 can be omitted. In this modification, the "supply unit" can be omitted.

[0078] (Eighth Modification) In each of the above embodiments, the processes of FIGS. 3 to 9 are realized by software (for example, programs 40, 140, 142), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0079] 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.

[0080] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing, even if each claim is dependent on only some of the claims, this does not mean that each claim can be dependent on only those some of the claims. To the extent that there is no technical contradiction, each claim can also be dependent on other claims that were not dependent on it at the time of filing. In other words, the technologies of each item can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: The computer of the terminal device, a detection unit that detects that a purchase operation for purchasing a printer consumable has been performed by a user; an acquisition unit that acquires history information related to the consumables from a memory that stores the history information; an output unit that outputs guidance information corresponding to a service related to the printer when it is detected that the purchase operation has been performed and the history information satisfies a predetermined condition; A computer program that functions as a (Item 2) the history information includes number of purchases information indicating the number of purchases of the consumable product; Item 2. The computer program according to item 1, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the number of purchases is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, which is an integer equal to or greater than two. (Item 3) the service includes a first printing plan for which a first base fee is determined, and a second printing plan for which a second base fee higher than the first base fee is determined; The output unit when the number of purchases is equal to or greater than the first threshold and is less than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, outputting the guidance information including first service information corresponding to the first printing plan by the output unit; Item 3. The computer program according to item 2, wherein when the number of purchases is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the output unit outputs the guidance information including second service information corresponding to the second printing plan. (Item 4) the history information includes usage information indicating usage amounts of the consumables; 4. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the usage amount is equal to or greater than a third threshold. (Item 5) the service includes a first printing plan for which a first base fee is determined, and a second printing plan for which a second base fee higher than the first base fee is determined; The output unit when the usage amount is equal to or greater than the third threshold and is less than a fourth threshold that is greater than the third threshold, outputting the guidance information including first service information corresponding to the first printing plan to the output unit; Item 5. The computer program according to item 4, wherein when the usage amount is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold, the output unit is caused to output the guidance information including second service information corresponding to the second printing plan. (Item 6) the history information includes price information indicating a purchase price of the consumable product; 6. The computer program of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined condition is met when the purchase amount is equal to or greater than a fifth threshold. (Item 7) the service includes a first printing plan for which a first base fee is determined, and a second printing plan for which a second base fee higher than the first base fee is determined; The output unit when the purchase amount is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold and less than a sixth threshold that is greater than the fifth threshold, outputting the guidance information including first service information corresponding to the first printing plan by the output unit; Item 7. The computer program according to item 6, wherein when the purchase amount is equal to or greater than the sixth threshold, the output unit is caused to output the guidance information including second service information corresponding to the second printing plan. (Item 8) the output unit outputs the guidance information when it is detected that the purchase operation has been performed, the history information satisfies the predetermined condition, and the user has not yet subscribed to the service; The computer program further causes the computer to: A computer program described in any one of items 1 to 7, which functions as a supply unit that supplies an instruction to the OS program of the terminal device to display the sales page of the consumable product without outputting the guidance information when it is detected that the purchase operation has been executed and the user has already subscribed to the service. (Item 9) the output unit outputs the guidance information when it is detected that the purchase operation has been performed, the history information satisfies the predetermined condition, and the printer supports the service; The computer program further causes the computer to: A computer program described in any one of items 1 to 8, which functions as a supply unit that supplies an instruction to an OS program of the terminal device to display a sales page for the consumable product without outputting the guidance information when it is detected that the user has performed the purchase operation and the printer does not support the service. (Item 10) The computer program further causes the computer to: a display control unit that causes a predetermined screen including an object for purchasing the consumable item to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device; 10. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the purchase operation is an operation on the object within the specified screen. (Item 11) A terminal device, a detection unit that detects that a purchase operation for purchasing a printer consumable has been performed by a user; an acquisition unit that acquires history information related to the consumables from a memory that stores the history information; an output unit that outputs guidance information corresponding to a service related to the printer when it is detected that the purchase operation has been performed and the history information satisfies a predetermined condition; A terminal device comprising: (Item 12) A method performed by a terminal device, comprising: a detecting step of detecting that a purchase operation for purchasing printer consumables has been performed by a user; an acquisition step of acquiring history information about the consumables from a memory that stores the history information; an output step of outputting guidance information corresponding to a service related to the printer when it is detected that the purchase operation has been performed and the history information satisfies a predetermined condition; A method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 20: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 40: Program, 100: Terminal device, 112: Operation unit, 114: Display unit, 120: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 140: OS program, 142: Application program, 144: User table, 200: Management server, 234: Memory, 244: Plan table, 250: Service providing server, 300: Sales server

Claims

1. A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: The computer of the terminal device, a detection unit that detects that a purchase operation for purchasing a printer consumable has been performed by a user; an acquisition unit that acquires history information related to the consumables from a memory that stores the history information; an output unit that outputs guidance information corresponding to a service related to the printer when it is detected that the purchase operation has been performed and the history information satisfies a predetermined condition; A computer program that functions as a

2. the history information includes number of purchases information indicating the number of purchases of the consumable product; The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the number of purchases is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the first threshold value being an integer equal to or greater than two.

3. The service includes a first printing plan for which a first base fee is determined, and a second printing plan for which a second base fee higher than the first base fee is determined, The output unit when the number of purchases is equal to or greater than the first threshold and is less than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, outputting the guidance information including first service information corresponding to the first printing plan to the output unit; The computer program according to claim 2 , further comprising causing the output unit to output the guidance information including second service information corresponding to the second printing plan when the number of purchases is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

4. the history information includes usage information indicating usage amounts of the consumables; The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the usage amount is equal to or greater than a third threshold.

5. The service includes a first printing plan for which a first base fee is determined, and a second printing plan for which a second base fee higher than the first base fee is determined, The output unit when the usage amount is equal to or greater than the third threshold and is less than a fourth threshold that is greater than the third threshold, outputting the guidance information including first service information corresponding to the first printing plan to the output unit; The computer program product according to claim 4 , further comprising causing the output unit to output the guidance information including second service information corresponding to the second printing plan when the usage amount is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value.

6. the history information includes price information indicating a purchase price of the consumable product; The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition is met when the purchase amount is equal to or greater than a fifth threshold.

7. The service includes a first printing plan for which a first base fee is determined, and a second printing plan for which a second base fee higher than the first base fee is determined, The output unit when the purchase amount is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold and less than a sixth threshold that is greater than the fifth threshold, outputting the guidance information including first service information corresponding to the first printing plan by the output unit; The computer program product according to claim 6 , further comprising causing the output unit to output the guidance information including second service information corresponding to the second printing plan when the purchase amount is equal to or greater than the sixth threshold value.

8. the output unit outputs the guidance information when it is detected that the purchase operation has been performed, the history information satisfies the predetermined condition, and the user has not yet subscribed to the service; The computer program further causes the computer to: The computer program of claim 1, which functions as a supply unit that supplies an instruction to an OS program of the terminal device to display a sales page for the consumable product without outputting the guidance information when it is detected that the purchase operation has been executed and the user has already subscribed to the service.

9. the output unit outputs the guidance information when it is detected that the purchase operation has been performed, the history information satisfies the predetermined condition, and the printer supports the service; The computer program further causes the computer to:

2. The computer program of claim 1, wherein when it is detected that the user has performed the purchase operation and the printer does not support the service, the computer program functions as a supply unit that supplies an instruction to the OS program of the terminal device to display a sales page for the consumable product without outputting the guidance information.

10. The computer program further causes the computer to: a display control unit that causes a predetermined screen including an object for purchasing the consumable item to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device; The computer program according to claim 1 , wherein the purchase operation is an operation on the object within the predetermined screen.

11. A terminal device, a detection unit that detects that a purchase operation for purchasing a printer consumable has been performed by a user; an acquisition unit that acquires history information related to the consumables from a memory that stores the history information; an output unit that outputs guidance information corresponding to a service related to the printer when it is detected that the purchase operation has been performed and the history information satisfies a predetermined condition; A terminal device comprising:

12. A method performed by a terminal device, comprising: a detecting step of detecting that a purchase operation for purchasing printer consumables has been performed by a user; an acquisition step of acquiring history information about the consumables from a memory that stores the history information; an output step of outputting guidance information corresponding to a service related to the printer when it is detected that the purchase operation has been performed and the history information satisfies a predetermined condition; A method comprising:

Images