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

Abstract

To provide a computer program for a terminal device, the terminal device, and a method implemented by the terminal device, which improve user convenience by allowing a user to check first service information regarding a communication system.SOLUTION: A control unit 130 of a terminal device 100 in a communication system is configured to detect whether predetermined setting for the communication system 2 has been completed or not and, when the predetermined setting is detected to be complete, outputs first service information corresponding to a first service related to the communication system 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification discloses a terminal device capable of outputting first service 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, which may cause a computer of the terminal device to function as a detection unit that detects that a predetermined setting of a communication device has been completed, and an output control unit that outputs first service information corresponding to a first service related to the communication device when the completion of the predetermined setting is detected.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the terminal device detects that the predetermined setting of the communication device has been completed, the terminal device transmits a first output instruction to the communication device. This allows the user to check the first service information. This improves user convenience.

[0007] A computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, a terminal device implemented by the computer program, and a method for controlling the terminal device are also novel and useful. Also novel and useful are a communication system including the terminal device and a communication device. [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] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a preparation process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a first guidance process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a second guidance process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a second guidance process executed by a terminal device according to a second 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 100, a management server 200, a first service providing server 300, and a second service providing server 400. Hereinafter, the service providing server will be referred to as an "SP server." The printer 10 and the terminal device 100 can communicate with each other via a LAN 4. The printer 10, the terminal device 100, the management server 200, the first SP server 300, and the second SP server 400 are connected to the Internet 6. The printer 10, the terminal device 100, the management server 200, the first SP server 300, and the second SP server 400 can communicate 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 model of the printer. 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, electrophotographic, or thermal print engine. An inkjet print engine includes a print head that ejects ink droplets. An electrophotographic print engine includes a photosensitive member and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photosensitive member. A thermal print engine includes a print head that generates heat using a heater.

[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 "application 142," respectively. The OS 140 controls the basic operations of the terminal device 100. The application 142 is a program that assists in the initial setup of the printer. The initial setup of the printer 10 includes settings related to printer communication and settings related to the printer's printing functions. Hereinafter, the settings related to printer communication and settings related to the printer's printing functions will be referred to as "communication settings" and "main unit settings," respectively. 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 for managing guidance information corresponding to services provided by the first SP server 300 and the second SP server 400. The guidance information is information for providing guidance on the content of the service. The guidance information includes a message indicating the content of the service and a QR code for accessing the server that provides the service. "QR code" is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc. A service table 244 is stored in the memory 234 of the management server 200.

[0020] (Configuration of the first SP server 300) The first SP server 300 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor. In a modified example, the first SP 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 first SP 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 first SP server 300 and implement the program in the above-described environment to realize the first SP server 300.

[0021] The first SP server 300 provides a remote printing service related to a printer. The remote printing service is a service that allows a user to send a print instruction to a printer from outside the home via the first SP server 300. A user can use the remote printing service via the terminal device 100.

[0022] (Configuration of the second SP server 400) The second SP server 400 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor. In a modified example, the second SP server 400 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 second SP server 400 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 second SP server 400 and implement the program in the above-described environment to realize the second SP server 400.

[0023] The second SP server 400 provides a subscription service related to printers. 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.

[0024] (Table configuration; Figure 2) The contents of the user table 144 of the terminal device 100 and the service 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 a device name, a model name, first subscription information, second subscription information, and guidance information in association with each other. The first subscription information indicates either "Subscribed," which indicates that the user has subscribed to the remote printing service, or "Not Subscribed," which indicates that the user has not subscribed to the remote printing service. The second subscription information indicates either "Subscribed," which indicates that the user has subscribed to the subscription service, or "Not Subscribed," which indicates that the user has not subscribed to the subscription service. The guidance information in the user table 144 is received from the management server 200.

[0026] The service table 244 of the management server 200 is a table for managing guidance information. The service table 244 stores model names, country information, and guidance information in association with each other. In this embodiment, when a printer with the model name "MN1" is used in Japan, remote printing services and subscription services can be provided to the user. When the printer is used in the United States, only remote printing services can be provided to the user. When the printer is used in China, remote printing services and subscription services cannot be provided to the user. Thus, even if a printer has the same model name, the services available to the user may differ depending on the country in which the printer is used. Therefore, the service table 244 stores guidance information in association with the model name and country information. In a modified example, the service table 244 may store, instead of country information, information indicating a wider range than the country information or information indicating a narrower range than the country information (e.g., a city).

[0027] (Preparation process; Figure 3) The preparation process will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The preparation process is an initial process executed after the printer 10 is purchased. In the preparation process, communication settings and main body settings for the printer 10 are executed. In the following, all communications executed between the printer 10 and the terminal device 100 and other devices (such as the management server 200) are executed 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 executed by the CPU (e.g., CPU 32) of each device (e.g., printer 10) are described as being mainly executed by each device (e.g., printer 10) rather than by each CPU.

[0028] At T10, the user of the terminal device 100 executes an application launch operation on the terminal device 100 to launch the application 142. As a result, at T12, the application 142 displays a home screen on the display unit 114. The home screen includes a communication setting button and the like for causing the terminal device to execute communication settings for the printer 10. At T14, the user executes an operation to select the communication setting button. As a result, at T16, a network connection process is executed between the terminal device 100 and the printer 10. As an example, the network connection process is a process for establishing a wireless connection between the printer 10 and an access point to which the terminal device 100 is connected. When the network connection process is completed, the printer 10 is connected to the LAN 4 and the Internet 6. The terminal device 100 detects that the communication settings have been completed in response to receiving a signal from the printer 10 indicating that the communication settings have been completed.

[0029] At T20, the terminal device 100 transmits a capability information request to the printer 10. The capability information request is a signal requesting the printer 10 to transmit the device name and model name. At T22, the terminal device 100 receives capability information including the device name "DV1" and the model name "MN1" from the printer 10.

[0030] At T30, the terminal device 100 transmits a guide information request including the model name "MN1" and the country information "JP" to the printer 10. The guide information request is a signal for requesting the management server 200 to transmit guide information.

[0031] When the management server 200 receives the guide information request from the terminal device 100 at T30, it identifies the model name "MN1" and the country information "JP" in the information, and identifies the first guide information GI1 and the second guide information GI2 associated with the model name "MN1" and the region information "JP" from the service table 244. At T32, the management server 200 transmits the first guide information GI1 and the second guide information GI2 to the terminal device 100.

[0032] When the terminal device 100 receives the first guidance information GI1 and the second guidance information GI2 from the management server 200 in T32, the terminal device 100 updates the user table 144 in T34. Specifically, the terminal device 100 associates the device name "DV1," the model name "MN1," the first subscription information "not subscribed," the second subscription information "not subscribed," the first guidance information GI1, and the second guidance information GI2 in the user table 144. As described above, the terminal device 100 receives the guidance information from the management server 200 in response to transmitting the model name "MN1" received from the printer 10 to the management server 200. Therefore, the user does not need to perform an operation such as inputting the model name "MN1" of the printer 10. This improves user convenience.

[0033] At T40, the terminal device 100 displays a main body setting screen. The main body setting screen is a screen related to main body settings. As an example, the main body setting screen includes images corresponding to the operation of installing a cartridge in the print execution unit 16 of the printer 10 and the operation of setting a print medium in a storage unit (not shown) of the printer 10.

[0034] At T42, the user performs the main unit setup according to the main unit setup screen. When the main unit setup is complete, at T44 the user operates the complete button displayed on the display unit 14 of the printer 10. This causes the printer 10 to send a main unit setup completion signal to the terminal device 100 at T46, indicating that the main unit setup has been completed.

[0035] At T46, the terminal device 100 receives a main body setting completion signal from the printer 10. As a result, the terminal device 100 detects that the main body setting has been completed. Next, at T50, the terminal device 100 displays a firmware update screen. The firmware update screen includes a message indicating that processing is being executed to update the firmware installed in the printer 10 to the latest version of the firmware. Firmware is a program for realizing specific operations of the printer 10 (for example, operations of the print execution unit, etc.). The firmware is stored in an auxiliary storage device of the memory 34 of the printer 10. At T52, the terminal device 100 transmits an update instruction to the printer 10 to instruct the printer 10 to update the firmware.

[0036] When the printer 10 receives an update instruction from the terminal device 100 in T52, the printer 10 executes an update process to update the firmware in T54. As an example, the update process includes a process of sending a firmware request to a firmware management server (not shown) requesting transmission of the latest version of firmware, a process of receiving the latest version of firmware from the firmware management server, and a process of installing the latest version of firmware in the printer 10. When the printer 10 completes installation of the latest version of firmware, in T56 the printer 10 transmits an update completion signal to the terminal device 100 indicating that installation of the latest version of firmware has been completed.

[0037] When the terminal device 100 receives the update completion signal from the printer 10 at T56, it displays an update completion screen instead of the firmware update screen. The update completion screen includes a message indicating that the firmware update of the printer 10 has been completed. This completes the preparation process. In other words, the communication settings and main body settings of the printer 10 are completed.

[0038] (First guidance process; Figure 4) The first guidance process executed by the application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The application 142 executes the process of Fig. 4 when the preparation process of Fig. 3 is completed. The application 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. In the following description, the execution of processes by the application 142 via the OS 140 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0039] In S10, the application 142 determines whether or not the first guide information GI1 has been received in the preparation process (see FIG. 3). If the first guide information GI1 has been received (YES in S10), the application 142 proceeds to S12. On the other hand, if the first guide information GI1 has not been received (NO in S10), the application 142 proceeds to S20.

[0040] In S12, the application 142 uses the received first guidance information GI1 to display a first service screen SC2 on the display unit 114. The first service screen SC2 includes a remote printing message 500 included in the first guidance information GI1, a registration start button 502, and a later (skip) button 504. The remote printing message 500 indicates the content of the remote printing service. As an example, the remote printing message 500 reads, "If you subscribe to the remote printing service, you will be able to print using a printer away from home."

[0041] In S14, the application 142 determines whether or not a first subscription operation has been received. Specifically, the application 142 determines whether or not an operation to select the registration start button 502 on the first service screen SC2 has been received. If the operation to select the registration start button 502 has been received (YES in S14), the application 142 proceeds to S16. On the other hand, if the operation to select the registration start button 502 has not been received (NO in S14), the application 142 proceeds to S20. Note that the case where the operation to select the registration start button 502 has not been received refers to the case where the operation to select the later (skip) button 504 on the first service screen SC2 has been received.

[0042] In S16, the application 142 executes a first subscription process. The first subscription process is a process for subscribing a user to the remote printing service. The first subscription process is executed among the printer 10, the terminal device 100, and the first SP server 300. The first subscription process includes a first establishment process, a first device registration process, a first table update process, and the like. The first establishment process is a process for establishing a constant connection between the printer 10 and the first SP server 300. The constant connection is, for example, an Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) connection. The first device registration process is a process for registering the device name "DV1" of the printer 10 in the first SP server 300. In response to the device name "DV1" being sent from the printer 10 to the first SP server 300, the device name "DV1" is registered in the first SP server 300. The first table update process is a process for updating the first subscription information stored in association with the device name “DV1” from “OFF” to “ON” in the user table 144. When the first subscription process ends, the application 142 proceeds to S20.

[0043] In S20, the application 142 determines whether or not the second guide information GI2 has been received in the preparation process (see FIG. 3). If the second guide information GI2 has been received (YES in S20), the application 142 proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if the second guide information GI2 has not been received (NO in S20), the application 142 ends the processing in FIG. 4.

[0044] In S22, the application 142 uses the received second guidance information GI2 to display a second service screen SC4 on the display unit 114. The second service screen SC4 includes a subscription message 510 included in the second guidance information GI2, a registration start button 512, and a later (skip) button 514. The subscription message 510 indicates the content of the subscription service. As an example, the subscription message 510 is, "If you subscribe to the subscription service, you can use printing for a fixed fee."

[0045] In S24, the application 142 determines whether or not a second subscription operation has been accepted. Specifically, the application 142 determines whether or not an operation to select the registration start button 512 on the second service screen SC4 has been accepted. If the operation to select the registration start button 512 has been accepted (YES in S24), the application 142 proceeds to S26. On the other hand, if the operation to select the registration start button 512 has not been accepted (NO in S24), the application 142 ends the processing in FIG. 4. Note that the case where the operation to select the registration start button 512 has not been accepted refers to the case where an operation to select the next (skip) button 514 on the second service screen SC4 has been accepted.

[0046] In S26, the application 142 executes a second subscription process. The second subscription process is a process for subscribing the user to the subscription service. The second subscription process is executed between the printer 10, the terminal device 100, and the second SP server 400. The second subscription process includes a second establishment process, a second device registration process, a payment information registration process, a second table update process, etc. The second establishment process is a process for establishing a constant connection between the printer 10 and the second SP server 400. The second device registration process is a process for registering the device name "DV1" of the printer 10 in the second SP server 400. In response to the device name "DV1" being sent from the printer 10 to the second SP server 400, the device name "DV1" is registered in the second SP server 400. The payment information registration process is a process for registering information for paying the printing fee. The second table update process is a process for updating the second subscription information stored in association with the device name "DV1" from "OFF" to "ON" in the user table 144. When S26 ends, the application 142 ends the process of FIG. 4.

[0047] (Second guidance process; Figure 5) The second guidance process executed by the application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The application 142 executes the process of Fig. 5 when the first guidance process (see Fig. 4) is completed.

[0048] In S40, the application 142 determines whether the user has already subscribed to the subscription service. The application 142 identifies the second subscription information stored in association with the device name "DV1" of the printer 10 from the user table 144. If the second subscription information is "ON" (YES in S40), the application 142 proceeds to S70. On the other hand, if the second subscription information is not "ON" (NO in S40), the application 142 proceeds to S42.

[0049] In S42, the application 142 displays a selection screen SC6 on the display unit 114. The selection screen SC6 includes a confirmation message 520, a YES button 522, and a NO button 524. The confirmation message 520 is a message for confirming whether or not to allow the guidance information to be printed in the test print. The test print is a process for confirming that printing is performed normally. In this way, the user can select whether or not to allow the printer 10 to print the guidance information in the test print. This improves user convenience.

[0050] In S44, the application 142 determines whether or not a permission operation to operate the YES button 522 on the selection screen SC6 has been accepted. If the permission operation has been accepted (YES in S44), the application 142 proceeds to S46. On the other hand, if the permission operation has not been accepted (NO in S44), the application 142 proceeds to S60.

[0051] In S46, the application 142 determines whether the user of the printer 10 has subscribed to the remote printing service. The application 142 identifies the first subscription information stored in association with the device name "DV1" of the printer 10 from the user table 144. If the first subscription information is "ON" (YES in S46), the application 142 proceeds to S50. On the other hand, if the first subscription information is not "ON" (NO in S46), the application 142 proceeds to S60.

[0052] In S50, the application 142 generates first print data using the second guide information GI2. The first print data includes a character string 530 for test printing, a subscription message 532 included in the second guide information GI2, and a subscription QR code 534 included in the second guide information GI2. The character string 530 is information for test printing and is "abcdef." The character string 530 is pre-stored in the memory 134. Next, the application 142 transmits a first print instruction including the first print data to the printer 10. When S50 ends, the application 142 ends the processing of FIG. 5.

[0053] When the printer 10 receives a first print instruction from the terminal device 100, it executes printing using the first print data included in the first print instruction. That is, the printer 10 executes a test print using the first print data. As a result, a print image is printed that includes a character string 530 corresponding to the character string "abcdef," a subscription message 532, and a subscription QR code 534. The subscription QR code 534 is information for accessing the second SP server 400 that provides the subscription service. With this configuration, the second guidance information GI2 is printed on the print medium, which increases the likelihood that the user will confirm the contents of the second guidance information GI2.

[0054] Furthermore, in S60, the application 142 generates second print data using the first guide information GI1 and the second guide information GI2. The second print data includes a character string 530, a subscription message 532, a subscription QR code 534, a remote printing message 536 included in the first guide information GI1, and a remote printing QR code 538 included in the first guide information GI1. Next, the application 142 transmits a second print instruction including the second print data to the printer 10. When S60 ends, the application 142 ends the processing of FIG. 5.

[0055] When the printer 10 receives the second print instruction from the terminal device 100, it executes printing using the second print data included in the second print instruction. That is, the printer 10 executes a test print using the second print data. As a result, a print image including the text sample 530, the subscription message 532, the subscription QR code 534, the remote printing message 536, and the remote printing QR code 538 is printed. The remote printing QR code 538 is information for accessing the first SP server 300 that provides the remote printing service.

[0056] As described above, if the user has subscribed to the remote printing service, the first print data does not include information corresponding to the first guide information GI1. If the user has subscribed to the remote printing service, information about the remote printing service is not useful to the user. Therefore, unnecessary information can be prevented from being printed, improving user convenience.

[0057] If the determination in S40 is YES or the determination in S44 is NO, then in S70 the application 142 generates third print data including only the character string 530. Next, the application 142 sends a third print instruction including the third print data to the printer 10. When S70 ends, the application 142 ends the processing in FIG. 5.

[0058] When the printer 10 receives a third print instruction from the terminal device 100, it executes printing using the third print data included in the third print instruction. That is, the printer 10 executes a test print using the third print data. In this case, a print image that does not include guidance information is printed. 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 printed, improving user convenience.

[0059] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, when the terminal device 100 detects that the communication settings of the printer 10 have been completed, it transmits a first print instruction to the printer 10 (S50 in FIG. 5). This allows the user to check the second guidance information GI2. This improves user convenience.

[0060] (Correspondence) The application 142 is an example of a "computer program for a terminal device." The printer 10 is an example of a "communication device." The communication settings of the printer 10 are an example of a "predetermined setting of a communication device." The subscription service is an example of a "first service." The second guidance information GI2 is an example of "first service information." The device name "DV1" is an example of "identification information." The guidance information request of T30 in FIG. 3 is an example of a "service information request." The first print instruction of S50 in FIG. 5 is an example of a "first output instruction." The remote printing service is an example of a "second service." The first guidance information GI1 is an example of "second service information."

[0061] 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."

[0062] (Second Example) A communication system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described below. The application 142 of the terminal device 100 according to the second embodiment executes the second guidance process shown in FIG. 6 instead of the second guidance process shown in FIG.

[0063] (Second guidance process; Figure 6) The second guidance process executed by the application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The application 142 executes the process of Fig. 6 when the first guidance process (see Fig. 4) is completed.

[0064] S90 is the same as S46 in Fig. 5. If the application 142 determines YES in S90, it proceeds to S120, and if the application 142 determines NO in S90, it proceeds to S92.

[0065] S92 is the same as S40 in Fig. 5. If the application 142 determines YES in S92, it proceeds to S100, and if the application 142 determines NO in S92, it proceeds to S110.

[0066] In S110, the application 142 generates fourth print data using the first guidance information GI1. The fourth print data includes a character string 530, a remote printing message 536, and a remote printing QR code 538. Next, the application 142 sends a fourth print instruction including the fourth print data to the printer 10. When S100 ends, the application 142 ends the processing of FIG. 6.

[0067] When the printer 10 receives a fourth print instruction from the terminal device 100, it executes printing using the fourth print data included in the fourth print instruction. That is, the printer 10 executes a test print using the fourth print data. As a result, a print image including the text example 530, the remote printing message 536, and the remote printing QR code 538 is printed. If the user has already subscribed to a subscription service, information about the subscription service is not useful to the user. Therefore, printing of unnecessary information can be prevented, improving user convenience.

[0068] S110 is the same as S60 in Fig. 5. S120 is the same as S92. If the application 142 determines YES in S120, it proceeds to S130, and if the application 142 determines NO in S120, it proceeds to S140. S130 and S140 can omit S50 and S70 in Fig. 5, respectively.

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

[0070] (First 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.

[0071] (Second Modification) The main body settings of the printer 10 may be an example of the “predetermined settings.” In another modification, the communication settings and main body settings of the printer 10 may be an example of the “predetermined settings.”

[0072] (Third Modification) In the above embodiment, the communication settings for the printer 10 are performed after the main body settings for the printer 10 are performed. In a modification, the communication settings for the printer 10 may be performed after the main body settings for the printer 10 are performed. In this modification, the main body settings are an example of "predetermined settings." In another modification, the user may be able to select the order in which the communication settings for the printer 10 and the main body settings for the printer 10 are performed. In this modification, of the communication settings and the main body settings, the setting that is performed first by the user is an example of "predetermined settings."

[0073] (Fourth Modification) The first guidance information GI1 and the second guidance information GI2 may be stored in advance in the memory 134 of the terminal device 100. In this modification, T30 and T32 in Fig. 3 may be omitted. In this modification, the "service information request transmitting unit" and the "service information receiving unit" may be omitted.

[0074] (Fifth Modification) The second guidance process in Figs. 5 and 6 can be omitted. In this modification, S22 in Fig. 4 is an example of a process executed by an "output control unit." In another modification, the terminal device 100 may notify the contents of the second guidance information GI2 by a speaker or the like in S50 in Fig. 5, etc. In this modification, the process executed by the speaker is an example of a process executed by an "output control unit."

[0075] (Sixth Modification) Terminal device 100 may transmit to printer 10 an instruction to display the contents of the guidance information on display unit 14 of printer 10 in S50 and S60 of FIG. 5 and S100, S110, and S130 of FIG.

[0076] (Seventh Modification) Fig. 4 can be omitted. In this modification, when the preparation process of Fig. 3 is completed, the application 142 executes the second guidance process of Fig. 5 or Fig. 6. In this modification, the "first display control unit" can be omitted.

[0077] (Eighth Modification) In the first embodiment, S40 in Fig. 5 can be omitted. In the second embodiment, S92 and S120 in Fig. 6 can be omitted. In these modifications, the application 142 sends a print instruction corresponding to the second guidance information GI2 to the printer 10, regardless of whether the user has subscribed to the subscription service.

[0078] (Ninth Modification) In the first embodiment, S42 and S44 in Fig. 5 can be omitted. In this modification, the "second display control section" can be omitted.

[0079] (Tenth Modification) In the second embodiment, the application 142 may execute the same processes as S42 and S44 in FIG. 5 before S90.

[0080] (Eleventh Modification) In the first embodiment, S46 in FIG. 5 can be omitted. Also, S50 or S60 in FIG. 5 can be omitted. In another modification, in the second embodiment, the application 142 may send the same print instruction to the printer 10 in S110 and S130 in FIG. 6. In these modifications, if the user has not subscribed to the subscription service, the application 142 does not switch the content of the print instruction to be sent to the printer 10 depending on whether the user has subscribed to the remote printing service.

[0081] 6, the application 142 may send the same print instruction to the printer 10. In this modification, when the user has subscribed to a subscription service, the application 142 does not switch the content of the print instruction to be sent to the printer 10 depending on whether the user has subscribed to a remote printing service.

[0082] (Thirteenth Modification) A remote printing service and a subscription service may be examples of a "first service" and a "second service", respectively. Also, a service that installs and ships printer consumables may be an example of a "first service".

[0083] (14th Modification) The first print data, second print data, and fourth print data corresponding to the guidance information do not have to include the character string 530.

[0084] (Fifteenth Modification) In each of the above embodiments, the processes of Figures 3 to 6 are realized by software (e.g., programs 40, 140, 142), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 predetermined setting of the communication device has been completed; an output control unit that outputs first service information corresponding to a first service related to the communication device when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed; A computer program that functions as a (Item 2) The computer program further causes the computer to: an identification information receiving unit that receives, from the communication device, identification information that identifies the communication device; a service information request sending unit that sends a service information request including the identification information to a server when the identification information is received from the communication device; a service information receiving unit that receives the first service information from the server in response to the service information request being transmitted to the server; Item 1. The computer program according to item 1, (Item 3) 3. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the output control unit transmits a first output instruction to the communication device to cause the communication device to output the first service information. (Item 4) the communication device is capable of performing a printing function; 4. The computer program according to item 3, wherein the first output instruction is an instruction to cause the communication device to print the first service information. (Item 5) The computer program further causes the computer to: when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed, functioning as a first display control unit that displays the first service information on a display unit of the terminal device; 5. The computer program according to claim 4, wherein the output control unit outputs the first service information after the first service information is displayed on the display unit. (Item 6) the output control unit outputs the first service information when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed and the user has not yet subscribed to the first service; 6. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the first service information is not output when it is detected that the specified setting has been completed and the user has subscribed to the first service. (Item 7) The computer program further causes the computer to: when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed, functioning as a second display control unit that displays a selection screen on a display unit of the terminal device for selecting whether or not to output the first service information; the output control unit outputs the first service information when output of the first service information is selected on the selection screen; 7. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the first service information is not output if output of the first service information is not selected on the selection screen. (Item 8) The output control unit outputting the first service information when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed, and the user has not subscribed to the first service, and the user has subscribed to a second service that is different from the first service and is associated with the communication device; 8. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein, when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed, and the user has not subscribed to the first service, and the user has not subscribed to the second service, the computer program outputs the first service information and second service information that is different from the first service information and corresponds to the second service. (Item 9) Item 9. The computer program of item 8, wherein the output control unit outputs the second service information when it is detected that the specified setting has been completed, and the user has subscribed to the first service, and the user has not subscribed to the second service. (Item 10) the communication device is capable of performing a printing function; Item 10. The computer program product of item 1, wherein the first service is a printing-related service. (Item 11) A terminal device, a detection unit that detects that a predetermined setting of the communication device has been completed; an output control unit that outputs first service information corresponding to a first service related to the communication device when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed; A terminal device comprising: (Item 12) A method performed by a terminal device, comprising: a detecting step of detecting that a predetermined setting of the communication device has been completed; an output control step of outputting first service information corresponding to a first service related to the communication device when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed; A method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 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: service table, 300: first SP server, 400: second SP server

Claims

1. A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: The computer of the terminal device, a detection unit that detects that a predetermined setting of the communication device has been completed; an output control unit that outputs first service information corresponding to a first service related to the communication device when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed; A computer program that functions as a

2. The computer program further causes the computer to: an identification information receiving unit that receives, from the communication device, identification information that identifies the communication device; a service information request sending unit that sends a service information request including the identification information to a server when the identification information is received from the communication device; a service information receiving unit that receives the first service information from the server in response to the service information request being transmitted to the server; The computer program of claim 1 ,

3. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the output control unit transmits to the communication device a first output instruction for causing the communication device to output the first service information.

4. the communication device is capable of performing a printing function; The computer program product according to claim 3 , wherein the first output instruction is an instruction to cause the communication device to print the first service information.

5. The computer program further causes the computer to: when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed, functioning as a first display control unit that displays the first service information on a display unit of the terminal device; The computer program product according to claim 4 , wherein the output control unit outputs the first service information after the first service information is displayed on the display unit.

6. the output control unit outputs the first service information when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed and the user has not yet subscribed to the first service; The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first service information is not output when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed and the user has already subscribed to the first service.

7. The computer program further causes the computer to: when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed, functioning as a second display control unit that displays a selection screen on a display unit of the terminal device for selecting whether or not to output the first service information; the output control unit outputs the first service information when output of the first service information is selected on the selection screen; The computer program according to claim 1 , wherein when outputting the first service information is not selected on the selection screen, the first service information is not output.

8. The output control unit outputting the first service information when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed, and when the user has not subscribed to the first service, and when the user has subscribed to a second service that is different from the first service and is associated with the communication device; 2. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein, when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed, and the user has not subscribed to the first service, and the user has not subscribed to the second service, the computer program outputs the first service information and second service information that is different from the first service information and corresponds to the second service.

9. 9. The computer program product according to claim 8, wherein the output control unit outputs the second service information when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed, and the user has subscribed to the first service, but has not subscribed to the second service.

10. the communication device is capable of performing a printing function; The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the first service is a printing-related service.

11. A terminal device, a detection unit that detects that a predetermined setting of the communication device has been completed; an output control unit that outputs first service information corresponding to a first service related to the communication device when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed; A terminal device comprising:

12. A method performed by a terminal device, comprising: a detecting step of detecting that a predetermined setting of the communication device has been completed; an output control step of outputting first service information corresponding to a first service related to the communication device when it is detected that the predetermined setting has been completed; A method comprising:

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