Computer program for terminal device, terminal device, and method for controlling terminal device

Abstract

To provide a technique for providing an appropriate notification to a user.SOLUTION: A terminal device stores, for each of M1 devices communicable with the terminal device, identification information related to the device and operation information of the device in a memory in association with each other. The terminal device receives, from a server, specific notification information in which M1 pieces of identification information are designated, uses the operation information associated with each of the M1 pieces of identification information in the memory to determine specific identification information having the highest degree of importance among the M1 pieces of identification information, and uses the specific notification information to selectively displaying specific notification corresponding to the specific identification information among the M1 pieces of identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technique related to a terminal device that displays a specific notification. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system including an MFP, a terminal device, a notification server, a service providing server, and a service management server. The terminal device receives notification information from the notification server. When the filter conditions and timing conditions are met, the terminal device displays a pull notification screen corresponding to the notification information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-96878 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the fact that multiple pieces of identification information are specified in the notification information. This specification provides a technique for providing an appropriate notification to a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a terminal device including a computer, a display unit, and a memory. The computer program may cause the computer to function as a first storage control unit that causes, for each of M1 devices (M1 is an integer equal to or greater than 2) that can communicate with the terminal device, identification information related to the device and operation information of the device to be stored in the memory in association with each other, a notification information receiving unit that receives specific notification information specifying M1 pieces of identification information from a server, a determination unit that, when the specific notification information is received from the server, determines the specific identification information having the highest importance from the M1 pieces of identification information by using the operation information associated with each of the M1 pieces of identification information in the memory, and a first display control unit that uses the specific notification information to selectively display on the display unit a specific notification corresponding to the specific identification information from the M1 pieces of identification information.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the terminal device receives specific notification information specifying M1 pieces of identification information from the server, the terminal device determines the specific identification information with the highest importance using the operation information associated with each of the M1 pieces of identification information, and displays the specific notification corresponding to the specific identification information, thereby providing an appropriate notification to the user.

[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 a terminal device and a plurality of devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of each table. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a registration process. [Figure 4] This is a continuation of Figure 3. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a first display process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a determination process executed by a terminal device. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of a notification screen displayed in case A. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a notification screen displayed in case B. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a second display process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a notification list screen displayed in case C. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a decision process according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart of a decision process according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] 20 is a flowchart of a second display process according to a tenth modified example. [Figure 14] 19 is an example of a notification list screen according to a tenth modified example. 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 multiple MFPs 10A and 10B, a PC 100, a notification 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 MFPs 10A and 10B and the PC 100 are connected to a local area network (LAN) 4. The MFPs 10A, 10B, and the PC 100 are capable of communicating with each other via the LAN 4. The MFPs 10A, 10B, the PC 100, the notification server 200, the first SP server 300, and the second SP server 400 are connected to the Internet 6. The MFPs 10A, 10B, the PC 100, the notification server 200, the first SP server 300, and the second SP server 400 are capable of communicating with each other via the Internet 6. The first SP server 300 and the second SP server 400 may be separate servers, or may be configured as a single server.

[0010] (Configuration of MFP10A and 10B) MFPs 10A and 10B are peripheral devices (i.e., peripheral devices such as PC 100) that can perform a printing function to print an image on paper and a scanning function to read an image from a document. MFP 10A has a device name "DV1" and a model name "MN1." MFP 10B has a device name "DV2" and a model name "MN2." The device name is a name given to each MFP 10A or 10B by an MFP administrator. The model name is a name that indicates the MFP model. MFPs 10A and 10B are manufactured by the same vendor. MFPs 10A and 10B each include a printing mechanism that can perform the printing function and a reading mechanism that can perform the scanning function. The printing mechanism includes an inkjet, electrophotographic, or thermal print engine. The inkjet print engine includes a print head that ejects ink droplets. The electrophotographic print engine includes a photosensitive element and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photosensitive element. The thermal print engine includes a print head that generates heat using a heater. The reading mechanism includes a scanner engine that includes an image sensor. The reading mechanism reads an image from a document. Examples of the image sensor include a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor and a Contact Image Sensor (CIS).

[0011] (PC100 configuration) The PC 100 is a terminal device such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, etc. The PC 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication interface 120, and a control unit 130. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F."

[0012] The operation unit 112 is a user interface that enables a user to input various information to the PC 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 display is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. 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 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 120 may be a wired I / F or a wireless I / F.

[0013] 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. 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. An operating system (OS) program 140 and an MFP application 142 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 134. Hereinafter, the OS program 140 will be referred to as "OS 140." The OS 140 controls the basic operations of the PC 100. The MFP application 142 is a program that causes the MFPs 10A and 10B to execute print and scan functions. The MFP application 142 includes a resident program. Background processing may be executed as a resident process by the resident program. The resident program may be automatically started when the OS 140 is started. CPU 132 performs various processes in accordance with programs loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device. In the following, various processes performed by CPU 132 in accordance with the programs may be described as if MFP application 142 were the main processor. The auxiliary storage device of memory 134 further stores a reception information table 144 and a device table 146.

[0014] (Configuration of notification server 200) Notification server 200 is a server installed on Internet 6 by a vendor different from the vendor of MFPs 10A and 10B (hereinafter simply referred to as "vendor"). Notification server 200 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers.

[0015] Notification server 200 is a server that provides notification information. The notification information is information related to devices that can communicate with PC 100. When notification server 200 receives a notification information request from PC 100, it transmits the notification information to PC 100. Notification server 200 includes memory 234. Memory 234 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. A notification information table 240 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of memory 234.

[0016] (Configuration of the first SP server 300) The first SP server 300 is a server installed on the Internet 6 by a vendor. The first SP server 300 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The first SP server 300 provides a subscription service related to the MFP. Hereinafter, the subscription service will be referred to as the "subscription service." The subscription service is a service in which a flat rate is charged if the number of printed pages in a predetermined period (e.g., one month) is equal to or less than a contracted number of printed pages (e.g., 1,000 pages), and if the number of printed pages in the predetermined period exceeds a maximum number of printed pages, a total amount of the flat rate and an amount corresponding to the number of printed pages exceeding the maximum number of printed pages is charged. The subscription service includes an automatic shipping service for consumables used by the MFP. In this embodiment, the consumables are color material cartridges. The automatic shipping service is a service in which new consumables are automatically shipped when the remaining amount of a consumable is low.

[0017] (Configuration of the second SP server 400) The second SP server 400 is a server installed by a vendor on the Internet 6. The second SP server 400 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The second SP server 400 provides an automatic delivery service for consumables.

[0018] (Table configuration; Figure 2) The contents of the received information table 144 and device table 146 of the PC 100, and the notification information table 240 of the notification server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0019] The notification information table 240 of the notification server 200 is a table for managing notification information (e.g., NI1, NI2). The notification information includes a notification ID, a type, a model name, a notification condition, and notification data. The notification ID is information for identifying the notification information. The type indicates either "Subscription," which indicates that the notification information is information related to a subscription service, or "Consumable," which indicates that the notification information is information related to an auto-shipping service. The model name is the name of the model designated as the target of the notification information. The notification condition is a condition for determining whether to display a notification screen corresponding to the notification information. The notification condition includes a device condition and a period condition. The device condition is information indicating a condition related to a device. For example, the device condition is "remaining amount≦threshold value." The device condition may be "not subscribed to the subscription service and auto-shipping service," "not subscribed to the subscription service," or "not subscribed to the auto-shipping service." For example, the threshold value is "30." The period condition is information indicating a period during which the notification screen can be displayed. Each piece of information in the notification information table 240 is registered in the notification server 200 in response to a request from a vendor or the like to a business that installs the notification server 200 to register the notification information.

[0020] The received information table 144 of the PC 100 is a table for managing notification information received from the notification server 200. Notification information and display information are stored in association with each other in the received information table 144. The display information indicates either "displayed," which indicates that the notification related to the information has already been displayed, or "not yet displayed," which indicates that the notification has not yet been displayed.

[0021] The device table 146 of the PC 100 is a table for managing device information (e.g., DI1, DI2) related to devices registered in the MFP application 142. The device information includes a device name, a model name, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount, and status information indicating the status. The remaining amount is information indicating the remaining amount of a colorant cartridge installed in the MFP. Hereinafter, the remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount may be simply referred to as "remaining amount." The status indicates one of "normal," "warning," and "error." The status "normal" indicates that the MFP is operating normally. The status "warning" indicates that the remaining amount of a colorant cartridge currently installed in the MFP is below a threshold, or that the ink in the colorant cartridge will soon run out. The status "error" indicates that the MFP is in an error state where a paper jam, paper has run out, colorant has run out, or a colorant cartridge is not installed. It should be noted that the device table 146 may include, instead of the device name, the IP address, MAC address, or serial number of the device as information for identifying the device.

[0022] (Registration process; Figure 3) With reference to FIG. 3, the registration process for registering MFP 10A in MFP application 142 will be described. In the following, all communications between PC 100 and other devices (MFPs 10A, 10B, and servers 200, 300, 400) are performed via communication I / F 120 of PC 100. Therefore, the phrase "via communication I / F 120" will be omitted. Furthermore, MFP application 142 accesses each piece of hardware, such as display unit 114, memory 134, and communication I / F 120, via OS 140 to perform various processes. In the following, the description will omit, as appropriate, the fact that MFP application 142 performs processes via OS 140.

[0023] First, at T10, the user of PC 100 executes an MFP application startup operation on PC 100 to start MFP application 142. As a result, at T12, MFP application 142 displays home screen SC2 on display 114. Home screen SC2 includes a device object 500, a print button 502, a scan button 504, and a search button 506. Device object 500 indicates information about a device to which instruction information is to be sent. The instruction information is a print instruction or a scan instruction. If no device is registered in MFP application 142, the character string "Not Selected" is displayed in device object 500. If two or more devices are registered in MFP application 142, information about one of the two or more devices is displayed in device object 500. Print button 502 is an object for selecting execution of a print function. In response to receiving an operation on the print button 502, the MFP application 142 displays on the display unit 114 a selection screen for selecting data to be printed, a print preview screen, and a preview screen including a print execution button. When receiving an operation on the print execution button, the MFP application 142 transmits print data and a print instruction to a device indicated in the device object 500. The scan button 504 is an object for selecting execution of a scan function. In response to receiving an operation on the scan button 504, the MFP application 142 displays on the display unit 114 a scan instruction screen including a scan execution button. When receiving an operation on the scan execution button, the MFP application 142 transmits a scan instruction to a device indicated in the device object 500. The search button 506 is a button for searching for devices that can communicate with the PC 100.

[0024] At T14, the user operates the search button 506 on the home screen SC2 on the PC 100. As a result, the MFP application 142 broadcasts a search signal at T16, receives a response signal including the device name "DV1" and the model name "AAA" from the MFP 10A at T18, and receives a response signal including the device name "DV2" and the model name "BBB" from the MFP 10B at T20. Next, at T22, the MFP application 142 uses the received response signal to display a selection screen SC4 on the display unit 114. The selection screen SC4 includes, for each of one or more devices, the device name and model name of the device. The selection screen SC4 is a screen for selecting a device to register in the MFP application 142.

[0025] At T24, the user performs an operation on PC 100 to select the device name "DV1" on selection screen SC4. As a result, at T26, MFP application 142 stores the device name "DV1" and the model name "AAA" in device table 146. That is, MFP 10A is registered in MFP application 142. Next, at T28, MFP application 142 transmits a management information request to MFP 10A. The management information request is a signal for requesting transmission of device management information. In this embodiment, the management information is status information and remaining amount information. When MFP application 142 receives management information including the status information and remaining amount information from MFP 10A at T30, it updates device table 146 using the received management information at T32. Thereafter, MFP 10A transmits management information to PC 100 every time a first predetermined period has elapsed. As an example, the first predetermined period is 12 hours. Next, at T34, MFP application 142 displays home screen SC6 on display unit 114. Home screen SC6 is similar to home screen SC2, except that device name "DV1" and model name "AAA" are displayed in device object 500, and that home screen SC6 includes notification button 508. Notification button 508 is a button for displaying a notification list screen. When the user performs an operation on device name "DV2" on selection screen SC4, MFP 10B is registered in MFP application 142. Acquisition of management information and update of device table 146 using the acquired management information may be periodically performed as background processing by a resident program of MFP application 142.

[0026] When the MFP application 142 determines that one or more pieces of device information are stored in the device table 146, at T40 in FIG. 4, it sends a notification information request including the model name "AAA" stored in the device table 146 to the notification server 200.

[0027] In T40, when notification server 200 receives the notification information request from PC 100, it identifies the model name "AAA" in the notification information request and identifies notification information that includes the identified model name "AAA" from notification information table 240. In T42, notification server 200 transmits the identified notification information to PC 100.

[0028] When the MFP application 142 receives notification information from the notification server 200 in T42, it updates the received information table 144 using the received notification information in T44. The MFP application 142 sends a notification information request to the notification server 200 each time a second predetermined period elapses while one or more pieces of device information are stored in the device table 146. As an example, the second predetermined period is 24 hours. In this manner, the information in the received information table 144 is updated to the latest status. In this embodiment, the notification information request includes a model name. However, in a modified example, the notification information request may not include a model name. If the notification information request does not include a model name, upon receiving the notification information request from the PC 100, the notification server 200 sends all of the notification information in the notification information table 240 to the PC 100. Upon receiving the notification information from the notification server 200, the PC 100 identifies the notification information that includes the model name stored in the device table 146 and updates the received information table 144 using the identified notification information. Also, notification information for only model names other than those stored in the device table 146 is deleted.

[0029] (Figure 5: First display process) A first display process executed by MFP application 142 of PC 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. MFP application 142 executes the process of Fig. 5 every time a predetermined time has elapsed while MFP application 142 is running in the background. As an example, the predetermined time is one minute. The state in which MFP application 142 is running in the background refers to a state in which MFP application 142 is running but a screen corresponding to MFP application 142 is not displayed on display unit 114. The screen corresponding to MFP application 142 is, for example, a home screen or a selection screen.

[0030] In S10, the MFP application 142 identifies, from the received information table 144, one piece of notification information associated with the display information "not yet" as target notification information.

[0031] In S12, the MFP application 142 determines whether the period condition in the target notification information is met. If the period condition is met (YES in S12), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S14. On the other hand, if the period condition is not met (NO in S12), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S50.

[0032] In S14, MFP application 142 first identifies the model name and device conditions in the target notification information. Next, MFP application 142 identifies device information including the identified model name from device table 146. Next, MFP application 142 identifies, from the identified device information, device information that satisfies the identified device conditions as specific device information. Note that when two or more pieces of device information including the same model name satisfy the identified device conditions, MFP application 142 identifies, from the two or more devices, device information that has the smallest remaining capacity as specific device information.

[0033] In S16, the MFP application 142 determines whether one or more pieces of specific device information were identified in S14. If one or more pieces of specific device information were identified (YES in S16), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S20. On the other hand, if one or more pieces of specific device information were not identified (NO in S16), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S50.

[0034] In S20, a determination process (see FIG. 6) is executed to determine target device information including the model name to be displayed on the notification screen. The model name to be displayed on the notification screen means the model name with the highest level of importance to be displayed.

[0035] In S30, MFP application 142 uses the target notification information and the target device information determined in S20 to display a notification screen on display unit 114 in the form of a pop-up display. Notification screen 520 in FIG. 7 is a notification screen that is displayed when first notification information NI1 is the target notification information and first device information DI1 is the target device information. First notification information NI1 includes a notification ID "ID1", a type "subscription", a model name "AAA, BBB", a device condition "remaining amount≦threshold", a period condition "2024 / 2 / 1 to 2024 / 2 / 10", and notification data MD1. First device information DI1 includes a device name "DV1", a model name "MN1", a status "error", and a remaining amount "20%".

[0036] 6, the MFP application 142 updates the reception information table 144. Specifically, the MFP application 142 changes the display information associated with the target notification information in the reception information table 144 to "Done."

[0037] In S34, the MFP application 142 determines whether an operation on the notification screen has been executed. If the MFP application 142 accepts an operation on the notification screen (YES in S34), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S40. On the other hand, if the MFP application 142 does not accept an operation on the notification screen (NO in S34), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S36.

[0038] In S36, the MFP application 142 determines whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the notification screen was displayed. As an example, the second predetermined time is 5 seconds or 1 minute. If the MFP application 142 determines that the second predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S36), it proceeds to S38. On the other hand, if the MFP application 142 determines that the second predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S36), it returns to S34.

[0039] In S38, the MFP application 142 ends the display of the notification screen. When S38 ends, the MFP application 142 ends the processing in FIG.

[0040] In S40, the MFP application 142 identifies the model name in the target device information and transmits a screen data request including the identified model name. When S40 ends, the MFP application 142 ends the processing of FIG.

[0041] Furthermore, if the determination is NO in S12 or NO in S16, in S50 the MFP application 142 determines whether or not checking has been completed for all notification information associated with the display information "Not Yet" in the received information table 144. Specifically, the MFP application 142 determines whether or not the processes of S12 to S16 have been executed for all of the notification information. If the MFP application 142 determines that checking has been completed for all of the notification information (YES in S50), it ends the processing of FIG. 5. On the other hand, if the MFP application 142 determines that checking has not been completed for one or more pieces of notification information associated with the display information "Not Yet" (NO in S50), it returns to S10.

[0042] (Decision process; Figure 6) The determination process executed in S20 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0043] In S60, the MFP application 142 determines whether one or more pieces of specific device information including the status "error" were identified in S14 of FIG. 5. Hereinafter, specific device information including the status "error" will be referred to as "error device information." If one or more pieces of error device information have been identified (YES in S60), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S62. On the other hand, if no error device information has been identified (NO in S60), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S80.

[0044] In S62, the MFP application 142 determines whether two or more pieces of error device information have been identified. If two or more pieces of error device information have been identified (YES in S62), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S70. On the other hand, if one piece of error device information has been identified (NO in S62), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S64.

[0045] In S64, the MFP application 142 determines the one piece of error device information identified in S14 as the target device information. When S64 ends, the MFP application 142 ends the processing of FIG.

[0046] In S70, the MFP application 142 determines the target device information using the model name included in each of the two or more pieces of error device information. Specifically, the MFP application 142 determines, as the target device information, device information including the model name that would be placed first when the two or more model names are sorted alphabetically. For example, a case will be described in which device information including the model name "AAA" and device information including the model name "BBB" are the error device information. When the model names "AAA" and "BBB" are sorted alphabetically, the model name "AAA" is placed first. In this case, the MFP application 142 determines, as the target device information. Next, a case will be described in which device information including the model name "AAA" and device information including the model name "ABB" are the error device information. When the model names "AAA" and "ABB" are sorted alphabetically, the model name "AAA" is placed first. This is because the first character (the leftmost character in this embodiment) of the model name "AAA" and the model name "ABB" are the same, both being "A," but the second character of the model name "AAA" is "A," and the second character of the model name "ABB" is "B." In this case, the MFP application 142 determines device information including the model name "AAA" as the target device information. In this way, when the first character of the model names is the same, the MFP application 142 uses the second alphabetical character to sort the two or more model names in alphabetical order. Similarly, when the first to Lth characters are the same, the MFP application 142 uses the L+1th character to sort the two or more model names in alphabetical order. Note that L is an integer greater than or equal to 2. When S70 ends, the MFP application 142 ends the processing of FIG. 6.

[0047] Furthermore, in S80, the MFP application 142 determines whether one or more pieces of specific device information including the status "warning" were identified in S14 of FIG. 5. Hereinafter, specific device information including the status "warning" will be referred to as "warning device information." If one or more pieces of warning device information have been identified (YES in S80), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S82. On the other hand, if no warning device information has been identified (NO in S80), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S90. Note that a case where warning device information has not been identified refers to a case where only specific device information including the status "normal" has been identified. Hereinafter, specific device information including the status "normal" will be referred to as "normal device information."

[0048] In S82, the MFP application 142 determines whether two or more pieces of warning device information have been identified. If two or more pieces of warning device information have been identified (YES in S82), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S70. On the other hand, if one piece of warning device information has been identified (NO in S82), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S64.

[0049] In S64 after NO in S82, the MFP application 142 identifies the one piece of warning device information identified in S14 as target device information. Also, in S70 after YES in S82, the MFP application 142 determines target device information by using the model names included in each of the two or more pieces of warning device information.

[0050] Furthermore, in S90, the MFP application 142 determines whether two or more pieces of normal device information have been identified. If two or more pieces of normal device information have been identified (YES in S90), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S70. On the other hand, if one piece of normal device information has been identified (NO in S90), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S64.

[0051] In S64 after NO in S90, the MFP application 142 determines the one piece of normal device information identified in S14 as the target device information. Also, in S70 after YES in S90, the MFP application 142 determines the target device information by using the model names included in each of the two or more pieces of normal device information.

[0052] (Case A; Figure 7) 7, a case A in which a notification screen 520 related to a subscription service is displayed will be described. In the initial state of case A, first notification information NI1 and display information "Not Yet" are stored in association with each other in the reception information table 144 of the PC 100. Furthermore, first device information DI1 and second device information DI2 including a device name "DV2", a model name "MN2", a status "Error", and a remaining capacity "10%" are stored in association with each other in the device table 146 of the PC 100. The date in case A is February 1, 2024.

[0053] The MFP application 142 of the PC 100 identifies the first notification information NI1 in the received information table 144 as the target notification information (S10 in FIG. 5) and determines that the period condition is met because today's date is February 1, 2024 (YES in S12). Next, the MFP application 142 identifies the model names "AAA" and "BBB" and the device condition "remaining amount≦threshold" included in the first notification information NI1, and identifies, in the device table 146, first device information DI1 including the identified model name "AAA" and second device information DI2 including the identified model name "BBB". Next, the MFP application 142 determines that the identified first device information DI1 and second device information DI2 satisfy the device condition "remaining amount≦threshold", and identifies the first device information DI1 and second device information DI2 as specific device information (S14). In this case, the MFP application 142 determines that two or more pieces of specific device information have been identified (S16).

[0054] Next, the MFP application 142 determines that two pieces of error device information have been identified (YES in S60 and YES in S62 in FIG. 6). In this case, when the two model names "AAA" and "BBB" are sorted in alphabetical order, the model name "AAA" is at the top, so the MFP application 142 determines the first device information DI1 including the model name "AAA" as the target device information (S70).

[0055] The MFP application 142 uses the notification data MD1 in the first notification information NI1 and the model name “AAA” included in the target device information to display a notification screen 520 on the display unit 114 (S30 in FIG. 5). The notification screen 520 includes a message for urging the user to subscribe to the subscription service and the model name “AAA” included in the target device information. As an example, the message is “Would you like to subscribe to the subscription service?” In this way, the MFP application 142 selectively displays the notification screen 520 corresponding to the model name “AAA” out of the model names “AAA” and “BBB” included in the first notification information NI1 on the display unit 114. Next, the MFP application 142 changes the display information associated with the first notification information NI1 to “Completed” in the received information table 144 (S32). Because the display information associated with the first notification information NI1 is changed to “Completed,” the notification screen corresponding to the model name “BBB” included in the first notification information NI1 is no longer displayed in the form of a pop-up display. That is, MFP application 142 displays only the notification screen corresponding to the model name "AAA" with a high level of importance, but does not display the notification screen corresponding to the model name "BBB" with a low level of importance. Note that the process related to importance can be arbitrarily set by the vendor that provides MFP application 142. FIG. 6 of this embodiment shows the process of determining device information including the status "Error" as being more important than device information including the device information "Warning." Alternatively, MFP application 142 may execute the process of determining device information including the status "Warning" as being more important than device information including the device information "Error."

[0056] When MFP application 142 accepts a user operation on notification screen 520, it sends a screen data request including model name "AAA" to first SP server 300. This screen data request is a signal requesting the transmission of screen data representing a subscription screen for subscribing to the subscription service. When first SP server 300 receives the screen data request from PC 100, it identifies model name "AAA" in the request and sends first subscription screen data representing a first subscription screen corresponding to the identified model name "AAA" to PC 100. When MFP application 142 receives the first subscription screen data from first SP server 300, it displays the first subscription screen on display unit 114. Thereafter, when the user performs an operation on PC 100 to subscribe to the subscription service, the user's subscription to the subscription service is completed.

[0057] (Effect of Case A) With the above configuration, when PC 100 receives first notification information NI1 specifying two model names from notification server 200, it uses the two pieces of status information to determine the model name "AAA" having the highest importance, and selectively displays notification screen 520 corresponding to model name "AAA" from among model names "AAA" and "BBB." Therefore, it is possible to provide an appropriate notification to the user.

[0058] As described above, by displaying notification screen 520 corresponding to the model name of the MFP in which the error has occurred, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the user will perform an operation on notification screen 520. In particular, when the notification screen includes information related to the service of the consumables and the status "Error" indicates a state related to the consumables, as in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the user will perform an operation on notification screen 520.

[0059] As described above, by using the model name to determine the target device information when two pieces of error device information are identified, it is possible to appropriately determine the model name with the highest importance.

[0060] (Case B; Figure 8) 8, a case B in which a notification screen 530 related to an automatic shipping service is displayed will be described. In the initial state of case B, second notification information NI2 and display information "Not Yet" are stored in association with each other in the reception information table 144 of the PC 100. The second notification information NI2 includes a notification ID "ID1," a type "consumable," a model name "AAA, BBB," a device condition "remaining amount≦threshold," a period condition "2024 / 2 / 1 to 2024 / 2 / 10," and notification data MD2. Furthermore, information stored in the device table 146 of the PC 100 includes first device information DI1 including a device name "DV1," a model name "MN1," a status "error," and a remaining amount "20%," and second device information DI2 including a device name "DV2," a model name "MN2," a status "warning," and a remaining amount "10%," in association with each other. The date for Case A is February 1, 2024.

[0061] 7, the MFP application 142 of the PC 100 identifies the second notification information NI2 in the received information table 144 as the target notification information (S10 in FIG. 5) and determines that the period condition is met (YES in S12). Also, like in case A, the MFP application 142 identifies the first device information DI1 and the second device information DI2 as specific device information (S14) and determines that two or more pieces of specific device information have been identified (YES in S16).

[0062] The MFP application 142 determines that one piece of error device information has been identified (YES in S60, NO in S62 in FIG. 6). In this case, the MFP application 142 determines the first device information DI1, which is the error device information, as the target device information (S70).

[0063] The MFP application 142 uses the notification data MD2 in the second notification information NI2 and the model name "AAA" included in the target device information to display a notification screen 530 on the display unit 114 (S30 in FIG. 5). The notification screen 530 includes a message for urging the user to subscribe to the automatic shipping service and the model name "AAA" included in the target device information. As an example, the message is "Would you like to subscribe to the consumable automatic shipping service?" In this way, the MFP application 142 selectively displays the notification screen 530 corresponding to the model name "AAA" out of the model names "AAA" and "BBB" included in the second notification information NI2 on the display unit 114. Next, the MFP application 142 changes the display information associated with the second notification information NI2 to "Completed" in the reception information table 144 (S32).

[0064] When MFP application 142 accepts a user operation on notification screen 530, it sends a screen data request including model name "AAA" to second SP server 400. This screen data request is a signal requesting the transmission of screen data representing a subscription screen for subscribing to the auto-shipping service. When second SP server 400 receives the screen data request from PC 100, it identifies model name "AAA" in the request and sends second subscription screen data representing a second subscription screen corresponding to the identified model name "AAA" to PC 100. When MFP application 142 receives the second subscription screen data from second SP server 400, it displays the second subscription screen on display unit 114. Thereafter, when the user performs an operation on PC 100 to subscribe to the auto-shipping service, the user's subscription to the auto-shipping service is completed.

[0065] (Second display process; Figure 9) The second display process executed by the MFP application 142 of the PC 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The MFP application 142 executes the process of Fig. 9 when an operation on the notification button 508 (see Fig. 3) on the home screen SC6 is accepted.

[0066] In S110, the MFP application 142 identifies, from the received information table 144, one piece of notification information associated with the display information "Done", as the target notification information.

[0067] The processing contents of S112 to S114 are respectively the same as the processing contents of S12 to S16 in Fig. 5. If the MFP application 142 determines YES in S112, it proceeds to S114, and if it determines NO in S112, it proceeds to S130. Also, if the MFP application 142 determines YES in S116, it proceeds to S120, and if it determines NO in S116, it proceeds to S130.

[0068] In S130, the MFP application 142 determines whether or not checking has been completed for all notification information associated with the display information "Done" in the received information table 144. Specifically, the MFP application 142 determines whether or not the processes of S112 to S116 have been executed for all of the notification information. If the MFP application 142 determines that checking has been completed for all of the notification information (YES in S130), it ends the processing of FIG. 9. On the other hand, if the MFP application 142 determines that checking has not been completed for one or more pieces of notification information associated with the display information "Done" (NO in S130), it returns to S110.

[0069] In addition, in S120, the MFP application 142 executes a determination process (see FIG. 6) for determining target device information including a model name to be displayed on the notification list screen. The model name to be displayed on the notification list screen means the model name with the highest level of importance to be displayed.

[0070] In S122, the MFP application 142 temporarily stores the target notification information in the notification list in the memory 134.

[0071] In S124, the MFP application 142 first identifies the model name in the target device information determined in S120 as the target model name. Next, the MFP application 142 determines whether or not checking has been completed for all notification information in the received information table 144 that includes the target model name and is associated with display information "Done." Specifically, the MFP application 142 determines whether or not the processes in S112 to S116, or S142 (described later), have been executed for all of the notification information. If the MFP application 142 determines that checking has been completed for all of the notification information (YES in S124), the process proceeds to S126. On the other hand, if the MFP application 142 determines that checking has not been completed for one or more pieces of notification information that include the target model name and are associated with display information "Not yet" (NO in S124), the process proceeds to S140.

[0072] In S126, the MFP application 142 uses the notification list in memory 134 to display a notification list screen on the display unit 114. The notification list screen includes one or more notification screens that include the target model name. When S126 ends, the MFP application 142 ends the processing in FIG. 9.

[0073] Furthermore, in S140, the MFP application 142 identifies, from the received information table 144, one piece of notification information that includes the target model name and is associated with the display information "Done", as the target notification information.

[0074] The processing contents of S142 and S144 are the same as the processing contents of S112 and S122, respectively. If the MFP application 142 determines YES in S142, it proceeds to S144, and if the MFP application 142 determines NO in S142, it returns to S124. When S144 ends, the MFP application 142 returns to S124.

[0075] (Case C; Figure 10) With reference to Fig. 10, case C in which the notification list screen SC10 is displayed will be described. In the initial state of case C, the received information table 144 of the PC 100 stores first notification information NI1 (see Fig. 2) and display information "Done" in association with each other, and stores second notification information NI2 (see Fig. 2) and display information "Done" in association with each other. In addition, the device table 146 of the PC 100 stores first device information DI1 (see Fig. 2) and second device information DI2 (see Fig. 2) that include information similar to that of case A in Fig. 7. The date in case C is February 1, 2024.

[0076] When MFP application 142 of PC 100 accepts an operation on notification button 508 (see FIG. 3) on home screen SC6, it identifies first notification information NI1 in received information table 144 as the target notification information (S10 in FIG. 9), and determines that the period condition is met because today's date is February 1, 2024 (YES in S112). Next, MFP application 142 identifies first device information DI1 and second device information DI2 as specific device information (S114), and determines that one or more pieces of specific device information have been identified (YES in S116).

[0077] The MFP application 142 determines that two pieces of error device information have been identified (YES in S60 and YES in S62 in FIG. 6), and uses the two model names "AAA" and "BBB" to determine that the first device information DI1 containing the model name "AAA" is the target device information (S70). The MFP application 142 stores the first notification information NI1 in the notification list in memory 134 (S122 in FIG. 9). The MFP application 142 determines that the check on the second notification information NI2 containing the target model name "AAA" and associated with the display information "Completed" has not been completed (NO in S124).

[0078] The MFP application 142 identifies the second notification information NI2 in the received information table 144 as the target notification information (S140). Because today's date is February 1, 2024, it determines that the period condition is met (YES in S142) and adds the second notification information NI2 to the notification list (figure S144). Next, the MFP application 142 determines that checking of all notification information that includes the target model name "AAA" and is associated with display information "Done" has been completed (YES in S124). In this case, the MFP application 142 uses the notification data MD1 in the first notification information NI1, the notification data MD2 in the second notification information NI2, and the model name "AAA" to display a notification list screen SC10 on the display unit 114 (S126). The notification list screen SC10 includes a notification screen 540 corresponding to the notification data MD1, a notification screen 542 corresponding to the notification data MD2, and a back button 544. The content of notification screen 540 is the same as the content of notification screen 520 in Fig. 7. The content of notification screen 542 is the same as the content of notification screen 530 in Fig. 8. In this way, notification list screen SC10 includes only the notification screen corresponding to the model name "AAA" with high importance, and does not include the notification screen corresponding to the model name "BBB" with low importance. In other words, MFP application 142 displays only the notification screen corresponding to the model name "AAA" with high importance, but does not display the notification screen corresponding to the model name "BBB" with low importance.

[0079] (Effect of Case C) With the above configuration, when PC 100 receives first notification information NI1 specifying two model names from notification server 200, it uses the two pieces of status information to determine the model name "AAA" having the highest importance, and selectively displays notification screen 540 corresponding to model name "AAA" from among model names "AAA" and "BBB." Therefore, it is possible to provide an appropriate notification to the user.

[0080] As an example, a "computer" may include a CPU or the like.

[0081] (Correspondence) PC 100 is an example of a "terminal device." MFPs 10A and 10B are examples of a "device." The model name is an example of "identification information." Notification server 200 is an example of a "server." First notification information NI1 and second notification information NI2 are examples of "specific notification information." Status information is an example of "operation information." The model name included in the target device information is an example of "specific identification information." A notification screen corresponding to the model name included in the target device information is an example of a "specific notification." The model name is an example of "model identification information."

[0082] T32 in FIG. 3 is an example of processing executed by the "first storage control unit." S42 in FIG. 4 is an example of processing executed by the "notification information receiving unit." S20 in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are examples of processing executed by the "determining unit." S30 in FIG. 5 is an example of processing executed by the "first display control unit." S120 in FIG. 9 and FIG. 6 are examples of processing executed by the "determining unit." S126 in FIG. 9 is an example of processing executed by the "first display control unit."

[0083] (Second Example) A communication system 2 according to a second embodiment will now be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the device table 146 according to this embodiment further stores timing information indicating the registration date. The timing information is information indicating the date on which device information including this information was stored in the device table 146. In this embodiment, the MFP application 142 stores the timing information in the device table 146 in addition to the device name and model name at T26 in Fig. 3.

[0084] Furthermore, the MFP application 142 of this embodiment determines the target device information using the registration dates included in each of the two or more pieces of error device information in S70 of Fig. 6. Specifically, the MFP application 142 determines the device information including the most recent registration date among the two or more registration dates as the target device information.

[0085] As described above, when two pieces of error device information are identified, the target device information is determined using the registration date, making it possible to appropriately determine the model name with the highest importance.

[0086] (Third Example) A communication system 2 of a third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the device table 146 of this embodiment stores sheet count information indicating the number of printed sheets, instead of the status information of the first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, the management information (see T30 in FIG. 3) sent from the MFP 10A to the PC 100 includes remaining amount information and accumulated sheet count information indicating the accumulated number of printed sheets of the MFP 10A. In T32, the MFP application 142 uses the accumulated sheet count information to update the sheet count information in the device table. Furthermore, the MFP application 142 of this embodiment executes the determination process of FIG. 11 instead of the determination process of FIG. 6.

[0087] (Decision process; Figure 11) The determination process executed in S20 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0088] In S210, the MFP application 142 determines whether the type indicated by the type information included in the target notification information is "subscription." If the type is "subscription" (YES in S210), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S212. On the other hand, if the type is not "subscription" (NO in S210), the MFP application 142 proceeds to S214.

[0089] In S212, the MFP application 142 determines the target device information using the number of printed sheets included in each of the one or more pieces of specific device information identified in S14 of Fig. 5. Specifically, the MFP application 142 determines the device information including the number information indicating the largest number of printed sheets as the target device information. When S212 ends, the MFP application 142 ends the processing of Fig. 11.

[0090] In S214, the MFP application 142 determines the target device information using the remaining capacity included in each of the one or more pieces of specific device information identified in S14 of Fig. 5. Specifically, the MFP application 142 determines the device information including remaining capacity information indicating the smallest remaining capacity as the target device information. When S214 ends, the MFP application 142 ends the processing of Fig. 11.

[0091] As described above, by displaying a notification screen corresponding to the model name of the MFP showing the largest number of printed sheets, the likelihood that the user will perform an operation on the notification screen can be increased. In particular, when the notification screen includes information about a service for consumables, as in this embodiment, the likelihood that the user will perform an operation on the notification screen can be increased.

[0092] As described above, the MFP application 142 switches the information used to determine the target device information depending on the type included in the target notification information. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a more appropriate notification to the user.

[0093] (Correspondence) Quantity information is an example of "operation information." Quantity information is an example of "first type of operation information." Remaining amount information is an example of "first type of operation information." Notification information including the type "subscription" is an example of "first type of notification information." Notification information including the type "consumable" is an example of "second type of notification information."

[0094] (Fourth Example) A communication system 2 of a fourth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the device table 146 of this embodiment stores count information indicating the number of prints instead of the status information of the first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, the management information sent from the MFP 10A to the PC 100 (see T30 in FIG. 3) includes remaining amount information and accumulated count information indicating the accumulated number of prints in the MFP 10A. In T32, the MFP application 142 uses the accumulated count information to update the count information in the device table. Furthermore, the MFP application 142 of this embodiment executes the determination process of FIG. 12 instead of the determination process of FIG. 6.

[0095] (Decision process; Figure 12) The determination process executed in S20 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0096] In S310, the MFP application 142 determines the target device information using the count information included in each of the one or more pieces of specific device information identified in S14 of Fig. 5. Specifically, the MFP application 142 determines the device information including the count information indicating the greatest number of prints as the target device information. When S310 ends, the MFP application 142 ends the processing of Fig. 12.

[0097] As described above, by displaying a notification screen corresponding to the model name of the MFP that has the most prints, the likelihood that the user will perform an operation on the notification screen can be increased. In particular, when the notification screen includes information about consumable service, as in this embodiment, the likelihood that the user will perform an operation on the notification screen can be increased.

[0098] (Correspondence) The number of times information is an example of "operation information."

[0099] 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.

[0100] (First Modification) In the above embodiment, the servers 200, 300, and 400 are physical servers. However, the servers 200, 300, and 400 are not limited to physical servers and may be virtual servers or virtual machines on a cloud. That is, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for the servers 200, 300, and 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 each server 200, 300, and 400 and implement the program in the above environment to realize each server 200, 300, and 400. In another modification, the servers 200, 300, and 400 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business operator other than the vendor.

[0101] (Second Modification) The "device" is not limited to an MFP, but may be a printer with a printing function, a scanner with a scanning function, or the like.

[0102] (Third Modification) The "identification information" is not limited to the model name, but may be a serial number, a device name, a MAC address, a model name, or the like.

[0103] (Fourth Modification) In the above embodiment, PC 100 receives first notification information NI1, in which model names "AAA" and "BBB" are specified, from notification server 200. In a modification, PC 100 may receive third notification information from notification server 200, which includes a notification ID "ID1," a type "subscription," a model name "AAA," a device condition "remaining amount≦threshold," a period condition "2024 / 2 / 1 to 2024 / 2 / 10," and notification data MD1, and fourth notification information, which includes a notification ID "ID1," a type "subscription," a model name "BBB," a device condition "remaining amount≦threshold," a period condition "2024 / 2 / 1 to 2024 / 2 / 10," and notification data MD1. That is, PC 100 receives two pieces of notification information from notification server 200, which have the same information except for the one specified model name. In this modification, the MFP application 142 identifies the third notification information and the fourth notification information as target notification information in S10 etc. of Fig. 5. In this modification, the third notification information and the fourth notification information are examples of "specific notification information."

[0104] (Fifth Modification) In the first embodiment, when the model name includes a number, the MFP application 142 may identify the target device information by using the number included in the model name in S70 of Fig. 6. For example, when two or more model names are arranged in numerical order, the MFP application 142 determines the device information located at the top as the target device information.

[0105] (Sixth Modification) In the second embodiment, the MFP application 142 may determine, in S70 of FIG. 6, the device information including the timing information with the oldest registration date as the target device information.

[0106] (Seventh Modification) In the second embodiment, the "timing information" is not limited to information indicating the date, but may be information indicating the date, time, month, etc. Furthermore, the "timing information" may be information indicating the period of time since the device information was stored.

[0107] (Eighth Modification) In the third embodiment, instead of the sheet count information indicating the cumulative number of printed sheets, sheet count information indicating the number of printed sheets per unit period may be stored in the device table 146. In this modification, the MFP application 142 determines, as the target device information, device information including sheet count information indicating the largest number of printed sheets per unit period in S212 of FIG. 11. Also, in the third embodiment, instead of the remaining amount information, usage amount information indicating the usage amount of a color material cartridge per unit period may be stored in the device table 146. In this modification, the MFP application 142 determines, as the target device information, device information including usage amount information indicating the largest usage amount of a color material cartridge per unit period in S214 of FIG. 11.

[0108] (Ninth Modification) In the fourth embodiment, instead of the count information indicating the cumulative number of prints, count information indicating the number of prints per unit period may be stored in the device table 146. In this modification, in S310 of Fig. 12, the MFP application 142 determines the device information including the count information with the largest number of prints per unit period as the target device information.

[0109] (Tenth Modification) When an operation on the notification button 508 (see FIG. 3) on the home screen SC6 is accepted, the MFP application 142 executes the second display process of FIG. 13 instead of the second display process of FIG.

[0110] (Second display process; Figure 13) The second display process executed by the MFP application 142 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0111] The processing contents of S210 to S216 are the same as the processing contents of S110 to S116 in Fig. 9. If the MFP application 142 determines YES in S212, it proceeds to S214, and if it determines NO in S212, it proceeds to S230. Furthermore, if the MFP application 142 determines YES in S216, it proceeds to S222, and if it determines NO in S216, it proceeds to S230. S222 and S230 are the same as S122 and S130 in Fig. 9, respectively.

[0112] In S240, the MFP application 142 uses the notification list in the memory 134 to display the notification list screen on the display unit 114. When S240 ends, the MFP application 142 ends the processing of FIG.

[0113] 14, the notification list screen SC20 displayed in S240 will be described. The notification list screen SC20 is a screen that is displayed when the first notification information NI1 (see FIG. 2) and the display information "Done" are stored in association with each other in the received information table 144, and the first device information DI1 and the second device information DI2 in FIG. 2 are stored in the device table 146. In this case, in response to the execution of S210 to S230 in FIG. 13, the first notification information NI1 is stored in the notification list. Then, in S240, the MFP application 142 identifies the model names "AAA" and "BBB" included in the first notification information NI1 in the notification list, and displays the notification list screen SC20 on the display unit 114 using the notification data MD1 and the model names "AAA" and "BBB" in the first notification information NI1. The notification list screen SC20 includes a notification screen 550 corresponding to the model name "AAA," a notification screen 552 corresponding to the model name "BBB," and a back button 554. In this way, the notification list screen of this modified example includes notification screens corresponding to each of the multiple model names specified in one piece of notification information. With this configuration, the user can easily check the notification screens corresponding to the multiple model names specified in one piece of notification information.

[0114] (Eleventh Modification) In each of the above embodiments, the processes of Figures 3 to 14 are realized by software (e.g., programs 140, 142), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0115] 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.

[0116] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing, even if each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the fact that each claim can depend on only those some of the claims. To the extent that there is no technical contradiction, each claim can also depend on other claims that were not dependent at the time of filing. In other words, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) A computer program for a terminal device including a computer, a display unit, and a memory, The computer program causes the computer to: a first storage control unit that stores, in the memory, identification information relating to each of M1 devices (M1 is an integer of 2 or more) that can communicate with the terminal device and operation information of the device in association with each other; a notification information receiving unit that receives specific notification information with M1 pieces of identification information from the server; a determination unit that, when the specific notification information is received from the server, determines specific identification information having the highest importance from among the M1 pieces of identification information by using the operation information associated with each of the M1 pieces of identification information in the memory; a first display control unit that uses the specific notification information to selectively display a specific notification corresponding to the specific identification information among the M1 pieces of identification information on the display unit; A computer program that functions as a (Item 2) 2. The computer program according to item 1, wherein the specific notification includes the specific identification information and does not include any identification information other than the specific identification information. (Item 3) the operation information includes information indicating a status of a device; 3. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines, from among the M1 pieces of identification information, identification information associated with operation information indicating an error state as the specific identification information. (Item 4) the identification information includes a model identification of the device; Item 3. The computer program according to item 3, wherein the determination unit determines the specific identification information by using M2 model identification information associated with the M2 identification information when the operation information indicating the error state is associated with M2 identification information (M2 is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M1). (Item 5) The computer program further causes the computer to: a second storage control unit that stores, for each of the devices in M1, identification information related to the device and timing information indicating the timing at which the identification information was stored in the memory in association with each other; 5. The computer program according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines the specific identification information by using the timing information associated with each of the M2 pieces of identification information when the operation information indicating the error state is associated with M2 pieces of identification information (M2 is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M1). (Item 6) the operation information includes information indicating the amount of consumables used by the device; 6. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the determination unit determines, from among the M1 pieces of identification information, the identification information associated with operation information showing the greatest usage amount as the specific identification information. (Item 7) the operation information includes information indicating the number of times a specific function of the device has been used; The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the determination unit determines, from among the M1 pieces of identification information, the identification information associated with operation information indicating the greatest number of uses as the specific identification information. (Item 8) the operation information includes first type of operation information and second type of operation information different from the first type of operation information, The determination unit When the specific notification information is first type notification information, determining the specific identification information from among the M1 pieces of identification information using the first type of operation information in the memory; A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 7, which, when the specific notification information is second-type notification information different from the first-type notification information, determines the specific identification information from among the M1 pieces of identification information by using the second-type operation information in the memory. (Item 9) 9. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the specific notification has a pop-up display form. (Item 10) The computer program further causes the computer to: Item 9. The computer program of item 9, which functions as a second display control unit that, when a predetermined operation is accepted from a user after the specific notification information is received from the server, causes the display unit to display a notification list screen showing M1 notifications corresponding to the M1 identification information. (Item 11) the determination unit determines the specific identification information when a predetermined operation is accepted from a user after the specific notification information is received from the server; 11. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the first display control unit, when the predetermined operation is accepted from the user, causes the display unit to display a notification list screen showing two or more notifications corresponding to the specific identification information, the two or more notifications including the specific notification. (Item 12) 12. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the specific notification includes at least one of a notification regarding an automatic delivery service for consumables used by the device and a notification regarding a subscription service related to a specific function of the device. (Item 13) A terminal device, Memory and A display unit; a first storage control unit that stores, in the memory, identification information relating to each of M1 devices (M1 is an integer of 2 or more) that can communicate with the terminal device and operation information of the device in association with each other; a notification information receiving unit that receives specific notification information with M1 pieces of identification information from the server; a determination unit that, when the specific notification information is received from the server, determines specific identification information having the highest importance from among the M1 pieces of identification information by using the operation information associated with each of the M1 pieces of identification information in the memory; a first display control unit that uses the specific notification information to selectively display a specific notification corresponding to the specific identification information among the M1 pieces of identification information on the display unit; A terminal device comprising: (Item 14) A method for controlling a terminal device having a display unit and a memory, comprising: The method comprises: a first storage control step of storing, in the memory, identification information relating to each of M1 devices (M1 is an integer of 2 or more) that can communicate with the terminal device and operation information of the device in association with each other; a notification information receiving step of receiving specific notification information specifying M1 pieces of identification information from the server; a determination step of determining, when the specific notification information is received from the server, a specific identification information having the highest importance from among the M1 pieces of identification information by using the operation information associated with each of the M1 pieces of identification information in the memory; a first display control step of selectively displaying a specific notification corresponding to the specific identification information among the M1 pieces of identification information on the display unit by using the specific notification information; A method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10A: MFP, 10B: MFP, 100: PC, 112: Operation unit, 114: Display unit, 120: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 140: OS program, 142: MFP application, 144: Reception information table, 146: Device table, 200: Notification server, 234: Memory, 240: Notification information table, 300: First SP server, 400: Second SP server, 500: Device object, 502: Print button, 504: Scan button, 506: Search button, 508: Notification button, 520: Notification screen, 530: Notification screen, 540: Notification screen, 542: Notification screen, 544: Back button, 550: Notification screen, 552: Notification screen, 554: Back button

Claims

1. A computer program for a terminal device including a computer, a display unit, and a memory, The computer program causes the computer to: a first storage control unit that stores, in the memory, identification information related to each of M1 devices (M1 is an integer of 2 or more) that can communicate with the terminal device and operation information of the device in association with each other; a notification information receiving unit that receives specific notification information with M1 pieces of identification information specified therein from a server; a determination unit that, when the specific notification information is received from the server, determines specific identification information having the highest importance from among the M1 pieces of identification information by using the operation information associated with each of the M1 pieces of identification information in the memory; a first display control unit that uses the specific notification information to selectively display a specific notification corresponding to the specific identification information among the M1 pieces of identification information on the display unit; A computer program that functions as a

2. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the specific notification includes the specific identification information and does not include any other identification information than the specific identification information.

3. the operation information includes information indicating a status of a device; The computer program according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines, as the specific identification information, from among the M1 pieces of identification information, identification information associated with operation information indicating an error state.

4. the identification information includes a model identification of the device; 4. The computer program according to claim 3, wherein when the operation information indicating the error state is associated with M2 pieces of identification information (M2 is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M1), the determination unit determines the specific identification information by using M2 pieces of model identification information associated with the M2 pieces of identification information.

5. The computer program further causes the computer to: a second storage control unit that stores, for each of the devices of the M1, identification information related to the device and timing information indicating the timing at which the identification information was stored in the memory in association with each other; The computer program of claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines the specific identification information by using the timing information associated with each of the M2 identification information when the operation information indicating the error state is associated with M2 identification information (M2 is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M1).

6. the operation information includes information indicating the amount of consumables used by the device; The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines, as the specific identification information, the identification information associated with operation information indicating the greatest amount of usage from among the M1 pieces of identification information.

7. the operation information includes information indicating the number of times a specific function of the device has been used; The computer program according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines, as the specific identification information, the identification information associated with operation information indicating a maximum number of uses from among the M1 pieces of identification information.

8. the operation information includes first type of operation information and second type of operation information different from the first type of operation information, The determination unit When the specific notification information is first type notification information, determining the specific identification information from among the M1 pieces of identification information using the first type of operation information in the memory; 2. The computer program of claim 1, wherein when the specific notification information is a second type of notification information different from the first type of notification information, the specific identification information is determined from the M1 pieces of identification information using the second type of operation information in the memory.

9. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the specific notification has a pop-up display form.

10. The computer program further causes the computer to:

10. The computer program of claim 9, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display, on the display unit, a notification list screen showing M1 notifications corresponding to the M1 identification information when a predetermined operation is accepted from a user after the specific notification information is received from the server.

11. the determination unit determines the specific identification information when a predetermined operation is accepted from a user after the specific notification information is received from the server; 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein, when the predetermined operation is accepted from the user, the first display control unit causes the display unit to display a notification list screen showing two or more notifications corresponding to the specific identification information, the two or more notifications including the specific notification.

12. The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the specific notifications include at least one of notifications regarding an automatic shipment service for consumables utilized by the device and notifications regarding a subscription service related to a specific function of the device.

13. A terminal device, Memory and A display unit; a first storage control unit that stores, in the memory, identification information related to each of M1 devices (M1 is an integer of 2 or more) that can communicate with the terminal device and operation information of the device in association with each other; a notification information receiving unit that receives specific notification information with M1 pieces of identification information specified therein from a server; a determination unit that, when the specific notification information is received from the server, determines specific identification information having the highest importance from among the M1 pieces of identification information by using the operation information associated with each of the M1 pieces of identification information in the memory; a first display control unit that uses the specific notification information to selectively display a specific notification corresponding to the specific identification information among the M1 pieces of identification information on the display unit; A terminal device comprising:

14. A method for controlling a terminal device having a display unit and a memory, comprising: The method comprises: a first storage control step of storing, in the memory, identification information relating to each of M1 devices (M1 being an integer of 2 or more) that can communicate with the terminal device and operation information of the device in association with each other; a notification information receiving step of receiving specific notification information specifying M1 pieces of identification information from a server; a determination step of determining, when the specific notification information is received from the server, specific identification information having the highest importance from among the M1 pieces of identification information by using the operation information associated with each of the M1 pieces of identification information in the memory; a first display control step of selectively displaying a specific notification corresponding to the specific identification information among the M1 pieces of identification information on the display unit by using the specific notification information; A method comprising:

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