Information processing device, method of controlling information processing device, and program

Abstract

To give a user a guidance to change settings in a further suitable manner according to the capability of a communication device under the circumstances in which the authority of limiting functions related to setting change of the communication device is set.SOLUTION: A CPU 103 displays an approval acceptance screen for accepting operation indicative of user's agreement on approval details related to transmission of information by a communication device. The CPU 103 transmits to the communication device a request to record information showing an approval situation corresponding to the operation accepted through the approval reception screen in the communication device. The CPU 103 performs control to display a guide showing an operation method for saving the approval situation in the communication device in a state in which the authority of the communication device is a first setting on receiving from the communication device a response of nonacceptance of the request since the user authority of the communication device is the first setting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) provides a high-value-added service using a communication device such as a printer with a communication function, a registration process is performed to start providing the service using the information processing device and the communication device. Services are typically provided to users by service providers for a fee. A paid service is a high-value-added / high-function service that is provided to users in exchange for paying a fee corresponding to the service when using the communication device. For example, a service commonly provided in recent years is a so-called subscription service, in which users who have registered various information can enjoy a specific value by periodically paying a fixed amount to the service provider. When a subscription service is provided, information such as the user's address, payment method, and information about the communication device receiving the service (such as the identification information of the communication device) is registered with a server (service management server) that manages the service. By registering such information, the service usage status and whether or not the service is required are confirmed based on the information, and the service is provided as needed within the scope of the contract.

[0003] On the other hand, in recent years, information that is not treated as personal information by itself, such as the above-mentioned identification information of a communication device, is increasingly being treated as personal information when it is registered in association with other personal information, as it may be used to identify the personal information in question. Therefore, when a service provider acquires such information from a user, the purpose and use of the information are disclosed (information collection consent document), and the user's consent to the information collection consent document is accepted. In particular, in order for a communication device to transmit such information directly to a server without going through an information processing device, the communication device must display the consent and obtain consent from the user. Obtaining the user's consent allows the communication device to transmit information to the server. Furthermore, although the service registration process including the information collection permission can sometimes be performed by a communication device, the communication device often has a low display capability for the screen used to present information, making it difficult for the user to operate the device, as the information collection permission statement may be difficult to display or read. To address this situation, an information processing device with a rich display is often used to perform the service registration process. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that uses the display of the information processing device to present information to the user instead of the screen of the communication device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-109429 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It may not be desirable for any user to be able to change some settings, such as information transmission settings, of the communication device. For example, when a communication device is used for company business, it is generally considered a security risk to transmit information to a server outside the company. For this reason, a user (administrator) may be designated as the person responsible for managing the communication device, and the ability to change the settings of the communication device may be restricted to only the administrator. One method for restricting setting changes to only the administrator is to use authentication based on a password that is notified only to the administrator. In this case, setting changes are permitted only if the administrator is successfully authenticated. For convenience, this state in which operations permitted to users with specific privileges (e.g., users with administrator privileges) are enabled through authentication or the like is also referred to as administrator mode. On the other hand, when the administrator mode of the communication device is enabled, the information processing device may be restricted from changing the information transmission settings of the communication device. In such cases, an error message may be displayed on the information processing device indicating that the service registration process or the change of the information transmission settings cannot be performed. However, the user may not be able to determine what action to take based on the error message alone. Furthermore, when signing up for a paid service, it is desirable to perform tasks that can only be performed on the information processing device on the information processing device and tasks that can only be performed on the communication device on the communication device. In some cases, the registration process cannot be completed unless the user operates both devices. Furthermore, if the communication device only has a display with low display capabilities, it may be difficult for the user to perform the above operations.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide users with guidance regarding setting changes in a more suitable manner, depending on the capabilities of the communication device, in a situation where authority has been set to limit functions related to changing the settings of the communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device of the present invention is characterized by having a display control means for displaying a permission acceptance screen for accepting an operation indicating a user's consent to the permission content regarding the communication device transmitting information, a transmission means for transmitting to the communication device a request to record information indicating the permission status corresponding to the operation accepted by the permission acceptance means in the communication device, and a control means for controlling, when a response is received from the communication device indicating that the request cannot be accepted because the setting regarding the user authority of the communication device is set to a first setting, to display a guide indicating an operation method for saving the permission status in the communication device from a state in which the authority of the communication device is set to the first setting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, in a situation where authority is set to restrict functions related to changing the settings of a communication device, it is possible to provide guidance to the user regarding the setting changes in a more suitable manner depending on the capabilities of the communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a change acceptance screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit of a printing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an information transmission permission change acceptance screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation operation guide screen for the result of approval. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a permission operation guide screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an administrator mode release guide screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a printing device. [Figure 10]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a printing device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a printing device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an administrator mode screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention also includes appropriate modifications and improvements to the embodiments described below based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art, provided that the modifications and improvements do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0011] An information processing device and a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, in this embodiment, an example in which a smartphone is used as the information processing device will be described, but this does not limit the type of device used as the information processing device. For example, various devices, such as a mobile terminal, a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a digital camera, can be used as the information processing device. Also, in this embodiment, an example in which a printing device is used as the communication device will be described, but the type of device used as the communication device is not limited as long as it is capable of communicating (e.g., wirelessly) with the information processing device. Specific examples of printing devices include inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, and monochrome printers. Furthermore, various devices, such as copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, laptop PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, and smart speakers, can be used as communication devices. In addition, a multifunction peripheral having multiple functions, such as a copying function, a fax function, and a printing function, can also be used as the communication device.

[0012] In addition, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which a service related to the use of a printing device is applied as a paid service. In this case, the paid service corresponds to a high-value-added / high-function service that is provided to a user in exchange for paying a fee corresponding to the service when using the printing device. For example, there is what is called a subscription service, which has become common in recent years. A subscription service is a service that is provided to a user in exchange for the user paying a fixed amount to a service provider on a regular basis (for example, monthly). For example, an example of a subscription service related to a printing device is a service in which, by paying a fixed amount to a service provider, ink is delivered to a location specified by the user before it runs out, without the user having to purchase it personally. When a subscription service is provided, information such as the user's address, payment method, and information about the printing device receiving the service are registered (service registration) with a server (service management server) that manages the service. After service registration, the printing device or information processing device sends the usage status of the printing device (remaining ink amount, etc.) to the service management server, which then checks whether the usage is within the scope of the service contract and provides the service (ink delivery, etc.) within the scope and as needed.

[0013] First, an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to this embodiment, a printing device capable of communicating with the information processing device, and a service management server will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Note that, although various explanations will be given using the configuration shown in Fig. 1 as an example in this embodiment, the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to any device capable of communicating with a printing device, and the functions are not particularly limited to those shown in Fig. 1.

[0014] The information processing device 101 is an example of an information processing device according to this embodiment. The information processing device 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, and a communication unit 110. The CPU 103, the ROM 104, the RAM 105, and the like form a computer of the information processing device 101.

[0015] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data inputs and operation instructions from a user by operating an operation unit such as a keyboard 109. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard, physical buttons, etc., or a soft keyboard, soft buttons, etc. displayed on the display unit 108. In other words, the input interface 102 may receive inputs from a user via the display unit 108.

[0016] The CPU 103 is a system control unit that controls the overall operation of the information processing device 101, such as the execution of application programs. The CPU 103 also executes various processes for starting the provision of paid services by the printing device 151. Specifically, the CPU 103 executes an application program for transmitting information acquired by the information processing device 101 through communication with the printing device 151, and personal information of users acquired by the information processing device 101, to the service management server 180. Hereinafter, for convenience, this application program will also be referred to as a service registration app. The service registration app may also have functions other than the registration function. As a specific example, the service registration app may have a function for causing the printing device 151 to execute printing, a function for checking the status of the printing device 151, and the like. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and embedded operating system (hereinafter also referred to as OS) programs executed by the CPU 103. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104. The RAM 105 can be realized by an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) that requires a backup power source. The RAM 105 retains data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, so it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing the data. The RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the information processing device 101, management data for the information processing device 101, and the like. The RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 103. The external storage device 106 is a storage area in which various data and programs are stored. For example, the external storage device 106 may store a service registration application, a print information generation program that generates print information that can be interpreted by the printing device 151, and the like. The service registration application may be stored in the external storage device 106 by being installed from an external server (not shown) via Internet communication via the communication unit 110, for example.

[0017] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data, notify the status of the information processing device 101, and the like. The display unit 108 is realized by an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), or the like, and displays data, notifies the status of the information processing device 101, and the like.

[0018] The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to devices such as the printing device 151, the access point 131, and the service management server 180 via a network and to execute data communication with these devices. For example, the communication unit 110 may be configured to be connectable to an access point (not shown) within the printing device 151. Furthermore, the communication unit 110 may have an access point within the information processing device 101 for connecting to devices such as the printing device 151. This access point corresponds to an access point for realizing communication generally referred to as tethering. For example, the communication unit 156 of the printing device 151 may be connected to the access point. In this case, the communication unit 110 enables the access point, causing the information processing device 101 to operate as an access point. Furthermore, connecting the communication unit 156 to the access point within the communication unit 110 enables the information processing device 101 and the printing device 151 to communicate with each other. Furthermore, when the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101 is connected to the Internet, the printing device 151 can also connect to the Internet via the information processing device 101. In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 and the printing device 151 communicate with other devices via external devices that exist outside of these devices. The external devices here may include external access points (such as the access point 131) that exist outside of the information processing device 101 and the printing device 151, respectively, and devices that can relay communication other than the access point. An example of the access point 131 is a device such as a wireless LAN router. A method in which the information processing device 101 and the printing device 151 connect via an external access point is called an infrastructure connection method.

[0019] The printing device 151 corresponds to an example of a printing device according to this embodiment. The printing device 151 includes a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, an output interface 157, a display unit 158, an input interface 159, and an operation unit 160. The ROM 152, RAM 153, and CPU 154 form a computer of the printing device 151.

[0020] Input interface 159 is an interface for receiving data input and operational instructions from a user by operating operation unit 160. Operation unit 160 may be a physical keyboard, physical buttons, etc., or a soft keyboard, soft buttons, etc. displayed on display unit 158. In other words, input interface 159 may receive input from a user via display unit 158.

[0021] The communication unit 156 may have an access point for directly connecting to another device via wireless LAN as an access point inside the printing device 151. A method for connecting to another device using the access point of the printing device without going through an external access point is called a direct connection method. In this case, the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101 can also connect to the access point. The communication unit 156 can also connect to the access point 131 (also called an infrastructure connection method). Each communication unit is assigned a Media Access Control (MAC) address. A MAC address is an identifier used to identify a communication unit, and is uniquely assigned to all devices, including printing devices and information processing devices. Therefore, it is often used to identify individual devices (also referred to as device identification information). In this embodiment, the device identification information is a MAC address, but is not limited to this. For example, a manufacturing number (serial number) assigned to a printing device may also be used as device identification information.

[0022] The output interface 157 is an interface that controls the display unit 158 ​​to display data and notify the status of the printing device 151 . The display unit 158 ​​is realized by an LED (light emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the printing device 151, etc.

[0023] The RAM 153 can be realized by an SRAM or the like that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 153 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing it. The RAM 153 also has a memory area for storing device information about the printing device 151 and setting information that affects the operation of the device. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 154, and can store various information such as printing conditions received from the information processing device 101, etc. ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by CPU 154. Each control program stored in ROM 152 controls software execution, such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing, under the management of the embedded OS stored in ROM 152. ROM 152 also stores a serial number for identifying the printing device. The serial number is uniquely assigned by the printing device manufacturer to identify the printing device. Therefore, the serial number can be used as device identification information. ROM 152 may also store information such as ink usage status and remaining amount. The CPU 154 is a system control unit that controls the overall operation of the printing device 151. The CPU 154 also executes processes such as transmitting information required for service registration, which will be described later, to the service management server. The print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording agent such as ink to the recording medium based on information stored in the RAM 153 and a print job received from the information processing device 101, etc., and outputs the print result. The CPU 154 also collects information on the ink usage status and remaining amount from the print engine 155 and stores it in the ROM 152. The CPU 154 converts information such as device identification information and remaining ink amount stored in the ROM 152 and communication unit 156 of the printing device 151 into data in a predetermined format that can be recognized by the service management server 180, and transmits the data to the service management server 180. Such information is transmitted, for example, when the information processing device 101 instructs the execution of a service registration process or the like, or when the service usage status is periodically transmitted to the service management server 180. Note that the transmission of this information is performed on the premise that the user has given prior permission for the printing device to transmit information, and settings related to permission for information transmission (hereinafter also referred to as information transmission settings) are stored in the ROM 152, etc.

[0024] Note that a memory such as an external HDD or SD card may be attached as an optional device to the printing device 151. In this case, the information stored in the printing device 151 may be stored in the memory.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, an example of the processing of the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the information collection permission change processing in the service registration processing. The series of processing shown in FIG. 2 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading into the RAM 105 a program of a service registration application stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device 106, or the like, and executing the program. Furthermore, in this embodiment, various explanations will be given focusing on an example in which the target service transmits information such as ink usage of a printing device and identification information of the printing device to a service management server. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the series of processing shown in FIG. 2 is automatically started when the service registration application is launched. However, this example is merely an example and does not limit the start conditions of the series of processing shown in FIG. 2. As a specific example, the series of processing shown in FIG. 2 may be started when a specific process of the service registration application, such as a predetermined operation for network setup of the printing device (hereinafter also referred to as a setting operation), is performed. As another example, the series of processing shown in FIG. 2 may be started in response to an instruction from a specific application. Furthermore, the function of the service registration application may be included as one function of another application, such as a printing application. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 103 of the information processing device 101 actually performs the series of processes, but for convenience, the description will be given assuming that the service registration application performs the processes.

[0026] First, in S200, the service registration application communicates with the printing device 151 and acquires the permission status of the information transmission setting from the printing device 151. The information transmission setting is a setting related to permission for the printing device 151 to transmit information about the printing device 151 to the service management server, and the permission status indicating whether permission has been granted is set. Normally, the initial setting is not permission. When the service registration application acquires the permission status of the information transmission setting, the process proceeds to S201. In S201, the service registration application determines whether the permission status of the information transmission setting acquired in S200 is "permitted." If the service registration application determines that the permission status is "permitted," it ends the series of processes shown in Fig. 2 and continues to execute the remaining processes of the service registration process. If not, that is, if it determines that the permission status is "not permitted," it proceeds to S202.

[0027] In S202, the service registration application displays an information transmission permission change acceptance screen on its own UI. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the change acceptance screen 300 displayed on the UI of the service registration application in S202. The information transmission permission text is displayed in a text display area 301. From this text, the user can confirm, for example, that information such as the identification information of the printing device 151 will be sent to the service management server and the purpose for which it will be used. If the "Agree" button 302 is pressed, the service registration application determines that the transmission of information to the service management server has been accepted, and if the "Disagree" button 303 is pressed, it determines that the acceptance has not been accepted (that the acceptance has not been accepted). When the service registration application detects that either button has been pressed, it controls the change acceptance screen 300 so that it is not displayed, and then proceeds to S203.

[0028] In S203, the service registration app stores information indicating whether or not the printing device 151 is permitted to transmit information to the service management server as a permission result in ROM 104, in accordance with the button (either permit or deny) pressed by the user on the change reception screen 300. In this embodiment, information regarding permission to transmit information to the service management server by the communication device is stored, but the stored information is not limited to this. For example, if the information transmission permission statement requests permission to transmit both information about the information processing device 101 and information about the information processing device 101 to the service management server, it may be used as the information transmission permission for the information processing device 101. After the service registration app stores the permission result for information transmission in ROM 104, the process proceeds to S204.

[0029] In S204, the service registration app transmits the permission result for information transmission stored in S203 to the printing device 151 via the communication unit 110, thereby instructing the printing device 151 to change the information transmission settings. After transmitting the information to the printing device 151, the service registration app proceeds to S205. The printing device 151 receives the instruction to change the information transmission settings via the communication unit 156, and determines whether or not to change the settings of the printing device 151 based on the permission result indicated by the instruction, through processing described separately below. The printing device 151 then responds to the information processing device 101 with the result of the change instruction via the communication unit 156. In S205, the service registration application receives from the printing device 151 a result of whether or not the information transmission settings of the printing device 151 have been changed in response to the instruction to change the information transmission settings in S204. Upon receiving the result of the instruction to change the information transmission settings, the service registration application proceeds to S206.

[0030] In S206, the service registration application refers to the result of the information transmission change instruction received in S205 and determines whether the printing device 151 has changed the information transmission settings of the printing device 151 in accordance with the change instruction. If the service registration application determines that the printing device 151 has changed the information transmission settings in accordance with the change instruction, the process proceeds to S207; otherwise, that is, if the service registration application determines that the printing device 151 has not followed the change instruction, the process proceeds to S209.

[0031] In S207, the service registration app determines whether or not it has sent information indicating permission to transmit information to the printing device 151. The service described in this embodiment requires that information such as the amount of ink used by the printing device 151 and identification information of the printing device 151 be sent to the service management server. Therefore, if the service registration app sends information indicating denial of permission to transmit information to the printing device 151, execution of the service registration process is restricted, and therefore the service registration app displays an error in S208 and ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the service registration app also does not execute any subsequent service registration processes. Furthermore, if the service registration app has sent information indicating permission to transmit information to the printing device 151, it ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 2 and continues to execute the service registration process.

[0032] In S209, the service registration application determines, based on the result of the information transmission change instruction acquired in S206, whether the reason for not being able to comply with the change instruction is an authority error, such as an inability to communicate with the printing device 151. If the service registration application determines that the reason for not being able to comply with the change instruction is not an authority error, it proceeds to S208 and displays an error. On the other hand, if the operating mode of the printing device 151 is in the administration mode, an authority error occurs and the change instruction from the service registration application is not accepted. This is to prevent the user using the service registration application from being a user other than a user with administrator authority (hereinafter also referred to as the administrator) and from changing the settings of the printing device 151 unintentionally by the administrator. Note that in conventional systems, the user is notified of the authority error and the series of processes is terminated, and the service registration process cannot be performed if the operating user is the administrator. On the other hand, in this embodiment, if the service registration application acquires an authority error from the printing device 151, it proceeds to S210. The authority that does not include the administrator authority corresponds to an example of the first authority, and the authority that includes the administrator authority corresponds to an example of the second authority.

[0033] In S210, the service registration application acquires the permission format for information transmission from the printing device 151. When the service described in this embodiment is implemented, permission for information transmission from the printing device 151 is requested, and information indicating a method for changing the permission using the printing device 151 is acquired from the printing device 151. As explained in S202, obtaining permission to transmit information requires that the user confirm the information transmission permission statement, and this also applies to the printing device 151. On the other hand, if the display capability of the display unit of the printing device 151 is low, it may be difficult to display the information transmission permission statement in a manner that the user can confirm without burden. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the display unit 158 ​​of the printing device 151 is implemented as a display capable of displaying only about two lines of text (a two-line display). The text of the information transmission permission generally describes the type of information, how it is used, and so on, and tends to be lengthy. Therefore, even if the text of the information transmission permission were displayed on a two-line display, the user would be required to perform cumbersome operations, such as scrolling through the text within a limited display area, which may make it practically difficult to read the text. Furthermore, some printing devices 151 may not have a display, making it difficult to even display the information transmission permission text. In this embodiment, this information transmission permission format in which it is difficult to change the information transmission permission settings on the printing device 151 alone is defined as permission format 3. On the other hand, when a text display area 501 capable of displaying more information than a two-line display is provided, as in the information transmission permission change acceptance screen 500 shown in Fig. 5, it is possible to display the information transmission permission text and have the user confirm whether or not the information transmission is permitted. In this way, the information transmission permission format when a display area large enough to allow the user to confirm the information transmission permission text (at least a display area larger than permission format 3) is provided is defined as permission format 2 in this embodiment. In permission format 3, it is also possible to apply control such that the information transmission permission text is displayed in the service registration application, and the decision on whether to permit or not permit the information transmission is made by a user operation on the printing device 151. This type of permission format for information transmission is defined as permission format 1 in this embodiment. When the service registration application acquires the permission format for information transmission from the printing device 151, the process proceeds to S211.

[0034] In S211, the service registration application determines whether the permission format for information transmission from the printing device 151 is permission format 1. If the service registration application determines that the permission format for information transmission from the printing device 151 is permission format 1, the process proceeds to S212; otherwise, the process proceeds to S220.

[0035] The process of S212 is executed when the permission format for information transmission from the printing device 151 is permission format 1. In this case, the permission text for information transmission from the printing device 151 has already been displayed in S202, and the user's selection of permission / denial has been saved as the permission result in S203. In administrator mode, rewriting of the permission result of the printing device 151 from the service registration app is restricted, so confirmation of the permission result is completed by operating the printing device 151. In this embodiment, the permission result is confirmed when it is detected that the OK button on the printing device 151 has been pressed by the user. However, the OK button on the printing device 151 is not limited to being used only as a button for permission, but is also used for other functions of the printing device 151, such as printing. Therefore, the service registration app sends an instruction to the printing device 151 via the communication unit 110 to transition to the permission result confirmation mode, so that the OK button on the printing device 151 is used to confirm the permission result. At this time, the service registration application also transmits the information indicating permission or denial acquired as information indicating the permission result in S203 to the printing device 151. When the service registration application completes the instruction to transition to the permission result confirmation mode, the process proceeds to S213. In S213, the service registration application acquires information indicating whether the printing device 151 has been able to transition to the permission result confirmation mode. After acquiring the information, the service registration application proceeds to S214. Note that a setting that restricts execution of a specific function to users without administrator privileges (or applications or services running with the user's privileges), such as when administrator mode is enabled, corresponds to an example of a first setting. For example, in this embodiment, under the application of the first setting in which administrator mode is enabled, operations from users, applications, services, etc. that do not have administrator privileges on the printing device 151 are restricted. In contrast to this, a setting that allows execution of a specific function to users without administrator privileges, such as when administrator mode is disabled, corresponds to an example of a second setting.

[0036] In S214, the service registration application determines whether or not the transition to the permission result confirmation mode was successful based on the transition result of the permission result confirmation mode acquired in S213. If the service registration application determines that the transition to the permission result confirmation mode was not successful, the process proceeds to S208, where an error is displayed and the series of processes shown in Fig. 2 is terminated, and the service registration process is terminated. On the other hand, if the service registration application determines that the transition to the permission result confirmation mode was successful, the process proceeds to S215.

[0037] In S215, the service registration application causes the printing device 151 to display, on the UI, an operation guide for finalizing the result of the permission. 6 shows an example of an operation guide screen 600 for confirming the permission result when information transmission is permitted as the permission result. The operation guide 601 displays an explanatory message urging the user to press the OK button on the printing device 151. The explanatory message changes depending on the permission result transmitted. In addition, a reconfirmation button 602 is provided so that the user can reconfirm the information transmission permission message. When the reconfirmation button 602 is pressed, the reception screen displayed in S202 of FIG. 2 is displayed again (not shown). In S216, the service registration app periodically communicates with the printing device 151 via the communication unit 110 to check whether the OK button has been pressed on the printing device 151. When the service registration app checks that the OK button has been pressed on the printing device 151, it hides the confirmation operation guide screen 600 and proceeds to S217. Note that if the cancel button 603 has been pressed, the service registration app proceeds to S208 (not shown).

[0038] In S217, the service registration app determines whether or not permission for information transmission has been given. If the service registration app determines that a confirmation operation indicating permission for information transmission has been performed, it is difficult to execute the service registration process, so the service registration app displays an error in S208 and terminates the series of processes shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the service registration app also does not execute the subsequent service registration process. On the other hand, if the service registration app determines that a confirmation operation indicating permission has been performed, it terminates the series of processes shown in Fig. 2 and continues to execute the subsequent service registration process. By applying such control, even if the service registration app restricts changes to the information transmission permission settings of printing device 151, the user can continue service registration by simply operating printing device 151. In this case, there is no need to disable administrator mode, so the service registration process can be performed without lowering the security level.

[0039] In S220, the service registration application determines whether the permission format for information transmission from the printing device 151 is permission format 2. If the service registration application determines that the permission format for information transmission from the printing device 151 is permission format 2, the process proceeds to S221; otherwise, the process proceeds to S230.

[0040] In S221, the service registration application displays a message (operation guide) on the UI prompting the user to perform an operation to permit information transmission in the printing device 151. 7 shows an example of a permission operation guide screen 700 that displays a message prompting the user to perform an operation to permit information transmission on the printing device 151. When a link 702 to the online manual is pressed, the service registration app displays on the UI a web manual that explains operations related to permitting / denying permission for information transmission by operating the display or buttons of the printing device 151. In S222, the service registration app periodically communicates with the printing device 151 via the communication unit 110 to check whether the permission operation has been performed on the printing device 151 (i.e., whether the operation prompted to the user via the permission operation guide screen 700 has been performed). If the service registration app confirms that the permission operation has been performed on the printing device 151, it hides the permission operation guide screen 700 and proceeds to S217. If the cancel button 703 is pressed, the service registration app proceeds to S208 (not shown). By applying such control, even if the service registration app restricts changes to the information transmission permission settings of printing device 151, service registration can be continued by prompting the user to perform an operation on printing device 151. In this case, there is no need to cancel administrator mode, so the service registration process can be performed without lowering the security level.

[0041] The processing of S230 is executed when the permission format for information transmission of the printing device 151 is permission format 3. In S230, the service registration application displays on the UI a message (operation guide) prompting the user to cancel administrator mode on the printing device 151. In this case, because the administrator mode restricts changes to the information collection permission settings of the printing device 151 from the service registration application, the user is guided to cancel administrator mode until service registration is complete. 8 shows an example of an administrator mode release guide screen 800 on which a message prompting the user to release the administrator mode on the printing device 151 is displayed. When the link 802 to the online manual is pressed, the service registration app displays on the UI a web manual that shows how to release the administrator mode by operating the display or buttons on the printing device 151. This allows the user to release the administrator mode on the printing device 151 by following the guide shown in the web manual. When the close button 303 is pressed, the service registration app ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 2 and then ends the service registration process. In this case, the user will cancel administrator mode according to the instructions in administrator mode cancellation guide 801 and then execute the service registration process again. This makes it possible to notify the user that they must cancel administrator mode in order to register for a service, even if the service registration app restricts changes to the information transmission permission settings of printing device 151. Note that in this case, because temporarily canceling administrator mode lowers the security level, a message to that effect or a message urging the user to reset administrator mode after service registration may be displayed to the user.

[0042] 9, an example of the processing of the printing device 151 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the processing flow of the printing device 151 for changing the information transmission permission when an instruction to change the information transmission permission is received from the information processing device 101 during the service registration processing. The series of processing shown in FIG. 9 is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 reading a program stored in the ROM 152 or the like into the RAM 153 and executing it.

[0043] In S901, the CPU 154 determines whether the printing device 151 is in administrator mode. If the CPU 154 determines that the printing device 151 is in administrator mode, the process proceeds to S904. If the CPU 154 determines that the printing device 151 is not in administrator mode, that is, if the CPU 154 determines that the printing device 151 is not in administrator mode, the process proceeds to S902.

[0044] In S902, since the CPU 154 is not in administrator mode, it changes the information transmission settings of the printing device 151 based on the information indicating permission or denial of information transmission instructed by the information processing device 101. In S903, when the change of the information transmission setting in S902 is completed, the CPU 154 returns information indicating that the change of the information transmission setting was successful to the information processing device 101. Then, the CPU 154 ends the series of processes shown in Fig. 9. Note that if the information transmission setting is permitted, the service registration process of the printing device 151 continues thereafter, but if the information transmission setting is not permitted, the service registration process is not executed.

[0045] In S904, the CPU 154 is in administrator mode and therefore cannot follow the information transmission change instruction from the information processing device 101. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 154 returns an authority error to the information processing device 101. Then, the CPU 154 ends the series of processes shown in Fig. 9. However, if the information transmission setting has already been permitted, the CPU 154 may continue to execute the service registration process. Furthermore, if the information transmission setting has not been permitted, the CPU 154 does not execute the service registration process.

[0046] 10, an example of the processing of the printing device 151 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the processing when an instruction to transition to the permission result confirmation mode is received from the information processing device 101 during the service registration processing. The series of processing shown in FIG. 10 is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 reading a program stored in the ROM 152 or the like into the RAM 153 and executing it.

[0047] In S1000, the CPU 154 determines whether the printing device 151 is in administrator mode. If the CPU 154 determines that the printing device 151 is in administrator mode, the process proceeds to S1001; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1003.

[0048] In S1001, when in administrator mode, CPU 154 displays an administrator password input screen (not shown) to confirm whether the user operating the permission result confirmation mode is the administrator. Then, CPU 154 accepts input of an administrator password from the user via the administrator password input screen. In S1002, CPU 154 determines whether the correct administrator password was entered in S1001. If CPU 154 determines that the correct administrator password was entered, it proceeds to S1003; if not, it accepts a password re-entry from the user or an instruction to interrupt the process. If CPU 154 accepts an instruction to interrupt the process from the user, it returns a failure to transition to the permission result confirmation mode to information processing device 101, and ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 10 (not shown).

[0049] In S1003, the CPU 154 transitions the mode of the printing device 151 to a permission result confirmation mode. This permission result confirmation mode is a mode in which the software buttons on the operation unit 160 or display unit 158 ​​of the printing device 151 are used to confirm permission or denial of information transmission selected on the information processing device 101. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the OK button provided on the operation unit 160 is used to confirm permission or denial of information transmission. When the transition to the permission result confirmation mode is complete, the CPU 154 advances the process to S1004. In S1004, the CPU 154 acquires the information transmission permission result transmitted from the information processing device 101. The information transmission permission result is information indicating whether or not the information transmission is permitted, selected by the user in the processing of S202 in Fig. 2. Upon acquiring the information transmission permission result, the CPU 154 advances the processing to S1005. In S1005, in order to receive an operation from the user to confirm the information transmission permission result acquired in S1004, CPU 154 displays a guide prompting the user to operate printing device 151. In this case, CPU 154 prompts the user to press the OK button. In S1006, CPU 154 determines whether the user has performed an operation to confirm the information transmission permission result, i.e., whether the user has pressed the OK button. CPU 154 waits for the OK button to be pressed unless it determines that the user has pressed the OK button. Then, if CPU 154 determines that the user has pressed the OK button, it proceeds to S1007.

[0050] In S1007, the CPU 154 ends the permission result confirmation mode. When the permission result confirmation mode has been completed, the CPU 154 advances the process to S1008. In S1008, the CPU 154 stores the information transmission permission result acquired in S1004 in the ROM 152 as the information transmission setting of the printing device 151. If the information stored in this ROM 152 indicates permission to transmit information, the printing device 151 is able to transmit information about the printing device 151 to the service management server. On the other hand, if the information stored in ROM 152 indicates that permission to transmit information is not granted, the transmission of information from the printing device 151 is restricted. When the CPU 154 has completed storing the information in ROM 152, the process proceeds to S1009. In S1009, the CPU 154 returns to the information processing apparatus 101 information indicating the completion of the permission result confirmation operation and the information transmission setting saved in S1008.

[0051] By applying the above-described control, the user can change the information transmission permission settings of the printing device 151 and continue service registration simply by performing simple operations on the printing device 151 while checking the information collection permission text on the information processing device 101. In addition, in this case, there is no need to disable administrator mode, so the service registration process can be performed without lowering the security level.

[0052] 11, an example of the processing of the printing device 151 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the processing that occurs when a user changes the information transmission permission of the printing device 151 or cancels administrator mode during the service registration processing. The series of processing shown in FIG. 11 is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 reading a program stored in the ROM 152 or the like into the RAM 153 and executing it.

[0053] In S1100, the CPU 154 determines whether the printing device 151 is in administrator mode. If the CPU 154 determines that the printing device 151 is in administrator mode, the process proceeds to S1101; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1103.

[0054] In S1101, the CPU 154 is in the administrator mode, and therefore displays an administrator password input screen (not shown) to confirm whether the user who is changing the information transmission permission or the like is the administrator. In S1102, the CPU 154 determines whether the correct administrator password was entered in S1101. If the CPU 154 determines that the correct administrator password was entered, the process proceeds to S1103; if not, the CPU 154 accepts a password re-entry from the user or an instruction to interrupt the process. If the CPU 154 accepts an instruction to interrupt the process from the user, the CPU 154 returns a failure to transition to the permission result confirmation mode to the information processing device 101, and ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 11 (not shown).

[0055] In S1103, CPU 154 determines whether the user has operated display unit 158 ​​or operation unit 160 of printing device 151 to display an information transmission permission change acceptance screen for printing device 151. If CPU 154 determines that the user has operated to display the change acceptance screen, it proceeds to S1104; otherwise, that is, if it determines that the user has operated printing device 151 to display an administrator mode screen, it proceeds to S1110.

[0056] In S1104, the CPU 154 displays a screen for accepting changes to the information transmission permission. The screen displayed in this process is substantially the same as the screen for accepting changes to the information transmission permission that the information processing device 101 displays on its own UI in the process of S202 in Fig. 2. Note that the screen for accepting changes to the information transmission permission displays the information transmission permission text, and therefore can be displayed when the printing device 151 is equipped with a rich display unit 158. 5 shows an example of an information transmission permission change acceptance screen 500 that is displayed on the display unit 158 ​​when the printing device 151 is equipped with a rich display unit 158. As described above, the text display area 501 is configured to be able to display more information than a two-line display, and displays the information transmission permission text. From this text displayed in the text display area 501, the user can confirm that information such as the identification information of the printing device 151 will be transmitted to the service management server and for what purpose it will be used. The CPU 154 determines that the information transmission is permitted when the "Agree" button 502 is pressed, and determines that the information transmission is not permitted when the "Disagree" button 503 is pressed. In S1105, the CPU 154 determines whether the user has performed an operation related to changing the information transmission permission, i.e., whether the user has pressed the Agree button 502 or the Disagree button 503 on the information transmission permission change acceptance screen 500. The CPU 154 waits for the user's operation to change the information transmission permission unless it determines that the user has performed an operation related to changing the information transmission permission. If the CPU 154 determines that the user has performed an operation related to changing the information transmission permission, the CPU 154 hides the information transmission permission change acceptance screen 500 and proceeds to S1106.

[0057] In S1106, the CPU 154 stores the information transmission permission result acquired in S1104 in the ROM 152 as the information transmission setting of the printing device 151. If the information stored in this ROM 152 indicates permission to transmit information, the printing device 151 is able to transmit information about the printing device 151 to the service management server. On the other hand, if the information stored in ROM 152 indicates that permission to transmit information is not granted, the transmission of information from the printing device 151 is restricted. When the CPU 154 has completed storing the information in ROM 152, the process proceeds to S1107. In S1107, the CPU 154 returns to the information processing apparatus 101 information indicating the completion of the screen operation and the information transmission setting saved in S1106.

[0058] On the other hand, in S1110, the CPU 154 displays the administrator mode screen. 12 shows an example of an administrator mode screen 1200, which is a screen for receiving an instruction from the user as to whether or not to cancel administrator mode. When option 1201 indicating "Yes" is selected, CPU 154 determines that the administrator mode has been selected to be cancelled, and when option 1202 indicating "No" is selected, CPU 154 determines that the administrator mode has not been selected to be cancelled. When either option 1201 or 1202 is selected and the OK button on operation unit 160 of printing device 151 is pressed, CPU 154 accepts the instruction corresponding to the selected option. In S1111, CPU 154 determines whether or not the OK button on operation unit 160 of printing device 151 has been pressed. CPU 154 waits for the user to press the OK button unless it determines that the OK button on operation unit 160 has been pressed. Then, if CPU 154 determines that the OK button on operation unit 160 has been pressed, it hides administrator mode screen 1200 and proceeds to S1112. The administrator mode screen 1200, which receives instructions from the user as to whether or not to cancel administrator mode, displays less information than the information transmission permission change acceptance screen, and therefore can be displayed on a printing device with a display unit with low display capabilities, such as a two-line display.

[0059] In S1112, if a selection was made in S1110 to cancel the administrator mode, the CPU 154 disables the administrator mode, or if a selection was made not to cancel the administrator mode, the CPU 154 enables the administrator mode and saves information indicating the status of the administrator mode in ROM 152. If the information saved in ROM 152 indicates that the administrator mode is disabled, the printing device 151 becomes able to accept an instruction to change the information transmission settings from the information processing device 101. Furthermore, when the series of processes shown in FIG. 11 are executed again in this state, the CPU 154 determines in S1100 that the administrator mode is disabled and proceeds to S1103. Once the CPU 154 has finished saving the information in ROM 152, the process proceeds to S1113. In S1113, the CPU 154 returns to the information processing apparatus 101 information indicating the completion of the screen operation and the information transmission setting saved in S1112.

[0060] By applying the above-described control, the user can continue service registration by operating the printing device 151 according to the displayed guide, even in a situation where the service registration app is restricted from changing the information transmission permission settings of the printing device 151.

[0061] In this embodiment, the guide provided by the service registration app is changed depending on the permission format of the printing device 151, but this control is merely an example and does not limit the processing of the service registration app. For example, if the communication device has only one permission format, it is sufficient to execute processing according to the target permission format without having to acquire and determine the permission format. Although the present embodiment uses three types of permission formats as examples, the applicable permission formats are not limited to these, and other permission formats may be applied depending on the use case. As a specific example, if the printing device 151 is provided with only a lamp, such as an LED, to notify information, it becomes difficult to display text or other information, making it practically difficult to display an administrator mode screen, etc. In such cases, it becomes difficult to apply any of the three permission formats described above, and a different permission format may be applied depending on the conditions. As a specific example, if the printing device only has a lamp to notify information, settings of the printing device may be changed using a remote UI. The remote UI may, for example, run a web server application within a communication device (e.g., a printing device) and access the web server application from a web browser application running on an information processing device. By applying the remote UI, it is possible to change various settings of the communication device (e.g., a printing device) using the rich display of the information processing device 101. Furthermore, by changing settings of the web server application, it is also possible to perform authentication using an administrator password when using the remote UI.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, guidance is provided to operate the communication device in some permission formats, but this control is merely an example, and other operations may be applied, and guidance may be provided in accordance with the other operations. As a specific example, the service registration app may accept input of an administrator password and transmit the administrator password to the communication device (e.g., a printing device) along with an instruction to change the information transmission settings. In this case, if authentication using the administrator password is successful, the communication device may change the settings based on the instruction to change the information transmission settings. Note that whether or not this control is applicable may be determined depending on the security level assumed for the system.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an instruction to change the administrator mode is given to a communication device (e.g., printing device 151) only in the case of permission format 1, but similar control may be applied to other permission formats. As a specific example, even in other permission formats, it is possible to determine that the administrator mode has been cancelled for service registration when an instruction to change the administrator mode is given to a communication device. Therefore, control may be applied to display a message on the display unit of printing device 151 instructing the user to continue operating the service registration app after the administrator mode screen is hidden. Applying such control makes it possible to provide the user with more appropriate operation guidance.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, an example of switching the control to be applied based on the permission format has been described, but the trigger for switching the control is not necessarily limited to this example. As a specific example, by using capability information such as the display unit of the printing device being a two-line display, it may be possible to determine which guide to display depending on which of multiple capabilities the display corresponds to.

[0065] Furthermore, the configuration of the devices applied to this embodiment is merely an example, and the configuration of the devices is not limited as long as the functions of each device can be realized. As a specific example, in this embodiment, the device configuration of the service management server 180 is substantially the same as that of the information processing device 101, but some components may be different or other components may be added.

[0066] The various controls described above as being performed by the CPU of the target device may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors or circuits) sharing the processing. Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to a printing device, but this is not limited to this example and can be applied to any device in which a situation in which user permission is required to execute a specific process can be expected. In other words, the present invention can also be applied to personal computers, PDAs, mobile phone terminals, portable image viewers, printers equipped with displays, digital photo frames, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, etc.

[0067] <Other embodiments> This is a process in which software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are shared with systems or devices via a network or various storage media, and the computers (CPUs, MPUs, etc.) of the systems or devices read and execute the programs. The programs may be executed by a single computer, or by multiple computers working in conjunction with each other. It is not necessary to implement all of the above-described processes using software; some or all of the processes may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC. The CPU is also not limited to one that performs all processes, and multiple CPUs may perform processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate.

[0068] The disclosure of the present embodiment also includes the following configurations, methods, programs, and storage media. (Configuration 1) An information processing device characterized by having: a display control means for displaying a permission acceptance screen for accepting an operation indicating a user's consent to permission contents regarding the communication device transmitting information; a transmission means for transmitting to the communication device a request to record information indicating the permission status corresponding to the operation accepted by the permission acceptance means in the communication device; and a control means for controlling, when a response is received from the communication device indicating that the request cannot be accepted because the setting regarding the user authority of the communication device is set to a first setting, to display a guide indicating an operation method for saving the permission status in the communication device from a state in which the authority of the communication device is set to the first setting. (Configuration 2) The information processing device according to configuration 1, wherein the guide indicates an operation method for changing the setting relating to the user authority of the communication device from the first setting to the second setting. (Configuration 3) The information processing device according to configuration 1, wherein the guide indicates an operation method for performing an operation on the communication device that indicates the user's consent to the permission content. (Configuration 4) The information processing device described in configuration 1, characterized in that the control means controls the communication device to display, as the guide, an operation method for performing the consent operation if the communication device is of a type that can accept a consent operation indicating the user's agreement with the permission content, and to display, as the guide, an operation method for changing the setting regarding the user authority of the communication device from the first setting to the second setting if the communication device is of a type that cannot accept the consent operation. (Configuration 5) The information processing device according to configuration 1, wherein the transmitting means further transmits an instruction to the communication device to record information indicating the permission status in the communication device by a predetermined operation of the communication device. (Configuration 6) The information processing device according to configuration 4, wherein the guide indicates how to perform the predetermined operation in the communication device. (Configuration 7) The information processing device described in Configuration 5, characterized in that the control means controls the communication device to display, as the guide, an operation method for the specified operation when the communication device is of a type that can accept the specified operation, and to display, as the guide, an operation method for changing the setting regarding the user authority of the communication device from the first setting to the second setting when the communication device is of a type that cannot accept the specified operation. (Configuration 8) The information processing device described in Configuration 7, characterized in that the control means controls the communication device to display, as the guide, an operation method for performing the consent operation if the communication device is of a type that cannot accept the specified operation but is of a type that can accept a consent operation indicating the user's agreement to the permission content. (Configuration 9) An information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the first setting is a setting state in the communication device in which execution of a specific function by a user with a first authority that does not include administrator authority is restricted, and execution of the specific function is permitted for a user with a second authority that includes administrator authority. (Configuration 10) The information processing device according to configuration 9, wherein the second setting is a setting state in which execution of the specific function is permitted for a user with the first authority. (Configuration 11) The information processing device according to configuration 9 or 10, wherein the specific function includes a function related to receiving a user operation on the communication device. (Configuration 12) The information processing device according to configuration 11, wherein the specific function includes a function related to receiving an operation in the communication device indicating user consent to the permission content. (Method 1) A control method for an information processing device, comprising: a display control step of displaying a permission acceptance screen for accepting an operation indicating a user's consent to permission content regarding the communication device transmitting information; a transmission step of sending to the communication device a request to record information indicating the permission status corresponding to the operation accepted in the permission acceptance step in the communication device; and a control step of controlling, when a response is received from the communication device indicating that the request cannot be accepted because the setting regarding the user authority of the communication device is set to a first setting, to display a guide indicating an operation method for saving the permission status in the communication device from a state in which the authority of the communication device is set to the first setting. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 12. (Storage Medium 1) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 101 Information processing equipment 103 CPU 151 Printing device

Claims

1. a display control means for displaying a consent acceptance screen for accepting an operation by a user indicating consent to the content of the consent regarding the communication device transmitting information; a transmitting means for transmitting to the communication device a request for recording information indicating a permission status corresponding to the operation accepted by the permission accepting means in the communication device; a control means for controlling, when receiving from the communication device a response indicating that the request cannot be accepted because the setting related to the user authority of the communication device is set to a first setting, to display a guide indicating an operation method for saving the permission status in the communication device from a state in which the authority of the communication device is set to the first setting; An information processing device comprising:

2. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the guide indicates an operation method for changing a setting relating to user authority of the communication apparatus from the first setting to a second setting.

3. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide indicates an operation method for performing an operation on the communication device that indicates the user's consent to the license content.

4. The control means If the communication device is of a type capable of accepting an agreement operation indicating user agreement with the permission content, an operation method for performing the agreement operation is displayed as the guide; If the communication device is of a type that cannot accept the consent operation, an operation method for changing the setting related to the user authority of the communication device from the first setting to a second setting is displayed as the guide.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is controlled as follows.

5. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said transmission means further transmits an instruction to said communication device to record information indicating said permission status in said communication device by a predetermined operation of said communication device.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the guide indicates how to perform the predetermined operation in the communication device.

7. The control means If the communication device is of a type that can accept the predetermined operation, an operation method for the predetermined operation is displayed as the guide; If the communication device is of a type that cannot accept the predetermined operation, an operation method for changing the setting related to the user authority of the communication device from the first setting to a second setting is displayed as the guide.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information processing apparatus is controlled as follows.

8. The control means Even if the communication device is of a type that cannot accept the predetermined operation, if the communication device is of a type that can accept an agreement operation indicating user agreement with the permission content, an operation method for performing the agreement operation is displayed as the guide.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information processing apparatus is controlled as follows.

9. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first setting is a setting state in which the execution of specific functions by users with a first authority that does not include administrator authority is restricted in the communication device, and the execution of the specific functions is permitted for users with a second authority that includes administrator authority.

10. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second setting is a setting state in which execution of the specific function is permitted for a user with the first authority.

11. The information processing device according to claim 9 , wherein the specific function includes a function related to receiving a user operation on the communication device.

12. 12. The information processing device according to claim 11, wherein the specific function includes a function related to receiving an operation in the communication device indicating user consent to the license content.

13. A control method for an information processing device, comprising: a display control step of displaying a consent acceptance screen for accepting an operation indicating user consent to the consent content regarding the communication device transmitting information; a transmission step of transmitting to the communication device a request to record information indicating a permission status corresponding to the operation accepted in the permission acceptance step in the communication device; a control step of controlling, when receiving from the communication device a response indicating that the request cannot be accepted because the setting related to the user authority of the communication device is set to a first setting, to display a guide indicating an operation method for saving the permission status in the communication device from a state in which the authority of the communication device is set to the first setting; 10. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

14. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. 13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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