Computer program for first server, first server, method executed by first server

Abstract

To provide a technique for improving the convenience of a user when subscribing to a service.SOLUTION: A first server for providing a first service receives user-related information related to information for providing a second service to a user from a first external device, and receives a service subscription request for requesting subscription to the first service from a second external device. When the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and authentication using an authentication device identified by device identification information is successful, in a specific state in which the device identification information and first registration information are stored in a second memory in association with each other, the first server acquires the first registration information from the second memory. The first server stores the first registration information in a first memory as information for providing the first service to the user when the first registration information is acquired from the second memory.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technique for a first server that stores registration information. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system including a printer, a PC, and an information management server. Each time a fixed-rate printing process is executed, the printer stores printing information related to the number of pages printed and transmits the printing information to the information management server. The information management server manages the printing information when it receives the printing information from the printer. The information management server uses the printing information received from the printer to provide a fixed-rate printing process service. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-49767 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a first server that provides a first service. The first server may include a computer and a first memory. The computer program includes a user-related information receiving unit that receives, from a first external device, user-related information related to information for providing a second service different from the first service to a user, and a service subscription request receiving unit that receives, from a second external device, a service subscription request requesting subscription to the first service, wherein the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and the device identification information that identifies an authentication device and first registration information including the user-related information are stored in association with each other in the second memory in a specific state. The authentication device may also function as an acquisition unit that acquires the first registration information from the second memory when authentication using the authentication device identified by information is successful, and the acquisition unit does not acquire the first registration information when, in the specific state, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and the authentication using the authentication device is not successful; and a first storage control unit that, when the first registration information is acquired from the second memory, stores the first registration information in the first memory as information for providing the first service to the user.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the first server acquires the first registration information from the second memory when, in a specific state, user-related information is received from a first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information is successful. When acquiring the first registration information from the second memory, the first server stores the first registration information in the first memory as information for providing the first service to the user. This improves user convenience.

[0007] A computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, a first server implemented by the computer program, and a method executed by the first server are also novel and useful. A communication system including the first server, a first external device, and a second external device is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] An example of each table is shown below. [Figure 3] The sequence diagram for Case A is shown below. [Figure 4] This is a continuation of Figure 3. [Figure 5] The sequence diagram for Case B is shown below. [Figure 6] 10 shows an example of a second subscription screen. [Figure 7] The sequence diagram for Case C is shown below. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 shows a sequence diagram of case D according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 shows a sequence diagram of case E according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First Example) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes multiple printers 10A to 10C, a terminal device 100, a first service providing server 200, a second service providing server 300, and a third service providing server 400. Hereinafter, the "service providing server" will be referred to as an "SP server." The terminal device 100 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a PDA, or a tablet PC. The printers 10A to 10C and the terminal device 100 are connected to a LAN (abbreviation for Local Area Network) 4. The printers 10A to 10C and the terminal device 100 can communicate with each other via the LAN 4. The LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. The printers 10A to 10C, the terminal device 100, the first SP server 200, the second SP server 300, and the third SP server 400 are connected to the Internet 6. Each device can communicate with each other via the Internet 6.

[0010] (Configuration of printers 10A to 10C) The printer 10A is a peripheral device (i.e., a peripheral device such as a PC) that can perform a printing function. The printer 10A may be a multi-function device that can perform a scanning function, a fax function, etc. in addition to a printing function. The printer 10A includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a communication interface 18, and a control unit 30. The printer 10A has a serial number "SN1" and a model name "MN1." The serial number is an identification number assigned to the printer when it is manufactured. The model name is a name that indicates the model of the printer. In the following, the interface will be referred to as "I / F."

[0011] The operation unit 12 has a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the printer 10A by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print execution unit 16 has an inkjet printing mechanism. In a modified example, the print execution unit 16 may have a laser printing mechanism. The communication I / F 18 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 18 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0012] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with a program 36 stored in the memory 34.

[0013] Printer 10B has the same configuration as printer 10A, except that it has serial number "SN2" and model name "MN2." Printer 10C has the same configuration as printer 10A, except that it has serial number "SN3" and model name "MN3." Hereinafter, printers 10A to 10C may be collectively referred to simply as "printers."

[0014] (Configuration of the first SP server 200, the second SP server 300, and the third SP server 400) The first SP server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by the printer vendor. In a modified example, the first SP server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business operator other than the printer vendor. In another modified example, the printer vendor may not prepare the hardware for the first SP server 200 itself, but may instead use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the printer vendor prepares a program (i.e., software) for the first SP server 200 and implements it in the above-mentioned environment to realize the first SP server 200. The same applies to the second SP server 300 and the third SP server 400.

[0015] The first SP server 200 provides a flat-rate service. The flat-rate service is a billing service that charges a predetermined amount (hereinafter referred to as a "flat-rate fee") if the number of sheets of printing paper printed by the printer in a predetermined period (e.g., one month) is less than or equal to the contracted number of sheets to be printed (e.g., 1,000 sheets), and charges a billing amount that is the sum of the flat-rate fee and an amount corresponding to the number of sheets exceeding the contracted number of sheets to be printed (e.g., 1,000 sheets). The flat-rate service includes a first cartridge shipping service. The first cartridge shipping service is a service that automatically ships a new cartridge when the amount of ink remaining in a cartridge installed in the printer's print execution unit falls below a predetermined amount. Even if a new cartridge is shipped, the cost of the new cartridge is not added to the billing amount. In other words, with the flat-rate service, only an amount corresponding to the number of sheets of printing paper printed by the printer in a predetermined period is charged. In a modified example, the first SP server 200 may provide a pay-per-use charging service in which an amount according to the number of sheets of printing paper printed by a printer in a predetermined period is charged, instead of a flat-rate charging service.

[0016] The first SP server 200 includes a communication I / F 218 and a control unit 230. The communication I / F 218 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The CPU 232 executes various processes in accordance with a program 236 stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is configured with a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. In addition to the program 236, the memory 234 stores a first service table 238 and an authentication table 240. The first SP server 200 has a service ID "SI1" that identifies the first SP server 200.

[0017] The second SP server 300 provides a second cartridge shipping service. The second cartridge shipping service is the same as the first cartridge shipping service, except that the price of a new cartridge is charged. That is, with the second cartridge shipping service, only the price of the cartridge is charged.

[0018] The second SP server 300 includes a communication I / F 318 and a control unit 330. The communication I / F 318 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 330 includes a CPU 332 and a memory 334. The CPU 332 executes various processes in accordance with a program 336 stored in the memory 334. The memory 334 is configured with a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. In addition to the program 336, the memory 334 stores a second service table 338 and an authentication table 340. The second SP server 300 has a service ID "SI2" that identifies the second SP server 300.

[0019] The third SP server 400 is a server that provides a printer warranty service. The warranty service is a service that provides printer maintenance, warranty, etc. The third SP server 400 has a service ID "SI3" that identifies the third SP server 400.

[0020] (Table configuration; Figure 2) The contents of the tables 238, 240 in the first SP server 200 and the tables 338, 340 in the second SP server 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0021] The first service table 238 in the first SP server 200 manages information for providing flat-rate services to users. The first service table 238 stores a user ID, a password, a serial number, a model name, authentication device information, a token, address information, payment information, and number information in association with each other. Hereinafter, the user ID, address information, and payment information may be collectively referred to as "registration information." The user ID is information for identifying a user. The authentication device information is information indicating a device used for device authentication. In this embodiment, the authentication device information includes a serial number and a model name. The token is information used by the first SP server 200 to authenticate a printer. The address information is information indicating the user's address. The payment information is information used for payment, such as a credit card number.

[0022] The second service table 338 in the second SP server 300 manages information for providing the second cartridge shipping service to the user. The second service table 338 stores a user ID, a password, a serial number, a model name, authentication device information, a token, address information, and payment information in association with each other. In other words, the second service table 338 does not include page count information. The token in the second service table 338 is information used by the second SP server 300 to authenticate the printer.

[0023] The authentication table 240 in the first SP server 200 stores model names and authentication operations in association with each other. The authentication operations are information related to authentication using a device. The contents of the authentication table 340 in the second SP server 300 are the same as the contents of the authentication table 240 in the first SP server 200. In this embodiment, the authentication operations corresponding to the model names "MN1" and "MN2," respectively, are "input of a PIN code" and "operation of the power button and setting button." In other words, the contents of the authentication operations differ for each model name. This configuration improves security compared to when there is only one authentication operation. In a modified example, the contents of the authentication table 240 in the first SP server 200 and the contents of the authentication table 340 in the second SP server 300 may differ.

[0024] Although not shown, the third SP server 400 stores a service table in which information for providing guaranteed services to users is managed, and an authentication table.

[0025] (Case A; Figure 3) Referring to FIG. 3, Case A realized by the communication system 2 of this embodiment will be described. In Case A, the user of the terminal device 100 subscribes to a second cartridge shipping service. In the initial state of FIG. 3, the user has not subscribed to any services. Furthermore, the first service table 238 of the first SP server 200 and the second service table 338 of the second SP server 300 store a user ID "U1" and a password "PW1" in association with each other. In the following, when describing the processing executed by the CPU of each device, the CPU will not be described as the subject, but each device will be described as the subject of the processing. In the following, communication between each device is performed via a communication I / F. Therefore, in the following description, when describing communication, the phrase "via a communication I / F" will be omitted.

[0026] At T10, the user performs a login operation on the terminal device 100 to log in to the second SP server 300. As a result, the terminal device 100 transmits a login screen data request to the second SP server 300 at T12, receives login screen data from the second SP server 300 at T14, and displays a login screen corresponding to the login screen data at T16. At T20, the user inputs a user ID "U1" and a password "PW1" into the terminal device 100. As a result, at T22, the terminal device 100 transmits a login request including the user ID "U1" and the password "PW1" to the second SP server 300.

[0027] When the second SP server 300 receives a login request from the terminal device 100 at T22, it determines at T24 that user authentication has been successful because the combination of the user ID "U1" and password "PW1" in the login request is stored in memory 334, and at T26 it sends the first home screen data to the terminal device 100.

[0028] When the terminal device 100 receives the first home screen data from the second SP server 300 in T26, it displays a first home screen corresponding to the first home screen data in T28. The first home screen is a screen for subscribing to the second cartridge shipping service. In T30, the user executes a first service subscription operation on the terminal device 100 to subscribe to the second cartridge shipping service. As a result, in T32, the terminal device 100 transmits a first service subscription request to the second SP server 300. The first service subscription request is a signal for requesting subscription to the second automatic shipping service.

[0029] When the second SP server 300 receives the first service subscription request from the terminal device 100 at T32, it generates a PIN code PC1 at T34, associates the PIN code PC1 with the user ID "U1", and temporarily stores the PIN code PC1 in the memory 334. Next, the second SP server 300 transmits the PIN code PC1 to the terminal device 100 at T36.

[0030] When the terminal device 100 receives the PIN code PC1 from the second SP server 300 in T36, it displays the PIN code PC1 in T38, thereby allowing the user of the terminal device 100 to know the PIN code PC1 to be input into the printer 10A.

[0031] At T50, the user inputs the PIN code PC1 into the printer 10A, which causes the printer 10A to send a token request including the PIN code PC1, the serial number “SN1,” and the model name “MN1” to the second SP server 300 at T52.

[0032] When the second SP server 300 receives a token request from the printer 10A in T52, it determines in T54 that authentication has been successful because the PIN code PC1 stored in T34 matches the PIN code PC1 in the token request, and erases the PIN code PC1 from the memory 334. The second SP server 300 generates a token tk2 in T56, and stores the serial number "SN1", model name "MN1", and token tk2 in association with the user ID "U1" in the memory 334 in T58. The second SP server 300 transmits the token tk2 to the printer 10A in T60.

[0033] When the printer 10A receives the token tk2 from the second SP server 300 at T60, the printer 10A stores the received token tk2 in the memory 34 at T62. Next, at T64, the printer 10A uses the token tk2 to establish an XMPP connection (short for eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) with the second SP server 300. The XMPP connection is a so-called always-on connection that remains established until the printer 10A is powered off. By using the XMPP connection, the second SP server 300 can send a request to the printer 10A across the firewall of the LAN 4 to which the printer 10A belongs, even if it has not received a request from the printer 10A. Note that the mechanism for sending a request from the second SP server 300 to the printer 10A may not be an XMPP connection, but may be another method. For example, an HTTPS (short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) connection may be established between the printer 10A and the second SP server 300.

[0034] When an XMPP connection is established with the printer 10A at T64, the second SP server 300 determines that the first service subscription request received at T32 does not include a user ID or a service ID. In this case, the second SP server 300 transmits the first subscription screen data to the terminal device 100 at T70 in FIG. 5 .

[0035] When the terminal device 100 receives first subscription screen data from the second SP server 300 in T70, it displays a first subscription screen SC10 corresponding to the first subscription screen data in T72. The first subscription screen SC10 includes a message prompting the user to enter address information and payment information, an address information input field for entering address information, a payment information input field for entering payment information, an authentication device setting field, and an OK button. In the first subscription screen SC10, the address information input field and the payment information input field are blank. The authentication device setting field is a field for selecting whether or not to register a printer used in the second autoshipping service as an authentication device. In this case, the user enters address information "AD1" and payment information "PI1" in the address information input field and the payment information input field, respectively, checks the checkbox in the setting field, and selects the OK button in T80. As a result, in T82, the terminal device 100 transmits the address information "AD1", the payment information "PI1", and an authentication device registration instruction to the second SP server 300. Note that if the checkbox in the setting field is not checked and the OK button is operated, the second SP server 300 displays an input screen for inputting device information corresponding to the device to be registered as an authentication device. In this case, the user inputs the device information into the input screen. As a result, the terminal device 100 transmits the address information "AD1", the payment information "PI1", and the device information to the first SP server 200. As an example, when registering the printer 10B as an authentication device, the serial number "SN2" and the model name "MN2" are input as device information, and when registering the terminal device 100 as an authentication device, the terminal information and the model name that identify the terminal device 100 are input as device information.

[0036] When the second SP server 300 receives the address information "AD1," the payment information "PI1," and the authentication device registration instruction from the terminal device 100 in T82, the second SP server 300 updates the second service table 338 in T84. Specifically, the second SP server 300 stores the user ID "U1," the password "PW1," the serial number "SN1," the model name "MN1," the authentication device information "SN1, MN1," the token tk2, the address information "AD1," and the payment information "PI1" in the second service table 338 as information for providing the second cartridge shipping service. In T86, the second SP server 300 transmits a first subscription completion notice to the terminal device 100 indicating that subscription to the second automatic shipping service has been completed. This allows the user of the terminal device 100 to know that subscription to the second automatic shipping service has been completed. When the second SP server 300 receives the address information "AD1", the payment information "PI1" and the device information from the terminal device 100, it updates the second service table 338 using the device information.

[0037] (Case B; Figure 5) Case B will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In Case B, the user of the terminal device 100 subscribes to a flat-rate service. The initial state in Fig. 5 is the state after Case A in Figs.

[0038] In T110, the user executes an access operation on the terminal device 100 to access the first SP server 200. As a result, in T112, the terminal device 100 transmits a second home screen data request to the first SP server 200, in T114 receives the second home screen data from the first SP server 200, and in T116 displays a second home screen corresponding to the second home screen data. The second home screen is a screen for subscribing to a flat-rate service. In T120, the user executes a second service subscription operation to subscribe to the flat-rate service. The second service subscription operation includes an operation of inputting a user ID "U1" and an operation of inputting a target service ID "SI2". The target service ID is information indicating a server that transmits a transmission request, which will be described later. The user inputs the service ID of a server that provides the subscribed service as the target service ID. In this process, the user, having already subscribed to the second cartridge shipping service, inputs the service ID "SI2" of the second SP server 300. As a result, at T122, the terminal device 100 transmits a second service subscription request including the user ID "U1" and the target service ID "SI2" to the first SP server 200. The second service subscription request is a signal requesting subscription to the flat-rate service.

[0039] When the first SP server 200 receives the second service subscription request from the terminal device 100 at T122, it determines that the second service subscription request includes the user ID "U1" and the target service ID "SI2." In this case, at T130, the first SP server 200 transmits a transmission request including the user ID "U1" in the second service subscription request to the second SP server 300 identified by the service ID "SI2." The transmission request is a signal requesting transmission of registration information including the user ID in the transmission request.

[0040] When the second SP server 300 receives a transmission request from the first SP server 200 at T130, it executes first device authentication using the authentication device. Specifically, the second SP server 300 identifies the user ID "U1" in the transmission request and identifies the authentication device information "SN1, MN1" associated with the user ID "U1" from the second service table 338. The second SP server 300 then determines that only registration information including the user ID "U1" is associated with the authentication device information "SN1, MN1." In this case, the second SP server 300 identifies the serial number "SN1" and model name "MN1" included in the authentication device information "SN1, MN1" and identifies the authentication operation "input PIN code" associated with the model name "MN1" from the authentication table 340. In this case, the second SP server 300 generates a PIN code PC2 at T140 and temporarily stores the PIN code PC2 in the memory 334. At T142, the second SP server 300 sends a PIN code transmission request to the printer 10A identified by the serial number "SN1," and at T144, sends the PIN code PC2 to the terminal device 100 via the first SP server 200. The PIN code transmission request is a signal requesting that the PIN code be transmitted to the first SP server 200 and the second SP server 300.

[0041] At T142, printer 10A receives a PIN code transmission request from the second SP server 300, and at T150, when it accepts an operation to input PIN code PC2, it transmits PIN code PC2 to the first SP server 200 at T152, and transmits PIN code PC2 to the second SP server 300 at T154.

[0042] When the first SP server 200 receives the PIN code PC2 from the printer 10A in T152, it transmits the PIN code PC2 to the second SP server 300 in T156.

[0043] The second SP server 300 receives the PIN code PC2 from the printer 10A at T154, and when it receives the PIN code PC2 from the first SP server 200 at T156, it determines that the two received PIN codes PC2 match the PIN code PC2 stored in the memory 334, and determines at T158 that the first device authentication using the authentication device (i.e., the printer 10A) has been successful. In this case, the second SP server 300 identifies registration information including the user ID "U1" (user ID "U1", serial number "SN1", model name "MN1", address information "AD1", and payment information "PI1") from the second service table 338, and transmits the registration information to the first SP server 200 at T160.

[0044] Upon receiving the registration information from the second SP server 300 in T160, the first SP server 200 transmits second subscription screen data including the registration information to the terminal device 100 in T162.

[0045] When the terminal device 100 receives second enrollment screen data from the first SP server 200 in T162, it displays a second enrollment screen SC12 corresponding to the second enrollment screen data in T164. As shown in FIG. 6, the second enrollment screen SC12 includes a message prompting the user to confirm the registration information, a user ID input field, a serial number input field, a model name input field, an address information input field, a payment information input field, an authentication device setting field, and an OK button. The user ID input field, serial number input field, model name input field, address information input field, and payment information input field have already been entered with the user ID "U1," the serial number "SN1," the model name "MN1," the address information "AD1," and the payment information "PI1," respectively. Also, the checkboxes in the setting fields are checked. The user can change the information in each field. In this process, the user operates the OK button in T166 of FIG. 5 without changing the information on the second enrollment screen SC12. In this case, the terminal device 100 transmits OK information to the first SP server 200 in T168. If the OK button is operated after the information on the second subscription screen SC12 is changed, the second SP server 300 transmits the changed registration information to the first SP server 200. If the OK button is operated after the check box in the setting field is unchecked, the second SP server 300 displays an input screen for inputting device information to be registered as an authentication device. If the device information is input, the second SP server 300 transmits OK information and the device information to the first SP server 200.

[0046] When the first SP server 200 receives the OK information from the second SP server 300 in T168, it determines that the registration information has not been changed. In this case, in T170, the first SP server 200 stores the registration information (i.e., user ID "U1", serial number "SN1", model name "MN1", address information "AD1", and payment information "PI1") in the first service table 238 as information for providing the flat-rate service to the user. The first SP server 200 also stores the password "PW1" stored in memory 234 in association with the user ID "U1" in the first service table 238. Furthermore, the first SP server 200 stores the authentication device information "SN1, MN1" in the first service table 238. This allows the user to use the printer 10A to receive the flat-rate service. When the first SP server 200 receives the changed registration information from the second SP server 300, it stores the changed registration information in the first service table 238 as information for providing flat-rate services to the user. When the first SP server 200 receives device information from the second SP server 300, it stores the device information in the first service table 238 as authentication device information.

[0047] (Effect of Case B) As described above, when the first device authentication using the printer 10A is successful (T158), the first SP server 200 receives the registration information in the memory 334 of the second SP server 300 (T160) and stores the registration information in the memory 234 (T150). Therefore, the security of the registration information can be improved.

[0048] Furthermore, the first SP server 200 receives from the terminal device 100 the service ID "SI2" associated with the second cartridge shipping service (T120), and acquires registration information for providing the second cartridge shipping service to the user from the memory 334 of the second SP server 300. If the first SP server 200 does not receive the service ID from the terminal device 100, the first SP server 200 must inquire whether registration information including the user ID "U1" is stored in each of the memories of the multiple SP servers. With the above configuration, the first SP server 200 only needs to inquire whether registration information associated with the serial number "SN2" is stored in the memory 334 of the second SP server 300. This reduces the processing load on the first SP server 200.

[0049] (Case C; Figure 7) Case C will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In Case C, the first device authentication fails. The initial state in Fig. 7 is the same as the initial state in Case B in Fig. 5.

[0050] First, the same processes as T110 to T130 in Fig. 5 are executed between the terminal device 100 and the first SP server 200. T240 to T244 are the same as T140 to T144 in Fig. 5 except that PIN code PC3 is used.

[0051] In this case, the user performs an operation on the printer 10A at T250 to input a PIN code PC4 that is different from the PIN code PC3. As a result, the printer 10A transmits the PIN code PC4 to the first SP server 200 at T252, and transmits the PIN code PC4 to the second SP server 300 at T254.

[0052] Upon receiving the PIN code PC4 from the printer 10A in T252, the first SP server 200 transmits the PIN code PC4 to the second SP server 300 in T256.

[0053] The second SP server 300 receives the PIN code PC4 from the printer 10A in T254, and receives the PIN code PC2 from the first SP server 200 in T256. The second SP server 300 determines that the two received PIN codes PC4 do not match the PIN code PC3 stored in the memory 334, and determines that the first device authentication has failed in T258. In this case, the second SP server 300 transmits failure information indicating that the first device authentication has failed to the first SP server 200 in T260.

[0054] When the first SP server 200 receives the failure information from the second SP server 300 in T260, it transmits third subscription screen data that does not include registration information to the terminal device 100 in T262.

[0055] When the terminal device 100 receives the third subscription screen data from the first SP server 200 in T262, it displays the third subscription screen SC14 corresponding to the third subscription screen data in T264. The third subscription screen SC14 includes a message prompting the user to enter registration information and the same fields as the second subscription screen SC12 (see FIG. 6). In the third subscription screen SC14, the user ID input field, serial number input field, model name input field, address information input field, and payment information input field are blank. Also, the check boxes in the setting fields are not checked. In this case, the user enters the user ID "U1", serial number "SN1", model name "MN1", address information "AD1", and payment information "PI1" in T266, checks the check boxes in the setting fields, and selects the OK button. As a result, the terminal device 100 transmits to the first SP server 200 the information input in T266 and an instruction to register the authentication device.

[0056] In T268, the first SP server 200 receives the information entered in T266 and an authentication device registration instruction from the second SP server 300. In T270, the first SP server 200 stores the information entered in T266 in the first service table 238 as information for providing flat-rate services to the user. The first SP server 200 also stores the password "PW1" in the first service table 238. The first SP server 200 also stores the authentication device information "SN1, MN1" in the first service table 238. This allows the user to use the printer 10A to receive flat-rate services. In this way, even if registration information is not received from the second SP server 300, the user can subscribe to the flat-rate service by manually entering the registration information. This improves user convenience.

[0057] If the second SP server 300 determines after T130 in FIG. 5 that registration information including a user ID other than the user ID "U1" is associated with the authentication device information "SN1, MN1," it transmits impossibility information indicating that it is impossible to transmit the registration information to the first SP server 200 without executing the process from T140 onward. In this case, the first SP server 200 executes the process from T262 onward in FIG. 7. That is, the first SP server 200 does not receive registration information from the second SP server 300, regardless of whether the first device authentication is successful or not. This configuration can prevent the first SP server 200 from receiving registration information when multiple users share an authentication device. This can improve the security of the registration information.

[0058] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, when the first SP server 200 receives the user ID "U1" from the terminal device 100 (T122 in FIG. 5), and when the second service subscription request is received from the terminal device 100 (T122), and when the first device authentication using the printer 10A is successful (T158), the first SP server 200 acquires the registration information from the memory 334 of the second SP server 300. Then, the first SP server 200 stores the registration information in the memory 334 as information for providing the flat-rate service to the user. This improves user convenience.

[0059] (Correspondence) The flat-rate service is an example of a "first service." The first SP server 200 is an example of a "first server." The memory 234 of the first SP server 200 is an example of a "first memory." The terminal device 100 is an example of a "first external device." The second cartridge shipping service is an example of a "second service." The user ID "U1" is an example of "user-related information." The terminal device 100 is an example of a "second external device." The printer 10A is an example of an "authentication device." The authentication device information is an example of "device identification information." The registration information of T160 in FIG. 5 is an example of "first registration information." The memory 334 of the second SP server 300 is an example of a "second memory." The first device authentication is an example of "authentication using an authentication device." The third subscription screen SC14 in FIG. 7 is an example of an "input screen." The registration information of T268 in FIG. 7 is an example of "second registration information." The second SP server 300 is an example of a "second server." The printer 10A is an example of a "first type of device." The authentication operation "inputting a PIN code" is an example of a "first specified operation." The printer 10B is an example of a "second type of device." The authentication operation "operating the power button + setting button" is an example of a "second specified operation." The target service ID is an example of "service-related information."

[0060] T122 in Fig. 5 is an example of processing executed by a "user-related information receiving unit." T122 in Fig. 5 is an example of processing executed by a "service subscription request receiving unit." T160 in Fig. 5 is an example of processing executed by an "acquisition unit." T170 in Fig. 5 is an example of processing executed by a "first storage control unit."

[0061] (Second Example) A communication system 2 of the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the first SP server 200 and the second SP server 300 of this embodiment do not store authentication tables 240 and 340, respectively. The communication system 2 of this embodiment further includes an authentication server 500 that stores an authentication table 538. The authentication server 500 is connected to the Internet 6.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 2, the contents of the authentication table 538 are similar to the contents of the authentication tables 240 and 340 of the first embodiment.

[0063] (Case D; Figure 8) Case D realized by the communication system 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In case D, the user of the terminal device 100 subscribes to a flat-rate service. The initial state of case D is the same as the initial state of case B in Fig. 5.

[0064] First, the same processes as T110 to T120 in Fig. 5 are executed between the printer 10A, the terminal device 100, and the first SP server 200. T330 is the same as T130 in Fig. 5.

[0065] When the second SP server 300 receives the transmission request from the first SP server 200 in T330, it determines that registration information including the user ID "U1" is described in the second service table 338, and causes the authentication server 500 to execute authentication of the second device using the authentication device (i.e., printer 10A). Specifically, in T340, the second SP server 300 transmits an authentication request including the serial number "SN1" and the model name "MN2" to the authentication server 500. The authentication request is a signal requesting execution of second device authentication using the authentication device.

[0066] In T340, upon receiving an authentication request from the second SP server 300, the authentication server 500 executes second device authentication. Specifically, the authentication server 500 identifies the model name "MN1" included in the authentication request and identifies the authentication operation "input PIN code" associated with the model name "MN1" from the authentication table 538. In this case, the authentication server 500 generates a PIN code PC5 in T342 and stores the generated PIN code PC5 in a memory (not shown) of the authentication server 500. In T344, the authentication server 500 transmits the PIN code PC5 to the terminal device 100 via the second SP server 300 and the first SP server 200. Although not shown, the second SP server 300 transmits a PIN code transmission request to the printer 10A to cause the printer 10A to transmit the PIN code to the authentication server 500.

[0067] When the printer 10A accepts the operation to input the PIN code PC5 in T350, the printer 10A transmits the PIN code PC5 to the authentication server 500 in T352.

[0068] When the authentication server 500 receives the PIN code PC5 from the printer 10A in T352, it determines that the generated PIN code PC5 matches the received PIN code PC5, and determines in T354 that the second device authentication using the authentication device (i.e., the printer 10A) has been successful. In this case, in T356, the authentication server 500 transmits success information indicating that the second device authentication has been successful to the second SP server 300. If the second device authentication is not successful, the authentication server 500 transmits failure information indicating that the second device authentication has failed to the second SP server 300.

[0069] When the second SP server 300 receives success information from the authentication server 500 in T356, it determines that the second device authentication has been successful, and identifies registration information including the user ID "U1" from the second service table 338. T360 to T370 are the same as T160 to T170 in FIG. 5. This allows the user to use the printer 10A to receive flat-rate services. Note that when the second SP server 300 receives failure information from the authentication server 500, it does not transmit the registration information to the first SP server 200. In this case, the first SP server 200 may execute the processes from T262 onwards in FIG. 6.

[0070] As described above, the authentication server 500 executes the second device authentication using the printer 10A. If the second device authentication is successful (T354), the first SP server 200 stores the registration information in the memory 234 (T370). This improves the security of the registration information.

[0071] (Third Example) A communication system 2 according to a third embodiment will now be described. In the third embodiment, the first SP server 200 executes third device authentication using an authentication device.

[0072] (Case E; Figure 9) Case E realized by the communication system 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In Case E, the user of the terminal device 100 subscribes to a flat-rate service. The initial state of Case E is the same as the initial state of Case B in Fig. 5.

[0073] 5 are executed between the printer 10A, the terminal device 100, and the first SP server 200. At T430, the first SP server 200 transmits a device information request including the user ID "U1" to the second SP server 300. The device information request is a signal requesting the transmission of authentication device information.

[0074] When the second SP server 300 receives the device information request from the first SP server 200 in T430, it determines that registration information including the user ID "U1" in the device information request is stored in the second service table 338. In this case, the second SP server 300 identifies the authentication device information "SN1, MN1" associated with the user ID "U1" from the second service table 338, and in T440 transmits the authentication device information "SN1, MN1" to the first SP server 200. Although not shown in the figure, the second SP server 300 transmits a transmission instruction to the printer 10A to cause it to transmit the PIN code to the first SP server 200.

[0075] In T440, the first SP server 200 receives the authentication device information "SN1, MN1" from the second SP server 300 and identifies the serial number "SN1" and the model name "MN1" included in the authentication device information. Next, the first SP server 200 identifies the authentication operation "Enter PIN code" associated with the model name "MN1" from the authentication table 240. In this case, the first SP server 200 generates a PIN code PC6 in T442 and stores the generated PIN code PC6 in the memory 234. In T444, the first SP server 200 transmits the PIN code PC6 to the terminal device 100.

[0076] When the printer 10A accepts the operation of inputting the PIN code PC6 in T450, the printer 10A transmits the serial number "SN1" and the PIN code PC6 to the first SP server 200 in T452.

[0077] When the first SP server 200 receives the PIN code PC6 from the printer 10A in T452, it determines that the generated PIN code PC6 matches the received PIN code PC6, and determines in T454 that the third device authentication has been successful. In this case, the first SP server 200 transmits a transmission request including the user ID "U1" in T456. Note that if the third device authentication is not successful, the first SP server 200 may execute the processing from T262 onwards in FIG. 6.

[0078] T460 to T470 are the same as T360 to T370 in Fig. 8. This allows the user to use the printer 10A and receive flat-rate services.

[0079] As described above, the first SP server 200 executes the third device authentication using the printer 10A. If the third device authentication is successful (T454), the first SP server 200 stores the registration information in the memory 234 (T470). This improves the security of the registration information.

[0080] 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.

[0081] (First Modification) The "authentication device" is not limited to the printer 10A, but may be the printer 10B, the terminal device 100, etc. In other words, the "authentication device" may be a device different from the device used to receive the service.

[0082] (Second Modification) The "user-related information" is not limited to a user ID, but may be an email address, a serial number, a device ID, a MAC address, or the like.

[0083] (Third Modification) The "device identification information" is not limited to a serial number, but may be a device ID, a MAC address, or the like.

[0084] (Fourth Modification) In the first to third embodiments, the input of the user ID at T120 in Fig. 3 can be omitted. In this modification, the first SP server 200 may receive the user ID from a terminal device different from the terminal device 100. In other words, the "first external device" and the "second external device" may be the same or different.

[0085] (Fifth Variation) The second SP server 300 and the first SP server 200 may be examples of the "first server" and the "second server", respectively. In this variation, the second cartridge shipping service and the flat-rate service are examples of the "first service" and the "second service", respectively. In another variation, the third SP server 400 may be an example of the "first server" or the "second server".

[0086] (Sixth Modification) The first SP server 200 and the second SP server 300 may be physically the same server. In this case, the first SP server 200 and the second SP server 300 are constructed within a single server. For example, it is conceivable that the first SP server 200 and the second SP server 300 are constructed as multiple servers within the same physical cloud server by different vendors or different businesses (or the same vendor or business). In this case, communication (data transmission and reception) between the first SP server 200 and the second SP server 300 may be internal communication within the server, and the communication I / F 218 and the communication I / F 318 may serve both as communication to the outside and communication within the server. In this modification, the "first memory" and the "second memory" are the same.

[0087] (Seventh Modification) The communication system 2 may include a management server that stores registration information for providing each service to a user. In this modification, the first SP server 200 transmits a transmission request to the management server.

[0088] (Eighth Modification) The communication system 2 of the second embodiment may include an intermediary server that mediates communication with the printer. In this case, the authentication server 500 communicates with the printer via the intermediary server.

[0089] (Ninth Modification) In case C of Fig. 7, when the first SP server 200 receives failure information from the second SP server 300, it may transmit information indicating that subscription to the flat-rate service has failed to the terminal device 100, instead of the third subscription screen data. In this modification, the "input screen data transmission unit," "second registration information reception unit," and "second storage control unit" can be omitted.

[0090] (Tenth Modification) The first SP server 200 may be configured to receive registration information from the second SP server 300 when two of the first device authentication, the second device authentication, and the third device authentication are successful. In another modification, the first SP server 200 may be configured to receive registration information from the second SP server 300 when the first device authentication, the second device authentication, and the third device authentication are successful.

[0091] (Eleventh Variant) After T130 in FIG. 5, if the second SP server 300 determines that registration information including a user ID other than the user ID "U1" is associated with the authentication device information "SN1, MN1", it may continue processing from T140 onwards.

[0092] (Twelfth Modification) In the first embodiment, the second SP server 300 may execute only the first device authentication corresponding to the authentication method "PIN code input" regardless of the model name. In another modification, the second SP server 300 may change the authentication method used in the first device authentication depending on the timing at which the transmission request is received. In another modification, the second SP server 300 may randomly change the authentication method used in the third device authentication. The same applies to the second device authentication in the second embodiment and the third device authentication in the third embodiment.

[0093] (Thirteenth Modification) It is possible to omit input of the target service ID in T120 of Fig. 5. In this modification, the first SP server 200 transmits a transmission request to one of the SP servers, and if registration information is not received from that SP server, it repeatedly executes the process of transmitting a transmission request to another SP server.

[0094] (14th Modification) In each of the above embodiments, the processes in FIGS. 3 to 9 are realized by software (for example, programs 36, 236, 336), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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 first server that provides a first service, comprising: The first server A computer, a first memory; The computer program causes the computer to: a user-related information receiving unit that receives, from a first external device, user-related information related to information for providing a second service, different from the first service, to the user; a service subscription request receiving unit that receives a service subscription request for subscribing to the first service from a second external device, an acquisition unit that acquires the first registration information from the second memory when, in a specific state in which device identification information for identifying an authentication device and first registration information including the user-related information are associated and stored in a second memory, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information is successful, and when, in the specific state, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and the authentication using the authentication device is not successful, the acquisition unit does not acquire the first registration information; a first storage control unit that, when the first registration information is acquired from the second memory, stores the first registration information in the first memory as information for providing the first service to the user; A computer program that functions as a (Item 2) The computer program further causes the computer to: an input screen data sending unit that sends input screen data to the second external device when, in the specific state, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and the authentication is not successful; a second registration information receiving unit that receives second registration information from the second external device when second registration information is input by a user into an input screen corresponding to the input screen data; a second storage control unit that, when the second registration information is received from the second external device, stores the second registration information in the first memory as information for providing the first service to the user; Item 1. The computer program according to item 1, (Item 3) a second server different from the first server, the second server comprising the second memory; the second server provides the second service; The computer program further causes the computer to: a transmission request sending unit that sends a transmission request including the user-related information to the second server when the user-related information is received from the first external device and the service subscription request is received from the second external device; The second server When receiving the transmission request from the first server, performing the authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information stored in the second memory in association with the user-related information included in the transmission request; If the authentication is successful, providing the first registration information in the second memory to the first server; 3. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first registration information from the second memory by receiving the first registration information from the second server. (Item 4) a second server different from the first server, the second server comprising the second memory; the second server provides the second service; The computer program further causes the computer to: a transmission request sending unit that sends a transmission request including the user-related information to the second server when the user-related information is received from the first external device and the service subscription request is received from the second external device; When the second server receives the transmission request from the first server, the second server transmits to an authentication server an authentication instruction including the device identification information stored in the second memory in association with the user-related information included in the transmission request; when receiving the authentication instruction from the second server, the authentication server performs the authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information included in the authentication instruction; When the second server receives information indicating that the authentication has been successful from the authentication server, the second server provides the first registration information in the second memory to the first server; 4. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first registration information from the second memory by receiving the first registration information from the second server. (Item 5) a second server different from the first server, the second server comprising the second memory; the second server provides the second service; The computer program further causes the computer to: a user-related information transmitting unit that transmits the user-related information to the second server when the user-related information is received from the first external device and the service subscription request is received from the second external device in the specific state; a device identification information receiving unit that receives the device identification information from the second server in response to the user-related information being transmitted to the second server; an authentication unit that, when the device identification information is received from the second server, performs the authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information; It functions as 5. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first registration information from the second memory by receiving the first registration information from the second server if the authentication is successful. (Item 6) 6. The computer program of claim 1, wherein, in the specific state and in a state in which the device identification information is stored in the second memory in association with registration information different from the first registration information, when the user-related information is received from the first external device and the service subscription request is received from the second external device, the first registration information is not acquired regardless of whether the authentication is successful or not. (Item 7) When the authentication device is a first type of device, the authentication includes a first predetermined operation on the authentication device; 7. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, when the authentication device is a second type of device different from the first type of device, the authentication includes a second predetermined operation on the authentication device that is different from the first predetermined operation. (Item 8) The computer program further causes the computer to: when the second service is designated from among a plurality of services, the second external device is caused to function as a related information receiving unit that receives service related information related to the second service from the second external device; The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first registration information from the second memory when the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request and the service-related information are received from the second external device, and the authentication using the authentication device used in the second service related to the service-related information is successful. (Item 9) a first server providing a first service, a first memory; a user-related information receiving unit that receives, from a first external device, user-related information related to information for providing a second service, different from the first service, to the user; a service subscription request receiving unit that receives a service subscription request for subscribing to the first service from a second external device, an acquisition unit that acquires the first registration information from the second memory when, in a specific state in which device identification information for identifying an authentication device and first registration information including the user-related information are associated and stored in a second memory, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information is successful, and when, in the specific state, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and the authentication using the authentication device is not successful, the acquisition unit does not acquire the first registration information; a first storage control unit that, when the first registration information is acquired from the second memory, stores the first registration information in the first memory as information for providing the first service to the user; a first server comprising: (Item 10) 1. A method performed by a first server providing a first service, comprising: the first server comprises a first memory; The method comprises: a user-related information receiving step of receiving, from a first external device, user-related information related to information for providing a second service different from the first service to the user; a service subscription request receiving step of receiving a service subscription request requesting subscription to the first service from a second external device, an acquisition step of acquiring the first registration information from the second memory when, in a specific state in which device identification information for identifying an authentication device and first registration information including the user-related information are associated and stored in a second memory, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information is successful, wherein, in the specific state, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and the authentication using the authentication device is not successful, the acquisition step does not acquire the first registration information; a first storage control step of, when the first registration information is acquired from the second memory, storing the first registration information in the first memory as information for providing the first service to the user; A method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 2: communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10A: printer, 10B: printer, 10C: printer, 12: operation unit, 14: display unit, 16: print execution unit, 18: communication I / F, 30: control unit, 32: CPU, 34: memory, 36: program, 100: terminal device, 200: first SP server, 218: communication I / F, 230: control unit, 232: CPU, 234: memory, 236: program, 238: first service table, 240: authentication table, 300: second SP server, 318: communication I / F, 330: control unit, 332: CPU, 334: memory, 336: program, 338: second service table, 340: authentication table, 400: third SP server

Claims

1. A computer program for a first server providing a first service, comprising: The first server A computer, a first memory; The computer program causes the computer to: a user-related information receiving unit that receives, from a first external device, user-related information related to information for providing a second service, which is different from the first service, to the user; a service subscription request receiving unit that receives a service subscription request for subscribing to the first service from a second external device, an acquisition unit that acquires the first registration information from the second memory when, in a specific state in which device identification information for identifying an authentication device and first registration information including the user-related information are associated and stored in a second memory, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information is successful, and when, in the specific state, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and the authentication using the authentication device is not successful, the acquisition unit does not acquire the first registration information; a first storage control unit that, when the first registration information is acquired from the second memory, stores the first registration information in the first memory as information for providing the first service to the user; A computer program that functions as a

2. The computer program further causes the computer to: an input screen data sending unit that sends input screen data to the second external device when, in the specific state, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and the authentication is not successful; a second registration information receiving unit that receives second registration information from the second external device when second registration information is input by a user into an input screen corresponding to the input screen data; a second storage control unit that, when the second registration information is received from the second external device, stores the second registration information in the first memory as information for providing the first service to the user; The computer program of claim 1 ,

3. a second server different from the first server, the second server comprising the second memory; the second server provides the second service; The computer program further causes the computer to: a transmission request sending unit that sends a transmission request including the user-related information to the second server when the user-related information is received from the first external device and the service subscription request is received from the second external device; The second server When receiving the transmission request from the first server, performing the authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information stored in the second memory in association with the user-related information included in the transmission request; If the authentication is successful, providing the first registration information in the second memory to the first server; The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first registration information from the second memory by receiving the first registration information from the second server.

4. a second server different from the first server, the second server comprising the second memory; the second server provides the second service; The computer program further causes the computer to: a transmission request sending unit that sends a transmission request including the user-related information to the second server when the user-related information is received from the first external device and the service subscription request is received from the second external device; When the second server receives the transmission request from the first server, the second server transmits to an authentication server an authentication instruction including the device identification information stored in the second memory in association with the user-related information included in the transmission request; when receiving the authentication instruction from the second server, the authentication server performs the authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information included in the authentication instruction; When the second server receives information indicating that the authentication has been successful from the authentication server, the second server provides the first registration information in the second memory to the first server; The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first registration information from the second memory by receiving the first registration information from the second server.

5. a second server different from the first server, the second server comprising the second memory; the second server provides the second service; The computer program further causes the computer to: a user-related information transmitting unit configured to transmit the user-related information to the second server when the user-related information is received from the first external device and the service subscription request is received from the second external device in the specific state; a device identification information receiving unit that receives the device identification information from the second server in response to the user-related information being transmitted to the second server; an authentication unit that, when the device identification information is received from the second server, performs the authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information; It functions as The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first registration information from the second memory by receiving the first registration information from the second server if the authentication is successful.

6. 2. The computer program of claim 1, wherein, in the specific state and in a state in which the device identification information is stored in the second memory in association with registration information different from the first registration information, when the user-related information is received from the first external device and the service subscription request is received from the second external device, the first registration information is not acquired regardless of whether the authentication is successful or not.

7. When the authentication device is a first type of device, the authentication includes a first predetermined operation on the authentication device; 2. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein when the authentication device is a second type of device different from the first type of device, the authentication includes a second predetermined operation on the authentication device different from the first predetermined operation.

8. The computer program further causes the computer to: when the second service is designated from among a plurality of services, the second external device is caused to function as a related information receiving unit that receives service related information related to the second service from the second external device; 2. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first registration information from the second memory when the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request and the service-related information are received from the second external device, and the authentication using the authentication device used for the second service related to the service-related information is successful.

9. a first server providing a first service, a first memory; a user-related information receiving unit that receives, from a first external device, user-related information related to information for providing a second service, which is different from the first service, to the user; a service subscription request receiving unit that receives a service subscription request for subscribing to the first service from a second external device, an acquisition unit that acquires the first registration information from the second memory when, in a specific state in which device identification information for identifying an authentication device and first registration information including the user-related information are associated and stored in a second memory, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information is successful, and when, in the specific state, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and the authentication using the authentication device is not successful, the acquisition unit does not acquire the first registration information; a first storage control unit that, when the first registration information is acquired from the second memory, stores the first registration information in the first memory as information for providing the first service to the user; a first server comprising:

10. 1. A method performed by a first server providing a first service, comprising: the first server comprises a first memory; The method comprises: a user-related information receiving step of receiving, from a first external device, user-related information related to information for providing a second service different from the first service to the user; a service subscription request receiving step of receiving a service subscription request requesting subscription to the first service from a second external device, an acquisition step of acquiring the first registration information from the second memory when, in a specific state in which device identification information for identifying an authentication device and first registration information including the user-related information are associated and stored in a second memory, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and authentication using the authentication device identified by the device identification information is successful, wherein, in the specific state, the user-related information is received from the first external device, the service subscription request is received from the second external device, and the authentication using the authentication device is not successful, the acquisition step does not acquire the first registration information; a first storage control step of, when the first registration information is acquired from the second memory, storing the first registration information in the first memory as information for providing the first service to the user; A method comprising:

Images