Service providing program, service providing system, and service providing method

Abstract

To provide a technique for properly enrolling a plurality of printers to a service.SOLUTION: A service providing program causes a computer to execute a request reception process and a first output process. The request reception process receives a subscription request to enroll a plurality of printers to a service. The service includes a plurality of plans. The first output process includes outputting plan information on receipt of the subscription request through the request reception process. The plan information indicates (i) a type-1 plan in which each of the printers can be enrolled individually, and (ii) a type-2 plan in which two or more printers can be collectively enrolled in the case where the above printers include the two or more printers of the same type, out of the multiple plans.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for providing services related to a printer. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a service that automatically delivers printer toner. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, when a toner low is detected, a screen is displayed on the printer recommending a toner delivery contract. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-111023 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a technique that allows multiple printers to be appropriately subscribed to a service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a service providing program executable by a computer included in a service providing system. The service providing system includes a plurality of printers. The service providing program causes the computer to execute a request acceptance process and a first output process.

[0006] The request acceptance process is a process for accepting a subscription request. The subscription request requests that the plurality of printers be subscribed to a service. The service includes a plurality of plans. Each of the plurality of plans includes charging according to the usage status of the subscribed printers.

[0007] The first output process is a process for outputting plan information in response to the acceptance of a subscription request by the request acceptance process. The plan information indicates a first type plan and a second type plan. The first type plan is a plan among the plurality of plans to which each of the plurality of printers can subscribe individually. The second type plan is a plan among the plurality of plans to which two or more printers of the same type can subscribe collectively when the plurality of printers includes two or more printers of the same type.

[0008] Such a service provision program allows multiple printers to appropriately subscribe to the service. Each of the plurality of printers may have a printing function. Each of the plurality of printers may have a printing device. The printing device realizes the printing function. The printing function may include printing (or forming) an image on a sheet-like print medium (or paper).

[0009] The "printer usage status" may include any status related to the use of the printer by the printer user. For example, the "printer usage status" may include the number of sheets of print media printed on (or the number of prints) in a unit period.

[0010] "Type" may be defined or classified in any manner. For example, a type may be set for each model. In other words, two or more printers of the same model may be defined as the same type, and multiple printers of different models may be defined as different types. Models may be defined in any manner. For example, models (i.e., types) may be classified according to the printing method. Specifically, all inkjet printers may be classified as a first model (i.e., first type), all laser beam printers may be classified as a second model (i.e., second type), and all printers using other methods (e.g., thermal, thermal transfer, etc.) may be classified as a third model (i.e., third type). Alternatively, "type" may be classified according to the presence or absence of a specific function. For example, all printers with a specific function may be classified as a first type, and all printers without that specific function may be classified as a second type.

[0011] In other words, "type" may be classified according to the plans to which the printers can be subscribed. Specifically, two or more printers that can be subscribed to the same plan may all be classified into the same type. For example, suppose the multiple plans include a first plan and a second plan. Then, suppose the multiple printers include first through fifth printers that can be subscribed to the first plan and sixth through tenth printers that can be subscribed to the second plan. In this case, the first through fifth printers may be classified into the first type, and the sixth through tenth printers may be classified into the second type. Of course, the above classification of "type" is merely an example. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a service providing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a service plan. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of a service providing process. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a subscription denial notification process. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a bulk subscription process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a subscription pending printer handling process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. [1. Embodiment] (1-1) Overview of the service provision system The service providing system 1 of the first embodiment has a service server 10, an information processing device 50, and a plurality of printers 110, 120, etc. The service server 10 and the information processing device 50 are connected to a wide area network 200 such as the Internet. Each of the plurality of printers 110, 120, etc. is capable of communicating with the information processing device 50 and is capable of printing in response to instructions from the information processing device 50. The service providing system 1 is capable of providing services related to printing performed by the plurality of printers 110, 120, etc. (hereinafter, referred to as printing services). The printing service of this embodiment is a so-called subscription service, as will be described later.

[0014] A printing service provides resources (e.g., a printer, consumables, etc.) that can print up to a specified maximum number of pages in exchange for a fixed fee per unit period. The fixed fee may include some or all of the various costs required for the service subscriber to use the printing service, such as the cost of the printer used, the cost of the consumables, and the cost of shipping the consumables. Consumables may include, for example, print media (e.g., sheets of paper), toner cartridges, ink cartridges, etc.

[0015] The unit period may be determined in any manner, for example, M months, Y years, W weeks, or D days (M, Y, W, and D are natural numbers equal to or greater than 1). In this embodiment, the "plurality of printers 110, 120..." refers to a specific number of printers that are the subject of a subscription request in the service provision process described below. In other words, in this embodiment, none of the multiple printers 110, 120... have yet subscribed to the print service, and will subscribe to the print service in the service provision process described below. The multiple printers 110, 120... may include any number of printers.

[0016] (1-2) Service Server The service server 10 is configured as a cloud server and is capable of communicating with the information processing device 50 and multiple printers 110, 120, etc. via a wide area network 200. The service server 10 is configured to perform processing for providing a printing service. Specifically, the service server 10 performs processing for signing up for the printing service, charging the printing service subscriber, and arranging for the supply of consumables to the subscriber, for example.

[0017] The service server 10 can communicate with each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. that can be the targets of the printing service via a wide area network 200. The service server 10 can send various commands to each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc., and can obtain various information from each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc.

[0018] The service server 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The control unit 11 includes a CPU 11a and a memory 11b. The CPU 11a executes processing according to a program loaded into the memory 11b. The memory 11b may include, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, or a flash memory.

[0019] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices. The communication unit 15 is accessible to the wide area network 200. Communication between the service server 10 and the information processing device 50 and the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. is performed via the communication unit 15. In other words, transmission of various information, notifications, inquiries, instructions, requests, etc. from the service server 10 to devices external to the service server 10, as well as reception, acquisition, etc. of various information transmitted from the external devices by the service server 10 (and thus the control unit 11) are basically performed via the communication unit 15.

[0020] The storage unit 14 has a configuration that is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The storage unit 14 stores programs executed by the CPU 11a and various data. The storage unit 14 may include storage such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and / or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0021] The storage unit 14 stores programs installed on the service server 10. As an example, the storage unit 14 stores an operating system. The storage unit 14 also stores a service providing program 14a. The printing service is realized by executing this service providing program 14a.

[0022] The storage unit 14 also stores service information 14b for operating the printing service. The service information 14b includes, for example, a service plan (see FIG. 2) described below, existing contract information, registered account information, and subscription restriction information. The service server 10 also acquires some or all of the history information (hereinafter referred to as history-related information) described below from each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. The acquired history-related information is also stored in the storage unit 14. The history-related information may be acquired periodically or non-periodically (for example, at a predetermined acquisition timing). The service server 10 grasps the usage status of each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. based on the acquired history-related information and executes various processes according to the usage status.

[0023] The existing contract information indicates details of the contract (for example, plan, contractor, account at the time of contract, etc.) for each printer that has already subscribed (i.e., contracted) to the print service. The registered account information indicates accounts that can subscribe to the print service.

[0024] The subscription restriction information indicates printers that cannot subscribe to the print service for each account. For example, for each account, it may be set so that printers of a specific model, printers with a specific model number, or printers managed by a specific department cannot subscribe to the print service. There may also be accounts that have no such subscription restrictions.

[0025] The display unit 12 displays various information to the user of the service server 10. The display unit 12 may include a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The input unit 13 accepts input operations by the user of the service server 10. The input unit 13 may include input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and / or a touch panel.

[0026] In addition to the multiple printers 110, 120, etc., the service providing system 1 may also include printers that have already subscribed to the printing service (hereinafter referred to as "contracted printers"). The service server 10 is capable of communicating with these contracted printers.

[0027] (1-3) Information processing device The information processing device 50 is configured as, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone, a tablet device, or a notebook computer, or a desktop PC. The information processing device 50 can communicate with each of the multiple printers 110, 120.... The information processing device 50 can send various commands to each of the multiple printers 110, 120... and acquire various information from each of the multiple printers 110, 120.... The information processing device 50 can execute printing by instructing each of the multiple printers 110, 120... to print.

[0028] The information processing device 50 may be able to communicate with each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. via a local area network, or may be able to communicate directly with each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. The local area network may include a wired network and / or a wireless network.

[0029] The information processing device 50 is further capable of communicating with the service server 10. In this embodiment, the information processing device 50 is capable of communicating with the service server 10 via a wide area network 200.

[0030] The information processing device 50 includes a control unit 51, a UI 52, a storage unit 53, and a communication unit 54. UI is an abbreviation for user interface. The control unit 51 includes a CPU 51a and a memory 51b. The CPU 51a executes processing in accordance with a program loaded into the memory 51b. The memory 51b may include, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, or a flash memory.

[0031] The storage unit 53 has a configuration that is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The storage unit 53 is a component for storing programs executed by the CPU 51a and various data, and may include storage such as an HDD and / or an SSD.

[0032] The storage unit 53 stores programs installed in the information processing device 50. As an example, the storage unit 53 stores an operating system. The storage unit 53 also stores a terminal application (hereinafter abbreviated as "terminal app") 53a.

[0033] Terminal application 53a is a program configured to perform processing for receiving a printing service. Terminal application 53a may have a function for causing each of multiple printers 110, 120, etc. to execute printing. Specifically, terminal application 53a may have a function for editing and creating files containing images, text, etc. according to instructions from a user, and may have a function for viewing the files. Additionally, terminal application 53a may be configured as, for example, a printer driver for controlling each of multiple printers 110, 120, etc.

[0034] The UI 52 includes a display device and an input device (not shown). The UI 52 displays various information to the user of the information processing device 50 via the display device. The UI 52 accepts various input operations from the user of the information processing device 50 via the input device. The control unit 51 executes processing in accordance with the various input operations. The control unit 51 also displays various information via the display device as necessary.

[0035] The communication unit 54 is a communication interface for communicating with the service server 10 and each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. The communication unit 54 may be capable of communicating with each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. via a local area network, for example, or may communicate directly with each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc., in accordance with standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 54 is capable of accessing the wide area network 200 and communicating with other communication devices (including the service server 10) connected to the wide area network 200 via the wide area network 200. Transmission, notification, inquiry, instruction, etc. of various information from the information processing device 50 to external devices other than the information processing device 50, as well as reception, acquisition, etc. of various information transmitted from the external devices by the information processing device 50 (and thus the control unit 51), are basically performed via the communication unit 54.

[0036] (1-4) Multiple printers 110, 120... In this embodiment, each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. has the same basic configuration as a printer, which includes a control unit, a UI, a printing unit, and a communication unit.

[0037] One printer 110 among the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. will be specifically described. The printer 110 has a printing function. The printing function is a function of printing an image represented by input print data onto a print medium such as paper based on the input print data. The print data can be input to the printer 110 in various ways. For example, the print data can be input from an information processing device 50 via a network. Also, for example, the print data can be input from a portable storage medium (not shown) connected to the printer 110 or from cloud storage (not shown) via a wide area network 200. Note that the printer 110 may have at least one of a scanning function, a copying function, and a fax function in addition to the printing function.

[0038] The printer 110 includes a control unit 111, a UI 112, a printing unit 113, and a communication unit 114, which correspond to the basic components described above. The control unit 111 includes a CPU and memory (not shown). The memory may include semiconductor memory such as ROM, RAM, NVRAM, and flash memory. Non-volatile memory such as ROM and flash memory in the memory stores programs and data for implementing various functions of the printer 110. The control unit 111 performs overall control of the printer 110 by executing processes according to the programs stored in the memory.

[0039] The memory also stores history information. The history information is information related to printing performed by the printer 110. An example of the history information may include the number of pages printed up to the current time in the current unit period and the current remaining amount of consumables. The history information is updated by the control unit 111 depending on the usage status of the printer 110. Some or all of the history information is sent to the service server 10 as the history-related information described above.

[0040] The UI 112 includes a display device and an input device (not shown). The UI 112 displays various information to a user of the printer 110 via the display device. The UI 112 accepts various input operations from the user via the input device. The control unit 111 executes processing in accordance with the various input operations. The control unit 111 also displays various information via the display device as necessary.

[0041] The printing unit 113 has, for example, an inkjet or electrophotographic (in other words, laser) printing mechanism, and prints an image on a print medium. That is, the printer 110 of this embodiment is either a so-called inkjet printer equipped with an inkjet printing mechanism, or a so-called laser printer equipped with an electrophotographic printing mechanism. Note that the printing unit 113 may have a printing mechanism different from the above-mentioned printing mechanism. For example, the printing unit 113 may have a thermal transfer or thermal printing mechanism.

[0042] The communication unit 114 is a communication interface for communicating with an external device. The external device here includes the information processing device 50 and the service server 10. The communication unit 114 may communicate with the information processing device 50 and the service server 10 via, for example, a local area network. The communication unit 114 may also communicate directly with the information processing device 50 in accordance with standards such as USB or Bluetooth.

[0043] Each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc., other than printer 110, also has a basic configuration similar to the above-mentioned basic configuration of printer 110, namely, a control unit similar to control unit 111, a UI similar to UI 112, a printing unit similar to printing unit 113, and a communication unit 114 similar to communication unit 114.

[0044] However, at least some of these basic configurations in each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. may differ from one another depending on the model. For example, in this embodiment, one or more of the multiple printers 110, 120... are laser printers, and one or more of the multiple printers 110, 120... are inkjet printers. Therefore, the basic configuration of the laser printer is at least partially different from the basic configuration of the inkjet printer. For example, the printing unit of the laser printer includes an electrophotographic printing mechanism, while the printing unit of the inkjet printer includes an inkjet printing mechanism.

[0045] (1-5) Printing services The printing service of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2. While merely an example, the printing service of this embodiment has a service plan as shown in FIG. 2. The service plan includes multiple plans. Each of the multiple plans includes charging according to the usage status of the subscribed printer.

[0046] In this embodiment, each of the multiple plans includes charging according to the number of pages printed by the subscribed printer. More specifically, each of the multiple plans is a so-called subscription service, and a fixed amount is charged per unit period up to a predetermined upper limit on the number of pages printed.

[0047] The plurality of plans includes a plurality of first plans and a plurality of second plans. The Type 1 plan is a plan that can be subscribed to by a single printer. With the Type 1 plan, charges are based on the number of pages printed by a single subscribed printer. More specifically, a fixed first amount is charged for each unit period until the number of pages printed reaches a first upper limit.

[0048] The first type plans are further classified into at least two categories. The at least two categories include a first category and a second category. The first category is available to a first type of printer (a laser printer in this embodiment), and the second category is available to a second type of printer (an inkjet printer in this embodiment). The multiple first type plans have different first upper limit numbers and / or different first amounts.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the plurality of first-class plans of this embodiment include at least an individual plan S1-1, an individual plan S1-2, an individual plan S2-1, and an individual plan S2-2. Individual plans S1-1 and S1-2 are classified into a first category and can be individually subscribed to by a first type of printer. Individual plans S2-1 and S2-2 are classified into a second category and can be individually subscribed to by a second type of printer.

[0050] Individual plan S1-1 has a first maximum number of cards of 2,000 and a first amount of M1a yen. The Individual Plan S1-2 has a first upper limit of 5,000 cards and a first amount of M1b yen. M1b is larger than M1a.

[0051] Individual plan S2-1 has a first upper limit of 3,000 cards and a first amount of M2a yen. Individual plan S2-2 has a first upper limit of 7,000 cards and a first amount of M2b yen. M2b is greater than M2a.

[0052] The Type 2 plan is a plan that allows two or more printers of the same type to subscribe at once. With the Type 2 plan, charges are based on the cumulative number of pages printed by the two or more subscribed printers of the same type. More specifically, a fixed second amount is charged for each unit period until the cumulative number of pages printed reaches a second upper limit. The cumulative number of pages printed is the cumulative total of the number of pages printed by each of the two or more subscribed printers of the same type.

[0053] The second type plans are further classified into at least a first category and a second category. The second type plans have different second upper limit numbers and / or different second amounts.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the plurality of second-class plans of this embodiment include at least a lump-sum plan B1-1, a lump-sum plan B1-2, a lump-sum plan B2-1, and a lump-sum plan B2-2. The lump-sum plan B1-1 and lump-sum plan B1-2 are classified into the first category and can be subscribed to at once for two or more first type printers. The lump-sum plan B2-1 and lump-sum plan B2-2 are classified into the second category and can be subscribed to at once for two or more second type printers.

[0055] For the lump-sum plan B1-1, the second upper limit is "2000 x Np x α" sheets, and the second amount is "M1a x Np x β" yen. Note that "x" is the symbol for multiplication. Np is the number of two or more printers subscribed to at once. α is greater than or equal to 1 and β is less than 1, or α is greater than 1 and β is less than or equal to 1. Both α and β are greater than 0.

[0056] For lump-sum plan B1-2, the second maximum number of cards is "5000 x Np x α" cards, and the second amount is "M1b x Np x β" yen. For lump-sum plan B2-1, the second maximum number of cards is "3000 x Np x α" cards, and the second amount is "M2a x Np x β" yen.

[0057] For lump-sum plan B2-2, the second maximum number of cards is "7000 x Np x α" cards, and the second amount is "M2b x Np x β" yen. For example, suppose Np first category printers are subscribed to either the Individual Plan S1-1 or the Bulk Plan B1-1. In this case, subscribing to the Bulk Plan B1-1 will result in a lower charge per printer and / or a higher upper limit on the number of pages per printer than subscribing to each of the Individual Plans S1-1.

[0058] In other words, (i) the unit charge amount for the lump-sum plan B1-1 is less than the first amount M1a for the individual plan S1-1 and the unit upper limit number for the lump-sum plan B1-1 is equal to or greater than the first upper limit number for the individual plan S1-1, or (ii) the unit charge amount for the lump-sum plan B1-1 is equal to or less than the first amount M1a for the individual plan S1-1 and the unit upper limit number for the lump-sum plan B1-1 is greater than the first upper limit number for the individual plan S1-1. The unit charge amount is the amount obtained by converting the second amount per printer. The unit upper limit number is the amount obtained by converting the second upper limit number per printer.

[0059] For example, if Np printers in the first category subscribed to the lump-sum plan B1-1 each printed 2,000 sheets in January, the amount charged for that month would be less than Np times the first amount M1a of the individual plan S1-1.

[0060] The relationship between individual plan S1-2 and lump-sum plan B1-2, the relationship between individual plan S2-1 and lump-sum plan B2-1, and the relationship between individual plan S2-2 and lump-sum plan B2-2 are similar to the relationship between individual plan S1-1 and lump-sum plan B1-1 described above.

[0061] (1-6) Service provision processing The CPU 11a of the control unit 11 of the service server 10 performs various processes for providing a print service by executing a service providing process in accordance with the service providing program 14a installed on the service server 10. In the following explanation, the subject of the process realized by executing a program may be described by the program name. For example, the description "the service providing program 14a" may mean "the control unit 11 executing the service providing program 14a."

[0062] The service provision process includes processing for new subscription procedures to the printing service. Specifically, when the service provision program 14a receives a request from the information processing device 50 to subscribe to the printing service for multiple printers 110, 120, etc., it performs processing to subscribe each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. to one of the plans. One of the most distinctive processes in the service provision process of this embodiment is that when the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. include two or more printers of the same type, a Type 2 plan is presented to those two or more printers in addition to the Type 1 plan. This allows the user to choose whether to subscribe two or more printers of the same model individually to the Type 1 plan or collectively to the Type 2 plan.

[0063] Such a service provision process will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 3. The service provision process is executed in response to a login request made via terminal application 53a, for example.

[0064] When the control unit 11 starts the service providing process, it executes the login process at S100. That is, the control unit 11 accepts the login of the account to the service providing system 1 (more specifically, the login to the service server 10) based on the account information included in the login request. For convenience of the following explanation, in this embodiment, the accounts that can log in include at least a first account and a second account. That is, the above-mentioned registered account information includes at least the first account and the second account.

[0065] In S100, it is assumed that a login request is received together with first account information corresponding to the first account, for example. In this case, the control unit 11 accepts the login of the first account.

[0066] When the login is successfully accepted, in S110, the control unit 11 provides (i.e., transmits) account-related information to the terminal application 53a (i.e., to the information processing device 50). The account-related information is information related to the currently logged-in account, and includes the above-mentioned subscription restriction information.

[0067] By receiving account-related information from the service server 10, the terminal application 53a can recognize whether or not each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. can subscribe to the print service with the current account.

[0068] The terminal application 53a accepts printers to be subscribed to in response to a subscription application operation by the user of the information processing device 50 via the UI 52. In response, the user can set multiple printers 110, 120, etc. as printers to be subscribed to. At this time, the terminal application 53a may, for example, search for printers connected to the local network by, for example, broadcasting. The searched printers may then be presented to the user via the UI 52. In response, the user may be able to select, from the presented printers, a printer to be subscribed to (i.e., a printer that the user wishes to subscribe to the print service) via the UI 52.

[0069] It should be noted that printers for which subscription with the current account is restricted in the subscription restriction information acquired in S110 may be excluded from the options for printers to be subscribed to. In this embodiment, the following description will be given on the assumption that the user has set multiple printers 110, 120, etc. as targets for subscription. When multiple printers 110, 120, etc. are set as targets for subscription, the terminal application 53a acquires printer information for each of the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. The printer information may include, for example, the model, model number, IP address, serial number, etc. of the printer. The terminal application 53a sends a subscription request including the acquired printer information to the service server 10. The subscription request requests that the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. be subscribed to the printing service.

[0070] When the subscription request is sent from the terminal application 53a, the control unit 11 of the service server 10 accepts the subscription request in S120. In S130, the control unit 11 determines whether there are any non-subscription printers among the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. for which subscription to the print service is being requested by the subscription request. A non-subscription printer is a printer that cannot be subscribed to the print service using the currently logged-in account. The control unit 11 makes the determination in S130 based on the subscription restriction information described above.

[0071] If, in S130, the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. include a printer that cannot be subscribed to, the process proceeds to S140. In S140, the control unit 11 executes a subscription-denied notification process. The subscription-denied notification process notifies the information processing device 50 that there is a printer that cannot be subscribed to the print service using the current account, and asks whether or not the user wishes to subscribe to the print service for that printer using a different account. Details of the subscription-denied notification process are as shown in FIG. 4.

[0072] When the control unit 11 proceeds to the join denial notification process, in S310 it transmits join denial information to the information processing device 50. The join denial information includes information that there is a join denial printer among the join request targets, and information about the join denial printer.

[0073] When the terminal application 53a receives the subscription denial information, it presents information about the subscription denial printer indicated by the subscription denial information to the user of the information processing device 50 via the UI 52. This allows the user of the information processing device 50 to recognize that the print service for the presented subscription denial printer cannot be subscribed to, at least with the current account.

[0074] In S320, the control unit 11 inquires of the terminal application 53a whether or not the user wishes to subscribe the non-subscription printer to the print service later using a different account. Upon receiving this inquiry, the terminal application 53a inquires of the user via the UI 52 whether or not they wish to subscribe to the print service for the non-subscription-enabled printer under a separate account. The user can respond to this inquiry via the UI 52 as to whether or not they wish to subscribe to the print service under a separate account. Based on the user's response, the terminal application 53a transmits response information to the service server 10 indicating whether or not they wish to request subscription under a separate account.

[0075] The control unit 11 of the service server 10 acquires the response information in S330. In S340, the control unit 11 determines, based on the response information, whether or not a separate account subscription is requested for the non-subscription printer. If a separate account subscription is not requested, the non-subscription notification process ends, and the process proceeds to S150 (see FIG. 3).

[0076] If a subscription is requested using a different account, the control unit 11 sets the non-subscription-enabled printer as a "subscription pending printer" in S350. Subsequently, in S360, the control unit 11 temporarily excludes the non-subscription-enabled printer from the printers for which subscription is accepted. The printers for which subscription is accepted are basically all printers for which subscription was requested in the subscription request in S120 (in this embodiment, multiple printers 110, 120, etc.). However, when the processing of S360 is performed, the non-subscription-enabled printer is excluded from the printers for which subscription is accepted. The processing of S350 to S360 temporarily suspends the subscription of the non-subscription-enabled printer to the print service, and the processing of S230 later accepts subscription using a different account.

[0077] After processing S360, this process proceeds to S150 (FIG. 3). Also, if in S130 there are no non-subscription printers included among the multiple printers 110, 120, etc., this process proceeds to S150. Note that if the process proceeds from S130 to S150 without passing through S140, all printers for which subscription was requested in S120 have been set as printers eligible for subscription acceptance. On the other hand, if the process proceeds from S130 to S150 via S140, printers for which subscription was requested in S120 and set as subscription pending printers in S350 have been excluded from the printers eligible for subscription acceptance.

[0078] In S150, the control unit 11 determines whether the printers for which subscription acceptance is available include a group of printers of the same type. A group of homogeneous printers is two or more printers that belong to the same category (in other words, the same type). In other words, a group of homogeneous printers is two or more printers that can be grouped together under a second-class plan, which will be described later.

[0079] "Type" may be defined or classified in any way. For example, a type may be set for each printer model. In this case, "same type" is synonymous with "same model." In other words, two or more printers of the same model may be defined as the same type, and multiple printers of different models may be defined as different types.

[0080] In this embodiment, which is merely an example, printers are classified into types (or models) according to the printing method, as described above. Specifically, printers equipped with a laser printing mechanism are classified into a first type (or first model), and printers equipped with an inkjet printing mechanism are classified into a second type (or second model). Printers equipped with a printing mechanism other than the laser and inkjet methods may be classified into, for example, a third type (or third model).

[0081] Therefore, for example, if the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. include two or more inkjet printers, those two or more inkjet printers correspond to one homogeneous printer group. Similarly, if the multiple printers 110, 120, etc. include two or more laser printers, those two or more laser printers correspond to another homogeneous printer group. In other words, there can be multiple homogeneous printer groups among the multiple printers 110, 120, etc.

[0082] If it is determined in S150 that a group of homogeneous printers is not included, the process proceeds to S160. In S160, the control unit 11 sets one unprocessed printer among the printers eligible for subscription acceptance as the printer to be processed. "Unprocessed" here means a printer for which the process of S170 has not yet been performed, in other words, a printer that has not yet subscribed to the printing service. "Processing target" here means a printer for which the process of S170 should be performed.

[0083] In S170, the control unit 11 performs processing for the target printer set in S160 to subscribe the printer to the print service. Specifically, the control unit 11 transmits plan information and processing target information to the information processing device 50. The plan information indicates one or more first-class plans to which the target printer can subscribe. The processing target information indicates the target printer.

[0084] When the terminal application 53a receives the plan information and processing target information sent from the service server 10, it presents to the user via the UI 52 one or more Type 1 plans indicated by the plan information and the processing target printer indicated by the processing target information. The user can select one Type 1 plan to which the processing target printer should be subscribed from the presented one or more Type 1 plans. When the user selects a Type 1 plan, the terminal application 53a transmits subscription application information to the service server 10. The subscription application information includes information indicating the selected Type 1 plan and various information required for subscribing to the printing service.

[0085] When the control unit 11 receives the subscription application information from the information processing device 50, it performs individual subscription processing based on the subscription application information. Specifically, the control unit 11 subscribes the target printer to the specified Type 1 plan. At this time, the control unit 11 may communicate directly with the target printer (i.e., without going through the information processing device 50) as necessary. When the target printer has been subscribed to the printing service in this way, the process proceeds to S210.

[0086] In S210, it is determined whether there are any unprocessed printers among the printers eligible for subscription acceptance. "Unprocessed" here means a printer that has not undergone either the bulk subscription process of S190 or the individual subscription process of S170, in other words, a printer that has not yet subscribed to the printing service. If there are any unprocessed printers, the control unit 11 proceeds to S160. In this way, the printers eligible for subscription acceptance are sequentially subscribed to the printing service one by one.

[0087] If it is determined in S150 that a homogeneous printer group is included, the process proceeds to S180. In S180, the control unit 11 sets one unprocessed homogeneous printer group among the printers eligible for subscription acceptance as the group to be processed. "Unprocessed" here means a homogeneous printer group for which the process of S190 has not yet been performed, in other words, a homogeneous printer group that has not yet subscribed to the printing service. "Processing target" here means a homogeneous printer group for which the process of S190 should be performed.

[0088] In S190, the control unit 11 performs a bulk subscription process. The bulk subscription process is a process for subscribing a group of printers of the same type to be processed to a single second-class plan at once. Details of the bulk subscription process are as shown in FIG. 5.

[0089] When the control unit 11 transitions to the bulk subscription process, it determines in S410 whether or not there is an applicable contracted plan. An applicable contracted plan is a second-class plan to which (i) printers other than the multiple printers 110, 120... for which subscription was requested in S120 are already subscribed, and (ii) to which the same type of printers being processed this time can subscribe. If there is no applicable contracted plan, the process transitions to S460.

[0090] In S460, the control unit 11 extracts from the service plans one or more second-type plans to which the group of homogeneous printers being processed can subscribe collectively, and one or more first-type plans to which each printer included in the group of homogeneous printers can subscribe individually.

[0091] In S470, the control unit 11 transmits plan information based on the processing result of S460 and processing target information to the information processing device 50. The plan information transmitted here indicates one or more first-type plans and one or more second-type plans extracted in S460. The processing target information indicates a group of homogeneous printers to be processed.

[0092] Upon receiving the plan information and processing target information transmitted in S470, the terminal application 53a presents the one or more first-class plans and one or more second-class plans indicated by the plan information and the group of homogeneous printers to be processed indicated by the processing target information to the user via the UI 52. The terminal application 53a then inquires of the user as to whether or not the user wishes to collectively subscribe to the second-class plan for the group of homogeneous printers to be processed. Specifically, for example, the terminal application 53a may display an inquiry message on the UI 52.

[0093] This allows the user to recognize that a group of homogeneous printers in the processing target group can be subscribed to a Type 2 plan all at once, and that each printer can be subscribed to a Type 1 plan individually. In response to an inquiry from terminal application 53a, the user can select via UI 52 whether or not to subscribe to a Type 2 plan all at once, and if so, which of the presented Type 2 plans the user wishes to subscribe to. Terminal application 53a transmits response information indicating the user's selection to service server 10. If a bulk subscription to a Type 2 plan is selected, the response information includes plan designation information. The plan designation information indicates the Type 2 plan selected by the user.

[0094] The control unit 11 of the service server 10 acquires the response information in S480. In S490, the control unit 11 determines, based on the response information, whether or not a bulk subscription to the second-class plan has been requested for the group of homogeneous printers being processed. If a bulk subscription to the second-class plan has not been requested, the process proceeds to S200 (see FIG. 3). If a bulk subscription to the second-class plan has been requested, the process proceeds to S500.

[0095] In S500, the control unit 11 executes a bulk new subscription process. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires the second-class plan selected by the user from the plan designation information acquired in S480. Then, two or more printers included in the group of homogeneous printers to be processed are collectively subscribed to the selected second-class plan. At this time, the control unit 11 may communicate directly with each of the group of homogeneous printers to be processed (i.e., without going through the information processing device 50) as necessary. When the bulk subscription of the group of homogeneous printers to be processed to the second-class plan is completed in this manner, the process proceeds to S200.

[0096] If an applicable contracted plan is found in S410, the process proceeds to S420. In S420, the control unit 11 transmits plan information indicating the applicable contracted plan and the information to be processed to the information processing device 50. The plan information transmitted here may include one or more first-class plans to which each printer in the homogeneous printer group can individually subscribe.

[0097] Upon receiving the plan information and processing target information transmitted in S420, the terminal application 53a presents the applicable contracted plan indicated by the plan information and the group of homogeneous printers to be processed indicated by the processing target information to the user via the UI 52. The terminal application 53a then asks the user whether or not to collectively subscribe the group of homogeneous printers to be processed to the applicable contracted plan.

[0098] This allows the user to recognize that a group of similar printers in the processing target group can be subscribed to in addition to the applicable contracted plan. If the plan information includes one or more Type 1 plans, those one or more Type 1 plans may also be presented to the user. In this case, the user can recognize that they can choose between subscribing to the applicable contracted plan in one go or subscribing to the Type 1 plan as a new user.

[0099] In response to the inquiry from terminal application 53a, the user can select whether or not to subscribe to all applicable contracted plans at once via UI 52. Terminal application 53a transmits response information indicating the result of the user's selection to service server 10.

[0100] The control unit 11 of the service server 10 acquires the response information in S430. In S440, the control unit 11 determines, based on the response information, whether or not a request for collective subscription to an applicable contracted plan has been made for the group of homogeneous printers being processed. If collective subscription to an applicable contracted plan has not been requested, the process proceeds to S460. If collective subscription to an applicable contracted plan has been requested, the process proceeds to S450.

[0101] In S450, the control unit 11 executes a batch addition subscription process. Specifically, the control unit 11 collectively subscribes two or more printers included in the group of homogeneous printers to be processed to the applicable contracted plan. At this time, the control unit 11 may communicate directly (i.e., without going through the information processing device 50) with each of the group of homogeneous printers to be processed as necessary. When the collective subscription of the group of homogeneous printers to be processed to the applicable contracted plan is completed in this way, the process proceeds to S200.

[0102] Returning to Figure 3, the explanation continues. In S200, the control unit 11 determines whether there are any unprocessed homogeneous printer groups among the printers for which subscription acceptance is accepted. Here, "unprocessed homogeneous printer groups" refers to homogeneous printer groups for which the processing of S190 has not yet been executed. If there are any unprocessed homogeneous printer groups, the processing proceeds to S180. If there are no unprocessed homogeneous printer groups, the processing proceeds to S210.

[0103] In S210, the control unit 11 determines whether there are any unprocessed printers among the printers for which subscription acceptance is accepted, as described above. The processing when there are unprocessed printers is as described above. If there are no unprocessed printers, the processing proceeds to S220.

[0104] In S220, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a pending subscription printer (see S350). If there is no pending subscription printer, the control unit 11 ends this process. If there is a pending subscription printer, the process proceeds to S230. In S230, the control unit 11 executes pending subscription printer support processing. Details of the pending subscription printer support processing are as shown in FIG. 6. The pending subscription printer support processing includes creating a new account and subscribing the pending subscription printer to the print service using the created account. It also includes processing that allows new accounts to be created efficiently.

[0105] When the control unit 11 transitions to the subscription pending printer support process, in S610 it extracts shared information from the account information of the currently logged-in account. Shared information is part of the account information and is information that can be used (or shared or reused) when creating another account. Shared information can include, for example, the name or title of the registered user of the account, the address or residence of the registered user, payment information (e.g., credit card number or account number), etc.

[0106] In S620, the control unit 11 inquires of the user of the information processing device 50 whether or not it is OK to use the shared information when creating a new account. When the terminal application 53a receives the inquiry of S620 from the service server 10, it prompts the user of the information processing device 50 to create a new account and presents the shared information, and accepts whether or not to use the shared information, via the UI 52. In response, the user can select whether or not to use the shared information via the UI 52.

[0107] When the user selects whether or not to allow the shared information to be used, the terminal application 53a notifies the service providing program 14a of the selection result. In S630, the control unit 11 of the service server 10 acquires an instruction regarding whether or not the shared information can be used from the terminal application 53a.

[0108] In S640, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the shared information is usable based on the instruction acquired in S630. If the shared information is usable, the process proceeds to S650. In S650, the control unit 11 requests the information processing device 50 for the missing information. The missing information is information other than the shared information among the account registration information group required to create a new account. Upon receiving this request, the terminal application 53a requests the user to input the missing information via the UI 52. The control unit 11 then transmits the missing information input by the user to the service server 10. The control unit 11 acquires the missing information transmitted from the information processing device 50.

[0109] If the shared information cannot be used in S640, the process proceeds to S660. In S660, the control unit 11 requests the information processing device 50 to send an account registration information group. Upon receiving this request, the terminal application 53a requests the user to input the account registration information group via the UI 52. The terminal application 53a then transmits the account registration information group input by the user to the service server 10. The control unit 11 acquires the account registration information group transmitted from the information processing device 50.

[0110] In S670, the control unit 11 creates and registers a new account. Then, the user logs in using the new account. When the process moves from S650 to S670, the control unit 11 creates a new account based on the shared information and the missing information acquired in S650 and registers it in the system. When the process moves from S660 to S670, the control unit 11 creates a new account based on the account information group acquired in S660 and registers it in the system.

[0111] In S680, the control unit 11 sets the subscription pending printer as a printer eligible for subscription acceptance. Then, in S690, service subscription processing is executed for the printer eligible for subscription acceptance. The service subscription processing is processing for subscribing the printer eligible for subscription acceptance to the print service, and is specifically the same as the processing of S150 to S210. In other words, the printer that was once set as a subscription pending printer is subscribed to the print service under a new account by the processing of S150 to S210.

[0112] It is not necessary to create a new account to subscribe a pending subscription printer to the print service. For example, if another account other than the currently logged in account is registered that can subscribe the pending subscription printer to the print service, you can log in again with that other account and subscribe the pending subscription printer to the print service.

[0113] Furthermore, there may be printers (for example, printers of a specific model, printers managed by a specific department, etc., hereinafter referred to as "specifically managed printers") that are prohibited from subscribing to the print service except for specific accounts. In this case, in the subscription denial notification process of Fig. 4, the process from S320 onwards may be omitted for the specific managed printers. In other words, if a specific managed printer is included among the subscription denial printers, the process from S320 onwards may be omitted for that specific managed printer in the subscription denial notification process of Fig. 4.

[0114] (1-7) Technical Effects of the Embodiments According to the embodiment described above, the following technical effects are achieved. In this embodiment, in response to a subscription request from multiple printers 110, 120, if the multiple printers 110, 120 include a group of homogeneous printers, a first-class plan and a second-class plan are presented to the information processing device 50 for the group of homogeneous printers (see S470 in FIG. 5). This allows the user of the information processing device 50 to recognize that the group of homogeneous printers can be individually subscribed to the first-class plan, and can also be collectively subscribed to the second-class plan. This allows the user to subscribe the group of homogeneous printers to the printing service in the subscription mode they desire. In other words, the degree of freedom in the subscription mode is increased.

[0115] As is apparent from FIG. 2, in this embodiment, when subscribing to a printing service for a group of homogeneous printers, the Type 2 plan is more beneficial to users in various ways than the Type 1 plan. Specifically, the average price per printer for the Type 2 plan's second price is lower than the first price for the Type 1 plan, or the average number of pages per printer for the Type 2 plan's second upper limit is higher than the first upper limit for the Type 1 plan. This will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 2. For example, if α≧1 and β<1, the average price per printer (M1a×β yen) when subscribing to a group of homogeneous printers, such as a bundled plan B1-1, is lower than the billing amount M1a yen for each printer when each printer is individually subscribed to an individual plan S1-1. Furthermore, if α>1 and β≦1, the average upper limit per printer (3000×α sheets) when subscribing to a bundled plan BB2-1 is higher than the first upper limit (3000 sheets) for each printer when each printer is individually subscribed to an individual plan S2-1.

[0116] Therefore, when subscribing a group of printers of the same type to a printing service, the user can obtain the above-mentioned benefits by subscribing them all at once to the second-class plan. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when subscribing a group of homogeneous printers to a printing service, if an applicable contract plan exists, the user is notified of this fact (see S420 in FIG. 5). This allows the user to know that an applicable contract plan exists to which the group of homogeneous printers can be subscribed all at once, and the user can request to subscribe to that applicable contract plan. Therefore, if an applicable contract plan exists, the user can easily subscribe the group of homogeneous printers all at once to the second type plan.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if there is a non-subscription printer among the multiple printers 110, 120, etc., the user is notified of this fact (see S310 in FIG. 4). In response to this, the user can choose whether or not to subscribe to the non-subscription printer later using a different account. Therefore, the user can subscribe to the print service using a different account even for a non-subscription printer that cannot be subscribed to using the currently logged-in account (see FIG. 6).

[0118] Furthermore, when creating another account, if the service server 10 has shared information, the user can simply provide the missing information other than the shared information to the service server 10 (see S650 in FIG. 6). This reduces the burden on the user in creating an account.

[0119] (1-8) Correspondence of words The print service corresponds to an example of a service in the present disclosure. The account for which login is accepted in S100 corresponds to an example of a first account in the present disclosure, and the account newly created in S670 corresponds to an example of a second account in the present disclosure.

[0120] The process of S120 corresponds to an example of a request acceptance process in the present disclosure. The processes of S170, S420, and S470 correspond to an example of a first output process in the present disclosure. The process of S310 corresponds to an example of a second output process in the present disclosure.

[0121] 2. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0122] (2-1) Regarding the service plan illustrated in FIG. 2, α and β may be determined in any manner. α and β may be constant or variable. For example, as the number of devices Np increases, α may increase and / or β may decrease.

[0123] In addition, any number of the first type of plan and the second type of plan may be prepared, and each may have any content. Also, the discount in the second type of plan may be realized in any way. That is, the upper limit number of sheets and the charging amount of the second type of printer may be determined by a method other than the method using the above α and β. Also, a discount may be applied to only one of the upper limit number of sheets and the charging amount.

[0124] (2-2) Even when a plurality of printers individually subscribe to the same first type of plan, a discount may be applied to the charging amount for the second and subsequent printers. For example, the charging amount for the second and subsequent printers may be set as the first amount × Q yen (0 < Q < 1). Q may decrease as the number of printers increases. Alternatively, when the total number of printers individually subscribing to the same first type of plan is determined, Q corresponding to that total number may be determined, and the amount obtained by multiplying the first amount by Q may be set as the charging amount for each printer.

[0125] (2-3) The service provision program 14a may be executed outside the service server 10. For example, the service provision program 14a may be executed on the information processing device 50. In this case, the service provision program 14a may also function as the terminal app 53a.

[0126] Also, for example, the service provision program 14a may be executed on any one of the plurality of printers 110, 120 ··· (for example, printer 110). That is, for example, printer 11 may have a part of the functions of the service server 10.

[0127] Also, one of the plurality of printers 110, 120 ··· may be capable of executing the terminal app 53a. In this case, the information processing device 50 may be omitted from the service system 1.

[0128] (2-4) The printing service may include a type of service different from the subscription service. (2-5) Multiple functions possessed by one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions possessed by multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1...service providing system, 10...service server, 11,51,111...control unit, 14,53...memory unit, 14a...service providing program, 15,54,114...communication unit, 50...information processing device, 51...control unit, 53...memory unit, 53a...terminal application, 110,120...printer, 113...printing unit.

Claims

1. A service providing program executable by a computer included in a service providing system including a plurality of printers, The computer, a request acceptance process for accepting a subscription request for subscribing the plurality of printers to a service, the service including a plurality of plans, each of the plurality of plans including charging according to the usage status of the subscribed printer; a first output process that outputs plan information in response to the subscription request being accepted by the request acceptance process, the plan information indicating, among the plurality of plans, (i) a first type plan to which each of the plurality of printers can subscribe individually, and (ii) a second type plan to which two or more printers of the same type can collectively subscribe when the plurality of printers include such two or more printers; A service provision program that executes the above.

2. 2. The service providing program according to claim 1, The first plan includes charging based on the number of pages printed by the subscribed printer, the second plan includes charging based on a cumulative number of printed sheets, which is a cumulative total of the number of printed sheets by each of the two or more printers of the same type; Service delivery programs.

3. 3. The service providing program according to claim 2, When the two or more printers of the same type subscribe to the second type plan, the amount charged based on the cumulative number of printed sheets when the two or more printers each print a predetermined number of sheets is less than the total amount charged to each of the two or more printers when the two or more printers each print the predetermined number of sheets when the two or more printers each subscribe to the first type plan. Service delivery programs.

4. 4. The service providing program according to claim 3, The first type plan is a subscription service that allows printing for a fixed first amount until the number of printed sheets reaches a first upper limit number per unit period, the second type plan is a subscription service that allows printing for a fixed second amount until the cumulative number of printed sheets of the two or more printers of the same type reaches a second upper limit number for each unit period, the average number of the second upper limit number of sheets per one of the two or more printers is equal to or greater than the first upper limit number of sheets; the second amount is an average amount per one of the two or more printers that is less than the first amount; Service delivery programs.

5. The service providing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, In the first output process, if there is an already-contracted plan, which is the second type plan to which a printer other than the plurality of printers has already subscribed, among the plurality of plans, and if a printer that can be subscribed to the already-contracted plan is included among the plurality of printers, outputting the plan information including information indicating that the printer can be additionally subscribed to the already-contracted plan. Service delivery programs.

6. The service providing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The computer, a login process for accepting login of the account indicated by the received account information; Run the request acceptance process and the first output process are executed when the login is accepted by the login process, The service providing program is installed on the computer. a second output process for outputting subscription-disabled information indicating that the subscription-disabled printer cannot be subscribed to the service from the currently logged-in account when the plurality of printers targeted by the subscription request accepted by the request acceptance process include a subscription-disabled printer that cannot be subscribed to from the currently logged-in account; Execute Service delivery programs.

7. The service providing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a first account capable of logging in to the service providing system is registered together with first account information indicating the first account, The service providing program is installed on the computer. an extraction process of extracting shared information that is part of the first account information; an account generation process for generating a second account associated with second account information including the shared information extracted by the extraction process; Execute the request acceptance process and the first output process are executed when the first account or the second account is logged in to the service providing system. Service delivery programs.

8. The service providing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the service providing system includes a service server that is provided separately from the plurality of printers and that is configured to provide the service; The computer is provided in the service server. Service delivery programs.

9. The service providing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The service providing system includes an information processing device, the information processing device is configured to acquire the plan information output by the first output process, and output plan designation information, the plan designation information indicating a subscription plan for each of the plurality of printers selected from the first type plan and / or the second type plan corresponding to each of the plurality of printers indicated by the acquired plan information, The service providing program is installed on the computer. a subscription process for subscribing the plurality of printers to the service in accordance with the plan designation information; A service provision program that executes the above.

10. a service server configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of printers and to be able to provide services; an information processing device configured to be able to communicate with the service server; A service providing system comprising: The service includes a plurality of plans, each of which includes charging according to usage of a subscribed printer; The service server a request acquisition process for acquiring from the information processing device a subscription request for subscribing the plurality of printers to the service; an output process for outputting plan information to the information processing device in response to the acquisition of the subscription request by the request acquisition process, the plan information indicating, among the plurality of plans, (i) a first type plan to which each of the plurality of printers can subscribe individually, and (ii) a second type plan to which two or more printers of the same type can collectively subscribe when the plurality of printers include such two or more printers; a service delivery system configured to run

11. accepting a request to join; outputting plan information in response to the subscription request being accepted; Equipped with the subscription request requests subscribing a plurality of printers to the service; The service includes a plurality of plans, each of which includes charging according to usage of a subscribed printer; The plan information indicates, among the plurality of plans, (i) a first type plan to which each of the plurality of printers can subscribe individually, and (ii) a second type plan to which two or more printers of the same type can subscribe collectively when the plurality of printers includes two or more printers of the same type. Service delivery methods.

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