A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program for an information processing apparatus, a communication system, and a method executed by an information processing apparatus.

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of appropriately urging a user to subscribe to a service for a printer.SOLUTION: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for an information processing apparatus, the computer program causing a computer of the information processing apparatus to function as: a first acquisition unit configured to acquire first history information indicating a use history of a first printer from a memory; a determination unit configured to determine whether the first history information indicates a first use history or a second use history; and a first display control unit configured to cause a display unit to display a service screen related to a predetermined service for a second printer different from the first printer, and a first display control unit that causes the display unit to display a first service screen when it is determined that the first history information indicates the first use history, and causes the display unit to display a second service screen different from the first service screen when it is determined that the first history information indicates the second use history.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification relates to techniques for providing services for printers. [Background technology]

[0002] The MFP of Patent Document 1 displays a screen recommending a toner delivery contract in response to detecting a toner low. [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] The present specification provides a technique that can appropriately prompt a user to subscribe to a service for a printer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for an information processing device. The computer program may cause the computer program for information processing to function as the following units: a first acquisition unit that acquires, from a memory, first history information indicating a usage history of a first printer; a determination unit that determines whether the first history information indicates a first usage history or a second usage history; and a first display control unit that causes a display unit to display a service screen related to a predetermined service for a second printer different from the first printer, the first display control unit causing the display unit to display the first service screen when it is determined that the first history information indicates the first usage history, and causing the display unit to display a second service screen different from the first service screen when it is determined that the first history information indicates the second usage history.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the information processing device displays a first service screen on the display unit when the first history information indicates a first usage history, and displays a second service screen different from the first service screen on the display unit when the first history information indicates a second usage history. This allows the information processing device to appropriately prompt the user to subscribe to a service for the second printer based on the usage history of the first printer.

[0007] A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program, an information processing device implemented by the computer program, and a method executed by the information processing device are also novel and useful. A system including an information processing device, a first printer, and a second printer different from the first printer 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] A sequence diagram of the registration process is shown. [Figure 4] 1 shows a flowchart of a display process. [Figure 5] 1 shows each screen displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 6] A sequence diagram of a specific example is shown below. [Figure 7] The sequence diagram continues from Figure 6. [Figure 8] The sequence diagram for Case B is shown below. [Figure 9] The sequence diagram for Case C is shown below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Outline of communication system 2: Figure 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a plurality of printers 10, 200, a terminal device 50, and a management server 100. The printers 10, 200, and the terminal device 50 are connected to a LAN (abbreviation of Local Area Network) 4. The printers 10, 200, and the terminal device 50 can communicate with each other via the LAN 4. The LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. The printers 10, 200, the terminal device 50, and the management server 100 are connected to the Internet 6. The printers 10, 200, and the terminal device 50 can communicate with the management server 100 via the Internet 6.

[0010] (Printer 10, 200 configuration) The printer 10 is a peripheral device (i.e., a peripheral device such as a PC) that can perform a printing function. The printer 10 may be a multi-function device that can perform a scanning function, a fax function, etc. in addition to a printing function. The printer 10 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 10 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 10 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 memory 34 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory includes RAM and cache memory. The non-volatile memory may be a ROM, a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The non-volatile memory stores a program 36. The program 36 stored in the non-volatile memory is loaded into the volatile memory, and the program 36 is executed by the CPU 32, thereby realizing various processes.

[0013] Printer 200 has the same configuration as printer 10, except that it has a serial number "SN2" and a model name "MN2".

[0014] (Configuration of terminal device 50) The terminal device 50 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a tablet PC, or a laptop PC. In a modified example, a stationary terminal device may be used instead of the terminal device 50. The terminal device 50 includes an operation unit 52, a display unit 54, a communication I / F 58, and a control unit 60.

[0015] The operation unit 52 has a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the terminal device 50 by operating the operation unit 52. The display unit 54 is a display for displaying various information. The communication I / F 58 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 58 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0016] The control unit 60 includes a CPU 62 and a memory 64. The memory 64 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory includes RAM and cache memory. The non-volatile memory may be a ROM, a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The non-volatile memory stores an OS program 66 and an application program 68. The OS program 66 and the application program 68 stored in the non-volatile memory are loaded into the volatile memory, and the CPU 62 executes the OS program 66 and the application program 68 to realize various processes.

[0017] The OS program 66 is a program for controlling the basic operations of the terminal device 50. The application program 68 is an application program for managing a printer (e.g., the printer 10 or 200) and can register various types of printer information in the management server 100. Hereinafter, the application program 68 will be referred to as the "app 68." The app 68 is installed in the terminal device 50 from a server (not shown) on the Internet 6 provided by the vendor of the OS program 66 or the vendor of the printer 10 or 200. The app 68 is assigned an app ID "A1" for identifying the app 68.

[0018] (Configuration of management server 100) The management server 100 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printers 10 and 200. In a modified example, the management server 100 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business operator other than the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor of the printers 10 and 200 may not prepare the hardware for the management server 100 on its own, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor of the printers 10 and 200 prepares a program (i.e., software) for the management server 100 and implements it in the above-mentioned environment to realize the management server 100.

[0019] The management server 100 provides a subscription service (hereinafter referred to as the "flat-rate service") for the printers 10 and 200. With the flat-rate service, only a basic fee is charged if the number of pages printed within a specified period (e.g., one month) is less than or equal to a maximum number of pages (e.g., 100 pages). If the number of pages printed within a unit period exceeds the maximum number of pages, the sum of the basic fee and an additional fee corresponding to the number of pages printed in excess of the maximum number of pages is charged. In other words, the flat-rate service allows printing up to the maximum number of pages within a specified period for a basic fee. The flat-rate service also includes an automatic delivery service. The automatic delivery service automatically delivers a new cartridge when the remaining amount of color material (e.g., ink, toner, etc.) in a cartridge installed in a printer falls below a specified level. The cost of the cartridge is included in the basic fee of the flat-rate service. In other words, even if a new cartridge is shipped, the cost of the new cartridge is not added to the billing amount. In the following, cartridges are referred to as "CTG."

[0020] The management server 100 includes a communication I / F 118 and a control unit 130. The communication I / F 118 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes in accordance with a program 136 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. Details of the memory 134 are similar to those of the memory 34 of the printer 10. The program 136 stored in the non-volatile memory is loaded into the volatile memory, and the program 136 is executed by the CPU 132, thereby realizing various processes. The memory 134 further stores a user table 140, a plan table 142, and a history table 144.

[0021] (Tables 140, 142, and 144; Figure 2) The contents of each table 140, 142, and 144 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The user table 140 stores account information, an application ID, a serial number, a token, address information, payment information, and plan information in association with each other. The account information is information for a user to log in to the management server 100 and includes a user ID (e.g., "U1") and a password (e.g., "PW1"). The application ID (e.g., "A1") is an ID that identifies an application (e.g., 68) installed on a terminal (e.g., 50) used by a printer user. The serial number (e.g., "SN1") is a number that identifies the printer used by the user. The address information (e.g., "AD1") is information that indicates the delivery address of the CTG. The payment information (e.g., "PI1") is information that a user uses to pay the flat-rate service fee, such as a credit card number, expiration date, or bank account number. The plan information (e.g., "Heavy Plan") is information that indicates the flat-rate service plan subscribed to by the user, and indicates one of the six plans described below.

[0022] In plan table 142, a basic fee, a maximum number of prints, and an excess fee are stored in association with each other for each of six plans. The six plans include three plans for one printer and three plans for multiple printers. The three plans for one printer include a light plan, a medium plan, and a heavy plan. The three plans for multiple printers include a light plan (multiple printers), a medium plan (multiple printers), and a heavy plan (multiple printers). Each plan for one printer specifies a maximum number of prints per printer in a unit period. On the other hand, each plan for multiple printers specifies a maximum number of prints for the total number of prints per multiple printers in a unit period. The light plan is a plan for users who use printers relatively infrequently (i.e., light users). The heavy plan is a plan for users who use printers relatively frequently (i.e., heavy users). The middle plan is a plan for users who do not use the printer much, that is, users between light users and heavy users (i.e., middle users).

[0023] In the flat-rate service of this embodiment, a usage fee is charged to the user for each unit period, which is one month. The basic fee is the fee required for one month. Of the plans for one printer, the light plan has the cheapest basic fee of 100 yen. The medium plan has the next cheapest basic fee of 190 yen. The heavy plan has the most expensive basic fee of 280 yen. The light plan for multiple printers has a basic fee of 90 yen, which is cheaper than the light plan for one printer's basic fee of 100 yen. The medium plan for multiple printers has a basic fee of 180 yen, which is cheaper than the medium plan for one printer's basic fee of 190 yen. The heavy plan for multiple printers has a basic fee of 270 yen, which is cheaper than the heavy plan for one printer's basic fee of 280 yen.

[0024] The maximum number of prints is the maximum number of printed media that can be printed in one month within the basic fee. Of the plans for one printer, the Light Plan has the lowest maximum number of prints at 100 sheets. The Medium Plan has the next lowest maximum number of prints at 200 sheets. The Heavy Plan has the highest maximum number of prints at 300 sheets. The maximum number of prints for the Light Plan, Medium Plan, and Heavy Plan for multiple printers is the same as the maximum number of prints for the Light Plan, Medium Plan, and Heavy Plan for one printer.

[0025] The overage fee is the fee per print that is required when the maximum number of prints is exceeded. Of the plans for one printer, the Light Plan has the highest overage fee of 1.1 yen. The Medium Plan has the next highest overage fee of 1.05 yen. The Heavy Plan has the lowest overage fee of 1 yen. The overage fees for the Light Plan, Medium Plan, and Heavy Plan for multiple printers are the same as the overage fees for the Light Plan, Medium Plan, and Heavy Plan for one printer. The printer vendor stores each fee in plan table 142 in advance.

[0026] In the history table 144, the month and the number of printed pages are stored in association with each other for each printer serial number. The printer periodically (e.g., daily, hourly, etc.) transmits the printer serial number and the cumulative number of printed pages to the management server 100. This allows the management server 100 to calculate and store the number of printed pages for one month.

[0027] (Registration process; Figure 3) Referring to FIG. 3, the process by which a user of the terminal device 50 registers the printer 10 in the management server 100 will be described. In the initial state of FIG. 3, the user of the printer 10 accesses the management server 100 and stores the user ID "U1" and password "PW1" in the user table 140 in advance. In the following description, for ease of understanding, the operations realized by the CPU of each device (e.g., CPUs 32, 62, 132) will be described with each device (e.g., printer 10, terminal device 50, management server 100) as the subject, rather than with the CPU as the subject. Also, in the following description, communication between each device is performed via a communication I / F. In the following description, when describing communication, the phrase "via a communication I / F" will be omitted.

[0028] The terminal device 50 launches the application 68 in response to receiving an operation from the user, and uses the application 68 to access the web server in the printer 10. Of the processes from T12 onwards, which will be described later, the processes executed by the terminal device 50 are executed in accordance with the application 68. In response to receiving an operation from the user to register information about the printer 10 in the management server 100, the terminal device 50 transmits a registration instruction to the printer 00 at T10. The registration instruction includes the application ID "A1".

[0029] When the printer 10 receives a registration instruction from the terminal device 50 at T10, the printer 10 transmits a registration request to the management server 100 at T12. The registration request includes the received application ID "A1" and the printer 10 serial number "SN1".

[0030] When the management server 100 receives a registration request from the printer 10 at T12, it generates a PIN code "PN1" at T14 and associates the application ID "A1," the serial number "SN1," and the PIN code "PIN" with each other and stores them in the memory 134. Next, at T16, the management server 100 transmits the PIN code "PN1" and a login URL (short for Uniform Resource Locator) to the printer 10. The login URL is information indicating the location of authentication screen data (described below) within the management server 100.

[0031] When the printer 10 receives the PIN code "PN1" and the URL from the management server 100 in T16, it transmits them to the terminal device 50 in T18.

[0032] When the terminal device 50 receives the PIN code "PN1" and the URL from the printer 10 in T18, it displays the PIN code "PN1" and the URL in T20. This allows the user of the terminal device 50 to know the PIN code "PN1" that should be entered into the terminal device 50. When the terminal device 50 accepts an operation to select a URL from the user in T30, it transmits an authentication request including the URL to the management server 100 in T32.

[0033] When the management server 100 receives an authentication request from the terminal device 50 in T32, it transmits, in T34, authentication screen data identified by the URL included in the authentication request to the terminal device 50. The authentication screen data is data representing an authentication screen for inputting a PIN code.

[0034] When the terminal device 50 receives the authentication screen data from the management server 100 in T34, it displays the authentication screen represented by the authentication screen data in T36. Next, in T40, the terminal device 50 accepts input from the user of the PIN code "PN1," user ID "U1," and password "PW1" displayed in T20. Then, in T42, the terminal device 50 transmits these to the management server 100.

[0035] When the management server 100 receives the PIN code, user ID, and password from the terminal device 50 in T42, it authenticates this information in T44. Specifically, the management server 100 first determines whether or not it has stored the received PIN code "PN1." In this case, the management server 100 has stored the PIN code "PN1" in T14. The management server 100 also determines whether or not it has stored the combination of the received user ID "U1" and password "PW1." In this case, the user ID "U1" and the password "PW1" are associated and stored in the user table 140. Therefore, the management server 100 determines that it has stored the PIN code "PN1" and that it has also stored the user ID "U1" and password "PW1." In other words, the management server 100 determines that the authentication was successful, and generates the token "tk1" in T46. Then, in T48, the management server 100 stores various information in the user table 140. Specifically, the management server 100 stores the application ID "A1," the serial number "SN1," and the token "tk1" in association with the user ID "U1" and the password "PW1." Next, in T50, the management server 100 transmits the token "tk1" to the printer 10.

[0036] When the printer 10 receives the token "tk1" from the management server 100 at T50, the printer 10 stores the token "tk1" in the memory 34 at T52. Next, at T54, the printer 10 establishes an XMPP connection with the management server 100 using the token "tk1." The XMPP connection is a so-called always-on connection that remains established until the printer 10 is powered off. Even if the management server 100 does not receive a request from the printer 10, the management server 100 can send a request to the printer 10 through the firewall of the LAN 4 to which the printer 10 belongs by using the XMPP connection. The mechanism for sending a request from the management server 100 to the printer 10 may be other than an XMPP connection. For example, an HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) connection may be established between the printer 10 and the management server 100. This completes the process for registering the printer 10 with the management server 100. At this point, the user has not yet subscribed to a flat-rate service for the printer 10. Therefore, in the user table 140, no plan information has yet been stored in association with the serial number "SN1."

[0037] Thereafter, as shown in T60, when the printer 10 determines that a predetermined timing has arrived, it transmits notification information to the management server 100 in T62. The predetermined timing may be, for example, a predetermined time of day. The notification information includes the serial number "SN1" of the printer 10 and the cumulative number of printed pages.

[0038] When the management server 100 receives notification information from the printer 10 in T62, it updates the history table 144 in T64 using the information in the notification information. Specifically, the management server 100 stores the notification information previously received from the printer 10. The management server 100 calculates the difference between the cumulative number of printed pages in the notification information currently received and the cumulative number of printed pages in the notification information previously received, and adds this difference to the number of printed pages for this month associated with serial number "SN1." The management server 100 updates the history table 144 in the above manner each time it receives notification information from the printer 10. This allows the management server 100 to store the number of printed pages for each month (263 pages for January 2022 in this example).

[0039] The user of printer 10 continues to use printer 10 in the situation shown in FIG. 3. Thereafter, the user of printer 10 purchases a new printer 200 and connects printer 200 to LAN 6. There are two possible ways to use printers 10 and 200 after purchasing printer 200. The first case is a case in which the user uses the newly purchased printer 200 without using printer 10 much or at all. That is, the first case is a case in which printer 10 is replaced with printer 200. The second case is a case in which the user continues to use printer 10 and also uses printer 200. That is, the second case is a case in which printer 10 and printer 200 are used in combination. In this embodiment, the management server 100 provides the user with appropriate information depending on whether the case is a replacement case or a combination case in the processing of FIG. 4, which will be described later.

[0040] (Display processing; Figure 4) The display processing executed by the CPU 132 of the management server 100 will be described with reference to Figure 4. As described above, the management server 100 manages the serial numbers of multiple printers in the user table 140, associated with various user IDs. For example, in a situation where the serial number (e.g., "SN1") of a first printer is registered in association with a certain user ID (e.g., "U1"), the serial number (e.g., "SN2") of a second printer is registered in association with the certain user ID. In this case, in the history table 144, the number of pages printed each month by the first printer is stored in association with the serial number of the first printer, and the number of pages printed each month by the second printer is stored in association with the serial number of the second printer.

[0041] The CPU 132 executes the processing of FIG. 4 when the serial number of a first printer is registered in user table 140 in association with the same user ID, and then the serial number of a second printer is registered in user table 140 in association with that user ID, and the number of printed sheets for the first month for the second printer is stored in history table 144. Below, the first printer may be referred to as the "existing printer," and the second printer may be referred to as the "new printer." The processing of FIG. 4 will be explained using an example in which the existing printer is printer 10 and the new printer is printer 200.

[0042] In S10, the CPU 132 obtains the number of printed sheets for each month of the existing printer 10 from the history table 144 in the memory 134.

[0043] In S12, the CPU 132 determines whether the new printer 200 is a replacement for the existing printer 10. Specifically, the CPU 132 determines whether the new printer 200 is a replacement for the existing printer 10 based on the monthly print count of the existing printer 10 acquired in S10. For example, if the new printer 200 is a replacement for the existing printer 10, there is a high possibility that the number of prints made by the existing printer 10 will decrease significantly after the new printer 200 is installed. On the other hand, if the existing printer 10 and the new printer 200 are used in combination, there is a high possibility that the number of prints made by the existing printer 10 will not decrease significantly after the new printer 200 is installed. If the number of prints made by the existing printer 10 in the most recent month is less than 10% of the average number of prints made in the previous month, the CPU 132 determines that the new printer 200 is a replacement for the existing printer 10 (YES in S12) and proceeds to S14. On the other hand, if the number of pages printed by the existing printer 10 in the most recent month is more than 10% of the average number of pages printed in the previous month, the CPU 132 determines that the existing printer 10 and the new printer 200 will be used in combination (NO in S12), and proceeds to S40.

[0044] In S14, the CPU 132 determines whether the existing printer 10 has been registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service. Specifically, if plan information is stored in the user table 140 in association with the serial number SN1 of the existing printer 10, the CPU 132 determines that the existing printer 10 has been registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service (YES in S14), and proceeds to S20. On the other hand, if plan information is not stored in association with the serial number SN1 of the existing printer 10, the CPU 132 determines that the existing printer 10 has not been registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service (NO in S14), and proceeds to S30.

[0045] In S20, the CPU 132 first identifies the application ID "A1" associated with the serial number "SN1" of the existing printer 10 from the user table 140. Then, the CPU 132 transmits screen data representing a first service screen SC1 to the application ID "A1" as the destination (i.e., the terminal device 50 as the destination). As shown in FIG. 5, the first service screen SC1 includes a message M1 indicating that the target printer for the flat-rate service should be changed from the existing printer 10 to the new printer 200. In particular, the first service screen SC1 includes the serial number "SN1" of the existing printer 10 and the serial number "SN2" of the new printer 200. This allows the user to know that the target printer for the flat-rate service should be changed from the existing printer 10 to the new printer 200. When S20 ends, the CPU 132 ends the processing of FIG. 4.

[0046] In S40, the CPU 132 identifies the application ID "A1" as in S20, and transmits screen data representing the second service screen SC2 to the application ID "A1" as the destination (i.e., the terminal device 50). As shown in FIG. 5, the second service screen SC2 includes a message M2 instructing the user to newly register the new printer 200 as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service. This allows the user to know that they should subscribe to the flat-rate service for the new printer 200. The second service screen SC2 further includes a message M3 instructing the user to apply a plan for multiple printers to the combination of the existing printer 10 and the new printer 200 as eligible printers for the flat-rate service. This allows the user to know that they should subscribe to the plan for multiple printers. The second service screen SC2 also includes a message M4 indicating the benefit of receiving the flat-rate service. The benefit of receiving the flat-rate service is that there is no need to purchase and manage consumables. This allows the user to know the benefit of receiving the flat-rate service. When S40 ends, the CPU 132 ends the processing of FIG.

[0047] In S30, the CPU 132 identifies the application ID "A1" as in S20, and transmits screen data representing the third service screen SC3 to the application ID "A1" as the destination (i.e., the terminal device 50). As shown in Fig. 5, the third service screen SC3 includes a message M5 indicating that the new printer 200 should be newly registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service, and a message M6 indicating the benefits of receiving the flat-rate service. This allows the user to know that they should subscribe to the flat-rate service for the new printer 200, and also to know the benefits of receiving the flat-rate service.

[0048] In S30, the CPU 132 further determines a recommended plan according to the print count of the existing printer 10 acquired in S10. Specifically, the CPU 132 calculates the average monthly print count of the existing printer 10 for the two months prior, and calculates the fees corresponding to each plan for one printer in the plan table 142 based on the average. The CPU 132 then determines the plan corresponding to the cheapest fee as the recommended plan. The third service screen SC3 further includes a message M7 indicating the recommended plan that has been determined from among the multiple service plans. This allows the user to know the appropriate plan according to the print count of the existing printer 10. When S30 ends, the CPU 132 ends the processing of FIG. 4.

[0049] (Specific Case A: Figures 6 and 7) A specific case A realized by the communication system 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a continuation of Figure 3.

[0050] When the terminal device 50 accepts a login operation from a user in T100, the terminal device 50 transmits a login screen data request to the management server 100 in T102.

[0051] When the management server 100 receives the login screen data request from the terminal device 50 in T102, the management server 100 transmits the login screen data to the terminal device 50 in T104.

[0052] When the terminal device 50 receives the login screen data from the management server 100 in T104, it displays the login screen in T110. When the terminal device 50 accepts input of the user ID "U1" and password "PW1" from the user in T112, it transmits a login request including the user ID "U1" and password "PW1" to the management server 100 in T114.

[0053] When the management server 100 receives a login request from the terminal device 50 in T114, it determines in T116 that the authentication has been successful because the combination of the user ID "U1" and password "PW1" in the login request is stored in the user table 140. Then, in T118, the management server 100 transmits top screen data to the terminal device 50.

[0054] When the terminal device 50 receives the top screen data from the management server 100 in T118, it displays the top screen in T120. The user can perform a subscription operation to subscribe to the flat-rate service on the top screen. When the terminal device 50 receives from the user a subscription operation to the heavy plan and an input operation of the serial number "SN1" of the printer 10 in T122, it transmits a service subscription request to the management server 100 in T124. The service subscription request includes the heavy plan and the serial number "SN1".

[0055] When the management server 100 receives a service subscription request from the terminal device 50 in T124, it transmits subscription screen data to the terminal device 50 in T126.

[0056] In T126, the terminal device 50 receives the joining screen data from the management server 100, and in T130 displays the joining screen. In T132, the terminal device 50 accepts input of address information "AD1" and payment information "PI1" from the user, and in T134, transmits a request including the address information "AD1" and payment information "PI1" to the management server 100.

[0057] When the management server 100 receives a request from the terminal device 50 in T134, in T136 it stores the address information "AD1", payment information "PI1", and plan information "Heavy Plan" in association with the user ID "U1" and serial number "SN1" in the user table 140. This allows the user to receive flat-rate services for the printer 10.

[0058] Then, when the printer 10 determines at T140 that the predetermined timing has arrived, at T142 it sends notification information to the management server 100. The notification information includes the serial number "SN1" of the printer 10, the cumulative number of printed sheets, and the remaining amount of color material in the current CTG (hereinafter referred to as "remaining CTG amount").

[0059] When the management server 100 receives notification information from the printer 10 in T142, it uses the information in the notification information to update the history table 144 in T144. In this case, the management server 100 stores 249 sheets as the number of printed sheets for March 2022.

[0060] The management server 100 also determines whether the remaining CTG amount in the notification information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. If the management server 100 determines that the remaining CTG amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, it executes a delivery process to deliver a new CTG to the address information AD1. The delivery process includes, for example, sending an instruction to execute the delivery process to the terminal of the delivery worker.

[0061] 7, the terminal device 50, the printer 200, and the management server 100 execute processes similar to those of T10 to T54 in FIG. 3. As a result, the user "U1", password "PW1", application ID "A1", serial number "SN2", and token "tk2" are stored in association with each other in the user table 140 of the management server 100. An XMPP connection is also established between the printer 200 and the management server 100. At this point, the user has not yet subscribed to the flat-rate service for the printer 200. Therefore, the user table 140 does not yet store plan information in association with the serial number "SN2".

[0062] At T150 and T152, the printer 10 executes the same processes as at T140 and T142 in Fig. 6. Furthermore, when the printer 200 determines at T160 that a predetermined timing has arrived, it transmits notification information to the management server 100 at T162. The notification information includes the serial number "SN2" of the printer 200 and the cumulative number of printed pages.

[0063] When the management server 100 receives notification information from the printer 10 and the printer 200 at T152 and T162, respectively, it uses the information in the notification information to update the history table 144 at T180. In this case, the management server 100 stores 12 sheets as the number of printed sheets for the printer 10 in April 2022, and stores 253 sheets as the number of printed sheets for the printer 200 in April 2022.

[0064] As described above, it is assumed that April 2022 will end with the number of printed pages for each of the printers 10 and 200 stored for that month. In this case, the management server 100 determines that the serial numbers "SN1" and "SN2" of the printers 10 and 200 have been registered in the user table 140 in association with the same user ID, and that the number of printed pages for the first month for the new printer 200 has been stored in the history table 144 (triggering the processing in FIG. 4). As a result, the management server 100 executes the following processing in accordance with FIG. 4.

[0065] In T180, the management server 100 obtains the number of printed pages associated with the serial number "SN1" of the existing printer 10 from the history table 144 (S10). Then, in T182, the management server 100 determines whether the new printer 200 is a replacement for the existing printer 10 based on the number of printed pages for each month of the existing printer 10. Specifically, the management server 100 determines that the new printer 200 is a replacement for the existing printer 10 because the number of printed pages for the existing printer 10 in April 2022, "12 pages," is less than 10% of the average number of printed pages prior to that, "262 pages" (YES in S12).

[0066] Next, the management server 100 determines whether the existing printer 10 has already been registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service. Specifically, the management server 100 determines that the existing printer 10 has already been registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service because the plan information "Heavy Plan" is stored in association with the serial number "SN1" in the user table 140 (YES in S14). Therefore, in T184, the management server 100 transmits the first service screen data to the application ID "A1" as the destination (i.e., the terminal device 50) (S20).

[0067] When the terminal device 50 receives the first service screen data from the management server 100 in T184, it displays the first service screen SC1 in T186. This allows the user to know that the printer covered by the flat-rate service should be changed from the existing printer 10 to the new printer 200. Therefore, the user performs the following operation.

[0068] First, the same processes as T100 to T120 in Fig. 6 are executed. With the top screen displayed, the terminal device 50 accepts, in T188, an operation from the user to change the device covered by the flat-rate service from the existing printer 10 to the new printer 200. This operation includes an operation to input the serial number "SN1" of the existing printer 10 and an operation to input the serial number "SN2" of the new printer 200. In T190, the terminal device 50 transmits a device change request including the serial number "SN1" and the serial number "SN2" to the management server 100.

[0069] When the management server 100 receives a device change request from the terminal device 50 in T190, it deletes, in T192, the address information "AD1," payment information "PI1," and plan information "Heavy Plan" associated with the serial number "SN1" from the user table 140. The management server 100 then stores the address information "AD1," payment information "PI1," and plan information "Heavy Plan" in association with the serial number "SN2" in the user table 140. This allows the user to receive flat-rate service for the new printer 200 instead of the existing printer 10.

[0070] (Case B; Figure 8) Case B in FIG. 8 is a case where the printer 10 and the printer 200 are used together. FIG. 8 is a continuation of FIG. 6. The terminal device 50, the printer 200, and the management server 100 execute processes similar to those of T10 to T54 in FIG. 3. As a result, the user "U1", password "PW1", application ID "A1", serial number "SN2", and token "tk2" are associated and stored in the user table 140 of the management server 100. In addition, an XMPP connection is established between the printer 200 and the management server 100. At this point, the user has not yet subscribed to the flat-rate service for the printer 200.

[0071] The processing of T200 to T220 is the same as that of T150 to T170 in Fig. 7, except that the cumulative number of printed sheets differs for printer 10 and printer 200. Management server 100 stores 172 sheets as the number of printed sheets for printer 10 in April 2022, and stores 95 sheets as the number of printed sheets for printer 200 in April 2022. This satisfies the trigger condition for the processing of Fig. 4.

[0072] In T230, the management server 100 obtains the number of printed pages associated with the serial number "SN1" of the existing printer 10 from the history table 144 (S10). Then, in T232, the management server 100 determines that the new printer 200 is not a replacement for the existing printer 10 (i.e., the printers 10 and 200 are being used in combination) because the number of printed pages "172 pages" of the existing printer 10 in April 2022 is more than 10% of the average number of printed pages "262 pages" prior to that (NO in S12). Therefore, in T234, the management server 100 transmits the second service screen data to the application ID "A1" as the destination (i.e., the terminal device 50 as the destination) (S40).

[0073] When the terminal device 50 receives the second service screen data from the management server 100 in T234, it displays the second service screen SC2 in T236. This allows the user to know that they should subscribe to the flat-rate service for the new printer 200, that they should subscribe to a plan for multiple printers, and the benefits of receiving the flat-rate service. Therefore, the user performs the following operations.

[0074] First, the same processes as T100 to T120 in Fig. 6 are executed. With the top screen displayed, the terminal device 50 accepts, in T238, an operation from the user to input a combination of printer 10 and printer 200 as printers to be included in the flat-rate service, and an operation to select a heavy plan for multiple printers. These operations include an operation to input the serial number "SN1" of the existing printer 10 and an operation to input the serial number "SN2" of the new printer 200. In T240, the terminal device 50 transmits a request to the management server 100 that includes the combination of serial numbers "SN1" and "SN2" and the heavy plan (for multiple printers).

[0075] When the management server 100 receives a request from the terminal device 50 in T240, in T242, in the row of the user table 140 that includes the serial number "SN1" (the first row of the user table 140 in FIG. 2), the management server 100 stores the serial number "SN2" in addition to the serial number "SN1." The management server 100 also stores "Heavy Plan (for multiple devices)" in place of "Heavy Plan" in that row. The management server 100 then deletes the row of the user table 140 that includes only the serial number "SN2" (the second row of the user table 140 in FIG. 2). This allows the user to receive a flat-rate service for the combination of the existing printer 10 and the new printer 200.

[0076] (Case C; Figure 9) Case C in FIG. 9 is a case where the existing printer 10 is not registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service. FIG. 9 is a continuation of FIG. 3. The terminal device 50, the printer 200, and the management server 100 execute processes similar to T10 to T54 in FIG. 3. As a result, the user "U1," password "PW1," application ID "A1," serial number "SN2," and token "tk2" are associated and stored in the user table 140 of the management server 100. In addition, an XMPP connection is established between the printer 200 and the management server 100. At this point, the user has not yet subscribed to the flat-rate service for either the printer 10 or 200.

[0077] The processing of T260 to T290 is the same as the processing of T150 to T180 in FIG. 7, except that the notification information sent by the printer 10 does not include the remaining CTG amount.

[0078] In T292, the management server 100 determines whether the new printer 200 is a replacement for the existing printer 10 based on the number of pages printed each month by the existing printer 10. Specifically, the management server 100 determines that the printer 200 is a replacement for the printer 10 because the number of pages printed by the existing printer 10 in April 2022, "12 pages," is less than 10% of the average number of pages printed before that, "262 pages" (YES in S12).

[0079] Next, the management server 100 determines whether the existing printer 10 has been registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service. Specifically, the management server 100 determines that the existing printer 10 has not been registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service because the plan information is not stored in association with the serial number "SN1" in the user table 140 (NO in S14).

[0080] The management server 100 then calculates the fees for each plan for one printer in the plan table 142 based on the average monthly print count of "262 sheets" for the existing printer 10 before May 2022 (S30). Specifically, since the average monthly print count is "262 sheets," the light plan is 278.2 yen (100 yen + (262 - 100) sheets x 1.1 yen), the middle plan is 255.1 yen (190 yen + (262 - 200) x 1.05 yen), and the heavy plan is 280 yen. Therefore, the management server 100 determines the "middle plan" corresponding to the lowest fee as the recommended plan. Then, at T294, the management server 100 transmits the third service screen data to the application ID "A1" as the destination (i.e., the terminal device 50) (S30).

[0081] When the terminal device 50 receives the third service screen data from the management server 100 in T294, it displays the third service screen SC3 in T296 (S30). This informs the user that they should subscribe to the flat-rate service for the new printer 200, the benefits of receiving the flat-rate service, and an appropriate plan (i.e., a mid-range plan) according to the number of pages printed by the existing printer 10. Therefore, the user performs the following operations.

[0082] First, the same processes as those in T100 to T120 in Fig. 6 are executed. With the top screen displayed, the terminal device 50 accepts, in T296, an operation to subscribe to the middle plan and an operation to input the serial number "SN2" of the new printer 200 from the user, and then, in T300, transmits a service subscription request including the middle plan and the serial number "SN2" to the management server 100. Next, the terminal device 50 and the management server 100 execute processes similar to those in T126 to T134 in Fig. 6.

[0083] When the management server 100 receives a request from the terminal device 50 in T134, in T310, it associates the address information "AD1", payment information "PI1", and plan information "Middle Plan" with the user ID "U1" and serial number "SN2" and stores them in the user table 140. This allows the user to receive flat-rate services for the new printer 200.

[0084] (Effects of the Example) According to this embodiment, the management server 100 causes the display unit 14 of the terminal device 50 to display a first service screen SC1 if the number of pages printed by the existing printer 10 in the most recent month is less than 10% of the average number of pages printed prior to that month (S20). On the other hand, the management server 100 causes the display unit 14 of the terminal device 50 to display a second service screen SC2, which is different from the first service screen SC1, if the number of pages printed by the existing printer 10 in the most recent month is 10% or more of the average number of pages printed prior to that month (S40). This allows the management server 100 to appropriately prompt the user to subscribe to the service for the new printer 200 based on the change in the number of pages printed by the existing printer 10.

[0085] If the number of pages printed by the existing printer 10 in the most recent month is less than 10% of the average number of pages printed prior to that month, and if the existing printer 10 is already registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service (YES in S14), the management server 100 causes the display unit 14 of the terminal device 50 to display a first service screen SC1 (S20). On the other hand, if the number of pages printed by the existing printer 10 in the most recent month is less than 10% of the average number of pages printed prior to that month, and if the existing printer 10 is not already registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service (NO in S14), the management server 100 causes the display unit 14 of the terminal device to display a third service screen SC3 (S30). This allows the management server 100 to appropriately prompt the user to subscribe to the service for the new printer 200, based on the change in the number of pages printed by the printer 10 and whether or not the existing printer 10 is already registered as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service.

[0086] (Correspondence) The management server 100 is an example of an "information processing device." The printer 10 and the printer 200 are examples of a "first printer" and a "second printer," respectively. The memory 134 of the management server 100 is an example of a "memory." The display unit 14 of the terminal device 50 is an example of a "display." The number of pages printed by the printer 10 is an example of a "first printer usage history." The flat-rate service is an example of a "predetermined service." Ten percent is an example of a "predetermined rate." Messages M1, M2, M4, M3, and M7 are examples of a "first message," a "third message," a "fourth message," a "fifth message," and a "sixth message," respectively.

[0087] S10 and S12 in Fig. 4 are examples of processing executed by a "first acquisition unit" and a "determination unit", respectively. A combination of S20, S30, and S40 in Fig. 4 is an example of processing executed by a "first display control unit".

[0088] (Second embodiment; Figure 5) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that in S20 of Fig. 4, the CPU 132 transmits screen data representing a fourth service screen SC4, instead of the first service screen SC1, to the application ID "A1".

[0089] As shown in FIG. 5, the fourth service screen SC4 includes a message M8 instructing the user to newly register the new printer as a printer eligible for the flat-rate service. This allows the user to know that they should newly subscribe to the flat-rate service for the new printer 200. The fourth service screen SC4 also includes a message M9 instructing the user to apply to the new printer 200 the same service plan as the service plan applied to the existing printer 10, out of multiple service plans. This allows the user to easily know that this plan should be applied as the flat-rate service for the new printer 200. By viewing the fourth service screen SC4, the user can subscribe to the flat-rate service for the new printer 200 and unsubscribe from the flat-rate service for the existing printer 10. In this embodiment, message M9 is an example of a "second message."

[0090] (Third embodiment; Figure 4) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. This embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that, in S30 of Fig. 4, the CPU 132 determines a recommended plan according to the number of prints to be made by the new printer 200, instead of the number of prints to be made by the existing printer 10.

[0091] In S30, the CPU 132 acquires the number of pages printed by the new printer 200 over the most recent month from the history table 144 in the memory 134. The process of FIG. 4 is triggered by the storage of the number of pages printed by the new printer 200 over the most recent month in the history table 144. Therefore, only the data on the number of pages printed over the most recent month is stored in the history table 144. The CPU 132 determines a recommended plan based on the acquired number of pages printed by the new printer. Specifically, the CPU 132 calculates the fees for each plan for one printer in the plan table 142 based on the number of pages printed by the new printer 200. The CPU 132 then selects the plan with the lowest fee as the recommended plan. The third service screen SC3 of this embodiment includes a message indicating the recommended plan that has been determined from among multiple service plans. This allows the user to know the appropriate plan based on the number of pages printed by the new printer 200. In this embodiment, the message indicating the recommended plan that has been determined is an example of a "seventh message."

[0092] 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.

[0093] (Variation 1) In the user table 140, the email address of the user (i.e., the user of the terminal device 50) may be stored instead of the application ID. In this case, the management server 100 may send an email including each message M1 shown in FIG. 5 to the stored email address in S20, S30, or S40. In this variation, the process of sending the email is an example of a process executed by the "display control unit."

[0094] (Variation 2) The printer 200 does not have to be connected to the LAN 4. That is, the printer 10 and the printer 200 may belong to different networks.

[0095] (Variation 3) T180 to T184 in FIG. 7 may be omitted. In this case, after T170, the application 68 of the terminal device 50 obtains the number of pages printed by the existing printer 10 for each month from the management server 100 and stores the number in the memory 64 of the terminal device 50. Next, the application 68 obtains the number of pages printed by the existing printer 10 for each month from the memory 64 and determines whether the new printer 200 is a replacement for the existing printer 10. The method of this determination is the same as S12 in FIG. 4. Then, the application 68 displays screens SC1, SC2, etc., according to the determination results on the display unit 54. In this variation, the terminal device 50 is an example of an "information processing device." The memory 64 of the terminal device 50 is an example of a "memory." The application 68 is an example of a "computer program."

[0096] (Variation 4) The management server 100 does not need to have the history table 144. In this case, the history table 144 is stored in a server different from the management server 100. When the management server 100 receives notification information from each printer 10, 200, it transfers the notification information to the different server. This allows the different server to update the history table 144. Furthermore, the management server 100 can obtain the number of prints made by each printer 10, 200 from the different server as needed. Generally speaking, the "memory" does not have to be the memory of an "information processing device."

[0097] (Variation 5) The management server 100 may store the remaining CTG amount each time it receives notification information T152 in FIG. 7. Then, in T180, the management server 100 may acquire each remaining CTG amount of the existing printer 10 from the memory 134, and in T182, determine whether the new printer 200 is a replacement for the existing printer 10 based on each acquired remaining CTG amount. Specifically, the management server 100 may determine that the new printer 200 is a replacement for the existing printer 10 if the monthly consumable usage amount calculated from each remaining CTG amount of the printer 10 in the most recent month is less than 10% of the average usage amount in the previous month, and may determine that the new printer 200 is not a replacement for the existing printer 10 (i.e., a concurrent printer) if the usage amount of the former is 10% or more of the latter. In this variation, the remaining CTG amount is an example of a "usage history." In another variation, the management server 100 may store the number of prints for each printer for each month. In this case, the management server 100 may determine that the new printer 200 is a replacement for the existing printer 10 if the number of prints made by the existing printer 10 in the most recent month is less than 10% of the average number of prints made in the preceding month, and may determine that the new printer 200 is not a replacement for the existing printer 10 (i.e., is being used in combination) if the number of prints made by the former is 10% or more of the number of prints made by the latter. In this modified example, the number of prints is an example of a "usage history."

[0098] (Variation 6) The "predetermined service" does not have to be a flat-rate service, but may be an automatic CTG delivery service, or a pay-per-use service based on the number of printed sheets or the number of CTGs used.

[0099] (Variation 7) The management server 100 may use an XMPP connection to transmit first service screen data to the new printer 200 at T184 in FIG. 7. In this case, the first service screen SC1 is displayed on the display unit of the new printer 200. Similarly, the management server 100 may use an XMPP connection to transmit second service screen data and third service screen data to the new printer 200 at T234 in FIG. 8 and T294 in FIG. 9. In this variation, the display unit of the new printer 200 is an example of a "display unit." In another variation, the management server 100 may use an XMPP connection to transmit the first service screen data, second service screen data, and third service screen data to the existing printer 10. In this variation, the display unit 14 of the existing printer 10 is an example of a "display unit."

[0100] (Variation 8) The determination method of the "determination unit" is not limited to the methods of the above-described embodiments. For example, the "predetermined ratio" is not limited to 10%, but may be 20%, 0.5%, or even 0. Furthermore, the management server 100 does not have to determine whether the new printer 200 is a replacement or not.

[0101] (Variation 9) S14 in FIG. 4 may be omitted. That is, if the new printer 20 is a replacement for the existing printer 10 in S12, the process proceeds to S30, where the CPU 132 transmits screen data representing a third service screen SC3. In this variation, the third service screen SC3 is an example of a "first service screen." Generally speaking, the "first display control unit" may cause the display unit to display the first service screen when it is determined that the first history information indicates a first usage history and the first printer has not yet been registered as a target printer for a specified service.

[0102] (Modification 10) The third service screen SC3 may be the same as the second service screen SC2, that is, the third service screen SC3 includes messages M2, M3, and M4.

[0103] (Variant 11) In the above embodiment, the processing of each step in Figures 3, 4, and 6 to 9 is realized by software (e.g., program 36 of printer 10, OS program 66 and app 68 of terminal device 50, program 136 of management server 100), but at least one of these processes may also be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0104] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings may 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 may achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives alone is technically useful.

[0105] 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 an information processing device, The computer of the information processing device is composed of the following parts: a first acquisition unit that acquires, from a memory, first history information indicating a usage history of the first printer; a determination unit that determines whether the first history information indicates a first usage history or a second usage history; a first display control unit that causes a display unit to display a service screen related to a predetermined service for a second printer different from the first printer, When it is determined that the first history information indicates the first usage history, a first service screen is displayed on the display unit; the first display control unit, when it is determined that the first history information indicates the second usage history, causing the display unit to display a second service screen different from the first service screen; A computer program that functions as a (Item 2) The determination unit determining that the first history information indicates the first usage history when the usage history for the most recent first period is less than a predetermined ratio of the usage history for a second period prior to the first period; determining that the first history information indicates the second usage history when the usage history for the first period is equal to or greater than the predetermined ratio of the usage history for the second period; Item 1. The computer program according to item 1. (Item 3) 3. The computer program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first service screen includes a first message indicating that the target printer for the specified service should be changed from the first printer to the second printer. (Item 4) the predetermined service includes a plurality of service plans; The computer program described in item 1 or 2, wherein the first service screen includes a second message indicating that the same service plan as the service plan applied to the first printer should be applied to the second printer from among the plurality of service plans. (Item 5) 5. The computer program of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the second service screen includes a third message indicating that the second printer should be newly registered as a target printer for the specified service. (Item 6) Item 6. The computer program of item 5, wherein the second service screen further includes a fourth message indicating the benefits of receiving the specified service. (Item 7) 7. The computer program of claim 5, wherein the second service screen further includes a fifth message prompting the user to apply the specified service to the combination of the first printer and the second printer. (Item 8) The first display control unit is When it is determined that the first history information indicates the first usage history and the first printer has been registered as a target printer for the predetermined service, displaying the first service screen on the display unit; The computer program of any one of items 1 to 7, wherein when it is determined that the first history information indicates the first usage history and the first printer is not registered as a target printer for the specified service, a third service screen different from the first service screen is displayed on the display unit. (Item 9) the predetermined service includes a plurality of service plans; Item 9. The computer program of item 8, wherein the third service screen includes a sixth message indicating one service plan among the plurality of service plans that corresponds to the first history information. (Item 10) The computer program further causes the computer to: a second acquiring unit that acquires second history information indicating a usage history of the second printer from the memory; the predetermined service includes a plurality of service plans; 9. The computer program product according to claim 8, wherein the third service screen includes a seventh message indicating one of the plurality of service plans according to the second history information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 18: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: Program, 50: Terminal device, 52: Operation unit, 54: Display unit, 58: Communication I / F, 60: Control unit, 62: CPU, 64: Memory, 66: Program, 68: Application program, 100: Management server, 118: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: Program, 140: User table, 142: Plan table, 144: History table, 200: Printer

Claims

1. A computer program for an information processing device, The computer of the information processing device is composed of the following parts: a first acquisition unit that acquires, from a memory, first history information indicating a usage history of the first printer; a determination unit that determines whether the first history information indicates a first usage history or a second usage history; a first display control unit that causes a display unit to display a service screen related to a predetermined service for a second printer different from the first printer, When it is determined that the first history information indicates the first usage history, a first service screen is displayed on the display unit; the first display control unit that, when it is determined that the first history information indicates the second usage history, causes the display unit to display a second service screen different from the first service screen; and A computer program that functions as a

2. The determination unit determining that the first history information indicates the first usage history when the usage history for the most recent first period is less than a predetermined ratio of the usage history for a second period prior to the first period; determining that the first history information indicates the second usage history when the usage history for the first period is equal to or greater than the predetermined ratio of the usage history for the second period; 2. The computer program of claim 1.

3. 3. The computer program product according to claim 2, wherein the first service screen includes a first message indicating that the target printer for the predetermined service should be changed from the first printer to the second printer.

4. the predetermined service includes a plurality of service plans; 3. The computer program product of claim 2, wherein the first service screen includes a second message indicating that the same service plan as that applied to the first printer should be applied to the second printer, out of the plurality of service plans.

5. 3. The computer program product according to claim 2, wherein the second service screen includes a third message indicating that the second printer should be newly registered as a target printer for the predetermined service.

6. The computer program product according to claim 5 , wherein the second service screen further includes a fourth message indicating an advantage of receiving the predetermined service.

7. 6. The computer program product according to claim 5, wherein the second service screen further includes a fifth message prompting the user to apply the predetermined service to the combination of the first printer and the second printer.

8. The first display control unit When it is determined that the first history information indicates the first usage history and the first printer has been registered as a target printer for the predetermined service, displaying the first service screen on the display unit; 2. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the first history information indicates the first usage history and the first printer is not registered as a target printer for the specified service, a third service screen different from the first service screen is displayed on the display unit.

9. the predetermined service includes a plurality of service plans; 9. The computer program product according to claim 8, wherein the third service screen includes a sixth message indicating one of the plurality of service plans according to the first history information.

10. The computer program further causes the computer to: a second acquiring unit that acquires second history information indicating a usage history of the second printer from the memory; the predetermined service includes a plurality of service plans; 9. The computer program product according to claim 8, wherein the third service screen includes a seventh message indicating one of the plurality of service plans according to the second history information.

11. an information processing device; a first printer; a second printer different from the first printer; A communication system comprising: The information processing device includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires, from a memory, first history information indicating a usage history of the first printer; a determination unit that determines whether the first history information indicates a first usage history or a second usage history; a first display control unit that causes a display unit to display a service screen related to a predetermined service for the second printer, When it is determined that the first history information indicates the first usage history, a first service screen is displayed on the display unit; the first display control unit that, when it is determined that the first history information indicates the second usage history, causes the display unit to display a second service screen different from the first service screen; and A communication system comprising:

12. A method executed by an information processing device, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring, from a memory, first history information indicating a usage history of the first printer; a determining step of determining whether the first history information indicates a first usage history or a second usage history; a first display control step of displaying on a display unit a service screen related to a predetermined service for a second printer different from the first printer, When it is determined that the first history information indicates the first usage history, a first service screen is displayed on the display unit; the first display control step of displaying a second service screen different from the first service screen on the display unit when it is determined that the first history information indicates the second usage history; A method comprising:

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