Information processing apparatus, information processing system, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an information processor, an information processing system, a control method of the information processor, and a program, capable of quickly grasping whether or not an image forming apparatus which is a target of a service contract at a fixed amount can be used in the service contract.SOLUTION: The terminal 103 includes a control unit (CPU201) that controls communication with the printing apparatus 102 under the flat-rate service contract, a request unit (CPU201) that requests the printing apparatus 102 to transmit the contract information when the contract information about the service contract has not been acquired after the predetermined screen is displayed, a reception unit (network I / F207) that receives the contract information transmitted from the printing apparatus 102 in response to the request from the request unit, and a notification unit (output apparatus 206) that notifies the contract state of the service contract.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Printing devices with communication capabilities can transmit information such as device information and user usage history to a management server. This allows various services, such as fault analysis and billing, to be offered between the printing device and the management server. Another service is the management server managing consumables, such as ink, used in the printing device and delivering new consumables to the printing device when the remaining consumables run low. In recent years, subscription contracts have become more common. A subscription contract allows users to rent a printing device and consumables for a fixed fee, thereby reducing initial investment and maintenance costs. Under such a subscription contract, the printing device communicates with the management server and obtains contract information, such as the status of the subscription contract, from the management server. The printing device can then operate in accordance with the contract information. Specifically, for example, use of the printing device is restricted until service authentication, which confirms the subscription contract status, is completed. Furthermore, a mobile terminal (terminal device) that issues printing and other instructions to the printing device preferably obtains contract status information from the printing device and notifies the user of whether service authentication has been completed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a subscription service in which consumables are provided from a server to a recording device (printing device). In this subscription service, if the server does not have a reception history indicating whether delivery of consumables is required, the server communicates with the recording device to rewrite the reception history, making it possible to arrange for delivery of the consumables. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-140056 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the subscription service described in Patent Document 1 does not notify users of the contract information for the subscription service, so users cannot know whether they can use the functions available in the subscription service.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, a control method for an information processing device, and a program that enable a user to quickly determine whether an image forming device covered by a fixed-fee service contract can be used under the service contract. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device having a printing function and communicatively connected to an image forming device that is the subject of a fixed-price service contract, and is characterized by comprising: a control means for controlling communication with the image forming device; a request means for requesting the image forming device to send the contract information if contract information related to the service contract has not yet been obtained after a predetermined screen is displayed; a receiving means for receiving the contract information sent from the image forming device in accordance with the request by the request means; and a notification means for notifying the contract status of the service contract. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly determine whether an image forming apparatus covered by a fixed-fee service contract can be used under the service contract. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device included in the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 4] 4 is a screen displayed on a terminal device while a program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is being executed. [Figure 5] 4 is a screen displayed on a terminal device while a program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is being executed. [Figure 6] 4 is a screen displayed on a terminal device while a program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is being executed. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a terminal device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a screen displayed on a terminal device while a program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is being executed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in each of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each component constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform the same function. Also, any component may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of each embodiment can be combined.

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1000 includes a subscription service management server 101, a printing device 102, and a terminal device 103. The printing device 102 and the terminal device 103 are connected to each other wirelessly or via a wire so that they can communicate with each other, and can be used, for example, within a single building. The subscription service management server 101 and the printing device 102 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network 100. The network 100 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, an ATM, or any combination thereof.

[0011] In this embodiment, a description will be given of checking contract information (hereinafter simply referred to as "contract information") related to a fixed-fee service contract, i.e., a subscription contract, on the information processing system 1000. In this embodiment, the printing device 102 is an MFP (image forming device) with multiple functions, including a printing function. However, the printing device 102 is not limited to this and may have at least a printing function. The printing device 102 is subject to a fixed-fee service contract. The service contract restricts some of the functions of the printing device 102. Furthermore, under the service contract, the printing device 102 is used by paying a monthly fee, rather than purchasing and using the printing device 102 itself. The use of the printing device 102 for which a monthly fee is paid is not particularly limited, and examples include the use of ink and printing paper incidental to the use of the printing device 102, or the use of a certain amount of ink and printing paper within the fee. Such a usable mode is referred to as a "main unit subscription service."

[0012] The subscription service management server 101 is a server that manages contract information. Based on the identification information of the printing device 102, the subscription service management server 101 can transmit contract information associated with the printing device 102 to the printing device 102. The subscription service management server 101 may also manage a part replacement service in the event that a part constituting the printing device 102 breaks down.

[0013] The printing device 102 is a device covered by a service contract. Whether the printing device 102 is a device covered by a service contract is determined based on, for example, identification information for identifying the printing device 102, such as the MAC address, model number, or serial number of the printing device 102. Alternatively, information indicating that the printing device 102 is a device covered by a service contract may be stored in the printing device 102, and the determination may be made based on this information. The printing device 102 has its functions restricted until the contract status can be confirmed based on the contract information transmitted from the subscription service management server 101. Furthermore, if a user attempts to use this restricted function, an error message is displayed on the printing device 102. The content of the error message is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, a message indicating that the function is not available due to an uncontracted status. Then, when the contract status is confirmed, the contract information is stored, and the previously restricted function is made available. The contract status (status) included in the contract information may be, for example, contracted (under contract), uncontracted (not under contract), contract information not received, contract information being received, contract forced suspension, or purchase. In this embodiment, the contract status is described as two cases: contracted and uncontracted. Note that "contract information not received" refers to a state in which contract information has not yet been received. "Contract information being received" refers to a state in which communication with the subscription service management server 101 is in progress. "Contract forced suspension" refers to a state in which the contract has been terminated for some reason. "Purchased" refers to a state in which the printing device 102 has been purchased by the user and ownership of the printing device 102 has been transferred from the service provider to the user. Furthermore, in the case of purchase, the printing device 102 is no longer covered by the service contract.

[0014] An application for using the printing device 102 is installed on the terminal device 103. The terminal device 103 allows the user to select the printing device 102 on the application. The application allows the user to set up the printing device 102 and execute functions. "Function execution" refers to pressing a function execution button on the application to cause the printing device 102 to execute a function corresponding to the button. For example, pressing a print button instructs the printing device 102 to print, which can then be performed by the printing device 102. Other function executions include acquiring various information, such as ink information, from the printing device 102, and, if the printing device 102 has a scan function, executing the scan function. In this embodiment, the terminal device 103 selects the printing device 102 and then executes the function on the printing device 102. However, this is not limiting. For example, the printing device 102 may be selected when executing a function. Furthermore, until it is confirmed that the contract status is completed, execution buttons for functions restricted to the printing device 102 may be grayed out or hidden. This prevents the execution button from being selected. Furthermore, when a user instructs the printer 102 to execute a restricted function while the function is restricted, an error message is displayed on the output device 206 of the terminal device 103. The content of the error message is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, a message indicating that use of the function is restricted due to an uncontracted status. The error message may also be printed by the printer 102.

[0015] As described above, the subscription service management server 101 and the printing device 102 are connected so that they can communicate with each other. The printing device 102 requests contract information from the subscription service management server 101. Note that the timing for requesting the contract information is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, the timing when the network setup of the printing device 102 is completed and it becomes possible to communicate with the subscription service management server 101. Then, in response to the request for the contract information, the subscription service management server 101 transmits the contract information to the printing device 102. The printing device 102 receives and stores the contract information from the subscription service management server 101. Note that if the printing device 102 is unable to acquire the contract information, it may periodically request the contract information from the subscription service management server 101. Furthermore, if the contract status (status) of the printing device 102 based on the contract information is "service contract in progress," the function restrictions on the printing device 102 are lifted.

[0016] Furthermore, the printing device 102 and the terminal device 103 are connected so that they can communicate with each other. If the terminal device 103 confirms that the printing device 102 is a model that supports the main body subscription service, the terminal device 103 requests contract information from the printing device 102. In response to this request, the printing device 102 transmits the contract information to the terminal device 103. The terminal device 103 receives and stores the contract information from the printing device 102, and can also notify the user of the contract information as necessary.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device included in the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 103 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202. The terminal device 103 also includes an auxiliary storage device (storage means) 204, an input device (operation means) 205, an output device (notification means) 206, a network I / F 207, and an imaging device 208. These pieces of hardware included in the terminal device 103 are connected to each other via a bus 209 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that the terminal device 103 may be configured without any one of the input device 205, the output device 206, and the imaging device 208. The CPU 201 is a central processing unit (computer) that controls various operations of the terminal device 103. The RAM 202 is the main storage memory of the CPU 201 and is also used as a work area or a temporary storage area for loading various programs. The ROM 203 stores a program (for example, BIOS) for controlling the operation of the terminal device 103.

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 204 stores an operating system (OS), which is basic software, various application programs, various data, and the like. The applications are not particularly limited and include, for example, programs for causing the CPU 201 to execute the various units and means (control methods for an information processing device) of the terminal device 103. The auxiliary storage device 204 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The input device 205 is a device for receiving instructions from a user of the terminal device 103. The input device 205 is not particularly limited and may, for example, be a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel. The output device 206 is a device for presenting various information to the user. The output device 206 is not particularly limited and may, for example, be a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The network I / F 207 is an interface connected to a predetermined network (for example, a LAN or the Internet) and for communicating with external devices via the network. The imaging device 208 has an imaging element (not shown) and converts an image captured by the imaging element into digital data. This digital data is temporarily stored in the RAM 202. Thereafter, the digital data is converted into a predetermined image format by a program executed by the CPU 201 and saved (stored) as image data in the auxiliary storage device 204. The terminal device 103 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an information processing device such as a desktop or notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the terminal device. A program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is stored, for example, in the ROM 203 or the auxiliary storage device 204, and is read into the RAM 202 and executed by the CPU 201. In this embodiment, the program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is executed when a home screen (a predetermined screen) of an application (printer driver) is displayed on the output device 206. The "home screen" refers to the first screen that is always displayed when an application is launched. In this embodiment, if the printing device 102 has already been registered in an application on the terminal device 103, the home screen is displayed with the printing device 102 selected. Another example of the timing for executing the program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 may be when the application is launched. Alternatively, a button such as a subscription service contract information acquisition button may be provided, and the program may be executed in response to a user operation. In this embodiment, the printing device 102, which is a model compatible with the main body subscription service, is registered after network setup is completed by an application on the terminal device 103. Here, "registration" refers to the printing device 102 and the terminal device 103 being able to communicate via the application. Specifically, "registration" means acquiring the communication protocol for the printing device 102 and the IP address of the printing device 102, and becoming ready for communication. Then, the home screen of the application is displayed, and communication between the printing device 102 and the terminal device 103 is enabled. Figures 4, 5, and 6 each show screens that are displayed on the terminal device while the program based on the flowchart shown in Figure 3 is being executed.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, in step S301, when acquiring printing device information from the printing device 102, the CPU 201 makes a request to the printing device 102 via the network I / F 207 using a communication protocol and IP address information. As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 201 functions as a control unit that controls (controls) communication with the printing device 102 via the network I / F 207. After receiving (acquiring) the printing device information from the printing device 102 via the network I / F 207, the CPU 201 stores the printing device information in the auxiliary storage device 204. This printing device information includes, for example, the name of the printing device 102, the model number and serial number of the printing device 102, MAC address, and other information. In addition, the information may include information regarding functions that the printing device 102 can execute, network information for the printing device 102, setting information for the printing device 102, and the printing type of the printing device 102. The printing type may be, for example, information on differences in printing methods such as inkjet printing or laser printing, or information on how to classify printing formats into small and large formats. If printing device information is already stored in auxiliary storage device 204, CPU 201 detects whether printing device information is stored in auxiliary storage device 204, and if it detects that printing device information is present, step S301 can be omitted. After step S301 is executed, processing proceeds to step S302.

[0021] In step S302, the CPU 201 determines whether the printing device 102 selected by the application is a model that supports the main body subscription service. In this embodiment, this determination is made, for example, based on the model number of the printing device 102 included in the printing device information. If the determination in step S302 determines that the printing device is a model that supports the main body subscription service, processing proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if the determination in step S302 determines that the printing device is not a model that supports the main body subscription service, processing ends.

[0022] In step S303, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the contract information has never been acquired. If it is determined in step S303 that the contract information has never been acquired, the process proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the contract information has been acquired, the process ends. As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 201 functions as an acquisition determination unit that determines whether or not the contract information has been acquired when the home screen is displayed. Note that the terminal device 103 may have a section that functions as the acquisition determination unit separate from the CPU 201. Furthermore, the contract information may be written to the RAM 202 upon acquisition and then saved in the auxiliary storage device 204, or may already be saved in the ROM 203. In this case, the CPU 201 can determine whether or not the contract information has been acquired based on the presence or absence of the contract information at the contract information saving destination.

[0023] In step S304, the CPU 201 issues a command to start communication with the printing device 102 via the network I / F 207 to confirm the contract information. This command is issued by transmitting a request for contract information from the terminal device 103 to the printing device 102 via the network I / F 207 (request step). In this embodiment, the CPU 201 functions as a requesting unit that requests the printing device 102 to transmit the contract information. Note that the terminal device 103 may have a section that functions as a requesting unit separate from the CPU 201. After requesting the contract information, the CPU 201 waits in a receiving state until the network I / F (receiving unit) 207 can receive the contract information according to the request (receiving step), or until a certain period of time has elapsed. This "certain period" is the maximum time the CPU 201 waits in a receiving state for one communication, and is, for example, 10 seconds in this embodiment. Note that if the contract information cannot be confirmed, the functions of the printing device 102 cannot be used, i.e., the functions of the printing device 102 cannot be executed. Therefore, during this communication, moving to another screen or canceling the communication within the application is prohibited, but this is not limited to this. For example, communication to confirm the contract information may continue in the background even if the user moves to another screen, or communication may continue even if the application itself moves to the background. After executing step S304, the process proceeds to step S312.

[0024] In step S312, CPU 201 determines whether the communication commanded to start in step S304 has been established. If it is determined in step S312 that the communication has been established, the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S312 that the communication has not been established, the process proceeds to step S313.

[0025] In step S313, CPU 201 determines whether a certain time or more has passed without communication being established. If the result of the determination in step S313 is that the certain time or more has passed, processing proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S313 is that the certain time or more has not passed, processing returns to step S304, and the subsequent steps are executed in order. That is, after issuing a command to start communication and requesting contract information in step S304, the request for contract information is repeated until communication is established or until a certain time has passed. This "certain time" is the maximum time for which an attempt to establish communication is made, and in this embodiment, for example, it is set to 10 seconds, the same as the maximum time for waiting in a receiving state in one communication attempt described above.

[0026] In step S305, the CPU 201 determines whether the subscription contract is in a predetermined contract state (status), such as "in contract," based on the contract information received as a response to the request sent in step S304. In this embodiment, the CPU 201 thus functions as a status determination unit that determines whether the subscription contract is in a predetermined contract state. Note that the terminal device 103 may have a section that functions as a status determination unit separate from the CPU 201. As described above, contract states include "contracted" (in contract) and "uncontracted" (not contracted). If the determination in step S305 determines that the subscription contract is in a predetermined contract state (here, "contracted"), the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if the determination in step S305 determines that the subscription contract is not in a predetermined contract state, or if a certain period of time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S308.

[0027] In step S306, the CPU 201 stores information indicating that the subscription contract is in a predetermined contract state in the auxiliary storage device 204. After step S306 is executed, the process proceeds to step S307.

[0028] In step S307, the CPU 201 terminates communication with the printing device 102. Furthermore, upon termination of this notification, the CPU 201 determines that the subscription contract has reached a predetermined contract status at the time of termination of communication and causes the output device 206 to display a notification of successful contract status acquisition, i.e., notifies the user on the output device 206 (notification step). This allows the user to understand that the contract status acquisition was successful. The notification of successful contract status acquisition on the output device 206 may be displayed as a dialog box or a message in a notification area of ​​the output device 206. In this embodiment, an image 400 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the output device 206. The image 400 is a dialog box notifying the user that some functions (e.g., print function and scan function) that were restricted under the subscription contract can now be used on the printing device 102. This dialog box may include the contents of the subscription contract. Furthermore, the image 400 includes an OK button 401. By operating (pressing) the OK button 401, an account page provided by the subscription service management server 101 can be opened on the output device 206. On the account page, for example, the user can check the contract information for the printing device 102, request ink or paper delivery, check the user's account information, request a replacement for the printing device 102, and view instructions for making various inquiries. Note that the contract information for the printing device 102 is not contract information acquired from the printing device 102, but is the contract information itself managed by the subscription service management server 101. The account page may also be provided by another server (account page providing server) that can communicate with the subscription service management server 101. In this case, the contract information provided by the account page is information acquired by the subscription service management server 101 from the account page providing server. When the OK button 401 is operated, the image 400 closes, and the user may be able to use the printing device 102.

[0029] In step S308, CPU 201 determines whether the total communication time since communication started in step S304 has reached a certain time (predetermined time) or more, i.e., whether the certain time has elapsed. If the determination in step S308 determines that the certain time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, if the determination in step S308 determines that the certain time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S305, and the subsequent steps are executed in order. Note that the determination in step S308 is whether the total communication time has reached a certain time or more, but is not limited to this. For example, the determination can be changed to whether the number of re-requests for contract information has reached a predetermined number, i.e., whether the number of retries has reached an upper limit.

[0030] In step S309, CPU 201 terminates communication with printing device 102 and determines whether contract information was acquired through that communication at least once. If the determination in step S309 determines that contract information was acquired at least once, processing proceeds to step S311. This contract information includes information indicating that the contract status is uncontracted. On the other hand, if the determination in step S309 determines that contract information was not acquired even once, processing proceeds to step S310.

[0031] In step S310, the CPU 201 infers that a communication network between the terminal device 103 and the printing device 102 has not been established, based on the fact that contract information from the printing device 102 has not been acquired even once in step S309. The CPU 201 then displays, on the output device 206, a repair method for repairing the communication network between the terminal device 103 and the printing device 102. In this embodiment, a screen 500A shown in FIG. 5(a) is displayed on the output device 206. The screen 500A is a dialog notifying the user that a communication network between the terminal device 103 and the printing device 102 has not been established. The screen 500A also includes a network repair button 501, a retry button 502, and a close button 503. Pressing the network repair button 501 displays, on the output device 206, a list of repair methods for repairing the communication network between the terminal device 103 and the printing device 102. The repair method is not particularly limited, and examples include restarting the terminal device 103 and the printing device 102, restarting the access point for the printing device 102, and checking whether the terminal device 103 and the printing device 102 are on the same network. When at least one of these repair methods is executed by the user, i.e., when an operation to instruct execution of a repair method is performed using the input device 205, the CPU 201 performs a process to search for the printing device 102. Whether at least one of these repair methods has been executed is determined, for example, based on whether a predetermined button is operated after the execution. The CPU 201 determines whether the printing device 102 targeted for connection settings has been detected. If the printing device 102 is detected, the CPU 201 re-registers the printing device 102 and updates the communication protocol and IP address information. After that, processing can be resumed from step S301. When processing resumes from step S301, screen 500B shown in FIG. 5B is displayed. Screen 500B is a dialog that notifies the user that the communication network between the terminal device 103 and the printing device 102 has been restored (result of the restoration method being executed) and urges the user to reconfirm the contract status of the subscription service contract.If the printing device 102 for which connection settings were made does not exist, the process ends and screen 500A is displayed again on the output device 206. Screen 500B includes a retry button 512 that has the same function as retry button 502 on screen 500A, and a close button 513 that has the same function as close button 503 on screen 500A. By operating retry button 502, the process resumes from step S304. Furthermore, by operating close button 503, screen 500A can be closed.

[0032] In step S311, the CPU 201 determines that the contract status at the time of termination of communication with the printing device 102 is not yet established, i.e., that the contract status is not yet established, and causes the output device 206 to display a notice of the failure to acquire the contract status (notification step). This allows the user to understand that the contract status acquisition has failed. The notification of the failure to acquire the contract status on the output device 206 may be displayed as a dialog box or a message in the notification area of ​​the output device 206. In this embodiment, a screen 600A shown in FIG. 6(a) is displayed on the output device 206. The screen 600A is a dialog box that notifies the user that a subscription contract has not yet been established. The screen 600A also includes an OK button 601 and a close button 602. By operating the OK button 601, an account page provided by the subscription service management server 101 can be opened. The account page may include the date and time when the contract was not yet established and the reason for the non-contract. Examples of reasons for the non-contract include a user requesting cancellation, non-payment of the usage fee, or a request to replace the printing device 102. Furthermore, if the contract status cannot be confirmed, the user may transition to a guide screen that enables confirmation of the contract status. This guide screen may suggest, for example, confirming that the printing device 102 belongs to a network with Internet access, confirming that the contract status is established from the account page, and restarting the printing device 102 and the terminal device 103. Operating the close button 602 closes the screen 600A. Thereafter, the screen 600B shown in FIG. 6(b) may be displayed. The screen 600B is a dialog that notifies the user that functions of the printing device 102 are unavailable and provides instructions for reconfirming the contract status. The screen 600B includes a close button 612 having the same function as the close button 602 on the screen 600A. Note that the screen 600C shown in FIG. 6(c) may be displayed instead of the screen 600A. The screen 600C includes an operation explanation button 623, a try button 624, and a close button 622 having the same function as the close button 602 on the screen 600A. By operating the operation explanation button 623, the account page can be opened in the same way as when the OK button 601 is operated.By operating the try button 624 again, the process restarts from step S304 to reconfirm the contract status.

[0033] As described above, if the terminal device 103 determines that a subscription contract has been concluded, it terminates communication with the printing device 102 and can report that the service contract status at the time of communication termination is "contracted." On the other hand, if it determines that a subscription contract has not been concluded, it requests the printing device 102 to transmit contract information again, and when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second request, it terminates communication with the printing device 102. Then, it reports that the service contract status at the time of communication termination is "not yet concluded." Furthermore, if it determines that a subscription contract has not been concluded and contract information has not been received even through communication before the predetermined time has elapsed, it reports that the contracted contract information has not been received. Furthermore, if it determines that a subscription contract has not been concluded and contract information has been received before the predetermined time has elapsed, it reports that the contract information has been received. This reporting allows the user to quickly determine whether the printing device 102, which is the subject of a subscription contract, can be used under the subscription contract.

[0034] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described, and similar details will not be described again. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a terminal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 shows a screen displayed on the terminal device during execution of a program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, steps S301 to S308, S312, and S313 are executed, similarly to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3. In step S308, CPU 201 determines whether the total communication time since the start of communication in step S304 has reached or exceeded a certain time. If it is determined in step S308 that the total communication time has reached or exceeded the certain time, the process proceeds to step S701. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S308 that the total communication time has not reached or exceeded the certain time, the process returns to step S305, and the subsequent steps are executed in order.

[0035] In step S701, the CPU 201 causes the output device 206 to display a notice of a contract status acquisition failure. The CPU 201 also causes the output device 206 to display, together with this notice, a notice of a solution (correction method) for resolving the cause of the non-reception of contract information, including information indicating that the contract has been concluded. The notice in step S701 may be displayed as a dialog box or a message in a notification area of ​​the output device 206. In this embodiment, a screen 800 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the output device 206. The screen 800 is a dialog box notifying the user that a subscription contract has not been concluded. The screen 800 also includes a support number button (operation means) 801 and a close button 802 having the same function as the close button 602 on the screen 600A. Operating the support number button 801 as an operation to instruct the user to execute a solution suggests a solution corresponding to the support number. The suggested solution may be, for example, a transition to a link to a manual page created in advance on the Internet, or a dialogue display of a solution corresponding to the support number within the application. There are multiple solutions for each cause. For example, if communication between the terminal device 103 and the printing device 102 was unsuccessful, one solution is to suggest repairing the network, as described above. If the contract information resulting from communication from the printing device 102 indicates that a contract has not yet been signed, one solution is to suggest checking on the user's account page whether the printing device 102 has signed up for the main body subscription service. Following this suggestion, another solution is to suggest checking whether the printing device 102 is connected to the Internet. If the screen 800 includes a button for updating the contract information on the printing device 102, another solution is to suggest operating that button.

[0036] In this embodiment, the contract status is typically "contracted" or "uncontracted." However, as described above, other contract statuses are also possible: "contract information not received," "contract information being received," and "contract forcibly suspended." Solutions for these cases are described below. When contract information is not received, communication between the printing device 102 and the subscription service management server 101 may not be possible. A solution to this problem is, for example, to check whether the printing device 102 is connected to the Internet. When contract information is being received, it may be possible that the subscription service management server 101 is not returning a response. A solution to this problem is, for example, to check whether the subscription service management server 101 is operating on the account page. This operation check is performed, for example, by attempting to acquire contract information and determining whether the acquisition is possible. Alternatively, the operation check may be performed based on the operating status of the subscription service management server 101 listed on the account page. If the subscription service management server 101 is operating, an inquiry from the account page may be suggested. When the contract is forcibly suspended, a solution is, for example, to transition to the account page, confirm the cause of the suspension, and view instructions on how to complete the contract. After step S701 is executed, the process proceeds to step S702.

[0037] In step S702, the CPU 201 determines in the background whether the status that caused the contract status acquisition failure has been updated, i.e., whether the cause of the contract status acquisition failure has been resolved. In this embodiment, the CPU 201 thus functions as a resolution determination unit that determines whether the cause of the contract status acquisition failure has been resolved. Note that the terminal device 103 may have a section that functions as a resolution determination unit separate from the CPU 201. If the determination in step S702 indicates that the status has been updated, the process returns to step S304, and subsequent steps are executed in order. If the determination in step S702 indicates that the status has been updated, the printing device 102 can be requested to transmit contract information. On the other hand, if the determination in step S702 indicates that the status has not been updated, the process remains in standby at step S702.

[0038] For example, if contract information cannot be acquired, this may be due to a failure to communicate between the terminal device 103 and the printing device 102. A method for checking the status in this case includes, for example, having the terminal device 103 periodically attempt background communication with the printing device 102 to check whether communication with the printing device is possible. Another method for checking the status when a contract has not yet been established is to periodically request the printing device 102 to transmit contract information and confirm that the received information indicates a contract. Another method is to open the network I / F 207 of the terminal device 103 to the printing device 102, and, if the contract information is updated, instruct the printing device 102 to transmit information indicating the update. This information can then be used as a trigger to check the contract information of the printing device 102. If the status update confirmation communication poses a problem when the user is performing other functions, it is preferable to temporarily suspend communication and resume background status update confirmation communication when the communication becomes available.

[0039] As described above, in this embodiment, when a status cannot be acquired, a solution can be proposed according to the cause. Furthermore, since communication is performed only after the cause has been resolved, it is possible to prevent the user's operation from being interrupted or excessive communication from occurring.

[0040] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0041] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An information processing device having a printing function and communicably connected to an image forming device that is the subject of a fixed-fee service contract, a control unit for controlling communication with the image forming apparatus; a requesting means for requesting the image forming apparatus to transmit the contract information if contract information regarding the service contract has not been acquired after a predetermined screen is displayed; a receiving means for receiving the contract information transmitted from the image forming apparatus in accordance with the request of the requesting means; and a notification means for notifying the contract status of the service contract. (Configuration 2) An acquisition determination means is provided to determine whether the contract information has been acquired when the predetermined screen is displayed, The information processing device according to configuration 1, wherein the request means requests the image forming device to transmit the contract information when the acquisition determination means determines that the contract information has not been acquired. (Configuration 3) A storage means capable of storing the contract information is provided, 3. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the acquisition determining means determines whether the contract information has been acquired based on the presence or absence of the contract information in the storage means. (Configuration 4) A status determination means is provided for determining whether the service contract is in a predetermined contract status based on the contract information received by the receiving means, When it is determined that the service contract is in the predetermined contract state as a result of the determination by the state determination means, the control means terminates the communication, and the notification means notifies that the contract state of the service contract at the time of the termination of the communication is in the predetermined contract state, When the status determination means determines that the service contract is not in the specified contract state, the request means requests the image forming device to send the contract information again, and when a specified time has elapsed since the second request, the control means terminates the communication, and the notification means notifies the contract state of the service contract at the time of termination of the communication. (Configuration 5) The image forming device has a plurality of functions including the printing function, and some of the functions are restricted under the service contract, The information processing device according to configuration 4, characterized in that when it is determined that the service contract is in the specified contract state, the notification means notifies the user that the specified contract state has been reached and that some of the functions that were restricted under the service contract can now be used in the image forming device. (Configuration 6) The information processing device according to configuration 4, characterized in that when it is determined that the service contract is in the specified contract state, the notification means notifies the contents of the service contract, indicating that the service contract is in the specified contract state. (Configuration 7) An information processing device as described in Configuration 4, characterized in that if it is determined that the service contract is not in the specified contract state and the contract information is not received by the communication before the specified time has elapsed, the notification means notifies that the contract information has not been received by the receiving means as the contract state of the service contract at the time the communication is terminated. (Configuration 8) The information processing apparatus according to configuration 7, wherein the notification means is capable of notifying a restoration method for restoring communication with the image forming apparatus. (Configuration 9) An operation means for performing an operation to instruct execution of the repair method is provided, 9. The information processing device according to configuration 8, wherein the notification means is capable of notifying the result of execution of the repair method. (Configuration 10) The information processing device according to configuration 7, wherein the notification means notifies a method for resolving the cause of non-reception of the contract information as the contract status of the service contract at the time of communication termination. (Configuration 11) The resolution method includes a plurality of resolution methods for each of the causes, 11. The information processing device according to configuration 10, further comprising an operation means for performing an operation to instruct execution of each of the resolution methods. (Configuration 12) A resolution determination means is provided to determine whether the cause has been resolved, The information processing device according to configuration 10, characterized in that when the resolution determination means determines that the cause has been resolved, the request means requests the image forming device to transmit the contract information. (Configuration 13) An information processing device as described in Configuration 4, characterized in that if it is determined that the service contract is not in the specified contract state and the contract information is received through the communication before the specified time has elapsed, the notification means notifies that the contract information has been received by the receiving means as the contract state of the service contract at the time the communication is terminated. (Configuration 14) An information processing device according to configuration 4, characterized in that when it is determined that the service contract has not reached the specified contract state, the specified time elapsed since the re-request can be changed to a specified number of times of executing the re-request. (Configuration 15) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the service contract is a subscription contract. (Configuration 16) An information processing system including an image forming apparatus having a printing function and subject to a fixed-fee service contract, and an information processing apparatus communicably connected to the image forming apparatus, The information processing device includes: a control unit for controlling communication with the image forming apparatus; a requesting means for requesting the image forming apparatus to transmit the contract information if contract information regarding the service contract has not been acquired after a predetermined screen is displayed; a receiving means for receiving the contract information transmitted from the image forming apparatus in accordance with the request of the requesting means; and a notification means for notifying the contract status of the service contract. (Method 1) A method for controlling an information processing device that has a printing function and is communicably connected to an image forming device that is the subject of a fixed-fee service contract, the method comprising: a control step of controlling communication with the image forming apparatus; a request step of requesting the image forming apparatus to transmit the contract information if contract information regarding the service contract has not been acquired after a predetermined screen is displayed; a receiving step of receiving the contract information transmitted from the image forming apparatus in accordance with the request made in the requesting step; and a notification step of notifying the contract status of the service contract. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 101 Subscription Service Management Server 102 Printing device 103 Terminal Equipment 201 CPU 204 Auxiliary storage 205 Input Device 206 Output Device 207 Network I / F 1000 Information Processing Systems

Claims

1. An information processing device having a printing function and communicably connected to an image forming device that is the subject of a fixed-fee service contract, a control unit for controlling communication with the image forming apparatus; a requesting means for requesting the image forming apparatus to transmit the contract information if contract information regarding the service contract has not been acquired after a predetermined screen is displayed; a receiving means for receiving the contract information transmitted from the image forming apparatus in accordance with the request of the requesting means; and a notification means for notifying the contract status of the service contract.

2. an acquisition determination means for determining whether the contract information has been acquired when the predetermined screen is displayed; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the requesting means requests the image forming apparatus to transmit the contract information when the acquisition determining means determines that the contract information has not been acquired.

3. a storage means capable of storing the contract information, 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said acquisition determining means determines whether or not said contract information has been acquired based on the presence or absence of said contract information in said storage means.

4. a status determination means for determining whether the service contract is in a predetermined contract status based on the contract information received by the receiving means, When it is determined that the service contract is in the predetermined contract state as a result of the determination by the state determination means, the control means terminates the communication, and the notification means notifies that the contract state of the service contract at the time of the termination of the communication is in the predetermined contract state, 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, when the status determination means determines that the service contract is not in the specified contract state, the request means requests the image forming device to send the contract information again, and when a specified time has elapsed since the second request, the control means terminates the communication, and the notification means notifies the contract state of the service contract at the time of termination of the communication.

5. the image forming apparatus has a plurality of functions including the printing function, and some of the functions are restricted under the service contract; The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that when it is determined that the service contract is in the specified contract state, the notification means notifies that the specified contract state has been reached and that some of the functions that were restricted under the service contract can be used on the image forming device.

6. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein, when it is determined that the service contract is in the predetermined contract state, the notification means notifies the content of the service contract as being in the predetermined contract state.

7. An information processing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that if it is determined that the service contract is not in the specified contract state and the contract information is not received by the communication before the specified time has elapsed, the notification means notifies that the contract information has not been received by the receiving means as the contract state of the service contract at the time the communication is terminated.

8. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the notification unit is capable of notifying a restoration method for restoring communication with the image forming apparatus.

9. an operation means for performing an operation to instruct execution of the repair method; 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the notification means is capable of notifying the result of execution of the repair method.

10. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the notification means notifies a method for resolving the cause of non-reception of the contract information as the contract status of the service contract at the time of the communication termination.

11. There are a plurality of methods for resolving the problem for each of the causes, 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an operation unit for performing an operation to instruct execution of each of the resolution methods.

12. a resolution determination means for determining whether the cause has been resolved, 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, when it is determined that the cause has been resolved as a result of the determination by the resolution determination means, the request means requests the image forming apparatus to transmit the contract information.

13. The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that if it is determined that the service contract is not in the specified contract state and the contract information is received by the communication before the specified time has elapsed, the notification means notifies that the contract information has been received by the receiving means as the contract state of the service contract at the time of termination of the communication.

14. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that the service contract has not reached the predetermined contract state, the predetermined time period from the re-request can be changed to a predetermined number of times of execution of the re-request.

15. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the service contract is a subscription contract.

16. An information processing system including an image forming apparatus having a printing function and subject to a fixed-fee service contract, and an information processing apparatus communicably connected to the image forming apparatus, The information processing device includes: a control unit for controlling communication with the image forming apparatus; a requesting means for requesting the image forming apparatus to transmit the contract information if contract information regarding the service contract has not been acquired after a predetermined screen is displayed; a receiving means for receiving the contract information transmitted from the image forming apparatus in accordance with the request of the requesting means; and a notification means for notifying the contract status of the service contract.

17. 1. A method for controlling an information processing device that has a printing function and is communicably connected to an image forming device that is the subject of a fixed-fee service contract, comprising: a control step of controlling communication with the image forming apparatus; a request step of requesting the image forming apparatus to transmit the contract information if contract information regarding the service contract has not been acquired after a predetermined screen is displayed; a receiving step of receiving the contract information transmitted from the image forming apparatus in accordance with the request made in the requesting step; and a notification step of notifying the contract status of the service contract.

18. 2. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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