Information processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

Abstract

To easily confirm a registration state to a web service on a screen on which an operation of an electronic apparatus can be performed.SOLUTION: A central processing unit (CPU) of an information processing apparatus capable of operating an image forming apparatus communicates with the image forming apparatus via a network, and acquires registration information about a web service from the image forming apparatus. The CPU determines whether or not the acquired registration information indicates "during registration". When it is determined that the registration information indicates "unregistered", a first home screen including a print button and a web service registration button is displayed. In a case where it is determined that the registration information indicates "during registration", a second home screen including the print button and the web service login button and not including the web service registration button is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing technique for controlling the display of a screen on which an electronic device can be operated. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, web services have been provided for network-enabled printing devices that manage consumable supplies such as ink, toner, and printing paper on a management server and automatically deliver replenishments when supplies run low. Subscription services are also becoming more common, renting out printing devices and consumable supplies for a fixed fee, reducing initial costs and eliminating separate maintenance fees.

[0003] A printing device that works with a web service communicates with a management server, obtains contract information from the management server that allows or restricts the use of specific functions based on a contract, and controls the printing device according to the contract information. Also, an information processing device that is enabled to operate such a printing device can obtain the contract information by communicating with the printing device or the management server, and control the printing device according to the contract information.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a system that, when attempting to use a printing device used in a web service that delivers consumables from a terminal device, restricts the functions that can be executed on the printing device in accordance with contract information that indicates the status of the contract for using the web service. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-70161 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 restricts the operation of a printing device in accordance with the contract information for a Web service, but does not restrict the operation of the registration function of the Web service based on the contract information. When encouraging users to use a Web service, displaying a message urging users who are not registered with the Web service to register for the Web service can be effective to a certain extent. On the other hand, if a similar message urging users who have already registered with the Web service to register for the Web service is displayed, the user may mistakenly believe that registration with the Web service has not been completed and that they cannot use the Web service.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to make it easier to check the registration status for a web service on a screen that can be used to operate an electronic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The technology disclosed herein is characterized by comprising an acquisition means for acquiring registration information indicating whether or not an electronic device is being registered with a Web service; and a display control means for, if the registration information indicates that the electronic device is not registered with the Web service, displaying on a display means a first screen including a first selection item for communicating with the electronic device to instruct the electronic device to perform a predetermined operation and a second selection item for instructing the electronic device to perform a process for registering with the Web service; and, if the registration information indicates that the electronic device is being registered with the Web service, displaying on the display means a second screen including the first selection item and not the second selection item. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it becomes easier to check the registration status for a web service on a screen that can be used to operate an electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration for providing a Web service to an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first home screen displayed when a Web service contract has not been made according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second home screen displayed when a web service contract is in progress according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed when a registration process for a Web service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is executed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed when a login process for a Web service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is executed. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process of a home screen in an application for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of a Web service registration process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of a login process for a Web service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an example of a system configuration for providing a Web service to an electronic device according to this embodiment.

[0013] The system 100 includes an information processing device 101, a wireless LAN terminal 102, an image forming device 104, and a cloud server 105, and these devices are connected via a network 103 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0014] The information processing device 101 is a user terminal such as a smartphone, and may run an operating system for small terminals and programs for controlling calls and data communications. The information processing device 101 does not need to be equipped with voice control, position detection control, mobile data communications, etc., as in a smartphone, and may be a personal computer capable of communications via a network 103. In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 is connected to the network 103 via a wireless LAN terminal 102.

[0015] The wireless LAN terminal 102 is a wireless LAN base station with a general network router function, and provides a wireless LAN using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) within a home, office, or the like.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 104 is a digital multifunction peripheral that has a function for executing jobs using various functions such as a printing function, a copying function, a scanning function, a fax transmission function, etc. A user can operate the information processing apparatus 101 to instruct the image forming apparatus 104 to execute a job using the various functions.

[0017] Cloud server 105 manages data used by information processing device 101 and image forming device 104, performs various function expansion processes, and the like via network 103. Note that in this embodiment, image forming device 104 and cloud server 105 are connected to network 103 by wire, but they may also be connected wirelessly using wireless LAN terminal 102, similar to information processing device 101.

[0018] In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 and the image forming device 104 are capable of short-range wireless communication via wireless signals such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy). The image forming device 104 has device information (such as an IP address or a MAC address) for connecting to the image forming device 104 via a wireless LAN in an NFC communication unit or a BLE communication unit (described later), and the information processing device 101 can acquire the device information via short-range wireless communication. When the information processing device 101 acquires the device information via short-range wireless communication, it can start communication with the image forming device 104 based on the acquired device information.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment.

[0020] The information processing device 101 has a controller unit 201. The controller unit 201 controls various communication units, such as an NFC communication unit 210, a BLE communication unit 211, and a wireless LAN communication unit 212, as well as various UI units, such as a microphone / speaker 213, a display 214, and a touch panel 215.

[0021] The controller unit 201 is composed of a CPU 202 , a ROM 203 , a RAM 204 , a network I / F 205 , an audio control unit 206 , a display control unit 207 , an input control unit 208 and an auxiliary storage device 209 , which are connected by a system bus 216 .

[0022] The CPU 202 controls the entire system of the information processing device 101. The ROM 203 stores the operating system of the information processing device 101 and applications that control calls and data communications, and the CPU 202 executes various programs. The RAM 204 is a volatile storage device and a work memory used by the CPU 202 to execute various programs, and can also store programs and data processed by the programs. The auxiliary storage device 209 is a non-volatile storage device and stores various operation mode settings and operation logs that need to be retained even after the information processing device 101 is restarted. The network I / F 205 is connected to an NFC communication unit 210, a BLE communication unit 211, and a wireless LAN communication unit 212, and controls various wireless communications with the image forming apparatus 104 and the cloud server 105.

[0023] An audio control unit 206 controls the input and output of audio data via a microphone / speaker 213. A display control unit 207 controls the output of image data to be displayed on a display 214. An input control unit 208 controls the input of information designated by a user via a button or touch panel 215. Using the audio control unit 206, display control unit 207, and input control unit 208, various applications executed on the information processing device 101 are provided to the user.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows an example of the software configuration of the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment.

[0025] The application 301 is realized by the CPU 202 of the information processing device 101 executing a software program stored in the RAM 203 .

[0026] The UI control unit 302 receives job setting information input by the user via the touch panel 215 via the input control unit 208 and transmits it to the job setting management unit 305. The UI control unit 302 also receives responses from the job setting management unit 305 and the job control unit 306, and causes the display 214 to output the contents of the received responses via the display control unit 207.

[0027] The device control unit 303 establishes near-field wireless communication using NFC or BLE between the information processing device 101 and the image forming device 104 and wireless LAN communication via the network 103, and registers the image forming device 104 in the application 301. For example, in the case of NFC, near-field wireless communication is initiated when the user brings the NFC communication unit 210 of the information processing device 101 and the NFC communication unit of the image forming device 104 close to each other until the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. In the case of BLE, the user also brings the BLE communication unit 211 of the information processing device 101 and the BLE communication unit of the image forming device 104 close to each other, and the device control unit 303 initiates communication when the BLE signal strength reaches a certain level or greater. In this way, the user performs an operation (called a touch operation) of bringing the information processing device 101 close to the image forming device 104, which allows the device control unit 303 to acquire device information about the image forming device 104. The information processing device 101 initiates a wireless LAN connection with the image forming device 104 via the network 103 based on the acquired device information.

[0028] The network control unit 304 transmits job settings, job execution instruction commands, image data, etc. to the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103. Furthermore, the network control unit 304 receives job setting information stored in the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103.

[0029] The job setting management unit 305 stores job setting information entered by the user and accepted by the UI control unit 302, and job setting information received from the image forming apparatus 104 or the cloud server 105 by the network control unit 304, in the RAM 204 or the auxiliary storage device 209. At this time, the job setting management unit 305 manages this job setting information as "favorites," which are settings that the user frequently uses. The job setting management unit 305 also manages custom job settings stored in the RAM 204 or the auxiliary storage device 209 when the application 301 is installed, as "presets."

[0030] The job control unit 306 generates a job execution request for the image forming apparatus 104 from the job settings such as "favorites" and "presets" registered in the job setting management unit 305, and transmits the generated job execution request to the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103. The job control unit 306 also acquires the job execution status and the operating status of the devices such as the scanner 313 and printer 314 from the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103, and transmits them to the UI control unit 302.

[0031] The Web service contract information management unit 307 associates Web service contract information acquired from the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103 with the identifier of the image forming apparatus 104 and stores the information in the RAM 204 or the auxiliary storage device 209. The Web service contract information is information indicating whether the image forming apparatus 104 has a contract for a Web service, such as a subscription contract or an automatic delivery contract for consumables, such as recording materials, such as ink and toner, or recording media, such as printing paper. If multiple Web services, such as automatic delivery contracts for consumables or subscription contracts, are available, the Web service contract information held by the image forming apparatus 104 indicates "uncontracted" if the image forming apparatus 104 has not yet signed a contract for any of the Web services. On the other hand, if a contract has been signed for one of the Web services, the image forming apparatus 104 acquires the Web service contract information from the cloud server 105 and updates the Web service contract information held by the image forming apparatus 104 to indicate "under contract." In addition, what is referred to as Web service contract information in this embodiment may also be Web service registration information that contains information indicating whether the image forming device 104 is registered with a Web service, i.e., whether it is "unregistered" or "registering."

[0032] 4 and 5, a home screen displayed by the application 301 running on the information processing device 101 will be described. The home screen is a screen that is displayed when the application 301 is started.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows an example of an operation screen of the application 301 capable of operating the image forming apparatus 104, in which the image forming apparatus 104 that has not yet signed up for the Web service according to this embodiment is registered.

[0034] The operation screen shown in FIG. 4 is a first home screen 400. This first home screen 400 is displayed when the application 301 is launched or when the Web service contract information (registration information) acquired from the image forming apparatus 104 before the home screen is redisplayed indicates "uncontracted" ("unregistered"). The first home screen 400 is a screen configured from an image forming apparatus display area 401, a function display area 404, and a tab area 410. The image forming apparatus display area 401 is an area that displays information about the image forming apparatus 104 registered via the device control unit 303. The image forming apparatus icon 402 is an icon representing the image forming apparatus 104, and the image forming apparatus label 403 is a text area that displays the name of the image forming apparatus 104. The function display area 404 is an area that displays a list of functions for instructing the image forming apparatus 104 to perform various operations.

[0035] A Web service registration button 405, which is one of multiple selection items displayed in the function display area 404, is not a function to be executed by the image forming apparatus 104, but is a button that, when pressed, instructs the execution of registration processing for a Web service, which will be described later. The Web service registration button is displayed when the Web service contract information indicates "not contracted." Another selection item, a print button 407, is a button for instructing the image forming apparatus 104 to transition to a print processing screen (not shown) that is displayed when the image forming apparatus 104 is to execute a print process. In addition to the Web service registration button 405 and the print button 407, the function display area 404 also displays selection items for instructing the image forming apparatus 104 to execute functions such as scanning and copying.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows an example of an operation screen of the application 301 capable of operating the image forming apparatus 104, in which the image forming apparatus 104 under a Web service contract according to this embodiment is registered.

[0037] The operation screen shown in FIG. 5 is a second home screen 500. This second home screen 500 is displayed when the application 301 is launched or when the Web service contract information (registration information) acquired from the image forming apparatus 104 prior to the home screen being redisplayed indicates "contract in progress" ("registering"). Similar to the first home screen 400, the second home screen 500 is a screen configured from an image forming apparatus display area 401, a function display area 404, and a tab area 410. The second home screen 500 does not display the Web service registration button 405 displayed on the first home screen 400, but instead displays a Web service login button 505. The Web service login button 505 is not a function executed by the image forming apparatus 104, but is a button that, when pressed, commands the execution of a login process for a Web service, which will be described later. The buttons displayed in the function display area 404 are the same as those on the first home screen 400, except for the Web service login button 505.

[0038] It is desirable that the most suitable web service be selected depending on the region in which the image forming device 104 is used. For this reason, the web service registration button wording 406 on the first home screen 400 and the web service login button wording 506 on the second home screen 500 may be changed depending on the destination information acquired from the image forming device 104.

[0039] Fig. 6 shows an example of an operation screen of the application 301 that is displayed when the Web service registration process according to this embodiment is executed. The operation screen shown in Fig. 6 is a screen that is displayed by the application 301 running on the information processing device 101 when the Web service registration button 405 is pressed. Fig. 6(a) shows an image forming device details screen 600 that displays detailed information about the image forming device 104 selected on the home screen, Fig. 6(b) shows a communicating screen 610 on the image forming device details screen 600, and Fig. 6(c) shows a Web service account registration screen 620.

[0040] The image forming device details screen 600 is a screen that is displayed when the Web service registration button 405 is pressed on the first home screen 400, or when the image forming device display area 401 is pressed on the first home screen 400 or the second home screen 500. The image forming device details screen 600 displays a close button 601 and image forming device details information 602 that allows the user to check the manual for the image forming device 104 and information about the image forming device 104. When the close button 601 is pressed, the screen transitions to the first home screen 400 or the second home screen 500.

[0041] The communicating screen 610 on the image forming device details screen is a screen that is displayed on the image forming device details screen 600 when the information processing device 101 communicates with the image forming device 104 or the cloud server 105 via the network 103. The communicating screen 610 on the image forming device details screen displays a dialog 611 indicating that the information processing device 101 is communicating.

[0042] The Web service account registration screen 620 is a screen that is displayed when pre-registration processing is successful in the Web service registration processing flow described below, and is a screen for registering a Web service account required for using the Web service. The Web service account registration screen 620 is displayed by a Web browser running on the information processing device 101. The Web service account registration screen 620 also displays model information 621, such as the name and serial number of the selected image forming device 104.

[0043] Fig. 7 shows an example of an operation screen of the application 301 that is displayed when the login process of the Web service according to this embodiment is executed. The operation screen shown in Fig. 7 is a screen that is displayed by the application 301 running on the information processing device 101 when the Web service login button 505 is pressed. Fig. 7(a) is the Web service login screen, Fig. 7(b) is the Web service login information input screen, and Fig. 7(c) is the Web service registration information screen.

[0044] The Web service login screen 700 is a screen displayed by a Web browser running on the information processing device 101 when the Web service login button 505 is pressed, and includes a login button 701 and a Web service account creation button (not shown). When the login button 701 is pressed, the screen transitions to a Web service login information input screen 710.

[0045] Web service login information input screen 710 displays a login information input dialog box 711 and a login information input completion button 712. Login information input dialog box 711 is a dialog box for entering an ID and password required to log in to the Web service. Furthermore, login information input completion button 712 is a button for instructing logging in to the Web service based on the information input into login information input dialog box 711. When login information input completion button 712 is pressed, information processing device 101 queries cloud server 105 for the information input into login information input dialog box 711. If a response is received from cloud server 105 indicating that the input information matches the login information stored in cloud server 105, the screen transitions to Web service registration information screen 720.

[0046] Web service registration information screen 720 is a screen that is displayed when login to the Web service is successful. Note that if login information for the Web service is stored in the Web browser of information processing device 101 when Web service login button 505 is pressed, Web service registration information screen 720 is displayed instead of Web service login screen 700. On Web service registration information screen 720, it is possible to display the contract status and order information for the Web service, cancel a Web service contract, add an order, change an ordered product, and accept changes to Web service contract information such as payment method and address (not shown).

[0047] Next, the processing of the application 301 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 8, 9, and 10. Each process in these flowcharts is realized by the CPU 202 of the information processing device 101 expanding a program stored in the ROM 203 or the auxiliary storage device 209 into the RAM 204 and executing the program.

[0048] 8 is a flowchart for explaining display control processing of the first home screen 400 and the second home screen 500 in this embodiment. The processing shown in Fig. 8 starts at the time of initial communication when the information processing device 101 acquires device information of the image forming device 104, when the application 301 is started, or when the image forming device display area 401 on the home screen is pressed to transition to the printer details screen 600.

[0049] In S801, the CPU 202 communicates with the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103 and acquires Web service contract information from the image forming apparatus 104. Note that the Web service contract information may be acquired from the cloud server 105 via the network 103 based on information about the image forming apparatus 104, such as device information of the image forming apparatus 104.

[0050] In step S802, the CPU 202 stores the Web service contract information acquired in step S801 in the RAM 204 or the auxiliary storage device 209 of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0051] In step S803, the CPU 202 transitions to the home screen. Note that if this flow starts when the image forming device display area 401 is pressed on the home screen to transition to the printer details screen 600, the transition to the home screen occurs when the close button 601 on the printer details screen 600 is pressed.

[0052] In step S804 , the CPU 202 acquires the Web service contract information stored in the RAM 204 or the auxiliary storage device 209 of the information processing apparatus 101 .

[0053] In S805, the CPU 202 determines whether the Web service contract information indicates "under contract." If it is determined that the Web service contract information indicates "not under contract," the process proceeds to S806; otherwise, the process proceeds to S813.

[0054] In S806 , the CPU 202 displays the first home screen including the print button 407 and the web service registration button 405 .

[0055] In S807, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the Web service registration button 405 has been pressed. If the Web service registration button 405 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S812; if not, the process proceeds to S808.

[0056] In step S812, the CPU 202 performs a Web service registration process, and then ends this flow. Details of the Web service registration process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0057] In S808, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the print button 407 has been pressed. If the print button 407 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S811; if not, the process proceeds to S809.

[0058] In S811, the CPU 202 displays a print processing screen (not shown).

[0059] In step S811, the CPU 202 displays the print processing screen, and then the flow ends.

[0060] In S809, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the other processing button displayed on the home screen has been pressed. If the other processing button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S810; if not, the process returns to S807.

[0061] In S810, the CPU 202 displays a screen (not shown) corresponding to the other processing button, and then ends this flow.

[0062] In step S813 , the CPU 202 displays the second home screen including the print button 407 and the web service login button 505 .

[0063] In S814, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the Web service login button 505 has been pressed. If the Web service login button 505 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S819; otherwise, the process proceeds to S815.

[0064] In step S819, the CPU 202 executes a Web service login process, which will be described later, and then ends this flow.

[0065] In S815, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the print button 407 has been pressed. If the print button 407 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S818; if not, the process proceeds to S816.

[0066] In S818, the CPU 202 displays a print processing screen (not shown), and then ends this flow.

[0067] In S816, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the other processing button has been pressed. If the other processing button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S817, and if not, the process returns to S814.

[0068] In S817, the CPU 202 displays a screen (not shown) corresponding to the other processing button, and then ends this flow.

[0069] In this embodiment, the case where the image forming device display area 401 on the first home screen 400 or the second home screen 500 is pressed to transition to the printer details screen 600 is one of the conditions for starting the process shown in Fig. 8, but this is not limiting. For example, the case where the image forming device display area 401 is pressed to transition to a screen other than the image forming device details screen 600 may be the condition for starting the process shown in Fig. 8. Alternatively, instead of steps S801 to S805, the information processing device 101 may acquire a home screen from the image forming device 104 or the cloud server 105. In this case, for example, the image forming device 104 or the cloud server 105 switches the home screen to be sent to the information processing device 101 to the first home screen 400 or the second home screen 500 in accordance with the Web service contract information. As another method, the information processing device 101 may store the first home screen 400, and when a Web service contract is in progress, the information processing device 101 may acquire the difference between the first home screen 400 and the second home screen 500 from the image forming device 104 or the cloud server 105.

[0070] 9 shows a flowchart for explaining the Web service registration process in the application 301 according to this embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 9 shows details of the Web service registration process executed in S812.

[0071] In S901, the CPU 202 causes the display 214 to display the details screen 600 of the image forming apparatus.

[0072] In S902, the CPU 202 acquires the permission status of the application 301 from the RAM 204 or the auxiliary storage device 209 of the information processing device 101. Note that the permission in this embodiment refers to permission regarding permission to transmit information necessary to use Web services related to the application 301 and the image forming device 104. The permission status is determined, for example, by displaying a permission consent screen (not shown) when the application 301 is launched for the first time, and by permission information obtained based on user input received on the permission consent screen. The permission information is information indicating whether or not the permission is agreed to, and is stored in the RAM 204 or the auxiliary storage device 209.

[0073] In S903, the CPU 202 determines whether the license status of the application 301 acquired in S902 indicates "agreement." If the license status of the application 301 indicates "agreement," the process proceeds to S904; if not, the process proceeds to S908.

[0074] In S908, the CPU 202 displays a license agreement screen (not shown) and updates the license information based on the user input received on the license agreement screen.

[0075] In S909, the CPU 202 again determines whether the permission status of the application 301 indicates "agreement," and if the permission status indicates "agreement," the process proceeds to S904; if not, the process ends this flow.

[0076] In S904, the CPU 202 communicates with the cloud server 105 based on the information of the image forming device 104 and executes pre-registration processing. The information of the image forming device 104 used here is the name, destination information, and serial number of the image forming device 104. The pre-registration processing includes processing for transmitting the information of the image forming device 104 from the information processing device 101 to the cloud server 105. At this time, the CPU 202 displays a communication in progress screen 610 on the details screen of the image forming device.

[0077] In S905, the CPU 202 determines the processing result of the pre-registration processing executed in S904. If the pre-registration processing is successful, the process proceeds to S906; if not, the process proceeds to S910. Note that in this embodiment, the success of the pre-registration processing refers to the case where the first URL can be acquired from the cloud server 105, and the failure of the pre-registration processing refers to the case where, for example, communication between the information processing device 101 and the cloud server 105 is disconnected and the first URL cannot be acquired.

[0078] In step S906 , the CPU 202 opens the acquired first URL in the web browser of the information processing apparatus 101 .

[0079] In step S907, the CPU 202 displays a Web service account registration screen 620 on the Web browser, which displays information about the image forming apparatus 104, such as model information 621, and ends this flow. The user can then register for the Web service and enter into a contract for the Web service by continuing to perform operations on the Web service account registration screen 620.

[0080] In S910, the CPU 202 displays an error dialog (not shown) on the display 214, and ends this flow.

[0081] In this flow, the process is started after the detailed screen 600 of the image forming apparatus is displayed in S901, but S901 may be omitted and the process may start from S902.

[0082] Furthermore, in steps S904 to S906, the first URL is acquired by communicating with the cloud server 105 and executing pre-registration processing, but this is not limiting. For example, the cloud server 105 may generate a redirect URL based on information from the image forming apparatus 104, and the web browser may open the generated redirect URL to display the web service account registration screen 620.

[0083] Furthermore, although the model information 621 is displayed on the Web service account registration screen 620 displayed in step S907, the model information 621 does not have to be displayed on the Web service account registration screen 620. The Web service to be displayed on the Web service account registration screen 620 may be changed depending on the destination information of the image forming apparatus 104.

[0084] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the Web service login process in the application 301 according to this embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 10 shows details of the Web service login process executed in S819.

[0085] In S1001, the CPU 202 generates a second URL in accordance with predetermined URL generation rules based on information about the image forming device 104. The second URL is generated within the application 301. The information about the image forming device 104 used to generate the second URL is the name and destination information of the image forming device 104.

[0086] In S1002, the CPU 202 opens the second URL in the web browser and displays a web service login page corresponding to the destination information of the image forming apparatus 104 included in the second URL.

[0087] In S1003, the CPU 202 determines whether or not login information from a previous login to a web service page is stored in the web browser of the information processing device 101. If the login information is stored, the process proceeds to S1004; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0088] In S1004, the CPU 202 displays the Web service registration information screen 720 on the Web browser, and then ends this flow.

[0089] In S1005, the CPU 202 displays a web service login screen 700, which is a web page including a login button 701 and an account creation button (not shown), on the web browser.

[0090] In S1006, the CPU 202 determines whether login to the Web service was successful when the login button 701 on the Web service login screen 700 is pressed, causing the screen to transition to the Web service login information input screen 710. This determination is made in response to input into the login information input dialog box 711 and pressing of the login information input completion button 712. If login to the Web service was successful, the process proceeds to S1004; otherwise, the Web service login information input screen 710 is displayed again, and when the login information input completion button 712 is pressed, it determines whether login to the Web service was successful.

[0091] As explained above, in the present disclosure, the Web service registration button 405 is displayed only to users who have not yet subscribed to a Web service. Furthermore, for users who have subscribed to a Web service, the Web service registration button 405 is not displayed, and the Web service login button 505 is displayed. As a result, it is possible to make it less likely for the user to mistakenly believe that they cannot use the Web service for which they have subscribed.

[0092] The various processes described above as being performed by the CPU 202 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or may be shared among a plurality of pieces of hardware, for example, a plurality of processors or circuits.

[0093] Furthermore, although the technology of the present disclosure has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the present invention is applied to the information processing device 101 that operates the image forming device 104. However, the configuration to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this example. The present embodiment is applicable to any electronic device that can use a web service and any information processing device that can operate the electronic device and register with the web service. That is, the image forming device can be replaced with electronic devices including IoT devices such as air conditioners, water heaters, robot vacuum cleaners, home appliance remote controls, lighting, digital cameras, smart plugs, smart speakers, smartphones, smart watches, and smart locks. The information processing device can be replaced with a personal computer, PDA, mobile phone, tablet, portable image viewer, digital photo frame, music player, game console, e-book reader, etc. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a device that integrates a device that links with a web service and a device that operates the device and registers with the web service, such as an image forming device equipped with an information processing device.

[0095] (Other Examples) 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 a 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., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. The present disclosure includes the following configurations and methods. [Configuration 1] An acquisition means for acquiring registration information indicating whether or not the electronic device is currently registered with a web service; a display control means for, when the registration information indicates that the electronic device is not yet registered with the Web service, displaying on a display means a first screen including a first selection item for communicating with the electronic device to instruct the electronic device to execute a predetermined operation and a second selection item for instructing the electronic device to execute a process for registering with the Web service, and, when the registration information indicates that the electronic device is currently being registered with the Web service, displaying on the display means a second screen including the first selection item but not the second selection item; An information processing device comprising: [Configuration 2] the process for registering the electronic device with the web service includes a transmission process for transmitting identification information of the electronic device to a specific server for registration with the web service; 2. The information processing device according to configuration 1, [Configuration 3] the second screen includes a third selection item for instructing the display of a screen for logging in to the Web service; 3. The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2. [Configuration 4] The position of the third selection item displayed on the second screen is the same as the position of the second selection item displayed on the first screen. 4. The information processing device according to configuration 3. [Configuration 5] The electronic device is capable of registering with a plurality of the web services; the display control means causes the display means to display the second screen when registration with at least one Web service is in progress; 5. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. [Configuration 6] the acquiring means acquires the registration information from the electronic device or the web service. 6. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. [Configuration 7] The electronic device is a printer. 7. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. [Configuration 8] The web service is a service related to the delivery of recording materials used in printing. 8. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7. [Configuration 9] the first selection item includes a selection item for issuing a print instruction to the electronic device; 9. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. [Configuration 10] the first screen and the second screen are home screens, When the display control means displays the home screen, the acquisition means acquires the registration information prior to displaying the home screen. 10. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9. [Configuration 11] the acquiring means acquires the registration information when the information processing device is started up. 11. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. [Configuration 12] the display control means, when the second selection item is selected while the first screen is being displayed, displays a registration screen for registering with the Web service, and when the registration screen is closed, displays the second screen if the registration information indicates that registration with the Web service is in progress. 12. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11. [Configuration 13] the acquiring means acquires the registration information at the time of initial communication with the electronic device; 13. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12. [Configuration 14] The acquisition means further acquires destination information of the electronic device, the display control means changes the web service based on the destination information. 14. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13. [Configuration 15] The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the electronic device is any one of IoT devices such as an air conditioner, a water heater, a robot vacuum cleaner, a home appliance remote control, a light, a digital camera, a smart plug, a smart speaker, a smartphone, a smart watch, and a smart lock. [Configuration 16] obtaining registration information indicating whether the electronic device is currently registered with a web service; When the registration information indicates that the electronic device is not yet registered with the Web service, displaying on a display means a first screen including a first selection item for communicating with the electronic device to instruct the electronic device to execute a predetermined operation and a second selection item for instructing the electronic device to execute a process for registering with the Web service, and when the registration information indicates that the electronic device is currently being registered with the Web service, displaying on the display means a second screen including the first selection item but not the second selection item; An information processing method comprising: [Configuration 17] A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15. [Configuration 18] A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15.

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring registration information indicating whether or not the electronic device is currently registered with a web service; a display control means for, when the registration information indicates that the electronic device is not registered with the web service, causing a display means to display a first screen including a first selection item for communicating with the electronic device to instruct the electronic device to execute a predetermined operation and a second selection item for instructing the electronic device to execute a process for registering with the web service, and, when the registration information indicates that the electronic device is currently being registered with the web service, causing the display means to display a second screen including the first selection item but not the second selection item; An information processing device comprising:

2. the process for registering the electronic device with the web service includes a transmission process for transmitting identification information of the electronic device to a specific server for registration with the web service; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. the second screen includes a third selection item for instructing execution of processing for logging in to the web service; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

4. a position of the third selection item displayed on the second screen is the same as a position of the second selection item displayed on the first screen; 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

5. the electronic device is capable of being registered with a plurality of the web services; the display control means causes the display means to display the second screen when registration with at least one web service is in progress; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

6. the acquiring means acquires the registration information from the electronic device or the web service.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The electronic device is a printer.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

8. The web service is a service related to the delivery of recording materials used in printing.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

9. the first selection item includes a selection item for issuing a print instruction to the electronic device; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

10. the first screen and the second screen are home screens, When the display control means displays the home screen, the acquisition means acquires the registration information prior to displaying the home screen.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

11. the acquiring means acquires the registration information when the information processing device is started up.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

12. the display control means, when the second selection item is selected while the first screen is being displayed, displays a registration screen for registering with the web service, and when the registration screen is closed, displays the second screen if the registration information indicates that registration with the web service is in progress.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

13. the acquiring means acquires the registration information at the time of initial communication with the electronic device; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

14. The acquisition means further acquires destination information of the electronic device, the display control means changes the web service based on the destination information.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

15. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is any one of IoT devices such as an air conditioner, a water heater, a robot vacuum cleaner, a home appliance remote control, lighting, a digital camera, a smart plug, a smart speaker, a smartphone, a smart watch, and a smart lock.

16. acquiring registration information indicating whether the electronic device is currently registered with a web service; When the registration information indicates that the electronic device is not yet registered with the web service, displaying on a display means a first screen including a first selection item for communicating with the electronic device and instructing the electronic device to execute a predetermined operation, and a second selection item for instructing the electronic device to execute a process for registering with the web service, and when the registration information indicates that the electronic device is currently being registered with the web service, displaying on the display means a second screen including the first selection item but not the second selection item; An information processing method comprising:

17. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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

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