Computer program, control device, and control method for the control device

Abstract

This technology provides a way to encourage users to choose a specific delivery service from among several available delivery services. [Solution] The control device includes a display control unit that displays a predetermined screen relating to an image processing device that can communicate with the terminal device on the terminal device. The display control unit displays a predetermined screen having a first mode that allows the terminal device user to use one of the multiple delivery services when the image processing device is not registered with any of the multiple delivery services that deliver consumables used by the image processing device. The display control unit displays a predetermined screen having a second mode that allows the terminal device user to use the specific delivery service and restricts the use of other delivery services among the multiple delivery services when the image processing device is registered with a specific delivery service among the multiple delivery services.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] This specification relates to a technology for displaying a screen on a terminal device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a delivery service for delivering consumables.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a situation where there are multiple delivery services is not considered. It is sufficient for the user to be able to use one of the multiple delivery services. This specification provides a technology for prompting the user to use a specific service among the multiple delivery services.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The computer program disclosed herein causes a computer to function as a display control unit that displays a predetermined screen relating to an image processing device capable of communicating with a terminal device on the terminal device, the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the predetermined screen having a first mode that allows the terminal device user to use the multiple delivery services when the image processing device is not registered with any of the multiple delivery services that deliver consumables used by the image processing device, and the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the predetermined screen having a second mode that allows the terminal device user to use the specific delivery service and restricts the use of other delivery services among the multiple delivery services other than the specific delivery service when the image processing device is registered with a specific delivery service among the multiple delivery services.

[0006] For example, consider a comparative example where, if the image processing device is already registered with a specific delivery service, a predetermined screen allows the user to use multiple delivery services. In this comparative example, even though the image processing device is already registered with a specific delivery service, the user may start using other delivery services. In contrast, with the above configuration, if the image processing device is already registered with a specific delivery service, the predetermined screen restricts the user from using other delivery services. This prevents the user from starting to use other delivery services. As a result, the user can be encouraged to use a specific service among the multiple delivery services.

[0007] A computer-readable storage medium for storing the above computer program, a control device for implementing the above computer program, and a control method for the control device are also novel and useful. Here, the above recording medium may be a single medium or multiple mediums. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the setup process. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the process after setup. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows each screen. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the home screen display process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a modified version of the home screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) Communication system 2 comprises a terminal device 10, an MFP 100, and a service server 200. The terminal device 10 can be a laptop PC, smartphone, tablet, desktop PC, etc. The MFP 100 is a peripheral device for the terminal device 10 and is a multi-functional device with printing and scanning capabilities.

[0010] The MFP100 includes a printing execution unit that provides printing functionality. The printing execution unit includes an inkjet, electrophotographic, or thermal printing engine. The inkjet printing engine includes a print head that ejects ink droplets. The electrophotographic printing engine includes a photoreceptor and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photoreceptor. The thermal printing engine includes a print head that generates heat using a heater. The MFP100 also includes a scanning execution unit that provides scanning functionality. The scanning execution unit includes a scanner engine with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) image sensor. MFP stands for Multifunction Peripheral.

[0011] The terminal device 10 and the MFP 100 are connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) 4. LAN 4 is either a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. A service server 200 is connected to the Internet 6. The terminal device 10 and the MFP 100 can communicate with the service server 200 via LAN 4 and the Internet 6. The service server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by, for example, the vendor of the MFP 100. Note that LAN 4 may be connected to more than one peripheral device, such as multiple peripheral devices (for example, multiple MFP 100s).

[0012] Service Server 200 is a server that provides a subscription service (hereinafter referred to as "subscription service") and an automatic ordering service. With the subscription service, if the number of printed pages within a specified period (e.g., one month) is less than or equal to the maximum number of printed pages (e.g., 1000 pages), only the basic fee is charged. If the number of printed pages within a unit period exceeds the maximum number of printed pages, the sum of the basic fee and an excess charge corresponding to the number of printed pages exceeding the maximum is charged. In other words, the subscription service is a service that allows printing within the maximum number of printed pages within a specified period for a basic fee. The subscription service includes an automatic delivery service. The automatic delivery service is a service that automatically delivers a new cartridge when the remaining amount of colorants (e.g., ink, toner, etc.) in the colorant cartridge installed in the MFP100 falls below a specified amount. The cost of the cartridge is included in the basic fee of the subscription service.

[0013] The automatic ordering service automatically orders a new cartridge when the amount of colorant remaining in the colorant cartridge installed in the MFP100 falls below a predetermined amount. The automatic ordering service does not have a monthly basic fee; the user is charged for each cartridge order. Like the subscription service, the automatic ordering service also includes an automatic delivery service. Hereafter, the automatic ordering service and the subscription service may be collectively referred to as the "delivery service."

[0014] The service server 200 stores a service table 202 and a management table 204. The service table 202 stores account information, serial numbers, and contract information in association with each other. The account information includes the username and password. The serial number identifies the printer (e.g., 100) used by the user indicated by the corresponding account information. The contract information indicates the service contract status of the user indicated by the corresponding account information. For example, if the user is subscribed to a subscription service, the contract information will show the value "Subscription". If the user is subscribed to an automatic ordering service, the contract information will show the value "Automatic Ordering". If the user is not subscribed to any service, the contract information will show the value "Not Contracted". Here, a contract may be an electronic contract over the internet without a paper contract document, or a contract via a paper contract document. Also, being subscribed to a service may also be said as being subscribed to the service. Not being subscribed to a service may also be said as not being subscribed to the service.

[0015] Management table 204 manages the operational status of multiple MFP100 units. Management table 204 stores the serial number, the remaining amount of colorant cartridges, the number of printed pages, and the access token, associating them with each unit. The number of printed pages is the total number of pages printed by the MFP100 identified by the corresponding serial number within a given period. The access token is a token issued by the service server 200 to the MFP100. The service server 200 uses the access token to establish a constant connection with the MFP100. Using this constant connection, the service server 200 periodically receives the remaining amount and the number of printed pages from the MFP100 and updates the information in management table 204. Here, the constant connection is, for example, an Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) connection. Note that if the user has subscribed to an automatic ordering service, management table 204 does not need to store the number of printed pages.

[0016] The service server 200 may be a single server or a combination of multiple servers. For example, the service server 200 may be a combination of a server that stores the service table 202 and a server that stores the management table 204.

[0017] (Configuration of the terminal device 10; FIG. 1) The terminal device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a LAN interface 16, and a control unit 30. Hereinafter, "interface" will be referred to as "I / F". The operation unit 12 is a user I / F that enables a user to input various information to the terminal device 10. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys (i.e., operation objects), hardware keys, or both. The hardware keys are, for example, buttons, switches, etc. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may be a touch panel or not. Also, the panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, etc. The LAN I / F 16 is an I / F for executing communication via the LAN 4 and is connected to the LAN 4.

[0018] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. As an example, the main storage device includes a RAM and a cache memory. As an example, the auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, a Solid State Drive (SSD), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The CPU 32 realizes various processes according to the programs 40 and 42 loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0019] The auxiliary storage device of the memory 34 stores the OS program 40 and the application program 42. Hereinafter, the application program 42 will be referred to as the "app 42". The OS program 40 controls the basic operations of the terminal device 10. The app 42 causes the MFP 100 to execute a printing function and a scanning function. Also, the app 42 provides information related to the service to the user.

[0020] (Setup process of app 42; FIG. 2) Referring to FIG. 2, the CPU 32 will explain the process executed according to the app 42. The process in FIG. 2 is a setup process that starts triggered by launching the app 42 after the installation of the app 42 is completed.

[0021] In S10, the CPU 32 causes the display unit 14 to display the initial screen SC1 which is the initial setting screen. The initial screen SC1 displays an account input field F1, a login icon F2, and a device setting icon F3. The account input field F1 is a field for inputting account information. The account input field F1 includes a user name input field F11 and a password input field F12. Instead of the user name, an email address used by the user indicated by the user name may be input in the user name input field F11. The login icon F2 is an icon for requesting a login based on the account information input in the account input field F1. The device setting icon F3 is an icon for setting peripheral devices to be used without requesting a login.

[0022] When the login icon F2 is selected by the user, the CPU 32 sends a login request to the service server 200 containing the account information entered in the account input field F1. If authentication based on the account information in the login request is successful at the service server 200, the CPU 32 receives a token from the service server 200 corresponding to the successfully authenticated account information. This token is information for establishing a login session with a predetermined expiration date. The CPU 32 uses the token received from the service server 200 to establish a login session with the service server 200. Once the login session is established, the CPU 32 stores the token received from the service server 200 as login information in memory 34. Note that the login information may be the account information currently being used for login. Once the login session is established, the CPU 32 displays the device selection screen SC11 for selecting the peripheral devices to use on the display unit 14.

[0023] The device selection screen SC11 displays a list of peripheral devices found from LAN4 (for example, a list containing model names "mfp1" and "mfp2"). The user selects one peripheral device from the list displayed on the device selection screen SC11 (for example, an MFP100 with the model name "mfp1"). This selects the peripheral device (i.e., the target of control) to be controlled by application 42.

[0024] Furthermore, when the device setting icon F3 is selected by the user, the CPU 32 displays the device selection screen SC11 on the display unit 14 without sending a login request to the service server 200. In other words, the user can use peripheral devices with the application 42 without establishing a login session with the service server 200.

[0025] In the subsequent S12, the CPU 32 monitors whether a peripheral device is selected on the device selection screen SC11. If the CPU 32 determines that a peripheral device has been selected on the device selection screen SC11 (YES in S12), it proceeds to S14. Monitoring in S12 continues until a peripheral device is selected on the device selection screen SC11. For example, if the model name "mfp1" is selected on the device selection screen SC11, the CPU 32 obtains detailed information such as the serial number of the MFP100 from the MFP100 with the model name "mfp1" via LAN4. As a result, information regarding the control target of application 42 is registered in application 42. Note that application 42 may register not only one peripheral device, but two or more peripheral devices as control targets.

[0026] In S14, the CPU 32 determines whether or not login information is stored in memory 34. If the CPU 32 determines that login information is stored in memory 34 (YES in S14), it proceeds to S20.

[0027] In S20, the CPU 32 determines whether the peripheral device selected on the device selection screen SC11 (hereinafter referred to as "selected device") is registered in the management table 204 of the service server 200. For example, if the selected device is registered in the management table 204 (i.e., the serial number identifying the selected device is stored in the management table 204), then the selected device has an access token stored in it. Therefore, the CPU 32 queries the selected device to determine whether or not an access token is stored in it. If the CPU 32 receives a response from the selected device indicating that an access token is stored in it, it determines that the selected device is registered in the management table 204. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 receives a response from the selected device indicating that an access token is not stored in it, it determines that the selected device is not registered in the management table 204. In the modified example, the process may proceed to S22, which will be described later, without performing the determination in S20.

[0028] If the CPU 32 determines that the selected device is registered in the management table 204 (YES in S20), it proceeds to S22. In S22, the CPU 32 determines whether the selected device is registered in the service table 202 in association with the account information corresponding to the login information. For example, the CPU 32 uses the login session to send a query to the service server 200 that includes the serial number of the selected device. If the serial number included in the query is stored in the service table 202 and is stored in the service table 202 in association with the account information corresponding to the login session, the service server 200 sends a response to the terminal device 10 indicating that the selected device is registered with the logged-in account information. Alternatively, if the serial number included in the query is stored in the service table 202, but is stored in the service table 202 in association with other account information, the service server 200 sends a response to the terminal device 10 indicating that the selected device is registered with other account information. Furthermore, if the serial number included in the query is not stored in the service table 202, the service server 200 sends a response indicating that it is not registered to the terminal device 10. The CPU 32 determines YES in S22 if the response to the query in S22 indicates that the selected device is registered with the logged-in account information. In a modified example, the CPU 32 may receive the serial number stored in association with the logged-in account information from the service server 200 and determine whether that serial number matches the serial number of the selected device.

[0029] If CPU32 determines that the selected device is registered in association with the account information corresponding to the login information (YES in S22), it proceeds to S26. In S26, CPU32 determines whether the user indicated by the account information corresponding to the login information is currently using the service. For example, CPU32 queries service server 200 for the contents of the contract information registered in service table 202 in association with the account information corresponding to the login information. CPU32 determines that the user is currently using the service if the response from service server 200 indicates either "subscription" or "automatic ordering". On the other hand, CPU32 determines that the user is not currently using the service if the response from service server 200 indicates "not contracted".

[0030] If CPU32 determines that the user indicated by the logged-in account information is not currently using the service (NO in S26), it proceeds to S30. In S30, CPU32 displays a service information screen SC12 on the display unit 14, informing the user about the use of subscription services and automatic ordering services. The service information screen SC12 may include a message encouraging the user to subscribe to a subscription service or automatic ordering service. Such a message may be, for example, "Set Up Your Subscription!", "Try it now! subscription", "Let's subscribe to a subscription service", "Why not subscribe to a subscription service?", or "Let's subscribe to an automatic ordering service". The service information screen SC12 may also include an icon F4 to proceed with the process of subscribing to each service. If icon F4 is selected, CPU32 may display a screen that accepts input of information for subscribing to each service (credit card number, subscriber name, etc.). When the process in S30 is completed, CPU32 terminates the process shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the user indicated by the logged-in account information is currently using the service (YES in S26), it skips the process in S30 and terminates the process shown in Figure 2.

[0031] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the selected device is not registered in association with the currently logged-in account information (NO in S22), it proceeds to S24. In S24, CPU32 determines whether the response to the query in S22 indicates that the selected device is registered with other account information. If CPU32 determines that the response to the query in S22 indicates that the selected device is registered with other account information (YES in S24), it skips S26 and S30 and terminates the process shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, if CPU32 determines that the response to the query in S22 indicates that the device is not registered (NO in S24), it skips the process in S26 and proceeds to S30.

[0032] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the selected device is not registered in the management table 204 (NO in S20), it skips processing S22 to S26 and proceeds to S30.

[0033] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the login information is not stored in memory 34 (NO in S14), it proceeds to S32. S32 is the same as S20. If CPU32 determines that the selected device is not registered in management table 204 (NO in S32), it proceeds to S30. On the other hand, if CPU32 determines that the selected device is registered in management table 204 (YES in S32), it skips the process in S30 and terminates the process shown in Figure 2.

[0034] (Post-setup processing; Figures 3 and 4) The process in Figure 3 is executed after the process in Figure 2. The process in Figure 3 is executed according to application 42 and is triggered by launching application 42. In the process in Figure 3, the home screen SC2 is displayed. Before explaining the process in Figure 3, refer to Figure 4 to explain the home screen SC2.

[0035] Home screen SC2 displays the account icon A1, the device icon A2, the print icon A3, the scan icon A4, the home tab A10, and the notification tab A12. Home screen SC2 may also display the subscription icon A5, the automatic order icon A6, and the e-commerce icon A7.

[0036] Account icon A1 is an icon that accepts instructions regarding account information. When account icon A1 is selected, CPU 32 displays account screen SC21 on display unit 14. If the user is currently logged into service server 200, account screen SC21 displays the logged-in username and an icon for logging out of service server 200. If the user is not currently logged into service server 200, account screen SC21 displays an icon for logging into service server 200.

[0037] Device icon A2 is an icon that accepts instructions regarding the selected device. The model name of the selected device is displayed on device icon A2. In the example shown in Figure 4, the model name "mfp1" is displayed. In the modified version, the IP address or serial number of the selected device may be displayed instead of the model name. When device icon A2 is selected, the CPU 32 displays a device change screen on the display unit 14 to change the selected device from the current controlled target to another controlled target. The device change screen includes a list of one or more controlled targets already registered in application 42. By selecting one controlled target from this list, the selected device is changed from the current controlled target to another controlled target.

[0038] The print icon A3 is an icon that accepts a command to send a print command to the selected device. The scan icon A4 is an icon that accepts a command to send a scan command to the selected device.

[0039] The subscription icon A5 is an icon that accepts instructions regarding the subscription service. When the subscription icon A5 is selected, the CPU 32 displays a web page related to the subscription service. If the user is subscribed to the subscription service, the web page displays information indicating the contract details, an icon for accepting contract changes, etc. The contract details include, for example, the remaining amount of colorant cartridges, the cumulative number of printed pages, the serial number registered in the service table 202, the number of printed pages per unit period in the MFP 100 identified by the serial number, and the payment amount for each predetermined period. If the user is not subscribed to the subscription service, the web page displays information guiding the user to the subscription service, an icon for subscribing to the subscription service, etc. Here, the web page may be displayed by application 42 or by a browser program different from application 42.

[0040] The automatic ordering icon A6 is an icon that accepts instructions regarding the automatic ordering service. When the automatic ordering icon A6 is selected, CPU32 displays a web page about the automatic ordering service. If the user is subscribed to the automatic ordering service, the web page displays information indicating the contract details, an icon for accepting contract changes, etc. If the user is not subscribed to the automatic ordering service, the web page displays information guiding the user to the automatic ordering service, an icon for subscribing to the automatic ordering service, etc.

[0041] EC icon A7 is an icon that accepts instructions to access an e-commerce site that sells colorant cartridges. When icon A7 is selected, CPU 32 displays the e-commerce site. The e-commerce site may be displayed by application 42 or by a browser program. The e-commerce site may be provided by the peripheral device vendor or by a vendor other than the peripheral device vendor.

[0042] The Home tab A10 is a tab for displaying the Home screen SC2. The Notifications tab A12 is a tab for displaying a notification screen (not shown) that displays service-related notifications. Note that the Home tab A10 and Notifications tab A12 are not limited to tabs as shown in Figure 4, but may also be icons or buttons. The Home tab A10 and Notifications tab A12 are also included in the notification screen. For example, if the Notifications tab A12 is selected while the Home screen SC2 is displayed, the CPU 32 will display the notification screen instead of the Home screen SC2. Also, for example, if the Home tab A10 is selected while the notification screen is displayed, the CPU 32 will display the Home screen SC2 instead of the notification screen.

[0043] The home screen SC2 in Figure 4 is merely an example. For instance, other icons may be added to the home screen SC2. These other icons could be, for example, icons for receiving instructions regarding services other than subscription services and automatic ordering services. Other services could be, for example, the warranty service for the MFP100.

[0044] Returning to Figure 3, let's explain the process shown in Figure 3. In S50, CPU 32 executes the home screen display process, which displays the home screen SC2. During the home screen display process, the content displayed on the home screen SC2 is changed. Details of the home screen display process will be described later in Figure 5.

[0045] In S52, CPU32 determines whether device icon A2 has been selected and whether the selected device has been changed to another controlled object. If CPU32 determines that the selected device has been changed to another controlled object (YES in S52), it returns to S50. In other words, the contents of home screen SC2 are updated each time the selected device is changed.

[0046] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the selected device has not been changed to another controlled object (NO in S52), it proceeds to S54. In S54, CPU32 determines whether account icon A1 has been selected and whether a new login session has been established with service server 200. If CPU32 determines that a new login session has been established (YES in S54), it returns to S50. In other words, each time a new login session is established, the contents of home screen SC2 are updated.

[0047] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that no new login session has been established (NO in S54), it proceeds to S56. In S56, CPU32 determines whether account icon A1 was selected, the currently established login session was disconnected, and the user was logged out. If CPU32 determines that the user was logged out (YES in S56), it proceeds to S70.

[0048] In S70, CPU32 deletes the login information from memory34. Furthermore, in S72, CPU32 decides not to display service-related notifications on the notification screen. When S72 finishes, CPU32 returns to S50. In other words, the contents of the home screen SC2 are updated each time the user logs out.

[0049] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the user is not logged out (NO in S56), it proceeds to S58. In S58, CPU32 determines whether or not the notification tab A12 in the home screen SC2 has been selected. If CPU32 determines that the notification tab A12 has been selected (YES in S58), it proceeds to S80.

[0050] In S80, the CPU 32 displays the notification screen on the display unit 14. In the subsequent S82, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the home tab A10 within the notification screen has been selected. If the CPU 32 determines that the home tab A10 has been selected (YES in S82), it returns to S50. In other words, each time the display switches from the notification screen to the home screen SC2, the contents of the home screen SC2 are updated.

[0051] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the Home tab A10 is not selected (NO in S82), it proceeds to S84. In S84, CPU32 determines whether or not it has received a command to terminate application 42. If CPU32 determines that it has received a termination command (YES in S84), it terminates the process shown in Figure 3. If CPU32 determines that it has not received a termination command (NO in S84), it returns to S82.

[0052] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the notification tab is not selected (NO in S58), it proceeds to S60. S60 is the same as S84. If CPU32 determines that it has received a termination command (YES in S60), it terminates the process shown in Figure 3. If CPU32 determines that it has not received a termination command (NO in S60), it returns to S52.

[0053] (Home screen display process: Figure 5) S100 is the same as S14 in Figure 2. If the CPU 32 determines that login information is stored in memory 34 (YES in S100), it proceeds to S102.

[0054] In S102, the CPU 32 determines whether or not it can communicate with the service server 200. If the CPU 32 determines that it can communicate with the service server 200 (YES in S102), it proceeds to S104.

[0055] S104 is the same as S22 in Figure 2. The CPU 32 determines that the selected device is registered in the service table 202 in association with the account information corresponding to the login information (YES in S104), and proceeds to S110. In S110, the CPU 32 queries the service server 200 for the contents of the contract information stored in the service table 202 in association with the account information corresponding to the login information.

[0056] In the subsequent S112, the CPU32 determines whether the response to the inquiry in S110 indicates that a delivery service has been contracted. The CPU32 determines that the response indicates that a delivery service has been contracted if the response indicates either "subscription" or "automatic ordering".

[0057] If the CPU 32 determines that the response to the inquiry in S110 indicates that a delivery service is contracted (YES in S112), it proceeds to S114. In S114, the CPU 32 displays the home screen SC2 on the display unit 14, showing icons for contracted delivery services and not icons for uncontracted delivery services.

[0058] For example, in case C2 of Figure 4, where a subscription service is subscribed to, the CPU 32 displays the home screen SC2 on the display unit 14, which displays the subscription icon A5 but does not display the automatic order icon A6. Also, for example, in case C3 of Figure 4, where an automatic order service is subscribed to, the CPU 32 displays the home screen SC2 on the display unit 14, which displays the automatic order icon A6 but does not display the subscription icon A5.

[0059] In the following S114, the CPU 32 determines whether the response to the query in S110 indicates "subscription". If the CPU 32 determines that the response to the query in S110 indicates "subscription" (YES in S116), it proceeds to S118. In S118, the CPU 32 displays the home screen SC2, which does not display the EC icon A7, on the display unit 14 (see Case C2 in Figure 4).

[0060] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the response to the inquiry in S110 indicates "automatic order" (NO in S116), it proceeds to S120. In S120, the CPU 32 displays the home screen SC2, which displays the EC icon A7, on the display unit 14 (see case C3 in Figure 4). When S118 or S120 is completed, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0061] Furthermore, if the response to the inquiry in S110 indicates that the delivery service is not contracted (NO in S112), the CPU 32 proceeds to S140. The CPU 32 displays the home screen SC2 on the display unit 14, which shows the icon that matches the selected device from among the subscription icon A5 and the automatic order icon A6. The following S142 is the same as S120.

[0062] For example, a selected device may be compatible with the automatic ordering service but not with the subscription service. This is because the subscription service may use dedicated colorant cartridges, and the selected device may not be able to use these dedicated cartridges. For example, if the selected device is not compatible with the subscription service, the home screen SC2 will display the automatic ordering icon A6 and not the subscription icon A5. In other words, if YES is determined in S112 and the selected device is not compatible with the subscription service, the home screen SC2 shown in case C3 of Figure 4 will be displayed.

[0063] Furthermore, if CPU 32 determines that the selected device is not registered in the service table 202 in association with the account information corresponding to the login information (NO in S104), it proceeds to S106. S106 is the same as S24 in Figure 2. If CPU 32 determines that the response to the query in S104 indicates that the selected device is registered with other account information (YES in S106), it proceeds to S130.

[0064] In S130, the CPU 32 displays home screen SC2 on the display unit 14, which does not display any icons related to the delivery service, namely the subscription icon A5 and the automatic order icon A6. The following S132 is the same as S120. That is, if YES is determined in S106, home screen SC2 shown in case C4 of Figure 4 is displayed. When S132 is completed, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0065] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the response to the query in S104 indicates that the entry is not registered (NO in S106), it proceeds to S140.

[0066] (Effects of this embodiment) For example, consider a comparative example where, if the selected device is already registered with the subscription service, both the subscription icon A5 and the automatic ordering icon A6 are displayed on the home screen SC2. In this comparative example, even though the selected device is already registered with the subscription service, the user may still start using the automatic ordering service. In contrast, with the above configuration, if the selected device is already registered with the subscription service, the automatic ordering icon A6 is not displayed on the home screen SC2. This prevents the user from starting to use the automatic ordering service. As a result, the user is encouraged to use the subscription service. Furthermore, by not displaying the automatic ordering icon A6 on the home screen SC2 when the selected device is already registered with the subscription service, it is possible to prevent the automatic delivery service from being provided twice for a single selected device.

[0067] Furthermore, as mentioned above, subscription services may utilize dedicated colorant cartridges. If a user purchases commercially available colorant cartridges from an e-commerce site and installs them in the selected device while subscribed to a subscription service, accurate information necessary for providing the service (e.g., the number of prints) may not be transmitted to the service server 200. In this case, the subscription service may not be properly provided to the user. On the other hand, the colorant cartridges delivered by the automatic ordering service are the same as commercially available colorant cartridges. In this embodiment, by not displaying the EC icon A7 when the selected device is subscribed to a subscription service (S118), the proper provision of the subscription service can be encouraged.

[0068] Furthermore, if the selected device is registered in association with other account information, it cannot be registered in association with the currently logged-in account information. This is to prevent the automatic delivery service from being provided twice for a single selected device. For example, in S130, a comparative example is assumed in which the home screen SC2 displays both the subscription icon A5 and the automatic order icon A6. In this comparative example, if either icon A5 or A6 is selected, a web page guiding the user to subscribe to the delivery service may be displayed, even though the user cannot subscribe to the delivery service. This may confuse the user. In this embodiment, if the selected device is registered in association with other account information, all icons related to the delivery service are not displayed (S130). This prevents the user from proceeding with the delivery service subscription.

[0069] (Correspondence) App 42, CPU 32, and terminal device 10 are examples of "computer program," "computer," and "terminal device," respectively. MFP 100 is an example of an "image processing device." Home screen SC2 is an example of a "predetermined screen" and an "icon screen." Colorant cartridge is an example of a "consumable." Subscription service and automatic ordering service are examples of "multiple delivery services." Either subscription service or automatic ordering service is an example of a "specific delivery service." Automatic ordering service and subscription service are examples of "first delivery service" and "second delivery service," respectively. Subscription icon A5 and automatic ordering icon A6 are examples of "multiple icons." Either subscription icon A5 or automatic ordering icon A6 is an example of a "specific icon." EC icon A7 is an example of an "access icon." Case C1 in Figure 4 is an example of a "first embodiment." Cases C2 and C3 in Figure 4 are examples of a "second embodiment." The processing in Figure 5 is an example of processing implemented by the "display control unit."

[0070] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0071] (Modification 1) In this embodiment, at S114 in Figure 5, the terminal device 10 does not display an icon related to an uncontracted delivery service (e.g., automatic order icon A6). Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may display an icon related to an uncontracted delivery service in gray. Case C5 in Figure 6 shows the automatic order icon A6 displayed in gray, and Case C6 shows the subscription icon A5 displayed in gray. The dotted line represents gray. When a grayed-out icon is selected, the process corresponding to the selected icon (e.g., displaying a web page) is not executed. That is, a grayscale icon is in a state that does not respond to user instructions. In this modification, displaying the icon in gray is an example of the "second embodiment," and the normal state without graying and the grayed-out state are examples of the "first state" and the "second state," respectively.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Case C5 of Figure 6, the EC icon A7 may also be displayed in gray. Also, Case C7 of Figure 6 is a modified example in which both the subscription icon A5 and the automatic order icon A6 are displayed in gray in S130 of Figure 5.

[0073] (Modification 2) The "computer program" is not limited to the application 42 of the terminal device 10, but may also be a computer program that controls a server capable of communicating with the terminal device 10. In this modification, the server may, in accordance with the computer program, transmit screen data corresponding to a predetermined screen to the terminal device 10, thereby causing the terminal device 10 to display a predetermined screen. Furthermore, the "control device" is not limited to the terminal device 10, but may also be the server described above.

[0074] (Modification 3) The "image processing device" is not limited to the MFP100; for example, it may be a printer that does not have a scanning function.

[0075] (Modification 3) The "prescribed screen" is not limited to the home screen that displays each icon, but may also be, for example, a notification screen that displays service-related notifications. In this modification, the terminal device 10 may display a notification screen that does not display notifications regarding the automatic ordering service when it has a contract for a subscription service.

[0076] (Modification 4) The processes S106, S130, and S132 in Figure 5 do not need to be performed. In this modification, the "third embodiment" can be omitted.

[0077] (Variation 5) "Consumables" are not limited to colorant cartridges; they may also include parts that need to be replaced, printing paper, etc.

[0078] (Modification 6) In the above embodiment, the service server 200 was illustrated and described as a physical server, but it is not limited to that. For example, the service server 200 may be a virtual server, a virtual machine, etc. Also, the service server 200 may be a server on an intranet or a cloud server on the internet. Furthermore, the service server 200 may be installed on the internet by a different business operator than the vendor. In another modification, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for the service server 200 itself, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may realize the service server 200 by preparing a computer program (i.e., software) for the service server 200 and installing it in the above environment.

[0079] (Modification 7) In the above embodiment, the CPU 32 executes programs 40 and 42 to realize the processes shown in Figures 2 to 6. Alternatively, any of the processes may be realized by hardware such as logic circuits.

[0080] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0081] Even if, in the claims of this patent application, each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the claim being dependent only on those specific claims. To the extent that it is not technically contradictory, each claim may be dependent on other claims that were not dependent at the time of application. That is, the technologies of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: The following are the features of the technology disclosed herein. (Item 1) It is a computer program, The aforementioned computer program, the computer, It functions as a display control unit that displays a predetermined screen related to an image processing device capable of communicating with a terminal device on the terminal device, The display control unit, when the image processing device is not registered with any of the multiple delivery services that deliver consumables used by the image processing device, causes the terminal device to display the predetermined screen having a first configuration that allows the terminal device user to use the multiple delivery services. The display control unit is a computer program that causes the terminal device to display a predetermined screen having a second aspect, which, when the image processing device is registered with a specific delivery service among the plurality of delivery services, allows the user of the terminal device to use the specific delivery service and restricts the use of other delivery services among the plurality of delivery services other than the specific delivery service. (Item 2) The computer program described in item 1, wherein the predetermined screen is an icon screen that displays icons for receiving instructions from the user. (Item 3) In the first embodiment, the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the icon screen, which displays a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of services, The computer program described in item 2, wherein the display control unit, in the second embodiment, displays a specific icon corresponding to the specific service from among the plurality of icons, and displays the icon screen on the terminal device, in which icons other than the specific icon are not displayed. (Item 4) In the second embodiment, the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the icon screen, which includes the specific icon corresponding to the first delivery service and an access icon that accepts instructions to access a website for purchasing the consumables, when the specific delivery service is the first delivery service. The computer program according to item 3, wherein, in the second embodiment, the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the icon screen, which displays the specific icon corresponding to the second delivery service, when the specific delivery service is a second delivery service different from the first delivery service, while not displaying the access icon. (Item 5) In the first embodiment, the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the icon screen, which displays a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of services in a first state that is responsive to the user's instructions. The computer program according to item 2, wherein the display control unit, in the second embodiment, causes the terminal device to display the icon screen in which a specific icon corresponding to the specific service is displayed in the first state among the plurality of icons, and icons other than the specific icon are displayed in a second state in which they do not respond to the user's instructions. (Item 6) In the second embodiment, the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the icon screen in the first state, which displays both the specific icon corresponding to the first delivery service and an access icon that accepts instructions to access a website for purchasing the consumables, when the specific delivery service is the first delivery service. The computer program according to item 5, wherein, in the second embodiment, the display control unit displays the icon screen on the terminal device, which displays the specific icon corresponding to the second delivery service in the first state and the access icon in the second state, when the specific delivery service is a second delivery service different from the first delivery service. (Item 7) The display control unit causes the terminal device to display the predetermined screen having the second aspect when the image processing device is registered with the specific delivery service and the image processing device is registered in association with specific account information used by the terminal device for login. The display control unit is a computer program according to any one of items 1 to 6, which causes the terminal device to display the predetermined screen having a third aspect that restricts the use of all of the multiple delivery services when the image processing device is registered in association with other account information that the terminal device does not use for login. (Item 8) A control device, The system includes a display control unit that causes a predetermined screen relating to an image processing device capable of communicating with a terminal device to be displayed on the terminal device, The display control unit, when the image processing device is not registered with any of the multiple delivery services that deliver consumables used by the image processing device, causes the terminal device to display the predetermined screen having a first configuration that allows the terminal device user to use the multiple delivery services. The display control unit is a control device that, when the image processing device is registered with a specific delivery service among the plurality of delivery services, causes the terminal device to display a predetermined screen having a second aspect which allows the user of the terminal device to use the specific delivery service and restricts the use of other delivery services among the plurality of delivery services other than the specific delivery service. (Item 9) A display method for displaying a predetermined screen relating to an image processing device that can communicate with a terminal device on the terminal device, If the image processing device is not registered with any of the multiple delivery services that deliver consumables used by the image processing device, the control device performs a first display step of displaying the predetermined screen having a first configuration that allows the terminal device user to use the multiple delivery services, When the image processing device is registered with a specific delivery service among the plurality of delivery services, the control device performs a second display step of causing the terminal device to display a predetermined screen having a second aspect that permits the terminal device user to use the specific delivery service and restricts the use of other delivery services among the plurality of delivery services other than the specific delivery service, A display method that includes the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: Terminal device, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: LAN I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 40: OS program, 42: App, 100: MFP, 200: Service server, 202: Service table, 204: Management table, A1: Account icon, A10: Home tab, A12: Notification tab, A2: Device icon, A3: Print icon, A4: Scan icon, A5: Subscription icon, A6: Automatic order icon, A7: EC icon, F1: Account input field, F2: Login icon, F3: Device settings icon, F4: Icon, F11: User name input field, F12: Password input field, PC: Laptop, SC1: Initial screen, SC11: Device selection screen, SC12: Service information screen, SC2: Home screen, SC21: Account screen

Claims

1. It is a computer program, The aforementioned computer program, the computer, It functions as a display control unit that displays a predetermined screen related to an image processing device capable of communicating with a terminal device on the terminal device, The display control unit, when the image processing device is not registered with any of the multiple delivery services that deliver consumables used by the image processing device, causes the terminal device to display the predetermined screen having a first configuration that allows the terminal device user to use the multiple delivery services. A computer program that causes the display control unit to display a predetermined screen on the terminal device, having a second aspect, which allows the user of the terminal device to use a specific delivery service among the plurality of delivery services, and restricts the use of other delivery services among the plurality of delivery services other than the specific delivery service, when the image processing device is registered with a specific delivery service among the plurality of delivery services.

2. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined screen is an icon screen that displays icons for receiving instructions from the user.

3. In the first embodiment, the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the icon screen, which displays a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of services. The computer program according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit, in the second embodiment, displays a specific icon from the plurality of icons corresponding to the specific service, and causes the terminal device to display the icon screen in which it does not display any icons other than the specific icon from the plurality of icons.

4. In the second embodiment, the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the icon screen, which displays the specific icon corresponding to the first delivery service and an access icon that accepts instructions to access a website for purchasing the consumables, when the specific delivery service is the first delivery service. The computer program according to claim 3, wherein, in the second embodiment, the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the icon screen, which does not display the access icon, when the specific delivery service is a second delivery service different from the first delivery service, while displaying the specific icon corresponding to the second delivery service.

5. In the first embodiment, the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the icon screen, which displays a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of services in a first state that is responsive to the user's instructions. The computer program according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit, in the second embodiment, causes the terminal device to display the icon screen in which a specific icon corresponding to the specific service from among the plurality of icons is displayed in the first state, and icons other than the specific icon from among the plurality of icons are displayed in a second state in which they do not respond to the user's instructions.

6. In the second embodiment, the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the icon screen in the first state, which displays both the specific icon corresponding to the first delivery service and an access icon that accepts instructions to access a website for purchasing the consumables, when the specific delivery service is the first delivery service. The computer program according to claim 5, wherein, in the second embodiment, the display control unit displays the specific icon corresponding to the second delivery service in the first state and displays the access icon in the second state on the terminal device when the specific delivery service is a second delivery service different from the first delivery service.

7. The display control unit causes the terminal device to display the predetermined screen having the second aspect when the image processing device is registered with the specific delivery service and the image processing device is registered in association with specific account information used by the terminal device for login. The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display control unit causes the terminal device to display the predetermined screen having a third aspect that restricts the use of all of the multiple delivery services when the image processing device is registered in association with other account information that the terminal device does not use for login.

8. A control device, The system includes a display control unit that causes a predetermined screen relating to an image processing device capable of communicating with a terminal device to be displayed on the terminal device, The display control unit, when the image processing device is not registered with any of the multiple delivery services that deliver consumables used by the image processing device, causes the terminal device to display the predetermined screen having a first configuration that allows the terminal device user to use the multiple delivery services. The display control unit is a control device that, when the image processing device is registered with a specific delivery service among the plurality of delivery services, causes the terminal device to display a predetermined screen having a second aspect which allows the user of the terminal device to use the specific delivery service and restricts the use of other delivery services among the plurality of delivery services other than the specific delivery service.

9. A display method for displaying a predetermined screen relating to an image processing device that can communicate with a terminal device on the terminal device, If the image processing device is not registered with any of the multiple delivery services that deliver consumables used by the image processing device, the control device performs a first display step of displaying the predetermined screen having a first configuration that allows the terminal device user to use the multiple delivery services, When the image processing device is registered with a specific delivery service among the plurality of delivery services, the control device performs a second display step of causing the terminal device to display a predetermined screen having a second aspect that permits the terminal device user to use the specific delivery service and restricts the use of other delivery services among the plurality of delivery services other than the specific delivery service, A display method that includes the following features.

Images