A method for displaying a screen on a computer program, control device, system, and terminal device.

Abstract

This invention provides a technique for considering the subscription status of services related to image processing equipment in a setup performed by a computer program. [Solution] The computer program causes the computer to function as: a first display control unit that displays a first setup screen on a terminal device that guides the user through a first setup for using an image processing device; a second display control unit that displays a login screen on the terminal device for logging into a server that provides services related to the image processing device before displaying the first setup screen; and a third display control unit that displays a second setup screen on the terminal device after the first setup is completed, guiding the user through a second setup for subscribing to the service.

Description

Technical Field

[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 consumables of a multifunction device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An image processing device such as a multifunction device is controlled by a terminal device that can communicate with the image processing device. For the control of the image processing device, a computer program operating on the terminal device is used. In this specification, a technology for considering the subscription status of services related to the image processing device in the setup executed by the computer program is provided.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The computer program disclosed in this specification causes a computer to function as a first display control unit that displays a first setup screen for guiding a first setup for using an image processing device on a terminal device, a second display control unit that displays a login screen for logging in to a server that provides services related to the image processing device on the terminal device before displaying the first setup screen, and a third display control unit that displays a second setup screen for guiding a second setup for subscribing to the service on the terminal device after the first setup is completed.

[0006] According to the above configuration, users are prompted to log in to the server providing the service before the first setup. By logging in to the server before the first setup, a computer program, for example, can determine the service subscription status in advance of the second setup. Taking into account the service subscription status for the image processing device, the second setup can be performed immediately following the first setup.

[0007] A computer-readable storage medium for storing the above-mentioned computer program, a control device and system for implementing the above-mentioned computer program, and a control method for the control device are also novel and useful. Here, the above-mentioned 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 shows each screen. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the display control process. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the post-setup process. [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 a wireless LAN. A wireless LAN is, for example, Wi-Fi. In a modified example, LAN 4 may be a wired 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.

[0014] Furthermore, the service server 200 may provide services other than the automatic ordering service and subscription service. Other services include, for example, a warranty service for the MFP100 and a remote printing service that allows printing to be performed remotely on the MFP100 via the Internet 6.

[0015] Furthermore, the service server 200 also has a user authentication function that manages user authentication information (e.g., account information) and performs user authentication. User authentication is, for example, the process of authenticating account information received from the terminal device 10, and the details will be described later in S18 of Figure 3. Here, the service server 200 may be composed of multiple servers, including a first server and a second server that cooperate with each other. In this case, for example, the first server may have a user authentication function, and the second server may have a function to perform an automated delivery service.

[0016] 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 peripheral device (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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] (Configuration of terminal device 10; Figure 1) The terminal device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a LAN interface 16, and a control unit 30. In the following, "interface" will be described 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 operation objects are icons, tabs, buttons, boxes, etc. 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 may not be a touch panel. 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The auxiliary storage device of the memory 34 stores an OS program 40 and an application program 42. In the following, the application program 42 will be described as "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 services to the user.

[0022] (Setup process; FIGS. 2, 3) Referring to Figure 2, the process that CPU 32 executes according to application 42 will be explained. The process in Figure 2 is a setup process that is started when application 42 is launched after the installation of application 42 is complete. Figure 3 shows the screens displayed during the process in Figure 2.

[0023] In S10, the CPU 32 displays the EULA screen SC1 on the display unit 14. "EULA" is an abbreviation for End-User License Agreement. The EULA screen SC1 includes a checkbox A1 for the user to agree to the license agreement for the application 42, and an OK button A2. If checkbox A1 is checked and the OK button A2 is selected, the CPU 32 proceeds to S12.

[0024] In S12, the CPU 32 displays a notification guidance screen SC2 on the display unit 14, which guides the user through the notification functions provided by the application 42. The notification functions include, for example, notifications of updates to the application 42, introductions to new features of the application 42, maintenance information for the service server 200, introductions to new features of each service, notifications of changes to each service, discount information on consumables, promotional information, and firmware release information for the MFP100. The notification functions include, for example, push notifications. The notification guidance screen SC2 includes an icon A3 to proceed to the next process. If icon A3 is selected, the CPU 32 proceeds to S14.

[0025] In S14, the CPU 32 displays the login screen SC3 on the display unit 14. The login screen SC3 displays a username input field A4, a password input field A5, a login icon A6, and a device setting icon A7. Instead of a username, the email address used by the user indicated by the username may be entered in the username input field A4. The login icon A6 is an icon to request login based on the account information (i.e., username and password) entered in the username input field A4 and the password input field A5. The device setting icon A7 is an icon to configure the peripheral device to be used without requesting a login.

[0026] In S16, CPU32 determines whether or not login icon A6 has been selected by the user. If CPU32 determines that login icon A6 has been selected by the user (YES in S16), it proceeds to S18.

[0027] In S18, CPU32 executes the login process to log in to service server 200. Specifically, CPU32 sends a login request to service server 200 containing the account information entered in username input field A4 and password input field A5. If authentication based on the account information in the login request is successful at service server 200, CPU32 receives a token from service server 200 corresponding to the successfully authenticated account information. This token is information for establishing a login session with a predetermined expiration date. CPU32 uses the token received from service server 200 to establish a login session with service server 200. When S18 is completed, CPU32 proceeds to S20.

[0028] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the device setting icon A7 has been selected by the user (NO in S16), it skips the S18 process and proceeds to the S20 and subsequent processes without logging into the service server 200. The S20 and subsequent processes perform a first setup for using the MFP100 with application 42 and a second setup for subscribing to the services provided by the service server 200. The S20-S36 processes described later constitute the first setup, and the S38-S42 processes described later constitute the second setup. The first and second setups may be performed after a login session with the service server 200 has been established, or they may be performed without establishing a login session with the service server 200.

[0029] In S20, the CPU 32 displays a communication settings screen SC4 on the display unit 14 for setting the communication method with the MFP 100. The communication settings screen SC4 includes an icon A8 for instructing the system to use LAN4 as the communication method, and an icon A9 for instructing the system to use Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) as the communication method. Hereafter, Wi-Fi Direct will be referred to as "WFD".

[0030] In S22, the CPU 32 determines whether icon A9 in the communication settings screen SC4 has been selected by the user. If the CPU 32 determines that icon A9 has been selected by the user (YES in S22), it proceeds to S23. In S23, the CPU 32 executes WFD setting processing to establish a wireless connection with the MFP 100 in accordance with WFD. In the WFD setting processing, for example, the CPU 32 obtains WFD information from the MFP 100 to participate in the wireless network formed by the MFP 100 in accordance with WFD. Then, the CPU 32 uses the WFD information to establish a wireless connection with the MFP 100 in accordance with WFD. For example, the CPU 32 obtains WFD information from the MFP 100 using Near Field Communication (NFC). In a modified example, the WFD information may be displayed on the panel of the MFP 100, and the WFD information may be obtained from the MFP 100 by the user inputting the WFD information into the terminal device 10.

[0031] When S23 is completed, in S44, the CPU 32 skips the second setup process, namely processes S38, S40, and S42, and displays a setup screen on the display unit 14 indicating that the setup is complete. When S44 is completed, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 2.

[0032] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that icon A8 in the communication settings screen SC4 has been selected by the user (NO in S22), it proceeds to S24. In S24, the CPU 32 determines whether the MFP 100 to be set up and the terminal device 10 are currently connected to the same LAN4. For example, the CPU 32 displays a query screen on the display unit 14 asking whether the MFP 100 to be set up is connected to the same LAN4. If the option indicating YES is selected on the query screen, the CPU 32 determines YES in S24. On the other hand, if the option indicating NO is selected on the query screen, the CPU 32 determines NO in S24. In a modified example, the CPU 32 may search the LAN4 to which the terminal device 10 is currently connected, and if the MFP 100 to be set up is found on LAN4, it may determine YES in S24. In other words, the CPU 32 may automatically determine whether the MFP 100 to be set up and the terminal device 10 are currently connected to the same LAN4.

[0033] If the CPU 32 determines that the MFP 100 to be set up and the terminal device 10 are not currently connected to the same LAN4 (NO in S24), it proceeds to S26. In S26, the CPU 32 executes LAN configuration processing to connect the MFP 100 to LAN4. In LAN configuration processing, for example, the CPU 32 establishes a wireless connection with the MFP 100 using Wi-Fi ad-hoc communication, WFD, etc. Then, using this wireless connection, the CPU 32 sends the wireless configuration information (e.g., SSID, passkey) of LAN4 to which the terminal device 10 is currently connected to the MFP 100. As a result, the MFP 100 connects to LAN4 using the wireless configuration information received from the terminal device 10. When S26 is finished, the CPU 32 proceeds to S28. Alternatively, if the CPU 32 determines that the MFP 100 to be set up and the terminal device 10 are currently connected to the same LAN4 (YES in S24), it skips the processing in S26 and proceeds to S28.

[0034] In S28, the CPU 32 searches for one or more peripheral devices (e.g., MFP100) connected to LAN4. In S30, the CPU 32 displays the device selection screen SC5 on the display unit 14. The device selection screen SC5 displays a list of peripheral devices found from LAN4 in S28 (e.g., a list including model names "mfp1" and "mfp2"). The user selects one peripheral device (e.g., an MFP100 with model name "mfp1") from the list displayed on the device selection screen SC5. This selects the peripheral device (i.e., the control target) to be controlled by application 42.

[0035] In S32, the CPU 32 monitors whether one peripheral device is selected on the device selection screen SC5. If the CPU 32 determines that one peripheral device has been selected on the device selection screen SC5 (YES in S32), it proceeds to S34. Monitoring in S32 continues until one peripheral device is selected on the device selection screen SC5. For example, if the model name "mfp1" is selected on the device selection screen SC5, 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.

[0036] In the modified example, if the CPU 32 determines that the MFP 100 to be set up and the terminal device 10 are currently connected to the same LAN4 (YES in S24), it may skip the processes in S26-S32 and proceed to S34. In other words, the CPU 32 may automatically select the MFP 100 connected to the same LAN4 as the terminal device 10 as the control target.

[0037] In S34, the CPU 32 displays the device setting screen SC6 on the display unit 14. The device setting screen SC6 includes a message guiding the user through the initial setup of the MFP100, as well as the RETURN icon A10 and the NEXT icon A11. The initial setup of the MFP100 consists of basic settings for using the MFP100, such as installing the colorant cartridge. The user selects the NEXT icon A11 when the initial setup of the MFP100 is complete. On the other hand, the user selects the RETURN icon A10 if they have mistakenly selected a different peripheral device on the device selection screen SC5.

[0038] In S36, the CPU32 determines whether the NEXT icon A11 in the device settings screen SC6 has been selected by the user. If the CPU32 determines that the NEXT icon A11 has been selected by the user (YES in S36), it proceeds to S38. That is, the CPU32 finishes the first setup and proceeds to the second setup. On the other hand, if the CPU32 determines that the RETURN icon A10 has been selected by the user (NO in S36), it returns to S30.

[0039] In S38, the CPU32 identifies one or more services (hereinafter referred to as "one or more suitable services") from among the multiple services provided by the service server 200 that are suitable for the peripheral device selected in S30 (hereinafter referred to as "selected device"). For example, the selected device may be suitable for the automatic ordering service but not for the subscription service. This is because the subscription service may use dedicated colorant cartridges delivered to the subscription service, and the selected device may not be able to use these dedicated colorant cartridges. Also, for example, the selected device may not be suitable for the remote printing service. With the above configuration, only services suitable for the selected device can be guided.

[0040] The process in S38 utilizes a database that indicates the services to which the peripheral device is compatible. This database is stored in the memory 34 of the terminal device 10 by the application 42. The CPU 32 uses the database stored in memory 34 to execute the process in S38. In a modified example, the database may be stored on a server on the Internet 6. The CPU 32 may then receive the database from the server and use the received database to execute the process in S38.

[0041] In S40, the CPU 32 determines whether the display control process described in S42 has been executed for all of the one or more compatible services. If the CPU 32 determines that the display control process has not been executed for all of the one or more compatible services (NO in S40), it proceeds to S42. In S42, the CPU 32 selects one compatible service from the one or more compatible services. The CPU 32 then executes a display control process to control whether or not to display a screen that guides the selected compatible service. The display control process will be described later in Figure 4. When S42 is completed, the CPU 32 returns to S40.

[0042] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that display control processing has been performed for all of one or more compatible services (YES in S40), it proceeds to S44.

[0043] (Display control processing; Figure 4) In S50, CPU32 determines whether a login session with service server 200 is currently established. If CPU32 determines that a login session with service server 200 is currently established (YES in S50), it proceeds to S52.

[0044] In S52, the CPU 32 determines whether the selected device is registered in the service table 202 by associating it with the account information currently used in the established login session. 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 as being associated 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 currently logged-in account information. If the serial number included in the query is stored in the service table 202 but is stored in the service table 202 as being associated 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. If the serial number included in the query is not stored in the service table 202, the service server 200 sends a response to the terminal device 10 indicating that it is not registered. CPU32 determines YES in S52 if the response to the query in S52 indicates that the selected device is registered in association with the logged-in account information. In a modified example, CPU32 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.

[0045] If CPU32 determines that the selected device is registered in association with the logged-in account information (YES in S52), it proceeds to S54. In S54, CPU32 determines whether the user indicated by the logged-in account information is currently using the suitable service selected in S42 of Figure 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "selected service"). For example, CPU32 queries the service server 200 for the contents of the contract information registered in the service table 202 in association with the logged-in account information. CPU32 determines that the user is currently using the selected service if the response from the service server 200 indicates the selected service. On the other hand, if the response from the service server 200 indicates a service other than the selected service, or indicates "not contracted", CPU32 determines that the user is not currently using the selected service.

[0046] If the CPU 32 determines that the user indicated by the logged-in account information is not currently using the selected service (NO in S54), it proceeds to S58. In S58, the CPU 32 displays a service guidance screen SC7 on the display unit 14, informing the user about using the selected service. The service guidance screen SC7 may include a message encouraging the user to subscribe to the selected service. For example, if the selected service is a subscription service, the message may be, for example, "Set Up Your Subscription!", "Try it now! subscription", "Let's subscribe to the subscription service", or "Why not subscribe to the subscription service?". Also, for example, if the selected service is an automatic ordering service, the message may be, for example, "Let's subscribe to the automatic ordering service". The service guidance screen SC7 further includes a subscription icon A20 to proceed to the subscription process for subscribing to the selected service.

[0047] In S60, the CPU32 determines whether the subscription icon A20 in the service information screen SC7 has been selected by the user. If the CPU32 determines that the subscription icon A20 has been selected by the user (YES in S60), it executes the subscription process in S62. During the subscription process, a screen is displayed that accepts input of information necessary to subscribe to the selected service (such as credit card number and subscriber name). Once S62 is complete, the CPU32 terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0048] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the join icon A20 is not selected by the user (NO in S60), it skips the process in S62 and terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0049] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the selected device is not registered in association with the currently logged-in account information (NO in S52), it proceeds to S56. In S56, the CPU 32 determines whether the response to the query in S52 indicates that the selected device is registered in association with other account information. If the CPU 32 determines that the response to the query in S52 indicates that the selected device is registered in association with other account information (YES in S56), it skips the processes in S58 to S62 and terminates the process shown in Figure 4. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that the response to the query in S52 indicates that the device is not registered (NO in S56), it proceeds to S58 and displays the service information screen SC7 on the display unit 14.

[0050] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that a login session with service server 200 is not currently established (NO in S50), it proceeds to S70. In S70, CPU32 determines whether or not the selected device is registered in the management table 204 of service server 200. For example, if the selected device is registered in the management table 204 (i.e., a serial number identifying the selected device is stored in the management table 204), then an access token is stored in the selected device. Therefore, CPU32 queries the selected device to determine whether or not an access token is stored. If CPU32 receives a response from the selected device indicating that an access token is stored, it determines that the selected device is registered in the management table 204. On the other hand, if CPU32 receives a response from the selected device indicating that an access token is not stored, it determines that the selected device is not registered in the management table 204.

[0051] If CPU32 determines that the selected device is not registered in the management table 204 of service server 200 (NO in S70), it proceeds to S72. S72 and S74 are the same as S58 and S60. If CPU32 determines that the join icon A20 has been selected by the user (YES in S74), it proceeds to S76.

[0052] In S76, the CPU 32 displays the login guidance screen SC8 on the display unit 14. The login guidance screen SC8 includes a username input field A12, a password input field A13, a login icon A14, and an account registration icon A15. The account registration icon A15 is an icon for registering new account information with the service server 200. When the account registration icon A15 is selected by the user, the CPU 32 displays a screen that accepts input of information (email address, password, etc.) for registering new account information. The CPU 32 then uses the new account information to establish a login session with the service server 200.

[0053] In S78, the CPU 32 determines whether a login session has been established with the service server 200 using the account information entered in the username input field A12 and the password input field A13, or newly registered account information. If the CPU 32 determines that a login session has been established with the service server 200 (YES in S78), it proceeds to S80. S80 is the same as S62. If the CPU 32 determines that a login session has not been established with the service server 200 (NO in S78), it skips the process in S80 and terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0054] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the selected device is registered in the management table 204 of the service server 200 (YES in S70), it skips the processing from S72 onwards and terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0055] According to the process shown in Figures 2 to 4, application 42 displays the login screen SC3 before executing the first setup. The login screen SC3 includes a username input field A4 and a password input field A5. In other words, the user is prompted to log in to the service server 200 before the first setup. By logging in to the service server 200 before the first setup, application 42 can, for example, ascertain the service subscription status in advance of the second setup. Taking into account the service subscription status for the MFP100, the second setup can be executed immediately following the first setup.

[0056] For example, consider a comparative example where, after the first setup is complete, a login screen is displayed to log in to the service server 200. In this comparative example, in the second setup, it is necessary to display the login screen between the first and second setups in order to understand the service subscription status for the MFP100. If the login screen is displayed between the first and second setups, the user may find it inconvenient as they cannot perform the first and second setups consecutively. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the login screen SC3 is displayed before the first setup, and the user can perform the first and second setups consecutively. This reduces user inconvenience.

[0057] Furthermore, app 42 does not display the service information screen SC7 if the user indicated by the logged-in account information is currently using the selected service (YES in S54 of Figure 4). This prevents the unnecessary display of the service information screen SC7 even when the logged-in user is already using the selected service.

[0058] Furthermore, app 42 does not display the service information screen SC7 if the selected device is registered in the service table 202 in association with other account information (YES in S56 of Figure 4). For example, if a subscription service is already being used for the selected device, it is not possible to register new account information in association with the selected device. This is to prevent the automatic delivery service from being provided twice for a single selected device. For example, a comparative example can be assumed in which the decision in S56 is not performed. In this comparative example, the service information screen SC7 is displayed even though it is not possible to contract for any more selected services. This may confuse the user. In this embodiment, the service information screen SC7 is not displayed, so user confusion can be prevented.

[0059] Furthermore, if the user instructs the application 42 to use WFD, it will not perform the second setup (YES in S22 of Figure 2), that is, it will not display the service guidance screen SC7. When using WFD, the MFP100 is not connected to LAN4. That is, the MFP100 may not be connected to the Internet 6. If it is not connected to the Internet 6, it will not be able to receive each service. With the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the unnecessary display of the service guidance screen SC7 in situations where each service cannot be received.

[0060] Furthermore, if app 42 determines that the device setting icon A7 has been selected by the user, it skips the login process and executes the first and second setups (NO in S16 in Figure 2). In this case, app 42 determines that a login session with the service server 200 is not currently established and displays the service guidance screen SC7 which guides the user to select a service (NO in S50 and S72 in Figure 4). Then, when a login session with the service server 200 is established on the login guidance screen SC8, app 42 newly selects one suitable service from one or more suitable services (S38 in Figure 2). At this point, since a login session with the service server 200 has been established, app 42 determines in the display control process that a login session with the service server 200 is currently established and executes the processes from S52 onwards. That is, app 42 determines whether or not to display the service guidance screen SC7 for the remaining suitable services based on the account information used in the login session established on the login guidance screen SC8. Even if a login session is established during the second setup process, the second setup can continue, taking into account the subscription status for the MFP100 service.

[0061] (Post-setup processing; Figure 5) The process in Figure 5 is executed after the process in Figure 2. The process in Figure 5 is executed according to application 42 and is triggered by launching application 42.

[0062] In the S100, the CPU 32 displays the home screen SC9 on the display unit 14. The home screen SC9 includes an account icon B1, a device icon B2, a print icon B3, and a scan icon B4.

[0063] Account icon B1 is an icon that accepts instructions regarding account information. When account icon B1 is selected, CPU 32 displays account screen SC10 on display unit 14. If the user is currently logged into service server 200, account screen SC10 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 SC10 displays an icon for logging into service server 200.

[0064] The device icon B2 is an icon that accepts instructions regarding the selected device. The model name of the selected device is displayed on the device icon B2. 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 the device icon B2 is selected, the CPU 32 displays the instruction screen SC12 on the display unit 14. The instruction screen SC12 includes a change icon B5 that accepts a change instruction to change the selected device from the current control target to another control target, and an add icon B6 that accepts an add instruction to add a new peripheral device as a control target. The change icon B5 contains a list of one or more control targets already registered in the application 42. When one control target is selected from this list, the selected device is changed from the current control target to another control target.

[0065] The print icon B3 accepts instructions to send a print command to the selected device. The scan icon B4 accepts instructions to send a scan command to the selected device.

[0066] In S102, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the additional icon B6 in the instruction screen SC12 has been selected by the user. If the CPU 32 determines that the additional icon B6 has been selected by the user (YES in S102), it proceeds to S104.

[0067] S104 is the same as S50 in Figure 4. If the CPU 32 determines that a login session with the service server 200 is not currently established (NO in S104), it proceeds to S106. S106 is the same as S14 in Figure 2. That is, if the login icon A6 is selected by the user, the CPU 32 executes the login process (see S18), and if the device setting icon A7 is selected by the user, it proceeds to S108 without executing the login process.

[0068] In S108, the CPU 32 performs the same processing as in S20-S44 in Figure 2, i.e., the first and second setups. In S108, based on the account information used for login in S106, it is determined whether or not to display the service guidance screen SC7 for the new peripheral device. In the following S110, the CPU 32 changes the display content of the device icon B2 based on the selected device newly set in S108. When S110 is finished, the CPU 32 returns to S102.

[0069] Furthermore, if CPU32 determines that the additional icon B6 has not been selected by the user (NO in S102), it proceeds to S120. In S120, CPU32 determines whether or not the change icon B5 in the instruction screen SC12 has been selected by the user. If CPU32 determines that the change icon B5 has been selected by the user (YES in S120), it proceeds to S122.

[0070] In S122, the CPU 32 changes the display content of the device icon B2 based on the single control target selected by the change icon B5. If S122 ends, or if it is determined that the change icon B5 has not been selected by the user (NO in S120), the CPU 32 returns to S102.

[0071] According to the above configuration, if the user inputs an additional instruction to add a new peripheral device as a control target after the setup is complete, application 42 displays the login screen SC3 in the same way as the initial setup (S104 in Figure 5). When a new peripheral device is registered with application 42, the first and second setups are also executed (S108). For the first and second setups for new peripheral devices, application 42 can obtain prior information on the service subscription status by logging into the service server 200, prior to the second setup. Taking into account the service subscription status for the new peripheral device, the second setup can be executed immediately following the first setup.

[0072] (Correspondence) App 42, CPU 32, and terminal device 10 are examples of "computer program," "computer," and "terminal device," respectively. The control unit 30 of terminal device 10 is an example of a "control device." MFP 100 is an example of an "image processing device." Subscription services, automatic ordering services, etc. are examples of "services" and "two or more services." Service server 200 is an example of a "server." S20 to S36 in Figure 2 is an example of a "first setup." The communication settings screen SC4, device selection screen SC5, and SC6 in Figure 3 are examples of a "first setup screen." S38 to S42 in Figure 2 is an example of a "second setup." The service guidance screen SC7 is an example of a "second setup screen," "third setup screen," and "fourth setup screen." The login screen SC3 is an example of a "login screen." The contract information obtained in S54 of Figure 4 is an example of "subscription status information." The wireless connection according to WFD in S23 of Figure 2 is an example of a "direct connection." The login screen at S106 in Figure 5 is an example of the "second login screen".

[0073] S20 to S36 in Figure 2 are examples of processes implemented by the "first display control unit". S14 is an example of a process implemented by the "second display control unit". S38 to S42 are examples of processes implemented by the "third display control unit".

[0074] 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.

[0075] (Modification 1) 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 to the terminal device 10, thereby causing the terminal device 10 to display a screen corresponding to the screen data. Also, the "control device" is not limited to the terminal device 10, but may also be the server described above.

[0076] (Modification 2) Some of the processing shown in Figures 2 to 5 may be implemented by a server that can communicate with the terminal device 10. In other words, the processing shown in Figures 2 to 5 may be implemented by a system in which the terminal device 10 and the server cooperate. A system in which the terminal device 10 and the server cooperate is an example of a "system".

[0077] (Modification 3) The decision in S54 of Figure 4 does not need to be performed. In this modification, the "subscription status information" can be omitted.

[0078] (Modification 4) The decision in S56 of Figure 4 does not need to be performed. In this modification, the "decision unit" can be omitted.

[0079] (Modification 5) The service server 200 may provide only one service. Also, even if the service server 200 provides multiple services, the process in S38 of Figure 2 does not need to be executed. In this modification, the "second setup screen that guides the user to subscribe to one of the two or more services available to the image processing device" can be omitted.

[0080] (Modification 6) In S23 of Figure 2, a connection may be established according to a method other than WFD. Other methods include, for example, Bluetooth®, Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc. The above-mentioned connection according to another method is an example of a "direct connection," and a "direct connection" is a connection established without going through a relay device such as an access point.

[0081] (Modification 7) The process in S23 of Figure 2 does not need to be executed. In this modification, the "direct connection" can be omitted.

[0082] (Modification 8) The processes S70-S80 in Figure 4 do not need to be executed. In this modification, if the login process is skipped on the login screen SC3, the home screen SC9 may be displayed after the completion of the first setup without displaying the service information screen SC7. This is because the login process is likely to be skipped because the user is not interested in the service. In this modification, the home screen SC9 is an example of a "predetermined screen". Also, in this modification, the "screen different from the login screen" and the "third setup screen" can be omitted.

[0083] (Modification 9) The processes S104 to S108 in Figure 5 do not need to be executed. In this modification, the "second login screen" and the "fourth setup screen" can be omitted.

[0084] (Modification 10) 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.

[0085] (Modification 11) In the above embodiment, the CPU 32 executes the application 42, thereby realizing each process in Figures 2 to 5. Alternatively, any of the processes may be realized by hardware such as logic circuits.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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, A first display control unit that displays a first setup screen on a terminal device that guides the user through the first setup process for using the image processing device, A second display control unit causes the terminal device to display a login screen for logging into a server that provides services related to the image processing device, before displaying the first setup screen, A third display control unit causes the terminal device to display a second setup screen that guides the user through the second setup process for subscribing to the service after the first setup is completed, A computer program that functions as such. (Item 2) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, When a user successfully logs into the server in response to a user operation on the login screen, the receiving unit functions as a receiving unit that receives subscription status information from the server indicating whether or not the user, indicated by the user information used to log into the server, is subscribed to the service. The third display control unit, when the subscription status information received from the server indicates that the user is not subscribed to the service, causes the second setup screen to be displayed on the terminal device. The computer program described in item 1, wherein the third display control unit prevents the second setup screen from being displayed on the terminal device when the subscription status information received from the server indicates that the user is subscribed to the service. (Item 3) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, When a user successfully logs into the server in response to a user operation on the login screen, the image processing device functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not the user is registered with the server by associating it with other user information different from the user information used to log into the server. The third display control unit, in association with the other user information, determines that the image processing device is not registered with the server, and causes the second setup screen to be displayed on the terminal device. The computer program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the third display control unit determines, in association with the other user information, that the image processing device is registered with the server, and in such a case, the second setup screen is not displayed on the terminal device. (Item 4) The server provides two or more services related to the image processing device, The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the third display control unit causes the terminal device to display the second setup screen which guides the user to subscribe to one of the two or more services that the image processing device can use. (Item 5) A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein, in the first setup screen, when an instruction for a direct connection to the image processing device is entered, the second setup screen is not displayed on the terminal device. (Item 6) The aforementioned image processing device has multiple functions, including a printing function and a scanning function. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5, which, when accepting a user operation to skip logging in to the server using the login screen, functions as a fourth display control unit that, after the completion of the first setup, displays a predetermined screen on the terminal device including an object for inputting an instruction to use the print function and an object for inputting an instruction to use the scan function. (Item 7) The server provides two or more services related to the image processing device, When the third display control unit receives a user operation to skip logging in to the server using the login screen, it causes the terminal device to display the second setup screen for subscribing to the first of the two services. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 6, which functions as a first display determination unit that, after the second setup screen is displayed on the terminal device, determines whether or not to display a third setup screen for subscribing to the second of the two services on the terminal device based on the user information used to log in to the server, when the user successfully logs in to the server in response to a user operation on a screen different from the login screen. (Item 8) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, When a user operation to instruct the setup of a new image processing device is received after the first setup and the second setup described above have been completed, a fifth display control unit is provided to display a second login screen for logging into the server on the terminal device if the terminal device is not logged into the server, When login to the server is successful in response to user operation on the second login screen, a second display determination unit determines whether or not to display a fourth setup screen for subscribing to the new image processing device service on the terminal device based on the user information used to log in to the server, A computer program described in any one of items 1 through 7 that functions as such. (Item 9) The aforementioned image processing apparatus is a printing apparatus, The aforementioned service is a computer program as described in any one of items 1 to 8, including a service for automatically shipping consumables for the printing apparatus. (Item 10) A control device, A first display control unit that displays a first setup screen on a terminal device that guides the user through the first setup process for using the image processing device, A second display control unit causes the terminal device to display a login screen for logging into a server that provides services related to the image processing device, before displaying the first setup screen, A third display control unit causes the terminal device to display a second setup screen that guides the user through the second setup process for subscribing to the service after the first setup is completed, A control device equipped with the following features. (Item 11) It is a system, A first display control unit that displays a first setup screen on a terminal device that guides the user through the first setup process for using the image processing device, A second display control unit causes the terminal device to display a login screen for logging into a server that provides services related to the image processing device, before displaying the first setup screen, A third display control unit causes the terminal device to display a second setup screen that guides the user through the second setup process for subscribing to the service after the first setup is completed, A system equipped with these features. (Item 12) A display method for displaying a screen on a terminal device, A first display step involves displaying a first setup screen on the terminal device that guides the user through the first setup process for using the image processing device, Before displaying the first setup screen, a second display step is performed to display a login screen on the terminal device for logging into a server that provides services related to the image processing device, A third display step involves displaying a second setup screen on the terminal device that guides the user through the second setup process for subscribing to the service, after the first setup is completed. A display method that includes the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: Terminal device, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: LAN interface, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 40: OS program, 42: Application, 100: MFP, 200: Service server, 202: Service table, 204: Management table, A1: Checkbox, A2: OK button, A3: Icon, A4: User name input field, A5: Password input field, A6: Login icon, A7: Device settings icon, A8: Icon, A9: Icon, A10: Icon, A11: NEXT icon A12: Username input field, A13: Password input field, A14: Login icon, A15: Account registration icon, A20: Subscribe icon, B1: Account icon, B2: Device icon, B3: Print icon, B4: Scan icon, B5: Change icon, B6: Add icon, SC1: EULA screen, SC2: Notification guidance screen, SC3: Login screen, SC4: Communication settings screen, SC5: Device selection screen, SC6: Device settings screen, SC7: Service guidance screen, SC8: Login guidance screen, SC9: Home screen, SC10: Account screen, SC12: Instruction screen

Claims

1. It is a computer program, The aforementioned computer program, the computer, A first display control unit that displays a first setup screen on a terminal device that guides the user through the first setup process for using the image processing device, A second display control unit causes the terminal device to display a login screen for logging in to a server that provides services related to the image processing device, before displaying the first setup screen, A third display control unit causes the terminal device to display a second setup screen that guides the user through the second setup process for subscribing to the service after the first setup is completed, A computer program that functions as such.

2. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, When a user successfully logs into the server in response to a user operation on the login screen, the receiving unit functions as a receiving unit that receives subscription status information from the server indicating whether or not the user, indicated by the user information used to log into the server, is subscribed to the service. The third display control unit, when the subscription status information received from the server indicates that the user is not subscribed to the service, causes the second setup screen to be displayed on the terminal device. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the third display control unit prevents the second setup screen from being displayed on the terminal device when the subscription status information received from the server indicates that the user is subscribed to the service.

3. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, When a user successfully logs into the server in response to a user operation on the login screen, the image processing device functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not the user is registered with the server by associating it with other user information different from the user information used to log into the server. The third display control unit, in association with the other user information, determines that the image processing device is not registered with the server, and in such a case, causes the second setup screen to be displayed on the terminal device. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the third display control unit determines, in association with the other user information, that the image processing device is registered with the server, and in such a case, the second setup screen is not displayed on the terminal device.

4. The server provides two or more services related to the image processing device, The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third display control unit causes the terminal device to display the second setup screen which guides the user to subscribe to one of the two or more services that the image processing device can use.

5. The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the first setup screen, when an instruction for a direct connection to the image processing device is input, the second setup screen is not displayed on the terminal device.

6. The aforementioned image processing device has multiple functions, including a printing function and a scanning function. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which, when accepting a user operation to skip logging in to the server using the login screen, functions as a fourth display control unit that, after the completion of the first setup, displays on the terminal device a predetermined screen including an object for inputting an instruction to use the print function and an object for inputting an instruction to use the scan function.

7. The server provides two or more services related to the image processing device, When the third display control unit receives a user operation to skip logging in to the server using the login screen, it causes the terminal device to display the second setup screen for subscribing to the first of the two services. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, after the second setup screen is displayed on the terminal device, if the user successfully logs into the server in response to a user operation on a screen different from the login screen, the computer program functions as a first display determination unit that determines whether or not to display a third setup screen for subscribing to the second of the two services on the terminal device, based on the user information used to log into the server.

8. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, When a user operation to instruct the setup of a new image processing device is received after the first setup and the second setup described above have been completed, a fifth display control unit is provided to display a second login screen for logging into the server on the terminal device if the terminal device is not logged into the server, When a user successfully logs into the server in response to a user operation on the second login screen, a second display determination unit determines whether or not to display a fourth setup screen on the terminal device for subscribing to the new image processing device service, based on the user information used to log into the server. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which functions as such.

9. The aforementioned image processing apparatus is a printing apparatus, The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the service includes a service for automatically shipping consumables for the printing apparatus.

10. A control device, A first display control unit that displays a first setup screen on a terminal device that guides the user through the first setup process for using the image processing device, A second display control unit causes the terminal device to display a login screen for logging in to a server that provides services related to the image processing device, before displaying the first setup screen, A third display control unit causes the terminal device to display a second setup screen that guides the user through the second setup process for subscribing to the service after the first setup is completed, A control device equipped with the following features.

11. It is a system, A first display control unit that displays a first setup screen on a terminal device that guides the user through the first setup process for using the image processing device, A second display control unit causes the terminal device to display a login screen for logging in to a server that provides services related to the image processing device, before displaying the first setup screen, A third display control unit causes the terminal device to display a second setup screen that guides the user through the second setup process for subscribing to the service after the first setup is completed, A system equipped with these features.

12. A display method for displaying a screen on a terminal device, A first display step involves displaying a first setup screen on the terminal device that guides the user through the first setup process for using the image processing device, Before displaying the first setup screen, a second display step is performed to display a login screen on the terminal device for logging into a server that provides services related to the image processing device, A third display step involves displaying a second setup screen on the terminal device that guides the user through the second setup process for subscribing to the service, after the first setup is completed. A display method that includes the following features.

Images