Computer program for terminal device, method for controlling terminal device, terminal device, and communication system

Abstract

This technology provides the ability to switch the service screen displayed on the display unit according to the information received from the first server. [Solution] The terminal device transmits device information corresponding to the printing device to a first server and receives specific information corresponding to the device information from the first server. When the terminal device accepts an operation on an object included in a predetermined screen displayed on the terminal device's display unit and receives first specific information from the first server, it displays a first service screen on the display unit using the first screen information received from the second server via the terminal device's browser program. When the terminal device accepts an operation on an object and receives second specific information from the first server, it displays a second service screen on the display unit using second screen information in the terminal device's memory.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a technique for displaying a service screen on a display unit of a terminal device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a client terminal device, a printer, a transfer server device, and a service providing server device. The client terminal device displays a support service screen related to the printer using a support service URL.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a technique for switching a service screen displayed on a display unit according to information received from a first server.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a terminal device. The computer program may cause the computer of the terminal device to function as a device information transmission unit that transmits device information corresponding to a printing device to a first server. The computer program may cause the computer to function as a specific information receiving unit that receives specific information corresponding to the device information from the first server after the device information has been transmitted to the first server. The specific information may be a service provided by a service provider server and may be information corresponding to a display method of a service screen for the service available on the printing device. The computer program may cause the computer to function as a display control unit that causes the browser program of the terminal device to display a first service screen using first screen information received from a second server on the display unit, when an operation is accepted on an object included in a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device that corresponds to the service, and when first specific information is received from the first server. The computer program may also cause the computer to function as a display control unit that, when an operation on the object is accepted and a second specific information different from the first specific information is received from the first server, uses the second screen information in the memory of the terminal device, which is different from the first screen information, to display a second service screen different from the first service screen on the display unit.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the terminal device receives an operation on an object and receives first specific information from the first server, it displays a first service screen on the display unit using first screen information received from the second server via a browser program. Furthermore, when the terminal device receives an operation on an object and receives second specific information from the first server, it displays a second service screen on the display unit using second screen information stored in the terminal device's memory. Therefore, the terminal device can switch the service screen displayed on the display unit according to the information received from the first server.

[0007] The computer-readable recording medium for storing the above-mentioned computer program, the method for controlling a terminal device, and the terminal device implemented by the above-mentioned computer program are all novel and useful. Furthermore, the communication system is 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] A diagram illustrating the overview of the communication system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the configuration of each device. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the contents of the management table. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the service information acquisition process performed by the terminal device. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the screen displayed on the terminal device during the device registration process. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the screen display process performed by the terminal device. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the screen displayed on the terminal device in Case A. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the screen displayed on the terminal device in Case B. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of a third service screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 10]This is a flowchart of the screen display process performed by the terminal device. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the fourth service screen displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of the fifth service screen displayed on the terminal device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises multiple printers 10A and 10B, a terminal device 100, a management server 200, a service provision server 300, a sales server 400, and a web page server 500. Hereafter, the service provision server will be referred to as the "SP server".

[0010] Printers 10A and 10B and terminal device 100 are connected to access point 6. Hereafter, access point will be referred to as "AP". Printers 10A and 10B and terminal device 100 can communicate with each other via AP6. Management server 200, SP server 300, sales server 400, and web page server 500 are connected to the Internet 4. Therefore, printers 10A and 10B, terminal device 100, management server 200, SP server 300, sales server 400, and web page server 500 can communicate with each other via the Internet 4.

[0011] (Configuration of each device; Figure 2) Referring to Figure 2, the configurations of each device 10A, 10B, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 will be described.

[0012] (Configuration of printers 10A and 10B; Figure 2) Printers 10A and 10B are peripheral devices capable of performing printing functions. Printers 10A and 10B are peripheral devices for personal computers (PCs), etc.

[0013] Printer 10A has a device name "DV1" and a model name "MN1". The device name is a name assigned to the printer by the printer administrator. The model name is a name indicating the model of the printer. Printer 10A includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a printing execution unit 16, a communication interface 20, and a control unit 30. Hereinafter, an interface will be described as "I / F".

[0014] The operation unit 12 is a user interface that enables a user to input various information to the printer 10A. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys, hardware keys, or both. The software keys are operation objects. The hardware keys include, for example, buttons or switches. 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 or an organic EL panel.

[0015] The printing execution unit 16 includes a printing engine of an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or a thermal method. The inkjet method printing engine includes a print head that discharges ink droplets. The electrophotographic method printing engine includes a photoreceptor and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photoreceptor. The thermal method printing engine includes a print head that generates heat by a heater. The communication I / F 20 is an interface for establishing a wireless connection with the AP6.

[0016] The control unit 30 comprises a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 comprises a main memory and an auxiliary memory. For example, the main memory includes RAM and cache memory. For example, the auxiliary memory may be ROM, flash memory, Solid State Drive (SSD), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The program 40 is stored in the auxiliary memory of the memory 34. The CPU 32 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory.

[0017] Printer 10B has the same configuration as printer 10A, except that it has the device name "DV2" and model name "MN2".

[0018] (Configuration of terminal device 100; Figure 2) Terminal device 100 is a mobile phone. For example, the mobile phone is a smartphone. In a modified example, terminal device 100 may be another portable terminal device such as a PDA or a tablet PC. In a further modified example, terminal device 100 may be a stationary terminal device.

[0019] The terminal device 100 comprises an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication interface 120, and a control unit 130. The operation unit 112 is a user interface that allows the user to input various information to the terminal device 100. The operation unit 112 includes, for example, a touch panel, hardware keys, or both for displaying software keys. Software keys are operation objects. Hardware keys include, for example, buttons or switches. The display unit 114 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel may also be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The communication interface 120 is an interface for establishing a wireless connection with AP6.

[0020] The control unit 130 comprises a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The memory 134 comprises a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The auxiliary memory of the memory 134 stores an Operating System (OS) program 140, a browser application 142, and a printing application 144. "Application" is an abbreviation for application program. Hereafter, the OS program 140 will be referred to as "OS140". The CPU 132 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory. Hereafter, the various processes that the CPU 132 performs according to the program may be described as being performed proactively by the OS 140, the browser application 142, or the printing application 144.

[0021] OS140 is a program that enables the basic operation of terminal device 100. Browser application 142 is a program that accesses servers on the internet and displays web pages. OS140 and browser application 142 are pre-stored in the memory 134 of terminal device 100 from the time of shipment.

[0022] The print application 144 is a program that causes printers 10A and 10B to perform printing. The print application 144 is a program provided by the vendor of printers 10A and 10B. Hereafter, the vendor of printers 10A and 10B will be simply referred to as "the vendor". The print application 144 is installed on the terminal device 100 after it has been shipped. The print application 144 has screen data 146A pre-installed.

[0023] Memory 134 also stores the regional information "Country A". The regional information indicates the country in which the terminal device 100 is used.

[0024] (Configuration of management server 200; Figure 2) The management server 200 is a server installed on the Internet 4 by the vendor. The management server 200 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The management server 200 is a server that manages the image data and web page URLs provided to the terminal device 100. The image data is image data representing a banner image. The web page URL is location information for web page data. The web page URL is also information for accessing the web page server 500.

[0025] The management server 200 includes a control unit 230. The control unit 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The memory 234 includes a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The auxiliary memory of the memory 234 stores a program 240 and a management table 242. The CPU 232 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory.

[0026] (Configuration of SP Server 300; Figure 2) SP Server 300 is a server installed on the Internet 4 by the vendor. SP Server 300 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. SP Server 300 provides subscription services. Hereafter, subscription services will be referred to as "subscription services."

[0027] In a subscription service, a fixed fee is charged if the number of printed pages within a specified period is below the maximum number of printed pages. For example, the specified period is "1 month," and the maximum number of printed pages is "1000 pages." In addition, if the number of printed pages within the specified period exceeds the maximum number of printed pages, a fixed fee plus an amount corresponding to the number of pages printed beyond the maximum is charged. A subscription service is a so-called flat-rate service. A subscription service also includes an automatic shipping service that automatically sends a new cartridge when the ink level in the cartridge installed in the printer falls below a specified amount.

[0028] The SP server 300 includes a control unit 330. The control unit 330 includes a CPU 332 and a memory 334. The memory 334 includes a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The program 340 is stored in the auxiliary memory of the memory 334. The CPU 332 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory.

[0029] (Configuration of sales server 400; Figure 2) The sales server 400 is a server installed on the Internet 4 by the vendor. The sales server 400 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The sales server 400 is a server for selling consumables for printers 10A and 10B. For example, the consumables are cartridges.

[0030] The sales server 400 includes a control unit 430. The control unit 430 includes a CPU 432 and a memory 434. The memory 434 includes a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The auxiliary memory of the memory 434 stores a program 440. The CPU 432 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory.

[0031] (Web page server 500 configuration) The web page server 500 is a server installed on the Internet 4 by the vendor. The web page server 500 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The web page server 500 is a server for supplying web page data that represents web pages.

[0032] The web page server 500 includes a control unit 530. The control unit 530 includes a CPU 532 and a memory 534. The memory 534 includes a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The program 540 is stored in the auxiliary memory of the memory 534. The CPU 532 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory.

[0033] (Contents of management table 242; Figure 3) Referring to Figure 3, the contents of the management table 242 of the management server 200 will be explained.

[0034] Management table 242 is a table used by the management server 200 to manage the image data and web page URLs that should be supplied to the terminal device 100. Management table 242 stores the model name, regional information, image data, and web page URLs in association with each other.

[0035] (Service information acquisition process; Figure 4) Referring to Figure 4, the service information acquisition process performed by the print application 144 of the terminal device 100 will be described. The print application 144 starts the process shown in Figure 4 when the print application 144 is launched or when a new device is registered with the print application 144. In the following, all communication between the terminal device 100 and other devices is performed via the communication interface 120 of the terminal device 100. Therefore, the phrase "via the communication interface 120" will be omitted in the following. The print application 144 also accesses various hardware such as the display unit 114, memory 134, and communication interface 120 via the OS 140 to perform various processes. In the following, the fact that the print application 144 performs processes via the OS 140 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0036] In S10, the print application 144 determines whether the device is already registered with the print application 144. If the device is already registered with the print application 144 (YES in S10), the print application 144 proceeds to S12. On the other hand, if the device is not already registered with the print application 144 (NO in S10), the print application 144 terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0037] In S12, the print application 144 sends a service information request to the management server 200. The service information request includes the model name of the device registered with the print application 144 and the regional information "Country A" in memory 134. The service information request is a signal to request the management server 200 to send service information. The service information includes image data. The service information also includes a web page URL, or information "NULL" indicating that there is no web page URL to provide. When the management server 200 receives the service information request from the terminal device 100, it identifies the model name and regional information "Country A" in the service information request. The management server 200 identifies the information stored in the management table 242 in association with the identified model name and identified regional information "Country A", and generates service information. The management server 200 sends the generated service information to the terminal device 100.

[0038] In S14, the print application 144 receives service information from the management server 200.

[0039] In S16, the print application 144 stores the received service information in memory 134. When S16 ends, the print application 144 terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0040] (Device registration process; Figure 5) Referring to Figure 5, the registration process for registering the printer 10A with the print application 144 will be explained. In the initial state of this process, no devices are registered with the print application 144. Below, screens primarily displayed by the browser application 142 are represented by thick lines, and screens primarily displayed by the print application 144 are represented by thin lines.

[0041] First, the user performs an operation on the terminal device 100 to launch the print application 144. The OS 140 then issues a launch command to the print application 144. The print application 144 is launched in response to the launch command from the OS 140 and executes the service information acquisition process shown in Figure 4. The print application 144 determines that the device is not registered with the print application 144 (NO in S10). In this case, the print application 144 displays the home screen SC2 on the display unit 114 without sending a service information request to the management server 200. The home screen SC2 includes a "Print" button 600, a "Settings" button 602, and a device object 604 containing the string "Not Selected". The string "Not Selected" indicates that no devices are registered with the print application 144. If a device is registered with the print application 144, the device object 604 displays the device name and model name of that device. The device name and model name within device object 604 are information about the device to which instruction information, such as print commands, is sent.

[0042] The user performs an operation on device object 604 in T10. This causes the print application 144 to perform a search process to find devices connected to AP6. In the search process, the print application 144 broadcasts a search signal to find devices connected to AP6. The print application 144 receives response signals from printers 10A and 10B connected to AP6, including the device name and model name. The print application 144 uses the received response signals to display the device selection screen SC4 on the display unit 114. The device selection screen SC4 includes device buttons 610 and 612 and a "cancel" button 614. Device buttons 610 and 612 are buttons for selecting devices to register with the print application 144. Device buttons 610 and 612 correspond to printers 10A and 10B, respectively.

[0043] The user performs an operation on the device button 610 in T12. As a result, the print application 144 stores the device name "DV1" and model name "MN1" of the printer 10A corresponding to the device button 610 in the memory 134. Next, the terminal device 100 displays the home screen SC6 corresponding to the printer 10A on the display unit 114. The home screen SC6 includes a "Print" button 600, a "Settings" button 602, a device object 604 containing the device name "DV1" and model name "MN1", a "Purchase" button 620, and a "Subscription" button 622. The "Purchase" button 620 is a button for instructing the purchase of a cartridge. The "Subscription" button 622 is a button for joining a subscription service or setting the contract details of a subscription service.

[0044] Furthermore, the print application 144 determines that the device has been registered with the print application 144 and executes the service information acquisition process shown in Figure 4. The print application 144 determines that the printer 10A is already registered with the print application 144 (YES in S10). In this case, the print application 144 sends a service information request including the model name "MN1" and the region information "Country A" to the management server 200 (S12), and receives service information from the management server 200 (S14). The print application 144 stores the received service information in the memory 134 (S16). In this way, the registration of the printer 10A with the print application 144 is completed.

[0045] (Screen display processing; Figure 6) Referring to Figure 6, the screen display process performed by the printing application 144 of the terminal device 100 will be described. The printing application 144 starts the process shown in Figure 6 when it receives an operation on the purchase button on the home screen.

[0046] In S30, the print application 144 determines whether or not it has received service information containing image data. If the service information received in S14 in Figure 4 contains image data, the print application 144 determines YES in S30 and proceeds to S40. On the other hand, if the service information received does not contain image data, the print application 144 determines NO in S30 and proceeds to S70.

[0047] In S40, the print application 144 uses the image data in the received service information to display a purchase screen, including a banner image represented by the image data, on the display unit 114. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the purchase screen SC8, which includes a banner image, includes a banner image 630, a cartridge selection object 632, and an "Add" button 634. The purchase screen SC8 may also include a "Cancel" button. The cartridge selection object 632 includes checkboxes corresponding to "C", "M", "Y", and "K". The user can specify the type of cartridge to purchase by performing operations on the checkboxes in the cartridge selection object 632. The "Add" button 634 is a button that displays the consumables purchase page in the browser application 142.

[0048] In S42 of Figure 6, the print application 144 determines whether it has received an operation on the banner image itself. If the print application 144 has received an operation on the banner image itself (YES in S42), it proceeds to S44. On the other hand, if the print application 144 has not received an operation on the banner image itself (NO in S42), it proceeds to S74. Not receiving an operation on the banner image itself means that an operation on the "Add" button has been received.

[0049] In S44, the print application 144 determines whether or not it has received service information containing a web page URL. If the service information received in S14 of Figure 4 contains a web page URL, the print application 144 determines YES in S44 and proceeds to S50. On the other hand, if the service information received does not contain a web page URL, the print application 144 determines NO in S44 and proceeds to S60. Note that the case where the received service information does not contain a web page URL is when the received service information contains the information "NULL".

[0050] In S50, the print application 144 supplies the webpage URL from the received service information to the browser application 142. The browser application 142 then accesses the webpage URL and displays the first service screen corresponding to that URL on the display unit 114. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the first service screen SC10 includes a first subscription message 640, a "Subscribe" button 642, and a "Later" button 644. The first subscription message 640 includes information indicating the content of the subscription service. When S50 in Figure 6 is completed, the print application 144 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

[0051] Furthermore, in S60, the print application 144 displays a second service screen, represented by screen data 146A possessed by the print application 144, on the display unit 114. That is, the print application 144 does not use screen data received from an external source. The second service screen is a different screen from the first service screen displayed in S50. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the second service screen SC12 includes a second subscription message 650, a "Register" button 652, and a "Cancel" button 654. The second subscription message 650 includes information indicating the content of the subscription service. When S60 in Figure 6 is completed, the print application 144 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

[0052] As described above, the display method of the service screen is switched depending on whether the service information includes a web page URL or the information "NULL". In other words, the web page URL and the information "NULL" in the service information correspond to the display method of the service screen. As shown in S12 of Figure 4, the print application 144 sends a service information request including the model name and regional information to the management server 200. With this configuration, the display method of the service screen can be appropriately switched according to the model name and regional information.

[0053] Furthermore, the screen data corresponding to the web page URL is stored in the web page server 500. Therefore, the vendor can easily change the screen data corresponding to the web page URL. On the other hand, the vendor cannot easily change the screen data 146A that the print application 144 possesses. For this reason, the first service screen can be said to be a screen that allows for more flexible handling than the second service screen.

[0054] Furthermore, if NO is determined in S30, in S70, the print application 144 displays a purchase screen without a banner image on the display unit 114. This purchase screen is the same as the purchase screen displayed in S40, except that it does not include a banner image.

[0055] In S72, the print application 144 accepts operations on one or more checkboxes, and then accepts operations on the "Add" button.

[0056] In S74, the print application 144 supplies the browser application 142 with a purchase page display instruction that includes type information indicating the type of cartridge checked by the user. When the browser application 142 receives the purchase page display instruction from the print application 144, it accesses the sales server 400 and displays the purchase page on the display unit 114. On the purchase page, the cartridge checked by the user is already selected as the cartridge to be purchased. When S74 ends, the print application 144 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

[0057] (Specific cases) Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a specific case realized by the communication system 2 of this embodiment will be described.

[0058] (Case A; Figure 7) Refer to Figure 7 to explain Case A. In Case A, a screen using a webpage URL in the service information is displayed on the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100. In the initial state of Case A, printer 10A is registered in the print application 144. In the management table 242 of the management server 200, the model name "MN1", regional information "Country A", image data D1, and webpage URL 710 are stored in association with each other.

[0059] First, the user performs an operation on the terminal device 100 to launch the print application 144. This launches the print application 144. The print application 144 determines that the printer 10A is already registered with the print application 144 (YES in S10 of Figure 4). In this case, the print application 144 sends a service information request to the management server 200, which includes the model name "MN1" and the region information "Country A" (S12). The print application 144 receives service information from the management server 200, which includes image data D1 and the web page URL 710 (S14). The print application 144 displays the home screen SC6 on the display unit 114.

[0060] The user performs an action on the "Purchase" button 620 in T110. As a result, the print application 144 determines that the received service information includes image data D1 (YES in S30 of Figure 6) and displays the purchase screen SC8, which includes the banner image 630 represented by image data D1, on the display unit 114 (S40 of Figure 6).

[0061] In T112, the user performs an operation on the banner image 630 itself. As a result, the print application 144 determines that it has received an operation on the banner image 630 itself (YES in S42) and determines that the received service information includes the web page URL 710 (YES in S44). In this case, the print application 144 supplies the web page URL 710 to the browser application 142 (S50).

[0062] When the browser application 142 obtains the web page URL 710 from the print application 144, it uses the web page URL 710 to access the web page server 500. The browser application 142 receives the first service screen data from the web page server 500 and displays the first service screen SC10 on the display unit 114. Subsequently, when the user performs an operation on the "Subscribe" button 642, the subscription process for subscribing to the subscription service is executed. The subscription process is performed between the printer 10A, the terminal device 100, and the SP server 300.

[0063] (Case B; Figure 8) Refer to Figure 8 to explain Case B. In Case B, the screen corresponding to the screen data 146A of the print application 144 is displayed on the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100. In the initial state of Case B, the printer 10A is registered with the print application 144. In the management table 242 of the management server 200, the model name "MN1", the regional information "Country A", and the image data D1 are stored in association with each other.

[0064] First, the user performs an operation on the terminal device 100 to launch the print application 144. In this case, the same process as in Case A of Figure 7 is performed, and the home screen SC6 is displayed on the display unit 114.

[0065] The user performs an operation on the "Purchase" button 620 in T210. In this case, the same process as in Case A of Figure 7 is performed, and the purchase screen SC8 is displayed on the display unit 114 (S40).

[0066] In T212, the user performs an operation on the banner image 630 itself. As a result, the print application 144 determines that it has received an operation on the banner image 630 itself (YES in S42) and determines that the received service information does not contain a web page URL (NO in S44). In this case, the print application 144 displays the second service screen SC12, represented by the screen data 146A held by the print application 144, on the display unit 114 (S60). Subsequently, when the user performs an operation on the "Register" button 652, processing to access the SP server 300 is executed. In this embodiment, the second service screen SC12 differs from the first service screen SC10 in that it includes the content of the message on the screen and the "Register" button 652. That is, the content included in the second service screen SC12 is different from the content included in the first service screen SC10.

[0067] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, when the terminal device 100 receives an operation on the banner image (YES in S42) and receives a web page URL from the management server 200 (YES in S44), it displays a first service screen on the display unit 114 using the first service screen data received from the web page server 500 via the browser application 142. Also, when the terminal device 100 receives an operation on the banner image (YES in S42) and receives the information "NULL" from the management server 200 (NO in S44), it displays a second service screen on the display unit 114 using the screen data 146A in memory 134. Therefore, the terminal device 100 can switch the service screen displayed on the display unit 114 according to the information received from the management server 200.

[0068] (Correspondence) The print application 144 is an example of a "computer program". Printers 10A and 10B are examples of "printing devices". The model name is an example of "device information". The management server 200 is an example of a "first server". The web page URL and the information "NULL" are examples of "specific information". The automatic shipping service is an example of a "service". The purchase screen SC8 in Figures 7 and 8 is an example of a "designated screen". The banner image 630 in Figures 7 and 8 is an example of an "object". The web page URL in the service information is an example of "first specific information". The web page server 500 is an example of a "second server". The first service screen data is an example of "first screen information". The information "NULL" in the service information is an example of "second specific information". The screen data 146A in memory 134 is an example of "second screen information".

[0069] S14 in Figure 4 is an example of the process performed by the "Specific Information Receiving Unit". S50 and S60 in Figure 6 are examples of the processes performed by the "Display Control Unit".

[0070] (Second example) A second embodiment will now be described. As shown in Figure 2, the printing application 144 of the terminal device 100 has screen data 146B and URL 148 pre-configured. Screen data 146B is screen data corresponding to a part of the third service screen, which will be described later.

[0071] In this embodiment, the processing content of S60 in Figure 6 differs from the processing content of S60 in the first embodiment. In S60, the print application 144 uses the web view function of the print application 144 to display the third service screen on the display unit 114. Specifically, the print application 144 uses the screen data 146B and URL 148 that the print application 144 possesses. The print application 144 uses URL 148 to access the web page server 500 and receives screen data corresponding to URL 148 from the web page server 500. Then, the print application 144 generates the third service screen by incorporating the screen represented by the screen data corresponding to URL 148 into the screen represented by screen data 146B. As shown in Figure 9, the third service screen SC20 includes the third service message 660, the "Register" button 662, and the "Later" button 664. Of the third service screen SC20, the portion enclosed by the thick line is the screen represented by the screen data corresponding to URL148.

[0072] According to the above configuration, the terminal device 100 can switch the service screen displayed on the display unit 114 according to the information received from the management server 200.

[0073] (Correspondence) The screen data corresponding to URL148 is an example of "third screen information".

[0074] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will now be described. As shown in Figure 2, the memory 134 of the terminal device 100 stores operational information 150. The operational information 150 is information related to the print application 144. In this embodiment, the operational information 150 indicates the operating time of the print application 144 during a predetermined period. For example, the predetermined period is "one week". In a modified example, the operational information 150 may be the number of times the print application 144 was launched during the predetermined period, the number of times the print button was operated during the predetermined period, the number of pages printed during the predetermined period, etc.

[0075] (Service screen display process; Figure 10) Referring to Figure 10, the service screen display process performed by the print application 144 in this embodiment will be described. Steps common to multiple embodiments are given the same step number and their descriptions are omitted.

[0076] If it is determined to be YES in S44, then in S150, the print application 144 obtains the operational information 150 from memory 134.

[0077] In S152, the print application 144 uses the acquired operational information 150 to identify the append parameters, which are parameters to be added to the web page URL. In this embodiment, the print application 144 determines "0" as the append parameter if the operational time indicated by the operational information 150 is less than a predetermined time, and determines "1" as the append parameter if the operational time indicated by the operational information 150 is equal to or greater than the predetermined time. For example, the predetermined time is "1 hour".

[0078] In S154, the print application 144 generates a new webpage URL by adding an append parameter to the webpage URL. Let's consider the case where the received webpage URL is "https: / / server.com / top" and the append parameter is "1". In this case, the print application 144 adds the append parameter "1" to "https: / / server.com / top" to generate a new webpage URL "https: / / server.com / top / 1".

[0079] In S156, the print application 144 supplies a new webpage URL to the browser application 142. The browser application 142 then accesses the new webpage URL and displays the service screen corresponding to that URL on the display unit 114. When S156 is finished, the print application 144 terminates the process shown in Figure 10.

[0080] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the service screen displayed at S156 in Figure 10 will be described. The fourth service screen SC30 in Figure 11 is the screen displayed when the assigned parameter is "0". The fourth service screen SC30 includes a fifth message 670, a first plan area 672, a "Join" button 674, and a "Cancel" button 676. The first plan area 672 includes a message indicating a plan for users whose uptime of the print application 144 is relatively short.

[0081] The fifth service screen SC32 in Figure 12 is the screen displayed when the assigned parameter is "1". The fifth service screen SC32 includes a fifth message 670, a second plan area 682, a "Join" button 674, and a "Cancel" button 676. In other words, the fifth service screen SC32 is the same as the fourth service screen SC30, except for the second plan area 682. The second plan area 682 includes a message indicating a plan for users who use the print application 144 for a relatively long time. With this configuration, the service screen displayed on the display unit 114 can be switched according to the operating time of the print application 144.

[0082] (Correspondence) The webpage URL within the service information is an example of the "first URL." The added parameters are an example of "additional information." The new webpage URL is an example of the "second URL."

[0083] 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.

[0084] (First Modification) In the above embodiment, each server 200, 300, 400, and 500 are physical servers, but each server 200, 300, 400, and 500 are not limited to physical servers, but may be virtual servers or virtual machines on the cloud. That is, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for servers 200, 300, 400, and 500 itself, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may prepare the programs (i.e., software) for each server 200, 300, 400, and 500 and implement them in the above environment to realize each server 200, 300, 400, and 500. In another modification, each server 200, 300, 400, and 500 may be installed on the Internet 4 by a different operator than the vendor.

[0085] (Second variation) The term "printing device" is not limited to a printer, but may also refer to a device equipped with a printing engine, such as a multifunction printer or copier.

[0086] (Third Modification) The "predetermined screen" is not limited to the purchase screen, but may be the home screen, device selection screen, etc. If the home screen is an example of the "predetermined screen," the print application 144 may execute the process in Figure 6 when it receives an operation to launch the print application 144. Specifically, the print application 144 may execute the process in Figure 6 after S16 in Figure 4. In this modification, the print application 144 displays the home screen including the banner image on the display unit 114 in S40, and displays the home screen without the banner image on the display unit 114 in S70. Then, the print application 144 executes S44, S50, and S60 when it receives an operation on the banner image itself (YES in S42). On the other hand, the print application 144 executes the process corresponding to the button that has already been operated when it receives an operation on a button on the home screen.

[0087] (Fourth variation) The term "object" is not limited to banner images, but may also refer to buttons, icons, etc.

[0088] (Fifth Modification) Two or more servers from among the management server 200, SP server 300, sales server 400, and web page server 500 may be configured as a single unit. That is, the "first server," the "second server," and the "service provision server" may be configured separately, or two or more servers from among the "first server," the "second server," and the "service provision server" may be configured as a single unit.

[0089] (Sixth variation) The "second specific information" is not limited to the information "NULL," but may also be information such as that used to specify screen data held by the print application 144.

[0090] (Seventh variation) The term "service" may also refer to a consumables purchase service, a remote printing service, etc. A remote printing service is a service that allows printing to be performed remotely on a printer via the Internet 4.

[0091] (Variation 8) "Device information" is not limited to the model name, but may also include the serial number, MAC address, IP address, etc.

[0092] (9th Modification) The service information request in S12 of Figure 4 does not need to include regional information. In this modification, the management table 242 of the management server 200 does not include regional information. In this modification, the "regional information transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0093] (10th variation) "Regional information" is not limited to national information; it may also refer to information covering a broader area than national information, or information covering a narrower area (such as a city) than national information.

[0094] (11th Modification) In each of the above embodiments, the processes shown in Figures 3 to 11 are implemented by software, but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit. For example, the software is programs 40, 140, 142, 144, 240, 340, 440, and 540.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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: (Item 1) A computer program for a terminal device, The computer of the aforementioned terminal device A device information transmission unit that transmits device information corresponding to the printing device to a first server, A specific information receiving unit that receives specific information corresponding to the device information from the first server after the device information has been transmitted to the first server, wherein the specific information is information corresponding to the display method of the service screen for the service that is available on the printing device, which is a service provided by the service provision server. A display control unit that, when an operation is accepted for an object included in a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device that corresponds to the service, and when a first specific information is received from the first server, causes the terminal device's browser program to display a first service screen using first screen information received from a second server on the display unit; and when an operation is accepted for an object that corresponds to the service, and when a second specific information different from the first specific information is received from the first server, causes the display control unit to display a second service screen different from the first service screen using second screen information in the terminal device's memory that is different from the first screen information, A computer program that functions as such. (Item 2) The aforementioned service is a computer program as described in item 1, which includes a service for automatically shipping consumables for the printing apparatus. (Item 3) The computer program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the display control unit, when it receives the second specific information from the first server, uses the second screen information to display the second service screen on the display unit without using screen information received from an external source. (Item 4) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit, when it receives the second specific information from the first server, uses the second screen information and the third screen information received from the second server by the web view function of the computer program to display the second service screen on the display unit. (Item 5) The device information includes the model name of the printing device, and is a computer program as described in any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 6) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The terminal device is configured to function as a regional information transmission unit that transmits regional information indicating the area in which it is used to the first server. The computer program described in any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the specific information receiving unit receives the specific information corresponding to the device information and the regional information from the first server in response to the device information and the regional information being transmitted to the first server. (Item 7) The aforementioned first specific information includes the first URL, The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, An acquisition unit that acquires operational information of the aforementioned computer program, When the first specific information is received from the first server, the generation unit generates a second URL that includes the first URL and additional information corresponding to the operational information. The first screen information is received from the second server by the browser program using the second URL, and is a computer program described in any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 8) A method for controlling a terminal device, A device information transmission step that transmits device information corresponding to the printing device to a first server, A specific information receiving step, wherein after the device information has been transmitted to the first server, the first server receives specific information corresponding to the device information, wherein the specific information is information corresponding to a service screen display method for a service provided by a service provision server and the service available on the printing device, and the specific information receiving step, A display control step in which, when an operation is accepted for an object included in a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, and an operation corresponding to the service is accepted for the object, and a first specific information is received from the first server, a first service screen using first screen information received from a second server is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device by the browser program of the terminal device, and when an operation is accepted for the object, and a second specific information different from the first specific information is received from the first server, a second service screen different from the first service screen is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device by using second screen information in the memory of the terminal device, which is different from the first screen information, A method that includes [a certain feature]. (Item 9) A terminal device, Display unit and A device information transmission unit that transmits device information corresponding to the printing device to a first server, A specific information receiving unit that receives specific information corresponding to the device information from the first server after the device information has been transmitted to the first server, wherein the specific information is information corresponding to the display method of the service screen for the service that is available on the printing device, which is a service provided by the service provision server. A display control unit that, when an operation is accepted for an object included in a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit that corresponds to the service, and when first specific information is received from the first server, causes the browser program of the terminal device to display a first service screen on the display unit using first screen information received from a second server, and when an operation is accepted for an object that corresponds to the service, and second specific information different from the first specific information is received from the first server, causes the display control unit to display a second service screen different from the first service screen on the display unit using second screen information in the memory of the terminal device that is different from the first screen information, A terminal device equipped with the following features. (Item 10) It is a communication system, A device information transmission unit that transmits device information corresponding to the printing device to a first server, A specific information receiving unit that receives specific information corresponding to the device information from the first server after the device information has been transmitted to the first server, wherein the specific information is information corresponding to the display method of the service screen for the service that is available on the printing device, which is a service provided by the service provision server. A display control unit that, when an operation is accepted for an object included in a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device that corresponds to the service, and when a first specific information is received from the first server, causes the terminal device's browser program to display a first service screen using first screen information received from a second server on the display unit; and when an operation is accepted for an object that corresponds to the service, and when a second specific information different from the first specific information is received from the first server, causes the display control unit to display a second service screen different from the first service screen using second screen information in the terminal device's memory that is different from the first screen information, A communication system equipped with these features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 2: Communication system, 4: Internet, 6: Access point, 10A: Printer, 10B: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 20: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 40: Program, 100: Terminal device, 112: Operation unit, 114: Display unit, 120: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 140: OS program, 142: Browser application, 144: Print application, 146A: Screen data, 14 6B: Screen data, 148: URL, 150: Operation information, 200: Management server, 230: Control unit, 232: CPU, 234: Memory, 240: Program, 242: Management table, 300: SP server, 330: Control unit, 332: CPU, 334: Memory, 340: Program, 400: Sales server, 430: Control unit, 432: CPU, 434: Memory, 440: Program, 500: Web page server, 530: Control unit, 532: CPU, 534: Memory, 540: Program

Claims

1. A computer program for a terminal device, The computer of the aforementioned terminal device A device information transmission unit that transmits device information corresponding to the printing device to a first server, A specific information receiving unit that receives specific information corresponding to the device information from the first server after the device information has been transmitted to the first server, wherein the specific information is information corresponding to the display method of the service screen for the service that is available on the printing device, which is a service provided by the service provision server. A display control unit that, when an operation is accepted for an object included in a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, and when a first specific information is received from the first server, causes the browser program of the terminal device to display a first service screen using first screen information received from a second server on the display unit, and when an operation is accepted for an object corresponding to the service, and a second specific information different from the first specific information is received from the first server, causes the display control unit to display a second service screen different from the first service screen using second screen information in the memory of the terminal device, which is different from the first screen information, on the display unit, A computer program that functions as such.

2. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the service includes a service for automatically shipping consumables for the printing apparatus.

3. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit, when it receives the second specific information from the first server, uses the second screen information to display the second service screen on the display unit without using screen information received from an external source.

4. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit, when it receives the second specific information from the first server, uses the second screen information and the third screen information received from the second server by the web view function of the computer program to display the second service screen on the display unit.

5. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the device information includes the model name of the printing device.

6. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The terminal device is configured to function as a regional information transmission unit that transmits regional information indicating the area in which it is used to the first server. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the specific information receiving unit receives the specific information corresponding to the device information and the regional information from the first server in response to the device information and the regional information being transmitted to the first server.

7. The first specific information includes the first URL, The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, An acquisition unit that acquires operational information of the aforementioned computer program, When the first specific information is received from the first server, the generation unit generates a second URL that includes the first URL and additional information corresponding to the operational information. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the first screen information is received from the second server when the second URL is used by the browser program.

8. A method for controlling a terminal device, A device information transmission step that transmits device information corresponding to the printing device to a first server, A specific information receiving step, wherein after the device information has been transmitted to the first server, the first server receives specific information corresponding to the device information, wherein the specific information is information corresponding to a service screen display method for a service provided by a service provision server and available on the printing device, A display control step in which, when an operation is accepted for an object included in a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, and an operation corresponding to the service is accepted for the object, and a first specific information is received from the first server, a first service screen using first screen information received from a second server is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device by the browser program of the terminal device, and when an operation is accepted for the object, and a second specific information different from the first specific information is received from the first server, a second service screen different from the first service screen is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device by using second screen information in the memory of the terminal device, which is different from the first screen information, A method that includes [a certain feature].

9. A terminal device, Display unit and A device information transmission unit that transmits device information corresponding to the printing device to a first server, A specific information receiving unit that receives specific information corresponding to the device information from the first server after the device information has been transmitted to the first server, wherein the specific information is information corresponding to the display method of the service screen for the service that is available on the printing device, which is a service provided by the service provision server. A display control unit that, when an operation is accepted for an object included in a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit that corresponds to the service, and when first specific information is received from the first server, causes the browser program of the terminal device to display a first service screen using first screen information received from a second server on the display unit; and when an operation is accepted for an object and second specific information different from the first specific information is received from the first server, causes the display control unit to display a second service screen different from the first service screen using second screen information in the memory of the terminal device that is different from the first screen information, A terminal device equipped with the following features.

10. It is a communication system, A device information transmission unit that transmits device information corresponding to the printing device to a first server, A specific information receiving unit that receives specific information corresponding to the device information from the first server after the device information has been transmitted to the first server, wherein the specific information is information corresponding to the display method of the service screen for the service that is available on the printing device, which is a service provided by the service provision server. A display control unit that, when an operation is accepted for an object included in a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, and when a first specific information is received from the first server, causes the browser program of the terminal device to display a first service screen using first screen information received from a second server on the display unit, and when an operation is accepted for an object corresponding to the service, and a second specific information different from the first specific information is received from the first server, causes the display control unit to display a second service screen different from the first service screen using second screen information in the memory of the terminal device, which is different from the first screen information, on the display unit, A communication system equipped with these features.

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