Computer program, method for displaying a screen on the display unit of a terminal device, terminal device, and communication system

Abstract

This technology provides flexible display options for service screens depending on the printing device. [Solution] The computer receives designation information from the printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for a first service. The first service includes a service for supplying consumables for the printing device to the user. If the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, the computer displays a first service screen related to the first service on the display unit of the terminal device. The first service screen includes information guiding the user on how to use the first service. If the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, the computer displays a second service screen related to a second service different from the first service on the display unit of the terminal device.

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 communication system including a terminal, a printer, and a server. The terminal displays a service screen when receiving an operation in which a banner image within a consumable purchase screen is selected.

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 that can flexibly display a service screen according to a printing device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program. The computer program may function as a designation information receiving unit that receives designation information from a printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for a first service. The first service may include a service for supplying consumables of the printing device to a user. The computer program may function as a first display control unit that causes the computer to display a first service screen related to the first service on the display unit of a terminal device when the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service. The first service screen may include information guiding the use of the first service. The computer program may function as a second display control unit that causes the computer to display a second service screen related to a second service different from the first service on the display unit of the terminal device when the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the computer displays the first service screen on the display unit when the specified information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service. Furthermore, the computer displays the second service screen on the display unit when the specified information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service. Therefore, the display of service screens can be flexibly adjusted according to the printing device.

[0007] A computer-readable recording medium for storing the above-mentioned computer program, a terminal device implemented by the above-mentioned computer program, a method for displaying a screen on the display unit of the terminal device, and a communication system 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]This diagram shows an overview of the communication system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of each table. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the service screen display process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram of the HW service subscription process. [Figure 5] This figure shows the screen displayed on the terminal device in Case A. [Figure 6] This is a continuation of Figure 5. [Figure 7] This figure shows the screen displayed on the terminal device in Case B. [Figure 8] This is a continuation of Figure 7. [Figure 9] This figure shows the screen displayed on the terminal device in Case C. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart of the service screen display process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of the service screen display process executed by 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, 10B, a terminal device 100, and a server 200. The printers 10A, 10B, and the terminal device 100 are connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) 4. The printers 10A, 10B, and the terminal device 100 can communicate with each other via LAN 4. The printers 10A, 10B, the terminal device 100, and the server 200 are connected to the Internet 6. The printers 10A, 10B, the terminal device 100, and the server 200 can communicate with each other via the Internet 6.

[0010] (Server 200 configuration) Server 200 is a server installed on the Internet 6 by the vendors of printers 10A and 10B. Hereafter, the vendors of printers 10A and 10B will be simply referred to as "vendors". Server 200 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers.

[0011] Server 200 provides a subscription service related to printers. Hereafter, the subscription service will be referred to as "subscription service." With the subscription service, a fixed amount is charged if the number of printed pages within a specified period is less than or equal to 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, with the subscription service, if the number of printed pages within the specified period exceeds the maximum number of printed pages, a sum of the fixed fee and an amount corresponding to the number of printed pages exceeding the maximum number of printed pages will be charged. The subscription service is a so-called flat-rate service. The subscription service may include an automatic shipping service that automatically ships a new cartridge when the amount of ink in the cartridge installed in the printer falls below a specified amount. Ink can also be called a colorant. If the printer's printing engine is electrophotographic, the cartridge contains toner. Toner can also be called a colorant.

[0012] Server 200 also provides hardware services related to printers. Hereafter, hardware services will be referred to as "HW services." HW services are services that utilize printers provided by the operator of Server 200. HW services include services related to the printer itself and services related to printer cartridges. Services related to the printer itself include services for renting printers and services for selling printers. When subscribing to HW services, users can choose whether to rent or purchase a printer. The content of the services related to printer cartridges is the same as that of the subscription service. That is, HW services may include an automatic shipping service that automatically ships a new cartridge when the amount of ink in the cartridge installed in the printer falls below a predetermined amount. Furthermore, services related to cartridges are not limited to automatic shipping services; cartridges may also be shipped to users each time an order is received from the user.

[0013] The 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. 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 auxiliary memory of the memory 234 stores a program 240 and a service table 242. The CPU 232 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory.

[0014] (Configuration of printers 10A and 10B) Printers 10A and 10B are peripheral devices capable of executing a printing function. Printers 10A and 10B are peripheral devices such as a Personal Computer (PC). Printer 10A is manufactured by a vendor but sold by a different operator from the vendor. Printer 10B is manufactured by the vendor and sold by the vendor as a printer dedicated to HW service, or rented as a printer dedicated to HW service.

[0015] 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, the interface will be described as "I / F".

[0016] The operation unit 12 is a user interface that enables a user to input various information to 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.

[0017] The printing execution unit 16 includes a printing engine of an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or a thermal method. 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 by a heater. The communication I / F 20 is connected to the LAN 4.

[0018] The control unit 30 comprises a CPU 32 and a memory 34A. The memory 34A comprises a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The auxiliary memory of the memory 34A stores a program 40A. The CPU 32 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory into the main memory.

[0019] The auxiliary storage device of memory 34A also stores the subscription service mode flag 42A, the hardware service mode flag 44A, and the management table 46A.

[0020] The subscription service mode flag indicates either "ON," which means the printer is set to subscription service mode, or "OFF," which means the printer is not set to subscription service mode. Subscription service mode corresponds to the subscription service and the printer cartridge services included in the hardware service. The subscription service mode flag is changed to "ON" when a user subscribes to the subscription service or the hardware service.

[0021] The HW service mode flag indicates either "ON," which means the printer is set to HW service mode, or "OFF," which means the printer is not set to HW service mode. HW service mode is the mode that corresponds to hardware services. The HW service mode flag is changed to "ON" when a user subscribes to hardware services. Note that the HW service flag is information that can only be changed by, for example, a vendor's worker or salesperson performing an operation on the printer. Therefore, a printer with the HW service mode flag set to "ON" can be said to be a printer designated as a dedicated hardware service printer.

[0022] Printer 10B has the device name "DV2". The model name "MN1" for printer 10B is the same as the model name "MN1" for printer 10A.

[0023] Printer 10B has the same hardware configuration as printer 10A, except for memory 34B. Memory 34B comprises main memory and auxiliary memory. Memory 34B stores program 40B, subscription service mode flag 42B, HW service mode flag 44B, and management table 46B. Program 40B is the same program as program 40A.

[0024] (Configuration of terminal device 100) The terminal device 100 is a terminal device such as a mobile phone, PDA, desktop PC, notebook PC, or tablet PC. For example, a mobile phone is a smartphone. The terminal device 100 comprises an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication interface 120, and a control unit 130.

[0025] 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 for displaying software keys, hardware keys, or both. 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 connected to the LAN 4.

[0026] 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 print application 142, and a URL 144. "Application" is an abbreviation for application program. Hereafter, the OS program 140 will be referred to as "OS140". OS140 is a program that realizes the basic operation of the terminal device 100. The print application 142 is a program that causes the printer to execute the printing function. The CPU 132 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory. URL144 is information indicating the location information of a web page provided by the server 200. URL144 is "https: / / server.com / top". Hereafter, various processes that the CPU 132 performs according to the program may be described as being performed proactively by the OS 140 or the print application 142.

[0027] (Contents of each table; Figure 2) Referring to Figure 2, the contents of the management table 46A for printer 10A, the management table 46B for printer 10B, and the service table 242 for server 200 will be explained.

[0028] Management tables 46A and 46B are used to manage the status of printers 10A and 10B. Management tables 46A and 46B store information, IDs, and Management Information Base (MIB) values ​​in an associated manner. The information is either "Subscription Service Mode" or "HW Service Mode". The ID is used to identify the information. The MIB value indicates either "0" (indicating the mode associated with the MIB value is "OFF") or "1" (indicating the mode associated with the MIB value is "ON").

[0029] The service table 242 of server 200 is a table for managing contract information related to services. The service table stores account information, device name, first contract information, and second contract information in association with each other. Account information is information for authenticating users. Account information includes username and password. First contract information is information corresponding to subscription services. First contract information includes plan information, payment information, address information, etc. If a user is subscribed to a subscription service, the first contract information is stored in service table 242. Second contract information is information corresponding to hardware services. Second contract information includes plan information, payment information, address information, etc. If a user is subscribed to a hardware service, the second contract information is stored in service table 242. Hereafter, the ID "0x00" and MIB value corresponding to the subscription service mode will be referred to as "subscription service mode information". Similarly, the ID "0x10" and MIB value corresponding to the hardware service mode will be referred to as "hardware service mode information". Furthermore, subscription service mode information and hardware service mode information are collectively referred to as "service capability information."

[0030] (Service screen display process; Figure 3) Referring to Figure 3, the service screen display process performed by the print application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described. When the print application 142 receives an operation to register a printer with the print application 142, it executes the process shown in Figure 3. 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. In addition, the print application 142 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 142 performs processes via the OS 140 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0031] In S10, the print application 142 sends a service capability information request to the printer to be registered. Hereafter, the printer to be registered will be referred to as the "target printer". The service capability information request is a signal to request the target printer to send service capability information.

[0032] In S12, the print application 142 determines whether or not it has received service capability information from the target printer. If the print application 142 receives service capability information from the target printer (YES in S12), it proceeds to S20. On the other hand, if the print application 142 does not receive service capability information from the target printer (NO in S12), it proceeds to S70. For example, if the print application 142 does not receive service capability information from the target printer, it may be because a communication failure has occurred between the target printer and the terminal device 100.

[0033] In S20, the print application 142 uses the received service capability information to determine whether the MIB value corresponding to ID "0x00" is "1". That is, the print application 142 determines whether the target printer is set to subscription service mode. If the MIB value corresponding to ID "0x00" is "1" (YES in S20), the print application 142 proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if the MIB value corresponding to ID "0x00" is not "1" (NO in S20), the print application 142 proceeds to S40.

[0034] In S22, the print application 142 determines whether the user has logged in to the server 200 using the print application 142. If the user has logged in to the server 200 (YES in S22), the print application 142 proceeds to S24. On the other hand, if the user has not logged in to the server 200 (NO in S22), the print application 142 proceeds to S40.

[0035] In S24, the print application 142 determines whether the user and the target printer are already linked. Specifically, the print application 142 determines whether the user's account information and the target printer's device name are stored in association in the server 200's service table 242. The print application 142 sends a registration confirmation request to the server 200, including the account information and device name, and receives registration information from the server 200. The registration information indicates whether the account information and device name are stored in association in the service table 242. If the received registration information indicates that the account information and device name are stored in association in the service table 242, the print application 142 determines that the user and the target printer are already linked (YES in S24) and proceeds to S30. On the other hand, if the received registration information indicates that the account information and device name are not stored in association in the service table 242, the print application 142 determines that the user and the target printer are not already linked (NO in S24) and proceeds to S40.

[0036] In S30, the print application 142 supplies a command to the OS 140 to display the service settings screen. The OS 140 then accesses the server 200 and displays the service settings screen on the display unit 114. When S30 ends, the print application 142 terminates the process shown in Figure 3.

[0037] Furthermore, in S40, the print application 142 uses the received service capability information to determine whether the MIB value corresponding to ID "0x10" is "1". That is, the print application 142 determines whether the target printer is set to HW service mode and whether the target printer is designated as a printer dedicated to HW service. If the MIB value corresponding to ID "0x10" is "1" (YES in S40), the print application 142 proceeds to S50. On the other hand, if the MIB value corresponding to ID "0x10" is not "1" (NO in S40), the print application 142 proceeds to S60.

[0038] In S50, the print application 142 generates a first URL "https: / / server.com / top / 1" by adding the first parameter "1" to the URL 144 "https: / / server.com / top" in memory 134. Then, the print application 142 uses its web view function to access the first URL "https: / / server.com / top / 1". As a result, the print application 142 receives the first service screen data corresponding to the first URL from the server 200.

[0039] In S52, the print application 142 displays the first service screen, which is represented by the first service screen data received from the server 200, on the display unit 114. When S52 is finished, the print application 142 terminates the process shown in Figure 3.

[0040] Furthermore, in S60, the print application 142 generates a second URL "https: / / server.com / top / 0" by adding a second parameter "0" to the URL 144 "https: / / server.com / top" in memory 134. Then, the print application 142 uses its web view function to access the second URL "https: / / server.com / top / 2". As a result, the print application 142 receives second service screen data corresponding to the second URL from the server 200. In this way, the print application 142 switches the parameter to be added to URL 144 using the received service capability information. With this configuration, the server 200 can appropriately determine the screen data to be sent to the terminal device 100.

[0041] In S62, the print application 142 displays the second service screen, which is represented by the second service screen data received from the server 200, on the display unit 114. When S62 is finished, the print application 142 terminates the process shown in Figure 3.

[0042] As described above, the print application 142 switches the screen displayed on the display unit 114 depending on whether the user's account information and the device name of the target printer are associated and stored in the server 200, and whether the target printer is designated as a printer dedicated to HW services. In this case, the display of the service screen can be made even more flexible depending on the printing device.

[0043] Furthermore, the printing application 142 switches the screen displayed on the display unit 114 depending on whether the target printer is set to subscription mode or not, and whether the target printer is designated as a printer exclusively for HW services or not. In this case, the display of the service screen can be made even more flexible depending on the printing device.

[0044] Furthermore, if NO is determined in S12, in S70, the print application 142 uses URL 144 in memory 134 and the web view function of the print application 142 to access the third URL "https: / / server.com / top". The third URL is the same as URL 144. In this embodiment, the server 200 is configured to send the same screen data when accessed using the second URL and the third URL. Therefore, when the print application 142 accesses the third URL, it receives second service screen data corresponding to the third URL from the server 200.

[0045] In S72, the print application 142 displays the second service screen on the display unit 114. When S72 is finished, the print application 142 terminates the process shown in Figure 3.

[0046] As described above, the print application 142 displays a second service screen on the display unit 114 if it does not receive service capability information from the target printer. Generally, the possibility that the target printer is designated as a printer dedicated to hardware services is lower than the possibility that the target printer is not designated as a printer dedicated to hardware services. In other words, the second service screen is more likely to be a screen suitable for the target printer than the first service screen. With the above configuration, it is possible to improve the possibility of displaying a screen suitable for the target printer on the display unit 114 when it does not receive service capability information from the target printer.

[0047] (HW service subscription process; Figure 4) Referring to Figure 4, the hardware service subscription process for a user of terminal device 100 to subscribe to hardware services will be explained. In the initial state shown in Figure 4, printer 10B is stored in the vendor's warehouse. The subscription service mode flag 42B and hardware service mode flag 44B of printer 10B are "OFF". In the management table 46B of printer 10B, the MIB values ​​corresponding to IDs "0x00" and "0x10" are "0". Also, the user's account information AC1 is stored in the memory 234 of server 200. In Figure 4, the processing performed by the CPU of each device is described with each device as the main processing entity, rather than with the CPU as the main entity.

[0048] At T10, the user performs an access operation on the terminal device 100 to access the server 200. As a result, at T12, the terminal device 100 sends a login screen data request to the server 200, and at T14, receives the login screen data from the server 200. At T16, the terminal device 100 displays the login screen represented by the login screen data on the display unit 114. The login screen includes an area for entering account information.

[0049] At T20, the user performs a login operation on the terminal device 100 by entering account information AC1. As a result, at T22, the terminal device 100 sends the account information AC1 to the server 200, and at T24, receives top screen data from the server 200. At T26, the terminal device 100 displays the top screen represented by the top screen data on the display unit 114. The top screen is the screen for subscribing to the services provided by the server 200.

[0050] At T30, the user performs a hardware service subscription operation on terminal device 100 to subscribe to the hardware service. As a result, at T32, a subscription process for subscribing to the hardware service is executed between terminal device 100 and server 200. During the hardware service subscription process, the user chooses whether to rent or purchase a printer. In addition, the user sets plan information, payment information, and address information. In this process, the user chooses to rent a printer. During the hardware service subscription process, server 200 associates account information AC1 and second contract information CO21 and stores them in service table 242.

[0051] When T32 is completed, the server 200 outputs a first subscription completion notification indicating that the user's subscription to the HW service is complete. For example, the first subscription completion notification is output to the terminal device of the vendor's worker. When the worker receives the first subscription completion notification on the terminal device, at T40, the worker performs a flag change operation on the printer 10B. As a result, at T42, the printer 10B changes the subscription service mode flag 42B and the HW service mode flag 44B in memory 34B from "OFF" to "ON". As a result, the printer 10B switches to subscription mode and HW service mode. At T44, the printer 10B updates the management table 46B in memory 34B. The printer 10B changes the MIB values ​​corresponding to IDs "0x00" and "0x10" from "0" to "1". As a result, the printer 10B is designated as a printer dedicated to the HW service. Thus, if the user has already subscribed to the HW service, the printer will be set to subscription mode and HW service mode.

[0052] The worker will ship printer 10B to the user at T50.

[0053] (Specific cases; Figures 5-9) Referring to Figures 5 to 9, a specific case realized by the communication system 2 of this embodiment will be described.

[0054] (Case A; Figures 5 and 6) Case A will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In Case A, printer 10B is registered with the print application 142. Case A is the state after the HW service subscription process shown in Figure 4. In the initial state of Case A, no devices are registered with the print application 142. Also, account information AC1 and second contract information CO21 are associated and stored in the service table 242 of server 200. In the following, screens mainly displayed by OS 140 are represented by thick lines, and screens mainly displayed by print application 142 are represented by thin lines.

[0055] First, the user performs an operation on the terminal device 100 to launch the print application 142. This launches the print application 142 on the terminal device 100. The print application 142 displays the home screen SC2 on the display unit 114. 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 142. If a device is registered with the print application 142, the device object 604 displays the device name and model name of that device. The device name and model name in the device object 604 are information about the device to which instruction information such as print commands is sent.

[0056] The user performs an operation on device object 604 in T110. This causes the print application 142 to perform a search process to find devices belonging to LAN4. During the search process, the print application 142 broadcasts a search signal to find devices belonging to LAN4. The print application 142 receives response signals from printers 10A and 10B belonging to LAN4, which include the device name and model name. The print application 142 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 142. Device buttons 610 and 612 correspond to printers 10A and 10B, respectively.

[0057] The user performs an operation on device button 612 in T112. As a result, the print application 142 stores the device name "DV2" and model name "MN1" corresponding to device button 612 in memory 134. In this way, the printer 10B is registered with the print application 142. The print application 142 also identifies the printer 10B corresponding to device button 612 and sends a service capability information request to the printer 10B (S10 in Figure 3).

[0058] When printer 10B receives service capability request information from terminal device 100, it identifies the subscription service mode information and hardware service mode information in management table 46B. The subscription service mode information includes ID "0x00" and MIB value "1". The hardware service mode information includes ID "0x10" and MIB value "1". Printer 10B transmits service capability information, including the subscription service mode information and hardware service mode information, to terminal device 100.

[0059] When the print application 142 receives service capability information from the printer 10B (YES in S12), it determines that the MIB value corresponding to the ID "0x00" in the service capability information is "1" (YES in S20). Next, the print application 142 determines that the user is not logged into the server 200 (NO in S22). If it were determined that the user was already logged into the server 200, the print application 142 would then determine that the user and the printer 10B are not linked (NO in S24). Next, the print application 142 determines that the MIB value corresponding to the ID "0x10" in the service capability information is "1" (YES in S40). In this case, the print application 142 uses its web view function to access the first URL "https: / / server.com / top / 1" (S50). The printing application 142 receives first service screen data from the server 200 and displays the first service screen SC6 on the display unit 114 (S52). The first service screen SC6 includes a first message 620 that guides the user on how to use the HW service, a "Join" button 622, and a "Later" button 624.

[0060] The user performs an operation on the "Join" button 622 in T114. As a result, the print application 142 supplies a login screen display instruction to the OS 140. The login screen display instruction is a signal requesting the display of the login screen. The OS 140 then sends a login screen data request to the server 200, receives login screen data from the server 200, and displays the login screen SC8 on the display unit 114. The login screen SC8 includes a second message 630 prompting the user to enter account information, a username input area 632, a password input area 634, and a "Login" button 636.

[0061] The user performs the operation of entering account information AC1 and pressing the "Login" button 636 on T116. As a result, OS140 sends the account information to server 200 and receives a login success notification from server 200. Next, OS140 supplies information indicating that the login was successful to the print application 142. In this case, the print application 142 displays the instruction screen SC10 shown in Figure 6 on the display unit 114. The instruction screen SC10 includes a third message 640 to instruct the user to perform physical authentication. Physical authentication is an authentication operation to authenticate the user and is a physical operation on the printer.

[0062] The user performs a physical authentication operation on printer 10B using T120. As a result, printer 10B transmits authentication operation information to terminal device 100 indicating that it has received the physical authentication operation.

[0063] When the print application 142 of the terminal device 100 receives authentication operation information from the printer 10B, a linkage process is executed between the terminal device 100, the printer 10B, and the server 200. The linkage process is a process to link account information AC1 with the printer 10B. Specifically, in the linkage process, the device name "DV2" is sent from the printer 10B to the server 200. The server 200 then stores the account information AC1 and the device name "DV2" in association in the service table 242. This links the account information AC1, the device name "DV2", and the second contract information CO21. In addition, when the linkage process is started, the print application 142 displays a processing execution screen SC12 on the display unit 114. The processing execution screen SC12 includes a fourth message 650 indicating that the linkage process is in progress.

[0064] In T122, once the linkage process is complete, OS140 displays the service settings screen SC14 on the display unit 114. The service settings screen SC14 includes a plan area 660, a confirmation object 662, and a setting object 664. The plan area 660 contains information indicating the plan the user is subscribed to. In this case, the information in the plan area 660 indicates the usage status of the hardware services. The confirmation object 662 is an object for displaying a screen showing the details of the services the user is subscribed to. The setting object 664 is an object for displaying a screen for changing the contract details.

[0065] The user performs a screen transition operation on the terminal device 100 in T124, which is an operation to display the screen corresponding to the print application 142. This causes the OS 140 to supply a screen display instruction to the print application 142. Upon receiving the screen display instruction from the OS 140, the print application 142 displays the home screen SC16 on the display unit 114. The home screen SC16 includes a "Print" button 600, a "Settings" button 602, a device object 604 containing the string "DV2, MN1", and a "Subscribe" button 606. When the user has already subscribed to the HW service, the "Subscribe" button 606 is used to configure the HW service contract details.

[0066] (Case B; Figures 7 and 8) Case B will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In Case B, printer 10A is registered with the print application 142. In the initial state of Case B, no devices are registered with the print application 142. Also, the user is not subscribed to any subscription service or hardware service. That is, the subscription service mode flag 42A and hardware service mode flag 44A of printer 10A are "OFF". Furthermore, in the management table 46A, the MIB value associated with IDs "0x00" and "0x10" is "0". In addition, the user's account information AC1 is stored in the memory 234 of server 200.

[0067] First, the user performs an operation on the terminal device 100 to launch the print application 142. In this case, similar to Case A in Figures 5 and 6, the print application 142 on the terminal device 100 is launched, and the home screen SC2 is displayed on the display unit 114.

[0068] The user performs an operation on the device object 604 in T210. In this case, similar to Case A in Figures 5 and 6, the print application 142 displays the device selection screen SC4 on the display unit 114.

[0069] The user performs an operation on the device button 610 in T212. As a result, the print application 142 stores the device name "DV1" and model name "MN1" corresponding to the device button 610 in memory 134. In this way, the printer 10A is registered with the print application 142. The print application 142 also identifies the printer 10A corresponding to the device button 610 and sends a service capability information request to the printer 10A (S10 in Figure 3).

[0070] When printer 10A receives service capability request information from terminal device 100, it identifies the subscription service mode information and hardware service mode information in management table 46A. The subscription service mode information includes ID "0x00" and MIB value "0". The hardware service mode information includes ID "0x10" and MIB value "0". Printer 10A transmits service capability information, including the subscription service mode information and hardware service mode information, to terminal device 100.

[0071] When the print application 142 receives service capability information from the printer 10A (YES in S12), it determines that the MIB value corresponding to the ID "0x00" in the service capability information is "0" (NO in S20), and determines that the MIB value corresponding to the ID "0x10" in the service capability information is "0" (YES in S40). In this case, the print application 142 uses its web view function to access the second URL "https: / / server.com / top / 0" (S60). Next, the print application 142 receives the second service screen data from the server 200 and displays the second service screen SC20 on the display unit 114 (S62). The second service screen SC20 includes a fifth message 670 that guides the user on how to use the subscription service, a sixth message 672 that shows information on how to subscribe to the subscription service, a "Subscribe" button 674, and a "Later" button 676. Thus, the content included in the second service screen SC20 is different from the content included in the first service screen SC6 in Figure 5.

[0072] The user performs an action on the "Join" button 674 in T214. In this case, similar to Case A in Figures 5 and 6, the OS140 displays the login screen SC8 on the display unit 114.

[0073] The user performs the operation of entering account information AC1 and clicking the "Login" button 636 on T216. In this case, similar to Case A in Figures 5 and 6, the print application 142 displays the instruction screen SC10 shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 114.

[0074] The user performs a physical authentication operation on printer 10A using T220. As a result, printer 10A transmits authentication operation information to terminal device 100 indicating that it has received the physical authentication operation.

[0075] When the print application 142 on terminal device 100 receives authentication operation information from printer 10A, a coordination process is executed between terminal device 100, printer 10A, and server 200. During this coordination process, the subscription service mode flag 42A of printer 10A is changed from "OFF" to "ON". Also, in management table 46A, the MIB value stored in association with ID "0x00" is changed from "0" to "1". In this way, if the user is already subscribed to the subscription service, the printer is set to subscription mode.

[0076] In T222, once the linkage process is complete, OS140 displays the contract information input screen SC22 on the display unit 114. The contract information input screen SC22 includes a contract plan setting area 680, a payment information input area 682, an address information input area 684, an "OK" button 686, and a "Cancel" button 688.

[0077] The user performs the following operations on T224: entering contract information and clicking the "OK" button 686. The contract information entry operation includes selecting a contract plan, entering payment information, and entering address information. As a result, OS140 sends the contract plan, address information, and payment information to server 200.

[0078] When server 200 receives contract plan, address information, and payment information from terminal device 100, it stores the first contract information CO11, which contains each of these pieces of information, in service table 242, associating it with account information AC1. This associates account information AC1 with the device name "DV1" and the first contract information CO11. Next, server 200 sends a second subscription completion notification to terminal device 100 indicating that the user's subscription to the subscription service has been completed.

[0079] When the OS 140 of the terminal device 100 receives a second subscription completion notification from the server 200, it displays the service settings screen SC24 on the display unit 114. The information contained in the service settings screen SC24 is the same as the information contained in the service settings screen SC14 in Figure 6. In the modified example, the content contained in the service settings screen SC24 may differ from the content contained in the service settings screen SC14 in Figure 6.

[0080] In T226, when a screen transition operation is performed by the user, the print application 142 displays the home screen SC26 on the display unit 114, similar to the case A in Figures 5 and 6. The home screen SC26 is the same as the home screen SC16 in Figure 6, except that the device object 604 contains the string "DV1, MN1".

[0081] (Effects of Cases A and B) As shown in Case A of Figures 5 and 6, the print application 142 receives service capability information from printer 10B, which has the model name "MN1", with an MIB value of "0" corresponding to ID "0x10". Also, as shown in Case B of Figures 7 and 8, the print application 142 receives service capability information from printer 10A, which has the model name "MN1", with an MIB value of "1" corresponding to ID "0x10". In other words, even printers with the same model name can be either printers that are not designated as dedicated HW services or printers that are designated as dedicated HW services. With the above configuration, the print application 142 can use the MIB value corresponding to ID "0x10" to appropriately display the service screen corresponding to each printer.

[0082] (Case C; Figure 9) Refer to Figure 9 to explain Case C. In Case C, printer 10A is registered again with the print application 142. The initial state of Case C is after Case B in Figures 7 and 8, when printer 10A has been unregistered from the print application 142. That is, in the initial state of Case C, no devices are registered with the print application 142. The user has also subscribed to the subscription service. Therefore, the subscription service mode flag 42A of printer 10A is "ON" and the HW service mode flag 44A is "OFF". Furthermore, in the management table 46A, the MIB value associated with ID "0x00" is "1" and the MIB value associated with "0x10" is "0". The user has also logged in to server 200 using the print application 142.

[0083] First, the user performs an operation on the terminal device 100 to launch the print application 142. In this case, similar to Case A in Figures 5 and 6, the print application 142 on the terminal device 100 is launched, and the home screen SC2 is displayed on the display unit 114.

[0084] The user performs an operation on the device object 604 in T310. In this case, similar to Case A in Figures 5 and 6, the print application 142 displays the device selection screen SC4 on the display unit 114.

[0085] The user performs an operation on the device button 610 in T312. As a result, the print application 142 stores the device name "DV1" and model name "MN1" corresponding to the device button 610 in memory 134. The print application 142 identifies the printer 10A corresponding to the device button 610 and sends a service capability information request to the printer 10A (S10 in Figure 3).

[0086] When printer 10A receives service capability request information from terminal device 100, it identifies the subscription service mode information and hardware service mode information in management table 46A. The subscription service mode information includes ID "0x00" and MIB value "1". The hardware service mode information includes ID "0x10" and MIB value "0". Printer 10A transmits service capability information, including the subscription service mode information and hardware service mode information, to terminal device 100.

[0087] When the print application 142 receives service capability information from the printer 10A (YES in S12), it determines that the MIB value corresponding to the ID "0x00" in the service capability information is "1" (YES in S20), and determines that the user is already logged into the server 200 (YES in S22). The print application 142 sends a registration confirmation request to the server 200, which includes account information AC1 and device name "DV1". In this case, the print application 142 receives registration information from the server 200 indicating that account information AC1 and device name "DV1" are associated and stored in the service table 242. As a result, the print application 142 determines that account information AC1 and device name "DV1" are linked (YES in S24), and supplies a service setting screen display instruction to the OS 140 (S40). As a result, the OS 140 displays the service setting screen SC14 on the display unit 114.

[0088] In T314, when a screen transition operation is performed by the user, the print application 142 displays the home screen SC16 on the display unit 114, similar to the case A in Figures 5 and 6.

[0089] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the above configuration, the control unit 130 of the terminal device 100 displays the first service screen on the display unit 114 (S52) if the MIB value in the HW service mode information indicates that the printer is designated as a printer dedicated to HW services (YES in S40 of Figure 3). Also, the control unit 130 displays the second service screen on the display unit 114 (S62) if the MIB value in the HW service mode information indicates that the printer is not designated as a printer dedicated to HW services (NO in S40). Therefore, the display of the service screen can be flexibly adjusted according to the printer.

[0090] (Correspondence) The print application 142 is an example of a "computer program". The CPU 132 of the terminal device 100 is an example of a "computer". Printers 10A and 10B are examples of "printing devices". HW service is an example of a "first service". Service capability information is an example of "specified information". Ink cartridges are an example of "consumables". Model name "MN1" is an example of a "specific model name". Printer 10B is an example of a "first printing device". Printer 10A is an example of a "second printing device". Server 200 is an example of a "first server". Device name is an example of "identification information". The service settings screen is an example of a "first predetermined screen". The first parameter "1" is an example of "first additional information". The first service screen data is an example of "first screen information". The second parameter "0" is an example of "second additional information". The second service screen data is an example of "second screen information". The subscription mode is an example of a "specific mode."

[0091] S12 in Figure 3 is an example of a process executed by the "specified information receiving unit". S52 in Figure 3 is an example of a process executed by the "first display control unit". S62 in Figure 3 is an example of a process executed by the "second display control unit".

[0092] (Second example) A second embodiment will now be described. As shown in Figure 1, the printers 10A and 10B in this embodiment have serial numbers "SN1" and "SN2," respectively. The serial number is a unique identification number assigned to the printer during manufacturing. The memory 234 of the server 200 stores a device list 244. The device list 244 contains the serial numbers of printers designated as dedicated printers for HW services. The information in the device list 244 is stored when the HW service enrollment process is executed.

[0093] In this embodiment, the printing application 142 of the terminal device 100 receives a response signal including the device name, model name, and serial number in a search process that is executed in response to an operation on the device object 604 (see Figure 2) in the home screen SC2.

[0094] In this embodiment, the printing application 142 of the terminal device 100 executes the service screen display process shown in Figure 10 instead of the service screen display process shown in Figure 3. Processes common to both embodiments are given the same step number and their descriptions are omitted.

[0095] (Service screen display process; Figure 10) Referring to Figure 10, the service screen display process performed by the print application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described.

[0096] If the print application 142 determines NO in S12, it proceeds to S110.

[0097] In S110, the print application 142 sends a query to the server 200 to inquire whether the target printer is designated as a printer dedicated to hardware services. The query includes the serial number of the target printer. If the device list 244 contains the serial number from the received query, the server 200 sends hardware service information to the terminal device 100. The hardware service information indicates either "ON," which means the target printer is designated as a printer dedicated to hardware services, or "OFF," which means the target printer is not designated as a printer dedicated to hardware services.

[0098] In S112, the printing application 142 receives hardware service information from the server 200.

[0099] In S120, the print application 142 determines whether the received HW service information is "ON" or not. If the received HW service information is "ON" (YES in S120), the print application 142 proceeds to S130. On the other hand, if the received HW service information is not "ON" (NO in S120), the print application 142 proceeds to S140.

[0100] S130 and S132 are the same as S50 and S52 in Figure 3, respectively. When S132 is completed, the print application 142 terminates the process shown in Figure 10.

[0101] S140 and S142 are the same as S60 and S62 in Figure 3, respectively. When S142 finishes, the print application 142 terminates the process shown in Figure 10.

[0102] According to the above configuration, the print application 142 sends a query to the server 200 when communication between the target printer and the terminal device 100 is impossible. Therefore, even when communication between the target printer and the terminal device 100 is impossible, the print application 142 can flexibly display the service screen according to the printer.

[0103] (Correspondence) Server 200 is an example of a "second server".

[0104] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the printing application 142 of the terminal device 100 executes the service screen display process shown in Figure 11 instead of the service screen display process shown in Figure 3.

[0105] (Service screen display process; Figure 11) Referring to Figure 11, the service screen display process performed by the printing application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described.

[0106] If the print application 142 determines NO in S12, it proceeds to S210.

[0107] In S210, the print application 142 displays an input screen on the display unit 114 to receive user input regarding whether or not the target printer is designated as a printer dedicated to HW services.

[0108] In S212, the print application 142 monitors for the acceptance of HW service information input. If the print application 142 accepts the input of HW service information, it determines YES in S212 and proceeds to S220.

[0109] In S220, the print application 142 determines whether the entered HW service information is "ON" or not. If the entered HW service information is "ON" (YES in S220), the print application 142 proceeds to S230. On the other hand, if the entered HW service information is not "ON" (NO in S220), the print application 142 proceeds to S240.

[0110] S230 and S232 are the same as S50 and S52 in Figure 3, respectively. When S232 finishes, the print application 142 terminates the process shown in Figure 11.

[0111] S240 and S242 are the same as S60 and S62 in Figure 3, respectively. When S242 finishes, the print application 142 terminates the process shown in Figure 11.

[0112] According to the above configuration, if communication between the target printer and the terminal device 100 is impossible, the input screen is displayed on the display unit 114. Therefore, even if communication between the target printer and the terminal device 100 is impossible, the print application 142 can flexibly display the service screen according to the printer.

[0113] 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.

[0114] (First Modification) In the above embodiment, server 200 is a physical server, but server 200 is not limited to a physical server, and may be a virtual server or virtual machine on the cloud. That is, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for server 200 itself, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may realize server 200 by preparing the program (i.e., software) for server 200 and installing it in the above environment. In another modification, server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a different operator than the vendor.

[0115] (Second Modification) Server 200 may be composed of multiple servers. For example, in the first and third embodiments, server 200 may include a server that provides subscription services and hardware services, and a server that provides screen data. Also, for example, in the second embodiment, server 200 may include a server that provides subscription services and hardware services, a server that provides screen data, and a server that stores the device list 244. In this modification, the server that provides subscription services and hardware services and the server that stores the device list 244 are examples of the "first server" and the "second server," respectively.

[0116] (Third Modification) 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.

[0117] (Fourth variation) The "first service" is not limited to hardware services, but may also be a subscription service or an automated shipping service.

[0118] (Fifth Modification) The model name of printer 10A and the model name of printer 10B may be different. Assume that the model name of printer 10B is "MN2", and all printers with the model name "MN2" are designated as printers dedicated to HW services. In this case, the printing application 142 may use the printer's model name to determine whether or not the printer is designated as a printer dedicated to HW services. In this modification, the model name is, This is an example of "specified information".

[0119] (Sixth Modification) S24 in Figure 3 can be omitted. In this modification, the "Registration Information Receiving Unit" can be omitted. In addition to S24 in Figure 3, S22 may also be omitted.

[0120] (Seventh Modification) Steps S20-S24 and S30 in Figure 3 can be omitted. In this modification, the service capability information does not need to include subscription service mode information. In this modification, the "sixth display control unit" can be omitted.

[0121] (Eighth modified example) S40 may be executed after S12 in Figure 3. In this modified example, if the print application 142 determines YES in S40, it proceeds to S50, and if it determines NO in S40, it proceeds to S20. Then, if the print application 142 determines NO in S20, S22, or S24, it proceeds to S60.

[0122] (9th Modification) In the first embodiment, if the print application 142 determines NO at S12 in Figure 3, it may display the home screen on the display unit 114 without accessing the server 200. In this modification, the "fourth display control unit," "query transmission unit," "request transmission unit," and "fifth display control unit" can be omitted.

[0123] (Tenth Modification) In S50 of Figure 3, the print application 142 may access the URL 144 in the memory 134 and send a screen data request to the server 200 requesting the server 200 to send the first service screen data. Alternatively, in S60, the print application 142 may access the URL 144 in the memory 134 and send a screen data request to the server 200 requesting the server 200 to send the second service screen data.

[0124] (11th Modification) The term "computer" is not limited to the CPU 132 of the terminal device 100, but may also refer to the CPU 232 of the server 200. In this modification, the program 240 of the server 200 is an example of a "computer program".

[0125] (12th variation) If the printing engine of the "printing device" is an electrophotographic type, the toner cartridge is an example of a "consumable item".

[0126] (13th Modification) In each of the above embodiments, the processes shown in Figures 3 to 11 are implemented by software (for example, programs 40A, 40B, 140, 142, and 240), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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) It is a computer program, Computers, A designation information receiving unit that receives designation information from a printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to a first service, wherein the first service includes a service for supplying consumables of the printing device to the user, When the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, a first display control unit causes a first service screen related to the first service to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, wherein the first service screen includes information guiding the use of the first service, and the first display control unit If the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, a second display control unit causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a second service screen related to a second service different from the first service. A computer program that functions as such. (Item 2) The designated information receiving unit receives the designated information from a first printing device having a specific model name, indicating that the first printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service. The computer program described in item 1, wherein the designated information receiving unit receives designated information from a second printing device having the specific model name, indicating that the second printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service. (Item 3) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The first server providing the first service is configured to function as a registration information receiving unit that receives registration information indicating whether or not the identification information of the printing device and the account information of the user using the printing device are registered in association with the first server. The first display control unit causes the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit when the designated information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, and the registration information indicates that the identification information and the account information are not registered in association with the first server. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to item 1 or 2, which causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a first predetermined screen different from the first service screen when the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, and the registration information indicates that the identification information and the account information are registered in association with the first server, wherein the first predetermined screen functions as the third display control unit, and includes information indicating the usage status of the first service relating to the printing device. (Item 4) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, It functions as a request transmission unit that transmits a request for specified information to the printing device, requesting the printing device to transmit the specified information. The designated information receiving unit receives the designated information from the printing device in response to the designated information request being transmitted to the printing device. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, which functions as a fourth display control unit that causes the second service screen to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device if the specified information is not received from the printing device after the specified information request has been sent to the printing device. (Item 5) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A request transmission unit that transmits a request for specified information to the printing device, which requests the printing device to transmit the specified information, A query transmission unit sends a query to a second server to inquire whether the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service if, after the designation information request has been sent to the printing device, the designation information is not received from the printing device. A response receiving unit that receives a response to the query from the second server is configured to function as follows: The first display control unit further causes the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit when the response indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 4 further causes the second display control unit to display the second service screen on the display unit when the response indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service. (Item 6) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A request transmission unit that transmits a request for specified information to the printing device, which requests the printing device to transmit the specified information, A fifth display control unit is configured to display an input screen on the display unit of the terminal device for receiving user input regarding whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, if the designation information is not received from the printing device after the designation information request has been sent to the printing device. The first display control unit further causes the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit when it receives input on the input screen indicating that the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the second display control unit further causes the second service screen to be displayed on the display unit when the input screen receives information indicating that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service. (Item 7) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, When the designated information is received from the printing device, a URL transmission unit transmits a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to the first server, which includes the location information of the first server providing the first service and additional information corresponding to the designated information. When the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, the first screen information receiving unit receives first screen information from the first server in response to sending a first URL including first additional information to the first server, When the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, the second screen information receiving unit functions to receive second screen information different from the first screen information from the first server in response to sending a second URL containing second additional information different from the first additional information to the first server. The first display control unit uses the first screen information to cause the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the second display control unit uses the second screen information to display the second service screen on the display unit. (Item 8) The aforementioned designation information further includes information indicating whether or not the printing device is set to a specific mode. The first display control unit, when the designated information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service and that the printing device is set to the specific mode, causes the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit. The second display control unit causes the second service screen to be displayed on the display unit when the designated information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service and that the printing device is not set to the specific mode. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 7, which functions as a sixth display control unit that causes a second predetermined screen, different from the first service screen and the second service screen, to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device when the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service and that the printing device is set to the specific mode. (Item 9) The computer is a computer program as described in any one of items 1 to 8, which is a computer for a terminal device. (Item 10) A method for displaying a screen on the display unit of a terminal device, A designation information receiving step, which receives designation information from a printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to a first service, wherein the first service includes a service for supplying consumables of the printing device to a user, A first display control step, in which, when the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, a first service screen related to the first service is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, wherein the first service screen includes information guiding the use of the first service; If the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, a second display control step of causing the display unit of the terminal device to display a second service screen related to a second service different from the first service; A method that includes [a certain feature]. (Item 11) A terminal device, Display unit and A designation information receiving unit that receives designation information from a printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to a first service, wherein the first service includes a service for supplying consumables of the printing device to the user, When the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, a first display control unit causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a first service screen related to the first service, wherein the first service screen includes information guiding the use of the first service, and the first display control unit If the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, a second display control unit causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a second service screen related to a second service different from the first service. A terminal device equipped with the following features. (Item 12) It is a communication system, A designation information receiving unit that receives designation information from a printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to a first service, wherein the first service includes a service for supplying consumables of the printing device to the user, When the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, a first display control unit causes a first service screen related to the first service to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, wherein the first service screen includes information guiding the use of the first service, and the first display control unit If the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, a second display control unit causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a second service screen related to a second service different from the first service. A communication system equipped with these features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10A: Printer, 10B: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 20: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34A: Memory, 34B: Memory, 40A: Program, 40B: Program, 42A: Subscription service mode flag, 42B: Subscription service mode flag, 44A: HW service mode flag, 44B: HW service Service mode flag, 46A: Management table, 46B: Management table, 100: Terminal device, 112: Operation unit, 114: Display unit, 120: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 140: OS program, 142: Print application, 144: URL, 200: Server, 230: Control unit, 232: CPU, 234: Memory, 240: Program, 242: Service table, 244: Device list

Claims

1. It is a computer program, Computers, A designation information receiving unit that receives designation information from a printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to a first service, wherein the first service includes a service for supplying consumables for the printing device to a user, When the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, a first display control unit causes a first service screen related to the first service to be displayed on the display unit of a terminal device, wherein the first service screen includes information guiding the use of the first service, and the first display control unit When the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, a second display control unit causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a second service screen related to a second service different from the first service. A computer program that functions as such.

2. The designated information receiving unit receives the designated information from a first printing device having a specific model name, indicating that the first printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the designated information receiving unit receives designated information from a second printing device having a specific model name, indicating that the second printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service.

3. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The first server providing the first service is configured to function as a registration information receiving unit that receives registration information indicating whether or not the identification information of the printing device and the account information of the user using the printing device are registered in association with the first server. The first display control unit causes the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit when the designated information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, and the registration information indicates that the identification information and the account information are not registered in association with the first server. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to claim 1, wherein, when the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, and the registration information indicates that the identification information and the account information are registered in association with the first server, a third display control unit causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a first predetermined screen different from the first service screen, wherein the first predetermined screen functions as the third display control unit, and includes information indicating the usage status of the first service relating to the printing device.

4. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, It functions as a request transmission unit that transmits a request for specified information to the printing device, requesting the printing device to transmit the specified information. The designated information receiving unit receives the designated information from the printing device in response to the designated information request being transmitted to the printing device. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The computer program according to claim 1, which functions as a fourth display control unit that causes the second service screen to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device if the specified information is not received from the printing device after the specified information request has been transmitted to the printing device.

5. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A request transmission unit that transmits a request for specified information to the printing device, which requests the printing device to transmit the specified information, If, after the designation information request has been sent to the printing device, the designation information is not received from the printing device, the query sending unit sends a query to a second server to inquire whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, It functions as a response receiving unit that receives a response to the query from the second server, The first display control unit further causes the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit when the response indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service. The computer program according to claim 1, further comprising the second display control unit causing the second service screen to be displayed on the display unit when the response indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service.

6. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A request transmission unit that transmits a request for specified information to the printing device, which requests the printing device to transmit the specified information, A fifth display control unit is configured to display an input screen on the display unit of the terminal device for receiving user input regarding whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, if the printing device does not receive the specified information after the specified information request has been sent to the printing device. The first display control unit further causes the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit when it receives input on the input screen indicating that the printing device is designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the second display control unit further causes the display unit to display the second service screen when the input screen receives input of information indicating that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service.

7. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, When the designated information is received from the printing device, a URL transmission unit transmits a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to the first server, which includes the location information of the first server providing the first service and additional information corresponding to the designated information. When the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, the first screen information receiving unit receives first screen information from the first server in response to transmitting a first URL containing first additional information to the first server, When the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, the second screen information receiving unit functions to receive second screen information different from the first screen information from the first server in response to sending a second URL containing second additional information different from the first additional information to the first server. The first display control unit uses the first screen information to cause the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the second display control unit uses the second screen information to cause the second service screen to be displayed on the display unit.

8. The aforementioned designation information further includes information indicating whether or not the printing device is set to a specific mode. The first display control unit causes the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit when the designated information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service and that the printing device is set to the specific mode. The second display control unit causes the second service screen to be displayed on the display unit when the designated information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service and that the printing device is not set to the specific mode. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The computer program according to claim 1, which functions as a sixth display control unit that causes a second predetermined screen, different from the first service screen and the second service screen, to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device when the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service and that the printing device is set to the specific mode.

9. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the computer is the computer of a terminal device.

10. A method for displaying a screen on the display unit of a terminal device, A designation information receiving step, wherein the printing device receives designation information from the printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to a first service, the first service includes a service for supplying consumables of the printing device to a user, A first display control step, in which, when the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, a first service screen related to the first service is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, wherein the first service screen includes information guiding the use of the first service, If the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, a second display control step is performed to cause the display unit of the terminal device to display a second service screen related to a second service different from the first service. A method that includes [a certain feature].

11. A terminal device, Display unit and A designation information receiving unit that receives designation information from a printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to a first service, wherein the first service includes a service for supplying consumables for the printing device to a user, When the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, a first display control unit causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a first service screen related to the first service, wherein the first service screen includes information guiding the use of the first service, When the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, a second display control unit causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a second service screen related to a second service different from the first service. A terminal device equipped with the following features.

12. It is a communication system, A designation information receiving unit that receives designation information from a printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to a first service, wherein the first service includes a service for supplying consumables for the printing device to a user, When the designation information indicates that the printing device is designated as a printing device dedicated to the first service, a first display control unit causes a first service screen related to the first service to be displayed on the display unit of a terminal device, wherein the first service screen includes information guiding the use of the first service, and the first display control unit When the designation information indicates that the printing device is not designated as a printing device exclusively for the first service, a second display control unit causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a second service screen related to a second service different from the first service. A communication system equipped with these features.

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