Control program, control method, and control device

Abstract

The present invention provides a control program, a control method, and a control device that can flexibly control the display of information according to the state of the image processing device used by the user. [Solution] The control device 2 is capable of communicating with the notification server 43 and the image processing device 3. The control device 2 receives service information from the notification server 43 related to services applicable to the image processing device 3. The service is a service that utilizes communication between the image processing device 3 and a service provider server 41 on the Internet 9. If the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device 3 includes IP, the control device 3 displays the received service information; if the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device 3 does not include IP, the control device 3 does not display the service information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control program, a control method, and a control device for displaying information related to an image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system including a peripheral device, a terminal device, and a plurality of servers. The peripheral device is capable of executing a printing function and a scanning function. The terminal device receives notification information transmitted from a notification server among the plurality of servers and displays a notification screen in a pop-up manner. The notification screen includes, as an example, information related to consumables in the peripheral device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is preferable that flexible display control of information is executed according to the state of the image processing apparatus used by the user.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a control program, a control method, and a control device capable of flexibly executing display control of information according to the state of the image processing apparatus used by the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control program according to the present invention is characterized in that the computer of a control device capable of communicating with a notification server and an image processing device functions as a receiving unit that receives service information related to a service applicable to the image processing device from the notification server, wherein the service is a service that utilizes communication between the image processing device and a service provider server on the Internet, and displays the service information received by the receiving unit when the communication protocol used in communication between the receiving unit and the image processing device includes IP (Internet Protocol), and does not display the service information when the communication protocol used between the receiving unit and the image processing device does not include IP.

[0007] According to the present invention, the computer switches whether or not to display service information depending on the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device. Therefore, the computer can flexibly control the display of information according to the state of the image processing device used by the user.

[0008] The control methods and control devices for realizing the functions of the above program are also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an overview of the communication system 10 and the electrical configuration of the control device 2. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing Offer Table 200. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of user table 410. [Figure 4] This figure shows the support table 420. [Figure 5] This figure shows the service information table 430. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of home screen 5A. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the display process. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the display process, and is a continuation of Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the list screen 5B. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the pop-up screen 5C. [Figure 11] This is a diagram of a 5D pop-up screen. [Figure 12] This is a diagram of the pop-up screen 5E. [Figure 13] This is a diagram of the 5F pop-up screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that the present invention may adopt. The configuration of the device described is not intended to be the sole limiting factor, but is merely an illustrative example.

[0011] <Configuration of communication system 10> As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 comprises a control device 2, image processing devices 31-35, a service provision server 41, a service management server 42, and a notification server 43. When the image processing devices 31-35 are not distinguished, they are referred to as "image processing device 3". When the service provision server 41, service management server 42, and notification server 43 are not distinguished, they are referred to as "server 4".

[0012] Control device 2 and image processing devices 31, 32, 34, and 35 are connected to LAN (Local Area Network) 8. Control device 2 and image processing devices 31, 32, 34, and 35 can communicate with each other via LAN 8. The communication protocol used when communication occurs between control device 2 and image processing devices 31, 32, 34, and 35 is IP (Internet Protocol). Image processing device 33 is not connected to LAN 8.

[0013] LAN8 is connected to the Internet 9. The control device 2 and the image processing devices 31, 32, 34, and 35 are connected to the Internet 9 via LAN8.

[0014] Server 4 is connected to the Internet 9. The control device 2, and the image processing devices 31, 32, 34, 35 and the server 4 can communicate via the Internet 9. The communication protocol used when communication is performed between the control device 2, and the image processing devices 31, 32, 34, 35 and the server 4 is IP.

[0015] The control device 2 and the image processing devices 31, 33 are connected via USB (Universal Serial Bus). The communication protocol used when communication is performed between the control device 2 and the image processing devices 31, 33 is the USB standard protocol.

[0016] LAN 8 and the Internet 9 may include at least one of wired and wireless.

[0017] <Image processing device 3> The image processing device 3 can execute a printing function and a scanning function. The image processing device 3 may be able to execute only one of the printing function and the scanning function. A device ID and a model ID are associated with the image processing device 3. The device ID indicates identification information set by the administrator of the image processing device 3. The model ID indicates the product name or model number of the image processing device 3 having a specific type or specification.

[0018] The model ID "MN1" is associated with the image processing device 31. The model ID "MN2" is associated with the image processing devices 32, 34, 35. The model ID "MN3" is associated with the image processing device 33.

[0019] Since the product specifications of the image processing devices 32, 34, 35 are common, the model IDs are common. Since the product specifications of the image processing device 31, the image processing devices 32, 34, 35, and the image processing device 33 are different, the model IDs are different.

[0020] Image processing device 31 can communicate via both LAN 8 and the internet 9, and USB. Image processing devices 32, 34, and 35 can communicate via the internet 9, but cannot communicate via USB. Image processing device 33 can communicate via USB, but cannot communicate via LAN 8 or the internet 9.

[0021] <Control device 2> Control device 2 is a tablet PC. Control device 2 may also be a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, tablet PC, or desktop PC. Control device 2 comprises a control unit 20, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, an Ethernet interface 25, and USB interfaces 26A and 26B. Hereafter, interfaces will be referred to as "I / F".

[0022] The control unit 20 includes a CPU 21 and a memory 22. The CPU 21 performs various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 22. The memory 22 stores programs for the CPU 21 to perform processes, an offer table 200, and applications 5, etc.

[0023] The offer table 200 is referenced when performing display control to display service information on the display unit 24. The service information is information related to services applicable to the image processing device 3. The service is provided by utilizing the communication between the image processing device 3 and the service provider server 41 via the Internet 9. As shown in Figure 2, the offer table 200 associates No., device ID, model ID, I / F, and registration information.

[0024] No indicates the index of each record stored in the offer table 200. Account indicates the authentication information of the user using the image processing device 3. I / F indicates the type of connection I / F that can be connected to the image processing device 3. In Figure 2, "Internet" indicates that the connectable connection I / F is LAN8 or Internet 9. In Figure 2, "USB" indicates that the connectable connection I / F is USB.

[0025] The registration information indicates whether or not the image processing device 3 is registered to apply the service. Details of the service will be described later. In Figure 2, "Registered" indicates that the service is registered to apply. "Not Registered" indicates that the registration for the service was canceled after registration. "-" indicates that the service has never been applied.

[0026] The control unit 23 is, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel. The control unit 23 can accept various commands. The display unit 24 is a display for showing various information.

[0027] The Ethernet interface 25 is an interface device for connecting to LAN8 and the Internet 9. The USB interfaces 26A and 26B are interface devices for connecting to USB. The image processing device 31 is connected to the USB interface 26A. The image processing device 33 is connected to the USB interface 26B.

[0028] <Service Provider Server 41> The service provider server 41 provides a flat-rate service as a service applicable to the image processing device 3.

[0029] Users of the image processing device 3, to which a flat-rate service is applied, pay a predetermined flat rate if the number of printed pages during a specified period is less than or equal to the contracted number of printed pages. The specified period is, for example, one month. The contracted number of printed pages is, for example, 1,000 pages. On the other hand, if the number of printed pages during the specified period exceeds the contracted number of printed pages, the user pays both the flat rate and an excess charge. The excess charge is a fee corresponding to the number of printed pages exceeding the contracted number.

[0030] Furthermore, if the ink level in a cartridge installed in the image processing device 3 to which the flat-rate service is applied falls below a predetermined level, a new cartridge will be automatically ordered.

[0031] The service server 41 stores a user table 410 in its memory. The user table 410 manages information about users, the image processing device 3, and services.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the user table 410 stores the account, device ID, model ID, operating status, registration information, and service plan in association with each other.

[0033] The drive status indicates the number of pages printed and the remaining ink level when printing is performed by the image processing device 3. The registration information indicates whether or not the subscription service is registered. "Registered" indicates that the subscription service is registered. "Not registered" indicates that the subscription service was canceled after registration. The service plan shows the details of the subscription service plan.

[0034] <Service Management Server 42> The service management server 42 is a server for managing support information for subscription-based services. The support table 420 is stored in the memory of the service management server 42.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the support table 420 stores the model name, country information, and support information in association. The country information indicates the country's identification information. The support information indicates whether or not the subscription service is supported in the country indicated by the country information. In Figure 4, "ON" indicates that the subscription service is supported. "OFF" indicates that the subscription service is not supported.

[0036] <Notification Server 43> The notification server 43 is a server that notifies service information. The notification server 43 stores a service information table 430 in its memory. The service information table 430 is a table for managing service information.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the service information table 430 associates the notification ID, type, timing conditions, and service information.

[0038] The notification ID is identification information used to identify service information. The type indicates whether it is service information for a flat-rate service related to the number of printed pages or service information for a flat-rate service related to cartridges. The timing condition indicates the timing for transmitting the service information to the control device 2.

[0039] <Registration / Enrollment Process> Account registration, registration of the image processing device 3, and subscription to the flat-rate service are performed by the user using the control device 2.

[0040] Account registration is performed using the following steps: The user launches a web browser using control device 2. Next, the user accesses the designated registration screen. Then, on the registration screen, the user enters the required information such as name, email address, and password.

[0041] The CPU 21 of the control device 2 sends the input content to the service provider server 41. The service provider server 41 verifies the input content and accepts the registration if there are no errors. The service provider server 41 sends a confirmation email to the control device 2.

[0042] The user of control device 2 opens the confirmation email and clicks the link. After the service provider server 41 confirms that the link has been clicked, it generates an account and stores it in the user table 410. The generated account is then sent to control device 2. This completes the account registration.

[0043] The registration of the image processing device 3 is performed using the following procedure. The user launches application 5 using the control device 2. If an account is registered, the user can also launch application 5 by specifying the registered account. In other words, application 5 can be launched either with an account specified or without an account specified.

[0044] The home screen 5A in Figure 6 is displayed on the display unit 24 of the control device 2. Next, the user operates the control unit 23 of the control device 2. The user selects the selection button 51 which contains the words "Add Product".

[0045] The control device 2 communicates with the image processing device 3, which is capable of communication, and receives the device ID and model ID of the image processing device 3. The control device 2 displays the received device ID in the combo box 52. The user selects the device ID of the image processing device 3 they wish to register from the combo box 52.

[0046] The CPU 21 of the control unit 2 associates the selected device ID with the model ID corresponding to the selected device ID and stores it in the offer table 200. Note that application 5 may be launched using an account. In this case, the device ID and model ID are stored in the offer table 200 in association with the account used.

[0047] The CPU 21 of the control device 2 identifies the communication protocol used when communicating with the image processing device 3. If the communication protocol was IP, "Internet" is further associated as the I / F and stored in the offer table 200. If the communication protocol was the USB standard protocol, "USB" is further associated as the I / F and stored in the offer table 200. As a result, the image processing device 3 is registered in the application 5.

[0048] In addition, communication with a single image processing device 3 may be performed using multiple communication protocols. In this case, the offer table 200 stores a device ID and a model ID associated with each of the multiple communication protocols.

[0049] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the image processing device 31 is connected to LAN 8 and also connected to the control device 2 via USB. Therefore, the control device 2 uses IP and the USB standard interface as communication protocols to communicate with the image processing device 31.

[0050] Therefore, in offer table 200, a record (No. 1) associated with "Internet" as the interface is stored. Also, a record (No. 2) associated with "USB" as the interface is stored.

[0051] Subscription to the flat-rate service is performed using the following procedure: The user launches a web browser using control device 2. Next, the user accesses the designated service subscription screen using their registered account. Through the service subscription screen, the user enters the device ID and model ID of the image processing device 3 to which they wish to subscribe to the flat-rate service, as well as the service plan.

[0052] The CPU 21 of the control device 2 stores "Registration" as registration information in the offer table 200. "Registration" is associated with the account used and the entered device ID and model ID.

[0053] The CPU 21 of the control device 2 sends the account used, the entered device ID, model ID, and service plan to the service provider server 41. The service provider server 41 receives the account, device ID, model ID, and service plan. The service provider server 41 stores the device ID, model ID, and service plan in the user table 410 in association with the received account. The service provider server 41 further associates "Registration" as registration information and stores it in the user table 410. This applies the flat-rate service.

[0054] Furthermore, the image processing device 3 to which the flat-rate service is applied transmits the device ID, the number of printed pages, and the remaining ink level to the service provider server 41 at regular intervals. The service provider server 41 receives the device ID, the number of printed pages, and the remaining ink level. The service provider server 41 stores the number of printed pages and the remaining ink level as the operating status in the user table 410, associated with the received device ID.

[0055] Furthermore, the transmission from the image processing device 3 to the service provision server 41 is performed using IP between the service provision server 41, which is connected to the Internet 9, and the image processing device 3. The service provision by the service provision server 41 is based on the number of printed pages and the remaining ink level transmitted from the image processing device 3. For this reason, the offer table 200 of the control device 2 can store "Registered" as registration information for records where the I / F is "Internet". On the other hand, the offer table 200 cannot store "Registered" as registration information for records where the I / F is "USB".

[0056] <Display Processing> The display process will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In the display process, the service information for the subscription service applied to the image processing device 3 that satisfies the conditions described later, among the image processing devices 3 with device IDs and model IDs stored in the offer table 200, is displayed on the display unit 24. The image processing device 3 that satisfies the conditions for displaying the service information is called the "target device".

[0057] The CPU 21 of the control device 2 starts the display process by reading and executing a program stored in the memory 22. The display process is performed periodically at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time interval is, for example, one hour. The display process is also started when an operation to display the list screen 5B of Figure 9 on the display unit 24 is detected via the operation unit 23. The operation to display the list screen 5B on the display unit 24 is, for example, the operation to select the mark 53 in the upper left corner of the home screen 5A of Figure 6.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the CPU 21 obtains the OS time zone setting. Based on the obtained time zone setting, the CPU 21 identifies the country to which the control device 2 belongs (S11).

[0059] The CPU 21 sends request data to the support table 420, which is stored in the memory of the service management server 42. The service management server 42 receives the request data. The service management server 42 sends the support table 420 stored in memory to the control unit 2. The CPU 21 of the control unit 2 receives the support table 420 (S13).

[0060] The CPU 21 determines whether the image processing devices 3 registered in application 5 include any image processing devices 3 that do not support the subscription service (S15). The CPU 21 makes the determination in S15 based on the country identified in S11 and the model ID and support information from the support table 420 received in S13.

[0061] For example, let's consider the case where "Japan" is identified in S11 and the support table 420 in Figure 4 is received. In this case, the model IDs "MN1", "MN2", and "MN3" in the support table 420 that are associated with the country information "JP" are associated with "ON" as support information. Model IDs of image processing devices 3 that do not support the subscription service are not included in the model IDs stored in the offer table 200. In this case, the CPU 21 determines that there are no image processing devices 3 that do not support the subscription service among the image processing devices 3 registered in application 5 (S15: NO). The CPU 21 proceeds to processing in S19.

[0062] On the other hand, there may be cases where the model ID of an image processing device 3 that does not support the subscription service is included in the model IDs stored in the offer table 200. In this case, the CPU 21 determines that the image processing device 3 registered in application 5 includes an image processing device 3 that does not support the subscription service (S15: YES). The CPU 21 proceeds to S17.

[0063] CPU21 deletes the records in the offer table 200 that are associated with the model ID of the image processing device 3 that does not support the subscription service (S17). CPU21 then proceeds to S19.

[0064] The CPU 21 determines whether the image processing devices 3 registered in application 5 include any image processing devices 3 that are not associated with an account (S19).

[0065] For example, in the offer table 200 in Figure 2, record No. 6 is not associated with an account. In this case, the CPU 21 determines that the image processing device 35 for record No. 6 is not associated with an account (S19: YES). The CPU 21 deletes record No. 6 in the offer table 200 that corresponds to the image processing device 35 that is not associated with an account (S21). The CPU 21 then proceeds to S23.

[0066] On the other hand, there may be cases where the device IDs stored in the offer table 200 do not include any device IDs that are not associated with an account. In this case, the CPU 21 determines that there are no image processing devices 3 registered in application 5 that are not associated with an account (S19: NO). The CPU 21 proceeds to S23.

[0067] The CPU 21 determines whether the image processing device 3, which communicates with the control device 2 using the USB standard protocol, is included in the current list of candidate devices (S23).

[0068] For example, in the offer table 200 in Figure 2, records No. 2 and No. 4 are associated with "USB" as the I / F. In this case, the CPU 21 determines that the image processing devices 31 and 33 in records No. 2 and No. 4 are communicating with the control device 2 using the USB standard protocol (S23: YES). The CPU 21 deletes records No. 2 and No. 4, which correspond to the image processing devices 31 and 33 that are communicating with the control device 2 using the USB standard protocol (S25). The CPU 21 proceeds to S27.

[0069] On the other hand, there may be cases where the device IDs stored in the offer table 200 do not include any device IDs associated with "USB" as an I / F. In this case, the CPU 21 determines that the image processing device 3 that communicates with the control device 2 using the USB standard protocol as the communication protocol is not included in the image processing device 3 registered in application 5 (S23: NO). The CPU 21 proceeds to S27.

[0070] The CPU 21 determines whether an image processing device 3 to which the flat-rate service is not applied is included among the image processing devices 3 registered in application 5 (S27).

[0071] For example, in the offer table 200 in Figure 2, records No. 2, 3, 4, and 6 are associated with "-" or "Not Registered" as registration information. In this case, CPU 21 determines that the subscription service is not applied to the image processing devices 31, 32, 33, and 35 for records No. 2, 3, 4, and 6 (S27: YES). CPU 21 deletes the records No. 2, 3, 4, and 6 in the offer table 200 that correspond to the image processing devices 31, 32, 33, and 35 to which the subscription service is not applied (S29). Note that records No. 2 and No. 4 have already been deleted in S25, and record No. 6 has already been deleted in S21. CPU 21 proceeds to S31.

[0072] On the other hand, there may be cases where the device IDs stored in the offer table 200 do not include any device IDs associated with "-" or "unregistered" as registration information. In this case, the CPU 21 determines that the image processing device 3 to which the flat-rate service is not applied is not included among the image processing device 3 registered in application 5 (S27: NO). The CPU 21 proceeds to S31.

[0073] CPU21 determines if the target device is still available (S31). If there are no records remaining in the offer table 200 after S17, S21, S25, and S29 have been performed, CPU21 determines that the target device is no longer available (S31: NO). In this case, CPU21 terminates the display process.

[0074] On the other hand, in the offer table 200 in Figure 2, for example, records No. 2, 3, 4, and 6 have been deleted in S17, S21, S25, and S29, while records No. 1 and 5 remain. In this case, the CPU 21 determines that the target device remains (S31: YES). The target device can communicate with the control device 2 using at least IP. The CPU 21 proceeds to process S41 (see Figure 8).

[0075] As shown in Figure 8, the CPU 21 sends request data to the notification server 43 to request service information (S41). The request data includes the device IDs of the image processing devices 31 and 34 that remain as target devices.

[0076] The notification server 43 receives the request data sent from the control device 2. The notification server 43 communicates with the service provider server 41 and obtains the operating status of the image processing devices 31 and 34, which are device IDs included in the request data.

[0077] The notification server 43 refers to the timing conditions in the service information table 430 in Figure 5 and determines, based on the operating status, whether it is time to send service information for each device ID. The notification server 43 sends response data to the control device 2, which includes the service information associated with the timing condition for which it was determined that it is time to send, and the corresponding device ID. The CPU 21 of the control device 2 receives the response data (S43).

[0078] CPU 21 determines whether the received response data contains service information (S45). If CPU 21 determines that the response data does not contain service information (S45: NO), it terminates the display process.

[0079] If the CPU 21 determines that the response data contains service information (S45: YES), it determines whether the service information has not been previously displayed on the display unit 24 (S47). The CPU 21 may also store previously displayed service information on the display unit 24 as a display history in the memory 22. The CPU 21 may also determine whether the service information has not been previously displayed on the display unit 24 by referring to the display history stored in the memory 22. If the CPU 21 determines that the service information has been previously displayed on the display unit 24 (S47: NO), it terminates the display process.

[0080] If the CPU 21 determines that the service information has not been previously displayed on the display unit 24 (S47: YES), it displays the service information on the display unit 24 (S49). The CPU 21 then terminates the display process.

[0081] For example, when the user selects the mark 53 in the upper left corner of the home screen 5A in Figure 6 and the display process is executed, the list screen 5B in Figure 9 is displayed on the display unit 24. The list screen 5B shows the service information 54A, 54B, and 54C in separate lists.

[0082] Service information 54A and 54B each contain information to introduce alternative plans to the subscription service plan applied to the image processing device 31 with model ID "MN1". The introduced plans inform users that they can save on ink costs, which are consumables for the image processing device 31. Service information 54C also contains information to offer a point-based service as a gift for the subscription service applied to the image processing device 34 with model ID "MN2".

[0083] For example, if the display process is executed periodically at predetermined time intervals, the pop-up screens shown in Figures 10 to 13 will be displayed on the display unit 24.

[0084] The pop-up screen 5C in Figure 10 contains information introducing a subscription service for automatic ordering of cartridges, which are consumables for the image processing device 31. The pop-up screen 5D in Figure 11 contains information introducing an automatic cartridge ordering service as a separate service from the subscription service applied to the image processing device 31.

[0085] Furthermore, if the user selects pop-up screens 5C or 5D, an e-commerce site introducing consumables may be displayed in the web browser.

[0086] The pop-up screen 5E in Figure 12 contains information introducing a remote printing service that can be added to the subscription service applied to the image processing device 33. The remote printing service allows users to operate the image processing device 3 at home from a remote location to perform printing.

[0087] The pop-up screen 5F in Figure 13 contains information introducing a service other than the subscription service applied to the image processing device 33. This other service is a cloud-related service. The cloud-related service allows the image processing device 3 to automatically save the scanned image data to a cloud server.

[0088] <Operation and effects of this embodiment> As described above, the control device 2 displays service information (S49) if the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device 3 includes IP. The control device 2 does not display service information if the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device 3 does not include IP. In this way, the control device 2 switches whether or not to display service information depending on the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device 3. In other words, the control device 2 displays service information according to the communication status of the image processing device 3. Therefore, the control device 2 can flexibly control the display of service information according to the status of the image processing device 3.

[0089] The operation to apply a subscription service to the image processing device 3 is performed using an account. The control device 2 displays the service information of the service applied to the image processing device 3 using the account. In this case, the control device 2 can properly display the service information of the service applied to the image processing device 3.

[0090] If the image processing device 3 is not associated with an account in the offer table 200, the control device 2 will not display service information. This allows the control device 2 to avoid displaying service information related to image processing device 3 that is not subject to the service. This allows the control device 2 to suppress the display of service information that is of little use to the user.

[0091] Even if the image processing device 3 is registered with application 5, the control device 2 will not display service information if the image processing device 3 is not subject to the service. This allows the control device 2 to suppress the display of service information that is of little use to the user.

[0092] Even if the communication protocol used by the control device 2 for communication with the image processing device 3 includes IP, the control device 2 will not display service information if the image processing device 3 is not subject to the service. This allows the control device 2 to suppress the display of service information that is of little use to the user.

[0093] The control device 2 displays service information if the communication protocol used with the image processing device 3 includes at least IP. In this case, the control device 2 can appropriately display service information that is of high importance to the user.

[0094] When the control device 2 receives a command to display a list of service information, it displays the service information. This allows the control device 2 to flexibly control the display of service information included in the list displayed in response to the command.

[0095] Image processing device 3 is a printing device that includes a printing function. Control device 2 displays service information regarding the provision of consumables consumed when image processing device 3 performs printing. Control device 2 can flexibly control the display of service information for the provision of consumables applicable to image processing device 3.

[0096] <Variation> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0097] The image processing device 3 may be a printing device capable of performing only printing functions. The image processing device 3 may be a scanner capable of performing only scanning functions. The image processing device 3 may be a facsimile machine. The consumables for the image processing device 3 are not limited to cartridges, but may also include printing paper, toner, etc.

[0098] The services provided by the service provider server 41 are not limited to subscription-based services. For example, remote printing services may be provided.

[0099] The functions of the service provision server 41, the service management server 42, and the notification server 43 may each be performed by a single server. In the above embodiment, server 4 was described as a physical server. For example, server 4 may be a virtual server, a virtual machine, etc. Also, server 4 may be a cloud server on the Internet 9.

[0100] At least one of the processes in S15, S17, S19, S21, S27, and S29 can be omitted. In S23, the control device 2 may determine if the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device 3 includes IP, and then control the display of service information.

[0101] In S27, the control device 2 may receive the user table 410 from the service provider server 41 and determine whether a flat-rate service is applied to the image processing device 3. In this case, registration information does not need to be associated with the offer table 200.

[0102] The service information displayed on the control device 2 is not limited to the above. For example, service information related to the user of the account used when applying a subscription service to the image processing device 3 may be displayed. For example, the notification server 43 may have prior knowledge of the service application trends for each account. Based on the known trends, the notification server 43 may select and send useful service information to the control device 2. In this case, the control device 2 can display service information corresponding to the account.

[0103] The service information displayed on the display unit 24 may directly introduce information about the subscription service applied to the image processing device 3. For example, service information indicating that the number of printed pages is approaching the contracted number of printed pages may be displayed. For example, if the number of printed pages exceeds the contracted number of printed pages, service information notifying the user of the excess charges may be displayed. If the number of printed pages exceeds the contracted number of printed pages, service information introducing a service plan with a higher contracted number of printed pages may be displayed. If the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge falls below a predetermined amount, service information notifying the user that a new cartridge has been automatically ordered may be displayed.

[0104] Some of the display processing may be implemented by hardware such as logic circuits.

[0105] The technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical utility either individually or in various combinations. The combinations are not limited to those specified in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously. Achieving even one of these objectives itself constitutes technical utility.

[0106] Even if, in the claims as filed, each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the claim being dependent only on some of the 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 filing.

[0107] <Other> The process in S43 is an example of the "receiving unit," "receiving step," and "receiving processing" of the present invention. The process in S49 is an example of the "display unit," "display step," and "display processing" of the present invention. The process in S19 is an example of the "first determination unit" of the present invention. The process in S27 is an example of the "second determination unit" of the present invention. The CPU 21 of the control device 2 is an example of the "computer" of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 2: Control device 3, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35: Image processing device 4: Server 5: Application 9: Internet 20: Control Unit 21: CPU 22: Memory 41: Service Provider Server 43: Notification Server 54A, 54B, 54C: Service Information

Claims

1. A computer in a control device that can communicate with a notification server and an image processing device, A receiving unit that receives service information from the notification server related to a service applicable to the image processing device, wherein the service is a service that utilizes communication between the image processing device and a service provider server on the Internet, the receiving unit and If the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device includes IP (Internet Protocol), the display unit displays the service information received by the receiving unit, and if the communication protocol used between the image processing device and the display unit does not include IP, the display unit does not display the service information. A control program characterized by functioning as such.

2. The aforementioned display unit is The control program according to claim 1, characterized in that the image processing device displays the service information of the service associated with the account to which it is associated.

3. The aforementioned display unit is The control program according to claim 2, characterized in that it displays the service information of the service that has been set using the account associated with the image processing device and has been applied to the image processing device.

4. The aforementioned computer, The image processing device is further configured to function as a first determination unit that determines whether it is associated with an account. The aforementioned display unit is Even if the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device includes IP, if the first determination unit determines that the image processing device is not associated with the account, the service information will not be displayed. The control program according to feature 1.

5. The aforementioned display unit is The control program according to claim 4, characterized in that if the first determination unit determines that the image processing device is not associated with the account, the control program does not display the service information even if the image processing device is registered with the application.

6. The aforementioned computer, The image processing device is further configured to function as a second determination unit that determines whether the image processing device is set to apply the service using the associated account. The aforementioned display unit is Even if the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device includes IP, if the second determination unit determines that the image processing device is not configured to apply the service, the service information will not be displayed. The control program according to feature 1.

7. The aforementioned display unit is The control program according to claim 1, characterized in that it displays the service when the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device includes IP and a communication protocol other than IP.

8. The aforementioned display unit is The control program according to claim 1, characterized in that it displays the service information when it receives an instruction to display the list of service information, and the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device includes IP.

9. The aforementioned image processing device is a printing device, The aforementioned display unit is The control program according to claim 1, characterized in that it displays service information relating to the provision of consumables consumed when the printing device performs printing.

10. A control method executed by a control device capable of communicating with a notification server and an image processing device, A receiving step of receiving service information from a notification server relating to a service applicable to the image processing device, wherein the service is a service that utilizes communication between the image processing device and a service provider server on the Internet, and the receiving step, If the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device includes IP (Internet Protocol), the service information received in the reception step is displayed; if the communication protocol used with the image processing device does not include IP, the service information is not displayed in the display step. A control method characterized by comprising:

11. A control device capable of communicating with a notification server and an image processing device, A receiving process for receiving service information from the notification server related to a service applicable to the image processing device, wherein the service is a service that utilizes communication between the image processing device and a service provider server on the Internet, and the receiving process, If the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device includes IP (Internet Protocol), the service information received by the reception process is displayed; if the communication protocol used for communication with the image processing device does not include IP, the service information is not displayed. A control device characterized by being equipped with

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