Print control program, information processing device, and information processing method

Abstract

This invention provides a print control program that enables the display of detailed information in environments where printing is performed using a general-purpose printer driver. [Solution] A print control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a print control program that extends a general-purpose printer driver 16d, and causes a computer to perform a first acquisition process, a second acquisition process, a third acquisition process, and a display process. The first acquisition process acquires device information of the printer from the printer. The second acquisition process acquires at least one of regional information and language information from the Operating System (OS) 16. The third acquisition process transmits the device information and at least one of the regional information and language information to a server 20 connected to the computer, and acquires vendor information about the printer vendor from the server 20. The display process displays the vendor information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a print control program, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying various information related to an image forming apparatus when performing printing by an image forming apparatus such as a printer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, general-purpose printer drivers such as Operating System (OS) standard printer drivers do not support the display of detailed information. Therefore, in an environment where print processing is performed using a general-purpose printer driver, the development of a technology that enables the display of detailed information is desired. Note that the technology described in Patent Document 1 is not a technology that can solve such problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A print control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a print control program that extends a general-purpose printer driver, and causes a computer to perform a first acquisition process for acquiring device information of a printer from a printer; a second acquisition process for acquiring at least one of regional information and language information from an Operating System; a third acquisition process for transmitting the device information and at least one of the regional information and language information to a server connected to the computer and acquiring vendor information about the printer vendor from the server; and a display process for displaying the vendor information.

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a general-purpose printer driver that is a standard of the Operating System; a first acquisition processing unit that acquires device information of a printer from a printer; a second acquisition processing unit that acquires at least one of regional information and language information from the Operating System; a third acquisition processing unit that transmits the device information and at least one of the regional information and language information to a server connected to the information processing device and acquires vendor information about the printer vendor from the server; and a display processing unit that displays the vendor information.

[0007] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first acquisition process in which a computer acquires device information of a printer from a printer; a second acquisition process in which the computer acquires at least one of regional information and language information from an Operating System that includes or is attached to a general-purpose printer driver; a third acquisition process in which the computer transmits the device information and at least one of the regional information and language information to a server connected to the computer and acquires vendor information about the printer vendor from the server; and a display process in which the computer displays the vendor information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a printing system equipped with an information processing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by an information processing device in a printing system. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in the printing system. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing example that follows Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram illustrating other processing examples following Figure 3. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a user interface image displayed in the processing example shown in Figure 3. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram illustrating another processing example in a printing system equipped with an information processing device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing example that follows Figure 7. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a user interface image displayed in the processing example shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram illustrating other processing examples following Figure 7. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the device's hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is merely an example illustrating embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, not all components described in the embodiments of the present invention are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) [Example of system configuration] The information processing apparatus according to this embodiment is a device that is connected to a printer and a server, and is capable of instructing the printer to perform printing and displaying information from the server. This information processing apparatus constitutes a printing system together with the printer and the server. This printing system may also be referred to as an information display system or an information processing system, etc., since it performs information processing including display.

[0011] Hereinafter, a configuration example of a printing system including the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system according to this embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 100 according to this embodiment can include an information processing apparatus 10, a server 20, a printer A (31), a printer B (32), and a printer C (33).

[0013] The information processing apparatus 10 is a terminal device having a communication function such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet-type terminal, and can be used by a user who desires to perform printing. The information processing apparatus 10 is connected to the printer A (31), the printer B (32), and the printer C (33) via a network N1 for processing such as transmitting a printing request. Although not shown, the printing system 100 can include a plurality of information processing apparatuses 10.

[0014] Any of the printer A (31), the printer B (32), and the printer C (33) can print on a medium when receiving print data. Each printer produces a printed matter by performing printing.

[0015] The printing system 100 can perform printing from a selected printer among the printer A (31), the printer B (32), and the printer C (33) by a user operation from the information processing apparatus 10.

[0016] Also, for the sake of convenience, the printing system 100 is described on the premise that it includes such three printers. However, it suffices that at least one printer is included. Each printer can also be referred to as a printing device, an image forming device, or a multifunction peripheral. Each printer may be a device having a communication function and a printing function, or may be a multifunction peripheral having other functions such as a scanning function, a copying function, or a facsimile function. Note that the copying function is realized by the scanning function and the printing function. Also, regardless of the printing method in each printer, various printing methods such as an inkjet printing method and a laser printing method can be applied.

[0017] Also, the information processing apparatus 10 is connected to the server 20 via the network N1 for the process of acquiring the vendor guidance information described later regarding the printer A (31), the printer B (32), and the printer C (33).

[0018] The server 20 is a server computer. Although the description of the detailed configuration is omitted, it can be configured to include, for example, an arithmetic processing unit, a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs, parameters, and the like. This storage device can store a database (DB) 21. The DB 21 stores the vendor guidance information in association with the device information of each printer, and a detailed example thereof will be described when explaining the information processing apparatus 10. Note that the server 20 may be a cloud server.

[0019] Hereinafter, a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described in detail. Note that the description of the configuration examples of the server 20 and each printer is omitted.

[0020] [Configuration Example of Information Processing Apparatus 10] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 can include a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation unit 14, and a display unit 15.

[0021] The control unit 11 controls the entire information processing device 10. The control unit 11 can be configured to include, for example, an arithmetic processing unit, a working memory, and a storage device for storing control programs and parameters. The arithmetic processing unit can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The control unit 11 can also be configured as a SoC (System on a Chip). As can be seen from these examples, the control unit 11 can be configured to store control programs in an executable state. However, the control unit 11 can also be configured to store a part of the control program as a circuit configuration such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or as a dedicated circuit.

[0022] The control program described above may include a program for the arithmetic processing unit to perform printing-related processing in cooperation with the storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation unit 14, and display unit 15. The control program may include an OS (Operating System) 16. Since the OS 16 is the OS installed in the information processing device 10, it will be the type of OS corresponding to the model of the information processing device 10. The control program may include a web browser either within or outside the OS 16. In Figure 1, an example is given in which at least a part of the control program is stored in the storage unit 12, which is provided separately from the control unit 11, but the storage unit 12 may be part of the storage device within the control unit 11. In other words, the storage unit 12 can also be considered as part of the control unit 11.

[0023] The storage unit 12 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or other memory-based storage device. The storage unit 12 stores a general-purpose printer driver 16d and a vendor-assistance application program 17 as part of the control program, in a state that can be executed by the control unit 11. The general-purpose printer driver 16d can be part of the OS 16. The storage unit 12 also stores an application program 18 for generating and editing document files, etc., as part of the control program, in a state that can be executed by the control unit 11. In Figure 1 and the following description, the vendor-assistance application program is abbreviated as "vendor-assistance App," and the application program is abbreviated as "App." The storage unit 12 can also store various types of data, such as data for files to be printed.

[0024] The communication unit 13 is a component that communicates wirelessly or via wired connection with external devices via network N1, in accordance with various mobile communication standards, Wi-Fi (registered trademark; hereinafter the same), and other predetermined communication standards. In the printing system 100, the external devices include server 20, printer A (31), printer B (32), and printer C (33). The communication unit 13 can be composed of one or more communication interfaces capable of such communication. The communication interface may be, for example, an antenna or a cable connector. Network N1 is usually a local area network (LAN). For the sake of simplicity, the example given shows the printing system 100 connecting each device via a single network N1, but the network used for communication with server 20 and the network used for communication with each printer may be different.

[0025] The operation unit 14 is the part of the information processing device 10 that receives user input, and can also be called the operation reception unit. The operation unit 14 can be implemented by one or more of the following: physical buttons, a touch panel mounted on the display unit 15, a pointing device, and a keyboard. In a configuration where the operation unit 14 includes a touch panel, the display unit 15 and the touch panel together can also be called the operation panel of the information processing device 10.

[0026] The display unit 15 is a part for displaying user interface (UI) images for operating the information processing device 10, and is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent display. The display unit 15 may also include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display.

[0027] This document describes the general-purpose printer driver 16d. The general-purpose printer driver 16d is an OS standard printer driver included in or bundled with OS16, which is part of the control program. The general-purpose printer driver 16d can be a program capable of controlling and printing various types of printers. The general-purpose printer driver 16d can also be referred to as the OS general-purpose printing program or general-purpose printing program.

[0028] The generic printer driver 16d is a driver that uses generic protocols for printer discovery and printing. For example, the generic printer driver 16d uses mDNS / DNS-SD for printer discovery and IPP for printing. Here, DNS stands for Domain Name System. mDNS stands for multicast DNS. DNS-SD stands for DNS Service Discovery. IPP stands for Internet Printing Protocol.

[0029] As this example shows, a generic printer driver 16d can be, for example, an IPP Class driver. IPP is an example of a standard protocol for managing and controlling printers. IPP uses HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) POST requests and responses to retrieve and control printer information. IPP allows for printer configuration and retrieval of printer status. Here, secure communication can be achieved by using HTTPS (HTTP Secure) instead of HTTP.

[0030] This section describes the vendor support app 17. The vendor support app 17 is an application program that assists the generic printer driver 16d and is used to extend the functionality of the generic printer driver 16d. Therefore, the generic printer driver 16d can have functions to launch the vendor support app 17 and send print jobs to the vendor support app 17. The vendor support app 17 can be, for example, a Print Support Application (PSA). Note that one print job refers to a series of instructions for printing one or more printouts, and includes print data and print settings. When printing multiple printouts, one print job can refer to a series of instructions for printing printouts with the same content.

[0031] The vendor assistance app 17 can be a program that assists the generic printer driver 16d and causes the computer to execute print control appropriate to the performance of the target printer, that is, print control that supports the unique functions of that printer. In this context, the computer refers to the information processing device 10 or the control unit 11. When the vendor assistance app 17 obtains a print job from the generic printer driver 16d, it can convert the print job so that printing using the unique functions of the specified printer can be executed on that printer.

[0032] In this embodiment, the vendor assistance app 17 has a function to display vendor information as an extended function. The vendor assistance app 17 is an application program provided by a printer vendor or the like. The vendor assistance app 17 can be provided to users of the information processing device 10 by being published, for example, in the application store of the OS provider. Alternatively, the vendor assistance app 17 can be provided to users by being included in or attached to the OS. The vendor assistance app 17 may be launched from the general-purpose printer driver 16d, or it may be launched without going through the general-purpose printer driver 16d.

[0033] The vendor assistance App 17 includes the print control program described below. In other words, this print control program can also be implemented as a PSA, for example. This print control program is a print control program that extends the general-purpose printer driver 16d and causes the computer to execute the first acquisition process, second acquisition process, third acquisition process, and display process described below. The computer referred to here also refers to the information processing device 10 or the control unit 11. The following explanation of each process will use the example where the printer targeted by the print instruction is printer A (31), but the same applies to printer B (32) and printer C (33).

[0034] The first acquisition process is the process of acquiring device information of printer A(31) from printer A(31). Since this device information is information about the main body of printer A(31), it may also be called printer body information. The information processing device 10 can be said to include a first acquisition processing unit that performs such a first acquisition process. The first acquisition processing unit is exemplified by the control unit 11 and the vendor assistance App 17.

[0035] However, depending on the functionality of the general-purpose printer driver 16d, the first acquisition process may be a process of acquiring device information via the general-purpose printer driver 16d. This acquisition is performed by inter-process communication between the general-purpose printer driver 16d and the vendor support app 17. The general-purpose printer driver 16d can acquire device information from printer A(31) and pass it to the vendor support app 17. In other words, the vendor support app 17 can acquire device information of printer A(31) via the general-purpose printer driver 16d.

[0036] The second acquisition process is the process of acquiring at least one of regional information and language information from the OS 16. Hereinafter, at least one of the regional information and language information to be acquired in the second acquisition process will be referred to as the first information. The information processing device 10 can be said to be equipped with a second acquisition processing unit that performs such a second acquisition process. The second acquisition processing unit will be exemplified by the control unit 11 and the vendor assistance app 17. However, depending on the functionality of the general-purpose printer driver 16d, the second acquisition process may also be the process of acquiring device information via the general-purpose printer driver 16d.

[0037] The third acquisition process involves sending the device information acquired in the first acquisition process and the first information acquired in the second acquisition process to the server 20 connected to the information processing device 10, and obtaining vendor information about the vendor of printer A(31) from the server 20. The information processing device 10 can be said to be equipped with a third acquisition processing unit that performs such a third acquisition process. The third acquisition processing unit is exemplified by the control unit 11 and the vendor assistance App 17.

[0038] Vendor information can include at least one of the following: subscription information, new model information, ink purchase site information, and repair contact information. Hereinafter, subscription information will be abbreviated as "subscription information." In the third acquisition process, the server 20 should refer to DB 21 based on the received device information and first information and return the vendor information. DB 21 should store the vendor information in association with the device information of each printer and the first information.

[0039] In the third acquisition process, if only language information is sent to the server 20 as the first information, the vendor information obtained will be vendor information written in the language indicated by that language information. In the third acquisition process, if only regional information is sent to the server 20 as the first information, the vendor information obtained will be vendor information that matches the region indicated by the regional information. Vendor information that matches the region indicated by the regional information may refer to, for example, information indicating the repair center in a region when the vendor information includes repair center information.

[0040] The display process is the process of displaying the vendor information acquired in the third acquisition process. The display destination is the display unit 15. The information processing device 10 can be said to be equipped with a display processing unit that performs such display processing. The display processing unit is exemplified by the control unit 11, the vendor assistance app 17, and the display unit 15.

[0041] The above mainly describes the print control program according to this embodiment. In other words, this embodiment provides an information processing method that includes the first acquisition process, second acquisition process, third acquisition process, and display process described above, which are executed by the computer as an extended function of the general-purpose printer driver 16d.

[0042] [Overview of processing examples of the information processing device 10] Figure 2 will be used to briefly explain an overview of a processing example of the information processing device 10. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the information processing device 10.

[0043] First, the information processing device 10 obtains device information for printer A(31) from printer A(31) (step S1). Next, the information processing device 10 obtains at least one of regional information and language information from the OS 16 which includes or is attached to the general-purpose printer driver 16d (step S2). The following example shows that both regional information and language information are obtained. Note that the order of steps S1 and S2 does not matter.

[0044] Next, the information processing device 10 transmits the device information, regional information, and language information acquired in step S1 to the server 20 (step S3). In response, the server 20 transmits vendor information about the vendor of printer A (31) to the information processing device 10, and the information processing device 10 acquires the vendor information from the server 20 (step S4). Then, the information processing device 10 displays the acquired vendor information on the display unit 15 (step S5) and terminates the process.

[0045] [Specific examples of the printing system 100's processing] Next, using Figures 3 to 6, we will explain a more specific example of the processing of the information processing device 10 described above, along with an overall processing example of the printing system 100. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing example in the printing system 100. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing example following Figure 3. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating another processing example following Figure 3. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image displayed in the processing example of Figure 3.

[0046] Below, we will give an example of how the vendor-assisted App17 implements the print control program that performs the first acquisition process, second acquisition process, third acquisition process, and display process described above.

[0047] The process for displaying the vendor notification screen on the print settings screen as vendor information is as shown in Figure 3, for example. Specifically, first, user U gives an instruction from the operation unit 14 to display the vendor notification screen on the vendor assistance app 17 (step S11).

[0048] Next, the vendor support app 17 communicates with the printer A(31) via IPP and requests device information from printer A(31), including ink level information, model number information, and serial number information (step S12). When printer A(31) returns this device information, the vendor support app 17 obtains it (step S13). Note that the ink level information can refer to information indicating the remaining amount of liquid ink if printer A(31) is an inkjet type, or to information indicating the remaining amount of toner ink if printer A(31) is a laser type.

[0049] Next, the vendor assistance app 17 requests regional and language information from the OS 16 (step S14). The OS 16 responds, and the vendor assistance app 17 obtains the regional and language information (step S15). Note that the order of steps S12, S13 and steps S14, S15 does not matter.

[0050] Next, the Vendor Assistance App 17 displays the ink level information included in the acquired device information on the Vendor notification screen, in accordance with the user information indicated by regional and language information (step S16).

[0051] This notification screen is, for example, the ink level image 61 in the UI image 60 shown in Figure 6, which shows the ink levels of each color. The ink level image 61 is part of the UI image 60, which is a UI image that includes vendor information, and can be displayed on the display unit 15 as a pop-up image.

[0052] Then, the Vendor Assistance App 17 sends device information, which includes at least the model number information of printer A(31) that it has acquired, along with regional information and language information acquired from OS 16, to the Server 20 (Step S17). In response, the Server 20 sends subscription information and new model information to the Vendor Assistance App 17, thereby acquiring the subscription information and new model information (Step S18). In Step S18, the Server 20 should reply with the subscription information and new model information in accordance with the received regional information and language information.

[0053] Next, the vendor support app 17 displays the acquired subscription information and new model information on the vendor's notification screen (step S19). This notification screen is, for example, the UI image 60 shown in Figure 6, and is a UI image that matches the user information indicated by regional information and language information. The UI image 60 is a UI image that includes vendor guidance information and can be displayed on the display unit 15 as a pop-up image.

[0054] UI image 60 can include the ink level image 61, subscription / new model information button 62, ink purchase button 63, and repair contact button 64 mentioned above. For example, the ink level image 61 and each of the buttons 62-64 can be placed in advance. The vendor support app 17 can then change the ink level image 61 according to the acquired ink level information and change the links of buttons 62-64 based on the information received from the server 20. Although Figure 3 shows an example where UI image 60 with each of the buttons 62-64 added after the ink level image 61 is displayed, the display timing may be simultaneous.

[0055] Each of the buttons 62-64 is a button that the user U can select using the control unit 14. Therefore, by selecting the subscription / new model information button 62, the user can access and display a website that introduces subscription information and new model information. Of course, the subscription / new model information button 62 may also be displayed as separate buttons, a subscription information button and a new model information button, which can be selected by the user.

[0056] Here, since the subscription information is information received by the vendor support app 17 from the server 20 based on the device information, it can be used to provide information such as guidance on lending printers other than printer A(31). Also, since the new model information is information received by the vendor support app 17 from the server 20 based on the device information, it can be used to exclude information about printers older than printer A(31), for example.

[0057] In UI image 60, the processing flow when the ink purchase button 63 is selected by user U is as shown in Figure 4, for example. Figure 4 is illustrated starting from step S19 in Figure 3.

[0058] Specifically, first, user U presses, or selects, the ink purchase button 63 on the operation unit 14 in the UI image 60 (step S20). In response to this operation, vendor assistance app 17 sends device information, including at least the model number information of printer A (31), and regional and language information obtained from OS 16 to server 20 (step S21). Server 20 extracts ink purchase site information corresponding to that device information, regional information, and language information from DB 21 and sends it back, allowing vendor assistance app 17 to obtain that ink purchase site information (step S22).

[0059] This ink purchase site information should be treated as access information to the ink purchase site. Next, the vendor assistance app 17 displays the acquired ink purchase site information on a notification screen from the vendor (step S23). An example of this notification screen is omitted, but it may be the access information itself, allowing the user to access the ink purchase site by selection. Alternatively, in step S23, instead of a notification screen, the site may be displayed as a result of accessing the ink purchase site and presented to the user U.

[0060] Furthermore, printers also contain or use consumables other than ink. Therefore, in addition to ink levels, or instead of ink level information, Vendor Assistance App 17 may also obtain information indicating the remaining amount or remaining usable period for other consumables. Vendor Assistance App 17 may also display vendor information such as purchase site information for the other consumables and maintenance request site information indicating the site to request maintenance. In addition, the other consumables may also include printing media such as printing paper and printing rolls.

[0061] In UI image 60, the processing flow when the repair service button 64 is selected by user U is as shown in Figure 5, for example. Figure 5 is illustrated starting from step S19 in Figure 3.

[0062] Specifically, first, user U presses, or selects, the repair service button 64 on the operation unit 14 in the UI image 60 (step S30). In response to this operation, vendor assistance app 17 sends device information, including at least the serial number information of printer A (31), and regional and language information obtained from OS 16 to server 20 (step S31). This device information may also include model number information. Server 20 extracts repair service site information corresponding to this device information, regional information, and language information from DB 21 and returns it, allowing vendor assistance app 17 to obtain that repair service site information (step S32). The obtained repair service site information is information indicating the repair service site associated with the serial number indicated by the serial number information, and the acquisition process in step S32 is possible if the serial number information is linked to DB 21.

[0063] The repair service provider website information should be the access information to the repair service provider website. Next, the vendor assistance app 17 displays the acquired repair service provider website information on the vendor's notification screen (step S33). An example of this notification screen is omitted, but it may be the access information itself that allows the user to access the repair service provider website by user selection. Alternatively, in step S33, instead of the notification screen, the site may be displayed as a result of accessing the repair service provider website and presented to the user U.

[0064] Furthermore, while Figure 5 shows an example of displaying a repair service website, if the subscription / new model information button 62 is selected, the same procedure can be used to display subscription information and new model information on the display unit 15 of the information processing device 10 and present it to the user U. Subscription information linked to serial number information may include, for example, a contract extension registration for printer A(31) indicated by that serial number information. New model information linked to serial number information may include, for example, information on the successor model to printer A(31) indicated by that serial number information.

[0065] As described above, the device information of printer A(31) that the vendor assistance app 17 obtains from printer A(31) and sends to the server 20 can include serial number information indicating the serial number of printer A(31). The vendor information can then be information linked to that serial number information. In this embodiment, it is possible to display the repair service site, subscription information, and new model information corresponding to the serial number indicated by the serial number information.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, instead of subscription information and new model information, or in addition to subscription information and new model information, information useful to user U, such as campaign information indicating campaigns offered by the vendor, may also be provided in a similar manner.

[0067] [Effects of this embodiment] As explained above, in the printing system 100, the example print control program in the vendor assistance App 17 obtains device information from the printer and at least one of regional information and language information from the OS 16. Then, the printing system 100 obtains vendor guidance information from the server 20 based on this device information and at least one of the regional information and language information, and displays vendor guidance information tailored to user U. Vendor guidance information tailored to user U can be different vendor guidance information for each printer model and each user U of the information processing device 10.

[0068] Therefore, according to this embodiment, in an environment where printing is performed using a general-purpose printer driver 16d, vendor information can be displayed as detailed printer information. In particular, according to this embodiment, since the vendor information to be displayed is based on at least one of regional information and language information, it can be displayed as information that matches the settings of user U in the information processing device 10.

[0069] For example, according to this embodiment, user U can improve convenience by simply installing the vendor assistance app 17, which displays vendor information about the printer they are using. More specifically, user U can easily purchase vendor-supplied ink by viewing the vendor's notification screen. In addition, this embodiment displays a repair support site linked to the serial number, eliminating the need for user U to look up and enter the serial number, and making it easy to contact the repair support center.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, vendors can easily encourage users U to purchase vendor-supplied ink, replace or purchase additional models, and register for subscriptions, which leads to increased sales.

[0071] (Embodiment 2) As Embodiment 2, other processing examples in the printing system 100 will be described. The printing system according to this embodiment is a modified version of the printing system 100 in Figure 1, so only the changes will be explained using Figure 1, but various examples described in Embodiment 1 can be applied. Below, processing examples of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described along with specific processing examples of the entire printing system 100.

[0072] [Specific examples of the printing system 100's processing] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the vendor information includes purchase site information indicating the ink purchase site where ink for printer A(31) is purchased. The purchase site information refers to the ink purchase site information illustrated in Figure 4. As in Embodiment 1, an example of printing with printer A(31) is given, but instead, processing for printer B(32) or printer C(33) may be used.

[0073] Furthermore, the display process in this embodiment includes the process of displaying the ink purchase site information when the remaining ink level of printer A(31) is below a first predetermined threshold. Such a display can also be performed when displaying an announcement screen as described in Embodiment 1, but it is preferable to perform it when printing is complete. An example of this is given below.

[0074] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate an example of the process of displaying such purchase site information upon completion of printing. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in a printing system 100 equipped with the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing following Figure 7. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the UI image displayed in the processing example of Figure 8.

[0075] As vendor information, the process for displaying a notification screen from the vendor upon completion of printing is as shown in Figures 7 and 8, for example. Specifically, first, user U performs a user operation from the operation unit 14 to instruct printer A(31) to print a file that is open in any App 18 installed on the information processing device 10 (step S41).

[0076] Upon receiving this user action, App 18 sends a print request to the general-purpose printer driver 16d (step S42). The general-purpose printer driver 16d, upon receiving this print request, passes it on to the vendor assistance App 17 (step S43). The vendor assistance App 17, upon receiving this print request, sends a print command for the above file to printer A(31) (step S44) and receives a print completion notification from printer A(31) (step S45). Note that this print command may also be executed via the general-purpose printer driver 16d.

[0077] Next, upon receiving this print completion notification, the vendor assistance app 17 communicates with the printer A(31) via IPP and requests ink level information from the printer A(31) (step S46). The printer A(31) replies with the ink level information, and the vendor assistance app 17 obtains this information (step S47).

[0078] The vendor-assistant app 17, having acquired ink level information, determines whether the ink level indicated by the acquired ink level information is below a first predetermined threshold (determination step in step S60A). Note that the threshold determination can be performed for each color, and here it is sufficient to determine whether at least one color is below the threshold. The vendor-assistant app 17 may terminate the process if the amount is greater than the threshold.

[0079] On the other hand, if the ink level of printer A(31) is below a threshold, IPP communication is performed with printer A(31) itself, and printer A(31) is requested to send device information, including at least the model number information, to printer A(31) (step S48). When printer A(31) returns the device information, vendor assistance App17 obtains the device information (step S49).

[0080] Next, the vendor assistance app 17 requests regional and language information from the OS 16 (step S50). The OS 16 responds, and the vendor assistance app 17 obtains the regional and language information (step S51). Note that the order of steps S48, S49 and steps S50, S51 does not matter.

[0081] Then, the Vendor Assistance App 17 sends device information, which includes at least the model number information of printer A(31), and regional and language information obtained from OS 16, to the Server 20 (step S52). In response, the Server 20 sends a message from the vendor to the Vendor Assistance App 17, which then receives the message (step S53). This message may include information about the ink purchase site and may also include a message indicating that the ink level is low.

[0082] Next, the vendor assistance app 17 displays a message containing the acquired ink purchase site information on the notification screen upon completion of printing (step S54). This notification screen is, for example, the UI image 90 shown in Figure 9, and is a UI image that matches the user information indicated by regional information and language information. The UI image 90 is a UI image that includes vendor guidance information and can be displayed on the display unit 15 as a pop-up image.

[0083] The UI image 90 may include an ink level image 91 with a mark indicating that the ink level of a color is below a threshold, an ink purchase button 93, and a close button 94. For example, the ink level image 61, the ink purchase button 93, and the close button 94 may be placed in advance. The vendor assistance app 17 may then change the ink level image 91 according to the acquired ink level information and change the link destination of the ink purchase button 93 based on the information received from the server 20. In this way, the vendor assistance app 17 may display a message that includes the ink level acquired in step S47 or step S53, along with the ink purchase site information acquired in step S53.

[0084] If the close button 94 is selected in UI image 90, the vendor assistance app 17 should close UI image 90 and terminate the printing process. Similarly, if the ink purchase button 93 is selected in UI image 90, the vendor assistance app 17 should display the ink purchase site, close UI image 90, and terminate the printing process.

[0085] Next, another example of the display process will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another processing example following Figure 7.

[0086] The display process described above may include a process to display purchase site information when the remaining ink level of another printer B(32), which is connected to the information processing device 10 and for which ink can be purchased from the above-mentioned ink purchase site for printer A(31), is below a second predetermined threshold. The other printer may be printer C(33), or printer B(32) and printer C(33).

[0087] The second predetermined threshold may be set to a value greater than the first predetermined threshold, either as the remaining ink level or as a percentage of the full ink level. This allows for the recommendation to purchase ink when using printer A(31) before the ink level of printer B(32) falls below the first predetermined threshold.

[0088] This type of display processing can be performed, for example, by performing the process in step S60B of Figure 10 instead of step S60A of Figure 8.

[0089] First, the vendor support app 17 executes the processes in steps S48 and S49. Then, the vendor support app 17 communicates with the printer B(32) in the same manner and requests device information from the printer B(32) that includes at least the model number information and ink level information (step S61). The vendor support app 17 obtains the device information of the printer B(32) when the printer B(32) replies with that device information (step S62).

[0090] Next, the vendor assistance app 17 executes the processes in steps S50 and S51. Note that the order of steps S48 and S49, steps S61 and S62, and steps S50 and S51 does not matter.

[0091] Then, the vendor assistance app 17 transmits device information that includes at least the model number information of printer A (31) and device information that includes at least the model number information of printer B (32), as well as regional information and language information obtained from OS 16 (step S63). The destination is server 20.

[0092] Although not shown in Figure 10 due to space limitations, the vendor assistance app 17 determines whether the ink level indicated by the ink level information obtained in step S62 is below a second predetermined threshold. Here, the threshold determination can be performed for each color, and it is sufficient to determine whether at least one color is below the second predetermined threshold. If the ink level of printer B(32) is greater than the second predetermined threshold, the vendor assistance app 17 does not transmit the device information of printer B(32) in step S63. On the other hand, if the ink level of printer B(32) is below the second predetermined threshold, the vendor assistance app 17 should transmit both the device information of printer B(32) and the printer information to the server 20.

[0093] In response to the transmission in step S63, the server 20 sends a message from the vendor to the vendor assistance app 17, which then receives the message (step S64).

[0094] This message should include information about the ink purchase site and also include a message indicating that the ink level is low. Here, if the ink level of printer B(32) is higher than a second predetermined threshold, the vendor assistance app 17 can obtain a message indicating that the ink level of printer A(31) is low.

[0095] On the other hand, if the ink level of printer B(32) is below a second predetermined threshold, the vendor assistance app 17 can obtain a message indicating that the ink levels of both printer A(31) and printer B(32) are low. This message should also include a recommendation to purchase ink for printer B(32). However, in this case, the server 20 will refer to DB21 and return the message including the ink purchase site information for printer B(32), and the vendor assistance app 17 will obtain that message. If the ink purchase sites are the same for printer A(31) and printer B(32), it is sufficient to obtain the information for one ink purchase site.

[0096] Next, the vendor assistance app 17 displays a message containing the acquired ink purchase site information on the notification screen upon completion of printing (step S65). This notification screen may, for example, be the same as the UI image 90 shown in Figure 9 if the ink level of printer B (32) is higher than a second predetermined threshold.

[0097] On the other hand, if the ink level of printer B(32) is below a second predetermined threshold, the notification screen may include an ink level image for printer B(32) in UI image 90, similar to the ink level image 91. Furthermore, if the notification screen differs between printer A(31) and printer B(32), the UI image 90 may include information on the ink purchase sites for both printers.

[0098] Although the example of processing in this embodiment was given as an example of processing upon completion of printing, the same can be applied when displaying the notification screen.

[0099] [Effects of this embodiment] As described above, the printing system 100 according to this embodiment performs a process to display information on an ink purchase site when the remaining ink level of the printer is below a first predetermined threshold. For example, in this embodiment, when the remaining ink level is below the threshold at the time of printing completion, a message indicating that the remaining ink level is below the threshold, the remaining ink level, and an ink purchase button are displayed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 1, the user can understand that the remaining ink level is below the threshold and purchase vendor-provided ink smoothly.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by acquiring and providing to the user information about other printers not being used for printing, the user can simultaneously purchase vendor-provided ink. Therefore, by providing such information in this embodiment, the user can avoid the trouble of separate purchase procedures, become more aware of situations where they should purchase, and potentially receive free shipping or a lower unit price by purchasing simultaneously. In addition, by acquiring and providing to the user information about other printers not being used for printing in this embodiment, it can lead to increased sales for the vendor.

[0101] (Other variations) This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the system configuration of the printing system, the configuration of each device constituting the printing system, the configuration of each program included in each device, the processing procedures of each device, etc., are not limited to those exemplified.

[0102] Furthermore, each device provided in the printing system according to the above-described embodiment may have a hardware configuration such as the following. Here, each device refers to an information processing device, a server, and each printer, as shown in the example in Figure 1. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device.

[0103] The device 1000 shown in Figure 11 may include a processor 1001, a memory 1002, and an interface 1003. The interface 1003 may include interfaces to other devices as needed, such as a communication interface or an input / output device.

[0104] The processor 1001 may be, for example, a CPU, GPU, or MPU (Micro Processor Unit), also known as a microprocessor. The processor 1001 may include multiple processors. The memory 1002 is composed of, for example, a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The functions of each device are realized when the processor 1001 reads a program stored in the memory 1002 and executes it while exchanging necessary information via the interface 1003.

[0105] Furthermore, the program described above includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments when loaded into a computer. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or other memory technologies. Examples, but not limited to, include CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray® discs, or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically, or otherwise propagating signals. The program may also be included in a program product.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described above in accordance with the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, and of course includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the claims of the present patent application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 10...Information processing device, 11...Control unit, 12...Storage unit, 13...Communication unit, 14...Operation unit, 15...Display unit, 16...OS, 16d...General-purpose printer driver, 17...Vendor support app, 18...App, 20...Server, 21...DB, 31...Printer A, 32...Printer B, 33...Printer C, 60...UI image, 61...Ink level image, 62...Subscription / New model information button, 63...Ink purchase button, 64...Repair service button, 90...UI image, 91...Ink level image, 93...Ink purchase button, 94...Close button, 100...Printing system, 1000...Device, 1001...Processor, 1002...Memory, 1003...Interface, N1...Network, U...User.

Claims

1. A print control program that extends a general-purpose printer driver, On the computer, A first acquisition process for obtaining device information of the printer from the printer, A second acquisition process that obtains at least one of regional information and language information from the Operating System, A third acquisition process involves transmitting the device information and at least one of the regional information and language information to a server connected to the computer, and obtaining vendor information about the printer vendor from the server. A display process that displays the aforementioned vendor information, A print control program that executes the print command.

2. The aforementioned print control program is a Print Support Application. The print control program according to claim 1.

3. The device information includes serial number information indicating the serial number of the printer, The vendor information is information linked to the serial number information. The print control program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The vendor information includes purchase site information indicating the site where the printer ink can be purchased, The display process includes a process to display the purchase site information when the remaining ink level of the printer is below a first predetermined threshold. The print control program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The display process includes, if the remaining ink level of another printer connected to the computer and for which ink can be purchased from the site is below a second predetermined threshold, the process of displaying the purchase site information. The print control program according to claim 4.

6. An information processing device, The operating system's standard general-purpose printer driver, A first acquisition processing unit that acquires device information of the printer from the printer, A second acquisition processing unit that acquires at least one of regional information and language information from the aforementioned Operating System, A third acquisition processing unit transmits the device information and at least one of the regional information and language information to a server connected to the information processing device, and obtains vendor information about the printer vendor from the server. A display processing unit that displays the aforementioned vendor information, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

7. A first acquisition process in which the computer obtains device information of the printer from the printer, The computer performs a second acquisition process in which it acquires at least one of regional information and language information from an Operating System that includes or is attached to a general-purpose printer driver. The computer transmits the device information and at least one of the regional information and language information to a server connected to the computer, and obtains vendor information about the printer vendor from the server in a third acquisition process. The computer performs a display process that displays the vendor information, Information processing methods including

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