Servers, Systems, and Methods

Abstract

This reduces user dissatisfaction regarding consumable parts that were collected before subscribing to the benefits program. [Solution] The server is connected to the printer and / or an external terminal in a way that allows communication, and includes a server storage unit and a server control unit. The system, including the printer, external terminal and server, provides a point reward service that awards recycling points as a reward to users who cooperate in the collection of ink cartridges consumed by the printer, with the aim of promoting the collection of ink cartridges consumed by the printer. The server control unit registers information regarding pre-registration points, which are rewards that can be awarded depending on the ink cartridges collected before the user subscribes to the point reward service, in the non-subscriber user database and stores it in the server storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a consumable component consumption device in which a consumable component is detachable, a server communicably connected to one or both of the consumable component consumption device and an external terminal communicably connected to the consumable component consumption device, a system including an image recording device and the server, and methods executed by the image recording device and the server.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of a consumable component consumption device, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printer that consumes ink in an ink cartridge and records an image on a recording medium. Consumable components such as ink cartridges are collected by collectors such as manufacturers when they are used up. Also, from the viewpoint of promoting the collection of consumable components, a mechanism is provided to give benefits to users who cooperate in the collection.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for accessing a collection center system and giving an incentive to a registered user who has previously registered with the user in response to the collection of the consumable component of the registered user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [[ID=***]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Users do not necessarily return consumable parts after registering as a user. Furthermore, users may return consumable parts without registering, unaware that they will receive benefits for returning consumable parts upon registration. Patent Document 1 does not provide incentives or points, or any other benefits, for consumable parts returned by users before registration. Therefore, users may be dissatisfied because they do not receive benefits for consumable parts returned before registration.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a server, system, and method that can reduce user dissatisfaction regarding consumable parts collected before subscribing to a rewards service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The server relating to this disclosure is a server that is communicatively connected to either or both of a consumable parts consumption device on which consumable parts can be attached and detached, and an external terminal that is communicatively connected to the consumable parts consumption device, and comprises a server storage unit and a server control unit, wherein the server control unit stores in the server storage unit pre-subscription benefit information relating to pre-subscription benefits, which are benefits that can be granted to a user in accordance with the consumable parts collected before the user subscribes to a benefit granting service in which benefits are granted in accordance with the collection of the consumable parts.

[0008] The system relating to this disclosure is a system including an image recording device on which consumable parts can be attached and detached, and a server that is communicatively connected to the image recording device, wherein the server stores pre-subscription benefit information relating to pre-subscription benefits, which are benefits that can be granted to a user in accordance with the consumable parts collected before the user subscribes to a benefit service in which benefits are granted in accordance with the collection of the consumable parts, and the image recording device records images on a recording medium based on the pre-subscription benefit information obtained from the server.

[0009] The method relating to this disclosure is a method performed by an image recording device on which consumable parts can be attached and detached, and a server that is communicatively connected to the image recording device, wherein the server stores pre-subscription benefit information relating to pre-subscription benefits, which are benefits that can be granted in accordance with the consumable parts collected before a user subscribes to a benefit service in which benefits are granted in accordance with the collection of the consumable parts, and the image recording device records an image on a recording medium based on the pre-subscription benefit information obtained from the server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, users can be notified of pre-subscription benefits. This can reduce user dissatisfaction regarding consumable parts collected before subscribing to the benefit-granting service. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a server and system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] (a) is a diagram illustrating the database of joined users. (b) is a diagram illustrating the database of non-joined users. (c) is a diagram illustrating the database of collected users. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing related to the cartridge list performed by the printer control unit. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the processing related to the recycling point performed by the server control unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of an email sent to unsubscribed users showing registration instructions. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a letter containing registration instructions sent to users who have not yet joined. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an envelope for enclosing a letter. [Figure 8] This flowchart illustrates the process related to recording registration instructions, which is performed by the printer control unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] <Embodiment> As shown in FIG. 1, a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a printer 2, a server 3, and an external terminal 4.

[0013] The printer 2, the server 3, and the external terminal 4 are communicably connected to each other via a network NT such as the Internet. The printer 2 and the external terminal 4 may be communicably connected to each other via the server 3.

[0014] The server 3 is further communicably connected to a store server 5 via a network such as the Internet. The store server 5 corresponds to the "external device of the purchase destination" of the present disclosure, and one or more may be provided for each store.

[0015] "Communicably connected" may be either a wired connection such as a USB cable or a wireless connection such as WiFi or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0016] The printer 2 is an inkjet printer, and includes a cartridge holder 21 to which an ink cartridge C is detachable, and a recording unit 22 that consumes the ink in the ink cartridge C mounted in the cartridge holder 21 and records an image on a sheet S shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The printer 2 corresponds to the "consumable part consumption device" and the "image recording device" of the present disclosure. The ink cartridge C corresponds to the "consumable part" of the present disclosure. The sheet S corresponds to the "recording medium" of the present disclosure.

[0017] The printer 2 further includes a touch panel 23, an input device 24, a communication interface 25, a printer control unit 201, and a printer storage unit 202. The printer storage unit 202 corresponds to the "device storage unit" of the present disclosure.

[0018] The ink cartridge C includes a housing capable of storing ink, and a cartridge memory CM. The cartridge memory CM is a non-volatile memory and stores cartridge ID and other information unique to the ink cartridge C.

[0019] Touch panel 23 has a function of receiving input and a function of displaying a setting screen and an operation state. Input device 24 has a function of receiving input. Communication interface 25 is a network interface for communicating with other devices and is connected to network NT.

[0020] Printer control unit 201 controls the operations of each part of printer 2 and is in charge of the operation of printer 2, and includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. Printer control unit 201 executes various processes by the CPU using data stored in the ROM and / or the RAM according to the program stored in the ROM.

[0021] Printer storage unit 202 is a non-volatile memory and stores a printer ID, which is information unique to printer 2, and a cartridge list.

[0022] Cartridge holder 21 is provided with a mounting detection sensor 21a and a connection terminal 21b. Mounting detection sensor 21a outputs an ON signal when ink cartridge C is mounted in cartridge holder 21, and outputs an OFF signal when ink cartridge C is not mounted in cartridge holder 21. Connection terminal 21b is electrically connected to cartridge memory CM when ink cartridge C is mounted in cartridge holder 21. Printer control unit 201 can read and write data to and from cartridge memory CM via connection terminal 21b.

[0023] Server 3 is a server installed and managed by a vendor such as a manufacturer, and includes a communication interface 31, a server control unit 301, and a server storage unit 302. Communication interface 31 is the same network interface as communication interface 25.

[0024] The server control unit 301 controls the operation of each part of the server 3 and manages the operation of the server 3, and includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The server control unit 301 executes various processes using the CPU, according to the program stored in the ROM and / or the data stored in the ROM and / or RAM.

[0025] The server storage unit 302 is a non-volatile memory that stores the subscriber user database, the non-subscriber user database, the retrieval database shown in Figure 2, and the like, as described later.

[0026] External terminal 4 is a smartphone owned by the user of printer 2, and is wirelessly connected to printer 2 and server 3.

[0027] The external terminal 4 includes a touch panel 41, a communication interface 42, a terminal control unit 401, and a terminal storage unit 402.

[0028] The touch panel 41 has the same functions as the touch panel 23. The communication interface 42 is a network interface similar to the communication interface 25.

[0029] The terminal control unit 401 controls the operation of each part of the external terminal 4 and manages the operation of the external terminal 4, and includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The terminal control unit 401 executes various processes using the CPU, according to the program stored in the ROM and / or the data stored in the ROM and / or RAM.

[0030] The terminal memory unit 402 is a non-volatile memory that stores the printer ID of the printer 2 owned by the user. For example, the terminal control unit 401 wirelessly obtains the printer ID stored in the printer memory unit 202 via the communication interface 42 and stores it in the terminal memory unit 402.

[0031] The store server 5 is a server installed and managed by the store that sells ink cartridge C, and is equipped with a communication interface 51. The communication interface 51 is a network interface similar to the communication interface 25. In addition to the communication interface 51, the store server 5 may be equipped with a control unit and a storage unit similar to those of server 3, etc.

[0032] Here, when the recording unit 22 performs recording, the ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 consumes its internal ink. When the ink in ink cartridge C runs out, it is necessary to replace the ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21.

[0033] In recent years, from the perspective of environmental protection and ecology, there has been a growing desire to collect and recycle consumable parts such as ink cartridges C. "Recycling" is a concept that includes the reprocessing of used consumable parts into materials or raw materials, as well as remanufacturing.

[0034] Ink cartridge C is recycled in the following way, for example: The user sends the used ink cartridge C, which has run out of ink, to a recycling company by mail or other means. The recycling company then refurbishes the collected ink cartridge C. For example, by refilling the collected ink cartridge C with ink, it becomes a refurbished product that can be used again. The refurbished ink cartridge C is then delivered to the user through stores or other means.

[0035] System 1 provides a point reward service that grants recycling points as a reward to users who cooperate in the collection of ink cartridge C, with the aim of promoting the collection of ink cartridge C. The point reward service falls under the "reward service" in this disclosure. In this service, when a subscriber user who has joined the service has an ink cartridge C collected, the subscriber user is awarded recycling points. Recycling points are points that can be returned to the user in some form as a benefit, and can be used, for example, to purchase ink cartridge C.

[0036] The server storage unit 302 stores the subscriber user database shown in Figure 2(a). In the subscriber user database, the user information of the subscriber, the printer ID of the printer 2 owned by the subscriber, the cartridge ID of the ink cartridge C used in the subscriber's printer 2, and the total number of recycling points held by the subscriber are all linked together.

[0037] User information is unique to the user who owns printer 2 and includes user ID, user name, user contact information, etc. Contact information includes email address, telephone number, address, etc. User information is entered via the touch panel 41 when the user installs the printer driver on an external terminal 4 and stored in the terminal storage unit 402.

[0038] When an ink cartridge C is collected, the recycling company inputs the cartridge recycling information into server 3. The cartridge recycling information includes cartridge-related information, recycling date information, recycling method information, etc., for the recycled ink cartridge C. The cartridge-related information includes the cartridge ID, model number, and ink color of the recycled ink cartridge C. The recycling date information indicates the date on which the ink cartridge C was collected. The recycling method information is information about how the ink cartridge C was recycled, such as whether it was sent to the recycling company by mail or dropped into a collection box at a store.

[0039] The server control unit 301 calculates the recycling points corresponding to the collection of ink cartridge C based on the cartridge collection information.

[0040] The server control unit 301 determines that if the cartridge ID included in the cartridge collection information is registered in the subscriber user database, the ink cartridge C indicated by that cartridge ID is the ink cartridge C collected by the subscriber user indicated by the user ID associated with that cartridge ID. The server control unit 301 then adds the calculated recycling points to the points held in the subscriber user database that are associated with that cartridge ID. As a result, recycling points corresponding to the collection of ink cartridge C are awarded to the subscriber user. When a subscriber user uses recycling points, the server control unit 301 subtracts the amount of recycling points used from the points held in the subscriber user database that are associated with the subscriber user's user ID.

[0041] With the above configuration, it is possible to raise awareness of recycling among subscribers by awarding them recycling points for each ink cartridge C they return.

[0042] Furthermore, in order to reduce user dissatisfaction regarding ink cartridges C collected before subscribing to the point reward service, System 1 is configured to award additional recycling points to subscribers based on the ink cartridges C collected before subscribing to the point reward service. This will be explained in detail below.

[0043] The server storage unit 302 stores the subscriber user database shown in Figure 2(a), as well as the non-subscriber user database shown in Figure 2(b) and the retrieval database shown in Figure 2(c).

[0044] The Unsubscribed User Database is a database of unsubscribed users, who are users who have not subscribed to a specific point reward service. In the Unsubscribed User Database, the user information of an unsubscribed user, the printer ID of printer 2 owned by the unsubscribed user, the purchase store information of printer 2 or ink cartridge C purchased by the unsubscribed user, the cartridge ID of ink cartridge C used in printer 2 of the unsubscribed user, and the pre-subscription points, which represent the total number of recycling points that will be additionally awarded when the unsubscribed user subscribes to the point reward service, are all linked together.

[0045] Information about the store of purchase falls under the "Purchase Information" in this disclosure. For example, similar to the user information described above, it is entered via the touch panel 41 when the user installs the printer driver on the external terminal 4 and stored in the terminal storage unit 402. The store may be either a physical store or an online shop. In addition, an operating company that manages multiple stores may be registered in the unsubscribed user database as the store of purchase. One or more stores of purchase may be associated with each user, i.e., one printer ID.

[0046] Points earned before joining fall under the category of "Pre-Joining Benefits" in this disclosure. Printer ID, user information, and purchase store information fall under the category of "Acquired Information" in this disclosure. The printer ID is acquired by server 3 from printer storage unit 202. User information is acquired by server 3 from terminal storage unit 402. Purchase store information is acquired by server 3 from terminal storage unit 402.

[0047] The collection database is a database of ink cartridges C that have been collected by non-subscribed users. If the cartridge ID included in the cartridge collection information obtained from the collection company is not registered in the subscriber user database, the server control unit 301 links the cartridge collection information with the calculated recycling points and registers it in the collection database.

[0048] When an ink cartridge C is installed in the cartridge holder 21, the printer control unit 201 reads the cartridge ID from the cartridge memory CM of the ink cartridge C and registers the cartridge ID in the cartridge list of the printer storage unit 202. The cartridge list is a list showing the cartridge ID of each ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21.

[0049] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the printer control unit 201 determines whether or not an ink cartridge C has been newly installed in the cartridge holder 21 based on the signal from the installation detection sensor 21a (A1). In A1, it is determined whether or not the state has transitioned from one in which the ink cartridge C was not installed in the cartridge holder 21 to one in which it is installed.

[0050] If the printer determines that ink cartridge C has been newly installed (A1: YES), the printer control unit 201 reads the cartridge ID stored in the cartridge memory CM of ink cartridge C via the connection terminal 21b (A2). After A2, the printer control unit 201 registers the read cartridge ID in the cartridge list of the printer storage unit 202 (A3). After A3, the printer control unit 201 returns to processing A1.

[0051] If it is determined that ink cartridge C is not newly installed (A1: NO), the printer control unit 201 determines whether it is connected to server 3 in a communicative manner (A4). If it is determined that it is not connected to server 3 in a communicative manner (A4: NO), the printer control unit 201 returns to processing A1. If it is determined that it is connected to server 3 in a communicative manner (A4: YES), the printer control unit 201 sends the printer ID and cartridge list stored in the printer storage unit 202 to server 3 (A5). After A5, the printer control unit 201 returns to processing A1. Note that if the cartridge list has not been updated since the last processing of A5, the printer control unit 201 does not need to perform processing A5.

[0052] If the acquired printer ID is registered in the subscriber user database, the server control unit 301 links the cartridge ID from the acquired cartridge list to the registered printer ID and registers it in the subscriber user database. If the acquired printer ID is not registered in the subscriber user database, the server control unit 301 links the cartridge ID from the acquired cartridge list to the acquired printer ID and registers it in the non-subscriber user database.

[0053] Furthermore, if the cartridge ID in the acquired cartridge list matches any of the cartridge IDs in the cartridge collection information of the collection database, the server control unit 301 determines that the ink cartridge C indicated by the matching cartridge ID is the ink cartridge C that was previously collected by an unsubscribed user who owns printer 2, indicated by the acquired printer ID. In this case, the server control unit 301 calculates the total value of recycling points associated with the matching cartridge ID in the collection database. The server control unit 301 then registers the calculated total value of recycling points as pre-subscription points in the unsubscribed user database, linked to the printer ID of printer 2 of the unsubscribed user.

[0054] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the server control unit 301 first determines whether or not it has obtained cartridge collection information from the recycling company (B1). If it determines that cartridge collection information has been obtained (B1: YES), the server control unit 301 calculates the recycling points based on the obtained cartridge collection information (B2).

[0055] After B2, the server control unit 301 refers to the subscriber user database stored in the server storage unit 302 and determines whether the cartridge ID included in the cartridge retrieval information is associated with the printer ID of the subscriber user's printer 2 (B3).

[0056] If the server control unit 301 determines that the cartridge ID is associated with the printer ID of printer 2 of the subscriber user (B3: YES), the server control unit 301 adds the recycling points calculated in B2 to the points held by the subscriber user associated with the printer ID of printer 2 of that subscriber user in the subscriber user database of the server storage unit 302 (B4), and returns the process to B1.

[0057] If the server control unit 301 determines that the cartridge ID is not associated with the printer ID of the subscriber user's printer 2 (B3: NO), it associates the recycling points calculated in B2 with the acquired cartridge collection information, registers it in the collection database stored in the server storage unit 302 (B5), and returns the process to B1.

[0058] If it is determined that cartridge retrieval information has not been obtained (B1: NO), the server control unit 301 determines whether or not it is connected to printer 2 in a communicative manner (B6). If it is determined that it is not connected to printer 2 in a communicative manner (B6: NO), the server control unit 301 returns to processing B1.

[0059] If the server determines that it is able to communicate with printer 2 (B6: YES), the server control unit 301 obtains the printer ID and cartridge list from printer 2 (B7). After B7, the server control unit 301 registers the cartridge IDs from the obtained cartridge list in the subscriber user database or the non-subscriber user database (B8). Specifically, if the obtained printer ID is registered in the subscriber user database, the server control unit 301 registers the cartridge IDs from the obtained cartridge list in the subscriber user database, linking them to the obtained printer ID. On the other hand, if the obtained printer ID is not registered in the subscriber user database, the server control unit 301 registers the cartridge IDs from the obtained cartridge list in the non-subscriber user database, linking them to the obtained printer ID.

[0060] After B8, the server control unit 301 compares each cartridge ID in the acquired cartridge list with each cartridge ID in the recovery database stored in the server storage unit 302 (B9). After B9, if it is determined that none of the cartridge IDs in the cartridge list match the cartridge IDs in the recovery database (B10: NO), the server control unit 301 returns to processing B1.

[0061] If the server control unit 301 determines that any cartridge ID in the cartridge list matches any cartridge ID in the collection database (B10: YES), it updates the unsubscribed user database stored in the server storage unit 302 (B11). Specifically, the server control unit 301 adds the recycling points to the pre-subscribe points associated with the printer ID obtained in B7 in the unsubscribed user database. The recycling points to be added are the sum of the recycling points associated with each cartridge ID in the collection database that matches the cartridge ID in the cartridge list. After B11, the server control unit 301 returns to processing B1.

[0062] With the above configuration, pre-registration points, which are benefits that can be awarded based on the ink cartridges C collected before the user subscribes to the point reward service, can be stored in the server storage unit 302.

[0063] After a user subscribes to the point reward service, the server control unit 301 updates the database stored in the server storage unit 302. Specifically, the server control unit 301 newly registers the user ID of the user who subscribed to the point reward service, the printer ID of printer 2 owned by the user, and the cartridge ID associated with that printer ID in the non-subscribed user database into the subscriber user database. Furthermore, the server control unit 301 registers the points held by the user before subscribing, which were associated with the printer ID of printer 2 in the non-subscribed user database, as held points, linked to the printer ID of printer 2 in the subscriber user database. The server control unit 301 also deletes the cartridge ID and held points associated with the printer ID of printer 2 of the user who subscribed to the point reward service from the non-subscribed database. In addition, the server control unit 301 deletes the cartridge collection information and recycling points associated with the cartridge ID of ink cartridge C of the user from the collection database.

[0064] The server control unit 301 generates data regarding registration guidance for the point awarding service when the pre-registration points meet predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions may be, for example, a threshold value. The threshold may be, for example, 500 points.

[0065] The above data includes email data for sending email M shown in Figure 5 to the user's email address, SMS data for sending short messages (SMS) to the user's phone number, letter data for sending a letter shown in Figure 6 to the user's address, and store-addressed data for sending to the store server 5 shown in Figure 1 based on the store of purchase. The letter falls under the category of "delivery" in this disclosure.

[0066] The above data includes, for example, a user ID (D1), pre-subscription points (D2), information about the ink cartridge C collected by the user before subscribing to the point-granting service (D3), and information for subscribing to the point-granting service (D4, D5), as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The information (D3) includes the color, model number, recycling points corresponding to the collection of the ink cartridge C, the date the recycling points were awarded, and the printer ID of the printer 2 on which the ink cartridge C was used. The color is the color of the ink stored in the ink cartridge C, such as magenta or black. The color and model number fall under "information on consumable parts" in this disclosure. The information for subscribing to the point-granting service includes a URL for service subscription (D4) and a two-dimensional code (D5) indicating the URL.

[0067] The letter data includes the address data for the envelope in which the letter is enclosed. As shown in Figure 7, the address data includes the user's name and address.

[0068] The above data only needs to be necessary for sending or transmitting emails, etc., and does not need to include text data.

[0069] Sending emails using email data or sending SMS messages using SMS data may be performed by server 3 or by another device.

[0070] The letter data may be sent to any printer. In this case, the printer may generate image data based on the letter data received from the server, and record the image on the paper S using the recording unit based on the image data. Here, the paper S includes the paper S that will become the letter as shown in Figure 6, and the paper S that will become the envelope as shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, if the letter data is generated as image data, the printer may record the image on the paper S using the recording unit based on the letter data received from the server. The image data may be RGB (red, green, blue) data corresponding to the colors of the image that can be recorded by the recording unit, or it may be raster data.

[0071] The aforementioned printer may be a printer owned by the manufacturer or other vendor managing Server 3, a printer 2 owned by the user, or a printer 2 owned by a third party other than the vendor or the user.

[0072] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the printer control unit 201 determines whether or not it has received letter data from the server (C1). If it determines that it has received letter data from the server (C1: YES), the printer control unit 201 generates image data based on the letter data (C2). After C2, the printer control unit 201 uses the recording unit 22 to record an image related to the registration instructions on the paper S based on the image data generated in C2 (C3). The paper S includes the paper S that will become the letter shown in Figure 6, and the paper S that will become the envelope shown in Figure 7. After C3, the printer control unit 201 returns the process to C1.

[0073] The store server 5 shown in Figure 1, which receives data addressed to the store, can, at an appropriate time, present the user with a document containing registration instructions, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The document may be presented to the user by any method, such as by mail or email.

[0074] As described above, according to this embodiment, the server control unit 301 registers pre-registration benefit information, which is information regarding pre-registration points, in the unregistered user database as shown in B11 of Figure 4, and stores it in the server storage unit 302. In system 1, server 3 stores pre-registration benefit information, which is information regarding pre-registration points, and printer 2 records an image on paper S shown in Figure 6 based on letter data acquired from server 3, as shown in Figure 8. The letter data includes information regarding pre-registration points (D2). This makes it possible to notify the user of pre-registration points. Consequently, it is possible to reduce user dissatisfaction regarding ink cartridges C that were collected before joining the point-granting service.

[0075] Pre-registration points, as shown in Figure 2(b), are rewards awarded based on the cartridge ID collected by the user before they subscribed to the point-granting service. In this case, pre-registration points can be properly managed.

[0076] If a user has collected multiple ink cartridges C before subscribing to the points-granting service, the server control unit 301 associates the recycling points awarded according to the cartridge ID of each ink cartridge C and stores them in the server storage unit 302, as shown in Figures 2(b) and (c). This ensures that pre-subscription points can be properly managed even if a user has collected multiple ink cartridges C before subscribing to the points-granting service.

[0077] Before a user subscribes to the point-granting service, the server control unit 301 links the pre-subscription points with the "acquired information" obtained from either or both the printer 2 and the external terminal 4, which includes the "printer ID, user information, and purchase store information," and stores this information in the server storage unit 302, as shown in Figure 2(b). This allows for proper management of pre-subscription points.

[0078] The "acquired information" linked to pre-registration points may include information acquired by Server 3 from Printer 2 via an external terminal 4, rather than information directly acquired by Server 3 from Printer 2. For example, External terminal 4 may acquire the printer ID from Printer 2 and send the acquired printer ID to Server 3. In this case, acquiring the information is easier by going through External terminal 4.

[0079] External terminal 4 is wirelessly connected to printer 2. In this case, the "acquired information" linked to pre-subscription points may include information acquired wirelessly by external terminal 4 from printer 2. In this case, the acquired information can be easily obtained via wireless communication.

[0080] The "acquired information" linked to pre-registration points includes the "printer ID" obtained from the printer storage unit 202, as shown in Figure 2(b). In this case, the pre-registration points can be notified to the user associated with the printer ID.

[0081] The "acquired information" linked to pre-enrollment points includes "user information," as shown in Figure 2(b). In this case, the user can be notified of their pre-enrollment points based on their user information.

[0082] User information includes the user ID. In this case, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the user can be notified of pre-enrollment points based on the user ID.

[0083] User information includes the user's name. In this case, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the user can be notified of pre-enrollment points based on their name.

[0084] User information includes the user's contact information such as address, telephone number, and email address. In this case, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the user can be notified of pre-registration points based on their contact information.

[0085] The server control unit 301 generates data for sending email M, shown in Figure 5, to the user's email address. This data includes information about pre-registration points. In this case, by sending email M using this data, the user can be notified of their pre-registration points.

[0086] The server control unit 301 generates data for sending a short message (SMS) to the user's phone number. This data includes information about pre-registration points. In this case, the user can be notified of their pre-registration points by sending an SMS using this data.

[0087] The server control unit 301 generates data for sending a letter, as shown in Figure 6, to the user's address. This data includes information about pre-registration points. In this case, the user can be notified of their pre-registration points by sending a letter using this data.

[0088] The "acquired information" linked to pre-registration points includes, as shown in Figure 2(b), "user information" as well as information about the "store of purchase" where the user purchased printer 2 or ink cartridge C. In this case, by storing the pre-registration points linked to the user information and the store of purchase information, it is possible to, for example, instruct the store of purchase to notify the user about the pre-registration points.

[0089] The server control unit 301 generates data to be sent to the store server 5 shown in Figure 1, based on the store of purchase. This data includes information about pre-registration points. In this case, this data can be used to instruct the store of purchase to notify the user about pre-registration points.

[0090] The data generated by the server control unit 301 includes information (D3) about the ink cartridge C that the user had collected before subscribing to the point reward service. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the information (D3) includes color information such as magenta and black, and information such as the model number. In this case, the user can specifically recognize the information about the ink cartridge C that was eligible for points before subscribing. Consequently, the user is more likely to be motivated to collect the ink cartridge C and subscribe to the point reward service.

[0091] The data generated by the server control unit 301, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, includes either or both a service subscription URL (D4), which is information for subscribing to the point-granting service, and a two-dimensional code (D5) indicating the URL. In this case, the user can be prompted to subscribe to the point-granting service.

[0092] The information required for registration includes a two-dimensional code (D5) showing a URL, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In this case, users can easily register for the points-granting service by scanning the two-dimensional code with an external device 4, which is a smartphone.

[0093] Notifying users with pre-registration points that do not meet the predetermined conditions, for example, pre-registration points below a threshold, would offer little benefit to those users and may cause them to feel annoyed. Furthermore, for server 3, generating data for users who do not meet the predetermined conditions would increase the amount of data, requiring a larger storage capacity for server storage unit 302. Therefore, in this embodiment, the server control unit 301 generates data regarding registration guidance for the point granting service only when the pre-registration points meet the predetermined conditions. This reduces the annoyance for users and eliminates the need to increase the storage capacity of server storage unit 302.

[0094] <Variation> While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various design modifications are possible as long as they are within the scope of the claims.

[0095] Regarding the cartridge ID, which is an example of information specific to consumable parts, in the above embodiment, the cartridge ID is stored in the cartridge memory CM, and the printer control unit 201 reads the cartridge ID from the cartridge memory CM, but it is not limited to this. For example, an image indicating the cartridge ID may be recorded on the surface of the casing of the ink cartridge C, and the printer control unit 201 may read the image via a reading unit or the like.

[0096] Consumable parts and equipment can be purchased from stores, or, in the case of person-to-person transactions, from individuals.

[0097] The delivered items are not limited to letters; they may also include postcards or Letter Packs. Furthermore, the delivered items may include not only mail delivered by Japan Post Co., Ltd., such as letters and postcards, but also courier services delivered by other delivery companies.

[0098] The consumable parts consuming device is not limited to inkjet printers. For example, the consumable parts consuming device may be a laser printer, thermal transfer printer, or other type of printer. Furthermore, the consumable parts consuming device is not limited to image recording devices such as printers, but may also be a scanner, transport device, or other electronic device. The electronic device may be a PC, smartphone, etc.

[0099] Consumable parts are not limited to ink cartridges. For example, in a laser printer, consumable parts may include toner cartridges where toner is stored, drums, etc. Consumable parts may also include cutters, rollers, waste liquid tanks, etc., that are part of the printer. In a transport device, consumable parts may include rollers that transport the medium, etc. In electronic equipment, consumable parts may include batteries or components that make up the electronic equipment.

[0100] The external terminal is not limited to mobile devices such as smartphones, but may also be a personal computer or the like. Furthermore, the external terminal may be connected to the consumable parts consumption device via a wired connection for communication.

[0101] The memory unit may consist of either non-volatile memory or volatile memory.

[0102] The recording medium is not limited to paper; it may also be cloth or plastic film. In other words, the recording medium may be made of any material as long as it is capable of recording images.

[0103] The rewards are not limited to points; coupons and other forms of compensation are also acceptable.

[0104] The collected consumable parts are not limited to being recycled. For example, the collected consumable parts may be reused. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1 System 2. Printers (devices that consume consumable parts, image recording devices) 3 Servers 4. External terminals 5. Store Server (External device purchased from the supplier) 202 Printer memory unit (device memory unit) 301 Server Control Unit 302 Server Storage Unit C Ink Cartridge (Consumable Part) S Paper (recording medium)

Claims

1. A server that is communicatively connected to either or both of the following: a consumable parts consumption device on which consumable parts can be attached and detached, and an external terminal that is communicatively connected to the consumable parts consumption device; Server storage unit, A server control unit is provided, The server is characterized in that the server control unit stores pre-subscription benefit information in the server storage unit, which is a benefit that can be granted to a user in accordance with the consumable parts collected before the user subscribes to a benefit service in which benefits are granted in accordance with the collection of the consumable parts.

2. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that the pre-subscription benefit is a benefit granted in accordance with the information specific to the consumable parts that the user collected before subscribing to the benefit granting service.

3. The consumable parts collected by the user before subscribing to the benefit-granting service include a first consumable part and a second consumable part. The aforementioned pre-subscription benefits include a first benefit granted according to the information specific to the first consumable part, and a second benefit granted according to the information specific to the second consumable part. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that the server control unit links the first benefit and the second benefit and stores them in the server storage unit.

4. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that the server control unit stores in the server storage unit, before the user subscribes to the benefit granting service, the pre-subscribe benefit information and the acquired information obtained from either or both of the consumable parts consumption device and the external terminal, linked together.

5. The server according to claim 4, characterized in that the acquired information includes information acquired from the consumable parts consumption device via the external terminal.

6. The external terminal is wirelessly connected to the consumable parts consumption device. The server according to claim 4, characterized in that the acquired information includes information acquired wirelessly by the external terminal from the consumable parts consumption device.

7. The consumable parts consumption device includes a device storage unit that stores information specific to the consumable parts consumption device, The server according to claim 4, characterized in that the acquired information includes information specific to the consumable parts consumption device acquired from the device storage unit.

8. The server according to claim 4, characterized in that the acquired information includes user information which is user-specific information.

9. The server according to claim 8, characterized in that the user information includes a user ID.

10. The server according to claim 8, characterized in that the user information includes the name of the user.

11. The server according to claim 8, characterized in that the user information includes the user's contact information.

12. The aforementioned contact information includes an email address, The server control unit generates data for sending an email to the email address, The server according to claim 11, characterized in that the data includes the pre-subscription benefit information.

13. The aforementioned contact information includes a telephone number, The server control unit generates data for sending a short message to the telephone number, The server according to claim 11, characterized in that the data includes the pre-subscription benefit information.

14. The aforementioned contact information includes the address, The server control unit generates data for sending a delivery to the address, The server according to claim 11, characterized in that the data includes the pre-subscription benefit information.

15. The server according to claim 8, characterized in that the acquired information further includes supplier information relating to the supplier from which the user purchased the consumable parts consumption device or the consumable parts.

16. The server control unit generates data to be transmitted to the external device of the supplier based on the supplier information, The server according to claim 15, characterized in that the data includes the pre-subscription benefit information and the user information.

17. The server according to any one of claims 12 to 14, 16, characterized in that the data includes information on the consumable parts that the user had collected before subscribing to the benefit-granting service.

18. The server according to any one of claims 12 to 14, 16, characterized in that the data includes information for subscribing to the aforementioned benefit-granting service.

19. The server according to claim 18, characterized in that the information for joining includes a two-dimensional code indicating a URL.

20. The server according to any one of claims 12 to 14, 16, characterized in that the server control unit generates the data when the pre-subscription benefits meet predetermined conditions.

21. A system including an image recording device with removable consumable parts and a server that is communicatively connected to the image recording device, The server stores pre-subscription benefit information relating to pre-subscription benefits, which are benefits that can be granted to users in accordance with the consumable parts collected before they subscribe to a benefit service in which benefits are granted in accordance with the collection of the consumable parts. The image recording device is a system characterized by recording images on a recording medium based on the pre-subscription benefit information obtained from the server.

22. A method performed by an image recording device on which consumable parts can be attached and detached, and a server that is communicatively connected to the image recording device, The server stores pre-subscription benefit information relating to pre-subscription benefits, which are benefits that can be granted to users in accordance with the consumable parts collected before they subscribe to a benefit service in which benefits are granted in accordance with the collection of the consumable parts. The method is characterized in that the image recording device records an image on a recording medium based on the pre-subscription benefit information obtained from the server.

Images