Server, computer program for server, and communication system

Abstract

This document discloses technology that can appropriately encourage users to subscribe to printing services for their printers. [Solution] The server may include: an identification unit that identifies indicator information corresponding to a printer, wherein the indicator information indicates an indicator of the amount of use of genuine consumables which are consumables provided by the printer vendor; a determination unit that uses the indicator information to determine the fee required for a user of the printer to subscribe to a printing service for the printer, wherein the determination unit determines a first fee as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service when the indicator information indicates an indicator of usage below a first threshold, and determines a second fee lower than the first fee as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service when the indicator information indicates an indicator of usage above the first threshold; and a first output unit that outputs fee information relating to the determined fee.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates to a technology concerning a printing service for a printer.

Background Art

[0002] The server of Patent Document 1 calculates a first cost when the printer does not receive provision of a service, and a second cost when the printer receives provision of the service. The server causes a notification screen to be displayed on a terminal when the second cost is lower than the first cost. A user can compare the first cost and the second cost by viewing the notification screen.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present specification provides a technology capable of appropriately prompting a user to subscribe to a printing service for a printer.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] This specification discloses a server. The server may include: an identification unit that identifies indicator information corresponding to a printer, wherein the indicator information indicates an indicator of the amount of use of genuine consumables which are consumables provided by the printer vendor; a determination unit that uses the indicator information to determine the fee required for a user of the printer to subscribe to a printing service for the printer, wherein the determination unit determines a first fee as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service when the indicator information indicates an indicator of usage below a first threshold, and determines a second fee lower than the first fee as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service when the indicator information indicates an indicator of usage above the first threshold; and a first output unit that outputs fee information relating to the determined fee.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the server determines a first fee as the cost required for a user to subscribe to the printing service if the indicator information shows usage below a first threshold, and determines a second fee, which is lower than the first fee, if the indicator information shows usage above the first threshold. In other words, the server determines a relatively low fee for users who use a relatively large amount of genuine consumables. The server then outputs fee information regarding the determined fee. This allows the server to appropriately encourage users to subscribe to the printing service for their printer.

[0007] The computer program for the server described above, the computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program, and the method of execution by the server described above are also novel and useful. The computer-readable storage medium may be a single medium or multiple mediums. A communication system comprising the server described above and other devices (e.g., a printer) is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A conceptual diagram of the communication system is shown. [Figure 2] An example of each table is shown. [Figure 3] The sequence diagram for Case A of the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] The sequence diagram following Figure 3 is shown. [Figure 5] The sequence diagram of the third embodiment is shown. [Figure 6] The sequence diagram following Figure 5 is shown. [Figure 7] A sequence diagram of the fourth embodiment is shown. [Figure 8] The sequence diagram for the fifth embodiment is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Outline of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises a printer 10, a server 100, a terminal device 200, and a sales server 300. The printer 10 and the terminal device 200 are connected to LAN 4 and can communicate with each other via LAN 4. LAN stands for Local Area Network. LAN 4 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. Each device 10, 200 can communicate with the server 100 and the sales server 300 via the Internet 6.

[0010] (Printer 10 configuration) Printer 10 is a peripheral device capable of performing printing functions. Printer 10 may also be a multi-function device capable of performing scanning, faxing, and other functions in addition to printing. Printer 10 has the device number "DV1". The device number is an identification number assigned to the printer during manufacturing.

[0011] The printer 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a communication interface 20, and a control unit 30. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F". The operation unit 12 is a user interface that allows the user to input various information to the printer 10. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel, hardware keys, or both for displaying software keys such as operation objects. Hardware keys are, for example, buttons, switches, etc. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may be a touch panel or not. The panel may also be, for example, an LCD panel or an OLED panel.

[0012] The printing execution unit 16 is an inkjet printing mechanism. A cartridge 18 containing ink is installed in the printing execution unit 16. The printing execution unit 16 uses the ink in the cartridge to perform printing. Each cartridge is assigned a serial number for identification. The serial number is a unique string assigned to each cartridge when multiple cartridges are manufactured. There are genuine cartridges provided by the printer 10 vendor and non-genuine cartridges provided by a different vendor. In a modified example, the printing execution unit 16 may be a laser printing mechanism. In this case, the cartridge contains toner.

[0013] Hereafter, the cartridge will be referred to as "CTG". The printer 10's memory 34 stores the number of times a CTG has been replaced with a genuine CTG. When a CTG is installed, the printer 10 reads the serial number of the CTG and stores this serial number in memory 34. Generally, the serial number of a genuine CTG includes a predetermined string of characters determined by the printer 10's vendor. When a CTG is installed, the printer 10 reads a serial number different from the serial number stored in memory 34, and if the current serial number includes the predetermined string of characters mentioned above, it determines that the CTG has been replaced with a genuine CTG. In this case, the printer 10 increments the number of replacements in memory 34 by 1. On the other hand, if the current serial number does not include the predetermined string of characters mentioned above, the printer 10 determines that the CTG has been replaced with a non-genuine CTG. In this case, the printer 10 does not increment the number of replacements in memory 34.

[0014] Furthermore, even if the printer 10 has a CTG installed for the first time after purchase and that CTG is a genuine CTG, the replacement count remains "0" because the CTG has not yet been replaced. However, in a modified example, if the printer 10 has a CTG installed for the first time after purchase and that CTG is a genuine CTG, the replacement count may be changed from "0" to "1".

[0015] Communication I / F20 is connected to LAN4. Communication I / F20 may be an interface for wireless communication or an interface for wired communication.

[0016] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. By way of example, the main storage device includes a RAM and a cache memory. The auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, a Solid State Drive (SSD), or a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Alternatively, it may be a combination of the above. A program 36 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 34. The CPU 32 implements various processes in accordance with the program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0017] (Configuration of Server 100) The server 100 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printer 10. Hereinafter, the vendor of the printer 10 is simply referred to as "the vendor". The server 100 may be a physical server, or may be a virtual server on a cloud, a virtual machine, or the like. The server 100 may be a single server, or may be a set of a plurality of servers. The server 100 may be a server on an intranet, or may be a cloud server on the Internet 6. Note that, in a modification, the server 100 may be installed on the Internet 6 by an operator different from the vendor. In another modification, the vendor may not prepare the hardware of the server 100 on its own, and may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may implement the server 100 by preparing the program, i.e., software, of the server 100 and introducing it into the above environment. In the present embodiment, as an example, a form in which the server 100 is a physical server will be described.

[0018] The server 100 provides a subscription service for the printer 10. Hereinafter, the subscription service is referred to as a "flat-rate service". In the flat-rate service, only a basic fee is charged when the number of printed sheets within a predetermined period such as one month is equal to or less than the upper limit number of printed sheets. Then, when the number of printed sheets within the unit period exceeds the upper limit number of printed sheets, the sum of the basic fee and an excess fee corresponding to the number of printed sheets exceeding the upper limit number of printed sheets is charged. In other words, the flat-rate service is a service that allows printing within the upper limit number of printed sheets in a predetermined period for the basic fee. The flat-rate service includes an automatic delivery service. The automatic delivery service is a service that automatically delivers a new CTG when the remaining amount of ink in the CTG mounted on the printer becomes equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount. The cost of the CTG is included in the basic fee of the flat-rate service. That is, even when a new CTG is shipped, the price of the CTG is not added to the charged amount.

[0019] The server 100 includes a communication I / F 120 and a control unit 130. The communication I / F 120 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes according to a program 136 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The details of the memory 134 are the same as those of the memory 34 of the printer 10. Various processes are implemented when the program 136 stored in the non-volatile memory is loaded into the volatile memory and the program 136 is executed by the CPU 132. The memory 134 further stores a user table 138, a printer information table 140, and a discount table 142.

[0020] (Configuration of Terminal Device 200) The terminal device 200 is, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a tablet device, a laptop PC, or a desktop PC. The memory of the terminal device 200 stores the application program 210. Hereafter, the application program will be referred to as "app". App 210 is a program that enables printing with the printer 10. App 210 is installed on the terminal device 200 from another server on the Internet 6. App 210 is assigned the application ID "A1" to identify the app.

[0021] (Configuration of sales server 300) The sales server 300 is installed on the internet 6 by the printer 10 vendor. The sales server 300 is a server that sells CTGs for printers. When the sales server 300 receives a purchase order for a new CTG from a user of printer 10, it executes the process to ship the new CTG.

[0022] (Contents of tables 138, 140, and 142; Figure 2) Referring to Figure 2, the contents of tables 138, 140, and 142 are explained. In user table 138, account information, device number, and application ID are stored in association. Account information is the information a user uses to log in to server 100, and includes the username (e.g., "U1") and password (e.g., "PW1"). The device number (e.g., "DV1") is a number that identifies the printer used by the user. The application ID (e.g., "A1") is an ID that identifies the application (e.g., application 210) installed on the terminal (e.g., terminal device 200). The terminal is used by the printer user.

[0023] A user logs in to the server 100, for example, using the application 210 on the terminal device 200. This allows the user to register their account information and application ID in the user table 138. Subsequently, for example, the application 210 on the terminal device 200 requests the server 100 to issue a passcode. The server 100 generates a passcode and sends it to the application 210, and stores the passcode in association with the account information and application ID mentioned above. The user enters the passcode displayed on the application 210 into the printer 10. In this case, the printer 10 sends the device number "DV1" and the passcode to the server 100. This allows the server 100 to store the device number "DV1" in the user table 138 in association with the account information and application ID mentioned above. Note that the above registration method is just one example, and other methods may be used.

[0024] The printer information table 140 stores the device number, serial number, CTG remaining amount, total usage time, genuine product usage time, number of genuine product replacements, number of purchases, and number of printed pages in association with each other. That is, the server 100 stores the serial number, cartridge remaining amount, total usage time, genuine product usage time, etc., for each device number of multiple printers in association with each other. The serial number (e.g., "SN1") is a number that identifies the CTG currently installed in the printer used by the user. The CTG remaining amount (e.g., 100%) is the amount of colorant remaining in the CTG currently installed in the printer. The total usage time (e.g., 0 hours) is the cumulative time when either a genuine or non-genuine CTG is installed in the printer. The genuine product usage time (e.g., 0 hours) is the cumulative time when a genuine CTG is installed in the printer. The number of genuine product replacements (e.g., 0 times) is the number of times the printer's CTG has been replaced with a genuine CTG. The purchase count (e.g., 0 times) is the number of times genuine CTG was purchased from sales server 300. The print count is the number of pages printed using genuine CTG.

[0025] Printer 10 sends printer information to server 100 at regular intervals, such as every 24 hours. Printer 10 also sends printer information to server 100 when it is powered on, when a CTG is installed, etc. The printer information includes the device number "DV1", the serial number of the currently installed CTG, the remaining ink level in the CTG, the number of replacements, and the total number of printed pages. Server 100 updates the printer information table 140 each time it receives printer information.

[0026] When server 100 receives printer information from printer 10, it performs the following processes. Below, the word "target" is added to each piece of information included in the current printer information. From the printer information table 140, it identifies each piece of information associated with the target device number "DV1" included in the printer information. Then, server 100 performs the following processes for each piece of information that has been identified. If the target serial number included in the current printer information is different from the identified serial number, server 100 writes the target serial number to the printer information table 140 in place of the identified serial number. Server 100 writes the target CTG remaining amount included in the current printer information to the printer information table 140 in place of the identified CTG remaining amount.

[0027] Server 100 stores the date and time of the previous printer information reception. Server 100 calculates the difference in time between the date and time of the previous printer information reception and the date and time of the current printer information reception. Server 100 then adds this difference in time to the specified total usage time. As mentioned above, the serial number of a genuine CTG contains a predetermined string. If the target serial number included in the current printer information contains the predetermined string, Server 100 determines that a genuine CTG is currently installed in printer 10. In this case, Server 100 adds the above difference in time to the specified usage time of the genuine product. On the other hand, if the target serial number does not contain the predetermined string, Server 100 determines that a non-genuine CTG is currently installed in printer 10. In this case, Server 100 does not change the specified usage time of the genuine product.

[0028] Furthermore, the server 100 performs the following exception handling when updating the usage time of genuine parts. When the server 100 receives printer information when a non-genuine CTG is installed in place of the genuine CTG in the printer 10, it determines that the non-genuine CTG is currently installed in the printer 10, but adds the above difference time to the previously determined usage time of genuine parts. This is because the genuine CTG was installed in the printer 10 during the above difference time. On the other hand, when the server 100 receives printer information when a genuine CTG is installed in place of a non-genuine CTG in the printer 10, it determines that the genuine CTG is currently installed in the printer 10, but does not add the above difference time to the previously determined usage time of genuine parts. This is because the genuine CTG was not installed in the printer 10 during the above difference time. By performing such exception handling, the server 100 can store the appropriate usage time of genuine parts.

[0029] If the number of replacements included in the current printer information differs from the previously identified number of replacements for genuine parts, the server 100 writes the number of replacements for the target product to the printer information table 140 instead of the previously identified number of replacements for genuine parts.

[0030] Server 100 stores the number of pages printed from the previous printer information. Server 100 calculates the difference between the stored number of pages printed and the target number of pages printed from the current printer information. If Server 100 determines that a genuine CTG is currently installed in printer 10, it adds the difference in the number of pages printed to the previously determined number of pages. On the other hand, if Server 100 determines that a non-genuine CTG is currently installed in printer 10, it does not change the previously determined number of pages printed.

[0031] Furthermore, the server 100 performs the following exception handling when updating the number of printed pages. When the server 100 receives printer information when a non-genuine CTG is installed in place of the genuine CTG in the printer 10, it determines that the non-genuine CTG is currently installed in the printer 10, but adds the above difference in the number of printed pages to the previously determined number of printed pages. On the other hand, when the server 100 receives printer information when a genuine CTG is installed in place of the non-genuine CTG in the printer 10, it determines that the genuine CTG is currently installed in the printer 10, but does not add the above difference in the number of printed pages to the previously determined number of printed pages. By performing such exception handling, the server 100 can store the appropriate number of printed pages.

[0032] The purchase count is updated as follows: Users can log in to the sales server 300 using their account information and purchase genuine CTGs. Each time a genuine CTG is purchased, the sales server 300 sends purchase information, including the username, to the server 100. In this case, the server 100 identifies the device number associated with the username included in the purchase information from the user table 138. Next, the server 100 identifies the purchase count associated with the identified device number from the printer information table 140. Then, the server 100 increments the identified purchase count by 1.

[0033] In discount table 142, the usage time of genuine products is associated with discount information. The discount information indicates a discount on the fee required for a user to subscribe to a flat-rate service. The usage time of genuine products "0 to 1000 hours" is associated with the discount information "no discount". This means that if the usage time of genuine products is "0 to 1000 hours", there is no discount. Also, the usage time of genuine products "1001 to 2000 hours" is associated with the discount information "5% discount". This means that if the usage time of genuine products is "1001 to 2000 hours", there is a 5% discount. Similarly, the more the usage time of genuine products, the larger the discount rate. In other words, users who use genuine CTG relatively often will find the fee required to subscribe to the flat-rate service to be relatively inexpensive.

[0034] (Processing performed by each device 10, 100, and 200; Figures 3 and 4) Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the processes performed by each device 10, 100, and 200 will be explained. In the following explanation, for the sake of ease of understanding, the operations implemented by the CPUs of each device, such as CPUs 32 and 132, will not be described primarily from the CPU's perspective. Instead, the explanation will focus on each device, such as printer 10 and server 100. Furthermore, in the following explanation, communication between each device is performed via a communication interface. In the following explanation, the phrase "via a communication interface" will be omitted when describing communication.

[0035] The user of printer 10 accesses server 100 before the process shown in Figure 3 begins. The user of printer 10 has already registered the username "U1", password "PW1", device number "DV1", and application ID "A1" in user table 138. Note that the user has not yet subscribed to a flat-rate service for printer 10. The following describes the process for discounting the fee required to subscribe to the flat-rate service based on the usage time of genuine products.

[0036] The user installs the genuine CTG into the print execution unit 16 (see Figure 1) of the printer 10 at T10. This is the first time the genuine CTG has been installed since the printer 10 was purchased. The printer 10 reads the serial number "SN1" of the genuine CTG. The printer 10 maintains a replacement count of "0".

[0037] Printer 10 is in a state where it can communicate with server 100 via LAN4 and the Internet6. Printer 10 sends printer information to server 100 at T12. The printer information includes the printer's device number "DV1", the serial number of the currently installed CTG "SN1", the remaining ink level in the CTG "100%", the number of replacements "0", and the number of printed pages "0".

[0038] When server 100 receives printer information from printer 10 at T12, at T14, it stores each piece of information contained in the printer information in printer information table 140. Specifically, server 100 determines that the device number "DV1" included in the printer information is not yet stored in printer information table 140. In this case, server 100 newly stores the device number "DV1", serial number "SN1", CTG remaining amount "100%", total usage time "0 hours", genuine product usage time "0 hours", number of genuine product replacements "0 times", and number of printed pages "0 pages".

[0039] Server 100 identifies the newly stored genuine product usage time of "0 hours" in T16. Next, Server 100 identifies that the genuine product usage time of "0 hours" falls within the range of "0 to 1000 hours" in the discount table 142. The range of "0 to 1000 hours" corresponds to the range without a discount. In this case, Server 100 does not issue a notification indicating that it is eligible for a discount and terminates processing.

[0040] Subsequently, the user continues to use printer 10. Then, at T20, when a predetermined timing arrives, printer 10 sends printer information to server 100 at T22. The printer information includes the printer's device number "DV1", serial number "SN1", remaining ink level "95%", replacement count "0 times", and number of printed pages "15 pages".

[0041] When server 100 receives printer information from printer 10 at T22, it updates the printer information table 140 at T24 using the information contained in the printer information. Specifically, server 100 changes the remaining CTG amount from "100%" to "95%".

[0042] Server 100 calculates the difference in time, "24 hours," between the date and time the printer information for T12 was received and the date and time the printer information for T22 was received. Server 100 adds this difference of "24 hours" to the total usage time, "0 hours." Server 100 determines from the received serial number "SN1" that the CTG currently installed in printer 10 is a genuine CTG. In this case, Server 100 adds this difference of "24 hours" to the usage time of the genuine product, "0 hours."

[0043] Since the number of replacements included in the printer information is "0," the number of genuine replacements in printer information table 140 will not be changed.

[0044] Server 100 calculates the difference of "15 pages" between the number of printed pages "0" included in the printer information of T12 and the number of printed pages "15" included in the printer information of T22. Server 100 determines that the CTG currently installed in printer 10 is a genuine CTG, so it adds the difference of "15 pages" to the number of printed pages "0".

[0045] Server 100 identifies the newly stored genuine product usage time of "24 hours" in T26. Next, Server 100 identifies that the genuine product usage time of "24 hours" falls within the range of "0 to 1000 hours" in the discount table 142. The range of "0 to 1000 hours" corresponds to the range without a discount. In this case, Server 100 does not issue a notification indicating that it is eligible for a discount and terminates processing. As described above, Server 100 updates the printer information table 140 each time it receives printer information from Printer 10. Then, Server 100 identifies which range in the discount table 142 the updated genuine product usage time falls within.

[0046] Subsequently, the user continues to use printer 10. At T30, the user of printer 10 installs a non-genuine CTG in the print execution unit 16 in place of the genuine CTG. Printer 10 reads the serial number "SN2" of the non-genuine CTG. Here, the serial number "SN2" does not contain a predetermined string determined by the vendor of printer 10. For this reason, printer 10 determines that the CTG has been replaced with a non-genuine one and does not increment the replacement count.

[0047] Printer 10 sends printer information to server 100 at T34. The printer information includes the printer's device number "DV1", serial number "SN2", remaining ink level "100%", replacement count "0 times", and number of printed pages "300 pages".

[0048] When server 100 receives printer information from printer 10 at T34, it updates the printer information table 140 at T36 using the information contained in the printer information. Specifically, server 100 changes the serial number to "SN2" and the remaining CTG to "100%".

[0049] Server 100 further calculates the difference time in the same manner as above, adds the difference time to the current total usage time, and stores "240 hours". From the received serial number "SN2", Server 100 determines that the CTG currently installed in printer 10 is a non-genuine CTG. That is, Server 100 determines that a non-genuine CTG has been installed in printer 10 in place of the genuine CTG. In this case, Server 100 adds the difference time to the current usage time of the genuine product. After this process, Server 100 does not add the difference time to the current usage time of the genuine product until it determines that a genuine CTG has been installed in place of the non-genuine CTG in printer 10.

[0050] Since the number of replacements included in the printer information is "0," the number of genuine replacements in printer information table 140 will not be changed.

[0051] Server 100 calculates the difference in pages in the same manner as described above, adds the difference to the current print count, and stores "300 pages". After this process, Server 100 does not add the difference in pages to the current print count until it determines that a genuine CTG has been installed in place of a non-genuine CTG in printer 10.

[0052] Server 100 identifies the newly stored genuine product usage time of "240 hours" in T38. Next, Server 100 identifies that the genuine product usage time of "240 hours" falls within the range of "0 to 1000 hours" in the discount table 142. The range of "0 to 1000 hours" corresponds to the range without a discount. In this case, Server 100 does not issue a notification indicating that it is eligible for a discount and terminates processing.

[0053] Subsequently, the user continues to use the printer 10. The user of the printer 10 installs a genuine CTG in the print execution unit 16 in place of the non-genuine CTG at T40. The printer 10 reads the serial number "SN3" of the genuine CTG. Here, the serial number "SN3" contains a predetermined string determined by the vendor of the printer 10. Therefore, the printer 10 determines that the CTG has been replaced with a genuine one and increments the replacement count by 1.

[0054] Printer 10 sends printer information to server 100 at T44. The printer information includes the printer's device number "DV1", serial number "SN3", remaining ink level "100%", replacement count "1", and number of printed pages "900".

[0055] When server 100 receives printer information from printer 10 at T44, it updates the printer information table 140 at T46 using the information contained in the printer information. Specifically, server 100 changes the serial number to "SN3", the remaining CTG to "100%", and the number of times the original part was replaced to "1".

[0056] Server 100 further calculates the difference time in the same manner as above, adds the difference time to the current total usage time, and stores "1190 hours" as the new total usage time. From the received serial number "SN3", Server 100 determines that the CTG currently installed in printer 10 is a genuine CTG. That is, Server 100 determines that a genuine CTG has been installed in printer 10 in place of a non-genuine CTG. In this case, Server 100 maintains the current genuine product usage time of "990 hours" without adding the difference time to the current genuine product usage time. From this point onward, Server 100 adds the difference time to the current genuine product usage time each time it receives printer information, until it determines that a non-genuine CTG has been installed in place of the genuine CTG.

[0057] Server 100 calculates the difference in the same manner as described above. However, Server 100 determines that a genuine CTG has been installed in place of a non-genuine CTG in Printer 10. Therefore, it maintains the current print count of "300 pages" without adding the difference in the print count to the current print count. From this point onward, Server 100 adds the difference in the print count to the current print count each time it receives printer information, until it determines that a non-genuine CTG has been installed in place of the genuine CTG.

[0058] Server 100 identifies the genuine product usage time as "990 hours" in T46. Next, Server 100 identifies that the genuine product usage time of "990 hours" falls within the range of "0 to 1000 hours" in the discount table 142. The range of "0 to 1000 hours" corresponds to the range without a discount. In this case, Server 100 does not issue a notification indicating that it is eligible for a discount and terminates processing.

[0059] Subsequently, the user continues to use the printer 10. Then, as shown in Figure 4, the printer 10 sends printer information to the server 100 at T62 when a predetermined timing arrives at T60. The printer information includes the printer's device number "DV1", serial number "SN3", remaining ink level "80%", replacement count "1", and number of printed pages "1100".

[0060] When server 100 receives printer information from printer 10 in T62, it updates the printer information table 140 in T64 using the information contained in the printer information. Specifically, server 100 changes the remaining CTG amount to "80%".

[0061] Server 100 further calculates the difference time in the same manner as above, adds the difference time to the current total usage time, and stores "1214 hours". Server 100 determines from the received serial number "SN3" that the CTG currently installed in printer 10 is a genuine CTG. In this case, Server 100 adds the difference time to the current usage time of the genuine product and stores "1014 hours".

[0062] Since the number of replacements included in the printer information is "1," the number of genuine replacements in the printer information table 140 is not changed. Also, the server 100 calculates the difference in pages in the same way as above, adds the difference in pages to the current number of printed pages, and stores "500 pages."

[0063] Server 100 identifies the newly stored genuine product usage time of "1014 hours" in T66. Next, Server 100 identifies that the genuine product usage time of "1014 hours" falls within the range of genuine product usage time of "1001 to 2000 hours" in the discount table 142. The genuine product usage time of "1001 to 2000 hours" corresponds to the range corresponding to the 5% discount. That is, in T68, Server 100 determines that the genuine product usage time has changed from the range corresponding to no discount to the range corresponding to the 5% discount. In this case, Server 100 issues a notification indicating that the fee required to subscribe to the flat-rate service will be reduced.

[0064] Specifically, server 100 identifies application ID "A1" associated with device number "DV1" included in the printer information from user table 138. Then, server 100 sends offering screen data to application ID "A1" as the destination in T70. As a result, offering screen data is sent to terminal device 200.

[0065] When the application 210 of the terminal device 200 receives offering screen data from the server 100 at T70, it displays the offering screen SC1 at T72. The offering screen SC1 includes a message encouraging the user to subscribe to the subscription service and a message indicating that a special discount will be applied to the fee required to subscribe to the subscription service. In particular, the latter message includes a string indicating that the current discount rate is 5%. This allows the user to know that they should subscribe to the subscription service and that they can subscribe to the subscription service at a discounted rate of 5%.

[0066] Subsequently, the user continues to use the printer 10. The user then wishes to subscribe to a flat-rate service. In this case, the terminal device 200 launches application 210 in response to receiving an operation from the user. Application 210 accepts the operation to subscribe to the flat-rate service at T80. In this case, application 210 sends a service subscription instruction including application ID "A1" to server 100 at T82.

[0067] When server 100 receives a service subscription instruction from terminal device 200 in T82, it identifies device number "DV1" associated with application ID "A1" from user table 138. Next, in T84, server 100 identifies the genuine product usage time "1200 hours" associated with device number "DV1" from printer information table 140. Server 100 then identifies that the genuine product usage time "1200 hours" falls within the range of genuine product usage time "1001 to 2000 hours" in discount table 142. The range of genuine product usage time "1001 to 2000 hours" corresponds to the 5% discount. Therefore, in T86, server 100 determines that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the flat-rate service is a "5% discount" on the regular price. Then, in T88, server 100 sends the service information input screen data to application ID "A1" as the destination.

[0068] Furthermore, if Server 100 has used genuine parts for "2010 hours," T86 will determine that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the flat-rate service is a "10% discount" off the regular price. If Server 100 has used genuine parts for "3010 hours," T86 will determine that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the flat-rate service is a "15% discount" off the regular price. Thus, the more time genuine parts are used, the larger the discount rate. In other words, users who use genuine CTGs relatively often will find the fee required to subscribe to the flat-rate service to be relatively inexpensive.

[0069] When application 210 of terminal device 200 receives service information input screen data from server 100 at T88, it displays service information input screen SC2 at T90. Service information input screen SC2 includes a message stating that the flat-rate service can be used at a 5% discount off the regular price, an address information input area, and a payment information input area. This allows the user to know the discounted price. At T92, application 210 accepts an operation from the user to input address information and an operation to input payment information such as a credit card number. At T94, application 210 sends the input information to server 100.

[0070] When server 100 receives input information from terminal device 200 at T94, it starts providing the flat-rate service at T96. Specifically, server 100 delivers CTGs to be used for the flat-rate service to the address information included in the input information. When the remaining amount of CTGs falls below a threshold, server 100 delivers new CTGs. Server 100 also manages the number of printed pages for predetermined periods, such as one month. When the billing timing arrives, server 100 uses the payment information included in the input information to bill the user for the charges. The charges billed here are the rates to which the above discounts have been applied.

[0071] (Effects of the first embodiment) As described above, for users who use the genuine CTG relatively frequently, server 100 determines a relatively low fee for subscribing to the flat-rate service. Then, at T88 in Figure 4, server 100 displays a service information input screen on terminal device 200 indicating that the flat-rate service can be used at a 5% discount off the regular price. This allows server 100 to appropriately encourage users to subscribe to the printing service for printer 10.

[0072] (Correspondence) Server 100 is an example of a "server". The usage time of genuine products is an example of "indicator information". CTG and genuine CTG are examples of "consumables" and "genuine consumables", respectively. The usage time of genuine products of "1000 hours" is an example of a "first threshold". The regular price is an example of a "first price". The price with a 5% discount applied to the regular price is an example of a "second price". The usage time of genuine products of "2000 hours" is an example of a "second threshold". The price with a 10% discount applied to the regular price is an example of a "third price". The service subscription instruction for T82 in Figure 4 is an example of an "instruction to subscribe to printing services". Terminal device 200 is an example of an "external device".

[0073] T16, T26, T38, T48 in Figure 3 and T66, T84 in Figure 4 are examples of processes executed by the "Specification Unit". T68, T86 in Figure 4 are examples of processes executed by the "Decision Unit". T88 is an example of a process executed by the "First Output Unit". T70 is an example of a process executed by the "Second Output Unit".

[0074] (Second example) Next, a second embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the discount table 142 stores the genuine product usage rate in association with discount information. The genuine product usage rate is the ratio of the time spent using genuine products to the total usage time. A genuine product usage rate of "0-50%" is associated with the discount information "no discount". This means that if the genuine product usage rate is "0-50%", there is no discount. A genuine product usage rate of "51-60%" is associated with the discount information "5% discount". This means that if the genuine product usage rate is "51-60%", there is a 5% discount. Similarly, the higher the genuine product usage rate, the larger the discount rate. In other words, for users who use a relatively large amount of genuine CTG, the fee required to subscribe to the flat-rate service will be relatively inexpensive.

[0075] However, if the discount rate is determined solely by the percentage of genuine parts used, a large discount rate will be applied even if the usage time of genuine CTG is extremely short. Therefore, in this embodiment, server 100 applies a discount rate according to the percentage of genuine parts used, on the condition that the usage time of genuine parts exceeds 1000 hours. The above 1000 hours is an example, and a shorter or longer time than 1000 hours may be used.

[0076] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the processes performed by each device will be described. The process of sending printer information from printer 10 to server 100 (T10, T12, etc.) is the same as in the first embodiment. Also, the process of server 100 updating printer information table 140 (T14, etc.) is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0077] After updating the printer information table 140, the server 100 first determines whether the usage time of genuine parts exceeds 1000 hours in T16, T26, T38, T66, etc. If the server 100 determines that the usage time of genuine parts does not exceed 1000 hours, it does not issue a notification indicating eligibility for a discount and terminates processing. On the other hand, if the server 100 determines that the usage time of genuine parts exceeds 1000 hours, it calculates the ratio of the usage time of genuine parts to the total usage time, i.e., the genuine part usage rate.

[0078] Next, server 100 determines whether the calculated genuine product usage rate has changed from the low discount range to the high discount range in discount table 142. For example, suppose server 100 calculates "40%" as the genuine product usage rate at T48 in Figure 3. Also suppose server 100 calculates "55%" as the genuine product usage rate at T66 in Figure 4. In this case, server 100 determines that the calculated genuine product usage rate has changed from the range corresponding to "no discount" to the range corresponding to "5% discount". Therefore, server 100 sends the offering screen data to terminal device 200, similar to T70. On the other hand, if server 100 determines that the calculated genuine product usage rate has not changed from the low discount range to the high discount range, it does not issue a notification indicating that it is eligible for a discount and terminates processing.

[0079] In T82, when server 100 receives a service subscription instruction from terminal device 200, it determines whether the usage time of genuine parts exceeds 1000 hours. If server 100 determines that the usage time of genuine parts exceeds 1000 hours, it calculates the genuine parts usage rate. Then, in T86, server 100 determines the discount rate using the calculated genuine parts usage rate and the discount table 142. Next, in T88, server 100 sends service information input screen data showing the determined discount rate to terminal device 200.

[0080] (Effects of the second embodiment) In this embodiment as well, the server 100 determines a relatively low fee for users who use the genuine CTG relatively frequently to subscribe to the flat-rate service. Then, at T70 in Figure 4, the server 100 displays an offering screen SC1 on the terminal device 200 indicating that the flat-rate service can be used at a discounted rate from the regular price. Furthermore, at T88 in Figure 4, the server 100 displays a service information input screen SC2 on the terminal device 200 indicating that the flat-rate service can be used at a discounted rate from the regular price. This allows the server to appropriately encourage users to subscribe to the printing service for the printer 10.

[0081] In this embodiment, the genuine parts usage rate is an example of "indicator information." For example, it is assumed that server 100 calculates "40%" as the genuine parts usage rate at T48 in Figure 3, and calculates "55%" as the genuine parts usage rate at T66 in Figure 4. In this case, server 100 determines that the calculated genuine parts usage rate has changed from the range corresponding to "no discount" to the range corresponding to "5% discount." Therefore, the genuine parts usage rate of "50%", which is the upper limit of the genuine parts usage rate corresponding to the discount information "no discount," is an example of the "first threshold." T70 in Figure 4 is an example of processing performed by the "third output unit."

[0082] (Third embodiment; Figures 5 and 6) Next, a third embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the discount table 142 stores the number of times genuine parts have been replaced in association with discount information. The number of times genuine parts have been replaced "0 to 5 times" is associated with the discount information "no discount". This means that if the number of times genuine parts have been replaced "0 to 5 times", there is no discount. The number of times genuine parts have been replaced "6 to 10 times" is associated with the discount information "5% discount". This means that if the number of times genuine parts have been replaced "6 to 10 times", there is a 5% discount. Similarly, the more times genuine parts have been replaced, the larger the discount rate. In other words, for users who use genuine CTG relatively often, the fee required to subscribe to the flat-rate service will be relatively inexpensive.

[0083] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the processes performed by each device 10, 100, and 200 will be described. The process of sending printer information from printer 10 to server 100 (T110, T112, etc.) is the same as in the first embodiment. Also, the process of server 100 updating the printer information table 140 (T114, etc.) is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0084] After updating the printer information table 140, the server 100 determines whether the number of genuine product replacements has changed from a low discount range to a high discount range at T116, T126, T138, T148 in Figure 3 and T168 in Figure 6. If the server 100 determines that the number of genuine product replacements has not changed from a low discount range to a high discount range (for example, T116, T126, T138, T148 in Figure 3), it does not issue a notification indicating that the product is eligible for a discount and terminates the process.

[0085] For example, at T160 in Figure 6, the number of genuine product replacements is changed from 5 to 6. In this case, at T168, the server 100 determines that the number of genuine product replacements has changed from a low discount range to a high discount range. Specifically, the server 100 identifies that the number of genuine product replacements "6" falls within the range of "6 to 10" genuine product replacements in the discount table 142. The range of "6 to 10" genuine product replacements corresponds to a 5% discount. That is, at T168, the server 100 determines that the number of genuine product replacements has changed from a range corresponding to no discount to a range corresponding to a 5% discount. In this case, at T180, the server 100 sends offering screen data to the terminal device 200. As a result, at T182, offering screen SC1 indicating that a 5% discount is applied is displayed on the terminal device 200.

[0086] In T192, when server 100 receives a service subscription instruction from terminal device 200, in T194, it identifies "6 times" as the number of genuine product replacements from printer information table 140. Server 100 then identifies that "6 times" is within the range of "6 to 10 times" for genuine product replacements in discount table 142. The range of "6 to 10 times" for genuine product replacements corresponds to the 5% discount. Therefore, in T196, server 100 determines that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the flat-rate service is a "5% discount" of the regular price. Then, in T198, server 100 sends service information input screen data to terminal device 200. As a result, in T200, service information input screen SC2 indicating that the 5% discount is applied is displayed on terminal device 100. T202 to T206 are the same as T92 to T96 in Figure 4.

[0087] (Effects of the third embodiment) In this embodiment as well, the server 100 determines a relatively low fee for users who use the genuine CTG relatively frequently, as the fee required to subscribe to the flat-rate service. Then, at T180 in Figure 6, the server 100 displays an offering screen SC1 on the terminal device 200, indicating that the flat-rate service can be used at a discounted rate from the regular price. Furthermore, at T198, the server 100 displays a service information input screen SC2 on the terminal device 200. The service information input screen SC2 indicates that the flat-rate service can be used at a discounted rate from the regular price. This allows the server to appropriately encourage users to subscribe to the printing service for the printer 10.

[0088] In this embodiment, the number of times genuine parts have been replaced is an example of "indicator information." The upper limit of the number of times genuine parts have been replaced, which corresponds to the discount information "no discount," is "5 times," which is an example of the "first threshold." T180 in Figure 6 is an example of the processing performed by the "fifth output unit."

[0089] (Fourth embodiment; Figure 7) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the discount table 142 stores purchase information and discount information in association. The number of purchases "0 to 5 times" is associated with the discount information "no discount". This means that if the number of purchases is "0 to 5 times", there is no discount. The number of purchases "6 to 10 times" is associated with the discount information "5% discount". This means that if the number of purchases is "6 to 10 times", there is a 5% discount. Similarly, the more purchases there are, the larger the discount rate. In other words, for users who use genuine CTG relatively often, the fee required to subscribe to the flat-rate service will be relatively inexpensive.

[0090] Referring to Figure 7, the processes performed by each device 100, 200, and 300 will be described. The processes in Figure 7 are performed after the process at T24 in Figure 3. Terminal device 200 launches application 210 in response to receiving an operation from the user. Application 210 accepts an access operation to log in to sales server 300. In this case, application 210 sends an access request to sales server 300 at T300.

[0091] When the sales server 300 receives an access request from the terminal device 200 at T300, it sends the purchase screen data to the terminal device 200 at T302.

[0092] When application 210 of terminal device 200 receives purchase screen data from sales server 300 at T302, it displays the purchase screen at T304. The purchase screen shows a configuration that allows the purchase process of genuine CTG to be executed. When application 210 receives a purchase operation for genuine CTG from the user at T306, it sends a purchase request including the username "U1" to sales server 300 at T308.

[0093] When the sales server 300 receives a purchase request from the terminal device 200 at T308, it executes the purchase process at T310. The purchase process includes payment processing, shipping of the genuine CTG, etc. At T312, the sales server 300 sends purchase information to the server 100, including the username "U1" received at T308 and the serial number "SN3" of the purchased genuine CTG.

[0094] When server 100 receives purchase information from sales server 300 at T312, it updates printer information table 140 at T314. Specifically, server 100 identifies device number "DV1" associated with username "U1" included in the purchase information from user table 138. Server 100 determines that the identified device number "DV1" is already stored in printer information table 140. In this case, server 100 changes the purchase count from "0" to "1".

[0095] Server 100 identifies the purchase count as "1" in T316. Next, Server 100 identifies that the purchase count of "1" falls within the range of "0 to 5" purchase counts in the discount table 142, i.e., within the range corresponding to no discount. In this case, Server 100 does not issue a notification indicating that the purchase is eligible for a discount and terminates processing.

[0096] Subsequently, the user of printer 10 continues to use printer 10 and repeats the purchase of genuine CTG from sales server 300 five times. That is, the processes T300 to T316 are executed five times. In response to the user's sixth purchase operation of genuine CTG, server 100 updates the printer information table 140 in T320. Specifically, server 100 changes the number of purchases to "6".

[0097] Server 100 identifies the purchase count as "6" in T322. Server 100 then identifies that the purchase count of "6" falls within the range of "6 to 10" purchase counts in the discount table 142, i.e., within the range corresponding to a 5% discount. Therefore, in T324, Server 100 determines that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the flat-rate service is a "5% discount" of the regular price. Then, in T330, Server 100 sends the offering screen data to app ID "A1" as the destination.

[0098] The processing in T330-T342 is the same as in T70-T82 in Figure 4. When server 100 receives a service subscription instruction from terminal device 200 in T342, in T344 it identifies the number of exchanges as "6" from printer information table 140. Server 100 then identifies that the number of exchanges as "6" falls within the range of "6-10" exchanges in discount table 142, that is, within the range corresponding to a 5% discount. Therefore, in T346, server 100 determines that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the flat-rate service is a "5% discount" of the regular fee. Then, in T348, server 100 sends the service information input screen data to application ID "A1" as the destination. T348-T356 is the same as in T88-T96 in Figure 4.

[0099] (Effects of the fourth embodiment) In this embodiment as well, the server 100 determines a relatively low fee for users who use the genuine CTG relatively frequently to subscribe to the flat-rate service. The server 100 then displays an offering screen SC1 on the terminal device 200 at T330, indicating that the flat-rate service can be used at a discounted rate from the regular price. The server 100 also displays a service information input screen SC2 on the terminal device 200 at T348, indicating that the flat-rate service can be used at a discounted rate from the regular price. This allows the server to appropriately encourage users to subscribe to the printing service for the printer 10.

[0100] In this embodiment, the number of purchases is an example of "indicator information." The purchase count of "5 times," which is the upper limit of the number of purchases corresponding to the discount information "no discount," is an example of the "first threshold." T330 is an example of processing performed by the "fourth output unit."

[0101] (Fifth embodiment; Figure 8) Next, the fifth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the discount table 142 stores the number of printed pages in association with the discount information. The number of printed pages "0 to 1000" is associated with the discount information "no discount". This means that if the number of printed pages is "0 to 1000", there is no discount. The number of printed pages "1001 to 2000" is associated with the discount information "5% discount". This means that if the number of printed pages is "1001 to 2000", there is a 5% discount. Similarly, the larger the number of printed pages, the larger the discount rate. In other words, for users who use a relatively large amount of genuine CTG, the fee required to subscribe to the flat-rate service will be relatively inexpensive.

[0102] The process of sending printer information from printer 10 to server 100 (T460, T464) is the same as in the first embodiment. Also, the process of server 100 updating printer information table 140 (T466) is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0103] After updating the printer information table 140, the server 100 determines in T468 whether the number of printed pages has changed from a low discount range to a high discount range. If the server 100 determines that the number of printed pages has not changed from a low discount range to a high discount range, it does not issue a notification indicating that the page is eligible for a discount and terminates processing.

[0104] Server 100 determines in T468 that the number of printed pages has changed from a low discount range to a high discount range. Specifically, Server 100 identifies that the number of printed pages "1100" falls within the range of "1001 to 2000" in the discount table 142. The range of "1001 to 2000" corresponds to a 5% discount. In other words, Server 100 determines in T468 that the number of printed pages has changed from a range corresponding to no discount to a range corresponding to a 5% discount. In this case, Server 100 sends offering screen data to Terminal Device 200 in T480. As a result, in T482, Offering Screen SC1, indicating that a 5% discount is applied, is displayed on Terminal Device 200.

[0105] When server 100 receives a service subscription instruction from terminal device 200 at T492, at T494, it identifies the number of printed pages as "1100" from the printer information table 140. Server 100 then identifies that the number of printed pages "1100" falls within the range of "1001 to 2000" for the number of genuine product replacements in the discount table 142, i.e., within the range corresponding to the 5% discount. Therefore, at T496, server 100 determines that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the flat-rate service is a "5% discount" of the regular price. Then, at T498, server 100 sends the service information input screen data to terminal device 200. As a result, at T500, the service information input screen SC2, indicating that the 5% discount is applied, is displayed on terminal device 100. T502 to T506 are the same as T92 to T96 in Figure 4.

[0106] (Effects of the 5th embodiment) In this embodiment as well, the server 100 determines a relatively low fee for users who use the genuine CTG relatively frequently to subscribe to the flat-rate service. Then, at T480 in Figure 8, the server 100 displays an offering screen SC1 on the terminal device 200 indicating that the flat-rate service can be used at a discounted rate from the regular price. Furthermore, at T498, the server 100 displays a service information input screen SC2 on the terminal device 200. The service information input screen SC2 indicates that the flat-rate service can be used at a discounted rate from the regular price. This allows the server to appropriately encourage users to subscribe to the printing service for the printer 10.

[0107] In this embodiment, the number of printed pages is an example of "indicator information." The number of printed pages "1000," which is the upper limit for the number of printed pages corresponding to the discount information "no discount," is an example of the "first threshold." T480 is an example of the processing performed by the "sixth output unit."

[0108] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0109] (Modification 1) In the first and second embodiments, the printer 10 may calculate the original product usage time and total usage time instead of the server 100. In this case, the printer 10 sends printer information to the server 100, including the device number, serial number, remaining amount, number of replacements, and number of printed pages, as well as the original product usage time and total usage time. The server 100 can know the original product usage time and total usage time by periodically receiving printer information from the printer 10. As a result, the server 100 can store a printer information table 140 that includes the original product usage time and total usage time.

[0110] (Modification 2) In the third embodiment, the printer information does not need to include the number of replacements. In this modification, the server 100 calculates the number of genuine replacements. The server 100 identifies the serial number associated with the received device number from the printer information table 140. The server 100 determines that the CTG has been replaced in the printer 10 if the received serial number is different from the identified serial number. Next, the server 100 determines that the CTG currently installed in the printer 10 is a genuine CTG if the received serial number contains a predetermined string determined by the vendor of the printer 10. If the server 100 determines that the CTG has been replaced in the printer 10 and that the CTG currently installed in the printer 10 is a genuine CTG, it increments the number of genuine replacements by 1 in the printer information table 140. This allows the server 100 to store the printer information table 140 including the number of genuine replacements.

[0111] (Modification 3) In the fifth embodiment, the printer information may include the total number of printed pages instead of the number of printed pages using the genuine CTG. In this modification, the server 100 calculates the number of printed pages using the genuine CTG. Specifically, the server 100 receives printer information from the printer 10, including the device number, serial number, remaining capacity, and total number of printed pages. The server determines that the CTG currently installed in the printer 10 is a genuine CTG if the received serial number contains a predetermined string determined by the vendor of the printer 10. In this case, the server 100 calculates the difference between the number of printed pages stored in the printer information table 140 and the total number of printed pages received, and then the server 100 adds the above difference to the number of printed pages. On the other hand, if the target serial number does not contain the above predetermined string, the server 100 determines that a non-genuine CTG is currently installed in the printer 10. In this case, the server 100 does not change the number of printed pages. The server 100 may also perform the exception handling described in the above embodiment regarding the update of the number of printed pages.

[0112] (Modification 4) At least one of the offering screen SC1 and the service information input screen SC2 in Figure 4 may be displayed on another device capable of communicating with the server 100, such as a printer 10, instead of the terminal device 200. The server 100 may also store the email address of the printer 10 user. In this case, the server 100 may send an email indicating each screen SC1 and SC2 to the stored email address in T70 or T88. These examples are also examples of processing performed by the "output unit".

[0113] (Modification 5) The discount table 142 does not have to include the items corresponding to the discount information "10% discount" and the items corresponding to the discount information "15% discount". These items could be, for example, the time spent using genuine parts or the usage rate of genuine parts. In this modification, the "second threshold" and the "third charge" can be omitted.

[0114] (Modification 6) The user of printer 10 may perform the service subscription operation in T80 by operating printer 10 instead of terminal device 200. In this case, printer 10 sends a service subscription instruction including the device number of printer 10 to server 100 in T82. As a result, server 100 can identify the genuine product usage time of "1200 hours" associated with the received device number "DV1" from printer information table 140 in T84. In this modification, printer 10 is an example of an "external device".

[0115] (Modification 7) In the above embodiment, the processing of each step in Figures 3 to 8 is implemented by software (for example, program 36 for printer 10, program 136 for server 100, etc.), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0116] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0117] Even if, in the claims of this patent application, each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the claim being dependent only on those specific claims. To the extent that it is not technically contradictory, each claim may be dependent on other claims that were not dependent at the time of application. That is, the technologies of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) It is a server, A specific unit that identifies indicator information corresponding to a printer, wherein the indicator information indicates an indicator of the amount of genuine consumables used, which are consumables provided by the printer vendor, A determination unit that uses the aforementioned indicator information to determine the fee required for a user of the printer to subscribe to a printing service for the printer, When the aforementioned indicator information shows an indicator of usage below a first threshold, a first fee is determined as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service. The determination unit determines a second fee lower than the first fee as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service when the indicator information indicates an indicator of usage greater than the first threshold, A first output unit that outputs fee information relating to the determined fee, A server equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The determination unit further determines a third fee, which is lower than the second fee, as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service, when the indicator information shows an indicator of usage greater than the second threshold. The second threshold is greater than the first threshold, and is one of the servers listed in item 1. (Item 3) The specified unit is the server according to item 1 or 2, which, when an instruction to subscribe to the printing service is received from an external device, acquires the indicator information corresponding to the printer to which the printing service is to be provided. (Item 4) The aforementioned indicator information includes the usage time of the genuine consumables, and is for the server described in any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 5) The aforementioned server further, The server according to item 4, further comprising a second output unit that outputs notification information indicating that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service will be reduced when the usage time of the genuine consumables changes from a state where it is below the first threshold to a state where it is above the first threshold. (Item 6) The aforementioned indicator information includes the ratio of the usage time of the genuine consumables to the total usage time of the consumables in the printer, as described in any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 7) The aforementioned server further, The server according to item 6, further comprising a third output unit that outputs notification information indicating that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service will be reduced when the ratio changes from a state where it is less than or equal to the first threshold to a state where it is greater than the first threshold. (Item 8) The aforementioned indicator information includes the number of times the aforementioned genuine consumables have been purchased, and is a server as described in any one of items 1 to 7. (Item 9) The aforementioned server further, The server according to item 8, further comprising a fourth output unit that outputs notification information indicating that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service will be reduced when the number of purchases changes from a state where it is below the first threshold to a state where it is above the first threshold. (Item 10) The aforementioned indicator information includes the number of times the genuine consumables have been used, and is a server as described in any one of items 1 to 9. (Item 11) The aforementioned server further, The server according to item 10, further comprising a fifth output unit that outputs notification information indicating that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service will be reduced when the number of uses changes from a state where it is below the first threshold to a state where it is above the first threshold. (Item 12) The aforementioned indicator information includes the number of pages printed using the aforementioned genuine consumables, and is a server as described in any one of items 1 to 11. (Item 13) The aforementioned server further, The server according to item 12, further comprising a sixth output unit that outputs notification information indicating that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service will be reduced when the number of printed pages changes from a state where it is less than or equal to the first threshold to a state where it is greater than the first threshold. (Item 14) The aforementioned server further, Memory and The system includes a memory control unit that stores a plurality of index information corresponding to a plurality of printers, including the aforementioned printer, in the memory, The specified unit is a server according to any one of items 1 to 13, which acquires the index information corresponding to the printer from the memory. (Item 15) A computer program for a server, The aforementioned computer program controls the server's computer in the following ways: A specific unit that identifies indicator information corresponding to a printer, wherein the indicator information indicates an indicator of the amount of genuine consumables used, which are consumables provided by the printer vendor, A determination unit that uses the aforementioned indicator information to determine the fee required for a user of the printer to subscribe to a printing service for the printer, When the aforementioned indicator information shows an indicator of usage below a first threshold, a first fee is determined as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service. The determination unit determines a second fee lower than the first fee as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service when the indicator information indicates an indicator of usage greater than the first threshold, A first output unit that outputs fee information relating to the determined fee, A computer program that functions as such. (Item 16) It is a communication system, Server and Equipped with a printer, The aforementioned first server, A receiving unit that receives specific information regarding the usage amount of genuine consumables, which are consumables provided by the printer vendor, from a server different from the aforementioned server or from the aforementioned printer, A special unit that uses the aforementioned special information to identify indicator information corresponding to the printer, wherein the indicator information indicates an indicator of the amount of use of genuine consumables, which are consumables provided by the printer vendor, and the special unit A determination unit that uses the aforementioned indicator information to determine the fee required for a user of the printer to subscribe to a printing service for the printer, When the aforementioned indicator information shows an indicator of usage below a first threshold, a first fee is determined as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service. The determination unit determines a second fee lower than the first fee as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service when the indicator information indicates an indicator of usage greater than the first threshold, A transmission unit that transmits fee information relating to the determined fee to at least one of the printer and terminal devices, Equipped with, Communication system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 2: Communication system, 6: Internet, 10: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 18: Cartridge, 20: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: Program, 100: Server, 120: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: Program, 138: User table, 140: Printer information table, 142: Discount table, 200: Terminal device, 210: App, 300: Sales server

Claims

1. It is a server, A specific unit that identifies indicator information corresponding to a printer, wherein the indicator information indicates an indicator of the amount of genuine consumables used, which are consumables provided by the printer vendor, A determination unit that uses the aforementioned indicator information to determine the fee required for a user of the printer to subscribe to a printing service for the printer, When the aforementioned indicator information shows an indicator of usage below a first threshold, a first fee is determined as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service. The determination unit determines a second fee lower than the first fee as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service when the indicator information indicates an indicator of usage greater than the first threshold, A first output unit that outputs fee information relating to the determined fee, A server equipped with the following features.

2. The determination unit further determines a third fee, which is lower than the second fee, as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service, when the indicator information shows an indicator of usage greater than the second threshold. The server according to claim 1, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

3. The server according to claim 1, wherein the specified unit obtains the indicator information corresponding to the printer to which the printing service is to be provided when an instruction to subscribe to the printing service is obtained from an external device.

4. The server according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned indicator information includes the usage time of the genuine consumables.

5. The aforementioned server further, The server according to claim 4, further comprising a second output unit that outputs notification information indicating that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service will be reduced when the usage time of the genuine consumables changes from a state where it is below the first threshold to a state where it is above the first threshold.

6. The server according to claim 1, wherein the indicator information includes the ratio of the usage time of the genuine consumables to the total usage time of the consumables in the printer.

7. The aforementioned server further, The server according to claim 6, further comprising a third output unit that outputs notification information indicating that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service will be reduced when the ratio changes from a state where it is less than or equal to the first threshold to a state where it is greater than the first threshold.

8. The server according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned indicator information includes the number of times the genuine consumables have been purchased.

9. The aforementioned server further, The server according to claim 8, further comprising a fourth output unit that outputs notification information indicating that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service will be reduced when the number of purchases changes from a state where it is below a first threshold to a state where it is above a first threshold.

10. The server according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned indicator information includes the number of times the genuine consumables have been used.

11. The aforementioned server further, The server according to claim 10, further comprising a fifth output unit that outputs notification information indicating that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service will be reduced when the number of uses changes from a state where it is below the first threshold to a state where it is above the first threshold.

12. The server according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned indicator information includes the number of pages printed using the genuine consumables.

13. The aforementioned server further, The server according to claim 12, further comprising a sixth output unit that outputs notification information indicating that the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service will be reduced when the number of printed pages changes from a state where it is less than or equal to a first threshold to a state where it is greater than the first threshold.

14. The aforementioned server further, Memory and The system includes a memory control unit that stores a plurality of index information corresponding to a plurality of printers, including the aforementioned printer, in the memory, The server according to claim 1, wherein the specified unit obtains the index information corresponding to the printer from the memory.

15. A computer program for a server, The aforementioned computer program controls the server's computer in the following ways: A specific unit that identifies indicator information corresponding to a printer, wherein the indicator information indicates an indicator of the amount of genuine consumables used, which are consumables provided by the printer vendor, A determination unit that uses the aforementioned indicator information to determine the fee required for a user of the printer to subscribe to a printing service for the printer, When the aforementioned indicator information shows an indicator of usage below a first threshold, a first fee is determined as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service. The determination unit determines a second fee lower than the first fee as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service when the indicator information indicates an indicator of usage greater than the first threshold, A first output unit that outputs fee information relating to the determined fee, A computer program that functions as such.

16. It is a communication system, Server and Equipped with a printer, The first server is, A receiving unit that receives specific information regarding the usage amount of genuine consumables, which are consumables provided by the printer vendor, from a server different from the aforementioned server or from the aforementioned printer, A special unit that uses the aforementioned special information to identify indicator information corresponding to the printer, wherein the indicator information indicates an indicator of the amount of use of genuine consumables, which are consumables provided by the printer vendor, and the special unit A determination unit that uses the aforementioned indicator information to determine the fee required for a user of the printer to subscribe to a printing service for the printer, When the aforementioned indicator information shows an indicator of usage below a first threshold, a first fee is determined as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service. The determination unit determines a second fee lower than the first fee as the fee required for the user to subscribe to the printing service when the indicator information indicates an indicator of usage greater than the first threshold, A transmission unit that transmits fee information relating to the determined fee to at least one of the printer and terminal devices, Equipped with, Communication system.

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