Server, image processing device, computer program for server, method for controlling server, and communication system

Abstract

We provide technology to reduce the workload for users who subscribe to our services. [Solution] The server comprises: a first information receiving unit that receives subscription information from a terminal device; a generation unit that generates a token when subscription information is received from a terminal device, the token being stored in memory in association with the subscription information; an instruction sending unit that sends an execution instruction to the terminal device to cause the terminal device to perform a predetermined process for reading the token; a second information receiving unit that receives predetermined information from the image processing device, including identification information that identifies the image processing device and the token, when the image processing device reads the token through the predetermined process; and a storage execution unit that, when the predetermined information is received from the image processing device, stores the identification information included in the predetermined information in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token included in the predetermined information.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present specification discloses a technology relating to service subscription. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses operations performed by a user who subscribes to a flat-rate printing service. The user inputs information for subscribing to the service, such as payment information, into a terminal device. Furthermore, the user manually inputs a PIN code issued by a server that provides the service into a printer. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-049767 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] The present specification provides a technology for reducing the work burden on a user who subscribes to a service. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0005] The server disclosed herein includes a memory, a first information receiving unit that receives subscription information input to a terminal device from a terminal device, wherein the subscription information is information for subscribing to a service relating to an image processing device different from the terminal device, the first information receiving unit, the first information receiving unit that receives subscription information input to the terminal device from a terminal device, wherein the subscription information is information for subscribing to a service relating to an image processing device different from the terminal device, the generation unit that generates a token when the subscription information is received from the terminal device, wherein the token is stored in the memory in association with the subscription information, the generation unit, the generation unit, the generation unit, the generation unit, transmits an execution instruction to the terminal device that causes the terminal device to perform a predetermined process for causing the image processing device to read the token, the second information receiving unit that receives predetermined information from the image processing device, including identification information that identifies the image processing device and the token, when the image processing device reads the token by the predetermined process, and the storage execution unit that, when the predetermined information is received from the image processing device, stores the identification information contained in the predetermined information in the memory in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token contained in the predetermined information.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the token is read by the image processing device. In other words, the user does not need to manually enter the token into the image processing device. This reduces the workload for users subscribing to the service.

[0007] The computer program for the server described above, the computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program, and the control method for the server described above are also novel and useful.

[0008] The image processing apparatus disclosed herein comprises: a memory for storing identification information that identifies the image processing apparatus; a reading unit capable of reading information; a reading execution unit for causing the reading unit to read a token when a terminal device performs a predetermined process to cause the reading unit to read a token after subscription information for subscribing to a service relating to the image processing apparatus has been stored in a server in association with a token; and an information transmission unit for transmitting predetermined information to the server, the server, upon receiving the predetermined information from the image processing apparatus, stores the identification information contained in the predetermined information in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token contained in the predetermined information; and the server, in association with the identification information contained in the predetermined information, stores the identification information contained in the predetermined information in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token contained in the predetermined information.

[0009] Even with the above configuration, users do not need to manually enter tokens into the image processing device. This reduces the workload for users subscribing to the service.

[0010] The computer program for the image processing apparatus described above, the computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program, and the control method for the image processing apparatus described above are also novel and useful.

[0011] The communication system disclosed herein comprises a terminal device, a server, and an image processing device, wherein the server comprises a first information receiving unit that receives subscription information input to the terminal device from the terminal device, the subscription information being information for subscribing to a service relating to the image processing device, a generation unit that generates a token when the subscription information is received from the terminal device, the token being stored in the server's memory in association with the subscription information, and an instruction transmitting unit that transmits an execution instruction to the terminal device causing the image processing device to read the token, wherein when the terminal device receives the execution instruction from the server, it performs the predetermined The image processing device is configured to perform a process, and the image processing device includes a reading execution unit that causes the reading unit of the image processing device to read the token when the terminal device performs the predetermined process, and an information transmission unit that transmits predetermined information to the server, which includes identification information that identifies the image processing device and the token read by the reading unit. The server further includes a second information receiving unit that receives the predetermined information from the image processing device when the image processing device reads the token due to the predetermined process, and a storage execution unit that, when it receives the predetermined information from the image processing device, stores the identification information included in the predetermined information in the memory in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token included in the predetermined information.

[0012] Even with the above configuration, users do not need to manually enter tokens into the image processing device. This reduces the workload for users subscribing to the service. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the communication system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the image processing device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the server. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing the processing implemented by the communication system. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing one aspect of the process that follows the process shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing another aspect of the process that follows the process in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 100; Figure 1) The communication system 100 comprises an image processing device 2, a mobile terminal 4, and a server 6. The image processing device 2 is a multi-functional device having printing and scanning functions. The mobile terminal 4 is a smartphone, tablet, or the like.

[0015] Server 6 provides a subscription service for the image processing device 2. Hereafter, "subscription service" will be referred to as "subscription service." Under the subscription service, only the basic fee is charged if the number of printed pages within a specified period (such as one month) is less than or equal to a maximum number of printed pages (such as 1000 pages). If the number of printed pages within a unit period exceeds the maximum number of printed pages, the sum of the basic fee and an excess charge corresponding to the number of pages exceeding the maximum is charged. In other words, the subscription service is a service that allows printing within a specified period's maximum number of printed pages for a basic fee. The subscription service includes an automatic delivery service. The automatic delivery service automatically delivers a new cartridge when the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge installed in the image processing device 2 falls below a specified amount. Colorant includes, for example, ink and toner. The cost of the cartridge is included in the basic fee of the subscription service.

[0016] The subscription service offers multiple plans with varying print limits, subscription periods, and other features. Users select one plan from these options to subscribe to the service.

[0017] The image processing apparatus 2 and the mobile terminal 4 are connected to a LAN 10. LAN 10 is a Local Area Network. LAN 10 may be wired or wireless. LAN 10 is connected to the Internet 8. A server 6 is connected to the Internet 8. The mobile terminal 4 can communicate with the image processing apparatus 2 via the LAN 10. Further, the image processing apparatus 2 and the mobile terminal 4 can communicate with the server 6 via the LAN 10 and the Internet 8.

[0018] (Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus 2; FIG. 2) The image processing apparatus 2 comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a scan execution unit 18, a LAN interface 20, and a control unit 30. In the following description, "interface" is abbreviated as "I / F".

[0019] The operation unit 12 is a user I / F that enables a user to input various types of information to the image processing apparatus 2. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys, hardware keys, or both. Software keys are objects such as icons, tabs, buttons, and boxes. Hardware keys are, for example, buttons, switches, and the like. The display unit 14 is a display or a panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. Further, the panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like. The LAN I / F 20 is an I / F for executing communication via the LAN 10, and is connected to the LAN 10.

[0020] The print execution unit 16 includes an inkjet, electrophotographic, or thermal print engine. The scan execution unit 18 includes a scanner engine having an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor type or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type. The scan execution unit 18 of the present embodiment is a flatbed scanner, and includes a glass surface 18A on which a scan target is placed.

[0021] The control unit 30 comprises a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 comprises a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. By way of example, the main storage device includes RAM and a cache memory. By way of example, the auxiliary storage device may be ROM, a flash memory, a Solid State Drive (SSD), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The auxiliary storage device of the memory 34 stores a program 40. The CPU 32 implements various processes in accordance with the program 40 loaded from the auxiliary storage device into the main storage device.

[0022] The memory 34 further stores a device identifier for identifying the image processing apparatus 2, a model name of the image processing apparatus 2, and a subscription setting 42. The device identifier is, for example, the serial number, MAC address, or the like of the image processing apparatus 2. The subscription setting 42 indicates either "ON" or "OFF". When the subscription setting 42 indicates "ON", this means that the image processing apparatus 2 is registered with the server 6. When the subscription setting 42 indicates "OFF", this means that the image processing apparatus 2 is not registered with the server 6. Here, that the image processing apparatus 2 is registered with the server 6 means that the server 6 provides a subscription service to the image processing apparatus 2.

[0023] For example, when the subscription setting 42 is "ON", the content of the home screen displayed on the display unit 14 is changed. Furthermore, when the subscription setting 42 is "ON", even if the image processing apparatus 2 is initialized, information within a predetermined area in the memory 34 is retained. The predetermined area is an area for storing information for using the subscription. For example, a management identifier described later is stored in the predetermined area.

[0024] (Configuration of Server 6; Figure 3) The server 6 comprises a communication I / F 50 and a control unit 60. The communication I / F 50 is an interface for executing communication via the Internet 8, and is connected to the Internet 8.

[0025] The control unit 60 comprises a CPU 62 and a memory 64. The memory 64 comprises a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The auxiliary memory stores the program 70. The CPU 62 performs various processes according to the program 70 loaded from the auxiliary memory into the main memory.

[0026] Memory 64 further stores an account table 72, a device table 74, and a status table 76. The account table 72 stores information about users. For each of one or more users, the account table 72 stores associated management identifiers, account information, address information, payment information, tokens, and expiration dates. The management identifier is an identifier issued to the image processing device 2 and is used for communication with the image processing device 2. The account information is the account name and password that identify the user. The account name can be any information that can identify the user, for example, an email address. The address information indicates the user's address. The payment information is information for the user to pay for subscription services. The payment information is, for example, a credit card number. A token is issued to the user. The expiration date is the deadline by which the token can be used effectively.

[0027] The device table 74 stores information about the image processing device 2. For each of the multiple image processing devices 2, the device table 74 stores a management identifier, a device identifier, and status information in association. When the device identifier is stored in the device table 74 in association with the management identifier, the image processing device 2 identified by the device identifier is registered with the server 6. The status information indicates the status of the image processing device 2 identified by the device identifier. The status information is obtained from the image processing device 2 identified by the device identifier. The status information includes, for example, the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge installed in the image processing device 2.

[0028] Status Table 76 manages the registration status for subscription services. Status Table 76 stores the status identifier, plan information, model name, management identifier, and device identifier in association with each other. The status identifier identifies the registration status. The plan information indicates the plan selected by the user. The model name is the model name selected by the user.

[0029] For example, consider a case where registration for a subscription service using the management identifier MI1 has been completed. In this case, the management identifier MI1 and the device identifier DI1 are registered in the device table 74. Then, the status table 76 stores the status identifier SI1, the plan information PL1, the management identifier MI1, and the device identifier DI1 in association with each other.

[0030] Furthermore, consider a case where registration for a subscription service using the management identifier MI2 has not been completed. In this case, the management identifier MI2 is not registered in the device table 74. On the other hand, the status table 76 stores the status identifier SI2, the plan information PL2, and the management identifier MI2 in association. However, the status table 76 does not store the device identifier in association with the management identifier MI2.

[0031] (Processing implemented by the communication system 100; Figures 4 and 5) The processes implemented by the communication system 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The processes shown in Figures 4 and 5 are for registering the image processing device 2 with the server 6. In the following processes, communication between the two devices is performed via LAN I / F 20, LAN 10, the Internet 8, and the communication I / F 50. In the following explanation, the networks and I / Fs involved in communication between the two devices will be omitted.

[0032] In the initial state of the cases shown in Figures 4 and 5, account information AC1 is pre-stored in account table 72. In the initial state of these cases, the management identifier, address information, payment information, and token are not yet stored in account table 72 in association with account information AC1.

[0033] In T12, the mobile terminal 4 sends a login request to the server 6 requesting to log in. The login request includes account information AC1 entered by the user into the mobile terminal 4.

[0034] When server 6 receives a login request from mobile terminal 4 in T12, it proceeds to T14. In T14, server 6 authenticates the account information AC1 included in the login request. In this case, the account information AC1 included in the login request matches the account information AC1 stored in account table 72. As a result, authentication of the account information AC1 included in the login request is successful in T14.

[0035] Upon successful authentication of account information AC1, at T16, server 6 establishes a login session with mobile device 4. For communications from T20 onward, the login session established at T16 is used.

[0036] The mobile terminal 4 receives input screen data corresponding to input screen SC1 from the server 6 at T20. Input screen SC1 is a screen for inputting information to be stored in the account table 72 and the status table 76. Input screen SC1 includes multiple input fields A1 to A4, an OK button, and a Cancel button. Input field A1 is for entering address information. Input field A2 is for entering payment information. Input field A3 is for entering the model name. Input field A4 is for entering plan information. Input fields A3 and A4 may be dropdown menus where information is selected from a list of options.

[0037] In T22, the mobile terminal 4 displays input screen SC1 corresponding to the input screen data received from server 6. In T24, the user enters information into input fields A1 to A4 of input screen SC1 and selects the OK button.

[0038] In T26, the mobile terminal 4 sends a memory instruction to the server 6 in response to user input in T24, which instructs the server to store the information. The memory instruction includes the information entered on the input screen SC1, namely address information AD1, payment information PI1, model name MN1, and plan information PL1.

[0039] When Server 6 receives a save command from the mobile terminal 4 at T26, it proceeds to T30. At T30, Server 6 stores the information contained in the save command in the account table 72, associated with the account information AC1 used for the login session. Specifically, address information AD1 and payment information PI1 are stored. Server 6 also generates a unique management identifier MI1. Server 6 then stores the management identifier MI1 in the account table 72, associated with the account information AC1. Server 6 also generates a new status identifier. Server 6 then stores the plan information PL1, model name MN1, and management identifier MI1 from the save command in the status table 76, associated with the generated status identifier.

[0040] In T32, server 6 generates token TK1. Token TK1 consists of a predetermined URL indicating the location of a predetermined folder within server 6, and a one-time token. The one-time token is a random code with a predetermined expiration date. Server 6 stores token TK1 and the expiration date of the one-time token of token TK1 in account table 72, associated with account information AC1.

[0041] In T34, server 6 converts token TK1 and the configuration change command into a two-dimensional code. The configuration change command instructs image processing device 2 to change subscription setting 42 from "OFF" to "ON".

[0042] In T36, server 6 sends a code display instruction to mobile terminal 4, which instructs it to display the two-dimensional code generated in T34. The code display instruction includes image data corresponding to the two-dimensional code generated in T34.

[0043] When the mobile terminal 4 receives a code display instruction from the server 6 at T36, it proceeds to T40. At T40, the mobile terminal 4 displays the code screen SC2 in accordance with the code display instruction. The code screen SC2 includes a two-dimensional code Q1 corresponding to the image data included in the code display instruction. The code screen SC2 may also include a message guiding the user on what to do after the code screen SC2 is displayed.

[0044] In T50 of Figure 5, the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 12 of the image processing device 2. As a result, in T50, the image processing device 2 starts a registration mode for registering the image processing device 2 with the server 6. In registration mode, decoding is performed on the image scanned by the scan execution unit 18.

[0045] The display 4A of the mobile terminal 4 shows the two-dimensional code Q1, which is shown as T40 in Figure 4. When registration mode is started, the user places the mobile terminal 4 on the glass surface 18A so that the display 4A faces the glass surface 18A.

[0046] When the mobile terminal 4 is placed on the glass surface 18A, the image processing device 2 scans the two-dimensional code Q1 displayed on the display 4A with the scan execution unit 18 at T52. As a result, the image processing device 2 acquires a code image corresponding to the two-dimensional code Q1.

[0047] In T54, the image processing device 2 decodes the code image acquired by T52. This allows the image processing device 2 to read the token TK1 and the setting change command from the two-dimensional code Q1. In a modified version, the image processing device 2 may also send the code image acquired by T52 to an external device, such as a server. The code image may then be decoded by the external device.

[0048] In T56, the image processing device 2 sends a storage instruction to the server 6 to instruct it to store the information. The storage instruction includes the device identifier DI1 of the image processing device 2, the model name MN1 of the image processing device 2, and the token TK1 read in T54. The storage instruction is sent to the server 6 with the URL contained in the token TK1 as the destination. For example, a comparative example can be considered in which the URL is not included and the URL is pre-stored in the image processing device 2. In this comparative example, it is necessary to allocate a memory 34 to store the URL. Also, each time the URL is updated, the URL in memory 34 must be updated. In the configuration of this embodiment, it is not necessary to allocate a memory 34 to store the URL, and furthermore, it is not necessary to manage the URL in memory 34. Note that in modified examples, the configuration of the above comparative example may be adopted.

[0049] When server 6 receives a storage instruction from image processing device 2 at T56, it performs authentication of token TK1 included in the storage instruction. Case C1, described later, is a case in which authentication of token TK1 is successful. Authentication of token TK1 is successful if two conditions are met. One condition is that a token matching token TK1 included in the storage instruction is stored in account table 72. The other condition is that the current date and time is within the validity period of the one-time token in token TK1.

[0050] On the other hand, Case C2, which will be described later, is a case in which authentication of token TK1 fails. Authentication of token TK1 fails if either of the two conditions is not met.

[0051] (Case C1; Figure 5) In T60, authentication of token TK1 in the memory instruction is successful. In T62, server 6 identifies the model name stored in association with token TK1 in the memory instruction from account table 72 and status table 76. Server 6 then determines whether the model name MN1 in the memory instruction matches the model name identified from tables 72 and 76. In this case, server 6 determines that the model name MN1 in the memory instruction matches the model name identified from tables 72 and 76, and proceeds to processing from T64 onwards.

[0052] In T64, server 6 identifies the management identifier MI1 stored in association with token TK1 from the account table 72. Server 6 then stores the device identifier DI1 in the storage instruction in association with the management identifier MI1 in the status table 76. Furthermore, server 6 stores the management identifier MI1 and the device identifier DI1 in the device table 74. As a result, the image processing device 2 identified by the device identifier DI1 is registered with server 6.

[0053] In T66, server 6 sends a completion notification to image processing device 2 indicating that registration of the image processing device 2 has been completed. The completion notification in T66 includes the management identifier MI1.

[0054] When the image processing device 2 receives a completion notification from the server 6 in T66, it proceeds to T68. In T68, the image processing device 2 changes the subscription setting 42 from "OFF" to "ON" according to the setting change command read in T54. The image processing device 2 stores the management identifier MI1 included in the completion notification in a predetermined area of ​​memory 34. For example, consider a comparative example in which the setting change command is not encoded in the two-dimensional code Q1. In this comparative example, for example, the setting change command is received from the server 6 after the completion notification in T66. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the setting change command is read from the two-dimensional code Q1, it is not necessary to receive the setting change command from the server 6 after receiving the completion notification. Note that the configuration of the above comparative example may be adopted in modified examples.

[0055] In T70, server 6 sends a completion notification to mobile terminal 4 indicating that the registration of image processing device 2 has been completed. As a result, mobile terminal 4 displays a message in T72 in accordance with the completion notification received from server 6. The user can see this message and know that the registration of image processing device 2 has been completed.

[0056] Furthermore, it is assumed that there is a configuration in which the model name MN1 in the memory instruction is determined not to match the model name identified from tables 72 and 76. In this case, the server 6 does not execute the processing from T64 onwards. In this case, for example, the server 6 may send a failure notification to the image processing device 2 and the mobile terminal 4. Alternatively, for example, the server 6 may display a screen on the mobile terminal 4 prompting correction of the model name and plan information.

[0057] (Case C2; ​​Figure 5) In T80, authentication of token TK1 in the memory instruction fails. In this case, processes T62 and T64 are not executed, and registration of image processing device 2 fails. In T82, server 6 sends a failure notification to image processing device 2 indicating that registration of image processing device 2 has failed. In this case, subscription setting 42 remains "OFF".

[0058] Furthermore, in T84, server 6 sends a failure notification to mobile terminal 4 indicating that the registration of image processing device 2 has failed. As a result, mobile terminal 4 displays a message in T86 that corresponds to the failure notification received from server 6. The user can see this message and learn that the registration of image processing device 2 has failed.

[0059] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the user has the scan execution unit 18 scan the two-dimensional code Q1 displayed on the display 4A of the mobile terminal 4 (T52 in Figure 5). In order to register the image processing device 2 with the server 6, the user only needs to have the scan execution unit 18 scan the two-dimensional code Q1. For example, a comparative example can be considered in which the user manually inputs the token displayed on the display 4A into the operation unit 12 of the image processing device 2. The user may find manually inputting the token cumbersome. In this embodiment, the user does not need to manually input the token into the image processing device 2. This reduces the workload for users subscribing to the service.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the scan execution unit 18 is used to read the two-dimensional code Q1. There is no need to add a camera to the image processing device 2 for reading the two-dimensional code Q1. Also, the display 4A of the mobile terminal 4 can be scanned using a flatbed scanner.

[0061] (Correspondence) The communication system 100, image processing device 2, mobile terminal 4, and server 6 are examples of "communication system," "image processing device," "terminal device," and "server," respectively. The scan execution unit 18 and glass surface 18A are examples of "scan execution unit" and "glass surface," respectively. The scan execution unit 18 is an example of a "reading unit." Address information AD1, payment information PI1, and plan information PL1 are examples of "subscription information." Address information AD1, payment information PI1, and plan information PL1 are examples of "personal information," "payment information," and "plan information," respectively. The code display instruction T36 and processing T40 in Figure 4 are examples of "execution instruction" and "predetermined processing," respectively. Token TK1 and two-dimensional code Q1 are examples of "token" and "token image," respectively. Display 4A is an example of a "display." Device identifier DI1 is an example of "identification information." URL is an example of "location information." The completion notification T70 and failure notification T84 in Figure 5 are examples of "notifications."

[0062] T26, T32, and T36 in Figure 4 are examples of processes implemented by the "first information receiving unit," "generation unit," and "instruction transmission unit," respectively. T56 and T64 in Figure 5 are examples of processes implemented by the "second information receiving unit" and "storage execution unit," respectively. T52 and T56 are examples of processes implemented by the "reading execution unit" and "information transmission unit," respectively.

[0063] (Second example) (Processing implemented by the communication system 100; Figure 6) The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the processing of T100 to T104 is added between T62 and T64.

[0064] If, at T62, Server 6 determines that the model name MN1 in the memory instruction matches the model name identified from Tables 72 and 76, it proceeds to T100. At T100, Server 6 sends a consent request to the mobile terminal 4 requesting user consent. The consent request includes a link to obtain user consent.

[0065] When mobile terminal 4 receives a consent request from server 6 at T100, it displays a link within the consent request. In this case, the user selects the link displayed on mobile terminal 4 at T102 and consents to registration with image processing device 2.

[0066] When a link is selected in T102, the mobile terminal 4 proceeds to T104. In T104, the mobile terminal 4 sends a selection notification to the server 6 indicating that a link has been selected.

[0067] When server 6 receives a selection notification from mobile terminal 4 at T104, it executes the processes from T64 onwards. Server 6 does not execute the processes from T64 onwards until it receives a selection notification from mobile terminal 4.

[0068] According to the configuration of this embodiment, user consent can be obtained after reading the two-dimensional code Q1 and before registration by the image processing device 2.

[0069] 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.

[0070] (Variation 1) The "image processing device" is not limited to a multifunction device, but may also be a printer, scanner, etc. Also, the "terminal device" is not limited to a mobile terminal 4, but may also be a desktop PC, laptop PC, etc.

[0071] (Modification 2) In Figure 4, at T40, the token TK1 may be displayed as a string on the display 4A. Then, in Figure 5, at T54, the image processing device 2 may read the token TK1 by performing character recognition on the string scanned by T52. In this modification, displaying the string of token TK1 on the display 4A is an example of the "predetermined processing".

[0072] (Modification 3) The mobile terminal 4 may be equipped with a tag conforming to the Near Field Communication (NFC) method. Furthermore, the image processing device 2 may be equipped with a reader conforming to the NFC method. In this modification, instead of the display at T40 in Figure 4, the mobile terminal 4 may store the token TK1 in the tag. Then, at T52 and T54 in Figure 5, the image processing device 2 may have the reader read the token TK1 in the tag of the mobile terminal 4. In this modification, the process of storing the token TK1 in the tag is an example of a "predetermined process".

[0073] (Modification 4) The memory instruction for T56 may be transmitted from the image processing device 2 to the server 6 via the LAN 10 and the mobile terminal 4. In this modification, the two-dimensional code Q1 may not contain a URL and may contain a one-time token. In this modification, "location information" is omitted.

[0074] (Modification 5) The processes T70 and T84 in Figure 5 do not need to be executed. In this modification, the "notification transmission unit" is omitted.

[0075] (Modification 6) The scan execution unit 18 may be a sheet-fed scanner, an overhead scanner, or a handheld scanner. For example, the two-dimensional code Q1 may be printed on paper. The image processing device 2 may then use a sheet-fed scanner to scan the two-dimensional code Q1 printed on paper. In this modification, the process of printing the two-dimensional code Q1 on paper is an example of a "predetermined process".

[0076] (Modification 7) Server 6 may provide services other than subscription services. For example, Server 6 may provide an automatic ordering service, a warranty service, a remote printing service, etc. The automatic ordering service is a service that automatically orders a new cartridge when the amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge installed in the image processing device 2 falls below a predetermined amount. With the automatic ordering service, there is no monthly basic fee, and the user is charged for the cartridge each time an order is placed. The automatic ordering service also includes an automatic delivery service, similar to the subscription service. The warranty service is a service that provides a warranty for the image processing device 2. The remote printing service is a service that allows printing to be performed remotely by the image processing device 2 via the Internet 8.

[0077] (Modification 8) In the above embodiment, each CPU executes each program to realize the processes shown in Figures 4 to 6. Alternatively, any of these processes may be realized by hardware such as logic circuits.

[0078] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0079] 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: The following are the features of the technology disclosed herein. (Item 1) It is a server, Memory and A first information receiving unit that receives subscription information input to a terminal device from a terminal device, wherein the subscription information is information for subscribing to a service relating to an image processing device different from the terminal device, and the first information receiving unit A generation unit that generates a token when the subscriber information is received from the terminal device, wherein the token is stored in the memory in association with the subscriber information, An instruction transmission unit transmits an execution instruction to the terminal device to cause the terminal device to perform a predetermined process for causing the image processing device to read the aforementioned token, When the image processing device reads the token through the predetermined processing, a second information receiving unit receives predetermined information from the image processing device, including identification information for identifying the image processing device and the token. A storage execution unit that, when receiving predetermined information from the image processing device, stores the identification information contained in the predetermined information in the memory in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token contained in the predetermined information, A server equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The memory execution unit, upon successful authentication of the token included in the predetermined information, stores the identification information in the memory in association with the subscription information. The server described in item 1, wherein if authentication of the token included in the predetermined information fails, the identification information is not stored in the memory. (Item 3) The aforementioned server further, The system includes a request transmission unit that, upon successful authentication of the token contained in the predetermined information, transmits a consent request to the terminal device requesting consent from the user. The server according to item 2, wherein the memory execution unit stores the identification information in memory in association with the subscription information when consent is obtained from the user in accordance with the consent request. (Item 4) The aforementioned server further, The server according to item 2 or 3, comprising a notification transmission unit that transmits a notification to the terminal device indicating the authentication result of the token included in the predetermined information. (Item 5) The server according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the image processing device is configured to transmit the predetermined information to the server using location information indicating the server's location when reading the token by the predetermined processing. (Item 6) The aforementioned token is the server described in item 5, which includes the location information. (Item 7) The aforementioned token is the server described in item 5, which includes the location information and the one-time token. (Item 8) The aforementioned subscription information includes personal information, payment information, and plan information indicating the service plan, and is a server as described in any one of items 1 to 7. (Item 9) The image processing apparatus has a scan execution unit, The predetermined process is a process that outputs a token image representing the token, The execution instruction includes data corresponding to the token image, The image processing device is a server according to any one of items 1 to 8, which reads the token by scanning the token image with the scan execution unit. (Item 10) The aforementioned token image is the server described in item 9, which includes an information code that encodes the aforementioned token. (Item 11) The scanning unit has a glass surface on which the object to be scanned is placed. The predetermined process is the process of displaying the token image on the display of the terminal device. The image processing device is the server according to item 9 or 10, wherein the terminal device on which the token image is displayed is placed on the glass surface, and the server reads the token by scanning the token image displayed on the display with the scan execution unit. (Item 12) The execution instruction includes a change instruction for changing the setting value for the service stored in the image processing device, as described in any one of items 1 to 11. (Item 13) The execution instruction is the server described in item 12, which includes the token and the information encoding the modification instruction. (Item 14) An image processing device, A memory for storing identification information for identifying the image processing device, A reading unit capable of reading information, After subscription information for subscribing to the service relating to the image processing device is stored in the server in association with a token, when a terminal device performs a predetermined process to cause the reading unit to read the token, the reading execution unit causes the reading unit to read the token according to the predetermined process, An information transmission unit transmits predetermined information to the server, which includes the identification information in the memory and the token read by the reading unit, wherein the server, upon receiving the predetermined information from the image processing device, stores the identification information included in the predetermined information in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token included in the predetermined information, the information transmission unit and An image processing device equipped with the following features. (Item 15) The reading unit has a scanning mechanism, The predetermined process is a process that outputs a token image representing the token, The image processing apparatus according to item 14, wherein the reading execution unit causes the scanning mechanism to scan the token image, thereby causing the reading unit to read the token. (Item 16) The token image is an image processing apparatus according to item 15, which includes an information code encoding the token. (Item 17) The scanning mechanism has a glass surface on which the object to be scanned is placed. The predetermined process is the process of displaying the token image on the display of the terminal device. The image processing apparatus according to item 15 or 16, wherein the reading execution unit causes the reading unit to read the token by having the scanning mechanism scan the token image displayed on the display while the terminal device on which the token image is displayed is placed on the glass surface. (Item 18) A computer program for a server, The aforementioned computer program controls the server's computer in the following ways, namely: A first information receiving unit that receives subscription information input to a terminal device from a terminal device, wherein the subscription information is information for subscribing to a service relating to an image processing device different from the terminal device, and the first information receiving unit A generation unit that generates a token when the subscription information is received from the terminal device, wherein the token is stored in the server's memory in association with the subscription information, An instruction transmission unit transmits an execution instruction to the terminal device to cause the terminal device to perform a predetermined process for causing the image processing device to read the aforementioned token, When the image processing device reads the token through the predetermined processing, a second information receiving unit receives predetermined information from the image processing device, including identification information for identifying the image processing device and the token. A storage execution unit that, when receiving predetermined information from the image processing device, stores the identification information contained in the predetermined information in the memory in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token contained in the predetermined information, A computer program that functions as such. (Item 19) A method for controlling a server, An information receiving step of receiving subscription information input to a terminal device from a terminal device, wherein the subscription information is information for subscribing to a service relating to an image processing device different from the terminal device, and the information receiving step, A generation step, in which a token is generated when the subscription information is received from the terminal device, wherein the token is stored in the server's memory in association with the subscription information, An instruction transmission step of transmitting an execution instruction to the terminal device to cause the terminal device to perform a predetermined process for causing the image processing device to read the aforementioned token, When the image processing device reads the token through the predetermined processing, an information receiving step is performed to receive predetermined information from the image processing device, including identification information for identifying the image processing device and the token. A storage execution step in which, when receiving predetermined information from the image processing device, the identification information contained in the predetermined information is stored in the memory in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token contained in the predetermined information, A control method comprising: (Item 20) It is a communication system, Terminal device and Server and Image processing device and Equipped with, The aforementioned server, A first information receiving unit that receives subscription information input to the terminal device from the terminal device, wherein the subscription information is information for subscribing to a service relating to the image processing device, A generation unit that generates a token when the subscription information is received from the terminal device, wherein the token is stored in the server's memory in association with the subscription information, An instruction transmission unit transmits an execution instruction to the terminal device to cause the terminal device to perform a predetermined process for causing the image processing device to read the aforementioned token, Equipped with, The terminal device is configured to execute the predetermined process in accordance with the execution instruction when it receives the execution instruction from the server. The aforementioned image processing device is When the terminal device performs the predetermined processing, the reading execution unit causes the reading unit of the image processing device to read the token, An information transmission unit transmits predetermined information to the server, including identification information that identifies the image processing device and the token read by the reading unit. Equipped with, The aforementioned server further, When the image processing device reads the token through the predetermined processing, a second information receiving unit receives the predetermined information from the image processing device, A storage execution unit that, when receiving predetermined information from the image processing device, stores the identification information contained in the predetermined information in the memory in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token contained in the predetermined information, A server equipped with the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 2: Image processing device, 4: Mobile terminal, 4A: Display, 6: Server, 8: Internet, 10: LAN, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 18: Scan execution unit, 18A: Glass surface, 20: LAN I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 40: Program, 42: Subscription settings, 50: Communication I / F, 60: Control unit, 62: CPU, 64: Memory, 70: Program, 72: Account table, 74: Device table, 76: Status table, 100: Communication system, A1, A2, A3, A4: Input fields, AC1: Account information, AD1: Address information, DI1: Device identifier, MI1, MI2: Management identifier, MN1: Model name, PI1: Payment information, PL1, PL2: Plan information, Q1: QR code, SC1: Input screen, SC2: Code screen, SI1, SI2: Status identifier, TK1: Token

Claims

1. It is a server, Memory and A first information receiving unit that receives subscription information input to a terminal device from a terminal device, wherein the subscription information is information for subscribing to a service relating to an image processing device different from the terminal device, and the first information receiving unit A generation unit that generates a token when the subscriber information is received from the terminal device, wherein the token is stored in the memory in association with the subscriber information, An instruction transmission unit transmits an execution instruction to the terminal device to cause the terminal device to perform a predetermined process for causing the image processing device to read the aforementioned token, When the image processing device reads the token through the predetermined processing, a second information receiving unit receives predetermined information from the image processing device, including identification information for identifying the image processing device and the token. A storage execution unit that, when receiving predetermined information from the image processing device, stores the identification information contained in the predetermined information in the memory in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token contained in the predetermined information, A server equipped with the following features.

2. The memory execution unit, upon successful authentication of the token included in the predetermined information, stores the identification information in the memory in association with the subscription information. The server according to claim 1, wherein if authentication of the token included in the predetermined information fails, the identification information is not stored in the memory.

3. The aforementioned server further, The system includes a request transmission unit that, upon successful authentication of the token contained in the predetermined information, transmits a consent request to the terminal device requesting consent from the user. The server according to claim 2, wherein the memory execution unit stores the identification information in memory in association with the subscription information when consent is obtained from the user in accordance with the consent request.

4. The aforementioned server further, The server according to claim 2, further comprising a notification transmission unit that transmits a notification to the terminal device indicating the authentication result of the token included in the predetermined information.

5. The server according to claim 1, wherein the image processing device is configured to transmit the predetermined information to the server using location information indicating the server's location when reading the token by the predetermined processing.

6. The server according to claim 5, wherein the token includes the location information.

7. The server according to claim 5, wherein the token includes the location information and a one-time token.

8. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the subscription information includes personal information, payment information, and plan information indicating the service plan.

9. The image processing apparatus has a scan execution unit, The predetermined process is a process that outputs a token image representing the token, The execution instruction includes data corresponding to the token image, The server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image processing device reads the token by scanning the token image with the scan execution unit.

10. The server according to claim 9, wherein the token image includes an information code that encodes the token.

11. The scanning unit has a glass surface on which the object to be scanned is placed. The predetermined process is the process of displaying the token image on the display of the terminal device. The server according to claim 9, wherein the image processing device reads the token by scanning the token image displayed on the display with the scan execution unit while the terminal device on which the token image is displayed is placed on the glass surface.

12. The server according to claim 1, wherein the execution instruction includes a change instruction for changing the setting value related to the service stored in the image processing device.

13. The server according to claim 12, wherein the execution instruction includes information encoding the token and the modification instruction.

14. An image processing device, A memory for storing identification information for identifying the image processing device, A reading unit capable of reading information, After subscription information for subscribing to the service relating to the image processing device is stored in the server in association with a token, when a terminal device performs a predetermined process to cause the reading unit to read the token, the reading execution unit causes the reading unit to read the token according to the predetermined process, An information transmission unit transmits predetermined information to the server, which includes the identification information in the memory and the token read by the reading unit, wherein the server, upon receiving the predetermined information from the image processing device, stores the identification information included in the predetermined information in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token included in the predetermined information, the information transmission unit and An image processing device equipped with the following features.

15. The reading unit has a scanning mechanism, The predetermined process is a process that outputs a token image representing the token, The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the reading execution unit causes the scanning mechanism to scan the token image, thereby causing the reading unit to read the token.

16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the token image includes an information code that encodes the token.

17. The scanning mechanism has a glass surface on which the object to be scanned is placed. The predetermined process is the process of displaying the token image on the display of the terminal device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the reading execution unit causes the reading unit to read the token by having the scanning mechanism scan the token image displayed on the display while the terminal device on which the token image is displayed is placed on the glass surface.

18. A computer program for a server, The aforementioned computer program controls the server's computer in the following ways, namely: A first information receiving unit that receives subscription information input to a terminal device from a terminal device, wherein the subscription information is information for subscribing to a service relating to an image processing device different from the terminal device, and the first information receiving unit A generation unit that generates a token when the subscription information is received from the terminal device, wherein the token is stored in the server's memory in association with the subscription information, An instruction transmission unit transmits an execution instruction to the terminal device to cause the terminal device to perform a predetermined process for causing the image processing device to read the aforementioned token, When the image processing device reads the token through the predetermined processing, a second information receiving unit receives predetermined information from the image processing device, including identification information for identifying the image processing device and the token. A storage execution unit that, when receiving predetermined information from the image processing device, stores the identification information contained in the predetermined information in the memory in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token contained in the predetermined information, A computer program that functions as such.

19. A method for controlling a server, An information receiving step, wherein the information receiving step is an information receiving step, wherein the information receiving step is an information for subscribing to a service relating to an image processing device different from the terminal device, A generation step, in which a token is generated when the subscription information is received from the terminal device, wherein the token is stored in the server's memory in association with the subscription information, An instruction transmission step of transmitting an execution instruction to the terminal device to cause the terminal device to perform a predetermined process for causing the image processing device to read the aforementioned token, When the image processing device reads the token through the predetermined processing, an information receiving step is performed to receive predetermined information from the image processing device, including identification information for identifying the image processing device and the token. A storage execution step in which, when receiving predetermined information from the image processing device, the identification information contained in the predetermined information is stored in the memory in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token contained in the predetermined information, A control method comprising:

20. It is a communication system, Terminal device and Server and Image processing device and Equipped with, The aforementioned server, A first information receiving unit that receives subscription information input to the terminal device from the terminal device, wherein the subscription information is information for subscribing to a service related to the image processing device, A generation unit that generates a token when the subscription information is received from the terminal device, wherein the token is stored in the server's memory in association with the subscription information, An instruction transmission unit transmits an execution instruction to the terminal device to cause the terminal device to perform a predetermined process for causing the image processing device to read the aforementioned token, Equipped with, The terminal device is configured to execute the predetermined process in accordance with the execution instruction when it receives the execution instruction from the server. The aforementioned image processing device is When the terminal device performs the predetermined processing, a reading execution unit causes the reading unit of the image processing device to read the token, An information transmission unit transmits predetermined information to the server, including identification information that identifies the image processing device and the token read by the reading unit. Equipped with, The aforementioned server further, When the image processing device reads the token through the predetermined processing, a second information receiving unit receives the predetermined information from the image processing device, A storage execution unit that, when receiving predetermined information from the image processing device, stores the identification information contained in the predetermined information in the memory in association with the subscription information stored in association with the token contained in the predetermined information, A server equipped with the following features.

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