Computer program for information processing device, communication system, and method for controlling information processing device

Abstract

To provide technology that improves user convenience when registering communication devices that receive a specified service. [Solution] The information processing device acquires first identification information that identifies a first communication device selected by the user. In the first case, when the first identification information is acquired and the first identification information is not stored in association with user information, the device displays a first screen for storing the first identification information in memory in association with user information, and a second screen for registering the first communication device as a communication device that will receive a predetermined service. In the second case, when the first identification information is acquired and the first identification information is stored in association with user information, the device displays the second screen on the display unit without displaying the first screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates to a technology in a situation of registering a communication device that receives provision of a predetermined service.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a network system including an information processing apparatus that provides a service, and an information device that receives provision of the service. In this network system, the information processing apparatus stores an account of a user who uses the information device receiving the service provision in association with a device ID of the information device receiving the service provision.

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 for improving user convenience in a situation of registering a communication device that receives provision of a predetermined service.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for an information processing device. The information processing device may include a memory and a computer. The computer program may cause the computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires first identification information for identifying a first communication device selected by a user. The computer program may cause the computer to function as a first display control unit that displays a first screen for storing the first identification information in the memory in association with the user information, and a second screen for registering the first communication device as a communication device that receives a predetermined service, in the first case where the first identification information has been acquired and the first identification information has been stored in the memory in association with the user information. The computer program may cause the computer to function as a second display control unit that displays the second screen on the display unit without displaying the first screen on the display unit, in the second case where the first identification information has been acquired and the first identification information has been stored in the memory in association with the user information.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the information processing device can display an appropriate screen on the display unit depending on whether or not the first identification information selected by the user is already stored in memory in association with user information. This improves user convenience.

[0007] This specification also discloses a communication system. The communication system may include a server and a terminal device. The terminal device may include a receiving unit that receives a selection of first identification information from a user for identifying a first communication device. The server may include a memory. The server may include an acquisition unit that acquires the first identification information selected by the user. In the first case where the first identification information has been acquired and the first identification information is not stored in the memory in association with user information that identifies the user, the server may include a first transmitting unit that transmits to the terminal device first screen data representing a first screen for storing the first identification information in the memory in association with the user information, and second screen data representing a second screen for registering the first communication device as a communication device that receives a predetermined service. The server may include a second transmission unit that transmits the second screen data to the terminal device without transmitting the first screen data to the terminal device in the second case where the first identification information is acquired and the first identification information is not stored in the memory in association with the user information. The terminal device may include a display unit. The terminal device may include a first display control unit that causes the first screen and the second screen to be displayed on the display unit when the first screen data and the second screen data are received from the server. The terminal device may include a second display control unit that causes the second screen to be displayed on the display unit without displaying the first screen to the display unit when the second screen data is received from the server but the first screen data is not received.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the server can send appropriate screen data to the terminal device depending on whether the first identification information selected by the user is already stored in memory in association with user information. Therefore, the terminal device can display the appropriate screen. This improves user convenience.

[0009] The computer program for the above-mentioned information processing device, the computer-readable recording medium for storing the computer program, and the method executed by the information processing device are also novel and useful. Here, the above-mentioned recording medium may be a single medium or multiple mediums. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram of Case A of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a screen transition diagram showing the screens displayed on the device. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the processes performed by the server. [Figure 5] This is a continuation of the screen transition diagram shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram of Case B of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a screen transition diagram of the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises a terminal 10, printers 100A to 100C, and a server 200. The terminal 10 and printers 100A to 100C are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 4. LAN 4 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. Each device 10, 100A to 100C can communicate with each other via LAN 4.

[0012] LAN4 is connected to Internet 6. Server 200 is located on Internet 6. Each device 10, 100A to 100C can communicate with Server 200 via LAN4 and Internet 6.

[0013] This example describes the process of registering printer 100A with server 200 as a printer that receives a subscription service provided by server 200. Details of the subscription service will be described later. Hereafter, the subscription service will be referred to as "subscription service".

[0014] (Configuration of terminal 10) Terminal 10 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, or tablet PC. In a modified example, terminal 10 may be a stationary PC, laptop PC, or the like. Terminal 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a communication interface 16, and a control unit 30. Each unit 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line. Hereafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F".

[0015] The operation unit 12 is a user interface that allows the user to input various information to the terminal 10. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel, hardware keys, or both for displaying software keys (operation objects). Hardware keys include, for example, buttons or switches. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel may also be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The communication interface 16 is connected to the LAN 4.

[0016] 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 a RAM, a cache memory, and the like. By way of example, the auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, an SSD (abbreviation for Solid State Drive), an HDD (abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive), or a combination thereof. An OS program 36 and a browser program 38 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 34. Hereinafter, the OS program and the browser program are referred to as "OS" and "browser", respectively.

[0017] The OS 36 controls basic operations of the terminal 10. The browser 38 is a program for accessing a web server and displaying a web page. The CPU 32 implements various processes in accordance with each program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0018] (Configuration of Printer 100A) The printer 100A is a peripheral device capable of executing a printing function, for example, a peripheral device of the terminal 10. In a modified example, the printer 100A may be a multifunction device capable of executing a scanning function, a facsimile function, and the like in addition to the printing function. The printer 100A has a model name MN1. A serial number SN1, which is unique identification information for identifying the printer 100A, is assigned to the printer 100A. The printer 100A comprises an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication I / F 116, a printing execution unit 118, and a control unit 130. Each of the units 112 to 130 is connected to a bus line.

[0019] The operation unit 112 is a user interface that allows a user to input various types of information to the printer 100A. The operation unit 112 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys (operation objects), hardware keys, or both. The hardware keys include, for example, buttons, switches, and the like. The display unit 114 is a display or panel for displaying various types of information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. Further, the panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The communication I / F 116 is connected to the LAN 4. The print execution unit 118 includes an inkjet, electrophotographic, or thermal printing engine.

[0020] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The memory 134 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. By way of example, the auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, an SSD, an HDD, or a combination thereof. A program 136 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 134. The CPU 132 implements various types of processes in accordance with a program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0021] (Configuration of Printers 100B and 100C) The printer 100B has a model name MN2 different from the model name MN1. A serial number SN2 is assigned to the printer 100B. The printer 100C has a model name MN1 and a model name MN3 different from the model name MN1. A serial number SN3 is assigned to the printer 100C. Similar to the printer 100A, the printers 100B and 100C include each unit 112 to 130. However, depending on each of the model names MN1 to MN3, the specific hardware constituting the printers 100A to 100C may differ. For example, the specific configuration of the print execution unit 118 of the printers 100A to 100C may differ.

[0022] (Configuration of Server 200) Server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of printer 100A, etc. (hereinafter simply referred to as "vendor"). Server 200 may be a physical server, a virtual server on the cloud, a virtual machine, etc. Server 200 may be a single server, or a collection of multiple servers. Server 200 may be a server on an intranet, or a cloud server on the Internet 6. In a modified example, Server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a different business operator than the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for Server 200 themselves, but instead use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may prepare the program (i.e., software) for Server 200 and implement it in the above environment to realize Server 200. In this modified example, a form in which Server 200 is a physical server is described as an example.

[0023] Server 200 provides a subscription service that allows the use of printers 100A to 100C. The subscription service includes an automatic colorant cartridge delivery service and a flat-rate printing service. The automatic delivery service is a service that automatically delivers a new colorant cartridge when the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge installed in the printer (e.g., 100A) meets predetermined conditions. Here, "meeting predetermined conditions" means, for example, that the remaining amount of colorant is below a predetermined threshold, or that the colorant is expected to be depleted within a predetermined number of days. The flat-rate printing service is a service that allows printing on a predetermined number of print media, for example, 1000 sheets or less, for a predetermined period, for example, one month, at a fixed price. If printing is performed in excess of the predetermined number of sheets within the predetermined period, an excess charge per sheet, for example, 10 yen multiplied by the number of excess printed sheets, will be charged.

[0024] For each of the multiple printer models, several service plans are defined that are applicable to that particular model. Each service plan differs from one another in terms of, for example, the number of prints allowed at a fixed rate and the charges. Server 200 stores information about the service plans applicable to printers with each model name. Note that the same service plan may or may not be applicable to multiple printers with different model names. For example, if multiple printers with different model names are all inkjet printers, the same service plan may apply. On the other hand, if, for example, one is an inkjet printer and the other is an electrophotographic printer, the same service plan may not apply to these printers.

[0025] Server 200 also provides a management service for managing the printer's status. Server 200 periodically receives status information from the printer. This status information includes, for example, the printer's current status, the amount of colorants remaining, and the amount of paper remaining. The printer's current status can be, for example, "Normal" indicating that printing can be performed successfully, "Error" indicating that printing cannot be performed, or "Busy" indicating that printing is in progress. Users can remotely check the printer's status by accessing Server 200, for example, using Terminal 10.

[0026] Users can use the same account information for both subscription services and management services. In other words, server 200 can provide both subscription services and management services to the same account information.

[0027] Server 200 comprises a communication interface 216 and a control unit 230. Each unit 216 and 230 is connected to a bus line. The communication interface 216 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 comprises a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The memory 234 comprises a main memory and an auxiliary memory. For example, the main memory includes RAM and cache memory. For example, the auxiliary memory may be ROM, flash memory, SSD, HDD, or a combination thereof. The auxiliary memory of memory 2342 stores a program 236 and a device table 238. The CPU 232 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory.

[0028] Device table 238 stores information about the devices receiving the service. Device table 238 stores account information, serial numbers, subscription service information, and management service information in association with each other. Account information refers to the account of the user who has contracted the service. Account information includes name, email address, phone number, user ID, and password. The serial number is the serial number of the printer receiving the service.

[0029] Subscription service information includes the model name, selected plan, shipping address, payment information, and a provisional registration flag. The model name is the model name of the printer receiving the subscription service. The selected plan indicates the service plan desired by the user from among the multiple service plans available in the subscription service. The shipping address is the shipping address for the colorant cartridges. The payment information is for payment of the subscription service fee, such as a credit card number. The above information is registered when the user accesses server 200 and enters each of the above pieces of information.

[0030] The provisional registration flag indicates either "YES," which means provisional registration for the subscription service, or "NO," which means full registration for the subscription service. Here, "provisional registration" means that all the necessary information for the subscription service has been stored, but printer authentication is not yet complete. "Full registration" means that all the necessary information for the subscription service has been stored and printer authentication is complete. When the user enters the above information and provisional registration is performed, server 200 stores the provisional registration flag as "YES." Subsequently, when device authentication is completed and full registration is completed, server 200 changes the provisional registration flag from "YES" to "NO." Details regarding provisional and full registration for the subscription service will be described later.

[0031] Management service information stores the model name and status in association. The model name is the model name of the printer receiving the management service. The model name is registered when the user accesses server 200 and enters the model name. The status is information indicating the current status of the printer. The status is updated when status information is received from the printer.

[0032] Server 200 may provide additional services other than subscription services and management services. In this case, device table 238 will store additional information about the aforementioned additional services.

[0033] In the example in Figure 1, the first row of device table 238 stores information about printer 100B. This information includes management service information MSI. That is, printer 100B receives management services. The second row of device table 238 stores subscription service information SSI. This information SSI includes a provisional registration flag "YES". That is, the second row of device table 238 indicates that provisional registration for the subscription service is complete. However, since the final registration is not yet complete, i.e., the printer authentication is not yet complete, the printer's serial number is not stored in the second row.

[0034] (Processing performed between each device; Figure 2) Next, we will explain the processes performed between each device, referring to Figure 2. First, we will explain Case A, referring to Figures 2 to 5. Case A is a case in which printer 100A is registered as a printer that will receive the subscription service.

[0035] In the following, for ease of understanding, the processing performed by each device, such as terminal 10 and the CPU of server 200 (e.g., 32, 232), will be described as being performed by each device rather than each CPU. However, when describing the processing realized by terminal 10's CPU 32 executing programs 36 and 38, terminal 10 may be described as being performed by programs 36 and 38 rather than terminal 10. Furthermore, communication between devices is performed via a communication interface (e.g., 16, 216). Therefore, in the following explanation, the phrase "via the communication interface" will be omitted when describing communication.

[0036] The user of terminal 10 uses browser 38 to perform a search for subscription services provided by server 200. For example, the user uses a search engine to perform a search for subscription services. In this case, one or more web pages related to subscription services will be found. That is, a search results screen containing links to the one or more web pages mentioned above will be displayed. Browser 38 accepts an operation from the user at T10 to display the web page related to the subscription service from among the one or more web pages. In a modified example, browser 38 may also accept an operation from the user at T10 to input the URL of the web page related to the subscription service mentioned above.

[0037] At T12, the browser 38 sends a service screen data request to the server 200. A service screen data request is a signal that requests the server 200 to send screen data representing a web page related to a subscription service.

[0038] Server 200 receives a service screen data request from terminal 10 at T12. In this case, at T14, server 200 sends service screen data representing service screen SC0 to terminal 10.

[0039] Browser 38 receives service screen data from server 200 in T14. In this case, browser 38 displays service screen SC0 on display unit 14 in T16. Service screen SC0 includes a description of the subscription service. Specifically, the description includes a description of the automatic shipping service and a description of the flat-rate printing service. Service screen SC0 also includes a button B1 for subscribing to the subscription service.

[0040] At T18, the browser 38 receives a selection from the user for button B1 on the service screen SC0. In this case, at T20, the browser 38 sends a device selection screen data request to the server 200. The device selection screen data request is a signal that requests the server 200 to send device selection screen data representing the device selection screen SC1.

[0041] Server 200 receives a device selection screen data request from terminal 10 at T20. In this case, server 200 sends the device selection screen data to terminal 10 at T22.

[0042] Browser 38 receives device selection screen data from server 200 at T22. In this case, browser 38 displays device selection screen SC1 on display unit 14 at T24. Device selection screen SC1 is a screen for selecting the model name of the printer to which the subscription service will be provided. Device selection screen SC1 includes a list of model names of multiple types of printers sold by the vendor of printer 100A, i.e., the provider of the subscription service, and an OK button. The user can select the model name of the target printer from the list of model names. Here, the above list of model names may include both model names of printers that are eligible for the subscription service and model names of printers that are not eligible for the subscription service.

[0043] In T26, the browser 38 accepts the user's selection of the printer 100A's model name MN1, and then accepts the user's selection of the OK button. In this case, the browser 38 sends the model name selection information to the server 200 in T28. The model name selection information is information indicating the model name of the target printer selected by the user, and includes the selected model name MN1.

[0044] At T28, Server 200 receives model name selection information from Terminal 10. In this case, at T30, Server 200 determines whether the printer with model name MN1 included in the model name selection information is eligible for the subscription service. Server 200 stores each model name included in the list of model names in association with information indicating whether the printer with that model name is eligible for the subscription service. In this case, Server 200 stores model name MN1 in association with information indicating that the printer with that model name is eligible for the subscription service. Therefore, at T32, Server 200 sends available screen data representing the available screen SC2 to Terminal 10. The available screen data indicates that the selected printer with model name MN1 is eligible for the subscription service. Also, at T34, Server 200 identifies one or more service plans applicable to the received printer with model name MN1.

[0045] Furthermore, if the server 200 determines that a printer with a model name included in the model name selection information is unavailable for the subscription service, it sends unavailable screen data to the terminal 10. The unavailable screen displayed by the unavailable screen data is a screen that notifies the user that the printer with the selected model name is unavailable for the subscription service. After displaying the unavailable screen, the browser 38 displays the service screen SC0 again. In this case, the server 200 does not execute the process of T34.

[0046] Browser 38 receives available screen data from server 200 at T32. In this case, browser 38 displays available screen SC2 on display unit 14 at T36. Available screen SC2 is a screen that notifies the user that the selected printer with model name MN1 is available for the subscription service. Available screen SC2 includes a button B2 for displaying the plan selection screen SC3.

[0047] At T38, the browser 38 receives a selection from the user for button B2 in the available screen SC2. In this case, at T40, the browser 38 sends a plan selection screen data request to the server 200. The plan selection screen data request is a signal requesting the server 200 to send plan selection screen data representing the plan selection screen SC3.

[0048] In T40, server 200 receives a plan selection screen data request from terminal 10. In this case, in T42, it sends plan selection screen data indicating plan selection screen SC3 to terminal 10. The plan selection screen data indicates one or more service plans identified in T34. When server 200 receives a plan selection screen data request from terminal 10, it temporarily stores the received model name MN1 in memory 234 as the model name of the printer to be provisionally registered.

[0049] Browser 38 receives plan selection screen data from server 200 at T42. In this case, browser 38 displays the plan selection screen SC3 shown in Figure 3 on display unit 14.

[0050] (Screen transition diagram continuing from Figure 2; Figure 3) Next, with reference to Figure 3, each screen displayed on the display unit 14 by the browser 38 will be described. Note that for each of the following screens, communication regarding screen data is performed between the terminal 10 and the server 200, and the screen is displayed on the terminal 10. However, in the following description, explanations of such communication will be omitted as appropriate, and the screens displayed on the terminal 10 will be described.

[0051] After the processing of T42 in Figure 2 is executed, the browser 38 displays the plan selection screen SC3 on the display unit 14. The plan selection screen SC3 includes multiple service plans. In this case, the plan selection screen SC3 includes three service plans: Plan A to Plan C. In particular, the plan selection screen SC3 includes the monthly fee and the maximum number of pages for each plan. The user can select the desired plan based on their printer usage, etc.

[0052] Browser 38 accepts the user's selection of Plan B on the Plan Selection Screen SC3 in T44. In this case, Browser 38 displays the Login Screen SC4 on the Display Unit 14. The Login Screen SC4 includes input fields for entering account information, i.e., a user ID and password, for logging into the server 200 that provides the subscription service. Furthermore, the Login Screen SC4 includes a Login button and a New Account button. Users who already have account information enter their user ID and password and then select the Login button. On the other hand, users who do not have account information select the New Account button.

[0053] When the login button is selected, the browser 38 sends the entered user ID and password to the server 200. In this embodiment, the server 200, having successfully authenticated the user ID and password, sends screen data representing the next screen to the terminal 10. Hereinafter, the next screen changes depending on the information stored in the server 200. The process for determining the next screen will be explained below with reference to Figure 4.

[0054] (Server processing; Figure 4) The process shown in Figure 4 is executed by the CPU 232 of the server 200. This process is executed when the user ID and password are received from the terminal 10 and authentication of the user ID and password is successful.

[0055] In S10, CPU232 determines whether or not the user ID and password have been received from terminal 10 via the display of service screen SC0. If the display of service screen SC0 was detected, CPU232 determines YES in S10 and proceeds to S12. On the other hand, if the display of service screen SC0 was not detected, CPU232 determines NO in S10 and proceeds to S62.

[0056] In S12, CPU232 determines whether the model name received from terminal 10 (see T28 in Figure 2) is in a provisional registration state for a subscription service. Specifically, CPU232 first identifies the authenticated user ID and password, i.e., the information associated with account information, from the device table 238. If the identified information does not include subscription service information, CPU232 determines NO in S12 and proceeds to S30. If the identified information includes subscription service information, CPU232 identifies the model name and provisional registration flag included in the subscription service information. CPU232 determines that it is in a provisional registration state if the received model name matches the identified model name and the identified provisional registration flag indicates "YES". In this case, CPU232 determines YES in S12 and proceeds to S20. On the other hand, CPU232 determines that it is not in a provisional registration state if the received model name does not match the identified model name. In this case, CPU232 determines NO in S12 and proceeds to S30. Furthermore, CPU232 also determines that the model is not in a provisional registration state if the received model name matches the identified model name and the identified provisional registration flag indicates "NO". In this case, CPU232 determines NO in S12 and proceeds to S30.

[0057] For example, let's assume a situation where authentication of account information A1 is successful and the process in Figure 4 is executed. In this case, in S12, the information in the first row and the information in the second row of the device table 238 in Figure 1 are identified. The subscription service information SSI in the information in the second row includes the model name MN3 and the provisional registration flag "YES". In T28 in Figure 2, the model name MN1 is received. Therefore, the CPU 232 determines that the received model name MN1 and the identified model name MN3 do not match (NO in S12) and proceeds to S30.

[0058] The situation in which S12 is judged as YES corresponds to T50 in Figure 3. In this case, in S20, the CPU 232 sends registration screen data representing registration screen SC9 (see Figure 5) to terminal 10. In this case, registration screen SC9 as shown in Figure 5 is displayed on terminal 10. When the process in S20 is completed, the process in Figure 4 is completed.

[0059] In S30, CPU232 determines whether or not there is a printer already registered with another service, namely the management service in this embodiment. Specifically, CPU232 identifies the authenticated user ID and password, i.e., the information associated with the account information, from the device table 238. Next, CPU232 determines whether or not the identified information includes management service information. If the identified information includes management service information, CPU232 determines YES in S30 and proceeds to S32. On the other hand, if the identified information does not include management service information, CPU232 determines NO in S30 and proceeds to S50. Hereafter, printers targeted by the management service may be referred to as "management service printers". Note that in situations where YES is determined in S30, there may be only one management service printer or two or more.

[0060] For example, consider a scenario where authentication of account information A1 is successful and the process shown in Figure 4 is executed. In this case, at S30, the information in the first and second rows of the device table 238 in Figure 1 is identified. The information in the first row includes the management service information MSI. Therefore, the CPU 232 determines YES at S30. In this case, the management service printer is printer 100B, identified by serial number SN2.

[0061] In S32, CPU232 determines whether the managed service printer corresponds to the selected service plan (see T34 in Figure 3). Specifically, CPU232 identifies one or more service plans applicable to the managed service printer. Then, CPU232 determines whether the identified one or more service plans include the selected service plan. If the identified one or more service plans include the selected service plan, CPU232 determines YES in S32 and proceeds to S40. On the other hand, if the identified one or more service plans do not include the selected service plan, CPU232 determines NO in S32 and proceeds to S50. If there are two or more managed service printers, CPU232 performs the S32 process for each of the two or more managed service printers. Then, CPU232 determines YES in S32 if at least one managed service printer corresponds to the selected service plan.

[0062] The situation in which S32 is judged as YES corresponds to T60 in Figure 3. In this case, in S40, CPU 232 sends inquiry screen data representing inquiry screen SC6 (see Figure 3) to terminal 10. In this case, inquiry screen SC6 shown in Figure 3 is displayed on terminal 10.

[0063] The inquiry screen SC6 is a screen for asking the user whether or not to change the printer receiving the subscription service. The inquiry screen SC6 includes a YES button and a NO button. The user selects the YES button if they wish to change the printer receiving the subscription service. On the other hand, the user selects the NO button if they wish not to change the printer receiving the subscription service. In this way, if a managed service printer exists, the user can easily change the model name of the provisional registration target via the inquiry screen SC6. In particular, the user can change the model name of the provisional registration target if the managed service printer corresponds to the selected service plan. This prevents the provisional registration target model name from being changed to a model name that does not correspond to the service plan selected by the user. Then, if the YES button is selected, terminal 10 sends the YES selection information to server 200. If the NO button is selected, terminal 10 sends the NO selection information to server 200. Note that if there are two or more managed service printers, the inquiry screen SC6 may be configured to allow the user to select the printer receiving the subscription service.

[0064] In S42, CPU232 determines whether it has received YES selection information or NO selection information from terminal 10. If YES selection information is received from terminal 10, CPU232 determines YES in S42 and proceeds to S44. On the other hand, if NO selection information is received from terminal 10, CPU232 determines NO in S42 and proceeds to S50.

[0065] CPU232, in S44, changes the model name stored as a target for temporary registration to the model name of the management service printer.

[0066] The situation in which S50 is executed corresponds to T62 or T70 in Figure 3. In S50, the CPU 232 sends input screen data representing input screen SC7 (see Figure 3) to terminal 10. In this case, input screen SC7 shown in Figure 3 is displayed on terminal 10.

[0067] Input screen SC7 is for entering the shipping address and payment information. After the user enters the shipping address AI and payment information PI, they select the OK button (T72 in Figure 3). In this case, terminal 10 sends the entered shipping address AI and payment information PI to server 200. Hereafter, the entered shipping address and payment information may be referred to as "input information".

[0068] In S52, CPU232 monitors for the reception of input information from terminal 10. If CPU232 receives input information from terminal 10, it determines YES in S52 and proceeds to S60.

[0069] CPU232 performs a provisional registration process in S60. Specifically, CPU232 first generates subscription service information that includes the model name received at T28 in Figure 2, the service plan selected at T44 in Figure 3, the shipping address AI entered at T72, the payment information PI entered at T72, and the provisional registration flag "YES". Then, CPU232 associates the authenticated account information with the generated subscription service information and stores it in the device table 238. At the S60 stage, the serial number and management service information are not associated with this information. Note that in S60, after S44, CPU232 generates subscription service information that includes the changed model name in place of the received model name.

[0070] The situation in which S62 is executed corresponds to T72 in Figure 3. In S62, CPU 232 sends home screen data representing the subscription service home screen (see Figure 5) to terminal 10. In this case, terminal 10 displays the subscription service home screen SC8 shown in Figure 5. When the processing of S62 is completed, the processing shown in Figure 4 is completed.

[0071] The above explains the situation in which the login button is selected on the login screen SC4. Referring again to Figure 3, the situation in which the new creation button is selected on the login screen SC4 will be explained. At T80, the browser 38 receives the user's selection of the new creation button on the login screen SC4. In this case, the browser 38 sends information to the server 200 indicating that the new button has been selected. The server 200 sends account creation screen data representing the account creation screen SC5 to the terminal 10. The browser 38 then displays the account creation screen SC5 on the display unit 14. The account creation screen SC5 is a screen for entering account information. At T82, the browser 38 accepts the input of information for each item and then accepts the selection of the OK button. In this case, the browser 38 sends the entered information to the server 200. As a result, new account information is created on the server 200. In this way, if a user does not have account information, they can register account information during the series of processes for registering for the subscription service. After that, the input screen SC7 is displayed on the terminal 10.

[0072] (Screen transition diagram continuing from Figure 3; Figure 5) After the process of T72 in Figure 3 is executed, the browser 38 displays the subscription service home screen SC8 on the display unit 14. As shown in Figure 5, the subscription service home screen SC8 includes information indicating the model name for which provisional registration to the subscription service has been completed, information indicating the printer for which full registration to the subscription service has been completed, and information indicating the printer for which registration to the management service has been completed.

[0073] In the device table 238 in Figure 1, model name MN3 is in a provisionally registered state. When the process T72 in Figure 3 is executed, model name MN1 is newly provisionally registered. Therefore, the subscription service home screen SC8 in Figure 5 includes the two model names MN1 and MN3, for which provisional registration has been completed. In addition, the selected service plan is associated with the model name. In this embodiment, the selected service plan is described to the right of the model name. Furthermore, a registration button for performing the final registration of the printer and a delete button for deleting the provisionally registered information are placed in association with the model name. In this embodiment, the registration button and the provisional registration button are located to the right of the model name.

[0074] In the device table 238 in Figure 1, there are no printers that have completed full registration for the subscription service. Therefore, the subscription service home screen SC8 does not contain information indicating printers that have completed full registration for the subscription service.

[0075] Furthermore, in the device table 238 of Figure 1, printer 100B is registered as a printer that receives management services. Therefore, the subscription service home screen SC8 includes the serial number SN2 of printer 100B as information indicating that the printer has been registered for the management service.

[0076] The subscription service home screen SC8 includes buttons B3 and B4. Button B3 is for registering a new printer to the subscription service. When button B3 is selected by the user, a process is executed to temporarily register the model name. Button B4 is for registering a printer that has already been registered with the management service to the subscription service as well. When button B4 is selected by the user, a process is executed to register the printer that has already been registered with the management service as a printer that will receive the subscription service. These processes will be described later with reference to Figure 6.

[0077] Browser 38 accepts the user's selection of the main registration button corresponding to model name MN1 on T90. In this case, browser 38 sends the model name MN1 corresponding to the selected main registration button to server 200. Server 200 then sends registration screen data representing registration screen SC9 to terminal 10. Browser 38 then displays registration screen SC9 on display unit 14. Registration screen SC9 shows the method for main registration. Registration screen SC9 also includes an input area for entering a one-time code.

[0078] To officially register the printer, the user must directly operate the printer that is receiving the subscription service. The user who views the registration screen SC9 directly operates printer 100A to display a one-time code on the display unit 114. In this case, printer 100A sends its serial number SN1 and the one-time code to server 200.

[0079] Furthermore, in T92, the user enters the one-time code displayed on printer 100A into the input area in registration screen SC9 and then selects the OK button. In this case, terminal 10 sends the entered one-time code to server 200.

[0080] Server 200 sends confirmation screen data representing confirmation screen SC10 to terminal 10 if the one-time code received from printer 100A matches the one-time code received from terminal 10. Specifically, server 200 identifies the information associated with authenticated account information A1 from device table 238. Then, from the identified information, server 200 identifies subscription service information including model name MN1 received from terminal 10 via T90. Then, server 200 sends confirmation screen data including the identified subscription service information and serial number SN1 received from printer 100A to terminal 10.

[0081] When the browser 38 receives confirmation screen data from the server 200, it displays the confirmation screen SC10 on the display unit 14. The confirmation screen SC10 includes the serial number SN1, the model name, selected plan, shipping address information, and payment information from the subscription service information, and a registration button. By viewing the confirmation screen SC10, the user can confirm whether the printer to be registered for the subscription service is correct. The user can also confirm whether the selected plan, shipping address information, and payment information are correct. Note that the confirmation screen SC10 does not have to include all of the above information. For example, in the modified example, the confirmation screen SC10 does not have to include the shipping address information and payment information.

[0082] Browser 38 accepts the selection of the registration button on confirmation screen SC10 in T94. In this case, browser 38 sends a registration request to server 200. The registration request includes serial number SN1 and subscription service information.

[0083] When server 200 receives a registration request from terminal 10, it officially registers printer 100A. Specifically, server 200 identifies the information associated with authenticated account information A1 from device table 238. Then, server 200 identifies the subscription service information, including model name MN1, from the identified information. Server 200 then stores the serial number SN1 included in the registration request, associating it with the identified subscription service information. Server 200 further changes the provisional registration flag in the identified subscription service information to "NO". This completes the official registration of printer 100A.

[0084] When the registration of printer 100A is complete, browser 38 displays the subscription service home screen SC11 on display unit 14. The subscription service home screen SC11 does not include the model name MN1 as it is a model name for which provisional registration has been completed. In addition, the subscription service home screen SC11 includes the serial number SN1 of printer 100A as information indicating that the printer has been officially registered. In other respects, the subscription service home screen SC11 is the same as the subscription service home screen SC8.

[0085] (Case B; Figure 6) Next, we will explain Case B with reference to Figure 6. Case B is a case in which printer 100B is registered as a printer that will receive the subscription service without going through the service screen SC0.

[0086] The browser 38 of terminal 10 receives a login request from the user to the management service provided by server 200 at T100. For example, the browser 38 receives a request from the user to display a login screen for logging into server 200, which provides the management service. In this case, the browser 38 displays the login screen on display unit 14. Then, at T100, the browser 38 receives input from the user for a user ID and password, i.e., account information A1. In this case, at T102, the browser 38 sends a login request to server 200 including the entered user ID and password. The login request is a signal requesting server 200 to send management service home screen data representing the management service home screen SC20.

[0087] Server 200 receives a login request from terminal 10 at T102. In this case, server 200 performs authentication of the user ID and password included in the login request. Server 200 identifies the authenticated user ID and password, i.e., the information associated with account information A1, from device table 238. Next, server 200 identifies information including management service information from the identified information. In this case, server 200 identifies the information in the first row of device table 238. Then, at T104, server 200 sends management service home screen data to terminal 10 according to the information in the first row, which includes management service information MSI.

[0088] Browser 38 receives management service home screen data from server 200 at T104. In this case, browser 38 displays the management service home screen SC20 on display unit 14 at T106. The management service home screen SC20 includes the serial number of printer 100B which has been registered with the management service, and the current status of printer 100B. Here, the status is information included in the management service information MSI. The management service home screen SC20 also includes a button B5 for registering printer 100B to the subscription service.

[0089] At T108, the browser 38 receives a selection from the user for button B5 on the management service home screen SC20. In this case, at T110, the browser 38 sends a subscription service login screen data request to the server 200. The subscription service login screen data request is a signal requesting the server 200 to send subscription service login screen data representing the login screen SC4.

[0090] Server 200 receives a request for subscription service login screen data from terminal 10 at T110. In this case, Server 200 sends the subscription login screen data to terminal 10 at T112.

[0091] Browser 38 receives subscription service login screen data from server 200 at T112. In this case, browser 38 displays the login screen SC4 (see Figure 3) on display unit 14 at T114.

[0092] At T116, the browser 38 enters the user ID and password, i.e., account information A1, and then selects the login button. In this case, at T118, the browser 38 sends a subscription service home screen data request to the server 200. The subscription service home screen data request is a signal requesting the server 200 to send subscription service home screen data representing the subscription service home screen. The subscription service home screen data request includes the entered user ID and password.

[0093] Server 200 receives a subscription service home screen data request from terminal 10 at T118. In this case, Server 200 performs authentication of the received user ID and password. Server 200 identifies the authenticated user ID and password, i.e., the information associated with account information A1, from the device table 238. In this case, Server 200 identifies the information in the first and second rows of the device table 238. The information in the first row of the device table 238 includes the serial number SN2 and the management service information MSI. Therefore, Server 200 identifies the serial number SN2 as information indicating a printer that has completed registration with the management service. The information in the second row of the device table 238 includes subscription service information. Furthermore, this subscription service information includes the model name MN3 and the provisional registration flag "YES". Therefore, Server 200 identifies the model name MN3 as a model name that has completed provisional registration with the subscription service. There are no printers that have completed full registration with the subscription service. Server 200 transmits subscription service home screen data, which represents the subscription service home screen, to terminal 10 on T120.

[0094] Browser 38 receives subscription service home screen data from server 200 at T120. In this case, browser 38 displays the subscription service home screen on display unit 14 at T130. This subscription service home screen is the same as the subscription service home screen SC8 in Figure 5, except that it does not include the model name MN1 as a model name for which provisional registration to the subscription service has been completed.

[0095] Browser 38 accepts the user's selection of button B4 on the subscription service home screen displayed on T130 in T132. That is, Browser 38 accepts the user's operation in T132 to register printer 100B, which has already been registered with the management service, with the subscription service as well. In this case, the plan selection screen SC3, input screen SC7, and registration screen SC9 shown in Figure 3 are displayed in sequence. If the authentication of the one-time code entered on registration screen SC9 is successful, confirmation screen SC10 is displayed on terminal 10. If the confirmation button is selected on confirmation screen SC10, printer 100B is officially registered with the subscription service.

[0096] (Effects of the first embodiment) According to the above configuration, if the user selects model name MN1 (T26 in Figure 2) and the provisional registration of model name MN1 is not yet complete (NO in S12 in Figure 4), both the input screen SC7 and the registration screen SC9 are displayed. On the other hand, if the user selects model name MN1 (T26 in Figure 2) and the model name MN1 is provisionally registered (YES in S12 in Figure 4), the input screen SC7 is not displayed and the registration screen SC9 is displayed. Therefore, the appropriate screen is displayed depending on whether or not the provisional registration of MN1 selected by the user is complete. This improves user convenience.

[0097] (Correspondence) Server 200 and terminal 10 are examples of "information processing device" and "terminal device," respectively. In Case A, printer 100A and model name MN1 are examples of "first communication device" and "first identification information," respectively. Also, printer 100B and serial number SN2 are examples of "second communication device" and "second identification information," respectively. In Case B, printer 100B and serial number SN2 are examples of "first communication device" and "first identification information," respectively. The display unit 14 of terminal 10 is an example of a "display unit." Subscription service is an example of a "specified service." Account information A1 is an example of "user information." Input screen SC7 and registration screen SC9 are examples of "first screen" and "second (and third) screen," respectively. Input screen data representing input screen SC7 and registration screen data representing registration screen SC9 are examples of "first screen data" and "second screen data," respectively. In particular, the registration screen SC9 displayed without going through S44 in Figure 4, and the registration screen SC9 displayed after going through S44, are examples of the "second screen" and the "third screen," respectively. The inquiry screen SC6 is an example of the "first inquiry screen." The account creation screen SC5 is an example of the "new creation screen." The service screen SC0 and the management service home screen SC20 are examples of the "specific web page" and the "different web page," respectively. The model name included in the list of model names in the device selection screen SC1 is an example of "multiple identification pieces of information." The cases where NO is determined in S12 and where YES is determined in S12 in Figure 4 are examples of the "first case" and the "second case," respectively.

[0098] The correspondence between the processes executed by the "computer program for information processing device" is as follows: Process T28 in Figure 2 is an example of a process executed by the "acquisition unit". Process S50 in Figure 4 and the process of sending registration screen data to terminal 10 after process T90 in Figure 5 are examples of processes executed by the "first display control unit" (and the "first transmission unit" of the "server"). Process S20 in Figure 4 is an example of a process executed by the "second display control unit" (and the "second transmission unit" of the "server"). Process S40 is an example of a process executed by the "third display control unit". The process of sending registration screen data to terminal 10 after process S44 in Figure 4 is an example of a process executed by the "fourth display control unit". The process of sending account creation screen data to terminal 10 is an example of a process executed by the "sixth display control unit". The process of sending input screen data and registration screen data to terminal 10 after NO is determined in S10 in Figure 4 is an example of a process executed by the "seventh display control unit".

[0099] The correspondence between the processes executed by the "terminal device" is as follows: The process at T26 in Figure 2 is an example of a process executed by the "reception unit". The process of displaying the input screen SC7 represented by the input screen data transmitted in S50 in Figure 4, and the registration screen SC9 represented by the registration screen data received from the server 200 after the process at T90 in Figure 5, is an example of a process executed by the "first display control unit". The process of displaying the registration screen SC9 represented by the registration screen data transmitted in S20 in Figure 4 is an example of a process executed by the "second display control unit".

[0100] (Second embodiment; Figure 7) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the method for displaying the device selection screen. Note that in Figure 7, the same reference numerals are used for processes similar to those in Figure 2, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0101] Browser 38 accepts a selection of button B1 on the service screen SC0 from the user at T18 in Figure 7. In this case, Browser 38 supplies a search command to OS 36. Upon receiving the search command, OS 36 sends a search signal to LAN 4 at T220. The search signal is a signal that requests the device that receives the signal to send the model name.

[0102] Each printer 100A to 100C within LAN4 receives a search signal from terminal 10 at T220. In this case, printer 100A sends a response signal to terminal 10 at T222 that includes the model name MN1 of printer 100A. Similarly, printers 100B and 100C send response signals to terminal 10 at T222 that include the model names MN2 and MN3, respectively.

[0103] OS36 receives response signals from each of the printers 100A to 100C in T222. In this case, OS36 supplies the received model names MN1 to MN3 to the browser 38. The browser 38 then displays the device selection screen SC12 on the display unit 14 in T222. The device selection screen SC12 is a screen for selecting the model name of the printer to which the subscription service will be provided. The device selection screen SC12 includes a list of the acquired model names MN1 to MN3 and an OK button. Thus, the device selection screen SC12 includes the model names MN1 to MN3 of the printers 100A to 100C present in LAN4, but does not include any other model names. For this reason, the user can select the model name of the target printer from among the model names of multiple printers present in LAN4. Subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment. The model names MN1 to MN3 in the device selection screen SC12 are an example of "multiple pieces of identification information".

[0104] (Third embodiment; Figure 8) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, after the confirmation screen SC10 is displayed, the inquiry screen SC30 is also displayed. Up to the point where the confirmation screen SC10 is displayed, it is the same as the first embodiment.

[0105] The user selects the registration button on confirmation screen SC10 in T394. In this case, the registration of printer 100 is completed on server 200. Once the registration of printer 100A is complete, server 200 sends inquiry screen data representing inquiry screen SC30 to terminal 10. The inquiry screen data includes the serial number SN2 of printer 100B, which has already been registered with the management service.

[0106] When the browser 38 receives inquiry screen data from the server 200, it displays the inquiry screen SC30 on the display unit 14. The inquiry screen SC30 is a screen for asking the user whether or not to delete the information of printer 100B, which has already been registered with the management service. The inquiry screen SC30 includes the serial number SN2 included in the inquiry screen data, as well as a YES button and a NO button.

[0107] For example, consider a situation where printer 100B is discarded and printer 100A is newly installed on LAN4. In such a situation, there is no need to maintain the registration of printer 100B with the management service. Therefore, the user selects the YES button on the inquiry screen SC30 in T396. In this case, the browser 38 sends information to the server 200 indicating that the YES button has been selected. The server 200 then deletes the information in the first row from the device table 238, i.e., the information for printer 100B. The server 200 then sends the subscription service home screen data based on the device table 238 after the information in the first row has been deleted to the terminal 10. The browser 38 displays the subscription service home screen SC31 on the display unit 14. The subscription service home screen SC31 is the same as the subscription service home screen SC11 in Figure 5, except that it does not include information indicating that the printer has already been registered with the management service. In this way, the user can easily delete unnecessary information from the server 200.

[0108] On the other hand, consider a scenario where, for example, printer 100A is newly installed on LAN4 while continuing to use printer 100B. In such a situation, it is necessary to maintain the registration of printer 100B with the management service. Therefore, the user selects the NO button in the inquiry screen SC30 on T398. In this case, the browser 38 sends information to the server 200 indicating that the NO button has been selected. In this case, the information is not deleted from the device table 238. The server 200 sends the subscription service home screen data based on the device table 238 to the terminal 10. The browser 38 displays the subscription service home screen SC11 (see Figure 5) on the display unit 14. Inquiry screen SC30 is an example of a "second inquiry screen". The process of sending inquiry screen data representing inquiry screen SC30 to the terminal 10 is an example of a process executed by the "fifth display control unit" of the "computer program for information processing device".

[0109] The specific examples of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above, but 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.

[0110] (Modification 1) In the above embodiment, the process shown in Figure 4 was performed by the server 200. In this modification, the process shown in Figure 4 may be performed by the terminal 10. For example, the terminal 10 receives each piece of information in the device table 238 from the server 200. Then, the terminal 10 may use each piece of information in the device table 238 to perform each piece of processing shown in Figure 4. In this modification, the terminal 10 may perform a screen display process instead of a screen data transmission process such as S20 in Figure 4. In this modification, the terminal 10 is an example of an "information processing device". In another modification, the process shown in Figure 4 may be performed by the printer 100A. In this modification, the printer 100A is an example of an "information processing device".

[0111] (Modification 2) In the above embodiment, the terminal 10 and the server 200 cooperated to display various screens. In this modification, for example, the printer 100A and the server 200 may cooperate to display various screens. In this case, the various screens may be displayed on the display unit 114 of the printer 100A. In this modification, the display unit 114 of the printer 100A is an example of a "display unit".

[0112] (Modification 3) The CPU 232 of the server 200 can omit the processing S30 to S44 in Figure 4. That is, even if there is a printer that has already been registered with the management service, the terminal 10 does not need to display the inquiry screen SC6. In this modification, the "third display control unit" and the "fourth display control unit" of the "computer program for information processing device" can be omitted.

[0113] (Modification 4) The CPU 232 can omit the processing in S32 of Figure 4. In this case, for example, instead of the inquiry screen SC6, the options for changing the printer receiving the service, changing the service plan to be used, and the inquiry screen for making inquiries may be displayed.

[0114] (Modification 5) The login screen SC4 (see Figure 3) does not need to include a "Create New" button. In this modification, the "6th display control unit" of the "Computer program for information processing device" can be omitted.

[0115] (Modification 6) The CPU 232 can omit the processing in S10. That is, the server 200 may perform the same processing whether or not it goes through the service screen SC0. In this modification, the "seventh display control unit" of the "computer program for information processing device" can be omitted.

[0116] (Modification 7) When browser 38 accepts the selection of button B4 at T132 in Figure 6, it may sequentially display the plan selection screen SC3 and the input screen SC7 in Figure 3. In other words, browser 38 does not need to display the registration screen SC9. Printer 100B, which has already been registered with the management service, has already undergone authentication during registration with the management service. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform authentication of printer 100B again when registering with the subscription service.

[0117] (Modification 8) In the above embodiment, the processing of each step in Figures 2, 4, 6, and 7 is implemented by software (for example, OS36, browser38, and program236), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0118] 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. Furthermore, 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.

[0119] 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) A computer program for an information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is Memory and Computers and, Equipped with, The aforementioned computer program comprises the following components of the computer, namely: An acquisition unit that acquires first identification information that identifies a first communication device selected by the user, In the first case where the first identification information is acquired and the first identification information is not stored in the memory in association with user information that identifies the user, a first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen for storing the first identification information in the memory in association with the user information, and a second screen for registering the first communication device as a communication device that receives a predetermined service. In the second case where the first identification information is acquired and the first identification information is stored in the memory in association with the user information, a second display control unit causes the second screen to be displayed on the display unit without displaying the first screen on the display unit, A computer program that functions as such. (Item 2) The memory is capable of storing the user information and a second identification information that identifies a second communication device different from the first communication device in association with each other before the first identification information is acquired. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, In the first case, a third display control unit that causes a first inquiry screen to be displayed on the display unit, wherein the first inquiry screen is a screen for inquiring with the user whether or not to register the second communication device identified by the second identification information associated with the user information as a communication device that receives the predetermined service, and In the first inquiry screen, if the user selects to register the second communication device, a fourth display control unit causes the display unit to display a third screen for registering the second communication device as a communication device that will receive the predetermined service, To make it function as, The computer program described in item 1, wherein the first display control unit causes the first screen and the second screen to be displayed on the display unit when the user selects not to register the second communication device on the first inquiry screen. (Item 3) The third display control unit is: When the second communication device is able to receive the predetermined service, the first inquiry screen is displayed on the display unit. If the second communication device is unable to receive the predetermined service, the first inquiry screen will not be displayed on the display unit. The computer program described in item 2. (Item 4) The memory is capable of storing the user information and a second identification information that identifies a second communication device different from the first communication device in association with each other before the first identification information is acquired. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, which functions as the fifth display control unit, wherein, after the first communication device is registered as a communication device that receives the predetermined service, the fifth display control unit causes a second inquiry screen to be displayed on the display unit, the second inquiry screen being a screen for inquiring with the user whether or not to delete the second identification information associated with the user information. (Item 5) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 4, which functions as a sixth display control unit that displays a new creation screen on the display unit for newly storing the aforementioned user information in the memory when a new creation instruction is received for newly creating the aforementioned user information. (Item 6) In the first case, the first identification information is acquired in response to the user selecting the first identification information on a specific web page displayed on the terminal device, and the first identification information is not stored in the memory in association with the user information. In the second case, the first identification information is acquired in response to the user selecting the first identification information on the specific web page, and the first identification information is stored in the memory in association with the user information. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A seventh display control unit causes the display unit to display the first screen and the second screen when the first identification information is acquired in response to the user selecting the first identification information on a web page different from the specific web page displayed on the terminal device, regardless of whether the first identification information is already stored in the memory in association with the user information. A computer program described in any one of items 1 through 5 that functions as such. (Item 7) The first identification information is a computer program described in any one of items 1 to 6, selected by the user from among a plurality of identification pieces of information that identify a plurality of types of communication devices sold by the provider of the predetermined service. (Item 8) The first identification information is a computer program described in any one of items 1 to 6, selected by the user from one or more pieces of identification information that identify one or more communication devices belonging to the same network as the terminal device used by the user. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0120] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: Terminal, 12, 112: Operation unit, 14, 114: Display unit, 16, 116, 216: Communication I / F, 30, 130, 230: Control unit, 32, 132, 232: CPU, 34, 134, 234: Memory, 36: OS program, 38: Browser program, 100A~100C: Printer, 118: Print execution unit, 136, 236: Program, 200: Server, 238: Device table

Claims

1. A computer program for an information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is Memory and Computers and, Equipped with, The aforementioned computer program comprises the following components of the computer, namely: An acquisition unit that acquires first identification information that identifies a first communication device selected by the user, In the first case where the first identification information is acquired and the first identification information is not stored in the memory in association with user information that identifies the user, a first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen for storing the first identification information in the memory in association with the user information, and a second screen for registering the first communication device as a communication device that receives a predetermined service. In the second case where the first identification information is acquired and the first identification information is stored in the memory in association with the user information, a second display control unit causes the second screen to be displayed on the display unit without displaying the first screen on the display unit, A computer program that functions as such.

2. The memory is capable of storing the user information and a second identification information that identifies a second communication device different from the first communication device in association with each other before the first identification information is acquired. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, In the first case, a third display control unit that causes a first inquiry screen to be displayed on the display unit, wherein the first inquiry screen is a screen for inquiring with the user whether or not to register the second communication device identified by the second identification information associated with the user information as a communication device that receives the predetermined service, and In the first inquiry screen, if the user selects to register the second communication device, a fourth display control unit causes the display unit to display a third screen for registering the second communication device as a communication device that will receive the predetermined service, To make it function as, The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the first display control unit causes the first screen and the second screen to be displayed on the display unit when the user selects not to register the second communication device on the first inquiry screen.

3. The third display control unit is: When the second communication device is able to receive the predetermined service, the first inquiry screen is displayed on the display unit. If the second communication device is unable to receive the predetermined service, the first inquiry screen will not be displayed on the display unit. The computer program according to claim 2.

4. The memory is capable of storing the user information and a second identification information that identifies a second communication device different from the first communication device in association with each other before the first identification information is acquired. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to claim 1, which causes a fifth display control unit to display a second inquiry screen on the display unit after the first communication device has been registered as a communication device that receives the predetermined service, wherein the second inquiry screen is a screen for inquiring with the user whether or not to delete the second identification information associated with the user information.

5. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The computer program according to claim 1, which functions as a sixth display control unit that, when a new creation instruction is received to create new user information, displays a new creation screen on the display unit for storing the user information in the memory.

6. In the first case, the first identification information is acquired in response to the user selecting the first identification information on a specific web page displayed on the terminal device, and the first identification information is not stored in the memory in association with the user information. In the second case, the first identification information is acquired in response to the user selecting the first identification information on the specific web page, and the first identification information is stored in the memory in association with the user information. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A seventh display control unit causes the display unit to display the first screen and the second screen when the first identification information is acquired in response to the user selecting the first identification information on a web page different from the specific web page displayed on the terminal device, regardless of whether the first identification information is already stored in the memory in association with the user information. A computer program according to claim 1, which functions as such.

7. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the first identification information is selected by the user from a plurality of identification pieces of information that identify a plurality of types of communication devices sold by the provider of the predetermined service.

8. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the first identification information is selected by the user from one or more pieces of identification information that identify one or more communication devices belonging to the same network as the terminal device used by the user.

9. It is a communication system, Server and Terminal device and Equipped with, The terminal device includes a receiving unit that receives a selection from the user of first identification information for identifying the first communication device. The aforementioned server, Memory and An acquisition unit that acquires the first identification information selected by the user, In the first case where the first identification information is acquired and the first identification information is not stored in the memory in association with user information that identifies the user, a first transmission unit transmits to the terminal device: first screen data representing a first screen for storing the first identification information in the memory in association with the user information, and second screen data representing a second screen for registering the first communication device as a communication device that receives a predetermined service. In the second case where the first identification information is acquired and the first identification information is not stored in the memory in association with the user information, a second transmission unit transmits the second screen data to the terminal device without transmitting the first screen data to the terminal device, Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and A first display control unit that, when the first screen data and the second screen data are received from the server, causes the first screen and the second screen to be displayed on the display unit, A second display control unit, which, when the second screen data is received from the server but the first screen data is not received, causes the second screen to be displayed on the display unit without displaying the first screen on the display unit, A communication system equipped with these features.

10. A method for controlling an information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device includes a memory, The aforementioned method, An acquisition step of acquiring first identification information that identifies a first communication device selected by the user, In the first case where the first identification information is acquired and the first identification information is not stored in the memory in association with user information that identifies the user, a first display control step is performed to display on the display unit a first screen for storing the first identification information in the memory in association with the user information, and a second screen for registering the first communication device as a communication device that receives a predetermined service. In the second case where the first identification information is acquired and the first identification information is stored in the memory in association with the user information, a second display control step is performed to display the second screen on the display unit without displaying the first screen on the display unit, A method that includes [a certain feature].

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