A server, a computer program for a server, a communication system, and a method performed by a server.

Abstract

This document discloses technologies that improve user convenience in situations where users wish to subscribe to services related to image processing equipment. [Solution] The server may include: a first transmission unit that, when it is determined that the user does not possess an image processing device, transmits to a terminal device first selection screen data representing a first selection screen that causes the user to select one type of image processing device from two or more types of image processing devices and to select one plan from two or more plans of a service corresponding to one type of image processing device; and a second transmission unit that, when it is determined that the user possesses an image processing device, transmits to the terminal device second selection screen data representing a second selection screen different from the first selection screen, which causes the user to select one plan from two or more plans of a service corresponding to the image processing device possessed by the user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a technology pertaining to services for image processing apparatuses. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system comprising a printer, a PC, and an information management server. The printer stores print information relating to the number of printed sheets each time a flat-rate printing process is executed, and transmits the print information to the information management server. The information management server manages the print information when receiving the print information from the printer. The information management server provides a flat-rate printing process service using the print information received from the printer. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-49767 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The present specification provides a technology for improving user convenience in a situation where a user desires to subscribe to a service related to an image processing apparatus. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a server. The server may include: a receiving unit that receives instructions from a terminal device to subscribe to a service relating to an image processing device; a determination unit that, when the instructions are received, determines whether or not the user possesses an image processing device for receiving the service; a first transmitting unit that, when it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device, transmits to the terminal device first selection screen data representing a first selection screen that causes the user to select one type of image processing device from two or more types of image processing devices and to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the one type of image processing device; and a second transmitting unit that, when it is determined that the user possesses the image processing device, transmits to the terminal device second selection screen data representing a second selection screen different from the first selection screen, which causes the user to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the image processing device possessed by the user.

[0006] With the above configuration, the server can display the appropriate screen on the terminal device depending on whether or not the user possesses an image processing device. This improves user convenience.

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

[0008] [Figure 1] A conceptual diagram of the communication system is shown. [Figure 2] An example of each table is shown. [Figure 3] The sequence diagram for Case A of the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] The sequence diagram following Figure 3 is shown. [Figure 5] The screen transition diagram for Case A of the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 6] The following is a continuation of the screen transition diagram shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] The sequence diagram for Case B of the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 8] The sequence diagram following Figure 7 is shown. [Figure 9] The screen transition diagram for Case B of the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 10] The following screen transition diagram is shown, continuing from Figure 9. [Figure 11] The following screen transition diagram is shown, continuing from Figure 10. [Figure 12] The screen transition diagram for the second embodiment is shown. [Figure 13] The following screen transition diagram is shown, continuing from Figure 12. [Figure 14] The screen transition diagram for the third embodiment is shown. [Figure 15] The screen transition diagrams for the 4th to 7th embodiments are shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First embodiment) (Outline of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises a terminal device 10, a printer 50, and a server 100. The terminal device 10 and the printer 50 are connected to LAN 4 and can communicate with each other via LAN 4. LAN stands for Local Area Network. LAN 4 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. Each device 10 and 50 can communicate with the server 100 via the Internet 6.

[0010] (Configuration of terminal device 10) The terminal device 10 is, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a laptop PC, a desktop PC, or the like. The terminal device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a communication interface 20, and a control unit 30. Hereinafter, the interface is referred to as "I / F".

[0011] The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The operation unit 12 is a user interface that allows a user to input various types of information to the terminal device 10. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various types of information. The display unit 14 also functions as a so-called touch panel (i.e., an operation unit). The communication I / F 20 is connected to a LAN 4. The communication I / F 20 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0012] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. By way of example, the main storage device includes a RAM and a cache memory. By way of example, the auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, a Solid State Drive (SSD), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. An OS program 36 and a browser program 38 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 34. The CPU 32 implements various processes in accordance with programs loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device. The OS program 36 controls basic operations of the terminal device 10. The browser program 38 is a program for accessing a server on the Internet 6 and displaying various screens.

[0013] (Configuration of Printer 50) The printer 50 is a peripheral device capable of executing a printing function (i.e., a peripheral device of the terminal device 10). The printer 50 may be a multifunction device capable of executing a scanning function, a FAX function, and the like in addition to the printing function. The printer 50 has a serial number "SN1". The serial number is a unique identification number assigned when the printer is manufactured. The printer 50 has a model name "MN1".

[0014] The printer 50 is mounted with a cartridge that accommodates a color material. Hereinafter, the cartridge may be referred to as "CTG". The printer 50 performs printing by using the color material in the CTG. When the printer 50 is an inkjet printer, the color material is ink. When the printer 50 is a laser printer, the color material is toner.

[0015] (Configuration of Server 100) The server 100 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printer 50. Hereinafter, the vendor of the printer 50 is simply referred to as "vendor". The server 100 may be a physical server, or may be a virtual server on a cloud, a virtual machine, or the like. The server 100 may be a single server, or may be a set of a plurality of servers. The server 100 may be a server on an intranet, or may be a cloud server on the Internet 6. Note that, in a modification, the server 100 may be installed on the Internet 6 by an operator different from the vendor. In another modification, the vendor does not prepare the hardware of the server 100 by itself, and may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may implement the server 100 by preparing a program, i.e., software, of the server 100 and introducing it into the above environment. In the present embodiment, as an example, a form in which the server 100 is a physical server will be described.

[0016] Server 100 provides a subscription service for multiple printers, including printer 50. Hereafter, the subscription service will be referred to as the "flat-rate service." With the flat-rate service, if the number of printed pages within a specified period, such as one month, is less than or equal to the maximum number of printed pages, only the basic fee is charged. 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 printed pages exceeding the maximum is charged. In other words, the flat-rate service is a service that allows printing up to the maximum number of printed pages within a specified period for a basic fee. The flat-rate service includes an automatic delivery service. The automatic delivery service is a service that automatically delivers a new CTG (Cartridge Tag) when the amount of ink remaining in the CTG installed in the printer falls below a specified amount. The cost of the CTG is included in the basic fee of the flat-rate service. That is, even if a new CTG is shipped, the cost of that CTG is not added to the billed amount.

[0017] Server 100 comprises a communication interface 120 and a control unit 130. The communication interface 120 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 130 comprises a CPU 132 and memory 134. The CPU 132 performs various processes according to a program 136 stored in memory 134. Memory 134 comprises volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The details of memory 134 are the same as those of memory 34 in terminal device 10. Various processes are realized when program 136 stored in non-volatile memory is loaded into volatile memory and executed by the CPU 132. Memory 134 also stores a user table 138 and a plan table 140.

[0018] (Contents of Tables 138 and 140; Figure 2) Referring to Figure 2, the contents of tables 138 and 140 are explained. User table 138 is a table for managing information about each user. User table 138 stores account information, address, card number, printer model name, serial number, and contract plan information in association with each other. Account information is the information that the user uses to log in to server 100, and includes the username (e.g., "U1") and password (e.g., "PW1"). Address (e.g., "AD1") indicates the user's address. Card number (e.g., "CN1") is the information that the user uses to pay for the subscription service, and is such as a credit card number or bank account number. Serial number (e.g., "SN1") is a number that identifies the printer used by the user. Contract plan information (e.g., "Light Plan") indicates the subscription service plan contracted by the user, and is one of the three plans described below.

[0019] In this embodiment, three common plans are set for each printer. In the plan table 140, the maximum number of pages, excess charges, and base charges are stored in association with each of the three plans. The three plans include a Light plan, a Middle plan, and a Heavy plan. The Light plan is for users who use the printer relatively little, i.e., light users. The Heavy plan is for users who use the printer relatively a lot, i.e., heavy users. The Middle plan is for users who use the printer neither a lot nor a lot, i.e., users between light and heavy users, i.e., middle users.

[0020] In this example of a subscription service, users are billed a usage fee for each monthly period. The basic fee is the monthly fee. Of the plans, the Light plan has the lowest basic fee of 1800 yen. The Middle plan has the next lowest basic fee of 2500 yen. The Heavy plan has the highest basic fee of 3900 yen. The maximum number of pages is the maximum number of printable media that can be printed per month within the basic fee. The Light plan has the lowest maximum number of pages of 1000. The Middle plan has the next lowest maximum number of pages of 2000. The Heavy plan has the highest maximum number of pages of 4000. The excess charge is the fee per printed page required when the maximum number of pages is exceeded. The Light plan has the highest excess charge of 2.0 yen. The Middle plan has the next highest excess charge of 1.4 yen. The Heavy plan has the lowest excess charge of 1 yen. The printer vendor pre-stores each price in plan table 140.

[0021] (Processing performed by each device 10, 50, and 100; Figures 3 to 11) Referring to Figures 3 to 11, the processes performed by each device 10, 50, and 100 will be explained. First, referring to Figures 3 to 6, the process for Case A, in which a user of terminal device 10 subscribes to a flat-rate service while possessing printer 50, will be explained. Next, referring to Figures 7 to 11, the process for Case B, in which a user of terminal device 10 subscribes to a flat-rate service while not possessing printer, will be explained.

[0022] For the sake of clarity, the following explanation will not focus on the CPUs themselves when describing the operations performed by the CPUs of each device, such as CPU32 and CPU132. Instead, it will focus on the operations performed by the CPUs of each device, such as terminal device 10 and server 100. Furthermore, communication between devices will be performed via a communication interface. In the following explanation, the phrase "via a communication interface" will be omitted when describing communication.

[0023] (Case A; Figures 3-6) In the initial state shown in Figure 3, the user of terminal device 10 has accessed server 100 and pre-stored account information, including username "U1" and password "PW1", in user table 138. Terminal device 10 accepts an operation from the user to launch browser program 38. As a result, terminal device 10 can perform the following processes according to browser program 38. In a modified example, terminal device 10 may perform the following processes according to a dedicated application provided by the printer vendor instead of browser program 38.

[0024] Terminal device 10 accepts a login request from a user to server 100 at T2. In this case, terminal device 10 sends a login request to server 100 at T4, including the username "U1" and password "PW1".

[0025] When server 100 receives a login request from terminal device 10 in T2, it performs authentication of the login request in T6. In this case, the combination of username "U1" and password "PW1" included in the login request is stored in user table 138. Therefore, server 100 determines that authentication was successful. Then, in T8, server 100 sends a success notification to terminal device 10.

[0026] When terminal device 10 receives a success notification from server 100 in T8, it sends a request for introduction screen data to server 100 in T10.

[0027] When server 100 receives a request for introduction screen data from terminal device 10 in T10, it transmits the introduction screen data to terminal device 10 in T12.

[0028] When terminal device 10 receives introduction screen data from server 100 at T12, it displays introduction screen SC1 at T14. Introduction screen SC1 is a screen for introducing the service details of the subscription service. As shown in Figure 5, introduction screen SC1 includes a message introducing the service details of the subscription service, a "Next" button B1, and a "Cancel" button B2. By viewing introduction screen SC1, the user can learn about the service details of the subscription service. At T16, terminal device 10 accepts the user's selection of the "Next" button B1. At T18, terminal device 10 sends an OK notification to server 100 indicating that the "Next" button has been selected.

[0029] When server 100 receives an OK notification from terminal device 10 at T18, it sends inquiry screen data to terminal device 10 at T20.

[0030] When terminal device 10 receives inquiry screen data from server 100 at T20, it displays inquiry screen SC2 at T22. As shown in Figure 5, inquiry screen SC2 includes a message asking whether the user owns a printer, a radio button A1, a selection button B3, and a "Next" button B4. Radio button A1 is a button for the user to select whether or not they own a printer. Selection button B3 is a button for the user to select the model name of the printer they own.

[0031] At T24, when terminal device 10 receives the user's selection of the "Yes" button and the model name selection using the selection button B3, it displays the pull-down menu PD1. The pull-down menu PD1 is an area for the user to select the model name of their printer 50 from a list of multiple printer model names provided by the printer 50 vendor. At T26, terminal device 10 receives the user's selection of the model name "DDD" and the "Next" button B4. In this case, at T28, terminal device 10 sends a notification to server 100 indicating the model name "DDD".

[0032] At T28, Server 100 receives a notification from Terminal Device 10 indicating the model name "DDD". At T30, Server 100 determines that the user possesses a printer for receiving the flat-rate service. Then, at T40, Server 100 sends candidate plan selection screen data to Terminal Device 10.

[0033] When terminal device 10 receives candidate plan selection screen data from server 100 at T40, it displays candidate plan selection screen SC3 at T42. As shown in Figure 5, candidate plan selection screen SC3 is a screen for selecting one or more candidate plans from three plans. Candidate plan selection screen SC3 includes radio buttons A2, information indicating the contents of each plan, and a "Next" button B5. Radio buttons A2 are buttons for selecting one or more candidate plans from "Light Plan," "Middle Plan," and "Heavy Plan." The information indicating the contents of each plan includes the maximum number of cards, excess charges, and basic charges for each plan.

[0034] Terminal device 10 receives from the user at T44 the selection of "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan" using radio button A2, and the selection of the "Next" button B5. In this case, terminal device 10 sends a notification to server 100 at T46 indicating "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan".

[0035] Server 100 receives a notification from terminal device 10 at T46 indicating "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan". Then, at T48, Server 100 sends the registration plan selection screen data to terminal device 10.

[0036] When terminal device 10 receives registration plan selection screen data from server 100 at T48, it displays registration plan selection screen SC4 at T50. As shown in Figure 6, registration plan selection screen SC4 includes radio buttons A3, information indicating the contents of each plan, and a "Next" button B6. Radio button A3 is a button for selecting one plan from the two candidate plans selected at T44. The information indicating the contents of each plan includes the monthly fee, printer fee, and first-month fee for each plan. The monthly fee is the same as the basic fee for each plan. The printer fee indicates the cost required to purchase a printer. In this case, since the user of terminal device 10 owns printer 50, the printer fee is shown as 0 yen. The first-month fee indicates the cost incurred in the first month when subscribing to a flat-rate service, and is the sum of the monthly fee and the printer fee. The user can reconfirm the fees for each candidate plan by looking at registration plan selection screen SC4.

[0037] At T52, terminal device 10 receives from the user the selection of the "DDD, Light Plan" combination using radio button A3 and the selection of the "Next" button B6. In this case, at T54, terminal device 10 sends a notification to server 100 indicating the "DDD, Light Plan" combination.

[0038] At T54, server 100 receives a notification from terminal device 10 indicating the combination "DDD, Light Plan". At T56, server 100 stores each piece of information included in the received notification in user table 138. Specifically, server 100 stores the model name "DDD" and the contract plan information "Light Plan" in association with the logged-in username "U1". Then, at T60, server 100 sends the subscriber information input screen data to terminal device 10.

[0039] When terminal device 10 receives subscriber information input screen data from server 100 at T60, it displays subscriber information input screen SC5 at T62. As shown in Figure 6, subscriber information input screen SC5 is a screen for entering subscriber information necessary for subscribing to a flat-rate service. Subscriber information input screen SC5 includes a message prompting the user to enter subscriber information, an address input area R1, a credit card number input area R2, and a "Next" button B7.

[0040] Terminal device 10 receives the user's input of the credit card number "CN1" and the selection of the "Next" button B7 at T64. In this case, terminal device 10 sends a notification containing the address information "AD1" and the credit card number "CN1" to server 100 at T66.

[0041] When server 100 receives a notification from terminal device 10 at T66, at T68, it stores each piece of information contained in the received notification in user table 138. Specifically, server 100 stores address information "AD1" and credit card number "CN1" associated with the logged-in username "U1". This stores the information necessary to subscribe to the flat-rate service in server 100. In other words, the provisional registration for the flat-rate service is completed. Then, as shown in Figure 4, server 100 sends registration guidance screen data to terminal device 10 at T70.

[0042] When terminal device 10 receives registration guidance screen data from server 100 at T70, it displays registration guidance screen SC6 at T72. As shown in Figure 6, registration guidance screen SC6 is a screen for guiding users through the registration of printer 50 that is eligible to receive the flat-rate service. Registration guidance screen SC6 includes a message indicating that provisional registration is complete, a message prompting the user to register the printer, a "Next" button B8, and a "Cancel" button B9.

[0043] Terminal device 10 accepts the user's selection of the "Next" button B8 at T74. In this case, as shown in Figure 4, terminal device 10 sends an OK notification to server 100 at T76 indicating that the "Next" button B8 has been selected.

[0044] When server 100 receives an OK notification from terminal device 10 at T76, it sends PIN code input screen data to terminal device 10 at T80.

[0045] When terminal device 10 receives PIN code input screen data from server 100 at T80, it displays PIN code input screen SC7 at T82. As shown in Figure 6, PIN code input screen SC7 is a screen that guides the user on how to register the printer 50 that is eligible to receive the flat-rate service. PIN code input screen SC7 includes a message prompting the user to perform a predetermined operation on the printer 50, a PIN code input area R4, and a "Next" button B10. By viewing PIN code input screen SC7, the user can understand that they should perform a predetermined operation on the printer 50.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the user selects the connect button for printer 50 at T84. Upon receiving the user's selection of the connect button, printer 50 sends a PIN request to server 100 at T86. The PIN request includes the printer 50's model name "DDD" and serial number "SN1".

[0047] When server 100 receives a PIN request from printer 50 at T86, it generates a PIN code "PN1" at T88. Server 100 then stores the PIN code "PN1" in memory 134, associating it with the model name "DDD" and serial number "SN1". Next, server 100 sends the PIN code "PN1" to printer 50 at T90.

[0048] When printer 50 receives the PIN code "PN1" from server 100 at T90, it displays "PN1" at T92. This allows the user of terminal device 10 to know the PIN code "PN1".

[0049] Terminal device 10, at T100, receives input of the PIN code "PN1" into the PIN code input area R4 and selection of the "Next" button B10 from the user. In this case, terminal device 10, at T102, sends a notification containing the PIN code "PN1" to server 100.

[0050] When server 100 receives a notification from terminal device 10 at T102, it performs authentication at T104. Specifically, server 100 determines whether or not it has already stored the received PIN code "PN1". In this case, server 100 has already stored the PIN code "PN1" at T88. Therefore, server 100 determines that authentication was successful. Next, at T108, server 100 stores the serial number "SN1" received at T86 in user table 138, associated with the logged-in username "U1". As a result, device information regarding printer 50 is stored in user table 138. This completes the registration for the flat-rate service.

[0051] When server 100 completes the registration at T110, it sends the registration completion screen data to terminal device 10 at T112.

[0052] When terminal device 10 receives registration completion screen data from server 100 at T112, it displays registration completion screen SC8 at T114. As shown in Figure 6, registration completion screen SC8 includes a message indicating that registration for the flat-rate service is complete. This allows the user to know that registration for the flat-rate service is complete.

[0053] Server 100 begins providing the subscription service once registration is complete. Specifically, Server 100 delivers CTGs to be used for the subscription service to the address information stored in T68 in Figure 3. When the remaining amount of CTGs falls below a threshold, Server 100 delivers new CTGs. Server 100 also manages the number of printed pages for predetermined periods, such as one month. When the billing time arrives, Server 100 uses the card number stored in T68 in Figure 3 to bill the user.

[0054] (Case B; Figures 7-11) Next, we will explain Case B with reference to Figures 7 to 11. T2 to T22 in Figure 7 are the same as T2 to T22 in Figure 3.

[0055] Terminal device 10 receives the user's selection of the "No" button and the "Next" button B4 at T200. In this case, terminal device 10 sends a notification indicating "No" to server 100 at T202.

[0056] Server 100 receives a notification from terminal device 10 indicating "No" at T202. Server 100 determines at T204 that the user does not possess a printer necessary to receive the flat-rate service. Then, at T210, Server 100 sends the condition inquiry screen data to terminal device 10.

[0057] When terminal device 10 receives condition inquiry screen data from server 100 at T210, it displays condition inquiry screen SC9 at T212. As shown in Figure 9, condition inquiry screen SC9 is a screen for inquiring about the user's printing preferences. Condition inquiry screen SC9 includes a message prompting the user to select printer conditions, three radio buttons A4 to A6, and a "Next" button B11. Radio button A4 is for selecting the amount of printing to be done. Radio button A5 is for selecting whether or not double-sided printing is required. Radio button A6 is for selecting the maximum required paper size.

[0058] At T214, terminal device 10 receives from the user the following selections: "Many" for radio button A4, "Not needed" for radio button A5, "A3" for radio button A6, and the "Next" button. In this case, at T216, terminal device 10 sends a notification to server 100 indicating "Many," "Not needed," and "A3."

[0059] At T216, Server 100 receives notifications from Terminal Device 10 indicating "Many," "Not Needed," and "A3." At T218, Server 100 identifies multiple printers from all printers sold by the vendor that match the user's printing preferences. Specifically, Server 100 identifies multiple printers that meet the following criteria: "Many prints," "Not Needed" for double-sided printing, and "A3" for the maximum paper size. In this case, multiple printers corresponding to model names "AAA," "BBB," and "CCC" are identified. Then, at T220, Server 100 sends printer candidate display screen data, including the identified model names, to Terminal Device 10.

[0060] When terminal device 10 receives printer candidate display screen data from server 100 at T220, it displays printer candidate display screen SC10 at T222. As shown in Figure 9, printer candidate display screen SC10 is a screen for introducing multiple model names identified at T218. Printer candidate display screen SC10 includes information for each model and a "Next" button B12. The information for each model includes the price, print speed, available functions, printable colors, whether double-sided printing is possible, and maximum paper size. By viewing printer candidate display screen SC10, the user can find a printer that suits their printing preferences.

[0061] Terminal device 10 accepts the user's selection of the "Next" button B12 at T224. In this case, terminal device 10 sends an OK notification to server 100 at T226.

[0062] When server 100 receives an OK notification from terminal device 10 at T226, it sends candidate plan selection screen data to terminal device 10 at T230.

[0063] When terminal device 10 receives candidate plan selection screen data from server 100 at T230, it displays candidate plan selection screen SC11 at T232. As shown in Figure 10, candidate plan selection screen SC11 is the same as candidate plan selection screen SC3 in Figure 5.

[0064] Terminal device 10 receives the user's selection of "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan" and the selection of the "Next" button B13 at T234. In this case, terminal device 10 sends a notification to server 100 at T236 indicating the selection of "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan".

[0065] Server 100 receives a notification from terminal device 10 at T236 indicating "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan". Then, at T238, Server 100 sends the registration plan selection screen data to terminal device 10.

[0066] When terminal device 10 receives registration plan selection screen data from server 100 at T240, it displays registration plan selection screen SC12 at T242. As shown in Figure 10, registration plan selection screen SC12 is a screen that allows the user to select one printer from two or more types of printers, and one plan from two or more plans of the flat-rate service. Specifically, registration plan selection screen SC12 shows each combination of multiple model names "AAA", "BBB", "CCC", etc., identified at T218, and two candidate plans "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan" received at T236. Registration plan selection screen SC12 includes radio buttons A8 for selecting one combination from each combination, pricing information for each combination, and a "Next" button B14. Pricing information includes monthly fees, printer fees, and first-month fees. The monthly fee is the same as the basic fee for each plan. The printer fee indicates the fee required to purchase the printer. The first month's fee indicates the cost for the first month when subscribing to a flat-rate service, and is the sum of the monthly fee and the printer fee. Users can view pricing information for each combination of multiple model names that suit their preferences and two pre-selected plan options. Therefore, users can compare the performance and price of each combination and select the optimal printer and plan combination.

[0067] Terminal device 10 receives from the user at T246 the selection of "BBB, Light Plan" using radio button A8 and the selection of the "Next" button B12. In this case, terminal device 10 sends a notification to server 100 at T248 indicating the combination of "BBB, Light Plan".

[0068] At T248, server 100 receives a notification from terminal device 10 indicating the combination "BBB, Light Plan". Then, at T250, server 100 stores each piece of information included in the received notification in user table 138. Specifically, server 100 stores the model name "BBB" and the contract plan information "Light Plan" in association with the logged-in username "U1". Then, at T260 in Figure 8, server 100 sends the subscriber information input screen data to terminal device 10.

[0069] When terminal device 10 receives subscriber information input screen data from server 100 at T260, it displays subscriber information input screen SC13 at T262. The processing at T264 to T272 is the same as the processing at T62 in Figure 3 to T72 in Figure 4. Subscriber information input screen SC13 is the same as subscriber information input screen SC5 in Figure 6. Registration guidance screen SC14 is the same as registration guidance screen SC6 in Figure 6.

[0070] Terminal device 10 receives a selection of the "Cancel" button B17 included in the registration guidance screen SC14 from the user at T274. In this case, terminal device 10 sends a notification to server 100 at T276 indicating that the "Cancel" button B17 has been selected.

[0071] When server 100 receives a notification from terminal device 10 at T276, it executes a logout process at T278.

[0072] Subsequently, the user of terminal device 10 purchases a printer 60 with the model name "EEE" from a printer sales server or a physical store that sells printers. As described above, the user selected the model name "BBB" in T246, so initially, they intended to purchase a printer with the model name "BBB". However, after reconsidering, the user purchases a printer 60 with the model name "EEE".

[0073] Then, terminal device 10 performs the same processing as T2 to T8 in Figure 3 from T280 to T286. Subsequently, each device 10, 60, and 100 performs the same processing as T80 to T104 in Figure 4 from T290 to T324. In this case, printer 60 performs the processing instead of printer 50.

[0074] Server 100 determines at T326 whether the model name "EEE" received at T312 matches the model name "BBB" stored at T250 in Figure 7. In this case, the two do not match. That is, the type of printer that was provisionally registered is different from the type of printer that was actually purchased. Therefore, at T330, Server 100 sends the plan reselection screen data to the terminal device 10.

[0075] When terminal device 10 receives plan reselection screen data from server 100 at T330, it displays plan reselection screen SC16 at T332. As shown in Figure 11, plan reselection screen SC16 is a screen for selecting one plan from three flat-rate service plans. Plan reselection screen SC16 includes radio buttons A9, information indicating the contents of each plan, and a "Next" button B19.

[0076] Terminal device 10 receives the user's selection of "Light Plan" via radio button A9 and the selection of "Next" button B19 at T334. In this case, terminal device 10 sends a notification indicating "Light Plan" to server 100 at T336.

[0077] When server 100 receives a notification from server 100 in T336, it updates user table 138 in T338. Specifically, server 100 stores the model name "EEE", serial number "SN2", and "Light Plan" in association with the logged-in username "U1". The processing in T340 and T342 is the same as the processing in T112 and T114 in Figure 4. With this, server 100 completes the full registration for the flat-rate service. In this way, if the type of printer that was provisionally registered differs from the type of printer that was actually purchased, server 100 can complete the full registration after having the user select a plan again.

[0078] Here, we assume a situation where T326 determines that the model name received in T312 matches the model name stored in T250 in Figure 7. That is, the type of printer that was provisionally registered and the type of printer that was actually purchased are the same. In this case, without sending re-selection screen data, server 100 stores the serial number "SN2" received in T312 in user table 138, associating it with the logged-in username "U1". As a result, server 100 completes the final registration for the flat-rate service. Then, server 100 sends registration completion screen data to terminal device 10 in T340.

[0079] (Effects of the first embodiment) As described above, at T30 in Figure 3 and T204 in Figure 7, the server 100 determines whether or not the user possesses a printer for receiving the flat-rate service. If the server 100 determines that the user does not possess a printer, at T240 in Figure 6, it sends registration plan selection screen data representing the registration plan selection screen SC12 to the terminal device 10. The registration plan selection screen SC12 is a screen that allows the user to select one printer from two or more types of printers, and one plan from three flat-rate service plans. On the other hand, if the server 100 determines that the user possesses a printer, at T40 in Figure 3, it sends registration plan selection screen data representing the registration plan selection screen SC4 to the terminal device 10. The registration plan selection screen SC4 is a screen for selecting one plan from two plans. In this way, the server 100 can display the appropriate screen on the terminal device 10 depending on whether or not the user possesses a printer. This improves user convenience.

[0080] (Correspondence) A printer is an example of an "image processing device." The introduction screen data request for T10 in Figures 3 and 7 is an example of "instructions for subscribing to a service." The registration plan selection screen SC12 in Figure 10 and the registration plan selection screen data for T240 in Figure 7 are examples of a "first selection screen" and "first selection screen data," respectively. The registration plan selection screen SC12 in Figure 10 and the registration plan selection screen data for T48 in Figure 3 are examples of a "second selection screen" and "second selection screen data," respectively. The condition inquiry screen SC9 in Figure 9 and the condition inquiry screen data for T210 in Figure 7 are examples of an "inquiry screen" and "inquiry screen data," respectively. Multiple printers corresponding to model names "AAA," "BBB," and "CCC" are an example of "two or more image processing devices that suit the user's preferences." The candidate plan selection screen SC11 in Figure 10 and the candidate plan selection screen data for T230 in Figure 7 are examples of a "fourth selection screen" and "fourth selection screen data," respectively. The subscriber information input screen SC5 in Figure 5 and the subscriber information input screen SC13 in Figure 11 are examples of "input screens". The subscriber information input screen data for T60 in Figure 3 and T260 in Figure 8 are examples of "input screen data". The combination of the registration guidance screen SC6 and the PIN code input screen SC7 in Figure 6 is an example of a "guidance screen". The combination of the registration guidance screen SC14 and the PIN code input screen SC15 in Figure 11 is also an example of a "guidance screen". The model name "DDD" received by T86 in Figure 4 and the model name "EEE" received by T312 in Figure 8 are examples of "device information", respectively. The plan re-selection screen SC16 in Figure 11 and the plan re-selection screen data for T330 in Figure 8 are examples of "re-selection screen" and "re-selection screen data", respectively.

[0081] T10 in Figure 3 and T10 in Figure 7 are examples of processes performed by the "receiving unit". T30 in Figure 3 and T204 in Figure 7 are examples of processes performed by the "determination unit". T240 in Figure 7 and T48 in Figure 3 are examples of processes performed by the "first transmitting unit" and the "second transmitting unit", respectively. T12 in Figure 7 is an example of a process performed by the "third transmitting unit". T210 and T218 in Figure 7 are examples of processes performed by the "fourth transmitting unit" and the "specification unit", respectively. T230 in Figure 7 is an example of a process performed by the "fifth transmitting unit". T60 in Figure 3 and T260 in Figure 8 are examples of processes performed by the "seventh transmitting unit". The combination of T70 and T80 in Figure 4, and the combination of T270 and T290 in Figure 7 are examples of processes performed by the "eighth transmitting unit". T86 in Figure 4 and T312 in Figure 8 are examples of processes performed by the "device information receiving unit". T330 in Figure 8 is an example of the "ninth transmitting unit".

[0082] (Second embodiment; Figures 12 and 13) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. In the second embodiment, the process for a user of terminal device 10 to subscribe to a flat-rate service when they do not possess a printer differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0083] Screens SC1, SC2, and SC9 are the same as those in Figure 9. Server 100 executes the process up to T218 in Figure 9, as in the first embodiment. At T220, Server 100 sends printer candidate selection screen data, which shows multiple model names identified at T218, to the terminal device 10 instead of printer candidate display screen data. As a result, the terminal device 10 displays printer candidate selection screen SC18.

[0084] The printer selection screen SC18 is a screen that allows the user to select one model from several models. The printer selection screen SC18 includes radio button A10, information for each model, and a "Next" button B18. Radio button A10 is a button for selecting one model from several models. The information for each model includes the price, print speed, available functions, number of printable colors, whether double-sided printing is possible, and maximum paper size. Terminal device 10, in T400, accepts the user's selection of "AAA" for radio button A10 and the selection of the "Next" button B18.

[0085] Server 100 receives a notification from terminal device 10 indicating that "AAA" has been selected. In this case, Server 100 displays the candidate plan selection screen SC19 on terminal device 10, as shown in Figure 13. The candidate plan selection screen SC19 is the same as the candidate plan selection screen SC3 in Figure 5. Terminal device 10 receives from the user the selection of "Middle Plan" using radio button A7 and the selection of the "Next" button B13 in T402.

[0086] Server 100 receives a notification from terminal device 10 indicating that the "Middle Plan" has been selected. In this case, Server 100 displays the registration plan selection screen SC20 on terminal device 10. The registration plan selection screen SC20 is a screen that allows the user to select one printer from two or more types of printers, and also allows the user to select one plan from two or more plans of the flat-rate service.

[0087] A vendor typically sells multiple series of printers. Each series includes several printers that are ranked. For example, a certain series may have three types of printers. These three types of printers include a top-of-the-line printer, a mid-range printer, and another top-of-the-line printer. In this example, the printer with model name "AAA" is the top-of-the-line printer. The printer with model name "BBB" is the mid-range printer. The printer with model name "CCC" is the lowest-end printer.

[0088] The registration plan selection screen SC20 typically includes the model name selected on the printer candidate selection screen SC18, along with the model name one rank higher and the model name one rank lower than that model name. In this example, since the model name "AAA" selected on the printer candidate selection screen SC18 is the highest rank, the registration plan selection screen SC20 includes the model name "AAA" and the model name "BBB," which is one rank lower than "AAA." In another example, the registration plan selection screen SC20 may include, in addition to the model name selected on the printer candidate selection screen SC18, at least one of the model name one rank higher and the model name one rank lower than that model name.

[0089] Furthermore, the registration plan selection screen SC20 typically includes the plan selected on the candidate plan selection screen SC19, as well as the plan one rank higher and the plan one rank lower. In this embodiment, since the plan selected on the candidate plan selection screen SC19 is the "Middle Plan," the registration plan selection screen SC20 includes the "Middle Plan," the "Heavy Plan" which is one rank higher than the "Middle Plan," and the "Light Plan" which is one rank lower than the "Middle Plan." In another example, the registration plan selection screen SC20 may include, in addition to the plan selected on the candidate plan selection screen SC19, at least one of the plan one rank higher and the plan one rank lower than that plan.

[0090] In this embodiment, the registration plan selection screen SC20 displays each combination of model name "AAA" and model name "BBB" and "Light Plan," "Middle Plan," and "Heavy Plan." With this configuration, the user can see not only the combination of model name "AAA" that suits their preferences and the selected plan "Middle Plan," but also the combination of the model one rank higher and / or one rank lower than the selected model name and the plan one rank higher and / or one rank lower than the selected plan. Therefore, the user can select the optimal combination from among these combinations.

[0091] The registration plan selection screen SC20 includes radio buttons A11 for selecting one combination from the available combinations, pricing information for each combination, and a "Next" button B19. The pricing information includes the monthly fee, printer fee, and first month's fee. Subsequent processing is the same as from T246 onwards in Figure 7 of the first embodiment.

[0092] In this embodiment, the combination of the printer candidate selection screen SC18 and the candidate plan selection screen SC19 is an example of the "fifth selection screen." The registration plan selection screen SC20 is an example of the "first selection screen."

[0093] (Third embodiment; Figure 14) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. In the third embodiment, the process for a user of terminal device 10 to subscribe to a flat-rate service while possessing a printer differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0094] In the second embodiment, the registration plan selection screen SC21 shown in Figure 14 is displayed instead of the registration plan selection screen SC4 shown in Figure 6. The registration plan selection screen SC21 is a screen that allows the user to select one plan from a combination of two or more printers and two or more subscription service plans.

[0095] The registration plan selection screen SC21 typically includes the model name of the printer 50 owned by the user, the model name one rank higher than that model name, and the model name one rank lower than that model name. In this embodiment, since the printer 50 owned by the user has the model name "DDD", the registration plan selection screen SC21 includes the model name "DDD", the model name one rank higher "CCC", and the model name one rank lower "EEE". In another example, the registration plan selection screen SC21 may include, in addition to the model name of the printer 50 owned by the user, at least one of the model name one rank higher and the model name one rank lower than that model name.

[0096] In this embodiment, the registration plan selection screen SC21 displays each combination of three model names "CCC", "DDD", and "EEE", and the two plans "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan" selected on the candidate plan selection screen SC3. The registration plan selection screen SC21 includes radio buttons A12 for selecting one combination from each combination, pricing information for each combination, and a "Next" button B20.

[0097] According to the above configuration, the user can see the combination of the model name "DDD" of the printer 50 they own and the two selected candidate plans "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan," as well as each combination of a model one rank higher and / or one rank lower with the selected plan. Therefore, the user can consider purchasing a new printer and select the optimal combination from among the various combinations. In this embodiment, the registration plan selection screen SC21 is an example of a "second selection screen."

[0098] (Fourth embodiment; Figure 15) Next, the fourth to sixth embodiments will be described with reference to Figure 15. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the fourth embodiment, the server 100 stores a plan table 240 instead of a plan table 140. In the plan table 240, three plans are set for each printer model. The three plans include a light plan, a middle plan, and a heavy plan. In the example shown in Figure 2, the light plan is set to "1800 yen", the middle plan to "2500 yen", and the heavy plan to "3900 yen" as the basic fees required to subscribe to a flat-rate service for a printer with the model name "AAA".

[0099] The base price for each plan for a printer is set according to the functions the printer can perform. The lowest base price is for models that can only perform printing. The second lowest base price is for models that can perform multiple functions, including printing, copying, and scanning, but whose printer function is monochrome printing only. The highest base price is for models that can perform the above multiple functions and whose printer function is monochrome and color printing.

[0100] In this embodiment, the candidate plan selection screen SC11 and the registered plan selection screen SC12 in Figure 10 of the first embodiment are replaced by the screens SC22 and SC23 in Figure 15.

[0101] The candidate plan selection screen SC22 is the same as the candidate plan selection screen SC11 in Figure 10. When server 100 receives a notification from terminal device 10 indicating that the "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan" have been selected, it displays the registration plan selection screen SC23 on terminal device 10. The registration plan selection screen SC23 displays various combinations of multiple model names identified by T218, such as "AAA," "BBB," and "CCC," and two plans, "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan." The registration plan selection screen SC23 includes radio buttons A14 for selecting one combination from each combination, pricing information for each combination, and a "Next" button B22. The pricing information includes the monthly fee, printer fee, and first-month fee. In this embodiment, the basic fee differs for each model. Therefore, the monthly fee included in the pricing information differs for each model. As a result, the user can select the optimal combination while viewing the monthly fee for each model.

[0102] (Fifth example) In the fifth embodiment, the base price for each plan for a printer is set according to the number of print colors the printer can use. The base price for each plan is lowest for the model with the fewest available colors. The base price for each plan is second lowest for the model with the second fewest available colors. The base price for each plan is highest for the model with the most available colors, i.e., the model that supports ultra-high resolution printing.

[0103] (Sixth embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, the base fee for each plan for a printer is set according to the printer's lifespan. The base fee for each plan is lowest for the model with the shortest lifespan. The base fee for each plan is second lowest for the model with the second shortest lifespan. The base fee for each plan is highest for the printer model with the longest lifespan.

[0104] (Seventh Example) In the seventh embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the server 100 stores a plan table 340 in addition to the printer table 240. The plan table 340 shows the monthly fee when a printer is leased. The monthly fee includes the fee for the user to use the flat-rate service and the printer lease fee.

[0105] The registration plan selection screen SC23 also displays information for leasing a printer and using the flat-rate service. Specifically, it displays the fees for leasing a printer and using the flat-rate service for each combination of multiple model names such as "AAA," "BBB," and "CCC," and two plans, "Light Plan" and "Middle Plan." Radio button A15 is used to select one of these combinations. This allows users to compare the costs of purchasing a printer and using the flat-rate service versus leasing a printer and using the flat-rate service, and choose the optimal combination.

[0106] 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.

[0107] (Modification 1) In the first embodiment, different plans may be set for each printer model. For example, for model "AAA", there may be only two plans, a light plan and a middle plan, while for model "BBB", there may be three plans, a light plan, a middle plan, and a heavy plan. In this case, different plan tables 140 may be prepared for each model.

[0108] (Modification 2) When a user accesses the server 100 and registers their username, password, etc. in the user table 138, they may also perform the following: If the user owns a printer, they will also register the model name of that printer in the user table 138. If the user does not own a printer, they will not register the model name in the user table 138. In this modification, T20 to T28 in Figure 3 may be omitted. At T30, the server 100 determines that the user owns a printer if the printer model name is stored in the user table 138 in association with the username "U1". The server 100 determines that the user does not own a printer if the printer model name is not stored in the user table 138 in association with the username "U1".

[0109] (Modification 3) The processes from T12 to T18 in Figure 7 may be omitted. In this case, when the server 100 receives a request for introduction screen data from the terminal device 10 at T10, it transmits inquiry screen data to the terminal device 10 at T20. In this modification, the "third transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0110] (Modification 4) T60-T68 in Figure 3 and T260-T268 in Figure 8 may be omitted. In this modification, the subscriber information only needs to be registered in the server 100 at a different time than in Figures 3 and 8. In this modification, the "seventh transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0111] (Variation 5) T70-T76 in Figure 4 and T270-T276 in Figure 8 may be omitted. In this modified example, the method for registering printer information with the server 100 may be described, for example, in the printer's instruction manual or on the vendor's website. In this modified example, the "eighth transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0112] (Modification 6) In case B of the first embodiment, the processing from T330 to T336 in Figure 8 may be omitted. Even if the server 100 determines in T326 that the model name "EEE" received in T312 does not match the model name "BBB" stored in T250 in Figure 7, it updates the user table 138 in T338. Specifically, the server 100 stores the model name "EEE" and the serial number "SN2" in association with the logged-in username "U1". That is, it does not change the "light plan" stored in association with the logged-in username "U1". In this modification, the "ninth transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0113] (Modification 7) In the above embodiment, the processing of each step in Figures 3 to 15 is implemented by software (for example, the OS program 36 of the terminal device 10, the browser program 38, the program 136 of the server 100, etc.), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0114] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0115] Even if, in the claims of this patent application, each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the claim being dependent only on those specific claims. To the extent that it is not technically contradictory, each claim may be dependent on other claims that were not dependent at the time of application. That is, the technologies of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) It is a server, A receiving unit that receives instructions from a terminal device to subscribe to a service related to an image processing device, When the aforementioned instruction is received, a determination unit determines whether or not the user possesses an image processing device for receiving the aforementioned service, A first transmission unit transmits to the terminal device first selection screen data representing a first selection screen, which causes the user to select one type of image processing device from two or more types of image processing devices and to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the one type of image processing device, when it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device. When it is determined that the user possesses the image processing device, a second transmission unit transmits to the terminal device second selection screen data representing a second selection screen different from the first selection screen, which causes the user to select one plan from two or more plans for the service corresponding to the image processing device possessed by the user; A server equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The aforementioned server further, The server according to item 1, further comprising a third transmission unit that, when it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device, transmits to the terminal device, before the first selection screen data is transmitted, introductory screen data representing an introductory screen for introducing the content of the service to the user. (Item 3) The aforementioned server further, If it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device, a fourth transmission unit transmits inquiry screen data representing an inquiry screen for inquiring about the user's printing preferences to the terminal device before the first selection screen data is transmitted to the terminal device, The server according to item 1 or 2, comprising: an identification unit that identifies two or more image processing devices that suit the preferences based on the inquiry results corresponding to the inquiry screen. (Item 4) The aforementioned server further, If it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device, the system includes a fifth transmission unit that transmits a fourth selection screen data, which represents a fourth selection screen for allowing the user to select a candidate plan from among multiple plans for the service, to the terminal device before the first selection screen data is transmitted to the terminal device. The server described in item 3, wherein the first selection screen is a screen that causes the user to select one combination from among the combinations of the two or more image processing devices and the two or more plans shown according to the selection results corresponding to the fourth selection screen. (Item 5) The aforementioned server further, If it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device, the system includes a sixth transmission unit that transmits a fifth selection screen data representing a fifth selection screen to the terminal device, which causes the user to select one candidate device from among multiple image processing devices and to select one candidate plan from among multiple plans for the service. The server according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first selection screen is a screen for causing the user to select one combination from among the combinations of two or more image processing devices, each including one candidate device shown by the selection result corresponding to the fifth selection screen, and one or more devices one rank higher and / or one rank lower than that; and two or more plans, each including one candidate plan shown by the selection result, and one or more plans one rank higher and / or one rank lower than that. (Item 6) The first selection screen further includes information indicating the respective fees for each of the aforementioned combinations, as specified in item 4 or 5. (Item 7) The aforementioned server further, A server according to any one of items 1 to 6, comprising a seventh transmission unit that transmits to the terminal device input screen data representing an input screen for entering subscriber information necessary for joining the service after the first selection screen data or the second selection screen data has been transmitted to the terminal device. (Item 8) The aforementioned server further, An eighth transmission unit transmits guidance screen data, which represents a guidance screen for guiding the terminal device on how to register device information relating to the image processing device to which the service is to be provided to the server, when the input of the subscriber information corresponding to the input screen is completed, When the user executes the method corresponding to the guidance screen, the device information receiving unit receives the device information from the target image processing device, A server as described in item 7, which is equipped with the following features. (Item 9) The aforementioned server further, The server according to item 8, further comprising a ninth transmission unit that transmits to the terminal device re-selection screen data representing a re-selection screen for causing the user to re-select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the target image processing device when the one type of image processing device indicated by the selection result corresponding to the first selection screen and the target image processing device indicated by the device information are of different types. (Item 10) The server according to item 1 or 2, wherein the second selection screen is a screen that causes the user to select one combination from each combination of two or more image processing devices, including the image processing device owned by the user, one or more devices of a higher rank and / or a lower rank, and the two or more plans. (Item 11) A computer program for a server, The computer of the aforementioned server consists of the following parts, namely: A receiving unit that receives instructions from a terminal device to subscribe to a service related to an image processing device, When the aforementioned instruction is received, a determination unit determines whether or not the user possesses an image processing device for receiving the aforementioned service, A first transmission unit transmits to the terminal device first selection screen data representing a first selection screen, which causes the user to select one type of image processing device from two or more types of image processing devices and to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the one type of image processing device, when it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device. When it is determined that the user possesses the image processing device, a second transmission unit transmits to the terminal device second selection screen data representing a second selection screen different from the first selection screen, which causes the user to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the image processing device possessed by the user; A computer program that functions as such. (Item 12) It is a communication system, Server and A terminal device is provided, The aforementioned server, A receiving unit that receives instructions from the terminal device to subscribe to a service related to the image processing device, When the aforementioned instruction is received, a determination unit determines whether or not the user possesses an image processing device for receiving the aforementioned service, A first server-side transmission unit transmits to the terminal device first selection screen data representing a first selection screen, which causes the user to select one type of image processing device from two or more types of image processing devices and to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the one type of image processing device, when it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device. A second server-side transmission unit transmits to the terminal device a second selection screen data which represents a second selection screen different from the first selection screen, and which causes the user to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the image processing device owned by the user. Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and A terminal-side transmission unit that transmits the aforementioned instructions to the server, A first display control unit that, when the first selection screen data is received from the server, causes the first selection screen represented by the first selection screen data to be displayed on the display unit, A second display control unit, which, when the second selection screen data is received from the server, causes the second selection screen represented by the second selection screen data to be displayed on the display unit, A communication system equipped with these features. (Item 13) A method executed by the server, A receiving step in which an instruction is received from a terminal device to subscribe to a service related to an image processing device, When the aforementioned instruction is received, a determination step is made to determine whether or not the user possesses an image processing device for receiving the aforementioned service, If it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device, a first transmission step is to transmit to the terminal device first selection screen data representing a first selection screen that causes the user to select one type of image processing device from two or more types of image processing devices, and to cause the user to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the one type of image processing device; If it is determined that the user possesses the image processing device, a second transmission step of transmitting second selection screen data to the terminal device, which represents a second selection screen different from the first selection screen, and which causes the user to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the image processing device possessed by the user; A method that includes [something]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 2: Communication system, 6: Internet, 10: Terminal device, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 20: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: OS program, 38: Browser program, 50: Printer, 60: Printer, 100: Server, 120: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: Program

Claims

1. It is a server, A receiving unit that receives instructions from a terminal device to subscribe to a service related to an image processing device, When the aforementioned instruction is received, a determination unit determines whether or not the user possesses an image processing device for receiving the aforementioned service, A first transmission unit transmits to the terminal device first selection screen data representing a first selection screen, which causes the user to select one type of image processing device from two or more types of image processing devices and to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the one type of image processing device, when it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device. When it is determined that the user possesses the image processing device, a second transmission unit transmits to the terminal device second selection screen data representing a second selection screen different from the first selection screen, which causes the user to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the image processing device possessed by the user; A server equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned server further, The server according to claim 1, further comprising a third transmission unit that, when it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device, transmits to the terminal device, before the first selection screen data is transmitted, introduction screen data representing an introduction screen for introducing the content of the service to the user.

3. The aforementioned server further, If it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device, a fourth transmission unit transmits inquiry screen data representing an inquiry screen for inquiring about the user's printing preferences to the terminal device before the first selection screen data is transmitted to the terminal device, The server according to claim 1, comprising: an identification unit that identifies two or more image processing devices that suit the preferences based on the inquiry results corresponding to the inquiry screen.

4. The aforementioned server further, If it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device, the system includes a fifth transmission unit that transmits a fourth selection screen data, which represents a fourth selection screen for allowing the user to select a candidate plan from among multiple plans for the service, to the terminal device before the first selection screen data is transmitted to the terminal device. The server according to claim 3, wherein the first selection screen is a screen for causing the user to select one combination from among the combinations of the two or more image processing devices and the two or more plans shown according to the selection results corresponding to the fourth selection screen.

5. The aforementioned server further, If it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device, the system includes a sixth transmission unit that transmits a fifth selection screen data representing a fifth selection screen to the terminal device, which causes the user to select one candidate device from among multiple image processing devices and to select one candidate plan from among multiple plans for the service. The server according to claim 1, wherein the first selection screen is a screen for causing the user to select one combination from among the combinations of two or more image processing devices, each including one candidate device shown by the selection result corresponding to the fifth selection screen and one or more devices one rank higher and / or one rank lower than it, and two or more plans, each including one candidate plan shown by the selection result and one or more plans one rank higher and / or one rank lower than it.

6. The server according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first selection screen further includes information indicating the charges corresponding to each of the combinations.

7. The aforementioned server further, The server according to claim 1, further comprising a seventh transmission unit that transmits to the terminal device, after the first selection screen data or the second selection screen data has been transmitted to the terminal device, input screen data representing an input screen for entering subscriber information necessary for joining the service.

8. The aforementioned server further, An eighth transmission unit transmits guidance screen data, which represents a guidance screen for guiding the terminal device on how to register device information relating to the image processing device to which the service is to be provided to the server, when the input of the subscriber information corresponding to the input screen is completed. When the user executes the method corresponding to the guidance screen, the device information receiving unit receives the device information from the target image processing device, The server according to claim 7, comprising:

9. The aforementioned server further, The server according to claim 8, further comprising a ninth transmission unit that transmits to the terminal device re-selection screen data representing a re-selection screen for causing the user to re-select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the target image processing device when the one type of image processing device indicated by the selection result corresponding to the first selection screen and the target image processing device indicated by the device information are of different types.

10. The server according to claim 1, wherein the second selection screen is a screen for causing the user to select one combination from among the combinations of two or more image processing devices, including the image processing device owned by the user, one or more devices one rank higher and / or one rank lower than the image processing device, and the two or more plans.

11. A computer program for a server, The computer of the aforementioned server consists of the following parts, namely: A receiving unit that receives instructions from a terminal device to subscribe to a service related to an image processing device, When the aforementioned instruction is received, a determination unit determines whether or not the user possesses an image processing device for receiving the aforementioned service, A first transmission unit transmits to the terminal device first selection screen data representing a first selection screen, which causes the user to select one type of image processing device from two or more types of image processing devices and to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the one type of image processing device, when it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device. When it is determined that the user possesses the image processing device, a second transmission unit transmits to the terminal device second selection screen data representing a second selection screen different from the first selection screen, which causes the user to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the image processing device possessed by the user; A computer program that functions as such.

12. It is a communication system, Server and A terminal device is provided, The aforementioned server, A receiving unit that receives instructions from the aforementioned terminal device to subscribe to a service related to the image processing device, When the aforementioned instruction is received, a determination unit determines whether or not the user possesses an image processing device for receiving the aforementioned service, A first server-side transmission unit transmits to the terminal device first selection screen data representing a first selection screen, which causes the user to select one type of image processing device from two or more types of image processing devices and to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the one type of image processing device, when it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device. A second server-side transmission unit transmits to the terminal device second selection screen data, which represents a second selection screen different from the first selection screen, and which causes the user to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the image processing device owned by the user, when it is determined that the user possesses the image processing device. Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and A terminal-side transmission unit that transmits the aforementioned instructions to the server, A first display control unit that, when the first selection screen data is received from the server, causes the first selection screen represented by the first selection screen data to be displayed on the display unit, A second display control unit, which, when the second selection screen data is received from the server, causes the second selection screen represented by the second selection screen data to be displayed on the display unit, A communication system equipped with these features.

13. A method executed by the server, A receiving step in which an instruction is received from a terminal device to subscribe to a service related to an image processing device, When the aforementioned instruction is received, a determination step is made to determine whether or not the user possesses an image processing device for receiving the aforementioned service, If it is determined that the user does not possess the image processing device, a first transmission step is to transmit to the terminal device first selection screen data representing a first selection screen that causes the user to select one type of image processing device from two or more types of image processing devices, and to cause the user to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the one type of image processing device; If it is determined that the user possesses the image processing device, a second transmission step is to transmit to the terminal device second selection screen data representing a second selection screen different from the first selection screen, which causes the user to select one plan from two or more plans of the service corresponding to the image processing device possessed by the user; A method that includes [a certain feature].

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