Servers, computer programs for servers, functional execution devices, computer programs for functional execution devices, computer programs for terminal devices, and communication systems

Abstract

To disclose technologies that can improve the user convenience of a functional execution device. [Solution] When a user selects one or more services from among several types of services for the function execution device in a terminal device, the server receives selected service information. The server identifies one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more services indicated by the selected service information from among several functions that the function execution device can execute, and transmits function-related information to the terminal device. The function-related information is transmitted from the terminal device to the function execution device. After the function execution device receives the function-related information from the terminal device, if an initial setup execution instruction is obtained, it executes the initial setup process for the one or more functions mentioned above, without executing the initial setup process for functions other than the one or more functions mentioned above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates to a technique concerning initial setup of a function execution device capable of executing a plurality of functions.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to initial setting of a printing apparatus.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present specification discloses a technique capable of improving convenience for a user of a function execution device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] This specification discloses a server. The server may include: a service information receiving unit that receives selected service information indicating one or more services from a terminal device when a user selects one or more services from among a plurality of services for a function execution device in the terminal device; an identification unit that identifies one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more services indicated by the selected service information from among a plurality of functions that the function execution device can execute; and an association information transmitting unit that transmits function-related information related to the one or more functions to the terminal device. The function-related information may be transmitted from the terminal device to the function execution device. After the function-related information is received from the terminal device, if an initial setup execution instruction is obtained, the function execution device may execute the initial setup process for one or more functions without executing the initial setup process for functions different from the one or more functions among the plurality of functions.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the server transmits function-related information to the terminal device that relates to one or more functions necessary to receive one or more services selected by the user. As a result, the function-related information is transmitted from the terminal device to the function execution device, which can perform the initial setup process for one or more functions without performing the initial setup process for functions other than the one or more functions. Therefore, the time required for the initial setup process is reduced, thereby improving user convenience.

[0007] This specification discloses a function execution device. The function execution device may include, in a terminal device, a related information receiving unit that receives function-related information related to one or more functions necessary to receive one or more services from a terminal device when one or more services are selected by a user from among a plurality of services for the function execution device, and a setup processing execution unit that, after receiving the function-related information from the terminal device, obtains an initial setup execution instruction, executes the initial setup processing for one or more functions without executing the initial setup processing for functions different from one or more of the plurality of functions.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the function execution device receives function-related information from the terminal device relating to one or more functions necessary to receive one or more types of services selected by the user. The function execution device then performs the initial setup process for one or more functions without performing the initial setup process for functions other than the one or more functions. Therefore, the time required for the initial setup process is shortened, thereby improving user convenience.

[0009] This specification discloses a computer program for a terminal device. The computer program may cause the computer of the terminal device to function as a related information transmission unit, which transmits function-related information to the function execution device when, in the terminal device, one or more services are selected by the user from among a plurality of services for a function execution device, one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more services from among a plurality of functions that the function execution device can execute. When the function execution device receives the function-related information from the terminal device and obtains an initial setup execution instruction, it may execute the initial setup process for the one or more functions from among the plurality of functions, without executing the initial setup process for functions different from the one or more functions.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the terminal device transmits function-related information to the function execution device related to one or more functions necessary to receive one or more types of services selected by the user. As a result, the function execution device performs the initial setup process for one or more functions without performing the initial setup process for functions other than the one or more functions. Therefore, the time required for the initial setup process is shortened, which improves user convenience.

[0011] A computer program for a server, a computer-readable recording medium for storing the computer program, and a method executed by the server are also novel and useful. A computer program for a functional execution device, a computer-readable recording medium for storing the computer program, and a method executed by the functional execution device are also novel and useful. A computer-readable recording medium for storing a computer program for a terminal device, the terminal device itself implemented by the computer program, and a method executed by the terminal device are also novel and useful. Here, any of the above recording media may be one or more. Furthermore, a communication system comprising two or more devices among a server, a terminal device, and a functional execution device is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram showing the processes performed by each device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the initial setup process for a multi-function device. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the function execution process of a multifunction machine. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the communication system in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram showing the processes performed by each device in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2: Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises a terminal device 10, a multifunction device 100, and a server 200. The terminal device 10 is connected to LAN (Local Area Network) 4. LAN 4 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. In this embodiment, we assume a situation in which a new multifunction device 100 is newly incorporated into the communication system 2. Before the user starts using the multifunction device 100, the user performs initial setup on the multifunction device 100. Initial setup includes specifying the country in which the multifunction device 100 will be installed, specifying the language displayed on the multifunction device 100, communication settings for connecting to LAN 4, and function settings for using the functions. Hereafter, the multifunction device will be referred to as "MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral)". Also, below, the initial setup will be referred to as "setup", and the setup will sometimes be referred to as "SU (Setup)".

[0014] LAN4 is connected to the Internet 6. Server 200 is located on the Internet 6. Terminal device 10 can communicate with server 200 via LAN4 and the Internet 6. When multifunction device 100 is connected to LAN4, multifunction device 100 can communicate with server 200 via LAN4 and the Internet 6.

[0015] (Configuration of terminal device 10) The terminal device 10 may be a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, or tablet PC, or a stationary terminal device such as a desktop PC or laptop PC. The terminal device 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, an NFC (Near Field Communication) interface 20, a LAN interface 22, and a control unit 30. Each of the units 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line.

[0016] The operation unit 12 is a user interface that enables a user to input various types of information to the terminal device 10. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys (i.e., operation objects), hardware keys, or both. The hardware keys are, for example, buttons, switches, and the like. The display unit 14 is a display or a panel for displaying various types of information. The panel may be a touch panel or may not be a touch panel. Further, the panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like.

[0017] The NFC interface 20 is an interface for performing wireless communication in accordance with the NFC scheme. The NFC scheme is a wireless communication scheme for so-called near field communication, and is, for example, a wireless communication scheme based on the international standard of ISO / IEC 21481 or 18092. The LAN interface 22 is connected to the LAN 4.

[0018] 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, 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. The auxiliary storage device of the memory 34 stores an OS program 36 and an MFP application 38. The CPU 32 implements various processes in accordance with each of the programs 36, 38 and the like loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0019] The OS program 36 controls basic operations of the terminal device 10. The MFP application 38 is, for example, downloaded from a server on the Internet provided by the vendor of the MFP 100, and installed on the terminal device 10. The MFP application 38 implements various processes related to the MFP. For example, the MFP application 38 can communicate with the server 200 to display various screens, and transmit execution instructions for various functions to the MFP 100.

[0020] (Configuration of MFP 100) The MFP 100 is a peripheral device capable of executing a plurality of functions including a printing function and a scanning function, for example, a peripheral device of the terminal device 10. The MFP 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a print execution unit 116, a scan execution unit 118, an NFC interface 120, a LAN interface 122, and a control unit 130. Each of the units 112 to 130 is connected to a bus line.

[0021] The operation unit 112, the display unit 114, the NFC interface 120, and the LAN interface 122 are respectively the same as the units 12, 14, 20, and 22 of the terminal device 10. The print execution unit 116 includes an inkjet, electrophotographic, or thermal printing engine. The inkjet printing engine includes a print head that ejects ink droplets. The electrophotographic printing engine includes a photoconductor and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photoconductor. The thermal printing engine includes a print head that generates heat by a heater. The scan execution unit 118 includes a scanner engine having an image sensor such as a CCD (abbreviation of Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor system or a CIS (abbreviation of Contact Image Sensor) system.

[0022] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The memory 134 is the same as the memory 34 of the terminal device 10, and stores a program 136. The CPU 132 implements various processes in accordance with the program 136 loaded from an auxiliary storage device to a main storage device.

[0023] (Server 200 configuration) Server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by the MFP100 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 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 for Server 200 and implement it in the above environment to realize Server 200. In this modified example, a configuration in which Server 200 is a physical server is described as an example.

[0024] Server 200 provides multiple services for various products manufactured by the MFP100 vendor. These services include a flat-rate printing service, a scan upload service, and a remote management service. The flat-rate printing service allows printing on a predetermined number of printable media within a predetermined period, such as one month, for a fixed fee. If printing exceeds the predetermined number within the predetermined period, an excess charge is applied, calculated by multiplying the excess number of pages by an excess charge. The scan upload service is a service for saving scanned data. Hereafter, uploading will be referred to as "UL (abbreviation for Upload)". The remote management service periodically monitors the status of the product and allows for the remote resolution of product malfunctions.

[0025] Server 200 comprises a communication interface 220 and a control unit 230. Each unit 216 and 230 is connected to a bus line. The communication interface 220 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 comprises a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The memory 234 is similar to the memory 34 of terminal device 10 and stores the program 236. The CPU 232 performs various processes according to the program 236 loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main memory.

[0026] Memory 234 further stores the service function table 238. In the service function table 238, for each of the multiple services that can be provided to the user of the MFP100, a service name that indicates the service and a function name that indicates the function required to receive that service are associated. The flat-rate printing service is a service related to the printing function, so it is associated with the printing function. The scan UL service is a service related to the scanning function, so it is associated with the scanning function. The remote management service is a service related to all functions of the MFP100, so it is associated with both the printing function and the scanning function.

[0027] (Processing performed by each device: Figure 2) Next, with reference to Figure 2, the processes performed by each device will be explained. In the following, when explaining the processes performed by the CPU of each device, the device will be described as the main processing entity, rather than the CPU. Of the communications described below, the communication performed between the terminal device 10 and the server 200 is performed via LAN 22 and the Internet 6. That is, the communication performed between the terminal device 10 and the server 200 is performed via LAN interface 22 and communication interface 220. For this reason, the phrases "via LAN interface 22" and "via communication interface 220" will be omitted in the following explanation.

[0028] The initial state shown in Figure 2 represents the state of a brand-new MFP100 immediately after purchase. The MFP100 has not yet undergone initial setup, i.e., SU, and is not yet connected to LAN4.

[0029] When terminal device 10 receives an operation to start the MFP application 38, it starts the MFP application 38. As a result, terminal device 10 performs the following processing according to the MFP application 38. At T10, terminal device 10 receives instructions on the screen displayed by the MFP application 38 to subscribe to the service for MFP 100. In this case, at T12, terminal device 10 sends a service screen request to server 200.

[0030] When server 200 receives a service screen request from terminal device 10 in T12, it sends service screen data to terminal device 10 in T14.

[0031] When terminal device 10 receives service screen data from server 200 at T14, it displays service screen SC1 represented by the service screen data on display unit 14 at T16. Service screen SC1 is a screen for users to select one or more services they wish to subscribe to from among multiple services provided by server 200. Service screen SC1 includes multiple service names indicating multiple services such as flat-rate services, scan UL services, and remote management services. When terminal device 10 receives an operation to select one or more service names at T20, it transmits selected service information indicating one or more service names to server 200 at T22.

[0032] When the server 200 receives selected service information from the terminal device 10 at T22, it identifies one or more function names at T30. Specifically, the server 200 identifies one or more function names associated with the one or more service names indicated by the selected service information from the service function table 238. For example, if the selected service information indicates only a flat-rate printing service, the server 200 identifies the printing function. At T32, the server 200 sends a function list containing the identified one or more function names to the terminal device 10. In this way, because the server 200 stores the service function table 238, it can appropriately identify one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more services selected by the user.

[0033] Although not shown in the diagram, when the server 200 receives the selected service information, it performs the service subscription process. For example, the server 200 sends screen data representing a screen for entering account information, address information, credit card information, etc., necessary for subscribing to the service to the terminal device 10. Then, in a later step, when the MFP 100 is connected to LAN 4 and information about the MFP 100 is registered with the server 200, the server 200 starts providing the service.

[0034] At T32, terminal device 10 receives a function list from server 200. As described above, MFP 100 is not yet connected to LAN 4. Therefore, terminal device 10 cannot communicate with MFP 100 via LAN 4. For this reason, the user of terminal device 10 attempts to perform NFC communication between terminal device 10 and MFP 100. At T40, the user moves terminal device 10 closer to MFP 100. This reduces the distance between terminal device 10 and MFP 100 to a distance below the distance at which NFC communication is possible. At T42, terminal device 10 sends the function list to MFP 100 via NFC interface 20.

[0035] At T42, the MFP100 receives a function list from the terminal device 10 via the NFC interface 120. In this case, the MFP100 stores the function list in memory 134.

[0036] (Initial SU processing of MFP100: Figure 3) Next, referring to Figure 3, the initial SU process performed by the CPU 132 of the MFP100 will be described. The initial SU process is triggered when the power of the MFP100 is turned ON for the first time.

[0037] CPU 132 monitors for the reception of the function list in S10. For example, when T42 in Figure 2 is executed, CPU 132 receives the function list. In this case, CPU 32 determines YES in S10 and stores the function list in memory 134 in S12. When S12 finishes, it returns to S10.

[0038] In parallel with monitoring S10, CPU 132 monitors in S20 for the acceptance of an initial SU execution instruction. If a predetermined operation is performed on MFP 100, CPU 132 determines YES in S20 and proceeds to S22.

[0039] In S20, CPU 132 performs basic SU processing. Basic SU processing includes specifying the country, specifying the language, and setting communication settings. Specifically, CPU 132 first displays a settings screen (not shown) on the display unit 114. The settings screen includes a selection area for selecting the country of use and display language of the MFP 100. The user selects the country (e.g., "Japan") and language (e.g., "Japanese") in the selection area on the settings screen.

[0040] Next, the MFP100 performs the communication configuration. However, while specifying the country and language is a mandatory process, the communication configuration can be skipped at the user's discretion. For example, if the user wishes to perform the communication configuration later, they can select to skip the communication configuration in S20. If the user wishes to perform the communication configuration immediately, they can select to perform the communication configuration in S20. In this case, the communication configuration is performed as follows.

[0041] For example, if LAN4 is a wireless LAN, the MFP100 searches for wireless networks in its vicinity and displays the LAN settings screen on the display unit 114. The LAN settings screen includes the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​of the wireless network found in the search and a password input field. The user selects the SSID of LAN4 and enters the password. In this case, an authentication process is performed between the MFP100 and the access point forming LAN4 using the entered password. If the authentication process is successful, the MFP100 is connected to LAN4. As a result, the terminal device 10 and the MFP100 become able to communicate with each other via LAN4.

[0042] For example, if LAN4 is a wired LAN, the MFP100 accepts the insertion of a wired LAN cable. As a result, the MFP100 is connected to LAN4. Consequently, the terminal device 10 and the MFP100 become able to communicate with each other via LAN4.

[0043] In S30, CPU 132 determines whether or not the function list has already been stored. If CPU 132 has already performed the process in S12, it determines YES in S30 and proceeds to S40. If CPU 132 has not already performed the process in S12, it determines NO in S30 and proceeds to S32.

[0044] In S32, CPU 132 executes the print SU process. First, CPU 132 displays the print settings screen on the display unit 114. The print settings screen is for receiving the user's default print settings information, such as the number of print colors, paper size, print orientation, and whether or not to print on both sides. When CPU 132 receives the default print settings information from the user, it stores the default print settings information in memory 134.

[0045] For example, if the print execution unit 116 of the MFP100 uses ink to perform printing, the CPU 132 further performs a purging process. When the MFP100 is shipped, the print head of the print execution unit 116 is filled with lead-in fluid. The purging process is the process of draining the lead-in fluid and supplying ink from the ink cartridge to the print head.

[0046] The CPU 132 then performs a test print. A test print is a process to test whether the print position, print quality, etc., are appropriate. The CPU 132 instructs the print execution unit 116 to print a test image that has been pre-stored in memory 134. Next, the CPU 132 instructs the scan execution unit 118 to scan the printed paper on which the test image has been printed. The CPU 132 evaluates the scanned image to determine whether the print quality is appropriate or not.

[0047] When CPU 132 completes the print SU process, it executes the scan SU process in S34. First, CPU 132 displays the scan settings screen on the display unit 114. The scan settings screen is for receiving the default scan setting information, such as the number of colors to scan, the size of the document to be scanned, the orientation of the document, and whether or not to perform double-sided scanning. When CPU 132 receives the default scan setting information from the user, it stores the default scan setting information in memory 134.

[0048] CPU 132 performs a test scan. A test scan is a process to test whether the scan position, scan quality, etc., are appropriate. CPU 132 instructs the scan execution unit 118 to scan the document for the test scan. CPU 132 evaluates the scanned image to determine whether the scan quality is appropriate. When S34 is completed, the process shown in Figure 3 is finished.

[0049] As described above, if the CPU 132 receives an initial SU execution instruction (YES in S30) before receiving the function list from the terminal device 10, it performs initial SU processing for all printing and scanning functions (S32, S34). As a result, the MFP 100 can properly execute each of the printing and scanning functions.

[0050] In S40, CPU 132 determines whether the function list includes a print function. If the function list includes a print function, CPU 132 determines YES in S40 and executes the print SU process in S42. S42 is the same as S32. After S42 is completed, the process proceeds to S44.

[0051] On the other hand, if the function list does not include the printing function, the CPU 132 determines NO in S40 and proceeds to S44 without executing the print SU process. The fact that the function list does not include the printing function means that the user did not select a service related to the printing function. In such a situation, it can be inferred that the user does not particularly want the MFP 100 to perform the printing function. Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the print SU process is omitted when the function list does not include the printing function. This shortens the time required for the initial SU process.

[0052] In S44, CPU 132 determines whether the function list includes a scan function. If the function list includes a scan function, CPU 132 determines YES in S44 and executes the scan SU process in S46. S46 is the same as S34. When S46 finishes, the process shown in Figure 3 is completed.

[0053] On the other hand, if the function list does not include the scan function, the CPU 132 determines NO in S44, does not execute the scan SU process, and terminates the process shown in Figure 3. The fact that the function list does not include the scan function means that the user did not select a service related to the scan function. In such a situation, it can be inferred that the user does not particularly want the MFP 100 to perform the scan function. Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the scan SU process is omitted when the function list does not include the scan function. This shortens the time required for the initial SU process.

[0054] (MFP100 function execution process: Figure 4) Next, referring to Figure 4, the function execution process performed by the CPU 132 of the MFP100 will be explained. The function execution process is triggered when the initial SU process in Figure 3 is completed. Generally, when the print or scan function is executed in Figure 4, the communication settings of the MFP100 are completed. That is, even if the user skips the communication settings in S20 in Figure 3, for example, the communication settings are completed in Figure 4 before a print or scan command is given to the MFP100.

[0055] In S110, CPU 132 monitors for the acceptance of a print command. For example, if CPU 132 receives a print command from terminal device 10 via LAN4, it determines YES in S110 and proceeds to S120.

[0056] In S120, CPU 132 determines whether or not the print SU process has been executed. If the process in S32 or S42 in Figure 3 has been executed, CPU 132 determines YES in S120 and proceeds to S140. If the print SU process has not been executed, CPU 132 determines NO in S120 and proceeds to S122.

[0057] In S122, CPU132 sends a signal to LAN4 requesting the transmission of default print settings information. It is assumed that other printing devices such as MFPs and printers are connected to LAN4 and that these printing devices store default print settings information. In this case, the printing device transmits the default print settings information to MFP100 in response to the above signal.

[0058] In S130, CPU132 determines whether or not it has received the default print settings information. If CPU132 has received the default print settings information, it determines YES in S130 and proceeds to S132. If CPU132 has not received the default print settings information, it determines NO in S130 and proceeds to S134.

[0059] In S132, CPU 132 executes the print SU process. S132 is the same as S32 in Figure 3. However, here, CPU 132 does not accept the user's specification of default print settings information, but stores the received default print settings information in memory 134. This improves user convenience as the user does not need to specify the default print settings information. When S132 finishes, the process proceeds to S140.

[0060] In S134, CPU 132 executes the print SU process. S134 is the same as S32 in Figure 3 and includes the user specifying default print settings information. When S134 is completed, the process proceeds to S140.

[0061] In S140, the CPU 132 instructs the print execution unit 116 to perform printing according to the print command. When S140 is completed, the process returns to S110.

[0062] In parallel with monitoring S110, CPU 132 monitors for the acceptance of scan commands in S150. For example, when CPU 132 receives a selection of a scan button included in the operation unit 112, it determines YES in S150 and proceeds to S160. Also, for example, when CPU 132 receives a scan command from terminal device 10 via LAN4, it determines YES in S150 and proceeds to S160.

[0063] In S160, CPU 132 determines whether or not the scan SU process has already been executed. If the process in S34 or S46 in Figure 3 has already been executed, CPU 132 determines YES in S160 and proceeds to S180. If the scan SU process has not been executed, CPU 132 determines NO in S160 and proceeds to S162.

[0064] In S162, CPU 132 sends a signal to LAN4 requesting the transmission of default scan setting information. It is assumed that other scanning devices such as MFPs and scanners are connected to LAN4 and that these scanning devices store default scan setting information. In this case, the scanning device transmits the default scan setting information to MFP 100 in response to the above signal.

[0065] In S170, CPU132 determines whether or not it has received default scan configuration information. If CPU132 has received default scan configuration information, it determines YES in S170 and proceeds to S172. If CPU132 has not received default scan configuration information, it determines NO in S170 and proceeds to S174.

[0066] In S172, CPU 132 executes the scan SU process. S172 is the same as S34 in Figure 3. However, here, CPU 132 does not accept the user's specification of default scan setting information and stores the received default scan setting information in memory 134. This improves user convenience as the user does not need to specify the default scan setting information. When S172 is completed, the process proceeds to S180.

[0067] CPU 132 executes the scan SU process in S174. S174 is the same as S34 in Figure 3 and includes the user specifying default scan setting information. When S174 is completed, the process proceeds to S180.

[0068] In S180, the CPU 132 instructs the scan execution unit 118 to perform a scan in accordance with the scan instruction. When S180 is completed, the process returns to S110.

[0069] Although not shown in the diagram, the CPU 132 can accept a copy command. For example, if the CPU 132 receives a selection of the copy button included in the operation unit 112, it accepts the copy command. In this case, the CPU 132 executes the processes S120 to S134, as in the case where it determines YES in S110, and also executes the processes S160 to S174, as in the case where it determines YES in S150. Then, the CPU 132 causes the scan execution unit 118 to scan the original document and the print execution unit 116 to print the scanned image.

[0070] As explained in S132 and S172, the MFP100 can obtain default print settings information or default scan settings information from other devices via LAN4. That is, the MFP100 can omit the user's specification of default settings information. In the situation shown in Figure 3, the communication settings may be skipped in the basic SU processing of S20. If the communication settings are skipped, the MFP100 is not yet connected to LAN4 when S32, S34, S42, and S46 are executed. Therefore, the MFP100 cannot obtain default settings information from other devices. Consequently, in the situation shown in Figure 3, the MFP100 does not execute the processes of S122, S130, S162, and S170 in Figure 4.

[0071] In a modified example, when the MFP100 completes the communication settings in the basic SU processing of S20 in Figure 3, it may operate as follows: In other words, the MFP100 may obtain default setting information from other devices in S32, S34, S42, and S46. In this case, the MFP100 can skip the user's specification of default setting information.

[0072] (Effects of the first embodiment) According to the above configuration, when the server 200 receives selected service information from the terminal device 10 indicating one or more service names selected by the user (T22 in Figure 2), it sends a function list indicating one or more functions necessary to receive the said one or more services to the terminal device 10 (T32). As a result, the function list is sent from the terminal device 10 to the MFP 100 (T42). The MFP 100 can perform initial SU processing for the one or more functions mentioned above without performing initial SU processing for functions other than the one or more functions mentioned above (NO in S40 or S44 in Figure 3) (S42 or S46). Therefore, the time required for initial SU processing is shortened, which improves user convenience.

[0073] (Correspondence) MFP100 is an example of a "function execution device". The printing function and scanning function are examples of "multiple functions". The flat-rate printing service, scan UL service, and remote management service are examples of "multiple types of services". The function list is an example of "function-related information". Service function table 238 is an example of a "table". Default print setting information or default scan setting information is an example of "setting information".

[0074] In Figure 2, T30 is an example of a process executed by the "Specific Unit" of the "Server". T32 is an example of a process executed by the "Related Information Transmission Unit" and the "First Related Information Transmission Unit" of the "Server". T42 in Figure 2 is an example of a process executed by the "Related Information Receiving Unit" and the "Second Related Information Receiving Unit" of the "Function Execution Device". S40 to S46 in Figure 3 are examples of a process executed by the "Setup Processing Execution Unit" of the "Function Execution Device". T22 in Figure 2 is an example of a process executed by the "Service Information Transmission Unit" of the "Terminal Device". T32 is an example of a process executed by the "Related Information Receiving Unit" and the "First Related Information Receiving Unit" of the "Terminal Device". T42 is an example of a process executed by the "Related Information Transmission Unit" and the "Second Related Information Transmission Unit" of the "Terminal Device".

[0075] (Second example: Figure 5) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 5 shows the configuration of the communication system 2A of the second embodiment. The communication system 2A includes a terminal device 10 and an MFP 100. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a server 200 is not used.

[0076] The memory 34 of the terminal device 10 stores the service function table 40. The service function table 40 is the same as the service function table 238 in the first embodiment. The service function table 40 is installed in the terminal device 10 together with the MFP application 38.

[0077] (Processing performed by each device: Figure 6) In this embodiment, the process shown in Figure 6 is performed instead of the process shown in Figure 2. The terminal device 10 performs the following process according to the MFP application 38. At T110, the terminal device 10 receives an instruction to subscribe to the service for the MFP 100 on the screen displayed by the MFP application 38. In this case, at T116, the terminal device 10 displays the service screen SC1 on the display unit 14. The service screen SC1 here is the same as the service screen SC1 in the first embodiment.

[0078] When terminal device 10 receives an operation to select one or more service names at T120, it identifies one or more function names at T130. Specifically, terminal device 10 identifies one or more function names associated with the one or more service names indicated by the selected service information from the service function table 40. In this way, because terminal device 10 stores the service function table 40, it can appropriately identify one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more services selected by the user.

[0079] Although not shown in the diagram, when terminal device 10 receives an operation to select one or more service names, it sends those one or more service names to a service server (not shown). This initiates communication between terminal device 10 and the service server to subscribe to the service.

[0080] At T140, the user brings the terminal device 10 closer to the MFP 100. This reduces the distance between the terminal device 10 and the MFP 100 to a distance below the distance at which NFC communication is possible. At T142, the terminal device 10 transmits a function list to the MFP 100 via the NFC interface 20.

[0081] At T142, the MFP100 receives a function list from the terminal device 10 via the NFC interface 120. In this case, the MFP100 stores the function list in memory 134. In this embodiment as well, the processes shown in Figures 3 and 4 are executed.

[0082] (Effects of the second embodiment) According to the above configuration, the terminal device 10 transmits a function list to the MFP 100 indicating one or more functions necessary to receive one or more types of services selected by the user (T142). As a result, the MFP 100 can perform initial SU processing for the one or more functions mentioned above without performing initial SU processing for functions other than those mentioned above (NO in S40 or S44 in Figure 3) (S42 or S46). Therefore, the time required for initial SU processing is shortened, improving user convenience.

[0083] (Correspondence) Service function table 40 is an example of a "table". T142 in Figure 6 is an example of processing performed by the "related information receiving unit" of the "function execution device" and the "related information transmitting unit" of the "terminal device". T130 is an example of processing performed by the "specification unit" of the "terminal device".

[0084] 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.

[0085] (Modification 1) The transmission of the function list from the terminal device 10 to the MFP 100 does not have to be performed by NFC communication. For example, communication compliant with Bluetooth® may be used. Also, for example, if the MFP 100 is connected to LAN4, communication via LAN4 may be used. Generally speaking, the communication method for the "related information transmission unit" and the "second related information transmission unit" to transmit function-related information to the function execution device is not particularly limited.

[0086] (Variation 2) "Multiple functions" are not limited to printing and scanning functions. "Multiple functions" do not have to include one or both of the printing and scanning functions. "Multiple functions" may include functions other than printing and scanning functions. "Multiple functions" may include, for example, a facsimile function, a copy function, a telephone function, a communication function, an image processing function, etc.

[0087] (Modification 3) "Multiple types of services" are not limited to the three types of services described in the above embodiment. "Multiple types of services" may include, for example, a cloud printing service that enables printing to a printer via a server. In this case, the function required to receive the cloud printing service is the printing function. For example, it may include a cloud scanning service that enables scanning to a scanner via a server. In this case, the function required to receive the cloud scanning service is the scanning function. "Multiple types of services" may include, for example, an IP telephone service that enables IP telephone communication. In this case, the function required to receive IP telephone communication is the telephone function.

[0088] (Variation 4) Server 200 does not need to store the service function table 238. In this case, for example, program 238 may contain program code for identifying a certain function from a certain service. Generally speaking, the "memory" of the "server" does not need to store the "table".

[0089] (Modification 5) The processes S122, S130, and S132 in Figure 4 do not need to be executed. Also, the processes S162, S170, and S172 do not need to be executed. Generally speaking, the "setup processing execution unit" does not need to receive setting information for different functions from a different function execution device.

[0090] (Modification 6) In the above embodiment, the processing of each step in Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6 is implemented by software, but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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, In a terminal device, when one or more services are selected by the user from among multiple types of services for a function execution device, a service information receiving unit receives selected service information indicating the one or more services from the terminal device. A specification unit that identifies one or more functions from among a plurality of functions that the function execution device can execute, which are necessary to receive the one or more services indicated by the selected service information, A related information transmission unit that transmits function-related information related to one or more of the above functions to the terminal device, The aforementioned function-related information is transmitted from the terminal device to the function execution device. The function execution device, when it receives the function-related information from the terminal device and obtains an initial setup execution instruction, executes the initial setup process for one or more of the functions, without executing the initial setup process for one or more of the functions that are different from the one or more functions among the multiple functions, and includes the related information transmission unit, A server equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The aforementioned server further, For each of the aforementioned multiple types of services, the system includes a memory that stores a table in which the service and the functions necessary to receive the service are associated. The server according to item 1, wherein the identifying unit uses the table in the memory to identify one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more services indicated by the selected service information. (Item 3) The aforementioned function-related information is a function list indicating one or more functions, as described in item 1 or 2, for the server. (Item 4) A function execution device, In a terminal device, when one or more services are selected by the user from among multiple types of services for a function execution device, the terminal device receives function-related information related to one or more functions necessary to receive the said one or more services, and When an initial setup execution instruction is obtained after the function-related information is received from the terminal device, the setup execution unit executes the initial setup process for one or more functions from among the multiple functions that the function execution device can execute, without executing the initial setup process for functions different from one or more of the functions mentioned above. A functional execution device equipped with the following features. (Item 5) The function-related information is a function list indicating one or more functions, as described in item 4, for the function execution device. (Item 6) The function execution device according to item 4, wherein the setup processing execution unit performs the initial setup processing for all of the multiple functions when the initial setup execution instruction is obtained before the function-related information is received from the terminal device. (Item 7) The setup process execution unit further executes the initial setup process for the different function if an execution instruction for a different function is obtained after the initial setup process for one or more functions has been executed. The initial setup process for the aforementioned different functions is: The process includes, if no setting information for the different function is received from a function execution device different from the aforementioned function execution device, a process that causes the user to specify the setting information. A function execution device according to any one of items 4 to 6, which does not include a process to cause the user to specify the setting information when the setting information is received from the aforementioned different function execution device. (Item 8) A computer program for a terminal device, The computer of the aforementioned terminal device In the terminal device, when one or more services are selected by the user from among multiple types of services for the function execution device, a related information transmission unit transmits to the function execution device function related information relating to one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more services from among multiple functions that the function execution device can execute, The function execution device, when it receives the function-related information from the terminal device and then obtains an initial setup execution instruction, executes the initial setup process for one or more of the functions, without executing the initial setup process for functions different from one or more of the functions among the multiple functions, as determined by the related information transmission unit. A computer program that functions as such. (Item 9) The aforementioned computer program further, A service information transmission unit that transmits selected service information indicating the one or more services to the server when the user selects one or more of the aforementioned services, When the selected service information is transmitted to the server, the related information receiving unit receives the function-related information from the server, A computer program as described in item 8, which functions as such. (Item 10) The aforementioned terminal device further, For each of the aforementioned multiple types of services, the system includes a memory that stores a table in which the service and the functions necessary to receive the service are associated. The aforementioned computer program further, The computer program described in item 8, which, when the user selects one or more of the services in the terminal device, uses the table in the memory to function as a identifying unit that identifies one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more of the services. (Item 11) The aforementioned function-related information is a computer program described in any one of items 8 to 10, which is a function list indicating one or more functions. (Item 12) A computer program for a server, The computer of the aforementioned server, In a terminal device, when one or more services are selected by the user from among multiple types of services for a function execution device, a service information receiving unit receives selected service information indicating the one or more services from the terminal device. A specification unit that identifies one or more functions from among a plurality of functions that the function execution device can execute, which are necessary to receive the one or more services indicated by the selected service information, A related information transmission unit that transmits function-related information related to one or more of the above functions to the terminal device, The aforementioned function-related information is transmitted from the terminal device to the function execution device. The function execution device, when it receives the function-related information from the terminal device and obtains an initial setup execution instruction, executes the initial setup process for one or more of the functions, without executing the initial setup process for one or more of the functions that are different from the one or more functions among the multiple functions, and includes the related information transmission unit, A computer program that functions as such. (Item 13) A computer program for a functional execution device, The computer of the aforementioned function execution device In a terminal device, when one or more services are selected by the user from among multiple types of services for a function execution device, the terminal device receives function-related information related to one or more functions necessary to receive the said one or more services, and When an initial setup execution instruction is obtained after the function-related information is received from the terminal device, the setup execution unit executes the initial setup process for one or more functions from among the multiple functions that the function execution device can execute, without executing the initial setup process for functions different from one or more of the functions mentioned above. A computer program that functions as such. (Item 14) It is a communication system, Terminal device and Server and It comprises a function execution device, The aforementioned terminal device is The terminal device includes a service information transmission unit that transmits selected service information indicating the one or more services to a server when one or more services are selected by the user from among multiple types of services for the function execution device. The aforementioned server, A service information receiving unit that receives the selected service information from the terminal device, A specification unit that identifies one or more functions from among a plurality of functions that the function execution device can execute, which are necessary to receive the one or more services indicated by the selected service information, The system includes a first related information transmission unit that transmits function-related information related to one or more of the aforementioned functions to the terminal device, The aforementioned terminal device further, A first related information receiving unit that receives the function-related information from the server, It comprises a second related information transmission unit that transmits the aforementioned function-related information to the function execution device, The aforementioned function execution device is A second related information receiving unit that receives the function-related information from the terminal device, When an initial setup execution instruction is obtained after the function-related information is received from the terminal device, a setup processing execution unit executes the initial setup process for one or more of the functions, without executing the initial setup process for functions different from one or more of the functions mentioned above. A communication system equipped with these features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: Terminal device, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 20: NFC interface, 22: LAN interface, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: OS program, 38: MFP application, 100: Multifunction device, 112: Operation unit, 114: Display unit, 116: Print execution unit, 118: Scan execution unit, 120: NFC interface, 122: LAN interface, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: OS program, 200: Server, 220: Communication interface, 230: Control unit, 232: CPU, 234: Memory, 236: Program, 238: Service function table

Claims

1. It is a server, In a terminal device, when one or more services are selected by the user from among multiple types of services for a function execution device, a service information receiving unit receives selected service information indicating the one or more services from the terminal device. A specification unit that identifies one or more functions from among a plurality of functions that the function execution device can execute, which are necessary to receive the one or more services indicated by the selected service information, A related information transmission unit that transmits function-related information related to one or more of the above functions to the terminal device, The aforementioned function-related information is transmitted from the terminal device to the function execution device. The function execution device, when it receives the function-related information from the terminal device and obtains an initial setup execution instruction, executes the initial setup process for one or more of the functions, without executing the initial setup process for one or more of the functions that are different from the one or more functions among the multiple functions, and includes the related information transmission unit, A server equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned server further, For each of the aforementioned multiple types of services, the system includes a memory that stores a table in which the service and the functions necessary to receive the service are associated. The server according to claim 1, wherein the identifying unit uses the table in the memory to identify one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more services indicated by the selected service information.

3. The server according to claim 1, wherein the function-related information is a function list indicating one or more functions.

4. A function execution device, In a terminal device, when a user selects one or more services from among multiple types of services for a function execution device, the terminal device receives function-related information related to one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more services, and When an initial setup execution instruction is obtained after the function-related information is received from the terminal device, the setup execution unit executes the initial setup process for one or more functions from among the multiple functions that the function execution device can execute, without executing the initial setup process for functions different from one or more of the functions mentioned above. A functional execution device equipped with the following features.

5. The function execution device according to claim 4, wherein the function-related information is a function list indicating one or more functions.

6. The function execution device according to claim 4, wherein the setup processing execution unit performs an initial setup process for all of the plurality of functions when an initial setup execution instruction is obtained before the function-related information is received from the terminal device.

7. The setup process execution unit further executes the initial setup process for the different function if an execution instruction for a different function is obtained after the initial setup process for one or more functions has been executed. The initial setup process for the aforementioned different functions is: The process includes, if setting information for the different function is not received from a function execution device different from the aforementioned function execution device, a process that causes the user to specify the setting information. The function execution device according to claim 4, which does not include a process to cause the user to specify the setting information when the setting information is received from the different function execution devices.

8. A computer program for a terminal device, The computer of the aforementioned terminal device In the terminal device, when one or more services are selected by the user from among multiple types of services for the function execution device, a related information transmission unit transmits to the function execution device function related information relating to one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more services from among multiple functions that the function execution device can execute, The function execution device, when it receives the function-related information from the terminal device and then obtains an initial setup execution instruction, executes the initial setup process for one or more of the functions, without executing the initial setup process for one or more of the functions that are different from the one or more functions among the multiple functions, as determined by the related information transmission unit. A computer program that functions as such.

9. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A service information transmission unit that transmits selected service information indicating the one or more services to the server when the user selects one or more of the aforementioned services, When the selected service information is transmitted to the server, the related information receiving unit receives the function-related information from the server, A computer program according to claim 8, which functions as such.

10. The aforementioned terminal device further, For each of the aforementioned multiple types of services, the system includes a memory that stores a table in which the service and the functions necessary to receive the service are associated. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The computer program according to claim 8, wherein, when the user selects one or more of the services in the terminal device, it functions as a identifying unit that uses the table in the memory to identify one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more of the services.

11. The computer program according to claim 8, wherein the function-related information is a function list indicating one or more functions.

12. A computer program for a server, The computer of the aforementioned server, In a terminal device, when one or more services are selected by the user from among multiple types of services for a function execution device, a service information receiving unit receives selected service information indicating the one or more services from the terminal device. A specification unit that identifies one or more functions from among a plurality of functions that the function execution device can execute, which are necessary to receive the one or more services indicated by the selected service information, A related information transmission unit that transmits function-related information related to one or more of the above functions to the terminal device, The aforementioned function-related information is transmitted from the terminal device to the function execution device. The function execution device, when it receives the function-related information from the terminal device and obtains an initial setup execution instruction, executes the initial setup process for one or more of the functions, without executing the initial setup process for one or more of the functions that are different from the one or more functions among the multiple functions, and includes the related information transmission unit, A computer program that functions as such.

13. A computer program for a functional execution device, The computer of the aforementioned function execution device In a terminal device, when a user selects one or more services from among multiple types of services for a function execution device, the terminal device receives function-related information related to one or more functions necessary to receive the one or more services, and When an initial setup execution instruction is obtained after the function-related information is received from the terminal device, the setup execution unit executes the initial setup process for one or more functions from among the multiple functions that the function execution device can execute, without executing the initial setup process for functions different from one or more of the functions mentioned above. A computer program that functions as such.

14. It is a communication system, Terminal device and Server and It comprises a function execution device, The aforementioned terminal device is The terminal device includes a service information transmission unit that transmits selected service information indicating the one or more services to the server when the user selects one or more services from among multiple types of services for the function execution device. The aforementioned server, A service information receiving unit that receives the selected service information from the terminal device, A specification unit that identifies one or more functions from among a plurality of functions that the function execution device can execute, which are necessary to receive the one or more services indicated by the selected service information, The terminal device is equipped with a first related information transmission unit that transmits function-related information related to one or more of the aforementioned functions, The aforementioned terminal device further, A first related information receiving unit that receives the function-related information from the server, It comprises a second related information transmission unit that transmits the aforementioned function-related information to the function execution device, The aforementioned function execution device is A second related information receiving unit that receives the function-related information from the terminal device, When an initial setup execution instruction is obtained after the function-related information is received from the terminal device, a setup processing execution unit executes the initial setup process for one or more of the functions, without executing the initial setup process for functions different from one or more of the functions mentioned above. A communication system equipped with these features.

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