Server and computer program for the server

Abstract

To provide a server that, when reset instructions for resetting identification information for identifying a communication device are input in the communication device, can execute appropriate processing.SOLUTION: A server comprises a first table storing first identification information for identifying a communication device and first user information in association with each other, in response to receiving the first identification information and an identification information request from the communication device, transmits second identification information to the communication device, and subsequently when receiving, from the communication device, the second identification information and first related information related to the first user information, transmits the first identification information to the communication device. After transmitting the second identification information to the communication device, when receiving, from the communication device, the second identification information and second related information related to second user information, the server stores, in the first table, the second identification information and the second user information in association with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a server that stores identification information for identifying a communication device and user information in association with each other. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a server and an information device. The server can manage information indicating the status of the information device by storing the device ID and the account of the information device in association with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-178984 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above technology does not take into consideration a situation in which the device ID is changed in the information device. In this specification, a server capable of executing an appropriate process is provided when a reset instruction for resetting identification information for identifying a communication device is input in a communication device.

[0005] The server disclosed in the present specification includes a memory including a first table that associates and stores first identification information for identifying a communication device and first user information; a request receiving unit that receives, when a reset instruction for resetting the first identification information is input in the communication device storing the first identification information, the first identification information and an identification information request for assignment of new identification information for identifying the communication device from the communication device; and a first transmitting unit that transmits, when the first identification information and the identification information request are received from the communication device, second identification information different from the first identification information to the communication device, the second identification information being stored in the communication device in place of the first identification information. the first transmission unit; and a second transmission unit that transmits the first identification information to the communication device when the second identification information and first associated information related to the first user information are received from the communication device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, wherein the first identification information is stored in the communication device in place of the second identification information; and a first storage control unit that associates the second identification information with the second user information and stores them in the first table when the second identification information and second associated information related to second user information different from the first user information are received from the communication device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the user of the communication device is the same before and after the reset instruction is input, the server stores the second identification information in the communication device instead of the first identification information, and then, in response to receiving the second identification information and the first related information related to the first user information from the communication device, can store the first identification information in the communication device again instead of the second identification information. On the other hand, when the user of the communication device is different before and after the reset instruction is input, the server stores the second identification information in the communication device instead of the first identification information, and then, in response to receiving the second identification information and the second related information related to the second user information from the communication device, can associate and store the second identification information and the second user information. In this way, the server can cause the communication device to use appropriate identification information depending on whether the user of the communication device changes before and after the reset instruction is input.

[0007] This specification also discloses the following server: The server includes a memory including a first table that associates and stores first identification information for identifying a communication device with first user information, a request receiving unit that receives, when a reset instruction for resetting the first identification information is input in the communication device storing the first identification information, from the communication device, the first identification information and an identification information request that requests assignment of new identification information for identifying the communication device, and a first transmitting unit that transmits, when the first identification information and the identification information request are received from the communication device, second identification information different from the first identification information to the communication device, the second identification information being stored in the communication device in place of the first identification information, and The communication device may further include a second transmission unit that transmits the first identification information to the communication device when a first instruction is received from a specific external device in response to selecting to maintain the identification information on a selection screen displayed on the specific external device after the identification information is stored in the communication device, wherein the first identification information is stored in the communication device in place of the second identification information, and a fifth storage control unit that associates the second identification information with the first user information and stores them in the first table when a second instruction is received from the specific external device in response to selecting to change the identification information on the selection screen displayed on the specific external device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the server can store the second identification information in the communication device instead of the first identification information, and then cause the communication device to use appropriate identification information depending on whether changing the identification information or maintaining the identification information is selected on a selection screen displayed on a specific external device.

[0009] A control method for implementing the above-mentioned server, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. Also, a communication system including the above-mentioned server and other devices (e.g., a communication device, a first external device, a second external device, a specific external device, etc.) is novel and useful. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 shows a sequence diagram of a registration process. [Diagram 3] 13 shows a sequence diagram of Case A in which the printer user is different before and after a factory reset. [Figure 4] 13 shows a sequence diagram of Case B in which the printer user is the same before and after a factory reset and the printer's device ID is changed. [Diagram 5] 13 shows a sequence diagram of Case C in which the user of the printer 10 is the same before and after the factory reset and the device ID of the printer is maintained. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer 10, a plurality of terminals 100, 200, and a management server 50. The printer 10 and the terminal 100 belong to a LAN 4 and can communicate with each other via the LAN 4. If the printer 10 belongs to a LAN 8 instead of the LAN 4, the printer 10 and the terminal 200 can communicate with each other via the LAN 8. Each of the LANs 4, 8 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. Each of the LANs 4, 8 is connected to the Internet 6. A management server 50 is connected to the Internet 6. Each of the devices 10, 50, 100 (or 200) can communicate with each other via the Internet 6.

[0012] (Printer 10 Configuration) The printer 10 is a peripheral device (such as the terminals 100 and 200) capable of executing a printing function. The printer 10 may be a multi-function device capable of executing a scanning function, a FAX function, and the like in addition to the printing function. The printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a communication interface (hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F") 18, and a control unit 30.

[0013] The operation unit 12 has a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the printer 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 14 also functions as a so-called touch panel (i.e., an operation unit). The print execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet type or a laser type. The communication I / F 18 is connected to the LAN (abbreviation for Local Area Network) 4. The communication I / F 18 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0014] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with a program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 34 stores a device ID that is an ID for identifying the printer 10. The device ID is unique information generated by the management server 50.

[0015] (Configuration of management server 50) The management server 50 is a so-called web server, and is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printer 10. In one example, the management server 50 functions as a service providing server that collects information on various printers including the printer 10 and notifies the printer administrator of the information. In another example, the management server 50 may transmit information on various printers including the printer 10 to other service providing servers, and may also function as an intermediary server that transmits commands to the printer according to instructions from the other service providing servers. In either case, the management server 50 stores a device ID that identifies a printer and user information that identifies a user of the printer in association with each other.

[0016] The management server 50 includes a communication I / F 52 and a control unit 60. The units 52, 60 are connected to a bus line (reference numerals omitted). The communication I / F 52 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 60 includes a CPU 62 and a memory 64. The CPU 62 executes various processes according to a program 66 stored in the memory 64. The memory 64 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. In addition to the program 66, the memory 64 stores a user table 70, a device table 72, a history information table 74, and a PIN (abbreviation of Personal Identification Number) code table 76.

[0017] The user table 70 stores user information (for example, U1). The user information is information for identifying a user, and includes, for example, a user name and a password. The user information is set to an arbitrary value by the user.

[0018] The device table 72 stores the device ID and the user information in association with each other. The device ID is an ID (for example, dv1) that identifies the printer 10.

[0019] The history information table 74 stores the device ID and the history information in association with each other. The history information indicates the device ID that was assigned to the printer immediately before the printer's current device ID.

[0020] The PIN code table 76 stores user information and PIN codes in association with each other. The PIN codes are used to associate device IDs with user information in the processes described later (see FIGS. 2 to 5).

[0021] (Registration process; Figure 2) 2, a process for registering a device ID and user information in the device table 72 of the management server 50 will be described. In the initial state of FIG. 2, the printer 10 and the terminal 100 belong to the same LAN 4. In addition, a device ID has not yet been assigned to the printer 10.

[0022] In the following, for ease of understanding, the processes executed by each CPU of each device (e.g., CPU 32 of printer 10) will be described as being mainly about each device itself (e.g., printer 10) rather than each CPU. Also, communication executed by each device is executed via the communication I / F of each device (e.g., communication I / F 18 of printer 10). Therefore, in the following, when describing processes related to communication via a communication I / F, the phrase "via a communication I / F" will be omitted.

[0023] At T5, the user performs a registration operation including inputting user information U1 on the terminal 100. The registration operation is an operation for registering the user information U1 in the management server 50. In this case, at T10, the terminal 100 transmits a user registration request including the user information U1 to the management server 50.

[0024] When the management server 50 receives a user registration request from the terminal 100 in T10, the management server 50 stores the user information U1 included in the user registration request in the user table 70 in T12.

[0025] Next, at T15, the user executes a registration operation on the printer 10. The registration operation is an operation for registering the device ID of the printer 10 in the management server 50. In this case, the printer 10 transmits a device registration request to the management server 50 at T20. In a modified example, the device registration request may include the model name and serial number of the printer 10.

[0026] When the management server 50 receives a device registration request from the printer 10 in T20, it generates a device ID dv1 in T22, and stores the device ID dv1 in the device table 72 and the history information table 74 in T24. At this point, the device table 72 does not store user information in association with the device ID dv1. Furthermore, the history information table 74 does not store history information in association with the device ID dv1. Next, the management server 50 transmits the device ID dv1 to the printer 10 in T26. Note that in a modified example, if the device registration request includes the model name and serial number of the printer 10, the management server 50 may further store the model name and serial number of the printer 10 in the memory 64 in association with the device ID dv1.

[0027] When the printer 10 receives the device ID dv1 from the management server 50 in T26, the printer 10 stores the device ID dv1 in T28. That is, the device ID dv1 is assigned to the printer 10.

[0028] When the terminal 100 accepts a PIN issuing operation from the user in T30, the terminal 100 transmits a PIN code request including user information U1 to the management server 50 in T32.

[0029] When the management server 50 receives a PIN code request from the terminal 100 in T32, it generates a PIN code PIN1 in T34, and in T36 associates the user information U1 in the PIN code request with the generated PIN code PIN1 and stores them in the PIN code table 76. Next, the management server 50 transmits the PIN code PIN1 to the terminal 100 in T38. As a result, the PIN code PIN1 is displayed on the terminal 100 in T39. The user can therefore know the PIN code PIN1.

[0030] After viewing the PIN code displayed on the terminal 100, the user enters the PIN code PIN1 into the printer 10 at T40. In this case, the printer 10 transmits the PIN code PIN1 and the device ID dv1 to the management server 50.

[0031] When the management server 50 receives the PIN code PIN1 and the device ID dv1 from the printer 10 in T42, in T44, it identifies the user information U1 associated with the received PIN code PIN1 from the PIN code table 76. Next, in T46, the management server 50 stores the identified user information U1 in the device table 72 in association with the received device ID dv1.

[0032] As described above, the management server 50 associates the device ID dv1 of the printer 10 with the user information U1 and stores them. This enables the management server 50 to provide services to the user of the printer 10 (i.e., the user of the terminal 100) and to mediate communication between the printer 10 and a service providing server. Here, the services are, for example, a remote printing service, a remote scanning service, an automatic consumables shipping service, and a remote printer management service.

[0033] (Cases where a factory reset is performed) 3 to 5, three cases A to C in which a factory reset of the printer 10 is performed by the user after the process of FIG. 2 is executed will be described. The factory reset is a process for erasing various information (e.g., setting information) of the printer 10 and resetting the internal state of the printer 10 to the state when the printer 10 was shipped. In the initial state of FIGS. 3 to 5, the device table 72 stores a device ID dv1 and user information U1 in association with each other (see T46 in FIG. 2).

[0034] (Case A; Figure 3) 3 assumes a situation in which the printer 10 is transferred to the user of the terminal 200 after a factory reset of the printer 10 is performed by the user of the terminal 100. In other words, a situation in which the user of the printer 10 changes is assumed.

[0035] When the printer 10 receives a factory reset operation from the user of the terminal 100 at T50, the printer 10 executes a factory reset. At this time, the printer 10 erases various information (e.g., default print settings, information for user authentication, etc.) except for the device ID dv1 from the memory 34. Then, the printer 10 transmits a device registration request and the device ID dv1 to the management server 50 at T52. The device registration request is a command requesting the allocation of a new device ID.

[0036] When the management server 50 receives a device registration request and device IDdv1 from the printer 10 in T52, it generates a new device IDdv2 different from the previously received device IDdv1 in T54. Then, in T56, the management server 50 stores the device IDdv2 in the device table 72, and stores the previously received device IDdv1 in association with the new device IDdv2 in the history information table 74 as history information. At this point, the device table 72 does not store user information in association with the device IDdv2. Next, in T58, the management server 50 transmits the device IDdv2 to the printer 10.

[0037] When the printer 10 receives the device ID dv2 from the management server 50 in T58, the printer 10 stores the received device ID dv2 in place of the device ID dv1 in T60. As a result, the device ID assigned to the printer 10 is changed.

[0038] As described above, when a factory reset is performed on the printer 10, the device ID can be changed. This makes it possible to prevent a new user from using the original device ID, i.e., from receiving services for the original device ID, when the printer 10 is transferred, for example.

[0039] Thereafter, the printer 10 is transferred to the user of the terminal 200, and the printer 10 is connected to the LAN 8. The user of the terminal 200 performs a registration operation on the terminal 200 in T70, including inputting user information U2 that is different from the user information U1. In this case, the terminal 200 transmits a user registration request including the user information U2 to the management server 50 in T72.

[0040] Upon receiving the user registration request in T72, the management server 50 stores the user information U2 included in the user registration request in the user table 70 in T74.

[0041] When the terminal 200 accepts a PIN issuing operation from the user in T80, the terminal 200 transmits a PIN code request including user information U2 to the management server 50 in T82.

[0042] When the management server 50 receives a PIN code request from the terminal 200 in T82, it generates a PIN code PIN2 in T84, and in T86 associates the user information U2 in the PIN code request with the generated PIN code PIN2 and stores them in the PIN code table 76. Next, the management server 50 transmits the PIN code PIN2 to the terminal 200 in T88. As a result, the PIN code PIN2 is displayed on the terminal 200 in T89. The user can therefore know the PIN code PIN2.

[0043] After viewing the PIN code PIN2 displayed on the terminal 200, the user executes a device registration screen display operation on the printer 10 in T90. In this case, the printer 10 displays the device registration screen in T91. The device registration screen is a screen for confirming with the user whether or not to register a new device, i.e., whether to use the changed device ID dv2 or to maintain the original device ID dv1. The device registration screen includes a button B1 indicating the character string "YES" and a button B2 indicating the character string "NO".

[0044] In T92, the printer 10 accepts the selection of button B1 in the device registration screen, and in T94 accepts the input of the PIN code PIN2. In T96, the printer 10 transmits to the management server 50 the PIN code PIN2, the device ID dv2, and a change instruction indicating that the changed device ID dv2 is to be used.

[0045] When the management server 50 receives the PIN code PIN2, the device ID dv2, and a change instruction from the printer 10 in T96, in T98, the management server 50 identifies the user information U2 associated with the received PIN code PIN2 from the PIN code table 76 (see T86). This enables the management server 50 to identify the user information U2 that should be stored in association with the device ID dv2. Then, in T100, the management server 50 stores the identified user information U2 in the device table 72 in association with the device ID dv2.

[0046] Next, the management server 50 deletes information about the device IDdv1 in T102. Specifically, the management server 50 deletes the device IDdv1 and the user information U1 associated with the device IDdv1 from the device table 72. This can prevent the original device IDdv1 and user information U1 of the printer 10 from being used by a third party. The management server 50 also deletes the device IDdv1 from the device ID column of the history information table 74, and deletes the device IDdv1 associated with the device IDdv2 from the history information column of the history information table 74. This causes all information about the device IDdv1 to be deleted in the management server 50, and therefore can prevent the original device IDdv1 of the printer 10 from being used by a third party. In a modified example, the management server 50 may transmit the device IDdv2 to the printer 10 after the process of T100 or T102.

[0047] (Effect of Case A) As in the above case A, when the user of the printer 10 is different before and after the factory reset is input, the management server 50 stores the device ID dv2 in the printer 10 instead of the device ID dv1 (see T28 in FIG. 2) (T60 in FIG. 3). After that, in response to receiving the device ID dv2 and the PIN2 related to the user information U2 from the printer 10 (T96), the management server 50 can store the device ID dv2 and the user information U2 in association with each other (T100). In this way, when the user of the printer 10 changes before and after the factory reset is input, the management server 50 can cause the printer 10 to use a new device ID dv2 that is different from the original device ID dv1. In addition, since the management server 50 stores the device ID dv2 and the user information U2 in association with each other, it is possible to provide services related to the printer 10 identified by the device ID dv2 to the user of the terminal 200 identified by the user information U2.

[0048] (Case B; Figure 4) 4 assumes a situation in which the user of the printer 10 remains the same before and after the factory reset. For example, if the user of the terminal 100 wishes to use the printer 10 in a secure state, the user causes the printer 10 to execute a factory reset.

[0049] The same processes as T50 to T60 in Fig. 3 are executed. As a result, a factory reset is executed in the printer 10, and a new device ID dv2 is stored in the printer 10 (see T60 in Fig. 3). After that, when the terminal 100 accepts an operation to issue a PIN from the user in T110, in T112, the terminal 100 transmits a PIN code request including user information U1 to the management server 50.

[0050] When the management server 50 receives a PIN code request from the terminal 100 in T112, it generates a PIN code PIN3 in T114, and in T116 associates the user information U1 in the PIN code request with the generated PIN code PIN3 and stores them in the PIN code table 76. Next, the management server 50 transmits the PIN code PIN3 to the terminal 100 in T118. As a result, the PIN code PIN3 is displayed on the terminal 100 in T119. Thus, the user can know the PIN code PIN3.

[0051] After viewing the PIN code PIN3 displayed on the terminal 100, the user executes a device registration screen display operation on the printer 10 in T120. Then, the printer 10 displays the device registration screen in T121. The printer 10 accepts selection of button B1 in the device registration screen from the user in T122, and accepts input of the PIN code PIN3 from the user in T124. In T126, the printer 10 transmits the PIN code PIN3, the device ID dv2, and a change instruction to the management server 50.

[0052] When the management server 50 receives the PIN code PIN3, the device ID dv2, and a change instruction from the printer 10 in T126, the management server 50 identifies the user information U1 associated with the received PIN code PIN3 from the PIN code table 76 (see T116) in T128. This enables the management server 50 to identify the user information U1 that should be stored in association with the device ID dv2. Then, in T130, the management server 50 stores the identified user information U1 in the device table 72 in association with the device ID dv2.

[0053] Next, in T132, the management server 50 deletes information related to the device ID dv1. The process of T132 is similar to the process of T102 in Fig. 3. In a modified example, the management server 50 may transmit the device ID dv2 to the printer 10 after the process of T130 or T132.

[0054] (Effect of Case B) In the above case B, the user of the printer 10 is the same before and after the factory reset is input, and the user wants to change the device ID of the printer 10. In this case, the management server 50 stores the device ID dv2 in the printer 10 instead of the device ID dv1 (T60 cited in FIG. 4), and then, in response to the selection of changing the device ID on the device registration screen (T121) displayed on the printer 10, can cause the printer 10 to use the new device ID dv2 different from the original device ID dv1. This allows the user to use the printer 10 in a more secure state. In addition, the management server 50 associates the device ID dv2 with the user information U1 and stores them (T130), so that the user can be provided with services related to the printer 10 identified by the new device ID dv2 without changing the user information U1. Since the user information U1 used by the management server 50 is not changed, the user can receive services by using the same user information U1.

[0055] (Case C; Figure 5) 5 also assumes a situation in which the user of the printer 10 does not change before and after a factory reset, as in case B. However, in case C, the user wants to use the printer 10 in a secure state by having the printer 10 execute a factory reset, but does not want to change the device ID of the printer 10.

[0056] 3 are executed, and then processes similar to those from T110 to T121 in Fig. 4 are executed. As a result, a device registration screen is displayed on the printer 10. The printer 10 accepts the selection of button B2 in the device registration screen from the user in T140, and accepts input of PIN code PIN3 from the user in T142. In T144, the printer 10 transmits to the management server 50 the PIN code PIN3, the device ID dv2, and a maintain instruction indicating that the original device ID dv1 should be maintained.

[0057] When the management server 50 receives the PIN code PIN3, the device ID dv2, and the maintenance instruction from the printer 10 in T144, the management server 50 identifies the user information U1 associated with the received PIN code PIN3 from the PIN code table 76 (see T116 in FIG. 4) in T146. Then, the management server 50 identifies the device ID dv1 associated with the identified user information U1 from the device table 72 (see T56 in FIG. 3) in T148. This allows the management server 50 to identify the original device ID dv1 that was assigned to the printer 10.

[0058] Next, in T150, the management server 50 identifies the device ID dv1 associated with the device ID dv2 that has already been received (see T144) from the history information table 74. This enables the management server 50 to identify the original device ID dv1 that was assigned to the printer 10.

[0059] Then, the management server 50 judges whether the original device ID dv1 identified in T148 matches the original device ID dv1 identified in T150. If it is judged that the two match, as in this case, the management server 50 transmits the identified device ID dv1 to the printer 10 in T152. If the two do not match, the management server 50 does not transmit the device ID dv1 to the printer 10.

[0060] When the printer 10 receives the device ID dv1 from the management server 50 in T152, the printer 10 stores the received device ID dv1 in place of the device ID dv2 in T154. This changes the device ID assigned to the printer 10 (i.e., returns to the original device ID dv1).

[0061] Next, the management server 50 deletes information related to the device IDdv2 at T156. Specifically, the management server 50 deletes the device IDdv2 from the device table 72. The management server 50 also deletes the device IDdv2 from the device ID column of the history information table 74, and deletes the device IDdv1 associated with the device IDdv2 from the history information column of the history information table 74. This deletes all information related to the device IDdv2. Therefore, even if the device IDdv2 is leaked from the management server 50 to the outside, it is possible to prevent a third party from identifying the current device IDdv1 of the printer 10 from the device IDdv2. As a result, it is possible to prevent the security of the printer 10 from being deteriorated.

[0062] (Effect of Case C) In the above case C, the user of the printer 10 is the same before and after the factory reset is input, and the user does not want to change the device ID of the printer 10. In this case, the management server 50 stores the device ID dv2 in the printer 10 instead of the device ID dv1 (see T28 in FIG. 2) (T60 cited in FIG. 5), and then, in response to receiving the device ID dv2 and the PIN3 related to the user information U1 from the printer 10 (T144), stores the device ID dv1 in the printer 10 instead of the device ID dv2 (T154). In particular, in response to selecting to maintain the device ID on the device registration screen (T121 cited in FIG. 5) displayed on the printer 10, the management server 50 can cause the printer 10 to use the original device ID dv1. For this reason, the user can cause the printer 10 to use the original device ID dv1 while realizing the use of the printer 10 in a secure state by the factory reset. Furthermore, since the management server 50 maintains a state in which the device ID dv1 and the user information U1 are associated and stored, it is possible to provide services related to the printer 10 to the user without changing the device ID dv1 and the user information U1. Since the user information U1 used by the management server 50 is not changed, the user can receive services by using the same user information U1. Furthermore, since the device ID dv1 of the printer 10 used by the management server 50 is not changed, in the case where a service providing server that cooperates with the management server 50 exists, the user does not need to change the device ID of the printer 10 used by the service providing server.

[0063] (Effects of this embodiment) As shown in case A of FIG. 3 and case C of FIG. 5 above, the management server 50 can cause the printer 10 to use an appropriate device ID depending on whether the user of the printer 10 changes before and after a factory reset is input.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in case A of FIG. 3 and case B of FIG. 4, the management server 50 can further cause the printer 10 to use an appropriate device ID depending on whether a change of the device ID or a maintenance of the device ID is selected after a factory reset.

[0065] (Correspondence) The management server 50, the printer 10, the terminal 100, and the terminal 200 are examples of a "server", an "external device", a "first external device", and a "second external device", respectively. The device ID dv1 and the device ID dv2 are examples of a "first identification information" and a "second identification information", respectively. The user information U1 and the user information U2 are examples of a "first user information" and a "second user information", respectively. The device table 72, the PIN code table 76, and the history information table 74 are examples of a "first table", a "second table", and a "third table", respectively. The memory 64 of the management server 50 is an example of a "memory". A factory reset is an example of a "reset instruction". The device registration request of T52 in FIG. 3 is an example of an "identification information request". The PIN3 of T144 in FIG. 5 and the PIN2 of T96 in FIG. 3 are examples of a "first related information related to the first user information" and a "second related information related to the second user information", respectively. The device registration screen is an example of a "selection screen." Selecting button B2 on the device registration screen of FIG. 5 (i.e., T140) is an example of "selecting to maintain the identification information." Selecting button B1 on the device registration screen of FIG. 4 (i.e., T122) is an example of "selecting to change the identification information." The maintain instruction and the change instruction are examples of a "first instruction" and a "second instruction," respectively. Printer 10 is an example of a "specific external device."

[0066] The correspondence relationship of one "server" is described below. T50 in FIG. 3 and T50 cited in FIG. 5 are an example of a process executed by the "request transmission unit". T58 in FIG. 3 and T58 cited in FIG. 5 are an example of a process executed by the "first transmission unit". T152 in FIG. 5 is an example of a process executed by the "second transmission unit". T100 in FIG. 3 is an example of a process executed by the "first storage control unit". T116 cited in FIG. 5 is an example of a process executed by the "second storage control unit". T118 cited in FIG. 5 is an example of a process executed by the "first related information transmission unit". T56 in FIG. 3 and T56 cited in FIG. 5 are an example of a process executed by the "third storage control unit". T156 in FIG. 5 is an example of a process executed by the "deletion unit". T86 in FIG. 3 is an example of a process executed by the "fourth storage control unit". T88 in Fig. 3 is an example of a process executed by a "second related information transmitting unit." T130 in Fig. 4 is an example of a process executed by a "fifth storage control unit."

[0067] The correspondence relationships of other "servers" are described below. T52 cited in FIG. 4 and T52 cited in FIG. 5 are examples of processing executed by the "request receiving unit". T58 cited in FIG. 4 and T58 cited in FIG. 5 are examples of processing executed by the "first transmitting unit". T116 in FIG. 4 is an example of processing executed by the "second memory control unit". T118 in FIG. 4 is an example of processing executed by the "first related information transmitting unit". T56 cited in FIG. 4 is an example of processing executed by the "third memory control unit".

[0068] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0069] (Variation 1) The "reset instruction" is not limited to a factory reset operation, and may be another reset instruction. For example, the reset instruction may be an operation to reset settings for communication with the management server 50. Generally speaking, the reset instruction may be any instruction as long as it is an instruction for resetting the first identification information.

[0070] (Modification 2) In case C, the management server 50 may not store the user information U1 and the PIN code PIN3 in association with each other in the PIN code table 76 in T116 of FIG. 4 cited in FIG. 5. In this case, the processes of T118 to T119 of FIG. 4 cited in FIG. 5 are not executed, and when the processes of T120 to T122 of FIG. 4 cited in FIG. 5 are executed, the user inputs the user information U1 instead of the PIN code PIN3 in T142. As a result, the printer 10 transmits the device ID dv2, the user information U1, and a maintenance instruction to the management server 50 in T144. When the management server 50 receives the device ID dv2, the user information U1, and the maintenance instruction in T144, it identifies the device ID dv1 associated with the received user information U1 from the device table 72, and transmits the identified device ID dv1 to the printer 10 in T152. In this modification, the "second storage control unit" and the "first related information transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0071] (Modification 3) In T110 of FIG. 4 cited in FIG. 5, when the terminal 100 accepts a PIN code issuing operation and an operation of selecting to use the original device ID (i.e., device ID dv1) from the user, in T112 of FIG. 4 cited in FIG. 5, it transmits a PIN code request including user information U1 and a maintenance instruction to the management server 50. In T114 of FIG. 4 cited in FIG. 5, the management server 50 generates a PIN code PIN3, and in T116 of FIG. 4 cited in FIG. 5, it associates the maintenance instruction, the user information U1, and the generated PIN code PIN3 and stores them. Next, the processes of T118 to T120 of FIG. 4 cited in FIG. 5 are executed. In T121 of FIG. 4 cited in FIG. 5, the device registration screen is not displayed, and the process of T140 is not executed. When the printer 10 accepts input of the PIN code PIN3 from the user in T142, it transmits the PIN code PIN3 and the device ID dv2 to the management server 50 in T144. In T146, the management server 50 identifies the maintenance instruction and user information U1 associated with the received PIN code PIN3 from the PIN code table 76. Then, the processes of T148 to T156 are executed. In this modification, in case C, the "first external device (or specific external device)" and the "communication device" are the same device.

[0072] (Variation 4) In case C, the management server 50 does not need to store the received device ID dv1 associated with the new device ID dv2 as history information in the history information table 74 at T56 in FIG. 3 cited in FIG. 5. In this case, the process of T150 is not executed. That is, the management server 50 does not need to identify the original device ID dv1 that was assigned to the printer 10 by using the history information table 74. In this variation, the "third storage control unit" can be omitted.

[0073] (Modification 5) The process of T156 in Fig. 5 does not have to be executed. In this modification, the "deletion unit" can be omitted.

[0074] (Variation 6) In case A, the management server 50 does not need to store the user information U2 and the PIN code PIN2 in association with each other in the PIN code table 76 in T86 of FIG. 3. When the processes of T88 to T89 are not executed and the processes of T90 to T92 are executed, the user inputs the user information U2 instead of the PIN code in T94. This causes the printer 10 to transmit the device ID dv2, the user information U2, and a change instruction to the management server 50 in T96. When the management server 50 receives the device ID dv2, the user information U2, and the change instruction in T96, it stores the received device ID dv2 and the received user information U2 in association with each other in T100. In this variation, the "fourth storage control unit" and the "second related information transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0075] (Variation 7) In T80 of FIG. 3, when the terminal 100 accepts a PIN code issuing operation and an operation of selecting not to use the original device ID dv1 from the user, in T82 the terminal 100 transmits a PIN code request including user information U2 and a change instruction to the management server 50. In T84 the management server 50 generates a PIN code PIN2, and in T86 associates the change instruction, the user information U2, and the generated PIN code PIN2 and stores them. Next, the processes of T88 to T90 are executed. In T91, the device registration screen is not displayed, and the process of T92 is not executed. In T96, when the printer 10 accepts input of a PIN code PIN2 from the user in T94, the printer 10 transmits the PIN code PIN2 and the device ID dv2 to the management server 50 in T96. When the management server 50 receives the PIN code PIN2 and the device ID dv2 in T96, it identifies the change instruction and user information U2 associated with the received PIN code PIN2 from the PIN code table 76 in T98. Then, the processes from T100 to T102 are executed. In this modification, in case A, the "first external device" and the "communication device" are the same device. This modification is also applicable to case B in FIG. 4. In this case, the "specific external device" and the "communication device" are the same device.

[0076] (Modification 8) In case A of FIG. 3 to case C of FIG. 5, the printer 10 may not display the device registration screen in T91 and T121. In this case, the processes of T92, T122, and T140 are not executed. As a result, the printer 10 transmits the PIN code and the device ID to the management server 50 in T96, T126, and T144. That is, in this modification, the maintenance instruction or the change instruction is not transmitted. When the management server 50 receives the PIN code and the device ID dv2 from the printer 10, it identifies the user information associated with the received PIN code from the PIN code table 76. The management server 50 further identifies the device ID dv1 associated with the received device ID dv2 from the history information table 74. Next, the management server 50 identifies the user information associated with the identified device ID dv1 from the device table 72. The management server 50 judges whether the user information already identified from the PIN code table 76 matches the user information already identified from the history information table 74 and the device table 72. If the management server 50 judges that the two pieces of user information match, it decides that the printer 10 should use the original device ID dv1, and sends the device ID dv1 to the printer 10 (see T152 in case C of FIG. 5). On the other hand, if the management server 50 judges that the two pieces of user information do not match, it decides that the printer 10 should use the device ID dv2, and does not send the device ID dv1 to the printer 10 (see T100 and T102 in case A of FIG. 3). As in this modification, case B in FIG. 4 does not need to be realized. In this modification, the "first instruction" and the "second instruction" can be omitted, and the "fifth storage control unit" can be omitted.

[0077] (Modification 9) In case B, the management server 50 does not need to store the user information U1 and the PIN code PIN3 in the PIN code table 76 in association with each other in T116 of FIG. 4. When the processes of T118 to T119 are not executed and the processes of T120 to T122 are executed, the user inputs the user information U1 instead of the PIN code in T124. This causes the printer 10 to transmit the device ID dv2, the user information U1, and a change instruction to the management server 50 in T126. When the management server 50 receives the device ID dv2, the user information U1, and the change instruction in T126, it stores the received device ID dv2 and the received user information U1 in association with each other in T130. In this modification, the "second storage control unit" and the "first related information transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0078] (Modification 10) In each of the cases A to C of the above embodiment, the printer 10 executes a factory reset in response to receiving a factory reset operation from the user of the terminal 100 at T50 in FIG. 3, and stores a new device ID dv2 at T60. Following the process of T60, the processes of T50 to T60 may be executed again. In this case, the printer 10 executes a second factory reset and stores a new device ID dv3. After that, when the processes from T70 onwards are executed, the management server 50 can store the user information U1 or U2 in the device table 72 in association with the device ID dv3. Therefore, the management server 50 can cause the printer 10 to use a device ID different from (or the same as) the original device ID dv1. That is, in the technology disclosed in the present technology, the number of times the factory reset is executed is not particularly limited.

[0079] (Variation 11) The "communication device" does not have to be the printer 10, but may be other devices such as a scanner, a multi-function device, a mobile terminal, a PC, or a server.

[0080] (Modification 12) In the above embodiment, the processes in FIGS. 2 to 5 are implemented by software, but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0081] In addition, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings exert technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies exemplified in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 2: communication system, 4, 8: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: printer, 12: operation unit, 14: display unit, 16: print execution unit, 18: communication I / F, 30: control unit, 32: CPU, 34: memory, 36: program, 50: management server, 60: control unit, 62: CPU, 64: memory, 66: program, 70: user table, 72: device table, 74: history information table, 76: PIN code table, 100, 200: terminal

Claims

1. A server, a memory including a first table that stores first identification information for identifying a communication device and first user information in association with each other; a request receiving unit that receives, when a reset instruction for resetting the first identification information is input in the communication device storing the first identification information, from the communication device, the first identification information and an identification information request for requesting assignment of new identification information for identifying the communication device; a first transmission unit that transmits second identification information different from the first identification information to the communication device when the first identification information and the identification information request are received from the communication device, the second identification information being stored in the communication device in place of the first identification information; a second transmission unit that transmits the first identification information to the communication device when the second identification information and first associated information related to the first user information are received from the communication device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, the second transmission unit being configured to transmit the first identification information to the communication device, the first identification information being stored in the communication device in place of the second identification information; a first storage control unit that, when the second identification information and second associated information related to second user information different from the first user information are received from the communication device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, associates the second identification information with the second user information and stores them in the first table; A server comprising:

2. The server further comprises: a second storage control unit that, when the first user information is received from a first external device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, associates the first user information with the first related information and stores them in a second table of the memory; a first related information transmission unit configured to transmit the first related information to the first external device when the first user information is received from the first external device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, the first related information being output from the first external device; 2. The server of claim 1, wherein when the second identification information and the first related information are received from the communication device after the first related information output from the first external device is acquired by the communication device, the second transmission unit identifies the first user information associated with the first related information from the second table, identifies the first identification information associated with the identified first user information from the first table, and transmits the identified first identification information to the communication device.

3. The server of claim 2 , wherein the first external device is different from the communication device.

4. The server further comprises: a third storage control unit that, when the first identification information and the identification information request are received from the communication device, associates the first identification information with the second identification information and stores them in a third table of the memory; 4. The server according to claim 1, wherein when the second identification information and the first related information are received from the communication device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, the second transmission unit identifies the first identification information associated with the second identification information from the third table and transmits the identified first identification information to the communication device.

5. The server further comprises: The server according to claim 4 , further comprising: a deletion unit that deletes the first identification information and the second identification information from the third table when the first identification information is transmitted to the communication device.

6. The server further comprises: a fourth storage control unit that, when the second user information is received from a second external device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, associates the second user information with the second related information and stores them in a second table of the memory; a second related information transmission unit that transmits the second related information to the second external device when the second user information is received from the second external device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, the second related information being output from the second external device; 6. The server of claim 1, wherein when the second identification information and the second related information are received from the communication device after the second related information output from the second external device is acquired by the communication device, the first storage control unit identifies the second user information associated with the second related information from the second table, and associates the second identification information with the identified second user information and stores them in the first table.

7. The server of claim 6 , wherein the second external device is different from the communication device.

8. The second transmission unit is transmitting the first identification information to the communication device when the second identification information, the first related information, and a first instruction are received from the communication device in response to a selection of maintaining the identification information on a selection screen displayed on the communication device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device; after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, when the second identification information, the first related information, and a second instruction are received from the communication device in response to a selection of changing the identification information on the selection screen displayed on the communication device, the first identification information is not transmitted to the communication device; The server further comprises:

8. The server according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth memory control unit that, when the second identification information, the first related information, and the second instruction are received from the communication device, associates the second identification information with the first user information and stores them in the first table.

9. A server, a memory including a first table that stores first identification information for identifying a communication device and first user information in association with each other; a request receiving unit that receives, when a reset instruction for resetting the first identification information is input in the communication device storing the first identification information, from the communication device, the first identification information and an identification information request for requesting assignment of new identification information for identifying the communication device; a first transmission unit that transmits second identification information different from the first identification information to the communication device when the first identification information and the identification information request are received from the communication device, the second identification information being stored in the communication device in place of the first identification information; a second transmission unit that transmits the first identification information to the communication device when a first instruction is received from a specific external device in response to selection of maintaining the identification information on a selection screen displayed on the specific external device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, the second transmission unit being configured to transmit the first identification information to the communication device in response to selection of maintaining the identification information on a selection screen displayed on the specific external device, the first identification information being stored in the communication device in place of the second identification information; a fifth storage control unit that, when a second instruction is received from the specific external device in response to a selection of changing the identification information on the selection screen displayed on the specific external device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, associates the second identification information with the first user information and stores them in the first table; A server comprising:

10. The server according to claim 9 , wherein the specific external device is the communication device.

11. The server further comprises: a second storage control unit that, when the first user information is received from a first external device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, associates the first user information with first related information and stores the first user information and the first related information in a second table of the memory; a first related information transmission unit configured to transmit the first related information to the first external device when the first user information is received from the first external device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, the first related information being output from the first external device; the second transmission unit, when maintenance of identification information is selected on the selection screen displayed on the specific external device which is the communication device, and in response to the first related information output from the first external device being acquired by the communication device, receives the second identification information, the first related information, and the first instruction from the specific external device, identifies the first user information associated with the first related information from the second table, identifies the first identification information associated with the identified first user information from the first table, and transmits the identified first identification information to the communication device; The server according to claim 10, wherein when a change of identification information is selected on the selection screen displayed on the specific external device which is the communication device, and the first related information output from the first external device is acquired by the communication device, the fifth storage control unit identifies the first user information associated with the first related information from the second table when the second identification information, the first related information, and the second instruction are received from the specific external device in response to the second identification information, the first related information, and the second instruction are associated with the second identification information and the identified first user information and stored in the first table.

12. The server of claim 11 , wherein the first external device is different from the communication device.

13. The server further comprises: a third storage control unit that, when the first identification information and the identification information request are received from the communication device, associates the first identification information with the second identification information and stores them in a third table of the memory; 13. The server of claim 10, wherein when the second identification information and the first instruction are received from the specific external device in response to maintaining the identification information being selected on the selection screen displayed on the specific external device, which is the communication device, after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, the second transmission unit identifies the first identification information associated with the second identification information from the third table and transmits the identified first identification information to the communication device.

14. The server further comprises: The server according to claim 13 , further comprising: a deletion unit that deletes the first identification information and the second identification information from the third table when the first identification information is transmitted to the communication device.

15. A computer program for a server, comprising: the server includes a memory including a first table that stores first identification information for identifying a communication device and first user information in association with each other; The server computer is composed of the following parts: a request receiving unit that receives, when a reset instruction for resetting the first identification information is input in the communication device storing the first identification information, from the communication device, the first identification information and an identification information request for requesting assignment of new identification information for identifying the communication device; a first transmission unit that transmits second identification information different from the first identification information to the communication device when the first identification information and the identification information request are received from the communication device, the second identification information being stored in the communication device in place of the first identification information; a second transmission unit that transmits the first identification information to the communication device when the second identification information and first associated information related to the first user information are received from the communication device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, the second transmission unit being configured to transmit the first identification information to the communication device, the first identification information being stored in the communication device in place of the second identification information; a first storage control unit that, when the second identification information and second associated information related to second user information different from the first user information are received from the communication device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, associates the second identification information with the second user information and stores them in the first table; A computer program that functions as a

16. A computer program for a server, comprising: the server includes a memory including a first table that stores first identification information for identifying a communication device and first user information in association with each other; The server computer is composed of the following parts: a request receiving unit that receives, when a reset instruction for resetting the first identification information is input in the communication device storing the first identification information, from the communication device, the first identification information and an identification information request for requesting assignment of new identification information for identifying the communication device; a first transmission unit that transmits second identification information different from the first identification information to the communication device when the first identification information and the identification information request are received from the communication device, the second identification information being stored in the communication device in place of the first identification information; a second transmission unit that transmits the first identification information to the communication device when a first instruction is received from a specific external device in response to selection of maintaining the identification information on a selection screen displayed on the specific external device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, the second transmission unit being configured to transmit the first identification information to the communication device in response to selection of maintaining the identification information on a selection screen displayed on the specific external device, the first identification information being stored in the communication device in place of the second identification information; a fifth storage control unit that, when a second instruction is received from the specific external device in response to a selection of changing the identification information on the selection screen displayed on the specific external device after the second identification information is stored in the communication device, associates the second identification information with the first user information and stores them in the first table; A computer program that functions as a

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