CONTROL DEVICE, COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR THE CONTROL DEVICE, AND METHOD

Abstract

To provide a technique for, if a setting for a dispatch service is effective, dispatching an expendable item at a timing different form that satisfying a predetermined condition.SOLUTION: A control apparatus according to the present invention has: a determination unit for determining whether or not settings relating to a dispatch service are a first setting which is a setting in which the provision of the dispatch service is valid, or a second setting in which the provision of the dispatch service is not valid; a second screen control unit for displaying, on a display unit, a second instruction screen for receiving instructions of dispatching expendable items at a timing different from a timing satisfying a predetermined condition in response to instructions from a user of the control apparatus when the setting relating to the dispatch service is the first setting; and a processing executing unit for executing a dispatch request processing for requesting a server to dispatch the expendable items if the instructions are received on the second instruction screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technology related to a shipping service that ships consumables to users for use by devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that provides an automatic ordering service for cartridges to be mounted on an image forming device. The system includes a PC, an image forming device, and a server that provides an automatic cartridge ordering service. When a condition is met that the remaining amount of a cartridge is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold for checking the automatic ordering service, and the PC is registered for the service, the PC displays an automatic cartridge ordering service screen including the shipping status of the cartridge. The automatic cartridge ordering service screen further includes a button for ordering a cartridge at the user's discretion. On the other hand, when the above condition is met and the PC is not registered for the service, the PC displays a cartridge purchase reception screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-052566 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above technology, when registration for the service has been completed, the timing for purchasing a cartridge is the timing when the condition that the remaining amount in the cartridge is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold for checking the automatic ordering service is satisfied. In other words, in the above technology, when registration for the service has been completed, it is not assumed that a cartridge will be purchased at a timing other than the timing when the above condition is satisfied.

[0005] This specification provides a technique for shipping consumables at a timing different from the timing at which a predetermined condition is satisfied when a setting related to a shipping service is enabled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device disclosed in this specification includes a communication interface for executing communication with a server, the server providing a delivery service for delivering consumables used by the device to a user of the device when the operating state of the device satisfies a predetermined condition, the communication interface, a determination unit for determining whether a setting related to the delivery service is a first setting or a second setting, the first setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is enabled, and the second setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is not enabled, and a determination unit for receiving a notification from a user of the control device when the setting related to the delivery service is determined to be the second setting. a first screen control unit that causes a display unit to display a first instruction screen for accepting an instruction to ship the consumable in response to an instruction from a user of the control device, when it is determined that the setting for the shipping service is the first setting, a second screen control unit that causes the display unit to display a second instruction screen for accepting an instruction to ship the consumable at a timing different from the timing at which the specified condition is satisfied in response to an instruction from a user of the control device, and a processing execution unit that uses the communication interface to execute a shipping request processing to request the server to ship the consumable when an instruction to ship the consumable is accepted on either the first instruction screen or the second instruction screen.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when the setting related to the delivery service is enabled, the control device displays the second instruction screen for receiving an instruction to deliver the consumable at a timing different from the timing when the predetermined condition is satisfied in response to an instruction from the user. That is, when the setting related to the delivery service is enabled, the consumable can be delivered at a timing different from the timing when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0008] The method disclosed in this specification also includes a determination step of determining whether a setting related to a shipping service is a first setting or a second setting, the shipping service being a service that ships consumables used by the device to a user of the device when the operating status of the device satisfies a predetermined condition, the first setting being a setting in which the provision of the shipping service is enabled, and the second setting being a setting in which the provision of the shipping service is not enabled; a first screen display step of displaying a first instruction screen for accepting an instruction to ship the consumables in response to an instruction from a user when it is determined that the setting related to the shipping service is the second setting; a second screen display step of displaying a second instruction screen for accepting an instruction to ship the consumables at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied in response to an instruction from the user when it is determined that the setting related to the shipping service is the first setting; and a processing execution step of executing a shipping process to ship the consumables when an instruction to ship the consumables is accepted on either the first instruction screen or the second instruction screen.

[0009] In the above method, when the setting related to the delivery service is enabled, the second instruction screen can be displayed to deliver the consumable at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0010] A control method for implementing the above control device, 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 control device and other devices (e.g., devices, servers) is novel and useful. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system. [Diagram 2] The registration sequence diagram is shown below. [Diagram 3] 13 shows a flowchart of a process of the terminal device. [Figure 4] Each screen displayed on the terminal device is shown. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a flowchart of a flag ON process. [Figure 6] Each screen displayed on the terminal device is shown. [Figure 7] 1 shows a flowchart of a flag OFF process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a terminal device 10, a multi-function device 100 (hereinafter, the multi-function device is referred to as an "MFP"), and a service providing server 300 (hereinafter, the service providing server is referred to as an "SP server"). The terminal device 10 is a terminal device such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone. The MFP 100 is a device capable of executing various functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, and a FAX function. The terminal device 10 and the MFP 100 are connected to a LAN (abbreviation of Local Area Network) 4. The LAN 4 may be either a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. The SP server 300 is capable of communicating with each of the devices 10 and 100 via the Internet 6 and the LAN 4.

[0013] (SP Server 300 Configuration) The SP server 300 is a server that provides a printing service related to a printing function. The printing service includes a shipping service that ships a color material cartridge that can be installed in an MFP (e.g., MFP 100), and a management service that manages the number of sheets of print media printed with the color material (e.g., ink, toner, etc.) contained in the color material cartridge shipped by the shipping service. In the following, the "cartridge" is referred to as "CTG." In the shipping service, the SP server 300 executes a shipping process (e.g., notifying an operator of the shipping) to ship the color material CTG.

[0014] The management service manages whether the number of sheets of print media printed in a specified period (e.g., one month) (hereinafter referred to as "predetermined period number") reaches a specified contracted number (e.g., 1,000 sheets). For example, a user pays a flat rate for the specified period. The user can use the print function of MFP100 until the number of sheets in the specified period reaches the specified contracted number. Then, when the number of sheets in the specified period exceeds the specified contracted number, the user can continue to use the print function of MFP100 by paying an additional fee calculated by multiplying the number of sheets by a specified unit price (e.g., 10 yen / sheet). Note that, in a modified example, when the number of sheets in the specified period exceeds the specified contracted number, use of the print function of MFP100 may be prohibited.

[0015] The SP server 300 is installed on the Internet 6 by a vendor of the MFP 100, etc. In a modified example, the SP server 300 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business entity different from the vendor.

[0016] The SP server 300 stores a user table 332 and a device table 334. The user table 332 stores one or more pieces of user information corresponding to one or more users who receive the printing service. Each piece of user information includes a user name (e.g., UN) for identifying the user, shipping destination information (e.g., DI) indicating the shipping destination of the color material CTG (e.g., the address of the user), and payment information (e.g., PI) indicating the source of payment for the flat rate fee and the like (e.g., the credit card number of the user). The user table 332 may also store a PIN (short for personal identification number) code (e.g., "1234") and plan information (e.g., "Plan 1") in association with each piece of user information. The PIN code is used for authentication to register the serial number of the printer in the device table 334. The plan information is information indicating the contract details of the printing service (i.e., the contract plan). The plan information includes the contracted number of sheets, the flat rate, the CTG model number indicating the model number of the color material CTG shipped by the shipping service, and the like.

[0017] One or more pieces of device related information are registered in the device table 334. Each piece of device related information may include a user name (e.g., UN), a serial number (e.g., SN), an access token (e.g., AT), remaining amount history information (e.g., HI1), the number of sheets in a specified period, and shipping status information. The access token is authentication information used for communication between the MFP and the SP server 300. The remaining amount history information is information indicating the history of the remaining amount of the color material CTG currently installed in the MFP. The shipping status information indicates one of the values ​​"being shipped", which indicates that the color material CTG is currently being shipped in the shipping service, and "not yet shipped", which indicates that the color material CTG is not currently being shipped.

[0018] (MFP100 Configuration) The MFP 100 includes a memory 124 and a print execution unit 140. Note that in the drawing, the illustration of an execution unit (i.e., a mechanism) for executing functions other than the print function (for example, a scan function) is omitted.

[0019] Memory 124 stores a serial number SN for identifying MFP 100, the model name of MFP 100 "mfp1", a CTG model number indicating the model number of color material CTG 142 compatible with MFP 100, and a service setting flag. The service setting flag indicates one of two values: "ON" indicating that the provision of a print service is enabled, and "OFF" indicating that the provision of a print service is not enabled. The service setting flag indicates "OFF" by default. MFP 100 stores the service setting flag, and is therefore compatible with the provision of a print service. Note that an MFP that does not store a service setting flag is not compatible with the provision of a print service.

[0020] The CTG model numbers in memory 124 include "B01", "C01", "M01", and "Y01". "B01" indicates the model number of a CTG containing black colorant. Similarly, "C01", "M01", and "Y01" indicate the model numbers of CTG containing cyan, magenta, and yellow colorants, respectively.

[0021] The print execution unit 140 includes an inkjet or laser printing mechanism. A color material CTG 142 is attached to the print execution unit 140. The color material CTG 142 is provided with an IC chip (not shown), and the print execution unit 140 reads information in the IC chip to authenticate the attachment of the color material CTG 142.

[0022] (Configuration of terminal device 10) The terminal device 10 includes a communication interface 12, a display unit 14, an operation unit 16, and a control unit 20. Each unit 12 to 20 is connected to a bus line (reference numerals omitted). Note that, hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F".

[0023] The communication I / F 12 is an I / F for performing communication via the LAN 4, and is connected to the LAN 4. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The operation unit 16 has a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the terminal device 10 by operating the operation unit 16. The display unit 14 may function as a touch panel (i.e., an operation unit) that accepts instructions from the user.

[0024] The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 24. The CPU 22 executes various processes according to programs 30 and 32 stored in the memory 24. The memory 24 is configured with a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, and the like. The OS (abbreviation of Operating System) program 30 is a program for executing basic processes of the terminal device 10. The application program 32 (hereinafter, referred to as "app 32") is a program for controlling the MFP 100. The app 32 can also execute processes related to a print service (for example, processes for receiving the provision of a print service).

[0025] (Starting the service; Figure 2) A sequence diagram of a process for a user to receive a print service is shown with reference to Fig. 2. Note that, in the following, for ease of understanding, the processes executed by each CPU of each device (e.g., CPU 22 of terminal device 10, etc.) will be described as being mainly each device (e.g., terminal device 10, etc.) rather than as being mainly each CPU. Also, communication between terminal device 10 and MFP 100 is performed via communication I / F 12 and LAN 4, and communication between terminal device 10 or MFP 100 and SP server 300 is performed via LAN 4 and Internet 6. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the descriptions "via communication I / F 12", "via LAN 4", and "via Internet 6" will be omitted.

[0026] 2, the user name UN is registered in the user table 332 (see FIG. 1). The user name UN is registered in the SP server 300, for example, by the user operating the terminal device 10.

[0027] When the terminal device 10 receives, from the user at the operation unit 16, an instruction to launch the application 32 and an instruction to start the print service, at T10, the terminal device 10 uses the application 32 to transmit a contract request to the SP server 300. In a modified example, the transmission of the contract request may be executed using a general-purpose Web browser.

[0028] The start instruction includes input of a user name UN, shipping destination information DI, payment information PI, and plan information "Plan 1." Here, the plan information "Plan 1" is one of multiple plans available in MFP100, and the user selects the plan information "Plan 1" from the multiple plans. The contract request of T10 includes each piece of information input in the start instruction.

[0029] When the SP server 300 receives a contract request from the terminal device 10 in T10, it generates a PIN code "1234" in T12, associates it with the user name UN in the contract request, and stores the PIN code "1234" and other information in the contract request in the user table 332. Then, the SP server 300 transmits the PIN code "1234" to the terminal device 10 in T14.

[0030] When the terminal device 10 receives the PIN code "1234" from the SP server 300 at T14, it displays the PIN code "1234" on the display unit 14 at T16. This allows the user to know the PIN code "1234".

[0031] When the MFP 100 accepts input of the PIN code "1234" from the user in T20, it changes the service setting flag from "OFF" to "ON" in T22. Then, the MFP 100 sends a start request to the SP server 300 in T24. The start request is a command requesting the start of a print service, and includes the PIN code "1234" and the serial number SN of the MFP 100.

[0032] When the SP server 300 receives a start request from the MFP 100 in T24, it authenticates the PIN code "1234" included in the start request in T26. In this case, since the PIN code "1234" included in the start request matches the PIN code "1234" in the user table 332, the SP server 300 determines that the PIN code authentication was successful and determines the user name UN stored in association with the PIN code "1234" as the user name to be the target of the print service. Next, the SP server 300 generates an access token AT in T28.

[0033] At T30, the SP server 300 associates the user name UN with the serial number SN included in the start request and the access token AT, and stores them in the device table 334. At this time, the remaining amount history information is not stored in association with the user name UN in the device table 334. Also, at this time, the number of sheets for the specified period indicates 0, and the shipping status information indicates "not shipped."

[0034] At T40, the SP server 300 transmits the access token AT to the MFP 100. As a result, the MFP 100 stores the access token AT in the memory 124 of the MFP 100.

[0035] At T42, the MFP 100 establishes an XMPP (short for Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) connection with the SP server 300, using the access token AT in the memory 124. The XMPP connection is a so-called constant connection, and is a connection that remains established until the power of the MFP 100 is cut off. If the SP server 300 uses the XMPP connection, it can transmit a request to the MFP 100 across the firewall of the LAN 4 to which the MFP 100 belongs, even if it does not receive a request from the MFP 100. Note that the mechanism for transmitting a request from the SP server 300 to the MFP 100 may be another method other than the XMPP connection. For example, an HTTPS (short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) connection may be established between the MFP 100 and the SP server 300.

[0036] When the SP server 300 establishes an XMPP connection with the MFP 100 in T42, the SP server 300 transmits a Subscribe request to the MFP 100 in T50, requesting that device status information indicating the current status of the MFP 100 be repeatedly transmitted to the SP server 300.

[0037] When the MFP 100 receives a Subscribe request from the SP server 300 in T50, it starts transmitting device status information in accordance with the Subscribe request in T52. The device status information includes the serial number SN, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of color material CTG currently installed in the MFP 100, and number information indicating the number of sheets of print media printed by the MFP 100. Note that the number information is, for example, the cumulative number of sheets of print media printed by the MFP 100 from the first printing after the shipment of the MFP 100 to the present.

[0038] When the SP server 300 receives the device status information from the MFP 100 in T52, in T54, it associates the remaining amount information in the device status information with the serial number SN in the device status information and stores it as remaining amount history information HI in the device table 334. In addition, the SP server 300 calculates the number of sheets for a predetermined period using the number information in the device status information, and stores the calculated number of sheets for a predetermined period in the device table 334 in association with the serial number SN.

[0039] In T60, the SP server 300 judges whether the latest remaining amount indicated by the latest remaining amount information in the history of the remaining amount history information HI is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 10%) at regular timing (for example, at the time of arrival of a one-hour cycle). In this case, the SP server 300 judges that the latest remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold value, and executes a shipping process in T62. In the shipping process, the SP server 300 acquires the shipping destination information DI and the plan information "Plan 1" from the user table 332. Then, the SP server 300 notifies the worker that the color material CTG142 indicated by the CTG model number in the acquired plan information "Plan 1" will be shipped to the shipping destination indicated by the acquired shipping destination information DI. Note that the condition for shipping the color material CTG142 is not limited to the condition that the latest remaining amount is equal to or less than a threshold value, and may be, for example, the condition that the amount of change in the remaining amount calculated from the history of the remaining amount history information HI is equal to or more than a predetermined value, or a combination of these conditions.

[0040] In addition, in the shipping process, the SP server 300 further changes the shipping status information stored in association with the serial number SN in the device status information from “not shipped” to “being shipped.” For example, when an operator inputs to the SP server 300 that the shipping of the color material CTG 142 has been completed, the shipping status information “being shipped” is changed to “not shipped.”

[0041] (Terminal device processing; Fig. 3, Fig. 4) With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a process executed by the CPU 22 of the terminal device 10 according to the application 32 will be described. When the CPU 22 accepts an instruction to start the application 32 on the operation unit 16, the CPU 22 displays the menu screen SC1 shown in FIG. 4 on the display unit 14. The menu screen SC1 includes a "Print" button for sending a print request requesting execution of a print function, a "Scan" button for sending a scan request requesting execution of a scan function, and a "Status" button for viewing the status of the MFP to which the print request and the scan request are sent. In this case, a specific MFP (e.g., MFP 100) is specified by the user as the destination of the print request and the scan request. The menu screen SC1 includes an image IM1 indicating the model name (e.g., "mfp1") of the specific MFP (hereinafter, referred to as the "specified MFP") to which the print request and the scan request are sent. The terminal device 10 stores information indicating the specified MFP (e.g., the IP address and the model name of the specified MFP) in the memory 24.

[0042] Screen data corresponding to the menu screen SC1 is stored in the memory 24 of the terminal device 10. The CPU 22 acquires screen data from the memory 24 in accordance with the application 32, and displays the menu screen SC1 on the display unit 14. Screen data corresponding to other screens (e.g., a purchase instruction screen SC5) described later is also stored in the memory 24. In this embodiment, acquiring screen data from the memory 24 in accordance with the application 32 is an example of "displaying a screen on the display unit". In a modified example, the screen data may be stored in a server (not shown) on the Internet. In this case, the CPU 22 may transmit a request to the server in accordance with the application 32 and receive the screen data from the server. Then, the CPU 22 may display a screen (e.g., the menu screen SC1) corresponding to the received screen data on the display unit 14. In this case, the CPU 22 may display the screen on the display unit 14 by using the application 32 that has already been started, or may display the screen on the display unit 14 by starting a Web browser. In this modification, sending a request to a server and receiving screen data from the server in accordance with the application 32 is an example of "displaying a screen on the display unit."

[0043] When the "Status" button in the menu screen SC1 is selected, the CPU 22 receives remaining amount information from the MFP 100 via the communication I / F 12. Then, the CPU 22 causes the display unit 14 to display a status screen SC2 (see FIG. 4) including an image IM2 indicating the remaining amount indicated by the received remaining amount information, and a "Buy" button. The "Buy" button is a button for purchasing color material CTG. The process in FIG. 3 is started by being triggered by the selection of the "Buy" button in the status screen SC2. Note that the "Buy" button is not limited to being included in the status screen SC2, and may be included in the menu screen SC1, for example.

[0044] In S10, the CPU 22 displays a confirmation screen SC3 (see FIG. 4) on the display unit 14. The confirmation screen SC3 includes a message for confirming whether or not to purchase a color material CTG that is compatible with the specified MFP, a "YES" button, and a "NO" button.

[0045] In S12, the CPU 22 judges whether or not the "YES" button in the confirmation screen SC3 is selected. If the CPU 22 judges that the "NO" button in the confirmation screen SC3 is selected (NO in S12), it judges that a color material CTG suitable for an MFP different from the specified MFP (hereinafter, referred to as "another MFP") will be purchased, and proceeds to S14.

[0046] In S14, the CPU 22 displays an input screen SC4 (see FIG. 4) on the display unit 14. The input screen SC4 includes an input field for inputting the model name of the other MFP. The CPU 22 then uses the model name input in the input field on the input screen SC4 to identify multiple CTG model numbers corresponding to multiple color material CTGs compatible with the other MFP. In a modified example, the input screen SC4 may include an input field for inputting the CTG model number.

[0047] In the next S16, the CPU 22 displays a purchase instruction screen SC5 (see FIG. 4) for receiving an instruction to purchase the color material CTG on the display unit 14. The purchase instruction screen SC5 includes a radio button for selecting a specific CTG model number (e.g., "C02") from the multiple CTG model numbers identified in S14, a "Buy" button, and a "Cancel" button.

[0048] In S18, the CPU 22 judges whether or not the "Buy" button in the purchase instruction screen SC5 is selected. If the CPU 22 judges that the "Buy" button in the purchase instruction screen SC5 is selected (YES in S18), the CPU 22 proceeds to S20.

[0049] In S20, the CPU 22 executes a purchase process to purchase the color material CTG indicated by the CTG model number selected on the purchase instruction screen SC5. Specifically, the CPU 22 transmits a purchase request including the user name UN and the selected CTG model number to the SP server 300. This causes the SP server 300 to notify the worker that the color material CTG indicated by the CTG model number in the purchase request will be shipped to the shipping destination indicated by the shipping destination information DI stored in association with the user name UN. When the process of S20 ends, the CPU 22 ends the process of FIG. 3.

[0050] Moreover, when the CPU 22 determines that the "Cancel" button in the purchase instruction screen SC5 has been selected (NO in S18), it skips the process of S20 and ends the process of FIG.

[0051] Furthermore, if the CPU 22 determines that the "YES" button in the confirmation screen SC3 has been selected (YES in S12), it determines that a color material CTG that is compatible with the specified MFP will be purchased, and proceeds to S30.

[0052] In S30, the CPU 22 sends a setting request for requesting service setting information indicating settings related to the print service to the designated MFP, and receives the service setting information from the designated MFP. Here, if the designated MFP is suitable for providing the print service, the service setting information includes the value of the service setting flag ("ON" or "OFF"). On the other hand, if the designated MFP is not suitable for providing the print service, the service setting information does not include the value of the service setting flag.

[0053] In the next S32, the CPU 22 determines whether or not the specified MFP is suitable for providing the print service. When the CPU 22 determines that the specified MFP is not suitable for providing the print service because the service setting information received in S30 does not include a value for the service setting flag (NO in S32), the CPU 22 proceeds to the process of S16. The purchase instruction screen SC6 in FIG. 4 is a screen that is displayed in S16 when NO is determined in S32. The purchase instruction screen SC6 is similar to the purchase instruction screen SC5, except that it includes a radio button for selecting a specific CTG model number (e.g., "B03") from among a plurality of CTG model numbers corresponding to a plurality of color material CTGs suitable for the specified MFP.

[0054] Furthermore, if the CPU 22 determines that the designated MFP is suitable for providing the print service because the service setting information received in S30 includes a value of the service setting flag (YES in S32), the CPU 22 proceeds to S40.

[0055] In S40, the CPU 22 determines whether the service setting flag in the service setting information indicates "ON". If the CPU 22 determines that the service setting flag in the service setting information indicates "ON" (YES in S40), it executes a flag ON process (see FIG. 5) described later in S42. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that the service setting flag in the service setting information indicates "OFF" (NO in S40), it executes a flag OFF process (see FIG. 7) described later in S44. When S42 or S44 ends, the CPU 22 ends the process of FIG. 3.

[0056] (Flag ON processing; Fig. 5, Fig. 6) The flag ON process in S42 in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In S100, the CPU 22 displays the confirmation screen SC10 in FIG. 6 on the display unit 14. The confirmation screen SC10 includes a message indicating that a printing service (i.e., a shipping service) is currently being provided for the specified MFP, a message for confirming whether or not to purchase a color material CTG suitable for the specified MFP (i.e., whether or not to ship), a "YES" button, a "Status" button, and a "NO" button. In a situation where the shipping service is currently being provided for the specified MFP, the color material CTG is shipped when a predetermined condition is satisfied that the latest remaining amount of the specified MFP is equal to or less than a threshold. With this configuration, it is possible to confirm with the user whether or not it is acceptable to separately ship the color material CTG at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, if the user thinks that it is acceptable for the color material CTG to be shipped at the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied, the user can select the "NO" button to cancel the purchase of the color material CTG (i.e., separate shipping of the color material CTG).

[0057] In the next S102, the CPU 22 judges whether or not the "YES" button in the confirmation screen SC10 is selected. If the CPU 22 judges that the "YES" button in the confirmation screen SC10 is selected (YES in S102), the CPU 22 skips the processes of S104 to S130 described later and proceeds to S136.

[0058] S136 to S140 are the same as S16 to S20 in Fig. 3, except that the specified MFP is MFP 100 compatible with the print service, and purchase instruction screen SC7 in Fig. 6 is displayed. Purchase instruction screen SC7 includes a radio button for selecting the CTG model number (e.g., "B01") of color material CTG 142 compatible with MFP 100. When the process of S140 ends, the process of Fig. 5 ends.

[0059] The purchase instruction screen SC7 includes radio buttons for selecting the CTG model number of a color material CTG 142 that is compatible with the MFP 100, but does not include radio buttons for selecting the CTG model number of a color material CTG that is not compatible with the MFP 100. This makes it possible to prevent the user from erroneously purchasing a color material CTG that is not compatible with the MFP 100. Note that in a modified example, the purchase instruction screen SC7 may include radio buttons for selecting the CTG model number of a color material CTG that is not compatible with the MFP 100.

[0060] Furthermore, if the CPU 22 determines that the "YES" button in the confirmation screen SC10 has not been selected (NO in S102), the process proceeds to S104. In S104, the CPU 22 determines whether or not the "Status" button in the confirmation screen SC10 has been selected. If the CPU 22 determines that the "NO" button in the confirmation screen SC10 has been selected (NO in S104), the process skips steps S110 to S130 and S136 to S140, which will be described later, and ends the process in FIG. 5.

[0061] Furthermore, if the CPU 22 determines that the "Status" button in the confirmation screen SC10 has been selected (YES in S104), the process proceeds to S110. In S110, the CPU 22 transmits an information request to the SP server 300 requesting shipping status information. The information request includes a user name (e.g., user name UN). The CPU 22 then receives from the SP server 300 the shipping status information stored in association with the user name included in the information request.

[0062] In the next S112, the CPU 22 determines whether the shipping status information received in S110 indicates "currently being shipped". If the CPU 22 determines that the shipping status information indicates "currently being shipped" (YES in S112), the process proceeds to S114. In S114, the CPU 22 determines to display a message indicating that the color material CTG is currently being shipped (e.g., "currently being shipped") in a shipping status screen described later (see SC12A in FIG. 6).

[0063] Furthermore, when the CPU 22 determines that the shipping status information indicates "not shipped" (NO in S112), the process proceeds to S120. In S120, the CPU 22 determines whether the remaining amount of the color material CTG 142 currently attached to the designated MFP (i.e., MFP 100) is equal to or less than a predetermined value (e.g., 12%). The CPU 22 receives remaining amount history information HI from the SP server 300, and executes the determination in S120 using the remaining amount history information HI that has been received. Note that, in a modified example, the CPU 22 may receive remaining amount information indicating the current remaining amount from the MFP 100, and execute the determination in S120 using the remaining amount information that has been received. Here, the "predetermined value" is set to a value larger than a threshold value (see T60 in FIG. 2) that is a criterion for a predetermined condition of the shipping service. Note that, in a modified example, the "predetermined value" may be the same as the threshold value.

[0064] When the CPU 22 determines that the remaining amount of the color material CTG 142 currently attached to the MFP 100 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (YES in S120), the process proceeds to S122. The remaining amount of the color material CTG 142 being equal to or less than a predetermined value means that the color material CTG 142 will be shipped shortly. In S122, the CPU 22 determines to display a message indicating that the color material CTG 142 will be shipped shortly (e.g., "Shipping soon") on the shipping status screen (see SC12B in FIG. 6).

[0065] Furthermore, when the CPU 22 determines that the remaining amount of the color material CTG 142 currently attached to the MFP 100 is greater than the predetermined value (NO in S120), the process proceeds to S124. The remaining amount of the color material CTG 142 being greater than the predetermined value means that the current timing is far from the timing of shipping the color material CTG 142. In S124, the CPU 22 determines to display a message indicating that the current timing of shipping the color material CTG 142 is far from the timing (for example, "Will be shipped when the remaining amount is 10% or less") on the shipping status screen (see SC12C in FIG. 6).

[0066] When any of the processes of S114, S122, and S124 is completed, in S116, the CPU 22 causes a shipping status screen (any of SC12A to SC12C in FIG. 6) to be displayed on the display unit 14. The shipping status screen includes a message determined in any of S114, S122, and S124, a "Buy" button, and a "Cancel" button.

[0067] In the next S130, the CPU 22 determines whether or not the "Buy" button on the shipping status screen has been selected. If the CPU 22 determines that the "Buy" button on the shipping status screen has been selected (YES in S130), the process proceeds to S136. That is, a purchase instruction screen is displayed, and the color material CTG 142 is purchased. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that the "Cancel" button on the shipping status screen has been selected (NO in S130), the process skips S136 to S140, and ends the process of FIG. 5.

[0068] 5, the shipping status screen includes a message (SC12A to SC12C in FIG. 6) indicating the shipping status of the color material CTG 142. This allows the user to take into consideration the shipping status of the color material CTG 142 and determine whether or not to purchase the color material CTG 142 separately.

[0069] In addition, the shipping status screen includes a message "Shipping" when the color material CTG142 is currently being shipped (SC12A), and includes a message "Will ship soon" or "Will ship when the remaining amount is 10% or less" when the color material CTG142 is not currently being shipped (SC12B or SC12C). For example, a comparative example is assumed in which either the message "Shipping" or the message "Will ship soon" or "Will ship when the remaining amount is 10% or less" is displayed. In this comparative example, the user cannot accurately know whether the color material CTG142 is currently being shipped. For example, a user who does not want to purchase the color material CTG142 separately when the color material CTG142 is currently being shipped may mistakenly purchase the color material CTG142. In this embodiment, various messages according to the status of whether the color material CTG is currently being shipped are displayed, so that the user can accurately know whether the color material CTG is currently being shipped. In the modified example, the configuration of the above comparative example may be adopted.

[0070] (Flag OFF process; Fig. 7) The flag OFF process in S44 in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In S200, the CPU 22 displays a guide screen SC20 on the display unit 14. The guide screen SC20 includes a message (for example, "Do you want to use the shipping service?") that guides the user to start the print service (i.e., the shipping service), a "YES" button, and a "NO" button. The flag OFF process is executed when the service setting flag in the designated MFP indicates "OFF", that is, when the shipping service has not been started in the designated MFP (see NO in S40 in FIG. 3). In a situation where the shipping service has not been started in the designated MFP, the user can be prompted to start the shipping service.

[0071] In the next S202, the CPU 22 determines whether or not the "YES" button in the guide screen SC20 has been selected. If the CPU 22 determines that the "NO" button in the guide screen SC20 has been selected (NO in S202), the CPU 22 skips the processes of S204 to S210, which will be described later, and proceeds to S236. S236 to S240 are the same as S136 to S140 in Fig. 5. That is, the purchase of the color material CTG142 is executed without starting the shipping service.

[0072] When the CPU 22 determines that the "YES" button in the guide screen SC20 has been selected (YES in S202), the process proceeds to S204. In S204, the CPU 22 causes the display unit 14 to display a selection screen SC22. The selection screen SC22 includes radio buttons for selecting a specific plan from among multiple plans available in the MFP 100, an "OK" button, and a "Cancel" button.

[0073] In S206, the CPU 22 judges whether or not the "OK" button in the selection screen SC22 is selected. When the CPU 22 judges that the "Cancel" button in the selection screen SC22 is selected (NO in S206), the process proceeds to S236. On the other hand, when the CPU 22 judges that the "OK" button in the selection screen SC22 is selected (YES in S206), the process proceeds to S208. In S208, the CPU 22 transmits a contract request including plan information indicating the plan selected on the selection screen SC22 to the SP server 300 (see T10 in FIG. 2). In the following S210, the CPU 22 receives a PIN code from the SP server 300 as a response to the contract request, and causes the display unit 14 to display the received PIN code (see T16 in FIG. 2). As a result, the same process as that after T20 in FIG. 2 is executed, the service setting flag of the MFP 100 is changed from "OFF" to "ON", and the printing service is started. When the process of S210 ends, the CPU 22 ends the process of FIG.

[0074] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, when the service setting flag in the specified MFP is "ON", that is, when the setting related to the shipping service is enabled, the terminal device 10 displays the purchase instruction screen SC7 (S136 in FIG. 5) in response to an instruction from the user (selection of the "YES" button on the confirmation screen SC3 in FIG. 4). That is, when the setting related to the shipping service is enabled, the color material CTG142 can be shipped at a timing different from the timing when the specified conditions of the shipping service are satisfied. For example, the user can purchase the color material CTG142 separately in addition to the color material CTG142 shipped by the shipping service. The user can hold a spare color material CTG142.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in response to the operation of a terminal device 10 different from the MFP 100, a purchase instruction screen is displayed on the terminal device 10. With this configuration, even if the MFP 100 does not have an operation unit and a display unit, a separate purchase of the color material CTG 142 can be executed by operating the terminal device 10. Furthermore, even if the user finds it difficult to operate the MFP 100 because the operation unit of the MFP 100 is not a touch panel or the like, a separate purchase of the color material CTG 142 can be executed by operating the terminal device 10. User convenience is improved.

[0076] (Correspondence) The terminal device 10, SP server 300, and "server" are examples of a "control device." The MFP 100 is an example of a "device (and specific device)." The color material CTG 142 is an example of a "consumable." The service setting flag "ON" and the service setting flag "OFF" are examples of a "first setting" and a "second setting," respectively. The service setting flag is an example of "service setting information." The condition that the latest remaining amount is below a threshold is an example of a "predetermined condition." The shipping status information in the device table 334 is an example of "shipping status information." The communication I / F 12 is an example of a "communication interface."

[0077] The menu screen SC1 in FIG. 4, the "Print" button in SC1, and the "Status" button in SC1 are examples of the "menu screen", "print button", and "send button", respectively. The confirmation screen SC10 in FIG. 6 and the selection of the "YES" button in SC10 are examples of the "confirmation screen" and the "first instruction". The purchase instruction screen SC7 in FIG. 6 is an example of the "second instruction screen". Any of the shipping status screens SC12A to SC12C in FIG. 6 and the selection of the "Buy" button included in any of SC12A to SC12C are examples of the "notification screen" and the "second instruction", respectively. The message in the shipping status screen SC12A, and the messages in the shipping status screens SC12B and SC12C are examples of the "first message" and the "second message". The guide screen SC20 in FIG. 7 is an example of the "setting change screen". The purchase instruction screen displayed in S236 in FIG. 7 is an example of the "first instruction screen". Sending a purchase request to the SP server 300 in the purchase process is an example of the "shipment request process".

[0078] S40 in Fig. 3 is an example of a process realized by a "determination unit". S136 of the flag ON process in Fig. 5 and S236 of the flag OFF process in Fig. 7 are examples of a process realized by a "second screen control unit" and a "first screen control unit", respectively. S140 in Fig. 5 or S240 in Fig. 7 is an example of a process realized by a "process execution unit".

[0079] 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.

[0080] (Variation 1) The "control device" is not limited to the terminal device 10, and may be, for example, a control unit (not shown) of the MFP 100. In this case, the "display unit" may be the display unit (not shown) of the MFP 100.

[0081] (Variation 2) The "device" is not limited to MFP 100, and may be, for example, a printer having only a printing function, a scanner having only a scanning function, a FAX machine, a PC, etc. If the "device" is a scanner, the "consumable" may be, for example, a specific part in the scanner.

[0082] (Variation 3) The "consumables" are not limited to color materials CTG, but may be, for example, printing media.

[0083] (Variation 4) The "predetermined condition" is not limited to the condition that the remaining amount is below a threshold value, but may be, for example, a condition that the number of printed sheets within a specified period is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, or a condition that the operating time of MFP100 during the specified period is greater than or equal to a predetermined time.

[0084] (Variation 5) MFP 100 may not store a service setting flag. In this case, terminal device 10 may transmit an inquiry command to SP server 300 in S30 of FIG. 3 to inquire whether the serial number of the specified MFP is stored in device table 334. Then, terminal device 10 may determine whether the provision of the delivery service is valid or not using a response to the inquiry command in S40. In this variation, the judgment using the response to the inquiry command is an example of a process executed by the "judgment unit". Also, in this variation, the "second receiving unit" can be omitted.

[0085] (Variant 6) The “shipment request processing” is not limited to the processing in S140 of FIG. 5 in which the terminal device 10 sends a purchase request to the SP server 300, but may be, for example, a processing in which the terminal device 10 instructs the MFP 100 to send a purchase request, and the MFP 100 sends the purchase request to the SP server 300.

[0086] (Variation 7) The process of S100 in Fig. 5 does not have to be executed. In this variation, the "confirmation screen" can be omitted.

[0087] (Modification 8) The processes of S110 to S130 in Fig. 5 do not have to be executed. In this modification, the "Shipping status information" and "Notification screen" can be omitted.

[0088] (Modification 9) Any one of the processes of S120 to S124 in Fig. 5 and the process of S114 in Fig. 5 may not be executed. In this modification, the "second message" may be omitted.

[0089] (Modification 10) The process of S200 in Fig. 7 does not have to be executed. In this modification, the "setting change screen" can be omitted.

[0090] (Modification 11) In the above embodiments, the processes in FIGS. 2 to 7 are implemented by software (for example, programs 30 and 32), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0091] 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. The features of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below. (Item 1) A control device, a communication interface for performing communication with a server, the server providing a delivery service for delivering consumables used by the device to a user of the device when an operating state of the device satisfies a predetermined condition; and a determination unit that determines whether a setting related to the delivery service is a first setting or a second setting, the first setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is enabled, and the second setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is not enabled; a first screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the second setting, displays a first instruction screen on a display unit in response to an instruction from a user of the control device to receive an instruction to ship the consumable product; a second screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the first setting, causes the display unit to display a second instruction screen for receiving an instruction to deliver the consumable at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied, in response to an instruction from a user of the control device; a process execution unit that executes a shipping request process to request the server to ship the consumable, using the communication interface, when an instruction to ship the consumable is accepted on either the first instruction screen or the second instruction screen; A control device comprising: (Item 2) The control device further comprises: a third screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the first setting, causes the display unit to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to deliver the consumable in response to an instruction from a user of the control device; the second screen control unit causes the display unit to display the second instruction screen when a first instruction for displaying the second instruction screen is accepted on the confirmation screen; 2. The control device according to item 1, wherein if the first instruction is not accepted on the confirmation screen, the second instruction screen is not displayed. (Item 3) The control device further comprises: a first receiving unit that receives shipping status information indicating a current shipping status of the consumable from the server via the communication interface in response to an instruction from a user of the control device when the setting related to the shipping service is determined to be the first setting; a fourth screen control unit that uses the received shipping status information to display a notification screen on the display unit that notifies the user of a current shipping status of the consumable; Equipped with the second screen control unit, when a second instruction for displaying the second instruction screen is accepted on the notification screen, causes the display unit to display the second instruction screen; 3. The control device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the second instruction screen is not displayed if the second instruction is not accepted on the notification screen. (Item 4) The fourth screen control unit is displaying the notification screen including a first message on the display unit when the shipping status information indicates that the consumable is currently being shipped; The control device according to item 3, wherein when the shipping status information indicates that the consumable is not currently shipped, the notification screen including a second message different from the first message is displayed on the display unit. (Item 5) the device has a printing function; the control device is a terminal device different from the device, The control device further comprises: a fifth screen control unit that displays a menu screen on the display unit in response to an instruction from a user of the control device, the fifth screen control unit including a print button for sending a print request to the device to request execution of printing, and a send button for sending a setting request to the device to request settings related to the shipping service; a second receiving unit that, when the send button in the menu screen is selected, transmits the setting request to the device and receives service setting information indicating settings related to the delivery service from the device; Equipped with The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the judgment unit judges whether the setting related to the device is the first setting or the second setting by using the received service setting information. (Item 6) the device is a specific device that is a destination of the print request that is transmitted when the print button on the menu screen is selected, among a plurality of devices that can communicate with the control device; The control device described in item 5, wherein the second instruction screen includes a button for accepting instructions to ship the consumable that is compatible with the specific device, and does not include a button for accepting instructions to ship the consumable that is not compatible with the specific device. (Item 7) The control device further comprises: A control device as described in any one of items 1 to 6, further comprising a sixth screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the shipping service is the second setting, displays on the display unit a setting change screen for accepting an instruction to change the setting related to the device from the second setting to the first setting in response to an instruction from a user of the control device. (Item 8) A computer program for a control device, comprising: The computer of the control device is composed of the following parts: a communication interface for performing communication with a server, the server providing a delivery service for delivering consumables used by the device to a user of the device when an operating state of the device satisfies a predetermined condition; and a determination unit that determines whether a setting related to the delivery service is a first setting or a second setting, the first setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is enabled, and the second setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is not enabled; a first screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the second setting, displays a first instruction screen on a display unit in response to an instruction from a user of the control device to receive an instruction to ship the consumable product; a second screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the first setting, causes the display unit to display a second instruction screen for receiving an instruction to deliver the consumable at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied, in response to an instruction from a user of the control device; a process execution unit that executes a shipping request process to request the server to ship the consumable, using the communication interface, when an instruction to ship the consumable is accepted on either the first instruction screen or the second instruction screen; A computer program that functions as a (Item 9) a determination step of determining whether a setting related to a delivery service is a first setting or a second setting, the delivery service being a service for delivering consumables used by the device to a user of the device when an operating state of the device satisfies a predetermined condition, the first setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is enabled, and the second setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is not enabled; a first screen display step of displaying a first instruction screen for receiving an instruction to ship the consumable in response to an instruction from a user when it is determined that the setting related to the shipping service is the second setting; a second screen display step of displaying a second instruction screen for receiving an instruction to ship the consumable at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied, in response to an instruction from a user when it is determined that the setting related to the shipping service is the first setting; a process execution step of executing a shipping process for shipping the consumable when an instruction to ship the consumable is accepted on either the first instruction screen or the second instruction screen; A method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 2: communication system, 6: Internet, 10: terminal device, 12: communication I / F, 14: display unit, 16: operation unit, 20: control unit, 22: CPU, 24: memory, 30: OS program, 32: application, 100: MFP, 124: memory, 140: print execution unit, color material CTG: 142, 300: SP server, 332: user table, 334: device table, AT: access token, SN: serial number, DI: shipping destination information, PI: payment information, HI: remaining amount history information, SC1: menu screen, SC2: status screen, SC3: confirmation screen, SC4: input screen, SC5 to SC7: purchase instruction screen, SC10: confirmation screen, SC12A to SC12C: shipping status screen, SC20: guidance screen, SC22: selection screen, IM1, IM2: image

Claims

1. A terminal device, a communication interface for performing communication with a server, the server providing a delivery service for delivering a consumable used by the device to a user of the device when an operating state of the device satisfies a predetermined condition; and a determination unit that, when acquiring a setting related to the delivery service from the device in response to a purchase confirmation from a user of the terminal device, determines whether the setting is a first setting or a second setting, the first setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is enabled, and the second setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is not enabled; a first screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the second setting, causes a display unit to display an instruction screen for receiving an instruction to ship the consumable; a third screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the first setting, causes the display unit to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to deliver the consumable; a second screen control unit that, when the setting related to the shipping service is determined to be the first setting and a first instruction for displaying the instruction screen is accepted on the confirmation screen, causes the instruction screen to be displayed on the display unit in order to accept an instruction for shipping the consumable at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied, and when the first instruction is not accepted on the confirmation screen, the instruction screen is not displayed; a process execution unit that executes a shipping request process to request the server to ship the consumable product by using the communication interface when an instruction to ship the consumable product is received on the instruction screen; A terminal device comprising:

2. A terminal device, a communication interface for performing communication with a server, the server providing a delivery service for delivering a consumable used by the device to a user of the device when an operating state of the device satisfies a predetermined condition; and a determination unit that, when acquiring a setting related to the delivery service from the device in response to a purchase confirmation from a user of the terminal device, determines whether the setting is a first setting or a second setting, the first setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is enabled, and the second setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is not enabled; a sixth screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the second setting, causes a setting change screen to be displayed on a display unit for receiving an instruction to change the setting related to the device from the second setting to the first setting; a first screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the second setting, causes the display unit to display an instruction screen for receiving an instruction to ship the consumable; a second screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the first setting, causes the instruction screen to be displayed on the display unit in order to receive an instruction to deliver the consumable at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied; a process execution unit that executes a shipping request process to request the server to ship the consumable product by using the communication interface when an instruction to ship the consumable product is received on the instruction screen; A terminal device comprising:

3. The terminal device further comprises: a first receiving unit that receives shipping status information indicating a current shipping status of the consumable from the server via the communication interface in response to an instruction from a user of the terminal device when it is determined that the setting related to the shipping service is the first setting; a fourth screen control unit that uses the received shipping status information to display a notification screen on the display unit that notifies the user of a current shipping status of the consumable; Equipped with the second screen control unit, when a second instruction for displaying the instruction screen is accepted on the notification screen, causes the display unit to display the instruction screen; The terminal device according to claim 1 , wherein the instruction screen is not displayed when the second instruction is not accepted on the notification screen.

4. The fourth screen control unit is displaying the notification screen including a first message on the display unit when the shipping status information indicates that the consumable is currently being shipped; The terminal device according to claim 3 , wherein when the shipping status information indicates that the consumable is not currently shipped, the notification screen including a second message different from the first message is displayed on the display unit.

5. the device has a printing function; The terminal device further comprises: a fifth screen control unit that displays a menu screen on the display unit in response to an instruction from a user of the terminal device, the fifth screen control unit including a print button for sending a print request to the device to request execution of printing, and a send button for sending a setting request to the device to request settings related to the shipping service; a second receiving unit that transmits the setting request to the device when the send button in the menu screen is selected, and receives service setting information indicating a setting related to the delivery service from the device; Equipped with The terminal device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines whether the setting related to the device is the first setting or the second setting by using the received service setting information.

6. the device is a specific device that is a destination of the print request that is sent when the print button on the menu screen is selected, among a plurality of devices that can communicate with the terminal device; The terminal device according to claim 5 , wherein the instruction screen includes a button for accepting an instruction to ship the consumable item that is compatible with the specific device, and does not include a button for accepting an instruction to ship a consumable item that is not compatible with the specific device.

7. A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: The terminal device computer is composed of the following parts: a communication interface for performing communication with a server, the server providing a delivery service for delivering a consumable used by the device to a user of the device when an operating state of the device satisfies a predetermined condition; and a determination unit that, when acquiring a setting related to the delivery service from the device in response to a purchase confirmation from a user of the terminal device, determines whether the setting is a first setting or a second setting, the first setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is enabled, and the second setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is not enabled; a first screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the second setting, causes a display unit to display an instruction screen for receiving an instruction to ship the consumable; a third screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the first setting, causes the display unit to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to deliver the consumable; a second screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the first setting and a first instruction for displaying the instruction screen is accepted on the confirmation screen, causes the instruction screen to be displayed on the display unit in order to accept an instruction for delivery of the consumable at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied; a process execution unit that executes a shipping request process to request the server to ship the consumable product by using the communication interface when an instruction to ship the consumable product is received on the instruction screen; A computer program that functions as a

8. A control method for a control device, comprising: a determination step in which the control device, when acquiring settings related to a delivery service from a device in response to purchase confirmation from a user, determines whether the settings are a first setting or a second setting, the delivery service being a service for delivering consumables used by the device to a user of the device when the operating state of the device satisfies a predetermined condition, the first setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is enabled, and the second setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is not enabled; a first screen display step of displaying an instruction screen for receiving an instruction to ship the consumable when the setting related to the shipping service is determined to be the second setting by the control device; a third screen display step of displaying a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to ship the consumable when it is determined that the setting related to the shipping service is the first setting by the control device; a second screen display step of displaying the instruction screen by the control device when the setting related to the delivery service is determined to be the first setting and a first instruction to display the instruction screen is accepted on the confirmation screen, in order to accept an instruction to ship the consumable at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied; a process execution step of executing a shipping process for shipping the consumable by the control device when an instruction to ship the consumable is accepted on the instruction screen; A control method comprising:

9. A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: The terminal device computer is composed of the following parts: a communication interface for performing communication with a server, the server providing a delivery service for delivering a consumable used by the device to a user of the device when an operating state of the device satisfies a predetermined condition; and a determination unit that, when acquiring a setting related to the delivery service from the device in response to a purchase confirmation from a user of the terminal device, determines whether the setting is a first setting or a second setting, the first setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is enabled, and the second setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is not enabled; a sixth screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the second setting, causes a setting change screen to be displayed on a display unit for receiving an instruction to change the setting related to the device from the second setting to the first setting; a first screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the second setting, causes the display unit to display an instruction screen for receiving an instruction to ship the consumable; a second screen control unit that, when it is determined that the setting related to the delivery service is the first setting, causes the instruction screen to be displayed on the display unit in order to receive an instruction to deliver the consumable at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied; a process execution unit that executes a shipping request process to request the server to ship the consumable product by using the communication interface when an instruction to ship the consumable product is received on the instruction screen; A computer program that functions as a

10. A control method for a control device, comprising: a determination step in which the control device, when acquiring settings related to a delivery service from a device in response to purchase confirmation from a user, determines whether the settings are a first setting or a second setting, the delivery service being a service for delivering consumables used by the device to a user of the device when the operating state of the device satisfies a predetermined condition, the first setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is enabled, and the second setting being a setting in which the provision of the delivery service is not enabled; a sixth screen display step of displaying a setting change screen for receiving an instruction to change the setting related to the device from the second setting to the first setting when the setting related to the delivery service is determined to be the second setting by the control device; a first screen display step of displaying an instruction screen for receiving an instruction to ship the consumable when the setting related to the shipping service is determined to be the second setting by the control device; a second screen display step of displaying the instruction screen when the setting related to the delivery service is determined to be the first setting, so that the control device can receive an instruction to deliver the consumable at a timing different from the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied; a process execution step of executing a shipping process for shipping the consumable by the control device when an instruction to ship the consumable is accepted on the instruction screen; A control method comprising:

Images