Communication system, computer program for a terminal device, and method executed by a terminal device

Abstract

To provide a user with a web page for purchasing a cartridge by using a method different from conventional methods.SOLUTION: A terminal device uses specific information including at least one of regional information and model information of a printer to determine whether a condition is satisfied or not. If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the terminal device transmits color information indicative of a selected color and a first page request to a server and displays a first web page. The first web page includes information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to the selected color but does not include information for purchasing cartridges corresponding to colors different from the selected color. If it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the terminal device transmits a second page request to the server without transmitting the color information to the server and displays a second web page. The second web page includes information for purchasing cartridges corresponding to a plurality of colors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a technique for causing a terminal device to display a web page for purchasing a cartridge to be attached to a printer.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a client terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a "terminal device"), a printer, a transfer server device, and a service providing server device. When a WEB support button included in a status monitor screen is operated on the terminal device, various information such as the remaining ink amount and the language used for the printer driver is combined with the URL (abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator) of the transfer server device to generate a WEB support URL. The terminal device transmits the WEB support URL to the transfer server device. The transfer server device generates a support service URL based on the various information included in the WEB support URL and transmits the support service URL to the terminal device as a redirect. Thereby, the terminal device accesses the service providing server device using the support service URL and displays a support service screen. The support service screen is a screen for purchasing an ink tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification realizes providing a user with a web page for purchasing a cartridge by using a method different from the conventional one.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The communication system disclosed by this specification may include a terminal device and a server. The terminal device includes a memory and an acquisition unit that acquires specific information stored in the memory. The specific information includes at least one of area information indicating the area where the terminal device is used and model information of a printer used by the terminal device. The printer can execute printing using a plurality of cartridges corresponding to a plurality of colors. The acquisition unit, a determination unit that determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied using the specific information, a first terminal-side transmission unit that, when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, transmits color information indicating a selected color selected from the plurality of colors and a first page request to the server, and a second terminal-side transmission unit that, when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, transmits a second page request to the server without transmitting the color information indicating the selected color to the server. The server includes a first server-side transmission unit that, when the color information and the first page request are received from the terminal device, transmits first web page data representing a first web page to the terminal device. The first web page includes information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to the selected color indicated by the color information among the plurality of colors and does not include information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to a color different from the selected color among the plurality of colors. The first server-side transmission unit and a second server-side transmission unit that, when the second page request is received from the terminal device without the color information being received, transmits second web page data representing a second web page to the terminal device. The second web page includes information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to each of the plurality of colors. The second server-side transmission unit may be provided.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the terminal device determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied by using the specific information stored in the memory. When the terminal device determines that the condition is satisfied, it transmits color information indicating the selected color and a first page request to the server, thereby including information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to the selected color and not including information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to a color different from the selected color. A first web page is displayed. Since the color of the cartridge is narrowed down on the first web page, the user can easily purchase the cartridge. On the other hand, when the terminal device determines that the condition is not satisfied, it transmits a second page request to the server without transmitting the color information indicating the selected color, thereby displaying a second web page including information for purchasing cartridges corresponding to each of a plurality of colors. For this reason, the user can select the color of the cartridge on the second web page and purchase the cartridge. According to the present technology, a first or second web page for purchasing a cartridge can be provided to the user by using a method different from the conventional method.

[0007] A computer program for realizing the above terminal device and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. Also, the terminal device itself and the method executed by the terminal device are novel and useful.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (Configuration of Communication System 2: Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 includes a terminal 10, a printer 100, and a plurality of servers 200, 300. In this embodiment, it is realized that a user uses the terminal 10 to access one of the servers 200, 300 and purchase an ink cartridge to be installed in the printer 100. Hereinafter, the cartridge will be referred to as "CTG".

[0010] The terminal 10 and the printer 100 are connected to an access point (hereinafter referred to as "AP") 6. Therefore, the terminal 10 and the printer 100 can communicate with each other via the AP 6. Also, the terminal 10 can be connected to the Internet 4. The terminal 10 may be connected to the Internet 4 via the AP 6, or may be connected to the Internet 4 via a base station that realizes mobile communication such as 4G or 5G. Each server 200, 300 is connected to the Internet 4. Therefore, the terminal 10 can communicate with each server 200, 300 via the Internet 4.

[0011] (Configuration of Terminal 10: Figure 2) Subsequently, with reference to Figure 2, the hardware configurations of the devices 10, 100, 200, 300 will be described. The terminal 10 is a portable terminal such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a PDA, or a tablet PC. In a modified example, the terminal 10 may be a stationary terminal. The terminal 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a Wi-Fi interface 16, and a control unit 30. Although not shown in the figure, the terminal 10 may further include an interface for executing mobile communication such as 4G or 5G. Each unit 10 - 30 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted).

[0012] The operation unit 12 is provided with a plurality of buttons. The user can input various instructions to the terminal 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 14 further functions as a so-called touch panel (i.e., an operation unit). The Wi-Fi interface 16 is an interface for establishing a wireless connection with the AP 6.

[0013] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to various programs 40, 42, 50 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 34 stores an OS program 40, a browser application 42, and a printer application 50. Hereinafter, an application may be referred to as an "app".

[0014] The OS program 40 is a program for realizing the basic operations of the terminal 10, such as iOS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), etc. The OS program 40 is pre-stored in the terminal 10 at the time of shipment of the terminal 10. When the user executes the initial settings of the terminal 10, the user designates the region where the terminal 10 is used (e.g., Japan, the United States, Europe, etc.). Region information indicating the region designated by the user is stored in the storage area for the OS program 40 allocated to the memory 34.

[0015] The browser app 42 is a program for accessing a web server (such as servers 200 and 300) on the Internet to view web pages. The browser app 42 is pre-stored in the terminal 10 since the shipping stage of the terminal 10. The browser app 42 is a general-purpose web browser application such as Internet Explorer (registered trademark) and Microsoft Edge (registered trademark), and is generally provided by a software vendor other than the vendor of the printer 100. The printer app 50 is provided by the vendor of the printer 100. Not limited to the use of the above general-purpose web browser application, the printer app 50 may have a function of displaying a web page as a WebView. In this case, the WebView function is included in the printer app 50 and is provided by the vendor of the printer 100.

[0016] The printer app 50 is a program for causing the printer 100 to execute printing. The printer app 50 is a program provided by the vendor of the printer 100 and is installed in the terminal 10 after the terminal 10 is shipped. Although details will be described later, the user can select a printer (printer 100 in this embodiment) to be controlled by the printer app 50. In this case, information such as the model name "AAA" of the printer 100 selected by the user and the status of the printer 100 is stored in the storage area for the printer app 50 allocated to the memory 34. Further, a determination table 52 is stored in the storage area when the printer app 50 is installed in the terminal 10. The determination table 52 is a table for determining which of the servers 200 and 300 should be accessed in order to purchase the ink CTG using the terminal 10.

[0017] (Configuration of Printer 100) The printer 100 is a peripheral device capable of executing a printing function (e.g., a peripheral device of the terminal 10). Note that the printer 100 only needs to have at least a printing function, and may be a multifunction device having a scanning function, a facsimile function, etc. The printer 100 has a model name "AAA". The printer 100 includes an operation unit 112, a Wi-Fi interface 116, a printing execution unit 118, and a control unit 130. Each of the units 112 to 130 is connected to a bus line (reference numerals omitted).

[0018] The operation unit 112 includes a plurality of buttons. The user can input various instructions to the printer 100 by operating the operation unit 112. The Wi-Fi interface 116 is an interface for establishing a wireless connection with the AP6. In this embodiment, the printing execution unit 118 includes an inkjet printing mechanism. Ink CTGs for accommodating the ink of each of the four colors of CMYK are detachably attached to the printing execution unit 118. The printing execution unit 118 can perform color printing using the four colors of CMYK ink. Note that in a modification, the printing execution unit 118 may include a printing mechanism of another method such as an electrophotographic method or a thermal method.

[0019] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes according to a program 136 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc.

[0020] (Configuration of the servers 200 and 300) Each of the servers 200 and 300 is a so-called web server, and may be installed on the Internet 4, for example, by the vendor of the printer 100, or may be installed on the Internet 4 by a business operator different from the vendor of the printer 100. Each of the servers 200 and 300 provides a web page for purchasing the ink CTG to be attached to the printer 100.

[0021] The first server 200 includes a communication interface 216 and a control unit 230. Each of the units 216 and 230 is connected to a bus line (reference numerals omitted). The communication interface 216 is connected to the Internet 4. The control unit 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The CPU 232 executes various processes according to a program 236 stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is constituted by a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc.

[0022] The second server 300 includes a communication interface 316 and a control unit 330. Each of the units 316 and 330 is connected to a bus line (reference numerals omitted). The communication interface 316 is connected to the Internet 4. The control unit 330 includes a CPU 332 and a memory 334. The CPU 332 executes various processes according to a program 336 stored in the memory 334. The memory 334 is constituted by a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc.

[0023] The first server 200 permits access from a region (e.g., Europe) indicated by the regional information "XXX" (i.e., it is possible to sell ink CTG to residents of that region), but does not permit access from other regions (e.g., Japan, the United States, etc.). The second server 300 permits access from a region (e.g., Japan or the United States) indicated by the regional information "YYY" or "ZZZ", but does not permit access from other regions (e.g., Europe). Also, the first server 200 can sell ink CTG for a printer (e.g., printer 100) having a model name "AAA", but cannot sell ink CTG for a printer having a model name "BBB". The second server 300 can sell both ink CTG for a printer having a model name "AAA" and ink CTG for a printer having a model name "BBB".

[0024] As described above, in the first and second servers 200 and 300, the accessible regions are limited, and furthermore, the printer models are limited. When a user wishes to purchase an ink CTG using the printer app 50 of the terminal 10, it is necessary to access either server 200 or 300. For this purpose, in this embodiment, the printer app 50 accesses an appropriate server 200 or 300 according to the region information stored in the terminal 10 and the model name of the printer 100 controlled by the printer app 50. Therefore, the user can appropriately purchase the ink CTG.

[0025] Also, although it will be described in detail later, the first server 200 can provide a web page in which the ink CTGs of the colors preselected by the user are narrowed down among the various ink CTGs that the first server 200 can sell. On the other hand, the second server 300 cannot provide a web page in which the ink CTGs of the colors preselected by the user are narrowed down. For this reason, when the printer app 50 should access the first server 200 according to the region information and the model name, the printer app 50 causes the user to execute color selection before accessing the first server 200. Also, when the printer app 50 should access the second server 300 according to the region information and the model name, the printer app 50 does not cause the user to execute color selection before accessing the second server 300. In this way, the printer app 50 can execute appropriate processing according to whether it should access the first server 200 or the second server 300.

[0026] (Printer registration sequence: FIG. 3) Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 3, the process for registering information regarding the printer 100 in the terminal 10 will be described. In the description of FIG. 3, for ease of understanding, the operations executed by the CPU (for example, CPU 32) of each device are described mainly with each device (for example, terminal 10, etc.) as the main body without describing the CPU as the main body. This also applies to the descriptions of FIGS. 6 and 7 described later.

[0027] At T10, the terminal 10 receives an operation from the user to start the printer application 50. As a result, the terminal 10 starts the printer application 50 and executes each of the following processes T12 to T42 according to the printer application 50.

[0028] At T12, the terminal 10 causes the top screen SC0 to be displayed on the display unit 14. The top screen SC0 includes an add printer icon which is a trigger to start the registration process. When information about the printer has not yet been registered in the terminal 10, the icon is displayed. The top screen SC0 further includes a print icon for causing a registered printer to execute printing.

[0029] At T14, when the terminal 10 receives an operation from the user to select the add printer icon, at T20, it broadcasts a search signal to AP6 (refer to the drawing). The search signal is a signal for searching for printers connected to AP6 and in this case, is received by the printer 100. Then, at T22, the terminal 10 receives from the printer 100, via AP6, a response signal including the model name "AAA" of the printer 100. In this case, at T24, the terminal 10 causes the printer selection screen SC1 including the model name "AAA" in the response signal to be displayed on the display unit 14.

[0030] At T30, the terminal 10 receives an operation from the user to select the model name "AAA" included in the printer selection screen SC1. In this case, at T32, the terminal 10 registers information about the printer 100 in the storage area for the printer application 50 allocated to the memory 34. The information includes not only the model name "AAA" of the printer 100 but also, for example, printing conditions available for the printer 100 (such as paper size, number of colors, etc.), information such as the IP address of the printer 100.

[0031] Next, at T34, the terminal 10 starts polling. This polling is a process for periodically obtaining remaining amount information indicating the remaining amounts of the inks stored in the respective color ink CTGs mounted on the printer 100. Specifically, at T40, the terminal 10 transmits a request signal to the printer 100, and at T42, receives the ink remaining amount information from the printer 100. The terminal 10 stores the latest ink remaining amount information received from the printer 100 in the memory 34.

[0032] By executing each of the above processes, the terminal 10 can register information regarding the printer 100 in the memory 34. In this case, when the terminal 10 receives an operation from the user to select the print icon included in the top screen SC0, it can transmit print data to the printer 100 and cause the printer 100 to execute printing of the image represented by the print data.

[0033] Furthermore, in response to the completion of the registration of information regarding the printer 100, the terminal 10 executes a screen update process (see FIG. 4). This process is for updating the display content of the top screen SC0.

[0034] (Screen update process: FIG. 4) Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 4, a screen update process (see the last step of FIG. 3) executed by the CPU 32 of the terminal 10 according to the printer application 50 will be described. In the following description, the printer application 50 will be mainly described without mainly describing the CPU 32. This also applies to FIG. 5 described later.

[0035] At S10, the printer application 50 obtains region information from the storage area for the OS program 40 allocated in the memory 34. At S10, the printer application 50 further obtains the model name "AAA" (see T32 in FIG. 3) from the storage area for the printer application 50 allocated in the memory 34.

[0036] In S12, the printer application 50 acquires the determination table 52 from the storage area for the printer application 50 allocated in the memory 34. In a modified example, instead of acquiring the determination table 52 from the memory 34, the printer application 50 may acquire the determination table 52 from an external server. The determination table 52 is a table in which a model name, region information, and server information are associated. As described above, in the first and second servers 200 and 300, the accessible regions are limited, and furthermore, the printer models are limited. The server information included in the determination table 52 indicates whether the server to be accessed according to the model name and region information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "support server") is the first server 200 or the second server 300. For example, the support server corresponding to the model name "AAA" and the region information "XXX" is the first server 200, and the support server corresponding to the model name "AAA" and the region information "YYY" is the second server 300. Also, for example, the support server corresponding to the model name "BBB" is the second server 300 regardless of the region information, and the support server corresponding to the region information "ZZZ" is the second server 300 regardless of the model name.

[0037] In S14, the printer application 50 uses the region information and model name acquired in S10 and the determination table 52 acquired in S12 to determine whether the support server is the first server 200 or the second server 300. When the printer application 50 determines that the support server is the first server 200 (YES in S14), in S20, it stores the first server information in the memory 34. Here, the printer application 50 stores the first server information in a predetermined storage area different from the determination table 52. When the printer application 50 determines that the support server is the second server 300 (NO in S14), in S22, it stores the second server information in the memory 34. Here, the printer application 50 stores the second server information in the above-mentioned predetermined storage area.

[0038] Next, in S30, the printer app 50 acquires the latest ink remaining amount information from the memory 34, and uses the ink remaining amount information to determine whether there is an ink CTG with a remaining amount below a predetermined level among the four ink CTGs installed in the printer 100. The predetermined level is 30% in this embodiment, but may be a value different from 30% (for example, 20% or 40%) in a modified example. If the printer app 50 determines that there is an ink CTG with a remaining amount below the predetermined level (YES in S30), it proceeds to S32. If it determines that there is no ink CTG with a remaining amount below the predetermined level (NO in S30), it proceeds to S34.

[0039] In S32, the printer app 50 causes the display unit 14 to display a top screen SC2 including a printer object 400 indicating error information 402 and a server icon 404. The error information 402 indicates that there is an ink CTG with a remaining amount below the predetermined level. In the example of FIG. 4, it indicates that the respective ink CTGs of M and K are below the predetermined level. Since the error information 402 is displayed, the user can know that there is an ink CTG with a remaining amount below the predetermined level, that is, that they should access the servers 200 and 300 to purchase an ink CTG. The printer object 400 further includes the model name "AAA" of the printer 100. The server icon 404 is an icon for accessing one of the servers 200 and 300. When S32 ends, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

[0040] In S34, the printer app 50 causes the display unit 14 to display a top screen SC2 including a printer object 410 that does not indicate error information 402 and the server icon 404. When S34 ends, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

[0041] In addition, when the printer app 50 is launched after information about the printer 100 has been registered, the top screen SC0 of T12 in FIG. 3 is not displayed. Instead, the processes of S30 to S34 in FIG. 4 are executed, and the top screen SC2 or the top screen SC3 is displayed. Also, there may be a region that does not correspond to either the first server 200 or the second server 300. In the determination table 52, "N / A (i.e., not applicable)" is stored as the server information corresponding to the region information indicating such a region. When the printer app 50 identifies "N / A (i.e., not applicable)" as the server information corresponding to the acquired region information in the determination in S14 using the determination table 52, it does not execute S20 and S22, and further, in S32 or S34, it does not display the server icon 404.

[0042] (Server access process: FIG. 5) Subsequently, referring to FIG. 5, the server access process executed by the CPU 32 of the terminal 10 according to the printer app 50 will be described. This process is triggered by the server icon 404 being selected by the user on the top screen SC2 or the top screen SC3 (see S32, S34 in FIG. 3).

[0043] When the printer app 50 receives an operation of selecting the server icon 404 from the user, in S50, it determines whether the first server information is stored in the memory 34 (see S20 in FIG. 3) or whether the second server information is stored in the memory 34 (see S22). Specifically, when the first server information is stored in the above-mentioned predetermined storage area separate from the determination table 52, the printer app 50 determines that the first server information is stored (YES in S50) and proceeds to S52. Also, when the second server information is stored in the above-mentioned predetermined storage area, the printer app 50 determines that the second server information is stored (NO in S50) and proceeds to S70.

[0044] In S52, the printer application 50 displays a color selection screen SC4 on the display unit 14. The color selection screen SC4 is a screen for selecting one or more colors from the four colors of CMYK, and includes four check boxes 420 corresponding to the four colors of CMYK. The user can select the color of the ink CTG to be purchased by selecting a check box. The color selection screen SC4 also includes the latest ink remaining amount information stored in the memory 34. Therefore, the user can easily know the color with the least amount of ink remaining, and can appropriately select the color of the ink CTG to be purchased.

[0045] The color selection screen SC4 includes a confirmation icon 430 for confirming the selection of one or more colors. In a state where no color has been selected, i.e., in a state where the color selection screen SC4 is displayed in S52, the confirmation icon 430 has a so-called grayed-out display state. In other words, the confirmation icon 430 has a display state in which it is not possible to accept a user selection.

[0046] In S54, the printer application 50 monitors whether the selection of one or more colors is accepted from the user. When the printer application 50 accepts the selection of one or more colors (YES in S54), in S56, the printer application 50 enables the confirmation icon 430. That is, the printer application 50 cancels the graying out of the confirmation icon 430. That is, the confirmation icon 430 has a display mode that allows the user's selection to be accepted. In this way, since the color selection screen SC4 includes the confirmation icon 430, the user can easily understand that the ink CTG can be purchased by selecting the confirmation icon 430 after selecting one or more colors.

[0047] Next, in S58, the printer application 50 monitors whether the user has selected the confirmation icon 430. If the printer application 50 has selected the confirmation icon 430 (YES in S58), the printer application 50 proceeds to S60.

[0048] When the printer app 50 determines NO in S58 because the selection of any color is cancelled or another color is further selected without the confirmation icon 430 being selected, it returns to S54. Here, when all color selections are cancelled (for example, when the selections of M and K displayed in S56 are cancelled), the printer app 50 determines NO in S54 and waits until it accepts a color selection. When some color selections are cancelled (for example, when only the selection of K among M and K displayed in S56 is cancelled), the printer app 50 determines YES in S54 and, in S56, displays the latest selection result (for example, the state where M is selected). When the color selection is partially changed (for example, when only the selection of K among M and K displayed in S56 is cancelled and Y is selected), the printer app 50 determines YES in S54 and, in S56, displays the latest selection result (for example, the state where M and Y are selected). When all color selections are changed (for example, when the selections of M and K among M and K displayed in S56 are cancelled and Y is selected), the printer app 50 determines YES in S54 and, in S56, displays the latest selection result (for example, the state where Y is selected).

[0049] In S60, the printer app 50 transmits color information indicating one or more colors selected on the color selection screen SC4, the model name "AAA" of the printer 100, and a page request to the first server 200. Although it will be described in detail later, when the page request is transmitted to the first server 200, product purchase page data is received from the first server 200, and the product purchase page represented by the data is displayed on the display unit 14. When S60 ends, the process of FIG. 5 ends.

[0050] In S70, the printer app 50 sends the model name "AAA" of the printer 100 and a page request to the second server 300. The color information is not sent to the second server 300. As will be described in detail later, when the page request is sent to the second server 300, product selection page data is received from the second server 300, and the product selection page represented by the data is displayed on the display unit 14. When S70 ends, the process of FIG. 5 ends.

[0051] (Specific case: FIGS. 6 and 7) Subsequently, a specific case realized according to each process of FIGS. 4 and 5 will be described. Case A in FIG. 6 is a case where the first server information is stored in the memory 34. Case B in FIG. 7 is a case where the second server information is stored in the memory 34. Here, in case A, it is assumed that the user of the terminal 10 has previously registered information (such as account information, address information, credit card information, etc.) for purchasing ink CTG via the first server 200. In case B, it is assumed that the user of the terminal 10 has previously registered information for purchasing ink CTG via the second server 300 with the second server 300.

[0052] (Case A: FIG. 6) The terminal 10 executes processes T100 to T122 according to the printer app 50. In case A, the terminal 10 stores the model name "AAA" and the region information "XXX". The model name "AAA" and the region information "XXX" are stored in a predetermined area different from the determination table 52 in the memory 34. Based on the determination table 52, the terminal 10 determines that the support server corresponding to the model name "AAA" and the region information "XXX" is the first server 200 (YES in S14 of FIG. 4), and stores the first server information in T100 (S20).

[0053] At terminal 10, at T102, it displays the top screen SC2 (YES at S30, S32), and at T110, it accepts the selection of the server icon 404 (the trigger for the process in FIG. 5). In this case, at T112, terminal 10 displays the color selection screen SC4 (YES at S50, S52). In this way, in response to the selection of the server icon 404, the color selection screen SC4 is displayed instead of the top screen SC2. Compared with the configuration that accepts color selection on the top screen SC2, it is easier for the user to understand the operation procedure for purchasing ink CTG. Next, at T120, terminal 10 accepts the selection of M and K with low remaining amounts (YES at S52, S54, S56), and accepts the selection of the confirmation icon 430 (YES at S58). In this case, at T122, terminal 10 transmits the color information indicating M and K, the model name "AAA", and the page request to the first server 200 (S60).

[0054] When the first server 200 receives a page request or the like from terminal 10 at T122, it identifies a plurality of ink CTGs that can be installed on the printer 100 with the model name "AAA" from among various ink CTGs that the first server 200 can sell. Further, from among the plurality of ink CTGs, it identifies two ink CTGs corresponding to M and K indicated by the color information. Next, the first server 200 generates a product purchase page that includes information indicating the identified two ink CTGs and does not include information indicating other ink CTGs. Then, at T130, the first server 200 transmits the product purchase page data representing the page to terminal 10.

[0055] Each process after T132 is executed by the browser app 42 instead of the printer app 50 of the terminal 10. When the terminal 10 receives product purchase page data from the first server 200 at T130, it causes the product purchase page P1 represented by the data to be displayed on the display unit 14 at T132. On the product purchase page P1, two ink CTGs, M and K, for the printer 100 with the model name "AAA" are selected. The product purchase page P1 further includes a Buy button 450 for completing the purchase of the two selected ink CTGs. That is, on the product purchase page P1, the two ink CTGs are in a state of being placed in a so-called cart. Therefore, the user can purchase the two ink CTGs simply by selecting the Buy button 450 (i.e., with a so-called one click).

[0056] When the terminal 10 receives a selection of the Buy button 450 within the product purchase page P1 from the user at T140, it transmits button selection information indicating that the Buy button 450 has been selected to the first server 200 at T142.

[0057] When the first server 200 receives the button selection information from the terminal 10 at T142, it executes a purchase process at T150. The purchase process includes a process for shipping the two ink CTGs selected on the product purchase page P1 to the user and a process for billing the price using the user's credit card information. Then, the first server 200 transmits purchase completion page data to the terminal 10 at T160.

[0058] When the terminal 10 receives the purchase completion page data from the first server 200 at T160, it causes the purchase completion screen P2 represented by the data to be displayed on the display unit 14 at T162. Thereby, the user can know that the purchase of the ink CTG has been completed.

[0059] (Case B: Figure 7) Next, referring to FIG. 7, Case B will be described. The terminal 10 executes the processes of T200 to T212 according to the printer application 50. In Case B, the terminal 10 stores the model name "AAA" and the region information "YYY". Note that the model name "AAA" and the region information "YYY" are stored in a predetermined area separate from the determination table 52 in the memory 34. Based on the determination table 52, the terminal 10 determines that the support server corresponding to the model name "AAA" and the region information "YYY" is the second server 300 (NO in S14 of FIG. 4), and in T200, stores the second server information (S22).

[0060] In T202, the terminal 10 displays the top screen SC2 (YES in S30, S32), and in T210, accepts the selection of the server icon 404 (the trigger for the process in FIG. 5). In this case, the terminal 10 does not display the color selection screen SC4, and in T212, without transmitting the color information to the second server 300, transmits the model name "AAA" and the page request to the second server 300 (NO in S50, S70). Thus, in response to the selection of the server icon 404, the page request is transmitted to the second server 300 without the color selection screen SC4 being displayed. For this reason, a web page can be displayed with fewer operations.

[0061] When the second server 300 receives a page request or the like from the terminal 10 without receiving the color information in T212, the second server 300 identifies a plurality of ink CTGs that can be installed in the printer 100 having the model name "AAA" from among various ink CTGs that the second server 300 can sell. Next, the second server 300 generates a product selection page including information indicating the identified plurality of ink CTGs. Then, in T220, the second server 300 transmits the product selection page data representing the page to the terminal 10.

[0062] Each process after T222 is executed by the browser app 42 instead of the printer app 50 of the terminal 10. When the terminal 10 receives product selection page data from the second server 300 at T220, at T222, it causes the product selection page P3 represented by the data to be displayed on the display unit 14. The product selection page P3 is a screen for selecting one or more ink CTGs from among the four CMYK inks CTG. That is, on the product selection page P3, the ink CTGs are in a state where they are not put in a so-called cart. Therefore, the user can select one or more ink CTGs on the product selection page P3.

[0063] The product selection page P3 includes each checkbox 452 corresponding to each color and a Send button 454. When a user selects any color, a check mark is described in the checkbox 452 corresponding to the color. When the terminal 10 receives the selection of the Send button 454 after receiving the selection of the two ink CTGs M and K within the product selection page P3 from the user at T224, at T226, it transmits CTG selection information indicating that the two ink CTGs have been selected to the second server 300.

[0064] When the second server 300 receives the CTG selection information from the terminal 10 at T226, it generates a product purchase page that includes information indicating the two ink CTGs indicated by the CTG selection information and does not include information indicating other ink CTGs. Then, at T230, the second server 300 transmits product purchase page data representing the page to the terminal 10.

[0065] When the terminal 10 receives product purchase page data from the second server 300 in T230, in T232, it causes the display unit 14 to display the product purchase page P4 represented by the data. The product purchase page P4 includes a Buy button 460 for completing the purchase of the two selected ink CTGs. That is, on the product purchase page P4, the two ink CTGs are in a state of being placed in a so-called cart. The subsequent processing is the same as T140 to T162 in FIG. 6 except that communication with the second server 300 is executed.

[0066] (Effect of this embodiment) According to this embodiment, the terminal 10 determines whether to access the first server 200 or the second server 300 by using the region information stored in the memory 34 and the model name "AAA" (S14 in FIG. 4). When the terminal 10 determines that it should access the first server 200, it transmits the color information indicating M and K selected by the user and the page request to the first server 200 (S60 in FIG. 5, T122 in FIG. 6), thereby displaying a product purchase page P1 that includes information for purchasing two ink CTGs corresponding to M and K and does not include information for purchasing ink CTGs corresponding to other colors (T132).

[0067] On the product purchase page P1, the colors of the ink CTG are narrowed down, so the user can easily purchase the ink CTG. For any region and any model, a configuration can be considered in which the first server 200 that is highly convenient for the user provides support. However, in view of the situation where there are printers of various regions and various models, it may be difficult for the first server 200 to support all regions and all models. For this reason, in this embodiment, a second server 300 is provided. When the terminal 10 determines that it should access the second server 300, by sending a page request to the second server without sending color information to the second server 300 (S70 in FIG. 6, T212 in FIG. 7), a product selection page P3 including information for purchasing the ink CTG corresponding to each of CMYK is displayed (T222). For this purpose, the user can select the color of the ink CTG to be purchased on the product selection page P3 and purchase the ink CTG.

[0068] (Corresponding relationship) The two servers 200 and 300 are an example of a "server". The printer application 50 of the terminal 10 is an example of a "computer program for a terminal device". The region information and the model name are an example of "specific information". The fact that the support server is the first server 200 is an example of a "predetermined condition". The page request of S60 in FIG. 5 and the page request of S70 are examples of a "first page request" and a "second page request", respectively. The product purchase page P1 in FIG. 6 and the product selection page P3 in FIG. 7 are examples of a "first web page" and a "second web page", respectively.

[0069] The color selection screen SC4 and the top screen SC2 (or SC3) are each an example of the "first screen" and the "second screen", respectively. The confirmation icon 430 and the server icon 404 are each an example of the "first icon" and the "second icon", respectively. The information 402 in the top screen SC2 of FIG. 4 is an example of the "information indicating a low remaining amount". The Buy button 450 included in the product purchase page P1 of FIG. 6 is an example of the "purchase button" included in the "first web page". The Buy button 460 included in the product purchase page P4 of FIG. 7 is an example of the "purchase button" included in the "third web page".

[0070] S10 and S14 in FIG. 4 are each an example of the processing executed by the "acquisition unit" and the "judgment unit", respectively. S60 and S70 in FIG. 5 are each an example of the processing executed by the "first terminal-side transmission unit (or the first transmission unit)" and the "second terminal-side transmission unit (or the second transmission unit)", respectively. T130 in FIG. 6 and T220 in FIG. 7 are each an example of the processing executed by the "first server-side transmission unit" and the "second server-side transmission unit", respectively. S52 and S56 in FIG. 5 are an example of the processing executed by the "first display control unit". T42 in FIG. 3 is an example of the processing executed by the "reception unit". S32 and S34 in FIG. 4 are an example of the processing executed by the "second display control unit".

[0071] As described above, specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples exemplified above. Some modification examples are listed below.

[0072] (Modification Example 1) Instead of the first and second servers 200 and 300, the communication system 2 may include only one server. In this case, at S60 in FIG. 5, the terminal 10 transmits color information, a model name, and a page request to the server, and at S70, without transmitting the color information, transmits the model name and the page request to the server. Generally speaking, the "server" may be a plurality of servers as in the above-described embodiment, or may be one server as in this modification example.

[0073] (Modification Example 2) Instead of the ink CTG, the first and second servers 200 and 300 may sell a CTG that houses another colorant such as toner. In another modification example, instead of the CTG that houses the colorant, the first and second servers 200 and 300 may sell another type of CTG such as a developing roller CTG. Generally speaking, the "cartridge" is not limited to the CTG that houses the colorant.

[0074] (Modification Example 3) Each of the web pages P1 to P4 represented by each data received from the first and second servers 200 and 300 may not be displayed by the browser application 42, but may be displayed by the printer application 50. Generally speaking, the entity that causes the first to third web pages to be displayed on the display unit may be a browser application as in the above-described embodiment, or may be a printer application as in this modification example.

[0075] (Modification Example 4) When the printer application 50 determines YES at S50 in FIG. 5, it may select a color with a remaining amount equal to or less than a predetermined value from among the four CMYK colors without executing S52 to S58. That is, instead of receiving a color selection from the user, the printer application 50 may automatically select a color. In this modification example, the "first display control unit" can be omitted.

[0076] (Modification Example 5) The color selection screen SC4 may not include ink remaining amount information. Generally speaking, the "first screen" may not include remaining amount information.

[0077] (Modification Example 6) In S52 of FIG. 5, the color selection screen SC4 may not include the confirmation icon 430. In this case, in S54, on the condition that a color is selected, the confirmation icon 430 may be displayed in S56. Further, in another modification example, in S52, the color selection screen SC4 may include the confirmation icon 430 having a normal display mode instead of a grayed-out display mode. That is, the confirmation icon 430 may be able to accept the user's selection in a state where no color is selected. In this case, in S60, color information indicating that no color is selected may be transmitted to the first server 200.

[0078] (Modification Example 7) The color selection screen SC4 may not include the confirmation icon 430. In this case, when one color is selected on the color selection screen SC4, the terminal 10 may transmit color information indicating the color and a page request to the first server 200. Generally speaking, the "first screen" may not include the first icon.

[0079] (Modification Example 6) When one color is selected on the color selection screen SC4, the printer app 50 may transmit color information indicating the color to the first server 200 before the confirmation icon 430 is selected. Thereafter, when the confirmation icon 430 is selected, the printer app 50 may transmit a page request to the first server 200. Generally speaking, the "first transmission unit" may transmit color information to the server before the first icon is selected. Also, the "first transmission unit" may transmit color information and a page request to the server at the same timing as in the above-described embodiment, or may transmit color information and a page request to the server at different timings as in this modification example.

[0080] (Modification Example 7) In the above-described embodiment, in FIG. 4, the printer application 50 first executes the determination in S14, and then displays the top screen SC2 in S32 or S34. Instead, in FIG. 4, the printer application 50 may first execute the processes of S30 to S34, and then execute the processes of S10 to S22. Generally speaking, the timing of the determination executed by the "determination unit" may be the timing before the second screen is displayed as in the above-described embodiment, or the timing after the second screen is displayed as in this modification example. Also, in another modification example, in FIG. 4, the printer application 50 may first execute the processes of S30 to S34, and then execute the processes of S10 to S22 when the server icon 404 is selected. Generally speaking, the timing of the determination executed by the "determination unit" may be the timing after the second icon is selected.

[0081] (Modification Example 8) S30 in FIG. 4 does not have to be executed. In this case, the top screen SC2 including the information 402 indicating that the ink remaining amount is low is not displayed, and the top screen SC3 is displayed. Generally speaking, the "second screen" does not have to include the information indicating that the remaining amount is low. Also, in this modification example, the "reception unit" can be omitted.

[0082] (Modification Example 9) The product purchase page P1 in FIG. 6 includes the Buy button 450 for completing the purchase, and the CTG is placed in the so-called cart. Instead, the product purchase page P1 does not have to include the Buy button 450. In this case, on the product purchase page P1, when the user executes an operation of putting the CTG into the cart, the CTG may be put into the cart. Generally speaking, the "first web page" does not have to include the purchase button.

[0083] (Modification Example 10) In S10 of FIG. 4, the printer application 50 may obtain only the regional information without obtaining the model name. In this case, the determination table 52 may not include the model name. In another modification example, in S10, the printer application 50 may obtain only the model name without obtaining the regional information. In this case, the determination table 52 may not include the regional information. Generally speaking, the "specific information" may include at least one of the regional information and the model information.

[0084] (Modification Example 11) In the above-described embodiment, each process in FIGS. 3 to 7 is realized by software, but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0085] The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Also, the technology exemplified in this specification or the drawings can achieve multiple purposes simultaneously, and achieving one of these purposes itself has technical utility. The matters described in the claims at the time of filing are listed below. (Item 1) A communication system comprising: a terminal device; a server, and the terminal device includes: a memory; an acquisition unit that acquires specific information stored in the memory, the specific information including at least one of region information indicating the region where the terminal device is used and model information of a printer used by the terminal device, and the printer being capable of performing printing using a plurality of cartridges corresponding to a plurality of colors, the acquisition unit; a determination unit that determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied using the specific information; a first terminal-side transmission unit that, when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, transmits color information indicating a selected color selected from the plurality of colors and a first page request to the server; a second terminal-side transmission unit that, when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, transmits a second page request to the server without transmitting the color information indicating the selected color to the server; the server includes: a first server-side transmission unit that, when the color information and the first page request are received from the terminal device, transmits first web page data representing a first web page to the terminal device, the first web page including information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to the selected color indicated by the color information among the plurality of colors and not including information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to a color different from the selected color among the plurality of colors, the first server-side transmission unit; a second server-side transmission unit that, when the second page request is received from the terminal device without the color information being received, transmits second web page data representing a second web page to the terminal device, the second web page including information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to each of the plurality of colors, the second server-side transmission unit, a communication system. (Item 2) The first web page includes a purchase button for completing the purchase of the cartridge corresponding to the selected color. In the communication system according to item 1, when a specific cartridge is selected by a user from among a plurality of cartridges corresponding to the plurality of colors on the second web page, a third web page including a purchase button for completing the purchase of the specific cartridge is displayed on the terminal device. (Item 3) A computer program for a terminal device, wherein the computer of the terminal device is caused to function as each of the following parts, namely, an acquisition unit that acquires specific information stored in the memory of the terminal device, the specific information including at least one of region information indicating the region where the terminal device is used and model information of a printer used by the terminal device, the printer being capable of performing printing using a plurality of cartridges corresponding to a plurality of colors; the acquisition unit; a determination unit that determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied using the specific information; a first transmission unit that, when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, transmits color information indicating a selected color selected from among the plurality of colors and a first page request to a server; a second transmission unit that, when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, transmits a second page request to the server without transmitting the color information indicating the selected color to the server; A computer program that causes the above to function. (Item 4) The computer program further causes the computer to function as a first display control unit that, when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, displays a first screen for selecting one or more colors from among the plurality of colors on a display unit of the terminal device, and when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the first screen is not displayed on the display unit; the first display control unit; The computer program according to item 3, wherein the first transmission unit transmits the color information indicating the selected color, which is the one or more colors selected by the user from among the plurality of colors on the first screen, to the server. (Item 5) Each of the plurality of cartridges corresponding to the plurality of colors is an ink cartridge that stores an ink of a corresponding color. The computer program further causes the computer to function as Function as a receiving unit that receives, from the printer, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the coloring material contained in each of the plurality of cartridges mounted on the printer. The first screen is the computer program according to item 4, including the remaining amount information. (Item 6) The first screen is the computer program according to item 4 or 5, including a first icon for confirming the selection of the one or more colors. (Item 7) After one or more colors are selected by the user from the plurality of colors, when the first icon is selected by the user, the first transmitting unit transmits the color information and the first page request to the server, which is the computer program according to item 6. (Item 8) The computer program further causes the computer to Function as a second display control unit that causes the display unit to display a second screen including a second icon for accessing the server. When it is determined that the condition is satisfied and the second icon is selected by the user, the first display control unit causes the display unit to display the first screen, which is the computer program according to any one of items 4 to 7. (Item 9) When it is determined that the condition is not satisfied and the second icon is selected by the user, the second transmitting unit transmits the second page request to the server without transmitting the color information, which is the computer program according to item 8. (Item 10) Each of the plurality of cartridges corresponding to the plurality of colors is a coloring material cartridge that houses the coloring material of the corresponding color. The computer program further causes the computer to Function as a receiving unit that receives, from the printer, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the coloring material contained in each of the plurality of cartridges mounted on the printer. When there is a cartridge in the plurality of cartridges mounted on the printer whose remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the second screen includes information indicating that the remaining amount is small, which is the computer program according to item 8 or 9. (Item 11) The specific information includes the region information and the model information, which is the computer program according to any one of items 3 to 10. (Item 12) A method executed by a terminal device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring specific information stored in a memory of the terminal device, the specific information including at least one of area information indicating an area where the terminal device is used and model information of a printer used by the terminal device, the printer being capable of performing printing using a plurality of cartridges corresponding to a plurality of colors; the acquisition step; a determination step of determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied using the specific information; a first transmission step of transmitting color information indicating a selected color selected from the plurality of colors and a first page request to a server when it is determined that the condition is satisfied; a second transmission step of transmitting a second page request to the server without transmitting the color information indicating the selected color to the server when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied; A method comprising the above.

Description of Symbols

[0086] 2: Communication system, 4: Internet, 6: Access point, 10: Terminal, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Wi-Fi interface, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 40: OS program, 42: Browser application, 50: Printer application, 52: Judgment table, 100: Printer, 112: Operation unit, 116: Wi-Fi interface, 118: Printing execution unit, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: Program, 200: First server, 216: Communication interface, 230: Control unit, 232: CPU, 234: Memory, 236: Program, 300: Second server, 316: Communication interface, 330: Control unit, 332: CPU, 334: Memory, 336: Program

Claims

1. A communication system comprising: a terminal device; a server, wherein the terminal device includes: a memory; an acquisition unit that acquires specific information stored in the memory, the specific information including at least one of region information indicating a region where the terminal device is used and model information of a printer used by the terminal device, and the printer being capable of performing printing using a plurality of cartridges corresponding to a plurality of colors; a determination unit that determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied using the specific information; a second display control unit that causes a second screen including a second icon for accessing the server to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device; a first display control unit that causes a first screen for selecting one or more colors from among the plurality of colors to be displayed on the display unit when it is determined that the condition is satisfied and the second icon is selected by a user, and the first screen is not displayed on the display unit when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied; a first terminal-side transmission unit that transmits color information indicating the selected color, which is the one or more colors selected by the user from among the plurality of colors on the first screen, and a first page request to the server; a second terminal-side transmission unit that transmits a second page request to the server without transmitting the color information indicating the selected color to the server when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied; wherein the server includes: a first server-side transmission unit that transmits first web page data representing a first web page to the terminal device when the color information and the first page request are received from the terminal device, the first web page including information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to the selected color indicated by the color information among the plurality of colors and not including information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to a color different from the selected color among the plurality of colors; A second server-side transmission unit that transmits second web page data representing a second web page to the terminal device when the second page request is received without receiving the color information from the terminal device, wherein the second web page includes information for purchasing a cartridge corresponding to each of the plurality of colors, and the second server-side transmission unit, and a communication system. **Claim 2** The first web page includes a purchase button for completing the purchase of a cartridge corresponding to the selected color. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein when a specific cartridge is selected by a user from among a plurality of cartridges corresponding to the plurality of colors on the second web page, a third web page including a purchase button for completing the purchase of the specific cartridge is displayed on the terminal device. **Claim 3** A computer program for a terminal device, causing a computer of the terminal device to: an acquisition unit that acquires specific information stored in a memory of the terminal device, the specific information including at least one of region information indicating a region where the terminal device is used and model information of a printer used by the terminal device, the printer being capable of performing printing using a plurality of cartridges corresponding to a plurality of colors, the acquisition unit; a determination unit that determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied using the specific information; a second display control unit that causes a second screen including a second icon for accessing a server to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device; a first display control unit that causes a first screen for selecting one or more colors from among the plurality of colors to be displayed on the display unit when it is determined that the condition is satisfied and the second icon is selected by the user, and the first screen is not displayed on the display unit when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the first display control unit; a first transmission unit that transmits color information indicating a selected color, which is the one or more colors selected by the user, and a first page request to the server when the one or more colors are selected by the user from among the plurality of colors on the first screen; a second transmission unit that transmits a second page request to the server without transmitting the color information indicating the selected color to the server when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied. A computer program that functions as

4. Each of the plurality of cartridges corresponding to the plurality of colors is a color material cartridge that houses a color material of a corresponding color, The computer program further causes the computer to Function as a receiving unit that receives, from the printer, for each of the plurality of cartridges mounted on the printer, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the color material housed in the cartridge, The first screen is the computer program according to claim 3, including the remaining amount information.

5. The first screen is the computer program according to claim 3 or 4, including a first icon for confirming the selection of the one or more colors.

6. After one or more of the plurality of colors are selected by the user from the plurality of colors, when the first icon is selected by the user, the first transmission unit transmits the color information and the first page request to the server. The computer program according to claim 5.

7. When it is determined that the condition is not satisfied and the second icon is selected by the user, the second transmission unit transmits the second page request to the server without transmitting the color information. The computer program according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. Each of the plurality of cartridges corresponding to the plurality of colors is a color material cartridge that houses a color material of a corresponding color, The computer program further causes the computer to Function as a receiving unit that receives, from the printer, for each of the plurality of cartridges mounted on the printer, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the color material housed in the cartridge, When there is a cartridge in the plurality of cartridges mounted on the printer whose remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the second screen includes information indicating that the remaining amount is small. The computer program according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

9. The specific information includes the region information and the model information. The computer program according to any one of claims 3 to 8.

10. A method executed by a terminal device, An acquisition step of acquiring specific information stored in the memory of the terminal device, where the specific information includes at least one of region information indicating the region where the terminal device is used and model information of a printer used by the terminal device, and the printer is capable of performing printing using a plurality of cartridges corresponding to a plurality of colors, the acquisition step; A determination step of determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied using the specific information; A second display control step of causing a second screen including a second icon for accessing a server to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device; A first display control step of causing a first screen for selecting one or more colors from the plurality of colors to be displayed on the display unit when it is determined that the condition is satisfied and the second icon is selected by the user, and when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the first screen is not displayed on the display unit, the first display control step; A first transmission step of transmitting color information indicating the selected color, which is the one or more colors selected by the user from the plurality of colors on the first screen, and a first page request to the server; A second transmission step of transmitting a second page request to the server without transmitting the color information indicating the selected color to the server when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied; A method comprising the above.

Images