Computer program for a server, a method executed by a server, and a server

Abstract

To provide a novel technology for granting a privilege to a user.SOLUTION: A server receives user identification information and a service request for requesting start of service provision from a terminal device, and receives cartridge information indicating a type of a cartridge attached to a printer from the printer. The server receives the identification information and the service request from the terminal device, and when the cartridge information indicates a first type of cartridge attached to the printer at the sales of the printer, grants a first privilege to a user identified by the user identification information. When the identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device, and also the cartridge information indicates a second type of cartridge not attached to the printer at the sales of the printer, the first privilege is not granted to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technology related to a server that provides benefits to users. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system including a printer, a PC, and an information management server. Each time a fixed-rate printing process is executed, the printer stores printing information related to the number of pages printed and transmits the printing information to the information management server. The information management server manages the printing information when it receives the printing information from the printer. The information management server uses the printing information received from the printer to provide a fixed-rate printing process service. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-49767 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A novel technique for providing rewards to users is provided herein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a server that provides a printer-related service, the computer program comprising: a first receiving unit that receives, from a terminal device, user identification information and a service request that requests the start of provision of the service; The terminal device may also function as a second receiving unit that receives cartridge information from the printer that indicates the type of cartridge installed in the printer; and a first granting unit that grants a first benefit to a user identified by the user identification information when the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device and the cartridge information indicates a first type of cartridge that was attached to the printer when it was sold, and the first granting unit does not grant the first benefit when the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device and the cartridge information indicates a second type of cartridge that was not attached to the printer when it was sold.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the server receives from the printer cartridge information indicating a first type of cartridge that was included with the printer when the printer was sold, the server grants the first benefit to the user. On the other hand, when the server receives from the printer cartridge information indicating a second type of cartridge that was not included with the printer when the printer was sold, the server does not grant the first benefit to the user. In this way, the server can switch whether to grant the first benefit to the user depending on the type of cartridge installed in the printer.

[0007] The present invention also provides a novel and useful computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, a server implemented by the computer program, and a method executed by the server. Also, a novel and useful communication system including the server and the printer is also provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] An example of each table is shown below. [Figure 3] The sequence for Case A is shown, in which an initial subscription to the flat-rate service is executed while the bundled cartridge is installed in the printer. [Figure 4] The sequence continues from FIG. [Figure 5] The sequence for Case B is shown below, in which a second subscription to the flat-rate service is executed while the bundled cartridge is installed in the printer. [Figure 6] The sequence for Case C is shown below, in which a subscription to a flat-rate service is executed after a new printer is purchased. [Figure 7] The sequence continues from FIG. [Figure 8] The sequence for Case D is shown, in which an initial subscription to a flat-rate service is executed when a general cartridge is installed in the printer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Example) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer 10A, a terminal device 100, and a server 200. The terminal device 100 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a PDA, or a tablet PC. The printer 10A and the terminal device 100 are connected to a LAN (abbreviation for Local Area Network) 4. The printer 10A and the terminal device 100 can communicate with each other via the LAN 4. The LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. The printer 10A, the terminal device 100, and the server 200 are connected to the Internet 6. The printer 10A, the terminal device 100, and the server 200 can communicate with each other via the Internet 6. The server 200 provides a flat-rate billing service (hereinafter referred to as a "flat-rate service") related to the printer and an automatic ordering service. The flat-rate service and the automatic ordering service will be described in detail later.

[0010] (Printer 10A configuration) The printer 10A is a peripheral device (i.e., a peripheral device such as a PC) that can perform a printing function. The printer 10A may be a multi-function device that can perform a scanning function, a fax function, etc. in addition to a printing function. The printer 10A includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a communication interface 20, and a control unit 30. The printer 10A is assigned a device ID "DV1" that identifies the printer 10A. Note that the interface will be referred to as "I / F" below.

[0011] The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the printer 10A by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various pieces of information.

[0012] The print execution unit 16 is an inkjet printing mechanism. A cartridge containing ink is installed in the print execution unit 16. The print execution unit 16 prints using the ink in the cartridge. Each cartridge is assigned a cartridge number to identify it. The cartridge number is a unique string assigned to each cartridge when multiple cartridges are manufactured. Cartridges include bundled cartridges, which can be purchased from a retailer and are included with the printer when it is sold; general cartridges, which can be purchased from a retailer but are not included with the printer when it is sold; and dedicated cartridges, which cannot be purchased from a retailer and are shipped from the server 200. Each cartridge is equipped with a memory (IC chip) that stores cartridge information (cartridge number). By reading the cartridge information (cartridge number) from the cartridge memory, the printer 10A can identify whether the cartridge installed in the printer 10A is a bundled cartridge, a general cartridge, or a dedicated cartridge.

[0013] The communication I / F 20 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 20 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0014] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with a program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 34 also stores power-on time information EI and print count information PN. The power-on time information EI indicates the cumulative power-on time since the printer 10A was first turned on. The print count information PN indicates the number of prints made using the included cartridge or dedicated cartridge when the flat-rate service is being provided.

[0015] (Configuration of Server 200) The server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printer 10A. In a modified example, the server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business operator other than the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor of the printer 10A may not prepare the hardware for the server 200 itself, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor of the printer 10A may prepare a program (i.e., software) for the server 200 and implement the server 200 by installing it in the above-described environment. As described above, the server 200 provides a flat-fee service and an automatic ordering service. The flat-fee service is a service in which, if the number of printed sheets in a specified period (e.g., one month) is less than or equal to the contracted number of printed sheets (e.g., 1,000 sheets), a predetermined amount (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "flat-fee") is paid. If the number of printed sheets in the specified period exceeds the contracted number of printed sheets, a billed amount is paid that is the sum of the flat-fee and an amount corresponding to the number of printed sheets exceeding the contracted number of printed sheets (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an "additional fee"). The flat-rate service of this embodiment offers two contract plans: a first plan and a second plan. The first plan is for users who print a relatively small number of pages in a specified period, and the second plan is for users who print a relatively large number of pages in a specified period. For example, in the first plan, the contracted number of pages is 500, and the pay-as-you-go fee is 0.02 [$ / page] if the number of pages printed in the specified period exceeds the contracted number of pages. In the second plan, the contracted number of pages is 1500, and the pay-as-you-go fee is 0.01 [$ / page] if the number of pages printed in the specified period exceeds the contracted number of pages. The automatic ordering service is a service that automatically orders a new dedicated cartridge when the remaining ink level in the dedicated cartridge installed in the print execution unit 16 of the printer 10A falls below a predetermined level. In a variant, the server 200 may provide a pay-as-you-go billing service instead of the flat-rate service, in which a fee is paid according to the number of pages printed in a specified period (e.g., one month).

[0016] The server 200 includes a communication I / F 220 and a control unit 230. The communication I / F 220 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The CPU 232 executes various processes in accordance with a program 236 stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is configured from a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 234 further stores a user table 238, a discount table 240, and a history table 242.

[0017] (Table configuration; Figure 2) Next, the contents of the user table 238, discount table 240, and history table 242 in the server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0018] The user table 238 is a table for managing information about users. The user table 238 stores, in association with one another, a username for identifying a user, a password, a device ID, a token, address information indicating the address of the user, payment information, contract plan information indicating the contract plan, and applied discount information indicating a discount granted to the user. The token is authentication information for establishing an XMPP connection (short for eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) with the server 200. The payment information is information about the source of payment (for example, a credit card number).

[0019] Discount table 240 is a table for specifying the discount to be granted to a user who has subscribed to the first plan of the flat-rate service. Discount table 240 stores, in association with each other, cartridge conditions, application conditions, power-on time conditions, and discount information. Cartridge conditions correspond to the type of cartridge installed in the printer. Cartridge conditions are conditions for switching the discount granted to the user when the cartridge type is "bundled" and when the cartridge type is "standard." Application conditions are conditions for switching the discount granted to the user when the application is for the first time for the flat-rate service (i.e., "new") and when the application is for the second or subsequent time for the flat-rate service in connection with a printer replacement (i.e., "replacement"). Power-on time conditions are conditions for switching the cumulative power-on time of the printer. The power-on time condition is a condition for switching the discount given to the user depending on whether the printer's cumulative power-on time is less than a first predetermined time (e.g., "240 hours") or equals or exceeds the first predetermined time. Discount information DI1 to DI6 is information indicating the discount to be given to the user. Discount information DI1 to DI4 includes discount period information (e.g., "4 months" or "2 months") indicating the free period for the flat rate, and discount number information (e.g., "400 sheets / month" or "200 sheets / month") indicating the number of prints that can be made free of charge during the free period if the contracted number of prints is exceeded. Discount information DI5 and DI6 only include discount period information (e.g., "4 months" or "2 months") indicating the free period for the flat rate. Hereinafter, the discounts corresponding to discount information DI1 to DI6 may be referred to as the "first discount" to "sixth discount." Although not shown, the memory 234 of the server 200 also stores a discount table for specifying the discount to be given to a user who has subscribed to the second plan of the flat-rate service.

[0020] The history table 242 is a table for managing the history of discounts. The history table 242 stores device IDs and applied discount information in association with each other.

[0021] (Specific cases: Figures 3 to 8) Next, specific cases A to D realized by the communication system 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0022] (Case A; Figures 3 and 4) 3, a case A will be described in which an initial subscription to a flat-rate service is executed when the bundled cartridge 18A included with the printer 10A at the time of sale is installed in the printer 10A. In the initial state of case A, a user name U1 and a password PW1 are stored in association with each other in the user table 238 of the server 200. The history table 242 of the server 200 is empty.

[0023] When the terminal device 100 accepts a login operation at T10, it transmits login screen data to the server 200 at T12, receives the login screen data from the server 200 at T14, and displays the login screen at T16. Next, when the terminal device 100 accepts input of a user name U1 and a password PW1 into the login screen at T20, it transmits a login request including the user name U1 and the password PW1 to the server 200 at T22.

[0024] When the server 200 receives a login request from the terminal device 100 at T22, it determines at T24 that user authentication has been successful because the combination of user name U1 and password PW1 in the login request is stored in the user table 238, and determines that the contract plan information associated with the user name U1 is empty in the user table 238, and at T26 sends the first contract screen data to the terminal device 100.

[0025] When the terminal device 100 receives the first contract screen data from the server 200 in T26, it displays the first contract screen SC1 corresponding to the first contract screen data in T28. The first contract screen SC1 includes a contract start button and a cancel button. When the terminal device 100 accepts selection of the contract start button in T30, it transmits a new contract request to the server 200 in T32. The new contract request is a signal requesting the conclusion of a flat-rate service contract and is a signal indicating that this is an initial application for the flat-rate service.

[0026] When the server 200 receives a new contract request from the terminal device 100 in T32, the server 200 generates a PIN code PC1 in T34 and temporarily stores the PIN code PC1 in association with the user name U1 in the user table 238. Next, the server 200 transmits the PIN code PC1 to the terminal device 100 in T36.

[0027] When the terminal device 100 receives the PIN code PC1 from the server 200 in T36, it displays the PIN code PC1 in T38, thereby allowing the user to know the PIN code PC1 that should be input to the printer 10A.

[0028] When the printer 10A accepts the input of the PIN code PC1 in T50, the printer 10A transmits a token request including the PIN code PC1 and the device ID "DV1" of the printer 10A to the server 200 in T52.

[0029] When the server 200 receives a token request from the printer 10A in T52, it determines in T54 that authentication has been successful because the PIN code PC1 stored in T34 matches the PIN code PC1 in the token request. Next, the server 200 generates a token tk1 in T56, and stores the received device ID "DV1" and the generated token tk1 in association with the user name U1 in the user table 238 in T58. The server 200 also deletes the PIN code PC1 from the user table 238. Next, the server 200 sends the token tk1 to the printer 10A in T60.

[0030] When the printer 10A receives the token tk1 from the server 200 at T60, the printer 10A stores the received token tk1 in the memory 34 at T62. Next, the printer 10A establishes an XMPP connection with the server 200 using the token tk1 at T64. The XMPP connection is a so-called always-on connection that remains established until the printer 10A is powered off. By using the XMPP connection, the server 200 can send a request to the printer 10A across the firewall of the LAN 4 to which the printer 10A belongs, even if the server 200 does not receive the request from the printer 10A. Note that the mechanism for sending a request from the server 200 to the printer 10A may not be an XMPP connection, but may be another method. For example, an HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) connection may be established between the printer 10A and the server 200.

[0031] When an XMPP connection with printer 10A is established at T64, server 200 sends a device information request to printer 10A at T70 in Fig. 4. The device information request is a signal requesting the transmission of cartridge information indicating the type of cartridge installed in printer 10A and power-on time information EI.

[0032] When the printer 10A receives the device information request from the server 200 in T70, it uses the cartridge number of the bundled cartridge 18A to identify that the type of the bundled cartridge 18A is "bundled." Next, in T72, the printer 10A transmits device information to the server 200, including the cartridge information "bundled" and power-on time information EI ("300 hours").

[0033] When the server 200 receives the device information from the printer 10A in T72, it transmits contract plan selection screen data to the terminal device 100 in T80.

[0034] When the terminal device 100 receives contract plan selection screen data from the server 200 in T80, it displays the contract plan selection screen SC2 in T82. The contract plan selection screen SC2 includes a contract plan selection field for selecting a contract plan, an address information input field for inputting address information, a payment information input field for inputting payment information, an OK button, and a Cancel button. When the terminal device 100 accepts the selection of the first plan, the input of address information AD1, the input of payment information PI1, and the selection of the OK button in T90, it transmits a plan registration request including contract plan information "First Plan," the address information AD1, and the payment information PI1 to the server 200 in T92.

[0035] When the server 200 receives a plan registration request from the terminal device 100 in T92, it uses the discount table 240 to identify a discount to be granted to the user. Because the server 200 has already received a new contract request (see T32 in FIG. 3), it identifies this as an initial application for a flat-rate service. The server 200 also identifies the type of cartridge indicated by the received cartridge information as "bundled" and the power-on time indicated by the received power-on time information EI as "300 hours" or more, which is equal to or exceeds a first predetermined time (e.g., "240 hours"). In this case, the server 200 identifies, in T100, discount information DI2 associated with the cartridge condition "bundled," the application condition "new," and the power-on time condition "first predetermined time or more" in the discount table 240 as the applicable discount information to be granted to the user. Next, in T110, the server 200 transmits confirmation screen data including the discount information DI2 to the terminal device 100.

[0036] When the terminal device 100 receives confirmation screen data from the server 200 in T110, it displays a confirmation screen SC3 corresponding to the confirmation screen data in T112. The confirmation screen SC3 includes information indicating the contract plan selected by the user, information indicating the details of the discount applied to the user, an OK button, and a Cancel button. In this case, "First Plan" and "4 months + 200 sheets / month" are displayed on the confirmation screen SC3. This allows the user to know the details of the discount applied to the user. When the terminal device 100 accepts selection of the OK button in T120, it transmits a contract request to the server 200 in T122.

[0037] When the server 200 receives a contract request from the terminal device 100 in T122, it updates the user table 238 and the history table 242 in T124. Specifically, the server 200 stores address information AD1, payment information PI1, contract plan information "First Plan," and applied discount information DI2 in the user table 238, in association with the user name U1. The server 200 also stores the device ID "DV1" in association with the applied discount information DI2 in the history table 242. This grants the user a second discount corresponding to the discount information DI2. Next, the server 200 transmits a completion notification to the terminal device 100 indicating that the contract application has been completed. This allows the user to receive the flat-rate service provided by the server 200. The server 200 then ships the dedicated cartridge to the user of the printer 10A. Furthermore, printer 10A stores the number of pages printed using the bundled cartridge or the dedicated cartridge as print count information PN and transmits the print count information PN to server 200 every second predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours). Server 200 then determines the amount to be billed to the user after a predetermined period (e.g., one month). Server 200 uses print count information PN received from printer 10A to determine the number of pages printed within the predetermined period and determines whether the determined number of pages printed is equal to or less than the contracted number of pages. If the determined number of pages printed is equal to or less than the contracted number of pages, server 200 bills the user of printer 10A a fixed fee as the billing amount using payment information PI1 in user table 238. If the determined number of pages printed exceeds the contracted number of pages, server 200 determines an additional fee corresponding to the number of pages exceeding the contracted number of pages and bills the user of printer 10A a total of the fixed fee and the additional fee using payment information PI1. In this case, the user is given a discount of "4 months + 200 sheets / month." Therefore, the server 200 does not charge the user a flat rate during the free period (4 months). Furthermore, the server 200 does not charge the user an additional fee even if the number of prints exceeds the contracted number of prints by less than 200 sheets during the free period (4 months).If the number of prints exceeding the contracted number of prints exceeds 200 during the free period (4 months), the server 200 subtracts the contracted number of prints (for example, "1000") and "200" from the number of prints for the specified period to determine the billed number of prints indicating the number of prints for which the user should be billed.The server then bills the user for the fee corresponding to the determined billed number of prints.

[0038] (Case B; Figure 5) Next, referring to FIG. 5, we will explain Case B, in which a subscription to the flat-rate service is executed again after the contract for receiving the flat-rate service has been terminated. In Case B, a second or subsequent subscription to the flat-rate service is executed without replacing the printer. The initial state of Case B is the state after Case A in FIGS. 3 and 4. Therefore, in the user table 238 of the server 200, the user name U1, password PW1, device ID "DV1", token tk1, address information AD1, payment information PI1, contract plan information "First Plan", and applied discount information DI2 are stored in association with each other. In addition, in the history table 242 of the server 200, the device ID "DV1" and applied discount information DI2 are stored in association with each other.

[0039] 3 is executed between the terminal device 100 and the server 200. In this case, the server 200 determines that the contract plan information "first plan" is stored in association with the user name U1 in the user table 238, and transmits second contract screen data to the terminal device 100 in T226.

[0040] When the terminal device 100 receives the second contract screen data from the server 200 in T226, it displays a second contract screen SC4 corresponding to the second contract screen data in T228. The second contract screen SC4 includes information about the currently concluded contract (for example, device name "DV1" and contract plan information "First Plan"), a replacement button, a contract cancellation button, and a cancel button. The replacement button is a button for, when the user replaces their printer, using the replacement printer to apply for the flat-rate service. The contract cancellation button is a button for canceling the contract. When the terminal device 100 accepts selection of the contract cancellation button in T230, it transmits a contract cancellation request to the server 200 in T232 to request cancellation of the contract.

[0041] When the server 200 receives the contract cancellation request from the terminal device 100 in T232, the server 200 updates the user table 238 in T234. Specifically, the server 200 deletes the device ID "DV1", token tk1, address information AD1, payment information PI1, contract plan information "First Plan", and applied discount information DI2 associated with the username U1 from the user table 238. Next, the server 200 transmits a completion notification to the terminal device 100 to notify that the contract cancellation has been completed.

[0042] In this case, the user again applies for the flat-rate service. In this case, the same processes as T10 to T38 in Fig. 3 are executed between the terminal device 100 and the server 200. Note that in this case, the server 200 generates a PIN code PC2 that is different from the PIN code PC1 at T34.

[0043] At T250, printer 10A accepts input of PIN code PC2. In this case, processes similar to those at T52 to T64 in FIG. 3 are executed between printer 10A and server 200. Note that in this case, server 200 generates token tk2, which is different from token tk1, at T56. T270 is similar to T70 in FIG. 4. T272 is similar to T72 except that the power-on time indicated by power-on time information EI included in the device information is "540 hours."

[0044] Next, processing similar to T80 to T92 in Fig. 4 is executed between the terminal device 100 and the server 200. In T300, the server 200 does not specify a discount to be granted to the user because the applied discount information DI2 is stored in association with the device ID "DV1" in the history table 242. In this case, in T310, the server 200 transmits confirmation screen data that does not include discount information to the terminal device 100.

[0045] When the terminal device 100 receives confirmation screen data from the server 200 in T310, it displays a confirmation screen SC3 corresponding to the confirmation screen data in T312. The confirmation screen SC3 displayed in this case is the same as the confirmation screen SC3 in Fig. 4, except that information indicating that no discount is applied ("None") is displayed instead of information indicating the content of the discount applied to the user. T320 and T322 are the same as T120 and T122.

[0046] When the server 200 receives a contract request from the terminal device 100 in T322, it stores the address information AD1, payment information PI1, and contract plan information "first plan" in association with the user name U1 in the user table 238 in T324. Next, in T326, the server 200 transmits a completion notice indicating that the contract application has been completed to the terminal device 100. This allows the user to receive the flat-rate service provided by the server 200.

[0047] (Effect of Case B) As shown in Case A of Fig. 4, if the history table 242 does not store applied discount information associated with the device ID "DV1," the server 200 grants the user the second discount (T124 of Fig. 4). On the other hand, as shown in Case B of Fig. 5, if the history table 242 stores applied discount information DI2 associated with the device ID "DV1," the server 200 does not grant the user the second discount (T324 of Fig. 5). This configuration makes it possible to prevent a user who uses the same printer from being granted a discount multiple times.

[0048] (Case C; Figures 6 and 7) Next, referring to Figures 6 and 7, we will explain Case C, in which after printer 10A is replaced with printer 10B, a subscription to a flat-rate service is executed when printer 10B is equipped with cartridge 18B that was included with printer 10B at the time of sale. Printer 10B has the same configuration as printer 10A, except that it has device ID "DV2." The initial state of Case C is the same as the initial state of Case B in Figure 5.

[0049] First, processes similar to T10 to T24 in Fig. 3 are executed between the terminal device 100 and the server 200. T426 and T428 are similar to T226 and T228 in Fig. 5, respectively. When the terminal device 100 accepts selection of the replacement button at T430, it transmits to the server 200 a device switching request requesting a change in the device that receives the flat-rate service. T433 is similar to T234 in Fig. 5. T434 to T438 are similar to T34 to T38 in Fig. 3 except that PIN code PC3 is used.

[0050] When the printer 10B accepts the input of the PIN code PC3 in T450, the printer 10B transmits a token request including the PIN code PC3 and the device ID "DV2" of the printer 10B to the server 200 in T452.

[0051] When the server 200 receives a token request from the printer 10B at T452, it determines at T454 that the authentication has been successful because the PIN code PC3 stored at T434 matches the PIN code PC3 in the token request, generates a token tk3 at T456, and stores the received device ID "DV2" and the generated token tk3 in association with the user name U1 in the user table 238 at T458. T460 to T464 are the same as T60 to T64 in FIG. 3 except that the token tk3 is used.

[0052] 7, when printer 10B receives a device information request from server 200, it uses the cartridge number of bundled cartridge 18B to identify that the type of bundled cartridge 18B is "bundled." Next, in T472, printer 10B identifies that the type of bundled cartridge 18B installed in printer 10B is "bundled," and in T472 sends device information including the cartridge information "bundled" and power-on time information EI ("1 hour") to server 200.

[0053] T480 to T492 are the same as T80 to T92 in FIG. 4. The server 200 uses the discount table 240 to identify the discount to be granted to the user. Because the server 200 has already received a device switching request (see T432 in FIG. 6), it identifies this as a second or subsequent application for the flat-rate service in connection with a printer replacement (i.e., a "replacement purchase"). The server 200 also identifies the cartridge type indicated by the previously received cartridge information as "bundled" and the power-on time indicated by the previously received power-on time information EI as being less than a first predetermined time (e.g., "240 hours"). In this case, in T500, the server 200 identifies, as the applicable discount information, discount information DI3 associated with the cartridge condition "bundled," the application condition "replacement," and the power-on time condition "less than a first predetermined time" in the discount table 240. Next, in T510, the server 200 transmits confirmation screen data including the discount information DI3 to the terminal device 100.

[0054] When the terminal device 100 receives the confirmation screen data from the server 200 in T510, it displays the confirmation screen SC3 corresponding to the confirmation screen data in T512. The confirmation screen SC3 displayed in this case is the same as the confirmation screen SC3 in Fig. 4, except that "2 months + 400 sheets / month" is displayed in the information indicating the discount applied to the user. T520 and T522 are the same as T120 and T122.

[0055] When the server 200 receives a contract request from the terminal device 100 in T522, it updates the user table 238 and the history table 242 in T524. Specifically, the server 200 stores address information AD1, payment information PI1, contract plan information "First Plan," and applied discount information DI3 in association with the user name U1 in the user table 238. The server 200 also stores device ID "DV2" in association with the applied discount information DI3 in the history table 242. As a result, the user is granted a third discount corresponding to the applied discount information DI3. T526 is the same as T126 in FIG. 4.

[0056] (Effect of Case C) As shown in Case A of FIGS. 3 and 4, the server 200 applies a second discount to the user when the time indicated by the power-on time information EI is equal to or greater than the first predetermined time (T124 of FIG. 4). On the other hand, as shown in Case C of FIGS. 6 and 7, the server 200 applies a third discount to the user when the time indicated by the power-on time information EI is less than the first predetermined time (T524 of FIG. 7). In the discount sheet count information included in the discount information, the discount of "400 sheets / month" granted when the power-on time is less than the first predetermined time is greater than the discount of "200 sheets / month" granted when the power-on time is equal to or greater than the first predetermined time. If the power-on time is short, it is highly likely that the user signed up for the flat-rate service relatively soon after purchasing the printer. The above configuration allows for a larger discount to be granted to a user who signs up for the flat-rate service relatively soon after purchasing the printer.

[0057] As shown in Case A of FIGS. 3 and 4, the server 200 applies a second discount to the user when this is the first time the user applies for the flat-rate service (T124 of FIG. 4). On the other hand, as shown in Case C of FIGS. 6 and 7, the server 200 applies a third discount to the user when this is the second time the user applies for the flat-rate service in connection with the purchase of a new printer (T524 of FIG. 7). In the discount period information of the discount information, the "4-month" discount granted when this is the first time the user applies for the flat-rate service is greater than the "2-month" discount granted when this is the second time the user applies for the flat-rate service in connection with the purchase of a new printer. This configuration makes it possible to increase the discount granted to the user who first applies for the flat-rate service.

[0058] (Case D; Figure 8) 8, we will explain case C, in which an initial application for a flat-rate service is made when a general cartridge 18C that was not included in the printer 10A when it was sold is installed in the printer 10A. The initial state of case D is the same as the initial state of case A in FIGS. 3 and 4, except that a general cartridge 18C is installed in the print execution unit 16 of the printer 10A and the power-on time information EI ("500 hours").

[0059] First, processing similar to T10 to T38 in FIG. 3 is executed between the terminal device 100 and the server 200. Next, processing similar to T50 to T64 in FIG. 3 is executed between the printer 10A and the server 200. When the printer 10A receives the device information request from the server 200 in T670, it uses the cartridge number of the general cartridge 18C to identify that the type of the general cartridge 18C is "general." Next, in T672, the printer 10A transmits device information including the cartridge information "general" and power-on time information EI ("500 hours") to the server 200.

[0060] Next, processing similar to T80 to T92 in FIG. 4 is executed between the terminal device 100 and the server 200. The server 200 uses the discount table 240 to identify the discount to be granted to the user. Because the server 200 has already received a new contract request (see T32 in FIG. 3), it identifies this as an initial application for the flat-rate service (i.e., "new"). The server 200 also identifies the cartridge type indicated by the received cartridge information as "general" and the power-on time indicated by the received power-on time information EI as "500 hours" or longer, which is equal to or exceeds a first predetermined time (e.g., "240 hours"). In this case, in T700, the server 200 identifies, in the discount table 240, discount information DI5 associated with the cartridge condition "general," the application condition "new," and the power-on time condition "first predetermined time or longer" as the applied discount information. Next, in T710, the server 200 transmits confirmation screen data including the discount information DI5 to the terminal device 100.

[0061] When the terminal device 100 receives confirmation screen data from the server 200 in T710, it displays a confirmation screen SC3 corresponding to the confirmation screen data in T712. The confirmation screen SC3 displayed in this case is the same as the confirmation screen SC3 in Fig. 4, except that "4 months" is displayed in the information indicating the content of the discount applied to the user. T720 and T722 are the same as T120 and T122.

[0062] When the server 200 receives a contract request from the terminal device 100 in T722, it updates the user table 238 and the history table 242 in T724. Specifically, the server 200 stores address information AD1, payment information PI1, contract plan information "First Plan," and applied discount information DI5 in association with the user name U1 in the user table 238. The server 200 also stores device ID "DV2" in association with the applied discount information DI5 in the history table 242. As a result, the user is granted a fifth discount corresponding to the applied discount information DI5. T726 is the same as T126 in FIG. 4.

[0063] (Effect of Case D) As shown in Case A of FIGS. 3 and 4, the server 200 applies a second discount to the user when the cartridge information is “included,” which indicates a cartridge included with the printer when it is sold (T124 of FIG. 4). On the other hand, as shown in Case D of FIG. 8, the server 200 applies a fifth discount to the user when the cartridge information is “general,” which indicates a general cartridge not included with the printer when it is sold (T724 of FIG. 4). The second discount granted when the cartridge information is “included” includes a discount corresponding to the discount quantity information, while the fifth discount granted when the cartridge information is “general” does not include a discount corresponding to the discount quantity information. That is, in the discount quantity information of the discount information, the discount granted when the cartridge information is “included” is larger than the discount granted when the cartridge information is “general.” Generally, a user first uses the cartridge included with the printer when it is sold, and then uses a general cartridge. That is, when the cartridge information is “included,” it is highly likely that a subscription to a flat-rate service was performed relatively soon after the printer was purchased. According to the above configuration, a larger discount can be given to a user who applies for the flat-rate service relatively soon after purchasing a printer.

[0064] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the above configuration, when the server 200 receives from the printer 10A cartridge information "included" indicating a cartridge included in the printer 10A when it is sold, the server 200 grants the first to fourth discounts to the user. On the other hand, when the server 200 receives from the printer 10A cartridge information "general" indicating a general cartridge that was not included in the printer 10A when it was sold, the server 200 does not grant the first to fourth discounts to the user. In this way, the server 200 can switch between granting the first to fourth discounts to the user depending on the type of cartridge installed in the printer 10A.

[0065] (Correspondence) The flat-rate service is an example of a "printer-related service." The user name is an example of "user identification information." The plan registration request is an example of a "service request." The bundled cartridges 18A and 18B are an example of a "first type cartridge." The first to fourth discounts are examples of a "first benefit." The general cartridge 18C is an example of a "second type cartridge." The fifth and sixth discounts are examples of a "second benefit." The power-on time information EI is an example of "time information." The power-on time is an example of "usage time." The first specified time is an example of a "specified time." Case C in Figures 6 and 7 is an example of a "first case." Case A in Figures 3 and 4 is an example of a "second case." The new contract request T32 in Figure 3 is an example of "initial application information." The device switching request T432 in Figure 6 is an example of "re-application information." Case A in Figures 3 and 4 is an example of a "third case." Case C in FIGS. 6 and 7 is an example of the "fourth case." The device ID is an example of "printer identification information." The applied discount information in the history table 242 is an example of "benefit history information."

[0066] T22 in Fig. 3, T92 in Fig. 4, and T492 in Fig. 7 are examples of processing executed by a "first receiving unit." T72 in Fig. 4, T272 in Fig. 5, and T472 in Fig. 7 are examples of processing executed by a "second receiving unit." T124 in Fig. 4 and T524 in Fig. 7 are examples of processing executed by a "first granting unit."

[0067] 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 variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0068] (First Modification) The server 200 may be configured with a single server, or may have multiple servers. For example, the server 200 may have a first server, a second server, and a third server. In this modification, the first server receives a login request from the terminal device 100 (T22 in FIG. 3). Then, the second server receives device information from the printer 10A (T72 in FIG. 4) and receives a plan registration request from the terminal device 100 (T92 in FIG. 4). Then, the third server grants the user a second discount (T124 in FIG. 4).

[0069] (Second Modification) In the above embodiment, printers 10A and 10B identify the type of cartridge, but server 200 may also identify the type of cartridge. In this modification, printers 10A and 10B transmit device information including the cartridge number of the cartridge to server 200 at T72 in FIG. 4, etc. Then, server 200 identifies the type of cartridge using the cartridge number that has already been received. In this modification, the cartridge number is an example of "cartridge information."

[0070] (Third Modification) The "first type cartridge" is not limited to a packaged cartridge, but may be a cartridge that is included with the printer when it is sold, for example, a cartridge that is sold as a set with the printer.

[0071] (Fourth Modification) If the cartridge information is "general", a discount may not be given to the user. In this modification, the cartridge conditions and discount information D5 and D6 can be omitted from the discount table 240. In this modification, the "second granting section" can be omitted.

[0072] (Fifth Modification) The same discount may be given to the user when the time indicated by the power-on time information EI is less than a first predetermined time and when the time indicated by the power-on time information EI is equal to or greater than the predetermined time. In this modification, the power-on time condition may be omitted from the discount table 240, and one of the discount information DI1 and DI2 and one of the discount information DI3 and DI4 may be omitted. In another modification, the discount given when the time indicated by the power-on time information EI is equal to or greater than the predetermined time may be greater than the discount given when the time indicated by the power-on time information EI is less than the first predetermined time.

[0073] (Sixth Variant) Instead of the power-on time information EI, the printer 10A may store information indicating the elapsed time since the printer 10A was first turned on and the accumulated time when the printer 10A is not in power saving mode (i.e., in normal mode).

[0074] (Seventh Variation) The same discount may be granted to a user when signing up for a flat-rate service for the first time and when signing up for a flat-rate service for the second time in connection with the purchase of a new printer. In this variation, the application conditions may be omitted from discount table 240, and one of discount information DI1 to DI4 and discount information DI5 and DI6 may be omitted. In another variation, the discount granted when signing up for a flat-rate service for the second time in connection with the purchase of a new printer may be larger than the discount granted when signing up for a flat-rate service for the first time.

[0075] (Eighth Modification) The server 200 does not need to store the history table 242. For example, the server 200 may give a discount to a user when a second or subsequent application for the flat-rate service that is not accompanied by a replacement printer is made after a relatively long period of time (e.g., six months) has passed since the contract for receiving the flat-rate service was terminated.

[0076] (Ninth Modification) The "first benefit" and "second benefit" are not limited to a discount, but may be points given to the user or the like.

[0077] (10th Modification) In each of the above embodiments, the processes in Figures 3 to 8 are realized by software (e.g., programs 36, 236), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0078] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings may 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. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10A: Printer, 10B: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 18A: Bundled cartridge, 18B: Bundled cartridge, 18C: General cartridge, 20: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: Program, 100: Terminal device, 200: Server, 220: Communication I / F, 230: Control unit, 232: CPU, 234: Memory, 236: Program, 238: User table, 240: Discount table, 242: History table

Claims

1. A computer program for a server that provides a service related to a printer, The server computer, a first receiving unit that receives user identification information and a service request for requesting the start of provision of the service from a terminal device; a second receiving unit that receives, from the printer, cartridge information indicating the type of cartridge installed in the printer; a first granting unit that grants a first benefit to a user identified by the user identification information when the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device and the cartridge information indicates a first type of cartridge that was attached to the printer when the printer was sold, and that does not grant the first benefit when the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device and the cartridge information indicates a second type of cartridge that was not attached to the printer when the printer was sold; A computer program that functions as a

2. The computer program further causes the computer to:

2. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the computer program functions as a second granting unit that grants a second benefit to the user that is smaller than the first benefit when the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device and the cartridge information indicates the second type of cartridge.

3. the second receiving unit receives, from the printer, the cartridge information and time information indicating the usage time of the printer since purchase; The first providing unit in a first case where the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device, the cartridge information indicates the first type of cartridge, and the time information indicates the usage time shorter than a predetermined time, the first benefit greater than in a second case is granted to the user; 3. The computer program of claim 1, wherein in the second case in which the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device, the cartridge information indicates the first type of cartridge, and the time information indicates the usage time is greater than or equal to the predetermined time, the first benefit smaller than that in the first case is granted to the user.

4. The first providing unit In a third case in which the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device, the cartridge information indicates the first type of cartridge, and initial application information indicating that this is an initial application for the service is received from the terminal device, the first benefit greater than that in the fourth case is granted to the user; A computer program as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the fourth case, the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device, the cartridge information indicates the first type of cartridge, and re-application information is received from the terminal device indicating that this is a second or subsequent application for the service in connection with a printer replacement, the first benefit smaller than in the third case is granted to the user.

5. the second receiving unit receives the cartridge information and printer identification information that identifies the printer from the printer; the first granting unit grants the first benefit to the user when the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device, the cartridge information indicates the first type of cartridge, and benefit history information associated with the printer identification information and indicating that the first benefit has been granted in the past is not stored in the memory of the server; 5. A computer program according to claim 1, wherein the first benefit is not granted when the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device, the cartridge information indicates the first type of cartridge, and the benefit history information is stored in the memory in association with the printer identification information.

6. 6. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the first granting unit grants the first benefit to the user by storing first benefit information indicating the first benefit in association with the user identification information in a memory of the server.

7. the service is a billing service that charges according to the number of sheets of printing paper printed by the printer, The computer program according to claim 1 , wherein the first benefit is a benefit related to a discount on an amount charged to the user.

8. 1. A method performed by a server that provides a service for a printer, comprising: a first receiving step of receiving user identification information and a service request for requesting the start of provision of the service from a terminal device; a second receiving step of receiving, from the printer, cartridge information indicating the type of cartridge installed in the printer; a first granting step of granting a first benefit to a user identified by the user identification information when the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device and the cartridge information indicates a first type of cartridge that was attached to the printer when the printer was sold, and the first benefit is not granted when the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device and the cartridge information indicates a second type of cartridge that was not attached to the printer when the printer was sold; A method comprising:

9. A server that provides services for a printer, a first receiving unit that receives user identification information and a service request for requesting the start of provision of the service from a terminal device; a second receiving unit that receives, from the printer, cartridge information indicating the type of cartridge installed in the printer; a first granting unit that grants a first benefit to a user identified by the user identification information when the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device and the cartridge information indicates a first type of cartridge that was attached to the printer when the printer was sold, and that does not grant the first benefit when the user identification information and the service request are received from the terminal device and the cartridge information indicates a second type of cartridge that was not attached to the printer when the printer was sold; A server comprising: