Information processing device, information processing system, control method, and program

Abstract

To display a two-dimensional code image including data on an individual parameter of an information processor.SOLUTION: An information processor displays content based on notification information transmitted from an external device through a GUI screen. The information processor includes display control means for displaying any of a first GUI screen that has an element for displaying a two-dimensional code image generated by the information processor based on an individual parameter of the information processor on the basis of notification type information included in the notification information, and a second GUI screen that does not have the element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for displaying content based on information on a screen of a printing device when the printing device receives information related to a notification sent by a server to a user. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, it has become common to display content such as advertisements obtained from a server on the screen of a terminal device, and similar content is now being displayed on the screen of an image processing device such as a multifunction printer (hereinafter referred to as "MFP").

[0003] In Patent Document 1, when toner runs out, information regarding the toner storage location is received from a server, including image data of a map of the storage location and image data of a QR code (registered trademark) representing the location on the map, and the map image and the QR code image are displayed on the screen of the image processing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-188767 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, there is a concern that the screen may not be displayed in an optimal layout according to the type of notification. Also, since the image data of the QR code is generated by a server, data of individual parameters of an information processing device such as a printing device cannot be included in the QR code.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to display a two-dimensional code image including data of individual parameters of an information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that displays a notification image based on notification information transmitted from an external device, and includes a display control means that, based on notification type information included in the notification information, displays either a first screen including a button for displaying the notification image based on the notification information and a two-dimensional code image generated by the information processing device based on individual parameters of the information processing device, or a second screen including the notification image based on the notification information but not including the button. The display control means displays the first screen when the type information is information indicating the display of a two-dimensional code image, and displays the second screen when the type information is not information indicating the display of a two-dimensional code image. The information processing device is characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to display a two-dimensional code image including data of individual parameters of an information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Information processing system configuration diagram [Figure 2] MFP block diagram [Figure 3] Service Management Server Block Diagram [Figure 4] Service provider server block diagram [Figure 5] A sequence diagram of a process for acquiring notification information and displaying a notification screen based on the notification information. [Figure 6] Example response [Figure 7] Notification screen display process flowchart [Figure 8] Notification screen ("Image display" pattern) [Figure 9] Notification screen (QR code display pattern) [Figure 10] A sequence diagram of a process for acquiring notification information and displaying a notification screen based on the notification information. [Figure 11]A table that stores the correspondence between the LCD size and the number of characters that can be expressed in a QR code [Figure 12] Notification screen display process flowchart [Figure 13] A table that stores the relationship between the LCD size, the number of characters that can be expressed in a QR code, and the URL string for displaying the QR code. [Figure 14] A sequence diagram of a process for acquiring notification information and displaying a notification screen based on the notification information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not unnecessarily limit the present disclosure, and not all of the combinations of features described below are necessarily essential as the solutions of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0011] [First embodiment] <System configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes an MFP 100, a service management server 200, a service providing server group 400, and a communication network 300. The service providing server group 400 is a collective term for service providing servers that provide each service. In the example of Fig. 1, the service providing server group 400 includes a service A providing server 420 that provides service A, a service B providing server 430 that provides service B, and a service C providing server 440 that provides service C.

[0012] <System Overview> An overview of the processing performed by the system in Figure 1 will be described. First, examples of services provided by this system will be described. One example of a service is a firmware update service for the MFP 100. The firmware update service is a service that provides corrected firmware and updates the firmware of the MFP 100 when improvements are made to the firmware of the MFP 100 or when measures are taken to address failures. Another example of a service is a sales service for consumables such as ink for the MFP 100. Users of the MFP 100 can access a server that provides the service to order and purchase consumables. Another service is a print content provision service. Users of the MFP 100 can access a server that provides the service to download print content and print it.

[0013] The above-mentioned services are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. Any service related to the MFP 100 may be used.

[0014] In this system, a process is performed in which content based on information relating to notifications (hereinafter referred to as "notification information") transmitted from these service providing servers to the user of MFP 100 is displayed on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen of MFP 100. Note that while in FIG. 1 MFP 100, service management server 200, and service providing server group 400 are connected via communication network 300, in this embodiment MFP 100 receives notification information transmitted from service management server 200. In other words, it should be noted that this embodiment is not a form in which MFP 100 directly receives notification information from each service providing server.

[0015] In this embodiment, by providing the service management server 200, for example, notification information from various service providing servers to the MFP 100 can be aggregated in the service management server 200. Then, the service management server 200 exchanges information with service providing servers that provide various services, so that the MFP 100 does not need to directly exchange information with the service providing servers.

[0016] The transmission and reception of information between the service management server 200 and each service providing server are performed when the usage conditions of each service are satisfied. Examples of the usage conditions include that a registration process for service use is performed between the terminal device that has read the QR code and each service providing server. When the usage conditions of the service are satisfied, each service providing server exchanges information with the service management server 200 and provides notification information. For each communication, control is performed through HTTP, XMPP, etc. Note that other protocols may be used for the protocol.

[0017] <Configuration of MFP> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the MFP 100 in this embodiment. The MFP 100 is a type of information processing apparatus to which this embodiment is applicable. Also, the MFP 100 is a type of electronic device. The MFP 100 in this embodiment has information processing functions such as generation processing, storage processing, and transmission processing of device information including log information and status information. Further, the MFP 100 also has an image recording function (image forming function) for forming an image on a recording medium by a recording control unit 113 and a recording unit 114 described later.

[0018] The MFP 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an image memory 104, a data conversion unit 105, a reading control unit 106, a reading unit 107, an operation display unit 108, an LCD 109, a communication control unit 110, and a resolution conversion unit 111. Further, the MFP 100 includes a code decoding unit 112, a recording control unit 113, a recording unit 114, a USB function control unit 115, a USB host control unit 116, and a bus 117.

[0019] The CPU 101 is a system control unit that controls the overall operation of the MFP 100. The ROM 102 is a non-volatile memory that stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 101, and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS"). In this embodiment, software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing is performed under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 102 based on the control programs stored in the ROM 102. The ROM 102 stores information indicating whether or not device information is to be provided to an external device (referred to as "permission information"). The RAM 103 is composed of a static random access memory (SRAM) or the like that requires a backup power source, and power supply to the RAM 103 is guaranteed by a primary battery for data backup (not shown). The RAM 103 stores program control variables and the like. The image memory 104 is composed of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or the like and can store image data. A portion of the image memory 104 is reserved as a work area for executing software processing. The data conversion unit 105 can analyze data written in a page description language (PDL) and convert image data such as character data into CG (Computer Graphics).

[0020] The reading unit 107 optically reads the document using a CIS image sensor and converts it into an electrical image signal. The reading control unit 106 outputs high-resolution image data by performing various image processing such as binarization and halftoning on the image signal acquired by the reading unit 107. Note that the method of optically reading the document may be either a sheet reading control method in which the document is read by a fixed CIS image sensor, or a book reading control method in which the document fixed on a document table is read by a moving CIS image sensor.

[0021] The operation display unit 108 is composed of the minimum necessary keys such as numeric input keys, mode setting keys, a decision key, and a cancel key, as well as LEDs (light-emitting diodes), a 7-segment display, etc. The various keys listed here are realized as keys displayed on the LCD 109, so-called soft keys, and can accept operations from the user. If no user operations are performed for a certain period of time, the LCD 109 switches off the backlight of the LCD 109 to reduce power consumption.

[0022] The communication control unit 110 controls communication between the MFP 100 and external devices via the communication network 300. Specifically, it connects to an Internet service provider and exchanges various data with the service management server 200. The communication control unit 110 can also determine the connection status of the MFP 100, such as whether the MFP 100 is connected to the Internet or only to a LAN. The connection between the communication control unit 110 and the communication network 300 is established using a known method such as HTTP or XMPP. The resolution conversion unit 111 performs resolution conversion processing, such as mutual conversion between millimeter-based image data and inch-based image data. The resolution conversion unit 111 can also enlarge or reduce the image data. The encoding / decoding unit 112 performs encoding or decoding processing, and enlarges or reduces the image data (uncompressed, MH, MR, MMR, JBIG, JPEG, etc.) handled by the MFP 100. The recording control unit 113 performs various image processing such as smoothing, recording density correction, and color correction on the image data to be printed to convert it into high-definition image data, and outputs recording data based on the high-definition image data to the recording unit 114. The recording control unit 113 also plays a role in periodically obtaining status information of the recording unit 114. The recording unit 114 is configured by a laser beam printer, an inkjet printer, or the like, and records (i.e., prints) an image on a recording medium such as paper based on the recording data generated by the recording control unit 113.

[0023] The USB function controller 115 performs protocol control in accordance with the USB communication standard. The USB host controller 116 is a controller for performing communication using the protocol defined by the USB communication standard. This USB communication standard is a standard for two-way high-speed data communication, and this USB communication standard stipulates that multiple hubs or functions (slaves) can be connected to one host (master). In other words, the USB host controller 116 provides the host function in USB communication. The components other than the reading unit 107 and LCD 109 are connected to each other via a bus 117.

[0024] <Service Management Server Configuration> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the service management server 200 in this embodiment. The service management server 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an internal storage device 204, an external storage device 205, an operation unit 207, a display unit 208, and a communication unit 209.

[0025] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the service management server 200 in accordance with a program read from the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the internal storage device 204, or the external storage device 205 from the external storage medium 206. The ROM 202 stores the control program of the CPU 201, etc. The RAM 203 temporarily stores programs and various data, and by using the RAM 203, high-speed processing of the service management server 200 can be achieved. The internal storage device 204 stores an operating system, various application programs, various data, etc. The internal storage device 204 also has installed therein application software for transmitting and receiving various control commands and data. The operation unit 207 is an input device such as a keyboard or mouse, and accepts instruction inputs from an operator of the service management server 200. The display unit 208 displays various information to the operator. The communication unit 209 is connected to the communication network 300 and connects to an Internet service provider and exchanges various data with the MFP 100 or each service providing server included in the service providing server group 400. The connection to the communication network 300 is made by a known method such as HTTP or XMPP.

[0026] <Configuration of the service provider server> Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of each service providing server included in the service providing server group 400 in this embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 4 is a diagram showing example configurations of a service A providing server 420, a service B providing server 430, and a service C providing server 440. Each service providing server has a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, an internal storage device 404, an external storage device 405, an operation unit 407, a display unit 408, and a communication unit 409.

[0027] Since the configurations other than the internal memory device 404 and the communication unit 409 are the same as those of the service management server 200 in FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted. The internal memory device 404 stores an OS, various application programs, various data, and the like. Further, application software for transmitting and receiving various control commands and data to and from the service management server 200 is installed in the internal memory device 404. The communication unit 409 is connected to the communication network 300 and performs communication of various data between the connection to the Internet service provider and the service management server 200.

[0028] <Processing performed between the MFP and the service management server> FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of the processing performed between the MFP 100 and the service management server 200.

[0029] When an opportunity to inquire about the presence or absence of notification to the user (hereinafter referred to as "inquiry opportunity") occurs, the MFP 100 performs a process of inquiring the service management server 200 for notification information as a process for acquiring the notification information. The inquiry opportunity for the presence or absence of notification occurs at a predetermined timing. For example, the inquiry may be periodically performed after a certain period of time has elapsed, or the inquiry may be performed when the MFP 100 is started up.

[0030] In step S510, the MFP 100 transmits a request for inquiring about notification information to the service management server 200. Hereinafter, "step S~" will be abbreviated as "S~".

[0031] [[ID=十七]] In S520, the service management server 200 transmits a response corresponding to the request transmitted in S510 to the MFP 100. This response includes data regarding the content to be notified to the user and type information indicating the type of notification.

[0032] In S530, the MFP 100 analyzes the response received in S520. By analyzing the response in this step, various data such as an image URL indicating the storage destination where the image data is stored, a URL for displaying a QR code, and the like are acquired.

[0033] In S540, the MFP 100 updates the QR code display URL by adding individual parameters of the MFP 100 (product serial number, MAC address) to the character string of the QR code display URL acquired in S530. The individual parameters of the MFP 100 are information that the MFP 100 has stored in advance in ROM 402 or the like without receiving them from the service management server 200. The MFP 100 then saves the updated QR code display URL. In this embodiment, the individual parameters of the MFP 100 are added. However, other information that the MFP 100 has stored in advance in ROM 402 or the like without receiving them from the service management server 200 may also be added. The QR code display URL generated here may be temporarily transmitted to the service management server 200, and may be encrypted before being transmitted to the service management server 200. The encrypted QR code display URL may then be received by the MFP 100. This configuration allows the information acquired by the terminal device by reading the QR code to be encrypted. The encrypted information may be decrypted by the terminal device, or by a service providing server or the like that receives the encrypted information from the terminal device.

[0034] In S550, the MFP 100 transmits a request for image data (hereinafter referred to as an "image acquisition request") to the service management server 200. The request in this step is made by specifying the image URL acquired in S530.

[0035] In S560, the service management server 200 that received the request sent in S550 sends the image data to the MFP 100.

[0036] When the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 determines that it is time to display content based on the notification information, it determines the content to be displayed using a management table that associates the display timing with the content. The CPU 101 also determines the type of notification using the response type information, and displays the content via a GUI screen with a pattern corresponding to the determined type. This processing will be described later.

[0037] <Response example> Fig. 6 shows an example of the response that the service management server 200 sends to the MFP 100 in S520 of Fig. 5. This response is a text file written in JSON format, and the format of the response will be explained using Fig. 6.

[0038] FIG. 6(a) shows a response to notification information about an important firmware update.

[0039] The key "url" indicates the URL of the image file to be notified to the user, and takes a URL character string as its value. In S550 of Fig. 5, a request is sent with this URL character string specified.

[0040] The key "type" indicates the type of notification, and takes one of the values ​​"normal" and "qr." The example in Fig. 6(a) shows the case of "normal."

[0041] The key "qr_url" indicates the URL for generating the QR code to be displayed on the GUI screen (the notification screen described later, see Figure 9), and takes a URL string as its value. In the example of Figure 6(a), "qr_url" does not actually contain a URL string and is empty.

[0042] The key "timing" indicates the timing to display the content based on the notification information, and takes one of the values ​​"startup" and "jobend." In the example of Fig. 6(a), the value of "timing" is "startup," so the MFP 100 displays the content based on the notification information when startup is completed.

[0043] Figure 6(b) shows a response regarding notification information for the ink purchasing site. Keys such as "url" are the same as in Figure 6(a).

[0044] In the example of Figure 6(b), the value of "type" is "qr". In this case, as shown in the figure, a URL character string is entered in "qr_url", and in S540 of Figure 5, individual parameters of MFP100 are added to this URL character string. The individual parameters added are, for example, the product serial number "123456789" and the MAC address "11-22-33-44-55-66". In this case, the URL character string will be "https: / / shop.com / ink_sale.html / ?mdl=123456789&adr=11-22-33-44-55-66".

[0045] In the example of FIG. 6B, the value of "timing" is "jobend", so the MFP 100 displays the content based on the notification information at the timing when the print process is completed.

[0046] <Notification screen display process> FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the process executed by the MFP 100 when the notification screen is displayed in S570 (see FIG. 5) described above.

[0047] In S710, CPU 101 determines whether the notification information indicates a normal image display pattern. A normal image display pattern is a pattern in which a notification image is displayed that does not have an area for displaying a QR code generated by MFP 100. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S720. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false (that is, if the notification information does not indicate a normal image display pattern), the process proceeds to S730. Specifically, in this step, the value of the key "type" that indicates notification type information in the response is used, and if the value is "normal," the notification information is determined to indicate a normal image display pattern. On the other hand, if the value of the key "type" is "qr," the notification information is determined to indicate a QR code display pattern. A QR code display pattern is a pattern in which a notification image is displayed that has an area for displaying a QR code generated by MFP 100.

[0048] In S720, CPU 101 functions as a display control means and displays a notification screen corresponding to the image display pattern. This notification screen is created based on the image data acquired in S560 of Fig. 5. The notification screen displayed in this step has a close button. Details of the notification screen displayed in this step will be described later with reference to Fig. 8.

[0049] In S730, CPU 101 functions as a display control means and displays a notification screen corresponding to the QR code display pattern. This notification screen is created based on the image data acquired in S560 of Fig. 5. The notification screen displayed in this step has a close button and a QR code button. Details of the notification screen displayed in this step will be described later with reference to Fig. 9.

[0050] In S740, the CPU 101 detects that the QR code button (see FIG. 9) on the notification screen displayed in S730 has been pressed.

[0051] 5, and converts the acquired URL for displaying a QR code into a QR code, thereby generating a QR code corresponding to the URL for displaying a QR code. Note that the timing for generating the QR code is not limited to this timing, and for example, this process may be executed before pressing of the QR code button is detected.

[0052] In S760, the CPU 101 displays a notification screen having the QR code image generated in S750 (see FIG. 9).

[0053] In S770, the CPU 101 determines whether the close button on the notification screen has been pressed. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S780, whereas if the determination result is false, the process waits until the close button is pressed.

[0054] In step S780, the CPU 101 closes (hides) the notification screen displayed on the LCD 109.

[0055] <Notification screen> The GUI screen that displays content based on the notification information will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In this specification, the GUI screen that displays content based on the notification information will be referred to as a "notification screen."

[0056] FIG. 8 shows an example of a notification screen displayed on LCD 109 of MFP 100 when a determination of YES is made in S710 of FIG. 7. As shown in the figure, notification screen 800 has, as display elements, a notification image 801 acquired from the server and a close button 802. When close button 802 is pressed, notification screen 800 is hidden. When the screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, MFP 100 does not generate a QR code. The screen shown in FIG. 8 does not include a QR code generated by MFP 100 or a button for displaying the QR code. Note that the screen shown in FIG. 8 may also include other buttons. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the screen shown in FIG. 8 is a notification screen that notifies the user of content related to a Web application program (hereinafter, a Web application) that MFP 100 can use. Note that a Web application that MFP 100 can use is, for example, a Web application that can provide image content or document content to MFP 100 and cause MFP 100 to print the image content or document content. The content related to the Web application that can be used by MFP 100 specifically includes, for example, content notifying the user that a new Web application that can be used by MFP 100 has been added, or content urging the user to use the Web application. The notification screen may include a button for starting the Web application that has been notified by the notification screen.

[0057] Note that the screen that does not include the QR code generated by MFP 100 or the button for displaying the QR code is not limited to the above. For example, it may be a notification screen that prompts the user to update the firmware of MFP 100, or a notification screen for advertising the recording material (ink or toner) or recording medium (paper) that MFP 100 uses for printing (image formation).

[0058] FIG. 9 shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the LCD 109 of the MFP 100 when the determination in S710 of FIG. 7 is NO. As shown in the figure, the notification screen 900 has, as display elements, an image 901 acquired from the server, a close button 902, and a QR code button 903. When the QR code button 903 is pressed, the screen transitions to a notification screen 910 displaying a QR code image 911. In this embodiment, the notification screen having the QR code button 903 as shown in FIG. 9 is specifically, for example, a screen related to a printing service provided by a service providing server. The printing service is, for example, a service that allows a user of the MFP 100 to accumulate points that can be used depending on the number of sheets of paper printed by the MFP 100. Note that the service becomes available by, for example, executing a registration process for using the printing service between a terminal device such as a smartphone owned by the user and the service providing server. Therefore, for example, the screen related to the printing service may be a screen that prompts the user to use the printing service, a screen that prompts the user to execute the registration process for using the printing service, or the like. In this embodiment, the notification screen 900 does not include the QR code image 911 itself, but may include the QR code image 911 itself without including the QR code button 903.

[0059] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the GUI screen displays a QR code image, but the two-dimensional code image displayed on the GUI screen is not limited to a QR code image, and other two-dimensional code images such as a barcode image may be displayed.

[0060] Although buttons have been used as an example of elements for switching the display of a GUI screen, such elements are not limited to buttons. The GUI screen may be designed using other elements such as check boxes and radio buttons.

[0061] After the notification screen 910 is displayed, a terminal device having a photographing function photographs and acquires a QR code. The terminal device then analyzes the QR code and acquires various information, including individual parameters of the MFP 100. In this embodiment, a registration process for using a print service is performed between the terminal device and the service providing server, and the various information acquired from the QR code is used in the registration process. Specifically, the terminal device accesses the service providing server using a URL included in the information acquired from the QR code. The terminal device then transmits its own individual parameters and individual parameters of the MFP 100 to the service providing server. This completes registration for the print service using the MFP 100. At this time, the terminal device has acquired the individual parameters of the MFP 100 by reading the QR code. Therefore, the individual parameters of the MFP 100 can be easily acquired without requiring the user to input the individual parameters of the MFP 100. In other words, this embodiment improves usability in registering for the print service using the MFP 100. In the above description, the information for generating a QR code and the QR code generation are generated by the MFP 100. However, depending on the content of the notification information, the information for generating a QR code and the QR code generation may be generated by a device other than the MFP 100. For example, a notification screen advertising a recording material (ink or toner) or recording medium (paper) used by the MFP 100 for printing (image formation) may include a QR code button 903. Information acquired by reading the QR code displayed on such a notification screen is used to access a sales page for the advertised recording material or recording medium. In such a case, individual parameters of the MFP 100 do not need to be included in the QR code, and therefore the information for generating a QR code and the QR code generation may be generated by a device other than the MFP 100. In addition, the notification screen displayed in such a case may include the QR code button 903, an image 901 including a QR code, or a QR code as a component separate from the QR code button 903 and the image 901.

[0062] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the MFP 100 adds individual parameters to the URL string for QR code display. In contrast, in this embodiment, the service management server 200 adds individual parameters to the URL string for QR code display without the MFP 100 adding individual parameters. Note that hereinafter, for the same content as in the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals are used and the description is appropriately omitted, and mainly the content different from the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0063] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Thus, in this embodiment, the service management server 200 adds individual parameters to the URL. As a result, when the MFP 100 performs response analysis in subsequent S530, the URL string for QR code display can be directly saved in the recording unit 114 as it is.

[0068] [Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment, when it is determined as NO in S710, the URL string obtained from the service management server 200 with the individual parameters of the MFP 100 added to the URL string for QR code display was converted into a QR code in S750. However, depending on the size of the LCD 109, there is a limit to the amount of information that can be converted into a QR code, so there may be cases where conversion is not possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, a process considering the number of printable characters that can be converted based on the size of the LCD 109 will be described.

[0069] <Relationship between the size of the LCD and the number of characters that can be represented by a QR code>​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ In S710, CPU 101 determines whether the notification information indicates a normal image display pattern. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S720. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false (if the notification information does not indicate a normal image display pattern, i.e., indicates a QR code display pattern), the process proceeds to S1210.

[0073] In S1210, CPU 101 determines whether a QR code can be created based on the QR code display URL character string. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S730, whereas if the determination result is false, the process proceeds to S720.

[0074] To explain the determination process of S1210 in more detail, first, CPU 101 acquires the URL character string for displaying a QR code saved in S540, and also acquires the number of characters that can be represented corresponding to the size of LCD 109 by referring to a table such as that shown in Fig. 11. CPU 101 then determines whether the length of the URL character string for displaying a QR code is equal to or less than the number of characters that can be represented corresponding to the size of LCD 109. If the length of the URL character string for displaying a QR code is equal to or less than the number of characters that can be represented corresponding to the size of LCD 109, it is possible to create a QR code, but if the length exceeds the number of characters that can be represented, it is not possible to create a QR code.

[0075] If the determination result in S1210 is false (i.e., if the QR code cannot be created), in S720, the CPU 101 displays a notification screen corresponding to the image display pattern, as in the first embodiment. In this case, a notification screen without a QR code button, as shown in Fig. 8, is displayed as a GUI screen for displaying the image acquired from the service management server 200.

[0076] If the determination result in S1210 is true (i.e., if a QR code can be created), in S730, CPU 101 displays a notification screen corresponding to the QR code display pattern, as in the first embodiment. In this case, a notification screen having an image acquired from the server and a QR code button, as shown in Fig. 9, is displayed.

[0077] [Embodiment 4] In the third embodiment, the MFP 100 performs processing considering the number of characters that can be represented according to the size of the LCD 109. However, the service management server 200 may determine the number of characters of the URL string according to the size of the LCD 109.

[0078] <Relationship between the size of the LCD and the number of characters that can be represented by the QR code> In this embodiment, the service management server 200 pre - manages, using a table as shown in FIG. 13, the number of characters that can be represented according to the size of the LCD 109 and the URL string for QR code display corresponding thereto.

[0079] In the example of FIG. 13, as the sizes of the LCD 109 of the MFP 100, there are two types: "160×160" and "QVGA", and the number of characters that can be represented (binary) and the URL string for QR code display corresponding to each are held. When the size of the LCD 109 is "160×160", the number of characters that can be represented is 106, and a URL string of 106 characters or less corresponding to that number of characters is used. Also, when the size of the LCD 109 is "QVGA", the number of characters that can be represented is 251, and a URL string of 251 characters or less corresponding to that number of characters is used.

[0080] <Processing performed between the MFP and the service management server> FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram of the processing performed between the MFP 100 and the service management server 200.

[0081] In S1410, the MFP 100 transmits a request for inquiring notification information to the service management server 200. The request transmitted in this step includes data on the size of the LCD 109.

[0082] In S1420, the MFP 100 selects a character string for a URL for displaying a QR code that corresponds to the size of the LCD 109 by referring to the table shown in Fig. 12. For example, if the size of the LCD 109 is "160 x 160," the number of characters that can be expressed is 106, so "https: / / shop.com / ink_sale.html / " is selected. The URL selected in this step is included in the response sent in the subsequent S520. Note that the URL character string held in the table in Fig. 13 has a length that is sufficient for the character string of individual parameters so that the upper limit of the number of characters that can be expressed is not exceeded even if individual parameters are added.

[0083] The processing after S1420 is the same as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 5).

[0084] [Other embodiments] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100 MFP 101 CPU 800 notification screen 900 notification screen 903 QR Code Button 911 QR code image

Claims

1. An information processing device that displays a notification image based on notification information transmitted from an external device, a display control means for displaying, based on notification type information included in the notification information, either a first screen including a button for displaying a notification image based on the notification information and a two-dimensional code image generated by the information processing device based on individual parameters of the information processing device, or a second screen including the notification image based on the notification information but not including the button; the display control means displays the first screen when the type information is information indicating the display of a two-dimensional code image, and displays the second screen when the type information is not information indicating the display of a two-dimensional code image.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. The two-dimensional code image is a QR code (registered trademark) image.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The notification information includes an image URL indicating a storage location where the image data is stored in the external device, a URL for displaying the two-dimensional code image, and the type information.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

4. an updating means for updating the URL for displaying the two-dimensional code image by adding an individual parameter of the information processing device to the URL for displaying the two-dimensional code image; a storage means for storing the updated URL for displaying the two-dimensional code image; Further comprising:

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

5. the external device has an updating means for updating the URL for displaying the two-dimensional code image by adding an individual parameter of the information processing device to the URL for displaying the two-dimensional code image, The notification information includes a URL for displaying the two-dimensional code image updated by the update means.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

6. The individual parameters are a product serial number and a MAC address.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

7. a transmitting means for transmitting a request for an image to the external device; a receiving means for receiving the image data as a response to the request; and The request includes the image URL.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein:

8. The method further includes a first determination means for determining whether the type information indicates the display of a two-dimensional code image.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,

9. The method further includes a second determination means for determining whether or not a two-dimensional code image can be created based on the updated two-dimensional code image display URL.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8,

10. the second determination means makes a determination based on the length of the character string of the updated two-dimensional code image display URL; 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9,

11. the display control means displays the first screen when the first determination means determines that the type information indicates the display of a two-dimensional code image, and displays the second screen when the first determination means determines that the type information does not indicate the display of a two-dimensional code image.

11. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

12. the first screen has an image based on the image data and the button, the second screen has an image based on the image data; 12. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

13. The method further comprises a conversion means for converting the updated URL for displaying a two-dimensional code image into a two-dimensional code image when the button is pressed, the display control means displays the two-dimensional code image acquired by the conversion means.

13. The information processing device according to claim 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12.

14. further comprising a display means for displaying the first screen or the second screen, the external device has a selection means for selecting a URL for displaying a two-dimensional code image based on the size of the display means; 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

15. the information processing device is a printer, 15. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

16. A control method for an information processing device that displays a notification image based on notification information transmitted from an external device, comprising: a display step of displaying, based on notification type information included in the notification information, either a first screen including a button for displaying a notification image based on the notification information and a two-dimensional code image generated by the information processing device based on individual parameters of the information processing device, or a second screen including the notification image based on the notification information but not including the button; In the display step, if the type information is information indicating the display of a two-dimensional code image, the first screen is displayed, and if the type information is not information indicating the display of a two-dimensional code image, the second screen is displayed. A control method comprising:

17. A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 16.

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