Computer program for terminal device, terminal device, and method executed by terminal device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of improving convenience of a user.SOLUTION: A terminal device receives the notification information from a notification server. The terminal device receives the device-related information related to a communication device from the communication device. The terminal device displays the notification information on a display part of the terminal device when a predetermined condition related to the device-related information is satisfied, and prevents the notification information from being displayed on the display part when the predetermined condition is not satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a technology related to a terminal device that displays notification information received from a server.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system including a mobile phone, a printer, and a push notification server. The mobile phone transmits acquisition request information for a push notification ID to the server, receives the push notification ID from the push notification server, and transmits the push notification ID to the printer. The printer transmits the push notification ID to the push notification server. When the push notification server receives the push notification ID from the printer, it transmits push notification information to the mobile phone. When the mobile phone receives the push notification information from the push notification server, it displays a notification image.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a technology that can improve user convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a terminal device. The computer program may cause the computer of the terminal device to function as follows: a notification information receiving unit that receives notification information from a notification server; a device-related information receiving unit that receives device-related information related to the communication device from a communication device; and a display control unit that causes the display unit of the terminal device to display the notification information when predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met, and does not display the notification information on the display unit when the predetermined conditions are not met.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the terminal device receives notification information from the notification server. The terminal device also receives device-related information from the communication device. The terminal device displays the notification information on the display unit when predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met, and does not display the notification information on the display unit when the predetermined conditions are not met. In this way, it is possible to switch whether or not to display the notification information depending on whether or not predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0007] The computer-readable recording medium for storing the above-mentioned computer program, the terminal device implemented by the above-mentioned computer program, and the method executed by the terminal device are also novel and useful. Furthermore, the communication system including the terminal device, notification server, and communication device is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This shows the configuration of the communication system. [Figure 2] An example of each table is shown. [Figure 3] The sequence diagram of the registration process is shown. [Figure 4] An example of a screen displayed on the terminal device during the registration process is shown. [Figure 5] The flowchart for the pull notification process is shown below. [Figure 6] The flowchart for the pull notification display process is shown below. [Figure 7] This is an example of a pull notification screen that appears when the remaining amount falls below a threshold. [Figure 8] This is an example of a pull notification screen that appears after a remote printing service contract has been concluded. [Figure 9] This is an example of a pull notification screen that appears after a remote printing service contract is canceled. [Figure 10] This is an example of a pull notification screen that appears after the MFP's internet connection is established or after the MFP's power is turned on. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Examples) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises multiple MFPs 10A and 10B, a terminal device 100, a notification server 200, a service provision server 300, and a service management server 400. The MFPs 10A and 10B and the terminal device 100 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 4. The MFPs 10A and 10B and the terminal device 100 can communicate with each other via the LAN 4. The LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. The MFPs 10A and 10B, the terminal device 100, the notification server 200, the service provision server 300, and the service management server 400 are connected to the Internet 6. The MFPs 10A and 10B, the terminal device 100, the notification server 200, the service provision server 300, and the service management server 400 can communicate with each other via the Internet 6.

[0010] (Configuration of MFP10A and 10B) The MFP10A and 10B are peripheral devices (i.e., peripheral devices such as PCs) capable of performing printing and scanning functions. The MFP10A has the device name "DV1" and the model name "MN1". The MFP10B has the device name "DV2" and the model name "MN2". The device name is the name assigned to each MFP10A and 10B by the MFP administrator. The model name is the name that indicates the model of the MFP. Each MFP10A and 10B is manufactured by the same vendor. Hereafter, the MFP10A and MFP10B may be collectively referred to as "MFP10".

[0011] (Configuration of terminal device 100) The terminal device 100 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), PDA, or tablet PC. The terminal device 100 comprises an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication interface 116, and a control unit 130. Hereafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F".

[0012] The control unit 112 is, for example, a touch panel. The control unit 112 can accept various instructions. The display unit 114 is a display for showing various information. The communication interface 116 is connected to LAN 4.

[0013] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 performs various processes according to the OS (Operating System) program 136 (hereinafter simply referred to as "OS136") stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 also stores the MFP application 138 (hereinafter simply referred to as "application 138"), a received information table 140, a device table 142, a notification list 144, a prohibited screen list 146, a consumables notification flag 148, and a service notification flag 150. Application 138 is a program that causes the MFP 10A and 10B to perform printing and scanning functions. The notification list 144 is a list of pull notifications to be displayed. The consumables notification flag 148 indicates either "ON", which allows the pop-up display of pull notification screens related to consumables, or "OFF", which prohibits the pop-up display of pull notification screens related to consumables. The service notification flag 150 indicates either "ON," which allows the pop-up display of a pull notification screen related to a service provided by the service provider server 300, or "OFF," which prohibits the pop-up display of a pull notification screen related to that service. The consumables notification flag 148 and the service notification flag 150 are configurable by the user.

[0014] (Configuration of notification server 200) The notification server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by an operator different from the vendor of the MFP 10. In a modified example, the notification server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by the said vendor. In another modified example, the vendor of the MFP 10 may utilize the environment provided by an external cloud computing service without preparing the hardware of the notification server 200 by itself. In this case, the vendor of the MFP 10 may realize the notification server 200 by preparing the program (i.e., software) of the notification server 200 and introducing it into the above environment. The notification server 200 is a server that provides push notification information including push notification screen data and pull notification information including pull notification screen data. The pull notification information is data transmitted from the notification server 200 to the terminal device 100 in response to a pull notification information request for requesting the notification server 200 to transmit the pull notification information being transmitted from the terminal device 100 to the notification server 200. The push notification information is data automatically transmitted from the notification server 200 to the terminal device 100 even if a push notification information request for requesting the notification server 200 to transmit the push notification information is not transmitted from the terminal device 100 to the notification server 200. The push notification information and the pull notification information are registered in the notification server 200 in response to a request from a vendor such as the vendor of the MFP 10 to the vendor installing the notification server 200. That is, the timing conditions in the pull notification information described later are conditions determined by the notification server 200. The notification server 200 includes a memory 230. A notification information table 238 is stored in the memory 230.

[0015] (Configuration of Service Provision Server 300 and Service Management Server 400) The service provision server 300 and the service management server 400 are installed on the Internet 6 by the MFP10 vendor. In a modified example, the service provision server 300 and the service management server 400 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a different operator than the said vendor. In another modified example, the MFP10 vendor may not prepare the hardware for the service provision server 300 and the service management server 400 themselves, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the MFP10 vendor may prepare the programs (i.e., software) for the service provision server 300 and the service management server 400 and implement them in the above environment to realize the service provision server 300 and the service management server 400.

[0016] The service provider server 300 is a server for providing services related to the MFP10. The service provider server 300 provides a remote printing service and a flat-rate service. In a modified version, the service provider server 300 may also provide a push scan service, etc. The remote printing service is a service for sending print commands to the MFP10 from a remote location via the service provider server 300. The flat-rate service is a service in which, if the number of printed pages in a predetermined period (e.g., one month) is less than or equal to the contracted number of printed pages (e.g., 1000 pages), a predetermined amount is paid, and if the number of printed pages in the predetermined period exceeds the contracted number of printed pages, a billing amount is paid that is the sum of the flat rate and an amount corresponding to the number of printed pages exceeding the contracted number (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "flat-rate service"). The flat-rate service includes an automatic ordering service that automatically orders a new cartridge when the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge installed in the MFP10 falls below a predetermined amount. The service provider server 300 is equipped with memory 330. The user table 338 is stored in memory 330.

[0017] The service management server 400 is a server for managing support information for remote printing services and flat-rate services. The service management server 400 includes a memory 430. A service table 438 is stored in the memory 430. In the service table 438, a model name, country information (e.g., "JP", "US"), first support information, and second support information are stored in association with each other. The first support information indicates either a value of "ON" indicating that the remote printing service is supported or "OFF" indicating that the remote printing service is not supported. The second support information indicates either a value of "ON" indicating that the flat-rate service is supported or "OFF" indicating that the flat-rate service is not supported.

[0018] (Configuration of each table; FIG. 2) Subsequently, referring to FIG. 2, the contents of the reception information table 140 in the terminal device 100, the device table 142, the notification information table 238 in the notification server 200, and the user table 338 in the service providing server 300 will be described. [[ID=^{7]]

[0019] The notification information table 238 in the notification server 200 is a table for managing pull notification information (e.g., PL1 to PL3). Pull notification information includes a notification ID to identify the pull notification information, a type, timing conditions, and pull notification screen data corresponding to the pull notification screen. The type indicates either "consumables," which indicates that the pull notification screen is a screen related to consumables, or "services," which indicates that the pull notification screen is a screen related to services. Timing conditions are information indicating the timing for displaying the pull notification screen as a pop-up. Timing conditions will be explained in detail later. Pull notification information may also include a first registration condition, a first support condition, a second support condition, and a consumable condition. Each condition is information for limiting the target to which the pull notification screen will be displayed as a pop-up. The first registration condition is information indicating the condition for switching whether or not to display the pull notification screen as a pop-up depending on whether or not the user is registered for the remote printing service. The first registration condition includes either "Registered," which indicates that the pull notification screen will pop up if the MFP10 is registered for the remote printing service, or "Not Registered," which indicates that the pull notification screen will pop up if the MFP10 is not registered for the remote printing service. The first support condition is information indicating the conditions for switching whether or not to display the pull notification screen depending on whether or not the MFP10 registered in app 138 supports the remote printing service. The first support condition includes "ON," which indicates that the pull notification screen will pop up if the remote printing service is supported. The second support condition is information indicating the conditions for switching whether or not to display the pull notification screen depending on whether or not the MFP10 registered in app 138 supports the subscription service. The second support condition may include "ON," which indicates that the pull notification screen will pop up if the subscription service is supported. The consumables condition is information indicating the conditions for switching whether or not to display the pull notification screen pop up depending on the status of the consumables (cartridges in this embodiment) installed in the MFP10 registered in app 138.The consumable condition includes "remaining amount ≤ threshold," which indicates that a pull notification screen should pop up when the remaining amount of the cartridge falls below a threshold (e.g., "30").

[0020] The received information table 140 in the terminal device 100 is a table for managing the pop-up display of pull notification information received from the notification server 200. In the received information table 140, pull notification information (e.g., PL1 to PL3) and display information are stored in association. The display information indicates either "Done," which means that the pull notification screen corresponding to the display information has already been displayed as a pop-up, or "Not yet displayed," which means that the notification screen has not yet been displayed.

[0021] The device table 142 within the terminal device 100 is a table for managing information about the MFP10 registered in the application 138. The device table 142 stores the device ID, model name, first registration information, second registration information, first support information, and second support information in association with each other. The first registration information indicates either "registered," which means that the remote printing service is provided to the MFP10 user, or "unregistered," which means that the remote printing service is not provided to the MFP10 user. The second registration information indicates either "registered," which means that the subscription service is provided to the MFP10 user, or "unregistered," which means that the subscription service is not provided to the MFP10 user.

[0022] The user table 338 within the service server 300 is a table for managing information about users. The user table 338 stores the username, device ID, first registration information, and second registration information in association with each other. The user ID is registered when subscribing to the remote printing service or a flat-rate service.

[0023] (Registration process; Figures 3 and 4) The registration process will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The registration process is the process for registering the MFP10A with application 138. In the following, all communication between the terminal device 100 and other devices (MFP10, notification server 200, service provision server 300, and service management server 400) is performed via the communication interface 116 of the terminal device 100. Therefore, the phrase "via the communication interface 116" will be omitted in the following. Also, in the following, when describing the processes that the CPU 132 of the terminal device 100 performs according to the OS 136 or application 138, the description will focus on the OS 136 or application 138.

[0024] When the OS 136 of the terminal device 100 receives an operation to launch application 138 at T10, it supplies a launch command to application 138 at T12. Application 138 launches in response to receiving the launch command from OS 136. Next, application 138 displays the home screen 600 on the display unit 114. Specifically, application 138 supplies a display command to OS 136 to display the home screen 600, and OS 136 displays the home screen 600 on the display unit 114. That is, application 138 displays the home screen 600 on the display unit 114 via OS 136. Hereafter, the phrase "via OS 136" will be omitted when application 138 is the primary operator displaying the screen on the display unit 114. As shown in Figure 4, the home screen 600 includes a device button 500, a print button 502, a scan button 504, and a settings button 506. The setting button 506 is a button for displaying a setting screen (not shown) that allows the settings of the consumable notification flag 148 and the service notification flag 150 to be changed. The device button 500 displays the device name of the MFP registered to perform the printing or scanning function (for example, "DV1", "DV2"), or the information "Not Selected" indicating that no MFP to perform the printing or scanning function is registered. In this process, the information "Not Selected" indicating that no MFP to perform the printing or scanning function is selected is displayed on the device button 500.

[0025] When application 138 receives a selection of device button 500 at T22 in Figure 3, it broadcasts a search signal at T24. Specifically, application 138 supplies a transmission instruction to OS 136 to send a search signal, and OS 136 broadcasts the search signal. That is, application 138 broadcasts the search signal via OS 136. Hereafter, the phrase "via OS 136" will be omitted when application 138 is the primary device transmitting a signal to an external device (MFP 10A, etc.). The search signal is a signal that requests each of the one or more peripheral devices (MFP 10A, 10B, etc.) connected to LAN 4 to send a response signal containing the device ID of the peripheral device. At T26A, application 138 receives a response containing device ID "DV1" from MFP 10A, and at T26B, it receives a response containing device ID "DV2" from MFP 10B. Specifically, OS136 receives a response from MFP10A that includes the device ID "DV1", and application 138 receives the response from OS136 that includes the device ID "DV1". In other words, application 138 receives a response from MFP10A via OS136. In the following, the phrase "via OS136" will be omitted when application 138 receives a signal from an external device (such as MFP10A). Next, application 138 displays the device selection screen 602 on the display unit 114 in T30. As shown in Figure 4, the device selection screen 602 includes a first device selection button 510 that includes the device ID "DV1", a second device selection button that includes the device ID "DV2", and a cancel button 514.

[0026] When app 138 receives the selection of the first device selection button 510 (i.e., device ID "DV1") at T32 in Figure 3, it sends a device information request to MFP10A, which has device ID "DV1", at T34. The device information request is a signal to request the transmission of device information, which includes the model name of MFP10, the functions that MFP10 can perform, the remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the cartridge installed in MFP10, the first registration information, and the second registration information. At T36, app 138 receives device information from MFP10A, which includes the model name "MN1", the printing function, the scanning function, the remaining amount information "90", the first registration information "Not registered", and the second registration information "Not registered". Note that the device information may include either power information or connection completion information. Power information indicates that the MFP10's power has been switched from OFF to ON, and is included only in the device information sent first after the MFP10's power has been switched from OFF to ON. Connection completion information indicates that the MFP10 has connected to the Internet 6, and is included only in the display information sent first after the MFP10 has connected to the Internet 6.

[0027] App 138 sends a support information request to the service management server 400 at T40, which includes the country information "JP" indicating that the country where the MFP10A is installed is Japan, and the model name "MN1". The support information request is a signal to request the transmission of the first support information and the second support information associated with the country information and model name in the request.

[0028] When the service management server 400 receives a support information request from the terminal device 100 at T40, it identifies the first support information "ON" and the second support information "ON" associated with the model name "MN1" and country information "JP" in the request in the service table 438. Then, at T42, the service management server 400 sends support information including the first support information "ON" and the second support information "ON" to the terminal device 100.

[0029] When application 138 receives support information from the service management server 400 at T42, at T44, it associates the received device ID "DV1" (see T26A), the received model name "MN1" (see T36), the received first registration information "Not Registered" (see T36), the received second registration information "Not Registered" (see T36), the received first support information "ON" (see T42), and the received second support information "ON" (see T42) and stores them in the device table 142. Specifically, application 138 supplies a storage instruction to OS 136 for each piece of information (device ID "DV1", model name "MN1", first registration information "Not Registered", second registration information "Not Registered", first support information "ON", and second support information "ON"), and OS 136 stores each piece of information in the device table 142. In other words, application 138 stores each piece of information in the device table 142 via the OS 136. In the following, the phrase "via the OS 136" will be omitted when application 138 is the primary device responsible for storing information in memory 134. Subsequently, application 138 periodically (for example, every 24 hours) sends support information requests to the service management server 400. In other words, application 138 repeatedly sends support information requests to the service management server 400.

[0030] Next, at T50, app 138 sends a pull notification information request to notification server 200. The pull notification information request is a signal to request notification server 200 to send the pull notification information it has stored. At T52, app 138 receives the pull notification information from notification server 200 and stores the pull notification information at T54. Specifically, app 138 associates the received pull notification information with the display information "Not Received" and stores it in the received information table 140. Next, at T60, app 138 displays the home screen 604 on the display unit 114. As shown in Figure 4, the home screen 604 is the same as the home screen 600 except that the device ID "DV1" is displayed on the device button 500 and that it includes a notification button 508. The notification button 508 is a button for displaying a notification list screen that includes a list of pull notification information in the received information table 140. When T60 ends, the registration process ends. This allows the user to use terminal device 100 to have the MFP 10A perform printing and scanning functions. Subsequently, application 138 periodically receives device information from the MFP 10A (for example, every 12 hours).

[0031] (Pull notification display process; Figures 5 and 6) Next, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the pull notification process performed by app 138 will be explained. App 138 starts the process shown in Figure 5 when it is launched after the registration process (see Figure 3) is completed.

[0032] In S110, app 138 monitors whether a predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) has elapsed since it last received pull notification information from notification server 200. If the predetermined time has elapsed since it last received pull notification information from notification server 200, app 138 determines YES in S110 and proceeds to S112.

[0033] In S112, app 138 sends a pull notification information request to notification server 200, and in S114, receives pull notification information from notification server 200. Then, in S116, app 138 associates the received pull notification information with the display information "Not yet received" and stores it in the received information table 140. When S116 is finished, app 138 proceeds to S140.

[0034] In addition, simultaneously with monitoring in S110, application 138 determines in S120 whether or not the screen displayed on the display unit 114 has changed. If application 138 determines that the screen displayed on the display unit 114 has changed, it determines YES in S120 and proceeds to S140.

[0035] In addition, simultaneously with monitoring S110 and S120, app 138 determines in S130 whether or not it has received an operation to change either the consumable notification flag 148 or the service notification flag 150 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "notification flag change operation"). If app 138 has received the notification flag change operation, it determines YES in S130 and proceeds to S140.

[0036] In S140, application 138 executes the pull notification display process (see Figure 6). The pull notification display process determines whether or not to display the pull notification screen as a pop-up on the display unit 114. After the process in S140 is completed, application 138 returns to S10.

[0037] (Pull notification display process; Figure 6) Next, with reference to Figure 6, the pull notification display process executed in S140 of Figure 5 will be explained. In S210, the application 138 identifies one pull notification information associated with the display information "Not yet received" in the received information table 140 as the target pull notification information.

[0038] In S212, app 138 uses the target pull notification information to determine whether the filter condition is met. If the filter condition is met (YES in S212), app 138 proceeds to S214; otherwise, it proceeds to S220. The following describes the process of determining whether the filter condition is met (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "filter condition processing"). First, app 138 identifies the type ("consumables" or "services") within the target pull notification information. Then, app 138 determines whether the notification flag (consumables notification flag 148 or service notification flag 150) corresponding to the identified type is "ON". If the notification flag corresponding to the identified type is "OFF", app 138 determines that the filter condition is not met (NO in S212). On the other hand, if the notification flag corresponding to the identified type is "ON", app 138 continues the filter condition processing. Next, app 138 determines whether the target pull notification information includes the first registration condition. If the target pull notification information includes the first registration condition, app 138 determines whether the first registration condition matches the first registration information of the selected MFP10 in device table 142. If the first registration condition and the first registration information do not match, app 138 determines that the filter condition is not met (NO in S212). On the other hand, if the first registration condition and the first registration information match, app 138 continues processing the filter condition. Next, app 138 determines whether the target pull notification information includes the first support condition. If the target pull notification information includes the first support condition, app 138 determines whether the first support information of the selected MFP10 in device table 142 is "ON". If the first support information is "OFF", app 138 determines that the filter condition is not met because the first support condition is not met (NO in S212). On the other hand, if the first support information is "ON", app 138 determines that the first support condition is met and continues processing the filter conditions. App 138 also continues processing the filter conditions if the target pull notification information does not include the first support condition.Next, app 138 determines whether the target pull notification information includes the second support condition. If the target pull notification information includes the second support condition, app 138 determines whether the second support information for the selected MFP10 in device table 142 is "ON". If the second support information is "OFF", app 138 determines that the filter condition is not met because the second support condition is not met (NO in S212). On the other hand, if the second support information is "ON", app 138 determines that the second support condition is met and continues the filter condition processing. App 138 also continues the filter condition processing if the target pull notification information does not include the second support condition. Next, app 138 determines whether the target pull notification information includes the consumable condition. If the target pull notification information includes the consumable condition, app 138 determines whether the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information for the selected MFP10 stored in memory 134 is below the threshold in the consumable condition. App 138 determines that the filter condition is not met because the consumable condition is not met when the remaining amount is greater than the threshold (NO in S212). On the other hand, App 138 determines that the consumable support condition is met when the remaining amount is below the threshold, and therefore determines that the filter condition is met. App 138 also determines that the filter condition is met even if the target pull notification information does not include the consumable condition. Thus, App 138 determines that the filter condition is met when the notification flag corresponding to the type included in the target pull notification information is "ON" and all conditions included in the target pull notification information (excluding the timing condition) are met (YES in S212).

[0039] In S214, app 138 uses the target pull notification information to determine whether a timing condition is met. The timing condition is one of the following: a condition related to consumables (e.g., "remaining amount ≤ threshold"), a condition related to registration for the remote printing service (e.g., "remote printing service registration"), a condition related to cancellation of the remote printing service (e.g., "remote printing service cancellation"), a condition related to registration for a flat-rate service (e.g., "flat-rate service registration"), a condition related to the power of MFP10 (e.g., "power ON"), or a condition related to the internet connection of MFP10 (e.g., "internet connection complete"). If the condition related to consumables is a timing condition, app 138 determines that the timing condition is met (YES in S214) if the information indicated by the remaining amount information included in the latest device information received from MFP10 is less than the threshold, and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information included in the previously received device information from MFP10 (hereinafter referred to as "previous device information") is greater than the threshold. On the other hand, App 138 determines that the timing condition is not met if the information indicated by the remaining amount information included in the latest device information is greater than the threshold (NO in S214). Also, if the condition for registration of the remote printing service is a timing condition, App 138 determines that the timing condition is met if the latest device information includes the first registration information "Registered" and the previous device information includes the first registration information "Not Registered" (YES in S214). On the other hand, App 138 determines that the timing condition is not met if the latest device information includes the first registration information "Not Registered" (NO in S214). Also, if the condition for cancellation of the remote printing service is a timing condition, App 138 determines that the timing condition is met if the latest device information includes the first registration information "Not Registered" and the previous device information includes the first registration information "Registered" (YES in S214). On the other hand, App 138 determines that the timing condition is not met if the latest device information includes the first registration information "Registered" (NO in S214).Furthermore, if the conditions for registering for the subscription service are timing conditions, App 138 determines that the timing condition is met if the latest device information includes the second registration information "Registered" and the previous device information includes the second registration information "Not Registered" (YES in S214). On the other hand, App 138 determines that the timing condition is not met if the latest device information includes the second registration information "Not Registered" (NO in S214). If App 138 determines that the timing condition is met (YES in S214), it proceeds to S216, and if it determines that the timing condition is not met (NO in S214), it proceeds to S230.

[0040] In S216, app 138 determines whether the type in the target pull notification information is "consumables". If the type in the target pull notification information is "consumables" (YES in S216), app 138 proceeds to S218; otherwise, it proceeds to S230.

[0041] In S218, app 138 determines whether the second registration information for the selected MFP10 in device table 142 is "unregistered". If the second registration information is "unregistered" (YES in S218), app 138 proceeds to S220; otherwise, it proceeds to S230.

[0042] In S220, app 138 adds the target pull notification information to notification list 144.

[0043] In S230, app 138 determines whether the processes in S210-S220 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "notification check process") have been executed for all pull notification information associated with the display information "Not Received" in the received information table 140. If app 138 determines that the notification check process has been executed for all pull notification information (YES in S230), it proceeds to S232. If it determines that the notification check process has not been executed for one or more pull notification information (NO in S230), it returns to S210. In other words, app 138 repeatedly executes the notification check process until the notification check for all pull notification information associated with the display information "Not Received" in the received information table 140 is completed.

[0044] In S232, app 138 determines whether notification list 144 is empty or not. If notification list 144 is empty (YES in S232), app 138 terminates the process shown in Figure 6. On the other hand, if notification list 144 is not empty (NO in S232), app 138 proceeds to S240.

[0045] In S240, app 138 retrieves one pull notification from notification list 144.

[0046] In S242, the application 138 displays a pull notification screen corresponding to the pull notification screen data included in the acquired pull notification information as a pop-up on the display unit 114. The pull notification screen displays messages related to cartridges (for example, "Would you like to purchase a cartridge?"), messages related to remote printing services (for example, "Would you like to subscribe to the remote printing service?"), and messages related to subscription services (for example, "Would you like to subscribe to the remote printing service?").

[0047] In S244, app 138 deletes the pull notification information corresponding to the acquired pull notification information from the notification list 144. Also, in the received information table 140, app 138 changes the display information associated with the acquired pull notification information from "Not yet" to "Completed".

[0048] In S246, app 138 determines whether the elapsed time since the pull notification screen was displayed has exceeded the notification time (for example, 10 seconds). If the elapsed time exceeds the notification time, app 138 determines YES in S246 and proceeds to S248.

[0049] In S248, application 138 clears the pull notification screen from the display unit 114.

[0050] S250 is the same as S222. If app 138 determines YES at S250, it terminates the process shown in Figure 6. On the other hand, if app 138 determines NO at S250, it returns to S240. In other words, app 138 repeatedly executes the processes from S240 to S248 until the notification list 144 is empty. That is, pull notification screens can be continuously popped up on the display unit 114.

[0051] (Pull notification screen; Figures 7-10) Next, with reference to Figures 7 to 10, we will explain the pull notification screen displayed on the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100, and the operation of the terminal device 100 when the pull notification screen is selected. In the following, we will explain the case where the pull notification screen is displayed on the home screen 604 (see Figure 4). In the following, screens displayed on the display unit 114 by the application 138 are represented by thin lines, and screens displayed on the display unit 114 by the OS 136 are represented by thick lines.

[0052] (Pull notification screen 610 when the timing condition "Consumables ≤ Threshold" is met; Figure 7) Referring to Figure 7, we will now explain the pull notification screen 610 that is displayed when pull notification information PL1 (see Figure 2) containing "Consumables ≤ Threshold" as a timing condition is received and the timing condition "Consumables ≤ Threshold" is met (YES in S214 of Figure 6). The pull notification screen 610 is the screen corresponding to the pull notification screen data MD1 in the pull notification information PL1. The pull notification screen 610 displays a message indicating that a discount coupon for a cartridge has arrived, and a message inquiring about the purchase of a cartridge.

[0053] When app 138 receives an operation to select the pull notification screen 610, it supplies the OS 136 with a URL corresponding to the cartridge purchase page 612. OS 136 accesses the URL and displays the cartridge purchase page 612 on the display unit 114. The cartridge purchase page 612 includes a cartridge selection field 520 for selecting the type of cartridge to purchase, an OK button 522, and a Cancel button 524. In this way, the user can easily purchase a cartridge by selecting the pull notification screen 610. When the remaining amount of the cartridge installed in the MFP 10A is below a threshold, the information displayed on the pull notification screen 610 is useful information for the user. Therefore, useful information can be provided to the user, improving user convenience.

[0054] (Pull notification screen 620 when the timing condition "Remote printing service registration" is met; Figure 8) Referring to Figure 8, we will now explain the pull notification screen 620 that is displayed when pull notification information PL2 (see Figure 2) containing "Remote Printing Service Registration" as a timing condition is received and the timing condition "Remote Printing Service Registration" is met (YES in S214 of Figure 6). The pull notification screen 620 is the screen corresponding to the pull notification screen data MD2 in the pull notification information PL2. The pull notification screen 620 displays a message encouraging the user to subscribe to the flat-rate service.

[0055] When app 138 receives an operation to select the pull notification screen 620, it displays the subscription service introduction screen 622 on the display unit 114. The subscription service introduction screen 622 includes a message describing the contents of the subscription service and a button 624 for advancing to the next page. This allows the user to learn about the contents of the subscription service and encourages the user to subscribe to the subscription service. For users using the remote printing service, information about a service different from the remote printing service (specifically the subscription service) is useful information. Therefore, useful information can be provided to the user, improving user convenience. In particular, in this embodiment, the user can subscribe to the subscription service using the username used for the remote printing service. That is, the user can easily subscribe to the subscription service.

[0056] (Pull notification screen 630 when the timing condition "Cancellation of remote printing service" is met; Figure 9) Referring to Figure 9, we will now explain the pull notification screen 630 that is displayed when pull notification information PL3 (see Figure 2) containing "remote printing service cancellation" as a timing condition is received and the timing condition "remote printing service cancellation" is met (YES in S214 of Figure 6). The pull notification screen 630 is the screen corresponding to the pull notification screen data MD3 in the pull notification information PL3. The pull notification screen 630 displays a message expressing gratitude to the user who was using the remote printing service and a message encouraging them to subscribe to the flat-rate service.

[0057] When app 138 receives an operation to select the pull notification screen 630, it displays the subscription service introduction screen 622 (see Figure 8) on the display unit 114. This allows the user to learn about the remote printing service and encourages them to subscribe to it. For users who have been using the remote printing service, information about a different service (specifically the subscription service) is useful information. Therefore, it is possible to provide users with useful information and improve user convenience.

[0058] (Pull notification screen 640 when the timing conditions "Power ON" or "Internet connection complete" are met; Figure 9) Referring to Figure 9, we will now explain the pull notification screen 640 that is displayed when pull notification information containing "Power ON" or "Internet connection complete" as a timing condition is received, and the timing condition "Power ON" or "Internet connection complete" is met (YES in S214 of Figure 6). The pull notification screen 640 is the screen corresponding to the pull notification screen data in the pull notification information. The pull notification screen 640 displays a message encouraging the user to subscribe to the remote printing service. In the modified example, the pull notification screen 640 may also display a message encouraging the user to subscribe to the remote printing service.

[0059] When app 138 receives an operation to select the pull notification screen 640, it displays a remote printing service introduction screen (not shown) on the display unit 114, which includes a message describing the remote printing service. This allows the user to learn about the remote printing service and encourages them to subscribe to it. For users using MFP10, information about services related to MFP10 (e.g., remote printing service) is useful information. Therefore, useful information can be provided to the user, improving user convenience.

[0060] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, the terminal device 100 receives pull notification information from the notification server 200 (T52 in Figure 3, S114 in Figure 5). The terminal device 100 also receives device information from the MFP 10A (T36 in Figure 3). When the timing conditions related to the device information are met (YES in S214 in Figure 6), the terminal device 100 displays the pull notification screen on the display unit 114 (S242), and when the timing conditions related to the device information are not met (NO in S214), the terminal device 100 does not display the pull notification screen on the display unit 114. In this way, it is possible to switch whether or not to display the pull notification screen depending on whether or not the timing conditions are met. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0061] Furthermore, in Figure 6, when the memory 134 stores the second registration information "Not Registered," indicating that the subscription service for shipping cartridges for the MFP10 (specifically, the automatic ordering service), and the timing conditions are met (YES in S214, YES in S218), the app 138 displays the pull notification screen on the display unit 114 (S242). When the memory 134 stores the second registration information "Registered," indicating that the subscription service is provided to the user, and the timing conditions are met (YES in S214, NO in S218), the app 138 does not display the pull notification screen on the display unit 114. When the memory 134 stores the second registration information "Registered," indicating that the subscription service is provided to the user, and the timing conditions are met (YES in S214, NO in S218), the app 138 does not display the pull notification screen on the display unit 114.

[0062] (Correspondence) Pull notification information is an example of "notification information". MFP10A and 10B are examples of "communication devices". Device information is an example of "device-related information". Timing conditions are an example of "predetermined conditions". Cartridge and remaining amount information are examples of "consumables" and "usage information", respectively. Flat-rate service is an example of "first service". Second registration information "unregistered" and second registration information "registered" are examples of "non-provided information" and "provided information", respectively. Remote printing service is an example of "second service". Device information including first registration information "registered", received after receiving device information including first registration information "unregistered", is an example of "contract information". Device information including first registration information "unregistered", received after receiving device information including first registration information "registered", is an example of "cancellation information". Remaining amount information, timing condition "remaining amount ≤ threshold", and pull notification screen 610 in Figure 7 are examples of "first type information", "first type predetermined conditions", and "first type notification information", respectively. The first contract information, the timing condition "Remote Printing Service Registration," and the pull notification screen 620 in Figure 8 are examples of "Type 2 information," "Type 2 prescribed conditions," and "Type 2 notification information," respectively.

[0063] T52 in Figure 3 and S114 in Figure 5 are examples of processes executed by the "Notification Information Receiving Unit". T36 in Figure 3 is an example of a process executed by the "Device-Related Information Receiving Unit". S242 in Figure 6 is an example of a process executed by the "Display Control Unit".

[0064] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0065] (First variation) The term "communication device" is not limited to MFPs, but may also include printers, scanners, copiers, facsimile machines, etc.

[0066] (Second variation) "Consumables" are not limited to cartridges, but may also include printing paper, toner, etc. If printing paper is an example of a "consumable," the pull notification information may include conditions related to the printing paper (e.g., "number of printed pages ≥ predetermined number of printed pages") as timing conditions. In addition, the device information includes sheet count information indicating the number of sheets of printing paper used by the MFP10.

[0067] (Third Modification) Steps S216 and S218 in Figure 6 can be omitted. That is, if the type in the received pull notification information is "Purchased Item", the terminal device 100 adds the pull notification information to the notification list 144 if the timing condition is met (YES in S214), regardless of whether the second registration information in the device table 142 is "Not Registered" or not.

[0068] (Fourth Modification) The device information is information indicating that a contract for remote printing services has been concluded, and may include contract information that is only included in the device information first transmitted after the conclusion of said contract. In this modification, in S214 of Figure 6, if the condition for registration of remote printing services, "remote printing service registration," is a timing condition, app 138 determines whether the timing condition is met depending on whether the latest device information received from MFP 10 includes contract information.

[0069] (Fifth Modification) The device information is information indicating that the remote printing service contract has been terminated, and may include contract information that is only included in the device information first transmitted after the contract has been terminated. In this modification, in S214 of Figure 6, if the condition for termination of the remote printing service, "remote printing service termination," is a timing condition, app 138 determines whether the timing condition is met depending on whether the latest device information received from MFP10 includes termination information.

[0070] (Sixth Modification) In each of the above embodiments, the processes shown in Figures 3 to 10 are implemented by software (e.g., programs 136, 138, etc.), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0071] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself. The following items are elements described in the claims of the original patent application. (Item 1) A computer program for a terminal device, The computer of the aforementioned terminal device A notification information receiving unit that receives notification information from a notification server, A device-related information receiving unit that receives device-related information related to the communication device from the communication device, When predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met, the notification information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. A display control unit that prevents the display unit from displaying the notification information if the predetermined conditions are not met, A computer program that functions as such. (Item 2) The computer program described in item 1, wherein the device-related information includes usage information indicating the usage status of consumables of the communication device, and the predetermined condition is met when the usage status indicated by the usage information is a predetermined state. (Item 3) The aforementioned usage information is information indicating the remaining amount of the consumable cartridge, The computer program described in item 2, wherein the predetermined condition is met when the remaining amount indicated by the usage information is below a threshold. (Item 4) The display control unit, When non-provision information indicating that the first service for shipping the consumables of the communication device is not provided to the user of the communication device is stored in the memory of the terminal device, and the predetermined conditions are met, the notification information is displayed on the display unit. A computer program according to item 2 or 3, which, when provision information indicating that the first service is provided to the user is stored in the memory, prevents the display unit from displaying the notification information when the predetermined conditions are met. (Item 5) The computer program described in any one of items 1 to 4 satisfies the predetermined conditions when the device-related information includes contract information indicating that a contract for receiving a second service has been concluded by the user of the communication device. (Item 6) The computer program described in any one of items 1 to 5 satisfies the predetermined conditions when the device-related information includes termination information indicating that the contract for receiving the second service has been terminated by the user of the communication device. (Item 7) A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined condition is met when the device-related information includes connection completion information indicating that the communication device has connected to the Internet. (Item 8) A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined condition is met when the device-related information includes power information indicating that the power of the communication device has been switched from OFF to ON. (Item 9) The notification information includes a computer program as described in any one of items 1 to 8, which includes a message relating to a service provided to the user of the communication device. (Item 10) The computer program described in any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the predetermined conditions are conditions determined by the notification server. (Item 11) The device-related information includes first type related information and second type related information that is different from the first type related information. The display control unit, When a predetermined condition of type 1 related to the type 1 related information is met, the display unit displays type 1 notification information related to the type 1 related information. A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 10, which, when a second type of predetermined condition different from the first type of predetermined condition, relating to the second type of related information, is met, causes the display unit to display a second type of notification information that is different from the first type of notification information and relating to the second type of related information. (Item 12) A terminal device, A notification information receiving unit that receives notification information from a notification server, A device-related information receiving unit that receives device-related information related to the communication device from the communication device, When predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met, the notification information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. A display control unit that prevents the display unit from displaying the notification information if the predetermined conditions are not met, A terminal device equipped with the following features. (Item 13) A method performed by a terminal device, A notification information receiving step, in which notification information is received from a notification server, A device-related information receiving step, which involves receiving device-related information related to the communication device from the communication device, When predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met, the notification information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. A display control step in which, if the predetermined conditions are not met, the display unit is not displayed the notification information, A method that includes [a certain feature]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10A: MFP, 10B: MFP, 100: Terminal device, 112: Operation unit, 114: Display unit, 116: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: Program, 138: MFP application, 140: Received information table, 142: Device table, 144: Notification list, 148: Consumables notification flag, 150: Service notification flag, 200: Notification server, 230: Memory, 238: Notification information table, 300: Service provision server, 330: Memory, 338: User table, 400: Service management server, 430: Memory, 438: Service table

Claims

1. A computer program for a terminal device, The computer of the aforementioned terminal device A notification information receiving unit that receives notification information from a notification server, A device-related information receiving unit that receives device-related information related to the communication device from the communication device, When predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met, the notification information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. A display control unit that prevents the display unit from displaying the notification information if the predetermined conditions are not met, To make it function as, If the device-related information includes usage information indicating the usage status of consumables of the communication device, and the usage status indicated by the usage information is a predetermined condition, then the predetermined condition is met. The display control unit, When non-provision information indicating that the first service for shipping the consumables of the communication device is not provided to the user of the communication device is stored in the memory of the terminal device, and the predetermined conditions are met, the notification information is displayed on the display unit. When the memory is stored information indicating that the first service is being provided to the user, and the predetermined conditions are met, the display unit is not allowed to display the notification information. Computer program.

2. The aforementioned usage information is information indicating the remaining amount of the consumable cartridge, The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is met when the remaining amount indicated by the usage information is below a threshold.

3. A computer program for a terminal device, The computer of the aforementioned terminal device A notification information receiving unit that receives notification information from a notification server, A device-related information receiving unit that receives device-related information related to the communication device from the communication device, When predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met, the notification information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. A display control unit that prevents the display unit from displaying the notification information if the predetermined conditions are not met, To make it function as, The predetermined conditions are met when the device-related information includes contract information indicating that a contract for receiving the second service has been concluded by the user of the communication device. Computer program.

4. A computer program for a terminal device, The computer of the aforementioned terminal device A notification information receiving unit that receives notification information from a notification server, A device-related information receiving unit that receives device-related information related to the communication device from the communication device, When predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met, the notification information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. A display control unit that prevents the display unit from displaying the notification information if the predetermined conditions are not met, To make it function as, The predetermined condition is met when the device-related information includes termination information indicating that the contract for receiving the second service has been terminated by the user of the communication device. Computer program.

5. A computer program for a terminal device, The computer of the aforementioned terminal device A notification information receiving unit that receives notification information from a notification server, A device-related information receiving unit that receives device-related information related to the communication device from the communication device, When predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met, the notification information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. A display control unit that prevents the display unit from displaying the notification information if the predetermined conditions are not met, To make it function as, The notification information includes a message related to a service provided to the user of the communication device. Computer program.

6. The aforementioned communication device is a printing device, The computer program according to claim 5, wherein the service includes a service for shipping consumables for the printing apparatus.

7. The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the device-related information includes connection completion information indicating that the communication device has connected to the Internet.

8. The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the device-related information includes power information indicating that the power of the communication device has been switched from OFF to ON.

9. The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the predetermined conditions are conditions determined by the notification server.

10. The device-related information includes a first type of related information and a second type of related information that is different from the first type of related information. The display control unit, When the first type of predetermined condition related to the first type of related information is met, the display unit will display the first type of notification information related to the first type of related information. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when a second type of predetermined condition, different from the first type of predetermined condition, relating to the second type of related information, is met, the display unit displays a second type of notification information that is different from the first type of notification information and relating to the second type of related information.

11. A terminal device, A notification information receiving unit that receives notification information from a notification server, A device-related information receiving unit that receives device-related information related to the communication device from the communication device, When predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met, the notification information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. A display control unit that prevents the display unit from displaying the notification information if the predetermined conditions are not met, Equipped with, The notification information includes a message related to a service provided to the user of the communication device. Terminal device.

12. The aforementioned communication device is a printing device, The terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the service includes a service for shipping consumables for the printing device.

13. A method performed by a terminal device, A notification information receiving step, in which notification information is received from a notification server, A device-related information receiving step, which involves receiving device-related information related to the communication device from the communication device, When predetermined conditions related to the device-related information are met, the notification information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. A display control step in which, if the predetermined conditions are not met, the display unit is not displayed the notification information, Equipped with, The notification information includes a message related to a service provided to the user of the communication device. method.

14. The aforementioned communication device is a printing device, The method according to claim 13, wherein the service includes a service for shipping consumables for the printing apparatus.

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