Server and computer program

Abstract

To change information utilized for managing a printer.SOLUTION: An increase instruction that is an instruction to increase the available capacity of a printer is accepted. A notification of the increase of the available capacity is given to the printer in response to the accepted increase instruction. A first increase instruction which is a first increase instruction for a first printer and which is associated with a first manager is accepted. A second increase instruction which is a second increase instruction for a second printer and which is associated with a second manager is accepted. A third increase instruction which is a third increase instruction for the first printer and which is associated with a third manager is accepted without an instruction from the first manager. A fourth increase instruction which is a fourth increase instruction for the second printer and which is associated with the third manager is accepted without an instruction from the second manager.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a technology for managing printers.

Background Art

[0002] Technologies for providing printing services using printers have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technology. The server includes a server storage unit that stores, in association with each other, user identification information for identifying a user and a printing permission amount for permitting printing by a printing unit. The program causes a computer to execute a first display process for displaying, on a display unit of an information processing apparatus, a selection screen for allowing a user to select a printing amount by the printing unit. Further, the program causes a computer to execute an addition process for adding the selected printing amount to the printing permission amount corresponding to the user identification information of the user to the server in response to the user selecting a printing amount from the selection screen displayed by the first display process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, various types of information are used for printer management (for example, the available amount of consumables such as paper, ink, toner, and photosensitive drums). There was room for improvement in changing the information used for printer management.

[0005] This specification discloses a technology for changing information used for printer management.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The technologies disclosed herein can be implemented in the following applications:

[0007] [Application Example 1] A server comprising: a receiving unit that receives an increase instruction which is an instruction to increase the usable capacity of a printer; and a notification unit that notifies the printer of the increase in usable capacity in accordance with the received increase instruction which is an increase instruction received by the receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit receives a first increase instruction for the first usable capacity of a first printer which is associated with a first administrator; a second increase instruction for the second usable capacity of a second printer which is associated with a second administrator; a third increase instruction for the first usable capacity of the first printer which is associated with a third administrator without instruction from the first administrator; and a fourth increase instruction for the second usable capacity of a second printer which is associated with a third administrator without instruction from the second administrator.

[0008] In this configuration, the server can increase the first available capacity of the first printer using the first and third increase instructions. The server can also increase the second available capacity of the second printer using the second and fourth increase instructions. [Application Example 2] The server described in Application Example 1, The aforementioned reception unit is The system receives the first increase instruction, which is selected from one or more predetermined increase instructions in a first group. The system accepts the second increase instruction, which is selected from a second group of one or more predetermined increase instructions. The third increase instruction includes a variable indicating the amount of increase in the first available quantity, Accepts the fourth increase instruction which includes a variable indicating the amount of increase in the second available quantity, server. [Application Example 3] The server described in Application Example 2, The first group includes either paid enhancement instructions or free enhancement instructions, or both. The aforementioned second group includes either paid or free enhancement instructions, or both. The third enhancement instruction is a free enhancement instruction. The aforementioned fourth enlargement instruction is a free enlargement instruction. server. [Application Example 4] A server as described in any of Application Examples 1 to 3, The aforementioned notification unit, A generation unit that generates order data corresponding to the received increase instruction, A state control unit that controls the state of the order data, A notification execution unit that notifies the printer corresponding to the order data of an increase in available capacity, according to the order data, Includes, The generation unit generates the order data in the first state if the received increase instruction is a paid increase instruction. The state control unit, upon completion of settlement for the order data in the first state, changes the state of the order data corresponding to the completed settlement from the first state to a second state different from the first state. The notification execution unit, when the state of the order data is the second state, notifies the printer corresponding to the order data in the second state of increased availability. The generation unit generates the order data in the second state if the received increase instruction is a free increase instruction. server. [Application Example 5] A server as described in any of Application Examples 1 to 4, The aforementioned notification unit, If the server is unable to communicate with the printer, the server will not notify the printer of the increase in available capacity. If the server can communicate with the printer, it notifies the printer of the increase in the available quantity. server. [Application Example 6] A server as described in any of Application Examples 1 to 5, The aforementioned reception unit is If the server is unable to communicate with the first printer, it will not accept the first increase instruction. When the server is able to communicate with the first printer, it receives the first increase instruction, If the server is unable to communicate with the second printer, it will not accept the second increase instruction. When the server can communicate with the second printer, it accepts the second increase instruction. server. [Application Example 7] A server as described in any of Application Examples 1 to 6, The aforementioned reception unit is Regardless of whether the server can communicate with the first printer, it accepts the third increase instruction. Regardless of whether the server can communicate with the second printer, it accepts the fourth increase instruction. server. [Application Example 8] A server described in any of Application Examples 1 to 7, further, The system includes a transmission unit that transmits first data for displaying the history of increases in the first available amount to a first terminal device, and second data for displaying the history of increases in the second available amount to a second terminal device. The first data is configured to display the increase due to the first increase instruction and the increase due to the third increase instruction in different ways from each other. The second data is configured to display the increase due to the second increase instruction and the increase due to the fourth increase instruction in different ways. server. [Application Example 9] A server as described in any of Application Examples 1 to 8, The third increase instruction is an increase instruction for the maintenance of the first printer, The fourth increase instruction is an increase instruction for the maintenance of the second printer. server. [Application Example 10] It is a computer program, A receiving function that accepts increase orders, which are instructions to increase the available capacity of the printer, A notification function that notifies the printer of the increase in the available quantity in accordance with the received increase instruction, which is an increase instruction received by the aforementioned reception function, To make this a reality on a computer, The aforementioned reception function is A first increase instruction for the first available quantity of the first printer, which receives the first increase instruction associated with the first administrator, A second increase instruction for the second available quantity of the second printer, which receives the second increase instruction associated with the second administrator, A third increase instruction for the first available quantity of the first printer, wherein the third increase instruction, which is associated with a third administrator, is received without instruction from the first administrator. A fourth increase instruction for the second available capacity of the second printer, wherein the fourth increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is accepted without instruction from the second administrator. Computer program.

[0009] Furthermore, the technologies disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms, for example, in the form of processing methods and processing devices, computer programs for realizing the functions of such methods or devices, recording media (e.g., non-temporary recording media) on which such computer programs are recorded, and so on. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] (A)-(C) are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of data 400, 300, and 310, respectively. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of a printing process. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing an example of order processing. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing an example of order processing. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing an example of order processing. [Figure 7](A)-(D) show examples of images displayed on the display unit 240 of the terminal device 200. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a support screen. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the history display process. [Figure 10] This shows an example of the history screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A. First example: A1. Equipment configuration: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the system in this embodiment. This system 1000 includes printers 100A and 100B, terminal devices 200A, 200B, and 200C, a service server 500, and a payment server 700. In this embodiment, printers 100A and 100B have the same hardware configuration. Hereafter, when printers 100A and 100B are not distinguished, the letters at the end of their names will be omitted, and they will simply be referred to as printer 100. Also in this embodiment, terminal devices 200A, 200B, and 200C have the same hardware configuration. Hereafter, when terminal devices 200A, 200B, and 200C are not distinguished, the letters at the end of their names will be omitted, and they will simply be referred to as terminal device 200.

[0012] The service server 500 is provided by the printing service provider. The printing service provider provides the printer 100 to the user who has applied for the printing service. The service server 500 assigns a printable page limit to the printer 100. The printer 100 allows the user to print the number of pages that have been printed. The administrator of the printer 100 can purchase additional printable pages using the terminal device 200. When additional printable pages are purchased, the service server 500 assigns the updated printable page limit to the printer 100. Note that the number of printable pages is managed for each printer 100.

[0013] Terminal devices 200A, 200B, and 200C are terminal devices of different administrators. In this embodiment, the first terminal device 200A is the terminal device of the first administrator of the first printer 100A. If the first printer 100A is used in a home, the first administrator may be a family member (e.g., father, mother, etc.). If the first printer 100A is used in a company, the first administrator may be a person selected from among the employees. The second terminal device 200B is the terminal device of the second administrator of the second printer 100B. The second administrator, like the first administrator, may be a family member or a person selected from among the employees. The third terminal device 200C is the terminal device of the third administrator who performs maintenance on the printer 100. If the printer 100 has a malfunction, the administrator of the printer 100 requests the printing service provider to resolve the malfunction. In response to the request, the third administrator performs maintenance on the printer 100 (e.g., inspection, repair, etc.). For maintenance purposes, a third-party administrator may cause printer 100 to print. This printing will reduce the number of printable pages. The third-party administrator will compensate for the reduction in printable pages due to the maintenance printing free of charge (details below).

[0014] In this embodiment, administrators are divided into two types: administrators registered to use the printing service and administrators who perform maintenance according to the instructions of the printing service provider. Hereinafter, administrators registered to use the printing service will be referred to as Type 1, and administrators for maintenance will be referred to as Type 2. Administrators 1 and 2 are Type 1 administrators. Type 1 administrators may be general users. Administrator 3 is a Type 2 administrator.

[0015] The payment server 700 is provided by the payment service provider. The payment server 700 processes payments for the purchase of printable pages.

[0016] These devices 100A, 100B, 200A, 200B, 200C, 500, and 600 are connected to Network NT. Network NT may include the so-called Internet. Network NT may also include the so-called local network.

[0017] The printer 100 includes a processor 110, a storage device 115, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, a print execution unit 160, and a communication interface 180. These elements are connected to each other via a bus. The storage device 115 includes a volatile storage device 120 and a non-volatile storage device 130. The processor 110 is a device that performs data processing, for example, a CPU. The volatile storage device 120 is for example, DRAM, and the non-volatile storage device 130 is for example, flash memory.

[0018] The printing execution unit 160 is a device that prints an image on a sheet such as paper (an example of a printing medium) using a printing material (e.g., toner or ink) in a predetermined manner (e.g., laser method or inkjet method).

[0019] The display unit 140 is a device that displays images, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an LED display. The operation unit 150 is a device that receives user input, such as buttons, levers, or a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 140. The communication interface 180 is an interface for communicating with other devices (for example, the communication interface 180 includes one or more of the following: a USB interface, a wired LAN interface, or an IEEE 802.11 wireless interface). In this embodiment, the communication interface 180 is connected to the network NT.

[0020] The non-volatile memory device 130 stores program PG1 and control data 400. Program PG1 is pre-stored in the non-volatile memory device 130 as firmware by the manufacturer of the printer 100. The processor 110 executes various processes described later by executing program PG1. Details of the control data 400 will be described later.

[0021] The terminal device 200 is a computer such as a smartphone. The terminal device 200 has a processor 210, a storage device 215, a display unit 240, an operation unit 250, and a communication interface 280. These elements are connected to each other via a bus. The storage device 215 includes a volatile storage device 220 and a non-volatile storage device 230. The processor 210 is a device that performs data processing, for example, a CPU. The volatile storage device 220 is for example, DRAM, and the non-volatile storage device 230 is for example, flash memory.

[0022] The display unit 240 is a device that displays images, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an LED display. The operation unit 250 is a device that receives user input, such as buttons, levers, or a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 240. The communication interface 280 is an interface for communicating with other devices (for example, the communication interface 280 includes one or more of the following: a USB interface, a wired LAN interface, or an IEEE 802.11 wireless interface). In this embodiment, the communication interface 280 is connected to the network NT.

[0023] The non-volatile memory device 230 stores program PG2 and account data 231. Although not shown in the diagram, an operating system (e.g., ANDROID®, iOS®, etc.) is running on the terminal device 200. Various applications can run on the operating system. Program PG2 is a program for an application (also called an order application) that sends an instruction to increase the number of printable pages (i.e., an order for the number of printable pages) to the service server 500. Program PG2 may be an application program that runs on the operating system. Alternatively, program PG2 may be an application program that runs on another application (such a program is also called a miniprogram). Program PG2 is downloaded to the terminal device 200 from a server (not shown in the diagram). Alternatively, program PG2 may be provided stored on a portable memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM, a USB flash drive, etc.). The processor 210 executes various processes described later by executing program PG2.

[0024] The account data 231 indicates the administrator identifier of the administrator who owns the terminal device 200, and the identifier of the printer 100 associated with the administrator identifier (referred to as the printer identifier). The administrator identifier is assigned to the administrator by the printing service provider. The correspondence between the administrator identifier and the printer identifier is determined by the printing service provider. For use with the ordering application, the account data 231 is pre-stored in the non-volatile storage device 230.

[0025] Servers 500 and 700 each have processors 510 and 710, storage devices 515 and 715, and communication interfaces 580 and 780, respectively. In each server 500 and 700, these elements are connected to each other via a bus. Storage devices 515 and 715 each include volatile storage devices 520 and 720 and non-volatile storage devices 530 and 730, respectively. Processors 510 and 710 are devices that perform data processing, such as CPUs. Volatile storage devices 520 and 720 are, for example, DRAM, and non-volatile storage devices 530 and 730 are, for example, flash memory. Communication interfaces 580 and 780 are interfaces for communicating with other devices (for example, each of communication interfaces 580 and 780 includes one or more of the following: a USB interface, a wired LAN interface, and an IEEE 802.11 wireless interface). In this embodiment, communication interfaces 580 and 780 are each connected to network NT.

[0026] The non-volatile storage devices 530 and 730 pre-store programs PG5 and PG7, respectively, for the operation of the corresponding servers 500 and 700. The processors 510 and 710 execute various processes described later according to programs PG5 and PG7.

[0027] The non-volatile storage device 530 of the service server 500 further stores management data 300 and account data 310. The non-volatile storage device 730 of the payment server 700 further stores payment data 731. Details of this data will be described later.

[0028] Although not shown in the diagram, servers 500 and 700 are running server operating systems. Programs PG5 and PG7 may be application programs that run on the operating system. Alternatively, programs PG5 and PG7 may be programs embedded in the operating system.

[0029] A2. Data structure: Figures 2(A) and 2(C) are schematic diagrams showing examples of data 400, 300, and 310, respectively. Figure 2(A) shows an example of control data 400 stored in the non-volatile memory device 130 of printer 100 (Figure 1). The control data 400 shows the cumulative charge count D43 and the cumulative print count D44. Hereinafter, the cumulative charge count D43 will also be simply referred to as the cumulative charge count D43. Similarly, the cumulative print count D44 will also be simply referred to as the cumulative print count D44. The cumulative charge count D43 is the cumulative value of the number of printable pages assigned to printer 100. The charge count indicates the number of printable pages assigned to printer 100. The cumulative print count D44 is the cumulative value of the number of sheets printed by printer 100. As will be explained in more detail later, the printer 100's processor 110 updates the cumulative charge count D43 in response to instructions from the service server 500 and updates the cumulative print count D44 when printing is performed. Printer 100 is requested to print various numbers of pages NP (NP is an integer greater than or equal to 1). The processor 110 executes printing when "NP + D44" is less than or equal to "D43".

[0030] Figure 2(B) shows an example of management data 300 stored in the non-volatile storage device 530 of the service server 500 (Figure 1). The management data 300 includes multiple printer data 301, one for each printer 100. The printer data 301 associated with the first printer 100A is also called the first printer data 301A, and the printer data 301 associated with the second printer 100B is also called the second printer data 301B. The configuration common to multiple printer data 301 will be explained without distinguishing between the individual printer data 301A and 301B.

[0031] Printer data 301 shows the device D31, cumulative charge count D33, cumulative print count D34, charge plan list D35, and order list D36. Hereafter, cumulative charge count D33 will also be simply referred to as cumulative charge count D33, and cumulative print count D34 will also be simply referred to as cumulative print count D34.

[0032] Device D31 indicates the identifier of printer 100 corresponding to printer data 301. Cumulative charge count D33 is the cumulative value of the charge count. As will be described in detail later, the processor 510 of the service server 500 (Figure 1) adds the number of printable pages purchased to the cumulative charge count D33. In addition, when printing for maintenance is performed, the third administrator can instruct the service server 500 to increase the cumulative charge count D33 free of charge. The processor 510 notifies the printer 100 of the updated cumulative charge count D33. In response to the notification, the processor 110 of the printer 100 updates the cumulative charge count D43 (Figure 2(A)) to the same value as the cumulative charge count D33.

[0033] The cumulative print count D34 is the cumulative number of sheets printed by printer 100 (Figure 1). As will be described in detail later, the processor 110 of printer 100 notifies the service server 500 of the updated cumulative print count D44 (Figure 2(A)) in response to printing. The processor 510 of service server 500 updates the cumulative print count D34 to the same value as the cumulative print count D44 in response to the notification.

[0034] Charge plan list D35 shows a list of plans that can be selected for ordering the number of printable pages. In the example in Figure 2(B), charge plan list D35 shows multiple plans, including Plan 1 D35a and Plan 2 D35b. Plan 1 D35a is, for example, a paid plan for an increase of 100 pages, and Plan 2 D35b is, for example, a paid plan for an increase of 200 pages. Although not shown in the illustration, charge plan list D35 may also include free plans (also called coupons). Plans may have a set number of uses. For example, the number of uses for a coupon may be set to 1. The plans included in charge plan list D35 are predetermined by the printing service provider. Also, as will be described later, a Type 2 administrator may add new plans to charge plan list D35.

[0035] Order list D36 shows a list of orders received by service server 500. A first-class administrator (e.g., the first and second administrators) can select a plan for an order from charge plan list D35. A second-class administrator (e.g., the third administrator) can issue a reimbursement order not included in charge plan list D35. In the example in Figure 2(B), order list D36 shows multiple orders, including the first order D36a and the second order D36b. Each order shows multiple pieces of information, including content, status, and date.

[0036] Order 1 D36a shows an example of an order issued by a Type 1 administrator. The contents of Order 1 D36a D61a show the details of the plan. The status D62a is selected from three states: a first state indicating awaiting permission to proceed, a second state indicating ready to proceed, and a third state indicating completed processing. As described later, if a paid plan is selected, the status of an unpaid order is set to the first state. Subsequently, upon completion of payment, the order status changes to the second state. If a free plan is selected, the order status is set to the second state. The date D63a shows the date Order 1 D36a was received.

[0037] The second order D36b shows an example of an order issued by a Type 2 administrator. The contents D61b of the second order D36b show the contents of "compensation" (including that the order type is "compensation" and the number of additional items). For "compensation" orders, the status D62b is selected from the second status (ready to proceed) and the third status (processed). The date D63b shows the date the second order D36b was received.

[0038] Figure 2(C) shows an example of account data 310 stored in the non-volatile storage device 530 of the service server 500 (Figure 1). The account data 310 shows the correspondence between the administrator identifier, the administrator type, and the printer identifier. In the example in Figure 2(C), the account data 310 shows the correspondence between multiple administrators, including the first administrator 801, the second administrator 802, and the third administrator 803.

[0039] The first administrator 801 is of type 1, and one or more printers 100, including the first printer 100A, are associated with the first administrator 801. The second administrator 802 is of type 1, and one or more printers 100, including the second printer 100B, are associated with the second administrator 802. First-type administrators are allowed to order the number of printable pages for printers 100 associated by account data 310. Orders for the number of printable pages for printers 100 not associated by account data 310 are prohibited. The correspondence between administrator identifiers and printer identifiers is registered in advance.

[0040] The type of the third administrator 803 is type 2. For a type 2 administrator, there are no restrictions on the number of printers 100 included in a particular printer group. A type 2 administrator is allowed to order the number of printable pages for any of the printers 100 included in a particular printer group. In this embodiment, the particular printer group includes a first printer 100A and a second printer 100B.

[0041] A specific printer group is determined by the printing service provider. The method for determining a specific printer group may be arbitrary. For example, a specific printer group may be determined based on geographical ranges such as countries or regions. Also, applications for printing services may be accepted by multiple sales companies. In this case, a specific printer group may be formed for each sales company. The printer identifier of the Type 2 administrator is set to a value that indicates there are no restrictions within the specific printer group. The same applies to the account data 231 of the Type 2 administrator's terminal device 200 (Figure 1). Hereafter, the service server 500 will process one printer group. If the service server 500 processes multiple printer groups, account data 310 may be prepared for each printer group.

[0042] A3. Printing process: Figure 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the printing process. Figure 3 shows an example of the process when printer 100 performs printing. The upper part of the figure shows an example of the management data 300 and control data 400 before printing. Here, D33=D43=1000 and D34=D44=943.

[0043] In S110, the printer 100 receives a print request from an external device. The device that sends the print request may be any device capable of communicating with the printer 100. For example, if the communication interface 180 of the printer 100 (Figure 1) includes a USB interface, the device that sends the print request may be an external device (e.g., a personal computer) connected to the USB interface by a wire. If the communication interface 180 includes an IEEE 802.11 wireless interface, the device that sends the print request may be an external device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, etc.) connected wirelessly to the wireless interface. The printer 100 may also receive print requests from the service server 500. The service server 500 may send a print request to the printer 100 in response to instructions from a user's terminal device (not shown).

[0044] A print request may contain various types of data. In this embodiment, a print request contains image data of the images to be printed (referred to as target image data). The data format of the target image data may be any data format. For example, the target image data may be bitmap data (such as JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), PNG (Portable Network Graphics)), or image data described in a page description language (such as PDF (Portable Document Format), XPS (XML Paper Specification)). Hereinafter, it will be assumed that the target image data represents NP images to be printed on NP sheets (where NP is an integer greater than or equal to 1). This number NP is referred to as the number of print sheets NP.

[0045] In S115, the processor 110 refers to the control data 400 (FIG. 2(A)) and acquires the cumulative charge number D43 and the cumulative print number D44.

[0046] In S120, the processor 110 determines whether the sum of the cumulative print number D44 and the number of print sheets NP is less than or equal to the cumulative charge number D43. D43 < D44 + NP indicates that the cumulative print number D44 exceeds the cumulative charge number D43 after printing NP sheets. In this case (S120: No), the processor 110 ends the process without executing printing. Note that the processor 110 may execute a process of notifying the user that printing has not been executed. For example, the processor 110 may display information indicating a shortage of the cumulative charge number D43 on the display unit 140.

[0047] When D44 + NP is less than or equal to D43 (S120: Yes), in S125, the processor 110 causes the print execution unit 160 to execute printing of NP sheets using the target image data. For example, the processor 110 generates print data using the target image data. The processor 110 supplies the print data to the print execution unit 160. The print execution unit 160 executes printing according to the print data. The data format of the print data may be any data format suitable for the print execution unit 160. Instead of this, the processor 110 may supply the target image data to the print execution unit 160 (that is, the print execution unit 160 may be configured to print an image using the target image data).

[0048] In this way, printing is permitted when the number of print sheets NP is less than or equal to “D43 - D44”. The difference (D43 - D44) between the cumulative charge number D43 and the cumulative print number D44 indicates the number of printable sheets.

[0049] In S130, the processor 110 updates the control data 400. Specifically, the processor 110 adds the number of print sheets NP to the cumulative print number D44. For example, when the cumulative print number D44 before update is 943 and the number of print sheets NP is 10, the cumulative print number D44 after update is 953 (= 943 + 10).

[0050] In S135, the processor 110 sends a status notification to the service server 500. The status notification includes data indicating a printer identifier associated with the printer 100 and data indicating the latest cumulative print count D44. The conditions for sending the status notification can be various. For example, the processor 110 may send a status notification in response to printing being performed. The processor 110 may also send status notifications periodically.

[0051] In S145, the processor 510 of the service server 500 updates the management data 300 in response to the status notification. In this embodiment, the processor 510 sets the cumulative print count D34 of the printer data 301 corresponding to the printer identifier indicated by the status notification to the same value as the cumulative print count D44 indicated by the status notification. For example, if D44 = 953, the cumulative print count D34 is set to 953. Then, the process shown in Figure 3 ends.

[0052] Furthermore, if the number of printable pages NP exceeds the number of printable pages (D43-D44), the processor 110 of the printer 100 may allow the printing of the printable pages (D43-D44) out of the number of printable pages NP. For example, if NP=10 and D43-D44=3, the processor 110 may control the printer so that it prints 3 pages and does not allow the printer to print the remaining 7 pages. In this case, in S130, the processor 110 adds the number of pages actually printed to the cumulative number of printable pages D44.

[0053] A4. Order Processing: Figures 4-6 are flowcharts illustrating examples of order processing. These figures show the processing for orders from Type 1 administrators and the processing for orders from Type 2 administrators. First, the processing for orders from Type 1 administrators will be explained. Hereinafter, it will be assumed that the first administrator 801 places an order for the number of printable pages by operating the first terminal device 200A.

[0054] In S205, the first administrator 801 activates the order application and inputs instructions for order processing by operating the control unit 250 of the first terminal device 200A (Figure 1). The processor 210 of the first terminal device 200A sends an order processing request to the service server 500. The order processing request includes data indicating the identifier of the first administrator 801, which is shown by the account data 231. Hereinafter, the administrator identifier shown by the order processing request will also be referred to as the administrator identifier of interest.

[0055] In S210, the processor 510 of the service server 500 receives an order processing request from the first terminal device 200A. Hereafter, the terminal device that sent the order processing request will also be referred to as the source terminal device. In this case, the source terminal device is the first terminal device 200A (also referred to as source terminal device 200A).

[0056] In S220, the processor 510 refers to the account data 310 (Figure 2(C)) to obtain the type of the attention administrator identifier. Then, the processor 510 determines whether the type of the attention administrator identifier is type 2 or not.

[0057] The type of the first administrator 801 is type 1. Therefore, when an order processing request from the first terminal device 200A is processed, the result of the decision in S220 is No. In this case, in S225, the processor 510 obtains the attention printer identifier, which is the identifier of the printer 100 that is the subject of the order. In this embodiment, the processor 210 of the source terminal device 200A (Figure 1) causes the first administrator 801 to select the printer 100 from the printer identifier indicated by the account data 231. Hereinafter, the selected printer will also be called the attention printer. Here, we assume that the first printer 100A is selected (the first printer 100A will also be called the attention printer 100A). The processor 210 sends attention printer data indicating the identifier of the attention printer to the service server 500. The processor 510 of the service server 500 obtains the attention printer identifier by referring to the attention printer data.

[0058] In S230, the processor 510 obtains the charge plan list D35 by referring to the first printer data 301A corresponding to the printer of interest 100A from among the multiple printer data 301 in the management data 300 (Figure 2(B)). Then, the processor 510 transmits the plan list data showing the charge plan list D35 to the source terminal device 200A.

[0059] In S240, the processor 210 of the source terminal device 200A displays the plan selection screen on the display unit 240. Figures 7(A) to 7(D) show examples of images displayed on the display unit 240 of the terminal device 200. Figure 7(A) shows an example of the plan selection screen. The plan selection screen 910 is an operation screen displayed by the ordering application (a screen displayed by an application is also called an application window). The plan selection screen 910 has a plan list area 911 and an order button 912. The plan list area 911 shows the charge plan list D35 indicated by the plan list data. In the example of Figure 7(A), the plan list area 911 shows a selection checkbox, the plan name, the number of items, and the amount for each plan. In this embodiment, the operation unit 250 includes a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 240. The first administrator 801 can manipulate an element by tapping the part of the touch panel that overlaps with the displayed element (hereinafter, this will also be simply referred to as the first administrator 801 manipulating the element).

[0060] In S250 (Figure 4), the first administrator 801 selects a plan by operating a checkbox. The first administrator 801 then inputs an order progress instruction by operating the order button 912. The processor 210 sends an order for the number of printable pages (i.e., an increase instruction) to the service server 500 in response to the progress instruction. The increase instruction includes data indicating the identifier of the selected plan, but does not include data indicating the number of pages to be added. In this way, the processor 210 issues the increase instruction in response to the instruction of the first administrator 801. The processor 510 of the service server 500 receives the increase instruction from the source terminal device 200A.

[0061] In S260, the processor 510 determines whether the service server 500 can communicate with the printer of interest 100A. The method of this determination may be arbitrary. For example, the processor 510 may send a response request to the printer of interest 100A. If a response arrives from the printer of interest 100A to the service server 500 within a predetermined waiting time (for example, 1 minute), the processor 510 may determine that the server 500 can communicate with the printer of interest 100A. If no response arrives within the waiting time, the processor 510 may determine that the server 500 cannot communicate with the printer of interest 100A. The service server 500 may also establish a permanent connection with the printer of interest 100A. If a permanent connection has already been established, the processor 510 may determine that the server 500 can communicate with the printer of interest 100A. If a permanent connection has not been established, the processor 510 may determine that the server 500 cannot communicate with the printer of interest 100A. A connection server (not shown) may establish a permanent connection with the printer 100. The service server 500 may then communicate with the printer 100 via the connection server.

[0062] If the server 500 determines that it cannot communicate with the printer 100A (S260: No), in S270, the processor 510 does not accept the increase instruction and notifies the source terminal device 200A of the error.

[0063] In S275, the processor 210 of the source terminal device 200A displays an error screen on the display unit 240 in response to the error notification. Figure 7(B) shows an example of the error screen that is displayed. The error screen 920 has a message 921 indicating that the printer of interest 100A is not online, and a button 922 for closing the error screen 920. After S275, the order processing is completed.

[0064] If the server 500 determines that it can communicate with the printer 100A (S260: Yes), in S280, the processor 510 accepts an increase instruction. If the plan indicated by the increase instruction has a set number of uses, the processor 510 subtracts 1 from the number of uses. If the number of uses becomes zero as a result of the subtraction, the processor 510 removes that plan from the charge plan list D35 (Figure 2(B)). For example, if a coupon has one use, the coupon is removed from the charge plan list D35 after one use.

[0065] In S290, the processor 510 generates order data corresponding to the upgrade instruction. The processor 510 then adds the generated order data to the order list D36 of the printer data 301A corresponding to the printer of interest 100A in the management data 300 (Figure 2(B)). The order data includes data indicating the content of the plan indicated by the upgrade instruction, data indicating the status, and data indicating the date the upgrade instruction was received. The processor 510 obtains the received date by referring to a timer (not shown). If the plan is a paid plan, the processor 510 sets the status to the first state. If the plan is a free plan, the processor 510 sets the status to the second state. Hereinafter, the order data newly generated in S290 will also be referred to as the order data of interest.

[0066] In S300, the processor 510 increases the cumulative charge count D33 of the printer 100A in the management data 300 (Figure 2(B)) in accordance with the increase instruction.

[0067] In S310 (Figure 5), the processor 510 determines whether the state of the order data under consideration is in the second state. If the state is not in the second state (S310: No), in this embodiment, the order data under consideration indicates a paid order, and the state is in the first state (i.e., the order has not been settled).

[0068] If the order is for a fee, payment processing (S320) is performed. The processor 210 of the source terminal device 200A (Figure 1) proceeds with the payment according to the instructions of the first administrator 801. The processor 210 sends a payment request to the payment server 700. The payment request includes data indicating the amount of the plan indicated by the order data and data indicating the identifier of the first administrator 801 indicated by the account data 231. The processor 710 of the payment server 700 proceeds with the payment processing according to the payment request by referring to the payment data 731. The payment data 731 indicates information used for the payment processing (for example, the correspondence between the administrator identifier and the transfer account). The processor 710 sends an instruction to the source terminal device 200A to display a payment confirmation screen. The processor 210 of the source terminal device 200A displays the confirmation screen on the display unit 240 according to the display instruction. Figure 7(C) shows an example of a confirmation screen. The confirmation screen 930 has a message 931 showing the amount and payment method, and a payment button 932 for proceeding with the payment. The first administrator 801 can input a payment instruction by operating the payment button 932. The processor 210 sends the input payment instruction to the payment server 700. The processor 710 of the payment server 700 completes the payment in accordance with the payment instruction. The processor 710 sends a payment completion notification to the source terminal device 200A and the service server 500. The payment processing (S320) is performed at various timings after the issuance of the increase instruction (Figure 4: S250).

[0069] If the status of the order data under consideration is not the second state (S310: No), in S330, the processor 510 of the service server 500 determines whether the settlement of the order data under consideration has been completed. If the processor 510 has not received confirmation of settlement from the settlement server 700 (S330: No), the processor 510 repeats S330 until settlement is completed.

[0070] If the settlement of the featured order data is completed (S330: Yes), in S340, the processor 510 updates the status of the featured order data in the management data 300 (Figure 2(B)) from the first state to the second state. Then, the processor 510 proceeds to S310.

[0071] If the status of the order data in question is in the second state (S330:310:Yes), in S350, the processor 510 determines whether the service server 500 can communicate with the printer 100A in question. This process is the same as the process in S260 in Figure 4. If it is determined that the server 500 cannot communicate with the printer 100A in question (S350:No), the processor 510 repeats S350 and waits for a state in which communication with the printer 100A in question becomes possible.

[0072] If the server 500 determines that it can communicate with the printer 100A (S350: Yes), in S360, the processor 510 notifies the printer 100A of the increase in the cumulative charge count D33 (Figure 2(B)) according to the order data. This increase notification includes data indicating the updated cumulative charge count D33.

[0073] In S370, the processor 210 of the printer 100A updates the cumulative charge count D43 in the control data 400 (Figure 2(A)) to the same value as the cumulative charge count D33 in response to the notification of the increase. The increase in the cumulative charge count D43 indicates an increase in the number of printable pages (D43-D44). The processor 210 then notifies the service server 500 that the update of the cumulative charge count D43 is complete.

[0074] In S380, the processor 510 of the service server 500 receives a notification from the printer of interest 100A that the update is complete. In S390, the processor 510 updates the status of the order data of interest in the management data 300 (Figure 2(B)) from the second state to the third state in response to the update completion notification.

[0075] In S400, the processor 510 sends a completion notification to the source terminal device 200A. In S410, the processor 210 of the source terminal device 200A displays a completion screen on the display unit 240 in response to the completion notification. Figure 7(D) shows an example of the displayed completion screen. The completion screen 940 has a message 941 indicating that the order has been completed, and a button 942 for closing the completion screen 940. After S410, the order processing is completed.

[0076] As described above, the cumulative charge counts D33 and D43 increase in response to the increase instruction from the first administrator 801. Similarly, the process proceeds when the second administrator 802 issues an increase instruction. As explained in Figure 2(C), the second administrator 802 can increase the number of printable pages of the second printer 100B.

[0077] Next, we will describe the case when the third administrator 803 issues instructions. In this embodiment, when the third administrator 803 causes the printer 100 to perform printing for maintenance purposes, it increases the number of printable pages of the printer 100.

[0078] In S205 (Figure 4), the third administrator 803 activates the order application and inputs instructions for support order processing by operating the control unit 250 of the third terminal device 200C (Figure 1). The processor 210 of the third terminal device 200C sends an order processing request to the service server 500. This order processing request includes data indicating the identifier of the third administrator 803, as shown by the account data 231. The administrator identifier of interest indicates the third administrator 803.

[0079] In S210, the processor 510 of the service server 500 receives an order processing request from the third terminal device 200C. The source terminal device is the third terminal device 200C (also called the source terminal device 200C).

[0080] In S220, the processor 510 determines that the type of the attention administrator identifier is type 2 (S220: Yes). In this case, the process proceeds to Figure 6. In S420, the processor 210 of the source terminal device 200C displays the support screen on the display unit 240. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the support screen. The support screen 950 has a target device area 951, a compensation name area 952 and a quantity area 953 for compensation, a compensation instruction button 954, a coupon name area 955 and a quantity area 956 for coupons, and a coupon instruction button 957.

[0081] The target device area 951 is the area for selecting the printer of interest, which is the printer 100 to be ordered. As described above, the printer identifier in the account data 231 of the third terminal device 200C (Figure 1) indicates that there are no restrictions within a specific printer group. In this case, the processor 210 may allow the third administrator 803 to input information indicating the printer of interest (e.g., printer identifier, printer name, etc.) into the target device area 951. Alternatively, the processor 210 may display a list of selectable printers 100 in the target device area 951. The third administrator 803 may then select the printer of interest from the displayed list. Hereafter, it will be assumed that the first printer 100A is selected.

[0082] The compensation name area 952 is for entering the name of the compensation. The third administrator 803 may enter a name indicating the compensation for support. The page count area 953 is for entering the increase in the number of printable pages due to the compensation. The compensation instruction button 954 is a button for performing the compensation using the information entered in areas 952 and 953.

[0083] The coupon name area 955 is for entering the name of the coupon. The third administrator 803 may enter a name to indicate the coupon for support purposes. The quantity area 956 is for entering the increase in the number of printable pages due to the coupon. The coupon instruction button 957 is a button for issuing a new coupon (i.e., adding a new coupon) using the information entered in areas 955 and 956.

[0084] The third administrator 803 can proceed with issuing either compensation (i.e., an increase instruction) or a coupon addition instruction by operating the support screen 950.

[0085] In S430 (Figure 6), the processor 210 of the source terminal device 200C sends an increase instruction or a coupon addition instruction to the service server 500 according to the information entered on the support screen 950 (Figure 8). The increase instruction includes data indicating the information entered in areas 952 and 953. The coupon addition instruction includes data indicating the information entered in areas 955 and 956. The processor 510 of the service server 500 receives the instruction from the source terminal device 200C.

[0086] In S440, the processor 510 determines whether the instruction is an increase instruction. If the instruction is an increase instruction (i.e., a replenishment) (S440: Yes), in S450, the processor 510 accepts the increase instruction. As described above, the increase instruction includes data indicating a variable that shows the increase in the number of printable pages. Furthermore, the third administrator 803 does not need an instruction from the first administrator 801 to accept the increase instruction.

[0087] The following steps S460 and S470 are the same as S290 and S300 in Figure 4, respectively. In S460, the processor 510 sets the contents of the order indicated by the order data to "compensation," similar to the contents of the second order D36b (Figure 2(B)). The contents of "compensation" include the order type being "compensation" and the increase amount. The processor 510 also sets the state of the order data to the second state. Then, the processor 510 moves to S310 (Figure 5). Since the state of the compensation order data is the second state (S310: Yes), the processor 510 moves to S350. The processing in S350-S410 is the same as the processing in S350-S410 described above for orders from the first type of administrator. As described above, in response to the increase instruction from the third administrator 803, the cumulative charge count D33 and D43 (and consequently the number of printable pages) of the printer 100A increases. Also, if a replenishment order data is processed, steps S320 and S330 in Figure 5 are skipped. The processor 210 of the third terminal device 200C does not perform settlement processing for replenishment. Thus, the replenishment order data indicates a free increase instruction.

[0088] As explained in Figure 2(C), S420, and S430 (Figure 6), the third administrator 803 can select the second printer 100B instead of the first printer 100A in the target device area 951 (Figure 8). Similarly, when the second printer 100B is selected, the printable page count of the second printer 100B increases. Here, the instruction from the second administrator 802 is not required for the third administrator 803 to receive the increase instruction in S450 (Figure 6).

[0089] If the instruction from the source terminal device 200C is a coupon addition instruction (S440: No), in S480, the processor 510 adds the new coupon indicated by the coupon addition instruction to the management data 300 (Figure 2(B)). Here, the processor 510 adds the new coupon to the charge plan list D35 of the first printer data 301A corresponding to the printer of interest 100A in the management data 300. The newly added coupon can be selected on the plan selection screen 910 in Figure 7(A) (not shown). As shown in the plan list area 911, the coupon has a plan name, quantity, and amount set. The plan name is set to the name entered in the coupon name area 955 (Figure 8). The quantity is set to the value set in the quantity area 956. The amount is set to zero (free). After S480 (Figure 6), the order processing is completed.

[0090] As described above, in this embodiment, the processor 510 of the service server 500 performs the following processes. In S280 (Figure 4) and S450 (Figure 6), the processor 510 receives an increase instruction, which is an instruction to increase the usable capacity of the printer 100. In S360 (Figure 5), the processor 510 notifies the printer 100 of the increase in the cumulative charge count D33 according to the received increase instruction. The increase in the cumulative charge count D33 indicates an increase in the number of printable pages (D33-D34).

[0091] As explained in S280 in Figure 4, the processor 510 receives an instruction to increase the printable page count of the first printer 100A (Figure 2(C)), which is associated with the first administrator 801. Also in S280, the processor 510 receives an instruction to increase the printable page count of the second printer 100B (Figure 2(C)), which is associated with the second administrator 802.

[0092] As explained in Figure 2(C), S420, S430, and S450 (Figure 6), the third administrator 803 can increase the printable page count of both the first printer 100A and the second printer 100B. Specifically, in S450, the processor 510 receives an instruction to increase the printable page count of the first printer 100A, which is associated with the third administrator 803, without any instruction from the first administrator 801. Also in S450, the processor 510 receives an instruction to increase the printable page count of the second printer 100B, which is associated with the third administrator 803, without any instruction from the second administrator 802.

[0093] In this way, the service server 500 can increase the printable page count of the first printer 100A using increase instructions from the first administrator 801 and the third administrator 803. The service server 500 can also increase the printable page count of the second printer 100B using increase instructions from the second administrator 802 and the third administrator 803. The third administrator 803 can increase the printable page count of both printers 100A and 100B. Therefore, the flexibility in managing the printable page counts of both the first printer 100A and the second printer 100B is improved. For example, if a specific process (e.g., maintenance) is performed on either the first printer 100A or the second printer 100B, the third administrator 803 can appropriately increase the printable page count of the printer 100 subject to the specific process.

[0094] Furthermore, as explained in Figure 2(B), S225-S250 in Figure 4, and Figure 7(A), the processor 510 causes the first administrator 801 to select an increase instruction for the first printer 100A from the charge plan list D35 (also called the first group) associated with the first printer 100A. That is, the processor 510 accepts an increase instruction selected from the first group that is associated with the first administrator 801. The first group is a group of one or more increase instructions. Each increase instruction is predetermined at the time of plan selection. Similarly, the processor 510 accepts an increase instruction selected from the charge plan list D35 (also called the second group) associated with the second printer 100B that is associated with the second administrator 802. The second group is also a group of one or more predetermined increase instructions, similar to the first group. Note that the first group may be the same as the second group. Alternatively, the first group may include plans not included in the second group (i.e., increase directives). The second group may include plans not included in the first group.

[0095] Furthermore, as explained in S420, S430, S450, S460 (Figure 6), and Figure 8, the increase instruction for the first printer 100A, which is associated with the third administrator 803, includes a variable indicating the number of pages to be added. Similarly, the increase instruction for the second printer 100B, which is associated with the third administrator 803, includes a variable indicating the number of pages to be added.

[0096] In this way, the first administrator 801 and the second administrator 802 can easily issue increase instructions by selecting an increase instruction (in this case, a plan) from a group of increase instructions. The third administrator 803 can flexibly issue increase instructions by adjusting a variable (number area 953 (Figure 8)) that indicates the number of sheets to be added.

[0097] As shown in the plan list area 911 of Figure 7(A), the group of expansion instructions associated with the first printer 100A includes both paid expansion instructions and free expansion instructions. Here, either the paid expansion instructions or the free expansion instructions may be omitted. Although not shown in the figure, the group of expansion instructions associated with the second printer 100B also includes both paid expansion instructions and free expansion instructions. Here, either the paid expansion instructions or the free expansion instructions may be omitted.

[0098] Furthermore, as explained in Figures 5 and 6, both the upgrade instruction for the first printer 100A, which is associated with the third administrator 803, and the upgrade instruction for the second printer 100B, which is associated with the third administrator 803, are free upgrade instructions.

[0099] As described above, the service server 500 can increase the printable pages of the first printer 100A using paid or free increase instructions from the first administrator 801 and free increase instructions from the third administrator 803. Furthermore, the service server 500 can increase the printable pages of the second printer 100B using paid or free increase instructions from the second administrator 802 and free increase instructions from the third administrator 803. In this way, the service server 500 can flexibly increase the printable pages of printer 100 using paid or free increase instructions.

[0100] Furthermore, in S290 (Figure 4) and S460 (Figure 6), the processor 510 generates order data corresponding to the received increase instruction. In S310-S340 (Figure 5), the processor 510 controls the status of the order data. In S360 (Figure 5), the processor 510 notifies the printer 100 corresponding to the order data of the increase in the number of printable pages, according to the order data.

[0101] As explained in S290 (Figure 4), if the received increase instruction is a paid increase instruction, the processor 510 generates order data in the first state. As explained in S330 and S340 in Figure 5, in response to the completion of payment for the order data in the first state (Figure 5: S330: Yes), the processor 510 changes the state of the order data corresponding to the completed payment from the first state to a second state which is different from the first state (S340). As explained in S310 and S360, if the state of the order data is the second state (S310: Yes), the processor 510 notifies the printer corresponding to the order data in the second state of an increase in the number of printable pages (S360). As explained in S290 (Figure 4), if the received increase instruction is a free increase instruction, the processor 510 generates order data in the second state.

[0102] With this configuration, the service server 500 can appropriately process paid and free upgrade orders using the status of the order data.

[0103] As explained in S350 and S360 (Figure 5), if the service server 500 is unable to communicate with the printer 100 (S350: No), the processor 510 does not notify the printer 100 of the increase in the number of printable pages. If the service server 500 is able to communicate with the printer 100 (S350: Yes), the processor 510 notifies the printer 100 of the increase in the number of printable pages (S360). Therefore, the possibility that the notification from the service server 500 does not reach the printer 100 is reduced. In addition, the possibility that the notification will be sent repeatedly by the service server 500 is reduced. In this way, the load on the service server 500 is reduced.

[0104] The processing in S260, S270, and S280 (Figure 4) applies to both the increase instruction for the first printer 100A by the first administrator 801 and the increase instruction for the second printer 100B by the second administrator 802. That is, if the service server 500 is not able to communicate with the first printer 100A (S260: No), the processor 510 does not accept the increase instruction for the first printer 100A by the first administrator 801. If the service server 500 is able to communicate with the first printer 100A (S260: Yes), the processor 510 accepts the first increase instruction for the first printer 100A by the first administrator 801. If the service server 500 is not able to communicate with the second printer 100B (S260: No), the processor 510 does not accept the increase instruction for the second printer 100B by the second administrator 802. If the service server 500 is able to communicate with the second printer 100B (S260: Yes), the processor 510 receives a second augmentation instruction for the second printer 100B from the second administrator 802.

[0105] As a result, the service server 500 can reduce the possibility that notifications corresponding to received increase instructions from the first administrator 801 may not reach the first printer 100A. Furthermore, the service server 500 can reduce the possibility that notifications corresponding to received increase instructions from the second administrator 802 may not reach the second printer 100B. Additionally, it can reduce the possibility of a malfunction where the cumulative charge count D43 of printers 100A and 100B is not updated despite administrators 801 and 802 having purchased additional printable pages.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in S420, S430, S440, and S450 in Figure 6, the processes in S260, S270, and S280 (Figure 4) do not apply to the augmentation process by the third administrator 803. That is, the processor 510 accepts an augmentation instruction for the first printer 100A from the third administrator 803 regardless of whether the service server 500 can communicate with the first printer 100A. Similarly, the processor 510 accepts an augmentation instruction for the second printer 100B from the third administrator 803 regardless of whether the service server 500 can communicate with the second printer 100B. As a result, the flexibility of the third administrator 803 in issuing augmentation instructions is improved. For example, the third administrator 803 may perform maintenance on the printer 100 when the printer 100A is not connected to the network. In such a case, the third administrator 803 can issue an augmentation instruction for the first printer 100A.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the increase instruction for the first printer 100A by the third administrator 803 is an increase instruction for maintenance of the first printer 100A. Similarly, the increase instruction for the second printer 100B by the third administrator 803 is an increase instruction for maintenance of the second printer 100B. Thus, the third administrator 803 can increase the number of printable pages when the number of printable pages is reduced due to printing for maintenance.

[0108] B. Second example: Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the history display process. In this embodiment, the processor 510 of the service server 500 performs the history display process in addition to the order processing shown in Figures 4-6. The history display process is the process of displaying the order history on a terminal device in response to a history request from the terminal device. Hereinafter, we will assume that the first terminal device 200A issues the history request.

[0109] In S505, the first administrator 801 activates the order application and inputs a command to display the history by operating the control panel 250 of the first terminal device 200A (Figure 1). The processor 210 of the first terminal device 200A obtains the attention printer identifier, which is the identifier of the printer 100 that is the target of the history request. The method for obtaining the attention printer identifier is the same as the method in S225 (Figure 4). Here, we assume that the first printer 100A is selected by the first administrator 801 (the first printer 100A is also called the attention printer 100A). The processor 210 sends a history request to the service server 500. The history request includes data indicating the attention printer identifier.

[0110] In S510, the processor 510 of the service server 500 receives a history request from the first terminal device 200A. Hereafter, the terminal device that sent the history request will also be referred to as the source terminal device. In this case, the source terminal device is the first terminal device 200A (also referred to as source terminal device 200A).

[0111] In S520, the processor 510 references the printer data 301, which is associated with the printer identifier of interest indicated by the history request, from the management data 300 (Figure 2(B)), and obtains the order list D36. From the order list D36, the processor 510 obtains the completed order list, which is a list of orders in the third state (processing completed). Then, the processor 510 generates order list data that represents the completed order list.

[0112] In S530, the processor 510 transmits the order list data to the source terminal device 200A.

[0113] In S540, the processor 210 of the source terminal device 200A uses the order list data to display a history screen showing the order history on the display unit 240. Then the history display process ends. Thus, the order list data is an example of data used to display the history screen.

[0114] Figure 10 shows an example of a history screen. The history screen 960 has a history area 961 and a button 962 for closing the history screen 960.

[0115] The history area 961 displays the date, plan name, quantity, amount, and remarks for each order shown in the list data. The remarks indicate the type of order. For paid orders, the remarks are the string "Display", for coupon orders, the remarks are the string "Coupon", and for reimbursement orders, the remarks are the string "Reimbursement". The string "Display" indicates a hyperlink for displaying the receipt. Each order in the history area 961 indicates an increase in the printable page count of the first printer 100A. The plan list area 911 shows the history of increases in the printable page count of the first printer 100A.

[0116] Orders for "compensation" are tagged with the string "compensation". Orders based on paid or free plans are tagged with the string "display" or "coupon". Thus, increases due to the third administrator 803's increase instruction for "compensation" and increases due to the first administrator 801's increase instruction based on paid or free plans are displayed in different ways. Therefore, when the first administrator 801 observes the history area 961, it can easily distinguish between increases due to the third administrator 803's increase instruction and increases due to the first administrator 801's increase instruction. The order list data in S530 (Figure 9) is configured to cause the first terminal device 200A to display such a history area 961. In this embodiment, the order list data includes order data that shows the contents of each order. The processor 210 of the first terminal device 200A determines the content of the remarks to be displayed according to the contents of the order shown by the order data.

[0117] Similarly, when the second terminal device 200B sends a history request regarding the second printer 100B to the service server 500, the processor 510 of the service server 500 also sends order list data showing the completed order list for the second printer 100B to the second terminal device 200B at S530 (Figure 9). The processor 210 of the second terminal device 200B uses the order list data to display a history screen on the display unit 240 that is similar to the history screen 960 (Figure 10). Although not shown in the illustration, on the history screen, increases due to "compensation" increase instructions from the third administrator 803 and increases due to paid or free plan increase instructions from the second administrator 802 are displayed in different ways (specifically, the notes are written differently).

[0118] Furthermore, the differences in the display manner between increases due to the increase instructions of Type 1 administrator 801, 801 and increases due to the increase instructions of Type 2 administrator 803 are not limited to differences in the description of notes, but may be any other differences. For example, the appearance of the text, such as the color, font, and size of the text, may differ.

[0119] Furthermore, the order list data (S530) may show incomplete orders in addition to completed orders. For example, the order list data may be a list of orders associated with a printer identifier, and may show a list of all orders received by the service server 500.

[0120] C. Variant: (1) Order processing may be any other processing instead of the processing shown in Figures 4-6. For example, S350 (Figure 5) may be omitted. In this case, the processor 510 of the service server 500 may repeatedly execute S360 until it receives a completion notification from the printer of interest.

[0121] Steps S260, S270, and S275 in Figure 4 may be omitted. That is, the processor 510 of the service server 500 may accept the increase instruction regardless of whether the service server 500 can communicate with the printer of interest 100.

[0122] If the printer identifier of interest selected by the first type of administrator (Figure 4: S225) is not associated with the administrator of interest identifier by the account data 310, the processor 510 of the service server 500 does not need to accept the increase instruction. For example, the processor 510 may notify the source terminal device of the error in the printer identifier of interest.

[0123] (2) The order data status is not limited to the three statuses of the first status (waiting for permission to proceed), the second status (ready to proceed), and the third status (processing completed), but may be selected from a variety of statuses. For example, the order data status may be selected from four statuses: unpaid, paid, no payment required, and processing completed. In any case, it is preferable that the order data status be configured to appropriately handle both paid and free increase orders.

[0124] (3) The configuration of the increase instructions issued by the administrator may be any other configuration in addition to the above configuration. For example, adjusting the number of printable pages may be permitted for a Type 1 administrator. A Type 2 administrator may select an increase instruction from a predetermined plan. A Type 2 administrator may issue an increase instruction for a fee. In this case, the printing service provider may bear the cost. One Type 1 administrator may manage multiple printers 100. Also, a Type 2 administrator may be a senior administrator who manages multiple printers in place of a maintenance administrator. For example, if a Type 1 administrator is a person selected from among the employees, a Type 2 administrator may be the leader of multiple people.

[0125] (3) In each of the above embodiments, the service server 500 manages the printer 100 using the number of printable pages, which is an example of the available capacity of the printer 100. When the printer 100 performs single-sided printing, the number of printable pages is the same as the number of printable pages. When the printer 100 performs double-sided printing, the number of printable pages is half the number of printable pages. The number of printable pages may be managed using data that indicates the number of printable pages itself, instead of a combination of cumulative charge counts D33, D43 and cumulative print counts D34, D44. The service server 500 may manage the printer using other types of available capacity instead of the number of printable pages. For example, the available capacity may indicate any parameter that changes depending on the printing of an image, such as the number of printable pages, the available amount of colorants (ink, toner, etc.), or the available amount of photosensitive drum. In any case, the order processing (Figures 4-6) may be various processes that increase the available capacity. The printer 100 may allow printing within the range of the available capacity.

[0126] (4) The printer 100 may be managed using a physical device that represents the actual printer 100 and a logical device associated with the physical device. For example, the printer identifier associated with the administrator identifier by account data 231 (Figure 1) and account data 310 (Figure 2(C)) may be the identifier of a logical device. The physical device identifier may be associated with the logical identifier. The available amount (e.g., the number of printable pages) may be assigned to the logical device. When the printer is replaced due to a malfunction or other reason, the logical device may not be changed, but the identifier of the physical device associated with the logical device may be changed. The new printer may then inherit the available amount assigned to the logical device.

[0127] (5) The configuration of the server that processes the increased requests may be any of the various configurations other than the configuration of the service server 500 described above. For example, a connection server (not shown) may establish a permanent connection with the printer 100. The service server 500 may then send data to the printer 100 via the connection server. Furthermore, communication between the service server 500 and the printer 100 may be relayed by various relay devices, not just the connection server.

[0128] (6) In each of the above embodiments, the service server 500 (Figure 1) receives an increase request and notifies the printer of the increase in the number of printable pages (Figures 4-6). The configuration of the server that performs such processing may be any other configuration in place of the configuration of the service server 500. For example, multiple devices (e.g., computers) that can communicate with each other via a network may each take on some of the processing functions of the server 500 and, as a whole, provide the functions of the server 500 (a system equipped with these devices corresponds to a server).

[0129] In each of the above embodiments, some of the configurations implemented by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, some or all of the configurations implemented by software may be replaced with hardware. For example, the order data status control function by S310, S330, and S340 in Figure 5 may be implemented by a dedicated hardware circuit.

[0130] Furthermore, if some or all of the functions of the present invention are implemented by a computer program, the program may be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a non-temporary recording medium). The program may be used while stored on the same or a different recording medium (computer-readable recording medium) as it was provided. "Computer-readable recording medium" is not limited to portable recording media such as memory cards and CD-ROMs, but may also include internal storage devices within a computer such as various ROMs, and external storage devices connected to a computer such as hard disk drives.

[0131] The present invention has been described above based on examples and modifications. However, the embodiments of the invention described above are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents thereof are included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] 100…Printer, 100A…First Printer, 100B…Second Printer, 110…Processor, 115…Storage Device, 120…Volatile Storage Device, 130…Non-Volatile Storage Device, 140…Display Unit, 150…Operation Unit, 160…Print Execution Unit, 180…Communication Interface, 200…Terminal Device, 200A…First Terminal Device, 200B…Second Terminal Device, 200C…Third Terminal Device, 210…Processor, 215…Storage Device, 220…Volatile Storage Device, 230…Non-Volatile Storage Device, 231…Account Data, 240…Display Unit, 250…Operation Unit, 280…Communication Interface, 300…Management Data, 301…Printer data, 301A…First printer data, 301B…Second printer data, 310…Account data, 400…Control data, 500…Service server, 510…Processor, 515…Storage device, 520…Volatile storage device, 530…Non-volatile storage device, 580…Communication interface, 700…Settlement server, 710…Processor, 715…Storage device, 720…Volatile storage device, 730…Non-volatile storage device, 780…Communication interface, 731…Settlement data, NT…Network, PG1…Program, PG2…Program, PG5…Program

Claims

1. It is a server, A receiving unit that receives an increase order, which is an instruction to increase the available capacity of the printer, A notification unit notifies the printer of the increase in the usable amount in accordance with the received increase instruction, which is an increase instruction received by the reception unit, A storage unit that stores account data indicating the correspondence between an administrator and a printer for which the administrator's augmentation instruction is permitted, Equipped with, The aforementioned reception unit is A first increase instruction for the first available quantity of a first printer, which is received by a first administrator whose account data allows the increase instruction for the first printer but does not allow the increase instruction for the second printer. A second increase instruction for the second available quantity of the second printer, which is received by a second administrator whose account data does not permit the increase instruction for the first printer but permits the increase instruction for the second printer, A third increase instruction for the first available quantity of the first printer, which is associated with a third administrator whose account data allows the increase instruction for the first printer and the increase instruction for the second printer, is accepted without instruction from the first administrator. A fourth increase instruction for the second usable amount of the second printer, wherein the fourth increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is accepted without instruction from the second administrator. server.

2. It is a server, A receiving unit that receives an increase order, which is an instruction to increase the available capacity of the printer, A notification unit notifies the printer of the increase in the usable amount in accordance with the received increase instruction, which is an increase instruction received by the reception unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned reception unit is A first increase instruction for the first usable amount of the first printer, wherein the first increase instruction is received and associated with the first administrator. A second increase instruction for the second usable amount of the second printer, which receives the second increase instruction associated with the second administrator, A third increase instruction for the first usable amount of the first printer, wherein the third increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is received without instruction from the first administrator. A fourth increase instruction for the second usable quantity of the second printer, wherein the fourth increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is received without instruction from the second administrator. The aforementioned reception unit is The first increase instruction is selected from one or more predetermined increase instructions in a first group, The system receives the second increase instruction, which is selected from a second group of one or more predetermined increase instructions. The third increase instruction includes a variable indicating the amount of increase in the first usable amount, The system accepts the fourth increase instruction which includes a variable indicating the amount of increase in the second usable amount. server.

3. The server according to claim 2, The first group includes either paid enhancement instructions or free enhancement instructions, or both. The second group includes either paid or free enhancement instructions, or both. The aforementioned third increase instruction is a free increase instruction, The fourth increase instruction is a free increase instruction. server.

4. It is a server, A receiving unit that receives an increase order, which is an instruction to increase the available capacity of the printer, A notification unit notifies the printer of the increase in the usable amount in accordance with the received increase instruction, which is an increase instruction received by the reception unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned reception unit is A first increase instruction for the first usable amount of the first printer, wherein the first increase instruction is received and associated with the first administrator. A second increase instruction for the second usable amount of the second printer, which receives the second increase instruction associated with the second administrator, A third increase instruction for the first usable amount of the first printer, wherein the third increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is received without instruction from the first administrator. A fourth increase instruction for the second usable quantity of the second printer, wherein the fourth increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is received without instruction from the second administrator. The aforementioned notification unit, A generation unit that generates order data corresponding to the received increase instruction, A state control unit that controls the state of the order data, A notification execution unit that notifies the printer corresponding to the order data of an increase in available capacity, according to the order data, Includes, The generation unit generates the order data in the first state if the received increase instruction is a paid increase instruction. The state control unit, in response to the completion of settlement for the order data in the first state, changes the state of the order data corresponding to the completed settlement from the first state to a second state different from the first state. The notification execution unit, when the state of the order data is the second state, notifies the printer corresponding to the order data in the second state of an increase in available capacity. The generation unit generates the order data in the second state if the received increase instruction is a free increase instruction. server.

5. A server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned notification unit, If the server is unable to communicate with the printer, the server will not notify the printer of the increase in available capacity. If the server can communicate with the printer, it notifies the printer of the increase in the available quantity. server.

6. A server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The aforementioned reception unit is If the server is unable to communicate with the first printer, it will not accept the first increase instruction. When the server can communicate with the first printer, it receives the first increase instruction, If the server is unable to communicate with the second printer, it will not accept the second increase instruction. When the server can communicate with the second printer, it accepts the second increase instruction. server.

7. It is a server, A receiving unit that receives an increase order, which is an instruction to increase the available capacity of the printer, A notification unit notifies the printer of the increase in the usable amount in accordance with the received increase instruction, which is an increase instruction received by the reception unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned reception unit is A first increase instruction for the first usable amount of the first printer, wherein the first increase instruction is received and associated with the first administrator. A second increase instruction for the second usable amount of the second printer, which receives the second increase instruction associated with the second administrator, A third increase instruction for the first usable amount of the first printer, wherein the third increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is received without instruction from the first administrator. A fourth increase instruction for the second usable quantity of the second printer, wherein the fourth increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is received without instruction from the second administrator. The aforementioned reception unit is Regardless of whether the server can communicate with the first printer, it accepts the third increase instruction. Regardless of whether the server can communicate with the second printer, it accepts the fourth increase instruction. server.

8. It is a server, A receiving unit that receives an increase order, which is an instruction to increase the available capacity of the printer, A notification unit notifies the printer of the increase in the usable amount in accordance with the received increase instruction, which is an increase instruction received by the reception unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned reception unit is A first increase instruction for the first usable amount of the first printer, wherein the first increase instruction is received and associated with the first administrator. A second increase instruction for the second usable amount of the second printer, which receives the second increase instruction associated with the second administrator, A third increase instruction for the first usable amount of the first printer, wherein the third increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is received without instruction from the first administrator. A fourth increase instruction for the second usable quantity of the second printer, wherein the fourth increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is received without instruction from the second administrator. The aforementioned server further, The system includes a transmission unit that transmits first data for displaying the history of increases in the first available amount to a first terminal device, and second data for displaying the history of increases in the second available amount to a second terminal device. The first data is configured to display the increase due to the first increase instruction and the increase due to the third increase instruction in different ways from each other. The second data is configured to display the increase due to the second increase instruction and the increase due to the fourth increase instruction in different ways. server.

9. It is a server, A receiving unit that receives an increase order, which is an instruction to increase the available capacity of the printer, A notification unit notifies the printer of the increase in the usable amount in accordance with the received increase instruction, which is an increase instruction received by the reception unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned reception unit is A first increase instruction for the first usable amount of the first printer, wherein the first increase instruction is received and associated with the first administrator. A second increase instruction for the second usable amount of the second printer, which receives the second increase instruction associated with the second administrator, A third increase instruction for the first usable amount of the first printer, wherein the third increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is received without instruction from the first administrator. A fourth increase instruction for the second usable quantity of the second printer, wherein the fourth increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is received without instruction from the second administrator. The third increase instruction is an increase instruction for the maintenance of the first printer, The fourth increase instruction is an increase instruction for the maintenance of the second printer. server.

10. It is a computer program, A receiving function that accepts increase orders, which are instructions to increase the available capacity of the printer, A notification function that notifies the printer of the increase in the available quantity in accordance with the received increase instruction, which is an increase instruction received by the aforementioned reception function, This is implemented in a computer equipped with a storage unit that stores account data indicating the correspondence between an administrator and a printer for which the administrator's augmentation instruction is permitted. The aforementioned reception function, A first increase instruction for the first available quantity of a first printer, which is received by a first administrator whose account data allows the increase instruction for the first printer but does not allow the increase instruction for the second printer. A second increase instruction for the second available quantity of the second printer, which is received by a second administrator whose account data does not permit the increase instruction for the first printer but permits the increase instruction for the second printer, A third increase instruction for the first available quantity of the first printer, which is associated with a third administrator whose account data allows the increase instruction for the first printer and the increase instruction for the second printer, is accepted without instruction from the first administrator. A fourth increase instruction for the second usable amount of the second printer, wherein the fourth increase instruction, which is associated with the third administrator, is accepted without instruction from the second administrator. Computer program.

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