Computer program for control device, control device, and method for controlling control device

Abstract

Provided is a feature by which a user can easily recognize a first service screen.　A control device according to the present invention receives designation of a specific printing device, and, if the specific printing device is a first-type printing device, the control device displays the first service screen, which indicates a first service, in a preferential manner compared to a second service screen which indicates a second service different from the first service, the control device performing said display on a display unit. The first-type printing device is capable of receiving provision of the first service, and allows execution of a printing function on the condition that first device information related to the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service.

Description

Computer program for a control device, a control device, and a method for controlling a control device

[0001] This specification discloses a technique related to a control device that displays a service screen on a display unit.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-102663 discloses a printing system that includes a mobile terminal device, a printer, and a server. The server provides a printing service, which allows a user to use the printer's printing function by paying a printing fee in advance.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-110475

[0004] This specification provides a technology that allows a user to easily recognize a screen related to a specific service.

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a control device. The computer program may cause a computer of the control device to function as the following units: a reception unit that receives designation of a specific printing device; and a display control unit that, when the designation of the specific printing device is received and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, causes a first service screen showing a first service to be displayed on a display unit in priority over a second service screen showing a second service different from the first service, where the first type of printing device is a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is permitted to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information about the specific printing device is registered with a first server that provides the first service.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the control device receives the designation of a specific printing device and the specific printing device is a first-type printing device, the control device displays the first service screen in priority over the second service screen, thereby allowing the user to easily recognize the first service screen.

[0007] The present invention also provides a novel and useful computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, a control device implemented by the computer program, and a method for controlling the control device. The present invention also provides a novel and useful communication system including a control device and a specific printing device.

[0008] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system; FIG. 2 shows an example of each table; FIG. 3 shows an example of a home screen and a specification screen displayed on a terminal device; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a screen display process executed by a terminal device; FIG. 5 is an example of a charge service screen displayed on a terminal device; FIG. 6 is an example of a remote printing service screen displayed on a terminal device; FIG. 7 is an example of a subscription service screen displayed on a terminal device; FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of cases A and B; FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a screen display process executed by a terminal device according to a second embodiment; FIG. 10 is an example of a subscription service screen according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is an example of a charge service screen according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a screen data transmission process according to a first modified example.

[0009] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2; FIG. 1) As shown in FIG. 1, communication system 2 includes a plurality of printers 10A, 10B, a terminal device 100, and a management server 200. The printers 10A, 10B, and the terminal device 100 are connected to a local area network (LAN) 4. The printers 10A, 10B, and the terminal device 100 are capable of communicating via the LAN 4. The printers 10A, 10B, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200 are connected to the Internet 6. The printers 10A, 10B, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200 are capable of communicating via the Internet 6.

[0010] (Configuration of Management Server 200) The management server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printers 10A and 10B (hereinafter simply referred to as the "vendor"). The management server 200 may be a physical server, or a virtual server or virtual machine on the cloud. In this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the management server 200 is a physical server will be described. The management server 200 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The management server 200 may be a server on an intranet or a cloud server on the Internet 6. In a modified example, the management server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business operator other than the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for the management server 200 on its own, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may prepare a program (i.e., software) for the management server 200 and implement the program in the above-described environment to realize the management server 200.

[0011] The management server 200 provides multiple types of printing services. These multiple types of services include a charge service, a remote printing service, and a subscription service (hereinafter referred to as "subscription service"). A charge service is a service for which a charge is made. A charge service is a service for which a user pays a fee in advance and is able to print the number of pages corresponding to the fee paid. Specifically, with a charge service, the fee (charged amount) paid in advance by the user is deducted each time a printing function is executed. A remote printing service is a service for which a charge is not made. A remote printing service is a service that allows a user to send print instructions to a printer via the management server 200 from outside the home. By subscribing to the remote printing service, a user can use the service without paying a fee. A subscription service is a service for which a charge is made. A subscription service is a service in which a fixed amount is charged if the number of prints made in a specified period (e.g., one month) is less than or equal to the contracted number of prints (e.g., 1,000 sheets), and if the number of prints made in the specified period exceeds the contracted number of prints, an amount equal to the sum of the fixed amount and an amount corresponding to the number of prints made in excess of the contracted number is charged. Note that charge services and subscription services also include an automatic ordering service that automatically orders a new cartridge when the amount of ink remaining in a cartridge installed in a printer falls below a specified level.

[0012] The management server 200 includes a communication interface 220 and a control unit 230. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F." The communication I / F 220 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The memory 234 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. As an example, the main storage device includes RAM and cache memory. As an example, the auxiliary storage device may be ROM, flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. A program 240, a service table 242, and a user table 244 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 234. The CPU 232 performs various processes in accordance with the programs loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0013] (Configuration of Printers 10A and 10B) Printer 10A is a peripheral device capable of executing a printing function. In a modified example, printer 10A may be a multi-function device capable of executing a scanning function, a facsimile function, and the like in addition to a printing function. Printer 10A has a model name "MN1" and a device ID "DV1." The model name is a name indicating the printer model. The device ID is a name assigned by the printer administrator. In this embodiment, there are multiple types of printers, including a first dedicated printer and a first general-purpose printer. The first dedicated printer is a printer that can receive charge services and remote printing services, but cannot receive subscription services. The first dedicated printer is allowed to execute the printing function on the condition that its device ID is registered with management server 200 as a printer that receives charge services. In other words, the first dedicated printer cannot execute the printing function unless its device ID is registered with management server 200 as the first registration information described below. Note that, as long as the device ID of the first dedicated printer is registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives the charge service, the printing function is permitted to be executed even if the device ID is not registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives the remote printing service. The first general-purpose printer is a printer that can receive the remote printing service and the subscription service, but cannot receive the charge service. The printing function is permitted to be executed even if the device ID of the first general-purpose printer is not registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives the service. The printer 10A is a first dedicated printer. The printer 10A includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, and a communication I / F 20.

[0014] The operation unit 12 is an I / F that allows a user to input various information to the printer 10A, and includes, for example, a touch screen, buttons, or both. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel may also be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The print execution unit 16 includes an inkjet, electrophotographic, or thermal print engine. An inkjet print engine includes a print head that ejects ink droplets. An electrophotographic print engine includes a photosensitive element and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photosensitive element. A thermal print engine includes a print head that generates heat using a heater. The communication I / F 20 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 20 may be a wired I / F or a wireless I / F.

[0015] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. A program 40 and a first service flag 42 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 34. The CPU 32 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device. The first service flag 42 indicates either "ON," which indicates that the printer 10A is in a service state where a charge service is provided, or "OFF," which indicates that the printer 10A is in a non-service state where a charge service is not provided. In the printer 10A, which is the first dedicated printer, execution of the printing function is permitted when the first service flag 42 is "ON," and execution of the printing function is prohibited when the first service flag 42 is "OFF." When the printer 10A is purchased, the first service flag 42 is set to "OFF." In other words, execution of the printing function of the printer 10A is prohibited when the printer 10A is purchased. The memory 34 also stores information about the number of printable sheets that can be printed using the charge service (hereinafter referred to as the "printable number of sheets"). The number of printable sheets increases as the user pays the fee, and decreases as printing is performed.

[0016] The printer 10B has the same configuration as the printer 10A, except that it has a model name "MN2" and a device ID "DV2" and is a first generic printer. Because the printer 10B is a first generic printer, execution of the printing function of the printer 10B is permitted at the time of purchase.

[0017] (Configuration of terminal device 100) The terminal device 100 is a terminal device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a PDA, a tablet PC, a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, etc. The terminal device 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication I / F 120, and a control unit 130.

[0018] The operation unit 112 is an I / F that allows a user to input various information to the terminal device 100, and includes, for example, a touch screen, buttons, or both. The display unit 114 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel may also be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The communication I / F 120 is connected to the LAN 4.

[0019] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The memory 134 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. An OS program 140 and an application program 142 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 134. Hereinafter, the OS program 140 and the application program 142 will be referred to as "OS 140" and "app 142," respectively. The OS 140 controls the basic operations of the terminal device 100. The app 142 causes the printer 10A or the like to perform a printing function. The CPU 132 performs various processes in accordance with programs loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0020] (Configuration of Each Table 242, 244; FIG. 2) The service table 242 and the user table 244 in the memory 234 of the management server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0021] The service table 242 is a table for managing service information corresponding to each of the multiple types of services provided by the management server 200. The service table 242 stores service information, country information (e.g., "JP" or "US"), and model names (e.g., "MN1" or "MN2") in association with each other. The service information includes charge service information corresponding to charge services, remote printing service information corresponding to remote printing services, and subscription service information corresponding to subscription services. "ON" in the service table 242 indicates that the service indicated by the associated service information is supported, and "OFF" indicates that the service is not supported. Each piece of information in the service table 242 is set by the administrator of the management server 200. In this embodiment, in service information associated with a specific model (e.g., "MN1") and specific country information (e.g., "JP"), both the charge service information and the subscription service information are not set to "ON."

[0022] The user table 244 is a table for managing registration information for each service. The user table 244 stores, in association with each other, account information, first registration information corresponding to a charge service, second registration information corresponding to a remote printing service, and third registration information corresponding to a subscription service. The account information includes login information required to log in to the management server 200, address information indicating the user's address, payment information indicating the source of payment (e.g., a credit card number), and the like. The first registration information stores the device ID of a printer that receives the charge service. The second registration information stores the device ID of a printer that receives the remote printing service. The third registration information stores the device ID of a printer that receives the subscription service.

[0023] (Home Screen and Specifications Screen; FIG. 3) Referring to FIG. 3, a home screen 300 and a specific settings screen 310 displayed on the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100 by the app 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described. Note that the app 142 accesses each piece of hardware, such as the display unit 114, memory 134, and communication I / F 120, via the OS 136 to execute various processes. In the following description, the fact that the app 142 executes processes via the OS 140 will be omitted as appropriate. Also, communication between devices is executed via a communication I / F (e.g., 20, 120, 220). Therefore, in the following description, the phrase "via a communication I / F" will be omitted when describing communication.

[0024] When the app 142 receives an operation to start the app 142, the app 142 displays a home screen 300 on the display unit 114. The home screen 300 includes a print button 302, a settings button 304, and a device field 306. The device field 306 is a field that displays information about printers registered in the terminal device 100 as printers that execute a printing function via the app 142. The device field 306 also functions as a button for searching for printers to register in the terminal device 100. As shown in FIG. 3 , if a printer is not registered in the terminal device 100, the device field 306 displays the character string "Not Selected." On the other hand, if a printer is registered in the terminal device 100, the device field 306 displays the device ID, etc., of the printer.

[0025] When the application 142 accepts a selection in the device field 306, it executes a search process to search for printers belonging to the LAN 4. Specifically, the application 142 transmits a search signal to the LAN 4 to search for printers belonging to the LAN 4. In response to transmitting the search signal to the LAN 4, the application 142 receives a response signal including a model name and a device ID from each of the two printers 10A and 10B belonging to the LAN 4. The application 142 uses the received response signals to display a designation screen 310 on the display unit 114. The designation screen 310 includes device buttons 312 and 314 and a cancel button. The device buttons 312 and 314 are buttons for designating a printer to be registered in the terminal device 100. The device buttons 312 and 314 correspond to the printers 10A and 10B, respectively. When the application 142 accepts a selection of a device button on the designation screen 310, it executes the screen display process shown in FIG. 4 .

[0026] (Screen Display Process; FIG. 4) The screen display process executed by the application 142 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In S10, the application 142 identifies the model name corresponding to the device button selected on the designation screen as the target model name. For example, when the application 142 accepts the selection of the device button 312 on the designation screen 310 of FIG. 3, it identifies the model name "MN1" as the target model name. Hereinafter, the printer having the target model name will be referred to as the "target printer."

[0027] In S12, the app 142 identifies country information (e.g., “JP”) indicating the country in which the target printer is installed and sends a support information request to the management server 200, including the target model name and the country information. The support information request is a signal requesting the management server 200 to send support information. The support information includes service information indicating whether the target printer supports multiple services provided by the management server 200. Upon receiving the support information request from the terminal device 100, the management server 200 identifies service information for each service using the service table 242 in the memory 234, the target model name in the request, and the country information in the request. The management server 200 sends support information, including service information corresponding to each service, to the terminal device 100. Upon receiving the support information from the management server 200, the app 142 proceeds to S20. As described above, because the app 142 receives the support information from the management server 200, it is not necessary to store the support information in the memory 134 of the terminal device 100. Therefore, the storage capacity of the memory 134 of the terminal device 100 can be used for other purposes.

[0028] In S20, the application 142 determines whether the target printer supports a charge service. If the charge service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S20), the application 142 proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if the charge service information is "OFF" (NO in S20), the application 142 proceeds to S30.

[0029] In S22, the app 142 displays a charge service screen on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 5 , the charge service screen 320 includes a first message 322 and a registration button 324. In a modified example, the charge service screen 320 may also include a cancel button. The first message 322 includes information prompting the user to subscribe to the charge service and pay the fee. For example, the first message 322 reads, "Please subscribe to the charge service and charge." This prompts the user to perform operations to subscribe to the charge service and to pay the printing fee. When the registration button 324 on the charge service screen 320 is selected, a first subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200. The first subscription process includes a login process, an establishment process, a first registration process, a payment process, etc. The login process is a process for logging in to the management server 200 using the account information of the user who uses the target printer. The establishment process is a process for establishing a constant connection between the target printer and the management server 200. The constant connection is, for example, an Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) connection. The first registration process is a process for registering the device ID of the target printer (hereinafter referred to as the "target device ID") in the first registration information of the service table 242 of the management server 200. The payment process is a process for paying the printing fee. In the first subscription process, the management server 200 transmits multiple pieces of screen data (e.g., login screen data) to the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 uses a web view function to display the screen data received from the management server 200 on the display unit 114. Note that if the user is already logged in to the management server 200 at the time the first subscription process is executed, the login process is omitted. Furthermore, if a constant connection has already been established between the target printer and the management server 200 at the time the first joining process is executed, the establishment process is omitted.

[0030] 4, the app 142 monitors whether the first subscription process is completed. For example, the app 142 determines that the first subscription process is completed when it receives a notification indicating that the first subscription process is completed from the management server 200. When the app 142 determines that the first subscription process is completed, it determines YES in S24 and proceeds to S30.

[0031] Simultaneously with monitoring in S20, the application 142 determines in S30 whether the target printer supports the remote printing service. If the remote printing service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S30), the application 142 proceeds to S32. On the other hand, if the remote printing service information is "OFF" (NO in S30), the application 142 proceeds to S40.

[0032] In S32, the app 142 displays a remote printing service screen on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 6 , the remote printing service screen 330 includes a second message 332, a registration button 334, and a cancel button 336. The second message 332 indicates the details of the remote printing service. For example, the second message 332 reads, "By subscribing to the remote printing service, you can print using the printer remotely." When the registration button 334 on the remote printing service screen 330 is selected, a second subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200. The second subscription process includes a login process, an establishment process, a second registration process, and the like. The second registration process is a process for registering the target device ID in the second registration information in the service table 242 of the management server 200. Note that, as with the first subscription process, the login process and the establishment process may be omitted in the second subscription process.

[0033] 4, the app 142 monitors whether the second subscription process is completed or whether a cancel operation is accepted. For example, the app 142 determines that the second subscription process is completed when it receives a notification from the management server 200 indicating that the second subscription process is completed. Furthermore, for example, the app 142 determines that a cancel operation is accepted when it accepts selection of the cancel button 336 on the remote printing service screen 330. When the app 142 determines that the second subscription process is completed or that a cancel operation is accepted, the app 142 determines YES in S34 and proceeds to S40.

[0034] Simultaneously with monitoring S20 and S30, the application 142 determines in S40 whether the target printer supports a subscription service. If the subscription service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S40), the application 142 proceeds to S42. On the other hand, if the subscription service information is "OFF" (NO in S40), the application 142 proceeds to S50.

[0035] In S42, the app 142 displays a subscription service screen on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 7 , the subscription service screen 340 includes a third message 342, a registration button 344, and a cancel button 346. The third message 342 indicates the details of the subscription service. For example, the third message 342 reads, "By subscribing to the subscription service, you can use printing services at a fixed rate." When the registration button 344 on the subscription service screen 340 is selected, a third subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200. The third subscription process includes a login process, an establishment process, a third registration process, and the like. The third registration process is a process for registering the device ID of the target printer in the third registration information in the service table 242 of the management server 200. Note that, in the third subscription process, the login process and the establishment process may be omitted, as in the first and second subscription processes.

[0036] 4, the app 142 monitors whether the third subscription process is completed or whether a cancel operation is accepted. For example, the app 142 determines that the third subscription process is completed when it receives a notification from the management server 200 indicating that the third subscription process is completed. Furthermore, for example, the app 142 determines that a cancel operation is accepted when it accepts selection of the cancel button 346 on the subscription service screen 340. When the app 142 determines that the third subscription process is completed or that a cancel operation is accepted, the app 142 judges YES in S44 and proceeds to S50.

[0037] In S50, the application 142 executes a device registration process for registering the target printer in the terminal device 100. The application 142 stores the model name and device ID of the target printer in the memory 134.

[0038] In S52, the application 142 displays a home screen on the display unit 114. The target device ID is displayed in the device field of the home screen displayed in S52. When S52 ends, the application 142 ends the processing of FIG. 4.

[0039] (Specific Cases A and B; FIG. 8) Specific cases A and B realized by the communication system 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] (Case A; FIG. 8) Referring to FIG. 8, case A will be described in which printer 10A is registered in terminal device 100. In the initial state of case A, no printer is registered in terminal device 100. Furthermore, a designation screen 310 (see FIG. 3) is displayed on display unit 114 of terminal device 100. Furthermore, account information AC1 is stored in user table 244 of management server 200, and the first registration information, second registration information, and third registration information stored in association with account information AC1 are empty. Furthermore, an XMPP connection has not been established between printer 10A and management server 200, and a user has not logged in to management server 200. Below, operations performed by the CPU of each device (e.g., CPU 132) will be described with reference to each device (e.g., terminal device 100) rather than the CPU.

[0041] At T10, the user selects the device button 312 (i.e., the device ID "DV1") on the specification screen 310. As a result, the terminal device 100 identifies the model name "MN1" corresponding to the device button 312 as the target model name (S10 in FIG. 4), and at T12, transmits a support information request including the model name "MN1" and country information "JP" to the management server 200 (S12).

[0042] At T12, when the management server 200 receives the support information request from the terminal device 100, it identifies the model name "MN1" and the country information "JP" in the request. The management server 200 determines that the charge service information "ON", the remote printing service information "ON", and the subscription service information "OFF" are stored in the service table 242 in association with the identified model name "MN1" and the country information "JP". At T14, the management server 200 transmits support information including the identified charge service information "ON", the remote printing service information "ON", and the subscription service information "OFF" to the terminal device 100.

[0043] When the terminal device 100 receives support information from the management server 200 in T14 (S12), it determines that the charge service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S20). In this case, the management server 200 displays the charge service screen (see FIG. 5) in T20 (S22). The user selects the registration button on the charge service screen in T22. As a result, in T24, a first subscription process is executed between the terminal device 100, the management server 200, and the printer 10A. In this case, the first subscription process includes a login process, an establishment process, a first registration process, and a payment process. As a result, the device ID "DV1" is stored in the first registration information associated with the account information AC1 in the service table 242 of the management server 200. Furthermore, the first service flag 42 of the printer 10A is changed from "OFF" to "ON." This allows the user to use the charge service and the printing function of the printer 10A.

[0044] When the terminal device 100 determines that the first subscription process is complete (YES in S24), it determines that the remote printing service information in the support information is "ON" (YES in S30), and in T30, it displays the remote printing service screen (see FIG. 6) (S32). The user selects the registration button on the remote printing service screen in T32. As a result, in T34, the second subscription process is executed between the terminal device 100, the management server 200, and the printer 10A. Because the login process and establishment process have already been executed in the first subscription process, these processes are omitted in the second subscription process in this case. Therefore, in the second subscription process in this case, the second registration process is executed. As a result, the device ID "DV1" is stored in the second registration information associated with the account information AC1 in the service table 242 of the management server 200. This allows the user to use the remote printing service.

[0045] When the terminal device 100 determines that the second subscription process is complete (YES in S34), it determines that the subscription service information in the received support information is "OFF" (NO in S40). In this case, the terminal device 100 executes a device registration process to register the printer 10A in the terminal device 100 in T40 without displaying the remote printing service screen (S50). Specifically, the terminal device 100 stores the model name "MN1" and the device ID "DV1" in the memory 134. Next, in T42, the terminal device 100 displays a home screen in which the device ID "DV1" is displayed in the device field. In this way, the printer 10A is registered in the terminal device 100, and subscription to the charge service and remote printing service is completed. As described above, when the target printer is a first dedicated printer, the charge service screen is displayed preferentially over the remote printing service screen.

[0046] (Effects of Case A) One possible method for displaying the charge service screen with priority over the remote printing service screen is to display both the charge service screen and the remote printing service screen on the display unit 114, with the charge service screen being displayed with more emphasis than the remote printing service screen. As described above, the terminal device 100 displays the charge service screen with priority over the remote printing service screen by displaying the remote printing service screen after the charge service screen is displayed. In this case, the user can more easily recognize the charge service screen compared to a configuration in which both the charge service screen and the remote printing service screen are displayed on the display unit 114.

[0047] Furthermore, when the terminal device 100 receives the selection of the printer 10A on the specification screen, the terminal device 100 displays the charge service screen. This configuration can increase the likelihood that the user will view the charge service screen.

[0048] (Case B; FIG. 8) Case B in which the printer 10B is registered in the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] In T110, the user selects the device button 314 (i.e., the device ID "DV2") on the specification screen 310. As a result, the terminal device 100 identifies the model name "MN2" corresponding to the device button 314 as the target model name (S10 in FIG. 4), and in T112, transmits a support information request including the model name "MN2" and country information "JP" to the management server 200.

[0050] In T112, when the management server 200 receives the support information request from the terminal device 100, it identifies the model name "MN2" and the country information "JP" in the request. The management server 200 determines that the charge service information "OFF," the remote printing service information "ON," and the subscription service information "ON" are stored in the service table 242 in association with the identified model name "MN2" and country information "JP." In T114, the management server 200 transmits support information including the identified charge service information "OFF," the remote printing service information "ON," and the subscription service information "ON" to the terminal device 100.

[0051] When the terminal device 100 receives support information from the management server 200 in T114 (S12), it determines that the charge service information in the received support information is "OFF" (NO in S20) and that the remote printing service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S30). In this case, the terminal device 100 displays the remote printing service screen (see FIG. 6) in T120 without displaying the charge service screen (S32). The user selects the registration button on the remote printing service screen in T122. As a result, a second subscription process is executed between the terminal device 100, the management server 200, and the printer 10A in T124. In this case, the second subscription process includes a login process, an establishment process, and a second registration process. As a result, the device ID "DV1" is stored in the second registration information associated with the account information AC1 in the service table 242 of the management server 200. This allows the user to use the remote printing service.

[0052] When the terminal device 100 determines that the second subscription process is complete (YES in S34), it determines that the subscription service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S40). In this case, the terminal device 100 displays the subscription service screen (see FIG. 7) in T130 (S42). The user selects the registration button on the subscription service screen in T132. As a result, in T134, the third subscription process is executed between the terminal device 100, the management server 200, and the printer 10A. Because the login process and the establishment process have already been executed in the second subscription process, these processes are omitted in the third subscription process in this case. Therefore, the third registration process is executed in this case. As a result, the device ID "DV3" is stored in the third registration information associated with the account information AC1 in the service table 242 of the management server 200. This allows the user to use the subscription service.

[0053] When the terminal device 100 determines that the third subscription process is complete (YES in S44), in T140, it executes a device registration process to register the printer 10B in the terminal device 100 (S50). Specifically, the terminal device 100 stores the model name "MN2" and the device ID "DV2" in the memory 134. Next, in T142, the terminal device 100 displays a home screen on which the device ID "DV2" is displayed in the device column. In this way, the printer 10B is registered in the terminal device 100, and the user's subscription to the remote printing service and subscription service is completed. As described above, when the target printer is the first generic printer, the remote printing service screen is displayed preferentially over the subscription service screen.

[0054] (Effect of Case B) As described above, the terminal device 100 does not display the charge service screen when the target printer is the first general-purpose printer. The first general-purpose printer cannot receive the charge service. Therefore, information related to the charge service is unnecessary for the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information unnecessary for the user from being displayed.

[0055] Furthermore, non-chargeable services are more likely to be beneficial to the user than chargeable services. With the above configuration, the terminal device 100 displays the remote printing service screen corresponding to the remote printing service, which is a non-chargeable service, in preference to the subscription service screen corresponding to the subscription service, which is a chargeable service. This improves user convenience.

[0056] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 displays a charge service screen and a remote printing service screen when the target printer is the first dedicated printer, and displays a remote printing service screen and a subscription service screen when the target printer is the first general-purpose printer. When the target printer is the first dedicated printer, information about the subscription service is unnecessary for the user. When the target printer is the first general-purpose printer, information about the charge service is unnecessary for the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information unnecessary for the user from being displayed.

[0057] Effect of the Present Embodiment As described above, when the terminal device 100 accepts the designation of a target printer and the target printer is a first dedicated printer, the terminal device 100 displays the charge service screen preferentially over the remote printing service screen. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the charge service screen. In this embodiment, when the target printer is a first dedicated printer, execution of the printing function is permitted on the condition that the device ID of the target printer is registered with the management server 200 as a printer that receives the charge service. Therefore, the printing function of the target printer cannot be used until the device ID of the target printer is registered with the management server 200. With the above configuration, the user can easily recognize the charge service screen, which increases the likelihood that the user will perform the operations required to register the device ID of the target printer with the management server 200. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0058] (Correspondence) The control unit 130 of the terminal device 100 is an example of a "control device." The printers 10A and 10B are examples of a "specific printing device." The first dedicated printer is an example of a "first type of printing device." The charge service and the charge service screen are examples of a "first service" and a "first service screen," respectively. The remote printing service and the remote printing service screen are examples of a "second service" and a "second service screen," respectively. The display unit 114 of the terminal device 100 is an example of a "display." The device ID "DV1" of the printer 10A is an example of "first device information." The first general-purpose printer is an example of a "second type of printing device." The subscription service and the subscription service screen are examples of a "third service" and a "third service screen," respectively. The model name "MN1" of the printer 10A at T12 in FIG. 8 is an example of "second device information." The support information and the support information request are examples of "type information" and "type information request," respectively. The management server 200 is an example of a "second server." The device ID "DV1" of the printer 10A in T40 of FIG. 8 is an example of "third device information."

[0059] The process of accepting the device designation on the device designation screen is an example of a process executed by a “receiving unit.” S22 in Fig. 4 is an example of a process executed by a “display control unit.”

[0060] Second Embodiment A communication system 2 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Components common to the embodiments will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0061] 1, a communication system 2 of this embodiment includes printers 10C and 10D instead of the printers 10A and 10B. The printers 10C and 10D are connected to a LAN 4.

[0062] In this embodiment, there are multiple types of printers, including a second dedicated printer and a second general-purpose printer. The second dedicated printer is a printer that can receive subscription services and remote printing services but cannot receive charge services. The second dedicated printer is permitted to execute the printing function on the condition that its device ID is registered with the management server 200 as a printer that receives subscription services. In other words, the second dedicated printer cannot execute the printing function unless its device ID is registered with the management server 200 as third registration information. Note that the second dedicated printer is permitted to execute the printing function as long as its device ID is registered with the management server 200 as a printer that receives subscription services, even if the device ID is not registered with the management server 200 as a printer that receives remote printing services. The second general-purpose printer is a printer that can receive remote printing services and charge services but cannot receive subscription services. The second general-purpose printer is permitted to execute the printing function even if its device ID is not registered with the management server 200 as a printer that receives services.

[0063] The printer 10C has a similar configuration to the printer 10A of the first embodiment, except that it has a model name "MN3" and a device ID "DV3," is a second dedicated printer, and stores a second service flag 42C. The second service flag 42C indicates either "ON," which indicates that the printer 10C is in a provisioned state, i.e., is receiving a subscription service, or "OFF," which indicates that the printer 10C is in a non-provisioned state, i.e., is not receiving a subscription service. At the time the printer 10C is purchased, the second service flag 42C is set to "OFF." In other words, at the time the printer 10C is purchased, the execution of the printing function of the printer 10C is prohibited.

[0064] The printer 10D has the same configuration as the printer 10A of the first embodiment, except that it has the model name "MN4" and the device ID "DV4" and is a second generic printer. Because the printer 10D is a second generic printer, execution of the printing function of the printer 10D is permitted at the time of purchase.

[0065] (Screen Display Processing; FIG. 9) The screen display processing of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. S110, S112, and S120 are the same as S10, S12, and S40 in FIG. 4, respectively. If the application 142 determines YES in S120, it proceeds to S122, and if the application 142 determines NO in S120, it proceeds to S130.

[0066] In S122, the app 142 displays a subscription service screen on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 10 , the subscription service screen 360 of this embodiment includes a fourth message 362 and a registration button 364. That is, the subscription service screen 360 does not include a cancel button. In a modified example, the subscription service screen 360 may include a cancel button. The fourth message 362 is a message for urging the user to subscribe to the subscription service. As an example, the fourth message 362 is, "Please subscribe to the subscription service." When the registration button 364 on the subscription service screen 360 is selected, a third subscription process is executed.

[0067] 9, the application 142 monitors whether the third service subscription process is completed. If the application 142 determines that the third service subscription process is completed, the application 142 determines YES in S124 and proceeds to S130.

[0068] S130 to S134 and S140 are the same as S30 to S34 and S20 in Fig. 4. If the application 142 determines YES in S140, it proceeds to S142, and if it determines NO in S140, it proceeds to S150.

[0069] In S142, the app 142 displays a charge service screen on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 11 , the charge service screen 370 of this embodiment includes a fifth message 372, a register button 374, and a cancel button 376. The fifth message 372 is a message indicating the content of the charge service. As an example, the fifth message 372 is, "By subscribing to the charge service, you can use printing according to your charge." When the register button 374 on the charge service screen 370 is selected, a first subscription process is executed.

[0070] 9, the app 142 monitors whether the first subscription process is completed or whether a cancel operation is accepted. For example, the app 142 determines that a cancel operation has been accepted when it accepts selection of the cancel button 376 on the charge service screen 370. When the app 142 determines that the first subscription process is completed or that a cancel operation has been accepted, it determines YES in S144 and proceeds to S150. S150 and S152 are the same as S50 and S52 in FIG. 4, respectively.

[0071] As described above, in the screen display process of this embodiment, the subscription service screen is configured to be displayed with priority over the remote printing service screen, and the remote printing service screen is configured to be displayed with priority over the charge service screen.

[0072] (Effects of the Present Embodiment) As described above, when the terminal device 100 accepts the designation of a target printer and the target printer is a second dedicated printer, the terminal device 100 displays the subscription service screen preferentially over the remote printing service screen. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the subscription service screen. In this embodiment, when the target printer is a second dedicated printer, execution of the printing function is permitted on the condition that the device ID of the target printer is registered with the management server 200 as a printer receiving the subscription service. Therefore, the printing function of the target printer cannot be used until the device ID of the target printer is registered with the management server 200. With the above configuration, the user can easily recognize the subscription service screen, which increases the likelihood that the user will perform the operation required to register the device ID of the target printer with the management server 200. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0073] (Correspondence) The second dedicated printer is an example of a "first type of printing device." The subscription service and the subscription service screen are examples of a "first service" and a "first service screen," respectively. The remote printing service and the remote printing service screen are examples of a "second service" and a "second service screen," respectively. The second general-purpose printer is an example of a "second type of printing device." The charge service and the charge service screen are examples of a "third service" and a "third service screen," respectively.

[0074] The process of accepting the device designation on the device designation screen is an example of a process executed by a “receiving unit.” S122 in Fig. 9 is an example of a process executed by a “display control unit.”

[0075] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0076] (First Modification) An application program for the management server 200 may be stored in the memory 234 of the management server 200. In the communication system of this modification, a screen data transmission process shown in Fig. 12 is executed instead of the screen display processes shown in Figs.

[0077] (Screen Data Transmission Process; FIG. 12) The screen data transmission process executed by the app of the management server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. In this modification, when a device button on the designation screen 310 is selected, the app 142 of the terminal device 100 transmits the model name and device ID corresponding to the button to the management server 200. When the app of the management server 200 receives the model name and device ID from the terminal device 100, it starts the process of FIG. 12. Note that, in the following, when the terminal device 100 receives screen data from the management server 200, it uses a web view function to display a screen corresponding to the screen data.

[0078] In S210, the application uses the service table 242 in the memory 234, the received model name, and the received country information to identify the service information corresponding to each service.

[0079] In S220, the application determines whether the identified charging service information is "ON." If the charging service information is "ON" (YES in S210), the application proceeds to S222. On the other hand, if the charging service information is "OFF" (NO in S210), the application proceeds to S222.

[0080] In S222, the app transmits charge service screen data corresponding to the charge service screen to the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 displays the charge service screen upon receiving the charge service screen data from the management server 200. When the registration button on the charge service screen is selected, a first subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200.

[0081] In S224, the application monitors whether the first subscription process is completed. If the application determines that the first subscription process is completed, it determines YES in S224 and proceeds to S230.

[0082] Simultaneously with the monitoring in S220, the application determines in S230 whether the identified remote printing service information is "ON." If the remote printing service information is "ON" (YES in S230), the application proceeds to S232. On the other hand, if the remote printing service information is "OFF" (NO in S230), the application proceeds to S240.

[0083] In S232, the app transmits remote printing service screen data corresponding to the remote printing service screen to the terminal device 100. Upon receiving the remote printing service screen data from the management server 200, the terminal device 100 displays the remote printing service screen. When the registration button on the remote printing service screen is selected, a second joining process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200.

[0084] In S234, the app monitors whether the second subscription process is completed or whether a cancel operation is accepted. For example, the app determines that a cancel operation has been accepted when it receives information from the terminal device 100 indicating that selection of the cancel button on the remote printing service screen has been accepted. When the app determines that the second subscription process is completed or that a cancel operation has been accepted, it determines YES in S234 and proceeds to S240.

[0085] Simultaneously with monitoring S220 and S230, the application determines in S240 whether the identified subscription service information is "ON." If the subscription service information is "ON" (YES in S240), the application proceeds to S242. On the other hand, if the subscription service information is "OFF" (NO in S240), the application proceeds to S250.

[0086] In S242, the app transmits subscription service screen data corresponding to the subscription service screen to the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 displays the subscription service screen upon receiving the subscription service screen data from the management server 200. When the registration button on the subscription service screen is selected, a third subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200.

[0087] In S244, the app monitors whether the third subscription process is completed or whether a cancel operation is accepted. For example, the app determines that a cancel operation has been accepted when it receives information from the terminal device 100 indicating that selection of the cancel button on the subscription service screen has been accepted. When the app determines that the third subscription process is completed or that a cancel operation has been accepted, it determines YES in S244 and proceeds to S250.

[0088] In S250, the app transmits a completion notification to the terminal device 100 indicating that transmission of the service screen data has been completed. Upon receiving the completion notification from the management server 200, the terminal device 100 executes the device registration process. Upon completion of S250, the app terminates the process of Fig. 12. With this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0089] In this modification, the control unit 230 of the management server 200 is an example of a "control device."

[0090] (Second Modification) The "first device information" and "third device information" are not limited to the device ID of the printer, but may be the printer's serial number, MAC address, etc. Also, the "second device information" is not limited to the printer's model name, but may be the printer's serial number, MAC address, etc.

[0091] (Third Modification) In the first embodiment, the terminal device 100 may simultaneously display a charge service screen and a remote printing service screen on the display unit 114. In this modification, the terminal device 100 may prioritize displaying the charge service screen over the remote printing service screen by, for example, emphasizing the charge service screen more than the remote printing service screen. In the second embodiment, the terminal device 100 may simultaneously display a subscription service screen and a remote printing service screen on the display unit 114. In this modification, the terminal device 100 may prioritize displaying the subscription service screen over the remote printing service screen by, for example, emphasizing the subscription service screen more than the remote printing service screen.

[0092] (Fourth Modification) In the first embodiment, the terminal device 100 may display the charge service screen with priority over the remote printing service screen even when the target printer is the first general-purpose printer. In this modification, S20 and S30 can be omitted. In this case, the application 142 of the terminal device 100 executes S22 after S12. In the second embodiment, the terminal device 100 may also display the subscription service screen with priority over the remote printing service screen even when the target printer is the second general-purpose printer.

[0093] (Fifth Modification) In the first embodiment, the terminal device 100 may display a subscription service screen corresponding to a subscription service, which is a service for which charges are incurred, in preference to a remote printing service screen corresponding to a remote printing service, which is a service for which charges are not incurred. In this modification, the app 142 executes S40 when determining NO in S20 or YES in S44 of FIG. 4 . The app 142 executes S30 when determining NO in S40 or YES in S44. The app 142 executes S50 when determining NO in S30 or YES in S34. In the second embodiment as well, the terminal device 100 may display a charge service screen corresponding to a charge service, which is a service for which charges are incurred, in preference to a remote printing service screen corresponding to a remote printing service, which is a service for which charges are not incurred.

[0094] (Sixth Modification) In the first embodiment, the app 142 may display the subscription service screen even when the target printer is the first dedicated printer, and may also display the charge service screen even when the target printer is the first general-purpose printer. In this modification, S20, S30, and S40 in FIG. 4 can be omitted. After S12, the app 142 executes S22, S24, S32, S34, S42, S44, S50, and S52. Also in the second embodiment, the app 142 may display the charge service screen even when the target printer is the second dedicated printer, and may also display the subscription service screen even when the target printer is the second general-purpose printer.

[0095] (Seventh Modification) In each of the above embodiments, even if the model name is the same, the supported services differ if the country information is different. Therefore, in S12 of FIG. 2 , the application 142 receives support information including multiple service information from the management server 200. If the model name is the same, regardless of the country information, and the supported services are the same, in S12 the application 142 may receive information from the management server 200 indicating that the target printer is a first dedicated model or a first general-purpose model.

[0096] (Eighth Variation) In the service table 242 of the management server 200, in service information associated with a specific model (e.g., "MN1") and specific country information (e.g., "JP"), both the charge service information and the subscription service information may be set to "ON." In this variation, the first dedicated printer can receive both the charge service and the subscription service. In this variation, when the app 142 accepts the selection of the printer 10A on the designation screen, it may receive support information from the management server 200, including charge service information "ON," remote printing service information "OFF," and subscription service information "ON" (S12 in FIG. 2). In this case, the app 142 displays the subscription service screen after displaying the charge service screen (S22 and S42 in FIG. 4). That is, the app 142 prioritizes displaying the charge service screen over the subscription service screen. In this variation, the charge service, which is a service subject to a charge, and the subscription service, which is a service subject to a charge, are examples of a "first service" and a "second service," respectively.

[0097] (Ninth Variation) In each embodiment, a charge service, a remote printing service, and a subscription service are provided by the management server 200. The charge service, the remote printing service, and the subscription service may be provided by a first service server, a second service server, and a third service server, respectively. Furthermore, the service table 242 may be stored in a server different from the first service server, the second service server, and the third service server.

[0098] (Tenth Modification) The service table 242 of the management server 200 may not include "country information." In another modification, the service table 242 may include, instead of country information, language information, information indicating a range wider than the country information, or information indicating a range narrower than the country information (such as a city).

[0099] (Eleventh Variation) The management server 200 may further provide a notification service that transmits notification information (e.g., discount information) related to a printer. In this variation, after selecting YES in S40 of FIG. 4 or after selecting YES in S44 of FIG. 4, the application 142 of the terminal device 100 may display a notification service screen on the display unit 114 that includes a message indicating the notification service, a registration button, and a cancel button. When the registration button on the screen is selected, a fourth subscription process corresponding to the notification service is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200.

[0100] (Twelfth Modification) In the above-described embodiments, the app 142 is described as a so-called native app installed on the terminal device 100. However, the app 142 may be a web app or a cloud app. The app 142 may also be an app realized by combining at least two of a native app, a web app, and a cloud app. Examples of such combinations include a combination of a native app and a web app (a so-called hybrid app), a combination of a native app and a cloud app, a combination of a web app and a cloud app, or a combination of a native app, a web app, and a cloud app.

[0101] (13th Variation) In each of the above embodiments, the processes of Figures 4, 8, and 9 are realized by software (e.g., programs 40, 140, 142, 240), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0102] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful.

[0103] Even if a claim is dependent on only some of the claims at the time of filing of the patent application, this does not mean that the claim can depend on only those some of the claims. Each claim can also depend on other claims that were not dependent on the claim at the time of filing, to the extent that there is no technical contradiction. That is, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows. (Item 1) A computer program for a control device, the computer of the control device functioning as the following units: an accepting unit that accepts designation of a specific printing device; and a display control unit that, when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, causes a first service screen showing a first service to be displayed on a display unit in preference to a second service screen showing a second service different from the first service, the display control unit being a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is allowed to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service. (Item 2) The computer program according to Item 1, wherein the display control unit, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the first type of printing device, causes the display unit to display the first service screen, and after the first service screen is displayed, causes the display unit to display the second service screen. (Item 3) The computer program according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the display control unit, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a second type of printing device, causes the display unit to display the second service screen without displaying the first service screen, and the second type of printing device is a printing device that is unable to receive the first service.(Item 4) The computer program according to item 3, wherein the display control unit, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the second type of printing device, causes the display unit to display the second service screen in priority to a third service screen showing a third service different from the first service and the second service. (Item 5) The computer program according to item 4, wherein, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the first type of printing device, the third service screen is not displayed. (Item 6) The computer program according to item 4, wherein the second service is a non-chargeable service, and the third service is a chargeable service. (Item 7) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the control device is a control unit of a terminal device, and the computer program further causes the computer to function as: a type information request sending unit that sends a type information request including second device information related to the specific printing device to a second server when designation of the specific printing device is accepted; and a type information receiving unit that receives type information from the second server in response to the type information request being sent to the second server, and wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the first service screen in preference to the second service screen when the type information indicates that the specific printing device is the first type of printing device. (Item 8) The computer program according to Item 7, further comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits a search signal; a response signal receiving unit that receives a response signal from each of a plurality of types of printing devices in response to the transmission of the search signal; a second display control unit that, when the response signal is received from each of the plurality of types of printing devices, causes the display unit to display a designation screen for designating one printing device from among the plurality of types of printing devices; and a storage control unit that, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted on the designation screen, stores third device information related to the specific printing device in the terminal device, and the accepting unit accepts the designation of the specific printing device on the designation screen.(Item 9) The computer program of any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the first service is a service in which a fee paid in advance by the user is deducted each time a printing function is executed. (Item 10) The computer program of any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the first service is a service in which a fee is charged according to the amount of usage of the specific printing device over a predetermined period. (Item 11) The computer program of any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the second service is a service in which no fee is charged. (Item 12) The computer program of any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the second service is a service in which a fee is charged. (Item 13) A control device comprising: an acceptance unit that accepts designation of a specific printing device; and a display control unit that, when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, causes a first service screen showing a first service to be displayed on a display unit in priority over a second service screen showing a second service different from the first service, wherein the first type of printing device is a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is allowed to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service. (Item 14) A method for controlling a control device, comprising: a receiving step for receiving designation of a specific printing device; and a display control step for, when the designation of the specific printing device is received and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, displaying a first service screen showing a first service on a display unit in priority over a second service screen showing a second service different from the first service, wherein the first type of printing device is a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is allowed to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service.

[0104] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10A-10D: Printers, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 20: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 40: Program, 42: First service flag, 42C: Second service flag, 100: Terminal device, 112: Operation unit, 114: Display unit, 120: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 140: OS program, 142: Application program, 00: Management server, 220: Communication I / F, 230: Control unit, 232: CPU, 234: Memory, 240: Program, 242: Service table, 244: User table

Claims

1. A computer program for a control device, which causes a computer of the control device to function as the following units: an acceptance unit that accepts designation of a specific printing device; and a display control unit that, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, causes a first service screen indicating a first service to be displayed on the display unit in priority over a second service screen indicating a second service different from the first service, wherein the first type of printing device is a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is permitted to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service.

2. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the display control unit, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the first type of printing device, causes the display unit to display the first service screen, and after the first service screen is displayed, causes the display unit to display the second service screen.

3. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the display control unit, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a second type of printing device, causes the display unit to display the second service screen without displaying the first service screen, and the second type of printing device is a printing device that is unable to receive the first service.

4. The computer program of claim 3, wherein the display control unit, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the second type of printing device, causes the second service screen to be displayed on the display unit in priority to a third service screen indicating a third service different from the first service and the second service.

5. The computer program product according to claim 4, wherein the third service screen is not displayed when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the first type of printing device.

6. The computer program product according to claim 4, wherein the second service is a non-chargeable service, and the third service is a chargeable service.

7. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the control device is a control unit of a terminal device, and the computer program further causes the computer to function as: a type information request sending unit that sends a type information request including second device information regarding the specific printing device to a second server when designation of the specific printing device is accepted; and a type information receiving unit that receives type information from the second server in response to the type information request being sent to the second server, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the first service screen in priority to the second service screen when the type information indicates that the specific printing device is the first type of printing device.

8. The computer program according to claim 7, further comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits a search signal; a response signal receiving unit that receives a response signal from each of a plurality of types of printing devices in response to the transmission of the search signal; a second display control unit that, when the response signal is received from each of the plurality of types of printing devices, causes the display unit to display a designation screen for designating one printing device from among the plurality of types of printing devices; and, when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted on the designation screen, causes the terminal device to store third device information regarding the specific printing device, and the accepting unit accepts the designation of the specific printing device on the designation screen.

9. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the first service is a service in which a charge paid in advance by a user is deducted each time a printing function is executed.

10. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the first service is a service for which charges are based on the amount of usage of the specific printing device in a predetermined period of time.

11. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the second service is a non-chargeable service.

12. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the second service is a billable service.

13. A control device comprising: a reception unit that receives designation of a specific printing device; and a display control unit that, when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, causes a first service screen indicating a first service to be displayed on a display unit in priority over a second service screen indicating a second service different from the first service, wherein the first type of printing device is a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is permitted to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service.

14. A method for controlling a control device, comprising: a receiving step for receiving designation of a specific printing device; and a display control step for, when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, displaying a first service screen indicating a first service on a display unit in priority over a second service screen indicating a second service different from the first service, wherein the first type of printing device is a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is permitted to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service.

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