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

Abstract

Disclosed is a technology enabling improvement in user convenience.　A computer program for a server that provides a service related to a printer may cause a computer of the server to function as: a first billing process execution unit that, when a first instruction corresponding to a subscription to a first service including the rental of the printer is acquired from a user, executes a first billing process for charging a first fee including the rental fee of the printer to the user before the provision of the first service is started; and a second billing process execution unit that, after the provision of the first service is started in response to the acquisition of the first instruction, executes a second billing process for charging a second fee, which is the usage fee of the first service in the predetermined period, to the user for each predetermined period.

Description

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

[0001] This specification discloses techniques related to providing printer-related services.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-103663 discloses a multifunction peripheral. The multifunction peripheral is provided with an automatic consumables delivery service. When the remaining toner level of the multifunction peripheral falls below a predetermined level, the multifunction peripheral transmits information indicating the toner low to a server. Upon receiving the information, the server executes a process to deliver the toner.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-111023

[0004] The technology in the above document is based on the premise that a user owns a multifunction peripheral in order to receive the consumables automatic shipping service. This specification discloses a technology that can improve user convenience.

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a server that provides printer-related services. The computer program may cause a computer of the server to function as a first billing process execution unit that, when a first instruction corresponding to subscription to a first service including printer rental is acquired from a user, executes a first billing process to bill the user a first fee including a rental fee for the printer before provision of the first service begins, and a second billing process execution unit that, after provision of the first service begins in response to acquisition of the first instruction, executes a second billing process to bill the user for each predetermined period of time, the second fee being a usage fee for the first service for the predetermined period.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the server receives a first instruction corresponding to an instruction to subscribe to a first service including printer rental, the server executes a first billing process to bill the user for a first fee including a printer rental fee before the first service is started. Therefore, when the user instructs the server to subscribe to the first service, the user can rent a printer and receive the service. This improves user convenience.

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

[0008] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system; 2 shows a table of a first embodiment; 3 shows plan tables of a second embodiment and a third embodiment; 4 shows a sequence diagram of case A; 5 shows a sequence diagram continuing from FIG. 4; and 6 shows sequence diagrams of cases B and C.

[0009] (First Example) (Configuration of Communication System 2; FIG. 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer 10, a terminal device 50, and a service providing server 100. The printer 10 and the terminal device 50 are connected to a local area network (LAN) 4 and can communicate with each other via the LAN 4. The terminal device 50 may be a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, or a tablet PC, or may be a stationary terminal device such as a desktop PC. The LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. The service providing server 100 is connected to the Internet 6. Hereinafter, the service providing server 100 will be referred to as a "Service Providing (SP) server."

[0010] (Configuration of Printer 10) The printer 10 is a peripheral device (i.e., a peripheral device such as the terminal device 50) that can perform a printing function. The printer 10 may be a multi-function device that can perform a scanning function, a fax function, etc. in addition to a printing function. The printer 10 has a serial number "SN1." The serial number is an identification number assigned to the printer when it is manufactured.

[0011] The printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a communication interface 18, and a control unit 30. The operation unit 12 is a user interface that allows a user to input various information to the printer 10. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys (operation objects), hardware keys, or both. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and may or may not be a touch panel. The print execution unit 16 includes an inkjet, electrophotographic, or thermal print engine. The communication interface 18 is connected to a LAN 4. The communication interface 18 may be an interface for performing wireless communication or an interface for performing wired communication.

[0012] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory includes a RAM and a cache memory. The non-volatile memory may be a ROM, a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The non-volatile memory stores a program 36. The program 36 stored in the non-volatile memory is loaded into the volatile memory, and the program 36 is executed by the CPU 32, thereby realizing various processes.

[0013] (Configuration of other printers 60, 70) Each printer 60, 70 has the same configuration as printer 10, except that it stores its own serial number. Printer 60 is assigned the serial number "SN6." Printer 70 is assigned the serial number "SN7."

[0014] (Configuration of SP Server 100) The SP server 100 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printer 10. In a modified example, the SP server 100 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business entity other than the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for the SP server 100 in-house, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor prepares a program (i.e., software) for implementing the SP server 100 and installs it in the environment. The SP server 100 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers.

[0015] The SP server 100 provides a printer-related subscription service (hereinafter referred to as the "subscription service"). With the subscription service, if the number of pages printed within a specified period (e.g., one month) is less than or equal to a maximum number of pages (e.g., 1,000 pages), only a basic fee is charged. If the number of pages printed within a unit period exceeds the maximum number of pages, the sum of the basic fee and an additional fee corresponding to the number of pages printed in excess of the maximum number of pages is charged. In other words, the subscription service allows printing up to the maximum number of pages within a specified period for a basic fee. The subscription service includes an automatic delivery service. The automatic delivery service automatically delivers a new cartridge when the remaining amount of color material (e.g., ink, toner, etc.) in a color material cartridge installed in a printer falls below a specified level. The cost of the cartridge is included in the basic fee of the subscription service. Note that color material cartridges are hereinafter referred to as "CTG."

[0016] The SP server 100 includes a communication interface 118 and a control unit 130. The communication interface 118 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes in accordance with a program 136 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. Details of the memory 134 are similar to those of the memory 34 of the printer 10. The program 136 stored in the non-volatile memory is loaded into the volatile memory, and the program 136 is executed by the CPU 132, thereby realizing various processes. The memory 134 also stores a user table 140, a plan table 142, and a history table 144.

[0017] (Contents of Tables 140, 142, 144; Figure 2) The contents of tables 140, 142, and 144 will be described with reference to Figure 2. In the user table 140, account information, serial number, contract plan information, printer rental information, address information, and payment information are stored in association with each other. The account information is information for a user to log in to the SP server 100 and includes a user ID and password. The serial number is the serial number of the printer used by the user. The contract plan information is information indicating the plan of the subscription service subscribed to by the user and is one of the light plan, medium plan, and heavy plan. The printer rental information is information indicating whether the subscription service subscribed to by the user includes a printer rental service and indicates either "yes" indicating that the rental service is included or "no" indicating that the rental service is not included. The rental service is a service that allows a user to rent and use a printer without purchasing the printer. The address information is information indicating the address to which the CTG is to be delivered. The payment information is information that allows the user to pay the usage fee for the subscription service, such as a credit card number, expiration date, bank account number, etc.

[0018] When a user accesses the SP server 100 using a terminal device (e.g., 50) and inputs account information (e.g., "AC1"), address information (e.g., "AD1"), and payment information (e.g., "PI1"), each piece of information is stored in the user table 140. Furthermore, while logged in to the SP server 100, the user can select a subscription service plan. As a result, the SP server 100 stores the contract plan information and printer rental information in association with the account information "AC1." Furthermore, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the printer 10, communication is established between the printer 10 and the SP server 100, and the printer 10's serial number "SN1" is sent from the printer 10 to the SP server 100. As a result, the SP server 100 stores the serial number "SN1" in association with the account information "AC1."

[0019] In the plan table 142, plan information, a maximum print count, an excess charge, a rental charge, and a basic charge are stored in association with each other. The plan information includes a plan type and rental information. The plan type is one of a light plan, a medium plan, and a heavy plan. The light plan is a plan for users who use printers relatively infrequently (i.e., light users). The heavy plan is a plan for users who use printers relatively frequently (i.e., heavy users). The medium plan is a plan for users who use printers neither frequently nor frequently, i.e., users somewhere between light users and heavy users (i.e., middle users). The rental information indicates whether or not a printer rental service is included.

[0020] The rental fee is the rental fee for the printer. The rental fees are predetermined as follows: The Light Plan rental fee is "9,700 yen." The Medium Plan rental fee is the next highest, "6,500 yen." The Heavy Plan rental fee is the cheapest, "3,200 yen."

[0021] In the subscription service of this embodiment, the user is charged a usage fee for each unit period of one month. The maximum number of prints is the maximum number of print media that can be printed in one month within the basic fee. The Light Plan has the lowest maximum number of prints at "1,000 sheets." The Medium Plan has the next lowest maximum number of prints at "2,000 sheets." The Heavy Plan has the highest maximum number of prints at "4,000 sheets."

[0022] The basic fee is the amount required per month. The Light Plan has the cheapest basic fee of 1,800 yen. The Medium Plan has the next cheapest basic fee of 2,500 yen. The Heavy Plan has the most expensive basic fee of 3,900 yen. The Light Plan, which includes the rental service, has the same basic fee of 1,800 yen as the Light Plan without the rental service. The Medium Plan, which includes the rental service, has the same basic fee of 2,500 yen as the Medium Plan without the rental service. The Heavy Plan, which includes the rental service, has the same basic fee of 3,900 yen as the Heavy Plan without the rental service.

[0023] The overage fee is the fee per print that is required when the maximum number of prints is exceeded. The overage fee for the Light Plan is 2 yen. The overage fee for the Medium Plan is the next highest, at 1.4 yen. The overage fee for the Heavy Plan is the cheapest, at 1 yen. The printer vendor stores each fee in the plan table 142 in advance.

[0024] 2 corresponds to a certain model of printer. When the printer model changes, the contents of the plan table change. In particular, in this embodiment, when the printer model changes, the maximum number of prints remains the same, but the rental fee, basic fee, and excess fee change. Here, assume an example in which a first model of printer is capable of high-quality printing, and a second model of printer is not capable of high-quality printing (i.e., capable of medium-quality printing).

[0025] When the plan table 142 corresponds to a first model printer, the rental fees are "9,700 yen" for the light plan, "6,500 yen" for the medium plan, and "3,200 yen" for the heavy plan, as shown in Figure 2. In contrast, in the plan table (not shown) corresponding to a second model printer, the rental fees are "7,500 yen" for the light plan, "5,500 yen" for the medium plan, and "2,700 yen" for the heavy plan. In this way, the rental fee for the first model is higher than the rental fee for the second model. In other words, the rental fee may be determined according to the printer model, i.e., the printer's performance.

[0026] The basic fee also includes the fee for the CTG automatic delivery service. When the printer model changes, for example, the colorant capacity and colorant fees within the CTG may change. In particular, high-performance printers capable of high-quality printing have relatively high colorant fees. For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the basic fee for the first model is 1,800 yen for the light plan, 2,500 yen for the medium plan, and 3,900 yen for the heavy plan. In contrast, the basic fee for the second model is 1,500 yen for the light plan, 2,000 yen for the medium plan, and 3,100 yen for the heavy plan. Thus, the basic fee for the first model is higher than the basic fee for the second model. That is, the basic fee may be determined based on the printer model, i.e., the printer's performance. Similarly, the additional fee for the first model is higher than the additional fee for the second model. That is, the additional fee may also be determined based on the printer model, i.e., the printer's performance.

[0027] The history table 144 stores the month and the number of pages printed for each printer serial number in association with each other. The printer periodically (e.g., daily, hourly, etc.) transmits the printer serial number and the cumulative number of pages printed to the SP server 100. This allows the SP server 100 to calculate and store the number of pages printed for one month.

[0028] (Method Executed by Each Device; FIGS. 4 to 6) The processing executed by each of the devices 10, 50, and 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. An example in which a first model printer is used, i.e., an example in which the plan table 142 of FIG. 2 is used, will be described below. First, Case A in which a plan including a rental service is selected will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, and then Cases B and C in which a plan not including a rental service is selected will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In the following description, for ease of understanding, the operations realized by the CPU of each device (e.g., CPU 32, 132) will be described with reference to each device (e.g., printer 10, terminal device 50, SP server 100) rather than with reference to the CPU.

[0029] In the initial state of Figure 4, the user of printer 10 accesses the SP server and pre-stores account information "AC1", address information "AD1", and payment information "PI1" in user table 140 (see Figure 2).

[0030] (Case A) At T10, the terminal device 50 accepts a login operation from a user to the SP server 100. The login operation includes input of account information "AC1." At T12, the terminal device 50 transmits a login request including the account information "AC1" to the SP server 100.

[0031] When the SP server 100 receives a login request from the terminal device 50 at T12, the SP server 100 authenticates the account information “AC1” included in the login request. In this case, the authentication is successful, so at T14 the SP server 100 transmits home screen information representing the home screen to the terminal device 50.

[0032] When the terminal device 50 receives home screen information from the SP server 100 in T14, it displays the home screen in T16. The home screen includes a plurality of icons indicating various services that the SP server 100 can provide. The plurality of icons includes an icon for signing up for a subscription. When the terminal device 50 accepts a selection of the icon from the user in T18, it transmits selection information indicating the signing up for the subscription to the SP server 100 in T20.

[0033] When the SP server 100 receives the selection information from the terminal device 50 in T20, it transmits plan selection screen information representing a plan selection screen to the terminal device 50 in T30.

[0034] When the terminal device 50 receives plan selection screen information from the SP server 100 in T30, it displays a plan selection screen SC1 in T32. The plan selection screen SC1 is a screen for selecting one plan from multiple plans. The plan selection screen SC1 includes buttons B1 to B6 corresponding to each plan and information indicating the contents of each plan. The plans corresponding to buttons B1 to B3 are plans that include a rental printer. The plans corresponding to buttons B4 to B6 are plans that do not include a rental printer. This allows the user to select a plan after recognizing whether or not each plan includes a rental service. The plan selection screen SC1 also includes a confirm button.

[0035] In T40, the terminal device 50 accepts the selection of button B2 corresponding to the middle plan with rental printer "available" and the decision button, and in T42, transmits selection information indicating the middle plan (rental available) to the SP server 100.

[0036] When the SP server 100 receives the selection information from the terminal device 50 in T42, it stores the account information "AC1", the contract plan information "Middle plan", and the printer rental "Available" in the user table 140 in association with each other in T44.

[0037] In T46, the SP server 100 first identifies the rental fee "6,500 yen" associated with the "Middle Plan" and "Available" from the plan table 142. Next, the SP server 100 identifies the payment information "PI1" associated with the account information "AC1" from the user table 140. The SP server 100 uses the identified payment information "PI1" to bill the user for the identified rental fee "6,500 yen." For example, if the payment information "PI1" is a credit card number or the like, the SP server 100 bills the credit card for "6,500 yen."

[0038] Thereafter, in T48, the SP server 100 identifies the address information "AD1" associated with the account information "AC1" from the user table 140. The SP server 100 executes a delivery process to deliver a rental printer, which is a rental printer, and a CTG, addressed to the address information "AD1." The delivery process includes sending instructions for delivering the rental printer and CTG, for example, to the terminal of the worker delivering the CTG. In a modified example, outputting the instructions includes, for example, sending the instructions to a delivery server configured separately from the SP server 100. This allows the user to receive the subscription service provided by the SP server 100.

[0039] Upon completing the delivery process for the rental printer and CTG, the SP server 100 issues, for example, an authentication code and stores the authentication code in association with the account information "AC1." The SP server 100 then transmits the authentication code to the terminal device 50, allowing the user to know the authentication code. The user then receives the delivered rental printer (i.e., the printer 10) and performs a predetermined operation on the printer 10, including inputting the authentication code. In this case, communication is performed between the printer 10 and the SP server 100, and the printer 10's serial number "SN1" and authentication code are transmitted from the printer 10 to the SP server 100. This allows the SP server 100 to identify the account information "AC1" associated with the authentication code and store the serial number "SN1" in association with the account information "AC1" in the user table 140.

[0040] 5, when the printer 10 determines in T60 that a predetermined timing has arrived, it transmits notification information to the SP server 100 in T62. The predetermined timing may be, for example, a predetermined time of day. The notification information includes the serial number "SN1" of the printer 10, the cumulative number of printed sheets, and the remaining amount of color material in the current CTG (hereinafter referred to as "remaining CTG amount").

[0041] When the SP server 100 receives notification information from the printer 10 in T62, it updates the history table 144 in T14 using the information in the notification information. Specifically, the SP server 100 stores the notification information previously received from the printer 10. The SP server 100 calculates the difference between the cumulative number of printed pages in the notification information currently received and the cumulative number of printed pages in the notification information previously received, and adds this difference to the number of printed pages for this month associated with the serial number "SN1."

[0042] The SP server 100 also determines whether the remaining CTG quantity in the notification information is equal to or less than a predetermined quantity. If the SP server 100 determines that the remaining CTG quantity is equal to or less than the predetermined quantity, it executes a delivery process to deliver a new CTG in T64.

[0043] The SP server 100 executes billing processing at T70 every time a predetermined period (e.g., one month) has elapsed. For example, the SP server 100 executes billing processing at midnight on the first of each month based on the number of pages printed in the previous month. Specifically, the SP server 100 first identifies, from the user table 140, the contract plan information "Middle Plan" and "Printer Rental Available" associated with the account information "AC1." The SP server 100 then identifies, from the plan table 142, the information associated with the "Middle Plan" and "Available" (i.e., the maximum number of pages printed of "2,000 pages," the excess fee of "1.4 yen," and the basic fee of "2,500 yen"). The SP server 100 then determines the number of pages printed in the previous month and determines whether the identified number of pages printed is equal to or less than the maximum number of pages printed of "2,000 pages." If the specified number of printed sheets is equal to or less than the upper limit, the SP server 100 bills the user only the basic fee of 2,500 yen using the payment information "PI1" in the user table 140. If the specified number of printed sheets exceeds the upper limit, the SP server 100 uses the excess fee of 1.4 yen to specify the additional fee corresponding to the number of sheets exceeding the upper limit, and bills the user of the printer 10 for the total of the basic fee of 2,500 yen and the additional fee using the payment information "PI1."

[0044] Here, the process for a user to cancel a subscription service will be described. The same processes as T10 to T16 in FIG. 4 are executed in the terminal device 50 and the SP server 100. The home screen includes an icon for canceling the subscription service. When the terminal device 50 accepts the selection of the icon from the user in T80, it transmits selection information indicating cancellation of the subscription service to the SP server 100 in T82.

[0045] When the SP server 100 receives the selection information from the terminal device 50 in T82, it executes a refund process in T84. The SP server 100 identifies, from the user table 140, the contract plan information "Middle Plan" and "Printer Rental Available" associated with the account information "AC1." The SP server 100 identifies, from the plan table 142, the rental fee "6,500 yen" associated with the "Middle Plan" and "Available." In the refund process, the SP server 100 executes a process to refund the entire amount of the identified rental fee "6,500 yen" to the user. Specifically, the SP server 100 refunds the rental fee by transferring 6,500 yen using the bank account number included in the payment information "PI1" in the user table 140. In a variant, the SP server 100 may refund an amount lower than the rental fee "6,500 yen." The refund amount may be determined, for example, based on the plan content, the subscription contract period, etc. In another modification, after receiving the selection information from the terminal device 50 in T82, the SP server 100 may execute a refund process in T84 when it accepts the return of the rental printer.

[0046] (Effects of this Case) With the above configuration, when the SP server 100 acquires selection information corresponding to an instruction to subscribe to a middle plan including rental service (T42 in FIG. 4), it executes billing processing to bill the user for the printer rental fee of 6,500 yen (T46) before the provision of the middle plan including rental service begins. Therefore, if the user selects to subscribe to the middle plan including rental service in T40, he or she can rent the printer 10 and receive the middle plan service. This improves user convenience.

[0047] According to the above configuration, when the SP server 100 receives selection information from the terminal device 50 (T82) in response to the user's selection to cancel the subscription service (T80), the SP server 100 executes a refund process in T84. In the refund process, at least a portion of the rental fee for the rental service is refunded. This allows the user to rent a printer at a relatively low cost.

[0048] (Processing of Case B; FIG. 6) Next, referring to FIG. 6, Cases B and C, in which a plan not including the rental service is selected, will be described. Case B is a case in which a plan not including the rental service is selected and the user purchases a printer. Case C is a case in which a plan not including the rental service is selected and the user uses a printer they already own without purchasing a printer.

[0049] 4 are executed in the terminal device 50 and the SP server 100. When the terminal device 50 receives the selection of button B5 corresponding to the middle plan with no rental printer and the decision button in T100, it transmits selection information indicating the middle plan (no rental) to the SP server 100 in T102.

[0050] When the SP server 100 receives the selection information from the terminal device 50 in T102, it stores the account information "AC1", the contract plan information "Middle plan", and the printer rental "None" in the user table 140 in association with each other in T104.

[0051] In T106, the SP server 100 transmits purchase selection screen information representing the purchase selection screen to the terminal device 50.

[0052] When the terminal device 50 receives the purchase selection screen information from the SP server 100 in T106, it displays the purchase selection screen SC2 in T108. The purchase selection screen SC2 is a screen for selecting whether or not to purchase a printer. The purchase selection screen SC2 includes a message M1 inquiring whether or not to purchase the printer, a message M2 indicating the purchase fee if the printer is purchased, a message M3 indicating the rental fee if the printer is rented without being purchased, a YES button, and a NO button. The rental fee indicated by message M3 is cheaper than the purchase fee indicated by message M2.

[0053] When the terminal device 50 receives the selection of the YES button in T110, it transmits selection information indicating YES to the SP server 100 in T112.

[0054] When the SP server 100 receives the selection information from the terminal device 50 in T112, in T116, it first identifies the payment information "PI1" associated with the account information "AC1" from the user table 140. The SP server 100 uses the identified payment information "PI1" to bill the user for the printer purchase fee of "20,000 yen."

[0055] Thereafter, in T116, the SP server 100 identifies the address information "AD1" associated with the account information "AC1" from the user table 140. The SP server 100 executes a delivery process to deliver the new printer to be purchased and the CTG to the address information "AD1." This allows the user to receive the subscription service provided by the SP server 100.

[0056] Upon completing the delivery process for the new printer and CTG, the SP server 100 issues, for example, an authentication code and stores the authentication code in association with the account information "AC1." The SP server 100 then transmits the authentication code to the terminal device 50, allowing the user to learn the authentication code. The user then receives the delivered new printer (i.e., printer 60) and performs a predetermined operation on the printer 60, including entering the authentication code. In this case, communication is performed between the printer 60 and the SP server 100, and the printer 60's serial number "SN6" and authentication code are transmitted from the printer 60 to the SP server 100. This allows the SP server 100 to identify the account information "AC1" associated with the authentication code and store the serial number "SN6" in association with the account information "AC1" in the user table 140. Subsequently, the printer 60, the SP server 100, and the terminal device 50 perform processes similar to T60 to T70 in FIG. 5 .

[0057] (Effect of this Case) In this case, when the SP server 100 receives selection information corresponding to an instruction to subscribe to a middle plan that does not include rental services (T102), it causes the terminal device 50 to display a purchase selection screen SC2, which allows the user to select whether or not to purchase a printer. Then, when the YES button is selected on the purchase selection screen SC2 (T110), the SP server 100 executes billing processing to bill the user for the printer purchase fee of 20,000 yen (T116). In particular, the purchase selection screen SC2 includes a message M2 indicating the purchase fee if the printer is purchased and a message M3 indicating the rental fee if the printer is rented without being purchased. The rental fee is cheaper than the purchase fee. Therefore, by viewing the purchase selection screen SC2, the user can determine whether or not to purchase the printer, recognizing that renting a printer is cheaper than purchasing it.

[0058] According to the above configuration, when the SP server 100 receives selection information corresponding to an instruction to subscribe to a middle plan that does not include rental services (T102), the SP server 100 does not charge the user a rental fee. After the SP server 100 starts providing the subscription service, it determines the amount to be charged to the user at each predetermined period in T70, and executes the billing process. In this way, the SP server 100 can charge the user the fee corresponding to the service subscribed to at the appropriate time.

[0059] (Processing of Case C) Next, a case C will be described in which a plan not including the rental service is selected and the user uses the printer 70 that he or she already owns without purchasing a printer.

[0060] In the terminal device 50 and the SP server 100, processing similar to T10 to T32 in Fig. 4 is performed, and then processing similar to T100 to T108 in Fig. 6 is performed. When the terminal device 50 accepts selection of the NO button in T120, it transmits selection information indicating NO to the SP server 100 in T122.

[0061] When the SP server 100 receives the selection information from the terminal device 50 in T122, it identifies the address information "AD1" stored in association with the account information "AC1" from the user table 140 in T124. The SP server 100 executes a delivery process to deliver the CTG to the address information "AD1" without delivering the printer.

[0062] Upon completing the CTG delivery process, the SP server 100 issues, for example, an authentication code and stores the authentication code in association with the account information "AC1." The SP server 100 then transmits the authentication code to the terminal device 50. This allows the user to know the authentication code. The user then performs a predetermined operation on the printer (i.e., printer 70) that they own, including inputting the authentication code. In this case, communication is performed between the printer 70 and the SP server 100, and the printer 70's serial number "SN7" and authentication code are transmitted from the printer 70 to the SP server 100. This allows the SP server 100 to identify the account information "AC1" that is associated with the authentication code, and stores the serial number "SN7" in association with the account information "AC1" in the user table 140.

[0063] This allows the user to use the printer 70 he or she owns to receive the subscription service provided by the SP server 100. After that, the printer 70, the SP server 100, and the terminal device 50 execute the same processes as T60 to T70 in FIG.

[0064] (Effects of this Example) In Case A, when the SP server 100 receives selection information corresponding to an instruction to subscribe to a medium plan that includes rental service (T42 in FIG. 4), it delivers a rental printer and a CTG to the user (T48). In Case B, when the SP server 100 receives selection information corresponding to an instruction to subscribe to a medium plan that does not include rental service (T102 in FIG. 6) and the YES button is selected on the purchase selection screen SC2 (T110), it delivers a new printer and a CTG to the user (T116). In Case C, when the SP server 100 receives selection information corresponding to an instruction to subscribe to a medium plan that does not include rental service (T102 in FIG. 6) and the NO button is selected on the purchase selection screen SC2 (T120), it delivers only a CTG to the user without delivering a printer (T124). In this way, the SP server 100 can deliver to the user appropriate items corresponding to the services subscribed to by the user.

[0065] (Correspondence) A subscription service that includes a rental service and a subscription service that does not include a rental service are examples of a "first service" and a "second service," respectively. The selection information in T42 of FIG. 4 and the selection information in T102 of FIG. 6 are examples of a "first instruction" and a "second instruction," respectively. The rental fee of "6,500 yen" is an example of a "first fee." The billing process in T46 of FIG. 4 is an example of a "first billing process." The basic fee of "2,500 yen" is an example of a "second fee." The billing process in T70 of FIG. 5 is an example of a "second billing process." The plan selection screen SC1 and the purchase selection screen SC2 are examples of a "first selection screen" and a "second selection screen," respectively. The basic fee of "2,500 yen" is an example of a "third fee." T70 of FIG. 5, which is cited in Case B, is an example of a "third billing process." The purchase fee of "20,000 yen" is an example of a "fourth fee." T114 in FIG. 6 is an example of a "fourth billing process." CTG is an example of a "consumable." T48 in FIG. 4, T116 in FIG. 6, and T124 in FIG. 6 are examples of a "first delivery process," a "second delivery process," and a "third delivery process," respectively. The Lite Plan is an example of a "first plan." The basic fee of "1,800 yen" for the Lite Plan that includes the rental service is an example of a "second fee for the first plan of the first service." The basic fee of "1,800 yen" for the Lite Plan that does not include the rental service is an example of a "third fee for the first plan of the second service." The rental fee of "9,700 yen" for the Lite Plan for the first model is an example of a "first fee when the printer is the first model." The rental fee of "7,500 yen" for the Lite Plan for the second model is an example of a "first fee when the printer is the second model." The basic fee of "1,800 yen" for the light plan for the first model is an example of "the second fee when the printer is the first model." The basic fee of "1,500 yen" for the light plan for the second model is an example of "the second fee when the printer is the second model." The middle plan is an example of "the second plan." The rental fee of "9,700 yen" for the light plan is an example of "the first fee for the first plan of the first service." The rental fee of "6,500 yen" for the middle plan is an example of "the first fee for the second plan of the first service."The basic fee of "2500 yen" for the middle plan including the rental service is an example of the "second fee for the second plan for the first service." T82 in FIG. 5 is an example of the "third instruction."

[0066] T46 in FIG. 4 is an example of processing implemented by a "first billing processing execution unit." The billing processing of T70 in FIG. 5 is an example of processing implemented by a "second billing processing execution unit." T30 and T42 in FIG. 4 are examples of processing implemented by a "first display control unit" and a "first receiving unit," respectively. T102 in FIG. 6 is an example of processing implemented by a "second receiving unit." T70 in FIG. 5, which is cited in Case B, is an example of processing implemented by a "third billing processing execution unit." T106 in FIG. 6 is an example of processing implemented by a "second display control unit." T114 in FIG. 6 is an example of processing implemented by a "fourth billing processing execution unit." T48 in FIG. 4, T116 in FIG. 6, and T124 in FIG. 6 are examples of processing implemented by a "first delivery processing execution unit," a "second delivery processing execution unit," and a "third delivery processing execution unit," respectively. 5 is an example of a process implemented by the "refund process execution unit."

[0067] (Second embodiment; FIG. 3) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the memory 134 of the SP server 100 stores a plan table 242 shown in FIG. 3 instead of the plan table 142 of the first embodiment. In the plan table 242, plan information, a maximum number of prints, an excess fee, a rental fee, and a basic fee are stored in association with each other, just like the plan table 142. In this embodiment, the rental fee and basic fee for each plan that includes a rental service differ from those in the first embodiment.

[0068] The cheapest basic fee is 1,700 yen for the Light Plan, which includes the rental service. The next cheapest basic fee is 2,300 yen for the Medium Plan, which includes the rental service. The most expensive basic fee is 3,500 yen for the Heavy Plan, which includes the rental service. The basic fee of 1,700 yen for the Light Plan, which includes the rental service, is cheaper than the basic fee of 1,800 yen for the Light Plan, which does not include the rental service. The basic fee of 2,300 yen for the Medium Plan, which includes the rental service, is cheaper than the basic fee of 2,500 yen for the Medium Plan, which does not include the rental service. The basic fee of 3,500 yen for the Heavy Plan, which includes the rental service, is cheaper than the basic fee of 3,900 yen for the Heavy Plan, which does not include the rental service.

[0069] When the plan table 242 corresponds to a first model printer, the rental fees are "10,000 yen" for the light plan, "8,500 yen" for the middle plan, and "7,000 yen" for the heavy plan, as shown in Fig. 3. In this way, the rental fee for the first model in this embodiment is higher than the rental fee for the first model in the first embodiment.

[0070] According to the above configuration, the basic fee for each plan that includes the rental service is lower than the basic fee for each plan that does not include the rental service. Furthermore, the rental fee for each plan that includes the rental service is set relatively high. By paying the relatively high rental fee, users can save on the basic fee compared to plans that do not include the rental service.

[0071] (Correspondence) The basic fee of "1700 yen" for the light plan that includes the rental service is an example of the "second fee for the first plan for the first service."

[0072] (Third Embodiment; FIG. 3) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the memory 134 of the SP server 100 stores a plan table 342 shown in FIG. 3 instead of the plan table 142 of the first embodiment. In the plan table 342, plan information, a maximum number of prints, an excess fee, a rental fee, and a basic fee are stored in association with each other, just like the plan table 142. In this embodiment, the rental fee and basic fee for each plan including the rental service differ from those of the first and second embodiments.

[0073] The cheapest basic fee is 1,500 yen for the Light Plan, which includes the rental service. The next cheapest basic fee is 1,900 yen for the Medium Plan, which includes the rental service. The most expensive basic fee is 3,000 yen for the Heavy Plan, which includes the rental service. The basic fee of 1,500 yen for the Light Plan, which includes the rental service, is cheaper than the basic fee of 1,800 yen for the Light Plan, which does not include the rental service. The basic fee of 1,900 yen for the Medium Plan, which includes the rental service, is cheaper than the basic fee of 2,500 yen for the Medium Plan, which does not include the rental service. The basic fee of 3,000 yen for the Heavy Plan, which includes the rental service, is cheaper than the basic fee of 3,900 yen for the Heavy Plan, which does not include the rental service.

[0074] When the plan table 342 corresponds to a first model printer, the rental fees for the light plan, the middle plan, and the heavy plan are all 13,000 yen, as shown in Fig. 3. In this way, the rental fee for the first model in this embodiment is higher than the rental fees for the first model in the first and second embodiments.

[0075] According to the above configuration, the rental fee for each plan is set at a uniform rate, so that users can rent a printer for a fixed fee regardless of the plan.

[0076] (Correspondence) The basic fee of "1,500 yen" for the Lite plan including the rental service is an example of the "second fee for the first plan of the first service." The rental fee of "13,000 yen" for the Lite plan is an example of the "first fee for the first plan of the first service." The rental fee of "13,000 yen" for the Mid-range plan is an example of the "first fee for the second plan of the first service." The basic fee of "1,500 yen" for the Lite plan including the rental service is an example of the "second fee for the first plan of the first service." The basic fee of "1,900 yen" for the Mid-range plan including the rental service is an example of the "second fee for the second plan of the first service." The basic fee of "1,800 yen" for the Lite plan not including the rental service is an example of the "third fee for the first plan of the second service." The basic fee of "2,500 yen" for the Mid-range plan not including the rental service is an example of the "third fee for the second plan of the second service." The basic fee of "2,500 yen" for the middle plan that includes the rental service is an example of the "third fee for the second plan for the second service."

[0077] 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.

[0078] (Variation 1) The billing process of T46 in Fig. 4 may be a withdrawal process from a bank account, a transfer request process to a bank account, a payment request process using a convenience store payment service, etc. If the billing process is a payment-related process such as a transfer request process to a bank account or a payment request process using a convenience store payment service, the billing process is completed when the payment from the user is confirmed.

[0079] (Variation 2) In T46 of Fig. 4, the amount charged may be the rental fee of "6,500 yen" plus the first month's basic fee of "2,500 yen." Generally speaking, the "first fee" should include at least the "rental fee."

[0080] (Variation 3) Plans without printer rental may not be displayed on the plan selection screen SC1 in Figure 4. In other words, only plans with printer rental may be displayed on the plan selection screen SC1. In this variation, the "first display control unit," "first receiving unit," "second receiving unit," and "third billing processing execution unit" may be omitted.

[0081] 6 may be omitted. In this case, when the SP server 100 receives selection information indicating the middle plan (no rental) from the terminal device 50 in T102, it bills the user for the purchase fee for purchasing the printer in T114 without causing the terminal device 50 to display the purchase selection screen SC2. In this modification, the "second display control unit" and "third delivery processing execution unit" can be omitted.

[0082] (Variation 5) Even if the printer models are different, the rental fee, basic fee, and overage fee may each be the same. Generally speaking, "the first fee when the printer is a first model does not have to be higher than the first fee when the printer is a second model." Also, "the second fee when the printer is a first model does not have to be higher than the second fee when the printer is a second model." Alternatively, only one type of printer may be rented.

[0083] (Variation 6) In the plan table 142, the rental fee for a light plan that includes a printer rental service may be lower than the rental fee for a medium plan that includes a printer rental service. Also, the basic fee for a light plan that includes a printer rental service may be higher than the basic fee for a medium plan that includes a printer rental service.

[0084] (Variation 7) The process of T84 in Fig. 5 may be omitted. That is, even if the user cancels the subscription service, the refund process may not be executed. In this variation, the "refund process execution unit" may be omitted.

[0085] (Variant 12) In the above embodiment, the processing of each step in Figures 4 to 6 is realized by software (e.g., program 136 of SP server 100), but at least one of these processes may also be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0086] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings may achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives alone is technically useful.

[0087] Even if a claim at the time of filing of the patent application is dependent on only some of the claims, 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 server that provides printer-related services, the computer program causing the server computer to function as: a first billing processing execution unit that, when a first instruction corresponding to subscription to a first service including printer rental is acquired from a user, executes a first billing process to bill the user a first fee including a rental fee for the printer before provision of the first service begins; and a second billing processing execution unit that, after provision of the first service begins in response to acquisition of the first instruction, executes a second billing process to bill the user a second fee, which is a usage fee for the first service for the predetermined period. (Item 2) The computer program according to item 1 further causes the computer to function as: a first display control unit that causes a terminal device to display a first selection screen for selecting one service from a plurality of services including the first service; and a first receiving unit that receives the first instruction from the terminal device when the first service is selected from the plurality of services on the first selection screen.(Item 3) The computer program according to item 2, wherein the plurality of services further includes a second service that does not include rental of the printer, and the computer program further causes the computer to function as a second receiving unit that receives, from the terminal device, a second instruction corresponding to subscription to the second service when the second service is selected from the plurality of services on the first selection screen, and when the second instruction is received from the terminal device, the first fee is not charged to the user, and the computer program further causes the computer to function as a third billing processing execution unit that executes a third billing process to bill the user for each specified period of time, the third fee being the usage fee for the second service for the specified period, after provision of the second service begins in response to acquisition of the second instruction. (Item 4) The computer program further causes the computer to function as: a second display control unit that, when the second instruction is received from the terminal device, causes the terminal device to display a second selection screen for selecting whether or not to purchase the printer; and a fourth billing process execution unit that, when purchasing the printer is selected on the second selection screen, executes a fourth billing process to bill the user for a fourth fee for purchasing the printer, wherein the first fee is lower than the fourth fee. This is the computer program described in Item 3.(Item 5) The computer program according to item 4 causes the computer to further function as: a first delivery process execution unit that executes a first delivery process to deliver the printer and consumables to be used with the printer to the user when the first instruction is received from the terminal device; a second delivery process execution unit that executes a second delivery process to deliver the printer and the consumables to the user when the second instruction is received from the terminal device and purchasing the printer is selected on the second selection screen; and a third delivery process execution unit that executes a third delivery process to deliver the consumables to the user without delivering the printer to the user when the second instruction is received from the terminal device and not purchasing the printer is selected on the second selection screen. (Item 6) The computer program of any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the first service includes a first plan, the second service includes the first plan, and the second fee for the first plan of the first service is the same as the third fee for the first plan of the second service. (Item 7) The computer program of any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the first service includes a first plan, the second service includes the first plan, and the second fee for the first plan of the first service is lower than the third fee for the first plan of the second service.(Item 8) The computer program of item 7, wherein the first service further includes a second plan, the second service further includes the second plan, the first fee for the first plan of the first service is the same as the first fee for the second plan of the first service, the second fee for the first plan of the first service is lower than the second fee for the second plan of the first service, the third fee for the first plan of the second service is lower than the third fee for the second plan of the second service, and the second fee for the second plan of the first service is lower than the third fee for the second plan of the second service. (Item 9) The computer program of any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the first fee when the printer is a first model is higher than the first fee when the printer is a second model, and the second fee when the printer is the first model is higher than the second fee when the printer is the second model. (Item 10) The computer program of any one of items 1 to 7 or item 9, wherein the first service includes a first plan and a second plan, the first fee for the first plan of the first service is higher than the first fee for the second plan of the first service, and the second fee for the first plan of the first service is lower than the second fee for the second plan of the first service. (Item 11) The computer program of item 10, wherein the first service is a service that allows printing up to an upper limit of the number of prints in the specified period for the second fee, and the upper limit of the number of prints for the first plan of the first service is lower than the upper limit of the number of prints for the second plan of the first service. (Item 12) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 11, further causing the computer to function as a refund processing execution unit that executes a refund processing to refund at least a portion of the first fee to the user when a third instruction corresponding to unsubscribing from the first service is obtained from the user.

[0088] 2: Communication system, 6: Internet, 10: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 18: Communication interface, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: Program, 50: Terminal device, 100: Service providing server, 118: Communication interface, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: Program, 140: User table, 142: Plan table, 144: History table, 242: Plan table, 342: Plan table

Claims

1. A computer program for a server that provides printer-related services, the computer program causing the server computer to function as: a first billing process execution unit that, when a first instruction corresponding to subscription to a first service including rental of the printer is acquired from a user, executes a first billing process to bill the user a first fee including the rental fee of the printer before provision of the first service begins; and a second billing process execution unit that, after provision of the first service begins in response to acquisition of the first instruction, executes a second billing process to bill the user a second fee, which is the usage fee for the first service for the specified period, for each specified period.

2. The computer program according to claim 1, further causing the computer to function as: a first display control unit that causes a terminal device to display a first selection screen for selecting one service from a plurality of services including the first service; and a first receiving unit that receives the first instruction from the terminal device when the first service is selected from the plurality of services on the first selection screen.

3. The computer program according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of services further includes a second service that does not include rental of the printer, and the computer program further causes the computer to function as a second receiving unit that receives, from the terminal device, a second instruction corresponding to subscription to the second service when the second service is selected from the plurality of services on the first selection screen, and when the second instruction is received from the terminal device, the first fee is not charged to the user, and the computer program further causes the computer to function as a third billing processing execution unit that executes a third billing process to bill the user for each specified period of time, the third fee being the usage fee for the second service for that specified period, after provision of the second service begins in response to acquisition of the second instruction.

4. The computer program further causes the computer to function as: a second display control unit that, when the second instruction is received from the terminal device, causes the terminal device to display a second selection screen for selecting whether or not to purchase the printer; and a fourth billing process execution unit that, when purchasing the printer is selected on the second selection screen, executes a fourth billing process to bill the user for a fourth fee for purchasing the printer, wherein the first fee is lower than the fourth fee. The computer program of claim 3.

5. The computer program according to claim 4, further causing the computer to function as: a first delivery process execution unit that executes a first delivery process to deliver the printer and consumables to be used with the printer to the user when the first instruction is received from the terminal device; a second delivery process execution unit that executes a second delivery process to deliver the printer and the consumables to the user when the second instruction is received from the terminal device and purchasing the printer is selected on the second selection screen; and a third delivery process execution unit that executes a third delivery process to deliver the consumables to the user without delivering the printer to the user when the second instruction is received from the terminal device and not purchasing the printer is selected on the second selection screen.

6. The computer program of claim 3, wherein the first service includes a first plan; the second service includes the first plan; and the second fee for the first plan of the first service is the same as the third fee for the first plan of the second service.

7. The computer program of claim 3, wherein the first service includes a first plan; the second service includes the first plan; and the second fee for the first plan of the first service is lower than the third fee for the first plan of the second service.

8. The computer program of claim 7, wherein the first service further includes a second plan; the second service further includes the second plan; the first fee for the first plan of the first service is the same as the first fee for the second plan of the first service; the second fee for the first plan of the first service is lower than the second fee for the second plan of the first service; the third fee for the first plan of the second service is lower than the third fee for the second plan of the second service; and the second fee for the second plan of the first service is lower than the third fee for the second plan of the second service.

9. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the first fee when the printer is a first model is higher than the first fee when the printer is a second model, and the second fee when the printer is the first model is higher than the second fee when the printer is the second model.

10. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the first service includes a first plan and a second plan; the first fee for the first plan of the first service is higher than the first fee for the second plan of the first service; and the second fee for the first plan of the first service is lower than the second fee for the second plan of the first service.

11. The computer program of claim 10, wherein the first service is a service that allows printing up to a maximum number of prints during the specified period at the second fee, and the maximum number of prints of the first plan of the first service is less than the maximum number of prints of the second plan of the first service.

12. The computer program of claim 1, further causing the computer to function as a refund processing execution unit that executes a refund process to refund at least a portion of the first fee to the user when a third instruction corresponding to cancellation of membership from the first service is obtained from the user.

13. A server that provides a printer-related service, comprising: a first billing process execution unit that, when a first instruction corresponding to subscription to a first service including rental of the printer is acquired from a user, executes a first billing process to bill the user a first fee including a rental fee for the printer before provision of the first service begins; and a second billing process execution unit that, after provision of the first service begins in response to acquisition of the first instruction, executes a second billing process to bill the user a second fee, which is a usage fee for the first service for the specified period, for each specified period.

14. A method executed by a server that provides a printer-related service, comprising: a first billing process execution step of, when a first instruction corresponding to subscription to a first service including rental of the printer is acquired from a user, executing a first billing process to bill the user a first fee including a rental fee for the printer before provision of the first service begins; and a second billing process execution step of, after provision of the first service begins in response to acquisition of the first instruction, executing a second billing process to bill the user a second fee, which is a usage fee for the first service for the predetermined period, for each predetermined period.

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