Patent Publication Number: US-2020293254-A1

Title: Display information generation device and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-047228 filed Mar. 14, 2019. 
     BACKGROUND 
     (i) Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a display information generation device, and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program. 
     (ii) Related Art 
     An information processing system is known which reads out order identification information from a printed print request slip, analyzes the read order identification information to generate and register print setting structure information for specifying an information processing apparatus that is to process the received print order, determines one of the information processing apparatuses printed on a sheet printed based on the registered print setting structure information and the resource information of each information processing apparatus, as a recommended information processing apparatus, and displays the determined recommended information processing apparatus on a screen (see, for example, JP2016-058040A). 
     There is also known an information processing apparatus provided with a printer information analysis unit that acquires resource information of a printer, a job ticket analysis unit that acquires setting information from a job ticket, and a determination rule collating unit that compares resource information with setting information to determine whether or not a working time of a print preparation process related to job execution for each printer can be shortened, and calculates the recommendation degree of the printer (see, for example, JP2017-084035A). 
     SUMMARY 
     In a configuration that only recommends devices satisfying the conditions necessary to execute a specific process, it is not possible to notify differences in features between the devices in a case where there are plural corresponding devices. 
     Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display information generation device, and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program, which enable notification of differences in features between plural devices. 
     Aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the above disadvantages and/or other disadvantages not described above. However, aspects of the non-limiting embodiments are not required to overcome the disadvantages described above, and aspects of the non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure may not overcome any of the disadvantages described above. 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided. a display information generation device including a specifying section that specifies a plurality of features that each device of a plurality of devices has; and a generation section that generates display information for displaying a specific feature that at least one device other than each device does not have, among the plurality of features that each device has, in association with each device of the plurality of devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiment (s) of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a computer system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing an operation example of the server in a case of generating display information for realizing initial display contents according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an operation example of the server in a case of generating display information for realizing display contents when selecting a candidate device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a specific example of definition information stored in advance in a definition information storage unit in the first example of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a specific example of feature information initially stored in a feature information storage unit in the first example of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a specific example of feature information stored in the feature information storage unit after a process of ranking or a process of leaving “presence” is performed in the first example of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram showing an example of initial display contents of a print instruction screen displayed on the client in the first example of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram showing an example of display contents when selecting a first printing device on the print instruction screen displayed on the client in the first example of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram showing an example of display contents when selecting a second printing device on the print instruction screen displayed on the client in the first example of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram showing a specific example of definition information stored in advance in a definition information storage unit in a second example of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram showing a specific example of feature information initially stored in a feature information storage unit in the second example of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram showing a specific example of feature information stored in the feature information storage unit after a process of ranking is performed in the second example of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram showing an example of initial display contents of a search result screen displayed on the client in the second example of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram showing an example of display contents when selecting a smartphone on the search result screen displayed on the client in the second example of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram showing an example of display contents in which an appeal function of the search result screen displayed on the client is emphasized, in the second example of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     Overview of the Present Exemplary Embodiment 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, display information is generated for displaying a specific feature that at least one device other than each device does not have, among plural features that each device has, in association with each device of plural devices. 
     In the following, a description will be made to a case of narrowing down to devices capable of executing a process requested from plural devices or candidate devices that satisfy the minimum required condition, and displaying a difference between the candidate devices in a case where there are plural candidate devices. Hereinafter, devices before narrowing down to devices capable of executing a process requested or devices that satisfy the minimum required condition are referred to as “target devices”, and devices that are candidates after narrowing down are referred to as “candidate devices”. 
     Overall Configuration of Computer System 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a computer system  1  to which the present exemplary embodiment is applied. As illustrated, the computer system  1  is configured by connecting a client  10  and a server  30  to a communication line  80 . Although only one client  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 , two or more clients  10  may be provided. 
     The client  10  is a computer that transmits information to the server  30 , and displays a difference (strength or weakness) among plural candidate devices based on the display information, in a case of receiving display information from the server  30  according to the information. For example, in a case where the candidate device is a printing device, an application for creating data to be printed and a printer driver for creating print instruction information for instructing printing of the data to be printed are installed, and in a case where the printer driver transmits print instruction information to the printing device, the difference between the printing devices is displayed. In a case where the candidate device is a terminal device, a browser for browsing information on the Internet is installed, and in a case where the user searches for information on the terminal device using this browser, a difference between the terminal devices may be displayed. Here, as the client  10 , a PC, a portable terminal or the like may be used. 
     The server  30  is a computer that generates display information for displaying differences between plural candidate devices, in a case of receiving information from the client  10 , and transmits the display information to the client  10 . For example, in a case where the candidate device is a printing device, the server  30  acquires feature information of each printing device of plural printing devices, and generates display information for displaying a difference between the pieces of feature information. In this case, the plural printing devices may be connected to the communication line  80 , and the server  30  may acquire the feature information from each printing device of the plural printing devices through the communication line  80 . In a case where the candidate device is a terminal device, the server  30  acquires feature information of each terminal device of plural terminal devices, and generates display information for displaying the difference between the pieces of feature information. In this case, at least one computer managing feature information of each terminal device of the plural terminal devices is connected to the communication line  80 , and the server  30  may acquire the feature information of each terminal device of the plural terminal devices from the at least one computer through the communication line  80 . 
     The communication line  80  is a communication means used for information communication between the client  10  and the server  30 . As the communication line  80 , for example, a local area network (LAN) or the Internet may be used. 
     Although a system aspect in which the client  10  has the function of the server  30  may be considered, here, as an example, a system aspect in which the client  10  and the server  30  are divided is assumed to be described. 
     Hardware Configurations of Client and Server 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server  30  according to the present exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the server  30  includes a CPU  31  which is an arithmetic unit, and a main memory  32  and a hard disk drive (HDD)  33  which are storage units. Here, the CPU  31  executes various software such as an operating system (OS) and an application to realize each function described later. The main memory  32  is a storage area for storing various software and data used for the execution, and the HDD  33  is a storage area for storing input data for various software, output data from various software, and the like. Further, the server  30  includes a communication I/F  34  for communicating with the outside, a display device  35  such as a display, and an input device  36  such as a keyboard and a mouse. 
     The hardware configuration shown in  FIG. 2  can also be regarded as the hardware configuration of the client  10 . However, when describing the client  10 , it is assumed that the CPU  31 , the main memory  32 , the HDD  33 , the communication I/F  34 , the display device  35 , and the input device  36  in  FIG. 2  are respectively described as a CPU  11 , a main memory  12 , a HDD  13 , a communication I/F  14 , a display device  15 , and an input device  16 . 
     Functional Configuration of Server 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server  30  according to the present exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the server  30  in the present exemplary embodiment includes a reception unit  41 , a candidate extraction unit  42 , a display information generation unit  43 , a feature information storage unit  44 , a definition information storage unit  45 , and a transmission unit  46 . 
     The reception unit  41  periodically receives feature information of each target device from plural target devices or a computer that manages the target devices, receives instruction information for instructing processing related to the target device from the client  10 , and outputs the feature information and the instruction information to the candidate extraction unit  42 . 
     In a case where the target device is a printing device, the feature information of each printing device is received from each of the plural printing devices, and the printing instruction information for instructing printing in any of the plural printing devices is received as the instruction information. 
     In a case where the target device is a terminal device, the feature information of each terminal device is received from at least one computer each managing at least one of the plural terminal devices, or the search instruction information for instructing the search of the terminal device satisfying the condition from the plural terminal devices is received as instruction information. 
     Further, the reception unit  41  receives, from the client  10 , selection information indicating a device selected from the devices displayed on the client  10 , and outputs the selection information to the display information generation unit  43 . 
     The candidate extraction unit  42  periodically receives feature information from the reception unit  41 , and retains the feature information. Then, in a case where the instruction information is received from the reception unit  41 , plural candidate devices are extracted from plural target devices, based on the retained feature information. Then, the feature information of each candidate device of the plural candidate devices extracted is output to the display information generation unit  43 . 
     In a case where the target device is a printing device, a printing device capable of printing based on the print instruction information received from the reception unit  41  is extracted as a candidate device, based on the retained feature information. For example, in a case where the print instruction information instructs color printing, a printing device having feature information indicating that color toner is loaded may be extracted as a candidate device. In a case where the print instruction information instructs printing on a special sheet, a printing device having feature information indicating that the special sheet is loaded may be extracted as a candidate device. In a case where the print instruction information instructs the post-processing in addition to the printing, a printing device having feature information indicating that the post-processing apparatus that performs the post-processing is connected may be extracted as a candidate device. Alternatively, regardless of the content of the print instruction information, a printing device having feature information indicating that the printing device is in failure may be excluded from the candidate devices. 
     In a case where the target device is a terminal device, a terminal device that matches the search instruction information received from the reception unit  41  is extracted as a candidate device, based on the retained feature information. For example, in a case where the search instruction information is for instructing a search by “notebook PC” or “15 inches”, a notebook PC having feature information indicating that the size is 15 inches is extracted as a candidate device. Further, in a case where the search instruction information is for instructing a search by “smartphone”, “face authentication support”, “wireless charging”, a smartphone having feature information indicating that it corresponds to face authentication and wireless charging is possible may be extracted as a candidate device. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, plural candidate devices are used as an example of plural devices, feature information is used as an example of plural features which each device of the plural devices has, and the reception unit  41  is provided as an example of a specifying section that specifies plural features. 
     In a case of receiving the feature information of each candidate device of the plural candidate devices from the candidate extraction unit  42 , the display information generation unit  43  stores the feature information not common among the plural candidate devices in the feature information storage unit  44 . 
     Further, the display information generation unit  43  generates display information for realizing a display content which is an initial display content of the screen based on the instruction information, and includes feature information satisfying the condition defined in the definition information storage unit  45 , among the pieces of feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44 . At that time, in a case where the condition defined in the definition information storage unit  45  indicates a favorable feature, display information for realizing the display content including the feature information satisfying the condition in a mode indicating the favorable feature is generated. In a case where the condition defined in the definition information storage unit  45  indicates an unfavorable feature, display information for realizing the display content including the feature information satisfying the condition in a mode indicating that the unfavorable feature is generated. 
     In a case where the candidate device is a printing device, display information for realizing a display content which is an initial display content of a print instruction screen for instructing printing based on print instruction information and includes feature information satisfying the conditions defined in the definition information storage unit  45 , among the pieces of feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  is generated. 
     In a case where the candidate device is a terminal device, display information for realizing a display content which is an initial display content of a search result screen indicating the s result by the search instruction information and includes feature information satisfying the conditions defined in the definition information storage unit  45 , among the pieces of feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  is generated. 
     In a case where the states of plural target devices change and the candidate device extracted by the candidate extraction unit  42  changes, the display content including the feature information also dynamically changes. Further, display information generation unit  43  may generate display information for visually notifying the recommended candidate device by animation. 
     Further, in a case of receiving selection information indicating a candidate device selected on the screen based on the instruction information from the reception unit  41 , the display information generation unit  43  generates display information for realizing a display content which is a display content when selecting a candidate device on the screen based on the instruction information, and includes feature information satisfying the condition defined in the definition information storage unit  45 , among the pieces of feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44 . At that time, in a case where the condition defined in the definition information storage unit  45  indicates a favorable feature, display information for realizing the display content including the feature information satisfying the condition in a mode indicating that the favorable feature is generated. In a case where the condition defined in the definition information storage unit  45  indicates an unfavorable feature, display information for realizing the display content including the feature information satisfying the condition in a mode indicating the unfavorable feature information is generated. In addition, at that time, in a case where the feature information satisfying the condition defined in the definition information storage unit  45  is the feature information of the unselected candidate device, display information for realizing the display content including the feature information in the form of a difference with respect to the feature information of the selected candidate device is generated. 
     In a case where the candidate device is a printing device, display information for realizing a display content which is the display content when selecting the printing device on a print instruction screen for instructing printing based on print instruction information and includes feature information satisfying the conditions defined in the definition information storage unit  45 , among the pieces of feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  is generated. 
     In a case where the candidate device is a terminal device, display information for realizing a display content which is the display content when selecting the terminal device on a search result screen indicating the search result by the search instruction information and includes feature information satisfying the conditions defined in the definition information storage unit  45 , among the pieces of feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  is generated. 
     In a case where the states of plural target devices change and the candidate device extracted by the candidate extraction unit  42  changes, the display content including the feature information also dynamically changes. Further, display information generation unit  43  may generate display information for visually notifying the recommended candidate device by animation. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, the display information generation unit  43  is provided as an example of a generation section that uses feature information not common among plural candidate devices as an example of a specific feature that at least one device other than each device does not have, and generates display information for displaying the specific feature in association with each device of the plural devices. 
     Further, the display information generation unit  43  is provided as a generation section that generates display information for displaying a feature satisfying a condition predetermined as a condition indicating a favorable feature, in a mode predetermined as a mode indicating the favorable feature, or a generation section that generates display information for displaying a feature satisfying a condition predetermined as a condition indicating an unfavorable feature, in a mode predetermined as a mode indicating the unfavorable feature. 
     Further, the selected candidate device is used as an example of a specific device of the plural devices, an unselected device is used as an example of another device other than the specific device, and a difference between the feature information of the selected candidate device and the feature information of the unselected candidate device is used as an example of a difference between the numerical value representing the state, the performance, or the specification that the other device has and the numerical value representing the state, the performance, or the specification that the specific device has. Further, the display information generation unit  43  is provided as an example of a generation section that generates display information for displaying a difference in association with another device in a case where a specific device is selected. 
     The feature information storage unit  44  stores feature information not common among plural candidate devices by the display information generation unit  43 . In the following, feature information is assumed to be information including feature items and feature values. In a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or specification, a numerical value representing the state, performance, or specification is stored as the feature value. In a case where the feature item is an item indicating a function, “presence”, “none” or the type of the function is stored as the feature value. 
     In a case where the candidate device is a printing device, among the feature items, the items indicating the state are, for example, “printing completion time”, “remaining amount of paper”, and “use time”, and the items indicating performance are, for example, “printing time”, “failure rate”, and “jam rate”. Further, among the feature items, items indicating functions are, for example, “gold/silver toner”, “thick paper”, and “use stock”. 
     In a case where the candidate device is a terminal device, among the feature items, an item indicating a state is, for example, “battery run time”, and an item indicating a specification is, for example, “weight”. Further, among the feature items, items indicating functions are, for example, “video shooting”, “display”, and “screen operation”. 
     Further, in a case where the display information generation unit  43  executes a process of ranking numerical values which are feature values in a case where the feature item is a state, performance, or specification, and types of functions which are feature values in a case where the feature item is a function, the feature information storage unit  44  also stores ranking in association with the feature value for each feature item. Further, after the display information generation unit  43  executes a process of leaving only “presence” which is the feature value in a case where the feature item is a function, “none” of the feature value is not stored. 
     The definition information storage unit  45  stores the ranking definition that defines a method of assigning a ranking to a numerical value that is a feature value in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or specification, or a function type that is a feature value in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a function. Here, examples of the ranking method include a method of assigning a higher ranking to the larger numerical value which is a feature value in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or a specification, and a method of assigning a higher ranking to the smaller numerical value. Alternatively, for example, there is a method of assigning a higher ranking to a better function type which is a feature value in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a function. 
     Further, the definition information storage unit  45  stores an initial display condition definition that defines conditions regarding feature information included in the initial display content of the screen based on the instruction information. Further, the selection display condition definition is stored that defines conditions regarding feature information included in the display content when selecting the candidate device on the screen based on the instruction information. Here, as the condition regarding feature information defined in the initial display condition definition or the selection display condition definition, a condition is exemplified that rankings assigned to numerical values which are feature values in a case where the feature item is a state, performance, or specification, and rankings assigned to types of functions which are feature values in a case where the feature item is a function are the highest or lowest. Alternatively, a condition is also illustrated that the feature value in a case where the feature item is a function is “presence”. 
     Among the conditions, the condition that the ranking is the highest is an example of a condition predetermined as a condition indicating a favorable feature. The condition that the ranking is the lowest is an example of a condition predetermined as a condition indicating an unfavorable feature. 
     In addition, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or a specification, in a case of the method of assigning a higher ranking to a larger numerical value that is the feature value, the condition that the ranking is the highest is an example of a condition predetermined as a condition indicating that the numerical value representing the state, the performance, or the specification is large. In a case of the method of assigning a higher ranking to a smaller numerical value that is the feature value, the condition that the ranking is the highest is an example of a condition predetermined as a condition indicating that the numerical value representing the state, the performance, or the specification is small. 
     In addition, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or a specification, in a case of the method of assigning a higher ranking to a larger numerical value that is the feature value, the condition that the ranking is the lowest is an example of a condition predetermined as a condition indicating that the numerical value representing the state, the performance, or the specification is small. In a case of the method of assigning a higher ranking to a smaller numerical value that is the feature value, the condition that the ranking is the lowest is an example of a condition predetermined as a condition indicating that the numerical value representing the state, the performance, or the specification is large. 
     Further, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a function, the condition that the ranking assigned to the type of function that is the feature value is the highest or lowest is an example of the condition regarding the type of function. The condition that the feature value is “presence” is an example of the condition having a function. 
     The transmission unit  46  transmits the display information generated by the display information generation unit  43  to the client  10 . 
     Server Operation 
     In the server  30 , first, the reception unit  41  periodically receives feature information of each target device of plural target devices, and the candidate extraction unit  42  holds the feature information. On the other hand, the reception unit  41  receives instruction information from the client  10 , and the candidate extraction unit  42  extracts plural candidate devices, based on the instruction information and the held feature information. Then, the candidate extraction unit  42  notifies the display information generation unit  43  of the plural extracted candidate devices. 
     Then, the display information generation unit  43  generates display information for realizing the initial display contents of the screen based on the instruction information. 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing an operation example of the display information generation unit  43  at this time. 
     First, the display information generation unit  43  acquires feature information of each candidate device of plural candidate devices from the candidate extraction unit  42  (step S 401 ). 
     Next, the display information generation unit  43  focuses on one feature item of the feature information (step S 402 ). Then, for this focused feature item, it is determined whether or not the feature value is common among plural candidate devices (step SS  403 ). 
     In a case where it is determined that the feature value is not common among the plural candidate devices, the display information generation unit  43  sets this feature item as a processing target (step S 404 ). That is, the feature value of each candidate device for the feature item is stored in the feature information storage unit  44 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 405 . 
     On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the feature value is common among the plural candidate devices, the display information generation unit  43  excludes this feature item from the processing target. That is, the process proceeds to step S 405 , without performing step S 404  for this feature item. 
     Thereafter, the display information generation unit  43  determines whether or not all the feature items of the feature information are focused in step S 402  (step S 405 ). In a case where it is determined that there is a feature item that is not focused on, the display information generation unit  43  returns the process to step S 402 . Further, in a case where it is determined that all feature items are focused on, the display information generation unit  43  makes the process proceed to step S 406 . 
     At this time, the feature information storage unit  44  stores feature information in which the feature value for each candidate device is associated with the feature item whose feature value is not common among the plural candidate devices. 
     Next, the display information generation unit  43  performs a process of ranking the feature values or a process of leaving “presence” of the feature values for all the feature items stored in the feature information storage unit  44  (step S 406 ). Specifically, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance or specification, and the feature value is represented by a numerical value, the numerical value is ranked. In a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or specification, the definition information storage unit  45  stores ranking definition defining for each feature item whether the larger the numerical value of the feature value, the higher the rank, or the smaller the numerical value, the higher the rank, so the display information generation unit  43  ranks the feature value with reference to the ranking definition. In addition, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a function, and the feature value is represented by “presence” or “none”, “none” is deleted. 
     Next, the display information generation unit  43  focuses on one candidate device among the plural candidate devices (step S 407 ). Then, the feature items to be included in the screen are selected for the focused candidate device (step S 408 ). Specifically, since the initial display condition definition which defines the condition regarding the feature value for including the feature item on the screen is stored in the definition information storage unit  45 , the feature items are selected with reference to the initial display condition definition. For example, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance or specification, it is conceivable to include feature items having the feature values of the highest or lowest ranking. In addition, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a function, it is conceivable to include the feature items having the feature value of “presence”. As a result, display information for realizing a display content which is the initial display content of the screen based on the instruction information and includes the feature item selected for the focused candidate device is generated. 
     Thereafter, the display information generation unit  43  determines whether or not all candidate devices are focused on in step S 407  (step S 409 ). In a case where it is determined that there is a candidate device that is not focused on, the display information generation unit  43  returns the process to step S 407 . Further, in a case where it is determined that all candidate devices are focused on, the process proceeds to step S 410 . 
     Finally, the display information generation unit  43  outputs the display information generated in step S 408  so far to the transmission unit  46  (step S 410 ), and ends the process. 
     Then, the transmission unit  46  transmits the display information to the client  10 . Then, based on the display information, the client  10  realizes initial display content of the screen based on the instruction information. 
     In a state where such a screen is displayed on the client  10 , it is assumed that the user selects one candidate device of the plural candidate devices included in the screen. Thus, in the server  30 , the reception unit  41  receives selection information indicating the selected candidate device, and transmits the selection information to the display information. 
     Then, the display information generation unit  43  generates display information for realizing the display contents when selecting a candidate device of the screen based on the instruction information. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an operation example of the display information generation unit  43  at this time. 
     First, the display information generation unit  43  acquires selection information of candidate devices from the reception unit  41  (step S 451 ). 
     Next, the display information generation unit  43  selects feature items to be included in the screen, for the selected candidate devices (step S 452 ). Specifically, since the selection display condition definition which defines the condition regarding the feature value for including the feature item on the screen is stored in the definition information storage unit  45 , the feature item is selected with reference to the selection display condition definition. For example, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or specification, it is conceivable to include feature items having the feature values of the highest ranking. In addition, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a function, it is conceivable to include the feature items having the feature value of “presence”. As a result, display information for realizing a display content when selecting a candidate device on the screen based on the instruction information and includes the feature item selected for the selected candidate device is generated. 
     Next, the display information generation unit  43  focuses on one candidate device among the unselected candidate devices (step S 453 ). Then, the feature items to be included in the screen are selected for the focused candidate device (step S 454 ). Specifically, since the selection display condition definition which defines the condition regarding the feature value for including the feature item on the screen is stored in the definition information storage unit  45 , the feature item is selected with reference to the selection display condition definition. For example, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or specification, it is conceivable to include feature items having the feature values of the highest ranking. In addition, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a function, it is conceivable to include the feature items having the feature value of “presence”. As a result, display information for realizing a display content when selecting a candidate device on the screen based on the instruction information and includes the feature item selected for the focused candidate device is generated. 
     Further, in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or specification, the display information generation unit  43  converts the feature value of the feature item into a difference in the feature values of the feature item of the selected candidate device (step S 455 ). Then, it is determined whether or not the difference indicates that the feature value of the focused candidate device (unselected candidate device) is better than the feature value of the selected candidate device (step S 456 ). In a case where it is determined that the difference indicates that the feature value of the focused candidate device (unselected candidate device) is better than the feature value of the selected candidate device, the display information generation unit  43  adds an attribute indicating a favorable feature value to the feature value of the focused candidate device in the display information generated in step S 454  (step S 457 ). On the other hand, in a case where it is not determined that the difference indicates that the feature value of the focused candidate device (unselected candidate device) is better than the feature value of the selected candidate device, the display information generation unit  43  adds an attribute indicating that the unfavorable feature value to the feature value of the focused candidate device in the display information generated in step S 454  (step S 458 ). 
     Thereafter, the display information generation unit  43  determines whether or not all unselected candidate devices are focused on in step S 453  (step S 459 ). In a case where it is determined that there is a candidate device that is not focused on, the display information generation unit  43  returns the process to step S 453 . Further, in a case where it is determined that all candidate devices are focused on, the process proceeds to step S 460 . 
     Finally, the display information generation unit  43  outputs the display information generated in step Ss  452  and  454  so far to the transmission unit  46  (step S 460 ), and ends the process. 
     Then, the transmission unit  46  transmits the display information to the client  10 . Then, based on the display information, the client  10  realizes the display content when selecting a candidate device on the screen based on the instruction information. 
     Next, the above-described operation will be specifically described in the case where the candidate device is a printing device and the case where the candidate device is a terminal device. 
     First Example 
     A first example is an example where the candidate device is a printing device. 
     First, a specific example of definition information stored in advance in the definition information storage unit  45  prior to the operation of  FIG. 4  will be described. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a specific example of definition information stored in advance in the definition information storage unit  45 . As illustrated, the definition information is obtained by associating feature items, ranking definitions, initial display condition definitions, and selection display condition definition with each other. 
     The feature item is an item of feature information as described above. Items from “printing time” to “use time” are items indicating states, performance or specifications, and items from “gold/silver toner” to “use stock” are items indicating functions. 
     The ranking definition defines, as described above, in a case where the feature value of the feature item is represented by a numerical value, whether the larger the numerical value, the higher the ranking, or the smaller the numerical value, the higher the rank. For example, “printing time”, “failure rate”, or the like is defined that the smaller the numerical value, the higher the rank. For example, the “remaining amount of paper” is defined that the larger the value, the higher the rank. 
     The initial display condition definition is a definition of a condition regarding a feature value for including the feature item in the initial display content of the screen. For example, in the case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or specification, the basic idea is to display a feature item having a large difference from other candidate devices. Therefore, it is defined that the feature items of the feature values ranked highest and the feature items of the feature values ranked lowest, such as “failure rate” and “remaining amount of paper”, are included in the initial display content of the screen. However, it may be defined that the particularly important feature items such as “printing time” are included in the initial display content on the screen regardless of the feature value. In addition, in a case where the feature items are items indicating a function, the basic idea is to display feature items that can appeal better points than other candidate devices. Therefore, it is defined that a feature item with a feature value of “presence” such as “gold/silver toner” is included in the initial display content of the screen. 
     The selection display condition definition is a definition of a condition regarding a feature value for including the feature information in the display content when selecting a screen. For example, in the case where the feature items are items indicating a state, performance, or specification, the basic idea is to display feature items that can appeal better points than the selected candidate device. Therefore, it is defined that the feature items of the feature values ranked highest, such as “failure rate” and “remaining amount of paper”, are included in the display content when selecting a candidate device on the screen. However, it may be defined that the particularly important feature items such as “printing time” are included in the display content when selecting the candidate device on the screen regardless of the feature value. In addition, in a case where the feature items are items indicating a function, the basic idea is to display feature items that can appeal better points than the selected candidate device. Therefore, it is defined that a feature item with a feature value of “presence” such as “gold/silver toner” is included in the display content when selecting a candidate device on a screen. 
     Next, a specific example of the feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  in step S 404  of  FIG. 4  will be described. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a specific example of feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  at this time. In  FIG. 7 , the feature information is obtained by associating feature items with feature values for each printing device. 
     In a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or specification, these feature values are represented by numerical values, and in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a function, these feature values are represented by “presence” or “none”. 
     Next, a specific example of the feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  after the process of ranking or the process of leaving “presence” is performed in step S 406  of  FIG. 4  will be described. 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a specific example of feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  at this time. Even in  FIG. 8 , the feature information is obtained by associating feature items with feature values for each printing device. 
     In a case where the feature value of the feature item is represented by a numerical value, the numerical value is ranked. For example, for the “printing time”, a ranking definition indicating that the smaller the value, the higher the rank is stored in the definition information storage unit  45  in  FIG. 6 , and the feature value of the printing device A, the feature value of the printing device B, and the feature value of the printing device C are stored in ascending order in the feature information storage unit  44  in  FIG. 7 . Accordingly, in  FIG. 8 , the ranking “1” is given to the printing device A, the ranking “2” is given to the printing device B, and the ranking “3” is given to the printing device C, respectively. For example, for the “failure rate”, a ranking definition indicating that the smaller the value, the higher the rank is stored in the definition information storage unit  45  in  FIG. 6 , and the feature value of the printing device B, the feature value of the printing device C, and the feature value of the printing device A are stored in ascending order in the feature information storage unit  44  in  FIG. 7 . Accordingly, in  FIG. 8 , the ranking “1” is given to the printing device B, the ranking “2” is given to the printing device C, and the ranking “3” is given to the printing device A, respectively. For example, for the “remaining amount of paper”, a ranking definition indicating that the larger the value, the higher the rank is stored in the definition information storage unit  45  in  FIG. 6 , and the feature value of the printing device C, the feature value of the printing device A, and the feature value of the printing device B are stored in descending order in the feature information storage unit  44  in  FIG. 7 . Accordingly, the ranking “1” is given to the printing device C, the ranking “2” is given to the printing device A, and the ranking “3” is given to the printing device B, respectively. 
     In addition, in a case where the feature value of the feature item is represented as “presence” or “none”, only the feature value “present” is left. For example, with respect to “gold/silver toner”, the feature value “none” of the printing device A and the feature value “none” of the printing device C are deleted. 
     Next, the initial display contents of the print instruction screen  21  displayed on the client  10  based on the display information output in step S 410  of  FIG. 4  will be described. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram showing an example of initial display contents of a print instruction screen  21  displayed on the client  10 . As illustrated, the print instruction screen  21  includes a print instruction information list display area  211  and a printing device list display area  212 . 
     It is assumed that the user selects the print instruction information surrounded by a thick line, from the print instruction information list display area  211 , as indicated by a white arrow. Then, a list of printing devices capable of printing the selected print instruction information is displayed in the printing device list display area  212 . Here, a list of printing devices A, B, and C is displayed in the printing device list display area  212 . Then, in the printing device list display area  212 , a feature information display area  212   a  for displaying feature information of the printing device A, a feature information display area  212   b  for displaying feature information of the printing device B, and a feature information display area  212   c  for displaying feature information of the printing device C are provided. 
     In the feature information display area  212   a , “printing time” in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “all” is displayed. Further, “printing completion time”, “failure rate”, “jam rate”, and “use time” in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “highest and lowest”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device A in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “1” or “3” are displayed. Further, “use stock” is displayed in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “presence” and the feature value of the printing device A in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “presence”. 
     In the feature information display area  212   b , “printing time” in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “all” is displayed. Further, “failure rate”, “remaining amount of paper”, and “use time” in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “highest and lowest”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device B in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “1” or “3” are displayed. Further, “gold/silver toner” is displayed in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “presence” and the feature value of the printing device B in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “presence”. 
     In the feature information display area  212   c , “printing time” in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “all” is displayed. Further, “printing completion time”, “jam rate” and “remaining amount of paper” in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “highest and lowest”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device C in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “1” or “3” are displayed. Further, “thick paper” is displayed in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “presence” and the feature value of the printing device C in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “presence”. 
     Next, a description will be made about the display contents of the print instruction screen  21  displayed on the client  10  based on the display information output in step S 460  of  FIG. 5 , by selecting the printing device A on the print instruction screen  21  of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram showing an example of display contents when selecting a printing device A on the print instruction screen  21  displayed on the client  10 . 
     It is assumed that the user selects a feature information display area  212   a  surrounded by a thick line from the printing device list display area  212  as indicated by a white arrow. Then, the feature information of the printing device B which is not selected is displayed in the feature information display area  212   b , based on the feature information of the selected printing device A. Further, the feature information of the printing device C which is not selected is displayed in the feature information display area  212   c , based on the feature information of the selected printing device A. 
     In the feature information display area  212   a , “printing time” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “all” is displayed. Further, “printing completion time” and “use time” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “highest”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device A in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “1” are displayed. Further, “use stock” is displayed in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “presence” and the feature value of the printing device A in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “presence”. 
     In the feature information display area  212   b , “printing time” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “all” is displayed. However, “printing time” is shown to be 10 minutes longer than “printing time” of the printing device A, and small texts indicate that the printing time is not better than the “printing time” of the printing device A. Further, “failure rate” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “highest”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device B in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “1” is displayed. However, the “failure rate” is shown to be 5% lower than the “failure rate” of the printing device A, and bold texts indicate that the failure rate is better than the “failure rate” of the printing device A. Further, “gold/silver toner” is displayed in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “presence” and the feature value of the printing device B in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “presence”. Here, bold texts indicate that it is better than the printing device A that “gold/silver toner” is loaded. 
     In the feature information display area  212   c , “printing time” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “all” is displayed. However, “printing time” is shown to be 15 minutes longer than “printing time” of the printing device A, and small texts indicate that the printing time is not better than “printing time” of the printing device A. Further, “jam rate” and “remaining amount of paper” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “highest”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device C in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “1” are displayed. However, the “jam rate” is shown to be 10% lower than the “jam rate” of the printing device A, and bold texts indicate that the jam rate is better than the “jam rate” of the printing device A. However, the “remaining amount of paper” is shown to be 50% more than the “remaining amount of paper” of the printing device A, and bold texts indicate that the remaining amount of paper is better than the “remaining amount of paper” of the printing device A. Further, “thick paper” is displayed in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “presence” and the feature value of the printing device C in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “presence”. Here, bold texts indicate that it is better than the printing device A that “thick paper” is loaded. 
     Next, a description will be made about the display contents of the print instruction screen  21  displayed on the client  10  based on the display information output in step S 460  of  FIG. 5 , by selecting the printing device B on the print instruction screen  21  of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram showing an example of display contents when selecting a printing device B on the print instruction screen  21  displayed on the client  10 . 
     It is assumed that the user selects a feature information display area  212   b  surrounded by a thick line from the printing device list display area  212  as indicated by a white arrow. Then, the feature information of the printing device A which is not selected is displayed in the feature information display area  212   a , based on the feature information of the selected printing device B. Further, the feature information of the printing device C which is not selected is displayed in the feature information display area  212   c , based on the feature information of the selected printing device B. 
     In the feature information display area  212   b , “printing time” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “all” is displayed. Further, “failure rate” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “highest”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device B in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “1” is displayed. Further, “gold/silver toner” is displayed in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “presence” and the feature value of the printing device B in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “presence”. 
     In the feature information display area  212   a , “printing time” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “all” is displayed. However, “printing time” is shown to be 10 minutes shorter than “printing time” of the printing device B, and bold texts indicate that the printing time is better than “printing time” of the printing device B. Further, “printing completion time” and “use time” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “highest”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device A in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “1” are displayed. However, “printing completion time” is shown to be 30 minutes earlier than the “printing completion time” of the printing device B, and bold texts indicate that the printing completion time is better than the “printing completion time” of the printing device B. However, “use time” is shown to be 105 hours shorter than “use time” of the printing device B, and bold texts indicate that the use time is better than the “use time” of the printing device B. Further, “use stock” is displayed in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “presence” and the feature value of the printing device A in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “presence”. Here, bold texts indicate that it is better than the printing device B that “use stock” is loaded. 
     In the feature information display area  212   c , “printing time” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “all” is displayed. However, “printing time” is shown to be 5 minutes longer than “printing time” of the printing device B, and small texts indicate that the printing time is not better than the “printing time” of the printing device B. Further, “jam rate” and “remaining amount of paper” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “highest”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device C in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “1” are displayed. However, the “jam rate” is shown to be 7% lower than the “jam rate” of the printing device B, and bold texts indicate that the jam rate is better than the “jam rate” of the printing device B. However, the “remaining amount of paper” is shown to be 70% more than the “remaining amount of paper” of the printing device B, and bold texts indicate that the remaining amount of paper is better than the “remaining amount of paper” of the printing device B. Further, “thick paper” is displayed in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 6  is “presence” and the feature value of the printing device C in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  is “presence”. Here, bold texts indicate that it is better than the printing device B that “thick paper” is loaded. 
     In a case where the printing device to be selected in this way is changed, the feature information of the unselected printing device is also changed. 
     Although the names of the feature items stored in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 8  are basically included as the names are in the display contents of the print instruction screen  21 , in  FIGS. 9 to 11 , the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a case where the feature values are represented by numerical values, the feature values may be included in the display contents of the print instruction screen  21  respectively, by adding the word such “maximum” or “longest” to the names of the feature items for the largest value, and adding the word such “minimum” or “shortest” to the names of the feature items for the shortest value. 
     Further, in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , whether the feature information of the unselected printing device is better or is not better than the feature information of the selected printing device is distinguished by the thickness of the texts, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be distinguished by the color of a text. 
     Second Example 
     A second example is an example where the candidate device is a terminal device. Here, among the terminal devices, a mobile terminal, in particular, a smartphone will be described as an example. 
     First, a specific example of definition information stored in advance in the definition information storage unit  45  prior to the operation of  FIG. 4  will be described. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram showing a specific example of definition information stored in advance in the definition information storage unit  45 . As illustrated, the definition information is obtained by associating feature items, ranking definitions, initial display condition definitions, and selection display condition definition with each other. 
     The feature item is an item of feature information as described above. “battery run time” and “weight” are items indicating the state, performance, or specification, and “video shooting”, “display”, and “screen operation” are items indicating functions. 
     The ranking definition defines, as described above, in a case where the feature value of the feature item is represented by a numerical value, whether the larger the numerical value, the higher the rank, or the smaller the numerical value, the higher the rank. For example, the “battery run time” is defined that the larger the value, the higher the rank. For example, the “weight” is defined that the smaller the value, the higher the rank. Further, as described above, in a case where the feature value of the feature item is represented by the type of function, it is defined which function is ranked high. For example, “video shooting” is defined as “4K video shooting support” and “HD video shooting support” from the top ranking. For example, “display” is defined as “organic EL display”, “Retina display”, and “liquid crystal display” from the top ranking. For example, “screen operation” is defined as “3D touch support” and “touch support” from the top ranking. 
     The initial display condition definition is a definition of a condition regarding a feature value for including the feature item in the initial display content of the screen. For example, in the case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or specification, the basic idea is to display a feature item regardless of the feature value. Therefore, it is defined that “battery run time” and “weight” are included in the initial display content of the screen regardless of the feature value. In addition, in a case where the feature items are items indicating a function, the basic idea is to display the feature items that can appeal best function. Therefore, it is defined that “video shooting”, “display”, and “screen operation” are included in the initial display content of the screen in a case where the feature value is ranked highest. In addition, the phrase “appeal function” in parentheses means that these feature items are displayed as the “appeal function” items. 
     The selection display condition definition is a definition of a condition regarding a feature value for including the feature information in the display content when selecting a screen. For example, in the case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or specification, the basic idea is to display a feature item regardless of the feature value. Therefore, it is defined that “battery operation time” and “weight” are included in the display content when selecting the screen, regardless of the feature value. In addition, in a case where the feature items are items indicating a function, the basic idea is to display the feature items that can appeal best function. Therefore, it is defined that “video shooting”, “display”, and “screen operation” are included in the display content when the screen is selected in a case where the feature value is ranked highest. In addition, the phrase “appeal function” in parentheses means that these feature items are displayed as the “appeal function” items. 
     Next, a specific example of the feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  in step S 404  of  FIG. 4  will be described. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram showing a specific example of the feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  at this time. In  FIG. 13 , the feature information is obtained by associating feature items with feature values for each smartphone. 
     In a case where the feature item is an item indicating a state, performance, or specification, these feature values are represented by numerical values, and in a case where the feature item is an item indicating a function, these feature values are represented by types of functions. 
     Next, a specific example of the feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  after the process of ranking or the process of leaving “presence” is performed in step S 406  of  FIG. 4  will be described. 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram showing a specific example of the feature information stored in the feature information storage unit  44  at this time. Even in  FIG. 14 , the feature information is obtained by associating feature items with feature values for each smartphone. 
     In a case where the feature value of the feature item is represented by a numerical value, the numerical value is ranked. For example, for “battery run time”, a ranking definition indicating that the larger the value, the higher the rank is stored in the definition information storage unit  45  in  FIG. 12 , and the feature value of the smartphone A, the feature value of the smartphone B, and the feature value of the smartphone C are stored in descending order in the feature information storage unit  44  in  FIG. 13 . Accordingly, in  FIG. 14 , the ranking “1” is given to the smartphone A, the ranking “2” is given to the smartphone B, and the ranking “3” is given to the smartphone C, respectively. For example, for “weight”, a ranking definition indicating that the smaller the value, the higher the rank is stored in the definition information storage unit  45  in  FIG. 12 , and the feature value of the smartphone A, the feature value of the smartphone B, and the feature value of the smartphone C are stored in ascending order in the feature information storage unit  44  in  FIG. 13 . Accordingly, in  FIG. 14 , the ranking “1” is given to the smartphone A, the ranking “2” is given to the smartphone B, and the ranking “3” is given to the smartphone C, respectively. 
     Further, in a case where the feature value of the feature item is represented by the type of function, the type of function is ranked. For example, ranking definition that “video shooting” is defined as “4K video shooting support” and “HD video shooting support” from the top ranking is stored in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12 , and the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 13  stores that the feature value of the smartphone A is “4K video shooting support”, and the feature values of the smartphones B, C are “HD video shooting support”. Accordingly, in  FIG. 14 , the ranking “1” is given to the smartphone A, and the ranking “2” is given to the smartphones B, C, respectively. For example, ranking definition that “display” is defined as “organic EL display”, “Retina display”, and “liquid crystal display” from the top ranking is stored in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12 , and the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 13  stores that the feature value of the smartphone A is “Retina display”, the feature value of the smartphone B is “organic EL display”, and the feature value of the smartphone C is “liquid crystal display”. Accordingly, in  FIG. 14 , the ranking “2” is given to the smartphone A, the ranking “1” is given to the smartphone B, and the ranking “3” is given to the smartphone C, respectively. For example, ranking definition that “screen operation” is defined as “3D touch support” and “touch support” from the top ranking is stored in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12 , and the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 13  stores that the feature values of the smartphones A, B are “touch support”, and the feature value of the smartphone C is “3D touch support”. Accordingly, in  FIG. 14 , the ranking “1” is given to the smartphones A, B, and the ranking “2” is given to the smartphone C, respectively. 
     Next, the initial display contents of the search result screen  22  displayed on the client  10  based on the display information output in step S 410  of  FIG. 4  will be described. 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram showing an example of initial display contents of the search result screen  22  displayed on the client  10 . As illustrated, the search result screen  22  includes a search word input field  221  and a smartphone list display area  222 . 
     It is assumed that a user inputs a search word “smartphone, face authentication support, wireless charging” in the search word input field  221 . 
     Then, a list of smartphones matching the search word is displayed in the smartphone list display area  222 . Here, a list of smartphones A, B, and C is displayed in the smartphone list display area  222 . In the smartphone list display area  222 , a feature item display area  2220  for displaying feature items of the smartphone, a feature value display area  222   a  for displaying feature values of the smartphone A, a feature value display area  222   b  for displaying feature values of the smartphone B, and a feature value display area  222   c  for displaying feature values of the smartphone C are provided. 
     In the feature item display area  2220 , feature items “battery run time” and “weight” for which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “all” are displayed. Further, the feature items “video shooting”, “display”, and “screen operation” in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “highest (appeal function)” are displayed collectively in one feature item “appeal function”. 
     In the feature value display area  222   a , feature values of the “battery run time” and “weight” for which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “all” are displayed. Further, the failure value of “video shooting” in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “highest (appeal function)”, and the ranking of the feature value of the smartphone A in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 14  is “1” is displayed as “appeal function”. 
     In the feature value display area  222   b , feature values of the “battery run time” and “weight” for which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “all” are displayed. Further, the failure value of “display” in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “highest (appeal function)”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device B in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 14  is “1” is displayed as “appeal function”. 
     In the feature value display area  222   c , feature values of the “battery run time” and “weight” for which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “all” are displayed. Further, the failure value of “screen operation” in which the initial display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “highest (appeal function)”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device C in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 14  is “1” is displayed as “appeal function”. 
     Here, assuming that the smartphone A is an example of a first device among the plural devices, the smartphone B or the smartphone C is an example of a second device different from the first device among the plural devices, and the feature item “video shooting” is an example of the first function. Here, assuming that the smartphone B is an example of a second device, the feature item “display” is an example of the second function different from the first function, and assuming that the smartphone C is an example of the second device, the feature item “screen operation” is an example of a second function different from the first function. Further, the feature item “appeal function” is an example of a specific item, and the display information generation unit  43  is an example of a generation section that generates display information for a displaying feature related to the first function in a specific item in association with the first device, and a feature related to the second function in a specific item in association with the second device. 
     Next, a description will be made about the display contents of the search result screen  22  displayed on the client  10  based on the display information output in step S 460  of  FIG. 5 , by selecting the smartphone A on the search result screen  22  of  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 16  is a diagram showing an example of display contents when the smartphone A is selected on the search result screen  22  displayed on the client  10 . 
     It is assumed that the user selects a feature value display area  222   a  surrounded by a thick line from the smartphone list display area  222  as indicated by a white arrow. Then, the feature information of the smartphone B which is not selected is displayed in the feature value display area  222   b , based on the feature information of the selected smartphone A. Further, the feature information of the smartphone C which is not selected is displayed in the feature value display area  222   c , based on the feature information of the selected smartphone A. 
     In the feature value display area  222   a , the “battery run time” and “weight” for which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “all” are displayed. Further, the failure value of “video shooting” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “highest (appeal function)”, and the ranking of the feature value of the smartphone A in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 14  is “1” is displayed as “appeal function”. 
     In the feature value display area  222   b , the “battery run time” and “weight” for which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “all” are displayed. However, it is shown that “the battery run time” is 5 hours shorter than the “battery run time” of the smartphone A, and small texts indicate that the battery run time is not better than the “battery run time” of the smartphone A. It is shown that “weight” is 23 g heavier than the “weight” of the smartphone A, and small texts indicate that the weight is not better than the “weight” of the smartphone A. Further, the failure value of “display” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “highest (appeal function)”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device B in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 14  is “1” is displayed as “appeal function”. 
     In the feature value display area  222   c , the “battery run time” and “weight” for which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “all” are displayed. However, it is shown that “the battery run time” is 9 hours shorter than the “battery run time” of the smartphone A, and small texts indicate that the battery run time is not better than the “battery run time” of the smartphone A. It is shown that “weight” is 50 g heavier than the “weight” of the smartphone A, and small texts indicate that the weight is not better than the “weight” of the smartphone A. Further, the failure value of “screen operation” in which the selection display condition definition in the definition information storage unit  45  of  FIG. 12  is “highest (appeal function)”, and the ranking of the feature value of the printing device C in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 14  is “1” is displayed as “appeal function”. 
     Although the names of the feature items stored in the feature information storage unit  44  of  FIG. 14  are basically included as the names are in the display contents of the search result screen  22  in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a case where the feature values are represented by numerical values, the feature values may be included in the display contents of the search result screen  22  respectively, by adding the word such “maximum” or “longest” to the names of the feature items for the largest value, and adding the word such “minimum” or “shortest” to the names of the feature items for the shortest value. 
     Further, in  FIG. 16 , whether or not the feature information of the unselected smartphone is not better than the feature information of the selected smartphone is distinguished by the thickness of the texts, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be distinguished by the color of a text. 
     Here, in the search result screen  22  shown in  FIG. 15 or 16 , in a case where the “battery run time” in the feature item display area  2220  is pressed, the feature information of the smartphones A, B, C may be rearranged in ascending order of battery run time, or in a case where the “weight” in the feature item display area  2220  is pressed, the feature information may be rearranged in descending order of weight. 
     Further, for example, in a case where the “appeal function” in the feature item display area  2220  is pressed, the search result screen  22  may be a display content in which the appeal functions of the smartphones A, B, C are emphasized. 
       FIG. 17  is a diagram showing an example of display content in which the appeal function of the smartphone on the search result screen  22  at this time is emphasized. 
     In the feature value display area  222   a , the feature value “4K video shooting support” of the feature item “video shooting” which is displayed as the “appeal function” in FIG.  15  or  16  is emphasized and displayed. For the heading  223  “to satisfy such a request”, a message  224   a  showing what type of request “4K video shooting correspondence” specifically corresponds to is displayed. 
     In the feature value display area  222   b , the feature value “organic EL display” of the feature item “display” which is displayed as the “appeal function” in  FIG. 15 or 16  is emphasized and displayed. For the heading  223  “to satisfy such a request”, a message  224   b  showing what type of request “organic EL display” specifically corresponds to is displayed. 
     In the feature value display area  222   c , the feature value “3D touch support” of the feature item “screen operation” which is displayed as the “appeal function” in  FIG. 15 or 16  is emphasized and displayed. For the heading  223  “to satisfy such a request”, a message  224   c  showing what type of request “3D touch support” specifically corresponds to is displayed. 
     Program 
     Here, the process performed by the server  30  in the present exemplary embodiment is prepared as a program such as application software. 
     That is, the program for realizing the present embodiment is regarded as a program for realizing a function of specifying a plurality of features that each device of plural devices has; and a function of generating display information for displaying a specific feature that at least one device other than each device does not have, among the plurality of features that each device has, in association with each device of the plurality of devices. 
     Further, the program realizing the present exemplary embodiment can be provided not only by a communication unit but also by being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. 
     The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.