JP6155583B2 - Information processing apparatus, settlement system, settlement method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a settlement system, a settlement method, and a program.

  Conventionally, a billing apparatus is used to charge according to the number of printed or copied sheets. There are various types of such billing devices, such as a coin rack that inserts cash for billing, a card reader / writer for prepaid cards and IC cards, and an electronic money terminal. Then, there is a demand for a settlement system that performs billing using such a plurality of billing apparatuses.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that even if an electronic money terminal has a shortage of balance, it performs settlement at another electronic money terminal.

  However, in the conventional settlement system, only one charging device can be used at the same time, and it is difficult for the user to select a desired settlement method from a plurality of settlement methods.

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, payment can be performed by a plurality of billing devices, but the use is limited to one type of billing device called electronic money, and the user can select from a plurality of types of billing methods. There is a problem that it is difficult to flexibly select the settlement method.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an information processing apparatus, a settlement system, a settlement, which allows a user to flexibly select a desired settlement method from a plurality of types of settlement methods and perform settlement. An object is to provide a method and a program.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a settlement system according to the present invention is a settlement information generation unit that generates settlement information according to the amount of use due to the use of equipment functions, and is a target of settlement processing. A plurality of settlement means for performing settlement processing according to different types of the settlement information, which are the settlement information, which are obtained according to the input operation by the user via the settlement apparatus, and the user via the settlement apparatus In accordance with the payment information obtained in response to the previous input operation, the payment control means for controlling the plurality of payment means so as to perform a plurality of types of payment processing for the payment information in cooperation with each other; wherein the settlement control unit, among the different types of the target adjustment information to each other obtained in accordance with the input operation via the settlement device by the user, does not allow that the simultaneously obtained Based on a combination of several types of the target adjustment information, to determine controls whether available to settlement of the settlement information the target adjustment information obtained in accordance with the input operation of the user.

Further, the information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus connected to a plurality of settlement apparatuses that execute different types of settlement processes, and according to the settlement information that is the target of the settlement process, and a settlement control unit for controlling the plurality of settlement apparatus to perform in conjunction with multiple types of payment processing for settlement information corresponding to the usage amount by use of the functions, the settlement control unit, the user The user's input operation based on a combination of a plurality of types of the payment information that is not allowed to be obtained at the same time among the different types of payment information obtained in response to the input operation via the payment device It is determined whether or not the payment information obtained in response to the payment can be used for payment of the payment information, and the plurality of payment devices are controlled .

Further, the settlement method according to the present invention includes a settlement information generation step for generating settlement information according to the usage amount by use of the function of the device, and settlement information to be a settlement process target, via a settlement apparatus. checkout steps and, wherein the adjustment information obtained in accordance with the prior input operation by the user via the settlement device for executing settlement processing corresponding to different types of the target adjustment information obtained in response to an input operation by the user depending on, viewed including settlement and control step, the controlling the plurality of settlement means to run in conjunction plurality of types of the settlement process for said settlement information, the settlement control step, the settlement by the user Among the different types of payment information obtained in response to an input operation through the device, a combination of a plurality of types of payment information that is not permitted to be obtained simultaneously. Based on allowed to determine controls whether available to settlement of the settlement information the target adjustment information obtained in accordance with the input operation of the user.

Further, the program according to the present invention includes a settlement information generation step for generating settlement information according to the usage amount by using the function of the device, and settlement information to be settled, and a user through the settlement apparatus. a settlement step of performing a settlement process in accordance with the different types of the target adjustment information obtained in response to an input operation by, the target adjustment information obtained in accordance with the prior input operation by the user via the settlement device Accordingly, a settlement control step for controlling the plurality of settlement means so as to execute a plurality of types of settlement processing for the settlement information in cooperation with each other is executed by the computer, and the settlement control step is performed by the user. Among the different types of payment information obtained in response to an input operation through the payment apparatus, a plurality of types of information that are not permitted to be obtained at the same time Based on the combination of the adjustment information, to determine controls whether available to settlement of the settlement information the target adjustment information obtained in accordance with the input operation of the user.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that a user can flexibly select a desired settlement method from a plurality of types of settlement methods and perform settlement.

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of the payment system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the print server apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging table of the print server apparatus 300. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing table of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of charging apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging table of the charging apparatus 200. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of the settlement process by using the print function in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of the checkout process using the print function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the settlement process using the copy function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of the checkout process using the copy function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram of a payment process according to a modification. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination of billing apparatuses that cannot be used simultaneously. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 1400 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of the checkout process using the print function according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of the checkout process using the print function according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority order input screen according to the second modification. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing device 1800 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example in which charging is possible and an example in which charging is not possible. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram of charge processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram of communication processing with the data center according to the fourth modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus, a payment system, a payment method, and a program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of the payment system according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a multi-function device 500 serving as an image forming device, a print server device 300, an information processing device 100, two charging devices 200a and 200b, and a client device 400 are provided. It is connected to a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). In FIG. 1, there are two charging devices, but the number of charging devices is not limited to two as long as it is plural. The information processing apparatus 100 is separately connected to the multi-function device 500 and the charging apparatuses 200a and 200b.

  The multi-function device 500 is an image forming apparatus capable of realizing a plurality of image forming functions such as copying, printing, facsimile, and scanner with a single device. In the present embodiment, it is sufficient that the multifunction device 200 has at least a copy and print function.

  The client device 400 is an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) that generates data to be printed and makes a print request to the print server device 300.

  The print server device 300 is a device that receives a print request from the client device 400, generates a print job, and issues a print instruction to the multi-function device 500.

  The billing apparatuses 200a and 200b perform settlement processing according to the use of the functions of the multi-function device 500, and the billing apparatus 200a and the billing apparatus 200b perform different types of settlement processing. Hereafter, the charging devices 200a and 200b are collectively referred to as the charging device 200.

  The different types of settlement processing include, for example, cash settlement processing, prepaid card settlement processing, electronic money settlement processing, and IC card settlement processing. The billing apparatus 200 that executes the cash settlement process is a coin rack. A billing apparatus 200 that executes a payment process using a prepaid card, electronic money, or an IC card is a card reader.

  The information processing apparatus 100 is a dedicated terminal that controls the settlement process performed by the charging apparatus 200.

  Next, details of the print server apparatus 300 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the print server apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the print server apparatus 300 mainly includes a communication unit 301, a job management unit 302, an output number determination unit 303, a fee calculation unit 304, and a storage unit 310.

  The storage unit 310 is a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a memory. The storage unit 310 stores a billing table used when calculating a settlement fee according to the number of output sheets when the print function is used.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging table of the print server apparatus 300. The unit price of paper, the number of sheets counted in the case of duplex printing, the deposit setting, and the estimated price of a job whose price cannot be predicted are registered.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the communication unit 301 performs various communication processes via the network. When the job management unit 302 receives a print request from the client device 400, the job management unit 302 generates a print job or manages the print job.

  When receiving a print completion notification from the multi-function device 500, the output number determination section 303 determines the print paper size and output number as the usage amount by using the print function of the multi-function device 500. Specifically, the communication unit 301 receives the paper size and count number before printing from the multi-function device 500, and further receives the paper size and count number after printing, and the output number determination unit receives The determined paper size is determined as the paper size for printing, and the number obtained by subtracting the count before printing from the count after printing is determined as the number of output sheets.

  The fee calculation unit 304 calculates a settlement fee as settlement information according to the usage amount by using the print function of the multi-function device 500 from the number of output sheets and the accounting table. Specifically, the fee calculation unit 304 calculates the settlement fee by multiplying the sheet unit price corresponding to the sheet size by the output number determined by the output number determination unit 303. Here, the fee calculation unit 304 corresponds to a settlement information generating unit.

  Next, details of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit 101, a login processing unit 102, a fee calculation unit 103, a settlement processing unit 104, an input / output control unit 105, and a storage unit. 110, an input unit 120, and a display unit 130 are mainly provided.

  The storage unit 110 is a storage medium such as an HDD or a memory. The storage unit 110 stores a billing table for calculating a settlement fee according to use of the copy function. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing table of the information processing apparatus 100. In the accounting table, as shown in FIG. 5, the unit price of paper according to the paper size is determined for each monochrome and color. A table number is assigned to the paper size.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the communication unit 101 performs various communications with the charging apparatus 200 and the print server apparatus 300 via the network. The login processing unit 102 performs login processing such as authentication in response to a login request from the user.

  The fee calculation unit 103 calculates a settlement fee as settlement information according to the usage amount by using the copy function of the multifunction device 500 from the paper size and output number assigned to the table number notified from the multifunction device 500 and the accounting table. Is calculated. Specifically, the fee calculation unit 103 calculates a settlement fee by multiplying the sheet unit price corresponding to the sheet size indicated by the table number notified from the MFP 500 by the number of output sheets. Here, the fee calculation unit 103 corresponds to a settlement information generating unit.

  The settlement processing unit 104 performs a plurality of types of settlement processing in conjunction with the settlement information to be settled in accordance with cash, prepaid card, electronic money, and IC card that are the settlement information to be settled. A settlement process for controlling a plurality of charging devices 200 is performed. More specifically, the settlement processing unit 104 eliminates the amount of the prepaid card, electronic money, and IC card for the first settlement device in the settlement process by the first billing device among the plurality of billing devices. Controls the second billing apparatus to execute the settlement process when the settlement fee is insufficient. Here, the settlement processing unit 104 corresponds to a settlement control unit.

  The settlement processing unit 104 converts the settlement fee as necessary according to the type of the billing device 200 or the type of the billing process of the billing device 200, and performs a plurality of types of settlement processing for the settlement of the settlement fee after the conversion. A plurality of charging apparatuses 200 are controlled so as to be executed in cooperation. In other words, the settlement processing unit 104 converts the settlement fee as necessary according to the types of cash, prepaid card, electronic money, and IC card. For this reason, a table in which the settlement process corresponding to the charging device and the types of cash, prepaid card, electronic money, IC card, and the like are associated is stored in the storage unit 110 or the like in advance.

  The settlement processing unit 104 refers to the table and identifies the type of cash, prepaid card, electronic money, and IC card corresponding to the charging device 200. Then, the settlement processing unit 104 keeps the settlement fee as the amount if the billing apparatus 200 is a coin rack or an electronic money card reader, that is, the settlement process is cash or electronic money. On the other hand, when the charging device 200 is an IC card reader or a prepaid card reader, that is, when the settlement process is a point instead of an amount, the settlement processing unit 104 converts the settlement fee into a point equivalent to the same amount. Then, the settlement processing unit 104 issues a charging instruction together with the converted points to the charging device 200.

  The input unit 120 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The display unit 130 is a display device such as a display device. The input / output control unit 105 controls input from the input unit 120 and controls display on the display unit 130.

  Next, details of the charging apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of charging apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the charging apparatus 200 mainly includes a communication unit 201, a charge settlement unit 203, a charging processing unit 202, and a storage unit 210.

  The storage unit 210 is a storage medium such as an HDD or a memory. The storage unit 210 stores a billing table for calculating a settlement fee according to use of the copy function. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging table of the charging apparatus 200. In the billing table, as shown in FIG. 7, a paper unit price corresponding to the paper size is registered in association with the table number for each monochrome and color.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the communication unit 201 performs various types of communication with the information processing apparatus 100 via the network.

  The fee settlement unit 203 calculates a settlement fee as settlement information according to the usage amount by using the copy function of the multifunction device 500 from the paper size and the number of output sheets notified from the multifunction device 500 and the accounting table. Specifically, the fee calculation unit 203 calculates a settlement fee by multiplying the sheet unit price corresponding to the sheet size notified from the MFP 500 by the number of output sheets. Here, the fee calculation unit 103 corresponds to a settlement information generating unit. It should be noted that the calculation fee for copying is calculated by either the charge calculation unit 203 of the charging apparatus 200 or the charge calculation unit 103 of the information processing apparatus 100.

  When the charging processing unit 202 receives a charging instruction from the information processing apparatus 100, the charging processing unit 202 performs a charging process according to each charging apparatus 200. When the billing apparatus 200 is a coin rack, the billing processing unit 202 performs billing by deducting the settlement fee from the amount that has been inserted. When the charging device 200 is a prepaid card, electronic money, or IC card reader, the charging processing unit 202 uses the prepaid card, electronic money, or IC card for the amount of payment (or a point corresponding to the amount). You may be charged by withdrawing.

  Next, the settlement process by the settlement system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIGS. 8 and 9 are sequence diagrams showing the flow of the settlement process by using the print function in the first embodiment. Hereafter, the charging apparatus 1 indicates the charging apparatus 200a, and the charging apparatus 2 indicates the charging apparatus 200b.

  First, the print client device 400 transmits a print request to the print server device 300 (step S11). In the print server apparatus 300, the print request is received by the communication unit 301, and the job management unit 302 generates a print job and stores it in the storage unit 310 (step S12). Then, the communication unit 301 transmits a print job storage completion notification to the print client device 400 (step S13).

  Next, the user performs a login operation on the information processing apparatus 100, whereby the login processing unit 102 of the information processing apparatus 100 performs a login process (step S14). Then, the communication unit 101 of the information processing apparatus 100 transmits a print job list request to the print server apparatus 300 (step S15).

  In the print server device 300, when the communication unit 301 receives the request for the print job list, the print server device 300 transmits the print job list stored in the storage unit 310 to the information processing device 100 (step S16).

  In the information processing apparatus 100, when the communication unit 101 receives the print job list, the input / output control unit 105 displays the print job list on the display unit 130 (step S17). When the user selects a desired print job from the print jobs in the print job list displayed on the display unit 130 using the input unit 120 and gives a print instruction, the input / output control unit 105 accepts the print instruction (step In step S18, the communication unit 101 transmits a print instruction specifying a print job to the print server apparatus 300 (step S19).

  In the print server device 300 that has received the print instruction, the communication unit 301 transmits the print instruction to the multi-function device 500 together with the print data of the print job instructed to be printed (step S21).

  The multi-function device 500 that has received the print instruction prints the received print data (step S21), and transmits a print completion notice to the print server apparatus 300 when printing is completed (step S23). The print completion notification includes the printed paper size and the paper count. Note that the multi-function device 500 transmits the count number to the print server device 300 even before printing is started.

  In the print server apparatus 300, when the communication completion notification is received by the communication unit 301, the output number determination unit 303 determines the number of output sheets from the difference between the count number before printing and the count number at the completion of printing (step S24). Then, the fee calculation unit 304 calculates the payment fee from the output number and the paper size with reference to the charging table (step S25), and the communication unit 301 transmits the calculated payment fee to the information processing apparatus 100 ( Step S26).

  In the information processing apparatus 100, the communication unit 101 receives the settlement fee, and the input / output control unit 105 displays the settlement fee on the display unit 130 (step S27).

  The user who has confirmed the display of the settlement fee deposits the billing device 1, and the billing device 1 accepts the deposit (step S28). Then, the communication unit 201 of the billing apparatus 1 transmits a payment notification to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S29).

  In the information processing apparatus 100 that has received the payment notification from the charging apparatus 1, the payment processing unit 104 performs a payment process (step S30). The settlement processing unit 104 transmits a billing instruction to the billing apparatus 1 (step S31). Here, as described above, the settlement processing unit 104 converts the settlement fee as necessary according to the type of the billing device 200 or the type of the billing process of the billing device 200, and transmits a billing instruction.

  In the billing apparatus 1 that has received the billing instruction, the billing processing unit 202 performs billing by deducting from the deposited amount (step S32). Then, the communication unit 201 transmits a charge completion notification including the debit amount to the information processing unit 100 (step S33).

  In the information processing apparatus 100, when the payment completion notification is received, the settlement processing unit 104 confirms the settlement balance amount obtained by subtracting the debit amount from the settlement fee (step S34). If it is insufficient, the settlement processing unit 104 calculates the shortage amount, and the input / output control unit 105 displays the shortage amount on the display unit 130 (step S35).

  The user who has confirmed the shortage amount deposits the shortage amount to the billing device 2 of a type different from the settlement process of the billing device 1, and the billing device 2 accepts the payment (step S36). Then, the communication unit 201 of the charging apparatus 2 transmits a payment notification to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S37).

  In the information processing apparatus 100 that has received the payment notification from the charging apparatus 2, the payment processing unit 104 performs a payment process (step S38). The settlement processing unit 104 transmits a billing instruction to the billing device 2 (step S39).

  In the billing apparatus 2 that has received the billing instruction, the billing processing unit 202 performs billing by deducting from the deposited amount (step S40). Then, the communication unit 201 transmits a billing completion notification including the debit amount to the information processing unit 100 (step S41).

  In the information processing apparatus 100, when the payment completion notification is received, the settlement processing unit 104 confirms the settlement balance amount obtained by subtracting the debit amount from the settlement fee (step S42). If there is no shortage, the input / output control unit 105 displays the completion of payment on the display unit 130 (step S43).

  FIGS. 10 and 11 are sequence diagrams illustrating the flow of the checkout process using the copy function according to the first embodiment. First, the communication unit 101 of the information processing apparatus 100 transmits an instruction indicating that copying cannot be performed to the multi-function device 500 (step S61).

  The multi-function device 500 that has received the copy disabling instruction performs copy disabling setting (step S62). Then, the user deposits with respect to the billing apparatus 1, and the billing apparatus 1 accepts the deposit (step S63). Then, the billing apparatus 1 transmits a payment notification to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S64).

  In the information processing apparatus 100, when the communication unit 101 receives the payment notification, a copy permission instruction is transmitted to the multi-function device 500 (step S65).

  When receiving a copy permission instruction, the multi-function device 500 performs a copy permission setting (step S66), and displays a copy permission indication on the operation panel or the like (step S67). Since the user issues a copy instruction to the multi-function device 500, the multi-function device 500 accepts the copy instruction (step S68) and performs a copy output (step S69). When the copying is completed, the multi-function device 500 sends a copy output notification to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S70). This output notification includes a table number indicating the paper size and the number of output sheets.

  In the information processing apparatus 100, when the communication unit 101 receives the output notification, the fee calculation unit 103 refers to the billing table and specifies the paper size corresponding to the table number specified in the output notification and the output notification. The settlement amount is calculated from the output number, and the settlement processing unit 104 performs the settlement process (step S71). Then, the settlement processing unit 104 transmits a billing instruction to the billing device 1 (step S72). Here, as described above, the settlement processing unit 104 converts the settlement fee as necessary according to the type of the billing device 200 or the type of the billing process of the billing device 200, and transmits a billing instruction.

  In the billing apparatus 1 that has received the billing instruction, the billing processing unit 202 performs billing by deducting from the deposited amount (step S73). Then, the communication unit 201 transmits a billing completion notification including the debit amount to the information processing unit 100 (step S74). Furthermore, the billing apparatus 1 transmits a next output permission confirmation instruction to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S75).

  In the information processing apparatus 100, the communication unit 101 receives the next output permission confirmation instruction, and the settlement processing unit 104 confirms the next output permission (step S76). Then, the settlement processing unit 104 transmits a payment confirmation request to the charging apparatus 1 (step S77).

  In the charging apparatus 1, when receiving the payment confirmation request, if the payment is confirmed and there is no payment, the communication unit 201 transmits a no-payment notification to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S78).

  The information processing apparatus 100 that has received the no-payment notification transmits an output pause instruction to the multi-function device 500, and the multi-function device 500 that has received this instruction temporarily stops copy output (step S80). Then, the multi-function device 500 displays a shortage of balance (step S82).

  The user who has confirmed the shortage balance display deposits money to the billing apparatus 2, and the billing apparatus 2 accepts the deposit (step S83). Then, the communication unit 201 of the charging apparatus 2 transmits a payment notification to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S84).

  The information processing apparatus 100 that has received the payment notification transmits a copy resumption instruction to the multi-function device 500 through the communication unit 101 (step S85). Upon receiving the copy resumption instruction, the multi-function device 500 resumes copy output (step S86), and upon completion of copy, sends an output notification to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S87).

  In the information processing apparatus 100, when the communication unit 101 receives the output notification, the fee calculation unit 103 refers to the billing table and specifies the paper size corresponding to the table number specified in the output notification and the output notification. The settlement amount is calculated from the number of output sheets, and the settlement processing unit 104 performs settlement processing (step S88). Then, the settlement processing unit 104 transmits a charging instruction to the charging device 2 (step S89).

  In the billing apparatus 2 that has received the billing instruction, billing is performed by the billing processing unit 202 withdrawing from the deposited amount (step S90). Then, the communication unit 201 transmits a charging completion notification to the information processing unit 100 (step S91). Then, the multi-function device 500 transmits a copy end notification to the information processing apparatus 100, and the input / output control unit 105 performs a copy end display on the display unit 130 in the information processing apparatus 100.

  10 and 11, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates the settlement fee using the accounting table stored in the storage device 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the devices 1 and 2, the fee calculation unit 203 may calculate the settlement fee using a charging table stored in the storage unit 310.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since a plurality of charging apparatuses 1 and 2 that execute different types of settlement processing are linked together, settlement is performed by using the print function and copy function of the multi-function device 500. The user can make a payment by flexibly selecting a desired settlement method from a plurality of types of settlement methods.

(Modification)
The information processing apparatus 100 controls the charging apparatus 1 and the charging apparatus 2 so as to return the amount charged to the charging apparatus 2 when the charging apparatus 2 receives the payment after the payment to the charging apparatus 1. You may comprise the payment process part 104 so that it cannot use simultaneously.

  In such a configuration, a charging device connected to the COM port (serial port) is set on the information processing apparatus 100, and all the information is set based on the above setting contents when the information processing apparatus 100 is started. Initialization processing is performed on the billing device to make it usable. Then, at the time of settlement, at the time of settlement, it is only necessary to perform settlement with the billing device to which the fee has been previously charged, and return the billing device to which the fee has been charged later.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram of a payment process according to a modification. The user first deposits into the billing apparatus 1, and the billing apparatus 1 accepts this deposit (step S110). Then, the billing apparatus 1 transmits a payment notice to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S111).

  Next, it is assumed that the user has also paid into the billing apparatus 2. In this case, the charging apparatus 2 accepts this payment (step S112), and the charging apparatus 2 transmits a payment notification to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S113).

  In the information processing apparatus 100 that has received the payment notifications from both the charging apparatuses 1 and 2, the settlement processing unit 104 determines whether or not the charging apparatuses 1 and 2 can be used simultaneously (step S114). Here, FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination of billing apparatuses that cannot be used simultaneously. As shown in FIG. 13, the settlement processing unit 104 determines whether the charging devices 1 and 2 that have transmitted the payment notification are a combination of electronic money and a coin rack, or a combination of electronic money and an IC card. In the case of the combination, it is determined that the charging apparatuses 1 and 2 cannot be used at the same time. In addition, the combination of FIG. 13 is an example, and is not limited to this.

  If it is determined that the charging devices 1 and 2 cannot be used at the same time, the settlement processing unit 104 of the information processing device 100 transmits a change return instruction to the charging device 2 (step S115). The billing apparatus 2 that has received the change return instruction returns the amount received from the user as a change to the user (step S116).

  As described above, in this modification, when a plurality of billing apparatuses 1 and 2 are credited, it is determined whether or not the billing apparatuses can be used at the same time. Since the amount is returned as a change, collection errors can be prevented.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, priorities are set for a plurality of billing apparatuses, and billing is performed from a billing apparatus with a high priority. The network configuration of the settlement system of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 1400 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the information processing apparatus 1400 according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit 101, a login processing unit 102, a charge calculation unit 103, a priority processing unit 1403, a settlement processing unit 1404, and input / output control. Unit 105, storage unit 110, input unit 120, and display unit 130 are mainly provided. Here, the functions of the communication unit 101, the login processing unit 102, the fee calculation unit 103, the input / output control unit 105, the storage unit 110, the input unit 120, and the display unit 130 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The priority processing unit 1403 sets the priority order of the plurality of charging apparatuses 200. Specifically, the priority processing unit 1403 sets a higher priority for the charging apparatus 200 that has been previously deposited. Further, the priority processing unit 1403 determines the priority order of the plurality of charging apparatuses 200 during the settlement process.

  The settlement processing unit 1404 controls the billing apparatus 200 to execute the settlement process in the order in which the priority processing unit 1403 determines that the priority order is high.

  Next, the settlement process by the settlement system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIGS. 15 and 16 are sequence diagrams showing the flow of the adjustment process by using the print function in the second embodiment.

  First, the processing from the transmission of the print request to the print server device 300 by the print client device 400 to the display of the print job list by the information processing device 1400 (steps S131 to S137) is the processing of the first embodiment (steps S11 to S17). It is the same.

  The user deposits into the billing apparatus 1, the billing apparatus 1 accepts the deposit (step S138), and transmits a deposit notification to the information processing apparatus 1400 (step S139). Further, the user deposits into the billing apparatus 2, and the billing apparatus 2 accepts the deposit (step S140) and transmits a deposit notification to the information processing apparatus 1400 (step S141).

  When the information processing apparatus 1400 receives payment notifications from both the charging apparatus 1 and the charging apparatus 2 via the communication unit 101, the priority processing unit 1403 prioritizes the charging apparatuses in the order in which the payments are received, that is, the order in which the payment notifications are received. The order is set (step S142). In this example, the priority processing unit 1403 sets the priority of the charging apparatus 1 that has received the payment notification first, and sets the priority of the charging apparatus 2 that has received the payment notification later low. The priority processing unit 1403 stores the priority order for the charging device in a memory or the like.

  Next, when the user selects a desired print job from the print jobs in the print job list displayed on the display unit 130 of the information processing apparatus 1400 using the input unit 120 and issues a print instruction, the input / output control unit 105 is selected. Accepts this print instruction (step 143), and the communication unit 101 transmits a print instruction designating a print job to the print server apparatus 300 (step S144).

  In the print server apparatus 300 that has received the print instruction, the communication unit 301 transmits the print instruction to the multi-function device 500 together with the print data of the print job instructed to be printed (step S145).

  The multi-function device 500 that has received the print instruction prints the received print data (step S146), and transmits a print completion notification to the print server device 300 when the printing is completed (step S147).

  In the print server device 300, when the printing completion notification is received by the communication unit 301, the output number determining unit 303 determines the number of output sheets from the difference between the count number before printing and the count number at the time of printing completion (step S148). Then, the fee calculation unit 304 calculates a payment fee from the number of output sheets and the paper size with reference to the charging table (step S149), and the communication unit 301 transmits the calculated payment fee to the information processing apparatus 1400 ( Step S150).

  In the information processing apparatus 1400, the communication unit 101 receives the settlement fee, and the input / output control unit 105 displays the settlement fee on the display unit 130 (step S151). Then, in the information processing apparatus 1400, the payment processing unit 104 performs payment processing (step S152). The priority processing unit 1403 confirms the setting of the priority order of the charging device with reference to the memory (step S153). In this example, the charging apparatus 1 has a higher priority and the charging apparatus 2 has a lower priority.

  For this reason, first, the settlement processing unit 104 transmits a billing instruction to the billing apparatus 1 (step S154).

  In the billing apparatus 1 that has received the billing instruction, the billing processing unit 202 performs billing by deducting from the deposited amount (step S155). Then, the communication unit 201 transmits a charging completion notification including the debit amount to the information processing unit 1400 (step S156).

  In the information processing apparatus 1400, when the accounting completion notification is received, the settlement processing unit 104 confirms the settlement balance amount obtained by subtracting the debit amount from the settlement fee (step S157). If there is a shortage, the settlement processing unit 104 transmits a billing instruction to the billing device 2 of a type different from the settlement processing of the billing device 1 (step S158).

  In the billing apparatus 2 that has received the billing instruction, the billing processing unit 202 performs billing by deducting from the deposited amount (step S159). Then, the communication unit 201 transmits a billing completion notification including the debit amount to the information processing unit 100 (step S160).

  In the information processing apparatus 1400, when the accounting completion notification is received, the input / output control unit 105 displays the payment completion on the display unit 130 (step S161).

  As described above, in this embodiment, priority is set for a plurality of charging devices, and charging is performed from a charging device with a high priority, so that the user can select a desired payment method from a plurality of types of payment methods. It is possible to make payment by selecting more effectively.

(Modification 2)
In the present embodiment, the priority order of the billing apparatus that has been deposited first is set high, but the determination of the priority order is not limited to this. For example, in step S142, the priority processing unit 1403 may be configured to display on the display unit 130 a priority order input screen that displays a list of charged billing devices and allow the user to input the priority order. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority order input screen according to the second modification. As shown in FIG. 17, on the priority order input screen, a coin rack that is the charging apparatus 200 to which the deposit has been made and an electronic money card reader are displayed, and the priority order can be input to each. .

(Modification 3)
The priority order for the billing apparatus 200 may be set in advance by a system administrator or the like and stored in a memory or the like.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, charging is performed when a change occurs in the settlement process. The network configuration of the settlement system of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing device 1800 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the information processing apparatus 1800 of this embodiment includes a communication unit 101, a login processing unit 102, a charge calculation unit 103, a charge processing unit 1803, a settlement processing unit 104, and input / output control. Unit 105, storage unit 110, input unit 120, and display unit 130 are mainly provided. Here, the functions of the communication unit 101, the login processing unit 102, the charge calculation unit 103, the settlement processing unit 104, the input / output control unit 105, the storage unit 110, the input unit 120, and the display unit 130 are the same as those in the first embodiment. is there.

  The charge processing unit 1803 charges the amount of the change after the settlement process is executed by one charging device 200 to electronic money, a prepaid card, an IC card, or the like for the other charging device.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example in which charging is possible and an example in which charging is not possible. As shown in FIG. 19, the electronic money, the IC card, and the prepaid card can be charged. However, when the payment is made with cash (when the charging device is a coin rack), the charging is impossible. Therefore, the charge processing unit 1803 performs charging in the case of the chargeable pattern in FIG.

  Next, the charge process by the payment system of this Embodiment comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram of charge processing according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 20, first, for example, a settlement process (steps S11 to S43 in FIGS. 8 and 9) when the print function described in the first embodiment is used is executed, and then the process of FIG. 20 is subsequently executed. Shall be.

  That is, when the payment completion is displayed on the display unit 130 of the information processing apparatus 1800 (step S181), the information processing apparatus 1800 receives a change charge instruction from the user (step S182). Then, the charge processing unit 1803 instructs the coin rack to withdraw the full amount of the change (step S183).

  When the coin rack receives the change total amount deduction instruction, the coin rack executes the change full amount deduction (step S184). After execution, the coin rack transmits a withdrawal completion notification to the information processing apparatus 1800 (step S185).

  In the information processing apparatus 1800, when receiving the withdrawal completion notification, the charge processing unit 1803 transmits a charge instruction to the electronic money card reader (step S186).

  The child money card reader that has received the charge instruction executes change charge (step S187), and transmits a charge completion notification to the information processing apparatus 1800 (step S188). In the information processing apparatus 1800 that has received the charge completion notification, the input / output control unit 105 displays the charge completion on the display unit 130 (step S189).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, charging is performed when a change occurs in the settlement process, so that cooperation between a plurality of accounting devices can be realized more effectively.

(Modification 4)
Information relating to payment may be transmitted from the billing apparatus 200 to a data center on the network. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram of communication processing with the data center according to the fourth modification. First, the billing apparatus 1 transmits a notification to the effect that communication with the data center is performed to the information processing apparatus 1800 (step S201).

  In the information processing apparatus 1800, when the notification is received, the input / output control unit 105 displays a display indicating that the service is stopped on the display unit 130 (step S202). And the communication part 101 transmits the effect of communication permission to the charging device 1 (step S203).

  The charging apparatus 1 that has received the communication permission information transmits the settlement information to the data center (step S204). When the data center receives the settlement information, the data center transmits a reception completion notification to the charging apparatus 1 (step S205).

  When receiving the reception completion notification from the data center, the billing apparatus 1 transmits a notification indicating that the communication with the data center is completed (step S206). In the information processing apparatus 1800 that has received the notification, the input / output control unit 105 displays the service restart on the display unit 130 (step S207).

  It should be noted that each part of the information processing apparatus according to the first to third embodiments and each part of the billing apparatus 200 may be included in a single image forming apparatus such as the multi-function device 500 or a single information processing apparatus.

  The information processing apparatuses 100, 1400, and 1800 of the first to third embodiments include a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM, an external storage device such as an HDD and a CD drive device, A display device such as a display device and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse are provided, and the hardware configuration uses a normal computer.

  The settlement program executed by the information processing apparatuses 100, 1400, and 1800 according to the first to third embodiments is an installable format or executable format file, which is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD. (Digital Versatile Disk) or the like recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  In addition, the settlement program executed by the information processing apparatuses 100, 1400, and 1800 of the first to third embodiments is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and is provided by being downloaded via the network. It may be configured. Moreover, you may comprise so that the adjustment program run with the information processing apparatus 100, 1400, 1800 of Embodiment 1-3 may be provided or distributed via networks, such as the internet.

  Moreover, you may comprise so that the adjustment program executed with the information processing apparatus 100, 1400, 1800 of Embodiment 1-3 may be provided by previously incorporating in ROM etc.

  The settlement program executed by the information processing apparatuses 100, 1400, and 1800 according to the first to third embodiments includes the above-described units (communication unit 101, login processing unit 102, fee calculation unit 103, priority processing unit 1403, charge processing unit 1803). , The settlement processing units 104 and 1404, and the input / output control unit 105). As actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the settlement program from the storage medium and executes the settlement program. Loaded on the main storage device, the communication unit 101, the login processing unit 102, the charge calculation unit 103, the priority processing unit 1403, the charge processing unit 1803, the settlement processing units 104 and 1404, and the input / output control unit 105 are on the main storage device. It is to be generated.

  Further, although the present invention has been described by way of example of charging for the use of copying or printing by the image forming apparatus, the application of the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to any system that requires a charge when the user uses the function of the apparatus, and the charge according to the use of the copy function and the print function is merely an example of an embodiment of the present invention. Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Information processing apparatus 101 Communication part 102 Login process part 103 Charge calculation part 104,1404 Settlement process part 105 Input / output control part 110 Storage part 200 Charging apparatus 201 Communication part 202 Charge processing part 203 Charge adjustment part 210 Storage part 300 Print server apparatus 301 Communication Unit 302 Job Management Unit 303 Output Number Determination Unit 304 Charge Calculation Unit 310 Storage Unit 400 Print Client Device 500 Multifunction Device 1403 Priority Processing Unit 1803 Charge Processing Unit

JP 2010-170443 A

Claims (15)

Checkout information generation means for generating checkout information according to the usage amount of the function of the device,
A plurality of settlement means for performing settlement processing according to different types of the settlement information obtained in response to an input operation by a user via a settlement apparatus, which is the settlement information to be settled;
In accordance with the payment information obtained in response to a previous input operation by the user via the payment apparatus, the plurality of payment means are configured to execute a plurality of types of payment processing on the payment information in cooperation with each other. A payment control means to control;
With
The settlement control means is a combination of a plurality of types of the settlement information that is not permitted to be obtained at the same time among the different types of the settlement information obtained in response to an input operation by the user via the settlement apparatus. Based on the control, it is determined whether or not the payment information obtained according to the user's input operation can be used for the payment of the payment information.
A checkout system characterized by that. In the settlement process using the first settlement information among a plurality of types of the settlement information, the settlement control means is configured to perform a shortage in the settlement of the settlement information because the amount of the first settlement information is lost. , And control to execute the checkout process of the shortage due to the second payable information among the plurality of types of payable information,
The settlement system according to claim 1. The payment control means obtains first payment information among a plurality of types of payment information in response to an input operation by the user through the payment apparatus, and then uses the first payment information. When the second payment information is obtained from the plurality of types of payment information in response to an input operation through the payment apparatus by the user while the payment processing is possible, the first and first When the combination of two pieces of payment information corresponds to a combination of a plurality of types of payment information that is not permitted to be obtained at the same time, a return instruction for at least one of the payment information is transmitted to the payment apparatus To
The settlement system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The plurality of types of payment information includes at least one of cash, prepaid card, electronic money, and IC card.
The payment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein An information processing apparatus connected to a plurality of settlement apparatuses that execute different types of settlement processes,
Control the plurality of settlement devices so that a plurality of types of settlement processing are executed in cooperation with each other according to the amount of settlement information that is the target of the settlement processing. Checkout control means,
With
The settlement control means is a combination of a plurality of types of the settlement information that is not permitted to be obtained at the same time among the different types of the settlement information obtained in response to an input operation by the user via the settlement apparatus. And determining whether the payment information obtained according to the user's input operation can be used for payment of the payment information, and controlling the plurality of payment devices,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. In the settlement process using the first settlement information among a plurality of types of the settlement information, the settlement control means is configured to perform a shortage in the settlement of the settlement information because the amount of the first settlement information is lost. Controlling to perform the checkout process of the checkout lacking due to the second checkout information among the plurality of types of checkout information,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5. The payment control means obtains first payment information among a plurality of types of payment information in response to an input operation by the user through the payment apparatus, and then uses the first payment information. When the second payment information is obtained from the plurality of types of payment information in response to an input operation through the payment apparatus by the user while the payment processing is possible, the first and first When the combination of two pieces of payment information corresponds to a combination of a plurality of types of payment information that is not permitted to be obtained at the same time, a return instruction for at least one of the payment information is transmitted to the payment apparatus To
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. The plurality of types of payment information includes at least one of cash, prepaid card, electronic money, and IC card.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. A checkout information generation step for generating checkout information in accordance with the usage amount of the function of the device;
A settlement step for performing settlement processing by a plurality of settlement means corresponding to different types of the settlement information obtained in response to an input operation by a user via a settlement apparatus, which is settlement target to be settled When,
In accordance with the payment information obtained in response to a previous input operation by the user via the payment apparatus, the plurality of payment means are configured to execute a plurality of types of payment processing on the payment information in cooperation with each other. A checkout control step to control;
Including
The payment control step includes a combination of a plurality of types of the payment information that is not allowed to be obtained at the same time among the different types of payment information obtained according to an input operation by the user via the payment apparatus. Based on the control, it is determined whether or not the payment information obtained according to the user's input operation can be used for the payment of the payment information.
Checkout method characterized by that. The settlement control step is performed when the amount of the first settlement information is lost and the settlement of the settlement information is insufficient in the settlement process using the first settlement information among a plurality of types of the settlement information. , And control to execute the checkout process of the shortage due to the second payable information among the plurality of types of payable information,
The settlement method according to claim 9. The payment control step obtains first payment information among a plurality of types of payment information in response to an input operation by the user via the payment apparatus, and then uses the first payment information. When the second payment information is obtained from the plurality of types of payment information in response to an input operation through the payment apparatus by the user while the payment processing is possible, the first and first When the combination of two pieces of payment information corresponds to a combination of a plurality of types of payment information that is not permitted to be obtained at the same time, a return instruction for at least one of the payment information is transmitted to the payment apparatus To
The settlement method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The plurality of types of payment information includes at least one of cash, prepaid card, electronic money, and IC card.
The settlement method according to claim 9, wherein the settlement method is any one of the following. A checkout information generation step for generating checkout information in accordance with the usage amount of the function of the device;
A settlement step for performing settlement processing by a plurality of settlement means corresponding to different types of the settlement information obtained in response to an input operation by a user via a settlement apparatus, which is settlement target to be settled When,
In accordance with the payment information obtained in response to a previous input operation by the user via the payment apparatus, the plurality of payment means are configured to execute a plurality of types of payment processing on the payment information in cooperation with each other. A checkout control step to control;
To the computer,
The payment control step includes a combination of a plurality of types of the payment information that is not allowed to be obtained at the same time among the different types of payment information obtained according to an input operation by the user via the payment apparatus. Based on the control, it is determined whether or not the payment information obtained according to the user's input operation can be used for the payment of the payment information.
Program for. The settlement control step is performed when the amount of the first settlement information is lost and the settlement of the settlement information is insufficient in the settlement process using the first settlement information among a plurality of types of the settlement information. , And control to execute the checkout process of the shortage due to the second payable information among the plurality of types of payable information,
The program according to claim 13. The payment control step obtains first payment information among a plurality of types of payment information in response to an input operation by the user via the payment apparatus, and then uses the first payment information. When the second payment information is obtained from the plurality of types of payment information in response to an input operation through the payment apparatus by the user while the payment processing is possible, the first and first When the combination of two pieces of payment information corresponds to a combination of a plurality of types of payment information that is not permitted to be obtained at the same time, a return instruction for at least one of the payment information is transmitted to the payment apparatus To
The program according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that:

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