JP2001331290A - Information communicating method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing method for allowing an information transmitter to share output costs. SOLUTION: An information transmitting computer transmits payment reservation data to a payment recording computer (501), and issues a connection request for establishing connection, and transmits a data packet including the payment reservation data. Then, the payment recording computer holds payment guarantee ID data and the payment reservation data as one data record by a payment reservation data holding part, and returns the payment guarantee data to the information transmitting computer (502). When receiving the payment guarantee ID data, the information transmitting computer transmits the payment guarantee ID data and transmission information data held by a transmission information data holding part to an information receiving computer identified by a held address (503). When receiving the transmitted data, the information receiving computer performs payment decision processing, and extracts the payment guarantee ID data included in the transmitted data, and transmits confirmation request data including the payment guarantee ID data to the payment recording computer (504).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information communication method having an information output step which requires a cost to output information. An information communication method in which information communication is promoted by transferring goods for the main purpose of compensating, a data management method in the information communication method, an information transmission method, an information reception method, an information output control method, an information output method,
Output cost settlement method, program products of these methods, recording medium storing programs of these methods, and data management device in information communication system,
The present invention relates to an information transmitting device, an information receiving device, an information output control device, an information output device, and an output cost settlement device.

In particular, the present invention relates to an information communication method using a printing process performed by a printer device or a facsimile device, etc., in which information communication is promoted by transferring goods for the main purpose of compensating for running costs. Things.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art In the case of transmitting information from an information sender to an information receiver, there is a case where it is generally accepted by the information sender that the cost of information communication is borne by the information sender.
For example, in the case of direct mail, the cost of producing a printed matter and the cost of transporting the printed matter are borne by the information sender, which is the advertising entity. Also, when advertising by telephone, the telephone charge is borne by the information sender who is the advertising entity.

In these examples, there is no problem in the information communication method to be used, since the person who usually bears the cost is the same as the information sender. However, there are information communication methods in which the person who usually bears the cost does not match the information sender. For example, this corresponds to the case where the buyer inquires the seller about product information by telephone. In this case, it is a general wisdom that the information sender providing the product information bears the telephone charge, but since the telephone caller is the information receiver, the telephone charge is reduced by the information receiver. Will bear.

[0005] As a method of solving such a burden on the receiver, an information communication method in which the caller bears the telephone charge has been devised. In this information communication method, an information sender first makes a contract with a telephone company for a charge receiver, and assigns a telephone number having a specific pattern to a telephone line based on the contract. For example, in Japan, a telephone number (free dial) starting with 0120 is assigned. For a call arriving on such a telephone line, the caller (ie, the information receiver) is not charged as usual, but the caller (ie, the information sender) is charged.

[0006] According to this information communication method, the information sender can bear the cost required for information communication in accordance with social wisdom. In addition, it is clear whether or not the bearer of the cost required for information communication is the information sender based on whether or not the telephone number has a specific pattern. Therefore, the information sender can inform the information receiver in advance that the burden of the information transmission cost is in line with the conventional wisdom, and the information receiver can also confirm in advance. As a result, it is possible to prevent the information receiver from hindering the burden of the information communication cost contrary to the conventional wisdom, thereby preventing the information communication from being performed, and to allow the information sender and the information receiver to enjoy the advantage of the information transmission.

[0007]

The above-mentioned conventional information communication method is a cost sharing method for transmitting information using a telephone line, and realizes a telephone charge, that is, information communication cost, by an information sender. Was the way. for that reason,
It is not applicable to information communication methods other than those in which the caller normally bears the cost of using the information communication line, such as telephones, and in which the information receiver normally bears the cost of information communication. Was.

As another information communication method, for example, there is a method using a communication line with a printing apparatus such as a printer or a facsimile. For example, when a telephone line and a facsimile machine are used, information transmitted by the information sender is printed and output by the information receiver's facsimile machine. Alternatively, if the information receiver's printer is connected directly to the Internet or indirectly through a computer, the information sender sends information to the printer and outputs the information, or the information receiver transmits information to the printer connected to the Internet. The information can be obtained from the sender's information transmitting device and output to the printer device. Thereby, information communication from the information sender to the information receiver is performed.

Here, in such a printing apparatus, running information is consumed, and consumables such as ink, toner, an ink ribbon, and paper are consumed, so that a running cost is required. However, in the past, this running cost had to be borne by the information receiver such as the owner, occupant, or user of the printing apparatus. Therefore, as described in the conventional example, even if it is a general wisdom that the information sender bears the information communication cost such as advertising, the information output cost that accounts for a part of the information communication cost, The result was a burden on the information communicator.

[0010] In such a case, the information receiver rejects the information communication method using the printing apparatus, and there is a problem in that both the information sender and the information receiver lose the opportunity of information transmission. Alternatively, an alternative means such as direct mail is used, and there is a problem that the merit of the information communication method using the printing device, such as immediacy, cannot be enjoyed. For example, sending an advertisement such as direct mail to a home printer or fax through a communication line has advantages such as immediacy and low cost compared to mail. However, in the conventional information communication method, the owner or the operator of the printer or the fax bears the cost required for outputting the advertisement, which is not acceptable.

Alternatively, considering a case where a consumer obtains electronic data of a product catalog by, for example, WWW and outputs the data to his / her own printer, if the number of pages of the catalog is large and the output cost is large, the output is performed. Hesitate and make a request by mail to the sales destination, or go to a store or the like to obtain it. In this case, too, there is a problem that consumers cannot immediately obtain a catalog when they want it, and for sellers, it is not possible to fully digitize the catalog, and it is necessary to have a method of printing and distributing the catalog. This causes a problem that labor and cost increase.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and an information communication method including an information output step which requires a cost for information output, such as a printing apparatus, is also provided.
An object of the present invention is to provide an information communication method in which an information sender can bear the output cost.

As a related conventional example, using an information communication method, print data is transmitted from a print requester to a print service provider, the print service provider performs printing, and a reward corresponding to the print price is paid by the print requester. There is a printing system that has a means for transferring from a printing service provider to a printing service provider. However, this system is a printing method, and is not intended to transmit information from a print requester to a print service provider. Therefore, it does not provide an information communication method that bears information communication costs.

In particular, since the print service provider does not request the print requester to transmit the print data, when the information receiver requests the information transmitter, for example, a catalog, the information output cost is reduced. Information communication methods that are burdened by the Internet cannot be realized. Further, in information distribution in which an information sender distributes information to a plurality of information recipients like an advertisement, an information communication method in which the information sender costs the information output cost cannot be realized.

As another related conventional example, when the information receiver bears the cost of the information communication and the price of the information itself, advertisement information different from the original information is reduced in order to reduce the burden. There is a method in which the advertisement information is output at the same time, and the provider of the advertisement information bears part or all of the burden on the information receiver. However, this method cannot implement the information communication method proposed by the present application in that it requires a means for providing advertisement information different from the original information.

[0016]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, and the transmitted transmission information. An information communication method comprising: receiving an information via a network; anda step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. There is provided an information communication method including an output cost sharing management step of performing data management for an information sender to send the output cost.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmitted to the information only when it is guaranteed that the information transmitter bears the output cost in the output cost burden managing step. The information communication method according to claim 1, further comprising an output control step of controlling output in the output step.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information communication method comprising: an information output step of outputting received transmission information; and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step, wherein the information transmission step includes transmitting information in the information transmission step. An information communication method including a charging fee payment data management step of managing data for ensuring that a user bears the fee charged in the charging step.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information communication method comprising: a step of outputting received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmission step is limited to an information receiver who has contracted a transmission destination for transmitting information. The present invention provides an information communication method including a contract data management step of managing contract data.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 is a verification step for verifying that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contractor, 5. The information communication method according to claim 4, further comprising an output control step of controlling the transmission information to be output in the information output step only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from a transmitter.

Further, the invention according to claim 6 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information communication method comprising: a step of outputting received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmission step bears the output cost. Therefore, the present invention provides an information communication method including a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver.

Further, according to the present invention, the transfer information received in the information receiving step is transmitted to the information output step only when the transfer of the goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the goods transfer data managing step. The information communication method according to claim 6, further comprising an output control step of controlling output in the step (c).

Further, the invention according to claim 8 further comprises a goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data in conjunction with the goods transfer data management step, and is used in the information output step based on the goods transfer data. An information communication method according to claim 6 or 7, which manages settlement data when selling consumables to be sold.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information communication method according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium in the information output step.

The invention according to claim 10 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including a step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmission step includes A data management method including an output cost burden management step of performing data management for an information sender who transmits the information cost to bear the output cost.

Further, the invention according to claim 11 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of outputting received transmission information and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. The present invention also provides a data management method including a charging fee payment data management step for managing data for ensuring that an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmitting step bears a fee charged in the charging step.

The invention according to claim 12 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including a step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmission step includes To provide a data management method including a contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting a transmission destination of a message to a contracted information receiver.

Further, the invention according to claim 13 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including a step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmission step includes A data management method comprising a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the information sender who transmits the information bears the output cost. provide.

[0029] The invention of claim 14 further comprises a goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data in conjunction with the goods transfer data management step, and is used in the information output step based on the goods transfer data. 14. A data management method according to claim 13, which manages settlement data when selling consumables to be sold.

The invention according to claim 15 provides the data management method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

Further, the invention according to claim 16 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information transmission method for performing information communication using an information communication method including a step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. And a management data communication step of communicating management data in accordance with the output cost burden management step. And an information transmission method for transmitting the management data in the information transmission step.

Further, the invention according to claim 17 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information transmission method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of outputting received transmission information and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. A charge payment data management step for managing data for ensuring that an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmission step bears a charge charged in the charging step; and a charge payment data management step. And a charging fee payment data communication step of communicating charging fee payment data in accordance with the above. To provide information transmission method to send.

Further, the invention according to claim 18 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information transmission method for performing information communication using an information communication method including a step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. And a contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting the transmission destination of the message to the contracted information receiver, and providing an information transmission method of transmitting the contract data in the information transmission step.

Further, the invention according to claim 19 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information transmission method for performing information communication using an information communication method including a step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing a transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that an information sender transmitting the goods bears the output cost; and A goods transfer data communication step of performing communication of the goods transfer data along with the management step, and providing an information transmitting method of transmitting the goods transfer data in the information transmitting step. .

The invention according to claim 20 provides the information transmission method according to claim 19, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in the information output step is managed based on the goods transfer data. .

Further, the invention of claim 21 provides the information transmitting method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

[0037] Further, the invention according to claim 22 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. And a management data communication step of communicating management data in accordance with the output cost burden management step. And an information receiving method for receiving the management data in the information receiving step.

Further, the invention according to claim 23 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information receiving method for performing information communication using an information communication method comprising: an information output step of outputting received transmission information; and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. A charge payment data management step for managing data for ensuring that an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmission step bears a charge charged in the charging step; and a charge payment data management step. A charging fee payment data communication step of performing communication of the charging fee payment data in accordance with Providing information receiving method for receiving.

Further, the invention according to claim 24 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. There is provided an information receiving method including a verification step of verifying that the transmitted information is transmitted information from an information sender of a contracted party.

Further, the invention according to claim 25 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing a transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that an information sender transmitting the goods bears the output cost; and A goods transfer data communication step of performing communication of goods transfer data along with the management step, and providing an information receiving method of receiving the goods transfer data in the information receiving step. .

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information receiving method according to the twenty-fifth aspect, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in the information output step is managed based on the goods transfer data. .

The invention according to claim 27 provides the information receiving method according to any one of claims 22 to 20, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

The invention according to claim 28 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, the information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, and an output cost of performing data management for an information sender transmitting information in the information transmitting step to bear the output cost An information output control method for performing information communication using an information communication method including a burden management step, wherein the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the output cost burden management step. Providing an information output control method including an output control step of controlling the transmission information received in the information receiving step to be output in the information output step. That.

Further, the invention according to claim 29 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information output control method for performing information communication using an information communication method including a step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A verification step of verifying that the received transmission information is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of the contractor; and transmitting the transmission only when it is verified that the transmission information is transmitted from the information transmitter in the verification step. An output control step of controlling information to be output in the information output step.

Further, the invention according to claim 30 is an information transmitting step of transmitting information transmitted from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, and an information transmitter that transmits information in the information transmission step to the information receiver in order to bear the output cost. And a goods transfer data management step for managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost. Only when the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the data management process,
An information output control method includes an output control step of controlling the transmission information received in the information receiving step to be output in the information output step.

The invention according to claim 31 provides the information output control method according to claim 30, which manages settlement data for selling consumables used in the information output step based on the goods transfer data. I do.

The invention according to claim 32 provides the information output control method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium in the information output step.

The invention according to claim 33 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver; An information output step of outputting the transmitted information, which requires an output cost at the time of output,
An output cost burden management step in which an information sender who transmits information in the information transmission step bears the output cost, and a management scheme for communicating the management data with the output cost burden management step. And an information output method including a data communication step.

The invention according to claim 34 is characterized in that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is only received when the information sender is guaranteed to bear the output cost in the management data communication step. 34. The information output method according to claim 33, further comprising an output control step of controlling output of the information in the information output step.

Further, the invention according to claim 35 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver; An information output step of outputting the transmitted information, which requires an output cost at the time of output,
A charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step, and a data management for ensuring that an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmitting step bears a fee charged in the charging step. There is provided an information output method comprising: a charging fee payment data management step to be performed; and a charging fee payment data communication step of communicating the charging fee payment data in accordance with the charging fee payment data management step.

The invention according to claim 36 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver; An information output step of outputting the transmitted information, which requires an output cost at the time of output,
A verification step for verifying that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contractor; and when it is verified that the transmission information is transmitted from the information transmitter in the verification step. An output control step of controlling only the transmission information to be output in the information output step.

The invention according to claim 37 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver; An information output step of outputting the transmitted information, which requires an output cost at the time of output,
A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing a transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that an information sender transmitting information in the information transmission step bears the output cost; And a goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data in conjunction with the goods transfer data management step.

The invention of claim 38 is characterized in that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmitted to the information transfer step only when data for guaranteeing the transfer of the goods corresponding to the output cost is received in the goods transfer data communication step. 38. The information output method according to claim 37, further comprising an output control step of controlling output in the output step.

Further, the invention of claim 39 manages settlement data when selling consumables used in the information output step based on the goods transfer data.
The information output method described in (1).

The information output method according to any one of claims 33 to 39, wherein the transmission information is printed on a sheet-like recording medium in the information output step. The information transmission step of transmitting the transmission information from the information sender to the information receiver, the information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and the step of outputting the received transmission information And an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmitter transmits information in the information transmitting step, and the information transmitter performs data management to bear the output cost. A program product having a cost burden management step is provided.

In the invention according to claim 42, the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmitted to the information only when it is guaranteed that the information sender bears the output cost in the output cost burden managing step. 42. The program product according to claim 41, further comprising an output control step of controlling output in the output step.

Also, the invention of claim 43 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program product of an information communication method, comprising: an information output step of outputting received transmission information; and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step, wherein information is transmitted in the information transmission step. A program product comprising a charging fee payment data management step for managing data which guarantees that the information sender to be charged bears the fee charged in the charging step.

Also, the invention of claim 44 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information output method comprising the step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information receiving step includes contracting a destination to which information is transmitted in the information transmitting step. And a program product having a contract data management step of managing contract data for restricting to contractors.

Also, in the invention of claim 45, there is provided a verification step for verifying that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contractor; 45. The program product according to claim 44, further comprising an output control step of controlling the transmission information to be output in the information output step only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from a caller.

The invention according to claim 46 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, Outputting a received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A program product of the information communication method, wherein the information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmission step includes the output cost. A program product having a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver in order to bear the cost.

The invention according to claim 47 is characterized in that the transfer information received in the information receiving step is transmitted to the information output step only when the transfer of the goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the goods transfer data management step. 47. The program product according to claim 46, further comprising an output control step of performing control so as to output the program product.

The invention of claim 48 further comprises a goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data in conjunction with the goods transfer data management step, and is used in the information output step based on the goods transfer data. 48. A program product according to claim 46 or 47 for managing settlement data when selling consumables to be sold.

The invention according to claim 49 provides the program product according to any one of claims 41 to 49, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

The invention according to claim 50 is an information transmitting step for transmitting information from an information sender to an information receiver, an information receiving step for receiving the transmitted information via a network, A program product of a data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising the step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. The present invention provides a program product having an output cost burden management step of managing data for an information sender who sends information in steps to bear the output cost.

The invention according to claim 51 is an information transmitting step of transmitting information transmitted from an information sender to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted information via a network, A program for a charge management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of outputting received transmission information and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. Products
There is provided a program product including a charging fee payment data management step for managing data for ensuring that an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmitting step bears a fee charged in the charging step.

The invention according to claim 52 is an information transmitting step for transmitting information transmitted from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step for receiving the transmitted information via a network, A program product of a data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising the step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. Provided is a program product having a contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting a transmission destination of transmitting information in steps to an information receiver who has contracted.

Also, the invention according to claim 53 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program product of a data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising the step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A program comprising a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing a transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that an information sender transmitting information in step bears the output cost. Providing products.

The invention according to claim 54 further comprises a goods transfer data communication step of performing communication of goods transfer data along with the goods transfer data management step, and is used in the information output step based on the goods transfer data. 54. A program product according to claim 53 for managing payment data when selling consumables.

The invention according to claim 55 provides the program product according to any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-like recording medium.

Further, the invention of claim 56 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program product of an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising the step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. An output cost burden management step for performing data management for an information sender who transmits information in step to bear the output cost; and a management data communication step for communicating management data with the output cost burden management step. A program product for transmitting the management data in the information transmitting step. To.

The invention according to claim 57 is characterized in that an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program for an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of outputting received transmission information, and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. Products
A charging fee payment data managing step for managing data for ensuring that an information sender transmitting information in the information transmitting step bears a fee charged in the charging step; and And a charge payment data communication step of communicating the charge payment data. The program product transmits the charge payment data in the information transmitting step.

Further, the invention of claim 58 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program product of an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising the step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting a transmission destination of transmitting information to the contracted information receiver in the step, and providing a program product for transmitting the contract data in the information transmitting step.

Further, the invention according to claim 59 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program product of an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising the step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that an information sender transmitting information in step bears the output cost; A goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management step,
In the information transmitting step, a program product for transmitting the goods transfer data is provided.

The invention according to claim 60 provides the program product according to claim 59, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in the information output step is managed based on the goods transfer data.

The invention according to claim 61 provides the program product according to any one of claims 56 to 60, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

The invention according to claim 62 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program product of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising the step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. An output cost burden management step for performing data management for an information sender who transmits information in step to bear the output cost; and a management data communication step for communicating management data with the output cost burden management step. A program product for receiving the management data in the information receiving step. To.

Further, the invention of claim 63 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program for an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of outputting received transmission information and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. Products
A charging fee payment data managing step for managing data for ensuring that an information sender transmitting information in the information transmitting step bears a fee charged in the charging step; and And a program product for receiving the billing charge payment data in the information receiving step.

The invention according to claim 64 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program product of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising the step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. Provided is a program product having a verification step of verifying that the transmission information received in the step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contract partner.

The invention according to claim 65 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program product of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising the step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that an information sender transmitting information in step bears the output cost; A goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management step,
In the information receiving step, a program product for receiving the goods transfer data is provided.

The invention according to claim 66 provides the program product according to claim 65, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in the information output step is managed based on the goods transfer data.

The invention according to claim 67 provides the program product according to any one of claims 62 to 66, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

Further, the invention according to claim 68 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, the information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, and an output cost for performing data management for the information sender transmitting the information in the information transmitting step to bear the output cost A program product of an information output control method when performing information communication using an information communication method including a burden management step, wherein the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the output cost burden management step. Only when the communication information received in the information receiving step is output in the information output step. Providing a program product comprising an output control step of controlling so.

Further, the invention according to claim 69 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program product of an information output control method when performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising the step of outputting received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A verification step for verifying that the transmission information received in the receiving step is transmission information transmitted from the information sender of the contractor, and only when it is verified that the transmission information is transmitted from the information sender in the verification step And an output control step of controlling the transmission information to be output in the information output step. To provide a tool.

The invention according to claim 70 is an information transmitting step for transmitting information transmitted from an information sender to an information receiver, an information receiving step for receiving the transmitted information via a network, An information output step of outputting the received transmission information, which requires an output cost at the time of output, and an information sender transmitting information in the information transmission step is provided to the information receiver in order to bear the output cost. A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost, and a program product of an information output control method when performing information communication using the information communication method, Only when the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the goods transfer data management step,
There is provided a program product comprising an output control step of controlling the transmission information received in the information receiving step to be output in the information output step.

Further, the invention according to claim 71 provides the program product according to claim 70, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in the information output step is managed based on the goods transfer data.

The invention according to claim 72 provides the program product according to any of claims 68 to 71, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

The invention of claim 73 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, the transmitted information transmitted in the information transmitting step of transmitting the transmitted information from the information transmitter to the information receiver; An information output step requiring output cost at the time of output, and an output cost burden management for performing data management for an information sender transmitting information in the information transmitting step to bear the output cost. And a management data communication step of communicating the management data with the output cost burden management step.

The invention according to claim 74 is characterized in that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is received only when the information sender is guaranteed to bear the output cost in the management data communication step. 74. The program product according to claim 73, further comprising: an output control step of controlling output of the program product in the information output step.

The invention according to claim 75 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, An information output step requiring output cost at the time of output, a charging step for charging a fee corresponding to the output cost in the information receiving step, and an information transmission for transmitting information in the information transmission step. Charge data management step for managing data for ensuring that the user bears the charge charged in the charging step, and charging for communicating the charge data in connection with the charge data management step. A program product comprising: a payment data communication step.

The invention according to claim 76 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver; Outputting the transmitted information, the information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, and verification for verifying that the transmitted information received in the information receiving step is transmitted information from an information sender of the contracted party. And an output control step of controlling the communication information to be output in the information output step only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from the information sender in the verification step.

[0091] The invention according to claim 77 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, the transmitted information transmitted in the information transmitting step of transmitting the transmitted information from the information transmitter to the information receiver. Outputting the transmitted information, the information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, and the information sender who transmits the information in the information transmission step, the information receiver to bear the output cost, A program product comprising: a goods transfer data management step for managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to output costs; and a goods transfer data communication step for communicating goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management step. provide.

The invention of claim 78 is characterized in that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmitted to the information transfer step only when the data for guaranteeing the transfer of the goods corresponding to the output cost is received in the goods transfer data communication step. 78. The program product according to claim 77, further comprising an output control step of controlling output in the output step.

The invention according to claim 79 provides the program product according to claim 37 or 78, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in the information output step is managed based on the goods transfer data. I do. Also,
The invention according to claim 80, wherein in the information output step,
A program product according to any one of claims 73 to 79, wherein said transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

The invention of claim 81 is an information transmitting step of transmitting information transmitted from an information sender to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, the information communication method comprising: a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of the information communication method; Provided is a storage medium having an output cost burden management step of performing data management for an information sender who sends information in step to bear the output cost.

[0095] Further, the invention according to claim 82 is the program according to the above, wherein the program receives the information received in the information receiving step only when it is guaranteed that the information sender bears the output cost in the output cost burden managing step. The storage medium according to claim 81, further comprising an output control step of controlling information to be output in the information output step.

The invention according to claim 83 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A storage medium storing a computer-readable program of an information communication method, comprising: an information output step of outputting received transmission information; and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. The program provides a storage medium having a charging fee payment data management step for managing data for ensuring that an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmission step bears a fee charged in the charging step. I do.

Further, the invention of claim 84 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, the information communication method comprising: a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of the information communication method; Provided is a storage medium including a contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting a transmission destination of information to a contracted information receiver in the step.

Further, in the invention according to claim 85, the program comprises a verification step for verifying that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contractor; 9. An output control step for controlling to output the transmission information in the information output step only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from the information sender in the step.
4. A storage medium according to item 4.

The invention of claim 86 provides an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, the information communication method comprising: a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of the information communication method; A storage including a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that an information sender transmitting information in step bears the output cost. Provide media.

The invention according to claim 87 is characterized in that the program transmits the transmission information received in the information receiving step only when the transfer of the goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the goods transfer data management step. 87. The storage medium according to claim 86, further comprising an output control step of controlling output in the information output step.

In the invention of claim 88, the program further comprises a goods transfer data communication step of performing communication of goods transfer data in conjunction with the goods transfer data management step, wherein the information is stored on the basis of the goods transfer data. The storage medium according to claim 86 or 87, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in the output step is managed.

The invention according to claim 89 provides the storage medium according to any of claims 81 to 89, wherein said transmission information is printed on a sheet-like recording medium in said information output step.

Further, the invention according to claim 90 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A program of a data management method when performing information communication using an information communication method is stored in a computer-readable manner. A storage medium, wherein the program provides an output cost burden management step of managing data for the information sender who sends information in the information sending step to bear the output cost.

The invention according to claim 91 is an information transmitting step of transmitting information transmitted from an information sender to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted information via a network, A program for a charge management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of outputting received transmission information and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. Is a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the program manages data that guarantees that an information sender transmitting information in the information transmitting step bears a fee charged in the charging step. Provided is a storage medium comprising a charging fee payment data management step to be performed.

Further, the invention of claim 92 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A program of a data management method when performing information communication using an information communication method is stored in a computer-readable manner. A storage medium, wherein the program provides a storage medium having a contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting a transmission destination of transmitting information in the information transmission step to a contracted information receiver.

Further, the invention of claim 93 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A program of a data management method when performing information communication using an information communication method is stored in a computer-readable manner. The storage medium, wherein the program guarantees the information receiver to transfer the goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the information transmitter transmitting the information in the information transmitting step bears the output cost. A storage medium including a goods transfer data management step for managing data is provided.

[0107] Also, in the invention of claim 94, the program further comprises a goods transfer data communication step of performing communication of goods transfer data in conjunction with the goods transfer data management step, and the information is provided based on the goods transfer data. The storage medium according to claim 93, which manages payment data when selling consumables used in the output step.

The invention of claim 95 provides the storage medium according to any one of claims 90 to 94, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-like recording medium.

Further, the invention of claim 96 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. The program of the information transmission method when performing information communication using the information communication method is stored in a computer-readable manner. A storage medium, wherein the program includes an output cost burden management step of managing data for an information sender who sends information in the information sending step to bear the output cost; and Data communication step for performing communication of management data by means of Providing a storage medium for transmitting Oite the administrative data.

Further, the invention of claim 97 provides an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program for an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of outputting received transmission information, and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. Is a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the program manages data that guarantees that an information sender transmitting information in the information transmitting step bears a fee charged in the charging step. A charging fee payment data management step to be performed, and charging associated with the charging fee payment data management step And a charging fee payment data communication step of performing communication of gold payment data, to provide a storage medium for transmitting the billing charge payment data in the information transmission step.

Further, the invention of claim 98 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. The program of the information transmission method when performing information communication using the information communication method is stored in a computer-readable manner. A storage medium, wherein the program comprises: a contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting a transmission destination of transmitting information in the information transmission step to a contracted information receiver. A storage medium for transmitting the contract data is provided.

[0112] Also, the invention of claim 99 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. The program of the information transmission method when performing information communication using the information communication method is stored in a computer-readable manner. The storage medium, wherein the program guarantees the information receiver to transfer the goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the information transmitter transmitting the information in the information transmitting step bears the output cost. A goods transfer data management step for managing data; and a communication of goods transfer data associated with the goods transfer data management step. Performing a goods transfer communication step, providing a storage medium that transmits the goods transferring data in the information transmission step.

[0113] The invention of claim 100 provides the storage medium according to claim 99, which manages settlement data when selling consumables used in the information output step based on the goods transfer data.

The invention according to claim 101 provides the storage medium according to any of claims 96 to 100, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-like recording medium.

[0115] The invention of claim 102 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A program of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method is stored in a computer-readable manner. A storage medium, wherein the program is an output cost burden management step of performing data management for the information sender who sends information in the information sending step to bear the output cost,
A management data communication step of communicating management data in conjunction with the output cost burden management step; and a storage medium for receiving the management data in the information receiving step.

[0116] Also, the invention according to claim 103 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A program for an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of outputting received transmission information and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. Is a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the program manages data that guarantees that an information sender transmitting information in the information transmitting step bears a fee charged in the charging step. A charging fee payment data managing step to be performed; And a charging fee payment data communication step of performing communication of payment data, and provides a storage medium for receiving the billing charge payment data in the information receiving step.

The invention according to claim 104 is an information transmitting step for transmitting information transmitted from an information sender to an information receiver, an information receiving step for receiving the transmitted information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A program of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method is stored in a computer-readable manner. A storage medium, wherein the program provides a storage medium including a verification step of verifying that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contracted party.

Further, the invention according to claim 105 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A program of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method is stored in a computer-readable manner. The storage medium, wherein the program guarantees the information receiver to transfer the goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the information transmitter transmitting the information in the information transmitting step bears the output cost. A goods transfer data management step for managing data; and a transfer of goods transfer data associated with the goods transfer data management step. And a goods transfer the data communication step of performing, to provide a storage medium for receiving the goods transferring data in the information receiving step.

The invention of claim 106 provides the storage medium according to claim 105, which manages settlement data when selling consumables used in the information output step based on the goods transfer data.

The invention of claim 107 provides the storage medium according to any one of claims 102 to 106, wherein said transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium in said information output step.

The invention of claim 108 provides an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A step of outputting the received transmission information, the information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, and an output cost for performing data management for the information sender transmitting the information in the information transmitting step to bear the output cost A storage medium storing a computer-readable program of an information output control method when performing information communication using an information communication method including a load management step, wherein the output cost burden management step includes: Only when the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed,
There is provided a storage medium having an output control step of controlling transmission information received in the information receiving step to be output in the information output step.

Further, the invention according to claim 109 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, Storing a program of an information output control method for performing information communication using an information communication method including a step of outputting the received transmission information and an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output by a computer. A storage medium, wherein the program verifies that the transmission information received in the information reception step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contractor; and the information transmission in the verification step. The transmission information is output in the information output step only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from a person. Provides a storage medium and an output control step of controlling to so that.

The invention according to claim 110 is an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information output step of outputting the received transmission information, which requires an output cost at the time of output, and an information sender transmitting information in the information transmission step is provided to the information receiver in order to bear the output cost. Computer-readable program for an information output control method for performing information communication using an information communication method including a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost. A storage medium stored in
The program is controlled to output the transmission information received in the information receiving step in the information output step only when the transfer of the goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the goods transfer data management step. A storage medium having a control step is provided.

The invention of claim 111 provides the storage medium according to claim 110, which manages settlement data when selling consumables used in the information output step based on the goods transfer data.

The invention according to claim 112 provides the storage medium according to any of claims 108 to 111, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-like recording medium.

The invention according to claim 113 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver. An information output step requiring output cost at the time of output, and an output cost burden management for performing data management for an information sender transmitting information in the information transmitting step to bear the output cost. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for an information output method comprising a step and a management data communication step of communicating the management data in conjunction with the output cost burden management step.

The invention according to claim 114 is characterized in that the program is executed in the information receiving step only when the data which guarantees that the information sender bears the output cost in the management data communication step is received. 114. The storage medium according to claim 113, further comprising an output control step of controlling the received transmission information to be output in the information output step.

The invention according to claim 115 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver. An information output step requiring output cost at the time of output, a charging step for charging a fee corresponding to the output cost in the information receiving step, and an information transmission for transmitting information in the information transmission step. Charge data management step for managing data for ensuring that the user bears the charge charged in the charging step, and charging for communicating the charge data in connection with the charge data management step. A program for an information output method including a charge payment data communication step; Providing a storage medium readable manner by.

An invention according to claim 116 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver. Outputting the transmitted information, the information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, and verification for verifying that the transmitted information received in the information receiving step is transmitted information from an information sender of the contracted party. And a computer for an information output method comprising: an output control step of controlling the communication information to be output in the information output step only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from the information sender in the verification step. A storage medium stored in a readable manner is provided.

The invention of claim 117 is an information receiving step of receiving, via a network, the transmitted information transmitted in the information transmitting step of transmitting transmitted information from the information transmitter to the information receiver. Outputting the transmitted information, the information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, and the information sender who transmits the information in the information transmission step, the information receiver to bear the output cost, An information output method comprising: a goods transfer data management step for managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to an output cost; and a goods transfer data communication step for communicating goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management step. The present invention provides a storage medium that stores the program in a computer-readable manner.

The invention of claim 118 is characterized in that the transfer information received in the information receiving step is transmitted to the information transfer step only when the data for guaranteeing the transfer of the goods corresponding to the output cost is received in the goods transfer data communication step. 118. The storage medium according to claim 117, further comprising an output control step of controlling output in the output step.

[0132] The invention of claim 119 provides the storage medium according to claim 117 or 118, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in said information output step is managed based on said goods transfer data. I do.

[0133] The invention of claim 120 provides the storage medium according to any one of claims 113 to 119, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

The invention according to claim 121 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information communication apparatus comprising: means for outputting received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein an information sender transmitting information by said information transmission means bears said output cost. Communication device provided with output cost burden management means for performing data management for the purpose.

The invention according to claim 122 is characterized in that the transmission information received by the information receiving means is transmitted to the information only when the output cost burden managing means guarantees that the information sender bears the output cost. 122. The information communication device according to claim 121, further comprising output control means for controlling output by the output means.

[0136] Further, the invention of claim 123 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information communication device comprising: an information output unit that outputs received transmission information; and a charging unit that charges a fee corresponding to an output cost of the information receiving unit, wherein the information transmission unit transmits information by the information transmission unit. An information communication apparatus including a billing fee payment data managing unit for managing data for ensuring that a user bears the fee charged by the billing unit.

The invention according to claim 124 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information communication device comprising means for outputting received transmission information and information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmission means is limited to an information receiver who has contracted a transmission destination for transmitting information. An information communication device including a contract data management means for managing contract data for performing communication.

[0138] Further, the invention of claim 125 is a verification means for verifying that the transmission information received by the information receiving means is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contractor, and the verification means verifies that the transmission information is transmitted information. 125. The information communication device according to claim 124, further comprising output control means for controlling the information output means to output the transmission information only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from a caller.

[0139] The invention of claim 126 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information communication apparatus comprising: means for outputting received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein an information sender transmitting information by said information transmission means bears said output cost. Therefore, an information communication apparatus including a goods transfer data management unit that manages data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver is provided.

The invention of claim 127 is characterized in that the transfer information received by the information receiving means is transmitted to the information output means only when the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed by the goods transfer data management means. 126. The information communication apparatus according to claim 126, further comprising an output control unit that controls output by the information communication apparatus.

The invention of claim 128 further comprises goods transfer data communication means for communicating goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management means, and the information output means based on the goods transfer data. 127. An information communication device according to claim 126 or 127 for managing payment data when selling consumables to be used.

The invention of claim 129 provides the information communication apparatus according to any of claims 121 to 128, wherein said information output means prints said transmission information on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

[0143] The invention of claim 130 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, What is claimed is: 1. A data management apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting received transmission information; and information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein said information transmission means transmits information by said information transmission means. A data management apparatus comprising output cost burden management means for managing data for a user to bear the output cost.

The invention of claim 131 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, A charging management apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system, comprising: an information output unit that outputs received transmission information; and a charging unit that charges a fee corresponding to an output cost of the information receiving unit. There is provided a data management device including a billing fee payment data managing unit for managing data for ensuring that an information sender who transmits information by means bears the fee charged by the charging unit.

The invention of claim 132 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, What is claimed is: 1. A data management apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output. A data management device comprising contract data management means for managing contract data for limiting the information to the information receivers who have contracted the above.

The invention according to claim 133 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, What is claimed is: 1. A data management apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting received transmission information; and information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein said information transmission means transmits information by said information transmission means. A data management apparatus comprising a goods transfer data management means for managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that a person bears the output cost.

The invention of claim 134 further comprises a goods transfer data communication means for communicating goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management means, and the information output means based on the goods transfer data. 133. A data management device according to claim 133 for managing payment data when selling consumables to be used.

The invention of claim 135 provides the data management apparatus according to any one of claims 130 to 134, wherein said information output means prints said transmission information on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

[0149] Further, the invention of claim 136 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information transmitting apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmitting means transmits information. Output cost burden management means for managing data for the user to bear the output cost; and management data communication means for communicating management data with the output cost burden management means; An information transmitting device for transmitting the management data by means is provided.

The invention of claim 137 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information transmitting device for performing information communication in an information communication system, comprising: an information output unit that outputs received transmission information; and a charging unit that charges a fee corresponding to an output cost of the information receiving unit. A billing fee payment data managing unit for managing data for ensuring that an information transmitter transmitting information by means bears a fee charged by the billing unit; and a billing fee between the billing fee payment data managing unit. Charging fee payment data communication means for communicating fee payment data, wherein the information transmitting means transmits the charging fee payment data. Providing information transmitter for signal.

138. The invention according to claim 138, wherein the information transmitter transmits information to be transmitted from the information transmitter to the information receiver, the information receiver receives the transmitted information via a network, An information transmitting apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output. And a contract data management means for managing contract data for limiting the information to the information receivers who have contracted the information, and an information transmitting apparatus for transmitting the contract data by the information transmitting means.

139. An information transmitting means for transmitting information transmitted from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means receiving the transmitted information via a network, An information transmitting apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmitting means transmits information. Between the goods transfer data management means and the goods transfer data management means for managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the person bears the output cost. And a goods transfer data communication means for performing communication of goods transfer data by using the information transmission means.

The invention according to claim 140 provides the information transmitting apparatus according to claim 139, wherein payment information for selling consumables used by the information output means is managed based on the goods transfer data. .

Further, the invention of claim 141 provides the information transmitting apparatus according to any one of claims 136 to 140, wherein said information output means prints said transmission information on a sheet-like recording medium.

The invention of claim 142 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information receiving apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system including means for outputting received transmission information and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmitting means transmits information by the information transmitting means. Output cost burden management means for managing data for the user to bear the output cost, and management data communication means for communicating management data with the output cost burden management means; Means for receiving the management data by means.

Further, the invention of claim 143 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information receiving apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: information output means for outputting received transmission information; and charging means for charging a fee corresponding to an output cost of said information receiving means, A billing fee payment data managing unit for managing data for ensuring that an information transmitter transmitting information by means bears a fee charged by the billing unit; and a billing fee between the billing fee payment data managing unit. Charging fee payment data communication means for communicating fee payment data, wherein the information receiving means transmits the charging fee payment data Providing information receiving device for signal.

Further, the invention of claim 144 is an information transmitting means for transmitting information transmitted from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted information via a network, An information receiving apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the transmission information received by the information receiving means is a contract. Provided is an information receiving device including a verification unit that verifies that the information is transmitted information from a previous information sender.

[0158] Further, the invention of claim 145 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information receiving apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system including means for outputting received transmission information and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmitting means transmits information by the information transmitting means. Between the goods transfer data management means and the goods transfer data management means for managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the person bears the output cost. And a goods transfer data communication means for performing communication of goods transfer data by using the information receiving means.

Further, the invention of claim 146 provides the information receiving apparatus according to claim 145, which manages settlement data when selling consumables used by said information output means based on said goods transfer data. .

The invention of claim 147 provides the information receiving apparatus according to any of claims 142 to 146, wherein said information output means prints said transmission information on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

Further, the invention of claim 148 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, Means for outputting the received transmission information, the information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, and an output cost for performing data management for the information sender transmitting the information by the information transmitting means to bear the output cost An information output control device for performing information communication in an information communication system including a load management unit, wherein the information reception control unit receives the information only when a transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed by the output cost burden management unit. Providing an information output control device including output control means for controlling transmission information received by the means to be output by the information output means.

Further, the invention of claim 149 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, An information output control device for performing information communication in an information communication system including means for outputting received transmission information and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the transmission information received by the information receiving means is A verification unit for verifying that the transmission information is transmitted from the information transmitter of the contractor; and outputting the transmission information only when the verification unit verifies that the transmission is transmitted from the information transmitter. And an output control means for controlling output by the means.

Further, the invention according to claim 150 is an information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, Means for outputting the received transmission information, an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, and an information sender for sending information by the information sending means to the information receiver in order to bear the output cost. An information output control device for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: a goods transfer data management means for managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost, wherein the goods transfer data management means Only when the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed, the transmission information received by the information receiving means is output by the information output means. Providing information output control apparatus including an output control means for controlled so.

The invention of claim 151 provides the information output control device according to claim 150, which manages settlement data when selling consumables used by the information output means based on the goods transfer data. I do.

The invention according to claim 152 provides the information output control device according to any one of claims 148 to 151, wherein the information output means prints the transmission information on a sheet-shaped recording medium.

The invention according to claim 153 is an information receiving means for receiving, via a network, information transmitted from an information transmitting means for transmitting information transmitted from an information transmitter to an information receiver; An information output unit that outputs information and requires an output cost at the time of output; and an output cost burden management unit that manages data for the information sender who sends the information by the information sending unit to bear the output cost. And a management data communication unit for communicating the management data with the output cost burden management unit.

The invention according to claim 154 is the communication information received by the information receiving means only when the management data communication means receives data which guarantees that the information sender bears the output cost. 153. The information output device according to claim 153, further comprising output control means for controlling the information output means to output the information.

[0168] Further, the invention of claim 155 is an information receiving means for receiving, via a network, information transmitted from information transmitting means for transmitting information transmitted from an information transmitter to an information receiver; An information output unit that outputs information and requires an output cost at the time of output; a charging unit that charges a fee corresponding to the output cost in the information receiving unit; and an information sender that transmits information by the information transmission unit. A charging fee payment data management unit that manages data that guarantees that the fee charged by the charging unit is paid; and a charging fee that communicates the charging fee payment data between the charging fee payment data management unit. An information output device comprising payment data communication means is provided.

The invention according to claim 156 is an information receiving means for receiving, via a network, information transmitted from an information transmitting means for transmitting information transmitted from an information transmitter to an information receiver; An information output unit that outputs information and requires an output cost at the time of output; and a verification unit that verifies that the transmission information received by the information reception unit is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contracted party. And an output control unit for controlling the information output unit to output transmission information only when the verification unit verifies that the information is transmitted from the information sender.

[0170] The invention according to claim 157 is an information receiving means for receiving, via a network, information transmitted from an information transmitting means for transmitting information transmitted from an information sender to an information receiver; An information output unit that outputs information and requires an output cost at the time of output; and the output cost to the information receiver so that an information transmitter that transmits information by the information transmission unit bears the output cost. An information output device comprising a goods transfer data management means for managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the goods transfer data communication means for communicating goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management means. provide.

Further, the invention of claim 158 is characterized in that the transfer information received by the information receiving means is transmitted to the information transfer means only when the goods transfer data communication means receives data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost. 157. The information output device according to claim 157, further comprising output control means for controlling output by the output means.

[0172] The invention according to claim 159 provides the information output device according to claim 157, which manages settlement data when selling consumables used by the information output means based on the goods transfer data. .

The invention according to claim 160 provides the information output device according to any one of claims 153 to 159, wherein the information output means prints the transmission information on a sheet-like recording medium.

The invention of claim 161 is an output cost for guaranteeing the output cost when the information receiver outputs the information transmitted from the information sender via the network using the information output means requiring the output cost. A settlement method, wherein the information receiver receives a request for purchase of consumables used by the information output means from the information receiver via the network when the information receiver outputs transmission information, and the information transmitting the transmission information. In order for the sender to bear the output cost, the goods transfer data managed by the output cost burden management means in order to guarantee the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver via the network. An output cost settlement method comprising: a reference step of referring to; and a settlement step of setting the output cost in accordance with the result of the reference. To.

Further, in the invention of claim 162, in the settlement step, the balance of the referred goods transfer data is checked, and the output cost burden management means allocates the balance of the balance to the purchase price of the consumable. 161. An output cost settlement method according to claim 161, wherein the settlement is performed by receiving the payment via the network.

Further, the invention of claim 163 provides the output cost settlement method according to claim 161 or 162, wherein the consumable is a recording medium and / or ink on a sheet.

Further, according to the invention of claim 164, the output cost for guaranteeing the output cost when the information receiver outputs the information transmitted from the information sender via the network using the information output means requiring the output cost. An order receiving step of receiving, via the network, a request for purchase of consumables used by the information output means from the information receiver when the information receiver outputs transmission information, and transmitting the transmission information. The information transferer manages the goods transfer data managed by the output cost burden management means to guarantee the information receiver to transfer the goods corresponding to the output cost so that the information sender bears the output cost. A reference step for referencing via a network, and a settlement step for settling the output cost according to the result referred to. Providing a program product comprising and.

Further, in the invention of claim 165, in the settlement step, the balance of the referred goods transfer data is checked, and the output cost burden managing means allocates the balance of the balance to the purchase price of the consumable. 164. The program product according to claim 164, wherein the payment is received via said network to perform settlement.

[0179] The invention according to claim 166 provides the program product according to claim 164 or 165, wherein the consumable is a recording medium and / or ink on a sheet.

An output cost for guaranteeing the output cost when the information receiver outputs the information transmitted from the information sender via the network using the information output means requiring an output cost. A storage medium in which a program for a settlement method is stored so as to be readable by a computer, wherein the program sends a request for purchase of consumables used by the information output means when the information receiver outputs transmission information via the network. Receiving an order from a receiver, and an output cost for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the information sender who transmitted the transmission information bears the output cost. A reference step of referring to the goods transfer data managed by the burden management means via the network; It provides a storage medium and a settlement step in accordance with results to settle the output costs.

Further, the invention of claim 168 is characterized in that
7. The storage medium according to claim 7, wherein in the settlement step, the balance of the referred goods transfer data is checked, and the output cost burden management means pays an amount of the balance corresponding to a purchase amount of the consumable. A storage medium for receiving payment via a network and performing settlement is provided.

The invention according to claim 169 provides the storage medium according to claim 167 or 168, wherein the consumable is a recording medium and / or ink on a sheet.

The invention according to claim 170 is an output cost for guaranteeing the output cost when the information receiver outputs the information transmitted from the information sender via the network using the information output means requiring the output cost. A settlement apparatus, wherein the information receiver receives a request for purchase of consumables used by the information output means from the information receiver via the network when the information receiver outputs the transmission information, and the information transmitting the transmission information. In order for the sender to bear the output cost, the goods transfer data managed by the output cost burden management means in order to guarantee the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver via the network. There is provided an output cost settlement apparatus comprising: a reference unit to be referred to; and a settlement unit to settle the output cost according to the result of the reference. To.

Further, the invention of claim 171 is the invention of claim 17
0, in the output cost settlement apparatus, the settlement means checks the balance of the referred goods transfer data, and pays the amount corresponding to the purchase amount of the consumable in the balance from the output cost burden management means. And an output cost settlement apparatus for receiving the settlement via the network for settlement.

The invention of claim 172 provides the output cost settlement apparatus according to claim 170 or 171, wherein the consumable is a recording medium and / or ink on a sheet.

[0186]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information for the purpose of transmitting information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, and transmitting the transmission information transmitted in the information transmitting step via a network. An information receiving step of receiving, and an information output step of outputting the transmission information received in the information receiving step, which requires an output cost for output,
Transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost from the information sender to the information receiver outputting the information in the information output step so that the information sender transmitting the information in the information transmitting step bears the output cost. A first embodiment comprising a goods transfer data management step of managing data that guarantees the following will be described.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an information communication system that implements the information communication method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an information transmitting computer from which an information transmitter transmits information. Reference numeral 102 denotes an information receiving computer that receives information transmitted from the information transmitting computer 101. A printer 103 prints out the information received by the information receiving computer 102 on paper. The information receiving computer 102 and the printer 103 are connected by a parallel cable.

Each of the computers 101, 102, 104 and the printer 103 has a well-known configuration including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an auxiliary storage device, and the like. The present invention can be implemented by executing the software in accordance with the program code. Other systems described below have the same configuration, and other embodiments of the present invention can be similarly implemented.

[0191] The payment recording computer 104 is such that a person who sends information by the information sending computer 101 receives the information by the information receiving computer 102 and prints the information by the printer 10.
3 prints out information on paper and, for a person who bears the running cost, receives the information transmitted from the information transmitting computer 101 by the information receiving computer 102 and prints out the ink on the printer 103. For the purpose of compensating for the so-called running cost such as paper and paper, the amount paid by the information sender to the information receiver is recorded.

Reference numeral 105 denotes the information transmission computer 101
And the Internet for performing data communication between the information receiving computer 102 and the payment recording computer 104. The number of elements connected to the Internet 105 is not limited to one, and a plurality of each element can be connected in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the information transmitting device realized by the information transmitting computer 101.

In FIG. 2, receiving computer address holding section 201 holds address data of information receiving computer 102 to which information is transmitted from information transmitting computer 101. The information transmission computer 101 of the present embodiment uses a so-called IP address. Recipient I
The D holding unit 202 holds the recipient ID. This recipient I
D is an ID for identifying an information recipient who receives information using the receiving computer indicated by the address held in the receiving computer address holding unit 201. In the present embodiment, the receiver ID uses an integer having a sufficient number of digits.

Reference numeral 203 denotes a transmission information data holding unit for holding data of transmission information to be sent to the recipient identified by the receiver ID held in the receiver ID holding unit 202. In the present embodiment, the transmission information data is described in a page description language that describes data output by the printer in page units. As such a page description language, LI
Languages such as PS and PostScript are known.

[0196] Payment guarantee data acquisition section 204 transfers the transmission information data held in transmission information data holding section 203 to the recipient ID held in recipient ID holding section 202.
When the payment is sent to the receiver identified in the above, payment reservation data for reserving payment to the receiver for the cost required for outputting the transmission information is sent to the payment recording computer 104, and the reservation contents are transmitted from the payment recording computer 104 to the receiver. Get payment guarantee data to guarantee.

The transmission data transmission unit 205 attaches the payment guarantee data acquired by the payment guarantee data acquisition unit 204 to the transmission information data stored in the transmission information data storage unit 203 and stores the data in the reception computer address storage unit 201. The data is transmitted to the receiving computer identified by the specified address.

Communication unit 206 realizes communication performed between payment guarantee data obtaining unit 204 and payment recording computer 104, and communication performed between transmission data transmitting unit 205 and information receiving computer 102. The communication unit 206 of the present embodiment issues a connection request to a predetermined port of the destination computer for both communications,
After performing communication according to a predetermined protocol, the connection is disconnected.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the information receiving apparatus realized by the information receiving computer 102.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a communication unit for realizing communication between the information transmitting computer 101 and the payment recording computer 104. 302 is a communication unit 301
Is a transmission data holding unit that holds the transmission data when receiving the transmission data from the information transmission computer 101.

When the new transmission data is stored in the transmission data holding unit 302, the payment confirmation processing unit 303 checks with the payment recording computer 104 whether or not the payment processing is to be performed. Payment confirmation request data for confirming the processing is sent, and payment confirmation data indicating that the payment has been confirmed is received from the payment recording computer 104. When payment confirmation processing is performed by payment confirmation processing section 303, output data transmission section 304 prints out the transmission information data in the transmission data held in transmission data holding section 302 so as to output the printer information.
03, and transmits the transmission information data.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the goods transfer management device realized by the payment recording computer 104.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a communication unit for realizing communication with the information transmitting computer 101 and the information communication computer 102. A payment reservation processing unit 402 performs payment reservation processing and returns payment guarantee data when the communication unit 401 receives payment reservation data from the information transmission computer 101. Reference numeral 403 denotes a payment reservation data holding unit that holds the payment reservation data processed by the payment reservation processing unit 402.

The payment confirmation processing unit 404 includes a communication unit 401
Receives the payment confirmation request data from the information receiving computer 102, confirms the validity of the payment by referring to the payment reservation data held in the payment reservation data holding unit 403, performs the confirmation processing, and executes the payment confirmation data. Reply.

[0205] Reference numeral 405 denotes a sender payment amount data holding unit that holds the payment amount data for each sender determined by the payment confirmation processing in the payment confirmation processing unit 404. The sender payment amount data holding unit 405 holds a plurality of integer-type data indicating the payment amount. Each data is referred to by a sender ID for identifying a sender who should pay the payment.

[0206] Reference numeral 406 denotes a recipient acquisition amount data holding unit for holding the acquisition amount data for each recipient determined by the payment confirmation process in the payment confirmation processing unit 404. The recipient acquisition amount data holding unit 406 holds a plurality of integer-type data indicating the acquisition amount. Each data is referred to by a recipient ID for identifying a recipient who has obtained the acquisition amount.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, the information transmitting computer 101 and the information transmitting computer 101 according to the present embodiment for realizing the function of causing the transmitter to bear the output cost of the printer, which is a feature of the information communication method of the present invention. Information receiving computer 102
The data communication between the computer and the payment record computer 104 and the main processing steps in each computer will be described.

First, when it becomes necessary to transmit information from the information transmitting computer 101 to the information receiving computer 102, the information transmitting computer 101 sends payment reservation data to the payment recording computer 104 (50).
1). This is performed as follows using the TCP / IP protocol. First, the information transmitting computer 101 issues a connection request to the payment recording computer 104 through a port having a predetermined port number to establish a connection. Then, the data packet containing the payment reservation data is transmitted using the established connection.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a data packet of payment reservation data.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes a header section including various headers necessary for data communication. 602 is caller I
This is the D section, and the sender ID section 602 includes sender ID data for identifying an information sender who sends information using the information sending computer 101. Reference numeral 603 denotes a recipient ID unit.
2 includes recipient ID data for identifying an information recipient who receives information by using the information ID.

Reference numeral 604 denotes a payment amount part.
Includes payment amount data paid from the sender identified by the sender ID included in the sender ID section 602 to the recipient identified by the receiver ID included in the receiver ID section 603.

In the present embodiment, the sender ID section 602 and the receiver ID section 603 are areas having a length equal to the character string length of a predetermined ID, and each character string is an ASCII character string.
Holds data encoded in II code. The payment amount data holding unit 604 holds the payment amount in yen units as 4-byte integer type data. The same data format is used in the following steps, but a detailed description of the data format will be omitted.

[0213] The sender ID data is an ID unique to the information sending computer itself, and the same ID data is always used. As the receiver ID data, the receiver ID data held in the receiver ID holding unit 202 of the information transmission computer 101 is used. As the payment amount data, a value obtained by multiplying the number of pages when the transmission information held in the transmission information data holding unit 203 of the information transmission computer 101 is printed out by a certain value is used. Returning to FIG. 5, when the payment recording computer 104 receives the payment reservation data, payment reservation processing is performed. First, a payment guarantee ID for uniquely identifying the received payment reservation from other payment reservations is generated. In the present embodiment, an integer value that increases by one from the time when the payment recording computer 104 starts recording is used as the payment guarantee ID.

Then, the sender ID section 602 and the receiver ID section 60 of the payment reservation data are added to the generated payment guarantee ID.
3. Sender ID included in the payment amount section 604
A data record to which data, recipient ID data, and payment amount data are added is newly stored in the payment reservation data storage unit 403. The payment reservation data holding unit 403 has a data structure for holding a plurality of data records and searching for records using the payment guarantee ID data as an index.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the payment reservation data holding unit.

Each row in FIG. 7 shows a data record, and each data record is individual payment reservation data. Each data record has four fields 701-7
04. Reference numeral 701 denotes a payment guarantee ID field that holds payment guarantee ID data, 702 denotes a sender ID field that holds sender ID data, and 703.
Is a recipient ID field holding recipient ID data,
A payment amount field 704 holds payment amount data.

When the payment guarantee ID data and the respective data in the payment reservation data are held as one data record in the payment reservation data holding unit 403, the payment guarantee data is returned to the information transmitting computer 101 (5).
02). In the present embodiment, a data packet including payment guarantee data is transmitted using the connection established at the time of transmitting the payment reservation data (501).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a data packet of payment guarantee data. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a header section including various headers necessary for data communication. 80
Reference numeral 2 denotes a payment guarantee ID section including payment guarantee ID data. When the data packet of FIG. 8 is returned, the payment recording computer disconnects this connection.

Next, when the information transmission computer 101 receives the payment guarantee ID data, the received payment guarantee I
The D data and the transmission information data held in the transmission information data holding unit 203 are transmitted to the information receiving computer identified by the address held in the reception data computer address holding unit 201 (503). In this embodiment, the connection with the information receiving computer is established in this case by the same steps as in the transmission of payment reservation data 501. Then, a data packet including the transmission data is transmitted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a data packet including transmission data. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes a header section including various headers necessary for data communication. 902
Is a payment guarantee ID section including payment guarantee ID data. A transmission information unit 903 includes transmission information data. When the information receiving computer 102 receives all the data of the packet, it disconnects this connection.

Next, when the information receiving computer 102 receives the transfer data, it holds the transfer data in the transfer data holding unit 302 and performs the payment confirmation processing. First, the payment guarantee ID data included in the transmission data is extracted, and payment confirmation request data including the payment guarantee ID data is transmitted to the payment recording computer 104 (504). The establishment of the communication and the like are the same as the steps up to now, so the description is omitted.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data packet including payment confirmation request data. In FIG.
Reference numeral 1001 denotes a header section including various headers necessary for data communication. Reference numeral 1002 denotes a payment guarantee ID section including payment guarantee ID data. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a recipient ID unit, which includes a recipient ID for identifying a recipient who receives information using the information receiving computer 102. Payment Guarantee I
As D, the payment guarantee ID included in the transmission data transmitted from the information transmission computer 101 is used. As the receiver ID, a receiver ID uniquely determined by the information receiving computer 101 is used.

Next, when the payment recording computer 104 receives the payment confirmation request data, the payment confirmation processing is performed. First, using the payment guarantee ID included in the payment confirmation request data as a key, the payment guarantee ID is selected from the data records held in the payment reservation data holding unit 403.
The data record whose D data matches is retrieved. If there is no such data record, payment confirmation data indicating that payment cannot be made is returned (505).

FIG. 11 is an example of a data packet containing payment confirmation data indicating that payment cannot be made.

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1101 denotes a header section including various headers necessary for data communication. 1102
Is a payment status section including a character string indicating the payment status. If payment is not possible, data indicating the character string NG is stored in the payment status unit 1102.

If a data record with the same payment guarantee ID is retrieved, its recipient ID field 70
3 and the recipient ID part 100 in the payment confirmation request data
Compare the value of 3. If these values do not match, the data packet shown in FIG.
02 is returned (505).

If the values match, the sender payment amount data holding unit 405 and the recipient acquisition amount data holding unit 406 are updated. First, referring to the sender payment amount data indicated by the sender ID which is the value of the sender ID field 702 in the extracted data record, the payment amount field 704 is referred to.
The payment amount which is the value of is added to the value.

Next, the payment amount is similarly added with reference to the recipient acquisition amount data indicated by the recipient ID which is the value of the recipient ID field 703. Then, the data record is deleted from the payment reservation data holding unit 403.
Then, payment confirmation data indicating that the payment has been made is returned to the information receiving computer 102 (505).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the payment confirmation data. The data structure itself is the same as the data packet shown in FIG. 11, but the value of payment status section 1202 is OK.
It has become.

When the payment confirmation data is transmitted to the information receiving computer, the payment recording computer 104
Disconnects.

Next, when the information receiving computer 102 receives the payment confirmation data, if the value of the payment status section 1102 of the payment confirmation data is NG, the processing is terminated. If the value of the payment status unit 1202 is OK, the transmission information data in the transmission data held in the transmission data holding unit 302 is transmitted to the printer 103 via the parallel interface (506). The printer 103
According to the received transmission information data, the transmission information is printed on paper and output.

Next, the processing steps of the information transmitting computer among the processing steps of each computer for realizing the above steps will be described with reference to FIG. Since the processing steps of the payment recording computer 104 and the information receiving computer 102 are as described in the description of the data flow and the processing with reference to FIG. 5, only the information transmitting computer 101 will be described here.

Information transmission computer 101 of this embodiment
Can realize various forms of information transmission. Here, a description will be given of an example of a processing step of realizing information transmission in a form of transmitting certain transmission information to all pre-registered recipients.

For example, this form is the case where the seller of a certain product becomes the information transmitter, and after-sales service information is transmitted with all the users of the registered products as information receivers. Recipient ID and information receiving computer 1
If the address 02 is registered at the time of user registration, it is possible to hold these data in advance. It is assumed that the receiver ID and the information receiving computer address of the receiver registered in advance are stored as a file.

This processing step is started when the information transmission computer 101 executes a specific command. Prior to activation, transmission information data is created using an authoring tool or the like on the same computer or another computer, and stored as a file. And this file is specified by the argument of the command.

First, in step S1301, the transmission information data is read from the file specified by the command argument and stored in the transmission information data holding unit 203. Then, control goes to a step S1302.

In step S1302, it is checked whether there is any recipient information that has not been read from the file, and if there is, the process proceeds to step S1303. If not, all the processing ends.

In step S1303, the receiver information is read from the file, and the receiver ID is stored in the receiver ID storage unit 202, and the information reception computer address storage unit 201 is read.
Holds the information receiving computer address. And
It moves to step S1304.

[0239] In step S1304, payment reservation data is created, and the payment reservation data is transmitted to the payment recording computer 104. The details of this processing are as described above with reference to FIG. Then, step S13
Move to 05.

In step S1305, payment guarantee data is received from payment recording computer 104. Then, control goes to a step S1306.

In step S1306, step S13
The transfer data is created from the payment guarantee ID data in the payment guarantee data received in step 05 and the transfer information data stored in the transfer information data storage unit 203, and the information having the address stored in the receiving computer address storage unit 201. The transmission data is transmitted to the receiving computer 102. Details of this processing are as described above with reference to FIG. When transmission data is transmitted, step S
It returns to 1302.

As a result, it is possible to transmit information to each registered recipient while compensating for the output cost when the transmission information is output by the printer 103.

The information communication method involving data movement for compensating the output cost from the information sender to the information receiver when outputting information by the printer has been described above.
In order for the receiver to actually receive the compensation amount, it is necessary to settle the sender's payment amount and the receiver's acquisition amount recorded in the payment recording computer. This settlement method is optional. For example, if a payment record computer is operated by a third party that is neither the sender nor the recipient, the third party periodically collects the payment from the sender. This can be done by cash payment, bank transfer, or currency exchange.

When the settlement is performed, the payment amount of the sender stored in the sender payment amount data holding unit is reduced by the amount settled. Alternatively, the sender may pay the third party first, and the sender's payment amount stored in the sender's payment data holding unit may be reduced in advance. That is, the negative payment is retained. In this case, when the payment booking data is sent,
If the payment is positive when the payment is confirmed, it is possible to include processing for not accepting the payment reservation data and not transmitting the payment guarantee data.

On the other hand, when there is a request for payment of the acquisition amount from the receiver, an amount corresponding to the acquisition amount of the receiver stored in the receiver acquisition amount data holding unit 406 is settled. Again, any settlement method such as cash payment, bank transfer, etc. can be used.

At this time, an operational restriction may be provided such that a settlement cannot be requested unless the acquired amount is equal to or greater than a certain value, or a settlement cannot be requested until a certain period has elapsed. Further, the payment may be made by adding a commission.

As described above, by using the information communication method of the present embodiment, the sender can compensate the receiver for the output cost required when the communication information is output by the printer. In addition, since the compensation is performed before outputting the information, when the compensation is not performed, the output of the transmission information can be stopped, and the receiver is prevented from outputting the transmission information without compensating the output cost. it can. Therefore, information communication can be performed on the assumption that the sender bears the output cost, and it is appropriate to output information on paper using a printer, and the cost is borne by the sender. Can promote the transmission of information that is common in social wisdom.

[Modification] In the above embodiment, the information output cost required in the information output step, the transfer of goods for the information sender to compensate the information receiver, payment reservation data, payment guarantee data, payment confirmation request Although the present invention is performed by communication of data and payment confirmation data, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained even if realized by other data communication. Here, another embodiment realized by communication of other data will be described.

FIG. 14 shows an information transmitting computer 101 and an information receiving computer 10 according to a modification of the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a flow of data communication between the PC 2 and a payment recording computer 104. Using FIG.
A data flow in the present modified example will be described. The method of establishing a connection for data communication, the method of configuring a data packet, and the like are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

First, when it becomes necessary to transmit information from the information transmitting computer 101 to the information receiving computer 102, the information transmitting computer 101 generates a payment guarantee ID uniquely determined. Then, the payment amount is calculated by multiplying the number of pages when the transmission information held in the transmission information data holding unit 203 is printed out by a certain value. Then, the receiver I held in the receiver ID holding unit 202
It holds a payment reservation data record including D data, payment guarantee ID data, and payment amount data. The information transmission computer 101 according to the present embodiment includes a payment reservation data holding unit (not shown) for that purpose. The payment reservation data holding unit has a data structure capable of searching each record using the payment guarantee ID as an index. Then, transmission data including sender ID data, payment guarantee ID data, and transmission information data is created, and the transmission data is transmitted to the information receiving computer 102 (1401).

Next, when the information receiving computer 102 receives the transfer data, the transfer data is held in the transfer data holding section 302, and the payment confirmation processing is performed. First, the payment guarantee ID data and the caller ID data included in the transmission data are taken out, and payment confirmation request data including the payment guarantee ID data, the caller ID data, and the own receiver ID data is transmitted to the payment recording computer 104. (140
2).

Next, when the payment recording computer 104 receives the payment confirmation request data, the payment recording confirmation data is transmitted to the information transmission computer 101 identified by the sender ID included in the payment confirmation request data (140).
3). The correspondence data between the sender ID and the information sending computer 101 is stored in the payment recording computer 104 in advance. The payment reservation confirmation data includes payment guarantee ID data and recipient ID.

Next, upon receiving the payment reservation confirmation data, the information transmitting computer 101 performs the following processing.

First, using the payment guarantee ID included in the payment reservation confirmation data as a key, the payment guarantee I is selected from the data records held in the payment reservation data holding unit.
The data record whose D data matches is retrieved. If there is no such data record, payment approval data indicating that payment cannot be made is returned (1404). When a data record with the same payment guarantee ID is retrieved, the value of the recipient ID field 703 is compared with the value of the recipient ID part in the payment reservation confirmation data. If these values do not match, payment acknowledgment data indicating that payment cannot be made is returned (1404). If the values match, this means that payment is approved, and payment approval data including payment amount data is returned (140).
4).

Next, the payment record computer 104
When the payment approval data is received, the following processing is performed. If the payment approval data is data indicating that payment cannot be made, payment confirmation data (same as FIG. 11) indicating that payment cannot be made is returned to the information receiving computer 102 (1405).

On the other hand, when the payment approval data is data indicating that the payment is approved, the payment amount data included therein, the sender ID data and the receiver ID data included in the payment reservation confirmation data received earlier. Is used to update the sender payment amount data holding unit 405 and the recipient acquisition amount data holding unit 406. First, the sender's payment amount data indicated by the sender ID is referred to, and the value of the payment amount data is added to the value. Next, referring to the recipient acquisition amount data indicated by the recipient ID, the payment amount is similarly added. Then, payment confirmation data (same as FIG. 12) indicating that the payment has been made is returned to the information receiving computer (140).
5).

Next, when the information receiving computer receives the 102 payment confirmation data, if the value of the payment status part of the payment confirmation data is NG, the processing is terminated. If the value of the payment status section is OK, the transfer data holding section 3
The transmission information data in the transmission data held in the communication data 02 is transmitted to the printer 103 via the parallel interface (1406). The printer 103 prints and outputs the transmission information on paper according to the received transmission information data.

In this modified example, the data to be communicated and the processing steps in each computer are different from those in the above embodiment. However, by transmitting and receiving these data, the information output cost required for the information output step can be reduced by the information sender. An information communication method that can guarantee that the receiver is compensated can also be realized.

[Other Modifications] In this modification as well, the transfer of goods for the information sender to compensate for the information output cost required in the information output step to the information receiver is performed by data communication different from the above embodiment. This is an embodiment of a mode realized by:

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the flow of data communication among the information transmitting computer 101, the information receiving computer 102, and the payment recording computer 104 in the present embodiment. The data flow in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The method of establishing a connection for data communication, the method of configuring a data packet, and the like are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

First, when it is necessary to transmit information from the information transmitting computer 101 to the information receiving computer 102, the information transmitting computer 101 generates a payment commitment ID that is uniquely determined. Also, the payment amount is calculated by multiplying the number of pages when the transmission information held in the transmission information data holding unit 203 is printed out by a certain value. Then, the payment promise data including the payment promise ID data, the sender ID data, the receiver ID data, and the payment amount ID data is transmitted to the payment recording computer 104 (1501).

Upon receiving the payment promise data, the payment recording computer 104 first holds the payment promise data. For this purpose, the payment recording computer 104 of the present embodiment includes a payment promise data holding unit (not shown). The payment promise data holding unit has a function of holding a plurality of data records using one payment promise data as a data record, and searching for the payment promise data using the payment promise ID as an index.

Also, the value of the payment data is added to the value of the payment data referred to by the sender ID. Next, signature data is created for the payment promise data using the payment guarantee private key. Then, the signature data is returned to the information transmitting computer 101 (150
2). The payment guarantee private key is generated in advance together with the payment guarantee public key. These data are based on the so-called public key cryptosystem, but since a number of specific implementation methods of this system are known, the description is omitted here.

Next, when the information transmitting computer 101 receives the signature data, the information transmitting computer 101
Transmission data including payment promise data, signature data, and transmission information data is created, and the transmission data is transmitted to the information receiving computer 102 (1503).

Next, when the information receiving computer 102 receives the transfer data, the transfer data is held in the transfer data holding unit 302, and the payment confirmation processing is performed. First, the payment promise data and the signature data included in the transfer data are extracted, and using the public key of the payment guarantee public key data received in advance from the payment recording computer 104, whether the signature data is a correct signature for the payment promise data. Verify whether. If the signature is correct and the content of the payment promise data is valid, the payment promise data and the signature data are retained. For this purpose, the information receiving computer of the present embodiment includes an acquisition-promised-data holding unit (not shown).

The acquisition promise data holding unit has a function of holding a plurality of data records using the payment promise data and the signature data as one data record. Then, the transmission information data in the transmission data held in the transmission data holding unit 302 is transmitted to the printer 103 via the parallel interface (1504). Printer 103
Prints the transmission information on paper and outputs it according to the received transmission information data.

Thereafter, every time information communication is performed, 1501 to 150
4 is performed.

When a certain amount of data is held in the acquisition promise data holding unit of the information receiving computer 102, the information receiving computer 102 acquires the acquisition promise data including all the payment promise data held in the acquisition promise data holding unit. The notification data is transmitted to the payment recording computer 104 (1505). Then, all data held in the acquisition promised data holding unit is deleted.

When the payment recording computer 104 receives the acquisition promise notification data, it verifies whether the payment promise data included in the acquisition promise notification data is stored in the payment promise data holding unit. If held, the receiver refers to the receiver payment amount data indicated by the receiver ID in the payment promise data, and adds the value of the payment amount data to the value.

This embodiment also differs from the above embodiment in the data to be communicated and the processing steps in each computer. However, by transmitting and receiving such data, the information output cost required for the information output step can be reduced by the information sender. An information communication method that can guarantee that the receiver is compensated can also be realized.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment, the case has been described where the information receiving computer notifies the payment recording computer of the payment promise data obtained when a certain amount of data is accumulated. Is not limited to this. For example, the same effect can be obtained by notifying at a fixed time interval or notifying when the acquisition amount reaches a certain value. Further, the notification and the settlement may be performed simultaneously. That is, the payment recording computer does not include the receiver acquisition amount data holding unit, and the payment is settled immediately upon receiving the notification data.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment and the three modifications thereof, the information output cost required for the information output step is reduced by the specific data of the information communication method in which the information sender compensates the information receiver. The flow and processing steps are realized.
Various embodiments can be adopted as embodiments of the present invention by applying specific examples of data flows and processing steps for realizing so-called electronic money. The present invention is to realize an information communication method in which an information sender compensates an information receiver for an information output cost required for an information output step by applying these data flows and processing steps. It does not limit the flow of data and the processing steps.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment, almost no steps or means for realizing security against eavesdropping, falsification, spoofing, etc. of data by a party or a third party are provided. This is because the required security level differs depending on the amount of compensation and the contractual relationship and trust relationship between the information sender and the information receiver, and the steps and means for achieving security are not essential components of the present invention. It is. However, the steps and means for realizing security are steps and means necessary in many cases, and it is preferable to include these. Therefore, another modified example including steps and means for realizing security will be described below.

As a first modification, each data communication may be encrypted as a method of preventing eavesdropping by a third party.

[Other Modifications] In addition to an electronic signature for guaranteeing payment, electronic signature data may be attached to other data communications as a method for preventing tampering or spoofing.

[Other Modifications] In order to prevent the sender from impersonating the receiver and settling the obtained amount, the receiver ID used for settlement and the receiver ID used for information communication are set to different IDs. Payment correspondence computer for storing the correspondence between the two ID data
04 may be provided.

[Other Modifications] In preparation for leakage of various data, in particular, secret key data, etc., the sender ID and the receiver ID are periodically updated.
A step or means for changing D may be provided. Alternatively, the ID is fixed and a password is attached,
A step or means for changing the password may be provided.

[Other Modifications] Although the same secret key and public key are used in the other modification, the sender may use a plurality of keys depending on the receiver.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
The case has been described where the information receiver does not include a means for confirming the acquisition amount acquired at the time of outputting the information or the accumulated amount of the acquisition amount. However, this means is not an essential means constituting the present invention, but is preferably provided. When this step or means is provided, a step or means for receiving the data from the payment recording computer 104 may be newly provided.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where no expiration date is set for each data has been described, it is preferable to transmit and receive data by providing a process or means for setting an expiration date. For example, it is preferable that expiration date data is attached to the payment reservation data, and the payment recording computer 104 executes a step of deleting a data record whose expiration date has passed among the data records of the payment reservation data holding unit 403.

[Other Modifications] The above embodiment is based on the premise that the transfer of goods is managed by a third party different from the sender and the receiver. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Not something. For example, the sender may manage the transfer of goods.

In this case, in some cases, a part of the data flow and the processing steps in the above embodiment can be omitted. Alternatively, it may be realized by another data flow or processing step.

Here, a configuration obtained by modifying the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 15 will be described.

FIG. 16 is a specific system configuration diagram showing a configuration in which the information transmission computer also manages the transfer of goods.

In FIG. 16, reference numeral 1601 denotes an information receiving computer by which an information receiver receives transmitted information. Reference numeral 1602 denotes a printer that prints out information received by the information receiving computer 1601 on paper. The information receiving computer 1601 and the printer 1602 are connected by a parallel cable.

Reference numeral 1603 denotes an information transmitting / recording computer. The information transmitting / recording computer 1603 is such that the information transmitter transmits information to the information receiving computer 1601, and the information transmitting computer 1603 receives the information transmitted from the information transmitting computer 1603.
The information sender records the amount paid by the information sender to the information receiver for the purpose of compensating the information receiver for the so-called running cost such as ink cost and paper cost required for output by the printer 1602. I do.

[0287] Reference numeral 1604 denotes an information receiving computer 160.
1 is an Internet for performing data communication between the computer 1 and the information transmitting / recording computer 1603.

FIG. 17 shows an information transmitting / recording computer 1603 and an information receiving computer 160 in this modification.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a flow of data communication with the communication device 1; The data flow in the present modification will be described with reference to FIG. The method of establishing a connection for data communication, the method of configuring a data packet, and the like are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

First, the information transmission / recording computer 16
When it is necessary to transmit information to the information receiving computer 1601 from the information receiving computer 1601, the information transmitting / recording computer 160
3 generates a payment promise ID uniquely determined. Also, the payment amount is calculated by multiplying the number of pages when the transmission information held in the transmission information data holding unit 203 is printed out by a certain value. And payment promise ID data, sender I
Payment promise data composed of D data, recipient ID data, and payment amount ID data is created. Then, the payment promise data is held.

For this purpose, the information transmitting / recording computer 1603 of this modification includes a payment promise data holding unit (not shown). The payment promise data holding unit has a function of holding a plurality of data records using one payment promise data as a data record, and searching for the payment promise data using the payment promise ID as an index. The information transmitting / recording computer 1603 can have a configuration similar to that of FIGS.

Next, signature data is created for the payment promise data using the payment guarantee private key. The payment guarantee private key is generated in advance together with the payment guarantee public key. These data are based on the so-called public key cryptosystem, but there are many specific methods for realizing this system, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, transmission data including payment promise data, signature data, and transmission information data is created, and the transmission data is transmitted to the information receiving computer (1701).

Next, when the information receiving computer 1601 receives the transmission data, it transmits it to the transmission data holding unit 302.
And perform payment confirmation processing. First, take out the payment promise data and signature data included in the transmitted data,
Using the public key of the payment guarantee public key data received from the information transmitting and recording computer 1603 in advance, it verifies whether the signature data is a correct signature for the payment promise data. If the signature is correct and the content of the payment promise data is valid, the payment promise data and the signature data are retained. Therefore, the information receiving computer of the present modified example
An acquisition promise data holding unit (not shown) is provided.

[0294] The acquisition promise data holding unit has a function of holding a plurality of data records using the payment promise data and the signature data as one data record. Then, the transmission information data in the transmission data held in the transmission data holding unit 302 is transmitted to the printer 1602 via the parallel interface (1702). Printer 160
2 prints and outputs the transmission information on paper according to the received transmission information data.

Thereafter, each time information communication is performed, 1701 and 170
2 is performed.

When a certain amount of data is held in the acquisition promised data holding unit of the information receiving computer 1601,
The information receiving computer 1601 transmits to the information transmitting and recording computer 1603 settlement request data including acquisition promise notification data including all payment promise data held in the acquisition promise data holding unit (1703). And
All data held in the acquisition promised data holding unit is deleted.

When the information transmitting / recording computer 1603 receives the payment request data, it verifies whether the payment promise data included in the payment request data is stored in the payment promise data holding unit, and outputs a verification result.

How the settlement is performed according to the verification result depends on the method of using the information transmitting / recording computer 1603 of the present modification, but any settlement method such as cash payment or bank transfer can be considered.

Even if the information communication method of this modification is used, an information communication method in which the information sender compensates the information receiver for the information output cost required for the information output step to the information receiver is realized.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
The case where the information sender directly sends information to the information receiver computer of the information receiver using the information sender computer has been described. However, an intermediary may be inserted between the information sender and the information receiver. In this case, the information mediator plays the same role as the information sender or the information receiver in the above embodiment. That is, the information mediating computer used by the information mediator plays a role of either the information transmitting computer or the information receiving computer in the conventional example. From this point, a new device is added to the information communication system constituting the above conventional example.

Here, an example in which the information mediating computer plays the same role as the above-mentioned conventional information transmitting computer will be described.

FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an information communication system that implements the information communication method according to the present invention.

In FIG. 18, reference numeral 1801 denotes an information transmission request computer for requesting an information intermediary to transmit information by an information transmitter. Reference numeral 1802 denotes an information mediation computer that receives a request from the information transmission request computer 1801 and transmits the requested information. Reference numeral 1803 denotes an information receiving computer that receives information transmitted from the information mediating computer 1802. A printer 1804 prints out the information received by the information receiving computer 1803 on paper. The information receiving computer 1803 and the printer 1804 are connected by a parallel cable.

Reference numeral 1805 denotes a payment recording computer. The payment record computer 1805 allows the person who sends the information by the information mediating computer 1802 to print the information received by the information receiving computer 1803 to the printer 180.
4 to a person who prints out on paper and bears the running cost.
2 from the information receiving computer 1803
For the purpose of compensating for the so-called running cost such as the ink cost and paper cost required when receiving and outputting by the printer 1804, the amount paid from the information sender to the information receiver is recorded.

Reference numeral 1806 denotes the information transmission request computer 1
801; an information mediating computer 1802; an information receiving computer 1803;
Internet for performing data communication with the Internet.

In this modification, the information transmission request computer 1
801 is a newly added configuration. The configuration is the same as the above-described conventional example except for the computer information transmission request computer 1801.

By using the information communication method of the present modification, the information mediating computer can perform processing relating to the transfer of goods and processing for selecting the destination according to the information. There is an advantage that the information sender to use does not have to perform such processing. Also, there is an advantage that the information receiver does not need to register the receiver ID with a plurality of information senders.

[Other Modifications] In the above example, a case has been described where an information communication method in which an information sender independently sends information is realized. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also used when information communication is performed by the information receiver requesting information independently.

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining the flow of data when the information receiver independently requests information.
With reference to FIG. 19, a description will be given of a data flow and a processing process by each device in the present modification.

First, when a request is made for the information receiving computer 102 to transmit information from the information transmitting computer 101, the information receiving computer 1803 transmits information request data to the information transmitting request computer 1801 (1901). The information request data includes recipient ID data and information identification data. Information identification data
URL (Uniform Resource Local)
tor) is used.

Next, when the information transmission computer 1803 receives the information request, the information transmission request computer 1803
1 sends the payment reservation data to the payment record computer 1805 (1902).

[0312] Subsequent processing is the same as the processing in FIG.

The present modification is effective when the sender of the catalog data bears the print output cost when the catalog data is acquired and printed out on the Internet.

[Other Modifications] Of course, in the above-mentioned conventional information communication method of performing information communication in response to a request from a receiver, there are various data communication methods as in the above-described embodiment. However, as a unique method for performing information communication upon request, data indicating that the information output cost is borne by the information sender is transmitted to the information receiving computer before transmitting the information request data. Is preferred. For example, the UR included in the information request data
Data indicating that the information sender bears the information output cost may be attached to the data describing L.

[Other Modifications] In the above example, a case has been described in which payment is made irrespective of whether or not the transmission information was actually output by the printer. However, the output is not actually performed due to paper out, ink out, or the like. In some cases. It is preferable to provide a data communication and a processing step or means so as not to make a payment when a printout is not performed in such a situation.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining data communication among the information transmitting computer 101, the information receiving computer 102, the printer 103, and the payment recording computer 104 in this modification. With reference to FIG. 20, data communication and main processing steps in each computer in this modification will be described.

First, when it becomes necessary to transmit information from the information transmitting computer 101 to the information receiving computer 102, the information transmitting computer 101 sends payment reservation data to the payment recording computer 104 (200).
1). The payment reservation data is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

Next, when the payment recording computer 104 receives the payment reservation data, payment reservation processing is performed. This processing is also the same as that of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. Then, the payment guarantee data is returned to the information transmitting computer 101 (200).
2).

Next, when the information transmission computer 101 receives the payment guarantee ID data, the received payment guarantee I
The D data and the transfer information data held in the transfer information data holding unit 203 are transmitted to the information receiving computer 102 identified by the address held in the receiving computer address holding unit 201 (2003). Since this processing and data are the same as those in the previous embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0320] Next, when the information receiving computer 102 receives the transfer data, it holds the transfer data in the transfer data holding unit 302 and performs payment confirmation processing. First, payment guarantee ID data included in the transmission data is extracted, and payment confirmation data including the payment guarantee ID data is transmitted to the payment recording computer 104 (2004). The payment confirmation data is the same as the payment confirmation request data used in the previous embodiment.

Next, when the payment recording computer 104 receives the payment confirmation data, it performs payment confirmation processing. First, the payment guarantee ID included in the payment confirmation data
Is used as a key, a data record having the same payment guarantee ID data is extracted from the data records held in the payment reservation data holding unit 403. If there is no such data record, payment guarantee data indicating that payment cannot be made is returned (2005). The payment guarantee data is the same as the payment confirmation data described with reference to FIGS.

If a data record with the same payment guarantee ID is retrieved, its recipient ID field 70
3 is compared with the value of the receiver ID part in the payment confirmation request data. Even when these values do not match, payment guarantee data indicating that payment cannot be made is returned to the information receiving computer 102 (2005).

When the values match, payment confirmation data indicating that payment can be guaranteed is returned to the information receiving computer 102 (2005).

Next, when the information receiving computer 102 receives the payment guarantee data, if the value of the payment status part of the payment guarantee data is NG, the processing ends. If the value of the payment status section is OK, the transfer data holding section 3
The transmission information data in the transmission data held in the communication data 02 is transmitted to the printer 103 via the parallel interface (2006).

Upon receiving the transmission information, the printer 103
According to the transmission information data, the transmission information is printed and output on paper. Then, when it is confirmed that the transmission information has been printed on the paper, print end data is returned to the information receiving computer 102 (2007).

When the information receiving computer 102 receives the print end data, it sends payment request data including the same data as the payment confirmation data to the payment recording computer 1.
04 (2008). The payment request data is different from the payment confirmation data in the code for identifying the packet included in the header part, and can be distinguished by the payment recording computer 104.

Next, when the payment recording computer 104 receives the payment request data, a payment confirmation process is performed. First, the payment guarantee ID included in the payment request data
Is used as a key, a data record having the same payment guarantee ID data is extracted from the data records held in the payment reservation data holding unit. Then, the sender payment amount data holding unit 405 and the recipient acquisition amount data holding unit 40
6 is updated.

First, the payment amount field 70 is referred to by referring to the sender payment amount data indicated by the sender ID which is the value of the sender ID field 702 in the extracted data record.
The payment amount, which is the value of 4, is added to that value. Next, referring to the recipient acquisition amount data indicated by the recipient ID which is the value of the recipient ID field 703, the payment amount is similarly added. Then, the data record is deleted from the payment reservation data holding unit 403.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although a case has been described where the print end data is transmitted when it is determined that the printing has been completed in the output processing step of the printer, the present invention is not limited to this. In particular, it is preferable to include a means or a step of determining that the transmission information data has not been output correctly when the transmission information data cannot be output accurately due to ink exhaustion or the like. For example, a scanner for reading an image from printed paper may be further provided, and means for comparing the image data read by the scanner with the image data to be output to detect whether the output has been performed reliably may be provided.

[Other Modifications] In the above modification, if there is a malicious receiver, payment request data can be generated and the payment of the print output cost can be fraudulently performed without printing. Therefore, it is preferable to provide means and steps that cannot easily generate payment request data. For example, when the printer 103 confirms the output, signature data is created for the payment guarantee data using private key data that is incorporated in the printer 103 and cannot be easily obtained from the outside, and the signature data is received as information. The information receiving computer 102 may transmit the data to the computer 102 and attach the signature data to the payment request data. The payment recording computer 104 performs the payment confirmation processing only on the payment request data to which the signature data is attached.

[Other Modifications] The above modification is an example in which the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 is further provided with a step of ensuring print output, but the present invention is not limited to this. Needless to say, other embodiments using data communication may further include a step of ensuring print output. For example, in the step of guaranteeing the print output with respect to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 15, the signature data indicating that the printer 103 has output the acquisition promise data is attached to the acquisition promise data, and the acquisition promise data is paid by the payment recording computer. The signature data may be attached when transmitting to the 104.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
An information receiving step is realized by the information receiving computer 102,
Although the case where the information output step is realized by the printer 103 has been described, the two steps may be realized by the same device. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a similar effect can be obtained by using a network printer that realizes processing performed by the information receiving computer 102 and processing performed by the printer 103 together.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus relating to an information communication system in this modification.

In FIG. 21, reference numeral 2101 denotes an information transmitting computer from which an information transmitter transmits information. 2102
Is a network printer that receives information transmitted from the information transmission computer 2101 and prints out the information on paper.

[0335] The payment recording computer 2103 allows the information transmitting computer 2101 to send information to the person.
For a person who prints out information on paper with the network printer 2102 and bears the running cost, the amount of ink and paper required when the information transmitted from the information transmission computer 2101 is output by the network printer 2102. The amount paid from the information sender to the information receiver is recorded for the purpose of compensating for the so-called running cost. The payment recording computer 2103 has the same configuration as the payment recording computer 104 (see FIG. 4).

[0336] Reference numeral 2104 denotes an information transmission computer 210.
1, the Internet for performing data communication between the network printer 2102 and the payment recording computer 2103.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case has been described where the payment amount is determined from the number of printouts by the information transmission computer, the present invention is not limited to this, and any determination method may be adopted. In the following, some modified examples for determining the payment amount paid for the purpose of guaranteeing the print output will be described. First, an example in which the payment amount is determined by the printer will be described.

FIG. 20 is a view for explaining data communication among the information transmitting computer 2001, the network printer 2002, and the payment recording computer 2003 in this modification. With reference to FIG. 20, data communication and main processing steps in each computer in this modification will be described.

First, when it becomes necessary to transmit information from the information transmitting computer 2101 to the information receiving computer 2103, the information transmitting computer 2101 sends payment reservation data to the payment recording computer 2103 (2201). The payment reservation data is obtained by removing the payment amount data from the data described with reference to FIG.

Next, when the payment recording computer 2103 receives the payment reservation data, payment reservation processing is performed. This processing is also substantially the same as that of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, except that the payment amount data is not included. Then, payment guarantee data is returned to the information transmission computer 2101 (2202).

Next, when the information transmitting computer 2101 receives the payment guarantee ID data, the received payment guarantee ID data and the transmission information data held in the transmission information data holding unit 203 are held in the receiving computer address holding unit 201. Is transmitted to the network printer 2102 identified by the specified address (2203). Since this processing and data are the same as those in the previous embodiment, the description is omitted.

Next, when the network printer 2102 receives the transmission data, the transmission data holding unit 302
And perform payment confirmation processing. First, output image data is generated from the transmission information data included in the transmission data, and the cost required to output the output image data is estimated. This can be estimated by determining the paper size at the time of output, and multiplying the average output cost for the paper size by the number of output sheets to calculate. The amount calculated in this way is the payment amount. Then, the payment guarantee ID data included in the transmission data is taken out, and payment confirmation data including the payment guarantee ID data and the payment amount data is transmitted to the payment recording computer 2103 (2204).

Next, when the payment recording computer 2103 receives the payment confirmation data, it performs payment confirmation processing. First, the payment guarantee ID included in the payment confirmation data
Is used as a key, from among the data records held in the payment reservation data holding unit (not shown),
The data record whose D data matches is retrieved. If there is no such data record, payment guarantee data indicating that payment cannot be made is returned (2205). The payment guarantee data is the same as the payment confirmation data described with reference to FIGS.

If a data record with the same payment guarantee ID is retrieved, its recipient ID field 70
3 is compared with the value of the receiver ID part in the payment confirmation request data. Even when these values do not match, payment guarantee data indicating that payment cannot be made is returned to the network printer 2102 (2205).

If the values match, the payment amount data included in the payment confirmation data is set in the payment amount field 704 of the data record of the payment reservation holding unit. Then, payment confirmation data indicating that payment can be guaranteed is returned to the network printer 2102 (2205).

Next, when the network printer 2102 receives the payment guarantee data, if the value of the payment status part of the payment guarantee data is NG, the process ends. If the value of the payment status section is OK, an image in which the transmission information data in the transmission data held in the transmission data holding section 302 is expanded is printed out on paper and output. After confirming that the information has been printed on the paper,
The payment request data including the same data as the payment confirmation data is transmitted to the payment recording computer 2103 (22).
06). The payment request data can be distinguished from the payment confirmation data by the payment record computer 2103 because the code for identifying the packet included in the header part is different.

Next, when the payment recording computer 2103 receives the payment request data, a payment confirmation process is performed. First, the payment guarantee ID included in the payment request data
Is used as a key, a data record having the same payment guarantee ID data is extracted from the data records held in the payment reservation data holding unit. Then, the sender payment amount data holding unit 405 and the recipient acquisition amount data holding unit 406
Update of. First, reference is made to the sender payment amount data indicated by the sender ID which is the value of the sender ID field 702 in the extracted data record, and the payment amount which is the value of the payment amount field 704 is added to the value. Next, referring to the recipient acquisition amount data indicated by the recipient ID which is the value of the recipient ID field 703, the payment amount is similarly added. Then, the data record is deleted from the payment reservation data holding unit.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case of estimating using the average output cost when determining the payment amount has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. In particular, it is preferable to provide a step or means for reflecting the output cost more. For example, referring to the image data obtained by expanding the transmission information data, the number of output dots of each color is counted, the amount of toner or ink used for each color is estimated, and the output cost is estimated by multiplying the set unit price of the toner or ink. You may.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where the average output cost and the set unit price of toner or ink for each sheet are constant has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be variable. In particular, since the average output cost and the set unit price change with time, the network printer may include a step or means for acquiring and updating the data from, for example, a server computer of the printer manufacturer.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where the estimated amount is calculated by the network printer has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same operation can be obtained even if the estimated amount is determined by the information transmission computer or the payment recording computer. . At this time, data indicating the model of the printer to be output may be notified to the information communication computer or the payment recording computer.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where the payment amount is determined by any one of the information communication computer, the network printer, and the payment record computer has been described, the price may be estimated by two or more computers or printers, and a process or means for adopting any of the methods may be provided. Good. For example, a step or means may be provided in which the network printer receives the payment amount determined by the information transmitting computer and continues the processing if the estimated amount by the network computer exceeds the payment amount, and terminates the processing if the estimated amount has not been exceeded. .

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Information communication computer, network printer, when determining the payment amount in any two or more of the payment record computer, a case where the processing is terminated if the payment amount does not match, but the present invention is not limited to this, The decision may be made by transmitting and receiving negotiation data.

For example, a step or means for receiving the payment amount determined by the information transmitting computer by the network printer and transmitting the payment amount change request data to the information transmitting computer when the payment amount does not exceed the estimated amount by the network computer. A step or means for determining whether or not to accept the requested amount when the information sending computer receives the payment amount change request data, and transmitting the payment amount change response data for communicating whether or not to accept the request amount; May be provided to determine whether to output with a new payment upon receipt of

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
The case where the information communication computer or the network printer does not perform output when the payment is not guaranteed or the payment amount is insufficient has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and arbitrary processing may be performed according to them. A similar effect can be obtained by performing the operation. For example, by using a user interface of an information receiving computer or a network printer, a message for asking the user to confirm whether or not to output is output, and an instruction as to whether or not to output is input. For example, a step or means for performing printing may be provided.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where the payment amount is not limited has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be preferable to include a step or means for limiting the payment amount. For example, if the estimated amount is set to always exceed the actual cost, a large amount of information may be output for the purpose of generating profit. In order to prevent this, a step or means for stopping the signature of the network printer or the payment recording by the payment recording computer when the payment amount exceeds a predetermined value for a predetermined period may be provided.

[Other Modifications] In an information transmitting computer that transmits information when there is an information request, the same receiver ID is used in case of requesting a large amount of the same information for the purpose of generating profit. There may be provided a step or means for limiting the request for the same information to a certain number of times and not transmitting the information or transmitting the payment guarantee data when the number of times exceeds the certain number.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where the settlement of the transfer of the goods from the information sender to the information receiver is performed by an arbitrary method in order to compensate for the information output cost has been described, this may be limitedly implemented.
In particular, it is preferable to limit payment to direct payment for the information output cost, since a high cash value easily induces malicious information recipients.

For example, it is preferable to provide a step or means for applying to the payment amount when purchasing consumables for the printer device.

FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus relating to an information communication system in this modification.

In FIG. 23, reference numeral 2301 denotes an information transmitting computer from which an information transmitter transmits information. 2302
Is a network printer that receives information transmitted from the information transmission computer 2101 and prints out the information on paper.

Reference numeral 2303 denotes a payment recording computer. The payment record computer 2303 is transmitted from the information transmission computer 2301 to a person who transmits information by the information transmission computer 2301 to a person who prints out information on paper by the network printer 2302 and bears the running cost. The amount paid from the information sender to the information receiver is recorded for the purpose of compensating for the cost corresponding to the so-called running cost such as the ink cost and paper cost required when the information is output by the network printer 2302.

[0362] Reference numeral 2304 denotes a consumables sales computer. The consumable goods sales computer 2304 refers to the payment record computer 2303 for the acquisition amount of the recipient who uses the network printer 2302 when the consumable goods purchase request is transmitted from the network printer 2302,
The balance is applied to the purchase price of consumables such as ink and recording paper, the payment is made, and payment is made and the consumables are delivered.

[0363] Reference numeral 2305 denotes an information transmission computer 230.
1, a network printer 2302, a payment record computer 2303, and a consumable goods sales computer 230.
4 for performing data communication with the Internet.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case of electronic ordering / electronic settlement for the purchase of consumables has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and a similar effect can be obtained even if a step or means for realizing any sales and settlement method is provided. be able to.

For example, the network printer is provided with a step or means for holding a receiver ID or acquisition amount data in an IC card, and the consumables sales computer has an IC card in which the data is held in the acquisition amount data holding step. When a consumer purchases a consumable item, the method includes a step or means for reading the IC card, performing the same processing as in the above embodiment using the data held in the IC card, and applying the same to the purchase amount of the consumable item. You may.

[Other Modifications] Alternatively, in order for the consumer to just refrain from receiving the receiver ID and only present the ID when purchasing the consumable, the consumables sales computer uses the receiver ID. It may include a step or means for inputting, and a step or means for performing the same processing as in the above-described embodiment using the input receiver ID and applying the same to the purchase price of consumables.

[Other Modifications] Alternatively, the network printer may be provided with an ID output step or means for outputting the ID data used in the above embodiment to paper.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
One information transmission computer uses one information transmission computer (including a corporation). That is, a case has been described in which a single information transmission computer uses a unique caller ID. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be used properly depending on. Similarly, a plurality of recipient IDs may be used for an information receiving computer or a network printer.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
The case where one payment guarantee ID is used only once in order to uniquely determine the payment guarantee ID has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. Can obtain the same effect.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
For simplicity, we have described the case where there is only one computer or printer connected to the Internet.
The present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that a plurality of units may be used. However, when there are a plurality of payment recording computers, data for identifying the payment recording computer used in each data communication is attached.

(Second Embodiment) The above embodiments are all modifications of the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described.

In the second embodiment, an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information for the purpose of transmitting information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, and an information transmission step of transmitting the transmission information transmitted in the information transmission step via a network. A receiving step, a step of outputting the transfer information received in the information receiving step, a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step, and an information transmission of transmitting information in the information transmitting step FIG. 24 includes a charging fee payment data management process for managing data for ensuring that the user bears the fee charged in the charging process. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an information communication system to be implemented.

In FIG. 24, reference numeral 2401 denotes an information transmitting computer from which an information transmitter transmits information.

Reference numeral 2402 denotes an accounting printer. Billing type printer 2402 includes: an output unit that outputs information to paper;
There is provided a means for holding billing data and a means for updating billing data in response to information output. In addition, accounting printer 2
Reference numeral 402 denotes a unit for receiving the transmission information transmitted from the information transmission computer 2401, a unit for outputting the received transmission information, and an information transmitter that transmits information by the information transmission computer 2401 Upon receipt of the data expressing that all the charges are borne, there is a means for holding the charge data for the information sender.

Reference numeral 2403 denotes a charge management computer which receives charge data from the charge printer at regular intervals and performs a payment process for the charge data. Reference numeral 2404 denotes the Internet for performing data communication among the information transmission computer 2401, the accounting printer 2402, and the accounting management computer 2403.

When normal printing is performed, the accounting printer 2402 adds a predetermined fee to the accounting data held in the accounting data holding unit. This fee is 1
The charge may be constant for the output of the sheet, or may be different depending on the size of the paper to be output and the toner of the ink to be used. The billing data is sent to the billing management computer 2403 at regular intervals or at the time determined by the billing management computer 2403.

[0377] Using the transmitted billing data, the billing management computer 2403 performs a payment process for the user of the billing type printer 2402. For example, it creates an invoice or creates data for withdrawing from a contracted bank account. Instead of charging for each output, an operator or a consignor of the charging management computer 2403 performs maintenance of the charging printer 2402 and the like.

Here, when replenishment of consumables such as ink, toner, and paper used by the printer 2402 is performed, the burden on the user of the printer 2402 is only the charged printer fee. Therefore, even when the information sender bears the information output cost, it is only necessary to pay the charged print fee. Each device of the present embodiment has means or steps for realizing this method.

Next, with reference to FIG. 25, a description will be given of a data flow and main processing steps in each device in the present embodiment. First, the information transmission computer 2401
A charge management computer generates a secret key and a public key for signing data indicating that the information sender bears the information, and transmits public key notification data including the sender ID data and public key data for identifying the sender. The message is transmitted to the server 2403 (2501).

When the accounting management computer 2403 receives the public key notification data, it stores the sender ID data and the public key data contained therein as one data record. The accounting management computer 2403 includes a public key holding unit for this purpose. The public key holding means has a function of holding a plurality of data records and searching for the data records using the sender ID as an index.

Next, when it becomes necessary to send information from the information sender to the information receiver, the information sending computer 240
1 generates a uniquely determined payment guarantee ID,
Payment guarantee data including D, recipient ID, and payment guarantee ID is created. Then, signature data is created for the payment guarantee data using the secret key. Then, transmission data including payment guarantee data, signature data, and transmission information data is created and transmitted to the accounting printer 2402 (2502).

Next, when charging printer 2402 receives the transmission data, it extracts the sender ID from the data and searches for public key data corresponding to the sender ID. The accounting printer 2402 includes a public key holding unit for that purpose. If the public key corresponding to the caller ID is not retrieved from the public key holding means, the public key request data including the caller ID data is transmitted to the charging management computer 2403 (2503).

When the charge management computer 2403 receives the public key request data, it searches the public key holding means for the public key corresponding to the sender ID included in the request data, and returns the public key response data containing the public key data to the charge type. Printer 24
02 (2404). If the relevant public key is not searched, the public key response data indicating that the search was not performed is returned.

If the public key response data indicating that the public key has not been retrieved is received by the accounting printer 2402, the process ends. When the public key response data including the public key is received, the following processing is performed using the public key data. If the transmission data is received and the public key for the sender ID can be retrieved from its own public key holding means, the process proceeds to the next process.

First, using the public key, it is verified whether the signature data included in the transmission data is a correct signature for the payment guarantee data included in the transmission data. If the signature is not correct, the process ends. If the signature is correct, the transmission information data included in the transmission data is developed into an image and printed out on paper. Then, the prescribed print fee for this print output is held in the external billing data holding means as one data record together with the payment guarantee data and the signature data.

[0386] Thereafter, from the same information transmitting computer,
Even if another transmission data is sent, the print output processing can be advanced without inquiring the charge management computer 2403.

When the charge management computer 2403 receives the charge data, it also receives the external charge data. Using the external charging data received here, charging management computer 2403 performs a process of charging the print fee included in the external charging data to the sender identified by the sender ID included in the data record.

According to the above processing, also in the second embodiment, the print fee, which is the output cost of the information transmitted from the information transmitter, is not paid by the information receiver.
The burden on the information sender can be realized.

[Modification] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the accounting data for the printer user is retained, and the accounting management computer periodically receives the accounting data and performs the payment processing for the user. The present invention is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained even if any settlement method is adopted. For example, a step or means for connecting a charge receiving device to a printer and paying a print charge on the spot with cash or the like may be provided.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although a case has been described where the charging management computer receives the charging data for the printer user and the external charging data for the information sender via the Internet, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be received via a portable general storage medium such as an IC card. In this case, the accounting printer includes a process or means for outputting data to the IC card. Also, the charge management computer includes a data input step or means from an IC card.

[Other Modifications] Alternatively, information may be temporarily converted into information in a format other than electronic data, and then converted into electronic data again and input. For example, a billing printer
A billing data display step or means may be provided. Alternatively, the accounting printer may include an output step or means for outputting accounting data to paper. Further, the charge management computer may include a data input step or means for inputting charge data using a keyboard or the like.

(Third Embodiment) Next, an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information for the purpose of transmitting information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, and transmitting the transmission information transmitted in the information transmission step via a network. An information receiving step of receiving, an information output step of outputting the transmission information received in the information receiving step, which requires an output cost for output, and information contracted with a destination to which the information is transmitted in the information transmitting step A third embodiment comprising a contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting to recipients will be described.

FIG. 26 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an information communication system that implements the information communication method according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 26, reference numeral 2601 denotes an information distribution management computer to which an information sender distributes information. 2
602 is a contracted information distribution management computer 26
This is a contract type printer that outputs only data distributed from No. 01. 2603, the information distribution management computer 26
01 and the Internet for performing data communication between the contract type printer 2602 and the Internet.

[0395] The contract printer 2602 is a network printer that limits data that can be used to instruct print output. The contractor bears the cost of maintenance and the like of the contract printer 2602 and replenishment of consumables such as ink, toner and paper used by the printer. Therefore, the contractor becomes the information sender and the information distribution management computer 2601
If the information is transmitted using the information, the information transmitter can bear the cost required for the print output.

[0396] The information distribution management computer 2601 includes distribution data creation means for creating distribution data including data for assuring that the data is distribution data from the information distribution management computer, and identification data of the contract printer. There is provided identification data holding means for holding, and a distribution means for distributing distribution data only to the contract printer held in the identification data holding means.

[0397] For example, the distribution data creation means creates signature data for the information data to be transmitted using a secret key. As the identification data, for example, the IP address of a contract printer is used.

The contract printer 2602 receives the distribution data, verifies the distribution data received from the information distribution management computer 2601 of the contracted party from the received distribution data, and verifies the data. And output means for printing out the information contained in the distribution data.

The verification means verifies that the signature data included in the distribution data is correct signature data for the information data included in the distribution data, using, for example, the public key of the contractor.

By using the above means, in the information communication system of this embodiment, the contract type printer 2
By preventing output to 602, the information sender can bear the output cost required for print output.

[Modification] In the above embodiment, data can be verified only when it is possible to verify that the distribution data received by the contract printer includes data that guarantees the distribution from the contracted information distribution management computer. Has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a similar effect can be obtained by using any means that guarantees distribution from the contractor's information distribution management computer. Can be.

For example, when the information delivery management computer of the contracted party and the contract printer are connected by a telephone line, a call is made from the information delivery management computer to the contract printer, and the contract printer sends the telephone caller. May be verified by checking the telephone number of the contractor and checking the number with the number used by the information distribution management computer of the contracted party registered in advance.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although a case where the contract printer user cannot output to the contract printer has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the contract printer user has a means for outputting to the contract printer. You may. For example,
When the contract printer has means for identifying the computer used by the user of the contract printer and receives the information output request data from the computer, the same processing as the processing of the external billing data in the second embodiment is performed. Means for outputting information to the user and charging the user for the corresponding output cost.

[Other Modifications] Alternatively, the user of the contract printer may transmit information distribution data requesting information distribution to the information distribution management computer to realize output to the printer. In this case, the processing for the printer user is the same as the processing for other information transmission requesters.

[Other Modifications] The above modification is a modification for realizing the third embodiment of the present invention. Next, another modified example common to the second embodiment and the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, the case where no distribution management means for consumables is provided has been described above, but it is preferable to provide distribution management means. For example, when the amount of toner or ink used by the charge-type printer becomes equal to or less than a certain value, the charge-type printer may be provided with a unit for transmitting consumables request data to the charge management computer. In this case, the charge management computer may include a delivery processing unit that creates delivery instruction data of the consumable item when the consumable item request data is received. Further, the contract printer and the information distribution management computer may include the same means.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
We have explained the case where there is no means to prevent the distributed consumables from being diverted and used by other printers,
The present invention is not limited to this, and preferably includes means that is not diverted to other printers. For example,
The ink cartridge used in the printer includes means for holding ID data for identifying the printer used by the printer, and the printer suppresses the operation if the ID data held in the ink cartridge does not match its own ID data. May be provided.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although an example of the data flow and the configuration of the device has been described,
The present invention is not limited to this. Needless to say, it may include the security ensuring means, the information mediating means, the information requesting means, and the like described in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Other Modifications] The above modification is a modification of the second and third embodiments of the present invention.
Hereinafter, modified examples common to all embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0410] First, the above embodiment has described the case where a printer is used as an information output device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any information output device may be used. For example, a facsimile machine or a composite copying machine may be used.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where the information sender costs the information output cost in the information output device that outputs the information on paper has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information output cost is usually assumed by the information receiver. The information output cost of the information output device described above may be borne.

For example, in displaying data of a moving image or the like,
There is an information output method in which a user is charged according to the use time and the number of times of use of software that displays data of a specific format by downloading the software from a server. The method in which the information sender bears this charge may be realized by the same method as in the above embodiment.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where the unit of the output cost and the payment amount is yen has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and any currency unit or any unit used for settlement of a specific good may be used. . Also, the case has been described where the numerical data representing the output cost and the payment amount is an integer, but may be a decimal number.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where the same unit is used as the unit expressing the output cost and the payment amount has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of units may be used in combination. In this case, any device such as a payment recording computer, a billing type printer, and a billing management computer may be provided with means or a step for performing conversion between different units.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where a unique TCP / IP protocol is used in each data communication has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and a data communication protocol other than the TCP / IP protocol may be used. In addition, existing T
It does not prevent using the CP / IP protocol. For example, data may be transmitted as e-mail according to an e-mail protocol, or data may be transmitted and received using HTTP.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where each data communication is performed using the Internet has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and any communication means may be used. For example, a dedicated line may be used. Further, a plurality of communication lines may be used. For example, data broadcasting and the Internet may be combined.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
Although the case where the information receiving computer and the printer are connected by the parallel cable has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connection may be made by using an arbitrary connection means such as a USB cable or wireless.

[Other Modifications] The encoding method, identification data, data holding method, and the like used in the above embodiment are not limited to those described above, and other methods exhibiting the same effects are used. It goes without saying that it can be done.

[Other Modifications] In the above embodiment,
In the embodiment, the software program that realizes the above-described functions is operated using a computer, a CPU, or an MPU. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is achieved by a logic circuit that realizes all or a part of the functions. No.

[Other Modifications] The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or to an apparatus including a single device. A recording medium storing software program codes (program products) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code. In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium on which the program code is recorded constitutes the present invention.

[Other Modifications] As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk,
A CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like can be used.

[Other Modifications] The functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by the computer executing the readout program code, but also executed on the computer based on the instructions of the program code. Operating system, etc., performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[Other Modifications] Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the code, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. No.

[0424]

As described above, according to the information communication method of the present invention, an information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information for the purpose of transmitting information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, and the information transmitting step An information receiving step of receiving the transmission information transmitted in the network via a network, an information output step of outputting the transmission information received in the information receiving step, which requires an output cost for output, and the information transmission step. An output cost burden management step of performing data management for the information sender to send the information to bear the output cost. Therefore, even if the information communication method including the information output step requiring a cost for information output is used, There is an effect that the information communication is promoted in a case where it is appropriate according to the social wisdom that the information transmitter bears the information communication cost, and the information transmitter bears the information communication cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an information communication system that implements an information communication method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the information transmitting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the information receiving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a goods transfer management device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a data flow diagram in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a payment reservation data packet in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a payment reservation data holding unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a payment guarantee data packet according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a transfer data packet in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a payment confirmation request data packet in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a payment confirmation data packet in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of another payment confirmation data packet in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing of an information transmitting step according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a data flow diagram in a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a data flow diagram in a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a basic configuration diagram of a modification of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a data flow diagram in a modification of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a basic configuration diagram of a modified example of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a data flow diagram in a modification of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a data flow diagram in a modification of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a basic configuration diagram of a modified example of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a data flow diagram in a modification of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a basic configuration diagram of a modified example of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a basic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an information communication system that performs an information communication method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a data flow diagram in a modification of the second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a basic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an information communication system that implements an information communication method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

101, 2301, 2401 Information sending computer 102, 1601, 1803 Information receiving computer 103, 1602, 1804 Printer 104, 1805, 2303 Payment record computer 105, 1604, 1806, 2305, 2404, 2
603 Internet 201 Reception computer address storage unit 202 Recipient ID storage unit 203 Transfer information data storage unit 204 Payment guarantee data acquisition unit 205 Transfer data transmission unit 206, 301, 401 Communication unit 302 Transfer data storage unit 303 Payment confirmation processing unit 304 Output Data transmission unit 402 Payment reservation processing unit 403 Payment reservation data storage unit 404 Payment confirmation processing unit 405 Sender payment amount data storage unit 406 Recipient acquisition amount data storage unit 1603 Information transmission and recording computer 1801 Information transmission request computer 1802 Information mediation computer 2302 Network printer 2304 Consumables sales computer 2402 Billing printer 2602 Contract printer 2601 Information distribution management computer

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G03G 21/02 G03G 21/00 392 F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AQ04 AQ05 AQ06 AR01 HK18 HK23 HQ12 HQ17 2H027 EJ06 EJ15 ZA07 5B021 AA01 AA02 BB10 CC05 EE01 5B049 BB00 CC06 CC21 CC36 EE01 EE23 EE28 FF02 GG04 GG07 9A001 BB04 BB06 CC02 KK42 KK56 LL03

Claims (172)

[Claims] 1. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. An information communication method comprising: an information transmitter for transmitting information in the information transmitting step for performing data management to bear the output cost. An information communication method comprising a cost burden management step. 2. The method according to claim 2, wherein the transmission information received in the information receiving step is output in the information output step only when it is guaranteed that the information transmitter bears the output cost in the output cost burden managing step. The information communication method according to claim 1, further comprising an output control step of controlling. 3. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. An information communication method comprising: an information output step of performing an information transmission step; and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. An information communication method, comprising: a charging fee payment data management step of managing data for guaranteeing that a charged fee is paid. 4. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, comprising: managing contract data for limiting a destination to which information is transmitted in the information transmitting step to a contracted information receiver. An information communication method, comprising: 5. A verification step for verifying that the transmitted information received in the information receiving step is transmitted information from an information sender of a contracted party, and that the transmitted information is transmitted from the information sender in the verification step. 5. The information communication method according to claim 4, further comprising an output control step of controlling the transmission information to be output in the information output step only when is verified. 6. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmitter that transmits information in the information transmission step bears the output cost to the information receiver. An information communication method comprising a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost. 7. Only when the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the goods transfer data management step, control is performed so that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is output in the information output step. The information communication method according to claim 6, further comprising an output control step. 8. A goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data in conjunction with the goods transfer data management step, wherein a consumable used in the information output step is sold based on the goods transfer data. 8. The information communication method according to claim 6, wherein the settlement data is managed. 9. The information communication method according to claim 1, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 10. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein an information sender that sends information in the information sending step is A data management method comprising an output cost burden management step of managing data for bearing the output cost. 11. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A data management method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of performing the information communication method and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. A data management method, comprising: a billing charge payment data management step of managing data for ensuring that an information sender transmitting information bears a charge charged in the charging step. 12. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting the information to the information recipients. 13. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein an information sender that sends information in the information sending step is A data management method, comprising: a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver in order to cover the output cost. 14. A goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data in accordance with the goods transfer data management step, wherein a consumable used in the information output step is sold based on the goods transfer data. 14. The data management method according to claim 13, wherein the payment data is managed. 15. The data management method according to claim 10, wherein said transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium in said information output step. 16. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information transmission method for performing information communication using an information output method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein an information transmitter that transmits information in the information transmission step includes: An output cost burden management step of performing data management for bearing the output cost, and a management data communication step of communicating management data in accordance with the output cost burden management step. An information transmission method characterized by transmitting management data. 17. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. An information transmission method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of performing the information communication method and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information reception step. A charging fee payment data management step for managing data that guarantees that an information transmitter transmitting information bears a fee charged in the charging step; and charging fee payment data associated with the charging fee payment data management step. A charging fee payment data communication step of performing communication of the information transmission step, transmitting the charging fee payment data in the information transmitting step. How to send information. 18. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And transmitting information using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting the information to the information recipients, and transmitting the contract data in the information transmitting step. 19. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information transmission method for performing information communication using an information output method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein an information transmitter that transmits information in the information transmission step includes: A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver to bear the output cost; and a goods transfer in accordance with the goods transfer data management step. An information transmission method, comprising: a goods transfer data communication step of performing data communication; and transmitting the goods transfer data in the information transmission step. 20. The information transmitting method according to claim 19, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in the information output step is managed based on the goods transfer data. 21. The information transmitting method according to claim 16, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-like recording medium. 22. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information receiving method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein an information sender that sends information in the information sending step is An output cost burden management step of performing data management for bearing the output cost, and a management data communication step of communicating management data along with the output cost burden management step. An information receiving method, comprising receiving management data. 23. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. An information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of performing the information communication method and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. A charging fee payment data management step for managing data that guarantees that an information transmitter transmitting information bears a fee charged in the charging step; and charging fee payment data associated with the charging fee payment data management step. A charging fee payment data communication step of performing communication of the above, wherein the charging fee payment data is received in the information receiving step. Information receiving method. 24. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information communication method using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the communication information received in the information receiving step is a contracted party. An information receiving method, comprising: a verification step of verifying that the transmitted information is transmitted from an information transmitter. 25. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information receiving method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein an information sender that sends information in the information sending step is A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver to bear the output cost; and a goods transfer in accordance with the goods transfer data management step. An information receiving method, comprising: a goods transfer data communication step of performing data communication; and receiving the goods transfer data in the information receiving step. 26. The information receiving method according to claim 25, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in the information output step is managed based on the goods transfer data. 27. The information receiving method according to claim 22, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 28. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an output cost burden management step in which an information sender who sends information in the information sending step manages data to bear the output cost. An information output control method when performing information communication using a communication method, wherein only when the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the output cost burden management step, the information receiving step is performed. An information output control method, comprising an output control step of controlling the received transmission information to be output in the information output step. 29. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information output method requiring an output cost at the time of output, the information output control method when performing information communication using the information communication method, wherein the transmission information received in the information receiving step is a contractor. A verification step of verifying that the transmitted information is transmitted from the information transmitter, and only when it is verified that the transmitted information is transmitted from the information transmitter in the verification step, the transmitted information is transmitted in the information output step. An output control step of performing control to output the information. 30. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. An information output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, and an information transmitter that transmits information in the information transmission step corresponds to the output cost to the information receiver in order to bear the output cost. An information output control method for performing information communication using an information communication method comprising: a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods, wherein the output cost is controlled in the goods transfer data management step. Only when the transfer of the goods corresponding to is guaranteed, the output for controlling the transmission information received in the information receiving step to be output in the information output step. Information output control method characterized by comprising the control step. 31. The information output control method according to claim 30, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in the information output step is managed based on the goods transfer data. 32. The information output control method according to claim 28, wherein in said information output step, said transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 33. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information sender to an information receiver, and outputting the received transmission information. An information output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, an output cost share management step of performing data management for an information sender who sends information in the information send step to bear the output cost, and the output cost share. A management data communication step of communicating the management data with the management step. 34. Outputting the transmission information received in the information receiving step in the information output step only when receiving data in which it is guaranteed that the information sender bears the output cost in the management data communication step. 34. The information output method according to claim 33, further comprising an output control step of controlling the information output. 35. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, and outputting the received transmission information. An information output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to the output cost in the information receiving step, and an information transmitter that transmits information in the information transmitting step is charged in the charging step. A charging fee payment data management step for managing data that guarantees that the charging fee is paid, and a charging fee payment data communication step for communicating the charging fee payment data in conjunction with the charging fee payment data management step. An information output method, comprising: 36. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, and outputting the received transmission information. An information output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, a verification step of verifying that the transmission information received in the information reception step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contractor, and a verification step. An output control step of controlling to output transmission information in the information output step only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from the information sender. 37. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information sender to an information receiver, and outputting the received transmission information. An information output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, and an information transmitter that transmits information in the information transmission step supplies a goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver to bear the output cost. An information output method, comprising: a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer; and a goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data in conjunction with the goods transfer data management step. 38. Only when data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is received in the goods transfer data communication step, the transmission information received in the information receiving step is output in the information output step. 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising an output control step of controlling.
7. The information output method according to 7. 39. The information output method according to claim 37, wherein payment data for selling a consumable used in the information output step is managed based on the goods transfer data. 40. The information output method according to claim 33, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 41. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a data output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, and a data management method for an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmitting step to bear the output cost. A program product comprising an output cost burden management step of performing the following. 42. The transmission information received in the information receiving step is output in the information output step only when it is guaranteed that the information sender bears the output cost in the output cost burden management step. 42. The program product according to claim 41, further comprising an output control step of controlling. 43. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a charging step for charging a fee corresponding to the output cost in the information receiving step, wherein the information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmitting step includes the charging. A program product comprising: a billing fee payment data management step for managing data that guarantees that the fee charged in the step is paid. 44. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, the contract product for limiting the destination to which information is transmitted in the information transmission step to the information receiver who has contracted. A program product comprising a contract data management step for managing data. 45. A verification step for verifying that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmission information transmitted from an information transmitter of a contracted party, and that the transmission information is transmitted from the information transmitter in the verification step. 45. The program product according to claim 44, further comprising an output control step of performing control so that the transmission information is output in the information output step only when is verified. 46. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. The program product of the information communication method, wherein the information transmitter for transmitting the information at the information transmitting step bears the output cost. A program product comprising a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to a receiver. 47. Only when the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the goods transfer data management step, control is performed so that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is output in the information output step. 47. The program product according to claim 46, further comprising an output control step. 48. The method further includes a goods transfer data communication step of performing communication of goods transfer data in accordance with the goods transfer data management step, wherein a consumable used in the information output step is sold based on the goods transfer data. The program product according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the payment data is managed. 49. The program product according to claim 41, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 50. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, the information being transmitted in the information transmitting step. A program product comprising an output cost burden management step of performing data management for a caller to bear the output cost. 51. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information sender to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A charge management method for performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising: an information output step of performing an information communication step; and a charging step of charging a charge corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. A program product comprising a billing fee payment data management step for managing data for ensuring that an information sender who transmits information in a sending step bears a fee charged in the charging step. 52. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A data management method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmission step transmits information in the information transmission step. A program product comprising a contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting the contracted information recipient to the information recipient. 53. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A data management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, the information being transmitted in the information transmitting step. A program product comprising a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that a sender bears the output cost. 54. A goods transfer data communication step for performing communication of goods transfer data in accordance with the goods transfer data management step, wherein a consumable used in the information output step is sold based on the goods transfer data. 54. The program product according to claim 53, wherein the payment product manages payment data. 55. The program product according to claim 50, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 56. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A program product of an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information is transmitted in the information transmission step. An output cost burden management step of performing data management for the sender to bear the output cost; and a management data communication step of communicating management data in conjunction with the output cost burden management step, wherein the information transmission is performed. And transmitting the management data in the step. 57. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A program product of an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising: an information output step of performing an information communication step; and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. A charging fee payment data management step for managing data which guarantees that an information transmitter transmitting information in the transmitting step bears the fee charged in the charging step; and charging in accordance with the charging fee payment data management step. A charge payment data communication step for communicating charge payment data; A program product, wherein the charging fee payment data is transmitted in a transmitting step. 58. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And transmitting information using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting the contracted information recipient to the information recipient, and transmitting the contract data in the information transmitting step. 59. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A program product of an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information is transmitted in the information transmission step. A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the sender bears the output cost; and And a goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data. A program product for transmitting data. 60. The program product according to claim 59, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in said information output step is managed based on said goods transfer data. 61. The program product according to claim 56, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 62. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A program product of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information is transmitted in the information transmitting step. An output cost burden management step of performing data management for the caller to bear the output cost; and a management data communication step of communicating management data in conjunction with the output cost burden management step; A program product receiving the management data in a step. 63. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A program product of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising: an information output step of performing an information communication step; and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. A charging fee payment data management step for managing data for ensuring that an information sender transmitting information in the transmitting step bears the fee charged in the charging step; and charging in accordance with the charging fee payment data management step. A charge payment data communication step for communicating charge payment data; A program product receiving the billing fee payment data in a receiving step. 64. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a program product of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the transmission information received in the information receiving step is A program product comprising a verification step of verifying that the information is transmitted from an information sender of a contracted party. 65. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A program product of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information is transmitted in the information transmitting step. A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the sender bears the output cost; and And a goods transfer data communication step of performing communication of goods transfer data through the information transfer step. A program product characterized by receiving data. 66. The program product according to claim 65, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in the information output step is managed based on the goods transfer data. 67. The program product according to claim 62, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 68. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. Information output step which requires an output cost at the time of output,
An information output control method for performing information communication using an information communication method, comprising: an output cost sharing management step of managing data for sharing an output cost by an information sender sending information in the information sending step. The transfer product received in the information receiving step is output in the information output step only when the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the output cost burden management step. A program product comprising an output control step for controlling the program product. 69. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information output method requiring an output cost at the time of output. The program product of the information output control method when performing information communication using the information communication method, the transmission information received at the information receiving step A verification step of verifying that the transmitted information is transmitted from the information transmitter of the contractor; and only when the verification step verifies that the transmitted information is transmitted from the information transmitter, the transmitted information is transmitted to the information. An output control step of controlling output in the output step. 70. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. Information output step which requires an output cost at the time of output,
A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing a transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that an information sender transmitting information in the information sending step bears the output cost; A program product of an information output control method when performing information communication using the information communication method comprising: only when transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the goods transfer data management step. An output control step of controlling the transmission information received in the information receiving step to be output in the information output step. 71. The program product according to claim 70, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in said information output step is managed based on said goods transfer data. 72. The program product according to claim 68, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 73. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, the transmitted information transmitted in the information transmitting step of transmitting transmitted information from the information transmitter to the information receiver;
An information output step of outputting the received transmission information, which requires an output cost at the time of output, and an output for performing data management for an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmission step to bear the output cost. A program product, comprising: a cost sharing management step; and a management data communication step for communicating the management data with the output cost sharing management step. 74. The transmission information received in the information receiving step is output in the information output step only when the data that is guaranteed to be borne by the information sender is received in the management data communication step. 74. The program product according to claim 73, further comprising an output control step of performing control to cause the program product to perform the control. 75. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, the transmitted information transmitted in the information transmitting step of transmitting transmitted information from the information transmitter to the information receiver;
Outputting the received transmission information, the information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to the output cost in the information receiving step, and transmitting the information in the information transmitting step Charge payment data management step for managing data that guarantees that the information sender to be charged the charge charged in the charging step, and communication of the charge payment data with the charge payment data management step And a data communication step for performing a billing fee payment. 76. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information sender to an information receiver.
A step of outputting the received transmission information, an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, and that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of the contracted party. A verification step of verifying, and an output control step of controlling to output transmission information in the information output step only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from the information sender in the verification step. Program products. 77. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, the transmitted information transmitted in the information transmitting step of transmitting transmitted information from the information transmitter to the information receiver;
An information output step of outputting the received transmission information, which requires an output cost at the time of output, and an information transmitter that transmits information in the information transmission step to the information receiver to bear the output cost. A goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost, and a goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data in conjunction with the goods transfer data management step. Program products characterized by the following: 78. The transmission information received in the information receiving step is output in the information output step only when the data for guaranteeing the transfer of the goods corresponding to the output cost is received in the goods transfer data communication step. The program product according to claim 77, further comprising an output control step of controlling. 79. The program product according to claim 77, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in said information output step is managed based on said goods transfer data. 80. The program product according to claim 73, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 81. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium for a program of an information communication method, comprising: an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the program transmits information in the information transmission step. A storage medium comprising an output cost burden management step of performing data management for a sender to bear the output cost. 82. The program according to claim 82, wherein the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmitted in the information output step only when it is guaranteed that the information transmitter bears the output cost in the output cost burden managing step. The storage medium according to claim 81, further comprising an output control step of controlling output. 83. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of an information communication method, comprising: an information output step for performing the information output step; and a charging step for charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. A storage medium, comprising: a billing fee payment data management step for managing data that guarantees that an information sender who transmits information in a sending step bears a fee charged in the charging step. 84. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the program transmits information in the information transmission step. A storage medium, comprising: a contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting a contract to an information receiver who has made a contract. 85. A verification step for verifying that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contractor,
85. An output control step for controlling the output of the transmitted information in the information output step only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from the information sender in the verification step. A storage medium according to claim 1. 86. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium for a program of an information communication method, comprising: an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the program transmits information in the information transmission step. A storage medium comprising a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that a sender bears the output cost. 87. The program causes the transmission information received in the information receiving step to be output in the information output step only when the transfer of the goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed in the goods transfer data management step. 87. The storage medium according to claim 86, further comprising an output control step of performing control as described above. 88. The program further comprises a goods transfer data communication step of performing communication of goods transfer data along with the goods transfer data management step, and consumables used in the information output step based on the goods transfer data. 88. The storage medium according to claim 86 or 87, wherein payment data when selling is managed. 89. The storage medium according to claim 81, wherein, in said information output step, said transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 90. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of a data management method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A storage medium, comprising: an output cost burden management step of managing data for an information sender who sends information in the information sending step to bear the output cost. 91. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer for storing a program of a charge management method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of performing the information communication step and a charging step of charging a charge corresponding to the output cost in the information receiving step. A storage medium, wherein the program manages data for guaranteeing that an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmission step bears a fee charged in the charging step. A storage medium comprising: 92. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of a data management method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A storage medium, comprising: a contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting a transmission destination to which information is transmitted in the information transmission step to a contracted information receiver. 93. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of a data management method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. In the program, the information transfer step includes the step of managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmitting step bears the output cost. A storage medium comprising a data management step. 94. The program further comprises a goods transfer data communication step of performing communication of goods transfer data along with the goods transfer data management step, and consumables used in the information output step based on the goods transfer data. 94. The storage medium according to claim 93, wherein payment data when selling is managed. 95. The storage medium according to claim 90, wherein, in said information output step, said transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 96. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. The program includes: an output cost burden management step in which an information sender transmitting information in the information sending step performs data management for bearing the output cost; and communication of management data with the output cost burden management step. Performing a management data communication step. Storage medium and transmits the data. 97. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A program for an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of performing the information communication and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to the output cost in the information receiving step. A storage medium, wherein the program manages data for guaranteeing that an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmission step bears a fee charged in the charging step. And communication of billing fee payment data with the billing fee payment data management step. A charging fee payment data communication step of transmitting the charging fee payment data in the information transmitting step. 98. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. The program comprises: a contract data management step of managing contract data for limiting a transmission destination of transmitting information in the information transmitting step to an information receiver who has contracted; transmitting the contract data in the information transmitting step A storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 99. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of an information transmission method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. In the program, the information transfer step includes the step of managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmitting step bears the output cost. A data transfer step for communicating the goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management step. And transmitting the goods transfer data in the information transmitting step. 100. The storage medium according to claim 99, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in said information output step is managed based on said goods transfer data. 101. The storage medium according to claim 96, wherein in the information output step, the transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 102. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium for storing a program of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. The program includes: an output cost burden management step in which an information sender transmitting information in the information sending step performs data management for bearing the output cost; and communication of management data with the output cost burden management step. Performing a management data communication step. Storage medium and receives the over data. 103. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. A program for an information receiving method for performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step of performing an information communication step and a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to an output cost in the information receiving step. A storage medium, wherein the program manages data for guaranteeing that an information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmission step bears a fee charged in the charging step. And transmitting the billing fee payment data in accordance with the billing fee payment data management step. A charging fee payment data communication step of performing communication, wherein the charging fee payment data is received in the information receiving step. 104. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium for storing a program of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A storage medium, comprising: a verification step of verifying that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contracted party. 105. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium for storing a program of an information receiving method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. In the program, the information transfer step includes the step of managing data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that the information transmitter transmitting information in the information transmitting step bears the output cost. A data management step, and goods transfer data for communicating the goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management step A storage medium, comprising: a communication step; and receiving the goods transfer data in the information receiving step. 106. The storage medium according to claim 105, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in said information output step is managed based on said goods transfer data. 107. The storage medium according to claim 102, wherein, in said information output step, said transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 108. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. An information output step which requires an output cost at the time of output, and an output cost burden managing step of performing data management for the information sender who sends information in the information sending step to bear the output cost. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program of an information output control method for performing information communication using a communication method, wherein the program corresponds to the output cost burden managing step. The transfer information received in the information receiving step only when the transfer of the Storage medium, characterized in that it comprises an output control step of controlling so as to output in the information output step. 109. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program of an information output control method when performing information communication using an information communication method including an information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output. A verification step for verifying that the transmission information received in the information receiving step is transmission information transmitted from an information transmitter of a contractor; and that the information transmitted from the information transmitter in the verification step is provided. An output for controlling the transmission information to be output in the information output step only when verified. And a control step. 110. An information transmitting step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving step of receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network, and outputting the received transmission information. An information output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, and an information transmitter that transmits information in the information transmission step corresponds to the output cost to the information receiver in order to bear the output cost. A storage medium readable by a computer for storing a program of an information output control method when performing information communication using an information communication method including a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods. The program may further include, in the goods transfer data management step, the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost. When testified to only storage medium characterized by comprising an output control step of controlling the transmission information received by the information receiving step so as to output in the information output step. 111. The storage medium according to claim 110, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in said information output step is managed based on said goods transfer data. 112. The storage medium according to claim 108, wherein, in said information output step, said transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 113. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, and outputting the received transmission information. An information output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, an output cost share management step of performing data management for an information sender who sends information in the information sending step to bear the output cost, and the output cost share. A storage medium wherein a program for an information output method comprising: a management data communication step of communicating the management data with the management step is stored so as to be readable by a computer. 114. The program according to claim 1, wherein said management data communication step is performed only when receiving data which guarantees that an information sender bears said output cost.
114. An output control step for controlling transmission information received in the information receiving step to be output in the information output step.
A storage medium according to claim 1. 115. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, and outputting the received transmission information. An information output step requiring an output cost at the time of output, a charging step of charging a fee corresponding to the output cost in the information receiving step, and an information sender transmitting information in the information transmitting step being charged in the charging step. A charging fee payment data management step for managing data for guaranteeing that the fee is paid, and a charging fee payment data communication step for communicating the charging fee payment data with the charging fee payment data management step. The information output method program provided is computer-readable. A storage medium characterized by remembering. 116. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information sender to an information receiver, and outputting the received transmission information. An information output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, a verification step of verifying that the transmission information received in the information reception step is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contractor, and the verification step An output control step of controlling the communication information to be output in the information output step only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from the information sender. Characteristic storage medium. 117. An information receiving step of receiving, via a network, transmission information transmitted in an information transmission step of transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, and outputting the received transmission information. And an information output step that requires an output cost at the time of output, and an information sender that sends information in the information sending step supplies a goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver in order to bear the output cost. A computer can read a program of an information output method including a goods transfer data management step of managing data for guaranteeing transfer, and a goods transfer data communication step of communicating goods transfer data along with the goods transfer data management step. A storage medium characterized by being stored in a storage medium. 118. The transmission information received in the information receiving step is output in the information output step only when data for guaranteeing the transfer of the goods corresponding to the output cost is received in the goods transfer data communication step. 118. The storage medium according to claim 117, further comprising an output control step of controlling. 119. The storage medium according to claim 117, wherein payment data for selling consumables used in said information output step is managed based on said goods transfer data. 120. The storage medium according to claim 113, wherein, in said information output step, said transmission information is printed on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 121. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information communication device comprising: a unit for outputting the received transmission information; and an information output unit that requires an output cost at the time of output. An information transmitter that transmits information by the information transmission unit bears the output cost. An information communication apparatus comprising output cost burden management means for performing data management for performing data management. 122. The information output means outputs the transmission information received by the information receiving means only when it is guaranteed by the output cost burden managing means that the information sender bears the output cost. 122. The apparatus according to claim 121, further comprising output control means for controlling.
An information communication device according to claim 1. 123. Information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information communication device comprising: an information output unit that outputs the received transmission information; and a charging unit that charges a fee corresponding to an output cost of the information receiving unit, wherein the information transmitting unit transmits information. An information communication apparatus comprising: a billing fee payment data managing unit that manages data that guarantees that a caller bears the fee charged by the billing unit. 124. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information communication device comprising: means for outputting the received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output. An information communication device comprising contract data management means for managing contract data for limiting. 125. Verification means for verifying that the transmission information received by the information reception means is transmission information transmitted from an information transmitter of a contractor, and that the verification means transmits the information from the information transmitter. 125. The information communication apparatus according to claim 124, further comprising: output control means for controlling the information output means to output the transmission information only when is verified. 126. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information communication device comprising: a unit for outputting the received transmission information; and an information output unit that requires an output cost at the time of output. An information transmitter that transmits information by the information transmission unit bears the output cost. An information communication apparatus, comprising: a goods transfer data management unit that manages data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver. 127. Control is performed such that transmission information received by said information receiving means is output by said information output means only when transfer of goods corresponding to said output cost is guaranteed by said goods transfer data management means. The information communication apparatus according to claim 126, further comprising output control means. 128. It further comprises goods transfer data communication means for communicating goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management means, and sells consumables used by the information output means based on the goods transfer data. 130. The information communication apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the payment data at the time is managed. 129. The information communication apparatus according to claim 121, wherein said information output means prints said transmission information on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 130. Information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
A data management device for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting the received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information is transmitted by the information transmission means. A data management device comprising output cost burden management means for managing data for a sender to bear the output cost. 131. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
A charging management device for performing information communication in an information communication system, comprising: an information output unit that outputs the received transmission information; and a charging unit that charges a fee corresponding to an output cost of the information receiving unit. A data management device comprising: a billing fee payment data managing unit that manages data that guarantees that an information transmitter that transmits information by a transmitting unit bears a fee charged by the charging unit. 132. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
A data management device for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting the received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmission means transmits information. A data management device, comprising: contract data management means for managing contract data for restricting information to a contracted information receiver. 133. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
A data management device for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting the received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information is transmitted by the information transmission means. A data management device, comprising: goods transfer data management means for managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that a sender bears the output cost. . 134. It further comprises a goods transfer data communication means for communicating goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management means, and sells a consumable used by the information output means based on the goods transfer data. 133. The data management device according to claim 133, wherein payment data at the time is managed. 135. A data management apparatus according to claim 130, wherein said information output means prints said transmission information on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 136. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information transmitting apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system including: means for outputting the received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information is transmitted by the information transmitting means. An output cost burden management means for performing data management for the caller to bear the output cost; and a management data communication means for communicating management data with the output cost burden management means; An information transmitting apparatus, wherein the management data is transmitted by transmitting means. 137. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information transmitting device for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: an information output unit that outputs the received transmission information; and a charging unit that charges a fee corresponding to an output cost of the information receiving unit. A billing fee payment data managing unit for managing data for ensuring that an information sender who transmits information by the transmitting unit bears a fee charged by the billing unit; and An information transmitting device, comprising: charging fee payment data communication means for communicating charging fee payment data; wherein the information transmitting means transmits the charging fee payment data. 138. An information transmitting means for transmitting information transmitted from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means receiving the transmitted information via a network,
An information transmitting apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system, comprising: means for outputting the received transmission information, and information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information transmitting means transmits information. An information transmission device, comprising: contract data management means for managing contract data for limiting the contracted information to the information receiver who has contracted with the contract destination; and transmitting the contract data by the information transmission means. 139. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information transmitting apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system including: means for outputting the received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information is transmitted by the information transmitting means. A goods transfer data management means for managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that a sender bears the output cost; and An information transmission device, comprising: goods transfer data communication means for performing communication of goods transfer data between the goods transfer means, wherein the information transfer means transmits the goods transfer data. 140. The information transmitting apparatus according to claim 139, wherein payment data for selling consumables used by said information output means is managed based on said goods transfer data. 141. The information transmitting apparatus according to claim 136, wherein said information output means prints said transmission information on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 142. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information receiving apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting the received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information is transmitted by the information transmitting means. An output cost burden management means for performing data management for the caller to bear the output cost; and a management data communication means for communicating management data with the output cost burden management means; An information receiving apparatus, wherein the management data is received by a receiving unit. 143. Information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information receiving apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: an information output unit that outputs the received transmission information; and a charging unit that charges a fee corresponding to an output cost of the information receiving unit. A billing fee payment data managing unit for managing data for ensuring that an information sender who transmits information by the transmitting unit bears a fee charged by the billing unit; and An information receiving apparatus comprising: charging fee payment data communication means for communicating charging fee payment data; and wherein the information receiving means receives the charging fee payment data. 144. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information receiving apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system including means for outputting the received transmission information and information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the transmission information received by the information receiving means is An information receiving apparatus comprising: a verification unit that verifies that the transmission information is transmitted from an information transmitter of a contracted party. 145. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information receiving apparatus for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting the received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the information is transmitted by the information transmitting means. A goods transfer data management means for managing data for guaranteeing transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that a sender bears the output cost; and An information receiving apparatus, comprising: goods transfer data communication means for communicating goods transfer data between the goods transfer means; and receiving the goods transfer data by the information receiving means. 146. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 145, wherein payment information for selling consumables used by said information output means is managed based on said goods transfer data. 147. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 142, wherein said information output means prints said transmission information on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 148. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
Means for outputting the received transmission information, the information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, and an output for performing data management for an information sender transmitting information by the information transmitting means to bear the output cost An information output control device for performing information communication in an information communication system including cost sharing management means, wherein the output cost sharing management means guarantees that a transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed. An information output control device, comprising: output control means for controlling transmission information received by a reception means to be output by said information output means. 149. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
An information output control device for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: means for outputting the received transmission information; and an information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, wherein the transmission information received by the information receiving means is provided. A verification unit that verifies that the transmission information is transmitted from the information transmitter of the contractor; and only when the verification unit verifies that the transmission is transmitted from the information transmitter, the transmission information is converted to the information. An information output control device, comprising: output control means for controlling output by an output means. 150. An information transmitting means for transmitting transmission information from an information transmitter to an information receiver, an information receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission information via a network,
Means for outputting the received transmission information, the information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, and the information sender to send information in the information sending means to the information receiver to bear the output cost An information output control device for performing information communication in an information communication system comprising: a goods transfer data management unit that manages data that guarantees transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost. An information output device comprising: an output control unit that controls transmission information received by the information receiving unit to be output by the information output unit only when transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is guaranteed. Control device. 151. The information output control apparatus according to claim 150, wherein payment information for selling consumables used by said information output means is managed based on said goods transfer data. 152. An information output control device according to claim 148, wherein said information output means prints said transmission information on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 153. Information receiving means for receiving, via a network, information transmitted from information transmitting means for transmitting information transmitted from an information transmitter to an information receiver, and means for outputting the received information transmitted. Information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, output cost burden management means for performing data management for the information sender who transmits information by the information transmission means to bear the output cost, and the output cost burden management means And a management data communication means for communicating the management data with the information output device. 154. The transmission information received by the information receiving means is output by the information output means only when the management data communication means receives data which guarantees that the information sender bears the output cost. 153. The information output device according to claim 153, further comprising output control means for controlling the information output. 155. An information receiving means for receiving, via a network, information transmitted from information transmitting means for transmitting information transmitted from an information sender to an information receiver, and means for outputting the received information. An information output unit that requires an output cost at the time of output, a charging unit that charges a fee corresponding to the output cost in the information receiving unit, and an information sender that transmits information by the information transmitting unit is charged by the charging unit. A charging fee payment data management unit that manages data that guarantees that a fee is paid; and a charging fee payment data communication unit that communicates the charging fee payment data with the charging fee payment data management unit. An information output device, characterized in that: 156. An information receiving means for receiving, via a network, information transmitted from an information transmitting means for transmitting information transmitted from an information sender to an information receiver, and means for outputting the received information. Information output means requiring an output cost at the time of output, verification means for verifying that the transmission information received by the information reception means is transmission information transmitted from an information sender of a contractor, and the verification means An information output device, comprising: output control means for controlling transmission information to be output by the information output means only when it is verified that the information is transmitted from a caller. 157. Information receiving means for receiving, via a network, information transmitted from information transmitting means for transmitting information transmitted from an information sender to an information receiver, and means for outputting the received information transmitted. Information output means which requires an output cost at the time of output, and transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver so that an information transmitter transmitting information by the information transmitting means bears the output cost. An information output device, comprising: a goods transfer data management means for managing guaranteed data; and a goods transfer data communication means for communicating goods transfer data with the goods transfer data management means. 158. Only when data for guaranteeing the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost is received by the goods transfer data communication means, the transmission information received by the information receiving means is output by the information output means. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising output control means for controlling.
8. The information output device according to 7. 159. The information output apparatus according to claim 157, wherein payment information for selling consumables used by said information output means is managed based on said goods transfer data. 160. An information output device according to claim 153, wherein said information output means prints said transmission information on a sheet-shaped recording medium. 161. An output cost settlement method for guaranteeing the output cost when information transmitted from an information sender via a network is output by an information receiver using information output means requiring an output cost, An order receiving step in which the information receiver receives, from the information receiver via the network, a purchase request for the consumable used by the information output means at the time of transmitting the transmission information; and A reference step of referencing, via the network, the goods transfer data managed by the output cost burden management means to guarantee the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver in order to bear, And a settlement step for settling the output cost according to a result referred to. 162. In the settlement step, a balance of the referred goods transfer data is checked, and payment of an amount corresponding to a purchase amount of the consumable item out of the balance is sent from the output cost burden management means via the network. 162. The output cost settlement method according to claim 161, wherein settlement is performed upon receipt. 163. The consumable item is a recording medium and / or ink on a sheet.
150. The output cost settlement method according to 1 or 162. 164. A program product of an output cost settlement method for assuring the output cost when the information receiver outputs the information transmitted from the information sender via the network using the information output means requiring the output cost. An order receiving step in which the information receiver receives a request for purchase of consumables used by the information output unit from the information receiver when the information output unit outputs the transmission information; and A reference step for referencing, via the network, the goods transfer data managed by the output cost burden management means to guarantee the information receiver to transfer the goods corresponding to the output cost to bear the output cost. And a settlement step of setting the output cost according to the result referred to. And program products. 165. In the settlement step, the balance of the referred goods transfer data is checked, and payment of an amount corresponding to the purchase amount of the consumable item out of the balance is sent from the output cost burden management means via the network. 164. The program product according to claim 164, wherein the payment is made upon receipt. 166. The consumable item according to claim 16, wherein the consumable is a recording medium and / or ink on a sheet.
The program product according to 4 or 165. 167. An output cost settlement method for guaranteeing the output cost when the information receiver outputs the information transmitted from the information sender via the network using the information output means requiring the output cost. An order receiving step of receiving, from the information receiver via the network, a purchase request for consumables used by the information output unit when the information receiver outputs transmission information; The information sender who transmitted the transmission information is managed by an output cost burden management means to guarantee the information receiver to transfer the goods corresponding to the output cost in order to bear the output cost. A reference step of referencing the transferred goods data via the network; Storage medium; and a settlement step of settling an output cost Te. 168. The storage medium according to claim 167, wherein, in said settlement step, a balance of said referred goods transfer data is checked, and said output cost burden management means determines a purchase amount of said consumable in said balance. A storage medium for performing payment by receiving payment of a sufficient amount via the network. 169. The recording medium according to claim 16, wherein the consumable is a recording medium and / or ink on a sheet.
167. The storage medium according to 7 or 168. 170. An output cost settlement device for guaranteeing the output cost when information transmitted from an information sender via a network is output by an information receiver using information output means requiring an output cost. An order receiving means for receiving, from the information receiver via the network, a purchase request for the consumable used by the information output means when the information receiver outputs the transmission information, and the information sender transmitting the transmission information sets the output cost to Reference means for referencing, via the network, the goods transfer data managed by the output cost burden management means to guarantee the transfer of goods corresponding to the output cost to the information receiver in order to bear, An output cost settlement device, comprising: settlement means for settling the output cost according to a result referred to. 171. The output cost settlement apparatus according to claim 170, wherein said settlement means checks a balance of said referred goods transfer data, and purchases said consumable from said balance from said output cost burden management means. An output cost settlement device, wherein the settlement is performed by receiving payment of the amount corresponding to the amount via the network. 172. The consumable item is a recording medium and / or ink on a sheet.
178. The output cost settlement device according to item 0 or 171.