JP2003016524A - Information processing apparatus and system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to perform a copying/printing operation without needing cash by calculating and charging a fee in each ID with a portable terminal of the user as an ID and sending charging information to the portable terminal to adjust the fee from the portable terminal in the case of a charging copying/printing fee of a business machine. SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus has a means for calculating a fee according to information processing contents, a fee information storing means for storing the fee information, a radio communicating means for transmitting and receiving information by radio, and a radio communication controlling means for acquiring the fee information in response to a request from an external radio terminal and transmitting the fee information to the external radio terminal. The radio control means adjusts the fee through the external radio terminal by transmitting the fee information to the external radio terminal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fee charging system in an office machine equipped with wireless communication means with external terminals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, there have been methods for charging a copy / print fee, such as a method of first inserting a coin, a management by a counter, and a department management method by an ID.

[0003]

The coin system or the counter system cannot be used unless the user has money in advance. In the department management method using ID, ID
A card, PIN, etc. were required and could not be used without either.

[0004]

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and is a means for calculating a charge according to the contents of information processing and a charge for storing the charge information. An information storage unit, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly exchanges information, and a wireless communication control unit that acquires the fee information in response to a request from an external wireless terminal and transmits the fee information to the external wireless terminal. And an information processing apparatus, characterized in that the wireless communication control means performs the settlement of the fee via the external wireless terminal by transmitting fee information to the external wireless terminal. ,
An information processing system including an external wireless terminal capable of wireless communication with this information processing apparatus and capable of paying a fee, wherein the information processing apparatus calculates a fee according to information processing content, and the fee. Charge information storage means for storing information, wireless communication means for exchanging information wirelessly, the charge information is acquired in response to a request from an external wireless terminal, and the charge information is stored in the external wireless terminal. And a wireless communication control means for transmitting,
The information processing apparatus and the external base station are provided with wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the base station, and charging means for paying a fee via the wireless communication means. The present invention provides an information processing system characterized by settlement through a station.

[0005]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 shows a multifunction device (MFP (Multi Function
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a system using an information processing device such as a printer) and a wireless device information device.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a copying machine, which is an MFP for copying originals, printing out electronic files via a network, and transmitting / receiving FAX via a telephone line.
Is. The MFP 101 counts the number of sheets printed or copied for each operation such as copying, and stores it as machine information in the internal storage means.

Charge information corresponding to the print operation or the copy operation is also internally calculated and similarly stored in the internal storage means.

It should be noted that the target of the charge may be the number of copies, the number of prints, the quality of paper, and the use of various functions such as finisher and stapling.

Reference numeral 102 is a PDA (Personal Data Assistant),
This is an external terminal carried by the user, and the user can start / end the use of the MFP 101 by operating the PDA 102.

The MFP 101 and the PDA 102 are wirelessly connected to each other by a wireless communication means such as BlueTooth. When the user operates the PDA 102 to use the MFP 101, the usage fee is displayed on the PDA 102. . The software for using the MFP 101 is stored in the PDA 102, and the software conforms to each OS of the PDA 102.

In addition, such a system allows the user to once
After using P101, it is premised that other users will not be allowed to use it until the end of use, so when using this system, you need to perform authentication work to prove that you are who you are. Although necessary, this authentication software is also stored in the PDA 102 and MFP 101.

In addition to the above-mentioned wireless means, the PDA 102 has a PDC (Pe
A general communication line means such as rsonal Digital Cellular) is provided, and it is possible to connect the PDA 102 to a clearing means such as a credit company to settle charges.

Note that the PDA 102 may be a device for clearing a charge via a normal base station, or may be a device for paying a usage charge for the MFP 101 in the same manner as the payment of a normal usage charge for the PDA 102.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the MFP 101 described in FIG. A scanner 201 is a device that scans a document placed on the scanner and reads it as digital data.

Reference numeral 202 denotes a document feeder, which automatically pulls in a document placed on the document feeder,
The original is conveyed to a predetermined place above. The scanned original is conveyed to the outside of the scanner by the original feeder, and if there is the next original, the next original is continuously drawn and conveyed.

Reference numeral 203 denotes a printer engine, which is a scanner 2
The image data digitized in 01 is received and an image is formed on the output paper by an electrostatic photography process or the like, and the output paper is output.

Reference numeral 204 denotes an MFP controller, which is stored inside the MFP 101 and controls the operations of the scanner 201, printer engine 203, UI 205, etc.
Image processing is applied to the digital image data received from
Transfer the data to the printer engine 203. The MFP controller 204 is also connected to a network, and can transfer the digital image data read from the scanner 201 through the network or receive the data from the network and output it from the printer engine 203.

The above network is a network using a known technique for connecting devices, and in this embodiment, TCP / IP is used.
It is assumed to use Ethernet (registered trademark) using a protocol. 205 is a UI (User Interface). It is composed of a liquid crystal display, a touch panel, a hard key, etc., and can display the operation and processing contents performed by this MFP 101 and can select and decide.

A finisher 206 is a device for receiving output sheets output from the printer engine 203 and performing sorting, stapling, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the MFP controller 204 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, 301 is a CPU that controls the entire operation. 302 is the memory information for work
A RAM for temporarily storing a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 301 and image data. Reference numeral 303 denotes a ROM that stores a program for controlling a predetermined process such as a predetermined operation at startup.

Information related to billing such as the copy volume is written in a rewritable ROM (Flash ROM or the like). 304 is an HDD (hard disk) for accumulating a large amount of image data, and is necessary for operations such as electronic sort processing for changing the order of each image data and multiple printouts by one scan. . An image processing unit 305 performs digital image processing such as color tone adjustment, image density adjustment, and mirror image / negative / positive inversion. A scanner I / F unit 306 is connected to the scanner unit to store the image data read from the scanner unit in the RAM 302. An operation unit I / F 307 receives settings from the operation unit UI 205 and exchanges information for transmitting image data displayed on the UI 205. A printer I / F unit 308 is for transferring the image data stored in the RAM 302 to the printer unit. Reference numeral 309 is a network I / F for connecting to the network.

A wireless communication unit 310 has a function of transmitting information inside the MFP 101 and receiving a command from the outside.
In a wireless system with a high communication speed depending on the wireless system,
Image data on the PDA102 can be captured and printed out.

The above-mentioned units are connected by a shared internal bus 311. The above block diagram shows the configuration that all the models of the MFP 101 should have.

An operation example of this embodiment will be described using a flowchart. It should be noted that FIG. 4 is a flowchart on the side of the MFP 101, and the description as viewed from the MFP 101 is made.

Basically, the PDA 102 receives the charge data from the MFP 101 to display the screen and settle the charge, and the flowchart on the PDA 102 side will be described with reference to FIG.

In order for the user to use the MFP 101, the PDA 102 sends a request for permission to use the MFP 101 together with the ID or telephone number of the PDA 102. In this case, it is determined in S401 that a use request is received from the external terminal, and in S402, the operation unit UI205 of the MFP 101.
Display for each operation on.

At the same time, usable information is transmitted in response to the request from the PDA 102. As a result, a display indicating the availability is displayed on the PDA 102 side. If it is determined in S401 that there is no usage request from the external terminal, the operation unit UI20 of the MFP 101
5 The standby display is displayed on the screen, and the MFP 101 cannot be used in that state.

Next, in S403, it is determined whether or not there is a use stop request from the external terminal. If it is determined that the usage suspension request has been received, the process proceeds to S406 and the communication with the external terminal is disconnected.

If it is determined in S403 that the use stop request has not come, it is determined in S404 whether the print / copy operation or the like has been performed by the MFP 101. When the operation is actually performed on the MFP 101, in S405, the charge is calculated according to the content of the print / copy operation performed, and the PDA102 described above is calculated.
It is stored in association with the ID etc.

When no operation is performed on the MFP 101
The transition returns to S403. Steps S403 to S405 are, for example, steps that are repeated for each job, and each time it is determined that there is no use stop request in S403 and an operation is performed in the MFP 101, a charge is calculated and those charges are added.

When the user completes the operation for the MFP 101, the PDA 102 sends a use stop request to the MFP 101. In this case, in S403, it is determined that there is a request for suspension of use from the external terminal, and the accumulated charge information above is added to the PD
It is transmitted to A102 (S406). In this case, the PDA 102 displays the transmitted charge information on the screen of the PDA 102.

Further, in this embodiment, when the charge information is transmitted, the charge information is surely transmitted by performing a plurality of transmissions, for example, the first main transmission and the second confirmation transmission. .

The number of times the charge information is transmitted a plurality of times may be controlled depending on the wireless condition between the external wireless terminal and the information processing device.

Next, in step S407, the communication with the external terminal is disconnected, and the display of the operation unit UI205 of the MFP 101 is set to a standby state. In this case also, it becomes impossible to operate the MFP 101.

The above-mentioned flow chart is controlled by the CPU 301, and control of calculation of charges according to the contents used, accumulation of charges, transmission / reception of various information, etc. is based on a program stored in a memory (not shown). The lever CPU 301 is used.

Next, the operation of the PDA 102 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the user uses the MFP 101, the PDA 102 needs to send a usage request to the MFP 101. In S501, it is determined whether or not the MFP 101 is used, and if it is determined that the MFP 101 is used, a usage request is transmitted to the MFP 101 in S502.

The operation of S501 and S502 is to activate the program stored in advance in the PDA 102, and the user activates this program to transmit the use request to the MFP 101.

Next, in S503, it is determined whether or not the use permission information is received from the MFP 101. If received, S504
Indicates that the PDA 102 is ready for use.

Next, in S505, it is determined whether to stop the use of the MFP 101. When the user decides to end the operation on the MFP 101, the operation for transmitting the end information on the PDA 102 is performed, and the use stop request is issued to the MFP 101.

When it is determined that the MFP 101 is to be stopped, the fee information generated in the series of operations is transmitted from the MFP 101, but it is determined in S506 whether or not the fee information is received, and the fee information is received. If it is determined, the charge information is displayed in S507, and then the communication with the MFP 101 is disconnected in S508.

Next, it is determined whether or not the fee received in S509 is cleared. The user can decide whether or not to settle the fee transmitted from the MFP 101 at that time, and if it is determined that the fee will be settled on the spot, in S510, for example, PD
The fee is settled using the settlement method set in A102.

When it is determined that the fee will not be settled on the spot, the fee information is stored in the PDA 102, and it is possible to perform the settlement later.

According to the present embodiment, when the user wants to use the MFP 101, he / she can use the MFP 101 even if he / she does not have cash, and the charge generated when the MFP 101 is used can be set at an arbitrary rate. It can be settled at the timing.

In this embodiment, the charge information is sent from the MFP 101.
Although the timing of transmitting to the PDA 102 is described as the time of disconnecting the communication of the PDA 102 with the MFP 101, it is not always necessary to transmit the charge information at the above timing. When the communication is disconnected, the fee information is not sent, and the user receives the fee information only at any time by inquiring the fee information to the MFP 101 or a server (not shown) that manages the fee information. It may be configured. In this case, a management server that manages the above-mentioned charge information is required, but if it is necessary to grasp the usage status for each department in the company, for example, this configuration is more convenient. There are good things. In the present invention, it is possible to charge the fee by any method, and the present invention is not limited to any method.

Further, in the present embodiment, the PDA 102 is taken as an example of the external terminal for communicating with the MFP 101, but an information terminal such as a mobile phone may be used.

In recent years, the possession rate of mobile phones has increased, and by implementing this embodiment using mobile phones, more users can use this system.

Further, in this embodiment, as the wireless means, Blue is used.
Although it is explained using Tooth, regardless of BlueTooth,
Other wireless means such as IrDA and IEEE 802.11 may be used. With BlueTooth, since the communication standard itself incorporates authentication work, there is no need to build a special authentication program when using BlueTooth. In the case of other wireless means, it is necessary to have a mechanism for prohibiting a certain user from interrupting or impersonating another user while using the MFP 101.

[0048]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to use an information processing apparatus such as an MFP without the need for cash when the user wants to use it. In addition, the charge generated when the information processing apparatus is used can be settled via the external wireless terminal at any timing.

In addition, since the fee information is transmitted plural times, reliable fee settlement can be realized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device information acquisition system described in a present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the MFP described in this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an MFP controller according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a billing information system realized in this embodiment.
6 is a flowchart of control that should be performed on the MFP side.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a billing information system realized in this embodiment.
It is a flow chart of control which should be performed on the PDA side.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 MFP 102 PDA

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A means for calculating a charge according to the contents of information processing, a charge information storage means for storing the charge information, a wireless communication means for exchanging information wirelessly, and an external wireless terminal. Wireless communication control means for acquiring the fee information in response to the request and transmitting the fee information to the external wireless terminal, wherein the wireless communication control means transmits the fee information to the external wireless terminal. By doing so, the information processing apparatus is characterized in that the fee is settled via the external wireless terminal. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication means uses IrDA. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication means uses BlueTooth. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication means uses IEEE 802.11. 5. The external wireless terminal is a PDA capable of exchanging information by wireless communication.
The information processing device described. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external wireless terminal is a mobile phone capable of exchanging information by wireless communication. 7. An information processing system comprising an information processing device and an external wireless terminal capable of wireless communication with the information processing device and capable of paying a fee, the information processing device comprising: , A charge information storage unit for storing the charge information, a wireless communication unit for exchanging information wirelessly, and the charge information in response to a request from an external wireless terminal. And wireless communication control means for transmitting the charge information to the external wireless terminal, wherein the external wireless terminal wirelessly communicates with the information processing device and the external base station, and the wireless communication means. An information processing system, characterized in that the external wireless terminal settles a fee based on the transmitted fee information via the base station. Mu. 8. The counting of charges is started by an operation after a request to start using the information processing device is made from the external wireless terminal, and until a request to stop using the information processing device is made by the external wireless terminal. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein an operation is a target. 9. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the timing of transmitting the fee information to the external wireless terminal is performed when a request to stop the use of the information processing apparatus is made. 10. The transmission timing of the charge information to the external wireless terminal is set when a charge information transmission request is made from the external wireless terminal.
Information processing system described. 11. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the fee information is transmitted to the external wireless terminal at a timing when the predetermined period has elapsed. . 12. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the information processing device performs a plurality of transmissions when transmitting the fee information.