JP2006202063A - Billing system using external storage medium and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a billing system using an external system and allowing any user to perform printing using a limited printing method even in the case of insufficient funds provided he or she is a previously registered user. <P>SOLUTION: An authentication request using an IC card is made to check if authentication will be made by an authentication server. Next, based on a password inputted by a user to the operation display part 23 of a complex machine 6 and account information, the authentication server is requested to authenticate the user. Information (list) about a group to which the user belongs is obtained, and information about a limited setting for the group to which the user belongs, stored in a storage device 15, is obtained. If insufficient funds on the IC card are detected, a determination is made as to whether or not a setting for continuing printing in the event of insufficient funds is valid. If the setting is valid, printing is continued using a set limited function. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging system using an external storage medium and a control method thereof.

  Conventionally, a system in which an external storage medium is charged with an amount of money and a fee is charged by the external storage medium, and a technique for performing user authentication using account information registered in the external storage medium and a password entered by the user are similarly good Are known.

For example, Patent Document 1 provides a scan image data distribution system that can provide a rational means that makes it easy to use digital image data acquired by a scanner device from the viewpoint of image data management and billing management in a remote server. The invention is disclosed.
JP 2003-032425 A

  However, the above-described invention has the following problems.

  Conventionally, when printing exceeds the amount charged in the external storage medium, printing cannot be performed at that time, and the desired number of copies cannot be printed.

  Therefore, the present invention uses an external storage medium that can be printed by a limited printing method if the user is registered in advance even when there is a shortage of balance when charging by the external storage medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide a charging system and a control method thereof.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a registration in which a server and an image forming apparatus are connected via a network, and the server registers information for specifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus. And an authentication unit for authenticating the user by comparing the information for identifying the user registered in the server with the user information stored in the external storage medium. An image forming unit to be formed, a first image output unit that outputs an image at a setting desired by the user, and an external storage medium reading unit that reads user information stored in an external storage medium owned by the user. A charge calculating means for calculating a charge for outputting the image and a collecting means for collecting the calculated charge from the charge stored in the external storage medium, And when the image is output by the first image output means, the amount information stored in the external storage medium is compared with the usage fee information necessary for outputting the image by the first image output means. When the usage fee information is higher than the amount information, the second image is output by referring to the specific image output condition set in advance by the user and outputting the image according to the specific image output condition set in advance by the user. It has an output means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the charging system using the external storage medium according to the first aspect, the image output by the second image output unit is more than the image output by the first image output unit. However, the amount of money collected from the external storage medium is small.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the server and the image forming apparatus are connected via a network, and the server is registered in the server, registration means for registering information for specifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and the server. The image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit that forms an image; and an authentication unit that authenticates the user by comparing information for identifying the user to be identified with user information stored in the external storage medium. First image output means for outputting an image at a setting desired by the user, external storage medium reading means for reading user information stored in an external storage medium owned by the user, and for outputting the formed image A charge calculating means for calculating a charge; and a collecting means for collecting the calculated charge from the charge stored in the external storage medium. The amount of money is collected each time an image is output. When the image is output by the stage, the amount information stored in the external storage medium is compared with the amount of usage fee information necessary for outputting the image by the first image output means. The difference information between the usage fee information and the money amount information is stored in the external storage medium with reference to a specific image output condition set in advance by the user, and the first image output means Is output.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reading step of reading first user information stored in an external storage medium owned by a user, second user information and first user information registered in advance in a server, An authentication process for verifying a user by verifying a user, a specific function use permission process for permitting a user to use a specific function of the image forming apparatus according to an authentication result of the authentication process, and when outputting an image from the image forming apparatus A billing system control method using an external storage medium that collects a usage charge from the amount stored in the external storage medium, and comprising a calculation step of calculating a usage charge necessary for image output, When the usage fee required for the output is higher than the amount stored in the external storage medium, there is a specific function reference step for referring to the specific function and a step of outputting an image according to the referred specific function. The features.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a reading step for reading the first user information stored in the external storage medium owned by the user, the second user information and the first user information registered in advance in the server, An authentication process for verifying a user by verifying a user, a specific function use permission process for permitting a user to use a specific function of the image forming apparatus according to an authentication result of the authentication process, and when outputting an image from the image forming apparatus A billing system control method using an external storage medium that collects a usage charge from the amount stored in the external storage medium, and comprising a calculation step of calculating a usage charge necessary for image output, When the usage fee required for output is higher than the amount stored in the external storage medium, the specific function reference process for referring to the specific function and the difference between the usage fee and the amount according to the specific function referred to Accumulation And having a that accumulating process.

  According to the charging system using the external storage medium and the control method thereof according to the present invention, a limited printing method can be used if the user is registered in advance even if there is a shortage of remaining funds when charging using the external storage medium. Can be printed.

  An embodiment in which a charging system using an external storage medium and a control method thereof according to the present invention are suitably implemented will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to this embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning.

  In the present embodiment, an IC card is used as an external storage medium.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an accounting system using the external storage medium of the present embodiment.
An authentication server (Auth Server) 1, a printer 2, a FAX 3, a copier 4, a scanner 5, a multifunction device 6, and a router device 8 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network). The multi-function device 6 includes an IC card reader 7 that authenticates an IC card. The LAN is connected to the Internet via the router device 8. Therefore, the authentication server 1, the printer 2, the FAX 3, the copier 4, the scanner 5, and the multi-function device 6 can exchange data with other terminal devices via the Internet.

  The authentication server 1 provides various network services such as network authentication and e-mail collection and distribution services to users who use each device connected to the LAN.

  In addition, the printer 2, the FAX 3, the copier 4, the scanner 5, and the multifunction device 6 each include a SAM (Security Account Manager) that stores user accounts and group information. By logging in to the SAM, , All terminals will be recognized as the same account.

  Further, the charging system using the external storage medium of the present embodiment has a software configuration as shown in FIGS.

  That is, document processing software having document creation and document printing functions, e-mail processing software having functions for creating and sending / receiving e-mails, and driver software for appropriately using each device via a LAN Various programs have been introduced and used by specific users. Here, the specific user may be one or a plurality of users.

  Further, an e-mail processing function for exchanging image information and various reports as e-mails, and a facsimile machine that connects to an analog public line PSTN and transmits image information by a G3 facsimile transmission procedure using this public network as a transmission path. Communication function, network printer function for processing document print jobs via LAN, scan-to-email function for sending scanned original image data to a specified destination using e-mail, read IC card It has various functions such as an IC card authentication function for performing user authentication by accessing the external authentication server from the user information.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction machine 6 according to the present embodiment.

  The multifunction machine 6 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an image storage memory 14, a storage device 15, an IC card controller 16, a LAN controller 17, a LAN interface (I / F) 18, a DCR 19, and a scanner. 20, an encoding / decoding unit 21, a plotter 22, an operation display unit 23, and an input / output device (I / O device) 24.

  The CPU 11 performs various control processes such as a control process for each part of the multifunction device 6, a control process for a facsimile communication function, a control process for a copying function, a control process for a scan-to-email function, and a network printer. . The ROM 12 is a read-only memory in which a program for the CPU 11 to control each unit and fixed data used for control are stored. The RAM 13 is a random access memory used for developing a work area at the time of executing a program for controlling each unit and an image to be printed.

  The image storage memory 14 stores image information in an encoded and compressed state among the image information encoded and decoded by the encoding / decoding unit 21. The storage device 15 stores various types of information unique to the multifunction machine 6. For example, the print function continuation setting when the balance is insufficient is stored in the storage device 15. The IC card controller 16 performs various processes on the information of the IC card read by the IC card reader 7.

  Further, the LAN controller 17 and the LAN interface (I / F) 18 are used to control devices on the network (devices of the printer 2, the FAX 3, the copier 4, the scanner 5, and the multifunction device 6) connected via the LAN. I do. The DCR 19 is connected to the analog public line PSTN, and performs image information transmission by the G3 facsimile transmission procedure using this public network as a transmission path. The scanner 20 reads a document image to be printed and converts it into data. The image data converted into data here is encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 21 and stored in the image storage memory 14. Further, the document image data read by the scanner 20 can be transmitted to a designated destination using electronic mail. The encoding / decoding unit 21 encodes and compresses the image signal and decodes the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal. The plotter 22 outputs a document image. The operation display unit 23 is for operating the multifunction device 6 and includes various operation keys and various display units. The input / output device (I / O device) 24 includes an input / output port (I / O port), and is used when connecting to an external device.

  In the present embodiment, first, a user who uses this network is registered with a user name and an authentication password. Each user belongs to one or more groups.

  Therefore, for example, user registration information is registered for each user in the SAM provided in each device described above. The user registration information includes a group name including a user name, a password, and a group name including at least one group name. The SAM of each device also stores group registration information in which access information is registered for each group.

  Also, in the multi-function device 6, user information in which a user name and a password applied at the time of LAN authentication are paired is registered.

  At the same time, group authority information is registered for each group. This group authority information includes initial setting authority information indicating whether or not the initial setting operation of the multifunction machine 6 is possible, copy usage authority information indicating whether or not the copying function can be used, and various types of information that can be used when the copying function can be used. Copy usage registration information that sets the functions of the scanner, scanner usage authority information that indicates whether the scan-to-email function can be used, and various functions that can be used when the scan-to-email function is available Scanner usage registration information, fax transmission authority information indicating whether the fax transmission function can be used, fax transmission usage registration information for setting various functions that can be used when the fax transmission function is available, Printer usage authority information indicating whether the network printer function can be used and various functions that can be used when the network printer function is available Consisting of a printer use registration information to be constant.

  The group authority information is registered by operating the operation display unit 23 of the multifunction machine 6.

  The multifunction machine 6 has a software configuration as shown in FIG.

  As a user authentication method using an IC card, an IC card of each user is read from an IC card reader 7 provided in the multifunction machine 6. The LAN controller is connected to an external authentication server via a LAN, and the IC card authentication service is connected to an IC card reader. The IC card read by this IC card reader is accessed to the external authentication server via the IC card authentication service and the LAN controller. In this way, an authentication method is adopted in which personal information stored in the IC card is authenticated by the external authentication server.

  Further, as an IC card authentication method, as shown in FIG. 5, when an IC card is read by an IC card reader 7 connected to the multi function device 6, it is displayed on an authentication screen. In the authentication screen of this embodiment, the user is authenticated by inputting a password.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a setting screen for setting usage restrictions when printing is performed by the multifunction device 6 using an IC card. FIG. 6 shows an example when the printer function is used. During normal printing, the usable colors are set to color, the number of sheets to be printed is not limited, and the paper feed tray to be used is set to the first paper feed.

  Here, when the function for continuing printing when there is a shortage of balance is enabled and the setting button is pressed, the screen proceeds to a setting screen for continuing printing when there is insufficient balance. In this embodiment, when the balance is insufficient, only black and white can be continued. By setting in this way, it is possible to continue printing according to preset conditions even when the charge for printing becomes insufficient.

  Next, the operation of the accounting system using the external storage medium of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation when printing is performed based on a print continuation setting when there is a shortage of remaining money when there is a shortage of remaining print available from the IC card. Note that the authentication method in the present embodiment is performed using a password as shown in FIG.

  First, an authentication request using an IC card is made (step S101). Next, it is checked whether the requested authentication is authentication at the authentication server (step S102). If the authentication is not performed by the authentication server (step S102 / No), the authentication is executed by another method (step S111). In the case of authentication with the authentication server (step S102 / Yes), a password input request is displayed on the screen provided in the multifunction device 6, and the authentication server is based on the password and account information input by the user. A user authentication request is executed for (step S103). After the user authentication is successful, group information (list) to which the user belongs is acquired from the authentication server (step S104). When the group information is acquired, the restriction setting information of the corresponding group of the user stored in the storage device 15 is acquired (step S105). This restriction setting information is the setting for continuing printing when there is insufficient funds in FIG. Then, printing is performed according to the acquired user group restriction setting information (step S106).

  Here, when the shortage of the remaining amount of the IC card is detected (step S107), it is determined whether the print continuation setting at the time of the shortage of balance is valid (step S108). If the setting is invalid (step S108 / No), printing is stopped here.

  If it is determined that the setting is valid, that is, it is possible to continue printing by limiting the printing function even when the balance is insufficient (step S108 / Yes), the set limited Printing continues with the function, that is, monochrome printing only (step S110).

  In this way, even if there is a shortage in the balance when IC card is charged, if the user is registered in advance and authorized in the network authentication server, Limited printing can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to perform the number of copies desired by the user.

  Further, when there is a shortage of printing available from the IC card, it is possible to store and accumulate the shortage amount in the IC card and postpay the fee.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation in the case where printing is performed based on the shortage amount accumulation setting when there is a shortage of remaining printing available from the IC card.

  First, an authentication request using an IC card is made (step S201). Next, it is checked whether the requested authentication is authentication at the authentication server (step S202). If the authentication is not performed by the authentication server (step S202 / No), the authentication is executed by another method (step S211). In the case of authentication with the authentication server (step S202 / Yes), a password input request is displayed on the screen provided in the multifunction machine 6, and the authentication server is based on the password and account information input by the user. A user authentication request is executed for (step S203). After the user authentication is successful, group information (list) to which the user belongs is acquired from the authentication server (step S204). When the group information is acquired, the restriction setting information of the corresponding group of the user stored in the storage device 15 is acquired (step S205). This restriction setting information is the setting for continuing printing when there is insufficient funds in FIG. Then, printing is executed according to the acquired user group restriction setting information (step S206).

  Here, when the shortage of the remaining amount of the IC card is detected (step S207), it is determined whether the print continuation setting at the time of the shortage of balance is valid (step S208). When the setting is invalid (step S208 / No), printing is stopped here.

  If it is determined that the setting is valid, that is, it is possible to continue printing by limiting the printing function even when the balance is insufficient (step S208 / Yes), the set limited The function, that is, the shortage amount is stored / accumulated in the IC card and printing is continued (step S210).

  In this way, even when there is a shortage in the balance when IC card is charged, if the user is registered in advance and authorized in the network authentication server, the amount exceeding the balance is stored. Accumulate and pay later. Therefore, printing desired by the user can be performed.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the accounting system using the external storage medium of this embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine 6. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the software structure in the accounting system using the external storage medium of this embodiment. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration in the multifunction machine 6; FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an authentication screen when user authentication is performed with a password in the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage restriction setting screen during printing in the MFP according to the present exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the case of printing by the function limited at the time of the balance of IC card shortage. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when printing is performed by storing an insufficient amount in an IC card when the remaining amount of the IC card is insufficient in the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Authentication server 2 Printer 3 FAX
4 Copy machine 5 Scanner 6 Multifunction machine 7 IC card reader 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Image Storage Memory 15 Storage Device 16 IC Card Controller 17 LAN Controller 18 LAN Interface (I / F)
19 DCR
20 Scanner Unit 22 Encoding / Decoding Unit 22 Plotter Unit 23 Operation Display Unit 24 Input / Output Device (I / O Device)

Claims (5)

The server and the image forming apparatus are connected via a network,
The server
Registration means for registering information for identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
Authentication means for authenticating the user by comparing information for identifying the user registered in the server and user information stored in an external storage medium;
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image forming means for forming an image;
First image output means for outputting an image at a setting desired by the user;
External storage medium reading means for reading the user information stored in the external storage medium owned by the user;
Charge calculating means for calculating a charge for outputting the formed image;
Collection means for collecting the calculated fee from the fee stored in the external storage medium;
The amount is collected each time the image is output,
Amount information stored in the external storage medium and usage fee information necessary for outputting the image by the first image output means when the image is output by the first image output means. In comparison, when the usage fee information is higher than the amount information, refer to a specific image output condition preset by the user,
A billing system using an external storage medium, comprising: second image output means for outputting the image according to a specific image output condition preset by the user.   The amount of money collected from the external storage medium is less than that of the image output from the first image output means. A billing system using the external storage medium described in 1. The server and the image forming apparatus are connected via a network,
The server
Registration means for registering information for identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
Authentication means for authenticating the user by comparing information for identifying the user registered in the server and user information stored in an external storage medium;
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image forming means for forming an image;
First image output means for outputting an image at a setting desired by the user;
External storage medium reading means for reading the user information stored in the external storage medium owned by the user;
Charge calculating means for calculating a charge for outputting the formed image;
Collection means for collecting the calculated fee from the fee stored in the external storage medium;
The amount is collected each time the image is output,
Amount information stored in the external storage medium and usage fee information necessary for outputting the image by the first image output means when the image is output by the first image output means. In comparison, when the usage fee information is higher than the amount information, refer to a specific image output condition preset by the user,
A charging system using an external storage medium, wherein difference information between the usage fee information and the amount information is stored in the external storage medium, and the image is output by the first image output means. A reading step of reading first user information stored in an external storage medium owned by the user;
An authentication step of authenticating the user by collating the second user information registered in advance with the server and the first user information;
A specific function use permission step for allowing the user to use a specific function of the image forming apparatus according to an authentication result of the authentication step;
A calculation step of calculating a usage fee necessary for outputting the image when outputting an image from the image forming apparatus,
A method for controlling a charging system using an external storage medium that collects the usage fee from an amount stored in the external storage medium,
A specific function reference step for referring to the specific function when the usage fee required for outputting the image is higher than the amount stored in the external storage medium;
A method for controlling an accounting system using an external storage medium, comprising a step of outputting the image according to the specified specific function referred to. A reading step of reading first user information stored in an external storage medium owned by the user;
An authentication step of authenticating the user by collating the second user information registered in advance with the server and the first user information;
A specific function use permission step for allowing the user to use a specific function of the image forming apparatus according to an authentication result of the authentication step;
A calculation step of calculating a usage fee necessary for outputting the image when outputting an image from the image forming apparatus,
A method for controlling a charging system using an external storage medium that collects the usage fee from an amount stored in the external storage medium,
A specific function reference step for referring to the specific function when the usage fee required for outputting the image is higher than the amount stored in the external storage medium;
A charging system control method using an external storage medium, comprising: an accumulation step of accumulating a difference between the usage fee and the amount according to the specific function referred to.

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