JP2007299293A - Charging method, charging system and image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charging method accurately settling charge for image processing by using a non-contact type IC card and to provide a charging system and an image processor. <P>SOLUTION: In the charging method in the charging system for charging for image processing by using a recording medium using radio waves to transmit and receive data, the charging system includes a withdrawing step for reading an identifier of a recording medium and withdrawing electronic money from an account specified uniquely from the identifier as deposite money, an unsettled amount calculation step for performing image processing on the basis of an instruction from a user, collating the charge for the image processing with the deposite money and calculating a difference as an unsettled amount, and a settling step for performing settlement on the basis of an account and the unsettled amount when reading the identifier of the recording medium to find that the unsettled account exists in the account specified uniquely from the identifier. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging method, a charging system, and an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to a charging method, a charging system, and an image processing apparatus that charge for image processing.

  For example, a copy machine is installed at a store such as a convenience store to provide a copy service to the user. A copying machine installed in such a store is connected to a charging device for a user to insert money such as banknotes or coins and a card device for inserting a prepaid card (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In recent years, electronic money in which monetary values are expressed in digital data has been used in shopping at stores and electronic commerce using the Internet. For electronic money, non-contact type IC cards are often used. The non-contact type IC card has an antenna inside, generates electricity for operation using the received weak radio wave, and transmits / receives data.

With the spread of electronic money and non-contact type IC cards, it has become desirable to use electronic money even in copiers installed at stores such as convenience stores.
JP 2004-341735 A JP 2003-196737 A

  By the way, in the copy service, the copy fee varies depending on the printing conditions such as color, monochrome, double-sided, and number of copies, and the estimated accuracy of the copy fee is poor. Payment was required. With a billing device that inserts money or a card device that inserts a prepaid card, by requesting the user to insert money or insert a prepaid card before starting the copy operation, the copy fee is refunded until the money is refunded or the prepaid card is returned. Withdrawal was possible.

  On the other hand, in the case of electronic money using a non-contact type IC card, the copy fee can be withdrawn only while the IC card is in contact with or approaching a card device such as a reader / writer, and before the actual copy operation is started. It was necessary to withdraw the deposit more than the expected amount of the copy fee.

  However, as described above, the conventional copy service has a problem that the copy fee differs depending on the printing conditions and the estimated accuracy of the copy fee is poor, so that the deposit is excessively charged or too small. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a charging method, a charging system, and an image processing apparatus capable of accurately adjusting charging for image processing using a non-contact type IC card.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a charging method in a charging system that charges for image processing using a recording medium capable of transmitting and receiving data using radio waves, wherein the charging system includes the recording A step of reading an identifier of the recording medium from the recording medium via a device that transmits and receives data to and from the medium, and withdrawing electronic money from an account uniquely specified from the identifier to make a deposit, and The billing system performs image processing based on an instruction from the user, compares the billing for the image processing with the deposit and calculates the difference as unsettled money, and the billing system includes: The identifier of the recording medium is read from the recording medium via a device that transmits and receives data to and from the recording medium, and the identifier When uniquely has not yet liquidated gold to the account specified, and having a settlement step of performing settlement based on said account and unsettled gold.

  Further, the present invention is a charging system for charging for image processing using a recording medium capable of transmitting and receiving data using radio waves, and means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the recording medium; A means for debiting electronic money of an account uniquely specified from the identifier of the recording medium read from the recording medium to make a deposit, performing image processing based on an instruction from a user, charging for the image processing, An account that is uniquely identified from an identifier of the recording medium read through means for comparing the deposit and calculating the difference as unsettled money and means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the recording medium. When there is a settlement money, it has means for performing settlement based on the account and the unsettled money.

  The present invention also relates to an image processing apparatus that charges for image processing using a recording medium capable of transmitting and receiving data using radio waves, and means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the recording medium. , Means for debiting electronic money of an account uniquely specified from the identifier of the recording medium read from the recording medium to make a deposit, performing image processing based on an instruction from the user, and charging for the image processing In the account uniquely identified from the identifier of the recording medium read through the means for checking the deposit and calculating the difference as unsettled money, and the means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the recording medium And means for performing settlement based on the account and the unsettled money when there is unsettled money.

  In addition, what applied the component, expression, or arbitrary combination of the component of this invention to a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, a recording medium, a data structure, etc. is also effective as an aspect of this invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a charging method, a charging system, and an image processing apparatus that can accurately settle a charge for image processing using a non-contact type IC card.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the following embodiments with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an apparatus having a function as a printing apparatus such as a printer or a copier will be described as an example of an image processing apparatus, but any apparatus that performs image processing may be used.

  In the billing system according to the present invention, when the connection form, billing form, and deposit timing type are those shown in Table 1, a plurality of scenarios are configured by combinations of Table 2.

次に、本発明による課金システムのシステム構成図について説明する。図１は本発明による課金システムの一実施例のシステム構成図である。図１の課金システムは、サーバ部１と、操作端末部２と、カード装置・ユーザ認証装置３と、印刷装置４と、クライアント部５と、カード装置・ユーザ認証装置６とを含む構成である。図１の課金システムはクライアントサイドにてデポジットを行う例である。

Next, a system configuration diagram of the accounting system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an embodiment of a charging system according to the present invention. The billing system in FIG. 1 includes a server unit 1, an operation terminal unit 2, a card device / user authentication device 3, a printing device 4, a client unit 5, and a card device / user authentication device 6. . The billing system in FIG. 1 is an example of depositing on the client side.

  The server unit 1 includes a communication unit 11, a log management unit 12, a charging management unit 13, a user authentication unit 14, and a print job management unit 15. The print job management unit 15 may be an option. The operation terminal unit 2 includes a communication unit 21, a print job management unit 22, a device control unit 23, a print control unit 24, and a display unit 25. The display unit 25 may be an option. The client unit 5 includes a communication unit 51, a display unit 52, and a print control unit 53. The client unit 5 is a personal computer or the like.

  The server unit 1, the operation terminal unit 2, and the client unit 5 are connected via a network 7 such as the Internet or a LAN. The communication unit 11 of the server unit 1 communicates with the communication unit 21 of the operation terminal unit 2 and the communication unit 51 of the client unit 5. The log management unit 12 manages various logs. The charge management unit 13 manages charge processing. The user authentication unit 14 performs user authentication. The print job management unit 15 manages print jobs.

  The communication unit 21 of the operation terminal unit 2 communicates with the communication unit 11 of the server unit 1 and the communication unit 51 of the client unit 5. The print job management unit 22 manages print jobs. The device control unit 23 is connected to the card device / user authentication device 3 and controls the card device / user authentication device 3. The print control unit 24 is connected to the printing apparatus 4 and controls the printing apparatus 4. The display unit 25 displays various information. The operation terminal unit 2 may include a card device / user authentication device 3 and a printing device 4.

  The communication unit 51 of the client unit 5 communicates with the communication unit 11 of the server unit 1 and the communication unit 21 of the operation terminal unit 2. The display unit 52 is a display or the like and displays various information. The print control unit 53 is connected to the card device / user authentication device 6 and controls the card device / user authentication device 6.

  FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of another embodiment of the accounting system according to the present invention. The billing system in FIG. 2 includes a server unit 1, an operation terminal unit 2, a card device / user authentication device 3, a printing device 4, and a client unit 5. The billing system in FIG. 2 is an example in which depositing is performed on the operation terminal side.

  2 except that the printing control unit 53 of the client unit 5 and the card device / user authentication device 6 connected to the client unit 5 are removed from the charging system of FIG. Since this is the same as the accounting system of FIG. 1, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the description is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of another embodiment of the accounting system according to the present invention. The billing system of FIG. 3 includes a server unit 1, an operation terminal unit 2, a card device / user authentication device 3, and a client unit 5. The billing system in FIG. 3 is an example in which depositing is performed on the operation terminal side.

  The server unit 1 includes a communication unit 11, a log management unit 12, a charging management unit 13, and a print job management unit 15. The print job management unit 15 may be an option. The operation terminal unit 2 includes a communication unit 21, a print job management unit 22, a device control unit 23, a print control unit 24, a display unit 25, and a printing device 26. The operation terminal unit 2 is configured to include the printing device 26. The client unit 5 includes a communication unit 51 and a display unit 52. 3 are the same as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 except for a part thereof, and thus the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The billing method according to the present invention can be implemented by the following embodiment based on the relationship between the scenario shown in Table 2 based on the combination of connection form, billing form, and deposit timing, and the system configuration diagram shown in FIGS.

  The first embodiment of the accounting method according to the present invention is realized by the relationship between the system configuration diagram of FIG. 1 and scenario 1 or 3 of Table 2. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing Embodiment 1 of the accounting method according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is an image diagram of an example of a screen displayed on the client unit.

  In step S1, the user sets printing conditions such as color, monochrome, double-sided, and the number of copies on the printing condition setting screen 100 displayed on the display unit 52 of the client unit 5, and performs a printing operation by pressing the print button. When the printing operation is performed by the user, the client unit 5 proceeds to step S2 and displays a deposit collection dialog 101 including the estimated printing amount of the print job calculated based on the set printing conditions on the display unit 52.

  In step S3, the user touches the card device / user authentication device 6 with his / her IC card. In step S4, the card device / user authentication device 6 withdraws the expected print amount as a deposit while the IC card is being touched, and notifies the client unit 5 of it. In step S3, the IC card may have information indicating that the deposit has been made when the deposit is completed.

  FIG. 6 is a format diagram of an example of an IC card. FIG. 6A shows an example in which the deposit amount is held in the IC card. FIG. 6B shows an example in which the deposit amount is not held in the IC card.

  The IC card shown in FIG. 6A has an electronic money account ID storage area, an electronic money value storage area, and a deposit amount storage area. The electronic money account ID storage area stores an electronic money account ID (card ID). The electronic money value storage area stores the value of electronic money. The deposit amount storage area holds the deposited amount. The deposit amount storage area holds a flag indicating whether or not the deposit amount has been charged again.

  The IC card shown in FIG. 6B has a configuration having an electronic money account ID storage area and an electronic money value storage area. The electronic money account ID storage area stores an electronic money account ID (card ID). The electronic money value storage area stores the value of electronic money or the value as the limit of use.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the client unit 5 proceeds to step S <b> 5 and transmits to the server unit 1 a record of payment in which the expected printing amount has been deducted as a deposit. In step S 6, the client unit 5 transmits a print job to the server unit 1. When the deposit is completed, a receipt as shown in FIG. 7 on which a barcode, a two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code that can identify the account ID is printed is issued, and the receipt is identified at a later date. It is also possible to refund the balance in the account corresponding to the account ID. FIG. 7 is an image diagram of an example of a receipt on which a code capable of identifying an account ID is printed.

  In step S 7, the client unit 5 displays a deposit withdrawal completion screen 102 on the display unit 52. Thereafter, the user can start a print job on the printing device 4 by touching the IC card to the card device / user authentication device 3.

  In step S8, the user touches the IC card on hand with the card device / user authentication device 3. In step S9, the card device / user authentication device 3 reads the card ID from the IC card and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 while the IC card is being touched. In step S 10, the operation terminal unit 2 transmits the card ID to the server unit 1.

  In step S 11, the operation terminal unit 2 acquires a print job corresponding to the card ID from the server unit 1. In step S12, the printing apparatus 4 starts a print job. The print job may be specified by specifying a user by biometric authentication such as user ID and password input from the display unit 25, fingerprint authentication, iris authentication, etc., and acquiring a print job corresponding to the user.

  When printing is completed, the operation terminal unit 2 proceeds to step S13, and collates the deposit amount with the print amount. If there is a difference between the deposit amount and the print amount due to an error such as a paper jam, the operation terminal unit 2 proceeds to step S14 and transmits the difference between the deposit amount and the print amount to the server unit 1 as an unsettled money value. The server unit 1 stores the unsettled money value and performs the settlement as described later.

  If there is a difference between the deposit amount and the print amount due to an error such as a paper jam, the operation terminal unit 2 displays a settlement screen as shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 52 of the client unit 5 so that settlement is performed. It may be. FIG. 8 is an image diagram of an example of a settlement screen.

  The settlement screen 111 is an example when the deposit amount is larger than the printing amount. The settlement screen 112 is an example when the deposit amount is smaller than the printing amount. When the user touches the IC card on the card device / user authentication device 6 in a state where the settlement screen 111 is displayed on the display unit 52, the card device / user authentication device 6 operates while the IC card is being touched. Recharge the card with the payment amount. When the user touches the card device / user authentication device 6 with the payment screen 112 displayed on the display unit 52, the card device / user authentication device 6 is touched while the IC card is being touched. , Withdraw the payment amount from the IC card again.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the charging method according to the present invention, even when there is a difference between the deposit amount and the printing amount in the charging for the printing using the non-contact type IC card, it can be accurately settled.

  The accounting method according to the second embodiment of the present invention is realized by the relationship between the system configuration diagram of FIG. FIG. 9 is a simplified screen transition diagram of the screen displayed on the operation terminal unit. It is assumed that the user has set printing conditions such as color, monochrome, double-sided, and number of copies on the printing condition setting screen 100 displayed on the display unit 52 of the client unit 5, and has performed a printing operation by pressing a print button.

  When the application is activated on the operation terminal unit 2, a login screen 121 is displayed on the display unit 25 of the operation terminal unit 2. The user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with his / her IC card. When the user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with an IC card, a different screen is displayed on the display unit 25 depending on whether or not the user has unpaid money.

  When a user who has no unpaid money touches the IC card, a print job selection screen 122 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user selects a print job from the print job selection screen 122, a deposit collection dialog 123 including the estimated print amount of the selected print job is displayed on the display unit 25.

  After pressing the print button on the print job selection screen 122, the user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with his / her IC card. After the estimated printing amount is withdrawn as a deposit, the printing apparatus 4 starts a print job. After the printing is completed, the deposit amount and the printing amount are collated.

  If the deposit amount and the print amount are the same, a print completion screen 124 is displayed on the display unit 25. If the deposit amount and the print amount are different, the settlement screen 125 is displayed on the display unit 25. Note that even when a user with unsettled money touches the IC card on the login screen 121, the settlement screen 125 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  When the user presses the settlement button on the settlement screen 125, a settlement dialog 126 is displayed on the display unit 25. The user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with his / her IC card. Then, while the IC card is being touched, settlement by recharging or redrawing is executed. Then, after the settlement is performed, a settlement completion dialog 127 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button in the settlement completion dialog 127, the login screen 121 is displayed again on the display unit 25.

  10 to 12 are detailed screen transition diagrams of screens displayed on the operation terminal unit. As in the screen transition diagram of FIG. 9, the user sets printing conditions such as color, monochrome, double-sided, and number of copies on the printing condition setting screen 100 displayed on the display unit 52 of the client unit 5, and presses the print button. It is assumed that a printing operation is performed.

  When the application is activated on the operation terminal unit 2, the device control unit 23 of the operation terminal unit 2 determines whether there is a device abnormality. When there is a device abnormality, a device abnormality error dialog 130 is displayed on the display unit 25 of the operation terminal unit 2. Then, the application ends the process. On the other hand, if there is no device abnormality, a login screen 131 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  The user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with his / her IC card or touches a screen displayed on the touch panel of the card device / user authentication device 3, for example. When the user touches the screen, an ID input screen 132 is displayed on the display unit 25. The user inputs a user ID on the ID input screen 132. A keyboard may be used for inputting the user ID. When the user touches the IC card on the card device / user authentication device 3, the user ID is read from the touched IC card.

  When the user right-clicks the mouse on the login screen 131, a program end dialog 133 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button in the program end dialog 133, the application ends. When the user presses the cancel button of the program end dialog 133, a login screen 131 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  If a user ID is input by the user or a user ID is read from the IC card and a password needs to be input, a password input screen 134 is displayed on the display unit 25. The user inputs a password on the password input screen 134. After the password is input, the operation terminal unit 2 determines whether there is an error. If it is not necessary to input a password, after the user ID is input by the user or the user ID is read from the IC card, the operation terminal unit 2 determines whether there is an error.

  When there is a communication error with the server unit 1, a communication error dialog 135 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button in the communication error dialog 135, the application ends. When there is a communication error with the DB recorded in the server unit 1, a communication error dialog 136 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button in the communication error dialog 136, the application ends. Details of the DB recorded in the server unit 1 will be described later.

  If the IC card touched by the card device / user authentication device 3 is an accident card, a card abnormality error dialog 137 is displayed on the display unit 25. If there is no user ID input by the user or a user ID read from the IC card, the user absence error dialog 138 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button in the card abnormality error dialog 137 or the user nonexistence error dialog 138, a login screen 131 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  If there is no error such as a communication error as described above, a different screen is displayed on the display unit 25 depending on the presence / absence of unpaid money of the user and the presence / absence of a print job. If there is any unsettled money of the user, a settlement screen 160 described later is displayed on the display unit 25. On the other hand, if there is no user's unpaid money and there is no print job, an error dialog 139 with no print job is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button in the no print job error dialog 139, a login screen 131 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  If there is no user's unpaid money and there is a print job, a print job selection screen 140 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user selects a print job from the print job selection screen 140 and presses the print button, a different screen is displayed on the display unit 25 depending on whether or not the user has made a deposit.

  If the user has no deposit, the display unit 25 displays a print confirmation dialog 141, and then displays a settlement screen 160 described later. On the other hand, if the user has a deposit, the display unit 25 displays a deposit collection dialog 142 including the estimated print amount of the selected print job. Note that when the user presses the cancel button of the deposit collection dialog 142, the print job selection screen 140 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  When the deposit collection dialog 142 is displayed on the display unit 25, when the user touches the IC card on hand with the card device / user authentication device 3, the expected print amount is deducted as a deposit. And the operation terminal part 2 determines the presence or absence of an error.

  If the balance of the user's electronic money is insufficient, a balance shortage error dialog 143 is displayed on the display unit 25. If the IC card touched by the card device / user authentication device 3 is an accident card, a card abnormality error dialog 144 is displayed on the display unit 25. If a predetermined time elapses without detecting an IC card after the deposit collection dialog 142 is displayed on the display unit 25, a card detection timeout error dialog 145 is displayed on the display unit 25. When an IC card different from that at the time of login is touched on the card device / user authentication device 3, a card difference error dialog 146 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  Note that when the user presses the OK button in the insufficient balance error dialog 143, the card abnormality error dialog 144, the card detection timeout error dialog 145 or the card difference error dialog 146 displayed on the display unit 25, a print job selection is displayed on the display unit 25. A screen 140 is displayed.

  Further, when the card device / user authentication device 3 is disconnected, a device abnormality error dialog 147 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button in the device abnormality error dialog 147 displayed on the display unit 25, the application ends the process.

  If there is no error such as a shortage balance error as described above, the printing apparatus 4 starts printing after the expected printing amount is withdrawn as a deposit. After the printing is completed, the deposit amount and the printing amount are collated. If the deposit amount and the print amount are the same, a print completion dialog 148 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button in the print completion dialog 148, a login screen 131 is displayed on the display unit 25. On the other hand, if the deposit amount and the print amount are different, a settlement screen 160 described later is displayed on the display unit 25.

  When the delete tab on the print job selection screen 140 is pressed, a deletion job selection screen 149 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user selects a print job to be deleted from the deletion job selection screen 149 and presses the delete button, a deletion confirmation dialog 150 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the delete execution button of the delete confirmation dialog 150 is pressed, different screens are displayed on the display unit 25 depending on the presence or absence of a print job.

  If there is no print job, a login screen 131 is displayed after an error dialog 151 without print job is displayed on the display unit 25. If there is a print job, the print job is deleted. Then, the display unit 25 displays a deleted job selection screen 149 from which the print job selected by the user has been deleted. When the return button of the deletion confirmation dialog 150 is pressed, a deletion job selection screen 149 is displayed on the display unit 25. Note that when the print tab of the delete job selection screen 149 is pressed, the print job selection screen 140 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  When the user presses the settlement button on the settlement screen 160, a settlement dialog 161 is displayed on the display unit 25. The user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with his / her IC card. Then, while the IC card is being touched, settlement by recharging or redrawing is executed. And the operation terminal part 2 determines the presence or absence of an error.

  When a predetermined time elapses without detecting an IC card after the settlement dialog 161 is displayed on the display unit 25, a card detection timeout error dialog 162 is displayed on the display unit 25. When an IC card different from that at the time of login is touched on the card device / user authentication device 3, a card difference error dialog 164 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button on the card detection time-out error dialog 162 or the card difference error dialog 164 displayed on the display unit 25, the settlement screen 160 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  When there is a device abnormality, a device abnormality error dialog 163 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button in the device abnormality error dialog 163 displayed on the display unit 25, the application ends the process.

  If the IC card touched by the card device / user authentication device 3 is an accident card, a card abnormality error dialog 165 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button in the card abnormality error dialog 165, the login screen 131 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  If the user's electronic money balance is insufficient, a balance shortage error dialog 166 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the cancel button of the balance shortage error dialog 166, an unpaid money notification dialog 168 is displayed on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button in the unpaid notification dialog 168, a login screen 131 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  When the IC card is touched to the card device / user authentication device 3 in the state where the balance shortage error dialog 166 is displayed, the card device / user authentication device 3 starts from the IC card while the IC card is touched. Withdraw the balance. Note that the above-described card difference error and card abnormality error are also determined in the IC card touch performed here.

  Then, after the settlement is performed, a settlement completion dialog 167 is displayed on the display unit 25, and then an unsettled payment notification dialog 168 is displayed. When the user presses the OK button in the unpaid notification dialog 168, a login screen 131 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  If there is no error such as the card detection time-out error as described above, a settlement completion dialog 169 is displayed on the display unit 25. If the settlement is an unpaid payment, the display unit 25 displays the print job selection screen 140 or the no print job error dialog 139 according to the presence or absence of the print job as described above. If the settlement is not an unpaid payment, a login screen 131 is displayed on the display unit 25. Even when the cancel button on the settlement screen 160 is pressed, the login screen 131 is displayed after the non-payment notification dialog 170 is displayed on the display unit 25.

  The screen transition diagrams shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 are realized by the operations shown in the sequence diagrams of FIGS. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when the deposit amount is larger than the printing amount. In step S20, a user ID is inquired from the operation terminal unit 2 to the card device / user authentication device 3 by polling.

  In step S21, the user logs on by touching the IC card on hand to the card device / user authentication device 3. In step S22, the card device / user authentication device 3 reads the card ID from the IC card and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 while the IC card is being touched.

  In step S23, the operation terminal unit 2 requests the server unit 1 for ID conversion using an ID conversion protocol. The ID conversion protocol is for converting a card ID into a user ID. The server unit 1 can convert a card ID into a user ID with reference to, for example, a user information DB as shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of an example of the user information DB. In step S24, the server unit 1 returns the user ID to the operation terminal unit 2.

  In step S25, the operation terminal unit 2 checks the server unit 1 for the presence of unsettled money for the specified user ID using the unsettled money acquisition protocol. The unsettled money acquisition protocol is to acquire the amount of unsettled money as an unsettled amount. The server unit 1 checks whether or not there is an unsettled money corresponding to the designated user ID. Here, the explanation is continued on the assumption that there was no unpaid money. Proceeding to step S <b> 26, the server unit 1 returns information that there is no unpaid money to the operation terminal unit 2.

  In step S27, the operation terminal unit 2 acquires a print job list corresponding to the user ID from the print job storage location. In step S28, the operation terminal unit 2 generates a print job selection screen from the acquired print job list, displays it on the display unit 25, and allows the user to browse.

  In step S29, the user selects a print job from the print job selection screen, and presses a print button on the print job selection screen. In step S30, the operation terminal unit 2 calculates an expected printing amount from the selected print job. Here, the description will be continued assuming that 200 yen is calculated as the expected printing amount. In step S31, the operation terminal unit 2 displays a deposit collection dialog including the calculated estimated printing amount on the display unit 25.

  In step S32, a user ID is inquired from the operation terminal unit 2 to the card device / user authentication device 3 by polling. In step S33, the user touches the IC card with the card device / user authentication device 3. In step S34, the card device / user authentication device 3 reads the card ID from the IC card and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 while the IC card is being touched.

  In step S35, the operation terminal unit 2 collates the read card ID. If there is no error, the operation terminal unit 2 requests the card device / user authentication device 3 to debit the deposit amount by polling in step S36. In step S37, the card device / user authentication device 3 deducts the deposit amount and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 to that effect.

  In step S38, the operation terminal unit 2 creates a user deposit account in the server unit 1 using a deposit confirmation protocol. The deposit confirmation protocol designates a user ID and a deposit amount (deposit amount) and confirms the deposit.

  In step S 39, the operation terminal unit 2 starts a print job on the printing device 4. After the end of the print job, the operation terminal unit 2 proceeds to step S40 and requests the server unit 1 for an actual transaction. In step S41, the operation terminal unit 2 acquires an actual transaction from the server unit 1 and checks the status of the print job.

  In step S42, the operation terminal unit 2 calculates an actual printing amount (billing amount) based on the acquired actual transaction, and collates the deposit amount with the actual printing amount. Here, the description will be continued assuming that 150 yen is calculated as the actual printing amount.

  In step S43, the operation terminal unit 2 causes the server unit 1 to deduct the actual print amount from the deposit amount using the payment confirmation protocol. The payment confirmation protocol specifies the user ID, the collection confirmation amount and the collection means to confirm the payment. When payment is confirmed, the server unit 1 proceeds to step S44, and returns OK to the operation terminal unit 2 as a response to the payment confirmation protocol.

  In step S45, the operation terminal unit 2 checks the server unit 1 for the presence of unsettled money for the specified user ID using the unsettled money acquisition protocol. The server unit 1 checks whether or not there is an unsettled money corresponding to the designated user ID. Here, the explanation is continued assuming that the unsettled money was -50 yen. Proceeding to step S <b> 46, the server unit 1 returns information that the unsettled amount is −50 yen to the operation terminal unit 2.

  In step S47, the operation terminal unit 2 displays the settlement screen on the display unit 25 based on the unsettled amount of -50 yen. In step S48, the user presses the settlement button on the settlement screen. In step S49, a settlement dialog is displayed on the display unit 25. The checkout dialog includes a message for allowing the user to touch the IC card.

  In step S50, the user ID is inquired from the operation terminal unit 2 to the card device / user authentication device 3 by polling. In step S51, the user touches the IC card with the card device / user authentication device 3. In step S52, the card device / user authentication device 3 reads the card ID from the IC card and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 while the IC card is being touched.

  In step S53, the operation terminal unit 2 collates the read card ID. If there is no error, the operation terminal unit 2 charges the card device / user authentication device 3 for electronic money by polling in step S54. In step S55, the card device / user authentication device 3 charges the IC card with electronic money and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 to that effect.

  In step S56, the operation terminal unit 2 requests the server unit 1 to refund the deposit amount using the deposit refund protocol. The deposit refund protocol designates a user ID and a deposit amount (deposit amount) and refunds the deposit to the user. Here, the description is continued on the assumption that 50 yen has been paid back to the user.

  After refunding the deposit to the user, the server unit 1 proceeds to step S57, and returns OK to the operation terminal unit 2 as a response to the deposit refund protocol. In step S58, the operation terminal unit 2 displays a settlement completion dialog on the display unit 25. The settlement completion dialog includes a message for notifying the user that the settlement has been completed.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when the deposit amount and the print amount are the same. The sequence diagram of FIG. 14 is the same as the sequence diagram of FIG.

  The processing in steps S61 to S81 is the same as the processing in steps S21 to S41 in FIG. In step S82, the operation terminal unit 2 calculates an actual printing amount (billing amount) based on the acquired actual transaction, and collates the deposit amount with the actual printing amount. Here, the description will be continued assuming that 200 yen is calculated as the actual printing amount.

  In step S83, the operation terminal unit 2 causes the server unit 1 to deduct the actual print amount from the deposit amount using the payment confirmation protocol. When payment is confirmed, the server unit 1 proceeds to step S84, and returns OK to the operation terminal unit 2 as a response to the payment confirmation protocol.

  Proceeding to step S85, the operation terminal unit 2 checks the server unit 1 for the presence of unsettled money for the specified user ID using the unsettled money acquisition protocol. The server unit 1 checks whether or not there is an unsettled money corresponding to the designated user ID. Here, the explanation will be continued assuming that the unpaid money was 0 yen. Proceeding to step S86, the server unit 1 returns information that the unsettled amount is 0 yen to the operation terminal unit 2. In step S87, the operation terminal unit 2 displays a settlement completion dialog on the display unit 25.

  FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when the deposit amount is smaller than the printing amount. The sequence diagram of FIG. 15 is the same as the sequence diagram of FIG.

  Since the process of step S91-S111 is the same as the process of step S21-S41 of FIG. 13, description is abbreviate | omitted. In step S112, the operation terminal unit 2 calculates an actual printing amount (billing amount) based on the acquired actual transaction, and collates the deposit amount with the actual printing amount. Here, the description will be continued assuming that 250 yen is calculated as the actual printing amount.

  In step S113, the operation terminal unit 2 causes the server unit 1 to deduct the actual print amount from the deposit amount using the payment confirmation protocol. When payment is confirmed, the server unit 1 proceeds to step S114, and returns OK to the operation terminal unit 2 as a response to the payment confirmation protocol.

  In step S115, the operation terminal unit 2 checks the server unit 1 for the presence of unsettled money for the specified user ID using the unsettled money acquisition protocol. The server unit 1 checks whether or not there is an unsettled money corresponding to the designated user ID. Here, the description is continued assuming that the unsettled money was 50 yen. In step S116, the server unit 1 returns information that the unsettled amount is 50 yen to the operation terminal unit 2.

  Proceeding to step S117, the operation terminal unit 2 displays a settlement screen on the display unit 25 based on the unsettled amount of 50 yen. In step S118, the user presses the settlement button on the settlement screen. In step S119, a settlement dialog is displayed on the display unit 25.

  In step S120, the operation terminal unit 2 inquires the user ID to the card device / user authentication device 3 by polling. In step S121, the user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with the IC card. Then, the card device / user authentication device 3 proceeds to step S122, reads the card ID from the IC card while the IC card is being touched, and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 of the card ID.

  In step S123, the operation terminal unit 2 collates the read card ID. If there is no error, the operation terminal unit 2 requests the card device / user authentication device 3 to withdraw electronic money by polling in step S124. In step S125, the card device / user authentication device 3 withdraws electronic money from the IC card and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 to that effect.

  In step S126, the operation terminal unit 2 causes the server unit 1 to withdraw the unsettled amount from the IC card electronic money using the payment confirmation protocol. Here, the description will be continued assuming that 50 yen has been deducted from the user's electronic money.

  After deducting unsettled money from the user's electronic money, the server unit 1 proceeds to step S128 and returns OK to the operation terminal unit 2 as a response to the payment confirmation protocol. In step S129, the operation terminal unit 2 displays a settlement completion dialog on the display unit 25.

  FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing the operation when the deposit is performed last time and the settlement is not performed. The sequence diagram of FIG. 16 is the same as the sequence diagram of FIG.

  Since the process of step S131-S135 is the same as the process of step S21-S25 of FIG. 13, description is abbreviate | omitted. In step S <b> 135, the server unit 1 confirms from the operation terminal unit 2 whether or not there is an unsettled money of the specified user ID by an unsettled money acquisition protocol. The server unit 1 checks whether or not there is an unsettled money corresponding to the designated user ID. Here, the explanation is continued assuming that the unsettled money was -50 yen. The server unit 1 proceeds to step S136, and returns information that the unsettled money is -50 yen to the operation terminal unit 2. As described above, the operation terminal unit 2 can confirm that the user who has logged on by touching the IC card did not perform the settlement while making the previous deposit.

  In step S137, the operation terminal unit 2 confirms the account ID of the deposit (custody) account of the designated user with the server unit 1 using the account acquisition protocol. The account acquisition protocol specifies a user ID and acquires an account ID, an account type, and a deposit amount corresponding to the user ID.

  In step S138, the operation terminal unit 2 obtains an account ID corresponding to the user ID from the server unit 1. Proceeding to step S139, the operation terminal unit 2 displays a settlement screen on the display unit 25 based on the unsettled amount of -50 yen.

  In step S140, the operation terminal unit 2 inquires the user ID to the card device / user authentication device 3 by polling. In step S141, the user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with the IC card. Then, the card device / user authentication device 3 proceeds to step S142, reads the card ID from the IC card while the IC card is being touched, and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 of the card ID.

  The operation terminal unit 2 collates the card ID read from the IC card. If there is no error, the operation terminal unit 2 charges the card device / user authentication device 3 for electronic money by polling in step S143. In step S144, the card device / user authentication device 3 charges the IC card with electronic money and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 to that effect.

  In step S145, the operation terminal unit 2 advances the refund process to the IC card. In step S146, the operation terminal unit 2 designates the account ID and notifies the server unit 1 of the execution of the refund process. Proceeding to step S147, the server unit 1 sets the user's unpaid money to 0 yen, and then returns OK to the operation terminal unit 2. Thereafter, a login screen is displayed on the display unit 25, and processing as shown in the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 13 to 15 is executed.

  FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when payment is not performed while there was a shortage last time. The sequence diagram of FIG. 17 is the same as the sequence diagram of FIG.

  The processing of steps S151 to S155 is the same as the processing of steps S21 to S25 in FIG. In step S <b> 155, the server unit 1 confirms from the operation terminal unit 2 whether or not there is an unsettled money for the specified user ID by using the unsettled money acquisition protocol. The server unit 1 checks whether or not there is an unsettled money corresponding to the designated user ID. Here, the description is continued assuming that the unsettled money was 50 yen. The server unit 1 proceeds to step S156, and returns information that the unpaid money is 50 yen to the operation terminal unit 2. The operation terminal unit 2 can confirm that the user who has logged on by touching the IC card did not perform the settlement with the previous shortage.

  In step S157, the operation terminal unit 2 confirms the account ID of the deposit (cash) account of the designated user with the server unit 1 using the account acquisition protocol.

  In step S158, the operation terminal unit 2 acquires information from the server unit 1 that there is no account ID corresponding to the user ID. In step S159, the operation terminal unit 2 displays a settlement screen on the display unit 25 based on the unsettled amount of 50 yen.

  In step S160, the user ID is inquired from the operation terminal unit 2 to the card device / user authentication device 3 by polling. In step S161, the user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with the IC card. Then, the card device / user authentication device 3 proceeds to step S162, reads the card ID from the IC card while the IC card is being touched, and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 of the card ID.

  The operation terminal unit 2 collates the card ID read from the IC card. If there is no error, the operation terminal unit 2 requests the card device / user authentication device 3 to withdraw electronic money by polling in step S163. In step S164, the card device / user authentication device 3 withdraws electronic money from the IC card and notifies the operation terminal unit 2 to that effect.

  In step S165, the operation terminal unit 2 advances the payment process from the IC card. In step S166, the operation terminal unit 2 notifies the execution of the settlement process using the payment confirmation protocol. And it progresses to step S167 and the server part 1 returns OK to the operation terminal part 2, after making a user's unpaid money 0 yen. Thereafter, a login screen is displayed on the display unit 25, and processing as shown in the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 13 to 15 is executed.

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the billing method according to the present invention, even when there is a difference between the deposit amount and the print amount in the billing for printing using the non-contact type IC card, it can be accurately settled.

  The third embodiment of the accounting method according to the present invention is realized by the relationship between the system configuration diagram of FIG. 3 and the scenario 5 of Table 2. FIG. 19 is a normal screen transition diagram showing the third embodiment of the accounting method according to the present invention.

  Initially, the screen 200 is displayed on the display unit 25 of the operation terminal unit 2. The user sets a document, sets printing conditions such as color, monochrome, duplex, and number of copies, and then presses the start button.

  When the user presses the start button, the operation terminal unit 2 scans the document and then calculates the estimated copy amount based on the set printing conditions. The operation terminal unit 2 displays a screen 201 including the calculated estimated copy amount as a billing amount on the display unit 25.

  When the user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with the IC card, the operation terminal unit 2 starts to print the scanned document after deducting the estimated copy amount from the IC card as a deposit. After the copying is completed, the operation terminal unit 2 confirms the payment of the actual copy amount, and then displays the screen 202 on the display unit 25. Thereafter, the screen 200 is displayed again on the display unit 25.

  FIG. 20 is a screen transition diagram at the time of an error representing the third embodiment of the accounting method according to the present invention. A screen 210 is displayed on the display unit 25 of the operation terminal unit 2. The user sets a document, sets printing conditions, and presses a start button.

  When the user presses the start button, the operation terminal unit 2 scans the document and then calculates the estimated copy amount based on the set printing conditions. The operation terminal unit 2 displays on the display unit 25 a screen 211 including the calculated estimated copy amount as a billing amount.

  When the user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with the IC card, the operation terminal unit 2 starts to print the scanned document after deducting the estimated copy amount from the IC card as a deposit. Here, it is assumed that an error (jam or the like) has occurred during printing, and an error has occurred between the actual copy amount and the estimated copy amount. In this case, the actual copy amount is smaller than the expected copy amount.

  The operation terminal unit 2 displays a screen 212 on the display unit 25. The screen 212 includes a message that an error has occurred and a request to touch the IC card for refund. When the user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with the IC card, the operation terminal unit 2 refunds the IC card and confirms the payment of the actual copy amount. The operation terminal unit 2 displays the screen 213 on the display unit 25 and then displays the screen 210 again.

  In the screen transition diagrams of FIGS. 19 and 20, an example is shown in which the estimated copy amount is calculated and the estimated copy amount is deducted as a deposit. However, as shown in the screen transition diagram of FIG. 21, the deposit amount to be deducted is set in advance. You may keep it.

  FIG. 21 is a screen transition diagram showing another example of the charging method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. A screen 220 is displayed on the display unit 25 of the operation terminal unit 2. The screen 220 includes a message indicating that an IC card containing electronic money equal to or greater than a predetermined amount set in advance is touched.

  When the user touches the card device / user authentication device 3 with the IC card, the operation terminal unit 2 performs different processes depending on whether there is any unsettled money. If there is unsettled money (changing), the operation terminal unit 2 deducts a predetermined amount from the IC card as a deposit, and then adds the unsettled money to the deposit. The operation terminal unit 2 displays a screen 221 on the display unit 25. When the user presses the OK button on the screen 221, the operation terminal unit 2 displays the screen 222 on the display unit 25.

  If there is no unpaid money (changing), the operation terminal unit 2 displays a screen 222 on the display unit 25 after deducting a predetermined amount from the IC card as a deposit. The screen 222 includes, as information, the number of copies that can be made according to the amount of the deposited deposit.

  When the “further charge” button on the screen 222 is pressed, the screen 223 is displayed on the display unit 25 of the operation terminal unit 2. The screen 223 includes a message indicating that the IC card touched when the screen 220 is displayed is touched again. When the cancel button on the screen 223 is pressed, the screen 222 is displayed again on the display unit 25 of the operation terminal unit 2.

  When the user touches the IC card again on the card device / user authentication device 3, the operation terminal unit 2 displays a screen 222 on the display unit 25 after deducting a predetermined amount from the IC card as a deposit.

  The user sets a document, sets printing conditions such as color, monochrome, duplex, and number of copies, and then presses the start button. When the user presses the start button, the operation terminal unit 2 starts copying and displays a screen 224 on the display unit 25. After copying is completed, the operation terminal unit 2 calculates the actual copy amount based on the set printing conditions.

  Here, it is assumed that there is a difference between the actual copy amount and the amount withdrawn as a deposit. The operation terminal unit 2 displays a screen 225 on the display unit 25. The screen 225 includes a message that there is a change and a request to touch the IC card for a refund.

  When the user touches the same IC card as the IC card touched when screen 220 is displayed, operation terminal unit 2 charges the IC card for fishing. The operation terminal unit 2 displays the screen 227 on the display unit 25 and then displays the screen 220 again.

  When a different IC card is touched, the operation terminal unit 2 displays the screen 226 on the display unit 25 and then displays the screen 220 again. The screen 226 includes a message indicating that an IC card different from the IC card touched when the screen 220 is displayed is touched. Then, the operation terminal unit 2 stores the change as unsettled money in the server unit 1 and then displays the screen 220 on the display unit 25 again.

  As described above, in the third embodiment of the billing method according to the present invention, even when there is a difference between the deposit amount and the print amount in the billing for printing using the non-contact type IC card, it can be accurately settled.

(Summary)
The first and second embodiments described above can be combined with an on-demand printing system. In the third embodiment, a combination with a copier or a multifunction peripheral (MFP) installed at a store such as a convenience store can be considered. The billing method according to the present invention may be combined with a data storage service or an advertising medium.

  As an example of a data storage service using a deposit mechanism, there is a service that can store a print job in the server unit 1 when viewed from the user and has a right of free printing. In this case, charging is performed not on a monthly basis but on a print job basis.

  By charging by deposit, a print job can be held on the server unit 1 for a certain period. In this case, the user's print job disappears from the server unit 1 and the deposit disappears after a certain period. The charge by deposit includes the storage fee for the print job and the print amount.

  Further, as an example of the advertising medium using the deposit mechanism, for example, the authentication information for the account ID may be recorded on the paper itself as shown in FIG. 22 using a barcode, a three-dimensional barcode, or a background pattern. It is done. FIG. 22 is an image diagram of an example of an advertising medium using a deposit mechanism.

  The advertisement medium of FIG. 22 uses the deposit mechanism by preparing a deposit account in advance by the sponsor and distributing it to the user with the message “This advertisement can be copied with a free copy machine at XX store”. To do. A user who has been distributed with an advertisement medium can make a copy using a deposit in a deposit account prepared in advance by a sponsor when copying with a copy machine installed at a store such as a convenience store.

  The billing method according to the present invention has an account for each user in the server unit 1 so that the excess or deficiency of the billing amount according to the printing can be held as unsettled money, so that the user next touches the IC card Can be settled.

  In addition, the billing method according to the present invention can distribute, for example, a fixed amount of “free points (free electronic money)” every month. In this case, the server unit 1 manages free points (points) based on, for example, account information as shown in FIG. Since the billing method according to the present invention uniquely recognizes the IC card, there is no accident that a change is taken by another person or the other person's unpaid money is paid. Furthermore, the accounting method according to the present invention can be applied from a large-scale on-demand printing system to a small-scale service.

  As described above, in the accounting method according to the present invention, the server unit 1 has the account information of the user, and the operation terminal unit 2 temporarily stores the electronic money value as a deposit from the IC card. And the operation terminal part 2 can identify uniquely the user who logged in by card ID acquired from the IC card, and can inquire the server part 1 about account information.

  In the accounting method according to the present invention, even if an error occurs during printing or the like, it is possible to easily return an excessive deposit. According to the billing method of the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent accidents such as “frozen” and “too much” in a billing system using electronic money contained in an IC card.

  The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

It is a system configuration | structure figure of one Example of the charging system by this invention. It is a system block diagram of the other Example of the charging system by this invention. It is a system block diagram of the other Example of the charging system by this invention. It is a sequence diagram showing Example 1 of the accounting method by the present invention. It is an image figure of an example of the screen displayed on a client part. It is a format figure of an example of an IC card. It is an image figure of an example of the receipt on which the code which can identify account ID was printed. It is an image figure of an example of a payment screen. It is the simplified screen transition figure of the screen displayed on an operation terminal part. It is a detailed screen transition diagram (1/3) of the screen displayed on an operation terminal part. It is a detailed screen transition diagram (2/3) of the screen displayed on an operation terminal part. It is a detailed screen transition diagram (3/3) of the screen displayed on an operation terminal part. It is a sequence diagram showing operation when the deposit amount is larger than the printing amount. It is a sequence diagram showing operation | movement when the deposit amount and printing amount are the same. It is a sequence diagram showing operation when the deposit amount is smaller than the printing amount. It is a sequence diagram showing operation | movement at the time of not performing adjustment, performing the last deposit. It is a sequence diagram showing operation | movement when there is no shortage last time and it does not settle. It is a block diagram of an example of user information DB. It is the screen transition figure at the normal time showing Example 3 of the accounting method by this invention. It is the screen transition diagram at the time of the error showing Example 3 of the accounting method by this invention. It is a screen transition figure showing the other example of Example 3 of the accounting method by this invention. It is an image figure of an example of the advertising medium using the mechanism of deposit. It is a block diagram of an example of account information DB.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Server part 2 Operation terminal part 3,6 Card apparatus and user authentication apparatus 4,26 Printing apparatus 5 Client part 11,21,51 Communication part 12 Log management part 13 Charge management part 14 User authentication part 15,22 Print job management part 23 Device control unit 24, 53 Print control unit 25, 52 Display unit

Claims (9)

A charging method in a charging system that charges for image processing using a recording medium capable of transmitting and receiving data using radio waves,
The billing system reads an identifier of the recording medium from the recording medium via a device that transmits and receives data to and from the recording medium, and deposits electronic money from an account uniquely identified from the identifier Withdrawal step and
The billing system performs image processing based on an instruction from a user, and compares the bill for the image processing with the deposit to calculate the difference as unsettled money;
When the billing system reads an identifier of the recording medium from the recording medium via a device that transmits and receives data to and from the recording medium, and there is an uncleared money in an account that is uniquely specified from the identifier, A billing method comprising: a settlement step for performing settlement based on the account and unsettled money.   The debiting step, when there is an unsettled money in an account uniquely identified from an identifier of the recording medium read from the recording medium, performs settlement based on the account and unsettled money. Item 2. The billing method according to Item 1.   2. The charging method according to claim 1, wherein the debiting step calculates an expected amount of money for the image processing and deducts the electronic money of the expected amount from an account uniquely specified from the identifier to make a deposit.   2. The billing method according to claim 1, wherein in the withdrawal step, a predetermined amount of electronic money preset from an account uniquely specified by the identifier is withdrawn and used as a deposit.   2. The billing method according to claim 1, wherein the unsettled money calculation step prints and outputs information representing the unsettled money and the account identifier.   2. The unpaid money calculation step, when predetermined information is printed on a read original, electronic money is deducted from information uniquely specified from the information and used as a deposit. Billing method.   The accounting method according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is a non-contact type IC card. A billing system that charges for image processing using a recording medium capable of transmitting and receiving data using radio waves,
Means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the recording medium;
Means for debiting electronic money of an account uniquely specified from the identifier of the recording medium read from the recording medium to be a deposit
Means for performing image processing based on an instruction from a user, and calculating a difference as unsettled money by comparing the charge for the image processing with the deposit;
When there is an unsettled money in an account that is uniquely specified from the identifier of the recording medium read through means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the recording medium, the settlement is performed based on the account and the unsettled money. And a charging system. An image processing apparatus that charges for image processing using a recording medium capable of transmitting and receiving data using radio waves,
Means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the recording medium;
Means for debiting electronic money of an account uniquely specified from the identifier of the recording medium read from the recording medium to be a deposit
Means for performing image processing based on an instruction from a user, and calculating a difference as unsettled money by comparing the charge for the image processing with the deposit;
When there is an unsettled money in an account that is uniquely specified from the identifier of the recording medium read through means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the recording medium, the settlement is performed based on the account and the unsettled money. And an image processing apparatus.

Images