JP2008301314A - Information processing apparatus, information processing method and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operational convenience in a case where display of data received via a network is limited. <P>SOLUTION: A multi function peripheral (MFP) includes: a download section for receiving data from a computer connected to a network; a display control section for displaying received data; a charge management section which sets the browsing balance, changes the set browsing balance based on the amount of data used for display and permits display on the condition that the browsing balance is 10 yen or more; a storage section for storing data being displayed when an available time determined based on the browsing balance becomes 0; the display control section which displays, prints or transmits the stored data after the available time becomes 0; a printing control section; and a transmission control section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program, and more particularly to an information processing device that downloads data via a network, an information processing method and an information processing program executed by the information processing device.

  In recent years, MFPs called Multi Function Peripherals (MFPs) having functions of a scanner device, a printer device, a copy device, and a facsimile device are often used by being connected to a network. If the MFP has a browsing function, the MFP can be connected to the Internet and accessed to a search site such as a web server. Using an MFP, data downloaded from a web server or the like can be recorded inside the MFP, printed, or transmitted to another device. For example, a printing system that accesses a web server, downloads data on the web server, and prints out the data is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2005-141311 (Patent Document 1) and 2000-268095 (Patent Document 2). )It is described in.

However, conventional printing systems charge for downloading and printing, but do not charge for browsing. In the case of charging for browsing, there is a problem that if the fee is insufficient, browsing cannot be performed and the fee is reset. More specifically, after the fee is insufficient, even if the fee is added and browsing is resumed, it is necessary to browse from the web page set as the default. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time until the web page displayed when the fee is insufficient is displayed again, and the fee must be paid wastefully.
JP-A-2005-141311 JP 2000-268095 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is information processing that improves the convenience of operation when the display of data received via a network is restricted. Is to provide a device.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method that improves the convenience of operation when the display of data received via a network is restricted. And providing an information processing program.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus uses a receiving unit that receives data from a computer connected to a network, a display unit that displays the received data, and a use Setting means for setting the possible amount, changing means for changing the set usable amount based on the usage amount for the display by the display means, and the display means on condition that the usable amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value Permission means for permitting display by the display means, storage means for storing the data displayed on the display means when the display by the display means is no longer permitted, and display of the stored data after the display by the display means is not permitted Processing means for processing.

  According to this aspect, data is received and displayed from a computer connected to the network, while an available amount is set, and the available amount is changed based on the used amount for displaying data. Display of data is allowed on the condition that the available amount is equal to or greater than the threshold, but if the display of data is disabled, the displayed data is stored, and after the display is disabled, The stored data is processed. For this reason, since the stored data is processed when the display of data is no longer permitted, there is no need to receive the data again. As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that improves the convenience of operation when display of data received via a network is restricted.

  Preferably, the processing unit displays the data stored in the storage unit on the display unit on the condition that the usable amount is set to a threshold value or more by the setting unit after the display by the display unit is not permitted. Re-display means for causing

  Preferably, the redisplay means is stored in the storage means on the condition that the usable amount is set to be equal to or greater than the threshold value by the setting means in a predetermined period after the display by the display means is not permitted. Display the data on the display means.

  Preferably, the setting unit includes a setting request unit that prompts the user to set a usable amount after display by the display unit is not permitted.

  Preferably, the changing means includes time measuring means for measuring the time for displaying the received data by the display means, and subtracting means for subtracting the usage amount corresponding to the time measured by the time measuring means from the usable amount. Including.

  Preferably, the setting unit includes a usable amount receiving unit that receives a usable amount input by a user.

  Preferably, a usable time display means for displaying the usable time determined based on the usable amount and the used amount is further provided.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing method includes a step of receiving data from a computer connected to a network, a step of displaying the received data, a step of setting a usable amount, Based on the usage amount for the display, a step for changing the set usable amount, a step for permitting the display of data on condition that the usable amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and a display of data are permitted. When lost, the method includes storing the displayed data and processing the stored data after the display of the data is no longer permitted.

  If this aspect is followed, the information processing method which improved the convenience of operation when the display of the data received via the network will be restrict | limited can be provided.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an information processing program includes a step of receiving data from a computer connected to a network, a step of displaying the received data, a step of setting an available amount, and data Based on the usage amount for the display of data, the step of changing the set usable amount, the step of permitting the display of data on condition that the usable amount is equal to or greater than the threshold, and the display of data are permitted If not, the computer is caused to execute a step of storing the displayed data and a step of processing the stored data after the display of the data is not permitted.

  If this aspect is followed, the information processing program which improved the convenience of operation when the display of the data received via the network will be restrict | limited can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, information processing system 1 includes multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as “MFPs”) 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C and personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “PCs”) 200 respectively connected to network 2. . MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C have a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. Here, MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C will be described as an example of the information processing apparatus. The PC 200 is a general computer.

  The network 2 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network 2 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), or the like. Network 2 is connected to Internet 3, and MFPs 100, 100 A, 100 B, and 100 C can communicate with search server 5 and Web server 7 connected to Internet 3.

  MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C have a browser function. For example, when the MFP 100 transmits a keyword to the search server 5, the MFP 100 receives a search result returned from the search server 5. The search result includes, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a Web page that the Web server 7 has. When the URL is specified by the user, the MFP 100 that has received the search result specifies the Web specified by the URL to the Web server 7. Requests transmission of a (Web) page, and receives a Web page transmitted by the Web server 7. Hereinafter, processing in which the MFP 100 downloads and displays a Web page is referred to as browsing processing.

  In the present embodiment, MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C will be described as examples of information processing apparatuses. However, if the apparatus has a browser function instead of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C, for example, PC 200, scanner, printer, facsimile, etc.

  The functions of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C are the same. Here, the configuration of MFP 100 will be described as an example.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 10, an image reading unit 20, an image forming unit 30, a paper feeding unit 40, and a clearing unit 50.

  The ADF 10 automatically conveys a plurality of documents set on the document feed tray 11 one by one to a predetermined document reading position set on the platen glass of the image reading unit 20, and the image reading unit 20 The document on which the document image is read is discharged onto a document discharge tray. The image reading unit 20 includes a light source that irradiates light to a document conveyed to a document reading position and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light reflected by the document, and scans a document image corresponding to the size of the document. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data that is an electrical signal and outputs the image data to the image forming unit 30. The paper feed unit 40 conveys the paper stored in the paper feed tray to the image forming unit 30.

  The image forming unit 30 forms an image by a well-known electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 30 performs various data processing such as shading correction on the image data input from the image reading unit 20, and the image data after the data processing is processed. Based on this, an image is formed on the sheet conveyed by the sheet feeding unit 40.

  The clearing unit 50 clears the value due to the use of the MFP 100. Clearing unit 50 accumulates the inserted money and transmits the amount of money (charge balance) to MFP 100. Hereinafter, the amount accumulated in the clearing unit 50 is referred to as a charge balance. The charge balance is a value that defines a usable amount that can cause the MFP 100 to execute processing. The clearing unit 50 includes a bill insertion slot 51, a coin insertion slot 53, and a return button 55. When the money is inserted into the bill insertion slot 51 or the coin insertion slot 53, the clearing unit 50 adds the amount of the inserted money to the charge balance, and transmits the added charge balance to the MFP 100. The MFP 100 accepts an operation by the user while the clearing unit 50 has a charge balance, and executes processing according to the accepted operation. Clearing unit 50 receives the balance of charges after executing processing from MFP 100.

  In the present embodiment, MFP 100 can execute a browsing process, and MFP 100 charges for the time during which the browsing process is executed. In this case, although the fee is charged for the time during which the browsing process is executed, the amount of data to be received or transmitted / received may be charged by executing the browsing process. Further, the MFP 100 can execute the printing process and the data transmission process, and the MFP 100 charges according to the execution of the printing process or the data transmission process.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 3, MFP 100 includes a main circuit 101, a facsimile unit 122, and a communication control unit 123. The main circuit 101 is connected to an automatic document feeder (ADF) 10, an image reading unit 20, an image forming unit 30, a paper feeding unit 40, and a clearing unit 50.

  The main circuit 101 includes a CPU 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 used as a work area of the CPU 111, a flash memory 113 for storing a program executed by the CPU 111, a display unit 114, an operation unit 115, And a hard disk drive (HDD) 116 as a mass storage device and a data communication control unit 117.

  The CPU 111 executes a program stored in the flash memory 113 to execute a function. The flash memory 113 is an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).

  The CPU 111 is connected to the display unit 114, the operation unit 115, the HDD 116, and the data communication control unit 117, and controls the entire main circuit 101. The CPU 111 is connected to the facsimile unit 122, the communication control unit 123, the ADF 10, the image reading unit 20, the image forming unit 30, the paper feeding unit 40, and the clearing unit 50, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The display unit 114 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information about acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 115 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. The operation unit 115 includes a touch panel provided on the display unit 114. Display unit 114 and operation unit 115 constitute operation panel 9 provided on the upper surface of MFP 100.

  The data communication control unit 117 includes a LAN terminal 118 that is an interface for communication using a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol), and a serial communication interface terminal 119 for serial communication. . The data communication control unit 117 transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the LAN terminal 118 or the serial communication interface terminal 119 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 111.

  When a LAN cable for connecting to the network 2 is connected to the LAN terminal 118, the data communication control unit 117 communicates with other MFPs 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B, 100 </ b> C or the server 200 connected via the LAN terminal 118. Furthermore, the data communication control unit 117 communicates with other computers connected to the Internet. Further, the data communication control unit 117 communicates with the search server 5 and the web server 7 connected to the Internet 3.

  When executing the browsing process, the CPU 111 displays the web page (image data) received from the web server 7 by the data communication control unit 117 on the display unit 114. Further, the CPU 111 stores a web page in the HDD 116 based on a user storage instruction input to the operation unit 115 (data storage), or performs data communication control based on a user transmission instruction input to the operation unit 115. For example, the web page is transmitted to the other PC 200 or MFPs 100A, 100B, and 10C via the unit 117 (data transmission). The data transmission includes a case where image data is transmitted to another facsimile apparatus via the facsimile unit 122. Further, the CPU 111 causes the image forming unit 30 to print a web page based on a user print instruction input to the operation unit 115.

  The CPU 111 can update the program by controlling the data communication control unit 117 to download the program from the server 200 and store it in the flash memory 113. The program includes an information processing program to be described later.

  When a device is connected to the serial communication interface terminal 119, the data communication control unit 117 communicates with a device connected to the serial communication interface terminal 119, for example, a digital camera, a digital video camera, or a portable information terminal. Input and output image data. The serial communication interface terminal 119 can be connected to a memory card 119A incorporating a flash memory. The CPU 111 can update the program by controlling the data communication control unit 117 to read a program to be executed by the CPU 111 from the memory card 119 </ b> A and store it in the flash memory 113.

  A recording medium for storing a program to be executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the memory card 119A, but a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) / MO (Magnetic Optical Disc)). / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC card (including memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), semiconductor memory such as EEPROM, and the like. Further, the CPU 111 downloads a program from the server 200 and stores the program in the flash memory 113, or loads the program stored in the flash memory 113 into the RAM 112 so that the server 200 writes the program in the flash memory 113. It may be executed by the CPU 111. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The communication control unit 123 is a modem for connecting the CPU 111 to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 7. The telephone number in PSTN 7 is assigned to MFP 100 in advance, and when a call is made from the facsimile apparatus connected to PSTN 7 to the telephone number assigned to MFP 100, communication control unit 123 detects the call. When the communication control unit 123 detects a call, the communication control unit 123 establishes a call and causes the facsimile unit 122 to communicate.

  The facsimile unit 122 is connected to the PSTN 7 and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN 7 or receives facsimile data from the PSTN 7.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the operation panel. Referring to FIG. 4, operation panel 9 includes a display unit 114 and an operation unit 115. The operation unit 115 includes a numeric keypad 115A, a start key 115B, a clear key 115C for canceling input contents, a copy key 115D for shifting the MFP 100 to a copy mode for executing copy processing, and scan processing. A scan key 115E for transitioning the MFP 100 to a scan mode for execution, a BOX key 115F for transitioning the MFP 100 to a data transmission mode for executing data transmission processing, and a browsing mode for executing browsing processing And a browser key 115G for transitioning the MFP 100.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the CPU. Referring to FIG. 5, CPU 111 has a URL reception unit 151 for receiving an instruction to download a web page, a download unit 153 for downloading a web page, a storage unit 155 for storing the web page, The display control unit 157 for displaying the web page, the print control unit 159 for printing the web page, the transmission control unit 161 for transmitting the web page, and the clearing unit 50 communicate with each other. A charge management unit 163 for managing the charge balance and a timer 165 for measuring time are included.

  The URL receiving unit 151 receives the URL and outputs the URL to the download unit 153. The URL receiving unit 151 stores a default URL in advance, and outputs a default URL to the download unit 153 when receiving an instruction to execute a browsing process. When the browser key 115G of the operation unit 115 is pressed, the URL reception unit 151 receives an instruction to execute a browsing process. Note that a software key corresponding to the browser key 115G may be displayed on the display unit 114 and a software key instruction may be received on the touch panel of the operation unit 115. The URL receiving unit 151 receives a URL that the user inputs to the operation unit 115 from the operation unit 115. For example, an alphanumeric character software key is displayed on the display unit 114, and a URL is received by detecting an instruction of the software key on the touch panel of the operation unit 115. Furthermore, when the URL included in the web page displayed by the display control unit 157 described later is instructed by the user, the URL accepting unit 151 accepts the instructed URL. The URL is access information for accessing the web page, and is location information indicating the location of the web page on the network.

  The download unit 153 requests the device specified by the input URL to transmit the web page specified by the URL. For example, when the device specified by the URL is the Web server 7, the download unit 153 transmits a request signal for requesting the Web server 7 to transmit the Web page specified by the URL. Web server 7 stores a web page. When a request signal is received, web server 7 reads the web page specified by the URL included in the request signal, and returns the web page to MFP 100 that has transmitted the request signal. The web page is described in a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). The download unit 153 receives the web page returned from the web server 7 and outputs the web page to the display control unit 157 and the storage unit 155.

  The display control unit 157 receives a web page from the download unit 153, outputs the input web page to the display unit 114, and causes the display unit 114 to display the web page. Further, the display control unit 157 outputs the usable amount received from the fee management unit 163, here, the usable time to the display unit 114, and causes the display unit 114 to display the usable time superimposed on the web page. Alternatively, the usable time is displayed at a position different from the web page. The storage unit 155 receives a web page from the download unit 153 and temporarily stores the input web page. The storage unit 155 can store at least one page of web pages. When an error signal described later is input from the charge management unit 163, the storage unit 155 stores the temporarily stored web page in the HDD 116.

  The fee management unit 163 communicates with the clearing unit 50, receives the amount of money put into the clearing unit 50, and sets the thrown amount as a charge balance. When the charge balance has already been set, a value obtained by adding the amount input to the charge balance is set as a new charge balance. The fee management unit 163 manages the fee balance separately for browsing processing, printing processing, and data transmission processing. The charge balance is divided into a charge balance (hereinafter referred to as “browsing balance”) assigned to execute the browsing process, a charge balance assigned to execute the print process (hereinafter referred to as “print balance”), and a data transmission process. The charge balance allocated for execution (hereinafter referred to as “transmission balance”) is managed separately. The charge management unit 163 allocates the charge balance to the browsing balance, the print balance, and the transmission balance in accordance with an instruction input to the operation unit 115 by the user when the amount of money input thereto is received from the clearing unit 50 .

  The fee management unit 163 calculates a usable time for browsing from the browsing balance and outputs the usable time to the display control unit 157. The timer 165 measures the time for executing the browsing process. The charge management unit 163 subtracts the time counted by the timer 165 from the usable time, and updates the usable time. Further, an amount corresponding to the time counted by the timer 165 is subtracted from the browsing balance.

  The fee management unit 163 subtracts a predetermined amount from the print balance every time an image is formed by the image forming unit 30 according to image forming conditions such as color or monochrome. Furthermore, each time data is transmitted by the transmission control unit 161, the fee management unit 163 subtracts a predetermined amount according to the number of data to be transmitted or the amount of data from the transmission balance.

  The fee management unit 163 permits the MFP 100 to execute the process on the condition that the fee balance is equal to or greater than the threshold, and each time the MFP 100 executes the process, an amount corresponding to the executed process is set as the charge balance. The charge balance after the subtraction is transmitted to the clearing unit 50. That is, the charge balance is a usable amount that determines whether or not processing can be executed. The threshold is the minimum amount necessary to perform the process. Here, the browsing process can be executed for 10 minutes for 10 yen, and the threshold value is 10 yen. In this case, the fee management unit 163 permits the execution of the browsing process on the condition that the browsing balance is 10 yen or more, and thereafter permits the execution of the browsing process for at least one minute. The time during which browsing processing can be performed is referred to as usable time. The available time is assigned 1 minute to the available amount (browsing balance) of 10 yen, and is subtracted by the time (usage amount) when the browsing process is executed.

  The fee management unit 163 permits the browsing process to be executed when the browsing balance is 10 yen or more, but does not permit the browsing process to be executed when the usable time reaches 0 seconds. While the browsing process is in progress, subtract the browsing process execution time (usage amount) from the available time, and subtract 10 yen from the browsing balance each time the browsing process execution time (usage amount) passes 1 minute. To do. Specifically, the charge management unit 163 permits the browsing process to be executed if the browsing balance is 10 yen or more, and subtracts 10 yen from the browsing balance when the browsing process is executed. The charge management unit 163 subtracts 10 yen from the browsing balance every time one minute elapses during the browsing process. Further, even if the browsing balance becomes 0 yen, since the usable time is 1 or more for one minute thereafter, the browsing process is allowed to be executed, but when the usable time becomes 0 seconds, the browsing process is not allowed to be executed. .

  The fee management unit 163 permits the MFP 100 to execute the printing process on the condition that the print balance is equal to or greater than the threshold, and is determined in advance according to the image forming conditions for the MFP 100 to execute the printing process. Is subtracted from the print balance. Further, fee management unit 163 permits MFP 100 to execute the process of transmitting data on condition that the transmission balance is equal to or greater than the threshold, and transmits the number of transmissions or transmits each time MFP 100 transmits data. A predetermined amount is subtracted from the transmission balance according to the amount of data. The fee management unit 163 calculates a fee balance that is the sum of the browsing balance, the print balance, and the transmission balance, and transmits the fee balance to the clearing unit 50.

  In the browsing process, the URL receiving unit 151 receives a URL, and the display control unit 157 displays a web page on the display unit 114. The time of the browsing process is from when the browser key 115G of the operation unit 115 is pressed until the end button 209 (see FIG. 6) displayed on the display unit 114 is pressed.

  However, while the other process is being executed while the browsing process is being executed, it is not included in the browsing process time. Another process is a printing process or a data transmission process. For example, from when the copy button 115D provided on the operation unit 115 is pressed until the printing process ends, or after the BOX button 115F provided on the operation unit 115 is pressed until the data transmission process ends. Is not included in the browsing time.

  Furthermore, the charge management unit 163 outputs an error signal to the storage unit 155 when the permitted browsing process is no longer permitted, or when the available time is 0 seconds. When the usable time becomes 0 second, the storage unit 155 stores the web page displayed on the display unit 114. When the storage unit 155 receives the error signal, the storage unit 155 stores the stored web page in the HDD 116. Therefore, when the permitted browsing process is no longer permitted, the web page displayed on the display unit 114 is stored in the HDD 116 when the usable time is 0 seconds.

  Further, the charge management unit 163 controls the display control unit 157 to display the inquiry screen on the display unit 114 when the permitted browsing process is no longer permitted, or when the usable time is 0 seconds. Is displayed. The inquiry screen is a screen for inquiring the user as to whether or not to continue browsing and accepting subsequent processing input.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inquiry screen. Referring to FIG. 6, the inquiry screen 201 includes a button 203 on which characters “print the last viewed page” and a button 205 on which characters “display the last viewed page” are displayed. And a button 207 in which characters “Send last viewed page” are displayed, and an end button 209 in which characters “End” are displayed. When the button 203 is instructed, the fee management unit 163 outputs a return signal to the print control unit 159. When the button 207 is instructed, the fee management unit 163 outputs a return signal to the transmission control unit 161. In addition, when the button 205 is instructed, the fee management unit 163 displays a fee allocation screen on the display unit 114, and receives money inserted from the clearing unit 50 when money is inserted into the clearing unit 50. The fee allocation screen is a screen for the user to instruct how much the amount of money added to the clearing unit 50 is allocated to the browsing process or the printing process. When button 209 is instructed, fee management unit 163 resets MFP 100 and returns it to the initial state. In this case, the web page stored in HDD 116 is deleted.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charge allocation screen. Referring to FIG. 7, the charge allocation screen 211 displays an area 213 for displaying the charge balance of the clearing unit 50, a button 215 in which “10 yen unit” is displayed, and “100 yen unit” is displayed. Button 217, an area 223 for inputting a browsing balance to be assigned to execute the browsing process, an area 219 indicating a browsing-enabled time, and a print balance to be assigned for executing the printing process. An area 225, an area 227 for inputting a transmission balance to be assigned to execute the data transmission process, a button 221 with a character "Clear", a button 231 with a character "Cancel", And a button 233 on which the characters “OK” are displayed.

  When any of the areas 223, 225, and 227 is specified, 10 yen of the input amount is specified every time the button 215 is specified, and 100 yen of the input amount is specified every time the button 217 is specified. Assigned to balances for executing processing corresponding to the areas 223, 225, and 227, respectively. If the area 223 is designated, a part of the input amount is allocated to the browsing balance, and the allocated amount is subtracted from the input amount. If the area 225 is designated, a part of the input amount is allocated to the print balance, and the allocated amount is subtracted from the input amount. If the area 227 is designated, a part of the investment amount is allocated to the transmission balance, and the allocated amount is subtracted from the investment amount. When a part of the input amount is allocated to the browsing balance, an available time corresponding to the browsing balance is secured for executing the browsing process. The secured available time is displayed in area 219. For example, when 1 minute is allocated to 10 yen, if each of the buttons 215 and 217 is instructed once, 11 minutes for 110 yen are reserved for executing the browsing process. In this case, the MFP 100 can execute the browsing process for 11 minutes.

  When the button 221 is designated while the area 224 is designated, the browsing balance allocated for executing the browsing process is added to the input amount, and at the same time, the browsing balance is reset to zero. When the button 231 is instructed, the deposit amount is paid back by the clearing unit 50. When the button 233 is instructed, a browsing balance, a print balance, and a transmission balance are determined.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the charge management unit 163 outputs a return signal to the display control unit 157 when the button 233 on which the characters “OK” are displayed is indicated on the charge assignment screen 211. On the other hand, the charge management unit 163 determines that the predetermined time elapses without money being inserted into the clearing unit 50 after the permitted browsing process is no longer permitted. When a predetermined time has passed without the browsing balance being set to 10 yen or more, the MFP 100 is reset and returned to the initial state. In this case, the web page stored in HDD 116 is deleted. Therefore, next, when money is inserted into the clearing unit 50 and the browsing process is executed, the web page of the URL set by default is displayed on the display unit 114. The predetermined time may be a time required for the user to put money into the clearing unit 50, for example, about 1 minute.

  When the return signal is input from the charge management unit 163, the display control unit 157 receives money from the clearing unit 50 before a predetermined time elapses after the permitted browsing process is not permitted. In other words, when the browsing balance is set to 10 yen or more before the predetermined time elapses after the usable time becomes 0 seconds, the web page stored in the HDD 116 is read, and the read web page is read. The data is output to the display unit 114 and displayed on the display unit 114. For this reason, if the user adds the money to the clearing unit 50 within a predetermined time after the permitted browsing process is no longer permitted, the permitted browsing process is permitted. Just before the disappearance, the web page displayed on the display unit 114 is displayed again. For this reason, browsing can be performed efficiently.

  When the return signal is input from the charge management unit 163, the print control unit 159 reads the web page stored in the HDD 116, outputs the read web page to the image forming unit 30, and outputs the web page to the image forming unit 30. The image is formed. For this reason, even after the permitted browsing process is no longer permitted, the user can display the display unit 114 immediately before the permitted browsing process is not permitted. The displayed web page image can be printed on paper. However, the condition is that the print balance is equal to or greater than the amount necessary for MFP 100 to execute the printing process.

  When the return signal is input from the charge management unit 163, the transmission control unit 161 reads the web page stored in the HDD 116, outputs the read web page to the data communication control unit 117, and sends it to the data communication control unit 117. The web page is transmitted to the transmission destination input to the operation unit 115. For this reason, even after the permitted browsing process is no longer permitted, the user can display the display unit 114 immediately before the permitted browsing process is not permitted. You can send the web page that was displayed in. However, the condition is that the transmission balance is equal to or greater than the amount necessary for MFP 100 to execute the data transmission process.

  8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of fee management processing. The fee management process is a process executed by the CPU when the CPU 111 executes an information processing program stored in the ROM 113. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, CPU 111 communicates with clearing unit 50 and acquires a charge balance from clearing unit 50 (step S <b> 01). Then, the usable time is set (step S02). The available time is calculated based on the browsing balance, and is a time reserved for executing the browsing process. Specifically, the charge allocation screen 211 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 114, and the available time is determined from the browsing balance allocated to execute the browsing process among the balance charges of the clearing unit 50. A value obtained by multiplying the browsing balance by the hourly unit price is set as the usable time. Here, since the unit price per hour for executing the browsing process per minute is 10 yen, for example, if 110 yen out of the charge balance is allocated to the browsing balance, 11 minutes is set as the usable time. The When charging is performed with the amount of data to be received, a usable amount (data amount) indicating the amount of data that can be received may be used instead of the usable time.

  In the next step S03, it is determined whether or not the browser is activated. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the browser key 115G of the operation unit 115 is pressed. The process waits until the browser key 115G is pressed. When the browser key 115G is pressed, the process proceeds to step S03A. In step S03A, it is determined whether the browsing balance is 10 yen or more, which is a threshold value. If the browsing balance is 10 yen or more, the browser program is executed, and the process proceeds to step S04. If the browsing balance is not more than 10 yen, the process returns to step S01. In this case, a message indicating that the fee is insufficient may be displayed on the display unit 114.

  In the next step S04, the timer 165 is started. Thereafter, the timer 165 continues to count until stopped at step S20. The time counted by the timer 165 is the time during which the browsing process is executed, and is the usage amount.

  Then, a web page with a URL set as an initial value is acquired (step S05), and the acquired web page is displayed on the display unit 114 (step S06).

  Next, the usable time is subtracted (step S06A). Specifically, the usable time is updated to a value obtained by subtracting the timer value (usage amount) from the usable time, and the timer 165 is reset to zero. Then, the browsing fee is updated to the browsing fee corresponding to the usable time after the timer value is subtracted (step S06B). In other words, the browsing fee is updated to an amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the usage amount indicated by the timer value. In the case of charging with the amount of data to be received, the browsing fee is updated to an amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the usage amount indicated by the received data amount. Then, the usable amount after the timer value is subtracted is displayed on the display unit 114 (step S06C), and the process proceeds to step S07. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a browsing screen. Referring to FIG. 10, browsing screen 231 displays a web page, and characters “usable time 10 minutes 20 seconds” are displayed in the lower right part of the area where the web page is displayed. In this way, by displaying the available time, it is possible to notify the user of the time during which browsing can be continued thereafter. In addition, since the user can know the time during which browsing can be continued, the user can perform operations such as inserting money into the clearing unit 50 to increase the browsing balance.

  Returning to FIG. 8, in step S07, it is determined whether or not a URL has been accepted (step S07). When a new URL is input to the operation unit 115, the URL is accepted. When a URL included in the web page displayed on the display unit 114 is designated, the designated URL is accepted. If the URL is accepted, the process proceeds to step S08; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S08, the web page of the URL accepted in step S07 is acquired. Then, the acquired web page is displayed on the display unit 114 (step S09).

  Next, it is determined whether a print instruction or a transmission instruction is accepted. When the copy key 115D of the operation unit 115 is pressed, a print instruction is accepted, and when the BOX key 115F is pressed, a transmission instruction is accepted. If either a print instruction or a transmission instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S19; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S19, a print / transmission process is executed, and the process returns to step S06A. The printing / transmission process will be described later.

  In step S11, it is determined whether an instruction to end the browser is accepted. Specifically, when the clear key 115C of the operation unit 115 is pressed, an instruction to end the browser is accepted. If an instruction to end the browser is accepted, the process proceeds to step S20; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S20, the timer countdown is stopped and the process is terminated. Thereafter, if the user presses the return button 55 of the clearing unit 50, the money corresponding to the charge balance is returned.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not the available time is greater than zero. If the available time is greater than 0, the process returns to step S06A. If the available time is not greater than 0 (if the available time is 0), the process proceeds to step S13. In step S <b> 13, the web page data displayed on display unit 114 is stored in HDD 116. And the inquiry screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display part 114, and it switches from the display of a web page (step S14). As a result, the browsing process is interrupted and an inquiry screen is displayed, so that the user can be aware that the charge balance is insufficient.

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the usable time becomes zero. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process ends. If not, the process proceeds to step S16. It is determined that the user has no intention to continue browsing after a predetermined time has elapsed since the usable time becomes zero. This allows the next user to use MFP 100.

  In step S16, an output process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S17. The output process will be described later. In step S17, it is determined whether the result of the output process is due to the passage of time. If the output result is due to the passage of time, the process is terminated; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, it is determined whether or not browsing processing is selected in the output processing. If the browsing process is selected, the process returns to step S06A, and if not, the process returns to step S15.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of printing / transmission processing. The printing / transmission process is a process executed in step S19 of the fee management process shown in FIGS. Referring to FIG. 11, CPU 111 stops the countdown of the timer (step S21). This is because the browsing process is temporarily suspended when a print instruction or a transmission instruction is issued. Then, the web page displayed on the display unit 114 is stored in the HDD 116. Further, it is determined whether or not the input instruction is a print instruction (step S23). If the instruction is a print instruction, the process proceeds to step S24. If the instruction is not a print instruction but a transmission instruction, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S24, a printing process is executed. Although the printing process will be described later, the printing process executed here accepts printing conditions, reads the web page stored in the HDD 116 in step S22, outputs the web page to the image forming unit 30, and receives the printing received by the image forming unit 30. In this process, an image of a web page is formed on a sheet according to conditions. After executing the printing process, the process proceeds to step S25. For this reason, it is possible to print the web page displayed on the display unit 114 on a sheet while the browsing process is being executed.

  On the other hand, in step S25, a data transmission process is executed. Although the data transmission process will be described later, the data transmission process executed here accepts the transmission destination, reads the web page stored in the HDD 116 in step S22, outputs the web page to the data communication control unit 117, and the data communication control unit 117. This is a process for causing the web page data to be transmitted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S25. For this reason, the web page displayed on the display unit 114 can be transmitted while the browsing process is being executed.

  In step S26, the browser program is activated. Then, the timer 165 is started (step S27). Specifically, the browser program is executed, and the timer 165 restarts timing. Then, the web page stored in the HDD 116 in step S22 is read (step S28), displayed on the display unit 114 (step S29), and the process returns to the charge management process.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of output processing. The output process is a process executed in step S16 of the fee management process shown in FIGS. The output process is executed after the inquiry screen 201 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 114. Therefore, the process branches depending on which of the four buttons 203, 205, 207, and 209 on the inquiry screen 201 is instructed.

  Referring to FIG. 12, it is determined whether a display instruction has been accepted (step S41). When the button 205 on the inquiry screen 201 is instructed, a display instruction is accepted. If a display instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S50; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S50, it is determined whether a print instruction has been accepted. When the button 203 on the inquiry screen 201 is instructed, a print instruction is accepted. If a print instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S51; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S52. In step S51, the printing process is executed, and the process returns to the charge management process. The printing process will be described later.

  In step S52, it is determined whether a transmission instruction has been accepted. When the button 207 on the inquiry screen 201 is instructed, a transmission instruction is accepted. If a transmission instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S53, and if not, the process returns to the charge management process. The process proceeds to step S53 when the button 209 on the inquiry screen 201 is instructed. In step S53, a data transmission process is executed, and the process returns to the charge management process. The data transmission process will be described later.

  In step S42, the charge allocation screen 211 is displayed on the display unit 114 and switched from the display of the inquiry screen 201. And it is judged whether the charge was thrown in (step S43). If so, the process proceeds to step S44; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S48. In step S44, it is determined whether or not a part of the charged fee has been allocated to execute the browsing process. If it is assigned to execute the browsing process, the process proceeds to step S45; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S48.

  In step S48, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the usable time becomes zero. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S49; otherwise, the process returns to step S43. In step S49, the process returns with the passage of time. If the input amount is not allocated to the browsing balance within a predetermined time after the usable time becomes zero, it is determined that the user has no intention to continue browsing. When the output process is executed and the process is returned to the charge management process over time, the charge management process ends. Therefore, another user can use MFP 100.

  In step S45, the timer 165 is started. Then, the web page stored in the HDD 116 in step S13 of the charge management process shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is read (step S46), displayed on the display unit 114 (step S47), and the process returns to the charge management process. As a result, if money is inserted into the clearing unit 50 and a charge is allocated to the browsing balance before the predetermined time has elapsed since the usable time becomes 0 or less, the display unit 114 displays the usable time when the usable time becomes zero. The displayed web page is displayed again on the display unit 114. For this reason, since the browsing process is continuously executed, the efficiency is high.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of print processing. The printing process is a process executed in step S24 of FIG. 11 or step S51 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 13, in step S61, it is determined whether printing is possible. Whether or not printing is possible is determined whether or not a charge necessary for executing the printing process is assigned to the print balance. If printing is possible, the process proceeds to step S62. If printing is not possible, the process proceeds to step S67. In step S62, the web page stored in HDD 116 is read. The web page read here is the web page stored in the HDD 116 in step S22 of FIG. 11 when the printing process is executed in step S24 of FIG. 11, and when the printing process is executed in step S51 of FIG. This is the web page stored in the HDD 116 in step S13 of the fee management process shown in FIGS.

  And a web page is displayed on the display part 114 (step S63). The read web page may not be displayed. In this case, step S63 is unnecessary. Next, conditions for printing are received (step S64), and it is determined whether or not a printing instruction has been input (step S65). If start key 115B is pressed, a print instruction is accepted and the process proceeds to step S66. If not, the process returns to step S64. In step S66, the web page read in step S62 is output to the image forming unit 30, and the image forming unit 30 is caused to form an image of the web page on a sheet. As a result, when a print instruction is received before a predetermined time elapses after the browsing processing usable time becomes zero, the web page displayed on the display unit 114 when the browsing processing usable time becomes zero Is printed.

  In step S67, the charge allocation screen 211 is displayed on the display unit 114 and switched from the display of the inquiry screen 201. Then, it is determined whether or not a fee has been charged (step S68). If a fee has been charged, the process proceeds to step S69. If not, the process returns to the fee management process. In step S69, it is determined whether a part of the charged fee is allocated to the print balance. If a part of the input fee is allocated to the print balance, the process proceeds to step S62, and if not, the process returns to the charge management process. In the fee management process, in step S15, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the usable time of the browsing process has become 0. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the fee management process is terminated. For this reason, even if a print instruction is input, it is determined that the user does not intend to print when a predetermined time has passed without an input amount being assigned to the print balance. Therefore, another user can use MFP 100.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of data transmission processing. The data transmission process is a process executed in step S25 of FIG. 11 or step S53 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 14, in step S71, it is determined whether transmission is possible. Whether or not transmission is possible is determined whether or not a charge necessary for executing the data transmission processing is assigned to the transmission balance. If transmission is possible, the process proceeds to step S72; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S77. In step S72, the web page stored in HDD 116 is read. The web page read here is the web page stored in the HDD 116 in step S22 of FIG. 11 when the data transmission process is executed in step S25 of FIG. 11, and the data transmission process is executed in step S53 of FIG. In this case, the web page is stored in the HDD 116 in step S13 of the fee management process shown in FIGS.

  Then, the web page is displayed on the display unit 114 (step S73). The read web page may not be displayed. In this case, step S73 is not necessary. Next, settings for transmission such as designation of a transmission destination are accepted (step S74), and it is determined whether or not a transmission instruction is input (step S75). If start key 115B is pressed, a transmission instruction is accepted and the process proceeds to step S76. If not, the process returns to step S74. In step S76, the web page read in step S72 is output to the data communication control unit 117, and the data communication control unit 117 transmits the web page to the transmission destination. Thus, if a transmission instruction is input before a predetermined time elapses after the browsing process usable time becomes 0, the web displayed on the display unit 114 when the browsing process usable time becomes 0 is displayed. You can send a page.

  As described above, MFP 100 according to the present embodiment receives a web page from web server 7 connected to network 2, and based on the time for displaying the web page and the usable time determined from the browsing balance, It is determined whether or not display is permitted. When the usable time becomes zero, the display of the web page is permitted, and the web page displayed at that time is stored in the HDD 116. For this reason, the stored web page can be printed or data can be transmitted within a predetermined time after the usable time allowed to execute the browsing process becomes zero.

  In addition, when the usable time allowed to execute the browsing process becomes zero and a fee is charged within a predetermined time and the browsing process is executed, the stored web page is displayed. For this reason, since the interrupted browsing process can be continued from the state before the interruption, it is possible to prevent the browsing efficiency from being lowered.

  In the present embodiment, MFP 100 has been described as an example of the information processing apparatus. However, the information processing method and information for causing a computer to execute the processes illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11 to 14 are described. It goes without saying that the invention can be understood as a processing program.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) The changing means includes a counting means for counting a data amount of the data displayed by the display means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a subtracting unit that subtracts a usage amount corresponding to a data amount counted by the counting unit from the usable amount.
(2) The usable amount accepting means includes a charge accepting means for accepting the amount to be inserted;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a usable amount determining unit that determines the usable amount based on a received amount.

It is a figure showing the whole information processing system outline in an embodiment of the invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an MFP. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a top view which shows an example of an operation panel. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the function of CPU. It is a figure which shows an example of an inquiry screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a charge allocation screen. It is a 1st flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a charge management process. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a charge management process. It is a figure which shows an example of a browsing screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a printing / transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an output process. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of a printing process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a data transmission process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing system 2 Network 3 Internet 5 Search server 7 Server 9 Operation panel 11 Document feed tray 10 ADF 20 Image reading part 30 Image forming part 40 Paper feed part 50 Clearing part 51 bill insertion slot, 53 coin insertion slot, 55 return button, 101 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 RAM, 113 flash memory, 114 display section, 115 operation section, 116 HDD, 117 data communication control section, 119A memory card, 122 Facsimile unit, 123 communication control unit, 151 URL reception unit, 153 download unit, 155 storage unit, 157 display control unit, 159 print control unit, 161 transmission control unit, 163 fee management unit, 165 timer.

Claims (9)

Receiving means for receiving data from a computer connected to the network;
Display means for displaying the received data;
A setting means for setting the usable amount;
Changing means for changing the set usable amount based on the usage amount for display by the display means;
Permission means for permitting display by the display means on the condition that the usable amount is equal to or greater than a threshold;
Storage means for storing the data displayed on the display means when the display by the display means is not permitted;
An information processing apparatus comprising: processing means for processing the stored data after display by the display means is no longer permitted.   The processing means stores the data stored in the storage means on the condition that the usable amount is set to be equal to or greater than a threshold value by the setting means after the display by the display means is not permitted. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a re-display unit for displaying on the display unit.   The re-display means stores in the storage means on condition that the usable amount is set to a threshold value or more by the setting means during a predetermined period after the display by the display means is not permitted. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the displayed data is displayed on the display unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit includes a setting request unit that prompts a user to set the usable amount after the display by the display unit is not permitted. The changing means includes time measuring means for measuring time for displaying the data received by the display means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a subtracting unit that subtracts a usage amount corresponding to a time counted by the timing unit from the usable amount.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit includes a usable amount receiving unit that receives a usable amount input by a user.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a usable time display unit configured to display a usable time determined based on the usable amount and the used amount. Receiving data from a computer connected to the network;
Displaying the received data;
Setting the available amount;
Changing the set usable amount based on the usage amount for displaying the data;
Permitting the display of the data, provided that the available amount is greater than or equal to a threshold;
Storing the data being displayed when the display of the data is no longer permitted;
Processing the stored data after the display of the data is no longer permitted. Receiving data from a computer connected to the network;
Displaying the received data;
Setting the available amount;
Changing the set usable amount based on the usage amount for displaying the data;
Permitting the display of the data, provided that the available amount is greater than or equal to a threshold;
Storing the data being displayed when the display of the data is no longer permitted;
An information processing program for causing a computer to execute the step of processing the stored data after the display of the data is not permitted.

Images