JP2014178899A - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus which allows a user to select a charging system.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus which controls the use of an image forming apparatus by a user includes: a first charging control unit which releases use control of the image forming apparatus when a fee for using the image forming apparatus is charged by a first system; a second charging control unit which release the use control of the image forming apparatus when the fee for using the image forming apparatus is charged by a second system different from the first system; and a charging system control unit which prompts the user to select one of the first and second charging systems.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for controlling image formation.

  In recent years, the installation of MFPs in places where consumers gather, such as convenience stores or supermarkets other than offices, has increased. Examples of billing methods for use fees of such multifunction devices include a prepaid billing method using a coin rack and the like, and a postpaid billing method using authentication using an IC card or authentication using a user ID and password Etc.

  By the way, conventionally, the usage fee billing method has been determined for each MFP, and the user himself / herself could not select it freely. For this reason, for example, a user who does not have the authority to authenticate cannot use a multifunction peripheral that is charged using a postpaid billing method based on authentication.

  Also, in such a multifunction device, even a user who has the authority of authentication charges the company for use in business, and charges the individual for personal use of the user. It was not possible to switch.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that allow a user to select a charging method for a usage fee.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that restricts the use of an image forming apparatus by a user, and uses a first usage fee for the image forming apparatus. When charging is possible using the method, the first charging control unit for canceling the use restriction of the image forming apparatus and the usage fee for the image forming apparatus can be charged using the second method different from the first method. A second billing control unit that cancels the use restriction of the image forming apparatus, and a billing method control unit that allows the user to select either billing by the first method or billing by the second method. .

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that a user can select a billing method for a usage fee.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the coin rack, the charging method control unit, the prepaid charging control unit, and the postpaid charging control unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional configurations of the authentication server, the charge management server, the image forming unit, the personal charge unit, the company charge unit, and the authentication unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow when the prepaid billing method is selected. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing flow when the postpaid billing method is selected. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the selection screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charge input request screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing destination selection screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first authentication request screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second authentication request screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen when there is no deposit. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of user authentication data. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of billing information. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the image log. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a modification.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 10 according to the embodiment. The image forming system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 20, a coin rack 21, an authentication server 22, and a charge management server 23.

  The image forming apparatus 20 is an apparatus having at least one function such as a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The image forming apparatus 20 is installed in a place where consumers gather, such as a convenience store or a supermarket.

  The coin rack 21 is disposed at a location close to the image forming apparatus 20. The coin rack 21 is an example of a fee payment machine and is a device for charging the usage fee of the image forming apparatus 20 with cash. The image forming system 10 may be provided with a charging device such as a prepaid card or electronic money instead of the coin rack 21 as long as it is a fee payment machine capable of confirming whether charging is possible.

  The authentication server 22 is connected to the image forming apparatus 20 via a network. The authentication server 22 authenticates a user who uses the image forming apparatus 20 in accordance with a request from the image forming apparatus 20.

  The accounting management server 23 is connected to the image forming apparatus 20 and the authentication server 22 via a network. In accordance with a request from the authentication server 22, the charge management server 23 charges the authenticated user or the company to which the user belongs by a postpaid billing method. In addition, the billing management server 23 stores an image log certifying the image output by the image forming apparatus 20 when billing a company or the like by a postpaid billing method.

  Note that the authentication server 22 and the charge management server 23 may be configured by a single information processing apparatus, or each may be configured by a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

  The image forming apparatus 20 includes an image forming unit 31, an information processing unit 32, and a display unit 33. The image forming unit 31 executes at least one of the main functions of the image forming apparatus 20, that is, a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like.

  The information processing unit 32 is an information processing device such as a computer, for example, and executes a process of restricting the use of the image forming unit 31 by the user by executing a software program. The information processing unit 32 may be integrated with the image forming unit 31 or may be a computer separate from the image forming unit 31. The display unit 33 displays various screens and user interfaces according to the control of the information processing unit 32.

  The information processing unit 32 includes a charging method control unit 42, a prepaid charging control unit 43, a postpaid charging control unit 44, a personal charging unit 45, a company charging unit 46, and an authentication unit 47. Each unit included in the information processing unit 32 is realized by the information processing apparatus executing a software program. Further, all or a part of each of these units may be configured by hardware.

  The charging method control unit 42 displays a selection screen on the display unit 33 and allows the user to select a charging method for the usage fee of the image forming unit 31. Specifically, the charging method control unit 42 selects either one of the charging based on the prepaid charging method (first method) and the charging based on the postpaid charging method (second method different from the first method).

  The prepaid billing method is a method of requesting the user to input a fee in advance by a fee payment machine (in this example, the coin rack 21). The post-payment billing method is a method in which user authentication is performed and a fee is charged later to the authenticated user or a company to which the user belongs.

  When the user selects a prepaid billing method, the prepaid billing control unit 43 determines whether or not billing is possible using the prepaid billing method (for example, whether or not a fee is charged in the coin rack 21). The prepaid billing control unit 43 releases the restriction on use of the image forming unit 31 when billing is possible using the prepaid billing method. The prepaid billing control unit 43 charges the usage fee of the image forming unit 31 by the coin rack 21 by the prepaid billing method every time the image forming unit 31 is used (in this example, every time printing is performed).

  When a postpaid billing method is selected by the user, the postpaid billing control unit 44 further displays a billing destination selection screen on the display unit 33 to allow the user to select a billing destination. In this example, the postpaid billing control unit 44 allows the user to select a user or a company to which the user belongs as the billing destination.

  The personal billing unit 45 indicates whether or not billing is possible for the individual when the post-pay billing method is selected by the user and the individual is selected as the billing destination (for example, the remaining number of times that the individual can print) Whether or not the deposit remains). The personal billing unit 45 cancels the use restriction of the image forming unit 31 when billing is possible from the individual who is the selected billing destination. Then, each time the image forming unit 31 is used, the personal billing unit 45 charges the usage fee of the image forming unit 31 to the individual who is the billing destination using the billing management server 23 by the postpaid billing method. .

  When the user selects a postpay billing method and selects a company as a billing destination, the company billing unit 46 determines whether or not billing is possible for the selected billing company (for example, the company has a deposit). Whether it remains or not). The company billing unit 46 removes the restriction on the use of the image forming unit 31 when billing is possible from the selected billing company. Then, each time the image forming unit 31 is used, the company billing unit 46 charges the usage fee of the image forming unit 31 to the company that is the billing destination using the billing management server 23 by a postpaid billing method. .

  The corporate billing unit 46 transmits an image log indicating the contents of the image output from the image forming unit 31 to the billing management server 23 together with billing.

  The authentication unit 47 requests user authentication of the user who uses the image forming apparatus 20 from the authentication server 22 in response to requests from the personal charging unit 45 and the company charging unit 46. And the authentication part 47 acquires user information, when authentication is successful.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the coin rack 21, the charging method control unit 42, the prepaid charging control unit 43 and the postpaid charging control unit 44.

  The coin rack 21 includes a charge insertion receiving unit 51, a refund receiving unit 52, a balance status processing unit 53, a charging processing unit 54, and a transmission / reception unit 55. The charge input receiving unit 51 receives charge input by the user. The refund acceptance unit 52 accepts a refund request from the user, and refunds the balance in response to the refund request.

  The balance status processing unit 53 confirms the status of the balance of the charges input by the user. The billing processing unit 54 performs billing processing for a previously charged fee.

  The transmission / reception unit 55 receives a request for transmission of fee entry confirmation information from the prepaid billing control unit 43. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 55 transmits the charge input confirmation information to the prepaid billing control unit 43 when the charge input reception unit 51 confirms the charge input.

  In addition, the transmission / reception unit 55 receives the charging processing request from the prepaid charging control unit 43 and causes the charging processing unit 54 to perform the charging process. Further, the transmission / reception unit 55 transmits the charging process confirmation information to the prepaid charging control unit 43 when the charging processing unit 54 charges.

  In addition, the transmission / reception unit 55 receives the balance status information acquisition request from the prepaid billing control unit 43 and causes the balance status processing unit 53 to check the balance status. The transmission / reception unit 55 transmits the balance status information to the prepaid billing control unit 43 when the balance status processing unit 53 confirms the balance status.

  The accounting method control unit 42 includes a display control unit 56, an operation reception unit 57, and a control start request unit 58. The display control unit 56 displays a selection screen that is a user interface screen on the display unit 33 and requests the user to select a prepaid billing method or a postpaid billing method.

  The operation accepting unit 57 accepts input of a billing method selection by the user on the selection screen. The control start request unit 58 instructs the prepaid charging control unit 43 to start charging control when the user selects a prepaid charging method. In addition, when the user selects a postpaid billing method, the control start requesting unit 58 instructs the postpaid billing control unit 44 to start control.

  The prepaid billing control unit 43 includes a display control unit 61, a balance information request unit 62, a print control release unit 63, a reception unit 64, and a billing process request unit 65.

  When the display control unit 61 receives an instruction to start charging control from the charging method control unit 42, the display control unit 61 displays a charge input request screen and requests the user to input a charge. Further, when the user performs an operation to return the process, the display control unit 61 instructs the charging method control unit 42 to select a charging method and displays a selection screen.

  The balance information request unit 62 transmits a balance status information acquisition request indicating the balance status to the coin rack 21. In addition, the balance information requesting unit 62 transmits a charge insertion confirmation information transmission request to the coin rack 21 instructing transmission of the charge insertion confirmation information when the charge is inserted. Then, the balance information request unit 62 determines whether or not billing is possible by the prepaid billing method according to the balance status information and the charge input confirmation information, and notifies the print control cancellation unit 63 of it.

  The print control release unit 63 controls the use restriction and the use restriction release of the image forming unit 31. Specifically, the print control canceling unit 63 cancels the use restriction when it is determined that charging can be performed by the prepaid charging method, and it is determined that charging cannot be performed by the prepaid charging method. In some cases, use is restricted.

  The receiving unit 64 receives a notification indicating that the processing has been completed from the image forming unit 31 (print processing notification indicating that the printing processing has been completed in this example). The receiving unit 64 receives a print processing notification every time the image forming unit 31 performs one printing.

  The billing process request unit 65 transmits a billing process request to the coin rack 21 when the receiving unit 64 receives the print processing notification. Further, the charging process request unit 65 receives charging process confirmation information from the coin rack 21 indicating that the charging process has been completed.

  The postpaid billing control unit 44 includes a display control unit 66, an operation reception unit 67, and a control start request unit 68.

  When the display control unit 66 receives an instruction to start control from the charging method control unit 42, the display control unit 66 displays a charging destination selection screen, which is a user interface screen, on the display unit 33, and allows the user to select a charging destination. Specifically, the display control unit 66 selects a user individual or a company to which the user belongs as a billing destination. Further, when the user performs an operation to return the process, the display control unit 66 instructs the charging method control unit 42 to select a charging method and displays a selection screen.

  The operation accepting unit 67 accepts an input for selecting a billing destination by the user. The control start request unit 68 instructs the personal charging unit 45 to start charging control when the user selects an individual as a charging destination. In addition, when the user selects a company as a billing destination, the control start request unit 68 instructs the company billing unit 46 to start billing control.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming unit 31, the authentication server 22, the authentication unit 47, the charge management server 23, the personal charge unit 45, and the company charge unit 46.

  The image forming unit 31 includes a print processing unit 69 and an image log generation unit 70. The print processing unit 69 executes print processing when the use restriction is released by the prepaid billing control unit 43, the personal billing unit 45, or the display control unit 56. If the usage restriction has not been lifted, the print processing unit 69 does not execute the print process even if the user performs an operation.

  The image log generation unit 70 generates an image log that certifies the print contents every time printing processing is performed, and transmits the generated image log to one of the personal charging unit 45 and the company charging unit 46 whose usage restrictions have been removed.

  The authentication server 22 includes an authentication information storage unit 71, a transmission / reception unit 72, and an authentication determination unit 73. The authentication information storage unit 71 stores user information for performing user authentication in advance. The transmission / reception unit 72 receives a request for user authentication from the authentication unit 47. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 72 transmits the authentication result to the authentication unit 47.

  When the transmission / reception unit 72 receives a user authentication request, the authentication determination unit 73 checks whether the received user information exists in the authentication information storage unit 71. And if it exists, the authentication judgment part 73 will judge that user authentication was successful, and if it does not exist, it will judge that user authentication was not successful.

  The authentication unit 47 includes a transmission / reception unit 74, an authentication reception unit 75, and an authentication processing request unit 76. The transmission / reception unit 74 acquires a user authentication request from the personal charging unit 45 or the company charging unit 46. Further, the transmission / reception unit 74 returns the result of the user authentication to the personal charging unit 45 or the company charging unit 46. In addition, when the user authentication is successful, the transmission / reception unit 74 transmits the authentication information to the personal charging unit 45 or the company charging unit 46. Further, when the user performs an operation to return the process or logs out, the transmission / reception unit 74 transmits charging control end information indicating the end of charging control to the personal charging unit 45 or the company charging unit 46.

  Upon receiving a user authentication request from the personal billing unit 45 or the company billing unit 46, the authentication receiving unit 75 displays a login screen on the display unit 33 and requests the user to input user information. For example, the authentication receiving unit 75 requests input of a company name, a user name, and a password, or causes the IC card to be brought close to a card reader to input a company name, a user name, and a password.

  The authentication processing request unit 76 transmits a user authentication request to the authentication server 22 together with the user information input on the login screen. Then, the authentication process request unit 76 receives an authentication result of user authentication from the authentication server 22.

  The personal billing unit 45 includes a transmission / reception unit 79, an authentication information request unit 80, a billing process request unit 81, a print control release unit 82, a reception unit 83, and an image log discard unit 84.

  The transmission / reception unit 79 receives an instruction to start charging control from the postpaid billing control unit 44 when a postpaid billing method is selected by the user and an individual is selected as a billing destination. Further, when receiving the charging control end information from the authentication unit 47, the transmission / reception unit 79 transmits the charging control end information to the postpaid charging control unit 44.

  When the transmission / reception unit 79 receives an instruction to start charging control, the authentication information request unit 80 requests the authentication unit 47 to perform user authentication and transmission of authentication information. Then, the authentication information request unit 80 receives the authentication result of user authentication from the authentication unit 47. The authentication information request unit 80 acquires authentication information from the authentication unit 47 when the user authentication is successful.

  The billing process request unit 81 transmits an availability check request together with the authentication information acquired by the authentication information request unit 80 to the accounting management server 23 to cause the availability status information to be transmitted. The accounting processing request unit 81 receives the availability information transmitted from the accounting management server 23, confirms whether or not the authenticated user can be charged by the postpaid accounting method, and the print control canceling unit. 82 is notified.

  Further, when the receiving unit 83 receives the print processing notification from the image forming unit 31, the charging process request unit 81 requests the charging management server 23 for charging processing. Further, the charging process request unit 81 receives charging process confirmation information indicating that the charging process has been completed from the charging management server 23.

  The print control release unit 82 controls the use of the image forming unit 31 by the user or cancels the use restriction. Specifically, the print control cancellation unit 82 cancels the use restriction when it is determined that the individual can be charged by the postpaid charging method, and the individual is not charged by the postpaid charging method. Limit use if deemed possible.

  The receiving unit 83 receives a notification (in this example, a print processing notification) indicating that the processing has been completed from the image forming unit 31. The image log discarding unit 84 receives the image log from the image forming unit 31 and discards it.

  The enterprise billing unit 46 includes a transmission / reception unit 85, an authentication information request unit 86, a billing process request unit 87, a print control release unit 88, a reception unit 89, and an image log transmission unit 90.

  The transmission / reception unit 85 receives an instruction to start charging control from the postpaid charging control unit 44 when a postpaid charging method is selected by the user and a company is selected as a charging destination. In addition, when the transmission / reception unit 85 receives the charging control end information from the authentication unit 47, the transmitting / receiving unit 85 transmits the charging control end information to the postpaid charging control unit 44.

  When the transmission / reception unit 85 receives an instruction to start charging control, the authentication information request unit 86 requests the authentication unit 47 to perform user authentication and transmission of authentication information. Then, the authentication information request unit 86 receives the authentication result of the user authentication from the authentication unit 47. In addition, the authentication information request unit 86 acquires authentication information from the authentication unit 47 when the user authentication is successful.

  The accounting processing request unit 87 transmits an availability check request together with the authentication information acquired by the authentication information request unit 86 to the accounting management server 23 to transmit the availability status information. The accounting processing request unit 87 receives the availability information transmitted from the accounting management server 23, confirms whether or not accounting can be performed for the authenticated company by the postpaid accounting method, and the print control cancellation unit. 88 is notified.

  The accounting processing request unit 87 requests accounting processing from the accounting management server 23 when the receiving unit 89 receives a print processing notification from the image forming unit 31. In addition, the charging process request unit 87 receives charging process confirmation information indicating that the charging process has been completed from the charging management server 23.

  The print control release unit 88 controls the use of the image forming unit 31 by the user or cancels the use restriction. Specifically, the print control cancellation unit 88 cancels the use restriction when it is determined that the company can be charged by the postpaid charging method, and the company is not charged by the postpaid charging method. Limit use if deemed possible.

  The receiving unit 89 receives a notification (in this example, a print processing notification) indicating that the processing has been completed from the image forming unit 31. The image log transmission unit 90 receives the image log from the image forming unit 31 and transmits the received image log to the accounting management server 23.

  The charging management server 23 includes a charging information storage unit 93, an image log storage unit 94, a transmission / reception unit 95, and a charging processing unit 96. The billing information storage unit 93 stores billing information for each user or company. The image log storage unit 94 stores the image log transmitted from the company billing unit 46.

  When the transmission / reception unit 95 receives a request for confirmation of availability from the personal accounting unit 45 or the company accounting unit 46, the transmission / reception unit 95 transmits availability status information indicating whether or not accounting is possible. Further, when receiving the charging process request from the personal charging unit 45 or the company charging unit 46, the transmission / reception unit 95 transmits charging process confirmation information indicating that the charging process is completed.

  When the transmission / reception unit 95 receives the request for checking the availability, it checks whether or not the corresponding individual or company can be charged (for example, whether or not a deposit remains), and the availability is confirmed. The information is transmitted to the transmission / reception unit 95. In addition, when receiving the charging process request, the transmission / reception unit 95 performs a charging process on the corresponding individual or company, and causes the transmission / reception unit 95 to transmit charging process confirmation information.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow when the prepaid billing method is selected. First, in step S11, the charging method control unit 42 displays a selection screen and requests the user to select a charging method. When the user selects a prepaid billing method, the billing method control unit 42 transmits a billing control start instruction to the prepaid billing control unit 43 in step S21.

  Subsequently, in step S22, the prepaid billing control unit 43 displays a charge insertion request screen and requests the user to input a charge to the coin rack 21. At the same time, in step S23, the prepaid billing control unit 43 instructs the coin rack 21 to transmit fee insertion confirmation information when a fee is charged.

  Subsequently, in step S24, the coin rack 21 receives a charge input by the user. Subsequently, in step S <b> 25, the coin rack 21 transmits fee insertion confirmation information to the prepaid billing control unit 43.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 26, the prepaid billing control unit 43 releases the use restriction of the image forming unit 31. As a result, the user can print using the image forming unit 31.

  Subsequently, in step S27, the image forming unit 31 performs a printing process. For example, the image forming unit 31 executes a printing process for one sheet.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 28, the image forming unit 31 transmits a print processing notification to the prepaid billing control unit 43.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 29, the prepaid billing control unit 43 transmits a billing process request to the coin rack 21. Subsequently, in step S30, the coin rack 21 performs a charging process for the charged fee in response to receiving the charging process request. In step S31, the coin rack 21 transmits to the prepaid billing control unit 43 billing processing confirmation information indicating that billing processing has been successfully performed.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 32, the prepaid billing control unit 43 transmits an acquisition request for the balance status information to the coin rack 21. Subsequently, in step S33, the coin rack 21 confirms the current balance status. Subsequently, in step S <b> 34, the coin rack 21 transmits balance status information indicating the confirmed balance status to the prepaid billing control unit 43.

  Then, the prepaid billing control unit 43 determines whether or not billing is possible based on the balance status indicated in the balance status information. If billing is possible, the prepaid billing control unit 43 returns the processing to step S26, and performs the processing from step S26 to step S34 until there is no remaining balance and billing is impossible or refund processing is performed by the user. repeat.

  If there is no remaining balance and charging becomes impossible, the prepaid charging control unit 43 instructs the image forming unit 31 to restrict use in step S37. As a result, the user cannot print using the image forming unit 31.

  When the user performs a refund process for the coin rack 21 (step S35), the coin rack 21 transmits charging control end information to the prepaid charging control unit 43 in step S36. Also in this case, the prepaid billing control unit 43 instructs the image forming unit 31 to restrict use in step S37.

  Then, the usage restriction is instructed, and in step S 12, the prepaid billing control unit 43 transmits a billing method selection instruction to the billing method control unit 42. When charging method control unit 42 receives a charging method selection instruction, it repeats the processing from step S11.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing flow when the postpaid billing method is selected. First, in step S11, the charging method control unit 42 displays a selection screen and requests the user to select a charging method. When the user selects a postpaid billing method, the billing method control unit 42 transmits a control start instruction to the postpaid billing control unit 44 in step S41.

  Subsequently, in step S42, the postpaid billing control unit 44 displays a billing destination selection screen, and accepts an input of selection of a user individual or a company to which the user belongs as a billing destination.

  Subsequently, in step S43, the postpaid billing control unit 44 instructs the personal billing unit 45 to start billing control when an individual is selected as the billing destination. In step S43, the postpaid billing control unit 44 instructs the company billing unit 46 to start billing control when a company is selected as the billing destination.

  Subsequently, in step S44, the personal billing unit 45 or the company billing unit 46 requests the authentication unit 47 to perform user authentication and request to transmit authentication information. Subsequently, in step S45, the authentication unit 47 displays a login screen and accepts user authentication.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 46, the authentication unit 47 transmits an authentication request to the authentication server 22 together with user information input by the user. Subsequently, in step S47, the authentication server 22 determines whether the received user information exists in the user information stored in advance. Subsequently, in step S <b> 48, the authentication server 22 transmits the authentication result to the authentication unit 47.

  Subsequently, in step S49, the authentication unit 47 transmits the authentication result received from the authentication server 22 to the personal charging unit 45 or the company charging unit 46. In this case, if the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 47 transmits the authentication information to the personal charging unit 45 or the company charging unit 46.

  Subsequently, in step S50, the personal billing unit 45 or the company billing unit 46 uses the authentication information to transmit a request for confirming the availability status of the authenticated user to the billing management server 23. Subsequently, in step S51, the billing management server 23 uses the usage status information indicating whether billing is possible for the authenticated user or company by postpaid billing processing (for example, whether a deposit remains). To the unit 45 or the company billing unit 46.

  Subsequently, when the authentication is successful and the post-pay billing process is possible, the personal billing unit 45 or the corporate billing unit 46 releases the use restriction of the image forming unit 31 in step S52. As a result, the user can print using the image forming unit 31.

  Subsequently, in step S53, the image forming unit 31 executes a printing process. For example, the image forming unit 31 executes a printing process for one sheet.

  Subsequently, in step S54, the image forming unit 31 transmits a print processing notification and an image log to the personal charging unit 45 or the company charging unit 46.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 55, the personal billing unit 45 or the company billing unit 46 transmits a billing process request to the billing management server 23. Subsequently, in step S56, the billing management server 23 performs billing processing for the authenticated user in response to receiving the billing processing request. In step S57, the billing management server 23 transmits billing process confirmation information indicating that the billing process has been successfully completed and availability information to the personal billing unit 45 or the company billing unit 46.

  Subsequently, in steps S58 and S59, processing differs between the personal billing unit 45 and the company billing unit 46. In step S58, the personal billing unit 45 discards the image log. On the other hand, the company billing unit 46 transmits the image log to the billing management server 23 in step S58. In step S <b> 59, the accounting management server 23 stores the image log transmitted from the company accounting unit 46.

  Then, the personal billing unit 45 or the company billing unit 46 determines whether or not further billing is possible based on the situation (for example, deposit balance) indicated in the availability status information. If billing is possible, the personal billing unit 45 or the company billing unit 46 returns the process to step S52, and from step S52 to step S52 until there is no deposit and the billing is impossible or the user logs out. The process of S59 is repeated.

  If the deposit is lost and charging becomes impossible, the personal charging unit 45 or the company charging unit 46 instructs the image forming unit 31 to restrict use in step S63. As a result, the user cannot print using the image forming unit 31. At the same time, the personal billing unit 45 or the company billing unit 46 transmits billing control end information to the postpaid billing control unit 44 in step S64.

  When the user performs logout processing (step S61), in step S62, the authentication unit 47 transmits charging control end information to the personal charging unit 45 or the company charging unit 46. Also in this case, the personal billing unit 45 or the company billing unit 46 instructs the image forming unit 31 to restrict use in step S63, and transmits billing control end information to the postpaid billing control unit 44 in step S64.

  In step S 12, the postpaid billing control unit 44 transmits a billing method selection instruction to the billing method control unit 42. When charging method control unit 42 receives a charging method selection instruction, it repeats the processing from step S11.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the selection screen 210. The accounting method control unit 42 displays a selection screen 210 that allows the user to select a prepaid accounting method or a postpaid accounting method as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

  The selection screen 210 includes a first selection button 211 for selecting a prepaid billing method (billing with the coin rack 21), a second selection button 212 for selecting a postpaid billing method (billing with an IC card), And a cancel button 213 for canceling this process.

  The user can select a prepaid billing method by touching the first selection button 211. Further, the user can select a postpaid billing method by touching the second selection button 212. The user can end the process by touching the cancel button 213.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the charge input request screen 220. The prepaid billing control unit 43 displays, for example, a fee insertion request screen 220 for requesting the user to input a fee with the coin rack 21 as shown in FIG.

  The user can use the image forming unit 31 by inserting money into the coin rack 21 while the charge insertion request screen 220 is displayed. The charge input request screen 220 includes a return button 221 for returning to the selection screen 210. The user can select the charging method again by touching the return button 221.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the billing destination selection screen 230. The postpaid billing control unit 44 displays a billing destination selection screen 230 that allows the user to select whether the billing destination is the user himself or the billing destination is a company, as shown in FIG. 8, for example.

  The billing destination selection screen 230 has a third selection button 231 for selecting the user as the billing destination, a fourth selection button 232 for selecting the company as the billing destination, and returns the processing to the selection of the billing method. Button 233.

  The user can select himself / herself as a billing destination by touching the third selection button 231. The user can select a company as a billing destination by touching the fourth selection button 232. Further, the user can select the charging method again by touching the return button 233.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first authentication request screen 240. When an individual user is selected as the billing destination, the authentication unit 47 displays a first authentication request screen 240 for requesting user authentication as shown in FIG.

  The user can authenticate the user by bringing the IC card or the like close to the reader while the first authentication request screen 240 is displayed, and can charge the user individually by the postpay billing method.

  Further, the first authentication request screen 240 includes a user name input button 241 and a return button 242. When the user name input button 241 is selected, the authentication unit 47 displays an input screen for inputting the user name. Therefore, the user can directly input user information by touching the user name input button 241. Further, the user can select the billing method again by touching the return button 242.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second authentication request screen 250. When a company is selected as the billing destination, the authentication unit 47 displays a second authentication request screen 250 for requesting user authentication as shown in FIG.

  The user can authenticate the company and the user by bringing the IC card or the like close to the reader while the second authentication request screen 250 is displayed, and can charge the company to which the user belongs by a postpaid billing method.

  The second authentication request screen 250 includes a company name user name input button 251 and a return button 252. When the company name / user name input button 251 is selected, the authentication unit 47 displays an input screen for inputting the company name and the user name. Therefore, the user can directly input the company name and user information instead of the IC card by touching the company name user name input button 251. Further, the user can select the billing method again by touching the return button 252.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the error screen 260 when there is no deposit. When the user or company has no deposit and cannot be charged, the personal billing unit 45 or the company billing unit 46 displays an error screen 260 for notifying the user that there is no deposit, for example, as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the error screen 260 includes a return button 261. The user can select the charging method again by touching the return button 261.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of each screen illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 11.

  First, as shown in step S <b> 111, when the user touches the first selection button 211 while the selection screen 210 is displayed, the screen transitions, and the charge input request screen 220 is displayed on the display unit 33. Is done. The user can use the image forming unit 31 by inserting coins into the coin rack 21 while the charge insertion request screen 220 is displayed.

  Also, as shown in step S112, when the user touches the second selection button 212 while the selection screen 210 is displayed, the screen changes, and the billing destination selection screen 230 is displayed on the display unit 33. Is done.

  Subsequently, as shown in step S113, when the user touches the third selection button 231 while the charging destination selection screen 230 is displayed, the screen changes, and the display unit 33 displays the first authentication request. A screen 240 is displayed.

  The user is authenticated by bringing the IC card close to the card reader in the state where the first authentication request screen 240 is displayed or by touching the user name input button 241 to input user information. The forming part 31 can be used.

  Further, as shown in step S114, when the user touches the fourth selection button 232 while the billing destination selection screen 230 is displayed, the screen changes, and the display unit 33 displays the second authentication request screen. 250 is displayed.

  The user brings the IC card close to the card reader while the second authentication request screen 250 is displayed, or touches the company name / user name input button 251 to input the company information and user information. Authentication and user authentication are performed, and the image forming unit 31 can be used.

  Even when the user authentication and the company authentication are performed, the user cannot use the image forming unit 31 if the charge management server 23 has no deposit or the like. In this case, as shown in step S <b> 115, the screen changes, and an error screen 260 is displayed on the display unit 33.

  When the user touches the return buttons 221, 233, 242, 252, 261 on the charge input request screen 220, the billing destination selection screen 230, the first authentication request screen 240, the second authentication request screen 250, and the error screen 260, respectively. The screen transitions, and the selection screen 210 is displayed on the display unit 33. In addition, when there is no remaining money put into the coin rack 21 or when the user logs out, the screen changes, and the selection screen 210 is displayed on the display unit 33.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of user authentication data stored in the authentication server 22. For example, the authentication server 22 stores, as an example, user information associated with a user name, affiliation information, availability status, and password.

  The availability status indicates whether or not the deposit target company or the user's own deposit remains and billing is possible by the postpaid billing method. By adding such information indicating the availability status to the user information, it is possible to notify the individual billing unit 45 or the company billing unit 46 that charging cannot be performed due to insufficient deposit at the time of login.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of billing information stored in the billing management server 23. For example, the billing management server 23 stores, as an example, billing information in which a user name, a billing amount, and a usage upper limit amount are associated. The usage upper limit amount indicates the number of times (deposit) that the user or the company can use printing. The billing management server 23 prohibits billing that exceeds the upper limit of usage, and prevents the user from printing without restriction.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the image log stored in the charge management server 23. For example, the accounting management server 23 stores an image log in which a job ID, a user name, and a file name are associated. By checking this image log by the manager of the company, it is possible to suppress the case of printing for private use.

  According to the image forming system 10 according to the present embodiment as described above, the user can freely select the usage fee billing method. For example, according to the image forming system 10, it is selected whether to charge by a prepaid billing method, bill by a postpaid billing method, or bill to an individual user or a company even if a postpaid billing method. can do.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 10 according to a modification. The image forming system 10 may further include a print server 300 connected via a network. The print server 300 stores print data transmitted from a client terminal used by a user via a network in association with each user. When the user authentication is performed, the image forming apparatus 20 acquires the print data of the user from the print server 300 via the network, and prints out the print data.

  As a result, according to the image forming system 10 according to the modification, the user can print from any image forming apparatus 20 as long as the image forming apparatus 20 is connected to the network.

  The information processing unit 32 according to the present embodiment includes a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM, an external storage device such as an HDD and a CD drive device, and a display device such as a display device. And an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

  A program executed by the information processing unit 32 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Recorded on a readable recording medium.

  Further, the program executed by the information processing unit 32 of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The program executed by the information processing unit 32 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Further, the program of this embodiment may be configured to be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the information processing unit 32 according to the present embodiment includes the above-described units (charging system control unit 42, prepaid billing control unit 43, postpaid billing control unit 44, personal billing unit 45, company billing unit 46, and authentication unit). 47). As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads out a program from the storage medium and executes the program to load each unit on the main storage device. A prepaid billing control unit 43, a postpaid billing control unit 44, a personal billing unit 45, a company billing unit 46, and an authentication unit 47 are generated on the main storage device.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has been described by taking an example in which the image forming apparatus is applied to a multifunction machine having at least two functions among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a printer, a scanner apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus.

  In this embodiment, an example of charging for printing has been described. However, the charging target is not limited to printing. For example, even for processing where scanned image data is subjected to OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing and recognized characters are converted into text data and stored in a predetermined storage device, charging per page or once If there is a case where charging is performed per process, the present invention relating to charging control described in this embodiment can be applied. Therefore, the present invention is applied not only to the use of a multifunction machine but also to charge control when using such a device as long as the device is charged according to the use when using the function of the device. can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming system 20 Image forming apparatus 21 Coin rack 22 Authentication server 23 Charge management server 31 Image forming part 32 Information processing part 33 Display part 42 Charge system control part 43 Prepaid charge control part 44 Postpay charge control part 45 Personal charge part 46 Company Billing unit 47 Authentication unit 51 Charge input receiving unit 52 Refund receiving unit 53 Receiving status processing unit 54 Charging processing unit 55 Transmission / reception unit 56 Display control unit 57 Operation receiving unit 58 Control start requesting unit 61 Display control unit 62 Remaining information requesting unit 63 Printing Control release unit 64 Receiving unit 65 Charge processing request unit 66 Display control unit 67 Operation accepting unit 68 Control start request unit 69 Print processing unit 70 Image log generation unit 71 Authentication information storage unit 72 Transmission / reception unit 73 Authentication judgment unit 74 Transmission / reception unit 75 Authentication Reception unit 76 Authentication process request unit 79 Transmission / reception unit 80 Authentication information request unit 81 Charge processing request unit 82 Control cancellation unit 83 Reception unit 84 Image log discarding unit 85 Transmission / reception unit 86 Authentication information request unit 87 Charge processing request unit 88 Print control release unit 89 Reception unit 90 Image log transmission unit 93 Accounting information storage unit 94 Image log storage unit 95 Transmission / reception unit 96 Charge processing unit 300 Print server

JP 2010-074622 A

Claims (8)

An information processing apparatus that restricts use of an image forming apparatus by a user,
A first charge control unit for releasing the use restriction of the image forming apparatus when the charge for using the image forming apparatus can be charged by the first method;
A second charging control unit for releasing the use restriction of the image forming apparatus when the usage fee of the image forming apparatus can be charged by a second method different from the first method;
A charging method control unit that allows the user to select one of charging according to the first method or charging according to the second method;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The first charging control unit cancels the use restriction of the image forming apparatus when it is possible to charge by a prepaid charging method that requests the user to input a fee in advance by a fee payment machine,
The second charging control unit cancels the use restriction of the image forming apparatus when it is possible to charge by a post-payment charging method in which a user who has been authenticated by user authentication is requested to pay a fee later. The information processing apparatus according to 1. The second charging control unit causes the user to further select a charging destination when charging by the post-payment charging method is selected, and when the charging can be made from the selected charging destination by the post-payment charging method, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the restriction on use of the forming apparatus is released. The charging method control unit displays a selection screen that allows the user to select the first method or the second method,
When the first method is selected on the selection screen, the first charging control unit displays a screen requesting the user to input a fee by a fee payment machine,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the second method is selected on the selection screen, the second charging control unit displays a screen requesting user authentication. When the second method is selected on the selection screen, the second charging control unit displays a charging destination selection screen for selecting a charging destination, and the charging destination is selected on the charging destination selection screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a screen requesting user authentication for the selected billing destination is displayed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an image forming unit that receives print data from a print server via a network and prints out the print data. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus that restricts use of an image forming apparatus by a user,
A first charging control step of releasing the use restriction of the image forming apparatus when the usage fee of the image forming apparatus can be charged by the first method;
A second charging control step for canceling the use restriction of the image forming apparatus when the usage fee of the image forming apparatus can be charged by a second system different from the first system;
A charging method control step for allowing the user to select one of charging according to the first method or charging according to the second method;
An information processing method including: A program executed by an information processing apparatus that restricts use of an image forming apparatus by a user,
A first charging control step of releasing the use restriction of the image forming apparatus when the usage fee of the image forming apparatus can be charged by the first method;
A second charging control step for canceling the use restriction of the image forming apparatus when the usage fee of the image forming apparatus can be charged by a second system different from the first system;
A charging method control step for allowing the user to select one of charging according to the first method or charging according to the second method;
A program that executes.

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