JP2021027414A - Control apparatus, method, and information process system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a control apparatus capable of facilitating collection in accordance with the user of an information processing device, a method, and an information process system.SOLUTION: A MFP control device 50 for an external user, comprises a job projection control part that acquires a requirement of an execution of a job in an information processing device, and issues a user ID in association with the job; and a job execution control part that acquires the user ID, and makes the job in association with the user ID acquired execute by the information processing device after an electronic settlement of an account amount in accordance with the execution of the job in association with the user ID acquired.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to control devices, methods, and information processing systems.

Conventionally, an information processing device such as an image forming device (for example, a multifunction device) may be placed in various places. The multifunction device installed in the convenience store comes with optional parts on the assumption that it will be used by an unspecified number of users. For example, coin racks for payment of fees and additional display panels for providing services such as the issuance of resident cards. By that amount, the housing becomes larger due to the optional parts, and it becomes necessary to secure a large area for installation.

In the first place, a multifunction device incurs a cost every time a sheet of paper is printed, and it is desirable to appropriately charge the cost to the user and the user organization. In the case of multifunction devices used by general specific companies, there is no problem if the billing destination is narrowed down and the organization is billed in a lump sum, but in the case of convenience stores, the number of users is unspecified, so this is the case. A billing device such as a coin rack is required.

However, with the liberalization of working styles, the number of multifunction devices that can be operated by such an unspecified number of users is increasing in addition to convenience stores. For example, a rental office. When a user of a rental office wants to print, he / she should be charged a usage fee, but if a billing device such as a convenience store is installed in the rental office, an extra cost will be incurred. Therefore, there are many rental offices in which a multifunction device is installed in the office room of the rental office and the copy function is not provided to the users who use the office.

Making a multifunction device available in such a rental office is a service that not only leads to user convenience but also can be a requirement for selecting a rental office. The environment that cannot be used by an unspecified number of users is not limited to rental offices. For example, at police stations and city halls, multifunction devices are placed out of the reach of users, and there are many situations in which employees and outsiders do not have in mind to share them in the first place. Even in the office, it is convenient to be able to flexibly respond to printing requests when the number of printed matter is insufficient when an outsider visits for a meeting.

A method using an IC card as in Patent Document 1 is also known, but when there is a possibility that an unspecified number of users will use it, those users do not necessarily have an IC card, and the IC card side in the first place. Registration operations such as permitting access to the multifunction device are required, and it takes time to use.

As described above, in an information processing device such as an image forming device (for example, a multifunction device), there is a problem regarding a fee collection method in an environment (guest account) that can be used by many people. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to construct a system that can easily charge and print without adding a new large device such as a coin rack.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is an object of facilitating the collection of charges associated with the use of the information processing device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention includes a job drop control unit that acquires a request for executing a job in an information processing device and issues a user ID associated with the job. After the electronic payment of the billing amount for executing the job associated with the acquired user ID is completed, the job associated with the acquired user ID is sent to the information processing device. It is provided with a job execution control unit to be executed.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the collection of charges associated with the use of the information processing device.

It is a block diagram of the whole information processing system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the MFP control device for an external user which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the MFP which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the MFP control device for an external user which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the job drop processing which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the job execution process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, so that duplicate description will be omitted.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing device (for example, a multifunction device (MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product)), a printer device, etc.) 10, an electronic payment system server 20, and an external user terminal 1. 30, an external user terminal 240, an MFP control device 50 for an external user, an SDN controller 61, and an access point 62. The information processing device 10, the electronic payment system server 20, the external user terminal 130, the external user terminal 240, the MFP control device 50 for external users, the SDN controller 61, and the access point 62 have means for connecting to a network. .. Each will be described below.

The external user terminal 240 knows how to access the external user MFP control device 50 (that is, the external user can access the external user terminal 240 to the external user MFP control device 50). It is assumed that it has been set). As this method, for example, a method of pasting a paper describing the access method near the MFP 10 or the like, or writing the access method on the homepage of the facility can be considered.

The information processing device 10 is, for example, a multifunction device (also referred to as an MFP) or a printer device. The information processing device 10 can receive a job (for example, a print job) issued by the external user MFP control device 50 and execute a process (for example, a print process).

The information processing device 10 is not limited to the image forming device as long as it has a communication function. The information processing device 10 includes, for example, a PJ (Projector: projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: a white board having an electronic whiteboard function capable of intercommunication), an output device such as a digital signage, and a HUD (Head Up Display) device. , Industrial machines, imaging devices, sound collectors, medical devices, network home appliances, automobiles (Connected Cars), notebook PCs (Personal Computers), mobile phones, smartphones, tablet terminals, game machines, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), digital cameras , Wearable PC, desktop PC, etc.

The electronic payment system server 20 is a server that provides an electronic payment service. For example, the electronic payment system server 20 provides a user scan method (also referred to as a store presentation type) QR code payment service in which the payer reads the QR code (registered trademark) displayed by the claimant.

The external user terminal 130 is a terminal of an external user who holds an account for an electronic payment service. The external user terminal 130 has an application for an electronic payment service, and has a built-in or connected camera device capable of reading information necessary for electronic payment such as a QR code.

The external user terminal 240 drops (requests) a job for the information processing device 10 such as an MFP to execute a process (for example, a print process). Specifically, the external user terminal 240 can be connected to the external user MFP control device 50, and drops a job (for example, a print job) to the external user MFP control device 50.

The external user terminal 130 and the external user terminal 240 may be common. In general, print jobs are often dropped from a personal computer, and since it is rare for a personal computer to read a QR code, they are separated in FIG. When a print job is dropped from a tablet or smartphone, the external user terminal 130 and the external user terminal 240 may be shared.

The MFP control device (also called a control device) 50 for an external user is a control device provided with a touch display (or a display and a keyboard) for an external user to control an information processing device 10 such as an MFP. The MFP control device 50 for an external user includes an application for an electronic payment service internally.

The function of the MFP control device 50 for an external user may be incorporated into another device. For example, it may be incorporated in the same housing as the information processing device 10 such as an MFP or the SDN controller 61. In that case, it is necessary to enable the specific function to be accessed from the outside in the device with access restriction from the outside, and it is necessary to take measures such as permitting the access of the specific port to the SDN controller 61. ..

The SDN (Software Defined Networking) controller 61 controls the external user terminal 1 30 and the external user terminal 2 40 so as not to be directly connected to the information processing device 10 such as the MFP.

The access point 62 has an SDN switch function that operates according to the setting.

As described above, the information processing device 10 such as the MFP can be used as it is by the employees in the facility, but the external employees are controlled by the SDN controller 61 and cannot be used directly. Therefore, the processing is indirectly executed (for example, printing) by using the MFP control device 50 for an external user. The MFP control device 50 for an external user has a built-in linkage with a general electronic payment service, and when an external user executes a process (for example, printing), the process is executed unless the electronic payment service is used. (For example, printing) is prohibited.

By adopting this configuration, the information processing device 10 such as the MFP can be linked with the billing system only by adding the SDN controller 61 / switch 62 and the MFP control device 50 for external users. It is a device that can be installed at a lower cost and less space than installing a coin rack.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the MFP control device 50 for an external user according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP control device 50 for an external user is constructed by a computer, and as shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD 504, and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, network I / F 509, data bus 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, media I / F 516. I have.

Of these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire MFP control device 50 for external users. The ROM 502 stores a program used to drive the CPU 501 such as an IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area of the CPU 501. The HD504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The external device in this case is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a printer, or the like. The network I / F 509 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG.

Further, the keyboard 511 is a kind of input means including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions and the like. The pointing device 512 is a kind of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 513 as an example of the removable recording medium. In addition, it is not limited to DVD-RW, and may be DVD-R or the like. The media I / F 516 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

In addition to the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2, a USB port or the like may be added, the HDD may be an SSD, or a part of the calculation may be performed by a GPU or ASIC. .. NFC may be attached to support billing other than QR code.

Software may be newly configured in the MFP or the like, and the housing may be shared with the touch display of the MFP. Rather, considering the installation cost of a new housing, it is recommended to put the function of the MFP control device 50 for external users directly into the touch display of the MFP. At this time, since the MFP control device 50 for external users needs to operate by borrowing the HDD and memory in the MFP, how much capacity can be used by the MFP control device 50 for external users from the storage in the MFP in advance. It is better to decide whether it is possible or to build the MFP control device 50 for external users as a virtual environment and divide the resources to be used logically. Further, when the MFP and the MFP control device 50 for an external user are shared, the MFP is arranged at a position where a general user can touch. Therefore, when operating the MFP, it is necessary to use a mechanism such as ID authentication to prevent an external user from operating printing by a method that does not use a network.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the MFP 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Product / Printer) 10 includes a controller 110, a short-range communication circuit 120, an engine control unit 130, an operation panel 140, and a network I / F 150.

Of these, the controller 110 is a CPU 101, a system memory (MEM-P) 102, a north bridge (NB) 103, a south bridge (SB) 104, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 106, and a storage unit, which are the main parts of a computer. It has a local memory (MEM-C) 107, an HDD controller 108, and a storage unit HD109, and has a configuration in which the NB 103 and the ASIC 106 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 121.

Of these, the CPU 101 is a control unit that controls the entire MFP 10. The NB 103 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 101, the MEM-P102, the SB 104, and the AGP bus 121, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P102, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target. Has.

The MEM-P102 includes a ROM 102a which is a memory for storing programs and data that realizes each function of the controller 110, and a RAM 102b used as a memory for developing programs and data and a memory for drawing at the time of memory printing. The program stored in the RAM 102b is configured to be provided by recording a file in an installable format or an executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD. You may.

The SB 104 is a bridge for connecting the NB 103 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The ASIC 106 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge connecting the AGP bus 121, the PCI bus 122, the HDD 108, and the MEM-C107, respectively. The ASIC 106 is a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) which is the core of the ASIC 106, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C107, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that rotate image data by hardware logic and the like. , And a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 131 and the printer unit 132 via the PCI bus 122. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface may be connected to the ASIC 106.

The MEM-C107 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The HD109 is a storage for accumulating image data, accumulating font data used at the time of printing, and accumulating forms. The HD109 controls reading or writing of data to the HD109 according to the control of the CPU 101. The AGP bus 121 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphic processing, and the graphics accelerator card can be speeded up by directly accessing the MEM-P102 with high throughput. ..

Further, the short-range communication circuit 120 includes a short-range communication circuit 120a. The short-range communication circuit 120 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Further, the engine control unit 130 is composed of a scanner unit 131 and a printer unit 132. Further, the operation panel 140 displays a panel display unit 140a such as a touch panel that displays the current setting value, a selection screen, and the like and accepts input from the operator, and a setting value of a condition related to image formation such as a density setting condition. An operation panel 140b including a numeric keypad for receiving and a start key for receiving a copy start instruction is provided. The controller 110 controls the entire MFP 10, and controls, for example, drawing, communication, input from the operation panel 140, and the like. The scanner unit 131 or the printer unit 132 includes an image processing portion such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

The MFP 10 can sequentially switch and select the document box function, the copy function, the printer function, and the facsimile function by the application switching key on the operation panel 140. When the document box function is selected, the document box mode is set, when the copy function is selected, the copy mode is set, when the printer function is selected, the printer mode is set, and when the facsimile mode is selected, the facsimile mode is set.

Further, the network I / F 150 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The short-range communication circuit 120 and the network I / F 150 are electrically connected to the ASIC 106 via the PCI bus 122.

<Functional block>
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the MFP control device 50 for an external user according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the external user MFP control device 50 includes a job drop control unit 51, a job execution control unit 52, and a storage unit 53. Further, the MFP control device 50 for an external user functions as a job drop control unit 51 and a job execution control unit 52 by executing a program. Each will be described below.

The job drop control unit 51 is accessed from the external user terminal 240 via the network and sets a job. Specifically, the job drop control unit 51 performs the job drop process described with reference to FIG.

The job execution control unit 52 causes an information processing device 10 such as an MFP to execute a job set by the job drop control unit 51. Specifically, the job execution control unit 52 performs the job execution process described with reference to FIG.

The storage unit 53 stores data and billing amount information for executing the job acquired by the job drop control unit 51. The job execution control unit 52 causes an information processing device 10 such as an MFP to execute a job by using the data stored in the storage unit 53. At this time, the job execution control unit 52 causes an information processing device 10 such as an MFP to execute a job after electronic payment is performed based on the billing amount information stored in the storage unit 53.

<Processing method>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a job dropping process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step 11 (S11), the job drop control unit 51 of the control device (MFP control device for external users) 50 is accessed from the external user terminal 240.

In step 12 (S12), the job drop control unit 51 drops (requests) a job (for example, a print job) from the external user terminal 240 accessed in S11 (for example, a Web UI (for example, Web UI). User interface)) is displayed.

To drop the job, the process proceeds to step 13, and to finish dropping the job, the process proceeds to step 16.

In step 13 (S13), the job drop control unit 51 receives a job (for example, a print job) drop (request) from the external user terminal 240. For example, the UI for dropping a job may provide optional functions that can be set at the time of printing, such as print page range specification, number of prints specification, double-sided printing, and aggregate printing.

In step 14 (S14), the job drop control unit 51 calculates the cost for printing or the like according to the conditions such as the number of printed sheets specified in S13, and determines the total amount (billing amount).

When the billing amount is determined in S14 in step 15 (S15), the job drop control unit 51 determines that the job (for example, a print job) has been successfully dropped, and returns to S12. Then, the job drop control unit 51 again displays the UI for dropping the job to the external user terminal 240. The external user can add a print job or the like when there is an additional target to be printed or the like.

In step 16 (S16), the job drop control unit 51 drops a job (for example, a print job) selected on the UI by an external user who has finished inputting all jobs such as print targets from the external user terminal 240. Get the end instruction.

In step 17 (S17), the job drop control unit 51 issues an individual user ID.

Here, the user ID will be described. The user ID is temporary information, but it is estimated by, for example, randomly determining from a 4-digit number excluding the already registered user ID in order to prevent others from taking printed matter. Should be difficult. As another means, set a temporary password on the server separately from the user ID (for example, the user sets the password when notifying the user ID), store it together with the user ID, and collate it in the job execution process. May be in the form of a user ID and a password.

In step 18 (S18), the job drop control unit 51 records the user ID issued in S17, all the accumulated jobs, and the billing amount in the accumulation unit 53.

That is, the control device 50 associates the data for executing the job (for example, the data to be printed), the billing amount required for executing the job, and the user ID used for executing the job. Is recorded.

In step 19 (S19), the job drop control unit 51 displays the user ID issued in S17 on the external user terminal 240, and ends the process.

In step 20 (S20), if a time-out occurs after the job is dropped without issuing the user ID, the dropped job is deleted and the process ends.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a failure condition (step 21 (S21)) may be set for dropping a job (for example, a print job). For example, a print job needs to be temporarily stored in the storage in the end, but if the capacity of the storage is likely to be filled, it cannot be stored, so processing such as making an error should be performed. In addition, for example, since it is possible to perform an attack that fills the storage of the MFP and makes it impossible to smoothly perform the service by accumulating a large number of print jobs and not actually printing, an upper limit is set on the number of input jobs at one time. You may take measures such as preventing individuals from filling up the storage.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a job execution process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Even if each user ID is provided with a survival period and the saved user ID, billing amount, and job (for example, print job) are deleted if the authentication as shown in FIG. 6 is not performed within the predetermined period. Good. By setting the timeout time, if an external user forgets the user ID, it will be automatically deleted if it is left unattended, and it will be a countermeasure against wasting storage capacity. If you want to keep a log of billing amount, usage time, etc., you can do so. However, since the information dropped as a print job may include personal information and confidential information, the print job should be deleted.

In step 31 (S31), the job execution control unit 52 of the control device (the MFP control device for external users) 50 causes the external user to start the operation of the control device 50 on the touch display.

In step 32 (S32), the job execution control unit 52 requests the input of the user ID on the touch display of the control device 50.

In step 33 (S33), the job execution control unit 52 acquires the user ID input by the external user on the touch display of the control device 50. If this user ID matches the one recorded in the storage unit 53 of the control device (the MFP control device for external users) 50, the user authentication is successful, and if they do not match, the user authentication fails. If the user authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step 34, and if the user authentication fails, the process proceeds to step 41.

If the user authentication fails in step 41 (S41), the process returns to S32.

In step 34 (S34), the job execution control unit 52 determines that the user authentication has succeeded by collating the user ID input in S33 with the user ID recorded in the storage unit 53.

In step 35 (S35), the job execution control unit 52 presents the billing amount associated with the user ID input in S33, and displays the electronic payment screen.

In step 36 (S36), the QR code or the like displayed by the job execution control unit 52 is read. In recent years, payments by reading QR codes are increasing, and if you have a smartphone etc. and you have an account for an electronic payment service, you can easily perform payment processing using existing services. .. Here, the terminal is referred to as an external user terminal 130.

It is assumed that the electronic payment is successful in step 37 (S37).

If the electronic payment fails in step 42 (S42), the process returns to S35.

In step 38 (S38), when the electronic payment is completed, the job execution control unit 52 transfers the job (for example, the data to be printed) to the information processing device 10 such as the MFP and executes the job because the user's charge is completed. (For example, printing) is started.

In step 39 (S39), when the job execution control unit 52 confirms the completion of execution of all the jobs, the job execution control unit 52 deletes all the information stored in the storage unit 53 such as the user ID, the billing amount, and the job (for example, the print job). To do.

In step 40 (S40), the job execution process is completed.

In this way, by adopting a device configuration and system configuration that easily links a general-purpose electronic payment system and an MFP, users can drop, pay, and print printing jobs for the MFP without introducing a special application. can do. Guest accounts can be printed to any MFP, and the printing utilization rate can be improved.

Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, a method of collecting charges is provided to an external user by allocating a temporary ID for each external user and billing each ID. .. Further, by dividing the step of dropping a job (for example, a print job) in the Web service and the step of actually operating the device, a plurality of people can drop the service job at the same time. Such measures also lead to prevention of mistakes in printed documents.

Therefore, in an environment where employees and outsiders coexist, such as in hospitals and rental offices, it is possible to collect fees from individuals for outside users. Further, even if a plurality of external users submit jobs (for example, print jobs) at the same time, the correct partner can be charged.

Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the printing job is managed on the side of the device to be installed (that is, the MFP control device 50 for an external user), and the processing is performed so as to fall within the range, so that the MFP is not burdened. You can print with. In addition, when incorporating the device function into the MFP, the area usage from the external user may be limited to the extent that the storage and memory of the MFP are not tight. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the problem of memory and HDD exhaustion due to a large amount of print jobs being dropped.

Each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present specification is a processor programmed to execute each function by software such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array) and conventional circuit modules.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations shown here, such as combinations with other elements in the configurations and the like described in the above embodiments. These points can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form thereof.

1 Information processing system 10 MFP
20 Electronic payment system server 30 External user terminal 1
40 External user terminal 2
50 MFP control device for external users 61 SDN controller 62 Access point 51 Job drop control unit 52 Job execution control unit 53 Storage unit

JP-A-2009-134538

Claims (9)

Get the request to execute the job in the information processing device
A job drop control unit that issues a user ID associated with the job, and
Obtain the user ID and
A job execution control unit that causes the information processing device to execute the job associated with the acquired user ID after the electronic payment of the billing amount for executing the job associated with the acquired user ID is completed. And a control device with. When the SDN controller controls the SDN switch, the information processing device and the SDN controller are inaccessible from the terminal requesting the execution of the job.
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device can be operated after a predetermined authentication. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information processing device and the control device are realized in the same housing. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user ID is randomly selected without duplicating the already registered user ID. The job execution control unit
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a password is acquired together with the user ID, and user authentication is performed using the user ID and the password. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein if the user ID is not acquired within a predetermined period, the request for executing the job is deleted. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the request for execution of the job fails when the request for execution of the job satisfies a specific condition. Steps to get a request to execute a job in an information processing device,
The step of issuing the user ID associated with the job and
The step of acquiring the user ID and
A method including a step of causing the information processing apparatus to execute a job associated with the acquired user ID after the electronic payment of the billing amount for executing the job associated with the acquired user ID is completed. .. Including a control device and an information processing device,
Acquires a request for job execution in the information processing device
A job drop control unit that issues a user ID associated with the job, and
Obtain the user ID and
The job execution control unit that causes the information processing device to execute the job associated with the acquired user ID after the electronic payment of the billing amount for executing the job associated with the acquired user ID is completed. An information processing system equipped with.

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