JP2022067403A - Information processing apparatus, method, program, and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable a fee generated due to the use of an information processing apparatus to be reliably paid by an electronic payment.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment that a fee generated due to the use of the information processing apparatus is paid by an electronic payment after executing processing, comprises: a lock unit that makes it impossible for a user to execute the electronic payment for payments other than the payment of the fee until the payment of the fee is completed; and a processing execution unit that executes the processing after it becomes impossible to execute the electronic payment by the user other than the payment of the fee.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

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

Conventionally, there is known a service that allows a user to use an information processing device such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product) installed in a convenience store or the like for a fee. The user pays a fee according to the content of processing such as printing executed by the information processing apparatus. Regarding the charging method, Patent Document 1 describes that charging is performed at a charge according to the printing amount of the print job data.

In the payment of the fee generated by the use of such an information processing device, the user may pay by electronic payment without using cash. Specifically, the information processing apparatus executes processing such as printing after payment by electronic payment is completed (also referred to as prepaid electronic payment).

In prepaid electronic payment, if the fee is paid in advance for each process (for example, printing of one sheet) of multiple processes (for example, printing of multiple sheets), the amount charged for electronic payment is charged. A series of processing is interrupted when there is a shortage. Therefore, it is conceivable that the information processing apparatus makes payment by electronic payment after executing processing such as printing (also referred to as postpaid electronic payment). However, in postpaid electronic payments, there is a possibility of fraud that avoids payment of fees caused by the use of information processing devices.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is an object that the fee generated by the use of the information processing apparatus is surely paid by electronic payment.

The information processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device in which payment of a fee generated by using the information processing device is performed by electronic payment after execution of processing, and the above-mentioned is performed until the payment of the fee is completed. A lock unit that makes it impossible for a user to execute electronic payment other than payment of a fee, and a process execution unit that executes the process when the user cannot execute electronic payment other than payment of the fee. Be prepared.

The charges generated by the use of the information processing device are surely paid by electronic payment.

It is an overall block diagram of the information processing system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus (in the case of an MFP) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration of the user terminal (in the case of a smartphone) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration of the electronic payment server which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the information processing system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the processing of the postpaid electronic payment which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram (Embodiment 1) which shows the flow of the processing of the postpaid electronic payment which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram (Embodiment 2) which shows the flow of the processing of the postpaid electronic payment which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

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

<Explanation of terms>
In the present specification, "electronic payment" is a mechanism for payment of charges caused by the use of an information processing device such as an MFP by sending and receiving data instead of cash. For example, "electronic payment" is electronic payment (also called mobile payment) using a user terminal such as a smartphone. In the present specification, an embodiment in a method (also referred to as a user scan method) in which a user terminal reads a code such as a QR code (registered trademark) displayed (or printed by the information processing device) by the information processing device is described. explain. However, the present invention can also be applied to a method in which the information processing apparatus reads a code such as a QR code displayed on the user terminal (also referred to as a store scan method). The present invention can also be applied to a method in which a user terminal or IC card having a built-in IC chip and an information processing device communicate with each other by short-range wireless communication to make a payment.

<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 10, a user terminal 20, and an electronic payment server 30. The information processing device 10 can send and receive data to and from the electronic payment server 30 via an arbitrary communication network N. The user terminal 20 can send and receive data to and from the electronic payment server 30 via an arbitrary communication network N. Each will be described below.

The information processing device 10 is an electronic payment other than the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10 (electronic payment using the user terminal 20) until the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10 is completed. Requests the electronic payment server 30 or the user terminal 20 to make the execution impossible (hereinafter, also referred to as "locking"). For example, the information processing device 10 is an MFP or the like.

The information processing device 10 is not limited to an image forming device such as an MFP as long as it is a device having a communication function. The information processing device 10 is, for example, a PJ (Projector: projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: a white board having an electronic blackboard function capable of mutual communication), an output device such as a digital signage, or a HUD (Head Up Display) device. , Industrial machines, image pickup 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 , A wearable PC, a desktop PC, or the like.

The user terminal 20 is a terminal on which an application program for performing electronic payment using the user terminal 20 is installed. In response to a request from the information processing device 10, the user terminal 20 makes an electronic payment other than payment of the fee generated by using the information processing device 10 until the payment of the fee generated by using the information processing device 10 is completed. (Electronic payment using the user terminal 20) cannot be executed. For example, the user terminal 20 is a smartphone or the like.

The electronic payment server 30 is a server that provides an electronic payment service. The electronic payment server 30 receives payment information (specifically, payment source information, payment destination information, payment amount) from the user terminal 20 and processes payment. In response to a request from the information processing device 10, the electronic payment server 30 makes an electronic payment other than payment of the fee generated by using the information processing device 10 until the payment of the fee generated by using the information processing device 10 is completed. (Electronic payment using the user terminal 20) cannot be executed.

It should be noted that the group of devices described in the examples is only one of a plurality of computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification. In one embodiment, the electronic payment server 30 includes a plurality of computing devices such as server clusters. The plurality of computing devices are configured to communicate with each other over any type of communication link, including networks, shared memory, and the like, and perform the processes disclosed herein.

<Hardware configuration of MFP>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing device (in the case of an MFP) 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus (in the case of an MFP) 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 (Interface) 150. There is.

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) 105, and a storage unit, which are the main parts of the computer. It has a local memory (MEM-C) 106, an HDD controller 107, and an HD 108 as a storage unit, and has a configuration in which the NB 103 and the ASIC 105 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 121.

Of these, the CPU 101 is a control unit that controls the entire information processing device (in the case of the MFP) 10. The NB 103 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 101 to the MEM-P102, SB104, 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 which is 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 recorded and provided as 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 105 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 107, and the MEM-C106, respectively. The ASIC 105 is a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 105, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C106, 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 105.

The MEM-C106 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The HD 108 is a storage for accumulating image data, accumulating font data used at the time of printing, and accumulating forms. The HD 108 controls reading or writing of data to the HD 108 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 a high throughput. ..

Further, the short-range communication circuit 120 is provided with the short-range communication circuit 120a. The short-range communication circuit 120 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth.

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 sets values of conditions related to image formation such as density setting conditions. It is provided with an operation panel 140b including a numeric keypad for receiving and a start key for receiving a copy start instruction. The controller 110 controls the entire information processing device (in the case of the 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 information processing apparatus (in the case of 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 of 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 105 via the PCI bus 122.

<Smartphone hardware configuration>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a user terminal (in the case of a smartphone) 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal (in the case of a smartphone) 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an EEPROM 204, a CMOS sensor 205, an image sensor I / F 206, an acceleration / orientation sensor 207, and a media I / F 209. It is provided with a GPS receiving unit 211.

Of these, the CPU 201 controls the operation of the entire user terminal (in the case of a smartphone) 20. The ROM 202 stores a program used to drive the CPU 201 such as the CPU 201 and the IPL. The RAM 203 is used as a work area of the CPU 201. The EEPROM 204 reads or writes various data such as a smartphone program according to the control of the CPU 201. The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor 205 is a kind of built-in imaging means for acquiring image data by imaging a subject (mainly a self-image) under the control of the CPU 201. In addition, instead of a CMOS sensor, an image pickup means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor may be used. The image sensor I / F 206 is a circuit that controls the drive of the CMOS sensor 205. The acceleration / orientation sensor 207 is a variety of sensors such as an electronic magnetic compass, a gyro compass, and an acceleration sensor that detect the geomagnetism. The media I / F 209 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 208 such as a flash memory. The GPS receiving unit 211 receives a GPS signal from a GPS satellite.

Further, the user terminal (in the case of a smartphone) 20 includes a long-distance communication circuit 212, a CMOS sensor 213, an image pickup element I / F214, a microphone 215, a speaker 216, a sound input / output I / F217, a display 218, and an external device connection I /. It includes an F (Interface) 219, a short-range communication circuit 220, an antenna 220a of the short-range communication circuit 220, and a touch panel 221.

Of these, the long-distance communication circuit 212 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via the communication network N. The CMOS sensor 213 is a kind of built-in image pickup means for capturing an image of a subject and obtaining image data under the control of the CPU 201. The image sensor I / F 214 is a circuit that controls the drive of the CMOS sensor 213. The microphone 215 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into an electrical signal. The speaker 216 is a built-in circuit that converts an electric signal into physical vibration to produce sounds such as music and voice. The sound input / output I / F 217 is a circuit that processes sound signal input / output between the microphone 215 and the speaker 216 under the control of the CPU 201. The display 218 is a kind of display means such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) for displaying an image of a subject, various icons, and the like. The external device connection I / F219 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-range communication circuit 220 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The touch panel 221 is a kind of input means for operating the user terminal (in the case of a smartphone) 20 by the user pressing the display 218.

Further, the user terminal (in the case of a smartphone) 20 includes a bus line 210. The bus line 210 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 201 shown in FIG.

<Hardware configuration of electronic payment server>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the electronic payment server 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic payment server 30 is constructed by a computer, and as shown in FIG. 4, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, and a RAM. (Random Access Memory) 303, HD304, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 305, display 306, external device connection I / F (Interface) 307, network I / F (Interface) 308, data bus 309, keyboard 310, pointing device. It is equipped with 311 and a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 313 and a media I / F (Interface) 315.

Of these, the CPU 301 controls the operation of the entire electronic payment server 30. The ROM 302 stores a program used to drive the CPU 301 such as an IPL. The RAM 303 is used as a work area of the CPU 301. The HD304 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 305 controls reading or writing of various data to the HD 304 according to the control of the CPU 301. The display 306 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F307 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 308 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The bus line 309 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301 shown in FIG.

Further, the keyboard 310 is a kind of input means including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions and the like. The pointing device 311 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 313 controls reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 312 as an example of a detachable recording medium. In addition, it is not limited to DVD-RW, and may be DVD-R or the like. The media I / F 315 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 314 such as a flash memory.

<Functional block of information processing system>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a functional block of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

<Information processing equipment>
The information processing device 10 of the information processing system 1 includes a control unit 1001, a communication unit 1002, an input / output unit 1003, a processing execution unit 1004, and a lock unit 1005. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 functions as a control unit 1001, a communication unit 1002, an input / output unit 1003, a processing execution unit 1004, and a lock unit 1005 by executing a program.

The lock unit 1005 is used for electronic payment (electronic payment using the user terminal 20) other than payment of the charge generated by the use of the information processing device 10 until the payment of the charge generated by the use of the information processing device 10 is completed. Request the electronic payment server 30 or the user terminal 20 to make the execution impossible (lock). Specifically, the lock unit 1005 uses the electronic payment (using the user terminal 20) other than the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10 until the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10 is completed. Generates a code (eg, QR code) indicating a request to make (lock) the execution of the electronic payment that was made impossible (for example).

The process execution unit 1004 executes a process for providing a function (for example, printing or the like) of the information processing apparatus. When the processing execution unit 1004 obtains a notification from the electronic payment server 30 or the user terminal 20 that the information processing apparatus 10 may execute the processing, the processing execution unit 1004 starts the processing (for example, printing or the like).

The control unit 1001 calculates the charge generated by the use of the information processing device 10. Further, the control unit 1001 generates a code (for example, a QR code) indicating payment information (specifically, payment destination information, payment amount) based on the calculated charge.

The input / output unit 1003 receives an input (for example, the content of a process executed by the information processing apparatus 10 input by the user) and outputs data (for example, displays a code such as a QR code).

The communication unit 1002 transmits / receives data to / from the user terminal 20 and the electronic payment server 30.

<User terminal>
The user terminal 20 of the information processing system 1 includes a control unit 2001, a communication unit 2002, and an input / output unit 2003. Further, the user terminal 20 functions as a control unit 2001, a communication unit 2002, and an input / output unit 2003 by executing a program.

In the case of the following <Embodiment 2>, the control unit 2001 responds to the request from the information processing device 10 and makes an electronic payment (using the user terminal 20) other than the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10. Makes electronic payments impossible (that is, locks). Further, in the case of the following <Embodiment 2>, the control unit 2001 enables the execution of electronic payment using the user terminal 20 when the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10 is completed (that is,). ,unlock).

The input / output unit 2003 accepts user operations and inputs (for example, reading a code such as a QR code).

The communication unit 2002 transmits / receives data to / from the information processing device 10 and the electronic payment server 30.

<Electronic payment server>
The electronic payment server 30 of the information processing system 1 includes a control unit 3001, a communication unit 3002, and a billing user information storage unit 3003. Further, the electronic payment server 30 functions as a control unit 3001 and a communication unit 3002 by executing a program.

In the case of the following <Embodiment 1>, the control unit 3001 receives an electronic payment (using the user terminal 20) other than the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10 in response to the request from the information processing device 10. Makes electronic payments impossible (that is, locks). Further, in the case of the following <Embodiment 1>, the control unit 3001 enables the execution of electronic payment using the user terminal 20 when the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10 is completed (that is,). ,unlock).

Further, the control unit 3001 refers to the billing user information storage unit 3003 and processes payment for the payment amount from the payment source (that is, the user) to the payment destination.

The billing user information storage unit 3003 stores information regarding data corresponding to money of the charge payer and the charge payee. For example, the information regarding the data corresponding to money is the information of the amount charged in advance, the information of the credit card, and the like.

Further, the billing user information storage unit 3003 stores information on whether or not electronic payment can be executed using the user terminal 20 (that is, "possible" or "impossible") for each user ID of the electronic payment service. ..

The communication unit 3002 transmits / receives data to / from the information processing device 10 and the user terminal 20.

<Processing method>
The processing method will be described with reference to FIG. Further, in more detail, with reference to FIG. 7, an embodiment in which the electronic payment server 30 makes it impossible to execute electronic payment other than payment of charges caused by the use of the information processing device 10 (the following <Embodiment 1). >), And with reference to FIG. 8, an embodiment in which the user terminal 20 makes it impossible to execute an electronic payment other than payment of a fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10 (the following <Embodiment 2). >) Will be explained.

<Embodiment 1>
In the first embodiment, the electronic payment server 30 makes it impossible to execute electronic payment other than payment of charges caused by the use of the information processing device 10. That is, even if the user operates the user terminal 20 to request the electronic payment server 30 to process the payment, the electronic payment server 30 does not perform any processing other than payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10.

<Embodiment 2>
In the second embodiment, the user terminal 20 makes it impossible to execute an electronic payment other than payment of a fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10. That is, the user cannot perform any processing operation other than payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing apparatus 10 on the user terminal 20.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of postpaid electronic payment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, the user pays the contents of the process executed by the information processing device 10 (for example, print settings, etc.) and the fee generated by using the information processing device 10 by electronic payment on the operation panel of the information processing device 10. When the start button or the like is pressed after inputting the instruction, the following step 1 is started.

In step 1 (S1), the information processing apparatus 10 makes an electronic payment (user terminal) other than the payment of the charges caused by the use of the information processing apparatus 10 until the payment of the charges caused by the use of the information processing apparatus 10 is completed. Requests the electronic payment server 30 or the user terminal 20 to make (lock) the execution of the electronic payment (electronic payment using 20) impossible (locked). Specifically, the information processing device 10 is used for electronic payment (user terminal 20) other than payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10 until the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10 is completed. Generates a code (eg, QR code) indicating a request to make (lock) the execution of the electronic payment used) impossible. Next, the information processing apparatus 10 displays the generated code (for example, a QR code) on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing apparatus 10. After that, the user terminal 20 reads a code (for example, a QR code) displayed on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing device 10.

In step 2 (S2), it becomes impossible to execute the electronic payment using the user terminal 20. In the first embodiment, the electronic payment server 30 makes it impossible to execute the electronic payment, and in the second embodiment, the user terminal 20 makes it impossible to execute the electronic payment.

In step 3 (S3), the information processing apparatus 10 acquires a notification from the electronic payment server 30 or the user terminal 20 that the information processing apparatus 10 may execute the process.

In step 4 (S4), the information processing apparatus 10 starts processing (for example, printing or the like).

In step 5 (S5), it is determined whether or not the processing of the information processing apparatus 10 is completed, and whether or not the processing is interrupted due to an error or the like occurring in the information processing apparatus 10. If the processing of the information processing apparatus 10 is completed or the processing is interrupted due to an error or the like, the process proceeds to step 6. If the processing of the information processing apparatus 10 is not completed and the processing is not interrupted due to an error or the like, the process returns to step 4.

In step 6 (S6), the information processing apparatus 10 calculates the charge generated by the use of the information processing apparatus 10. Next, the information processing apparatus 10 generates a code (for example, a QR code) indicating payment information (specifically, payment destination information, payment amount) based on the calculated charge. Next, the information processing apparatus 10 displays the generated code (for example, a QR code) on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing apparatus 10. After that, the user terminal 20 reads a code (for example, a QR code) displayed on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing device 10.

When the processing is interrupted, the payment amount may be the amount for which the processing is normally executed, or may be 0 yen. As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the processing is interrupted due to an error in the information processing apparatus 10, a user's operation, or the like, the charge is settled at that time. Therefore, the user does not need to make a refund.

In step 7 (S7), the electronic payment server 30 processes the payment. Specifically, the electronic payment server 30 processes payment for the payment amount from the payment source (that is, the user) to the payment destination.

In step 8 (S8), electronic payment can be executed using the user terminal 20 (that is, the lock is released). In the first embodiment, the electronic payment server 30 enables the execution of the electronic payment, and in the second embodiment, the user terminal 20 enables the execution of the electronic payment (that is, the lock is released).

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram (Embodiment 1) showing a flow of processing for postpaid electronic payment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step 101 (S101), the lock unit 1005 of the information processing apparatus 10 requests the user terminal 20 to make it impossible (lock) to execute the electronic payment using the user terminal 20.

Specifically, the lock unit 1005 of the information processing device 10 inputs a code (for example, a QR code) indicating a request requesting that electronic payment other than payment of charges caused by the use of the information processing device 10 be disabled. Generate. Next, the input / output unit 1003 of the information processing device 10 displays the generated code (for example, QR code) on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing device 10. After that, the input / output unit 2003 of the user terminal 20 reads a code (for example, a QR code) displayed on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing device 10. For example, this code (eg, QR code) can include an identifier to identify the lock. Further, this code (for example, QR code) can include information about the information processing device 10 (for example, information about the position of the information processing device 10, information about Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.).

In step 102 (S102), the communication unit 2002 of the user terminal 20 requests the electronic payment server 30 to make it impossible to execute the electronic payment using the user terminal 20. For example, the communication unit 2002 of the user terminal 20 transmits an identifier for identifying the lock and the user ID of the electronic payment service (that is, the user ID of the user of the user terminal 20) to the electronic payment server 30. Can be done.

In step 103 (S103), the control unit 3001 of the electronic payment server 30 makes it impossible to execute electronic payment using the user terminal 20 in response to the request of S102. For example, the control unit 3001 of the electronic payment server 30 updates whether or not the electronic payment can be executed using the user terminal 20 with the user ID transmitted in S102 in the billing user information storage unit 3003 to "impossible". do. The control unit 3001 of the electronic payment server 30 refers to the charging user information storage unit 3003 so as to make it impossible to execute electronic payment using the user terminal 20 when charging is possible. May be good.

In step 104 (S104), the communication unit 3002 of the electronic payment server 30 notifies the information processing device 10 that the information processing device 10 may execute the process. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 10 can execute the process after being locked.

The electronic payment server 30 may notify the user terminal 20 that the information processing device 10 may execute the process, and the user terminal 20 may notify the information processing device 10 to that effect. ..

In step 105 (S105), the processing execution unit 1004 of the information processing apparatus 10 executes processing such as printing.

In step 106 (S106), the control unit 1001 of the information processing apparatus 10 calculates the charge generated by the use of the information processing apparatus 10.

In step 107 (S107), the control unit 1001 of the information processing apparatus 10 has a code (for example, a QR code) indicating payment information (specifically, payment destination information, payment amount) based on the charge calculated in S106. ) Is generated. Next, the input / output unit 1003 of the information processing device 10 displays the generated code (for example, QR code) on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing device 10. After that, the input / output unit 2003 of the user terminal 20 reads a code (for example, a QR code) displayed on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing device 10. For example, this code (eg, QR code) can include the same identifier as the identifier of S101.

In step 108 (S108), the communication unit 2002 of the user terminal 20 notifies the electronic payment server 30 of the payment information (specifically, the payment destination information and the payment amount) acquired in S107. For example, the communication unit 2002 of the user terminal 20 can transmit the identifier of S107 to the electronic payment server 30.

In step 109 (S109), the control unit 3001 of the electronic payment server 30 processes the payment. Specifically, the control unit 3001 of the electronic payment server 30 processes payment for the payment amount from the payment source (that is, the user) to the payment destination. For example, if the identifiers acquired in S102 and S108 match, the control unit 3001 of the electronic payment server 30 determines that the electronic payment is not subject to lock (that is, the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10). You can judge.

In step 110 (S110), the control unit 3001 of the electronic payment server 30 unlocks S103 (that is, it is possible to execute electronic payment using the user terminal 20) in response to the completion of payment of the fee. To).

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram (Embodiment 2) showing a flow of processing for postpaid electronic payment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step 201 (S201), the lock unit 1005 of the information processing apparatus 10 requests the user terminal 20 to make it impossible (lock) to execute the electronic payment using the user terminal 20.

Specifically, the lock unit 1005 of the information processing device 10 inputs a code (for example, a QR code) indicating a request requesting that electronic payment other than payment of charges caused by the use of the information processing device 10 be disabled. Generate. Next, the input / output unit 1003 of the information processing device 10 displays the generated code (for example, QR code) on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing device 10. After that, the input / output unit 2003 of the user terminal 20 reads a code (for example, a QR code) displayed on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing device 10. For example, this code (eg, QR code) can include an identifier to identify the lock. Further, this code (for example, QR code) can include information about the information processing device 10 (for example, position information of the information processing device 10, information about Wi-Fi, etc.).

In step 202 (S202), the control unit 2001 of the user terminal 20 makes it impossible to execute electronic payment using the user terminal 20 in response to the request of S201.

In step 203 (S203), the communication unit 2002 of the user terminal 20 notifies the information processing device 10 that the information processing device 10 may execute the process. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 10 can execute the process after being locked.

In step 204 (S204), the processing execution unit 1004 of the information processing apparatus 10 executes processing such as printing.

In step 205 (S205), the control unit 1001 of the information processing apparatus 10 calculates the charge generated by the use of the information processing apparatus 10.

In step 206 (S206), the control unit 1001 of the information processing apparatus 10 has a code (for example, a QR code) indicating payment information (specifically, payment destination information, payment amount) based on the charge calculated in S205. ) Is generated. Next, the input / output unit 1003 of the information processing device 10 displays the generated code (for example, QR code) on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing device 10. After that, the input / output unit 2003 of the user terminal 20 reads a code (for example, a QR code) displayed on an operation unit such as an operation panel of the information processing device 10. For example, this code (for example, QR code) can include the same identifier as the identifier of S201.

In step 207 (S207), the communication unit 2002 of the user terminal 20 notifies the electronic payment server 30 of the payment information (specifically, the payment destination information and the payment amount) acquired in S206. For example, when the identifiers acquired in S201 and S206 match, the control unit 2001 of the user terminal 20 determines that the electronic payment is not subject to lock (that is, the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device 10). You can judge.

In step 208 (S208), the control unit 3001 of the electronic payment server 30 processes the payment. Specifically, the control unit 3001 of the electronic payment server 30 processes payment for the payment amount from the payment source (that is, the user) to the payment destination.

In step 209 (S209), the communication unit 3002 of the electronic payment server 30 notifies the user terminal 20 that the payment of the fee has been completed.

In step 210 (S210), the control unit 2001 of the user terminal 20 unlocks S202 when the payment of the fee is completed (that is, it is possible to execute the electronic payment using the user terminal 20). To).

<Other embodiments (warning by period)>
In one embodiment of the present invention, when the period during which electronic payment cannot be executed (that is, the locked period) exceeds a predetermined period, the user terminal 20 outputs a warning (for example, display of a warning message). , Warning sound output, etc.). Specifically, the electronic payment server 30 manages a period after the lock starts, and requests the user terminal 20 to output a warning when the period exceeds a predetermined period. Alternatively, the user terminal 20 manages a period from the start of locking, and outputs a warning when the period exceeds a predetermined period.

<Other embodiments (warning by distance)>
In one embodiment of the present invention, when the distance between the user terminal 20 and the information processing device 10 exceeds a predetermined distance during a period during which electronic payment cannot be executed (that is, during locking), the user The terminal 20 may output a warning (for example, display a warning message, output a warning sound, etc.). Specifically, the electronic payment server 30 manages the distance between the user terminal 20 and the information processing device 10 by GPS (Global Positioning System), radio wave strength, or the like, and when the distance exceeds a predetermined distance, it is used. Requests the user terminal 20 to output a warning. Alternatively, the user terminal 20 manages the distance between the user terminal 20 and the information processing device 10 by GPS (Global Positioning System), radio wave strength, or the like, and outputs a warning when the distance exceeds a predetermined distance. .. The electronic payment server 30 and the user terminal 20 manage the distance between the user terminal 20 and the information processing device 10 based on the position information of the user terminal 20 and the position information of the information processing device 10. be able to. Further, the electronic payment server 30 and the user terminal 20 can manage the distance between the user terminal 20 and the information processing device 10 based on the strength of the Wi-Fi radio wave from the information processing device 10.

The above <other embodiment (warning by period)> and <other embodiment (warning by distance)> may be combined.

<Effect>
As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the information processing device such as the MFP makes it impossible to execute the electronic payment on the electronic payment server until the payment of the fee is completed, or the user terminal. It is possible to make it impossible to execute the electronic payment above. That is, if the user tries to avoid the payment of the fee caused by the use of the information processing device, the user cannot use the electronic payment using the user terminal. Therefore, it can be expected that the user will pay the fee generated by the use of the information processing device so that the user can resume the use of the electronic payment using the user terminal. In this way, the charges generated by the use of the information processing device are reliably paid by electronic payment.

Each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" as used herein is a processor programmed to perform 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.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and various modifications are made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Can be changed.

1 Information processing system 10 Information processing device 20 User terminal 30 Electronic payment server 1001 Control unit 1002 Communication unit 1003 Input / output unit 1004 Processing execution unit 1005 Lock unit 2001 Control unit 2002 Communication unit 2003 Input / output unit 3001 Control unit 3002 Communication unit 3003 Billing user information storage unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-339125

Claims (11)

An information processing device in which payment of fees generated by the use of the information processing device is performed by electronic payment after the processing is executed.
A lock unit that makes it impossible for a user to perform electronic payment other than payment of the fee until the payment of the fee is completed.
An information processing device including a processing execution unit that executes the processing when it becomes impossible to execute the electronic payment of the user other than the payment of the fee. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal outputs a warning when the period during which electronic payment other than the payment of the fee cannot be executed exceeds a predetermined period. A claim that the user terminal outputs a warning if the distance between the user terminal and the information processing device exceeds a predetermined distance during a period in which electronic payment other than payment of the fee cannot be executed. The information processing apparatus according to 1. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the lock unit makes it impossible for the electronic payment server to execute electronic payment other than payment of the fee. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the electronic payment server enables the user to execute the electronic payment after the payment of the fee is completed. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the lock unit makes it impossible to execute an electronic payment other than payment of the fee on the user terminal. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the user terminal enables the user to execute the electronic payment after the payment of the fee is completed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the processing is interrupted, the fee is paid by electronic payment. After the processing is executed, the payment of the fee generated by the use of the information processing device is performed by the information processing device by electronic payment, which is a method executed by the information processing device.
A step that makes it impossible for a user to perform electronic payment other than payment of the fee until the payment of the fee is completed.
A method comprising the step of executing the process when it becomes impossible to execute the electronic payment of the user other than the payment of the fee. An information processing device in which payment of fees generated by the use of the information processing device is performed by electronic payment after the processing is executed.
A lock unit that makes it impossible for a user to perform electronic payment other than payment of the fee until the payment of the fee is completed.
A program for functioning as a process execution unit that executes the process when it becomes impossible to execute the electronic payment of the user other than the payment of the fee. An information processing system including an information processing device, a user terminal, and an electronic payment server, in which payment of fees generated by the use of the information processing device is performed by electronic payment after execution of processing.
The information processing device is
A lock unit that makes it impossible for a user to perform electronic payment other than payment of the fee until the payment of the fee is completed.
When it becomes impossible to execute the electronic payment of the user other than the payment of the fee, a process execution unit for executing the process is provided.
The electronic payment server or the user terminal is
An information processing system that, in response to a request from the information processing apparatus, makes it impossible for the user to execute electronic payment other than payment of the fee until the payment of the fee is completed.

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