JP3951772B2 - Information terminal device and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information terminal device and a system that communicates information of a device connected to the information terminal device with a center side through a line, and the remainder of a print medium supplied to a printing device provided in the information terminal device. It is about quantity.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional service system of this type is generally shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 101 denotes a service center. Reference numeral 102 denotes an information processing server device. Reference numeral 103 denotes an information terminal device. Reference numeral 104 denotes a water pipe. Reference numeral 105 denotes a water meter. Reference numeral 106 denotes transmission / reception means. Reference numeral 107 denotes information collection means. Reference numeral 108 denotes information output means. Reference numeral 109 denotes a printing unit. 110 is a supply means. Here, the transmission / reception means 106, the information collection means 107, the information output means 108, the printing means 109, and the supply means 110 are inside the information terminal device 103.
[0003]
In FIG. 3, the water flow rate flowing through the household water pipe 104 is measured by a water meter 105. The water flow rate measured by the water meter 105 is transmitted to the information terminal device 103 at a certain timing, for example, once a month. Here, the information terminal device 103 is installed in each home, and is transmitted to the water meter 105 using, for example, a specific low power radio in the 400 MHz band. The information terminal device 103 receives the meter reading value sent from the water meter 105 by the internal information collecting means 107. The information collecting unit 107 sends the water meter reading value received from the water meter 105 to the transmitting / receiving unit 106. The transmission / reception unit 106 transmits the water meter reading value received from the information collection unit 107 to the information processing server apparatus 102.
[0004]
Here, the information terminal device 103 and the information processing server device 102 are connected in advance via a line. The water meter reading value received by the information processing server apparatus 102 is sent to the service center 101. The service center 101 is managed by a water authority such as a local government, and the information processing server device 102 can be connected to a plurality of service centers 101 managed by different local governments. The service center 101 has a charge table database corresponding to the water meter reading value for each local government or service area, and calculates a water fee from the received water meter reading value. The user of each household pays the billed water bill to the local government. As a payment method, there is a method of paying to a financial institution using a transfer form or the like, or it can be automatically withdrawn from a user's deposit account registered in advance with the local government.
[0005]
Here, after the withdrawal is completed, the local government may need to issue a receipt or a similar confirmation document to the user. This operation can also be performed using the information terminal device 103 at each home. That is, the service center 101 transmits the receipt information or similar information to the information terminal device 103 of each household via the information processing server device 102 after executing the water charge deduction. The information terminal device 103 sends the received data to the information output means 108. The information output means 108 converts the received receipt information or similar information into a printable format and sends it to the printing means 109. Here, the printing unit 109 is, for example, a printer incorporated in the information terminal device 103. The printing unit 109 prints the print information sent from the information output unit 108 on a provided paper or the like. The user at each home receives the paper printed by the printing means 109, thereby completing the receipt issue. The supply unit 110 supplies paper and the like when the printing unit 109 performs printing.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional service system described above, a problem occurs when the remaining amount of paper or the like supplied from the supply unit 110 to the printing unit 109 is exhausted. That is, each home user cannot print a receipt such as a water bill when the supply means 110 runs out of paper. Thus, supplementary paper or the like is prepared and set in the supply unit 110. However, since the information terminal device 103 does not have a method for notifying the user of the remaining amount of paper or the like of the supply unit 110, a receipt or the like is provided. Only after printing is executed, it is recognized that there is no remaining amount of paper or the like, and preparation for replenishment of paper or the like must be made in a hurry. In that case, printing of receipts and the like is not normally executed, and there is a problem that transactions relating to money transfer are not normally completed. Furthermore, even if the user rushes to replenish paper or the like, it may take a great deal of time depending on arrangements with the purchaser or the availability of stock. Furthermore, the paper that can be printed by the printing means 109 mounted on the information terminal device 103 is assumed to have special paper quality or size, and the user can smoothly replenish the paper. There was a problem of becoming more difficult.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is an information terminal device that includes information collection means for collecting information about devices and communicates with an information processing server device, and the information terminal device includes the information processing server device. Received fromReceipt informationInformation output means for outputting and the information output means outputReceipt informationA printing means for printing a print medium, a supply means for supplying a printing medium to the printing means, and a signal to that effect when the print medium quantity of the supply means is detected and the print medium quantity falls below a predetermined level. Detecting means for outputting,The number of receipt information to be printed by the printing unit is limited. On the other hand, when the printing unit has not been able to print the receipt information normally, or the amount of print medium of the detection unit is below a predetermined level. When the detection signal output is generated, the issued number limit means for canceling the limit on the number of receipt information printed by the printing meansIs an information terminal device.
[0008]
  AndIn addition to preventing the information terminal device from printing multiple copies of the same receipt information, if printing fails due to lack of paper etc., the receipt information can be printed correctly after replenishing paper, etc.It is possible to improve the convenience of using this system centering on the information terminal device and improve the reliability of the money transfer system.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Claims of the invention1The information terminal device is an information terminal device that includes information collecting means for collecting information about the device and communicates with the information processing server device, the information terminal device receiving from the information processing server deviceReceipt informationInformation output means for outputting and the information output means outputReceipt informationA printing means for printing a print medium, a supply means for supplying a printing medium to the printing means, and a signal to that effect when the print medium quantity of the supply means is detected and the print medium quantity falls below a predetermined level. Detecting means for outputting,The number of receipt information to be printed by the printing unit is limited. On the other hand, when the printing unit has not been able to print the receipt information normally, or the amount of print medium of the detection unit is below a predetermined level. When the detection signal output is generated, the issued number limit means for canceling the limit on the number of receipt information printed by the printing meansAre provided.
[0014]
  AndIn addition to preventing the information terminal device from printing multiple copies of the same receipt information, if printing fails due to lack of paper etc., the receipt information can be printed correctly after replenishing paper etc. Thus, it is possible to improve the convenience of using the system and improve the reliability of the money transfer system.
[0015]
  Claims of the invention2The information terminal device related toSuccess / failure notification means for notifying the information processing server device whether or not the printing means has successfully printed the receipt information.Is provided.
[0016]
  AndThe information processing server device side can also grasp the success or failure of printing the receipt information, and it is possible to improve the convenience of using the system centering on the information terminal device and improve the reliability of the money transfer system.
[0025]
  Of the present inventionClaim 3The program related toClaims 1 to3. A program for causing a computer to function as all or part of the means of the information terminal device according to any one of 2 above.
[0026]
And since it is a program, a part or all of the information processing apparatus of this invention can be easily implement | achieved using a general purpose computer or a portable information terminal. Also, program distribution and installation can be simplified by recording on a recording medium or distributing a program using a communication line.
[0027]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
Example 1
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a notification system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a service center. Reference numeral 2 denotes an information processing server device. Reference numeral 3 denotes an information terminal device. 4 is a water pipe. 5 is a water meter. Reference numeral 6 denotes transmission / reception means. Reference numeral 7 denotes information collection means. Reference numeral 8 denotes information output means. Reference numeral 9 denotes detection means. Reference numeral 10 denotes printing means. 11 is a supply means. Reference numeral 12 denotes display means. Here, the transmission / reception means 6, the information collection means 7, the information output means 8, the detection means 9, the printing means 10, the supply means 11, and the display means 12 are inside the information terminal device 3. The detection means 9 has a notification function in the claims.
[0029]
In FIG. 1, the water flow rate flowing through the household water pipe 4 is measured by a water meter 5. The water meter 5 is provided in the middle of the water pipe 4 in the ground of each household, and normally operates with a battery. The water flow rate measured by the water meter 5 is transmitted to the information terminal device 3 at a certain timing, for example, once a month. Here, the information terminal device 3 is installed in each home, and is transmitted to the water meter 5 using, for example, a specific low power radio of 400 MHz band. The information terminal device 3 receives the meter reading value sent from the water meter 5 by the internal information collecting means 7. The information collecting means 7 sends the water meter reading value received from the water meter 5 to the transmitting / receiving means 6. The transmission / reception unit 6 transmits the water meter reading value received from the information collection unit 7 to the information processing server device 2.
[0030]
Here, the information terminal device 3 and the information processing server device 2 are connected in advance by a line. Here, the line is an analog telephone line, ISDN line, ADSL line, FTTH line, cable TV line, or the like. This line uses the various line types introduced by the household. Depending on the line, the information terminal device 3 is connected via a modem such as a modem, T-NCU (Terminal Network Control Unit), TA, dial-up router, ONU (Optical Network Unit), etc. for connection to the line. Or built-in. On the other hand, the information terminal device 3 and the information processing server device 2 may be connected by a direct circuit switching method, or may be connected using an Internet network via an ISP (Internet Service Provider) or an ASP (Application Service Provider). Sometimes it is. Furthermore, the communication protocol between the information terminal device 3 and the information processing server device 2 may be a non-procedure unique protocol determined in advance in this system, or may use an Internet protocol such as TCP / IP, HTTP, or HTTPS. In some cases. In this way, the water meter reading value is sent to the information processing server device 2.
[0031]
Here, the information processing server device 2 does not communicate only with the information terminal device 3 of a specific home, but communicates with the information terminal device 3 of a plurality of homes or all homes in which this system is installed. Is possible. The water meter reading value received by the information processing server device 2 is sent to the service center 1. The service center 1 is managed by a water station such as a local government, and the information processing server device 2 can be connected to a plurality of service centers 1 managed by different local governments. The service center 1 has a charge table database corresponding to the water meter reading value for each local government or the service area, and calculates a water fee from the received water meter reading value. The water charge calculated by the service center 1 is sent to the information terminal device 3 at each home via the information processing server device 2. The information terminal device 3 receives the water bill using the transmission / reception means 6. The water charge received by the transmission / reception means 6 is sent to the display means 12 and displayed on a screen, for example. The user of the information terminal device 3 in each household can confirm the water charge for this month by visually confirming the water charge displayed on the display means 12, for example. In this example, the water charge is visually displayed using the display means 12, but it is also possible to notify the user using voice or the like.
[0032]
The user of each household who has confirmed the water charge will pay the requested water charge to the local government. As a payment method, there is a method of paying to a financial institution using a transfer form or the like, or it can be automatically withdrawn from a user's deposit account registered in advance with the local government. Here, in the case of automatic withdrawal, a method of using the information terminal device 3 is also conceivable. That is, when the user of each household agrees to the water rate confirmed on the display means 12 of the information terminal device 3, the user presses a “confirmation button” or the like attached to the information terminal device 3 in advance. A method of selecting and executing a “confirmation icon” or the like displayed by the display unit 12 in addition to the water charge is also conceivable. When the user of each household confirms by the above-mentioned method etc., the information is sent from the transmission / reception means 6 to the information processing server apparatus 2 using the above-mentioned various lines. The information processing server device 2 sends the received information to the service center 1. The service center 1 identifies the household based on the identification information included in the information on the payment confirmation, and withdraws the water bill from the bank account of the household registered in advance.
[0033]
If the user does not agree with the water charge confirmed on the display means 12, a button such as “inquiry” may be pressed to inquire the service center 1 via the information processing server device 2.
[0034]
Here, after completion of the withdrawal, the local government may need to issue a receipt or similar confirmation document to the user. This operation can also be performed using the information terminal device 3 at each home.
[0035]
That is, the service center 1 transmits the receipt information or information similar thereto to the information terminal device 3 of each home via the information processing server device 2 after executing the water charge deduction. The “receipt information” here is information of data such as numerical data and name data described in a receipt etc. after the user of each household has paid the water charge used in the month to the service provider. In this case, an electronic receipt stamp is pressed on the receipt. The information terminal device 3 sends the received data to the information output means 8. The information output means 8 converts the received receipt information or similar information into a printable format and sends it to the printing means 10. Here, the printing unit 10 is, for example, a printer incorporated in the information terminal device 3. The printing means 10 prints the print information sent from the information output means 8 on a provided paper or the like and prints it. The user of each household receives the paper printed by the printing means 10, and the issue of the receipt is completed. Here, the printing unit 10 may be separate from the information terminal device 3.
[0036]
In this example, the printing unit 10 performs printing using paper or the like, and the paper or the like is supplied from the supply unit 11. That is, the printing unit 10 performs printing by receiving paper or the like supplied from the supply unit 11 based on the print information received from the information output unit 8. Here, the amount of paper or the like held by the supply unit 11 is grasped by the detection unit 9. When the amount of paper or the like included in the supply unit 11 falls below a predetermined amount, the detection unit 9 outputs a message to that effect to the display unit 12. The display unit 12 displays the information output from the detection unit 9 on, for example, a screen. As a result, each home user can visually grasp the necessity of replenishing paper or the like used by the printing means 10 and can supply paper or the like to the printing means 10. In this example, the necessity of replenishing paper or the like is visually displayed using the display means 12, but it is also possible to notify the user using voice or the like.
[0037]
By the way, when the above-mentioned receipt information is a receipt or the like, a plurality of sheets must not be issued. Therefore, the information terminal device 3 can be provided with a number-of-issues limiting means for limiting the number of issued cards. In this case, the issued number limiting means can temporarily cancel the restriction and execute reprinting when printing fails or when there is no print medium with paper. In that case, the issued number limiting means can also have normal notifying means for notifying the information processing server apparatus 2 of the fact that the information terminal device 3 has been printed normally. In this case, if there is no notification, the information processing server device 2 recognizes that the issue has failed. It is also possible to have failure notification means for notifying only when the failure has occurred, and correctness notification means for notifying different information upon success and failure.
[0038]
Further, when the receipt information is a receipt or the like, the receipt must be issued to the home information terminal device 3 that has paid the fee. Therefore, when the information terminal device 3 communicates with the information processing server device 2 to obtain receipt information, authentication means for identifying each other is incorporated in both the information terminal device 3 and the information processing server device 2. It is also possible.
[0039]
In the series of explanations above, the data printed by the printing means 10 has been described in the water charge withdrawal receipt. However, when the information terminal device 3 communicates with the power meter or the gas meter, the power rate or the gas fee is related. A similar system can be realized. In addition, when one information terminal device 3 communicates with these various types of meters, a similar system can be realized. Further, in the above series of explanations, the contents printed by the printing means 10 have been described as an example of a receipt, but it may be a statement of charges, other contents displayed on the display means 12, or sent from the information processing server device 2. It is also possible to print various types of information and various types of information inside the information terminal device 2.
[0040]
Furthermore, the following modes of use are also conceivable. For example, let us consider a case where various types of shopping screens such as product sales and contents such as advertisement information are displayed on the display means 12 of the information terminal device 3. Contents such as various shopping screens and advertisement information are sent from the information processing server device 2 to the information terminal device 3 through the above-described line. Each home user selects a product he / she wants to purchase from such data displayed on the screen of the display means 12. The selected information is sent from the transmission / reception device 6 to the information processing server device 2 using the above-described line. Here, the information processing server device 2 is connected not only to the service center 1 described above, but also to the center of a service provider that provides various shopping screens such as merchandise sales and contents such as advertisement information. Sent to the center. The center of the service provider delivers the goods to the household according to the various order data, and withdraws the price from the designated deposit account of the user. The receipt information or similar information is sent to the home information terminal device 3 via the information processing server device 2. The information terminal device 3 that has received the receipt information or information similar thereto prints and issues a receipt using the information output means 8 and the printing means 10 in the same manner as the above-mentioned water charge receipt issuance. Also in this case, the supply unit 11 supplies the paper or the like used by the printing unit 10 and the detection unit 9 detects the remaining amount. When the remaining amount of paper or the like falls below a predetermined amount, the display means 10 notifies the user to that effect. Of course, notification using voice or the like is also possible.
[0041]
In the above embodiment, the remaining amount of the supplying unit 11 detected by the detecting unit 9 has been described in the example of the printing medium such as paper. However, it is also possible to detect the remaining amount of the printing medium such as ink.
[0042]
In the above embodiment, an example in which a specific low power radio in the 400 MHz band is used between the information terminal device 3 and the water meter 5 has been described. However, other radio systems in other frequency bands may be used. Alternatively, wired communication may be used. Further, a power line such as power line communication may be used. For example, a removable storage medium may be inserted into the information terminal device 3 and the water meter 5 in order to exchange information.
[0043]
Further, when the detection unit 9 detects that the remaining amount of the supply unit 11 has fallen below a predetermined level, the information processing server device 2 can be notified using the transmission / reception unit 6. In this case, the information processing server device 2 transmits the information to the service center 1. The service center 1 responds to the user's home of the information terminal device 2 based on the contents. For example, it is possible to make a telephone call to the user's home that the remaining amount of paper or the like is low, or to deliver paper or other materials to the user's home. It is also possible to notify the information terminal device 3 at the user's home via the information processing server device 2. That is, the notification information sent from the service center 1 to the information processing server device 2 is sent to the transmission / reception means 6 of the information terminal device 3 through the above-described line. The transmission / reception means 6 sends the received notification information to the display means 12. The display unit 12 displays notification information using a screen or the like based on the information. As a result, the user can recognize that the remaining amount of paper or the like of the printing unit 10 is low. Here, as described above, it is also possible to notify the user using voice or the like. In addition, when detecting means 9 detects that the remaining amount of supplying means 11 has fallen below a predetermined level, it notifies information processing server device 2 using transmission / reception means 6 and uses display means 12 to notify the information processing server apparatus 2. It is also possible to display the effect on a screen or the like. Further, as described above, when the service provider delivers paper or the like to the user's home, information such as the delivery date and the type of paper is sent to the display means 12 of the information terminal device 3 via the information processing server device 2. It is also possible to display the user's convenience in advance. Of course, voice may be used. It is also possible to notify the delivery date of goods sales.
[0044]
With the above method, the user can be relieved from the trouble of replenishing paper, and can also issue receipts that have been issued using postcards by service providers electronically. As a result, the reliability of the system related to the exchange of money is significantly improved and the cost of the service provider can be reduced. In accordance with this, there is a great effect in promoting the spread of the system. On the other hand, there is also an effect that the service provider side can surely formulate a delivery schedule for paper, merchandise, etc., and can effectively use the system.
[0045]
(Example 2)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a notification system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Parts that play the same role as in FIG. 1 are given the same numbers as in FIG. In FIG. 2, 13 is a toilet in each household. Reference numeral 14 denotes transmission means. Reference numeral 15 denotes a remaining amount detecting means. In FIG. 2, the transmission means 14 and the remaining amount detection means 15 are inside the toilet 13.
[0046]
In FIG. 2, the resident of each household enters the toilet 13 and adds to his / her urination or constipation. After adding, the dirt between the groins is removed using, for example, toilet paper. Here, the attachment device in which the toilet paper is installed is provided with a remaining amount detecting means 15. When the remaining amount of the toilet paper falls below a predetermined level, the remaining amount detecting unit 13 outputs a message to that effect to the transmitting unit 14. The transmission unit 14 transmits information indicating that the remaining amount of toilet paper from the remaining amount detection unit 15 is below a predetermined level to the information terminal device 3. The information terminal device 3 receives the information from the transmitting means 14 in the toilet 13 by the internal information collecting means 7. Here, the communication between the transmission means 14 and the information terminal device 13 may be transmitted using a specific low power radio in the 400 MHz band, for example, as in the case of the first embodiment, or other radio in other frequency bands. A system may be used, and wired communication may be used. Further, a power line such as power line communication may be used. For example, a removable storage medium may be inserted into the information terminal device 3 and the water meter 5 in order to exchange information.
[0047]
The information collection means 7 in the information terminal device 3 outputs the information received from the transmission means 14 to the internal detection means 9. When the detection means 9 decodes the content of the information received from the information collection means 7 and recognizes that the content is a toilet paper remaining amount warning output by the remaining amount detection means 15 in the toilet 13, the fact is transmitted and received. Output to means 6. The transmission / reception unit 6 transmits the information output from the detection unit 9 to the information processing server device 2 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The information processing server device 2 transmits the information to the service center 1. The service center 1 here is a service provider that sells and distributes toilet paper and the like. The service center 1 identifies the customer from the received information and recognizes that it is a toilet paper remaining amount warning. In that case, toilet paper is delivered to the user's home. Here, as in the case of the first embodiment, it is also possible to inform the information terminal device 3 of the number of deliveries and the delivery date and time via the information processing server device 2 before delivery. In that case, the information terminal device 3 can inform the user of the information received from the information processing server device 2 using the display means 12. Of course, you may alert | report using an audio | voice etc. similarly to the case of Example 1. FIG.
[0048]
In the present embodiment, the mechanism for warning of the remaining amount of toilet paper in the toilet 13 has been described. However, a similar mechanism can be constructed for other household devices. For example, the amount of detergent used in washing machines, the amount of soap and shampoo used in bathrooms, the amount of water used in jar pots, the amount of kerosene used in oil fan heaters, the refrigerant used in air conditioners Amount etc. In addition, it is possible for one information terminal device 3 to realize communication with the plurality of devices, and in this case, it is possible to notify various remaining amounts. Furthermore, a combination with the meters described in the first embodiment is also possible.
[0049]
With the method as described above, the user can easily and quickly replenish media necessary for various devices in the home, which has a great effect on promoting the use of the home network system.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the present inventionIn the case of issuing receipts related to payment of fees, etc. using printing of media such as paper, it prevents the receipt of multiple receipts and resolves failure conditions if printing fails due to running out of paper etc. After that, you will be able to print the receipt again,The effect of avoiding failure to issue receipts and realizing smooth and reliable paymentis there.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an entire system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the entire system in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a conventional system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 service center
2 Information processing server device
3 Information terminal equipment
4 water pipes
5 Water meter
6 Transmission and reception means
7 Information collection means
8 Information output means
9 Detection means
10 Printing means
11 Supply means
12 Display means
13 toilets
14 Transmission means
15 Remaining amount detection means

Claims (3)

An information terminal device comprising information collecting means for collecting information about equipment and communicating with an information processing server device,
The information terminal device supplies an information output means for outputting the receipt data received from the information processing server apparatus, a printing unit for printing the receipt information by the information output means outputs the printing medium to said printing means A supply unit; a detection unit that detects a print medium amount included in the supply unit and outputs a signal to that effect when the print medium amount falls below a predetermined level;
The number of receipt information to be printed by the printing unit is limited. On the other hand, when the printing unit has not been able to print the receipt information normally, or the amount of print medium of the detection unit is below a predetermined level. An information terminal device comprising: an issue number limit unit that cancels the limit on the number of receipt information printed by the printing unit when a detection signal output is generated . The information terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising success / failure notification means for notifying the information processing server device whether or not the printing means has successfully printed the receipt information. A program for causing a computer to function as all or part of means of the information terminal device according to claim 1 .

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