JP7024527B2 - Image processing device, image processing system, and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing method.

Conventionally, an image processing device capable of printing an image is known on condition that a printing fee is paid. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing device on which an image is printed by depositing (prepaid) cash in a coin rack in advance and operating a print start button. In the above-mentioned conventional technique, it is necessary to pay the printing fee in advance.

However, some users may wish to pay the printing fee later. If the printing fee can be paid later, there is an advantage that cash is not required at the time of printing. However, if only postpayment of the printing fee is possible, a new problem arises that the user who wants to pay the printing fee in advance cannot meet the wishes. In consideration of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to allow the user to select whether to pay the printing fee in advance or afterwards.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 has an authentication information receiving unit that receives user authentication information, a first receiving unit that receives payment information according to a payment from a user, and a first payment method. An operation reception unit that accepts an operation for selecting an operation and a second payment method, a second reception unit that receives a job list associated with a user, and an image according to the execution of a print job included in the job list. When the print execution unit to print the image and the first payment method are selected, the image can be printed on condition that the payment information equal to or more than the amount charged for printing the image is received. When the second payment method is selected, the print control unit that enables printing of images even if the deposit information is not accepted, and the second payment method is selected and the execution of the print job is completed. It is characterized by including a transmission unit that associates postpaid information according to the amount charged for printing an image with user authentication information and transmits the information to the outside.

According to the present invention, the user can select whether to pay the printing fee in advance (payment by the first payment method) or postpay (pay by the second payment method).

It is a figure for demonstrating an example of each apparatus of an image processing system. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional configuration of a service computer, a personal computer, a coin rack, an authentication server, and a billing management server. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a simulated diagram of an example of a payment method selection screen. It is a mock diagram of an example of a prepaid authentication screen. It is a mock diagram of an example of a postpaid authentication screen. It is a simulated diagram of an example of a job list screen. It is a simulated drawing of an example of a print confirmation screen. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the print job stored in the print job storage part. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the structure until the print job is accumulated in the print job storage part. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example when prepayment is selected as a payment method of a printing fee. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the case where postpayment is selected as a payment method of a printing fee.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining each device of the image processing system S in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system S includes an in-service computer 100A, a personal computer 100B, an image processing device 200, a coin rack 300, an authentication server 400, and a billing management server 500. Each of the above configurations can communicate with each other via a network.

The service computer 100A is used by a plurality of users. For example, the in-service computer 100A is installed in an in-service facility such as a library. The personal computer 100B is used by a user who knows information (password, etc.) for logging in to the personal computer 100B. In the present embodiment, the in-service computer 100A and the personal computer 100B may be collectively referred to as "computer 100". The computer 100 can send a print job including an image specified by the user.

The image processing device 200 prints an image. For example, a general printer device can be adopted as the image processing device 200. As the image processing apparatus 200, a multifunction device (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) having a copy function and a scanner function in addition to the print function may be adopted.

The image processing device 200 includes a processor and a memory. As the processor, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) is adopted, and a program stored in a memory is executed. As the memory, for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or flash memory is adopted, and a program executed by the processor is stored.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 200 includes a print control unit 210, a payment method control unit 220, a prepaid control unit 230, a postpaid control unit 240, a print job storage unit 250, a secure print control unit 260, an authentication unit 270, and printing. It is configured to include an execution unit 280. Each of the above configurations is realized by executing a program by the processor of the image processing apparatus 200.

The image processing device 200 receives a print job from the computer 100. The print control unit 210 makes it possible to print an image according to the print job. When printing an image with the image processing device 200, the user needs to pay a printing fee. The printing fee depends on, for example, the number of printed pages and whether to print in color or monochrome. The print execution unit 280 is controlled by the print control unit 210 and prints an image according to the print job.

In the present embodiment, the user can select whether to pay the printing fee before printing the image (prepayment) or to pay the printing fee after printing the image (postpayment). As will be described in detail later, the payment method control unit 220 described above makes it possible to select whether to pay the printing fee in advance or after payment.

The coin rack 300 is configured so that money can be inserted. For example, the coin rack 300 is installed in the vicinity of the image processing device 200. As described above, in the present embodiment, the user can select whether to pay the printing fee in advance or afterwards. Money is inserted (deposited) into the coin rack 300 when the printing fee is paid in advance. The payment information corresponding to the money inserted in the coin rack 300 is transmitted to the prepaid control unit 230 of the image processing device 200. The prepayment control unit 230 enables printing when the payment information is received.

On the other hand, when the user chooses postpay, the image can be printed without putting money into the coin rack 300. Specifically, the user can print with a postpaid printing fee by using an IC card (specific storage medium). A user ID (authentication information) that can identify the owner of the IC card is stored in the IC card. Although an IC card is used as the storage medium for storing the user ID, another storage medium may be used. For example, the authentication information may be stored in a portable computer owned by the user.

The user ID of the IC card possessed by the user can be input to the authentication unit 270 of the image processing apparatus 200. Specifically, the image processing device 200 is provided with a card reader capable of reading the user ID stored in the IC card. The user ID read from the card reader is input to the authentication unit 270, and printing by postpayment becomes possible.

The image processing device 200 is provided with a touch panel that can be operated by the user. A user ID can be entered by operating the touch panel. Although the touch panel is used as the operation unit for inputting the user ID, another operation unit may be used. For example, a push button type operation unit may be adopted.

The authentication server 400 determines whether or not the user who has entered the user ID is a user who can pay the printing fee afterwards. When the postpayment of the printing fee is selected and the image is printed, the postpayment control unit 240 of the image processing apparatus 200 transmits postpaid information that can specify the amount of money required for printing the image to the outside. The postpaid information transmitted from the postpaid control unit 240 is stored in the billing management server 500.

In the present embodiment, the printing fee (postpaid printing fee) is calculated for each user according to the postpaid information stored in the billing management server 500. Postpaid printing fees are paid in an appropriate manner. For example, by inserting the above-mentioned IC card into a dedicated device, it is possible to deposit money into the IC card, and a postpaid printing fee is deducted from the money deposited in the IC card.

The print job storage unit 250 stores the print job. As described above, the print job is transmitted from the computer 100. The print job transmitted from the computer 100 is received by the image processing device 200 and stored in the print job storage unit 250.

The secure print control unit 260 is a means for enabling secure print. Specifically, when printing an image with a print job stored in the print job storage unit 250, user authentication is required. In the present embodiment, secure printing is possible in both the case where the prepaid payment (first payment method) is selected and the case where the postpaid payment (second payment method) is selected as the payment method.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining in detail the functions of the in-service computer 100A, the personal computer 100B, the coin rack 300, the authentication server 400, and the billing management server 500.

The in-service computer 100A includes a print job generation unit 101A and a transmission unit 102A. The print job generation unit 101A generates a print job. Specifically, the user appropriately operates the in-service computer 100A and designates an image to be printed. When an image is specified, the user ID and password are determined by the user himself and input to the in-service computer 100A. By inputting the above user ID and password into the image processing apparatus 200, the image specified by the in-service computer 100A can be printed.

The print job generation unit 101A generates a print job including an image specified by the user, a user ID, and a password. The print job generated by the print job generation unit 101A is transmitted to the image processing device 200 by the transmission unit 102A.

The personal computer 100B includes a print job generation unit 101B and a transmission unit 102B. The print job generation unit 101B generates a print job. Specifically, the user operates the personal computer 100B as appropriate to specify an image to be printed. Further, the personal computer 100B stores a user ID and a password previously input by the user (owner of the personal computer 100B). When an image is specified, the print job generation unit 101B automatically generates a print job including the user ID and password stored in the personal computer 100B and the image.

In the above-mentioned in-service computer 100A, it is necessary for the user to think and input a user ID and a password for printing an image on the image processing apparatus 200 each time. On the other hand, in the personal computer 100B, the user does not have to think about the user ID and password every time. The print job generated by the print job generation unit 101B is transmitted to the image processing device 200 by the transmission unit 102B. In addition, when the image is specified by the personal computer 100B, the user ID and the password may be manually input by the user.

Further, the user who possesses the above-mentioned IC card can input the user ID of his / her own IC card when the image is specified by the in-service computer 100A or the personal computer 100B. When a user ID is input, a print job including the user ID is generated. The user ID of the IC card may be stored in the personal computer 100B in advance and automatically added to the print job. The above configuration has an advantage that it is not necessary to manually input the user ID both when the computer 100 generates a print job and when the image processing device 200 prints an image.

The coin rack 300 includes a prepaid charge management unit 301 and a transmission / reception unit 302. As described above, money is put into the coin rack 300 when the printing fee is paid in advance. The prepaid charge management unit 301 stores the total amount of money put into the coin rack 300 as deposit information. The transmission / reception unit 302 transmits the payment information stored in the prepaid charge management unit 301 to the image processing device 200.

When the image is printed, the printing fee for the image is transmitted from the image processing device 200 to the coin rack 300. When the image is printed, the prepaid fee management unit 301 subtracts the printing fee required for printing the image from the payment information. If the result of subtracting the printing fee from the deposit information is larger than the numerical value "0" (when money of an amount larger than the printing fee is inserted), the prepaid fee management unit 301 returns the change to the user.

The authentication server 400 includes a transmission / reception unit 401 and an authentication information storage unit 402. The transmission / reception unit 401 communicates various information with the image processing device 200. As described above, the authentication server 400 is provided to authenticate a user who can pay the printing fee afterwards. Specifically, the authentication information storage unit 402 stores a user ID that matches the user ID of the user's IC card. Further, the authentication information storage unit 402 stores login information corresponding to the user ID. The login information is information that can specify the time and the like when the user ID corresponding to the login information is inquired.

When a user ID is input to the image processing device 200 (authentication unit 270) by the user, the user ID is transmitted to the authentication server 400. The transmission / reception unit 401 of the authentication server 400 receives the user ID transmitted from the image processing device 200, and compares the user ID with the user ID stored in the authentication information storage unit 402. The result of the comparison is transmitted to the image processing device 200 by the transmission / reception unit 401 of the authentication server 400.

The billing management server 500 includes a postpaid charge management unit 501, a transmission / reception unit 502, and a postpaid information storage unit 503. The transmission / reception unit 502 communicates various information with the image processing device 200. The postpaid charge management unit 501 stores the postpaid information transmitted from the image processing device 200 in the postpaid information storage unit 503 for each user.

The billing management server of the present embodiment receives postpaid information of a plurality of users from a plurality of image processing devices 200, and stores the postpaid information for each user. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that the management of the postpaid information becomes easier as compared with the configuration in which each postpaid information of each user is stored in each of the image processing devices, for example.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the function of the image processing apparatus 200 in detail. As described above, the image processing apparatus 200 includes a print control unit 210, a payment method control unit 220, a prepaid control unit 230, a postpaid control unit 240, a print job storage unit 250, a secure print control unit 260, and an authentication unit 270.

The payment method control unit 220 includes a display unit 221, an operation reception unit 222, and a control start request unit 223. The display unit 221 (display unit) displays the payment method selection screen GA (see FIG. 4 described later) on the touch panel described above. The payment method selection screen GA is a screen for allowing the user to select whether to pay the printing fee of the image in advance or afterwards.

The control start request unit 223 starts the display of the payment method selection screen GA at a predetermined opportunity. The trigger for displaying the payment method selection screen GA can be set as appropriate. For example, a configuration in which a button for starting secure printing is displayed on the touch panel and the payment method selection screen GA is displayed when the button is operated is preferable.

FIG. 4 is a simulated diagram of the payment method selection screen GA of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a message instructing the user to select a payment method is displayed on the payment method selection screen GA. Further, the payment method selection screen GA includes a prepaid button Ba1 and a postpaid button Ba2. When the prepaid button Ba1 is operated, printing is possible with the printing fee prepaid (by inserting money into the coin rack 300). On the other hand, when the postpaid button Ba2 is operated, the printing fee can be postpaid (using an IC card) for printing.

The explanation is returned to FIG. The operation reception unit 222 of the payment method control unit 220 accepts the user's operation on the above-mentioned payment method selection screen GA (prepaid button Ba1 and postpaid button Ba2). The payment method control unit 220 sends a display request for a screen corresponding to the operation received by the operation reception unit 222 (the prepaid authentication screen GB shown in FIG. 5 described later or the postpaid authentication screen GC shown in FIG. 6) to the secure print control unit 260. do.

The secure print control unit 260 includes a display unit 261, an operation reception unit 262, a job list request unit 263, a job cost calculation unit 264, a charge processing unit 265, a print instruction unit 266, and a transmission / reception unit 267. The display unit 261 of the secure print control unit 260 displays a screen corresponding to the operation received by the operation reception unit 222 described above (operation for selecting prepayment, operation for selecting postpayment). For example, when the operation of selecting prepayment is performed, the display unit 261 displays the prepayment authentication screen GB.

FIG. 5 is a simulated diagram of the prepaid authentication screen GB of the present embodiment. As described above, when the user selects prepayment of the printing fee, the prepayment authentication screen GB is displayed. As shown in FIG. 5, the prepaid authentication screen GB includes a cancel button Bb1. When the cancel button Bb1 is operated, the selection of prepayment as the payment method is canceled, and the process returns to the above-mentioned payment method selection screen GA. On the prepaid authentication screen GB, a message to the effect that the user ID should be entered is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the prepaid authentication screen GB includes the keyboard Bb2. The alphabets "AZ" and the numbers "0-9" are displayed on the keyboard Bb2. By appropriately operating the keyboard Bb2, the user inputs his / her own user ID.

The operation reception unit 262 of the secure print control unit 260 accepts the input operation of the user ID for the above-mentioned prepaid authentication screen GB. Further, when the user ID is input, a screen requesting the input of the password is displayed. The operation reception unit 262 accepts the password input operation. The job list request unit 263 requests the print job storage unit 250 for a job list indicating all print jobs including the user ID and password entered by the user.

As described above, when the operation of selecting the prepayment is performed, the display unit 261 displays the prepayment authentication screen GB. On the other hand, when the operation of selecting the postpayment is performed, the display unit 261 displays the postpayment authentication screen GC.

FIG. 6 is a simulated diagram of the postpaid authentication screen GC of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the postpaid authentication screen GC includes a cancel button Bc1. When the cancel button Bc1 is operated, the selection of postpayment as the payment method is canceled, and the process returns to the above-mentioned payment method selection screen GA. Further, on the postpaid authentication screen GC, a message indicating that the IC card should be held over the card reader is displayed.

When the user ID is input from the IC card, the job list request unit 263 requests the print job storage unit 250 for a job list indicating all print jobs including the user ID. When the transmission / reception unit 267 receives the job list requested by the job list request unit 263, the job list screen GD for displaying the job list is displayed.

By the way, if a spoofing user chooses to pay the printing fee afterwards and prints an image, it is assumed that a legitimate user will suffer financial damage. With the authentication information (user ID) stored in the IC card, there is a situation that the authentication of the user is more accurate than the authentication information manually input by the user. According to the present embodiment in which printing can be performed by postpay with an IC card, the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suppressed. However, it may be configured so that printing can be performed by postpay from the authentication information manually input by the user.

FIG. 7 is a simulated diagram of the job list screen GD of the present embodiment. In the specific example of FIG. 7, a job list including five print jobs is displayed. As shown in FIG. 7, the job list screen GD includes a print button Bd1 and a selection button Bd2. Further, on the job list screen GD, the name of the image to be printed, the creation date and time, and the printing fee of the image are displayed for each print job.

The selection button Bd2 is displayed corresponding to the print job. The selection button Bd2 is displayed by switching to a selection mode or a non-selection mode each time the user operates the button Bd2. In the specific example of FIG. 7, the print job selection button Bd2 displayed second from the bottom is displayed in the non-selection mode, and the selection button Bd2 of the other print job is displayed in the selection mode.

When the print button Bd1 is operated, the image of the print job in the selection mode is printed by the selection button Bd2 among the print jobs. According to the above configuration, the image processing apparatus 200 can select an image to be printed and an image not to be printed from a plurality of types of images specified by the computer 100.

The explanation is returned to FIG. The job cost calculation unit 264 of the secure print control unit 260 calculates the total printing fee required for printing the image selected in the job list image GD. The printing fee calculated by the job cost calculation unit 264 is displayed on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus 200. Specifically, when the print button Bd1 (see FIG. 7 above) of the job list screen GD is operated, the print confirmation screen GE (1, 2) is displayed. The printing fee calculated by the job cost calculation unit 264 is displayed on the print confirmation screen GE.

8 (a) and 8 (b) are simulated views of the print confirmation screen GE of the present embodiment. The print confirmation screen GE includes a print confirmation screen GE1 and a print confirmation screen GE2. The print confirmation screen GE1 is displayed when prepayment is selected on the payment method selection screen GA (see FIG. 4 above). On the other hand, the print confirmation screen GE2 is displayed when postpayment is selected on the payment method selection screen GA.

FIG. 8A is a simulated diagram of the print confirmation screen GE1. In a specific example of the print confirmation screen GE1 shown in FIG. 8A, two images with a printing fee of 20 yen and one image with a printing fee of 40 yen are printed on the job list screen GD (see FIG. 7 above). It is assumed that one image with a printing fee of 80 yen is selected. In the above case, a message indicating that the total printing fee (hereinafter referred to as "printing cost") is 160 yen is displayed on the print confirmation screen GE1. In the above case, the billing processing unit 265 requests the prepaid control unit 230 for the payment information of the printing cost.

In the present embodiment, when the prepayment of the printing fee is selected, the coin rack 300 is filled with money equal to or more than the printing cost during the period when the print confirmation screen GE1 is displayed, so that the printing start condition is satisfied. For example, in the example of FIG. 8A, printing is started when money of 160 yen or more is inserted into the coin rack 300. As shown in FIG. 8A, the print confirmation screen GE1 includes a cancel button Be1. When the cancel button Be1 is operated, the selected payment method and print job are canceled.

FIG. 8B is a simulated view of the print confirmation screen GE2. The print confirmation screen GE2 displays the print cost in the same manner as the above-mentioned print confirmation screen GE1. Further, the print confirmation screen GE2 includes the above-mentioned cancel button Be1. When the cancel button Be1 on the print confirmation screen GE2 is operated, the selected payment method and print job are canceled in the same manner as when the cancel button Be1 on the print confirmation screen GE1 is operated.

Further, the print confirmation screen GE2 includes a start button Be2. When postpayment of the printing fee is selected, the printing start condition is satisfied by operating the start button Be2 during the period when the print confirmation screen GE2 is displayed. As can be understood from the above explanation, when the prepaid printing fee is selected, the printing of the image is started when the money is put into the coin rack 300, and when the postpaid printing fee is selected, the start button Be2 Printing of the image is started with the operation of.

The printing start condition may be changed as appropriate. For example, when prepayment of the printing fee is selected, the start button Be2 may be displayed after the money is inserted into the coin rack 300. In the above configuration, even when prepayment is selected, printing is started when the start button Be2 is operated. The print instruction unit 266 of the secure print control unit 260 causes the transmission / reception unit 267 to transmit a print instruction when any of the above-mentioned printing start conditions is satisfied.

The explanation is returned to FIG. The prepaid control unit 230 includes a transmission / reception unit 231 and a print permission unit 232. The transmission / reception unit 231 requests the coin rack 300 for payment information (total of the inserted money) during the period when the above-mentioned print confirmation screen GE1 is displayed. Further, the transmission / reception unit 231 (reception unit) receives payment information from the coin rack 300. When the payment information received from the coin rack 300 is equal to or higher than the printing cost (when the printing start condition is satisfied), the print permission unit 232 transmits to that effect to the secure print control unit 260. In addition, the prepaid control unit 230 returns the money invested in excess of the printing cost.

The postpaid control unit 240 includes a transmission / reception unit 241. When the start button Be2 of the above-mentioned print confirmation screen GE2 is operated and the image is printed, the transmission / reception unit 241 (transmission unit) transmits the postpaid information to the outside. The postpaid information is information that can specify the printing cost.

The print control unit 210 causes the image to be printed when the print instruction is transmitted. As shown in FIG. 3, the print control unit 210 includes a print job request unit 211 and a transmission / reception unit 212.

When the print instruction is transmitted from the secure print control unit 260 (print instruction unit 266), the print job request unit 211 determines to request a print job from the print job storage unit 250. The transmission / reception unit 212 sends a print job request to the print job storage unit 250, and receives a print job from the print job storage unit 250. The print execution unit 280 includes an image processing unit 281 and an engine control unit 102. The image processing unit 281 generates drawing information based on the image (image data) included in the print job. The engine control unit 102 prints on a recording medium (for example, paper) based on the generated drawing information.

The print job storage unit 250 includes a transmission / reception unit 251, a job list generation unit 252, a print job analysis unit 253, and a print job storage unit 254. The print job transmitted from the computer 100 is received by the transmission / reception unit 251 of the print job storage unit 250 and stored in the print job storage unit 254.

The print job analysis unit 253 analyzes the print job received by the transmission / reception unit 251 and calculates the printing fee of the image printed by the print job. The print job storage unit 254 stores the print job and the printing fee of the image printed by the print job in correspondence with each other. The print fee calculated by the print job analysis unit 253 is displayed on the job list screen GD (see FIG. 7 above). Further, the above-mentioned job cost calculation unit 264 calculates the print cost by summing up the printing charges corresponding to each print job included in the job list.

When the job list generation unit 252 requests a job list from the above-mentioned job list request unit 263, the job list generation unit 252 selects a print job according to the user and generates a job list. The job list generated by the job list generation unit 252 is transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 251.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a print job stored in the print job storage unit 250 (print job storage unit 254). As shown in FIG. 9, each print job includes a job ID, a user ID, a file name, a creation date and time of the file, and a printing fee. The file name of the print job identifies the image to be printed by the print job. The configuration of the print job is not limited to the above example. For example, the print job may be configured so that the printing fee is not included.

The explanation is returned to FIG. The authentication unit 270 includes a transmission / reception unit 271, an authentication reception unit 272, and an authentication request unit 273. Further, the authentication unit 270 displays the postpaid authentication screen GC (see FIG. 6 above). The user ID of the user who has selected postpay is input to the authentication reception unit 272. The authentication request unit 273 transmits the user ID input to the authentication reception unit 272 to the authentication server 400 by the transmission / reception unit 271.

It is determined whether or not the user ID transmitted from the image processing device 200 and the user ID stored in the authentication server 400 (authentication information storage unit 402) match, and if they match, information indicating that postpayment is permitted is authenticated. It is transmitted from the server 400 to the authentication unit 270. When the information to the effect that the postpayment is allowed is received from the authentication server 400, the secure print control unit 260 (job list request unit 263) requests the job list.

According to the above embodiment, the user can select whether to pay the printing fee in advance (payment by the first payment method) or postpay (pay by the second payment method). Further, there is an advantage that secure printing becomes possible in both the case where the printing fee is paid in advance and the case where the printing fee is paid in advance.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining a specific example until the print job is accumulated in the print job storage unit 250.

By operating the personal computer 100B and designating the image to be printed, the print job including the user ID is transmitted to the print job storage unit 250 (S1 in FIG. 10). A predetermined user ID is automatically added to the print job transmitted from the personal computer 100B.

When the print job storage unit 250 (print job analysis unit 253) receives the print job from the personal computer 100B, the print job storage unit 250 calculates the printing fee for printing the image with the print job (S2 in FIG. 10). After that, the print job storage unit 250 stores the print job and the print fee calculated from the print job in the print job storage unit 254 (S3 in FIG. 10).

By operating the in-service computer 100A and designating an image to be printed, a print job including a user ID is transmitted to the print job storage unit 250 (S4 in FIG. 10). A user ID entered by the user himself / herself is added to the print job transmitted from the service computer 100A.

When the in-service computer 100A receives the print job, the print job storage unit 250 (print job analysis unit 253) calculates the printing fee for printing the image in the print job (S5 in FIG. 10). After that, the print job storage unit 250 stores the print job and the print fee calculated from the print job in the print job storage unit 254 (S6 in FIG. 10).

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining a specific example when prepayment is selected as the payment method of the printing fee.

The payment method control unit 220 displays the payment method selection screen GA and instructs the user to select a payment method (Sa1 in FIG. 11). When the prepayment of the printing fee is selected, the payment method control unit 220 requests the secure print control unit 260 to display the prepayment authentication screen GB (Sa2 in FIG. 11). When the above request is made, the secure print control unit 260 (display unit 261) displays the prepaid authentication screen GB (Sa3 in FIG. 11).

When the user ID is input to the prepaid authentication screen GB, the secure print control unit 260 (job list request unit 263) requests the print job storage unit 250 for a job list corresponding to the user ID (Sa4 in FIG. 11). .. The print job storage unit 250 (job list generation unit 252) generates a job list (Sa5 in FIG. 11) and transmits it to the secure print control unit 260 (Sa6 in FIG. 11) in response to a request for the job list.

Upon receiving the job list, the secure print control unit 260 displays the job list screen GD showing the job list and accepts the print job selection operation (Sa7 in FIG. 11). The secure print control unit 260 displays the print confirmation screen GE1 in response to the operation of the print button Bd1 on the job list screen GD (Sa8 in FIG. 11).

During the period when the print confirmation screen GE1 is displayed, the secure print control unit 260 requests the payment information from the prepaid control unit 230 (Sa9 in FIG. 11). The prepayment control unit 230 instructs the coin rack 300 to transmit the deposit information when there is a deposit (Sa10 in FIG. 11). The coin rack 300 receives a deposit from the user (Sa11 in FIG. 11), and when there is a deposit, transmits the deposit information to the prepaid control unit 230 (Sa12 in FIG. 11).

The prepayment control unit 230 permits the execution of printing when the payment information from the coin rack 300 reaches the printing cost (total printing fee) (Sa13 in FIG. 11). When the secure print control unit 260 is permitted to execute printing, the secure print control unit 260 instructs the print control unit 210 to execute printing (Sa14 in FIG. 11). When the print control unit 210 is instructed to execute printing, the print control unit 210 requests the print job storage unit 250 for one of the print jobs selected in step Sa7 above (Sa15 in FIG. 11). The print job storage unit 250 responds to the print job requested by the print control unit 210 (Sa16 in FIG. 11).

When the printing by the print job is completed, the print control unit 210 transmits to the secure print control unit 260 that the printing is completed (Sa17 in FIG. 11). The above steps Sa14 to Sa17 are repeatedly executed until printing by all the print jobs selected in step Sa7 is completed. When printing by all the print jobs is completed, the secure print control unit 260 transmits an instruction to end the control for paying the printing fee in advance to the payment method control unit 220 (Sa18 in FIG. 11).

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining a specific example when postpayment is selected as the payment method of the printing fee. The payment method control unit 220 displays the payment method selection screen GA and instructs the user to select a payment method (Sb1 in FIG. 12). When the postpayment of the printing fee is selected, the payment method control unit 220 requests the secure print control unit 260 to display the postpayment authentication screen GC (Sb2 in FIG. 12). The secure print control unit 260 displays the postpaid authentication screen GC in response to the request of the payment method control unit 220 (Sb3 in FIG. 12).

When the user ID is input during the period when the postpaid authentication screen GC is displayed, the authentication unit 270 requests the authentication server 400 to determine whether the user ID is appropriate (whether or not the user can be postpaid) (FIG. 12). Sb4). The authentication server 400 determines the suitability of the user ID and transmits the determination result to the authentication unit 270 (Sb5 in FIG. 12).

When the authentication server 400 determines that the user ID is appropriate, the authentication unit 270 requests the secure print control unit 260 to display the job list (Sb6 in FIG. 12). If it is determined that the user ID is not appropriate, for example, a message "authentication error" is displayed.

When the secure print control unit 260 is requested to display the job list, the secure print control unit 260 requests the print job storage unit 250 for the job list corresponding to the user ID (Sb7 in FIG. 12). The print job storage unit 250 generates a job list in response to a request from the job list (Sb8 in FIG. 12) and transmits the job list to the secure print control unit 260 (Sb9 in FIG. 12).

Upon receiving the job list, the secure print control unit 260 displays the job list screen GD showing the job list and accepts the print job selection operation (Sb10 in FIG. 12). The secure print control unit 260 displays the print confirmation screen GE2 in response to the operation of the print button Bd1 on the job list screen GD. After that, the operation of the start button Be2 on the print confirmation screen GE2 is accepted (Sb11 in FIG. 12).

When the start button Be2 is operated, the secure print control unit 260 instructs the print control unit 210 to execute printing (Sb12 in FIG. 12). When the print control unit 210 is instructed to execute printing, the print control unit 210 requests the print job storage unit 250 for one of the print jobs selected in step Sb10 above (Sb13 in FIG. 12). The print job storage unit 250 responds to the print job requested by the print control unit 210 (Sb14 in FIG. 12).

When the printing by the print job is completed, the print control unit 210 transmits to the secure print control unit 260 that the printing is completed (Sb15 in FIG. 12). When the printing of the image is completed, the secure print control unit 260 transmits the printing fee of the image to the postpaid control unit 240 (Sb16 in FIG. 12). When the postpaid control unit 240 receives the printing fee, the postpaid control unit 240 associates the postpaid information according to the printing fee with the user ID and transmits the postpaid information to the billing management server 500 (Sb17 in FIG. 12).

The above steps Sb12 to Sb17 are repeatedly executed until printing by all the print jobs selected in step Sb10 is completed. When the printing by all the print jobs is completed, the secure print control unit 260 transmits an instruction to end the control for paying the printing fee by postpayment to the payment method control unit 220 (Sb18 in FIG. 12).

<Summary of Actions and Effects of Examples of Embodiments>
<First aspect>
The image processing device 200 of this embodiment has an authentication information receiving unit that receives user authentication information, a first receiving unit (transmitting / receiving unit 231) that receives payment information according to a payment from a user, and a first payment method (prepayment). ), An operation reception unit (operation reception unit 222) that accepts an operation for selecting a second payment method (deferred payment), a second reception unit that receives a job list associated with the user, and a job list. The print execution unit (print execution unit 280) that prints the image according to the execution of the print job included in the above, and the amount charged for printing the image (print cost) when the first payment method is selected. The image can be printed on condition that the deposit information is accepted (Sa13 in FIG. 11), and when the second payment method is selected, the image is displayed even if the deposit information is not accepted. When the print control unit (print control unit 210) that enables printing and the second payment method are selected and the execution of the print job is completed, postpaid information according to the amount charged for printing the image is displayed. It is characterized by including a transmission unit (transmission / reception unit 241) that transmits to the outside in association with user authentication information.
According to this aspect, the user can select whether to pay the printing fee in advance (payment by the first payment method) or postpay (pay by the second payment method).

<Second aspect>
The image processing device 200 of this embodiment includes a print job storage unit (print job storage unit 250) that acquires a print job including an image and user authentication information (user ID) from the outside and stores the print job, and prints. The control unit is characterized in that the image of the print job including the authentication information of the user who has made the selection can be printed both when the first payment method is selected and when the second payment method is selected. do.
According to this aspect, there is an advantage that secure printing becomes possible in both the case where the printing fee is paid in advance and the case where the printing fee is paid in advance.

<Third aspect>
In the image processing device 200 of this embodiment, when the first payment method is selected, the print control unit operates a specific operation unit (touch panel) and inputs the authentication information, so that the print control unit can print including the authentication information. When the image of the job is printable and the second payment method is selected, the authentication information stored in the specific storage medium (IC card) is read by the specific device, so that the printing including the authentication information is printed. The feature is that the image of the job can be printed.
By the way, if a spoofing user chooses to pay the printing fee afterwards and prints an image, it is assumed that a legitimate user will suffer financial damage. With the authentication information stored in the IC card, there is a situation that the authentication of the user is more accurate than the authentication information manually input by the user. According to this aspect, when postpay is selected, the user is authenticated by the authentication information stored in a specific storage medium, and printing can be performed according to the result of the authentication, so that the above-mentioned inconvenience is suppressed. The effect is achieved.

<Fourth aspect>
The image processing apparatus 200 of this embodiment includes a display unit (display unit 261) capable of displaying a job list screen (see FIG. 7) for displaying a plurality of print jobs including each of the plurality of images, and the job list screen has a display unit (display unit 261). , The amount charged for printing the image of the print job is displayed for each print job.
According to this aspect, each printing fee of each image can be grasped separately.

<Fifth aspect>
The image processing system of this embodiment has an authentication information receiving unit that receives user authentication information, a first receiving unit that receives payment information according to a payment from a user, an operation of selecting a first payment method, and a second payment. An operation reception unit that accepts any of the operations for selecting a method, a second reception unit that receives a job list associated with the user, and a print execution that prints an image according to the execution of a print job included in the job list. If the department and the first payment method are selected, the image can be printed on condition that the payment information exceeding the amount charged when printing the image is received, and the second payment method is used. When selected, the print control unit that enables printing of the image even if the deposit information is not accepted and the second payment method are selected, and when the execution of the print job is completed, the image is printed. It is characterized by including a transmission unit that associates postpaid information according to the amount charged for the purpose with the user's authentication information and transmits the information to the outside.
According to the above image processing system, the user can select whether to pay the printing fee in advance or afterwards, as in the image processing device 200 of the first aspect.

<Sixth aspect>
The image processing system of this embodiment is characterized by including a billing management server that stores postpaid information for each user.
According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the postpaid information can be easily managed as compared with a configuration in which each postpaid information of each user is stored in a separate device, for example.

<7th aspect>
The image processing method of this embodiment includes a step of receiving user authentication information, a step of receiving payment information according to payment from the user (Sa12 in FIG. 11), an operation of selecting a first payment method, and a second payment method. The image is displayed according to the step of accepting any of the operations of selecting (Sa1 in FIG. 11 and Sb1 in FIG. 12), the step of receiving the job list associated with the user, and the execution of the print job included in the job list. When the step to print and the first payment method are selected, the image can be printed on condition that the payment information equal to or more than the amount charged for printing the image has been received (Sa13 in FIG. 11). ), When the second payment method is selected, the step (Sb12 in FIG. 12) that enables printing of the image even when the deposit information is not accepted, and the second payment method are selected and printed. When the execution of the job is completed, the step of transmitting the postpaid information according to the amount charged for printing the image to the outside in association with the user's authentication information (Sb17 in FIG. 12) is executed. According to the above image processing method, the user can select whether to pay the printing fee in advance or afterwards, as in the image processing device 200 of the first aspect.

100 ... computer, 200 ... image processing device, 210 ... print control unit, 220 ... payment method control unit, 230 ... prepaid control unit, 240 ... postpaid control unit, 250 ... print job storage unit 260 ... secure print control unit, 270 ... Authentication unit, 280 ... Print execution unit, 300 ... Coin rack, 400 ... Authentication server, 500 ... Billing management server.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-164157

Claims (7)

The authentication information reception unit that accepts user authentication information and
A first receiving unit that receives payment information according to the payment from the user, and
An operation reception unit that accepts operations for selecting the first payment method and operations for selecting the second payment method.
A second receiver that receives the job list associated with the user, and
A print execution unit that prints an image according to the execution of a print job included in the job list, and a print execution unit.
When the first payment method is selected, the image can be printed on condition that the payment information equal to or more than the amount charged for printing the image is received, and the second payment method is used. When selected, a print control unit that enables printing of images even when the payment information is not accepted, and
When the second payment method is selected and the execution of the print job is completed, the transmitter and the transmitter transmit the postpaid information according to the amount charged for printing the image in association with the user's authentication information. ,
A print job storage unit that acquires the print job including an image and user authentication information from the outside and stores the print job is provided.
The print control unit
When the first payment method is selected, the authentication information is input by operating a specific operation unit, so that the image of the print job including the authentication information can be printed, while the second payment. When the method is selected, the image processing characterized in that the image of the print job including the authentication information can be printed by reading the authentication information stored in the specific storage medium by the specific device. Device. When the first payment method is selected, the first authentication screen for notifying that the authentication information should be manually input is displayed, while when the second payment method is selected, the authentication information is stored in the storage medium. It is notified that the specific device should read the authentication information, and includes a screen control unit that displays a second authentication screen different from the first authentication screen.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Equipped with a display unit that can display a job list screen that displays multiple print jobs including each of multiple images.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein an amount charged for printing an image of the print job is displayed on the job list screen for each print job. The authentication information reception unit that accepts user authentication information and
A first receiving unit that receives payment information according to the payment from the user, and
An operation reception unit that accepts operations for selecting the first payment method and operations for selecting the second payment method.
A second receiver that receives the job list associated with the user, and
A print execution unit that prints an image according to the execution of a print job included in the job list, and a print execution unit.
When the first payment method is selected, the image can be printed on condition that the payment information equal to or more than the amount charged when printing the image is received, and the second payment method can be used. When selected, a print control unit that enables printing of images even when the payment information is not accepted, and
When the second payment method is selected and the execution of the print job is completed, the transmitter and the transmitter transmit the postpaid information according to the amount charged for printing the image in association with the user's authentication information. ,
A print job storage unit that acquires the print job including an image and user authentication information from the outside and stores the print job is provided.
The print control unit
When the first payment method is selected, the authentication information is input by operating a specific operation unit, so that the image of the print job including the authentication information can be printed, while the second payment. When the method is selected, the image processing characterized in that the image of the print job including the authentication information can be printed by reading the authentication information stored in the specific storage medium by the specific device. system. When the first payment method is selected, the first authentication screen for notifying that the authentication information should be manually input is displayed, while when the second payment method is selected, the authentication information is stored in the storage medium. It is provided with a screen control unit that notifies that the specific device should read the authentication information and displays a second authentication screen different from the first authentication screen.
The image processing system apparatus according to claim 4. The image processing system according to claim 4 or 5 , further comprising a billing management server that stores the postpaid information for each user. Steps to accept user credentials and
The step of accepting the payment information according to the payment from the user,
The step of accepting either the operation of selecting the first payment method or the operation of selecting the second payment method,
The step of receiving the job list associated with the user and
A step of printing an image according to the execution of a print job included in the job list, and
When the first payment method is selected, the image can be printed on condition that the payment information equal to or more than the amount charged for printing the image is received, and the second payment method is used. When selected, a step that enables printing of an image even if the payment information is not accepted, and
When the second payment method is selected and the execution of the print job is completed, a step of transmitting postpaid information according to the amount charged for printing the image to the outside in association with the user's authentication information, and
A step of acquiring the print job including an image and user authentication information from the outside and storing the print job, and
When the first payment method is selected, the authentication information is input by operating a specific operation unit, so that the image of the print job including the authentication information can be printed, while the second payment. When a method is selected, the authentication information stored in a specific storage medium is read by a specific device, so that the image of the print job including the authentication information can be printed. Image processing method to be performed.

Images