Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and program product

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming apparatus, a control method of the image forming apparatus, and a program product capable of safely performing printing by charging using a mobile wallet (311). A multifunction peripheral (1) is provided with a first communication control unit (101), a second communication control unit (102) that communicates with a second terminal device (3) to which a mobile wallet (311) is attached, a third communication control unit (103), an authentication unit (104), and a print execution unit (105). A first communication control unit (101) receives an image forming request from a first terminal device (2), a second communication control unit (102) receives a user ID (312), an authentication unit (104) performs authentication on the basis of the user ID (312), the second communication control unit (102) transmits a payment request to a mobile wallet (311) when the authentication is successful, the second communication control unit (102) receives a payment execution request from the mobile wallet (311), and the payment execution request is transmitted to the mobile wallet (311). The third communication control unit (103) receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement server (4), and the print execution unit (105) performs printing on the basis of the print job.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a program product. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, techniques for image formation via payment were known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system that uses cash or prepaid cards for payment.

[0003] In recent years, applications with wallet functionality have become known as a method of payment. There has long been a demand to use such applications for secure image creation via payment, but no mechanism has previously met this requirement.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-271036. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One solution to the aforementioned problem is an image forming apparatus comprising: a first communication control unit that communicates with a first terminal device; a second communication control unit that communicates with a second terminal device having an application with wallet functionality installed; a third communication control unit that communicates with a settlement server; an authentication unit that authenticates a user; and an image forming execution unit that performs image forming. The first communication control unit receives an image forming request containing an image forming task from the first terminal device; the second communication control unit receives user identification information from the second terminal device; the authentication unit performs authentication based on the received identification information; if authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the second communication control unit sends a payment request to the application for image forming based on the image forming task; the second communication control unit receives a payment execution request for the payment request from the application; upon receiving the payment execution request, the third communication control unit sends a settlement request for image forming based on the image forming task to the settlement server; the third communication control unit receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement server; and upon receiving the settlement completion notification, the image forming execution unit performs image forming based on the image forming task.

[0006] Another approach to solving the aforementioned problem is a control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein an image forming request containing an image forming task is received from a first terminal device, user identification information is received from a second terminal device with an application having wallet functionality, authentication is performed based on the received identification information, and if authentication is successful, a payment request for image forming based on the image forming task is sent to the application, a payment execution request for the payment request is received from the application, and upon receiving the payment execution request, a settlement request for image forming based on the image forming task is sent to a settlement server, a settlement completion notification is received from the settlement server, and upon receiving the settlement completion notification, image forming is performed based on the image forming task.

[0007] Another approach to solving the aforementioned problem is a program product comprising a program that enables a processor to function as follows: a first communication control unit communicating with a first terminal device; a second communication control unit communicating with a second terminal device having an application with wallet functionality installed; a third communication control unit communicating with a settlement server; an authentication unit authenticating the user; and an image forming execution unit performing image forming. The first communication control unit receives an image forming request containing an image forming task from the first terminal device, the second communication control unit receives the user's identification information from the second terminal device, and the authentication unit performs image forming based on the received identification information. The second communication control unit performs authentication by means of information. If the authentication performed by the authentication unit is successful, the second communication control unit sends a payment request to the application for image formation based on the image formation task. The second communication control unit receives a payment execution request for the payment request from the application. Upon receiving the payment execution request, the third communication control unit sends a settlement request for image formation based on the image formation task to the settlement server. The third communication control unit receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement server. Upon receiving the settlement completion notification, the image formation execution unit performs image formation based on the image formation task. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the structure of a printing system.

[0009] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the structure of the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0010] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the structure of the settlement server and the management server.

[0011] Figure 4A diagram showing the structure of a multifunction printer.

[0012] Figure 5 A timing diagram to show the operation of each part of the printing system.

[0013] Figure 6 A timing diagram to show the operation of each part of the printing system.

[0014] Figure 7 A timing diagram to show the operation of each part of the printing system.

[0015] Figure 8 A timing diagram to show the operation of each part of the printing system. Detailed Implementation

[0016] 1. First Implementation Method 1-1. Structure of the printing system Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the printing system 1000.

[0017] Printing System 1000 is a system for certified printing and paid printing.

[0018] Certified printing is printing performed when user P of multifunction printer 1 has successfully completed certification. Additionally, chargeable printing is printing performed when a charge has been incurred for the printing service.

[0019] Printing is an example of "image forming". Multifunction printer 1 is an example of "image forming apparatus". A printing task is an example of "image forming task".

[0020] The printing system 1000 includes a multifunction printer 1, a first terminal device 2, a second terminal device 3, a settlement server 4, and a management server 5.

[0021] The multifunction printer 1 is a device that produces printed materials by printing through a printhead. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 1 is a device that has a scanning function and scans the printed materials. The multifunction printer 1 is connected to a first terminal device 2 used by a user P of the multifunction printer 1, and communicates with the first terminal device 2 via wired or wireless means. In addition, the multifunction printer 1 is connected to a network NW, which is a WAN (Wide Area Network), and communicates with various devices connected to the network NW.

[0022] Furthermore, the printing method of the multifunction printer 1 can be either inkjet or electronic transfer. In the case of an inkjet printer 1, the print head can be serial, line, or landscape type. In addition to printing and scanning functions, the multifunction printer 1 can also have other functions such as faxing.

[0023] The first terminal device 2 is a PC (Personal Computer) for use by user P. A printer driver 211 is installed in the first terminal device 2, and a print request is sent to the multifunction printer 1 through the function of the printer driver 211. Furthermore, the print request is information requesting printing, which contains the print job that user P wishes to print. The print job will be described in detail later.

[0024] A print request is an example of an "image forming request".

[0025] In addition, Figure 1 The example shown is a laptop PC, but the first terminal device 2 can also be a desktop PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone.

[0026] The second terminal device 3 is a PC capable of implementing communication via NFC (Near Field Communication). Furthermore, the second terminal device 3 is a PC for use by user P. The second terminal device 3 communicates wirelessly with the multifunction printer 1 via NFC reader 12, which is attached to the multifunction printer 1. The second terminal device 3 has a mobile wallet 311 installed as an application with wallet functionality.

[0027] In addition, although Figure 1 The example shown is of the second terminal device 3 being a smartphone, but the second terminal device 3 can also be a tablet PC or a laptop PC.

[0028] Settlement server 4 is a server device for performing settlements. Settlement server 4 is connected to network NW, thereby communicating with multifunction printer 1.

[0029] Management server 5 is a server device that manages the number of prints that can be made free of charge for each user P. Management server 5 is connected to network NW, thereby communicating with multifunction printer 1.

[0030] 1-2. Structure of the first terminal device and the second terminal device Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the structure of the first terminal device 2 and the second terminal device 3.

[0031] First, the structure of the first terminal device 2 will be described.

[0032] The first terminal device 2 includes a first terminal control unit 20, a first terminal communication unit 21, a terminal display unit 22, and a terminal input unit 23.

[0033] The first terminal communication unit 21 has communication hardware such as communication circuits, and communicates with the multifunction printer 1 under the control of the first terminal control unit 20.

[0034] The terminal display unit 22 has a display screen, and various information is displayed on the display screen under the control of the first terminal control unit 20.

[0035] The terminal input unit 23 is an interface for connecting to input units such as operation switches, touch input panels, mice, and keyboards provided on the first terminal device 2, detecting operations on the input units, and outputting the detection results to the first terminal control unit 20. The first terminal control unit 20 performs processing corresponding to the operations on the input units based on the input from the terminal input unit 23.

[0036] The first terminal control unit 20 includes a first terminal processor 200 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro-processing Unit), a first terminal memory 210, and interface circuits for connecting other devices or sensor components, and controls various parts of the first terminal device 2. The first terminal control unit 20 is connected to a first terminal communication unit 21, a terminal display unit 22, and a terminal input unit 23.

[0037] The first terminal memory 210 is a device for storing programs and data. The first terminal memory 210 stores a printer driver 211 and data processed by the first terminal processor 200. The first terminal memory 210 has non-volatile storage areas. In addition, the first terminal memory 210 has volatile storage areas and constitutes the working area of ​​the first terminal processor 200. The first terminal memory 210 is, for example, composed of ROM (Read-Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0038] The first terminal processor 200 functions as a driver execution unit 201 by reading and executing the printer driver 211 stored in the first terminal memory 210.

[0039] The driver execution unit 201 generates a printing task. The printing task includes image data, printing condition information indicating the number of sheets to be printed, and control instructions according to the instruction set of the multifunction printer 1. When generating the printing task, the driver execution unit 201 sends a printing request containing the generated printing task to the multifunction printer 1 via the first terminal communication unit 21.

[0040] Next, the structure of the second terminal device 3 will be described.

[0041] The second terminal device 3 includes a second terminal control unit 30, a second terminal communication unit 31, and a touch panel 32.

[0042] The second terminal communication unit 31 is equipped with communication hardware according to the NFC communication standard, such as communication circuits. When the second terminal device 3 is within the communication range of the NFC reader 12, the second terminal communication unit 31 communicates with the multifunction printer 1 under the control of the second terminal control unit 30.

[0043] The touch panel 32 has a display panel and a touch sensor that is overlapped with or integrated with the display panel.

[0044] The second terminal control unit 30 includes a second terminal processor 300 such as a CPU or MPU, a second terminal memory 310, and interface circuits for connecting to other devices or sensors, and controls various parts of the second terminal device 3. The second terminal communication unit 31 and the touch panel 32 are connected to the second terminal control unit 30.

[0045] The second terminal memory 310 is a device for storing programs and data. The second terminal memory 310 stores the mobile wallet 311, user ID (Identification) 312, data processed by the second terminal processor 300, etc. The second terminal memory 310 has non-volatile storage areas. In addition, the second terminal memory 310 has volatile storage areas and constitutes the working area of ​​the second terminal processor 300. The second terminal memory 310 is, for example, composed of ROM or RAM.

[0046] User ID 312 is the identification information for user P. User ID 312 only needs to be information that can uniquely identify user P, for example, it can be a credit card number or the ID assigned to the user of mobile wallet 311.

[0047] The second terminal processor 300 functions as an application execution unit 301 by reading and executing the mobile wallet 311 stored in the second terminal memory 310.

[0048] The application execution unit 301 communicates with the multifunction printer 1 via the second terminal communication unit 31. Furthermore, the application execution unit 301 causes the touch panel 32 to display various information. Additionally, the application execution unit 301 handles various operations from the user P via the touch panel 32.

[0049] 1-3. Structure of the Settlement Server and Management Server Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the structure of settlement server 4 and management server 5.

[0050] First, the structure of settlement server 4 will be explained.

[0051] The settlement server 4 includes a first server control unit 40 and a first server communication unit 41. The first server communication unit 41 includes communication hardware such as communication circuits, and communicates with the multifunction printer 1 under the control of the first server control unit 40.

[0052] The first server control unit 40 includes a first server processor 400 such as a CPU or MPU, a first server memory 410, and interface circuits for connecting other devices or sensors, and controls various parts of the settlement server 4. The first server communication unit 41 is connected to the first server control unit 40.

[0053] The first server memory 410 is a device for storing programs and data. The first server memory 410 stores the control program 411, the settlement management database 412, and data processed by the first server processor 400. The first server memory 410 has non-volatile storage areas. In addition, the first server memory 410 has volatile storage areas and constitutes the working area of ​​the first server processor 400. The first server memory 410 is, for example, composed of ROM or RAM.

[0054] Settlement management DB412 is a database that stores records R1, which establishes a correspondence between user ID312 and credit card number, for each user P.

[0055] The first server control unit 40 communicates with the multifunction printer 1 via the first server communication unit 41 by causing the first server processor 400 to execute the control program 411. Furthermore, the first server control unit 40 performs settlement processing by causing the first server processor 400 to execute the control program 411. Details regarding the settlement processing will be described later.

[0056] Next, the structure of management server 5 will be explained.

[0057] The management server 5 includes a second server control unit 50 and a second server communication unit 51. The second server communication unit 51 includes communication hardware such as communication circuits and communicates with the multifunction printer 1 under the control of the second server control unit 50.

[0058] The second server control unit 50 includes a second server processor 500 such as a CPU or MPU, a second server memory 510, and interface circuits for connecting other devices or sensors, and controls various parts of the management server 5. The second server communication unit 51 is connected to the second server control unit 50.

[0059] The second server memory 510 is a device for storing programs and data. The second server memory 510 stores the control program 511, the sheet count management database 512, and data processed by the second server processor 500. The second server memory 510 has non-volatile storage areas. Furthermore, the second server memory 510 has volatile storage areas and constitutes the working area of ​​the second server processor 500. The second server memory 510 is, for example, composed of ROM or RAM.

[0060] The sheet count management database DB512 is a database that stores records R2, which establish a correspondence between user ID 312 and sheet count information, for each user P. The sheet count information indicates the number of sheets that can be printed free of charge.

[0061] The second server control unit 50 communicates with the multifunction printer 1 via the second server communication unit 51 by executing the control program 511 through the second server processor 500. Furthermore, the second server control unit 50 updates the sheet count management DB 512 by executing the control program 511 through the second server processor 500. This update will be described later.

[0062] 1-4. Structure of the composite machine Figure 4 A diagram showing the structure of the composite machine 1.

[0063] The multifunction printer 1 includes a multifunction printer control unit 10, a first multifunction printer communication unit 11, an NFC reader 12, a second multifunction printer communication unit 13, an operation display unit 14, and a printing unit 15.

[0064] The operation display unit 14 is an example of a "display unit".

[0065] The first multifunction printer communication unit 11 has communication hardware such as communication circuits, and communicates with the first terminal device 2 under the control of the multifunction printer control unit 10. Furthermore, the communication standard of the first multifunction printer communication unit 11 can be either a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

[0066] The NFC reader 12 has communication hardware in accordance with the NFC communication standard and communicates with the second terminal device 3 located within the communication range under the control of the multifunction controller 10.

[0067] The second multifunction printer communication unit 13 is equipped with communication hardware such as communication circuits, and communicates with devices connected to the network NW under the control of the multifunction printer control unit 10. Furthermore, the communication standard of the second multifunction printer communication unit 13 can be either a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

[0068] The operation display unit 14 includes operation buttons and a display panel, and accepts user operations on the multifunction printer 1. Furthermore, various information is displayed via the display panel. Alternatively, the display panel of the operation display unit 14 can also be a touch panel that accepts touch operations.

[0069] The printing unit 15 is equipped with a printing mechanism and performs printing on the printing medium under the control of the multifunction printer control unit 10. Additionally, the printing functions include a print head and a transport mechanism for conveying the printing medium.

[0070] The multifunction printer control unit 10 includes a multifunction printer processor 100 (such as a CPU or MPU), a multifunction printer memory 110, and interface circuits for connecting other devices or sensors, and controls various parts of the multifunction printer 1. The multifunction printer control unit 10 is connected to a first multifunction printer communication unit 11, an NFC reader 12, a second multifunction printer communication unit 13, an operation display unit 14, and a printing unit 15. Additionally, although not shown in the figure, a scanning unit equipped with a scanning mechanism such as a scanning head is connected to the multifunction printer control unit 10.

[0071] The multifunction processor 100 is an example of a "processor".

[0072] The multifunction printer memory 110 is a device for storing programs and data. The multifunction printer memory 110 stores the control program 111 and data processed by the multifunction printer processor 100. The multifunction printer memory 110 has non-volatile storage areas. In addition, the multifunction printer memory 110 has volatile storage areas and constitutes the working area of ​​the multifunction printer processor 100. The multifunction printer memory 110 is constructed, for example, by ROM or RAM.

[0073] Control program 111 is an example of a "program".

[0074] The multifunction printer processor 100 functions as a first communication control unit 101, a second communication control unit 102, a third communication control unit 103, an authentication unit 104, a printing execution unit 105, a display control unit 106, a receiving unit 107, a sheet count processing unit 108, and a refund processing unit 109 by reading and executing the control program 111 stored in the multifunction printer memory 110.

[0075] Printing execution unit 105 is an example of an "image forming execution unit".

[0076] The first communication control unit 101 communicates with the first terminal device 2 via the first multifunction communication unit 11.

[0077] The second communication control unit 102 communicates with the second terminal device 3 via the NFC reader 12. The third communication control unit 103 communicates with the settlement server 4 and the management server 5 via the second multifunction communication unit 13.

[0078] The authentication unit 104 authenticates user P. As described below, the authentication unit 104 performs authentication based on the user ID 312 received by the second communication control unit 102. Specifically, the authentication unit 104 sends the user ID 312 to the management server 5 via the third communication control unit 103. The management server 5 determines whether the received user ID 312 has been stored in the authentication database by referring to the database containing the user ID 312, and then performs authentication based on the user ID 312. Next, if the received user ID 312 has been stored in the authentication database, the management server 5 sends an authentication result indicating successful authentication to the multifunction printer 1. Furthermore, if the received user ID 312 has not been stored in the authentication database, the management server 5 sends an authentication result indicating failed authentication to the multifunction printer 1. The authentication unit 104 determines that authentication is successful if the authentication result received from the management server 5 is successful, and determines that authentication has failed if the authentication result received from the management server 5 is failed.

[0079] Alternatively, the authentication database can also be stored on other server devices connected to the network NW. Examples of such server devices include settlement server 4 or other server devices.

[0080] The printing execution unit 105 performs printing through the printing unit 15.

[0081] The display control unit 106 enables the operation display unit 14 to display various information.

[0082] The receiving unit 107 receives various operations from the user P via the operation display unit 14.

[0083] In the event of an error during printing performed by the printing execution unit 105, the sheet count processing unit 108 performs a process to add the number of sheets that can be printed free of charge to the user ID 312. The processing of the sheet count processing unit 108 will be described in detail later.

[0084] In the event of an error during printing performed by the printing execution department 105, the refund processing department 109 performs a refund for the mobile wallet 311. Details regarding the refund processing will be described later.

[0085] 1-5. Operation of each part of the printing system Next, the operation of each part of the printing system 1000 will be explained.

[0086] Figure 5 A timing diagram showing the operation of each part of the printing system 1000.

[0087] When the driver execution unit 201 receives a print request instruction from the user P via the terminal input unit 23, it sends the print request to the multifunction printer 1 (step SA1).

[0088] Next, when the first communication control unit 101 receives a printing request from the first terminal device 2, it stores the printing task contained in the received printing request in the multifunction printer memory 110 (step SA2). When the first terminal device 2 sends a printing request, user P goes to the multifunction printer 1 and covers the second terminal device 3 on the NFC reader 12 of the multifunction printer 1.

[0089] When the second terminal device 3 is covered on the NFC reader 12 and performs near-field wireless communication with the multifunction device 1, the application execution unit 301 sends the user ID 312 stored in the second terminal memory 310 to the multifunction device 1 (step SA3).

[0090] Next, when the second communication control unit 102 receives the user ID 312, the authentication unit 104 sends the user ID 312 to the management server 5 through the third communication control unit 103 (step SA4).

[0091] When the second server processor 500 receives user ID 312 from the multifunction printer 1, it determines whether the received user ID 312 is stored in the authentication database, and then performs authentication based on user ID 312 (step SA5).

[0092] Next, the second server processor 500 sends the authentication result to the multifunction printer 1 (step SA6). The authentication unit 104 determines whether the authentication of user P was successful or failed based on the authentication result received by the third communication control unit 103.

[0093] If the authentication unit 104 determines that the authentication is successful, the display control unit 104 causes the operation display unit 14 to display a selection screen (step SA7). The selection screen is a screen used to select one or more printing jobs from the printing jobs stored in the multifunction printer memory 110, and displays a list of the job names of the printing jobs stored in the multifunction printer memory 110.

[0094] When the multifunction printer 1 displays the selection screen, user P selects the printing task included in the printing request sent by the first terminal device 2. In other words, user P selects the printing task they wish to print on the selection screen.

[0095] The receiving unit 107 accepts the selection of a printing task (step SA8). Next, the display control unit 106 displays the task name and payment amount of the printing task selected by user P on the operation display unit 14 (step SA9). The payment amount is the amount paid by user P for printing based on the printing object. In this embodiment, the payment amount is the amount paid by user P for printing based on the printing task selected in the selection screen. Furthermore, the display control unit 106 calculates the payment amount based on the printing condition information included in the printing task and displays the calculated payment amount on the operation display unit 14.

[0096] When user P displays the payment amount on the multifunction printer 1, he covers the NFC reader 12 of the multifunction printer 1 with the second terminal device 3 again.

[0097] When the second terminal device 3 is covered again on the NFC reader 12 to conduct near-field wireless communication with the multifunction printer 1, the second communication control unit 102 sends a payment request to the mobile wallet 311 (step SA10). That is, the second communication control unit 102 sends a payment request to the second terminal device 3 in step SA10. The payment request is information requesting payment for printing based on a printing task of a printing object. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the payment request is information requesting payment for printing based on a printing task selected in the selection screen.

[0098] Next, upon receiving a payment request, the application execution unit 301 sends a payment execution request to the multifunction device 1 (step SA11). That is, in step SA11, the mobile wallet 311 sends a payment execution request to the multifunction device 1. The payment execution request is information requesting the execution of payment in response to the payment request.

[0099] When the second communication control unit 102 receives a payment execution request, the third communication control unit 103 sends a settlement request to the settlement server 4 (step SA12). The settlement request is information requesting settlement for printing based on a printing task of a printing object. In this embodiment, the payment request is information requesting settlement for printing based on a printing task selected in the selection screen. The settlement request includes a user ID 312 received from the second terminal device 3 and payment amount information indicating the payment amount.

[0100] When the first server control unit 40 receives a settlement request, it performs settlement processing based on the received settlement request (step SA13).

[0101] Step SA13 is described in detail.

[0102] The first server control unit 40 identifies record R1 containing user ID 312 included in the settlement request from the settlement management DB412. Then, the first server control unit 40 performs settlement based on the credit card number included in the identified record R1 and the payment amount shown in the payment amount information included in the settlement request.

[0103] The first server control unit 40 sends a settlement result notification to the multifunction printer 1 (step SA14). The settlement result notification is information notifying the result of the settlement processing in step SA13. In step SA14, the first server control unit 40 sends either a settlement completion notification or a settlement failure notification. The settlement completion notification is information notifying the successful settlement processing in step SA13. On the other hand, the settlement failure notification is information notifying the failed settlement processing in step SA13. The settlement failure notification includes information indicating the main reason for the settlement failure.

[0104] Upon receiving a settlement completion notification from the third communication control unit 103, the second communication control unit 102 sends a payment completion notification to the second terminal device 3 (step SA15). The payment completion notification is information indicating that payment has been completed. Alternatively, in step SA15, the second communication control unit 102 may send paid amount information instead of or along with the settlement completion notification. The paid amount information indicates the amount paid for printing a printing task based on the printing object. The amount indicated by the paid amount information is the same as the payment amount.

[0105] Next, the printing execution unit 105 performs printing based on the printing task of the printing object (step SA16). In this embodiment, the printing execution unit 105 performs printing based on the printing task selected in the selection screen.

[0106] If no errors occur during printing in the printing execution unit 105, the processing of the multifunction printer 1 will end. Errors can include running out of paper, paper jams, insufficient ink or other printing materials.

[0107] On the other hand, if an error occurs in the printing of the printing execution unit 105, the printing system 1000 performs step SA17 or step SA18.

[0108] In step SA17, the multifunction printer 1 and the management server 5 perform additional calculations.

[0109] Step SA17 is described in detail.

[0110] The sheet count processing unit 108 obtains the number of sheets to be printed from the printing condition information of the printing task of the printing object. In this embodiment, the sheet count processing unit 108 obtains the number of sheets to be printed from the printing condition information of the printing task selected in the selection screen.

[0111] Next, the sheet count processing unit 108 determines the number of sheets that can be printed free of charge based on the obtained print count. Furthermore, the sheet count processing unit 108 performs a process of additionally calculating the obtained print count based on the user ID 312 sent by the second terminal device 3. The additional calculation process is described in detail as follows: the sheet count processing unit 108 outputs the user ID 312 sent by the second terminal device 3 and print count information indicating the obtained print count to the third communication control unit 103. Thus, the user ID 312 and print count information are sent to the management server 5.

[0112] In the additional calculation process, the second server control unit 50 identifies the record R2 with the received user ID 312 from the sheet count management DB512, and adds the number of printed sheets shown in the received printed sheet count information to the sheet count information shown in the identified record R2.

[0113] In step SA18, the refund processing unit 109 performs the refund processing. Refund processing is the process of returning the amount paid for printing of a printing task based on the printing object.

[0114] Step SA18 is described in detail.

[0115] The refund processing unit 109 sends the user ID 312 and refund request sent by the second terminal device 3 to the settlement server 4. The refund request is a request for a refund and includes refund amount information. The refund amount is the same as the payment amount. The settlement server 4 then identifies the record R1 containing the user ID 312 included in the refund request from the settlement management DB 412. Next, the settlement server 4 processes the refund based on the credit card number included in the identified record R1 and the refund amount shown in the refund amount information included in the refund request.

[0116] Additionally, in step SA18, the refund processing unit 109 can also cause the second communication control unit 102 to send refund information. The refund information indicates that a refund is being processed and includes the refund amount. In this configuration, the refund processing unit 109 causes the display control unit 104 to display information indicating a request to cover the terminal again on the NFC reader 12. When the second terminal device 3 is again covered on the NFC reader 12 and performs near-field wireless communication with the multifunction printer 1, the second communication control unit 102 sends the refund information. Thus, a refund is processed in the mobile wallet 311 via the multifunction printer 1. Furthermore, if the second terminal device 3 can communicate with the settlement server 4, the second terminal device 3 can also receive refund information from the settlement server 4. Thus, a refund is processed in the mobile wallet 311 via the settlement server 4.

[0117] When the third communication control unit 103 receives a settlement incomplete notification, the display control unit 103 causes the operation display unit 14 to display the main reason information of the failure, including the received settlement incomplete notification (step SA19).

[0118] If the authentication unit 104 determines that authentication has failed, the display control unit 104 causes the operation display unit 14 to display an authentication failure screen (step SA20). An authentication failure screen is a screen that indicates that authentication has failed.

[0119] 1-6. Structure and Effects As described above, the multifunction printer 1 includes a first communication control unit 101 that communicates with the first terminal device 2. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 1 includes a second communication control unit 102 that communicates with the second terminal device 3 on which a mobile wallet 311 is installed. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 1 includes a third communication control unit 103 that communicates with a settlement server 4. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 1 includes an authentication unit 104 that authenticates user P. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 1 includes a printing execution unit 105 that performs printing. The first communication control unit 101 receives an image forming request containing a printing task from the first terminal device 2. The second communication control unit 102 receives a user ID 312 from the second terminal device 3. The authentication unit 104 performs authentication based on the received user ID 312. If the authentication performed by the authentication unit 104 is successful, the second communication control unit 102 sends a payment request for printing based on the printing task to the mobile wallet 311. The second communication control unit 102 receives a payment execution request for the payment request from the mobile wallet 311. Upon receiving a payment execution request, the third communication control unit 103 sends a settlement request for printing based on the printing task to the settlement server 4. The third communication control unit 103 receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement server 4. Upon receiving the settlement completion notification, the printing execution unit 105 executes printing based on the printing task.

[0120] Therefore, it is possible to implement both paid printing and authenticated printing using the mobile wallet 311. Thus, paid printing can be performed even without bringing cash or prepaid cards to the multifunction printer 1, and printing can be performed with reduced risk of information leakage. Therefore, paid printing can be performed securely using the mobile wallet 311.

[0121] The multifunction printer 1 includes a display control unit 106 that displays the printing task on the operation display unit 14 when the authentication performed by the authentication unit 104 is successful. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 1 includes a receiving unit 107 that accepts the selection of a printing task from the printing tasks displayed on the operation display unit 14. The printing execution unit 105 performs printing based on the printing task accepted by the receiving unit 107.

[0122] Therefore, since printing is performed based on the printing task selected by user P, it is possible to securely perform fee-based printing using the mobile wallet 311, and to perform printing on the printing task desired by user P.

[0123] The multifunction printer 1 includes a display control unit 106 that displays the payment amount for printing based on a printing task on the operation display unit 14. The display control unit 106 displays the payment amount on the operation display unit 14 before the printing execution unit 105 executes printing, provided that authentication performed by the authentication unit 104 is successful.

[0124] Therefore, user P can know the amount that should be charged for printing before the printing is carried out.

[0125] After receiving the user ID 312, the second communication control unit 102 sends a payment request when it reconnects with the second terminal device 3 via NFC communication.

[0126] Therefore, if the device does not reconnect to the second terminal device 3 via NFC communication, the charge printing will not be performed. This prevents the situation where charge printing has already occurred while the user is paying attention.

[0127] Upon receiving a settlement completion notification, the second communication control unit 102 sends at least one of the following to the mobile wallet 311: a payment completion notification and information on the amount paid. The information on the amount paid indicates the amount paid for printing based on the printing task.

[0128] Therefore, user P is able to know whether a fee has been charged for printing.

[0129] The multifunction printer 1 includes a sheet count processing unit 108, which performs a process of adding the number of sheets that can be printed without charge to the user ID 312 in the event of an error in printing based on a printing task.

[0130] Therefore, since user P is given a number of prints that can be printed without charge in the event of an error during printing, it is possible to properly handle situations where printing cannot be properly carried out despite being charged.

[0131] The sheet count processing unit 108 performs a process that adds the total number of sheets printed in the printing job to the user ID 312 as the number of sheets that can be printed without charge.

[0132] Therefore, even if an error occurs during the execution of a printing task, the total number of sheets printed in the task will be assigned to user P as the number of sheets that can be printed free of charge. Since user P's desired prints are generally in print task units, this system can more effectively address situations where printing cannot be properly carried out despite being charged.

[0133] The multifunction printer 1 is equipped with a refund processing unit 109, which processes refunds to the mobile wallet 311 in the event of an error during printing based on a printing task.

[0134] Therefore, since user P is given a number of prints that can be printed without charge in the event of an error during printing, it is possible to properly handle situations where printing cannot be properly carried out despite being charged.

[0135] Refund processing refers to the process of returning the amount paid for printing based on a printing task.

[0136] Therefore, even if an error occurs during the execution of a printing task, the amount paid for the printing task will be refunded. Since user P generally desires printed materials in print job units, this system can more effectively address situations where printing cannot be properly carried out despite payment.

[0137] In the control method of the multifunction printer 1, an image forming request containing a printing task is received from the first terminal device 2. Furthermore, in the control method of the multifunction printer 1, a user ID 312 is received from the second terminal device 3 equipped with a mobile wallet 311. Furthermore, in the control method of the multifunction printer 1, authentication is performed based on the received user ID 312. Furthermore, in the control method of the multifunction printer 1, if authentication is successful, a payment request for printing based on the printing task is sent to the mobile wallet 311. Furthermore, in the control method of the multifunction printer 1, a payment execution request for the payment request is received from the mobile wallet 311. Furthermore, in the control method of the multifunction printer 1, if a payment execution request is received, a settlement request for printing based on the printing task is sent to the settlement server 4. Furthermore, in the control method of the multifunction printer 1, a settlement completion notification is received from the settlement server 4. Furthermore, in the control method of the multifunction printer 1, if a settlement completion notification is received, printing is performed based on the printing task.

[0138] Therefore, the same effect as that of the composite machine 1 described above will be achieved.

[0139] The control program 111 enables the multifunction printer processor 100 to function as a first communication control unit 101, a second communication control unit 102, a third communication control unit 103, an authentication unit 104, and a printing execution unit 105.

[0140] Therefore, the same effect as that of the composite machine 1 described above will be achieved.

[0141] 2. Second Implementation Method Next, the second embodiment will be described.

[0142] If we compare the second embodiment with the first embodiment, the structure of each part of the printing system 1000 in the second embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment in that the user ID 312 is stored in the first terminal memory 210.

[0143] Furthermore, if the second embodiment is compared with the first embodiment, the operation of the printing system 1000 in the second embodiment is different.

[0144] Figure 6 This is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of each part of the printing system 1000 in the second embodiment.

[0145] exist Figure 6 In the timing diagram shown, for and Figure 5 The timing diagrams shown use the same step numbers for the same steps, and detailed descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0146] When the driver execution unit 201 receives a print request instruction from the user P via the terminal input unit 23, it sends the print request and user ID 312 to the multifunction printer 1 (step SB1).

[0147] Next, when the first communication control unit 101 receives the printing request and user ID 312 from the first terminal device 2, it associates the printing task contained in the printing request with the user ID 312 and stores it in the multifunction printer memory 110 (step SB2).

[0148] If the authentication unit 104 successfully authenticates, the display control unit 104 retrieves the printing task associated with the user ID 312 received by the second communication control unit 102 from the multifunction printer memory 110 (step SB3).

[0149] Next, the display control unit 106 causes the operation display unit 14 to display the job name and payment amount of the specified printing job (step SB4). In this embodiment, the payment amount is the amount paid by user P for printing based on the printing job specified in step SB3.

[0150] When the second communication control unit 102 receives a payment execution request, the third communication control unit 103 sends a settlement request to the settlement server 4 (step SB5). In this embodiment, the payment request is information requesting settlement for printing based on the printing task specified in step SB3. The settlement request in this embodiment includes payment amount information indicating the payment amount for the printing task specified in step SB3.

[0151] The printing execution unit 105 performs printing based on the printing task (step SB6). In this embodiment, the printing execution unit 105 performs printing based on the printing task specified in step SB3.

[0152] As described above, in the second embodiment, the printing task for the printing object is specified without displaying a selection screen. Therefore, there is no need to perform an operation such as selecting a printing task from a selection screen, thereby reducing the labor and time spent by the user P on printing.

[0153] 3. Third Implementation Method Next, the third embodiment will be described.

[0154] If the third embodiment is compared with the second embodiment, the structure of each part of the printing system 1000 in the third embodiment is the same as that in the second embodiment.

[0155] Furthermore, if the third embodiment is compared with the second embodiment, the operation of the printing system 1000 of the third embodiment is different from that of the printing system 1000 of the second embodiment.

[0156] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of each part of the printing system 1000 in the third embodiment.

[0157] exist Figure 7 In the timing diagram shown, for and Figure 6 The timing diagrams shown use the same step numbers for the same steps, and their detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0158] Compare Figure 7 and Figure 6 It is clear that steps SA10 and SA11 are not performed in the third embodiment. That is to say, in the third embodiment, the user P will not cover the multifunction printer 1 with the second terminal device 3 again, so that the second terminal device 3 and the multifunction printer 1 can perform settlement without short-range wireless communication.

[0159] As described above, in the third embodiment, user P does not cover the second terminal device 3 with the NFC reader 12, thereby enabling the second terminal device 3 and the multifunction printer 1 to perform charge printing and authentication printing without short-range wireless communication. Therefore, the labor and time spent by user P on printing can be reduced.

[0160] 4. Fourth Implementation Method Next, the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0161] If the fourth embodiment is compared with the first to third embodiments, the structure of each part of the printing system 1000 in the fourth embodiment differs in the following aspects.

[0162] The printing system 1000 of the fourth embodiment does not have a management server 5.

[0163] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the multifunction printer 1 stores an authentication database and a sheet count management DB512 in the multifunction printer memory 110.

[0164] Furthermore, the authentication unit 104 in the fourth embodiment refers to the authentication database storing the user ID 312 to determine whether the user ID 312 has been stored in the authentication database. If the authentication unit 104 determines that the user ID 312 has been stored, the authentication unit 104 determines that the authentication has been successful; if the authentication unit determines that the user ID 312 has not been stored, the authentication has failed.

[0165] Furthermore, the sheet count processing unit 108 of the fourth embodiment identifies the record R2 with the user ID 312 sent by the second terminal device 3 from the sheet count management DB512, and calculates the number of printed sheets obtained as the number of sheets that can be printed free of charge for the sheet count information of the identified record R2.

[0166] Next, the operation of each part of the printing system 1000 according to the fourth embodiment will be explained.

[0167] If we compare the fourth embodiment with the first to third embodiments, in the printing system 1000 of the fourth embodiment, only the multifunction printer 1 performs authentication based on user ID 312, and only the multifunction printer 1 performs additional calculation processing.

[0168] The following is for reference Figure 8 The operation that differs from the first to third embodiments will be explained in the fourth embodiment.

[0169] Figure 8 This is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of each part of the printing system 1000 in the fourth embodiment.

[0170] exist Figure 8 In the timing diagram shown, for and Figure 6 The timing diagrams shown use the same step numbers for the same steps, and their detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0171] When the authentication unit 104 receives the user ID 312 from the second communication control unit 102, it authenticates the user P based on the received user ID 312 (step SC1). Furthermore, if the authentication unit 104 successfully authenticates the user, the display control unit 104 causes the operation display unit 14 to display a selection screen (step SA7).

[0172] In the event of a printing error in the printing execution unit 105, the sheet count processing unit 108 performs an additional calculation process (step SC2). In step SC2, the sheet count processing unit 108 identifies the record R2 with the user ID 312 sent by the second terminal device 3 from the sheet count management DB512. Next, in step SC2, the sheet count processing unit 108 calculates the number of sheets to be printed based on the sheet count information of the identified record R2, using this number as the number of sheets that can be printed free of charge.

[0173] 5. Other implementation methods The above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of this disclosure. However, they are not limited to the above-described embodiments, but various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0174] Although the above embodiments illustrate a case where the first terminal device 2 and the second terminal device 3 are different devices, the first terminal device 2 and the second terminal device 3 may also be the same device.

[0175] In the above embodiments, the multifunction printer 1 is exemplified as an "image forming apparatus". In other embodiments, the "image forming apparatus" may also be a printing press that does not have functions other than printing functions such as scanning. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the "image forming apparatus" may simply be an apparatus that performs image forming, for example, it may be a scanner that performs image forming by scanning.

[0176] In addition, in other embodiments, the structure may be such that a single server device performs the functions of both the settlement server 4 and the management server 5.

[0177] Furthermore, the functions of the multifunction controller 10, the first terminal controller 20, the second terminal controller 30, the first server controller 40, and the second server controller 50 can also be implemented by multiple processors or semiconductor chips.

[0178] also, Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The structure of each part of the printing system 1000 shown represents a functional structure, and there are no particular restrictions on the specific installation method. That is to say, it is not necessary to install separate corresponding hardware for each functional part; a structure in which multiple functions are implemented by a single processor executing a program can also be adopted. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a part of the function implemented by software can be implemented by hardware, or a part of the function implemented by hardware can be implemented by software. In addition, the specific details of the configuration of other parts of the multifunction printer 1, the first terminal device 2, the second terminal device 3, the settlement server 4, and the management server 5 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0179] also, Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The processing units shown in the timing diagram are units divided according to the main processing content for easy understanding of the processing of each part of the printing system 1000. This disclosure is not limited to the method and name of the processing unit division. Depending on the processing content, it may also be divided into multiple step units. In addition, it may be divided in a way that one step unit contains multiple processes. Furthermore, the order of these steps may be appropriately replaced without affecting the spirit of this disclosure.

[0180] Symbol Explanation 1…Multifunction printer (image forming apparatus); 2…First terminal device; 3…Second terminal device; 4…Settlement server; 5…Management server; 10…Multifunction printer control unit; 11…First multifunction printer communication unit; 12…NFC reader; 13…Second multifunction printer communication unit; 14…Operation display unit (display unit); 15…Printing unit; 20…First terminal control unit; 21…First terminal communication unit; 22…Terminal display unit; 23…Terminal input unit; 30…Second terminal control unit; 31…Second terminal communication unit; 32…Touch panel; 40…First server control unit; 41…First server communication unit; 50…Second server control unit; 51…Second server communication unit; 100…Multifunction printer processor (processor); 101…First communication control unit; 102…Second communication control unit; 103…Third communication control unit; 104…Authentication unit; 105…Printing unit Line (Image Forming Execution Unit); 106… Display Control Unit; 107… Receiving Unit; 108… Sheet Counting Unit; 109… Refund Processing Unit; 110… Multifunction Printer Memory; 111… Control Program (Program); 200… First Terminal Processor; 201… Driver Execution Unit; 210… First Terminal Memory; 211… Printer Driver; 300… Second Terminal Processor; 301… Application Execution Unit; 310… Second Terminal Memory; 311… Mobile Wallet (Application); 312… User ID (Identification Information); 400… First Server Processor; 410… First Server Memory; 411… Control Program; 412… Settlement Management DB; 500… Second Server Processor; 510… Second Server Memory; 511… Control Program; 512… Management DB; 1000… Printing System; NW… Network; P… User.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: The first communication control unit communicates with the first terminal device; The second communication control unit communicates with a second terminal device that has an application with wallet functionality installed; The third communication control unit communicates with the settlement server; The authentication department is responsible for authenticating users. The image forming execution unit performs image forming. The first communication control unit receives an image forming request containing an image forming task from the first terminal device. The second communication control unit receives the user's identification information from the second terminal device. The authentication department performs authentication based on the received identification information. If the authentication performed by the authentication unit is successful, the second communication control unit sends a payment request to the application for image formation based on the image formation task. The second communication control unit receives a payment execution request from the application for the payment request. Upon receiving the payment execution request, the third communication control unit will send a settlement request for image formation based on the image formation task to the settlement server. The third communication control unit receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement server, and Upon receiving the settlement completion notification, the image forming execution unit performs image forming based on the image forming task.

2. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, have: The display control unit, upon successful authentication performed by the authentication unit, causes the display unit to display the image forming task; The receiving unit accepts the selection of the image forming task from the image forming tasks displayed on the display unit. The image forming execution unit performs image forming based on the image forming task received by the receiving unit.

3. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The system includes a display control unit that causes a display unit to display the payment amount for image formation based on the image formation task. If the authentication performed by the authentication unit is successful, the display control unit causes the display unit to display the payment amount before the image forming execution unit performs image forming.

4. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the second communication control unit reconnects with the second terminal device via near-field wireless communication after receiving the identification information, it sends the payment request.

5. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, Upon receiving the settlement completion notification, the second communication control unit sends at least one of the following to the application: a payment completion notification and information on the amount paid. The paid amount information represents the amount paid for image formation based on the image formation task.

6. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The system includes an image number processing unit that, in the event of an error in image formation based on the image formation task, performs a process to append the number of images that can be formed free of charge to the recognition information.

7. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The image count processing unit performs a process that adds the total number of images formed in the image forming task as the number of images that can be formed free of charge to the recognition information.

8. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The system includes a refund processing unit that processes refunds for the application in the event of an error occurring during image formation based on the image formation task.

9. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The refund process is a process of returning the amount paid for image formation based on the image formation task.

10. A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein, Receive an image forming request containing an image forming task from the first terminal device. Receive user identification information from a second terminal device equipped with an application that has wallet functionality. Authentication is performed based on the received identification information. If authentication is successful, the application will send a payment request for image formation based on the image formation task. Receive a payment execution request for the payment request from the application. Upon receiving the payment execution request, a settlement request for image formation based on the image formation task will be sent to the settlement server. Receive settlement completion notification from the settlement server, and Upon receiving the settlement completion notification, image formation is performed based on the image formation task.

11. A program product comprising a program that causes the processor to function as a structure in which: The first communication control unit communicates with the first terminal device; The second communication control unit communicates with a second terminal device that has an application with wallet functionality installed; The third communication control unit communicates with the settlement server; The authentication department is responsible for authenticating users. The image forming execution unit performs image forming. The first communication control unit receives an image forming request containing an image forming task from the first terminal device. The second communication control unit receives the user's identification information from the second terminal device. The authentication department performs authentication based on the received identification information. If the authentication performed by the authentication unit is successful, the second communication control unit sends a payment request to the application for image formation based on the image formation task. The second communication control unit receives a payment execution request from the application for the payment request. Upon receiving the payment execution request, the third communication control unit will send a settlement request for image formation based on the image formation task to the settlement server. The third communication control unit receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement server, and Upon receiving the settlement completion notification, the image forming execution unit performs image forming based on the image forming task.

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