Image forming apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide a technique that allows a user of an image forming apparatus to purchase a processable amount directly from the image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An MFP CPU 26A accepts input of a payment instruction of a fee corresponding to the number of printable sheets for a print process executed by an MFP 20, accepts input of a security code associated with settlement information of the user of the MFP 20 stored in a server 30 connected to a network, transmits a payment request corresponding to the accepted input of the payment instruction and the accepted security code to the server 30, and, when the transmitted security code is authenticated by the server 30, reduces the number of printable sheets set by the server 30 according to the transmitted payment request and received from the server 30 via an external communication unit 22 by the processing amount of the image formation process executed in accordance with an execution instruction of the print process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to an image forming apparatus capable of executing image formation processing for a processable amount, and a program to be executed by a server computer connected to the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a system including an image forming device, a mobile terminal device, and a server, in which the server manages the processing capacity of the image forming device. In this system, when a user operates the mobile terminal device to purchase a processing capacity, the server adds the purchased processing capacity to the processing capacity of the image forming device it manages. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-110476 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, the processing capacity of the image forming device was purchased by operating a mobile terminal device, so there was a need for a method that would allow the user using the image forming device to immediately purchase processing capacity from the image forming device when the processing capacity of the image forming device became insufficient.

[0005] The present application aims to provide a technique that enables a user of an image forming apparatus to immediately purchase a processing amount from the image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present application is an image forming apparatus equipped with an input interface, a communication interface for connecting to a network, and a controller, wherein the controller executes a payment instruction input acceptance process for accepting, via the input interface, an input of a payment instruction for a fee corresponding to the processable amount of image forming processing executed by the image forming apparatus; an authentication information acceptance process for accepting, via the input interface, an input of authentication information associated with the payment information of the user of the image forming apparatus stored in a server connected to the network; a first transmission process for transmitting, to a server, a payment request corresponding to the accepted input of the payment instruction and the accepted authentication information, and, when the sent authentication information is authenticated by the server, a control process for reducing the processable amount set by the server in accordance with the sent payment request and received from the server via the communication interface by the amount of processing of the image forming processing executed in accordance with an instruction to execute the image forming processing.

[0007] In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the user of the image forming apparatus can immediately purchase the processing amount because the user operates the image forming apparatus to purchase the processing amount.

[0008] The image forming apparatus of the present application further includes a notification unit, and the controller further executes a first notification process for issuing a notification to the notification unit to prompt the user to input authentication information, thereby allowing the user to input authentication information.

[0009] The controller further executes a payment plan information acquisition process for acquiring a plurality of pieces of payment plan information corresponding to the contract information of the image forming device stored in the server, a second notification process for notifying the notification unit of the acquired plurality of payment plan information, a payment plan information selection acceptance process for accepting a selection of one of the notified plurality of payment plan information via the input interface, and a second transmission process for transmitting the payment plan information related to the accepted selection and a payment request for that selection to the server via the communication interface, thereby enabling the image forming device to select a payment plan corresponding to the contract.

[0010] Furthermore, when the controller receives, via the input interface, an operation input of a shortcut key that calls up a payment screen corresponding to specific payment plan information among the plurality of payment plan information, the controller further executes a third notification process that notifies the notification unit that the specific payment plan information has been selected. This allows the shortcut key to reduce the user's effort in performing payment-related tasks.

[0011] Furthermore, when the controller receives a shortcut key operation input via the input interface and the specific payment plan information is not stored in the server, the controller executes a payment plan information acquisition process and a second notification process, thereby preventing the shortcut key operation from going to waste.

[0012] Furthermore, an expiration date is set for the shortcut key, and when the controller receives an operation input of an expired shortcut key via the input interface, it executes a payment plan information acquisition process and a second notification process, thereby preventing the operation of the expired shortcut key from going to waste.

[0013] The image forming apparatus of the present application further includes a memory, and the controller further executes a third transmission process of transmitting a shortcut key registration request to the server via the communication interface, and a storage process of storing the identification information in the memory when a registration instruction for the shortcut key identification information is received from the server via the communication interface. In this way, the server manages the shortcut key identification information on the server side, creates shortcut key identification information so that the shortcut key identification information is not duplicated, and transmits the created shortcut key identification information to the image forming apparatus, thereby preventing the shortcut key identification information from being entered appropriately on the image forming apparatus side and the payment information from being used without permission.

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, the program of the present application causes a server computer equipped with a memory that stores payment information and authentication information associated with an image forming device and a communication interface to execute an authentication process based on the received authentication information and the authentication information stored in the memory when a payment request for a fee corresponding to the processable amount of image forming processing performed by the image forming device and authentication information associated with the image forming device are received via the communication interface; a setting process that sets the processable amount of image forming processing corresponding to the received payment request if authentication is successful in the authentication process; and a first transmission process that transmits the set processable amount to the image forming device via the communication interface.

[0015] In the program of the present application, the processing capacity is purchased by operating the image forming apparatus, so that the user of the image forming apparatus can immediately purchase the processing capacity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram when charging processing is executed by the image forming system of FIG. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the transition of the display screen of the MFP when a charging process is executed. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating transitions of display screens on a mobile terminal device when a payment information registration process is executed. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing display screens of an MFP that correspond to various billing plans. [Figure 6] 2 is a sequence diagram when a print process is executed by the image forming system of FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] (Configuration of image forming system 1) FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The image forming system 1 is used for a printing service provided to users. The printing service allows users to print by paying a fee based on the number of printable sheets (an example of the processable amount in the present application), which is the number of sheets of paper that can be printed by an MFP (abbreviation for Multi-Function Peripheral) 20. In other words, the MFP 20 can print on up to the number of printable sheets. The MFP 20 subtracts the number of printed sheets from the number of printable sheets each time a print is made, and stops printing when the number of printable sheets reaches 0. When a user signs up for this printing service, they pay an initial fee and are granted a predetermined number of printable sheets (e.g., 500 sheets). Here, the term "number of sheets" is used to represent a unit of counting the number of sheets on one side of a sheet of paper. Therefore, the number of printable sheets refers to the number of sheets on one side of a sheet that can be printed. Printing on one side of a sheet of paper reduces the number of printable sheets by one, and printing on both sides reduces the number of printable sheets by two. In the following description, setting the number of printable sheets or increasing the number of printable sheets by paying an additional fee may be referred to as "charging." The number of printable sheets may also be referred to as the charged number.

[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the MFP 20 is, for example, a device capable of printing using an inkjet method. The MFP 20 delivered to the user from the vendor is filled with the amount of ink necessary to print at least the predetermined number of printable sheets (e.g., 500 sheets + α sheets) granted to the user. Therefore, with this printing service, after the user obtains the MFP 20, the user does not need to go through the trouble of filling the MFP 20 with ink or replacing ink cartridges until the number of printable sheets granted to the user is printed after paying the initial fee. Therefore, this printing service eliminates the need to refill the MFP 20 with ink, making it highly convenient for the user.

[0020] Furthermore, if the user wishes to print more than the specified number of printable pages granted by paying the initial fee, he or she must pay an additional fee. By purchasing additional printable pages, the user can continue to use the MFP 20. If the user repeatedly purchases additional printable pages and the ink remaining in the MFP 20 obtained by paying the initial fee becomes low, the user can request a replacement of the MFP 20, and the MFP 20 will be replaced, thereby continuing the printing service. Note that the number α is a number appropriately set by the vendor providing the printing service.

[0021] The image forming system 1 includes a mobile terminal device 10, an MFP 20, and a server 30. The mobile terminal device 10 and the MFP 20 are connected to each other via a router 2, either wired or wirelessly (for example, via a LAN), so as to be able to communicate with each other. The mobile terminal device 10 and the server 30 are also connected to each other via the router 2 and the Internet 3, so as to be able to communicate with each other. The MFP 20 and the server 30 are also connected to each other via the router 2 and the Internet 3, so as to be able to communicate with each other. The above-described network configuration is an example. For example, the server 30 may be located within the LAN. A plurality of mobile terminal devices 10 and MFPs 20 may be connected to the server 30, and a plurality of mobile terminal devices 10 may be connected to one MFP 20, or the MFP 20 that performs printing may be selected from a plurality of MFPs 20.

[0022] (Configuration of mobile terminal device 10) The mobile terminal device 10 causes the MFP 20 to print an image on paper. The mobile terminal device 10 is, for example, a smartphone. The mobile terminal device 10 includes a terminal CPU 11, a terminal storage unit 12, a short-range communication unit 13, a display 14, an input I / F (abbreviation of interface) 15, an image acquisition unit 16, and an external communication unit 17. These components are capable of communicating with each other via a bus 18.

[0023] The terminal storage unit 12 is configured by combining, for example, RAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, and buffers provided in the terminal CPU 11. The terminal storage unit 12 stores a terminal program 12A, an application program (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an application) 12B, and print data 12C. The terminal program 12A is a program that comprehensively controls the mobile terminal device 10 and provides basic functions and services to the application 12B. The terminal program 12A is, for example, the Android (registered trademark) OS or iOS (registered trademark). If the mobile terminal device 10 is, for example, a PC, the terminal program 12A is, for example, the Windows (registered trademark) OS. The application 12B is, for example, a program provided by the vendor of the MFP 20, and is a program that uses functions of the terminal program 12A and the like to execute various processes, described below, such as setting processing for the MFP 20, printing commands, and charge commands to the server 30. The terminal CPU 11 executes the terminal program 12A and the application 12B to control the mobile terminal device 10 and execute commands to the server 30. The print data 12C is an image to be printed that has been converted into a data format that can be interpreted by the MFP 20. The terminal storage unit 12 is also used to store the number of pages that the MFP 20 can print.

[0024] In the following description, the mobile terminal device 10 that executes the terminal program 12A and the application 12B on the terminal CPU 11 may be referred to simply by the device name. For example, the description "the mobile terminal device 10" may mean "the mobile terminal device 10 that executes the terminal program 12A and the application 12B on the terminal CPU 11." The same applies to the MFP 20 that executes the MFP program 26B1 on the MFP CPU 26A and the server 30 that executes the server program 32B1 on the server CPU 32A, which will be described later.

[0025] The short-range communication unit 13 performs short-range wireless communication with the MFP 20. The short-range communication unit 13 includes a communication circuit that performs wireless communication with a short-range communication unit 21 of the MFP 20, which will be described later, using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (abbreviation for Near Field Communication). The display 14 displays various information and may employ an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like, but is not particularly limited to these. The input I / F 15 may employ a touch panel that is configured integrally with the display 14, and accepts user operations on icons, etc., displayed on the display 14. The input I / F 15 may also be a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

[0026] The image acquisition unit 16 includes, for example, a camera (not shown) provided in the mobile terminal device 10, and acquires images captured by the camera. The image acquisition unit 16 may also be connected to an external device such as an HDD to acquire images. The images acquired by the image acquisition unit 16 may be converted into print data 12C and stored in the terminal storage unit 12.

[0027] The external communication unit 17 includes a communication circuit that transmits and receives data to and from the router 2 by wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication standard, for example. The external communication unit 17 is connected to the MFP 20 via the router 2. The external communication unit 17 is also connected to the server 30 via the router 2 and the Internet 3. The external communication unit 17 may be configured to be connected to the router 2 by wired communication such as a LAN cable.

[0028] (MFP20 configuration) The MFP 20 includes a short-range communication unit 21, an external communication unit 22, tanks 23, an ink level detection unit 24, a printing unit 25, a scanning unit 28, a FAX unit 29, a user I / F 27, and an MFP control unit 26. The external communication unit 22 includes a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from external devices (the mobile terminal device 10 and the server 30 in this embodiment) connected via a network. The tanks 23 are containers for storing ink. In this embodiment, there are four types of ink (magenta M, cyan C, yellow Y, and black BK), and multiple tanks 23 are provided for each type of ink. That is, the MFP 20 uses multiple tanks 23 to independently store each of the four types of ink. Note that in this embodiment, when the MFP 20 is supplied from the vendor to the user, each of the multiple tanks 23 is filled with an amount of ink sufficient to print a predetermined number of sheets of paper, for example, assuming a single-color coverage of 5%. The predetermined number is a number that is greater than the number of printable sheets that is granted to a user who applies for a printing service, and can be set appropriately by a vendor that provides the printing service.

[0029] Furthermore, the tank 23 is provided so that the user cannot refill it with ink. Specifically, the tank 23 is located in a position where the user cannot touch it. The tank 23 is fixed to the MFP 20 so that it cannot be removed. The remaining ink level detection unit 24 detects the amount of ink remaining in the tank 23. The remaining ink level detection unit 24 is an optical sensor that is located in the tank 23 and detects the level of ink by detecting the height of the ink liquid surface. The remaining ink level detection unit 24 is located in each of the multiple tanks 23 and detects the amount of ink remaining in each of the multiple tanks 23. The MFP 20 may be configured so that the tank 23 is removable by the user. The tank 23 may also be provided with an inlet through which the user can fill the tank 23 with ink.

[0030] The printing unit 25 includes a print head, a carriage on which the print head is mounted, and a transport mechanism for transporting paper. It performs printing by ejecting ink stored in a tank 23 from the print head onto paper. The printing unit 25 executes processing to print images, such as print data 12C received from the mobile terminal device 10, onto paper using a known inkjet method. The scanning unit 28 has a reading sensor and uses the reading sensor to read images from documents. The FAX unit 63 executes FAX processing according to a predetermined protocol. The user I / F 27 is, for example, a touch panel integrated with a display, a push button switch, or the like, and receives operation inputs from the user and displays various information. The MFP control unit 26 performs overall control of the MFP 20. The MFP control unit 26 includes an MFP CPU 26A and an MFP storage unit 26B. The above-described configuration of the MFP 20 is merely an example.

[0031] MFPCPU 26A controls the operation of MFP 20 by executing MFP program 26B1 in MFP storage unit 26B. MFP program 26B1 is a program that comprehensively manages MFP 20 and causes MFP 20 to execute various processes. MFP storage unit 26B is configured by combining, for example, RAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, and buffers provided in MFPCPU 26A.

[0032] The MFP storage unit 26B also stores an MFP management table PT. The MFP management table PT is a table that stores information about the MFP 20 regarding the use of print services. The information stored in the MFP management table PT is used as appropriate when various processes, which will be described later, are executed. The MFP management table PT stores a device ID, the number of printable pages, the remaining ink amount, device settings, and synchronization date and time, all of which are associated with each other.

[0033] The device ID is, for example, a serial number set by the vendor of the MFP 20, and is unique information that enables the MFP 20 to be distinguished from other MFPs. The device ID is not limited to a serial number, and may be, for example, a wired MAC address or a wireless MAC address of the short-range communication unit 21 or the external communication unit 22. The printable number indicates the number of sheets of paper that can be printed by the MFP 20. A user who uses the MFP 20 can print up to the printable number stored in the MFP management table PT. The printable number is increased (charged) by the number of sheets corresponding to the amount charged by the user. On the other hand, the printable number is decreased by the number of sheets of paper used in printing by the MFP 20. The printable number may be stored in association with the user ID of the user who uses the MFP 20.

[0034] The remaining ink amount indicates the amount of ink remaining detected by the remaining ink amount detection unit 24. After the MFP 20 performs an operation that uses ink, such as refilling ink, checking a nozzle, or printing, the MFP 20 stores the remaining ink amount detected by the remaining ink amount detection unit 24 in the MFP management table PT. The device settings are setting information such as the functions of the MFP 20 (printing, etc.), settings for each function (paper size, color, magnification, etc.), and the language to be displayed on the user I / F 27. The synchronization date and time is the date and time when the previous (most recent) synchronization process was performed with the server 30. The synchronization process here refers to, for example, a process of matching the number of printable sheets between the server 30 and the MFP 20.

[0035] (Server 30 configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the server 30 includes an external communication unit 31 and a server control unit 32. The external communication unit 31 includes a communication circuit that communicates with the mobile terminal device 10 and the MFP 20 connected via a network. The server control unit 32 controls the overall operation of the server 30. The server control unit 32 includes a server CPU 32A and a server storage unit 32B. The server CPU 32A controls the operation of the server 30 by executing a server program 32B1 in the server storage unit 32B. The server program 32B1 is a program that performs overall management of the server 30 and causes the server 30 to execute various processes.

[0036] The server storage unit 32B is configured by combining, for example, RAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, and a buffer provided in the server CPU 32A. The server storage unit 32B also stores a server management table ST. The server management table ST is a table that stores information necessary for using the print service. The server management table ST stores information about each MFP 20 that uses the print service in association with the device ID of the MFP 20, and is managed by the vendor. The information stored in the server management table ST is used as appropriate when various processes, which will be described later, are executed.

[0037] The server management table ST stores a device ID and a printable number of sheets in association with each other. The device ID and printable number of sheets are the same data as those in the MFP management table PT described above, and data in the MFP management table PT corresponding to the same device ID is stored. The printable number of sheets may be stored in association with the user ID of the user who uses the MFP 20 instead of the device ID. The server management table ST may also store a login ID and password used by the user of the mobile terminal device 10 when logging in to the server 30 in association with the device ID.

[0038] In this embodiment, the server 30 manages the printable number of each MFP 20 using the printing service using a server management table ST that associates the device ID with the printable number. The server 30 manages the latest printable number in the server management table ST by executing a synchronization process that synchronizes the printable number of each MFP 20, which increases or decreases in response to a user's charging operation or print instruction, with the MFP 20.

[0039] The control process executed by the image forming system 1 configured as above will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0040] 2 is a timing chart showing the procedure of the charging process executed by the MFP 20 for the server 30. In FIG. 2, in the explanation of each procedure, steps are represented by "S."

[0041] 2, payment information must be registered with the server 30. This is because, to complete the charge process, payment for the additional number of printable sheets purchased must be made. Fig. 4 shows an example of the procedure for registering payment information with the server 30 from the mobile terminal device 10.

[0042] When a user uses the mobile terminal device 10 to access a login page (not shown) for the account of the MFP 20 registered on the server 30, the login page is displayed on the display 14. At this point, it is assumed that the account of the MFP 20 is registered on the server 30. Then, when the user enters registered authentication information, such as an email address and password, on the login page and performs a login operation, authentication is performed. If the authentication is successful, the mobile terminal device 10 can log in to the account page of the MFP 20. FIG. 4(a) shows a payment information list screen 200 that displays a payment information list page within the account page of the MFP 20 on the display 14. The payment information list screen 200 displays the serial number of the MFP 20, "S / N123456789," and an Add button 200A. The serial number of the MFP 20 is displayed to indicate that the payment information list page accessed by the mobile terminal device 10 is for the MFP 20. The Add button 200A is used to additionally register payment information.

[0043] On payment information list screen 200, no payment information is registered. When the user operates add button 200A, payment information list screen 200 transitions to payment information registration screen 210 shown in FIG. 4(b). Payment information registration screen 210 displays credit card number input field 210A, display name input field 210B, security code input field 210C, and register button 210D. When the user enters payment information in fields 210A-210B, enters a security code in field 210C, and operates register button 210D, the entered payment information and security code are registered in server management table ST as payment information and authentication information for the display name in association with the device ID of MFP 20. Here, the security code (an example of authentication information in the present application) is entered on the screen of FIG. 3(e) described below, and is a code arbitrarily set by the user.

[0044] Once the payment information and security code are registered on server 30, payment information registration screen 210 transitions to payment information list screen 201. On payment information list screen 201, "Mr. A" is displayed, indicating that payment information for the display name "Mr. A" has been registered. If the user wishes to register payment information in addition to "Mr. A" on this payment information list screen 201, the user operates add button 200A to display payment information registration screen 210 again, and enters payment information into payment information registration screen 210, thereby registering payment information for, for example, display name "Mr. B."

[0045] Returning to FIG. 2, when the first step S11 of FIG. 2 is performed, it is assumed that the HOME screen 100 shown in FIG. 3(a) is displayed on the touch panel of the MFP 20, for example.

[0046] The HOME screen 100 is an initial screen that is first displayed on the touch panel when, for example, the MFP 20 is powered on. The HOME screen 100 displays a remaining charge count display area 101, a Copy icon 102, a Scan icon 103, and a charge icon 104. If there are icons that cannot be displayed on the HOME screen 100, for example, a scroll bar may be displayed and the hidden icons may be displayed on the screen by operating the scroll bar to scroll the screen.

[0047] The remaining charge number display area 101 reads out and displays the number of printable sheets stored in the printer management table PT. The current number of printable sheets is 50. As mentioned above, if the number of printable sheets granted when the initial fee was paid was 500, then 450 sheets have been printed to date. The Copy icon 102 is an icon operated when a user wishes to copy an original using the scanning unit 28 and printing unit 25. The Scan icon 103 is an icon operated when a user wishes to scan an original using the scanning unit 28. The Charge icon 104 is an icon operated when a user wishes to increase the number of printable sheets of the printer 20.

[0048] While FIG. 2 shows a user of the MFP20, the user of the MFP20 may be different from the user who registers the payment information. This is because the user who registers the payment information needs authentication information to log in to the account of the MFP20 on the server 30, whereas the user of the MFP20 does not need that authentication information. When the user of the MFP20 is different from the user who registered the payment information, the user of the MFP20 does not know the security code and must obtain the security code in advance from the user who registered the payment information. This is because the security code is used in the charge process described below. Note that, when there is no need to distinguish between the user of the MFP20 and the user who registered the payment information, the user of the MFP20 will hereinafter be referred to simply as the user.

[0049] In FIG. 2, when the user first operates the charge icon 104 on the HOME screen 100 (S11), the MFPCPU 26A transitions the HOME screen 100 to a connection confirmation screen 110 shown in FIG. 3(b) (S12).

[0050] The connection confirmation screen 110 displays the remaining number of sheets, that is, the current number of sheets that can be printed by the MFP 20, the message "Charge? *Connect to the Internet," a Yes button 111, and a No button 112. When the user operates the Yes button 111 (S13), the MFP CPU 26A makes a screen acquisition request to the server 30 for screen data stored in the URL associated with the charge icon 104 (S14). In response to this, the server CPU 32A transmits the screen data, specifically, screen data for displaying a plan selection screen including a plan list, to the MFP 20 (S15). The MFP CPU 26A displays the received screen data on the touch panel (S16). On the other hand, when the user operates the No button 112 on the connection confirmation screen 110, the MFP CPU 26A ends the processing of FIG. 2 and transitions the connection confirmation screen 110 to the HOME screen 100.

[0051] 3(c) shows the plan selection screen 120 displayed on the touch panel in S16. Of the multiple plans, two plans 121 and 122 are displayed on the plan selection screen 120. Hidden plans can be displayed by operating the up key 125 or the down key 126. When the user selects one of the plans (S17), the MFP CPU 26A transmits screen input information, that is, information identifying the selected plan, to the server 30 (S18). In response, the server CPU 32A transmits screen data for displaying a purchase confirmation screen to the MFP 20 (S19). The MFP CPU 26A displays the received screen data on the touch panel (S20).

[0052] 3(d) shows the purchase confirmation screen 130 displayed on the touch panel in S20. The purchase confirmation screen 130 displays an inquiry about whether or not to purchase the selected plan, as well as a Yes button 131 and a No button 132. When the user operates the Yes button 131 on the purchase confirmation screen 130 (S21), the MFP CPU 26A transmits screen input information, that is, information indicating that the Yes button 131 has been operated, to the server 30 (S22). In response to this, the server CPU 32A transmits screen data for displaying a security code input screen to the MFP 20 (S23). The MFP CPU 26A displays the received screen data on the touch panel (S24). On the other hand, when the user operates the No button 112 on the purchase confirmation screen 130, the MFP CPU 26A returns to the plan selection screen 120.

[0053] FIG. 3(e) shows the security code input screen 140 displayed on the touch panel in S24. The security code input screen 140 displays a security code input field 141, a Next button 142, and a Cancel button 143. When the user enters the security code (1234) provided by the user who registered the payment information into the security code input field 141 and operates the Next button 142 (S25), the screen input information, i.e., the security code, is transmitted to the server 30 (S26). In response, the server CPU 32A performs an authentication process to determine whether the received security code matches the security code associated with the device ID of the MFP 20 stored in the server management table ST. If the server CPU 32A determines, as a result of the authentication process, that the received security code matches the security code stored in the server management table ST, it acquires payment information associated with the security code (S27). In this embodiment, the payment information associated with the security code specifically means that the display name is "Mr. A" and that payment is by credit card.

[0054] Then, server CPU 32A transmits a request to MFP 20 to obtain the printable number of sheets (S28). In response, MFP CPU 26A transmits the current printable number of sheets to server 30 (S29). As described above, MFP management table PT stores the current printable number of sheets, so MFP CPU 26A reads the current printable number from MFP management table PT and transmits it to server 30. Server CPU 32A compares the printable number received from MFP 20 with the printable number stored in server management table ST, and if they differ, updates the printable number in server management table ST with the printable number received from MFP 20. On the other hand, if the user operates cancel button 143 on security code input screen 140, MFP CPU 26A returns to purchase confirmation screen 130.

[0055] The server CPU 32A generates screen data for displaying the final confirmation screen 150 shown in FIG. 3(f). The final confirmation screen 150 includes information about the selected plan (¥500 (50 sheets)), the display name (Mr. A) and payment method (card payment) included in the payment information, and the increase in the remaining number of sheets from the current number (50 sheets → 100 sheets). The server 30 acquires the information about the selected plan in S18, the payment information in S27, and the current number of printable sheets (50 sheets) in S29. Therefore, the server CPU 32A can generate screen data for displaying the final confirmation screen 150 based on this acquired information. Then, the server CPU 32A transmits the generated screen data to the MFP 20 (S30). The MFP CPU 26A displays the received screen data on the touch panel (S31). As a result, the final confirmation screen 150 is displayed on the touch panel.

[0056] In addition to displaying the above information, final confirmation screen 150 also displays a Confirm button 151 and a Cancel button 152. When the user operates Confirm button 151 on final confirmation screen 150 (S32), MFP CPU 26A transmits screen input information, i.e., information indicating that Confirm button 151 has been operated, to server 30 (S33). In response to this, server CPU 32A executes payment (S34). That is, it executes payment for 500 yen, which is the selected plan. Then, server CPU 32A adds the charge number to the printable number associated with the device ID of MFP 20 in server management table ST, and sets a new printable number.

[0057] Next, the server CPU 32A transmits a charge number update instruction to the MFP 20 (S35). The charge number update instruction is, specifically, an instruction to add the charge number of 50 sheets to the current printable number, update the printable number, and rewrite the printable number stored in the MFP management table PT with the updated printable number. In response to this, the MFP CPU 26A executes update of the charge number (S36), and if the update is successful, transmits a notification of success to the server 30 (S37). The server CPU 32A transmits screen data for displaying a charge completion screen to the MFP 20 (S38). The MFP CPU 26A displays the received screen data on the touch panel (S39). On the other hand, if the user operates the cancel button 152 on the final confirmation screen 150, the MFP CPU 26A returns to the security code input screen 140.

[0058] FIG. 3(g) shows the charge completion screen 160 displayed on the touch panel in S39. In addition to a message indicating that the charge has been completed and a thank you message, the charge completion screen 160 also displays a button 161 for returning to the initial screen and a shortcut registration button 162. When the user operates the button 161 for returning to the initial screen on the charge completion screen 160, the MFP CPU 26A returns to the HOME screen 100. On the other hand, when the user operates the shortcut registration button 162 on the charge completion screen 160 (S41), the MFP CPU 26A transmits screen input information, i.e., information indicating that the shortcut registration button 162 has been operated, to the server 30 (S42). In response to this, the server CPU 32A registers the shortcut information, for example, in the server management table ST (S43). Here, the registered shortcut information includes the screen input information of S18, i.e., information identifying the selected plan. The server CPU 32A then generates a shortcut ID for identifying the shortcut and registers the shortcut ID associated with the shortcut information in association with the device ID of the MFP 20.

[0059] Next, the server CPU 32A transmits a shortcut write instruction to the MFP 20 (S44). The shortcut write instruction includes a shortcut ID linked to the shortcut information saved in the server management table ST. The MFP CPU 26A writes the shortcut ID in response to the shortcut write instruction from the server 30 (S45). The shortcut ID is written to the MFP management table PT. Then, as shown in the HOME screen 100A of FIG. 3(h), the MFP CPU 26A adds a shortcut button 105 named, for example, "Charge Now" to the HOME screen 100 of FIG. 3(a). The shortcut ID is linked to the shortcut button 105.

[0060] When writing to the shortcut button 105 is completed, the MFPCPU 26A notifies the server 30 of the success (S46), and ends the series of procedures of the charging process.

[0061] When the user operates the “Charge Now” shortcut button 105 on the HOME screen 100A of FIG. 3(h), the screen on the touch panel transitions from the HOME screen 100A to the purchase confirmation screen 130 of FIG. 3(d). In other words, the connection confirmation screen 110 and the plan selection screen 120 are skipped. In this case, information is exchanged between the MFP 20 and the server 30 as follows: the MFP CPU 26A first requests the server 30 to acquire screen data, as in S14 above; however, unlike S14 above, the MFP CPU 26A transmits the shortcut ID of the shortcut button 105 to the server 30 instead of a URL. In response, the server CPU 32A reads out shortcut information associated with the shortcut ID registered in the server management table ST and, based on the shortcut information, transmits screen data to the MFP 20 for displaying the purchase confirmation screen 130 of FIG. 3(d) for the selected plan. In this way, the user does not need to select a plan on the plan selection screen 120 of FIG. 3(c). Therefore, the “Charge Now” shortcut button 105 is extremely useful for users who repeatedly select the same plan.

[0062] Note that an expiration date may be assigned to the shortcut button 105. A vendor providing a printing service may want to change the content or type of plans selectable on the plan selection screen 120, and it is undesirable for the previous plan to be selectable using the shortcut button 105 even after the content or type of the plan has been changed. When a shortcut button 105 with an expiration date expires, the shortcut button 105 may be deleted or disabled. Alternatively, when an expired shortcut button 105 is operated, the screen may transition to the plan selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 3(c) in the same way as when the charge icon 104 is operated. Even if the shortcut button 105 has not expired, there may be no plans available to select using the shortcut button 105. In such a situation, when the shortcut button 105 is operated, the screen may transition to the plan selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 3(c) in the same way as when the charge icon 104 is operated.

[0063] The charge process in FIG. 2 assumes that payment information is correctly registered. However, there are cases where some payment information is missing or not registered at all. In this case, even if the user operates the charge icon 104 on the HOME screen 100 in FIG. 3(a) to transition to the connection confirmation screen 110 in FIG. 3(b) and presses the Yes button 111, the MFP CPU 26A may display an error screen instead of the plan selection screen 120 in FIG. 3(c). To perform this control, the server CPU 32A may transmit screen data for displaying an error screen to the MFP 20 in S15, instead of screen data for displaying the plan selection screen including the plan list. In this case, the server CPU 32A may transmit screen data for inputting a credit card number to the MFP 20, thereby enabling credit card payment on the MFP 20 side. Furthermore, in this case, a credit card number input screen may be displayed instead of the security code input screen 140 in FIG. 3(e). Also, a code image may be displayed on the error screen so that payment can be made using the mobile terminal device 10.

[0064] In the above explanation, a billing plan (billing method) was described in which a contract was made with a printing service vendor for prepayment on a per-use basis, in which a preselected billing amount was paid. However, the user may be free to select from a variety of billing plans. FIG. 5 shows the display screen of an MFP corresponding to various billing plans. The user may contract for and change a billing plan by using, for example, the mobile terminal device 10, and the contract may also be made from the MFP 20 to the server 30. The procedure may be performed by logging in to the MFP 20's account on the server 30.

[0065] HOME screen 100′ in FIG. 5(c) shows a screen when a billing plan similar to the billing plan on HOME screen 100 in FIG. 3(a) is adopted. However, HOME screen 100′ differs from HOME screen 100 in that Fax icon 107 is displayed instead of charge icon 104, and the remaining number of pages displayed in remaining charge number display area 101 is different. Icon 101A displayed in remaining charge number display area 101 is displayed in a manner corresponding to the adopted billing plan. Note that, because billing plan contracts and changes are made via server 30 as described above, icon 101A is transmitted from server 30 to MFP 20. The same applies to icons 101B and 101C in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b).

[0066] 5(a) shows the HOME screen 100B when a flat-rate plan (30 sheets per month) is subscribed to as the billing plan. The remaining charge number display area 101 displays an icon 101B of the display style according to the contract details, a display of the contract details (flat-rate plan (30 sheets per month)), and the remaining number of sheets (28 sheets). Since the remaining number is 28 sheets, two sheets have been printed this month.

[0067] When signing up for a flat-rate plan, the plan selection screen 120 shown in Figure 3(c) can be used to select the flat-rate plan contents, such as "50 sheets / month for 450 yen per month" or "100 sheets / month for 100 yen per month."

[0068] 5(b) shows the HOME screen 100C when the pay-as-you-go plan (free) is subscribed to as the billing plan. The remaining charge number display area 101 displays an icon 101C of the display style according to the contract details, a display of the contract details (pay-as-you-go plan (free)), and the remaining number (8). The remaining number indicates the number of free sheets. If the free number is, for example, 10 sheets, this shows that two sheets have been printed so far and eight sheets remain for free printing.

[0069] Figure 5(d) shows the HOME screen 100" when a billing plan similar to that of Figure 5(c) has been subscribed to. If the auto-charge setting is enabled in the billing plan contract, it is possible to print more than the allowable number of prints, that is, to borrow prints. If the auto-charge setting is enabled, the MFPCPU26A charges a specific number of prints without the need for user operation, provided that the number of prints becomes a negative value. The remaining charge number display area 101 on the HOME screen 100" displays -1 as the remaining number. For example, if 50 sheets have been charged and 51 sheets are printed, a "-" is added to indicate that the number of prints exceeded the allowable number. Furthermore, "Waiting for auto-charge" is displayed to indicate that auto-charge will occur later.

[0070] Next, a printing process using the printable number charged in the above procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0071] First, the user operates the mobile terminal device 10 to send a print instruction for the print data 12C stored in the terminal storage unit 12 to the MFP 20 (S101). Upon receiving the print instruction, the MFP CPU 26A first determines whether the current printable number stored in the MFP management table PT is greater than 0 (S102). If it is determined that the number is greater than 0 (S102: YES), the MFP CPU 26A controls the printing unit 25 to print an image based on the print data 12C on one side of a sheet of paper (S103). Next, the MFP CPU 26A updates the printable number stored in the MFP management table PT by subtracting one (S104) and sends the subtracted printable number to the server 30 (S105). Upon receiving the printable number from the MFP 20, the server 30 updates the printable number associated with the device ID of the MFP 20 stored in the server management table ST with the received printable number (S106). Next, MFPCPU 26A determines whether printing of all print data 12C has been completed (S107). If not completed (S107: NO), the process returns to determining the current number of printable sheets (S102). If completed (S107: YES), the print process ends. On the other hand, if the current number of printable sheets is 0 or less (S102: NO), the print unit 25 is stopped and the print process ends. At this time, a charge icon 104 may be displayed on user I / F 27 to prompt the user to perform a charge operation.

[0072] As described above, the MFP 20 of this embodiment is an MFP 20 equipped with a user I / F 27, an external communication unit 22 for connecting to a network, and an MFP CPU 26A. The MFP CPU 26A executes: a payment instruction input acceptance process for accepting, via the user I / F 27, an input of an instruction to pay a fee corresponding to the number of printable sheets of a printing process executed by the MFP 20 (S17); an authentication information acceptance process for accepting, via the user I / F 27, an input of a security code associated with payment information of the user of the MFP 20 stored in a server 30 connected to the network (S25); a first transmission process for transmitting a payment request corresponding to the accepted input of the payment instruction and the accepted security code to the server 30 via the external communication unit 22 (S18, S26); and a control process for, if the sent security code is authenticated by the server 30, reducing the number of printable sheets, which was set by the server 30 in accordance with the sent payment request and received from the server 30 via the external communication unit 22, by the processing volume of the printing process executed in accordance with the instruction to execute the printing process.

[0073] In this way, in the MFP 20 of this embodiment, the printable amount is purchased by operating the MFP 20, so the user using the MFP 20 can immediately purchase the printable amount. Incidentally, the printable number is an example of a "processable amount." The "control process" means that the printable number may be reduced by the amount of processing for the printing process within the MFP 20, or the amount of processing for the printing process may be transmitted to the server 30, and the printable number may be reduced by the amount of processing for the printing process on the server 30 side.

[0074] Furthermore, the MFP 20 further includes a touch panel, and the MFP CPU 26A further executes a first display process (S23) of displaying on the touch panel a message prompting the user to input a security code, thereby allowing the user to input the security code.

[0075] MFPCPU 26A also executes a payment plan information acquisition process (S15) for acquiring a plurality of pieces of payment plan information corresponding to the contract information of MFP 20 stored in server 30, a second display process (S16) for displaying 121, 122 of the acquired plurality of payment plan information on the touch panel, a payment plan information selection acceptance process (S21) for accepting via user I / F 27 a selection of any one of the displayed plurality of payment plan information, and a second transmission process (S33) for transmitting the payment plan information related to the accepted selection and a payment request for that payment plan information to server 30 via external communication unit 22. This allows MFP 20 to select a payment plan corresponding to the contract.

[0076] Furthermore, when MFPCPU 26A receives an operation input of shortcut button 105 via user I / F 27 to call up a payment screen corresponding to specific payment plan information among a plurality of payment plan information, it executes a third display process (S19) to display on the touch panel a message indicating that specific payment plan information has been selected. This enables shortcut button 105 to reduce the user's effort in making payments.

[0077] Furthermore, when MFPCPU 26A receives an operation input of shortcut button 105 via user I / F 27, if specific payment plan information is not stored in server 30, it executes payment plan information acquisition processing and second display processing (S15). This prevents the operation of shortcut button 105 from going to waste.

[0078] An expiration date is set for shortcut button 105, and MFPCPU 26A further executes payment plan information acquisition processing and second display processing when it receives an operation input for shortcut button 105 whose expiration date has expired via user I / F 27. This prevents the operation of shortcut button 105 whose expiration date has expired from going to waste.

[0079] MFP 20 also includes MFP storage unit 26B, and MFP CPU 26A further executes a third transmission process (S42) of transmitting a registration request for shortcut button 105 to server 30 via external communication unit 22, and a storage process (S45) of storing the shortcut ID in MFP storage unit 26B when an instruction to register a shortcut ID for shortcut button 105 is received from server 30 via external communication unit 22. Server 30 manages shortcut IDs on its side, creates shortcut IDs to prevent duplicate shortcut IDs, and transmits them to MFP 20, thereby preventing an arbitrary shortcut ID from being entered on the MFP 20 side and causing payment information to be used without permission.

[0080] The control process also includes executing printing processes in response to payment requests until a set available processing amount is reached.

[0081] Furthermore, the server 30 of this embodiment includes a server storage unit 32B that stores payment information and a security code in association with the device ID of the MFP 20, and an external communication unit 31, and stores a server program 32B1 that causes the server CPU 32A to execute, when a payment request for a fee corresponding to the printable number of pages of printing performed by the MFP 20 and a security code are received via the external communication unit 31, an authentication process (S27) based on the received security code and the authentication information stored in the server storage unit 32B, and, if authentication is successful in the authentication process, a setting process (S34) that sets the printable number of pages of the MFP 20 according to the received payment request, and a first transmission process (S35) that transmits the set printable number to the image forming device via the communication interface. In this way, the server 30 of this embodiment settles the printable amount in response to the operation of the MFP 20, so that the user of the MFP 20 can immediately purchase the printable amount. Furthermore, the server 30 sets the printable number of sheets when the authentication of the security code is successful, so that it is possible to prevent the purchase of the printable number of sheets in response to a payment request from a user who does not have the authority to purchase the printable number of sheets.

[0082] Server storage unit 32B further stores contract information indicating a contract to which MFP 20 subscribes, in association with MFP 20, and server program 32B1 causes server CPU 32A to execute a second transmission process (S15) in which, when a payment request is received, a list of multiple plans according to the contract information associated with MFP 20 is transmitted to MFP 20 via external communication unit 31. In the setting process, if authentication is successful in the authentication process, MFP 20, which has received the multiple payment plan information, selects one from the multiple plan list and sets the number of printable sheets based on one of the payment plans and the payment request transmitted to server 30 via external communication unit 22. In this way, server 30 of the present embodiment transmits to MFP 20 a list of multiple plans according to the contract of MFP 20, allowing the user of MFP 20 to select any plan from the multiple plans that match the contract.

[0083] When the server program 32B1 receives from the MFP 20 via the external communication unit 31 a request to register a shortcut that calls up a payment screen corresponding to specific payment plan information from a list of multiple plans, the server program 32B1 causes the server CPU 32A to execute a first storage process (S43) that associates the shortcut ID with the device ID of the MFP 20 and stores it in the server storage unit 32B, and a third transmission process (S44) that transmits an instruction to register the shortcut ID to the MFP 20 via the external communication unit 31. This enables the user of the MFP 20 to reduce the number of operations required when purchasing the number of printable sheets.

[0084] When the server CPU 32A receives a registration instruction to register a security code to be associated with payment information in the server 30 from the MFP 20 via the external communication unit 31, the server program 32B1 causes the server CPU 32A to execute a second storage process to store the security code in the server storage unit 32B in association with the device ID of the MFP 20. This allows the user of the MFP 20 to store the security code in the server 30 simply by operating the MFP 20, without having to prepare a terminal for accessing the server 30.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0086] (1) In the above embodiment, MFP 20 was used as an example of an image forming device, but the image forming device may be one that omits FAX unit 29, or may be a standalone printer that further omits scanning unit 28.

[0087] (2) In the above embodiment, a touch panel is used as the display of the MFP 20. However, a liquid crystal display without a touch panel function may be used, and user operations on the MFP 20 may be performed using physical switches.

[0088] (3) In the above embodiment, the printing unit 25 is an inkjet type, but a laser type or thermal type printing unit may also be used.

[0089] (4) In the above embodiment, the server 30 is described as a single device. However, a plurality of server devices may cooperate to execute the processes of the server 30 in the above embodiment.

[0090] (5) In the above embodiment, an example of a printing process has been described as an example of an image formation process. However, the image formation process is not limited to this. Scanning and fax transmission / reception processes may also be used as image formation processes. When scanning is used as the image formation process, the number of pages on one side of a document to be scanned can be applied as the processable amount. When fax transmission / reception is used as the image formation process, the number of pages on one side of a document to be sent as a fax, and the number of pages on one side of a paper on which a received fax is printed, the length of the paper, or the amount of ink on the paper can be applied as the processable amount. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...image forming system, 10...portable terminal device, 20...MFP (image forming device), 22...external communication unit (communication interface), 26A...MFP CPU (controller), 26B...MFP storage unit (memory), 27...user I / F (input interface), 30...server, 105...shortcut button (shortcut key).

Claims

1. an input interface; a communication interface for connecting to a network; an image forming apparatus including: The controller a payment instruction input reception process for receiving, via the input interface, an input of a payment instruction for a fee according to a processable amount of image formation processing executed by the image forming apparatus; an authentication information receiving process for receiving, via the input interface, input of authentication information associated with payment information of the user of the image forming apparatus stored in a server connected to the network; a first transmission process of transmitting a payment request corresponding to the received input of the payment instruction and the received authentication information to the server via the communication interface; a control process for reducing a processable amount, which is set by the server in response to the transmitted payment request and received from the server via the communication interface, by an amount corresponding to the processing amount of the image formation process executed in response to the instruction to execute the image formation process, when the transmitted authentication information is authenticated by the server; To execute Image forming device.

2. a notification unit, The controller further comprises: a first notification process for issuing a notification to the notification unit to prompt the user to input the authentication information; To execute The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The controller further comprises: a payment plan information acquisition process for acquiring a plurality of pieces of payment plan information corresponding to contract information of the image forming apparatus stored in the server; a second notification process for notifying the notification unit of the acquired plurality of pieces of payment plan information; a payment plan information selection receiving process for receiving, via the input interface, a selection of any one of the notified payment plan information; a second transmission process for transmitting the payment plan information and a payment request related to the accepted selection to the server via the communication interface; To execute The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. The controller further comprises: a third notification process that, when an operation input of a shortcut key that calls a payment screen corresponding to specific payment plan information among the plurality of payment plan information is received via the input interface, issues a notification to the notification unit indicating that the specific payment plan information has been selected; To execute The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. The controller further comprises: When the operation input of the shortcut key is received via the input interface, if the specific payment plan information is not stored in the server, the payment plan information acquisition process and the second notification process are executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. The shortcut key has an expiration date set, The controller further comprises: When an operation input of the shortcut key whose expiration date has expired is received via the input interface, the payment plan information acquisition process and the second notification process are executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

7. a memory; The controller further comprises: a third transmission process of transmitting the shortcut key registration request to the server via the communication interface; a storage process for storing the identification information of the shortcut key in the memory when a registration instruction for the identification information of the shortcut key is received from the server via the communication interface; To execute The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

8. the control process includes executing the image forming process until a processable amount set in response to the payment request is reached; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

9. A server computer includes a memory that stores payment information and authentication information associated with the image forming device, and a communication interface. when a payment request for a fee according to a processable amount of image formation processing executed by the image forming device and the authentication information associated with the image forming device are received via the communication interface, an authentication process is performed based on the received authentication information and the authentication information stored in the memory; a setting process for setting a processable amount of the image forming process according to the received payment request when the authentication is successful in the authentication process; a first transmission process of transmitting the set processable amount to the image forming apparatus via the communication interface; Execute program.

10. the memory further stores contract information associated with the image forming device and indicating a contract to which the image forming device subscribes; The program further causes the computer to a second transmission process for transmitting, when the payment request is received, a plurality of pieces of payment plan information corresponding to the contract information associated with the image forming device to the image forming device via the communication interface; Execute In the setting process, if authentication is successful in the authentication process, the image forming device that has received the plurality of payment plan information selects one of the plurality of payment plan information and sets the processable amount based on the payment request and any one of the payment plan information transmitted to the server via the communication interface. The program according to claim 9.

11. The program further causes the computer to a first storage process for storing identification information of the shortcut key in the memory in association with the image forming device when a registration request for a shortcut key for calling up a payment screen corresponding to specific payment plan information among the plurality of payment plan information is received from the image forming device via the communication interface; a third transmission process of transmitting a registration instruction of the identification information of the shortcut key to the image forming apparatus via the communication interface; Execute The program according to claim 10.

12. The program further causes the computer to a second storage process for storing the authentication information associated with the image forming device in the memory when a registration instruction for registering authentication information associated with the payment information in the server is received from the image forming device via the communication interface; Execute The program according to claim 9.

Images