Information processing system, shop, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

To warn mix-up of output objects in an image forming device.SOLUTION: An information processing system 80 includes: an input unit 24 into which an execution instruction for a job is input by a user; an output unit 32 where an output object is output; and at least one processor. In response to the execution instruction for a job given to the input unit 24, the processor acquires execution user information instructing the execution of the job from a detection device 40 for detecting the inside of a room where the output unit 32 is installed, stores the execution user information in association with the job for which the execution instruction is given. In response to the output object of the job being taken out of the output unit 32, the processor acquires acquisition user information taking out the output object from the detection device 40, determines whether an execution user and an acquisition user are identical, and gives a warning when they are not identical.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a store, an information processing program, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a management server that manages products in an unmanned store. When a customer enters a store, they hold a two-dimensional barcode or contactless IC chip displayed on their mobile device over a store entry management terminal to record their entry. When the customer picks up a product displayed on a shelf in the store, information and the number of the product they picked up are displayed on the customer's mobile device, and payment for the product is completed when they leave the store. It is expected that image forming devices will be installed in such unmanned stores. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-12518 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a warning against mistaking an output object in an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing system of a first aspect includes an input unit where a user inputs an instruction to execute a job, an output unit where an output object is output, and at least one processor, wherein the processor, in response to a job execution instruction being given to the input unit, acquires information about the executing user who instructed the job to be executed from a detection device that detects the room in which the output unit is installed, and stores the job that was instructed to be executed in association with the executing user information, and, in response to an output object of the job being retrieved from the output unit, acquires information about the acquiring user who retrieved the output object from the detection device, determines whether the executing user and the acquiring user match, and if they do not match, issues a warning.

[0006] In the information processing system of the second aspect, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor acquires execution instruction information indicating that the job has been instructed to be executed from the input unit, notifies the detection device of the execution instruction information, and acquires the execution user information.

[0007] In a third aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor acquires execution instruction information indicating that the job has been instructed to be executed, together with the execution user information, from a detection device in the room.

[0008] The information processing system of the fourth aspect is the information processing system of the first aspect, and further includes a photographing unit, and the processor causes the photographing unit to photograph the executing user in response to an instruction to execute a job being given to the input unit, and executes a mix-up prevention measure using the photographed image of the executing user.

[0009] The information processing system of the fifth aspect is the information processing system of the fourth aspect, and is provided with a display unit, and as a measure to prevent confusion, if the executing user and the acquiring user do not match, the processor displays a captured image of the executing user on the display unit along with the warning.

[0010] In a sixth aspect of the information processing system, in the fourth aspect, the processor displays a captured image of the execution user on a display unit during execution of the job, as the mix-up prevention measure.

[0011] In a seventh aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor issues a warning when the regular user is located away from the output unit and a user other than the regular user is located close to the output unit.

[0012] An eighth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the first aspect, wherein the processor executes measures to prevent mix-ups caused by mixing the output of a preceding job with the output of a succeeding job when another job is instructed to be executed before the output of the preceding job is removed.

[0013] In a ninth aspect of the information processing system, in the eighth aspect, the processor causes the output of the subsequent job to wait until the output of the preceding job is taken out, as the mix-up prevention measure.

[0014] In a tenth aspect of the information processing system, in the eighth aspect, the processor, as a measure to prevent mix-ups, ejects the output of the preceding job and the output of the following job onto separate trays, determines whether the executing user of the removed output matches the acquiring user, and issues a warning if they do not match.

[0015] In an eleventh aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, when the room in which the output unit is installed is a store, if the executing user and the acquiring user match, the processor notifies the store's payment device of the information necessary for payment processing of the job.

[0016] A store of a twelfth aspect includes the information processing system described in the eleventh aspect, the detection device, and the payment device, wherein the payment device is equipped with another processor, and if the other processor does not acquire information necessary for the payment processing, it issues an alarm during the payment processing of the executing user and the acquiring user.

[0017] An information processing program of a thirteenth aspect, in response to a job being instructed to be executed at an input unit capable of inputting instructions to execute the job, acquires information about the executing user who instructed the job to be executed from a detection device that detects a room in which an output unit capable of outputting an output is installed, links the job that has been instructed to be executed to the executing user information and stores it, and in response to the output of the job being retrieved from the output unit, acquires information about the acquiring user who retrieved the output from the detection device, determines whether the executing user and the acquiring user match, and if they do not match, issues a warning.

[0018] In a fourteenth aspect of the information processing method, in response to a job being instructed to be executed by an input unit capable of inputting job execution instructions, information about the executing user who instructed the job to be executed is obtained from a detection device that detects a room in which an output unit capable of outputting an output is installed, and the job instructed to be executed and the executing user information are linked and stored, and in response to the output of the job being retrieved from the output unit, information about the acquiring user who retrieved the output is obtained from the detection device, and it is determined whether the executing user and the acquiring user match, and if they do not match, a warning is issued. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the information processing system of the first aspect, the information processing program of the thirteenth aspect, and the information processing method of the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to warn of the mis-selection of output materials in the image forming apparatus.

[0020] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, it is easier to detect that an instruction to execute a job has been issued, compared to when the instruction is obtained from a detection device in the room.

[0021] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, the amount of processing by the processor is less than when the instruction to execute a job is obtained from the input unit.

[0022] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, the effect of preventing mix-ups can be enhanced compared to when a captured image is not used.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the acquiring user can more easily recognize the mistake, compared to when the image captured by the regular user is not displayed on the display unit together with the warning notification.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, it is easier to prevent users other than the executing user from mistaking the executing user, compared to when the captured image of the executing user is not displayed on the display unit during execution of the job.

[0025] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, it is easier to prevent users other than the original user from making mistakes compared to when a warning is not issued when a user other than the original user is near the output unit.

[0026] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, it is possible to prevent mix-ups due to the mixing of output products, compared to when no mix-up prevention measures are implemented.

[0027] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, the mixing of output products can be suppressed compared to when the output of the subsequent job is not waited for.

[0028] According to the information processing system of the tenth aspect, compared to when a warning is not issued when the execution user and the acquisition user do not match, the information processing system can prevent the user from taking out an output item from a different tray.

[0029] According to the information processing system of the eleventh aspect, the user can eliminate the need to perform a payment operation at the output unit in the store.

[0030] According to the store of the twelfth aspect, even if a mistake occurs, a warning is issued again during the payment process to make the user aware of the mistake. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an output product management process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, an information processing system, a store, an information processing program, and an information processing method according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings are the same components. However, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and multiple components may exist.

[0033] Furthermore, descriptions of overlapping configurations and symbols in each drawing may be omitted. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be implemented by making appropriate modifications, such as omitting configurations, replacing them with different configurations, or combining one embodiment with various modified examples, within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0034] <Store> The store 90 is, for example, an unmanned store, and is configured with an image forming device 20, a detection device 40, and a payment device 50. As will be described in detail later, the image forming device 20 can execute a job and output an output object in response to a user's input operation.

[0035] (Detection device) The detection device 40 is configured with an imaging device. The detection device 40 detects that a user (in other words, a customer or a store clerk) has entered the store 90 using the imaging device, and continuously tracks the user from the time they enter until they leave the store. The detection device 40 can track multiple users simultaneously. The detection device 40 can also generate an identification ID that identifies each user and store it in an internal storage area.

[0036] Furthermore, the detection device 40 can detect the distance between the user and the image forming device 20. Then, the detection device 40 can notify the image forming device 20 of the distance between each user and the image forming device 20.

[0037] The detection device 40 may also be capable of detecting "execution instruction information" indicating that a user has instructed the image forming device 20 to execute a job. In this case, the detection device 40 detects the "execution instruction information" from the user's standing position, posture, arm and finger movements, etc.

[0038] When the detection device 40 detects the "execution instruction information," it can notify the image forming device 20 of the identification ID of the user who instructed the image forming device 20 to execute the job (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "execution user") as "execution user information" together with the "execution instruction information."

[0039] Furthermore, the detection device 40 may be configured to detect "acquired information" indicating that the user has removed the output from the image forming device 20. In this case, the detection device 40 detects the "acquired information" from the user's standing position, posture, movement of the arms and fingers, movement of the output, etc.

[0040] When the detection device 40 detects the "acquired information," it can notify the image forming device 20 of the identification ID of the user who removed the output from the image forming device 20 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "acquired user") as "acquired user information" together with the "acquired information."

[0041] (Payment device) The settlement device 50 settles the price of products that the user has purchased in the store 90. The settlement device 50 can also settle the price incurred when the image forming device 20 executes a job.

[0042] The detection device 40 and the payment device 50 each include a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor), and various processes of the detection device 40 and the payment device 50 are executed by this CPU.

[0043] <Information Processing System> 1 is a system constructed within an image forming device 20 installed in a store 90. In this disclosure, the term "system" includes a system constructed from a single device, a system constructed from multiple devices, and a system constructed within a higher-level device or system.

[0044] That is, the information processing system of the present disclosure may be constructed across multiple devices other than the image forming device 20. For example, the information processing system 80 of the present embodiment may be constructed including the detection device 40 and the payment device 50.

[0045] In addition, the various processes executed by the information processing system 80 can also be executed on the cloud, an on-premise server, an edge server, an end point, or the like.

[0046] Although the details will be described later, the information processing system 80 is a system that can issue a warning when an output mismatch occurs in the image forming apparatus 20 installed in the store 90.

[0047] <Image forming device> The image forming apparatus 20 according to this embodiment is installed in a store 90, accepts jobs input by a user, and executes the specified jobs. One example of a job executed by the image forming apparatus 20 is a print job for forming an original image generated from a scanned original or the like onto a recording medium such as paper.

[0048] The document read by the image forming apparatus 20 may be a document set in the image reading unit 30 (described later), or may be a document acquired from an external network via the communication I / F unit 18 (described later).

[0049] The image forming device 20 is formed to include a main body section 22, an input section 24, a sound generating section 26, an imaging section 28, and an output section 32. The image forming device 20 also includes a control device 10.

[0050] (Main body) The main body 22 is a housing that houses an image forming unit 22A, a cartridge 22B, and the like.

[0051] The image forming unit 22A forms an original image generated by an image reading unit (not shown) on a recording medium such as paper using, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet recording method.

[0052] When an electrophotographic system is adopted as the image forming unit 22A, the cartridge 22B is a toner cartridge containing toner as an example of a color material. When an inkjet recording system is adopted as the image forming unit 22A, the cartridge 22B is an ink cartridge containing ink as an example of a color material.

[0053] (Input section) The input unit 24 is an interface that allows a user to input a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus 20, and includes a display unit 24A and an operation unit 24B.

[0054] The display unit 24A is configured by combining, for example, a touch panel with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Images and the like are displayed on the display unit 24A in response to touch operations by the user and processing by the image forming device 20. The display unit 24A can also display images captured by the photographing unit 28, which will be described later. The operation unit 24B includes operation keys, operation buttons, a power button, and the like, which are provided on the image forming device 20.

[0055] The user can specify job contents or input instructions to execute a job to the image forming apparatus 20 by performing a touch operation on the display unit 24A or pressing an operation button on the operation unit 24B. Note that the user's input operation may be performed via the operation unit 24B.

[0056] (Sound generating section) The sound generating unit 26 is a device provided in the main body 22, and electronically generates an operation sound or the like indicating that an operation has been performed in response to an input operation by the user via the input unit 24. The sound generating unit 26 can also issue a warning, which will be described later, by a buzzer sound, voice, or the like.

[0057] (Photography Department) The photographing unit 28 is a photographing device such as a CCD camera provided in the main body 22, and is capable of photographing the periphery of the image forming apparatus 20. In particular, the photographing unit 28 can photograph the face of a user who is performing an input operation via the input unit 24.

[0058] (Image reading unit) The image reading unit 30 includes a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor and the like that reads a document set on a paper tray (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 20 and generates a document image.

[0059] The paper stand is, for example, a paper tray provided in a duplexing auto document feeder (DADF) installed at the upper end of the main body 22.

[0060] (output section) The output unit 32 is configured to include a paper output tray 32A provided on the side of the main body unit 22. An output object on which an original image has been formed in the image forming unit 22A is output to the paper output tray 32A. The output unit 32 may be provided with only one paper output tray 32A, or may be provided with multiple paper output trays 32A.

[0061] The paper discharge tray 32A is equipped with a paper sensor 32B. The paper sensor 32B is a sensor that can detect whether or not there is an output object on the paper discharge tray 32A, in other words, whether or not an output object has been removed from the paper discharge tray 32A.

[0062] (Control device) The control device 10 accepts a job input by a user to the image forming device 20, and executes control to cause the image forming device 20 to execute the specified job. The control device 10 also executes control to issue a warning when an output of the image forming device 20 is mixed up.

[0063] (Electrical configuration of the control device) The control device 10 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12 serving as a temporary storage area, a non-volatile storage unit 13, a medium read / write device (R / W) 16, a communication interface (I / F) unit 18, and an external I / F unit 19. The CPU 11, the memory 12, the storage unit 13, the medium read / write device 16, the communication I / F unit 18, and the external I / F unit 19 are connected to one another via a bus B1. The medium read / write device 16 reads information written to a recording medium 17 and writes information to the recording medium 17. The communication I / F unit 18 is an interface for communicatively connecting the control device 10 to, for example, a server provided outside the control device 10 or various terminals used by users. The communication I / F unit 18 uses a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LAN (Local Area Network).

[0064] (Storage part) The storage unit 13 is realized by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like. An information processing program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 as a storage medium. The information processing program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 by setting a recording medium 17 on which the information processing program 13A is written in the medium reading and writing device 16 and having the medium reading and writing device 16 read the information processing program 13A from the recording medium 17. The CPU 11 reads the information processing program 13A from the storage unit 13, expands it in the memory 12, and sequentially executes the processes of the information processing program 13A. A job information database 13B, which will be described later, is stored in the storage unit 13.

[0065] (Functional configuration of the control device) Next, the functional configuration of the control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11A, a determination unit 11B, an execution unit 11C, a notification unit 11D, and a control unit 11E. The CPU 11 of the control device 10 executes an information processing program 13A to function as the acquisition unit 11A, the determination unit 11B, the execution unit 11C, the notification unit 11D, and the control unit 11E.

[0066] (Acquisition Department) Acquisition of execution instruction information In response to an instruction to execute a job being given to the input unit 24, the acquisition unit 11A acquires from the input unit 24 "execution instruction information" indicating that an instruction to execute a job has been given.

[0067] When the acquiring unit 11A acquires the execution instruction information from the input unit 24, the notifying unit 11D (described later) notifies the detection device 40 of the execution instruction information. In response to acquiring the execution instruction information, the detection device 40 notifies the acquiring unit 11A of the identification ID of the regular user. Then, the acquiring unit 11A acquires the identification ID as "regular user information."

[0068] As described above, the execution instruction information can also be detected by the detection device 40. In this case, the acquisition unit 11A acquires the execution instruction information from the detection device 40 together with an identification ID as regular user information.

[0069] The execution user information acquired by the acquisition unit 11A is linked to the job instructed to be executed, and is stored in the job information database 13B of the storage unit 13 as part of the "job information."

[0070] Acquisition of acquired information In addition, in response to the output product being removed from the output unit 32, the acquisition unit 11A acquires, from the paper sensor 32B of the output unit 32, "acquired information" indicating that the output product has been removed.

[0071] When the acquiring unit 11A acquires the acquired information from the output unit 32, the notifying unit 11D, which will be described later, notifies the detection device 40 of the acquired information. In response to acquiring the acquired information, the detection device 40 notifies the acquiring unit 11A of the identification ID of the acquiring user. Then, the acquiring unit 11A acquires the identification ID as "acquired user information."

[0072] As described above, the acquired information can also be detected by the detection device 40. In this case, the acquisition unit 11A acquires the acquired information from the detection device 40 together with an identification ID as acquired user information.

[0073] - Acquisition of distance information, etc. The acquiring unit 11A acquires, from the detecting device 40, “distance information” indicating the distance between each user and the image forming device 20.

[0074] The acquisition unit 11A can also acquire a photographed image of the executing user photographed by the photographing unit 28. The photographed image acquired by the acquisition unit 11A is linked to the job instructed to be executed, and is stored in the job information database 13B of the storage unit 13 as part of the “job information.”

[0075] (Judgment Department) In response to the acquisition unit 11A acquiring the acquired user information, the determination unit 11B determines whether or not the executing user of the job that causes the acquired output product to be output matches the acquired user.

[0076] In addition, in response to the acquisition unit 11A acquiring the distance information, the judgment unit 11B judges whether the current user is located far from the image forming device 20 and whether a user other than the current user is located close to the image forming device 20.

[0077] Specifically, for example, the determination unit 11B can determine whether another user is closer to the image forming apparatus 20 than the current user.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, the determination unit 11B can determine whether the regular user is located farther away from the image forming device 20 than a predetermined distance (distance L1) and whether a user other than the regular user is located closer to the image forming device 20 than a predetermined distance (distance L2). The distances L1 and L2 can be determined separately.

[0079] (Executive Department) Warning notification If the determination unit 11B determines that the executing user of the job that causes the acquired output product to be output does not match the acquiring user, the execution unit 11C issues a warning.

[0080] The execution unit 11C notifies the user of the warning by displaying a warning message on the display unit 24A to "make the user aware of the mistake." The warning message is not particularly limited, but an example is a message such as "This is not your printed material. Please check."

[0081] Furthermore, the execution unit 11C issues a warning by causing the sound generation unit 26 to play a warning sound to make the acquiring user aware of the mix-up. The warning sound may be a message similar to the message displayed on the display unit 24A, or a buzzer sound or the like.

[0082] The execution unit 11C may execute either a visual warning or a sound warning, or may execute both of them.

[0083] In addition, if the determination unit 11B determines that the regular user is located far from the image forming device 20 and a user other than the regular user is located close to the image forming device 20, the execution unit 11C can issue a warning.

[0084] The execution unit 11C displays a warning message "Prevent mix-up" on the display unit 24A as a warning notification. The warning message is not particularly limited, but an example is a message such as "There is printed material from another customer in the paper output tray. Please be careful not to mix up."

[0085] · Mistake prevention measures The execution unit 11C can cause the photographing unit 28 to photograph the executing user in response to an instruction to execute a job being given to the input unit 24. When the execution unit 11C causes the photographing unit 28 to photograph the executing user, the execution unit 11C can further execute a "measure to prevent confusion using the photographed image" of the executing user.

[0086] As an example of a "measure to prevent confusion using captured images," if the judgment unit 11B determines that the actual user and the acquired user "do not match," the execution unit 11C can display a captured image of the actual user on the display unit 24A along with a warning.

[0087] As another example of the "measure to prevent mix-ups using a captured image," the execution unit 11C can display, during execution of a job, a captured image of the user who is executing the job on the display unit 24A.

[0088] The execution unit 11C may execute either or both of displaying the image captured by the executing user together with the notification of the warning and displaying the image captured during the execution of the job.

[0089] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 11A acquires the "execution instruction information" of another job before acquiring the "acquisition information" of the preceding job, the execution unit 11C can execute "measures to prevent mix-ups due to mixing (in other words, caused by mixing)" between the output of the preceding job and the output of the following job.

[0090] As an example of the "measure to prevent confusion due to mixing," the execution unit 11C can make the output unit 32 wait to output the subsequent job until the acquisition unit 11A acquires the "acquired information" of the preceding job.

[0091] As another example of the "measure to prevent mix-ups due to mixing," the execution unit 11C can discharge the output of the preceding job and the output of the following job to different discharge trays 32A. In this case, the determination unit 11B determines whether the execution user of the extracted output matches the acquisition user, and if they do not match, the execution unit 11C issues a warning.

[0092] The execution unit 11C may execute either waiting for the output of the subsequent job or discharging the paper to another paper discharge tray 32A, or may execute both. For example, when both are executed, all of the paper discharge trays 32A are in use.

[0093] (Notification Department) As described above, the notification unit 11D notifies the detection device 40 of the "execution instruction information" and the "acquired information" acquired by the acquisition unit 11A.

[0094] Furthermore, if the determining unit 11B determines that the original user and the acquisition user "match," the notifying unit 11D notifies the settlement device 50 of "payment information," which is information necessary for the settlement process of the job, together with the original user information.

[0095] As an example, "payment information" refers to the paper size, color mode, number of pages of the output, etc. As another example, "payment information" refers to the price calculated based on the paper size, color mode, number of pages of the output, etc.

[0096] (Control unit) The control unit 11E controls the display unit 24A, the sound generating unit 26, the photographing unit 28, the image reading unit 30, the output unit 32, and other various functions of the image forming device 20. Various controls by the execution unit 11C may be executed via the control unit 11E.

[0097] <Output management processing> The CPU 11 of the control device 10 executes the information processing program 13A, for example, during the opening hours of the store 90. As a result, an output product management process shown in FIG. 3 is executed, for example.

[0098] To avoid confusion, the following description will be given assuming that the "execution instruction information" and the "acquired information" are acquired by the image forming device 20 (i.e., not by the detection device 40). The above-mentioned "measures to prevent mix-ups due to mixing" will be described assuming that the output of the preceding job and the output of the following job are discharged to different discharge trays 32A.

[0099] When the job setting process is executed, in step S102, the CPU 11 waits for acquisition of execution instruction information. If the CPU 11 acquires the execution instruction information, the process proceeds to step S104. If the CPU 11 does not acquire the execution instruction information, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0100] In step S104, the CPU 11 notifies the detection device 40 of the execution instruction information. The CPU 11 also executes the job for which execution has been instructed and captures an image of the executing user. After step S104, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0101] In step S106, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is an output object in any of the plurality of discharge trays 32A. If the determination in step S106 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the determination in step S106 is negative, the process returns to step S102.

[0102] In step S108, CPU 11 waits for acquisition of regular user information. When CPU 11 acquires regular user information from detection device 40, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0103] In step S110, the CPU 11 associates the job instructed to be executed, the executing user information, and the captured image of the executing user, and stores the result as job information in the job information database 13 B. After step S110, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0104] In step S112, CPU 11 waits for a predetermined time to elapse. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S114, where distance information indicating the distance between each user and image forming apparatus 20 is acquired. After step S114, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0105] In step S116, the CPU 11 determines whether the executing user who instructed the output of the output material discharged to the output tray 32A is located away from the image forming device 20, and whether a user other than the executing user is located close to the image forming device 20.

[0106] As an example, it is determined whether the current user is closer to the image forming device 20 than the other users. If the determination in step S116 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if the determination in step S116 is negative, the process proceeds to step S118.

[0107] In step S118, the CPU 11 issues a warning to prevent the mix-up of the output objects. After step S118, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0108] In step S120, the CPU 11 waits for acquisition of the information to be acquired. If the CPU 11 acquires the information to be acquired, the process proceeds to step S122. If the CPU 11 does not acquire the information to be acquired, the process returns to step S112.

[0109] In step S122, the CPU 11 notifies the obtained information to the detection device 40. After step S122, the process proceeds to step S124.

[0110] In step S124, the CPU 11 waits for acquisition of the acquired user information. When the CPU 11 acquires the acquired user information, the process proceeds to step S126.

[0111] In step S126, the CPU 11 determines whether the executing user who issued the instruction to output the extracted output object matches the acquiring user who extracted the output object. If the determination in step S126 is affirmative, i.e., if the executing user and acquiring user match, the process proceeds to step S128. On the other hand, if the determination in step S126 is negative, i.e., if the executing user and acquiring user do not match, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0112] In step S128, CPU 11 notifies the settlement device 50 of the settlement information together with the regular user information. After step S128, the process proceeds to step S132.

[0113] In step S130, the CPU 11 issues a warning to make the user aware of the mix-up of the output objects. After step S130, the process proceeds to step S132.

[0114] In step S132, the CPU 11 determines whether the time to end the output item management process has arrived. The output item management process ends, for example, when the business hours of the store 90 end. If the determination in step S132 is affirmative, the job setting process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in step S132 is negative, the process returns to step S102.

[0115] When the payment device 50 acquires the payment information, it can settle the fee incurred by the execution of the job of the image forming device 20. On the other hand, when the payment device 50 does not acquire the payment information, it issues an alarm during the payment process of the executing user and the acquiring user.

[0116] <Action and effect> In the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, if the executing user of a job instructed to be executed by the image forming apparatus 20 does not match the acquiring user who acquired the output of the job, a warning is issued. In this way, in the present disclosure, a warning can be issued in the event of a mix-up of output in the image forming apparatus 20.

[0117] Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure can acquire execution instruction information indicating that an execution instruction for a job has been issued from the input unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 20. This makes it easier to detect that an execution instruction for a job has been issued, compared to when the information is acquired from the detection device 40 installed in the store 90.

[0118] As described above, the CPU 11 may acquire the execution instruction information from the detection device 40. In this case, the notification unit 11D does not need to notify the detection device 40 of the execution instruction information, and therefore the amount of processing by the CPU 11 is less than when the execution instruction information is acquired from the input unit 24.

[0119] In this manner, in the present disclosure, the execution instruction information may be acquired from either the input unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 20 or the detection device 40.

[0120] Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure executes a mix-up prevention measure using a photographed image of the original user, thereby improving the mix-up prevention effect compared to when a photographed image is not used.

[0121] Specifically, for example, by displaying the captured image of the executing user on the display unit 24A together with a warning about the mix-up, the acquiring user can more easily recognize the mix-up compared to when such a display is not executed.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, by displaying an image captured by the executing user on the display unit while a job is being executed, it is easier to prevent users other than the executing user from making mistakes compared to when such a display is not executed.

[0123] Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure issues a warning when the original user is located far from the image forming device 20 and a user other than the original user is located close to the image forming device 20. This makes it easier to prevent users other than the original user from making a mistake, compared to when such a warning is not issued.

[0124] Furthermore, when an instruction to execute another job is issued before the output of a job is retrieved, the CPU 11 of the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure executes measures to prevent mix-ups due to mixing of the output of the preceding job with the output of the following job. This makes it possible to prevent mix-ups due to mixing of the output compared to when the mix-up prevention measures are not executed.

[0125] Specifically, as a measure to prevent mix-ups, for example, the CPU 11 makes the output of the subsequent job wait until the output of the preceding job is taken out, which makes it possible to prevent the mixing of output objects itself compared to when the output of the subsequent job is not made to wait.

[0126] Furthermore, for example, the CPU 11 may eject the output of the preceding job and the output of the following job onto different trays as a measure to prevent mix-ups. Then, the CPU 11 determines whether the executing user of the removed output matches the acquiring user, and issues a warning if they do not match. This can prevent users from removing output from different trays, compared to when a warning is not issued if the executing user and acquiring user do not match.

[0127] Furthermore, if the execution user and the acquisition user match, CPU 11 of information processing system 80 of the present disclosure notifies payment information to payment device 50 of store 90. This eliminates the need for a payment operation at image forming device 20 in store 90.

[0128] Furthermore, if the payment device 50 does not acquire payment information, it issues an alarm during the payment process for the executing user and acquiring user. This allows the user to be made aware of the mistake even if a mix-up occurs by issuing a warning again during the payment process.

[0129] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, the image forming device 20 is described as including the photographing unit 28, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the image forming device 20 does not necessarily have to include the photographing unit 28. If the image forming device 20 does not include the photographing unit 28, the CPU 11 does not have to execute the process of displaying the photographed image of the regular user on the display unit.

[0130] Alternatively, the CPU 11 may cause the detection device 40 to take an image of the regular user using the photographing unit 28, thereby acquiring the photographed image. In this case, the CPU 11 may execute a process of displaying the photographed image of the regular user on the display unit.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the CPU 11 acquires distance information indicating the distance between each user and the image forming device 20 from the detection device 40, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, such distance information may not be acquired.

[0132] In this case, the CPU 11 does not issue a warning when it is determined that the regular user is located far from the image forming apparatus 20 and a user other than the regular user is located close to the image forming apparatus 20.

[0133] In the above embodiment, when the CPU 11 acquires execution instruction information for another job before acquiring the acquisition information for the preceding job, it executes a "measure to prevent mix-up due to mixing" between the output of the preceding job and the output of the following job. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it is not necessary to execute such a measure to prevent mix-up.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the CPU 11 notifies the payment device 50 of the store 90 of the payment information when the executing user and the acquiring user match, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, if the payment incurred by the execution of a job by the image forming device 20 is settled by the image forming device 20, notification of the payment information is not necessary.

[0135] Furthermore, for example, the image forming device 20 does not need to be installed in the store 90. In other words, the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure can warn of a mix-up of output objects even in an image forming device 20 that is not installed in the store 90. Note that if the image forming device 20 is not installed in the store 90, the detection device 40 can be formed using an indoor security camera or the like. Furthermore, there is no need to provide a payment device 50.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of the processing units that execute the processes of the acquisition unit 11A, the determination unit 11B, the execution unit 11C, the notification unit 11D, and the control unit 11E. As described above, the various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as a processing unit, as well as dedicated electrical circuits that are processors having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute specific processes, such as a programmable logic device (PLD) that is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0137] The processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). The processing unit may also be configured with a single processor. Some or all of these processors may be configured on the cloud. At least each of the processes described in the above embodiments may be executed by a processor on the cloud.

[0138] Examples of configuring a processing unit with a single processor include, first, a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as the processing unit, as typified by computers such as client and server. Second, a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of the entire system, including the processing unit, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by systems on chips (SoCs). In this way, the processing unit is configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0139] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors may be, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. As such, the present disclosure may be implemented in various ways.

[0140] <Additional Notes> (((1))) an input unit into which a user inputs a job execution instruction; an output unit that outputs an output; at least one processor; The processor: In response to a job execution instruction being given to the input unit, information on an execution user who has instructed the job execution is acquired from a detection device that detects the room in which the output unit is installed; storing the job instructed to be executed and the execution user information in association with each other; In response to the output of the job being taken out from the output unit, acquiring information about the user who took out the output from the detection device; determining whether the executing user and the acquiring user match, and issuing a warning if they do not match; Information processing system.

[0141] (((2))) The processor: acquiring execution instruction information indicating that the job has been instructed to be executed from the input unit; notifying the detection device of the execution instruction information and acquiring the execution user information; The information processing system according to (((1))).

[0142] (((3))) The processor: execution instruction information indicating that the job has been instructed to be executed; The information is acquired from the detection device in the room together with the regular user information. The information processing system according to (((1))).

[0143] (((4))) Equipped with a photography department, The processor: In response to a job execution instruction being input to the input unit, causing the photographing unit to photograph the regular user; Execute a mistake prevention measure using the photographed image of the original user. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0144] (((5))) A display unit is provided, The processor: As a measure to prevent confusion, If the regular user does not match the acquisition user, the display unit displays the captured image of the regular user together with the notification of the warning. The information processing system according to (((4))).

[0145] (((6))) The processor: As a measure to prevent confusion, displaying a photographed image of the executing user on a display unit during execution of the job; The information processing system according to (((4))).

[0146] (((7))) The processor: a warning is issued when the regular user is located away from the output unit and a user other than the regular user is located close to the output unit; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))).

[0147] (((8))) The processor: If another job is instructed to be executed before the output of the job is taken out, Implement measures to prevent mix-ups caused by mixing the output of a preceding job with the output of a succeeding job. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))).

[0148] (((9))) The processor: As a measure to prevent confusion, making the output of the subsequent job wait until the output of the preceding job is taken out; The information processing system according to (((8))).

[0149] (((10))) The processor: As a measure to prevent confusion, The output of the preceding job and the output of the following job are discharged to different trays; determining whether the execution user of the extracted output material matches the acquisition user, and issuing a warning if they do not match; The information processing system according to (((8))).

[0150] (((11))) The processor: When the room in which the output unit is installed is a store, If the executing user and the acquiring user match, information necessary for the payment process of the job is notified to the payment device of the store. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((10))).

[0151] (((12))) An information processing system according to (((11))), the detection device; the payment device, the payment device includes another processor; The other processor If you do not obtain the information necessary for the payment process, The store issues an alarm when the executing user and the acquiring user perform a payment process.

[0152] (((13))) In response to a job execution instruction being input to an input section in which a job execution instruction can be input, acquiring information about an executing user who instructed to execute the job from a detection device that detects a room in which an output unit capable of outputting an output product is installed; The job instructed to be executed is stored in association with the execution user information; In response to the output of the job being taken out from the output unit, acquiring information about the user who took out the output from the detection device; determining whether the executing user and the acquiring user match, and issuing a warning if they do not match; An information processing program that causes a computer to perform certain tasks.

[0153] (((14))) In response to a job execution instruction being input to an input section in which a job execution instruction can be input, acquiring information about an executing user who instructed to execute the job from a detection device that detects a room in which an output unit capable of outputting an output product is installed; The job instructed to be executed is stored in association with the execution user information; In response to the output of the job being taken out from the output unit, acquiring information about the user who took out the output from the detection device; determining whether the executing user and the acquiring user match, and issuing a warning if they do not match; Information processing methods.

[0154] According to the information processing system (((1))), the information processing program (((13)) and the information processing method (((14))), it is possible to warn of the mis-taking of output materials in an image forming apparatus.

[0155] According to the information processing system of (((2))), it is easier to detect that an instruction to execute a job has been issued, compared to when the instruction is obtained from a detection device in the room.

[0156] According to the information processing system (((3))), the amount of processing by the processor is less than when the instruction to execute a job is obtained from an input unit.

[0157] According to the information processing system (((4))), the effect of preventing mistakes can be improved compared to when a captured image is not used.

[0158] According to the information processing system (((5))), the acquiring user can easily recognize the mistake, compared to when the image captured by the executing user is not displayed on the display unit together with the warning notification.

[0159] According to the information processing system (((6))), it is easier to prevent users other than the executing user from mistaking the executing user compared to when the image captured by the executing user is not displayed on the display unit during execution of the job.

[0160] According to the information processing system (((7))), it is easier to prevent users other than the original user from making mistakes compared to when a warning is not issued when a user other than the original user is near the output unit.

[0161] According to the information processing system (((8))), it is possible to prevent mix-ups due to the mixing of output products, compared to when no mix-up prevention measures are implemented.

[0162] According to the information processing system (((9))), the mixing of output products can be suppressed compared to when the output of the subsequent job is not waited for.

[0163] According to the information processing system (((10))), it is possible to prevent a user from taking out an output item from a different tray, compared to when a warning is not issued if the executing user and the obtaining user do not match.

[0164] According to the information processing system (((11))), the user does not need to perform a payment operation at the output unit in the store.

[0165] According to the store (((12))), even if a mistake occurs, a warning is issued again during the payment process, so that the user is made aware of the mistake. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 11 CPU (processor) 24 Input section 24A display section 28 Photography Department 32 Output section 40 Detection Device 50 Payment Device 80 Information Processing Systems 90 stores

Claims

1. an input unit into which a user inputs a job execution instruction; an output unit that outputs an output product; at least one processor; The processor: In response to a job execution instruction being given to the input unit, information on an execution user who has instructed the job execution is acquired from a detection device that detects the room in which the output unit is installed; storing the job instructed to be executed and the execution user information in association with each other; In response to the output of the job being taken out from the output unit, acquiring information about the user who took out the output from the detection device; determining whether the executing user and the acquiring user match, and issuing a warning if they do not match; Information processing system.

2. The processor: acquiring execution instruction information indicating that the job has been instructed to be executed from the input unit; notifying the detection device of the execution instruction information and acquiring the execution user information; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: execution instruction information indicating that the job has been instructed to be executed; The information is acquired from the detection device in the room together with the regular user information. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. Equipped with a photography department, The processor: In response to a job execution instruction being input to the input unit, causing the photographing unit to photograph the regular user; Execute a mistake prevention measure using the photographed image of the original user. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. A display unit is provided, The processor: As a measure to prevent confusion, If the regular user does not match the acquisition user, the display unit displays the captured image of the regular user together with the notification of the warning. The information processing system according to claim 4 .

6. The processor: As a measure to prevent confusion, displaying a photographed image of the executing user on a display unit during execution of the job; The information processing system according to claim 4 .

7. The processor: a warning is issued when the regular user is located away from the output unit and a user other than the regular user is located close to the output unit; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

8. The processor: If another job is instructed to be executed before the output of the job is taken out, Implement measures to prevent mix-ups caused by mixing the output of a preceding job with the output of a succeeding job. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

9. The processor: As a measure to prevent confusion, making the output of the subsequent job wait until the output of the preceding job is taken out; The information processing system according to claim 8 .

10. The processor: As a measure to prevent confusion, The output of the preceding job and the output of the following job are discharged to different trays; determining whether the execution user of the extracted output material matches the acquisition user, and issuing a warning if they do not match; The information processing system according to claim 8 .

11. The processor: When the room in which the output unit is installed is a store, If the executing user and the acquiring user match, information necessary for the payment process of the job is notified to the payment device of the store. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

12. The information processing system according to claim 11; the detection device; the payment device, the payment device includes another processor; The other processor If you do not obtain the information necessary for the payment process, The store issues an alarm when the executing user and the acquiring user perform a payment process.

13. In response to a job execution instruction being input to an input section in which a job execution instruction can be input, acquiring information about an executing user who instructed to execute the job from a detection device that detects a room in which an output unit capable of outputting an output product is installed; The job instructed to be executed is stored in association with the execution user information; In response to the output of the job being taken out from the output unit, acquiring information about the user who took out the output from the detection device; determining whether the executing user and the acquiring user match, and issuing a warning if they do not match; An information processing program that causes a computer to perform certain tasks.

14. In response to a job execution instruction being input to an input section in which a job execution instruction can be input, acquiring information about an executing user who instructed to execute the job from a detection device that detects a room in which an output unit capable of outputting an output product is installed; The job instructed to be executed is stored in association with the execution user information; In response to the output of the job being taken out from the output unit, acquiring information about the user who took out the output from the detection device; determining whether the executing user and the acquiring user match, and issuing a warning if they do not match; Information processing methods.

Images