Electronic device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To correctly record electronic settlement information in a job log.SOLUTION: In a multicopy machine 1, a control unit 100 records a job log before job execution recorded in a job log storage unit as electronic settlement information before electronic settlement, sets a settlement information confirmation flag to OFF, records settlement completion as the electronic settlement information when the electronic settlement is completed, sets the settlement information confirmation flag to ON, records job start in the job log, records settlement incompletion as the electronic settlement information when the electronic settlement is not completed, does not change the settlement information confirmation flag from OFF, and sets the settlement information confirmation flag to ON when the electronic settlement incompletion is confirmed. The image forming apparatus includes a job log management part 105 for transmitting a job log in which a settlement information determination flag is ON to a job log server, and a device control part 104 for executing a job in which settlement completion and job start are recorded in the job log.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device that executes a payment by electronic payment and executes a job, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] When an image forming apparatus (multi-copy machine) installed in a convenience store or the like is used to execute a print job, payment must be made at the image forming apparatus, and payment can be made in cash or electronic money. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6736346 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-163267 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-163266 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-163267 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to add electronic payment information to the job log of jobs executed on multi-copy machines for convenience stores. However, multi-copy machines provide a variety of services, such as copying, printing, faxing, and scanning, and the timing and method of billing differ depending on the service. Even in such cases, it is desirable to be able to correctly record electronic payment information in the job log.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to correctly record electronic payment information in a job log. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: In the job log recorded in the job log storage unit before the job execution, before the electronic payment, the electronic payment information is recorded as "before payment", and the payment information confirmation flag is turned OFF. When the electronic payment is completed, the completion of the payment is recorded as the electronic payment information, the payment information confirmation flag is turned ON, and the start of the job is recorded in the job log. When the electronic payment is incomplete, the electronic payment information is recorded as incomplete, and the payment information confirmation flag remains OFF. When the incomplete electronic payment is confirmed, the payment information confirmation flag is turned ON. Send the job log with the payment information confirmation flag set to ON to the job log server. A job log management unit; a device control unit that executes a job for which the completion of payment and the start of the job are recorded in the job log; It is equipped with:

[0007] An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: When the computer in the electronic device executes the information processing program, In the job log recorded in the job log storage unit before the job execution, before the electronic payment, the electronic payment information is recorded as "before payment", and the payment information confirmation flag is turned OFF. When the electronic payment is completed, the completion of the payment is recorded as the electronic payment information, the payment information confirmation flag is turned ON, and the start of the job is recorded in the job log. When the electronic payment is incomplete, the electronic payment information is recorded as incomplete, and the payment information confirmation flag remains OFF. When the incomplete electronic payment is confirmed, the payment information confirmation flag is turned ON. The job log with the settlement information confirmation flag set to ON is sent to the job log server. The job whose settlement completion and job start are recorded in the job log is executed.

[0008] An information processing program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: Electronic equipment computers, In the job log recorded in the job log storage unit before the job execution, before the electronic payment, the electronic payment information is recorded as "before payment", and the payment information confirmation flag is turned OFF. When the electronic payment is completed, the completion of the payment is recorded as the electronic payment information, the payment information confirmation flag is turned ON, and the start of the job is recorded in the job log. When the electronic payment is incomplete, the electronic payment information is recorded as incomplete, and the payment information confirmation flag remains OFF. When the incomplete electronic payment is confirmed, the payment information confirmation flag is turned ON. Send the job log with the payment information confirmation flag set to ON to the job log server. A job log management unit; A device control unit that executes a job for which the settlement completion and job start are recorded in the job log Operate as. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, electronic payment information can be correctly recorded in the job log.

[0010] The effects described here are not necessarily limited to those described herein, and may be any of the effects described in this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 shows an information processing system including an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This shows the functional configuration of an electronic device (multi-copy machine) for electronic payment. [Figure 4] This shows the functional configuration of an electronic device (multi-copy machine) when making a cash payment. [Figure 5] The operating sequence for cash settlement (normal system) is shown below. [Figure 6] The operation sequence for cash settlement (power off during job execution) is shown below. [Figure 7]The operational sequence for electronic payment (normal system) is shown below. [Figure 8] The operation sequence for electronic payment (power off during job execution) is shown below. [Figure 9] The operation sequence for electronic payment (power cut during payment) is shown below. [Figure 10] The operational sequence for electronic payment (incomplete processing) is shown below. [Figure 11] The operation sequence for electronic payment (power off after incomplete processing) is shown below. [Figure 12] 1 shows an operation flow of this embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 shows the operation sequence of electronic payment (normal system) when this embodiment is applied. [Figure 14] 10 shows an operation sequence for electronic payment (power cut during payment) when this embodiment is applied. [Figure 15] 10 shows the operational sequence of electronic payment (incomplete processing) when this embodiment is applied. [Figure 16] 10 shows the operation sequence of electronic payment (power off after processing is left unfinished) when this embodiment is applied. [Figure 17] The operation sequence when a transmission error occurs when transmitting a job log to a job log server is shown below. [Figure 18] This shows the startup process when power is restored after being turned off. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] 1. Information Processing System

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an information processing system including an electronic device according to this embodiment.

[0015] In this embodiment, a multi-copy machine 1 will be described as an example of an electronic device. The multi-copy machine 1 is installed in a convenience store or the like. When an image forming device (multi-copy machine 1) installed in a convenience store or the like executes a print job, payment must be made at the image forming device, and payment can be made using cash or electronic money.

[0016] A plurality of multi-copy machines 1 are connected to a job log server 2 and an electronic payment server 3 via a network N.

[0017] The multi-copy machine 1 has an image forming device 10 (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), a kiosk terminal 20, and a card reader / writer 30. The card reader / writer 30 reads and writes data from a contactless IC card or a mobile terminal for electronic payment.

[0018] 2. Hardware configuration of image forming device

[0019] FIG. 2 shows the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control circuit 100 that constitutes a computer. The control circuit 100 is composed of a processor, such as a CPU 11a (Central Processing Unit), a RAM 11b (Random Access Memory), a ROM 11c (Read Only Memory), and dedicated hardware circuits, and is responsible for overall operational control of the image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 11a loads an information processing program stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executes it to perform the operations described in the operational flow below and control the display and operational input of the touch panel 17. The ROM 11c permanently stores the programs and data executed by the CPU 11a. The ROM 11c is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0021] The control circuit 100 is connected to an image reading unit 12 (image scanner), an image processing unit 14 (including a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)), an image memory 15, an image forming unit 16 (printer), a touch panel (front panel) 17 which is an operation unit equipped with a display unit 17a, a large-capacity non-volatile storage device 18 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a facsimile communication unit 19, and a network communication interface 13 (communication unit). The control circuit 100 controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned connected units and transmits and receives signals or data to and from each unit. The operation unit of the touch panel 17 is one form of input device, and a voice input device including a microphone may be provided as the input device.

[0022] 3. Functional configuration of electronic device (multi-copy machine)

[0023] FIG. 3 shows the functional configuration of an electronic device (multi-copy machine) for electronic payment.

[0024] By executing an information processing program, the control circuit 100 operates as a service control unit 101, an electronic payment control unit 102, a card reader / writer control unit 103, a device control unit 104, and a job log management unit 105. The card reader / writer control unit 103 controls the card reader / writer 30. The electronic payment control unit 102 executes electronic payments through communication with the electronic payment server 3. The service control unit 101 provides services such as copying via the operation unit 17. The device control unit 104 executes jobs that constitute the services by controlling devices such as the image reading unit 12 (image scanner) and the image forming unit 16 (printer). The job log management unit 105 records the job log in the job log storage unit 107 of the local storage device 18 and transmits it to the job log server 2 for storage.

[0025] FIG. 4 shows the functional configuration of the electronic device (multi-copy machine) when making a cash payment.

[0026] The control circuit 100 executes an information processing program to operate as a service control unit 101, a device control unit 104, a job log management unit 105, and an accounting control unit 106. The accounting control unit 106 controls the accounting machine 40 and executes cash settlement. The service control unit 101 provides services such as copying via the operation unit 17. The device control unit 104 controls devices such as the image reading unit 12 (image scanner) and the image forming unit 16 (printer) to execute jobs that constitute the services. The job log management unit 105 records the job log in a job log storage unit 107 of the local storage device 18, and sends it to the job log server 2 for accumulation.

[0027] 4. Consideration

[0028] It is desirable to add electronic payment information to the job log of jobs executed on a multi-copy machine 1 for convenience stores. This makes it possible to cross-check the payment information from each electronic money brand with the processing actually performed on the multi-copy machine 1 at monthly settlement closings, etc. Meanwhile, the multi-copy machine 1 provides a variety of services, such as copying, printing, faxing, and scanning, and the timing and method of billing differ depending on the service. Even in such cases, it is desirable to be able to correctly record electronic payment information in the job log, and this will be examined.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows the operation sequence for cash settlement (normal system).

[0030] Consider cash payments. When paying by cash, charges are made for each service at the following times:

[0031] In the case of copying and printing, the multi-copy machine 1 calculates the total amount (step S3) based on the number of pages of the original, color / black and white, number of copies, and other settings (step S2) specified by the user (step S1). The user selects cash payment as the payment method and inserts cash equal to or greater than the total amount into the coin machine (step S4). The multi-copy machine 1 confirms that cash equal to or greater than the total amount has been inserted (steps S5 to S9) and starts the job (steps S10 to S15). While the job is being executed, the multi-copy machine 1 charges for each page (steps S16 to S17).

[0032] In the case of fax / bulk charge printing, the multi-copy machine 1 calculates the total amount (step S3) based on the number of pages of the original, color / black and white, number of copies, fax destination, and other settings specified by the user (step S1) (step S2). The user selects cash payment as the payment method and inserts cash equal to or greater than the total amount into the coin machine (step S4). The multi-copy machine 1 confirms that cash equal to or greater than the total amount has been inserted (steps S5 to S9) and starts the job (steps S10 to S15). After the job is completed, the multi-copy machine 1 charges the total amount in a lump sum.

[0033] In the case of scanning, multi-copy machine 1 executes the job. After the job is completed, multi-copy machine 1 calculates the total amount based on the number of pages scanned. The user selects cash payment as the payment method and inserts an amount of cash equal to or greater than the total amount into the coin machine. Multi-copy machine 1 confirms that an amount of cash equal to or greater than the total amount has been inserted, and saves the scanned data to a device specified by the user (such as a USB memory stick or smartphone). After the data has been saved, the total amount is charged in one lump sum.

[0034] For the three types of services above, Multi-Copy Machine 1 charges while the job is being executed (copy / print), immediately after the job is completed (Fax / bulk post-charge print), and immediately after the data is saved (scan), so the amount charged will almost never differ from the result of the job execution.

[0035] The job log records "Job started" when the job starts, "1 page processed" for each page processed, and "Job finished" after the job is completed or after charging for the data is saved, and these are saved in job log server 2. Since it is expected that the job log will also be used for monthly tallying processes, if the job cannot be sent to job log server 2 due to a network outage or other reason, the sending and saving process is periodically retried to ensure that the job is saved in job log server 2. Furthermore, even if multi-copy machine 1 is turned off during a retry, the job log is saved in a non-volatile area such as a HDD so that it can be retried after power is restored.

[0036] FIG. 6 shows the operation sequence for cash settlement (power off during job execution).

[0037] Let us consider an abnormal situation where the multi-copy machine 1 is turned off during job execution in a cash payment transaction. If the power is turned off during job execution, "job started" and "1 page processing completed" are recorded (step S19), but "job completed" is not recorded. When the power is subsequently restored (step S20), a job log without a record of "job completed" remains in the multi-copy machine 1 (step S21).

[0038] In the case of copy, print, fax, or batch post-charge print, the processing results and charge results up until the time the power was turned off are recorded (step S19), so "job completed" is recorded as an abnormal termination (step S22), and the job log on job log server 2 is saved (step S23).

[0039] In the case of scanning, the data has not yet been saved and no charges have been made, so there is no need to leave a job log. Any job log remaining in the multi-copy machine 1 is discarded (step S24).

[0040] From the above, in the case of cash payment, even in the case of an abnormal power outage, it is possible to save a correct job log (a job log that records the billing results up to that point) after power is restored.

[0041] FIG. 7 shows the operation sequence for electronic payment (normal system).

[0042] Next, let's consider electronic payment. When paying with electronic money, payment is made at the following times for each service. Note that in the case of electronic payment, payment is made before the job is executed. This is to prevent the user from leaving after the job is completed without making payment.

[0043] In the case of copying and printing, the multi-copy machine 1 calculates the total amount (step S3) based on the number of pages of the original, the user's settings such as color / black and white and the number of copies (steps S1 and S2). The user selects electronic payment as the payment method (step S1) and makes the electronic payment (steps S4 and S14). The multi-copy machine 1 confirms that the payment has been completed and executes the job (steps S18 to S26).

[0044] In the case of fax and batch print, multi-copy machine 1 calculates the total amount based on the number of pages of the original, the user's settings such as color / black and white, number of copies, and fax destination. The user selects electronic payment as the payment method and makes the payment electronically. Multi-copy machine 1 confirms that the payment has been completed and then executes the job.

[0045] In the case of scanning, the multi-copy machine 1 executes the job. After the job is completed, the multi-copy machine 1 calculates the total amount based on the number of pages scanned. The user selects electronic payment as the payment method and makes the electronic payment. The multi-copy machine 1 confirms that the payment has been completed and saves the scanned data to a device specified by the user (such as a USB memory stick or smartphone).

[0046] Since payment information must be recorded in the job log, in the case of copy, print, fax, and lump-sum post-charge print, when payment processing is performed, the payment information (amount, type of electronic money, contactless IC card or mobile terminal card number, transaction number, etc.) and "job start" are recorded. After that, "1 page processing completed" is recorded for each page processed, and after the job is completed or the data is saved and charging is completed, "job end" is recorded and saved on job log server 2.

[0047] In the case of scanning, the "job start" and "job end" are recorded at the same time as cash payments and saved on Job Log Server 2.

[0048] FIG. 8 shows the operation sequence for electronic payment (power off during job execution).

[0049] Let us consider an abnormal situation where the power to the multi-copy machine 1 is turned off during the execution of an electronic payment job. In the case of copy, print, fax, or lump-sum post-charge print, the payment result and the processing result up to the time the power was turned off are recorded (step S23), so when the power is restored, "Job Ended" is recorded as an abnormal end (step S26), and the job log is saved in the job log server 2 (step S27).

[0050] In the case of scanning, the data has not yet been saved and payment has not yet been made, so there is no need to leave a job log. Any job log remaining in the multi-copy machine 1 is discarded (step S28).

[0051] From the above, in the case of electronic payment, and in the case of an abnormal power outage during job execution, it is possible to save a correct job log after power is restored.

[0052] FIG. 9 shows the operation sequence for electronic payment (power cut during payment).

[0053] Let's consider an abnormal situation where the power to the multi-copy machine 1 is turned off during an electronic payment (including immediately before and after the payment). The electronic payment process requires reading the unique information (card information, etc.) of the electronic payment, sending the unique information (card information, etc.) to the electronic payment server 3, receiving the payment result from the electronic payment server 3, and confirming the result, so it is entirely possible that the power may be turned off during payment. If the power is turned off during a payment, the previous payment result must be confirmed with the electronic payment server 3 after the power is restored. The payment result must be reflected in the job log.

[0054] In the case of copy, print, fax, and lump-sum post-charge print, "job start" is recorded after payment processing (FIG. 7, step S17), so if the power is turned off during payment, nothing is recorded when the power is restored (step S12).Even if the previous payment result is checked (steps S13 to S14) and payment is completed (steps S15 to S16), it is not possible to record in the job log which job the payment is for (step S17) (Problem 1).

[0055] In the case of scanning, "Job Start" is recorded when the job starts (FIG. 7, step S17). If the power is turned off during payment, after the power is restored, the job log recorded in the multi-copy machine 1 will contain only "Job Start," just like other services. The result of the most recent payment is checked, and if payment has been completed, the payment result and "Job Completed" are recorded in the relevant job log as an abnormal end, and the job log is saved in the job log server 2.

[0056] FIG. 10 shows the operational sequence for electronic payment (incomplete processing).

[0057] During electronic payment, the payment process may be incomplete (the payment result may be unknown) if the contactless IC card or mobile terminal is not held over the card reader / writer for long enough (step S11). In this case, the user is asked to hold their contactless IC card or mobile terminal over the card reader / writer again (step S16), and the unique information (e.g., card information) is sent to the electronic payment server 3 (step S19) to confirm the processing result. If the confirmation shows that the payment is complete, the payment is completed (step S20). If the confirmation shows that the payment is not complete, the payment process is performed, and after the payment is completed (step S20), subsequent processing is performed. At this time, there is a possibility that the user will leave while waiting for the card to be held over again (step S13) (step S40). In this case, the subsequent processing must be canceled (step S41), and a job log indicating that the payment is incomplete must be left (step S42). When the processing is incomplete, "payment processing incomplete" is recorded as payment information, making it possible to save the occurrence of the processing incomplete in the job log (step S42).

[0058] FIG. 11 shows the operation sequence for electronic payment (power off after incomplete processing).

[0059] Let us consider the case of an electronic payment where the power is turned off after the payment process is incomplete. After the process is incomplete (step S11), the multi-copy machine 1 may be powered off while waiting for the card to be swiped again (step S13). In this case, after the power is restored, the job log recording "payment process incomplete" remains in the multi-copy machine 1 (step S15).

[0060] It is not possible to determine which of the following job logs records this "payment processing incomplete" (Problem 2). It is not possible to determine the job log for which the subsequent processing was canceled when the user left the machine while waiting for the card to be swiped again after the payment processing incomplete occurred (Problem 2-1). It is not possible to determine the job log for which the power was turned off while waiting for the card to be swiped again after the payment processing incomplete occurred, and the results of the previous processing must be checked (Problem 2-2).

[0061] As described above, there are two problems. Problem 1: If the power is cut off during electronic payment, even if the electronic payment is completed, it is not possible to record in the job log which job the payment is for (Fig. 9). Problem 2: If the power is cut off after the electronic payment process has not been completed, it is not possible to determine whether the job log in which "payment process not completed" is the job log in which the user has left and subsequent processing has been canceled (Fig. 10), or the job log in which the power was cut off (Fig. 11).

[0062] 5. Operation of this embodiment

[0063] FIG. 12 shows the operation flow of this embodiment.

[0064] In consideration of the above circumstances, this embodiment aims to correctly record electronic money payment information in the job log without the occurrence of Problem 1 and Problem 2. To this end, this embodiment adds electronic payment information (before payment, payment completed, payment result incomplete) and a payment information confirmation flag to the job log managed within the multi-copy machine 1.

[0065] In the job log recorded in the job log storage unit 107 before job execution, the job log management unit 105 records "before payment" as electronic payment information before electronic payment and turns off the payment information confirmation flag (step S101). There are three possible results of the electronic payment process: payment completed (success), payment failed, and payment incomplete (payment result undetermined) (step S102). When electronic payment is completed (successful), the job log management unit 105 records "payment completed" as electronic payment information, turns on the payment information confirmation flag, and records the start of the job in the job log (step S103). When electronic payment fails, the job log management unit 105 leaves the electronic payment information as "before payment" and the payment information confirmation flag OFF without changing them, and waits for the payment process to be performed again (END).

[0066] If the electronic payment is not completed, the job log management unit 105 records the payment incomplete as electronic payment information and leaves the payment information confirmation flag OFF (step S104).The job log management unit 105 then checks the result of the previous payment, and if the payment is completed (successful), it sets the payment information to "Payment Completed" and turns the payment information confirmation flag ON (step S103).On the other hand, if the payment is unsuccessful, it waits for the payment process to be performed again (END).On the other hand, if the job log management unit 105 ends in an undetermined state of payment processing (confirmed that the electronic payment is not completed) due to a timeout or the like (step S105), it turns the payment information confirmation flag ON (step S106).

[0067] The device control unit 104 executes the job for which the payment completion and job start have been recorded in the job log (step S103). That is, the device control unit 104 continues to execute the job of the multi-copy machine 1 only when the payment is completed (successful) (step S107). Regardless of whether the job has been executed or not, after a series of services have been completed, the job log management unit 105 sends the job log with the payment information confirmation flag set to ON to the job log server 2 and stores it (step S108).

[0068] Incidentally, when the electronic device becomes unable to make an electronic payment (power is cut off) while the payment information confirmation flag is OFF and then returns to normal (step S111), the job log management unit 105 checks the result of the electronic payment (step S112). The job log management unit 105 checks the result of the previous payment, and if the payment is completed (successful), it sets the payment information to "payment completed" and turns the payment information confirmation flag ON (step S103). On the other hand, if the payment is unsuccessful, it waits for the payment process to be performed again (END). If the job log management unit 105 determines that the electronic payment is incomplete, it records the incomplete payment as electronic payment information and turns the payment information confirmation flag ON (step S106).

[0069] 6. Specific Examples of the Present Embodiment

[0070] FIG. 13 shows the operation sequence of electronic payment (normal system) when this embodiment is applied.

[0071] When the user selects electronic payment, the payment information is recorded in the job log (payment information "before payment", payment information confirmation flag OFF) (step S5). For copy, print, fax, and batch post-payment print, job information is also recorded in the job log (start date and time, job type, job settings, unit price, etc.). For scan, the job has already started, so the job information is recorded and does not need to be recorded here. After that, when electronic payment is completed (steps S13 to S16), the payment result is recorded (start date and time, payment amount, payment information "before payment", payment information confirmation flag ON) (step S19). After that, when the job is finished or the data is saved (step S26), the completion is recorded (end date and time, number of pages, amount) and created as a completion log (step S30). The completion log is then saved in the job log server 2 (step S31).

[0072] FIG. 14 shows the operation sequence of electronic payment (power cut during payment) when this embodiment is applied.

[0073] Let us consider an abnormal situation in which the power to the multi-copy machine 1 is turned off during electronic payment (including immediately before and after payment). This embodiment avoids problem 1 (FIG. 9) in that if the power is turned off during electronic payment, it is not possible to record in the job log which job the payment is for, even if the electronic payment has been completed.

[0074] When the user selects electronic payment, the payment information is recorded in the job log (payment information "before payment", payment information confirmation flag OFF). For copy, print, fax, and batch post-payment print, job information is also recorded in the job log (start date and time, job type, job settings, unit price, etc.) (step S5). For scan, the job has already started, so the job information is recorded and does not need to be recorded here. A power outage occurs during electronic payment (including immediately before and after payment). The power is then restored. At this time, the job log "before payment" is saved in the multi-copy machine 1 (step S5). After power is restored, the result of the previous payment is confirmed (step S13). If payment is complete, the payment information in the job log is changed to "payment complete", the payment information confirmation flag is set to ON, and the log is saved in the job log server 2 (step S20). If payment is unsuccessful, the job log is not updated, and the log is not saved in the job log server 2 either (step S14). If the payment process is incomplete, the payment information in the job log is changed to "payment process incomplete" and the payment information confirmation flag is set to ON, and the log is saved in the job log server 2 (step S21). Because the job log is saved when electronic payment is selected, when the power is restored from a power outage, the electronic payment information in the relevant job log can be updated to the most recent processing result and saved. According to this embodiment, electronic payment information can be correctly recorded in the job log.

[0075] FIG. 15 shows the operational sequence of electronic payment (incomplete processing) when this embodiment is applied.

[0076] Consider the case where the user leaves the machine while waiting to re-swipe their card after an unsuccessful electronic payment process. This embodiment avoids problem 2-1 (FIG. 10) in which the job log for the unsuccessful payment process cannot be identified after the user leaves the machine while waiting to re-swipe their card.

[0077] When the user selects electronic payment, the multi-copy machine 1 records the payment information in the job log (payment information: "Before payment", payment information confirmation flag: OFF). In the case of copy, print, fax, or batch post-payment print, job information is also recorded in the job log (start date and time, job type, job settings, unit price, etc.) (step S5). In the case of scan, the job has already started, so the job information is already recorded and does not need to be recorded here. When the user swipes their contactless IC card or mobile terminal but the processing result is incomplete, the multi-copy machine 1 updates the payment information (payment information: "Processing result incomplete", payment information confirmation flag: OFF) (step S17). The user leaves, and the multi-copy machine 1 detects a timeout (step S42). The multi-copy machine 1 updates the payment information (payment information: "Processing result incomplete", payment information confirmation flag: ON) (step S45). The multi-copy machine 1 saves the job log in the job log server 2 (step S46). According to this embodiment, electronic payment information can be correctly recorded in the job log.

[0078] FIG. 16 shows the operation sequence of electronic payment (power off after processing is left unfinished) when this embodiment is applied.

[0079] Consider the case where the power is turned off after an electronic payment process is not completed. This embodiment can avoid problem 2-2 (FIG. 11) in which the power is turned off while waiting for the card to be swiped again after the payment process is not completed, making it impossible to determine the job log that requires confirmation of the previous processing result.

[0080] When the user selects electronic payment, the multi-copy machine 1 records the payment information in the job log (payment information: "Before payment", payment information confirmation flag: OFF). In the case of copy, print, fax, or batch-payment print, job information is also recorded in the job log (start date and time, job type, job settings, unit price, etc.) (step S5). In the case of scan, the job has already started, so the job information is already recorded and does not need to be recorded here. If the user holds up a contactless IC card or mobile terminal but the processing result is incomplete, the multi-copy machine 1 updates the payment information (payment information: "Processing result incomplete", payment information confirmation flag: OFF) (step S17). After that, a power outage occurs. The power is then restored. The previous payment result is confirmed (step S20). If payment is complete, the payment information in the job log is changed to "Payment complete", the payment information confirmation flag is set to ON, and the log is saved in the job log server 2 (step S25). If payment is unsuccessful, the job log is not updated, and the log is not saved in the job log server 2. If the payment process is not complete, the payment information in the job log is changed to "payment process not complete" and the payment information confirmation flag is changed to ON, and the log is saved in the job log server 2. In step S19, a job log with payment information "processing result not complete" and the payment information confirmation flag OFF is saved in the multi-copy machine 1. Because the payment information confirmation flag is OFF, this job log is not saved in the job log server 2 (step S19).

[0081] This embodiment allows electronic payment information to be recorded correctly in the job log, making it possible to differentiate between problem 2-1 (FIG. 10) where the user leaves the machine while waiting for the card to be swiped again after an incomplete payment process, making it impossible to distinguish the job log for which the subsequent process was canceled, and problem 2-2 (FIG. 11) where the power is turned off while waiting for the card to be swiped again after an incomplete payment process, making it impossible to distinguish the job log for which the previous process result needs to be checked.

[0082] According to this embodiment, it is possible to record the correct electronic money payment information in the job log. This makes it possible to cross-check the payment information from each electronic money brand with the actual processing performed by the multi-copy machine 1 at the time of monthly settlement closing, etc.

[0083] FIG. 17 shows the operation sequence when a transmission error occurs when transmitting a job log to the job log server 2.

[0084] If saving to the job log server 2 fails (step S4), the multi-copy machine 1 periodically retries saving the job log to the job log server 2 (LOOP). If a power outage occurs during this process, after power is restored, the multi-copy machine 1 saves any job logs with the payment information confirmation flag set to ON (steps S5 to S6) to the job log server 2 (step S7). If the attempt fails, a retry is made (LOOP).

[0085] FIG. 18 shows the startup process when power is restored after being turned off.

[0086] The job log management unit 105 checks the job logs recorded in the job log storage unit 107 (step S1) and determines whether there are any job logs that have not been sent to the job log server 2 (step S2). If there is a job log with the payment information confirmation flag ON that has not been sent to the job log server 2 (step S3), it is saved in the job log server 2 (step S4). On the other hand, a job log with the payment information confirmation flag OFF that has not been sent to the job log server 2 is not sent because there is a possibility that the electronic payment information may be updated. If the save date and time of an unsent job log with the payment information confirmation flag OFF is older than a certain period of time (step S6), the job log management unit 105 deletes the job log from the job log storage unit 107 (step S7).

[0087] Although the embodiments and modified examples of the present technology have been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 multi-copy machine 10 Image forming device 100 control circuit 101 Service Control Section 102 Electronic Payment Control Unit 103 Card reader / writer control unit 104 Device control unit 105 Job Log Management Unit 106 Charging control unit 107 Job log storage unit 2 Job Log Server 20 Kiosk terminals 3. Electronic payment server 30 Card Reader / Writer 40 Charging machine

Claims

1. In the job log recorded in the job log storage unit before the job execution, before the electronic payment, "before payment" is recorded as electronic payment information, and the payment information confirmation flag is turned OFF. When the electronic payment is completed, the payment completion is recorded as the electronic payment information, the payment information confirmation flag is set to ON, and the start of the job is recorded in the job log. When the electronic payment is incomplete, the incomplete payment is recorded as the electronic payment information, and the payment information confirmation flag remains OFF. When the incomplete electronic payment is confirmed, the payment information confirmation flag is turned ON. The job log in which the settlement information confirmation flag is ON is sent to the job log server. A job log management unit; a device control unit that executes a job for which the completion of payment and the start of the job are recorded in the job log; An electronic device comprising:

2. 10. The electronic device according to claim 1, The job log management unit When the payment information confirmation flag is OFF, the electronic device becomes unable to make an electronic payment and then returns to normal, and the result of the electronic payment is confirmed. If it is determined that the electronic payment is incomplete, the incomplete payment is recorded as the electronic payment information, and the payment information confirmation flag is set to ON. electronic equipment.

3. 10. The electronic device according to claim 1, If the electronic payment fails, the job log management unit does not change the electronic payment information before the payment and the payment information confirmation flag remains OFF. electronic equipment.

4. 10. The electronic device according to claim 1, The job log management unit When the electronic device becomes unable to make electronic payments and then returns to normal, If there are any unsent job logs on the job log server, Sending the job log that has not been sent and whose settlement information confirmation flag is ON to the job log server, If a job log that has not been sent and for which the settlement information confirmation flag is OFF is not sent to the job log server and the saved date and time is older than a certain period, the job log is deleted from the job log storage unit. electronic equipment.

5. When the computer in the electronic device executes the information processing program, In the job log recorded in the job log storage unit before the job execution, before the electronic payment, "before payment" is recorded as electronic payment information, and the payment information confirmation flag is turned OFF. When the electronic payment is completed, the payment completion is recorded as the electronic payment information, the payment information confirmation flag is set to ON, and the start of the job is recorded in the job log. When the electronic payment is incomplete, the incomplete payment is recorded as the electronic payment information, and the payment information confirmation flag remains OFF. When the incomplete electronic payment is confirmed, the payment information confirmation flag is turned ON. Send the job log with the settlement information confirmation flag set to ON to the job log server, Execute the job for which the settlement completion and job start are recorded in the job log. Information processing methods.

6. Electronic equipment computers, In the job log recorded in the job log storage unit before the job execution, before the electronic payment, "before payment" is recorded as electronic payment information, and the payment information confirmation flag is turned OFF. When the electronic payment is completed, the payment completion is recorded as the electronic payment information, the payment information confirmation flag is set to ON, and the start of the job is recorded in the job log. When the electronic payment is incomplete, the incomplete payment is recorded as the electronic payment information, and the payment information confirmation flag remains OFF. When the incomplete electronic payment is confirmed, the payment information confirmation flag is turned ON. The job log in which the settlement information confirmation flag is ON is sent to the job log server. A job log management unit; A device control unit that executes a job for which the settlement completion and job start are recorded in the job log to operate as Information processing program.

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