Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and program

Abstract

The mobile wallet 311 enables secure printing with payment. [Solution] The multifunction printer 1 comprises a first communication control unit 101, a second communication control unit 102 that communicates with a second terminal device 3 on which a mobile wallet 311 is installed, a third communication control unit 103, an authentication unit 104, and a print execution unit 105. The first communication control unit 101 receives an image formation request from the first terminal device 2, the second communication control unit 102 receives a user ID 312, the authentication unit 104 authenticates based on the user ID 312, the second communication control unit 102 sends a payment request to the mobile wallet 311 if authentication is successful, the second communication control unit 102 receives a payment execution request from the mobile wallet 311, the third communication control unit 103 receives a payment completion notification from the payment server 4, and the print execution unit 105 prints based on the print job.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

[0005] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for an image forming apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for performing image formation by charging has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system that performs charge printing using cash or a prepaid card.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, as a method of paying a fee, an application program having a wallet function has been known. Conventionally, there has been a desire to securely perform image formation by charging using this application program, but conventionally, there has been no mechanism to meet this desire.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Another embodiment for solving the above problem is a control method for an image forming apparatus, which receives an image forming request including an image forming job from a first terminal device, receives user identification information from a second terminal device on which an application program having a wallet function is installed, authenticates based on the received identification information, sends a payment request for image forming based on the image forming job to the application program if authentication is successful, receives a payment execution request for the payment request from the application program, sends a settlement request for image forming based on the image forming job to a settlement server when the payment execution request is received, receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement server, and executes image forming based on the image forming job when the settlement completion notification is received.

[0007] Another embodiment of solving the above problem is to configure the processor to function as a first communication control unit that communicates with a first terminal device, a second communication control unit that communicates with a second terminal device on which an application program having a wallet function is installed, a third communication control unit that communicates with a payment server, an authentication unit that authenticates a user, and an image formation execution unit that performs image formation, wherein the first communication control unit receives an image formation request including an image formation job from the first terminal device, the second communication control unit receives user identification information from the second terminal device, the authentication unit authenticates based on the received identification information, and the second communication control unit The program is configured such that, if authentication by the authentication unit is successful, it sends a payment request to the application program for image formation based on the image formation job, the second communication control unit receives a payment execution request for the payment request from the application program, the third communication control unit, upon receiving the payment execution request, sends a settlement request to the settlement server for image formation based on the image formation job, the third communication control unit receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement server, and the image formation execution unit, upon receiving the settlement completion notification, executes image formation based on the image formation job. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of the printing system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the configuration of the first terminal device and the second terminal device. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the configuration of the payment server and the management server. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the configuration of a multifunction printer. [Figure 5] A sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the printing system. [Figure 6] A sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the printing system. [Figure 7] A sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the printing system. [Figure 8] A sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the printing system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Printing System Configuration] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the printing system 1000. The printing system 1000 is a system that performs authenticated printing and billed printing. Authenticated printing is performed only after user P of the multifunction printer 1 has been successfully authenticated. Billed printing, on the other hand, is performed only after a charge has been incurred for the print job. Printing is an example of "image formation." Multifunction printer 1 is an example of an "image forming apparatus." A print job is an example of an "image forming job."

[0010] The printing system 1000 includes a multifunction printer 1, a first terminal device 2, a second terminal device 3, a payment server 4, and a management server 5.

[0011] The multifunction printer 1 is a device that prints using a print head and produces printed materials. The multifunction printer 1 also has a scanning function and is a device that scans printed materials. The multifunction printer 1 is connected to a first terminal device 2 used by user P of the multifunction printer 1, and communicates with the first terminal device 2 via wired or wireless connection. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 1 is connected to a network NW, which is a WAN (Wide Area Network), and communicates with various devices connected to the network NW.

[0012] The printing method of the multifunction device 1 may be either inkjet or electronic transfer. Furthermore, if the multifunction device 1 is inkjet, the type of print head it is equipped with may be serial, line, or lateral. In addition to printing and scanning functions, the multifunction device 1 may also have other functions, such as a facsimile function.

[0013] The first terminal device 2 is a PC (Personal Computer) used by the user P. A printer driver 211 is installed in the first terminal device 2, and a print request is sent to the multifunction device 1 by the function of the printer driver 211. Here, the print request is information for requesting printing, and includes a print job that the user P desires to print. Details of the print job will be described later. The print request is an example of an "image formation request".

[0014] In FIG. 1, the case where the first terminal device 2 is a laptop-type PC is illustrated. However, the first terminal device 2 may be a desktop-type PC, a tablet-type PC, or a smartphone.

[0015] The second terminal device 3 is a PC capable of communicating by NFC (Near field communication). Also, the second terminal device 3 is a PC used by the user P. The second terminal device 3 performs short-range wireless communication with the multifunction device 1 by being held over the NFC reader 12 provided in the multifunction device 1. A mobile wallet 311, which is an application program having a wallet function, is installed in the second terminal device 3.

[0016] In FIG. 1, the case where the second terminal device 3 is a smartphone is illustrated. However, the second terminal device 3 may be a tablet-type PC or a laptop-type PC.

[0017] The settlement server 4 is a server device that performs settlement. The settlement server 4 is connected to the network NW and communicates with the multifunction device 1.

[0018] The management server 5 is a server device that manages the number of printable sheets for each user P without charging. The management server 5 is connected to the network NW and communicates with the multifunction device 1.

[0019] [1-2. Configuration of the First Terminal Device and the Second Terminal Device] Figure 2 shows the configurations of the first terminal device 2 and the second terminal device 3.

[0020] First, let's explain the configuration of the first terminal device 2. The first terminal device 2 comprises a first terminal control unit 20, a first terminal communication unit 21, a terminal display unit 22, and a terminal input unit 23.

[0021] The first terminal communication unit 21 is equipped with communication hardware such as a communication circuit and communicates with the multifunction device 1 under the control of the first terminal control unit 20.

[0022] The terminal display unit 22 is equipped with a display and displays various information on the display under the control of the first terminal control unit 20.

[0023] The terminal input unit 23 is an interface that connects to input means such as operation switches, touch input panels, mice, and keyboards provided on the first terminal device 2, detects operations performed on the input means, and outputs the detection results to the first terminal control unit 20. Based on the input from the terminal input unit 23, the first terminal control unit 20 executes processing corresponding to operations performed on the input means.

[0024] The first terminal control unit 20 includes a first terminal processor 200 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro-processing unit), a first terminal memory 210, and interface circuits for connecting other devices and sensors, and controls each part of the first terminal device 2. The first terminal control unit 20 is connected to the first terminal communication unit 21, the terminal display unit 22, and the terminal input unit 23.

[0025] The first terminal memory 210 is a device for storing programs and data. The first terminal memory 210 stores the printer driver 211 and data processed by the first terminal processor 200. The first terminal memory 210 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the first terminal memory 210 has a volatile storage area and constitutes the work area of ​​the first terminal processor 200. The first terminal memory 210 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0026] The first terminal processor 200 functions as a driver execution unit 201 by reading and executing the printer driver 211 stored in the first terminal memory 210.

[0027] The driver execution unit 201 generates a print job. The print job includes image data, print condition information indicating the number of pages to print, and control commands compliant with the command system of the multifunction device 1. Once the driver execution unit 201 generates a print job, it sends a print request including the generated print job to the multifunction device 1 via the first terminal communication unit 21.

[0028] Next, we will describe the configuration of the second terminal device 3. The second terminal device 3 comprises a second terminal control unit 30, a second terminal communication unit 31, and a touch panel 32.

[0029] The second terminal communication unit 31 is equipped with communication hardware that conforms to the NFC communication standard, such as a communication circuit. When the second terminal device 3 is located within the communication range of the NFC reader 12, the second terminal communication unit 31 communicates with the multifunction device 1 under the control of the second terminal control unit 30.

[0030] The touch panel 32 comprises a display panel and a touch sensor that is superimposed on or integrated with the display panel.

[0031] The second terminal control unit 30 includes a second terminal processor 300 such as a CPU or MPU, a second terminal memory 310, and interface circuits for connecting other devices and sensors, and controls each part of the second terminal device 3. The second terminal communication unit 31 and the touch panel 32 are connected to the second terminal control unit 30.

[0032] The second terminal memory 310 is a device for storing programs and data. The second terminal memory 310 stores the mobile wallet 311, the user ID (Identification) 312, and data processed by the second terminal processor 300. The second terminal memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the second terminal memory 310 has a volatile storage area and constitutes the work area of ​​the second terminal processor 300. The second terminal memory 310 is composed of, for example, ROM and RAM.

[0033] User ID 312 is the identification information of user P. User ID 312 can be any information that uniquely identifies user P, such as a credit card number or an ID assigned to the user of mobile wallet 311.

[0034] The second terminal processor 300 functions as an application execution unit 301 by reading and executing the mobile wallet 311 stored in the second terminal memory 310.

[0035] The application execution unit 301 communicates with the multifunction printer 1 via the second terminal communication unit 31. The application execution unit 301 also displays various information on the touch panel 32. Furthermore, the application execution unit 301 receives various operations from user P via the touch panel 32.

[0036] [1-3. Configuration of the payment server and management server] Figure 3 shows the configuration of payment server 4 and management server 5.

[0037] First, let's explain the configuration of payment server 4. The payment server 4 comprises a first server control unit 40 and a first server communication unit 41.

[0038] The first server communication unit 41 is equipped with communication hardware such as a communication circuit and communicates with the multifunction device 1 under the control of the first server control unit 40.

[0039] The first server control unit 40 includes a first server processor 400 such as a CPU or MPU, a first server memory 410, and interface circuits for connecting other devices and sensors, and controls each part of the payment server 4. The first server communication unit 41 is connected to the first server control unit 40.

[0040] The first server memory 410 is a device for storing programs and data. The first server memory 410 stores control programs 411, payment management databases 412, and data processed by the first server processor 400. The first server memory 410 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the first server memory 410 has a volatile storage area and constitutes the work area of ​​the first server processor 400. The first server memory 410 is composed of, for example, ROM and RAM.

[0041] The payment management DB412 is a database that stores a record R1 for each user P, which associates user ID 312 with a credit card number.

[0042] The first server control unit 40 communicates with the multifunction device 1 via the first server communication unit 41 when the first server processor 400 executes the control program 411. The first server control unit 40 also executes settlement processing when the first server processor 400 executes the control program 411. Details of the settlement processing will be described later.

[0043] Next, we will explain the configuration of management server 5. The management server 5 includes a second server control unit 50 and a second server communication unit 51.

[0044] The second server communication unit 51 is equipped with communication hardware such as a communication circuit and communicates with the multifunction device 1 under the control of the second server control unit 50.

[0045] The second server control unit 50 includes a second server processor 500 such as a CPU or MPU, a second server memory 510, and interface circuits for connecting other devices and sensors, and controls each part of the management server 5. The second server communication unit 51 is connected to the second server control unit 50.

[0046] The second server memory 510 is a device for storing programs and data. The second server memory 510 stores control programs 511, the sheet count management DB 512, and data processed by the second server processor 500. The second server memory 510 has a non-volatile storage area. It also has a volatile storage area, which constitutes the work area of ​​the second server processor 500. The second server memory 510 is composed of, for example, ROM or RAM.

[0047] The page count management DB512 is a database that stores records R2 for each user P, where user ID 312 is associated with page count information. The page count information indicates the number of pages that can be printed without incurring additional charges.

[0048] The second server control unit 50 communicates with the multifunction device 1 via the second server communication unit 51 when the second server processor 500 executes the control program 511. The second server control unit 50 also updates the page count management DB 512 when the second server processor 500 executes the control program 511. This update will be described later.

[0049] [1-4. Configuration of the multifunction printer] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the multifunction printer 1.

[0050] The multifunction printer 1 comprises a multifunction printer control unit 10, a first multifunction printer communication unit 11, an NFC reader 12, a second multifunction printer communication unit 13, an operation display unit 14, and a printing unit 15. The operation display unit 14 is an example of a "display unit".

[0051] The first multifunction printer communication unit 11 is equipped with communication hardware such as a communication circuit and communicates with the first terminal device 2 in accordance with the control of the multifunction printer control unit 10. The communication standard of the first multifunction printer communication unit 11 may be either a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

[0052] The NFC reader 12 is equipped with communication hardware compliant with the NFC communication standard and communicates with the second terminal device 3 located within the communication range, according to the control of the multifunction printer control unit 10.

[0053] The second multifunction printer communication unit 13 is equipped with communication hardware such as communication circuits and communicates with devices connected to the network NW according to the control of the multifunction printer control unit 10. The communication standard of the second multifunction printer communication unit 13 may be either a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

[0054] The operation display unit 14 is equipped with operation buttons and a display panel, and accepts user operations for the multifunction device 1, and displays various information via the display panel. The display panel of the operation display unit 14 may also be a touch panel that accepts touch operations.

[0055] The printing unit 15 is equipped with a printing mechanism and prints on a printing medium according to the control of the multifunction device control unit 10. The printing function includes a print head and a transport mechanism for transporting the printing medium.

[0056] The multifunction printer control unit 10 includes a multifunction printer processor 100 such as a CPU or MPU, a multifunction printer memory 110, and interface circuits for connecting other devices and sensors, and controls each part of the multifunction printer 1. The first multifunction printer communication unit 11, NFC reader 12, second multifunction printer communication unit 13, operation display unit 14, and printing unit 15 are connected to the multifunction printer control unit 10. Although not shown in the diagram, a scanning unit equipped with a scanning mechanism such as a scan head is also connected to the multifunction printer control unit 10. The multifunction printer processor 100 is an example of a "processor".

[0057] The multifunction printer memory 110 is a device that stores programs and data. The multifunction printer memory 110 stores control programs 111 and data processed by the multifunction printer processor 100. The multifunction printer memory 110 has a non-volatile storage area. It also has a volatile storage area that constitutes the work area of ​​the multifunction printer processor 100. The multifunction printer memory 110 is composed of, for example, ROM and RAM. Control program 111 is an example of a "program".

[0058] The multifunction printer processor 100 functions as a first communication control unit 101, a second communication control unit 102, a third communication control unit 103, an authentication unit 104, a print execution unit 105, a display control unit 106, a reception unit 107, a page count processing unit 108, and a refund processing unit 109 by reading and executing the control program 111 stored in the multifunction printer memory 110. The printing execution unit 105 is an example of an "image forming execution unit".

[0059] The first communication control unit 101 communicates with the first terminal device 2 via the first multifunction device communication unit 11.

[0060] The second communication control unit 102 communicates with the second terminal device 3 via the NFC reader 12.

[0061] The third communication control unit 103 communicates with the payment server 4 and the management server 5 via the second multifunction device communication unit 13.

[0062] The authentication unit 104 authenticates user P. As will be explained later, the authentication unit 104 performs authentication based on the user ID 312 received by the second communication control unit 102. Specifically, the authentication unit 104 transmits the user ID 312 to the management server 5 via the third communication control unit 103. The management server 5 refers to the authentication database where the user ID 312 is stored and determines whether the received user ID 312 is stored in the authentication database, thereby performing authentication based on the user ID 312. Next, if the received user ID 312 is stored in the authentication database, the management server 5 transmits an authentication result indicating successful authentication to the multifunction device 1. If the received user ID 312 is not stored in the authentication database, the management server 5 transmits an authentication result indicating authentication failure to the multifunction device 1. The authentication unit 104 determines that authentication was successful if the authentication result received from the management server 5 is successful, and determines that authentication failed if the authentication result received from the management server 5 is unsuccessful.

[0063] The authentication database may also be stored on other server devices connected to the network NW. Examples of such server devices include payment server 4 and other server devices.

[0064] The print execution unit 105 performs printing using the print unit 15.

[0065] The display control unit 106 causes the operation display unit 14 to display various information.

[0066] The reception unit 107 receives various operations from the user P via the operation display unit 14.

[0067] The page count processing unit 108 adds the number of pages that can be printed without charge to user ID 312 if an error occurs during printing performed by the print execution unit 105. Details of the processing by the page count processing unit 108 will be described later.

[0068] The refund processing unit 109 executes a refund process to the mobile wallet 311 if an error occurs during printing performed by the printing execution unit 105. Details of the refund process will be described later.

[0069] [1-5. Operation of each part of the printing system] Next, the operation of each part of the printing system 1000 will be described. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the printing system 1000.

[0070] When the driver execution unit 201 receives a print request instruction from user P via the terminal input unit 23, it sends the print request to the multifunction device 1 (step SA1).

[0071] Next, when the first communication control unit 101 receives a print request from the first terminal device 2, it stores the print job included in the received print request in the multifunction device memory 110 (step SA2).

[0072] When the first terminal device 2 sends a print request, user P goes to the multifunction printer 1 and holds the second terminal device 3 over the NFC reader 12 of the multifunction printer 1.

[0073] When the second terminal device 3 is held over the NFC reader 12 and performs short-range wireless communication with the multifunction printer 1, the application execution unit 301 transmits the user ID 312 stored in the second terminal memory 310 to the multifunction printer 1 (step SA3).

[0074] Next, when the second communication control unit 102 receives user ID 312, the authentication unit 104 transmits user ID 312 to the management server 5 via the third communication control unit 103 (step SA4).

[0075] When the second server processor 500 receives user ID 312 from the multifunction device 1, it determines whether the received user ID 312 is stored in the authentication database and authenticates based on user ID 312 (step SA5).

[0076] Next, the second server processor 500 transmits the authentication result to the multifunction device 1 (step SA6). The authentication unit 104 determines whether user P's authentication was successful or unsuccessful based on the authentication result received by the third communication control unit 103.

[0077] If the authentication unit 104 determines that authentication has been successful, the display control unit 104 displays a selection screen on the operation display unit 14 (step SA7). The selection screen is a screen for selecting one or more print jobs from the print jobs stored in the multifunction printer memory 110, and displays a list of the job names of the print jobs stored in the multifunction printer memory 110.

[0078] When the multifunction device 1 displays a selection screen, user P selects the print job included in the print request sent by terminal device 2 on the selection screen. In other words, user P selects the print job they wish to print on the selection screen.

[0079] The reception unit 107 accepts the selection of a print job (step SA8). Next, the display control unit 106 displays the job name of the print job selected by user P and the payment amount on the operation display unit 14 (step SA9). The payment amount is the amount that user P pays for printing based on the print job to be printed. In this embodiment, the payment amount is the amount that user P pays for printing based on the print job selected on the selection screen. The display control unit 106 calculates the payment amount based on the printing condition information included in the print job and displays the calculated payment amount on the operation display unit 14.

[0080] When the multifunction printer 1 displays the payment amount, user P holds the second terminal device 3 over the NFC reader 12 of the multifunction printer 1 again.

[0081] When the second terminal device 3 is held over the NFC reader 12 again and short-range wireless communication is performed with the multifunction printer 1, the second communication control unit 102 sends a payment request to the mobile wallet 311 (step SA10). In other words, in step SA10, the second communication control unit 102 sends a payment request to the second terminal device 3. The payment request is information requesting payment for printing based on the print job to be printed. In this embodiment, the payment request is information requesting payment for printing based on the print job selected on the selection screen.

[0082] Next, when the application execution unit 301 receives a payment request, it sends a payment execution request to the multifunction printer 1 (step SA11). In other words, in step SA11, the mobile wallet 311 sends a payment execution request to the multifunction printer 1. The payment execution request is information requesting the execution of a payment in response to the payment request.

[0083] When the second communication control unit 102 receives a payment execution request, the third communication control unit 103 sends a payment request to the payment server 4 (step SA12). The payment request is information requesting payment for printing based on the print job to be printed. In this embodiment, the payment request is information requesting payment for printing based on the print job selected on the selection screen. The payment request includes the user ID 312 received from the second terminal device 3 and payment amount information indicating the payment amount.

[0084] When the first server control unit 40 receives a payment request, it performs payment processing based on the received payment request (step SA13).

[0085] Step SA13 will be described in detail. The first server control unit 40 identifies record R1, which has user ID 312 included in the payment request, from the payment management DB 412. Then, the first server control unit 40 makes a payment based on the credit card number included in the identified record R1 and the payment amount indicated by the payment amount information included in the payment request.

[0086] The first server control unit 40 sends a settlement result notification to the multifunction device 1 (step SA14). The settlement result notification is information that notifies the result of the settlement process in step SA13. In step SA14, the first server control unit 40 sends either a settlement completion notification or a settlement incomplete notification. The settlement completion notification is information that notifies that the settlement process in step SA13 was successful. On the other hand, the settlement incomplete notification is information that notifies that the settlement process in step SA13 failed. The settlement incomplete notification includes failure factor information that indicates the reason why the settlement failed.

[0087] When the third communication control unit 103 receives a payment completion notification, the second communication control unit 102 sends a payment completion notification to the second terminal device 3 (step SA15). The payment completion notification is information that notifies that payment has been completed. In step SA15, the second communication control unit 102 may also send paid amount information instead of or together with the payment completion notification. The paid amount information indicates the amount paid for printing based on the print job to be printed. The amount indicated by the paid amount information is the same as the payment amount.

[0088] Next, the print execution unit 105 executes printing based on the print job to be printed (step SA16). In this embodiment, the print execution unit 105 executes printing based on the print job selected on the selection screen.

[0089] The multifunction printer 1 terminates processing if no errors occur during printing by the print execution unit 105. Examples of errors include running out of paper, paper jams, and insufficient printing materials such as ink.

[0090] On the other hand, if an error occurs during printing by the print execution unit 105, the print system 1000 performs step SA17 or step SA18.

[0091] In step SA17, the multifunction printer 1 and the management server 5 perform the addition process.

[0092] Step SA17 will be described in detail. The page count processing unit 108 obtains the number of pages to print from the print condition information of the print job to be printed. In this embodiment, the page count processing unit 108 obtains the number of pages to print from the print condition information of the print job selected on the selection screen. Next, the page count processing unit 108 determines the acquired number of printed pages as the number of pages that can be printed without incurring additional charges. Then, the page count processing unit 108 adds the acquired number of printed pages to the user ID 312 transmitted by the second terminal device 3. In detail, the page count processing unit 108 outputs the user ID 312 transmitted by the second terminal device 3 and the page count information indicating the acquired number of printed pages to the third communication control unit 103. As a result, the user ID 312 and the page count information are sent to the management server 5. In the addition process, the second server control unit 50 identifies record R2, which has the received user ID 312, from the sheet count management DB 512, and adds the number of printed pages indicated by the received print count information to the number of pages indicated by the sheet count information of the identified record R2.

[0093] In step SA18, the refund processing unit 109 executes the refund process. The refund process is the process of refunding the amount paid for printing based on the print job to be printed.

[0094] Step SA18 will be described in detail. The refund processing unit 109 sends the user ID 312 transmitted by the second terminal device 3 and the refund request to the payment server 4. The refund request is information requesting a refund and includes refund amount information indicating the refund amount. The refund amount is the same as the payment amount. The payment server 4 then identifies record R1 containing user ID 312 from the payment management DB 412. Next, the payment server 4 makes a refund based on the credit card number contained in the identified record R1 and the refund amount indicated by the refund amount information contained in the refund request.

[0095] In step SA18, the refund processing unit 109 may have the refund information sent to the second communication control unit 102. The refund information is information indicating that a refund is to be made and includes information on the refund amount. In this configuration, the refund processing unit 109 has the display control unit 104 display a message prompting the user to hold the terminal over the NFC reader 12 again. When the second terminal device 3 is held over the NFC reader 12 again and communicates with the multifunction printer 1 via short-range wireless communication, the refund information is sent to the second communication control unit 102. As a result, the mobile wallet 311 receives a refund via the multifunction printer 1. If the second terminal device 3 and the payment server 4 can communicate, the second terminal device 3 may receive refund information from the payment server 4. As a result, the mobile wallet 311 receives a refund via the payment server 4.

[0096] When the third communication control unit 103 receives a payment incomplete notification, the display control unit 103 displays the failure cause information contained in the received payment incomplete notification on the operation display unit 14 (step SA19).

[0097] If the authentication unit 104 determines that authentication has failed, the display control unit 104 displays an authentication failure screen on the operation display unit 14 (step SA20). The authentication failure screen is a screen that indicates that authentication has failed.

[0098] [1-6. Structure and Effects] As described above, the multifunction printer 1 includes a first communication control unit 101 that communicates with the first terminal device 2. The multifunction printer 1 also includes a second communication control unit 102 that communicates with the second terminal device 3 on which the mobile wallet 311 is installed. The multifunction printer 1 also includes a third communication control unit 103 that communicates with the payment server 4. The multifunction printer 1 also includes an authentication unit 104 that authenticates user P. The multifunction printer 1 also includes a print execution unit 105 that executes printing. The first communication control unit 101 receives an image formation request, including a print job, from the first terminal device 2. The second communication control unit 102 receives user ID 312 from the second terminal device 3. The authentication unit 104 authenticates based on the received user ID 312. If authentication by the authentication unit 104 is successful, the second communication control unit 102 sends a payment request for printing based on the print job to the mobile wallet 311. The second communication control unit 102 receives a payment execution request for the payment request from the mobile wallet 311. When the third communication control unit 103 receives a payment execution request, it sends a payment request for printing based on the print job to the payment server 4. The third communication control unit 103 receives a payment completion notification from the payment server 4. When the print execution unit 105 receives the payment completion notification, it executes printing based on the print job.

[0099] According to this, it is possible to perform paid printing and authenticated printing using the mobile wallet 311. Therefore, it is possible to perform paid printing without having to bring cash or prepaid cards to the multifunction printer 1, and printing can be performed with reduced risk of information leakage. Thus, paid printing can be performed securely using the mobile wallet 311.

[0100] The multifunction printer 1 includes a display control unit 106 that displays a print job on the operation display unit 14 if authentication by the authentication unit 104 is successful. The multifunction printer 1 also includes a reception unit 107 that accepts the selection of a print job from among the print jobs displayed on the operation display unit 14. The print execution unit 105 executes printing based on the print job received by the reception unit 107.

[0101] According to this, printing is performed based on the print job selected by user P, allowing for secure billing and printing using the mobile wallet 311, and enabling printing to be performed for the print job desired by user P.

[0102] The multifunction printer 1 includes a display control unit 106 that displays the payment amount for printing based on a print job on the operation display unit 14. The display control unit 105 displays the payment amount on the operation display unit 14 before the print execution unit 105 executes printing if authentication by the authentication unit 104 is successful.

[0103] According to this, user P can know the amount to be charged for printing before actually printing.

[0104] After receiving user ID 312, the second communication control unit 102 sends a payment request when it reconnects with the second terminal device 3 via NFC communication.

[0105] According to this, the billing printout will not be executed unless the device reconnects to the second terminal device 3 via NFC communication. Therefore, it is possible to prevent situations where billing printouts are performed without the user's knowledge.

[0106] When the second communication control unit 102 receives a payment completion notification, it sends at least one of the following to the mobile wallet 311: a payment completion notification and information on the amount paid. The information on the amount paid indicates the amount paid for printing based on the print job.

[0107] According to this, user P can be aware that a charge was incurred for printing.

[0108] The multifunction printer 1 includes a page count processing unit 108 that, if an error occurs during printing based on a print job, adds the number of pages that can be printed without charge to user ID 312.

[0109] According to this, if an error occurs during printing, the user P will be granted a number of pages that can be printed without charge, thus allowing for appropriate action against situations where printing was not performed properly despite payment being made.

[0110] The page count processing unit 108 adds the total number of pages to be printed in the print job to user ID 312 as the number of pages that can be printed without charge.

[0111] According to this, even if an error occurs during the execution of a print job, all pages to be printed in the print job will be credited to user P as pages that can be printed without charge. Since the printed materials that user P requests are generally on a per-print job basis, this allows for a more appropriate response to situations where printing was not performed properly despite being charged.

[0112] The multifunction printer 1 includes a refund processing unit 109 that processes a refund to the mobile wallet 311 if an error occurs during printing based on a print job.

[0113] According to this, if an error occurs during printing, the user P will be granted a number of pages that can be printed without charge, thus allowing for appropriate action against situations where printing was not performed properly despite payment being made.

[0114] The refund process is the process of returning the amount paid for printing based on a print job.

[0115] According to this, even if an error occurs during the execution of a print job, the amount paid for the print job will be refunded. Since the printed materials that user P requests are generally on a per-print job basis, this allows for a more appropriate response to situations where printing is not performed properly despite payment being made.

[0116] In the control method for the multifunction printer 1, an image formation request including a print job is received from the first terminal device 2. The control method for the multifunction printer 1 also receives a user ID 312 from the second terminal device 3 on which the mobile wallet 311 is installed. The control method for the multifunction printer 1 then authenticates based on the received user ID 312. If authentication is successful, the control method for the multifunction printer 1 sends a payment request for printing based on the print job to the mobile wallet 311. The control method for the multifunction printer 1 then receives a payment execution request in response to the payment request from the mobile wallet 311. If the control method for the multifunction printer 1 receives a payment execution request, it sends a settlement request for printing based on the print job to the settlement server 4. The control method for the multifunction printer 1 then receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement server 4. If the control method for the multifunction printer 1 receives a settlement completion notification, it executes printing based on the print job.

[0117] According to this, it produces the same effect as the multifunction device 1 described above.

[0118] The control program 111 causes the multifunction printer processor 100 to function as a first communication control unit 101, a second communication control unit 102, a third communication control unit 103, an authentication unit 104, and a print execution unit 105.

[0119] According to this, it produces the same effect as the multifunction device 1 described above.

[0120] [2. Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Comparing the second embodiment with the first embodiment, the configuration of each part of the printing system 1000 in the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the first terminal memory 210 stores the user ID 312.

[0121] Furthermore, comparing the second embodiment with the first embodiment, the operation of the printing system 1000 in the second embodiment is different.

[0122] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the printing system 1000 in the second embodiment. In the sequence diagram shown in Figure 6, the same step numbers are used for steps that are the same as those in the sequence diagram shown in Figure 5, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0123] When the driver execution unit 201 receives a print request instruction from user P via the terminal input unit 23, it sends the print request and user ID 312 to the multifunction device 1 (step SB1).

[0124] Next, when the first communication control unit 101 receives a print request and user ID 312 from the first terminal device 2, it associates the print job included in the print request with user ID 312 and stores it in the multifunction device memory 110 (step SB2).

[0125] If authentication by the authentication unit 104 is successful, the display control unit 104 identifies the print job associated with the user ID 312 received by the second communication control unit 102 from the multifunction device memory 110 (step SB3).

[0126] Next, the display control unit 106 displays the job name of the identified print job and the payment amount on the operation display unit 14 (step SB4). In this embodiment, the payment amount is the amount that user P pays for printing based on the print job identified in step SB3.

[0127] When the second communication control unit 102 receives a payment execution request, the third communication control unit 103 sends a payment request to the payment server 4 (step SB5). The payment request in this embodiment is information requesting payment for printing based on the print job identified in step SB3. The payment request in this embodiment includes payment amount information indicating the payment amount for the print job identified in step SB3.

[0128] The print execution unit 105 performs printing based on the print job (step SB6). In this embodiment, the print execution unit 105 performs printing based on the print job identified in step SB3.

[0129] As described above, in the second embodiment, the print job to be printed is identified without displaying a selection screen. This eliminates the need to select a print job from a selection screen, thereby reducing the effort required of the user P for printing.

[0130] [3. Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Comparing the third embodiment with the second embodiment, the configuration of each part of the printing system 1000 in the third embodiment is the same as in the second embodiment.

[0131] Furthermore, comparing the third embodiment with the second embodiment, the printing system 1000 of the third embodiment operates differently from the printing system 1000 of the second embodiment.

[0132] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the printing system 1000 in the third embodiment. In the sequence diagram shown in Figure 7, the same step numbers are used for steps that are the same as those in the sequence diagram shown in Figure 6, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0133] As is clear from comparing Figure 7 and Figure 6, steps SA10 and SA11 are not performed in the third embodiment. In other words, in the third embodiment, payment is made without the user P holding the second terminal device 3 over the multifunction printer 1 again, and without the second terminal device 3 and the multifunction printer 1 performing short-range wireless communication.

[0134] As described above, in the third embodiment, the user P does not need to hold the second terminal device 3 over the NFC reader 12 multiple times, and billed printing and authenticated printing are performed without the second terminal device 3 and the multifunction printer 1 performing short-range wireless communication. Therefore, the effort required of the user P for printing can be reduced.

[0135] [4. Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Comparing the fourth embodiment with the first to third embodiments, the configuration of each part of the printing system 1000 in the fourth embodiment differs in the following points.

[0136] The printing system 1000 of the fourth embodiment does not include a management server 5. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 1 of the fourth embodiment stores an authentication database and a page count management DB 512 in the multifunction printer memory 110. Furthermore, the authentication unit 104 of the fourth embodiment refers to the authentication database in which user ID 312 is stored and determines whether or not user ID 312 is stored in the authentication database. The authentication unit 104 determines that authentication has been successful if it determines that user ID 312 is stored, and determines that authentication has failed if it determines that the acquired user ID 312 is not stored. Furthermore, the page count processing unit 108 of the fourth embodiment identifies record R2 having user ID 312 transmitted by the second terminal device 3 from the page count management DB 512, and adds the acquired number of printed pages to the number of pages indicated by the page count information of the identified record R2 as the number of pages that can be printed without charge.

[0137] Next, the operation of each part of the printing system 1000 of the fourth embodiment will be described. Comparing the fourth embodiment with the first to third embodiments, in the printing system 1000 of the fourth embodiment, authentication based on user ID 312 is performed only by the multifunction device 1, and addition processing is also performed only by the multifunction device 1.

[0138] The operation of the fourth embodiment, which differs from that of the first to third embodiments, will be described below with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the printing system 1000 in the fourth embodiment. In the sequence diagram shown in Figure 8, the same step numbers are used for steps that are the same as those in the sequence diagram shown in Figure 6, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0139] When the second communication control unit 102 receives the user ID 312, the authentication unit 104 authenticates user P based on the received user ID 312 (step SC1). If the authentication by the authentication unit 104 is successful, the display control unit 104 displays a selection screen on the operation display unit 14 (step SA7).

[0140] If an error occurs during printing by the print execution unit 105, the page count processing unit 108 performs an addition process (step SC2). In step SC2, the page count processing unit 108 identifies record R2, which has user ID 312 transmitted by the second terminal device 3, from the page count management DB 512. Then, in step SC2, the page count processing unit 108 adds the acquired number of printed pages to the number of pages indicated by the page count information of the identified record R2, as the number of pages that can be printed without charge.

[0141] [5. Other Embodiments] The embodiments described above are preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0142] In the embodiment described above, the first terminal device 2 and the second terminal device 3 are shown as separate devices, but the first terminal device 2 and the second terminal device 3 may be the same device.

[0143] In the embodiments described above, a multifunction printer 1 was used as an example of an "image forming apparatus." In other embodiments, the "image forming apparatus" may be a printer that does not have functions other than printing, such as a scanning function. In other embodiments, the "image forming apparatus" may be any device that performs image forming, for example, a scanner that forms images using a scanning function.

[0144] In other embodiments, the functions of the payment server 4 and the management server 5 may be performed by a single server device.

[0145] Furthermore, the functions of the multifunction printer control unit 10, the first terminal control unit 20, the second terminal control unit 30, the first server control unit 40, and the second server control unit 50 may be implemented by multiple processors or semiconductor chips.

[0146] Furthermore, the configurations of the parts of the printing system 1000 shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4 represent functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each functional part be implemented individually, and a configuration in which multiple functions are realized by a single processor executing a program is also possible. In addition, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiment may be realized by hardware, and some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. Moreover, the specific detailed configurations of other parts of the multifunction printer 1, the first terminal device 2, the second terminal device 3, the payment server 4, and the management server 5 can also be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0147] Furthermore, the processing units in the sequence diagrams shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 are divided according to their main processing content to facilitate understanding of the processing of each part of the printing system 1000, and this disclosure is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or their names. Depending on the processing content, it may be divided into many step units. Alternatively, it may be divided so that one step unit includes many processes. Also, the order of the steps may be rearranged as appropriate, as long as it does not hinder the intent of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1…Multifunction printer (image forming apparatus), 2…First terminal device, 3…Second terminal device, 4…Payment server, 5…Management server, 10…Multifunction printer control unit, 11…First multifunction printer communication unit, 12…NFC reader, 13…Second multifunction printer communication unit, 14…Operation display unit (display unit), 15…Printing unit, 20…First terminal control unit, 21…First terminal communication unit, 22…Terminal display unit, 23…Terminal input unit, 30…Second terminal control unit, 31…Second terminal communication unit, 32…Touch panel, 40…First server control unit, 41…First server communication unit, 50…Second server control unit, 51…Second server communication unit, 100…Multifunction printer processor (processor), 101…Application execution unit, 101…First communication control unit, 102…Second communication control unit, 103…Third communication control unit, 104…Authentication unit, 105…Print execution unit (image forming execution unit), 106…Table Display control unit, 107... Reception unit, 108... Count processing unit, 109... Refund processing unit, 110... Multifunction printer memory, 111... Control program (program), 200... First terminal processor, 201... Driver execution unit, 210... First terminal memory, 211... Printer driver, 300... Second terminal processor, 301... Application execution unit, 310... Second terminal memory, 311... Mobile wallet (application program), 312... User ID (identification information), 400... First server processor, 410... First server memory, 411... Control program, 412... Payment management DB, 500... Second server processor, 510... Second server memory, 511... Control program, 512... Management DB, 1000... Printing system, NW... Network, P... User.

Claims

1. A first communication control unit that communicates with the first terminal device, A second communication control unit communicates with a second terminal device on which an application program with wallet functionality is installed, A third communication control unit that communicates with the payment server, An authentication unit that authenticates the user, It comprises an image formation execution unit that performs image formation, The first communication control unit receives an image formation request, including an image formation job, from the first terminal device. The second communication control unit receives user identification information from the second terminal device. The authentication unit authenticates based on the received identification information. If the authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the second communication control unit sends a payment request to the application program for image formation based on the image formation job. The second communication control unit receives a payment execution request for the payment request from the application program, When the third communication control unit receives the payment execution request, it sends a settlement request for image formation based on the image formation job to the settlement server. The third communication control unit receives a payment completion notification from the payment server. The image forming execution unit, upon receiving the payment completion notification, performs image forming based on the image forming job. Image forming apparatus.

2. If authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the display control unit will display the image forming job on the display unit, The system includes a receiving unit that receives a selection of an image forming job from among the image forming jobs displayed by the display unit, The image forming execution unit performs image forming based on the image forming job received by the reception unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system includes a display control unit that displays the payment amount for image formation based on the aforementioned image formation job on the display unit. If authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the display control unit will cause the payment amount to be displayed on the display unit before the image forming execution unit performs image forming. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second communication control unit, after receiving the identification information, transmits the payment request when it reconnects with the second terminal device via short-range wireless communication. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The second communication control unit is, When the aforementioned payment completion notification is received, the application program is sent at least one of the following: payment completion notification and information on the amount paid. The aforementioned paid amount information indicates the amount paid for image formation based on the image formation job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. If an error occurs during image formation based on the aforementioned image formation job, the system includes a count processing unit that adds the number of images that can be formed without charge to the identification information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The aforementioned sheet counting unit, The total number of images formed in the aforementioned image forming job is added to the identification information as the number of images that can be formed without charge. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.

8. If an error occurs during image formation based on the aforementioned image formation job, the system includes a refund processing unit that performs a refund process on the application program. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The aforementioned refund process is the process of refunding the amount paid for image formation based on the aforementioned image formation job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The first terminal device receives an image formation request, including an image formation job. The system receives user identification information from a second terminal device on which an application program with wallet functionality is installed. Authentication is performed based on the received identification information. If authentication is successful, a payment request for image formation based on the image formation job is sent to the application program. The application program receives a payment execution request in response to the aforementioned payment request. Upon receiving the aforementioned payment execution request, a settlement request for image formation based on the image formation job is sent to the settlement server. Upon receiving a payment completion notification from the aforementioned payment server, Upon receiving the aforementioned payment completion notification, the image formation process is executed based on the aforementioned image formation job. A control method for an image forming apparatus.

11. Processor, A first communication control unit that communicates with the first terminal device, A second communication control unit communicates with a second terminal device on which an application program with wallet functionality is installed, A third communication control unit that communicates with the payment server, An authentication unit that authenticates the user, It functions as an image formation execution unit that performs image formation, The first communication control unit receives an image formation request, including an image formation job, from the first terminal device. The second communication control unit receives user identification information from the second terminal device. The authentication unit authenticates based on the received identification information. If the authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the second communication control unit sends a payment request to the application program for image formation based on the image formation job. The second communication control unit receives a payment execution request for the payment request from the application program, When the third communication control unit receives the payment execution request, it sends a settlement request for image formation based on the image formation job to the settlement server. The third communication control unit receives a payment completion notification from the payment server. The image forming execution unit, upon receiving the payment completion notification, performs image forming based on the image forming job. program.

Images