Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing System, and Program

Abstract

To simplify an operation for a plurality of types of consecutive processes, in comparison with a case of performing the operation for each of the processes.SOLUTION: An image processing device 10 as an information processing device comprises a control unit 11 and when acquiring a code for an image forming process displayed on a user terminal 50 by control of reading by a reading control unit 101, controls an execution of the image forming process. When the image forming process is completed, a code switch control unit 105 performs control to display on the user terminal 50 a code for a settlement process for execution of a settlement process. When the code for the settlement process displayed on the user terminal 50 is acquired by the control of reading by the reading control unit 101, a settlement asking unit 106 asks a settlement server 70 for the settlement process, as control of the execution of the settlement process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a technique aimed at improving the convenience of a user who performs an operation of providing identification information necessary for processing to an information processing apparatus that performs processing according to the identification information (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when causing an information processing apparatus that performs processing according to identification information to perform a plurality of types of consecutive processing, after the identification information for performing the first processing is required, the identification information for performing the second processing may be required. For example, it may be required of the user to sequentially present print identification information for causing a multifunction printer to perform print processing and payment identification information for causing payment processing. In such a case, the user has the trouble of displaying the print identification information on the screen of a smartphone or the like and then switching to and displaying the payment identification information.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to simplify operations for a plurality of types of consecutive processing as compared with the case where the operations are performed each time the processing is performed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 comprises a processor. When the processor acquires first identification information output from another information processing device, it controls the execution of a first process. When the first process is completed, it controls to output to the other information processing device second identification information for causing the execution of a second process. When the processor acquires the second identification information output from the other information processing device, it controls the execution of the second process. When controlling the execution of a plurality of processes having a predetermined relevance, make the identification information for executing the settlement process of the fees for the plurality of processes the same An information processing device, characterized by the above. In the invention according to claim 2, the processor determines the identification information based on information associated with the acquired identification information. Specifically, which process is the identification information for? The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized by the above. In the invention according to claim 3, the processor determines the identification information based on information capable of specifying each of the first process and the second process as information associated with the identification information. Specifically, which process is the identification information for? The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized by the above. In the invention according to claim 4, as control for the execution of the second process, the processor notifies the user of the content of the second process before the second process is executed. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized by the above. In the invention according to claim 5, when the second process is a settlement process for the fee of the first process, as control for the execution of the settlement process, the processor notifies the user of the content of the settlement process before the settlement process is executed. The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized by the above. In the invention according to claim 6, as control for outputting the second identification information to the other information processing device, the processor outputs a predetermined signal from its own device toward the other information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized by the above. In the invention according to claim 7, as the predetermined signal, the processor outputs at least one of a sound signal and an optical signal from its own device toward the other information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 6, characterized by the above. According to the invention described in claim 8, when the processor reads the first identification information displayed on the screen of the other information processing device, it controls the execution of the first process. When the first process is completed, it controls to display the second identification information for causing the execution of the second process on the screen of the other information processing device. When the processor reads the second identification information displayed on the screen of the other information processing device, it controls the execution of the second process. The information processing device according to claim 1 is characterized in that. According to the invention described in claim 9, as the control for causing the processor to display the second identification information on the screen of the other information processing device, the control is performed to replace and display the first identification information displayed on the screen with the second identification information. The information processing device according to claim 8 is characterized in that. According to the invention described in claim 10, as the control for causing the processor to output the second identification information to the other information processing device, the control is performed to start the application software for executing the second process on the other information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 1 is characterized in that. According to the invention described in claim 11, as the control for causing the processor to output the second identification information to the other information processing device, the control is performed to cause the second identification information to be represent displayed in the application software. The information processing device according to claim 10 is characterized in that. Claim 12 According to the invention described in, when the other information processing device that outputs the identification information for executing each of the plurality of processes is the same, the identification information for executing the settlement process of the fees of the plurality of processes is made the same as having the predetermined relevance. The information processing device according to claim 1 is characterized in that. Claim 13The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing apparatus as described in claim Claim 14 The invention described in claim is an information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first process is completed, the processor controls to sequentially output to the other information processing apparatus, at a predetermined timing, identification information for the second to second + n (n is an integer value of 1 or more) processes for executing the second to second + n processes, and when acquiring the identification information for the second to second + n processes sequentially output to the other information processing apparatus, controls the execution of the second to second + n processes. 15 Claim The invention described in claim 16 is an information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when acquiring, as the first identification information output from the other information processing apparatus, the identification information for executing the process of forming an image on a recording medium, controls the execution of the process, and when the process is completed, controls to output, to the other information processing apparatus as the second identification information, the identification information for executing the settlement process of the fee for the first process as the second process. When controlling the execution of a plurality of processes having a predetermined relevance, make the identification information for executing the settlement process of the fees for the plurality of processes the same An information processing system, characterized by comprising: first process control means for controlling the execution of a first process when acquiring first identification information output from another information processing apparatus; output control means for controlling to output, to the other information processing apparatus, second identification information for executing a second process when the first process is completed; and second process control means for controlling the execution of the second process when acquiring the second identification information output from the other information processing apparatus. Claim 17The invention described in [reference] causes a computer to, when acquiring first identification information output from another information processing apparatus, have a function of controlling the execution of a first process, and when the first process is completed, have a function of controlling to output, to the other information processing apparatus, second identification information for causing the other information processing apparatus to execute a second process, and when acquiring the second identification information output from the other information processing apparatus, have a function of controlling the execution of the second process. A program for realizing these functions A program that, when controlling the execution of a plurality of processes having a predetermined relevance, makes the identification information for executing the settlement process of the fees for the plurality of processes the same 。

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that simplifies operations for a plurality of consecutive types of processes as compared with a case where operations are performed each time a process is performed Also, when the charging destination for the fees is the same, the identification information can be reused. As a result, there is no need to newly attach identification information for each settlement. According to the second aspect of the present invention , identification separate information Specifically, which process is the identification information for? is automatically determined, so that the user can cause the information processing apparatus to read the identification information to be displayed on the other information processing apparatus information without having to confirm it in advance According to the third aspect of the present invention , identification separate information Specifically, which process is the identification information for? is automatically determined, so that the user can cause the information processing apparatus to read the identification information to be displayed on the other information processing apparatus information without having to confirm it in advance According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since a step of user judgment is provided between the display of the second identification information and the execution of the second process, it is possible to prevent incorrect processing According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since a step of user judgment is provided between the display of the second identification information and the execution of the settlement process, it is possible to prevent an incorrect settlement process from being executed According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the other information processing apparatus displays the second identification information when detecting a signal from the information processing apparatus, there is no need to perform pairing or the like in advance between the other information processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus. As a result, the user's effort can be reduced According to the present invention of claim 7, since another information processing device displays the second identification information when detecting a sound signal or an optical signal from the information processing device, it is not necessary to pair the other information processing device and the information processing device in advance. As a result, the labor of the user can be reduced. According to the present invention of claim 8, the user can cause the information processing device to read not only the first identification information but also the second identification information by simply displaying the first identification information on another information processing device and having the information processing device read it. According to the present invention of claim 9, the user can cause the information processing device to read not only the first identification information displayed on another information processing device but also the second identification information automatically replaced and displayed by simply having the information processing device read the first identification information. According to the present invention of claim 10, the user can automatically start the application software that executes the second process by simply displaying the first identification information on another information processing device and having the information processing device read it. According to the present invention of claim 11, the user can cause the information processing device to read the second identification information that is displayed by simply displaying the first identification information on another information processing device and having the information processing device read it. to the The identification information can be made to be displayed. Claim 12 According to the present invention, when the identification information for settlement is displayed a plurality of times on one other information processing device, assuming that the charging destination for the fee is the same, the identification information can be diverted. As a result, it is not necessary to newly attach identification information for each settlement. Claim 13 According to the present invention, when a plurality of processes (for example, printing, reading, transmitting, etc.) are performed on the same recording medium, assuming that the charging destination for the processing fee is the same, the identification information can be diverted. As a result, it is not necessary to newly attach identification information for each settlement. Claim 14 According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the labor of the user who causes the information processing device that performs the process corresponding to the identification information to perform three or more consecutive processes. Claim 15According to the present invention, a user can execute not only printing processing but also settlement processing by simply outputting identification information for causing another information processing apparatus to execute the printing processing. Claim 16 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing system that simplifies operations for a plurality of consecutive types of processing as compared with the case where operations are performed each time the processing is performed. Also, when the charging destination for the fees is the same, the identification information can be reused. As a result, there is no need to newly attach identification information for each settlement. Claim 17 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program that simplifies operations for a plurality of consecutive types of processing as compared with the case where operations are performed each time the processing is performed. Also, when the charging destination for the fees is the same, the identification information can be reused. As a result, there is no need to newly attach identification information for each settlement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Configuration of the Information Processing System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. The information processing system 1 is configured by connecting an image processing apparatus 10, a management server 30, a user terminal 50, and a settlement server 70 via a network 90. The network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, or the like. Note that the image processing apparatus 10 and the user terminal 50 can be directly connected by a communication method such as infrared communication, visible light communication, proximity wireless communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), RFID (registered trademark), etc. without going through the network 90. Also, in FIG. 1, only one settlement server 70 is shown, but a plurality of settlement servers may be connected to the network 90.

[0010] The image processing apparatus 10 is an apparatus having a function of forming an image on a recording medium, a function of reading an image formed on the recording medium, and a function of transmitting and receiving image information by communication. "Image information" includes data of an image to be formed on a recording medium and information required when forming an image on the recording medium. Examples of the information required when forming an image on the recording medium include the size of the output recording medium, the color mode when the image is formed (e.g., full color or black and white), the number of copies to be output, and the like. In the present embodiment, the recording medium is paper. The image processing apparatus 10 provides various services using these functions to the user U.

[0011] Examples of services provided by the image processing apparatus 10 include a print service, a copy service, a scan service, a facsimile service, and the like. The print service is a service in which the image processing apparatus 10 acquires image information and forms and outputs the image information on paper. The copy service is a service in which the image processing apparatus 10 reads an image formed on paper and forms and outputs the image information on paper. The scan service is a service in which the image processing apparatus 10 reads an image formed on paper and stores the image information in a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The facsimile service is a service in which the image processing apparatus 10 reads an image formed on paper and externally transmits the read image to a designated destination by facsimile. In the present embodiment, a case where the print service among the above-described various services is provided will be described as an example.

[0012] The print service provided by the image processing apparatus 10 is a paid service. Therefore, the image processing apparatus 10 executes an image forming process for providing the print service and a settlement process for settling the service usage fee of the print service. Specifically, the image processing apparatus 10 acquires, from the user terminal 50, identification information corresponding to the image forming process as the first process, and executes a process according to the identification information. Thereafter, the image processing apparatus 10 acquires, from the user terminal 50, identification information corresponding to the settlement process as the second process, and executes a process according to the identification information.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the identification information is a code. Examples of the code include two-dimensional codes such as QR Code (registered trademark). Hereinafter, the code as the identification information corresponding to the image formation process is referred to as the "code for image formation process", and the code as the identification information corresponding to the settlement process is referred to as the "code for settlement process". In the code for image formation process, an image ID that can uniquely identify the image information and the image information are associated with each other. Also, in the code for settlement process, a settlement ID that can uniquely identify the settlement information and the settlement information are associated with each other. The settlement information includes at least the settlement amount. Also, information that can uniquely identify the user U who performs the settlement, information regarding the payment means, etc. may also be included in the settlement information.

[0014] The management server 30 is an information processing device as a server that manages the entire information processing system 1. The management server 30 acquires image information from the user terminal 50. Then, as the identification information corresponding to the acquired image information, it generates a code for image formation process and transmits the generated code for image formation process to the user terminal 50. The generated code for image formation process, the image ID and the image information associated therewith are managed by the management server 30. The image information managed by the management server 30 is provided in response to a request from the image processing device 10.

[0015] The user terminal 50 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal used by the user U. The user terminal 50 provides the image information that is the object of the image formation process by the image processing device 10 to the management server 30. Also, the user terminal 50 acquires and outputs the code for image formation process from the management server 30. Also, the user terminal 50 makes a request for the code for settlement process to the settlement server 70.

[0016] The settlement server 70 is an information processing device that serves as a server for settling the service usage fees of the printing service provided by the image processing device 10. The settlement server 70 transmits a code for settlement processing to the user terminal 50 in response to a request from the user terminal 50. Also, when the image processing device 10 requests the settlement server 70 to perform a settlement process based on settlement information associated with the code for settlement processing, the settlement server 70 executes the settlement process and transmits information indicating that the settlement process has been completed to the image processing device 10.

[0017] <Hardware Configuration of the Image Processing Device> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image processing device 10. The image processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, a reading unit 17, and an image forming unit 18. These units are connected by a data bus, an address bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, or the like.

[0018] The control unit 11 is a processor that controls the operation of the image processing device 10 through the execution of various software such as an OS (basic software) and application software (application software). The control unit 11 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 12 is a storage area for storing various software and data used for its execution, and is used as a work area during calculations. The memory 12 is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0019] The storage unit 13 is a storage area for storing input data for various software, output data from various software, etc., and stores a database for storing various information. The storage unit 13 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a semiconductor memory, or the like used for storing programs and various setting data.

[0020] The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data via the network 90 or by a communication method such as infrared communication. The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data between the management server 30, the user terminal 50, the payment server 70, and the outside. When the network 90 is a telephone line, the communication unit 14 transmits and receives facsimile documents to and from the outside.

[0021] The operation unit 15 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a mechanical button, and a switch, and accepts input operations. The operation unit 15 also includes a touch sensor that integrally forms a touch panel with the display unit 16. The display unit 16 displays images, text information, and the like. The display unit 16 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display used for information display.

[0022] The reading unit 17 reads the code as the identification information displayed on the display unit 56 (see FIG. 4) of the user terminal 50. Further, the reading unit 17 reads the image formed on the paper as a recording medium. The reading unit 17 is composed of, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) reader, a scanner, or the like. In the reading unit 17, for example, a CCD method in which the reflected light with respect to the light irradiated from the light source to the user terminal 50 is reduced by a lens and received by a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices), or a CIS method in which the reflected light with respect to the light irradiated from the LED light source to the user terminal 50 in order is received by a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) is used.

[0023] The image forming unit 18 forms and outputs an image based on the image information on the paper as a recording medium by, for example, a so-called electrophotographic method of forming a toner image on the paper or a so-called inkjet method of discharging ink onto the paper. Examples of the image information include image information targeted for the printing service. <Hardware Configuration of the Management Server> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 30. The management server 30 has the same configuration as the configuration of the image processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2, except for the reading unit 17 and the image forming unit 18. That is, the management server 30 includes a control unit 31 composed of a processor such as a CPU, a memory 32 composed of a storage area such as a RAM, and a storage unit 33 composed of a storage area such as an HDD, an SDD, or a semiconductor memory. Further, the management server 30 includes a communication unit 34 that transmits and receives data to and from the image processing apparatus 10, the user terminal 50, the settlement server 70, and the outside via the network 90, and an operation unit 35 composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. Further, the management server 30 includes a display unit 36 composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. And these respective units are connected by a data bus, an address bus, a PCI bus, etc.

[0024] <Hardware Configuration of User Terminal> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 50. The hardware configuration of the user terminal 50 has the same configuration as the configuration of the image processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2, excluding the image forming unit 18, and includes a control unit 51, a memory 52, and a storage unit 53. Further, the user terminal 50 includes a communication unit 54 that transmits and receives data to and from the image processing apparatus 10, the management server 30, the settlement server 70, and the outside via the network 90, an operation unit 55, and a display unit 56. And these respective units are connected by a data bus, an address bus, a PCI bus, etc.

[0025] <Hardware Configuration of Settlement Server> Further, the settlement server 70 has the same configuration as the hardware configuration of the management server 30 shown in FIG. 3. For this reason, illustration and description of the hardware configuration of the settlement server 70 are omitted.

[0026] <Functional Configuration of Control Unit of Management Server> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 10. In the control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 10, a reading control unit 101, a code determination unit 102, an image information request unit 103, an image information acquisition unit 104, a code switching control unit 105, a settlement request unit 106, a processing result acquisition unit 107, and an image formation control unit 108 function.

[0027] The reading control unit 101 controls the reading of the code by the reading unit 17. As a result, identification information is acquired. Specifically, when the user terminal 50 on which the code is displayed is held over the reading unit 17 by the operation of the user U, the reading control unit 101 controls the reading of the code displayed on the user terminal 50. The reading control unit 101 may keep the reading unit 17 in a constantly readable state so that the code for image formation processing can be immediately read only by holding the user terminal 50 over the reading unit 17 without causing the user U to perform an operation on the image processing apparatus 10 (for example, a touch panel operation).

[0028] Also, the reading control unit 101 may, for example, make the reading unit 17 be in a readable state when an operation on the image processing apparatus 10 by the user U is performed. Also, the reading unit 17 may be made in a readable state when an operation on the image processing apparatus 10 by the user U is not continuously performed for a predetermined time (for example, three minutes). Also, although not shown in the figure, a human sensor or the like may be used to make the reading unit 17 be in a readable state at the timing when the user U stands in front of the image processing apparatus 10. Also, an illuminance sensor or the like may be used to detect the presence of some object on the reading unit 17 and make the reading unit 17 be in a readable state.

[0029] The code determination unit 102 determines the code read by the reading control unit 101. Specifically, the code determination unit 102 determines whether the code read by the reading unit 17 is a code for image formation processing or a code for settlement processing. Note that there is no particular limitation on the method by which the code determination unit 102 determines the code. For example, the determination is made based on features that exist only in the code for image formation processing, features that exist only in the code for settlement processing, and the like.

[0030] When the code read by the reading control unit 101 is a code for image formation processing as a result of the determination by the code determination unit 102, the image information request unit 103 requests the management server 30 for the image information associated with the code. Specifically, the image information request unit 103 transmits the image ID associated with the code for image formation processing to the management server 30, and requests the management server 30 to transmit the image information associated with the image ID.

[0031] The image information acquisition unit 104 acquires the image information transmitted from the management server 30 in response to the request by the image information request unit 103. When the image information is acquired by the image information acquisition unit 104, the image information is held in the image processing apparatus 10 until the processing result of the settlement processing by the settlement server 70 is transmitted.

[0032] The code switching control unit 105 performs control to switch the code displayed on the user terminal 50 as a process according to the code for image formation processing, when the process until the image information to be the target of the image formation processing is held in the image processing apparatus 10 is completed. Specifically, a method of making a switching request to the user terminal 50 to switch the code for image formation processing displayed on the display unit 56 to the code for settlement processing, or a method of starting application software for displaying the code for settlement processing is used.

[0033] The method of the switching request from the code switching control unit 105 to the user terminal 50 is not particularly limited, and any method may be used. However, from the perspective of the convenience of the user U, a method that is not complicated and does not take much time is desirable. Therefore, for example, a method that does not require prior negotiation such as non-contact and pairing is suitable. For example, by associating in advance the information for wireless connection with the code for image formation processing, the image processing apparatus 10 and the user terminal 50 can be in a state where they can perform wireless communication, and a method of making a switching request by this wireless communication may be used. Also, a method of making a switching request by outputting a predetermined optical signal (for example, a light emission pattern, etc.) or a method of making a switching request by outputting a predetermined sound signal (for example, a sound ringing, etc.) may be used. By the above methods, without any special operation by the user U, a code corresponding to the type of processing by the image processing apparatus 10 is displayed on the user terminal 50.

[0034] When the code read by the reading unit 17 is a code for settlement processing as a result of the determination by the code determination unit 102, the settlement request unit 106 requests the settlement server 70 to perform settlement processing based on the settlement information associated with the code as control for executing the settlement processing. Specifically, the settlement request unit 106 transmits the settlement ID associated with the settlement processing code to the settlement server 70, and requests the settlement server 70 to execute settlement processing based on the settlement information associated with the settlement ID.

[0035] Also, the settlement request unit 106 notifies the user U of the content of the settlement processing as control for executing the settlement processing, before requesting the settlement server 70 to perform the settlement processing. Specifically, the settlement request unit 106 notifies the user U of information such as the settlement amount and payment means as the content of the settlement processing before requesting the settlement server 70 to perform the settlement processing, in order to prevent errors in the settlement processing. For example, information such as the settlement amount and payment means as the content of the settlement processing may be displayed on the display unit 56 of the user terminal 50, and a confirmation button that the user U can press may be displayed.

[0036] The processing result acquisition unit 107 acquires information indicating that the settlement process has been completed, which has been transmitted from the settlement server 70. The information indicating that the settlement process has been completed, which is acquired by the processing result acquisition unit 107, is displayed, for example, on the display unit 16 of the image processing apparatus 10 or on the display unit 56 of the user terminal 50 so that the user U who uses the printing service can know it.

[0037] When the image formation control unit 108 acquires information indicating that the settlement process has been completed by the processing result acquisition unit 107, based on the image information held in the image processing apparatus 10, the image formation control unit 108 performs control to cause the image forming unit 18 to form an image on a sheet of paper as a recording medium.

[0038] <Functional Configuration of Management Server> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 31 of the management server 30. In the control unit 31 of the management server 30, an image information acquisition unit 301, an image information management unit 302, a code generation unit 303, a code transmission control unit 304, a request reception unit 305, and an image information transmission control unit 306 function.

[0039] The image information acquisition unit 301 acquires the image information provided from the user terminal 50. There is no particular limitation on how the image information acquisition unit 301 acquires the image information. For example, for a user U who uses a cloud service for image storage provided separately by the management server 30, the image information acquisition unit 301 may acquire the image information uploaded to the cloud from the user terminal 50. Also, for example, the image information acquisition unit 301 may acquire the image information transmitted from the user terminal 50 via the network 90. Further, the image information acquisition unit 301 may acquire the image information provided from the user terminal 50 using a method of transmitting and receiving data by a communication method such as infrared communication.

[0040] The image information management unit 302 stores and manages the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 301 in the database of the storage unit 13. Specifically, the image information management unit 302 manages the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 301 by associating an image ID therewith. Note that as long as the image ID and the image information are managed in association with each other, it is not necessarily required that the image ID and the image information are stored in the database as a set. For example, the image information may be stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 13, and a set of the file path thereof and the image ID may be stored in the database of the storage unit 13.

[0041] The code generation unit 303 generates a code as identification information associated with the image information managed by the image information management unit 302. Specifically, the code generation unit 303 generates a code for image formation processing in which the image ID and the image information managed by the image information management unit 302 are associated. The code transmission control unit 304 controls the transmission of the code generated by the code generation unit 303 toward the user terminal 50.

[0042] The request reception unit 305 receives a request for image information from the image processing apparatus 10. Specifically, the request reception unit 305 receives the image ID transmitted as a request for image information from the image processing apparatus 10.

[0043] The image information transmission control unit 306 controls the transmission of the image information managed by the image information management unit 302 toward the image processing apparatus 10 in response to a request from the image processing apparatus 10. Specifically, the image information transmission control unit 306 extracts the image information associated with the image ID received by the request reception unit 305 from the database of the storage unit 13, and controls the transmission thereof toward the image processing apparatus 10.

[0044] <Functional Configuration of User Terminal> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 51 of the user terminal 50. In the control unit 51 of the user terminal 50, an image information providing unit 801, a code acquisition unit 802, a switching request reception unit 803, a code request unit 804, and a code display control unit 805 function.

[0045] The image information providing unit 801 provides the image information to be the target of the image forming process by the image processing apparatus 10 to the management server 30. How the image information providing unit 801 provides the image information to the management server 30 is not particularly limited. For example, the image information providing unit 801 may perform control to upload the image to the cloud for image storage separately provided by the management server 30 based on the operation of image registration by the user U.

[0046] Also, for example, the image information providing unit 801 may perform control to transmit the image information toward the management server 30 via the network 90 based on the operation of image registration by the user U. Further, control may be performed to transmit the image information toward the management server 30 by a method of transmitting and receiving data by a communication method such as infrared communication. In the present embodiment, the operation of image registration by the user U is an operation using the application software dedicated to the print service pre-installed in the user terminal 50, an operation using the web site dedicated to the print service accessible by the browser function of the user terminal 50, and the like.

[0047] The code acquisition unit 802 acquires the code for image forming process transmitted from the management server 30. The code for image forming process acquired by the code acquisition unit 802 is stored in the storage unit 53 in a mode that can be displayed on the display unit 56 at any time. Also, the code acquisition unit 802 acquires the code for settlement process transmitted from the settlement server 70. The code for settlement process acquired by the code acquisition unit 802 is stored in the storage unit 53 in a mode that can be displayed on the display unit 56 at any time.

[0048] The switching request receiving unit 803 receives a switching request from the image processing apparatus 10. Specifically, the switching request receiving unit 803 receives a request to switch the code for image forming processing displayed on the display unit 56 of the user terminal 50 to a code for settlement processing and display it. When the switching request receiving unit 803 receives a switching request, the code request unit 804 requests the settlement server 70 for a code for settlement processing.

[0049] The code display control unit 805 performs control to cause the code acquired by the code acquisition unit 802 to be displayed on the display unit 56. Specifically, the code display control unit 805 performs control to cause each of the code for image forming processing and the code for settlement processing to be displayed on the display unit 56. Further, when the switching request receiving unit 803 receives a switching request, the code display control unit 805 performs control to switch the code for image forming processing displayed on the display unit 56 to a code for settlement processing and display it.

[0050] <Processing of the image processing apparatus> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing until control to switch the code displayed on the user terminal 50 is performed among the processing of the image processing apparatus 10. When the user U operating the user terminal 50 holds the code displayed on the user terminal 50 over the reading unit 17 of the image processing apparatus 10 (YES in step 401), the image processing apparatus 10 reads the code displayed on the user terminal 50 (step 402). On the other hand, when the code displayed on the user terminal 50 is not held over (NO in step 401), the image processing apparatus 10 repeats the processing of step 401 until the code displayed on the user terminal 50 is held over.

[0051] When the code read by the image processing apparatus 10 is a code for image formation processing (YES in step 403), the image processing apparatus 10 requests the management server 30 for image information corresponding to the read code (step 404). Specifically, the image processing apparatus 10 uses the image ID associated with the code for image formation processing to request the management server 30 to transmit the image information associated with that image ID. On the other hand, when the code read by the image processing apparatus 10 is not a code for image formation processing (NO in step 403), the process returns to the process of step 401. Here, the image processing apparatus 10 may notify the user U of a guidance for causing the user terminal 50 to display the code for image formation processing.

[0052] When the image information is transmitted from the management server 30 to the image processing apparatus 10 (YES in step 405), the image processing apparatus 10 acquires the image information (step 406) and performs control to switch the code displayed on the user terminal 50 (step 407). Specifically, control such as a switching request for switching the code for image formation processing displayed on the user terminal 50 to the code for settlement processing and starting the application software for displaying the code for processed transactions is performed from the image processing apparatus 10 to the user terminal 50. On the other hand, when the image information has not been transmitted from the management server 30 (NO in step 405), the image processing apparatus 10 repeats the process of step 405 until the image information is transmitted from the management server 30.

[0053] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process after the control for switching the code displayed on the user terminal 50 is performed in the process of the image processing apparatus 10. The image processing apparatus 10 performs control to switch the code displayed on the user terminal 50. When the user U holds the code displayed on the user terminal 50 over the reading unit 17 of the image processing apparatus 10 (YES in step 501), the image processing apparatus 10 reads the code displayed on the user terminal 50 (step 502). On the other hand, when the code displayed on the user terminal 50 is not held (NO in step 501), the image processing apparatus 10 repeats the process of step 501 until the code displayed on the user terminal 50 is held.

[0054] When the code read by the image processing apparatus 10 is a code for settlement processing (YES in step 503), the image processing apparatus 10 requests the settlement server 70 to perform settlement processing based on the settlement information corresponding to the read code (step 504). Specifically, the image processing apparatus 10 uses the settlement ID associated with the code for settlement processing and requests the settlement server 70 to execute settlement processing based on the settlement information associated with the settlement ID. On the other hand, when the code read by the image processing apparatus 10 is not a code for settlement processing (NO in step 503), the process returns to step 501.

[0055] When the image processing apparatus 10 receives information indicating that the settlement processing has been completed from the settlement server 70 (YES in step 505), it acquires the information (step 506), and based on the held image information, performs control to cause the image forming unit 18 to form an image on a sheet as a recording medium (step 507), and the processing by the image processing apparatus 10 ends. On the other hand, when the information indicating that the settlement processing has been completed has not been received from the settlement server 70 (NO in step 505), the image processing apparatus 10 repeats the process of step 505 until the information indicating that the settlement processing has been completed is received from the settlement server 70.

[0056] <Processing of the management server> FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the management server 30.

[0057] When the management server 30 receives the image information to be subjected to the image formation process by the image processing apparatus 10 from the user terminal 50 (YES in step 601), it acquires the image information (step 602) and stores and manages it in the database (step 603). Specifically, the management server 30 manages the acquired image information in association with an image ID. On the other hand, when the image information has not been transmitted from the user terminal 50 (NO in step 601), the management server 30 repeats the process of step 601 until the image information is transmitted from the user terminal 50.

[0058] The management server 30 generates a code as identification information associated with the image information stored and managed in the database (step 604), and performs control to transmit it to the user terminal 50 (step 605). Specifically, the management server 30 generates a code for the image formation process associated with the managed image ID and image information, and performs control to transmit the code to the user terminal 50.

[0059] When a request for image information is made by the image processing apparatus 10 that has read the code for the image formation process displayed on the user terminal 50 (YES in step 606), the management server 30 accepts the request for image information (step 607), performs control to transmit the image information to the image processing apparatus 10 (step 608), and the process of the management server 30 ends. On the other hand, when no request for image information has been made from the image processing apparatus 10 (NO in step 606), the management server 30 repeats the process of step 606 until a request for image information is made by the image processing apparatus 10.

[0060] <Processing of User Terminal> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the user terminal 50. The user terminal 50 provides the management server 30 with the image information to be subjected to the image formation process by the image processing apparatus 10 (step 701).

[0061] When the user terminal 50 receives the code for image forming processing from the management server 30 (YES in step 702), it acquires the code for image forming processing (step 703). Thereafter, the user terminal 50 displays the code for image forming processing based on the operation of the user U (step 704). Thereby, the image processing apparatus 10 can read the code for image forming processing. On the other hand, when the code for image forming processing has not been transmitted from the management server 30 (NO in step 702), the user terminal 50 repeats the process of step 702 until the code for image forming processing is transmitted from the management server 30. Note that when the user terminal 50 displays the code for image forming processing, in order to facilitate the reading of the code for image forming processing by the image processing apparatus 10, the user terminal 50 may perform processes such as increasing the luminance of the display unit 56 or adjusting the display size of the code for image forming processing.

[0062] In the image processing apparatus 10, when the image information associated with the code for image forming processing is acquired and a switching request to the user terminal 50 is made (YES in step 705), the user terminal 50 accepts the switching request (step 706) and requests the settlement server 70 for the code for settlement processing (step 707). On the other hand, when the switching request has not been made (NO in step 705), the user terminal 50 repeats the process of step 705 until the switching request is made.

[0063] Here, even after the user terminal 50 has accepted the switching request from the image processing apparatus 10, when there are other images to be printed and these images are printed together, the user terminal 50 can hold the code for image forming processing in front of the image processing apparatus 10 again. In this case, in the image processing apparatus 10, a plurality of codes for image forming processing are stacked together until the code for settlement processing is held in front of the reading unit 17. Then, when the code for settlement processing is held in front of the reading unit 17, control for settlement processing corresponding to all the stacked codes for image forming processing is performed.

[0064] When the user terminal 50 receives the code for settlement processing from the settlement server 70 (YES in step 708), it acquires the code for settlement processing (step 709) and switches to and displays the code for settlement processing (step 710). As a result, the image processing apparatus 10 can read the code for settlement processing, and the processing of the user terminal 50 ends. On the other hand, when the code for settlement processing has not been sent from the settlement server 70 (NO in step 708), the user terminal 50 repeats the processing of step 708 until the code for settlement processing is sent from the settlement server 70.

[0065] <Specific Example> FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which the identification information displayed on the display unit 56 of the user terminal 50 automatically switches. As described above, when the image information to be subjected to the image forming process is provided to the management server 30, the code for the image forming process generated by the management server 30 is transmitted to the user terminal 50 and displayed on the user terminal 50. FIG. 12 shows, as a specific example thereof, the code C1 for the image forming process displayed on the user terminal 50. In the example of FIG. 12, the code C1 for the image forming process is a QR code (registered trademark).

[0066] When the user U holds the user terminal 50 on which the code C1 for the image forming process is displayed over the reading unit 17 of the image processing apparatus 10, the image processing apparatus 10 reads the code C1, requests the image information associated with the code C1, and acquires the image information. Then, the image processing apparatus 10 makes a switching request to the user terminal 50 to switch and display the code C1 displayed on the user terminal 50 as the code for settlement processing.

[0067] When the user terminal 50 receives a switching request, a code for settlement processing is requested from the user terminal 50 to the settlement server. Then, the code for settlement processing is transmitted from the settlement server 70 to the user terminal 50 and displayed on the user terminal 50. In FIG. 12, as a specific example, the code C2 for settlement processing displayed on the user terminal 50 is shown. In the example of FIG. 12, the code C2 for settlement processing is a QR code (registered trademark) similar to the code C1. As a result, the code C1 displayed on the user terminal 50 is automatically switched to the code C2 for settlement processing. As a result, it is possible to simplify the operations for a plurality of consecutive types of processing as compared with the case where the operations are performed each time the processing is performed.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of the image information stored in the database of the storage unit 33 of the management server 30. When the image information to be subjected to the image forming process by the image processing apparatus 10 is provided from the user terminal 50 to the management server 30, the management server 30 associates an image ID with the image information and stores and manages it in the database of the storage unit 13. In FIG. 13, as an example of the image information stored in the database of the storage unit 13 of the management server 30, three pieces of image information including the items of image ID, storage location and file name, output paper size, color mode, and number of copies are shown.

[0069] Specifically, image information includes: the image ID is "00000001", the storage location and file name are "D:\Data\00000001.pdf", the output paper size is "A4", the color mode is "Color" (color), and the number of copies is "1"; the image ID is "00000002", the storage location and file name are "D:\Data\00000002.xdw", the output paper size is "A3", the color mode is "Mono" (monochrome), and the number of copies is "15"; the image ID is "00000003", the storage location and file name are "D:\Data\00000003.jpeg", the output paper size is "L", the color mode is "Color" (color), and the number of copies is "1". By acquiring the image information consisting of these items, the image processing apparatus 10 can execute image formation processing.

[0070] As described above, the present embodiment has been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described present embodiment. Also, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the above-described present embodiment. For example, the system configuration shown in FIG. 1 and the hardware configurations shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention and are not particularly limited. Also, the functional configurations shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 are merely examples and are not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 is provided with a function capable of executing the above-described processing as a whole, and the functional configuration used to realize this function is not limited to the examples in FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0071] Also, the order of the steps of the processing shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. Not only the processing performed in time series along the order of the illustrated steps, but also the processing may be performed in parallel or individually without necessarily being processed in time series. Also, the screen shown in FIG. 12 is merely an example when a QR code (registered trademark) as identification information is displayed on the user terminal 50 and is not particularly limited. The image processing apparatus 10 can display the identification information on the user terminal 50 in any readable manner.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration and processing in the case where the image processing apparatus 10 provides a print service have been described, but this is merely an example. For a case where the image processing apparatus 10 continuously reads identification information corresponding to processing for providing other paid services (for example, copy service, scan service, facsimile service, etc.) and reads identification information corresponding to settlement processing of the service usage fee, the present invention can be applied.

[0073] Among other paid services provided by the image processing apparatus 10, when the user U uses the copy service, scan service, and facsimile service in association with each other, for example, the following processing is realized. First, the user U uses the copy service to print a brought-in image and makes additions such as corrections to the printed image. Next, the user U uses the scan service to scan the image after the addition. Finally, the user U uses the facsimile service to transmit the scanned image. These processes are applied to use cases such as when submitting application forms or application documents for insurance services, etc., or when submitting printed assignments by students taking remote lectures, etc.

[0074] In the case of these use cases, a service usage fee is generated when each of the copy service, scan service, and facsimile service is used. And there is a case where all of these service usage fees are borne by the same user U. In this case, the user terminal 50 stores the settlement processing code acquired from the settlement server 70 at the time of settlement of the service usage fee for the print service, and displays the same settlement processing code at the time of settlement of the service usage fee for the scan service and at the time of settlement of the service usage fee for the facsimile service, respectively. Thereby, it is not necessary to acquire the settlement processing code from the settlement server 70 in each process of the three paid services, so that the processing can be simplified.

[0075] When multiple processes that are recognized as related are performed, as in these use cases, the presence or absence of a relationship is determined based on, for example, whether the billing destination for the service usage fee is the same, whether a code for settlement processing is displayed multiple times on a single user terminal 50, whether multiple processes (such as printing, reading, transmitting, etc.) are performed on the same recording medium, and the like. Among these, whether multiple processes are performed on the same recording medium can be determined using, for example, the following method. First, an image targeted by the copy service (for example, an image brought in by user U) is read and held as image information. Then, the similarity or the like between the image information of the image read by the scan service (for example, an image added by user U) and the above-mentioned image information is calculated. And based on the calculated similarity, it is determined whether the image read by the scan service is an addition to the image targeted by the copy service.

[0076] Also, in the above-described embodiment, as information required when forming an image on a recording medium, the size of the output storage medium, the color mode when the image is formed, and the number of copies to be output are listed, but these are merely examples. For example, an enlargement ratio, so-called 2up setting information, and the like may be included.

[0077] Further, in the above-described embodiment, for each of the image formation process as the first process and the settlement process as the second process, the code for the image formation process as the first identification information and the code for the settlement process as the second identification information, which are required to execute each process, are automatically switched and displayed on the user terminal 50. However, this is merely an example, and it may be the (2 + n)th (n is an integer value of 1 or more) process. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the code as the first identification information, the code as the second identification information, and the code as the third identification information, which are required to execute each of the first process, the second process, and the third process, are automatically switched and displayed on the user terminal 50.

[0078] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an operation by the user U is required to cause the user terminal 50 to display the code for image formation processing, but the operation by the user U may not be necessary. For example, when the user terminal 50 in a state where the code for image formation processing is not displayed is held over the reading unit 17 of the image processing apparatus 10, the image processing apparatus 10 makes a switching request and controls the application software so that the code for image formation processing is automatically displayed on the user terminal 50.

[0079] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the code displayed on the user terminal 50 is configured to automatically switch from the code for image formation processing to the code for settlement processing, but this is merely an example. For example, in the case of a paid service with a full prepayment system, etc., the code displayed on the user terminal 50 may be configured to automatically switch from the code for settlement processing to the code for image formation processing.

[0080] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the management server 30 generates the code for image formation processing, but this is merely an example. For example, the user terminal 50 may acquire an image ID from the management server 30 and generate the code for image formation processing.

[0081] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the code for image formation processing is generated by the management server 30, transmitted to the user terminal 50, and stored therein, but this is merely an example. For example, the user terminal 50 may hold information for accessing the code for image formation processing for causing the image processing apparatus 10 to execute image formation processing. In this case, when it is time to display the code for image formation processing, the user terminal 50 may access the code for image formation processing and display it on the display unit 56.

[0082] Also, in the above-described embodiment, a code such as a QR code (registered trademark) is adopted as the identification information displayed on the user terminal 50, but this is merely an example. Any identification information that enables the execution of various processes of the image processing apparatus 10, such as image formation processing and payment processing, may be used. For example, it may be a symbol or the like.

[0083] Also, in the above-described embodiment, as a mode in which the image processing apparatus 10 acquires the identification information output from the user terminal 50, the image processing apparatus 10 reads the code as the identification information displayed on the display unit 56 of the user terminal 50. However, this is merely an example. As a mode other than the image processing apparatus 10 reading the identification information displayed on the user terminal 50, for example, the image processing apparatus 10 may receive the identification information transmitted from the user terminal 50.

[0084] Also, the user terminal 50 that provides image information to the management server 30 and the user terminal 50 that displays the code for image formation processing and the code for payment processing may be the same terminal or different terminals. For example, after user U creates an image using a personal computer as the user terminal 50 installed at home and provides the image information to the management server 30, the user U may cause a smartphone as the user terminal 50 held by the user U to display the code for image formation processing and the code for payment processing.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that the code for image formation processing displayed on the display unit 56 of the user terminal 50 is read by the reading unit 17 of the image processing apparatus 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image processing apparatus 10 may display the code for image formation processing acquired from the management server 30 on the display unit 16, and the reading unit 57 of the user terminal 50 may read this code. In this case, the user terminal 50 acquires in advance the code for image formation processing and the code for settlement processing from each of the management server 30 and the settlement server 70, associates these two codes, and stores and manages them in the storage unit 53. When the user terminal 50 reads the code for image formation processing displayed on the display unit 16 of the image processing apparatus 10, the user terminal 50 extracts the same code for image formation processing stored in the storage unit 53, and displays the code for settlement processing associated with this code on the display unit 56. Then, when the user U holds the user terminal 50 in a state where the code for settlement processing is displayed in front of the reading unit 17 of the image processing apparatus 10, the reading unit 17 reads the code for settlement processing. Thereby, a settlement process is requested from the image processing apparatus 10 to the settlement server 70.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that the identification information for performing image formation processing by the image processing apparatus 10 and the identification information for performing settlement processing are output from the user terminal 50. However, this is merely an example. For example, the configuration may be such that the identification information for performing point awarding processing to customers by a POS (Point Of Sale) system and the identification information for performing shopping settlement are output from the user terminal 50.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the image processing apparatus 10 performs control to cause the user terminal 50 to display the code for settlement processing. However, for example, based on some instruction or request from the image processing apparatus 10, the user terminal 50 may display the code for settlement processing stored in advance in the user terminal 50 by itself.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1... Information processing system, 10... Image processing apparatus, 11... Control unit, 30... Management server, 31... Control unit, 50... User terminal, 51... Control unit, 70... Settlement server, 90... Network, 101... Reading control unit, 102... Code determination unit, 103... Image information request unit, 104... Image information acquisition unit, 105... Code switching control unit, 106... Settlement request unit, 107... Processing result acquisition unit, 108... Image formation control unit, 301... Image information acquisition unit, 302... Image information management unit, 303... Code generation unit, 304... Code transmission control unit, 305... Request reception unit, 306... Image information transmission control unit, 801... Image information providing unit, 802... Code acquisition unit, 803... Switching request reception unit, 804... Code request unit, 805... Code display control unit

Claims

1. Comprising a processor, When the processor acquires first identification information output from another information processing device, it controls the execution of a first process, When the first process is completed, it controls to output, to the other information processing device, second identification information for causing the execution of a second process, When acquiring the second identification information output from the other information processing device, it controls the execution of the second process, When controlling the execution of a plurality of processes having a predetermined relevance, it is characterized in that identification information for executing the settlement process of the fees of the plurality of processes is made the same, An information processing device.

2. The processor is characterized in that, based on information associated with the acquired identification information, it determines specifically which process the identification information is for executing, The information processing device according to Claim 1.

3. The processor is characterized in that, as information associated with the identification information, based on information capable of specifying each of the first process and the second process, it determines specifically which process the identification information is for executing, The information processing device according to Claim 2.

4. As control for the execution of the second process, the processor is characterized in that, before the second process is executed, it notifies the user of the content of the second process, The information processing device according to Claim 1.

5. When the second process is a settlement process for the fee of the first process, as control for the execution of the settlement process, the processor is characterized in that, before the settlement process is executed, it notifies the user of the content of the settlement process, The information processing device according to Claim 4.

6. As control for outputting the second identification information to the other information processing device, the processor is characterized in that it outputs a predetermined signal from its own device toward the other information processing device, The information processing device according to Claim 1.

7. The processor is characterized in that, as the predetermined signal, it outputs at least one of a sound signal and a light signal from its own device toward the other information processing device, The information processing device according to Claim 6.

8. When the processor reads the first identification information displayed on the screen of the other information processing device, it controls the execution of the first process, When the first process is completed, control is performed to display the second identification information for executing the second process on the screen of the other information processing device. When the second identification information displayed on the screen of the other information processing device is read, the execution of the second process is controlled. The information processing device according to claim 1.

9. As control for causing the processor to display the second identification information on the screen of the other information processing device, control is performed to replace the first identification information displayed on the screen with the second identification information and display it. The information processing device according to claim 8.

10. As control for causing the processor to output the second identification information to the other information processing device, control is performed to start the application software that executes the second process on the other information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 1.

11. As control for causing the processor to output the second identification information to the other information processing device, control is performed to cause the second identification information to be displayed in the application software. The information processing device according to claim 10.

12. When the other information processing device that has output the identification information for executing each of the plurality of processes is the same, the processor makes the identification information for executing the settlement process of the fees for the plurality of processes the same as having the predetermined relevance. The information processing device according to claim 1.

13. When, among the plurality of processes, the first process is a process of forming an image on a recording medium and the second process is a process related to the recording medium on which the image has been formed, the processor makes the identification information for executing the settlement process of the fees for the plurality of processes the same as having the predetermined relevance. The information processing device according to claim 1.

14. When the first process is completed, the processor performs control to sequentially output the second to second + n (n is an integer value of 1 or more) identification information for executing the second to second + n processes to the other information processing device at a predetermined timing. When acquiring the identification information of each of the second to second + n sequentially output to the other information processing device, controlling the execution of the processing of each of the second to second + n. The information processing device according to claim 1.

15. When the processor acquires, as the first identification information output from the other information processing device, identification information for causing an image to be formed on a recording medium and controls the execution of the processing, When the processing is completed, it is characterized by performing control to cause the other information processing device to output, as the second identification information, identification information for executing a settlement process of the fee of the first process as the second process. The information processing device according to claim 1.

16. A first processing control means for controlling the execution of a first process when acquiring first identification information output from another information processing device; Output control means for performing control to cause the other information processing device to output second identification information for executing a second process when the first process is completed; Second processing control means for controlling the execution of the second process when acquiring the second identification information output from the other information processing device; and having An information processing system characterized in that when controlling the execution of a plurality of processes having a predetermined relevance, the identification information for executing the settlement process of the fees of the plurality of processes is made the same.

17. In a computer, A function for controlling the execution of a first process when acquiring first identification information output from another information processing device; A function for performing control to cause the other information processing device to output second identification information for executing a second process when the first process is completed; A function for controlling the execution of the second process when acquiring the second identification information output from the other information processing device; A program for realizing, A program for making the identification information for executing the settlement process of the fees of a plurality of processes having a predetermined relevance the same when controlling the execution of the plurality of processes.

Images