Image forming apparatus system and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus system that, when a user who has forgotten to take change demands repayment, can determine that the user is certainly the right user and repay the charge, thereby reducing a burden on a manager.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus system 100 comprises: a return lever 134 that is operated to demand repayment; a repayment processing unit 142 that performs repayment; a repayment amount calculation unit 181 that calculates the amount of repayment; a storage unit 150 that, when repayment is performed after the end of a use service, if a predetermined time elapses without the operation of the return lever 134, stores the amount of repayment and individual specification information for specifying the user in association with each other; and an information collation unit 184 that, when the user demands the repayment after the storage performed by the storage unit 150, collates newly input individual specification information for checking with the stored individual specification information. When the individual specification information for checking matches the individual specification information, the image forming apparatus system performs repayment in the amount of repayment associated with the individual specification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus system and a control method thereof that can respond to requests for refunds from users who have forgotten to collect refunds when using the image forming apparatus system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, convenience stores and other stores have installed image forming devices, which are multifunction machines such as copiers, facsimile machines, and printers, and are used by an unspecified number of users. Users use the service functions of the image forming devices, such as copy services, facsimile services, print services, and content services.

[0003] Users who wish to use various services provided by an image forming device can use the various services by inserting coins or the like into the billing device of the image forming device and operating the image forming device. Fees are determined according to the service used, and the image forming device can be used by depositing an amount equal to or greater than the fee for the service used. When the user has finished using the image forming device, the user receives the difference between the amount deposited and the fee for the service used as change. Specifically, after the service used is completed, the user operates the return lever and the change is returned through the refund slot.

[0004] Here, after the service is completed, the user may forget to take the change. In other words, after finishing using the image forming device, the user may leave the image forming device without operating the return lever even though they still have change. Then, after some time has passed, the user may realize that they forgot to take the change and return to the store to request a refund. In this case, it is desirable for the refund to be made promptly. However, it is necessary to correctly identify the person requesting the refund as the user who forgot to take the change.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for returning left-behind cash in which, in a transaction using an automated teller machine that handles cash, if a customer forgets to take cash that has been taken out of a safe and placed at a service counter, the cash is collected and returned to the safe, and the amount of the left-behind cash, the customer's account number, the time of handling, etc. are registered as forgotten cash information, allowing the customer to continue with the next normal transaction; if the customer realizes that they have left the cash behind and requests a refund, a left-behind cash handling screen is displayed, and the customer follows this screen to insert their card and enter their PIN; the automated teller machine then refers to the forgotten cash information to determine whether the customer is the one who left the cash behind, and based on the forgotten cash information, takes out a specified amount of cash from the safe and refunds it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-335283 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 above does not relate to image forming devices installed in convenience stores, etc., and a user of the image forming device can bring a document to a convenience store and use the copy service of the image forming device to copy the document, even if they do not have a card or a PIN. However, in this case, if the user forgets to take their change, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 above makes it impossible to identify the user.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an image forming device system and a control method thereof that can determine that a user who has forgotten to collect their change is the correct user and refund the change when the user requests a refund, thereby reducing the burden on the administrator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An image forming apparatus system according to one aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus system having a deposit port for depositing a payment amount and a refund port for refunding the difference between the deposited payment amount and a usage fee according to a service used, the image forming apparatus system comprising: a refund operation unit operated by a user to request a refund after the service used is completed; a refund processing unit that makes a refund through the refund port; a refund amount calculation unit that calculates a refund amount by subtracting the usage fee from the payment amount each time a processing operation for the service used is completed; and when a refund is made based on the refund amount calculated by the refund amount calculation unit after the processing operation for the service used is completed and a predetermined time has passed without the refund operation unit being operated, Personal identification information for identifying the user regarding the service used, acquired before the processing operation of the service is completed, and the amount of the refund and an information matching unit that, when the user requests the refund after the memory unit has stored the refund amount and the personal identification information in association with each other, matches newly input personal identification information for verification with the personal identification information stored in the memory unit. When the information matching unit determines that the personal identification information for verification matches the personal identification information stored in the memory unit, the refund processing unit refunds the refund amount associated with the personal identification information through the refund port. stomach , The personal identification information is image data read from a document when the service being used is a copy service, and when multiple documents are read, the personal identification information is the image data of a document with the largest amount of information among the multiple documents. It is characterized by:

[0010] As a result, when a user who forgets to collect the change that should be refunded after the service has ended is completed, the personal identification information that can identify the user is used to determine that the user is the correct user to receive the refund, and the refund is made accordingly. Therefore, when a user who forgets to collect the change requests a refund, it can be determined that the user is the correct user without any error and the change can be refunded. In addition, since the refund process is performed by the user operating the image forming device system without the need for an administrator to operate it, the burden on the administrator can be reduced.

[0011] Furthermore, the image forming device system described above may be provided with a photographing unit for photographing the user while the service is being provided, and the image data of the user photographed by the photographing unit may be included in the personal identification information. After the memory unit stores the refund amount in association with the personal identification information, when the user requests the refund, the photographing unit may photograph the user, and the image data obtained by the photograph may be included in the confirmation personal identification information.

[0012] In this way, image data of the user is used as personal identification information, and this image data is used to determine that the user requesting a refund is the user who forgot to collect the change that should be refunded, so that it is possible to more accurately determine that the user requesting a refund is definitely the correct user and refund the change.

[0013] In addition, in the above-mentioned image forming device system, the memory unit may store the refund amount in association with the personal identification information, and then, when the user requests the refund, the memory unit may be provided with a confirmation personal identification information input unit that the user operates to input the confirmation personal identification information.

[0014] This allows the user to carry out the refund process by operating the confirmation personal identification information input section, so that the user can easily carry out the refund process, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0015] In the image forming system described above, the storage unit may change the range of the personal identification information to be stored depending on the content of the service being used and the available capacity of the storage unit.

[0016] This allows the storage unit to be used efficiently and reduces the load on the storage unit.

[0017] In addition, in the above-mentioned image forming device system, if the information matching unit cannot determine that the personal identification information corresponding to the confirmation personal identification information is stored in the memory unit, the system may be provided with an alarm unit that alerts an administrator.

[0018] As a result, if the image forming device system is unable to determine whether the user is a valid user who should receive a refund, the administrator will quickly make the determination, so that the refund can be made more reliably and correctly without wasting time.

[0019] In addition, in the above-mentioned image forming device system, after the processing operation of the used service has been completed, if a refund is made based on the refund amount calculated by the refund amount calculation unit, and the refund operation unit is operated before the specified time has elapsed, personal identification information for identifying the user regarding the used service may be deleted.

[0020] This allows information about the user to be deleted, thereby preventing information leakage and reducing the load on the storage unit.

[0021] The image forming device system described above is also characterized in that it is equipped with an external photographing device, which photographs the user while the service is being provided, and the image data of the user photographed by the external photographing device is included in the personal identification information, and when the user requests a refund, the external photographing device photographs the user, and the image data obtained by the photograph is included in the personal identification information for confirmation.

[0022] This eliminates the need for the image forming device to be equipped with a photographing unit, thereby reducing the cost of the image forming device. Also, when a user who forgot to collect their change requests a refund, it is possible to determine that the user is the correct user and refund the change. Furthermore, since the refund process is carried out by the user operating the image forming device system without the need for an administrator to operate it, the burden on the administrator can be reduced.

[0023] The image forming device system described above is also characterized in that it is provided with an external notification unit, which notifies an administrator when the information matching unit is unable to determine that the personal identification information corresponding to the confirmation personal identification information is stored in the memory unit.

[0024] This allows the system to determine that a user who forgot to collect their change is the correct user and refund the change. Furthermore, the system reduces the burden on the administrator because the refund process can be completed by the user operating the image forming device system without the need for an administrator. Furthermore, the system offers a high degree of freedom in where the external notification unit can be installed.

[0025] A control method for an image forming apparatus system according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for an image forming apparatus system having a deposit port for depositing a payment amount and a refund port for refunding the difference between the deposited payment amount and a usage fee according to a service used, the control method including: a refund amount calculation process for calculating a refund amount by subtracting the usage fee from the payment amount each time a processing operation for the service used is completed; and a refund process for calculating a refund amount by subtracting the usage fee from the payment amount after the processing operation for the service used is completed, the refund amount being calculated by the refund amount calculation process. Personal identification information for identifying the user regarding the service used, acquired before the processing operation of the service is completed, and the amount of the refund and a storage process for storing the information in association with the personal identification information stored in the storage process. After the storage process is executed, if the user requests the refund, an information matching process is executed for matching the newly input personal identification information for verification with the personal identification information stored in the storage process. Stored by processing If it is determined that the personal identification information matches, a refund process is executed to refund the refund amount associated with the personal identification information through the refund port. The personal identification information is image data read from a document when the service being used is a copy service, and when multiple documents are read, the image data is the image data of the document with the most information among the multiple documents. It is characterized by the fact that

[0026] This allows the image forming device system to determine that a user who forgot to collect their change requests a refund and to refund the change without fail. Also, since the refund process can be carried out by the user operating the image forming device system without the need for an administrator, the burden on the administrator can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, when a user who has forgotten to take their change requests a refund, it is possible to determine that the user is definitely the correct user and refund the change, thereby reducing the burden on an administrator, and to provide an image forming device system and its control method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration in an image forming apparatus system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing a display image on a display device in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing a display image on the display device in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing a display image on the display device in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing a display image on the display device in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a fifth diagram showing a display image on the display device in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display image on the display device in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]FIG. 7 is a seventh diagram showing a display image of the display device in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is an eighth diagram showing a display image on the display device in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a ninth diagram showing a display image on the display device in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation before a change refund process in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a change refund process operation in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a change refund process performed by a manager in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image forming apparatus system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display image on a display device in an image forming apparatus system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] (First embodiment) The configuration of an image forming apparatus system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 110, a document reading apparatus 120, and a billing apparatus .

[0032] The document reading device 120 is provided on top of the image forming apparatus 110, and includes a document placing table 121, a document reading unit 122, and an automatic document feeder 123. The document reading device 120 reads an image of a document placed on the document placing table 121 with the document reading unit 122, or reads an image of a document automatically fed by the automatic document feeder 123 with the document reading unit 122, and transmits image data of the read document to the image forming apparatus 110. The document reading device 120 discharges the document that has been transported by the automatic document feeder 123 and read by the document reading unit 122 onto a document discharge tray 123a.

[0033] Image forming device 110 has a paper storage unit 111, a paper transport unit 112, an image forming unit 113, a paper discharge unit 114, and an alarm unit 160 (see FIG. 2). Image forming device 110 stores paper such as recording paper and postcards in paper storage unit 111, transports the paper stored in paper storage unit 111 by paper transport unit 112, forms a color image or a monochrome image on the paper transported by paper transport unit 112 by image data transmitted from document reading device 120 or image data transmitted from an external source by image forming unit 113, and discharges the recording paper on which the image has been formed by image forming unit 113 to a paper discharge tray 114a in paper discharge unit 114. Image forming unit 113 can also print a document on paper based on document data transmitted from an external source.

[0034] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the notification unit 160 is located inside the image forming apparatus 110 and the billing apparatus 130, and is composed of a speaker or the like that emits sound.

[0035] The billing device 130 is located adjacent to the image forming device 110, and is used by users who use the services of the image forming device system 100 installed in a convenience store or the like to insert coins or the like as payment. The billing device 130 also includes an operation unit 131 for operating the image forming device system 100, an external medium insertion unit 137 for inputting data of an image to be formed on a document from an external medium such as a USB memory, a deposit slot 133 for inserting coins, a bill insertion slot 132 for inserting bills, a return lever 134 that the user operates to request the return of change, which is the difference between the amount inserted at the end of use of the image forming device system 100 and the usage fee for the service used, a refund slot 135 through which the change is returned, a card reading unit 138 which is an NFC (Near Field Communication) card reader that reads an IC card such as a personal identification number card contactlessly when the card is held over it, a photo ejection slot 136 for printing photos (when using a photo print service), and a camera 140 for photographing the user.

[0036] The operation unit 131 is provided at an angle on the top surface of the billing device 130 to make it easier for the user to operate. The operation unit 131 also has a display unit 131a that can display images. The display unit 131a is a touch panel display that not only displays images related to operations but also allows the user to perform operations such as input by directly touching the screen of the display unit 131a. The display unit 131a can also display previews of documents, images, etc. to be printed.

[0037] The external medium insertion unit 137 is provided with an insertion port into which portable storage media such as an SD card, USB memory, and SmartMedia (registered trademark) can be inserted. It is also provided with an insertion port into which storage media such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs can be inserted. A user can insert these storage media storing image data and the like into the external medium insertion unit 137, input the image data into the image forming device system 100, and perform printing, etc. It is also possible to output data scanned by the image forming device system 100, content data, and the like, from the image forming device system 100 to a storage medium inserted into the external medium insertion unit 137.

[0038] The deposit slot 133 is used by a user to deposit coins as payment for using services available in the image forming device system 100. Examples of services available in the image forming device system 100 include copy services, facsimile services, scan services, photo print services, network print services, content services, and administrative services.

[0039] Here, the copy service is a service that copies and outputs a document. The facsimile service is a service that transfers a document by facsimile. The scan service is a service that reads a document, generates image data, and writes the image data to a storage medium such as a USB memory inserted in the external medium insertion unit 137. The photo print service is a service that reads data captured by a camera or the like from a storage medium inserted in the external medium insertion unit 137, prints, and outputs the photo. The network print service is a service that downloads document data, etc., that the user has previously uploaded to a server managed by an operator (not shown), via the Internet, etc., and prints and outputs the data. The content service is a service that downloads content from a content server managed by a content provider (not shown), via the Internet, etc., and prints and outputs the content. The administrative service is a service that downloads, prints, and outputs various certificates issued by local governments, etc., such as copies of resident registration certificates, certificates of resident registration details, seal registration certificates, family register certificates, copies of family register attachments, and tax certificates, via the Internet, etc., from servers managed by local governments, etc. (not shown). When using administrative services, the user holds their My Number card (personal number card) over the card reading unit 138, which reads the My Number card for authentication. A usage fee is set for each of these services, and the user can use the service by depositing an amount equal to or greater than the usage fee into the deposit slot 133.

[0040] The return lever 134 is operated to receive change when the deposited amount is greater than the fee for the service upon completion of all the services used, i.e., when there is change remaining. The user operates the return lever 134 when all the services used are completed. Specifically, by operating the return lever 134 downward, the change is returned to the return port 135. Note that if the return lever 134 is not operated after the service is completed, the change will not be returned. Therefore, even if multiple services are used, the change is not returned after each service is completed. For example, if a copy service is used for multiple documents, change is not returned after each document is copied, but the copy service for the deposited amount can be performed consecutively. When all documents have been copied, the user simply operates the return lever 134. As a result, if there is change remaining, it is returned through the return port 135. As will be described later, if a predetermined time has passed after the completion of the service, even if there is change, operation of the return lever 134 regarding the refund of the change becomes invalid, and even if the return lever 134 is operated, the change will not be refunded from the refund port 135. However, if the next user attempts to use a new service, operation of the return lever 134 becomes valid.

[0041] Camera 140 is installed above operation unit 131 and is positioned so that it can capture an image of the user's face when the user operates operation unit 131. When a user who has forgotten to take their change later requests the return of the change, camera 140 captures an image of the user's face as they operate operation unit 131 to receive the service, and acquires image data, in order to determine whether or not they are the person who forgot to take the change through image-based facial recognition. Furthermore, in order to determine whether or not they are the person who forgot to take the change through image-based facial recognition, camera 140 not only captures an image of the user's face when they are operating image forming device system 100 to receive the service, but also an image of the user's face when they have forgotten to take their change and are later requesting the return of the change.

[0042] Next, a control configuration of the image forming apparatus system 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the control configuration of the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, in the image forming device system 100, the image forming device 110 is equipped with, in addition to the above, a control unit 180 for controlling the operation of each unit of the image forming device system 100, and a memory unit 150 for storing the operating program and each data of the image forming device system 100.

[0044] The control unit 180 is a microcomputer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the operation of each unit such as the document reading device 120 and the image forming unit 113. The storage unit 150 is a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a data-rewritable non-volatile memory. For example, a program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus system 100 is pre-stored in the storage unit 150. The control unit 180 loads and executes this program to execute the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus system 100. The storage unit 150 also stores data related to images and documents formed by the image forming unit 113, data read by the document reading device 120, etc., so that the image forming apparatus system 100 can form images.

[0045] Furthermore, if the user forgets to take the change in a service, the storage unit 150 stores the personal identification information for identifying the user in relation to the service performed by the user in association with the refund amount, which is the amount of change. If the user does not forget to take the change in a service, the information about the user stored for the execution of the service (printed image data, etc.) is deleted each time the service is completed, and the storage unit 150 does not store this information, for the purposes of preventing information leakage and preventing a decrease in the storage capacity of the storage unit 150. Furthermore, if the user forgets to take the change and then the refund of the change is completed by the operation described below, the personal identification information and refund amount stored in the storage unit 150 are deleted.

[0046] The control unit 180 includes a refund amount calculation unit 181 , a timing unit 182 , an information association unit 183 , and an information matching unit 184 .

[0047] The refund amount calculation unit 181 recognizes the amount deposited into the deposit port 133 of the charging device 130 based on a signal transmitted from a deposit count unit 141 of the charging device 130, which will be described later. Furthermore, each time a service is used, the refund amount calculation unit 181 calculates the change at that time by subtracting the usage fee according to the service from the deposited amount.

[0048] The timing unit 182 measures the time since a predetermined operation has been performed. Specifically, the timing unit 182 measures the time from when a service is performed and completed in the image forming apparatus system 100. However, if a new service is started after a service is completed and before a predetermined time has elapsed, the timing unit 182 is reset and starts measuring the time again after the newly started service is completed. Furthermore, if the return lever 134 is operated after the timing unit 182 has started measuring the time and before the predetermined time has elapsed, the timing unit 182 is reset and stops measuring the time until the new service is started and completed.

[0049] A signal indicating that the return lever 134 has been operated is transmitted from the billing device 130 to the control unit 180. If a user starts and ends a service using the image forming device system 100, but no new service is started and a predetermined time has passed without operating the return lever 134, it is recognized that the user has left without taking the change. In this case, the operation of the return lever 134 for this change is invalid, and even if the return lever 134 is operated, the change will not be returned. As will be described in detail later, if the user requests a refund of the change in this case, the user operates the operation unit 131 (display unit 131a) to request a refund. The predetermined time may be, for example, five minutes. However, it is not limited to five minutes and may be any other time.

[0050] When it is determined that the user has left the service without taking the change, the information associating unit 183 associates information about the executed service with the amount of change calculated by the refund calculation unit 181, which is the refund amount, and stores the information in the storage unit 150. Here, the information about the executed service is personal identification information for identifying the user. Examples of personal identification information include information about the usage time (such as the date, start time, and end time of the service), information about the content of the service (such as copy service, facsimile service, scan service, photo print service, network print service, content service, and administrative service), information about the document (such as image data of the document in copy, facsimile, and scan), information about the print (such as image data, document data, and data file name imported from an external source by the image forming apparatus system 100), information about the print number (such as a number for identifying the user in network print), information about the authentication ID (personal ID), media information (such as a device instance ID that is different for each storage medium), and image data of the user's face captured by the camera 140 when the service is executed.

[0051] The information associating unit 183 associates this personal identification information with the refund amount and stores it in the storage unit 150. Note that it is only necessary to store information required to identify the user who forgot to take the change, and the storage unit 150 only needs to store at least any of the above-mentioned personal identification information. For example, for a user who used a copy service and copied multiple documents, the information associating unit 183 stores in the storage unit 150 the date the copy service was used, the start time and end time, image data of the user's face, and image data of all the copied documents as personal identification information, in association with the refund amount that should have been paid. For example, for a user who uses a photo printing service by inserting a USB memory stick containing image data obtained by taking a photograph into the external medium insertion unit 137 and printing the image data, the information association unit 183 associates the date of use of the photo printing service, the start and end times, image data of the user's face, the image data of the printed photograph, and the device instance ID of the USB memory stick inserted into the external medium insertion unit 137 with the amount of refund due as personal identification information, and stores them in the storage unit 150. For example, for a user who uses a network printing service, the information association unit 183 associates the date of use of the network printing service, the start and end times, image data of the user's face, the image data of the printed photograph, and a number for identifying the user in the network printing service with the amount of refund due as personal identification information, and stores them in the storage unit 150. Note that for services that require registration, such as a network printing service, the number for identifying the user may be the registration number. Note that such registration can also be for a corporation, in which case employees of a registered corporation can use the service using the registration number associated with the corporation.

[0052] Furthermore, in order to reduce the load on the storage unit 150, the personal identification information may be appropriately thinned before storage. As will be described in detail later, the personal identification information stored in the storage unit 150 is used to identify the user who forgot to take the change. In this case, it is sufficient to store only the information necessary to identify the user who forgot to take the change. For example, when multiple documents are copied in a service, image data of only a portion of the documents may be stored in the storage unit 150, rather than image data of all the documents. Furthermore, image data of only a portion of the documents may be stored in the storage unit 150. When storing image data of only a portion of the documents in the storage unit 150, it is preferable to store image data of portions of the documents that contain a large amount of information so that the user can be identified. In other words, it is preferable to store in the storage unit 150 portions of the documents other than blank portions that do not contain text, etc. Similarly, when storing image data of only a portion of the documents, it is preferable to select documents with a large amount of text, etc., and store the image data of those documents in the storage unit 150. Furthermore, the range of personal identification information to be stored can be changed depending on the content of the service used. This allows information for identifying the user who forgot to take the change to be efficiently stored depending on the service used, thereby reducing the burden on storage unit 150.

[0053] When a user who has realized that he / she has forgotten to take the change requests a refund for the change, the information collating section 184 collates the personal identification information stored in the storage section 150 with the confirmation personal identification information newly input by the user making the refund request, and determines whether or not these pieces of personal identification information are the same.

[0054] As will be described in detail later, if the user realizes that they have forgotten to take their change, they can return to the convenience store or the like and request a refund of the change by operating image forming apparatus system 100. At that time, image forming apparatus system 100 prompts the user to input personal identification information, and if the user inputs confirmation personal identification information using operation unit 131 (display unit 131a) or the like, the input confirmation personal identification information is compared with the personal identification information stored in storage unit 150, and information comparison unit 184 determines whether they are the same.

[0055] As described above, for a user who uses a copy service and copies multiple documents, the date, start time, and end time of the copy service, image data of the user's face, and image data of all the copied documents are stored in memory unit 150 as personal identification information, along with the amount of the refund due. If the user forgets to collect their change and requests a refund, they operate operation unit 131 (display unit 131a) in image forming device system 100 to input that the service they used was a copy service, the date and time of use, and their face is photographed by camera 140. Furthermore, the copied documents are scanned by document reader 120. This information is then compared with the personal identification information stored in memory unit 150 as confirmation personal identification information. Note that the time of use entered by the user is determined to be the same as long as it falls within the range of the start time and end time stored in memory unit 150 by information comparison unit 184. It is difficult for users to accurately remember the time of use. Therefore, even if the time of use input by the user is outside the range of start times and end times stored in storage unit 150, if the time does not deviate significantly from this range, for example, within the range of 10 minutes before the stored start time and 10 minutes after the end time, information matching unit 184 may determine that these are the same. Note that the time is not limited to 10 minutes before the range of 10 minutes before the stored start time and 10 minutes after the end time, and may be within another range.

[0056] As described above, the range of personal identification information to be stored may be changed depending on the content of the service used, but even in that case, personal identification information that can be collated by information collation unit 184 so that the user who left the change can be correctly identified should be stored in storage unit 150. In addition, in the image forming device system 100, if the user who left the change cannot be correctly identified, the administrator will have to make a decision, but even in that case, it is only necessary to store in storage unit 150 enough personal identification information to make a correct decision.

[0057] For example, when a user uses a service, there is a plurality of pieces of data other than the image data captured by camera 140 that can serve as personal identification information. If this data is sufficiently large, only the feature points in the image of the user's face captured by camera 140 may be stored in storage unit 150 as personal identification information. In this way, even if the image data of the user's face only contains feature points and the amount of information is small, it is sufficient that information matching unit 184 can make a judgment based on the other personal identification information. Furthermore, even if information matching unit 184 cannot make a judgment, if sufficient personal identification information is stored in storage unit 150 for the administrator to identify the user who forgot to take the change without using the captured face image, it is sufficient to store image data of only the feature points in storage unit 150 as personal identification information, rather than image data of the user's entire face.

[0058] The storage range of personal identification information may also be changed depending on the situation in which the service is being used. Specifically, when the service is being used using corporate password authentication, or when a print service or scan service is being used using a smartphone app, there are fewer opportunities for the administrator to visually authenticate using a facial image. Therefore, the storage range in storage unit 150 may be changed so that only feature points for facial authentication are stored. Furthermore, when the free space in storage unit 150 falls below a specified value, the storage range in storage unit 150 may be changed so that only feature points for facial authentication are stored.

[0059] In addition, in the matching by information matching unit 184 using image data of the user's face, that is, so-called face authentication, position information of feature points (distance between the centers of the eyeballs, nose position) such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and facial contours is stored, and identity authentication is performed based on the match rate of the feature points during authentication. Also, for example, image forming device system 100 may be equipped with an IR (infrared) camera in addition to camera 140, and these may be used together to capture the target user's face in three dimensions and obtain position information of the feature points, or the camera may process images from the front, side, and up / down directions as video, and the image processing may obtain position information of the feature points and store it in storage unit 150 as personal identification information.

[0060] 1, the charging device 130 also includes a deposit counting unit 141 and a refund processing unit 142. When a user deposits coins into the deposit slot 133, the deposit counting unit 141 counts the deposit amount, which is the value of the coins deposited, and transmits a signal indicating the deposit amount to the control unit 180. The control unit 180 receives this signal, and the refund amount calculation unit 181 calculates the refund amount using the deposited amount transmitted.

[0061] The refund processing unit 142 performs a refund process to dispense coins equivalent to the refund amount, which is the change, from the refund opening 135. Specifically, upon receiving a signal that the return lever 134 has been operated, the control unit 180 transmits a signal to the charging device 130 instructing it to refund the refund amount, which is the amount of change calculated by the refund amount calculation unit 181. In accordance with this signal, the refund processing unit 142 performs the refund process, and the change is dispensed from the refund opening 135. Furthermore, when a user who has forgotten to take their change requests a refund and performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 131 (display unit 131a), if the information matching unit 184 confirms that the personal identifying information stored in the memory unit 150 is the same as the confirmation personal identifying information input by the user on the operation unit 131 (display unit 131a) or the like, the refund processing unit 142 performs a refund according to the refund amount associated with this personal identifying information in response to a command signal from the control unit 180, and the coins are dispensed from the refund opening 135.

[0062] As described above, the notification unit 160 is a speaker or the like that emits sound, and is installed in the image forming device 110. As described above, a user who has forgotten to take their change operates the image forming device system 100 to request a refund of the change. However, if there is anything unclear about the operation at that time, or if the information matching unit 184 does not determine that the user is the one who forgot to take the change, an explanation or judgment by a store staff member or manager is required, and therefore the notification unit 160 emits a sound to call the manager. Note that the notification unit 160 is also provided in the charging device 130, but is not shown in the figure. Here, the store staff member may be called by notifying a POS (Point of Sale) system, in addition to the sound emitted by the notification unit 160 that is a speaker.

[0063] Next, a procedure for a user who has forgotten to take their change to request a refund of the change from the image forming device system 100 will be described with reference to screens displayed on the display unit 131a of the image forming device system 100. Figures 3 to 11 are first to ninth diagrams showing display images on the display device in the image forming device system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 3, the portal screen displayed on the display unit 131a when the image forming apparatus system 100 is first used displays various services for selection. The amount of money inserted is also displayed, and when coins are inserted into the deposit slot 133, the amount is displayed. When a service is used, the amount displayed is the amount of money inserted minus the service fee.

[0065] If a user performs a service on the image forming device system 100 and then leaves without operating the return lever 134 even though they have change, i.e., if they forget to take their change, a “Forgotten Change Refund” button display 11 is additionally displayed on the portal screen, as shown in FIG. 4 . Note that, until the “Forgotten Change Refund” button appears, the amount of change displayed as the deposited amount is the amount equivalent to the change. However, once the “Forgotten Change Refund” button appears, the deposited amount becomes “0 yen.” As a result, even if a user leaves the image forming device system 100 without taking their change, the deposited amount does not become “0 yen” until a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, when the next user attempts to use the image forming device system 100 and inserts coins, if the next user recognizes that the deposited amount is not “0 yen,” they will understand that the previous user is still using the system, and will therefore be able to refrain from operating the image forming device system 100. Furthermore, if the deposited amount becomes “0 yen,” the forgotten change cannot be refunded by operating the return lever 134.

[0066] When the user realizes that they have forgotten to take the change, they return to the convenience store or the like where the image forming device system 100 is installed and request a refund of the change using the image forming device system 100. The user operates the "Refund for Forgotten Change" button by touching the display 11 of the "Refund for Forgotten Change" button displayed on the display unit 131a of the image forming device system 100.

[0067] When the control unit 180 recognizes that the "Refund for Forgotten Change" button has been operated, it causes the display unit 131a to display a screen prompting the user to enter personal identification information, as shown in Fig. 5. On the screen shown in Fig. 5, the user enters the date and time when the service was used, and operates the "Next" button displayed on the display unit 131a.

[0068] When the control unit 180 recognizes that the date and time have been entered and the "Next" button has been operated on the screen shown in Fig. 5, it causes the display unit 131a to display a screen that prompts the user to select the content of the service to be used, as shown in Fig. 6. On the screen shown in Fig. 6, the user selects the content of the service to be used and operates the "Next" button displayed on the display unit 131a. In Fig. 6, the copy service has been selected as the service to be used.

[0069] When the control unit 180 recognizes that the copy service has been selected as the service to be used and the "Next" button has been operated on the screen shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 180 causes the display unit 131a to display a screen, as shown in FIG. 7, that prompts the user to place the copied document on the document tray (document tray 121) and then press the "Next" button. The user places the copied document on the document tray 121 in the copy service and operates the "Next" button displayed on the display unit 131a in the screen shown in FIG. 7. This causes the document reading device 120 to operate, and the document reading unit 122 reads the image of the document placed on the document tray 121. Note that if the user uses the copy service for multiple documents, the user sequentially changes the documents placed on the document tray 121 and operates the "Next" button to read the images of all the documents. Note that the present embodiment is not limited to this, and even if the user uses the copy service for multiple documents, it may be sufficient to read only one of the documents.

[0070] The above operations complete the input of the confirmation personal identification information, and the information matching unit 184 compares the personal identification information stored in the memory unit 150 with the confirmation personal identification information newly input by the user requesting a refund. If it determines that the personal identification information is the same, the control unit 180 displays the screen shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 131a, and when the user operates the "close" button, the control unit 180 causes the refund processing unit 142 to refund the change for the service used by the user from the refund port 135.

[0071] Note that the information matching unit 184 matches the personal identification information stored in the storage unit 150 with the verification personal identification information newly input by the user making the refund request, and if it cannot determine that these pieces of personal identification information are the same, it performs matching using image data of the user's face, which is personal identification information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 180 causes the display unit 131a to display a screen that asks the user whether it is okay to photograph the user's face with the camera 140 in order to identify the user through facial authentication. If the user determines that it is okay to photograph their face, they operate the "OK" button. This causes the camera 140 to photograph the user's face and acquire image data. At this time, the image of the user's face being photographed is displayed on the display unit 131a. Then, the information matching unit 184 matches this facial image data with the personal identification information stored in the memory unit 150 as personal identification information for confirmation, and if it is determined that they are the same, the control unit 180 displays the screen shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 131a, and if the user operates the "close" button, the control unit 180 causes the refund processing unit 142 to refund the change for the service used by the user from the refund port 135.

[0072] Furthermore, even if the information matching unit 184 performs facial authentication using image data of the user's face to compare the personal identification information stored in the memory unit 150 with the confirmation personal identification information newly entered by the user requesting a refund, if it is not possible to determine that these pieces of personal identification information are the same, the decision will be made by the administrator, and the control unit 180 displays a screen on the display unit 131a prompting the user to call a store staff member (administrator), as shown in Figure 10.

[0073] On the screen shown in FIG. 10, when the control unit 180 recognizes that the "Call store staff" button has been operated, it causes the alarm unit 160 to emit a sound to call a store staff member who is a manager. The "Call store staff" button is also displayed on the screens displayed on the display unit 131a shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and 8 to 10. When a user does not know how to operate the device or refuses to be photographed by the camera 140, the user can call a store staff member (manager) by operating the "Call store staff" button displayed on the display unit 131a. Specifically, by operating the "Call store staff" button displayed on the display unit 131a, the alarm unit 160 will emit a sound, and the store staff member (manager) can be called.

[0074] The store staff member (manager) called by the notification unit 160 operates the operation unit 131 (display unit 131a) to display a confirmation screen for the administrator on the display unit 131a as shown in FIG. 11. Specifically, the image forming device system 100 activates an administrator operation mode that cannot be operated by users and can only be operated by the administrator. When the administrator operates the image forming device system 100 to switch to the administrator operation mode, the control unit 180 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 131a. The screen shown in FIG. 11 displays a used service information list that lists the used services for which change was forgotten. If the administrator determines that the user forgot to receive change based on the display of this used service information list and the user's explanation, etc., the administrator checks the used service on the screen shown in FIG. 11 and operates the "Next" button. This causes the control unit 180 to cause the refund processing unit 142 to refund the change for the used service determined to have been used by the user through the refund port 135.

[0075] Next, an example of the control operation of the image forming apparatus system 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation before the change refund process in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the change refund process operation in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the change refund process operation operated by the administrator in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] First, the user executes a service by operating the operation unit 131 (display unit 131a). As shown in Fig. 12, when a job for this service is started (step S101), the camera 140 captures an image of the face of the user performing the operation (step S102). When the job is completed (step S103), the refund amount calculation unit 181 calculates the refund amount, which is the change (step S104).

[0077] The time since the job ended is measured by the timer 182, and the control unit 180 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, two minutes) has elapsed (step S105). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S105: NO) and the return lever 134 has not been operated (step S106: NO), the process returns to step S105. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S105: NO) and the return lever 134 has been operated (step S106: YES), information related to the service used, including personal identification information, is deleted (step S107), the display unit 131a displays a portal screen (step S107), and the operation ends.

[0078] If a predetermined time has passed since the job was completed (step S105: YES), the process determines whether the refund amount calculated by the refund amount calculation unit 181 is 0 yen (step S110). If the refund amount is 0 yen (step S109: YES), the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the refund amount is not 0 yen (step S109: NO), the information association unit 183 associates the individual identifying information with the refund amount calculated by the refund amount calculation unit 181 and stores them in the storage unit 150 (step S110), and the control unit 180 displays a portal screen (see FIG. 4) on the display unit 131a to which a "Refund for Forgotten Change" button has been added (step S111), thereby completing the operation.

[0079] Next, a description will be given of the operation when a user who has forgotten to take their change operates the image forming apparatus system 100 to request a refund of the change. As shown in Fig. 13, when the user operates the "Refund for Forgotten Change" button on the operation unit 131 (display unit 131a) (step S201), the display unit 131a displays the date and time input screen (see Fig. 5) (step S202). The information matching unit 184 determines whether or not there is any personal identification information stored in the storage unit 150 that corresponds to the date and time input by the user (step S203).

[0080] If there is any personal identifying information stored in storage unit 150 that corresponds to the date and time entered by the user (step S203: YES), display unit 131a displays a screen (see FIGS. 6 and 7) for entering further personal identifying information such as the content of the service to be used (step S204). Information matching unit 184 matches the personal identifying information stored in storage unit 150 with the entered personal identifying information (step S205), and determines whether there is any personal identifying information stored in storage unit 150 that corresponds to the entered personal identifying information (step S206).

[0081] If there is any personal identifying information stored in storage unit 150 that corresponds to the input personal identifying information (step S206: YES), refund processing unit 142 refunds the refund amount that was stored in association with that personal identifying information (step S207), and the operation ends. On the other hand, if there is no personal identifying information stored in storage unit 150 that corresponds to the input personal identifying information (step S206: NO), notification unit 160 operates to call the administrator (step S213), and the operation ends.

[0082] Furthermore, if there is no personal identification information stored in storage unit 150 that corresponds to the date and time entered by the user (step S203: NO), display unit 131a displays a screen (see FIG. 9) asking whether the user allows the user's face to be photographed (step S208). If the user does not allow the photographing (step S209: NO), notification unit 160 is activated to call an administrator (step S213), and the operation ends. On the other hand, if the user allows the photographing (step S209: YES), camera 140 photographs the user's face (step S210), and information matching unit 184 matches the personal identification information stored in storage unit 150 with the image data of the photographed face (step S211).

[0083] The information matching unit 184 determines whether or not the image data of the photographed face is included in the personal identification information stored in the storage unit 150 (step S212), and if it is determined that the image data of the photographed face is included in the personal identification information (step S212: YES), the refund processing unit 142 refunds the refund amount stored in association with the personal identification information determined to contain the image data of the photographed face (step S207), and the operation ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the image data of the photographed face is not included in the personal identification information (step S212: NO), the notification unit 160 is activated to call the administrator (step S213), and the operation ends.

[0084] Next, the operation of the administrator called by the notification unit 160 will be described. The administrator operates the operation unit 131 (display unit 131a) to log in to the administrator operation mode as shown in FIG. 14 (step S301). As a result, the display unit 131a displays a screen of a service information list (see FIG. 11), which is a list of information related to the service in which the change was forgotten and is stored in the storage unit 150 (step S301). Furthermore, when the administrator selects a service from the service information list on the display unit 131a, the display unit 131a displays a facial image of the user who is using the service in question (step S303). The administrator determines whether the user is the correct user who forgot to collect the change based on the contents of the service information list, the facial image, information received from the user, the user's face, etc. If the administrator determines that the user forgot to collect the change in the service in question, the administrator performs a refund operation for the relevant service.

[0085] If the administrator has performed a refund operation (step S304: YES), the refund processing unit 142 refunds the refund amount associated with the service in question (step S305) and ends the operation. On the other hand, if the administrator has not performed a refund operation (step S304: NO), the operation ends immediately.

[0086] As described above, the first embodiment has been described, but according to the image forming device system 100 according to the first embodiment, when a user who forgot to collect their change requests a refund, the change can be returned to the correct user without fail, thereby reducing the burden on the administrator.

[0087] (Second embodiment) An image forming apparatus system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. While the image forming apparatus system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above includes a camera 140 and an alarm unit 160, the image forming apparatus system according to the second embodiment of the present invention does not include these camera 140 and alarm unit 160, and instead is connected to a security camera and an external alarm unit, which are external devices. Other than this, the configuration is the same as that of the image forming apparatus system 100 according to the first embodiment, so the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0088] 15 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of an image forming system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 100a includes an image forming device 110a, a document reading device 120, an accounting device 130a, a security camera 14a, and an external notification unit 16a. The security camera 14a and the external notification unit 16a are connected to the image forming device 110a.

[0089] Image forming device 110a has a configuration in which notification unit 160 is removed from image forming device 110 according to the first embodiment, and other than this, has the same configuration as image forming device 110. Furthermore, billing device 130a has a configuration in which camera 140 is removed from billing device 130 according to the first embodiment, and other than this, has the same configuration as billing device 130.

[0090] The security camera 14a is a security camera 14a installed in a convenience store or the like where the image forming device system 100a is installed, and is not a camera dedicated to the image forming device system 100a. Similarly to the notification unit 160 of the first embodiment, the external notification unit 16a is intended to call a manager, such as a store staff member at a convenience store, and is preferably configured to perform an operation that is easily noticeable by the manager. For example, similar to the notification unit 160, the external notification unit 16a may be a buzzer that emits a sound. Alternatively, the external notification unit 16a may be a lamp that emits light. Although the external notification unit 16a is installed to call a manager, it is not necessarily installed in the image forming device system 100a, and can be located closer to the store staff member. Therefore, the external notification unit 16a may emit a quieter sound than the notification unit 160 of the first embodiment.

[0091] It is preferable that the external notification unit 16a is located near a manager who is a store staff member of a convenience store or the like, rather than near the image forming apparatus 110a. For example, it may be installed at a cash register or the like. The external notification unit 16a may also be portable and carried by the manager. This makes it easier for the manager who is a store staff member of a convenience store or the like to notice the sound from the external notification unit 16a even when he or she is working somewhere other than the cash register. Furthermore, if the external notification unit 16a is portable, the external notification unit 16a may be a device that generates vibrations to notify the manager by the vibrations, rather than by sound or light.

[0092] Security camera 14a is a camera that takes pictures for the purpose of crime prevention in a convenience store or the like, and takes pictures of not only the area around image forming apparatus 110a but also the entire interior of the convenience store or the like.

[0093] Note that the image forming device system 100a does not include the camera 140 and the alarm unit 160, but instead includes a security camera 14a and an external alarm unit 16a. The configuration is the same as that of the image forming device system 100 according to the first embodiment, and the operation of each unit is also the same. In addition, in the second embodiment, the operation of the camera 140 according to the first embodiment is performed by the security camera 14a, and the operation of the alarm unit 160 is performed by the external alarm unit 16a. In other words, the security camera 14a continues to capture images even when the user is using the service, and the captured images of the user at that time are used as personal identification information. Other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described further.

[0094] In addition, when the administrator determines whether the user who forgot to take the change is the correct user, he or she logs in to the administrator operation mode, and on this screen, the administrator can also check images of the user using the service taken by the security camera 14a.

[0095] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display image of a display device in an image forming apparatus system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The administrator operates the operation unit 131 (display unit 131a) to activate an administrator operation mode, which cannot be operated by users and can only be operated by the administrator. In the operation mode, the display unit 131a displays an image of the user using the service, captured by the security camera 14a, as shown in FIG. 16. If the administrator determines based on this image that the user requesting a refund is the correct user who forgot to collect the change, the administrator operates the "Refund Allowed" button on this screen displayed on the display unit 131a. This causes the refund processing unit 142 to make the refund. If the administrator cannot determine that the user is the correct user who forgot to collect the change, the administrator operates the "Refund Not Allowed" button on this screen displayed on the display unit 131a. This prevents the refund process from being performed.

[0096] The second embodiment has been described above, but according to the image forming device system 100a according to the second embodiment, it is also possible to use the security camera 14a installed at the location where the image forming device 110a is installed. Because the external notification unit 16a is not installed at the image forming device 110a, there is a high degree of freedom in the installation location of the external notification unit 16a, and the administrator can quickly notice the call operation by the external notification unit 16a.

[0097] (Other embodiments) Although the first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the personal identification information may be any information that can correctly identify the user who forgot to collect the change, and may be any information about the user other than the above-mentioned information.

[0098] Furthermore, image data captured by camera 140 is also stored in storage unit 150 as personal identification information, but even if such image data is not available, other personal identification information can be used to correctly identify the user who forgot to take the change, so image forming device system 100 may be configured without camera 140. This allows the cost of image forming device system 100 to be reduced.

[0099] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be embodied in various other forms. Therefore, these embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited in any way by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and variations that fall within the equivalent range of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 11 displays 14a Security camera (external recording device) 16a External alarm unit 100, 100a Image forming device system 110, 110a Image forming device 111 Paper storage section 112 Paper transport unit 113 Image forming unit 114 Paper output section 114a Paper output tray 120 Document reader 121 Document stand 122 Document reading unit 123 Automatic document feeder 123a Document output tray 130, 130a Charging device 131 Operation unit (input unit for personal identification information for confirmation) 131a Display unit (input unit for personal identification information for confirmation) 132 Bill slot 133 Deposit port 134 Return lever (refund operation part) 135 Refund Port 136 Outlet 137 External media insertion section 138 Card reader 140 Camera (photography section) 141 Deposit Counting Department 142 Refund Processing Department 150 Storage section 160 Information Department 180 Control Unit 181 Refund amount calculation section 182 Timing section 183 Information Correspondence Unit 184 Information Collation Department

Claims

1. An image forming device system having a deposit port for depositing payment and a refund port for refunding the difference between the deposited payment amount and a usage fee according to a service used, a refund operation unit operated by a user to request a refund after the end of the service; a refund processing unit that performs refunds through the refund port; a refund calculation unit that calculates a refund amount by subtracting the usage fee from the payment amount each time a processing operation of the usage service is completed; a storage unit that stores, after the processing operation of the service has been completed, the refund amount calculated by the refund amount calculation unit, in association with personal identification information for identifying the user regarding the service obtained before the processing operation of the service has been completed, if a predetermined time has passed without the refund operation unit being operated while a refund is being made based on the refund amount calculated by the refund amount calculation unit; an information collating unit that, after the memory unit has stored the refund amount and the personal identification information in association with each other, collates newly input personal identification information, which is confirmation personal identification information, with the personal identification information stored in the memory unit when the user requests the refund; When the information matching unit determines that the verification individual identifying information matches the individual identifying information stored in the storage unit, the refund processing unit refunds the refund amount associated with the individual identifying information through the refund port, The personal identification information is image data read from a document when the service being used is a copy service, and when multiple documents are read, the personal identification information is the image data of a document with the largest amount of information among the multiple documents. An image forming apparatus system comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 1, a photographing unit for photographing a user while the service is being provided; The image data of the user photographed by the photographing unit is included in the personal identification information, An image forming device system characterized in that the memory unit stores the refund amount in correspondence with the personal identification information, and then when the user requests the refund, the photographing unit photographs the user, and the image data obtained by the photograph is included in the confirmation personal identification information.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 1, An image forming device system characterized in that the memory unit stores the refund amount in correspondence with the personal identification information, and then has a confirmation personal identification information input unit that the user operates to input the confirmation personal identification information when the user requests the refund.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 1, The image forming device system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit changes the range of the personal identification information to be stored depending on the content of the service used and the available capacity of the storage unit.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 1, An image forming device system characterized in that it is equipped with an alarm unit that alerts an administrator if the information matching unit is unable to determine that the personal identification information corresponding to the confirmation personal identification information is stored in the memory unit.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 1, An image forming device system characterized in that after the processing operation of the used service is completed, when a refund is made based on the refund amount calculated by the refund amount calculation unit, if the refund operation unit is operated before the specified time has elapsed, personal identification information for identifying the user regarding the used service is deleted.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 1, Equipped with an external imaging device, the external photographing device photographs the user while the service is being provided; The image data of the user photographed by the external photographing device is included in the personal identification information, An image forming device system, characterized in that when the user requests the refund, the external image capturing device captures an image of the user, and image data obtained by the image capturing is included in the verification personal identification information.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 1, An external notification unit is provided, An image forming device system characterized in that the external notification unit notifies an administrator when the information matching unit is unable to determine that the personal identification information corresponding to the confirmation personal identification information is stored in the memory unit.

9. A control method for an image forming device system having a deposit port for depositing payment and a refund port for refunding the difference between the deposited payment amount and a usage fee according to a service used, comprising: a refund calculation process for calculating a refund amount by subtracting the usage fee from the payment amount each time a processing operation of the service is completed; a storage process for storing, after the processing operation of the service to be used has been completed, the refund amount calculated by the refund amount calculation process, in association with personal identification information for identifying the user regarding the service to be used, which was acquired before the processing operation of the service to be used was completed, in a state in which a refund is made based on the refund amount calculated by the refund amount calculation process, if a predetermined time has passed without a refund operation being performed; After the storage process is executed, when the user requests the refund, an information matching process is performed to match the newly input personal identification information for confirmation with the personal identification information stored by the storage process; If it is determined by the information matching process that the verification individual identifying information matches the individual identifying information stored by the storage process, a refund process is executed to refund the refund amount associated with the individual identifying information through the refund port; A control method for an image forming device system, characterized in that the personal identification information is image data read from a document when the service used is a copy service, and when multiple documents are read, the personal identification information is the image data of the document with the most information among the multiple documents.

Images