Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing system and an information processing program that can charge for service at a walk-through type shop according to service details when the service is used.SOLUTION: An information processing device has a processor, which is configured to: acquire user information as information for identifying a user entering facilities; detect the position of the user in the facilities; transmit user information to a device present a device installed in the facilities when detecting the user being a place where the user can operate the device; receive operation information as information on operation by the user from the device; and then charge the user according to the operation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus including: reception means for receiving a print job; acquisition means for acquiring information necessary for calculating the charging amount of the print job received by the reception means; calculation means for calculating the charging amount of the print job based on the information necessary for calculating the charging amount of the print job acquired by the acquisition means; detection means for detecting the start of the print job; display means; and display control means for displaying, on the display means, charging information including the charging amount calculated by the calculation means after detection of the start of the print job by the detection means, and erasing the displayed charging information at a predetermined timing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, in store sales such as convenience stores, a walk-through type settlement system that does not require registration and settlement by a cash register may be introduced. The walk-through type settlement system is a technology that improves the convenience of users by tracking a pre-registered user and the products the user has put in a shopping basket by a camera or the like, registering them as purchased products, charging, and settling.

[0005] Incidentally, when using services via the multifunction printers and multimedia terminals installed in stores, charges are incurred based on the number of pages printed and the services used. Therefore, even if users are tracked by cameras, it is not possible to confirm what services were used, and ultimately, payment for services used must be made on the spot.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing program that can charge customers for services used in a walk-through type store, according to the content of the service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device in the first embodiment has a processor, which acquires user information, which is information for identifying a user who has entered the facility, detects the user's location within the facility, and when it detects that the user is in a position where they can operate a device installed within the facility, transmits the user information to the device, receives operation information, which is information about the user's operations, from the device, and charges the user a fee corresponding to the operation information.

[0008] In the second embodiment of the information processing device, the processor further acquires images taken inside the facility and uses the images to detect that a user is located within a predetermined distance from the device as an operable location.

[0009] In the third embodiment of the information processing device, the processor requests operation information from the device when the user moves away from a predetermined distance range, in the information processing device according to the second embodiment.

[0010] The fourth aspect of the information processing device is an information processing device relating to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the processor notifies the user of the charges when the user leaves the facility.

[0011] The fifth aspect of the information processing device is an information processing device according to the fourth aspect, in which the processor pre-registers the user's contact information in association with user information and sends the charges to the contact information.

[0012] The sixth embodiment of the information processing device is an information processing device relating to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the user information includes pre-registered user contact information, the processor transmits candidate user information to the device, receives selected user information from the device, and if the user relating to the selected user information is not in a position to operate the device, transmits a message to the contact information included in the selected user information that user verification has been performed.

[0013] The seventh embodiment of the information processing system comprises an information processing device relating to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, and a device for transmitting operation information to the information processing device, wherein the device transmits operation information to the information processing device when the user has finished operating.

[0014] The information processing system of the eighth embodiment is an information processing system according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the device includes a sensor that detects a user located within a predetermined distance from the device as an operable position, and when a user is present within the range, it requests user information from the information processing device, and when the user leaves the range, it transmits operation information to the information processing device.

[0015] The information processing system of the ninth embodiment, in the information processing system relating to the seventh or eighth embodiment, when the device receives user information, performs user verification with the user.

[0016] The information processing system of the tenth embodiment is an information processing system of the ninth embodiment in which user information includes pre-registered contact information of the user, and the device notifies the contact person that user verification has been performed if the user information corresponds to the user.

[0017] In the information processing system according to the eleventh aspect, in the information processing system according to the ninth or tenth aspect, when the device does not match the user information with the user, the device presents candidates for user information corresponding to the user.

[0018] In the information processing system according to the twelfth aspect, in the information processing system according to the eleventh aspect, the device presents, as candidates, user information related to users present in the facility.

[0019] The information processing program according to the thirteenth aspect causes a computer to acquire user information, which is information for identifying a user who has entered a facility, detect the position of the user within the facility, transmit the user information to a device when it is detected that the user is present at a position where the device installed in the facility can be operated, receive operation information, which is information on the user's operation, from the device, and charge the user a fee according to the operation information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the information processing device according to the first aspect and the information processing program according to the thirteenth aspect, in a walk-through type store, when a service is used, a charge can be imposed according to the service content.

[0021] According to the information processing device according to the second aspect, a user who attempts to operate the device can be detected.

[0022] According to the information processing device according to the third aspect, the end of the operation of the device can be detected without receiving a notification from the device.

[0023] According to the information processing device according to the fourth aspect, the fee charged within the facility can be recognized.

[0024] According to the information processing device according to the fifth aspect, the fee charged can be recognized and managed using the terminal possessed by the user.

[0025] According to the information processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, even when an incorrect user is selected, it is possible to recognize that the incorrectly selected user has been selected.

[0026] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, it is possible to collectively manage the charging for users in the facility.

[0027] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, even when the position of the user cannot be detected by a camera or the like, the position of the user can be detected.

[0028] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, it is possible to suppress charging an incorrect user as compared with the case where the user is not confirmed.

[0029] According to the information processing system of the tenth aspect, it is possible to detect that an unintended confirmation has been performed.

[0030] According to the information processing system of the eleventh aspect, even when the user is misdetected, it is possible to charge the appropriate user.

[0031] According to the information processing system of the twelfth aspect, it is possible to narrow down the candidates selected by the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system according to each embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an activity diagram showing an example of a series of flows from the entry of the user to the charging according to each embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to each embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to each embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the multifunction device according to each embodiment. [Figure 6] This block diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of a multifunction printer according to each embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a reception screen according to each embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the operation reception process flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the operation reception process flow according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0034] As an example, as shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 is composed of an information processing device 10 which is a server, a multifunction device 50 equipped with printing and scanning functions, and a user terminal 100 owned by the user. The information processing device 10, the multifunction device 50, and the user terminal 100 are connected to each other via a network N. In this embodiment, the configuration in which the device operated by the user is the multifunction device 50 is described. However, it is not limited to this configuration. The device operated by the user may also be a multimedia terminal.

[0035] The information processing device 10 acquires user identification information (hereinafter referred to as "user information") presented by the user terminal 100 from a reader device 18A, described later, installed in a store or other facility, and authenticates the user who has entered the facility. User information is presented, for example, using a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) from the user terminal 100. The information processing device 10 uses images or videos (hereinafter referred to as "images, etc.") acquired from a camera or other imaging unit 18B, described later, installed in the facility, to detect the user's location within the facility. If the information processing device 10 detects that the user is in a position where they can operate the multifunction printer 50, it transmits the user information to the multifunction printer 50.

[0036] The multifunction printer 50 provides services such as printing and scanning in response to user operations. The multifunction printer 50 transmits information indicating the content of operations performed by the user (hereinafter referred to as "operation information") to the information processing device 10. In this embodiment, the form in which the multifunction printer 50 transmits operation information related to operations performed by the user is described. However, it is not limited to this. The operation information may include fee information indicating the charges for services provided by the multifunction printer 50 to the user.

[0037] The user terminal 100 is a portable device owned and carried by the user, and it displays user information for user authentication. The user terminal 100 receives billed information (hereinafter referred to as "billing information") from the information processing device 10 according to the operation information.

[0038] Next, referring to Figure 2, we will explain the flow from when the user enters the facility until the information processing device 10 sends the billing information. Figure 2 is an activity diagram showing an example of a series of flows from the user's entry to the sending of billing information.

[0039] As an example, as shown in Figure 2, the user uses the user terminal 100 to present user information to the reader 18A, which will be described later and is installed in the facility (step S101).

[0040] The information processing device 10 acquires user information and authenticates the user (step S102), and identifies and tracks the user who is in front of the reader 18A installed in the facility using images acquired from the camera unit 18B installed in the facility (step S103).

[0041] The user enters the facility (step S104) and stands in front of the multifunction printer 50 installed in the facility (step S105).

[0042] When the information processing device 10 detects that a user is in a position where they can operate the multifunction printer 50 (step S106), it transmits the user's user information to the multifunction printer 50 (step S107).

[0043] When the multifunction printer 50 obtains user information from the information processing device 10 (step S108), it provides services in the multifunction printer 50 according to the user's operation (step S109).

[0044] The user operates the multifunction printer 50 to receive the service (step S110), and when the operation is finished, moves away from the multifunction printer 50 (step S111).

[0045] When the information processing device 10 detects that the user has moved away from the multifunction printer 50 using an image or the like (step S112), it requests operation information from the multifunction printer 50 indicating the operation performed by the user (step S113).

[0046] When the multifunction printer 50 receives the request from the information processing device 10 (step S114), it transmits operation information indicating the user's operation to the information processing device 10 (step S115).

[0047] When the information processing device 10 receives operation information (step S116), it derives a fee corresponding to the operation information, stores the fee as billing information associated with user information, and then performs billing.

[0048] As described above, the information processing device 10 allows users to use the multifunction printer without having to pay usage-based fees.

[0049] Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, storage 14, input unit 15, monitor 16, and communication interface (communication I / F) 17. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, storage 14, input unit 15, monitor 16, and communication I / F 17 are each interconnected by a bus 19. The information processing device 10 is also connected to a reading device 18A and an imaging unit 18B via the communication I / F 17. Here, the CPU 11 is an example of a processor.

[0051] The CPU 11 oversees and controls the entire information processing device 10. The ROM 12 stores various programs and data, including the information processing program used in this embodiment. The RAM 13 is memory used as a work area when various programs are executed. The CPU 11 performs user detection and billing processing by loading the programs stored in the ROM 12 into the RAM 13 and executing them.

[0052] Storage 14 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The storage 14 according to this embodiment includes a user information DB (database) for authenticating user information and a fee information DB that shows the charges incurred by user operations. Information processing programs and the like may also be stored in the storage 14.

[0053] The input unit 15 is a mouse, keyboard, etc., that accepts character input. The monitor 16 displays characters and images. The communication interface 17 transmits and receives data.

[0054] The reader 18A is a device for reading QR codes (registered trademarks) installed in the facility. In this embodiment, the reader 18A will be described as a QR code reader. However, it is not limited to this. It may be a device for reading IC (Integrated Circuit) cards or an input device for receiving authentication numbers. The imaging unit 18B is an imaging device such as a camera installed in the facility to photograph users inside the facility. In order to photograph the entire facility, multiple imaging devices are installed in the facility.

[0055] Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0056] As an example, as shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 10 includes a user information acquisition unit 21, a specific unit 22, a detection unit 23, a determination unit 24, a transmission unit 25, a reception unit 26, a billing unit 27, and a presentation unit 28. The CPU 11 executes an information processing program, causing the user information acquisition unit 21, specific unit 22, detection unit 23, determination unit 24, transmission unit 25, reception unit 26, billing unit 27, and presentation unit 28 to function.

[0057] The user information acquisition unit 21 acquires user information from the reading device 18A. In this embodiment, the user information includes the user's name and the user's contact information.

[0058] The identification unit 22 compares the acquired user information with a pre-registered user information database to identify and authenticate the user. The identification unit 22 also acquires images, etc., from the imaging unit 18B and uses these images, etc., to identify the user associated with the user information. For example, when the user information acquisition unit 21 acquires user information, the identification unit 22 identifies a user located around the reading device 18A as the user associated with that user information. In other words, the identification unit 22 identifies the user by associating the pre-registered user information with the user shown in the image, etc.

[0059] The detection unit 23 identifies each of the specified users and detects the location of each user using images or other means.

[0060] The determination unit 24 uses the user's position detected by the detection unit 23 to determine whether or not the user is in a position where the multifunction printer 50 can be operated. In this embodiment, the position where the multifunction printer 50 can be operated is, for example, a predetermined distance from the multifunction printer 50, such as 50 cm from the multifunction printer 50. The determination unit 24 also uses the user's position detected by the detection unit 23 to determine whether or not the user has moved away from the position where the multifunction printer 50 can be operated.

[0061] If the determination unit 24 determines that a user is in a position where the multifunction printer 50 can be operated, the transmission unit 25 transmits user information indicating that user to the multifunction printer 50. If the determination unit 24 determines that the user has moved away from a position where the multifunction printer 50 can be operated, the transmission unit 25 transmits a request for operation information to the multifunction printer 50, indicating that the user's operation has ended. Also, if the transmission unit 25 receives a request for user information from the multifunction printer 50, it transmits the user information to the multifunction printer 50.

[0062] The receiving unit 26 receives operation information related to user operations from the multifunction printer 50. The receiving unit 26 also receives requests for user information from the multifunction printer 50.

[0063] The billing unit 27 calculates the charges incurred by the operation according to the operation information and stores the charges as billing information, associating them with the user information.

[0064] The display unit 28 transmits and displays the billing information to the user terminal 100. In this embodiment, the method of transmitting and displaying the billing information to the user terminal 100 has been described. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a display device (not shown) may be installed at the exit of the facility, and the billing information may be transmitted to and displayed on the display device, or a printing device (not shown) may be installed at the exit of the facility, and the billing information may be transmitted to the printing device and printed as a receipt.

[0065] Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction printer 50 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the multifunction printer 50 according to this embodiment.

[0066] The multifunction device 50 according to this embodiment is composed of a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, storage 54, input unit 55, monitor 56, communication interface 57, image forming unit 58, and sensor 59. Each of the CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, storage 54, input unit 55, monitor 56, communication interface 57, image forming unit 58, and sensor 59 is interconnected by a bus 60.

[0067] Note that the ROM 52, RAM 53, storage 54, input unit 55, monitor 56, and communication I / F 57 related to the multifunction device 50 shown in Figure 5 are the same as the ROM 12, RAM 13, storage 14, input unit 15, monitor 16, and communication I / F 17 described above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0068] The CPU 51 oversees and controls the entire multifunction printer 50. The CPU 51 performs operation reception processing to accept user input by loading programs stored in the ROM 52 into the RAM 53 and executing them.

[0069] The image forming unit 58 is a device equipped with functions including a printing function that outputs an image to a recording medium using print data, and a scanner function that reads the image recorded on the recording medium and outputs it as image data. The sensor 59 is a human presence sensor that detects a user located at a predetermined distance from the multifunction printer 50.

[0070] Next, the functional configuration of the multifunction printer 50 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the multifunction printer 50 according to this embodiment.

[0071] As an example, as shown in Figure 6, the multifunction printer 50 includes a receiving unit 61, a user information display unit 62, a reception unit 63, a transmission unit 64, and a detection unit 65. The CPU 51 executes a reception processing program, which enables the receiving unit 61, user information display unit 62, reception unit 63, transmission unit 64, and detection unit 65 to function.

[0072] The receiving unit 61 receives user information from the information processing device 10 indicating users who can operate the multifunction printer 50, as well as user information of potential users. The receiving unit 61 also receives requests for operation information from the information processing device 10.

[0073] The user information display unit 62 displays the received user information on the monitor 56 and presents it to the user. As an example, as shown in Figure 7, the user information display unit 62 presents the user information to the user by displaying a reception screen 70. The reception screen 70 shown in Figure 7 includes a user information display area 71, and displays a yes button 72 and a no button 73 in the user information display area 71 to ask the user whether they are correct or not. If the user presses the no button 73, the user information display unit 62 presents candidate user information for the received user.

[0074] The reception unit 63 receives the operation of the multifunction printer 50 performed by the user as operation information. The reception unit 63 also receives the selection of the "Yes" button 72 or the "No" button 73 displayed on the reception screen 70 and verifies the user. If the "No" button 73 is selected, the reception unit 63 receives the selection of user information from the list of user candidates and verifies the user.

[0075] For example, if the "Yes" button 72 displayed in the user information display area 71 on the reception screen 70 is pressed, the reception unit 63 confirms that the correspondence between the user and user information has been verified and provides services according to the user's operation. Also, if the "No" button 73 is pressed, the reception unit 63 accepts the user's selection of user information from the candidate list and verifies the user.

[0076] In this embodiment, the method of confirming the user has been described in which the "Yes" button 72 displayed on the reception screen 70 is pressed, or user information is selected from the list of user candidates. However, the method is not limited to this. The user terminal 100 may also be notified that confirmation has been made. For example, when the "Yes" button 72 displayed on the reception screen 70 is pressed, or user information is selected from the list of user candidates, the displayed user information and the contact information included in the selected user information may be notified that confirmation for the provision of the service has been made. This allows the user to recognize that the service will be provided by the multifunction printer 50.

[0077] Furthermore, if user information is selected from the list of users on the reception screen 70, the information processing device 10 may authenticate the user. For example, if user information is selected from the list of users on the reception screen 70, the multifunction printer 50 transmits the selected user information to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 identifies the location of the user related to the selected user information, determines whether or not the user is in a position where the multifunction printer 50 can be operated, and transmits the determination result to the multifunction printer 50. The multifunction printer 50 may use the determination result to provide services to the user. Also, if the information processing device 10 determines that the location of the user related to the selected user information is not in a position where the multifunction printer 50 can be operated, it may notify the user's contact information included in the user information that verification has been performed in connection with the provision of services.

[0078] When the transmitting unit 64 receives a request for operation information from the information processing device 10, it transmits the operation information to the information processing device 10. The transmitting unit 64 also transmits a request for user information of a candidate user. Furthermore, when the detection unit 65 (described later) detects a user, the transmitting unit 64 transmits a request for user information to the information processing device 10.

[0079] The detection unit 65 uses the sensor 59 to detect a user who is in a position to operate the multifunction printer 50.

[0080] Next, the operation of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of user detection and user billing according to this embodiment. The CPU 11 reads and executes an information processing program from the ROM 12 or storage 14, thereby executing the information processing shown in Figure 8. The information processing shown in Figure 8 is executed, for example, when user information is entered by the user.

[0081] In step S201, the CPU 11 determines whether user information has been input from the user and whether the user information has been acquired. If user information has been acquired (step S201: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if user information has not been acquired (step S201: NO), the CPU 11 waits until user information is acquired.

[0082] In step S202, the CPU 11 compares the acquired user information with the user information database to authenticate the user.

[0083] In step S203, the CPU 11 identifies the authenticated user using the image acquired from the imaging unit 18B and starts tracking the user.

[0084] In step S204, the CPU 11 determines whether the user is in a position to operate the multifunction printer 50. If the user is in a position to operate the multifunction printer 50 (step S204: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if the user is not in a position to operate the multifunction printer 50 (step S204: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S212.

[0085] In step S205, the CPU 11 transmits user information to the multifunction printer 50.

[0086] In step S206, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a user candidate has been requested from the multifunction device 50. If a user candidate has been requested (step S206: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if no user candidate has been requested (step S206: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S208.

[0087] In step S207, the CPU 11 transmits user information relating to a user currently within the facility as a candidate user.

[0088] In step S208, the CPU 11 determines whether the user has moved away from the multifunction printer 50. If the user has moved away from the multifunction printer 50 (step S208: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if the user has not moved away from the multifunction printer 50 (the user is operating the multifunction printer 50) (step S208: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S206 to determine whether a candidate for the user has been requested.

[0089] In step S209, the CPU 11 sends a request for operation information to the multifunction device 50.

[0090] In step S210, the CPU 11 receives operation information from the multifunction printer 50.

[0091] In step S211, the CPU 11 uses the fee information DB to derive the fee corresponding to the operation information as billing information and stores it in association with the user information.

[0092] In step S212, the CPU 11 determines whether the user has left the facility. If the user has left the facility (step S212: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, if the user has not left the facility (the user is still inside the facility) (step S212: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S204 to determine whether the user is in a position to operate the multifunction printer 50.

[0093] In step S213, the CPU 11 presents the billing information associated with the user.

[0094] Next, the operation of the multifunction device 50 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for receiving an operation according to this embodiment. The CPU 51 reads and executes the operation acceptance processing program from the ROM 52 or storage 54, thereby executing the operation acceptance processing shown in Figure 9. The operation acceptance processing shown in Figure 9 is executed, for example, when user information is received and an instruction to execute the operation acceptance processing is input.

[0095] In step S301, the CPU 51 determines whether or not it has received user information from the information processing device 10. If user information is received (step S301: YES), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, if user information is not received (step S301: NO), the CPU 51 waits until it receives user information from the information processing device 10.

[0096] In step S302, the CPU 51 acquires the received user information.

[0097] In step S303, the CPU 51 displays the reception screen 70 and presents the acquired user information.

[0098] In step S304, the CPU 51 determines whether or not user verification was successful. If user verification was successful (step S304: YES), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if user verification was unsuccessful (step S304: NO), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S306. Here, the CPU 51 determines that user verification was successful if the "Yes" button 72 is pressed on the reception screen 70, and that user verification was unsuccessful if the "No" button 73 is pressed.

[0099] In step S305, the CPU 51 receives user input and provides a service. Here, the CPU 51 stores the input received from the user.

[0100] In step S306, the CPU 51 sends a request for user information of candidate users to the information processing device 10.

[0101] In step S307, the CPU 51 receives and acquires user information that represents a candidate user from the information processing device 10.

[0102] In step S308, the CPU 51 presents user information that is a candidate for the acquired user, and then proceeds to step S304.

[0103] In step S309, the CPU 51 determines whether or not it has received a request for operation information from the information processing device 10. If it has received a request for operation information (step S309: YES), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, if it has not received a request for operation information (step S309: NO), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S305 to accept user input.

[0104] In step S310, the CPU 51 transmits operation information to the information processing device 10.

[0105] As explained above, according to this embodiment, in a walk-through type store, when a service is used, a charge can be made according to the content of the service.

[0106] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the information processing device 10 detects whether or not a user is in a position where they can operate the multifunction printer 50. In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which the multifunction printer 50 detects whether or not a user is in a position where it can be operated.

[0107] In the following, the configuration of the information processing system (see Figure 1), the activity diagram showing the flow from entry to billing (see Figure 2), the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 (see Figure 3), the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 (see Figure 4), the hardware configuration of the multifunction printer 50 (see Figure 5), the functional configuration of the multifunction printer 50 (see Figure 6), and the diagram showing the reception screen 70 (see Figure 7) are the same as in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0108] First, the operation of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of user detection and user billing according to this embodiment. The CPU 11 reads and executes an information processing program from the ROM 12 or storage 14, thereby executing the information processing shown in Figure 10. The information processing shown in Figure 10 is executed, for example, when user information is entered by the user. In Figure 10, steps that are the same as those in the information processing shown in Figure 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 8, and their explanations are omitted.

[0109] In step S214, the CPU 11 determines whether or not user information has been requested from the multifunction device 50. If user information has been requested (step S214: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if user information has not been requested (step S214: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S212.

[0110] In step S215, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has received operation information from the multifunction device 50. If operation information is received (step S215: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if operation information is not received (step S215: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S206 to determine whether or not a user candidate has been requested.

[0111] Next, the operation acceptance process will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation acceptance process according to this embodiment. The operation acceptance process shown in Figure 11 is executed when the CPU 51 reads the operation acceptance process program from the ROM 52 or storage 54 and executes it. The operation acceptance process shown in Figure 11 is executed, for example, when an instruction to execute the operation acceptance process is input. In Figure 11, steps that are the same as those in the operation acceptance process shown in Figure 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 9, and their explanations are omitted.

[0112] In step S311, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the user is in a position where they can operate the device. If the user is in a position where they can operate the device (step S311: YES), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S312. On the other hand, if the user is not in a position where they can operate the device (step S311: NO), the CPU 51 waits until it detects a user in a position where they can operate the device.

[0113] In step S312, the CPU 51 sends a request for user information to the information processing device 10.

[0114] In step S313, the CPU 51 determines whether or not it has detected that the user has moved away from an operable position. If it has detected that the user has moved away from an operable position (step S313: YES), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, if it has not detected that the user has moved away from an operable position (the user is operating the multifunction printer 50) (step S313: NO), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S305 to accept user input.

[0115] As described above, according to this embodiment, even when the multifunction printer 50 detects a user, charges can be made according to the service content in a walk-through type facility.

[0116] Although the present invention has been described above using various embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the scope described in each embodiment. Various modifications or improvements can be made to each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such modified or improved forms are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes, for example, general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0118] Furthermore, the processor operations in each of the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0119] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an configuration in which the information processing program is installed on storage, it is not limited to this. The information processing program according to this embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the information processing program according to the present invention may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM. The information processing program according to the present invention may also be provided in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. In addition, the information processing program according to this embodiment may be acquired from an external device via a communication line connected to a communication interface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1. Information Processing System 10 Information Processing Devices 11.51 CPU 12, 52 ROM 13.53 RAM 14, 54 storage 15, 55 Input section 16, 56 monitors 18A Reader 18B Photography Department 19, 60 bus 21 User Information Acquisition Unit 22 Specific section 23 Detection unit 24 Judgment section 25 Transmitter 26 Receiving Unit 27 Billing Section 28 Presentation section 50 Multifunction device 58 Image forming unit 59 sensors 61 Receiving unit 62 User Information Display Section 63 Reception Department 64 Transmitter 65 Detection unit 70 Reception screen 71 User Information Display Area 72 Yes button 73 No button

Claims

1. It has a processor, and the processor is We obtain user information, which is information used to identify users who have entered the facility. The location of the user within the facility is detected, If the system detects that the user is in a position where they can operate the device installed within the facility, it transmits the user information to the device. The device receives operation information, which is information about the user's actions. The user is charged a fee corresponding to the aforementioned operation information. The aforementioned processor, Further images taken inside the aforementioned facility were acquired, Using the aforementioned image, it is detected that the user is located within a predetermined distance from the device as the operable position. If the user moves away from the predetermined distance range, the device will request the operation information. Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned processor, If the user leaves the facility, the user will be notified of the fee. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, The user's contact information is registered in advance and associated with the user information. Send the aforementioned fee to the aforementioned contact person. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned user information is Includes contact information of pre-registered users, The aforementioned processor, The user information of the candidate user is transmitted to the device, and the selected user information is received from the device. If the user associated with the selected user information is not in a position to operate the device, a message is sent to the contact information included in the selected user information indicating that the user has been verified. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The device comprises the device that transmits the operation information to the information processing device, The aforementioned device is When the user's operation is completed, the operation information is transmitted to the information processing device. Information processing system.

6. The aforementioned device is The aforementioned operable position includes a sensor that detects the user who is located within a predetermined distance from the device, If the user exists within the range, the user information is requested from the information processing device. If the user moves out of the range, the operation information is transmitted to the information processing device. The information processing system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned device is Upon receiving the user information, the user's identity will be verified. The information processing system according to claim 5 or claim 6.

8. The aforementioned user information is Includes contact information of pre-registered users, The aforementioned device is If the user information matches the user, the contact person will be notified that the user has been verified. The information processing system according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned device is If the user information and the user do not correspond, the system will present candidate user information corresponding to the user. The information processing system according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. The aforementioned device is As a candidate, user information relating to users residing within the facility is presented. The information processing system according to claim 9.

11. On the computer, We obtain user information, which is information used to identify users who have entered the facility. The location of the user within the facility is detected, If the system detects that the user is in a position where they can operate the device installed within the facility, it transmits the user information to the device. The device receives operation information, which is information about the user's actions. The user is charged a fee corresponding to the aforementioned operation information. Further images taken inside the aforementioned facility were acquired, Using the aforementioned image, it is detected that the user is located within a predetermined distance from the device as the operable position. If the user moves away from the predetermined distance range, the device will request the operation information. An information processing program designed to perform a task.

Images