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

Abstract

To facilitate an operation of making electronic data available.SOLUTION: An information processing device capable of communicating with an information processing terminal and a storage device via a network, includes: an acquisition unit that acquires settlement information indicating a settlement state related to electronic data; a management unit that stores, in the storage device, encrypted data obtained by encrypting the electronic data in which the settlement information indicates that settlement has not been completed; a decryption unit that decrypts the encrypted data corresponding to the electronic data in which the settlement information indicates that settlement has been completed; and a transmission unit that transmits the electronic data to the information processing terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

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

Background Art

[0002] There is a usage form in which unspecified users jointly use an image forming apparatus. Assuming this usage form, there is a technique in which electronic data generated by an image forming apparatus is made unavailable until payment completion is confirmed in order to reliably collect usage fees for the image forming apparatus.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a multifunction device that, after performing scanning in response to an instruction from a mobile terminal, transmits encrypted scan data to the mobile terminal using a common key, and transmits the common key used for encryption to the mobile terminal when payment for the scan data is confirmed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the prior art has a problem that the operation for making electronic data available is complicated. For example, in the multifunction device disclosed in Patent Document 1, since all scan data is encrypted and transmitted to the mobile terminal, the scan data cannot be used unless an operation for decrypting it is performed on the mobile terminal.

[0005] One embodiment of this invention aims to simplify the operation for making electronic data available.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an information processing device, which is one embodiment of the present invention, is an information processing device that can communicate with an information processing terminal and a storage device via a network, and comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires settlement information representing the settlement status of electronic data; a management unit that stores encrypted data obtained by encrypting electronic data representing incomplete settlement information in a storage device; a decryption unit that decrypts encrypted data corresponding to electronic data representing completed settlement information; and a transmission unit that transmits electronic data to an information processing terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of this invention, the operation of making electronic data available becomes easier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system in one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an MFP in one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a computer hardware configuration in one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone in one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system in one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the processing procedure for an information processing method in one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are numbered the same in the drawings, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment] One embodiment of this invention is an information processing system in which an image forming apparatus performs various functions in response to requests from a user device, and the electronic data generated by these functions is used by the user device. The image forming apparatus in this embodiment is intended to be installed in, for example, a convenience store or a co-working space, and is intended for use by an unspecified number of users.

[0011] In this usage pattern, payment is required each time the functions of the image forming apparatus are used. Traditionally, the electronic data generated by the functions of the image forming apparatus was stored in the apparatus until payment completion was confirmed. As a result, there was a risk that the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus would be insufficient due to the accumulation of electronic data for which payment had not been completed. Furthermore, there was the problem that electronic data stored in the image forming apparatus could be accessed directly without paying a fee.

[0012] In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, a multifunction printer encrypts scanned data in response to a request from a mobile terminal and transmits it to the mobile terminal. After payment for the scanned data is confirmed, the printer transmits the common key used for encryption to the mobile terminal. This makes it possible to make the electronic data generated by the image forming apparatus unusable until payment is confirmed.

[0013] However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, all scanned data is encrypted and transmitted to the mobile terminal. Therefore, in order to use the scanned data on the mobile terminal, the user must decrypt it on the mobile terminal, which is a cumbersome operation. In particular, even for electronic data for which payment has been completed, decryption is always required, which increases the time required for the user to be able to use the scanned data.

[0014] In this embodiment, the information processing system encrypts the electronic data and stores it in an external storage service only if the payment is incomplete. Furthermore, when the information processing system confirms the completion of the payment, it decrypts the encrypted data and transmits the resulting electronic data to the user device. That is, the user device in this embodiment receives the electronic data after the payment has been confirmed to be complete, and therefore does not require any special operations such as decryption to use the electronic data. Consequently, the information processing system in this embodiment makes it easier to make the electronic data available for use.

[0015] <Overall configuration of the information processing system> First, the overall configuration of the information processing system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system 100 in this embodiment.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 100 in this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1, a control device 2, a user device 3, a plurality of storage systems 4 (4-1, 4-2, ...), and a payment system 5. The control device 2, user device 3, storage system 4, and payment system 5 in this embodiment are each connected to a communication network N1.

[0017] The communication network N1 is configured so that each connected device can communicate with one another. The communication network N1 is constructed using wired communication networks such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0018] The communication network N1 may include not only wired communication but also wireless communication such as wireless LAN or short-range wireless communication, or a network based on mobile communication such as WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or 5G (5th Generation).

[0019] The image forming apparatus 1 and the control apparatus 2 are connected by a communication path N2 and are configured to be able to communicate with each other. The communication path N2 is, for example, a wired connection such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or a cross cable, or wireless communication such as wireless LAN or short-range wireless communication.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 1 is an electronic device that executes a function of generating electronic data. The image forming apparatus 1 executes a function of generating electronic data in response to a user operation or an instruction from the control apparatus 2, and transmits the generated electronic data to the control apparatus 2. An example of the image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Product / Printer: digital multifunction device). Other examples of the image forming apparatus 1 are a printer, a FAX apparatus, a scanner apparatus, etc.

[0021] The control apparatus 2 is an information processing apparatus that operates the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication path N2. The control apparatus 2 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform an operation of generating electronic data in response to a request from the user apparatus 3, and transmits the electronic data generated by the image forming apparatus 1 to the user apparatus 3. An example of the control apparatus 2 is a computer.

[0022] The user apparatus 3 is an information processing apparatus used by the user. The user apparatus 3 requests the control apparatus 2 to perform an operation of generating electronic data in response to a user operation, and receives the electronic data generated by the image forming apparatus 1 from the control apparatus 2. An example of the user apparatus 3 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Other examples of the user apparatus 3 are a computer.

[0023] The storage system 4 is implemented using one or more information processing devices and provides cloud storage services (or online storage) via the communication network N1. The cloud storage service is a service that leases the storage space provided by each information processing device that makes up the storage system 4.

[0024] Hereafter, when distinguishing between multiple storage systems 4, they will be referred to using sub-numbers such as storage system 4-1, storage system 4-2, etc.

[0025] The payment system 5 is implemented using one or more information processing devices and provides online payment services via the communication network N1. Online payment services are services that perform payments electronically via a communication network. An example of an online payment service is barcode payment (or QR code (registered trademark) payment). Other examples of online payment services include credit card payments or electronic money payments.

[0026] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1, control device 2, and user device 3 are not limited to MFPs, computers, and smartphones, as long as they are devices equipped with communication functions. The image forming apparatus 1, control device 2, and user device 3 may also be, for example, output devices such as PJs (Projectors), IWBs (Interactive White Boards), digital signage, HUDs (Head-Up Displays), industrial machinery, imaging devices, sound collection devices, medical equipment, networked home appliances, automobiles (Connected Cars), notebook PCs (Personal Computers), mobile phones, smartphones, tablet devices, game consoles, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), digital cameras, wearable PCs, or desktop PCs.

[0027] <Hardware configuration of the information processing system> Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0028] ≪MFP Hardware Configuration≫ Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration when the image forming apparatus 1 is implemented using an MFP. As shown in Figure 2, the MFP includes a controller 910, a short-range communication circuit 920, an engine control unit 930, an operation panel 940, and a network interface 950.

[0029] Of these, the controller 910 includes the main components of the computer: the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, system memory (MEM-P) 902, northbridge (NB) 903, southbridge (SB) 904, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 906, local memory (MEM-C) 907, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 908, and HD (Hard Disk) 909, with the NB 903 and ASIC 906 connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 921.

[0030] Of these, the CPU901 is a control unit that performs overall control of the MFP. The NB903 is a bridge that connects the CPU901 to the MEM-P902, SB904, and AGP bus 921, and has a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P902, as well as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master and an AGP target.

[0031] MEM-P902 consists of a ROM (Read Only Memory) 902a, which is a memory for storing programs and data that realize the various functions of the controller 910, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 902b, which is used for program and data deployment and drawing during memory printing. The programs stored in RAM 902b may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0032] SB904 is a bridge for connecting NB903 to PCI devices and peripherals. ASIC906 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing, and acts as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 921, PCI bus 922, HDD908, and MEM-C907, respectively. This ASIC906 consists of a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC906, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C907, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that performs data transfer via PCI bus 922 between the scanner unit 931 and the printer unit 932. Note that the ASIC906 may also be connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface.

[0033] MEM-C907 is local memory used as a copy image buffer and code buffer. HD909 is storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. HD909 controls data reading or writing to it according to the control of CPU901. The AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to speed up graphics processing, and by directly accessing MEM-P902 with high throughput, the graphics accelerator card can be made faster.

[0034] Furthermore, the short-range communication circuit 920 is equipped with a short-range communication circuit 920a. The short-range communication circuit 920 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth.

[0035] Furthermore, the engine control unit 930 is composed of a scanner unit 931 and a printer unit 932. The operation panel 940 includes a panel display unit 940a, such as a touch panel, which displays current settings and selection screens and accepts input from the operator, and an operation panel 940b, which consists of a numeric keypad that accepts setting values ​​for image formation conditions such as density settings and a start key that accepts a copy start command. The controller 910 controls the entire MFP, for example, controlling drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 940. The scanner unit 931 or the printer unit 932 includes an image processing section, such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0036] Furthermore, the MFP allows you to sequentially switch between document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function using the application switching key on the control panel 940. When the document box function is selected, it enters document box mode; when the copy function is selected, it enters copy mode; when the printer function is selected, it enters printer mode; and when the facsimile mode is selected, it enters facsimile mode.

[0037] Furthermore, the network interface 950 is an interface for data communication using a communication network. The short-range communication circuit 920 and the network interface 950 are electrically connected to the ASIC 906 via the PCI bus 922.

[0038] Computer Hardware Configuration Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration when the control device 2 or user device 3 is implemented as a computer. As shown in Figure 3, the computer includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD 504, HDD controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F 508, network I / F 509, bus line 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0039] Of these components, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire computer. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501.

[0040] The display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection interface 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, external devices include, for example, USB memory sticks and printers. The network interface 509 is an interface for data communication using a communication network. The bus line 510 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in Figure 3.

[0041] The keyboard 511 is a type of input device equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The pointing device 512 is a type of input device for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, and moving the cursor. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that it is not limited to DVD-RW, but may also be DVD-R, etc. The media interface 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 515, such as flash memory.

[0042] Smartphone Hardware Configuration Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration when user device 3 is implemented as a smartphone. As shown in Figure 4, the smartphone includes a CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, EEPROM 404, CMOS sensor 405, image sensor I / F 406, acceleration / direction sensor 407, media I / F 409, and GPS receiver 411.

[0043] Of these, the CPU 401 controls the overall operation of the smartphone. The ROM 402 stores programs used to drive the CPU 401, such as the CPU 401 and IPL. The RAM 403 is used as the work area for the CPU 401. The EEPROM 404 reads or writes various data, such as smartphone programs, according to the control of the CPU 401. The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor 405 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject (mainly a self-portrait) according to the control of the CPU 401 to obtain image data. Note that it may be an imaging means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor instead of a CMOS sensor. The image sensor I / F 406 is a circuit that controls the driving of the CMOS sensor 405. The acceleration / direction sensor 407 is a type of sensor such as an electronic magnetic compass, gyrocompass, or acceleration sensor that detects the Earth's magnetic field. The media I / F 409 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to or from the recording medium 408, such as flash memory. The GPS receiver 411 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

[0044] The smartphone also includes a long-range communication circuit 412, a CMOS sensor 413, an image sensor interface 414, a microphone 415, a speaker 416, an audio input / output interface 417, a display 418, an external device connection interface 419, a short-range communication circuit 420, an antenna 420a for the short-range communication circuit 420, and a touch panel 421.

[0045] Of these, the long-range communication circuit 412 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via a communication network. The CMOS sensor 413 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject and obtains image data according to the control of the CPU 401. The image sensor interface 414 is a circuit that controls the driving of the CMOS sensor 413. The microphone 415 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into electrical signals. The speaker 416 is a built-in circuit that converts electrical signals into physical vibrations to produce sound such as music and speech. The sound input / output interface 417 is a circuit that processes the input and output of sound signals between the microphone 415 and the speaker 416 according to the control of the CPU 401. The display 418 is a type of display means such as liquid crystal or organic EL (electroluminescence) that displays images of the subject and various icons. The external device connection interface 419 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-range communication circuit 420 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The touch panel 421 is a type of input method that allows the user to operate the smartphone by pressing the display 418.

[0046] Furthermore, the smartphone is equipped with a bus line 410. The bus line 410 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component, such as the CPU 401 shown in Figure 4.

[0047] <Functional Configuration of Information Processing System> Next, the functional configuration of the information processing system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device included in the information processing system 100 in this embodiment.

[0048] ≪Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus≫ As shown in Figure 5, the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment includes a data generation unit 11 and a billing processing unit 12.

[0049] The data generation unit 11 and the billing processing unit 12 are implemented, for example, by a process in which a program deployed from the HD909 shown in Figure 2 onto the RAM902b is executed by the CPU901 and the HDD controller 908.

[0050] The data generation unit 11 receives an instruction from the control device 2 to execute the scanning function. In response to the instruction, the data generation unit 11 scans the document set in the scanner unit 931 and generates scan data. Furthermore, the data generation unit 11 transmits the scan data to the control device 2.

[0051] The billing processing unit 12 charges fees based on the scan data generated by the data generation unit 11. The billing processing unit 12 also requests the payment system 5 to settle the charges based on the scan data, depending on the user's actions.

[0052] ≪Functional Configuration of Control Device≫ As shown in Figure 5, the control device 2 in this embodiment includes an execution instruction unit 21, a data receiving unit 22, a settlement information acquisition unit 23, an encryption unit 24, a storage management unit 25, a decryption unit 26, and a data transmission unit 27.

[0053] The execution instruction unit 21, data reception unit 22, settlement information acquisition unit 23, encryption unit 24, memory management unit 25, decryption unit 26, and data transmission unit 27 are implemented, for example, by a process in which a program deployed from the HD 504 shown in Figure 3 onto the RAM 503 causes the CPU 501 and HDD controller 505 to execute.

[0054] The execution instruction unit 21 receives a request from the user device 3 to execute the scan function. The execution instruction unit 21 also instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the scan function.

[0055] The data receiving unit 22 receives scan data from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0056] The payment information acquisition unit 23 acquires payment information from the payment system 5 that represents the payment status of the charges based on the scanned data. The payment status is either completed or not completed. Not completed payment may occur due to, for example, insufficient balance, communication error, or failure to perform the payment.

[0057] The encryption unit 24 generates an encryption key using an arbitrary string (hereinafter referred to as the "user string") received as input from the user device 3 and a pre-set fixed value (hereinafter referred to as the "fixed key"). The encryption unit 24 also uses the encryption key to encrypt scan data indicating that the payment information is incomplete.

[0058] The memory management unit 25 stores encrypted scan data (hereinafter also referred to as "encrypted data") in the storage system 4. The memory management unit 25 also retrieves encrypted data from the storage system 4 that corresponds to scan data indicating payment completion. Furthermore, if there are multiple storage systems 4, the memory management unit 25 determines which storage system 4 will store the encrypted data.

[0059] The decryption unit 26 uses a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key to decrypt the encrypted data corresponding to the scan data indicating the completion of payment information.

[0060] The data transmission unit 27 transmits scan data indicating that the payment has been completed to the user device 3.

[0061] <<Functional Configuration of User Devices>> As shown in Figure 5, the user device 3 in this embodiment includes a data storage unit 30, an execution request unit 31, and a data receiving unit 32.

[0062] The execution request unit 31 and the data reception unit 32 are implemented, for example, by a process in which a program loaded from the EEPROM 404 shown in Figure 4 onto the RAM 403 is executed by the CPU 401. The data storage unit 30 is implemented, for example, using the EEPROM 404 shown in Figure 4.

[0063] The data storage unit 30 stores the scan data received from the control device 2.

[0064] The execution request unit 31 requests the control device 2 to execute the scan function in response to user operation.

[0065] The data receiving unit 32 receives scan data from the control device 2. The data receiving unit 32 also stores the scan data in the data storage unit 30.

[0066] ≪Storage System Functional Configuration≫ As shown in Figure 5, the storage system 4 in this embodiment includes a data storage unit 40.

[0067] The data storage unit 40 is implemented, for example, using the HD504 shown in Figure 3. Reading or writing data stored in the HD504 is performed, for example, via the HDD controller 505.

[0068] The data storage unit 40 stores data managed by the storage system 4. The data stored in the data storage unit 40 includes encrypted data obtained by the control device 2 from scanning data.

[0069] ≪Functional Configuration of the Payment System≫ As shown in Figure 5, the payment system 5 in this embodiment includes a payment information storage unit 50 and a payment processing unit 51.

[0070] The payment information storage unit 50 is implemented, for example, using the HD504 shown in Figure 3. Reading or writing data stored in the HD504 is performed, for example, via the HDD controller 505.

[0071] The settlement processing unit 51 is implemented, for example, by a program deployed from the HD 504 shown in Figure 3 onto the RAM 503, which is then executed by the CPU 501 and the HDD controller 505.

[0072] The payment information storage unit 50 stores payment information that represents the status of the payment made by the payment system 5. The payment information stored in the payment information storage unit 50 includes payment information that represents the payment status of the charges based on the scan data generated by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0073] The settlement processing unit 51 settles the charges based on the scan data in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 1. The settlement processing unit 51 also stores settlement information representing the settlement status of the charges based on the scan data in the settlement information storage unit 50.

[0074] <Processing Procedures for Equipment Management Systems> Next, the information processing method executed by the information processing system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the information processing method executed by the information processing system 100 in this embodiment.

[0075] In step S1, the execution request unit 31 of the user device 3 accepts an operation by the user to execute the scan function. Specifically, the user launches an application that is pre-installed on the user device 3 using the touch panel 421. This application is for executing the various functions of the image forming apparatus 1. Next, the user displays a two-dimensional barcode representing an instruction to execute the scan function on the display 418 using the launched application.

[0076] In step S2, the execution request unit 31 of the user device 3 inputs an execution request for the scan function to the control device 2 in response to an execution operation by the user. This execution request includes a user string. Specifically, the user has the control device 2 read a two-dimensional barcode displayed on the display 418. The user string is embedded in the two-dimensional barcode. The user string may, for example, be pre-set in the application, or it may be entered each time before displaying the two-dimensional barcode.

[0077] In step S3, the execution instruction unit 21 of the control device 2 receives an input request to execute the scan function. Specifically, the execution instruction unit 21 reads the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the display 418 of the user device 3. Next, the execution instruction unit 21 sends a request to the storage management unit 25 to acquire the communication status. This communication status represents the communication status between the control device 2 and the storage system 4.

[0078] The memory management unit 25 receives a request from the execution instruction unit 21 to acquire the communication status. Next, the memory management unit 25 acquires the communication status with the storage system 4. If there are multiple storage systems 4, the memory management unit 25 acquires the communication status with each of the multiple storage systems 4.

[0079] In step S4, the memory management unit 25 determines which storage system 4 to use based on the communication status with each storage system 4. The storage system 4 to use can be arbitrarily selected from among the storage systems 4 that can communicate. For example, the memory management unit 25 may pre-assign a priority to each storage system 4 and decide to use the storage system 4 with the highest priority. Alternatively, for example, the memory management unit 25 may measure the communication quality along with the communication status and decide to use the storage system 4 with the best communication quality.

[0080] Next, the memory management unit 25 sends the communication status with the storage system 4 to be used to the execution instruction unit 21. If there is no storage system 4 that can communicate, it sends a signal to that effect to the execution instruction unit 21.

[0081] In step S5, the execution instruction unit 21 of the control device 2 receives a communication status from the storage management unit 25. Next, if there is no storage system 4 that can communicate, the execution instruction unit 21 rejects the request to execute the scan operation. Specifically, the execution instruction unit 21 sends a signal to the user device 3 indicating that the execution request is rejected. The execution instruction unit 21 may also display a message on the display 506 indicating that the execution request is rejected. Here, we will continue the explanation assuming that a storage system 4 that can communicate exists.

[0082] Next, the execution instruction unit 21 transmits an execution instruction for the scan function to the image forming apparatus 1 in response to a request to execute the scan function.

[0083] In step S6, the data generation unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives an instruction to execute the scan function from the control device 2. Next, the data generation unit 11 scans the document set in the scanner unit 931 in response to the instruction to execute the scan function. As a result, scan data of the scanned document is generated. The scan data may consist of multiple files, each containing a scan of a page of the document, or it may be a single file containing the scanned data of each page of the document.

[0084] Next, the data generation unit 11 transmits the generated scan data and a file ID that identifies the scan data to the control device 2. In the control device 2, the data receiving unit 22 receives the scan data and file ID from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0085] In step S7, the data generation unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 calculates the fee based on the generated scan data. Next, the data generation unit 11 sends the calculated fee to the billing processing unit 12.

[0086] The billing processing unit 12 receives the fee based on the scan data from the data generation unit 11. Next, the billing processing unit 12 charges the user the fee based on the scan data. The user performs a settlement operation with the image forming apparatus 1 for the charged fee. The settlement operation varies depending on the service provided by the settlement system 5.

[0087] For example, if payment system 5 provides a barcode payment service, the user displays a two-dimensional barcode to be used for payment on the display 418 of user device 3 and has the image forming apparatus 1 read it. The two-dimensional barcode has a user ID embedded in it to identify the user. Alternatively, if payment system 5 provides an electronic money payment service, the user has the image forming apparatus 1 read an IC card loaded with electronic money. The IC card has the balance and user ID written on it.

[0088] Next, the billing processing unit 12 sends a payment request for the fee based on the scanned data to the payment system 5 in response to the user's payment operation. This payment request includes the fee, user ID, and file ID.

[0089] In step S8, the payment processing unit 51 of the payment system 5 receives a payment request from the image forming apparatus 1. Next, the payment processing unit 51 settles the charges included in the payment request from the account identified by the user ID included in the payment request. Subsequently, the payment processing unit 51 stores payment information representing the payment status in the payment information storage unit 50. This payment information includes a file ID.

[0090] In step S9, the data receiving unit 22 of the control device 2 sends a request to the payment information acquisition unit 23 to acquire payment information. This acquisition request includes a file ID.

[0091] The payment information acquisition unit 23 receives a request to acquire payment information from the data receiving unit 22. Next, the payment information acquisition unit 23 acquires payment information related to the scanned data from the payment system 5 based on the file ID included in the acquisition request.

[0092] If the payment information indicates that the payment has been completed, the payment information acquisition unit 23 sends a request to the data receiving unit 22 to transmit the scanned data. On the other hand, if the payment information indicates that the payment has not been completed, the payment information acquisition unit 23 sends a request to the data receiving unit 22 to encrypt the scanned data.

[0093] When the data receiving unit 22 receives a request to send scanned data, it sends the scanned data to the data transmission unit 27. Also, when the data receiving unit 22 receives a request to encrypt scanned data, it sends the scanned data to the encryption unit 24.

[0094] Steps S10 to S16 are executed if the settlement information acquired by the settlement information acquisition unit 23 in step S9 indicates that the settlement is incomplete. If the settlement information indicates that the settlement is complete, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0095] In step S10, the encryption unit 24 of the control device 2 receives scan data from the data receiving unit 22. Next, the encryption unit 24 generates an encryption key for encrypting the scan data. The encryption key is generated using the user string included in the scan function execution request and a fixed key that is pre-configured in the control device 2.

[0096] Next, the encryption unit 24 encrypts the scan data received from the data receiving unit 22 using the generated encryption key. Then, the encryption unit 24 sends the encrypted data to the storage management unit 25. The encrypted data is accompanied by a file ID that identifies the encrypted scan data.

[0097] In step S11, the memory management unit 25 of the control device 2 receives encrypted data from the encryption unit 24. Next, the memory management unit 25 transmits the encrypted data to the storage system 4. If there are multiple storage systems 4, the encrypted data is transmitted to the storage system 4 determined in step S4.

[0098] In step S12, the storage system 4 receives encrypted data from the control device 2. Next, the storage system 4 stores the received encrypted data in the data storage unit 40.

[0099] In step S13, the payment information acquisition unit 23 of the control device 2 acquires payment information related to the scanned data from the payment system 5 based on the file ID that identifies the encrypted scanned data.

[0100] If the payment information indicates that the payment has been completed, the payment information acquisition unit 23 sends a request to the storage management unit 25 to acquire encrypted data. This acquisition request includes a file ID that identifies the encrypted scanned data. On the other hand, if the payment information indicates that the payment has not been completed, the payment information acquisition unit 23 repeats step S13 after a predetermined time interval.

[0101] In other words, the payment information acquisition unit 23 repeatedly acquires payment information related to the scanned data until payment information indicating completion of payment is acquired. While the payment information acquisition unit 23 repeatedly executes step S13, the user performs the payment operation again for any outstanding charges to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0102] In step S14, the memory management unit 25 of the control device 2 receives a request to acquire encrypted data from the settlement information acquisition unit 23. Next, the memory management unit 25 transmits the request to acquire encrypted data to the storage system 4.

[0103] In step S15, the storage system 4 receives a request from the control device 2 to acquire encrypted data. Next, the storage system 4 acquires encrypted data from the data storage unit 40 based on the file ID included in the request to acquire encrypted data. Subsequently, the storage system 4 transmits the acquired encrypted data to the control device 2.

[0104] In the control device 2, the memory management unit 25 receives encrypted data from the storage system 4. The memory management unit 25 sends the received encrypted data to the decryption unit 26.

[0105] In step S16, the decryption unit 26 of the control device 2 receives encrypted data from the storage management unit 25. Next, the decryption unit 26 obtains a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key used by the encryption unit 24 for encryption. If the encryption key is a common key, the decryption unit 26 obtains the encryption key as the decryption key.

[0106] Next, the decryption unit 26 decrypts the encrypted data received from the memory management unit 25. This allows the decryption unit 26 to obtain scan data. Subsequently, the decryption unit 26 sends the scan data obtained through decryption to the data transmission unit 27.

[0107] In step S17, the data transmission unit 27 of the control device 2 receives scan data from the data receiving unit 22 or the decoding unit 26. If the settlement information acquired in step S9 indicates that the settlement is complete, the data transmission unit 27 receives scan data from the data receiving unit 22. If the settlement information acquired in step S13 indicates that the settlement is complete, the data transmission unit 27 receives scan data from the decoding unit 26.

[0108] Next, the data transmission unit 27 transmits the received scan data to the user device 3. In the user device 3, the data receiving unit 32 receives the scan data from the control device 2. Next, the data receiving unit 32 stores the received scan data in the data storage unit 30. The data receiving unit 32 also displays the scan data stored in the data storage unit 30 on the display 418 in response to user operations.

[0109] <Effects of the Embodiment> In this embodiment, the control device 2 encrypts the scan data when the payment information obtained from the payment system 5 indicates that the payment is incomplete. The control device 2 also transmits to the user device 3 the decrypted scan data corresponding to the scan data from which payment information indicating payment completion has been obtained from the payment system 5.

[0110] In other words, in this embodiment, the control device 2 transmits scan data for which payment completion has been confirmed to the user device 3 without encryption. In addition, the control device 2 in this embodiment encrypts scan data for which payment completion cannot be confirmed, decrypts it after payment completion has been confirmed, and transmits it to the user device 3.

[0111] With this configuration, the information processing system 100 in this embodiment allows the user to utilize the scan data generated by the image forming apparatus 1 without performing any special operations. In other words, the information processing system 100 in this embodiment makes it easy to make electronic data available.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 2 stores encrypted data in the storage system 4. Therefore, the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus 1 and the control device 2 will not be insufficient due to the accumulation of scan data for which payment completion cannot be confirmed.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 2 checks the communication status with the storage system 4 before instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to perform a scan operation. If there is no storage system 4 with which communication is possible, the control device 2 rejects the scan operation. Therefore, it is possible to avoid situations where the storage of encrypted scan data fails and scan data is lost.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 2 generates an encryption key used for encryption based on a string entered by the user and a fixed value set in the control device 2. Therefore, even if a third party obtains encrypted data from the storage system 4, the scanned data will not be stolen unless the string entered by the user is known.

[0115] [supplement] In each of the above embodiments, the control device 2 is an example of an information processing device. The user device 3 is an example of an information processing terminal. The storage system 4 is an example of a storage device. Scan data is an example of electronic data.

[0116] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the image forming apparatus 1 and the control device 2 are implemented as separate devices. However, the functions of the control device 2 may be implemented in the image forming apparatus 1 and implemented as a single image forming apparatus.

[0117] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which an application installed on the user device 3 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to perform a scan function via the control device 2. However, the user may also perform the scan function by operating the image forming apparatus 1.

[0118] Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0119] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0120] 1. Image forming apparatus 2 Control device 3. User device 4 Storage Systems 5. Payment System 11 Data Generation Unit 12. Billing Processing Unit 21 Execution Instruction Unit 22 Data receiving unit 23 Payment Information Acquisition Department 24 Encryption section 25 Memory Management Department 26 Decoding section 27 Data transmission section 31 Execution Request Unit 32 Data receiving unit 40 Data storage unit 50 Payment Information Storage Unit 51 Payment Processing Unit 100 Information Processing Systems [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0121] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-75834

Claims

1. An information processing device that can communicate with an information processing terminal and a storage device via a network, An acquisition unit that acquires settlement information representing the settlement status after settlement processing of electronic data, If the settlement status of the settlement information acquired by the acquisition unit is incomplete, the management unit stores encrypted data obtained by encrypting the electronic data in the storage device, When the settlement status of the settlement information is updated from settlement incomplete to settlement complete, a decryption unit decrypts the encrypted data corresponding to the electronic data, A transmission unit that transmits the aforementioned electronic data to the information processing terminal, Equipped with, The aforementioned transmitting unit When the settlement status of the settlement information is updated from settlement incomplete to settlement complete, and the encrypted data is stored in the storage device, the decrypted electronic data is transmitted to the information processing terminal. If the settlement status of the settlement information is "settlement completed" and the encrypted data is not stored in the storage device, the electronic data is transmitted to the information processing terminal without encryption. Information processing device.

2. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The management unit acquires the communication status with the storage device, The system further includes an instruction unit that refuses to perform the operation to generate the electronic data when communication with the storage device is not possible. Information processing device.

3. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The aforementioned storage device includes multiple storage devices, The management unit selects a storage device to store the encrypted data based on the communication status with each of the plurality of storage devices. Information processing device.

4. An information processing apparatus according to claim 3, The encrypted data is encrypted using an encryption key generated from a string input from the information processing terminal and a pre-set fixed value. Information processing device.

5. An information processing system in which an information processing device, an information processing terminal, and a storage device can communicate via a network, The aforementioned information processing device is An acquisition unit that acquires settlement information representing the settlement status after settlement processing of electronic data, If the settlement status of the settlement information acquired by the acquisition unit is incomplete, the management unit stores encrypted data obtained by encrypting the electronic data in the storage device, When the settlement status of the settlement information is updated from settlement incomplete to settlement complete, a decryption unit decrypts the encrypted data corresponding to the electronic data, A transmission unit that transmits the aforementioned electronic data to the information processing terminal, Equipped with, The aforementioned transmitting unit When the settlement status of the settlement information is updated from settlement incomplete to settlement complete, and the encrypted data is stored in the storage device, the decrypted electronic data is transmitted to the information processing terminal. If the settlement status of the settlement information is "settlement completed" and the encrypted data is not stored in the storage device, the electronic data is transmitted to the information processing terminal without encryption. Information processing system.

6. A computer capable of communicating with a storage device and an information processing terminal via a network, Procedure for obtaining settlement information representing the settlement status after settlement processing of electronic data, If the settlement status of the settlement information obtained by the acquisition procedure is incomplete, a management procedure is performed to store encrypted data obtained by encrypting the electronic data in the storage device, When the settlement status of the settlement information is updated from settlement incomplete to settlement complete, a decryption procedure is performed to decrypt the encrypted data corresponding to the electronic data, A transmission procedure for transmitting the aforementioned electronic data to the information processing terminal, Execute, The aforementioned transmission procedure is: When the settlement status of the settlement information is updated from settlement incomplete to settlement complete, and the encrypted data is stored in the storage device, the decrypted electronic data is transmitted to the information processing terminal. If the settlement status of the settlement information is "settlement completed" and the encrypted data is not stored in the storage device, the electronic data is transmitted to the information processing terminal without encryption. Information processing methods.

7. A computer capable of communicating with a storage device and information processing terminal via a network, Procedure for obtaining settlement information representing the settlement status after settlement processing of electronic data, If the settlement status of the settlement information obtained by the acquisition procedure is incomplete, a management procedure is performed to store encrypted data obtained by encrypting the electronic data in the storage device, When the settlement status of the settlement information is updated from settlement incomplete to settlement complete, a decryption procedure is performed to decrypt the encrypted data corresponding to the electronic data, A transmission procedure for transmitting the aforementioned electronic data to the information processing terminal, Make it run, The aforementioned transmission procedure is: When the settlement status of the settlement information is updated from settlement incomplete to settlement complete, and the encrypted data is stored in the storage device, the decrypted electronic data is transmitted to the information processing terminal. If the settlement status of the settlement information is "settlement completed" and the encrypted data is not stored in the storage device, the electronic data is transmitted to the information processing terminal without encryption. program.

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