JP4159562B2 - Facsimile device and maintenance settlement system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus and a maintenance settlement system, and more particularly to a facsimile apparatus and a maintenance settlement system that can perform ordering processing related to maintenance.
About.

  2. Description of the Related Art A facsimile apparatus (or a maintenance settlement system) that performs order processing related to maintenance (including order processing for parts, consumables, repairs, inspections, maintenance contracts, etc.) has been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  The facsimile apparatus described in Patent Literatures 1 and 2 includes an operation unit that inputs buyer-specific account information necessary for settlement, a device status monitoring unit that monitors device status and identifies necessary maintenance items, and the account A notification information generation unit that generates notification information including information and the maintenance items, and a communication unit (Internet connection function unit) that transmits the notification information to a seller side device via a communication line such as the Internet. The seller side device performs order processing and settlement processing based on account information and maintenance items included in the received notification information.

The facsimile apparatuses described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 include an encoding unit that conceals notification information. As a result, leakage of account information on the Internet is prevented, and security necessary for electronic payment is ensured.
JP 2002-142071 A JP 2004-120233 A

  However, in the conventional facsimile apparatus described above, since it is necessary for the user to input account information one by one when placing an order for maintenance, it is not only troublesome to place an order but also the ordering process cannot be completely automated. There is.

  Therefore, it is proposed to store the input account information in the storage unit and use the account information in the storage unit when placing an order for maintenance. In this way, it is not necessary to input account information every time when placing an order for maintenance, so it is possible to fully automate the ordering process, but on the other hand, the security of the account information held in the storage unit Is concerned. For example, when a facsimile apparatus is stolen, account information held in the storage unit may be misused by a third party.

  The present invention has been considered in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible not only to store buyer-specific account information in the storage unit in advance and automatically perform maintenance ordering processing, but also to be stored in the storage unit. An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus and a maintenance settlement system that can prevent misuse of account information.

  In order to achieve the above object, a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is a facsimile apparatus that performs ordering processing related to maintenance via a communication line, an operation unit for inputting account information unique to a buyer necessary for settlement, and the account A storage unit that stores information, a device state monitoring unit that monitors a device state and identifies necessary maintenance items, a notification information generation unit that generates notification information including the account information and the maintenance items, and the communication A communication unit that transmits the notification information to the seller side device via a line, and the account information stored in the storage unit is automatically cleared based on a predetermined clear condition.

With this configuration, the buyer-specific account information is held in the storage unit, so that when placing an order for maintenance, the account information input operation can be omitted and the ordering process can be automated.
In addition, it has a function to automatically clear the account information stored in the storage unit based on a predetermined clear condition, so if the appropriate clear condition is set, misuse of the account information stored in the storage unit can be prevented it can.

In addition, the facsimile apparatus of the present invention includes a communication monitoring unit that stores a communication history with the seller side device and monitors a change in the communication environment. When the communication monitoring unit detects a change in the communication environment, the storage device The account information stored in the section is cleared.
With this configuration, when the facsimile apparatus is connected to a different communication environment, the account information stored in the storage unit is automatically cleared. Therefore, even if the facsimile apparatus is stolen, the account stored in the storage unit is stored. Misuse of information can be prevented.

The facsimile apparatus of the present invention further includes a cover opening detection unit that detects an opening of the device cover, and clears the account information stored in the storage unit when the cover opening detection unit detects the opening of the cover. It is as composition to do.
With this configuration, the account information in the storage unit is automatically cleared according to the opening of the device cover, so that even if the facsimile apparatus is stolen, misuse of the account information stored in the storage unit is prevented. be able to.

The facsimile apparatus of the present invention is configured to request re-input of account information after clearing the account information.
With this configuration, even if the account information is automatically cleared contrary to the intention, the ordering process can be resumed immediately by re-inputting the account information.

  In addition, the maintenance settlement system of the present invention includes a maintenance settlement including a facsimile apparatus that performs order processing related to maintenance, a seller side apparatus that performs order processing and settlement processing related to maintenance, and a communication line that connects these devices so that they can communicate with each other. An apparatus in which the facsimile device inputs an account information unique to a buyer necessary for settlement, a storage unit that stores the account information, a device that monitors a device state and identifies necessary maintenance items A status monitoring unit, a notification information generating unit that generates notification information including the account information and the maintenance items, and a communication unit that transmits the notification information to the seller side device via the communication line, A communication unit that receives the notification information from the facsimile device via the communication line; and a communication information analysis unit that analyzes the notification information. Wherein the account information stored in the storage unit of the facsimile apparatus, there as automatically cleared configurations based on a predetermined clearing condition.

With this configuration, the buyer-specific account information input by the facsimile apparatus is held in the storage unit, and therefore, when placing an order for maintenance, the account information input operation can be omitted and the ordering process can be automated. .
In addition, since the account information stored in the storage unit of the facsimile apparatus is automatically cleared based on a predetermined clear condition, misuse of the account information can be prevented by setting an appropriate clear condition.

In the maintenance settlement system of the present invention, the facsimile device includes a communication monitoring unit that stores a communication history with the seller side device and monitors a change in the communication environment, and the communication monitoring unit detects a change in the communication environment. When detected, the account information stored in the storage unit is cleared.
With this configuration, when the facsimile apparatus is connected to a different communication environment, the account information stored in the storage unit is automatically cleared. Therefore, even if the facsimile apparatus is stolen, the account stored in the storage unit is stored. Misuse of information can be prevented.

In the maintenance settlement system according to the present invention, the facsimile device includes a cover opening detection unit that detects an opening of the device cover, and when the cover opening detection unit detects the opening of the cover, the facsimile is stored in the storage unit. The account information is cleared.
With this configuration, the account information in the storage unit is automatically cleared according to the opening of the device cover, so that even if the facsimile apparatus is stolen, misuse of the account information stored in the storage unit is prevented. be able to.

In the maintenance settlement system of the present invention, the facsimile apparatus requests re-input of account information after clearing the account information.
With this configuration, even if the account information is automatically cleared contrary to the intention, the ordering process can be resumed immediately by re-inputting the account information.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the buyer-specific account information input in the input unit is held in the storage unit, the ordering process is automatically performed without inputting the account information each time when placing an order for maintenance. It can be performed.
In addition, since the account information stored in the storage unit is automatically cleared based on a predetermined clear condition, misuse of the stored account information can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a maintenance settlement system including a facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, a maintenance settlement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a buyer-side facsimile machine 1 that performs maintenance order processing and a seller-side apparatus 2 that performs maintenance order processing and settlement processing. And the Internet (communication line) 3 that connects them so that they can communicate with each other.
The facsimile apparatus 1 and the seller side apparatus 2 of the present embodiment are connected to the Internet 3 via LANs (local area networks) 4 and 5 and gateways 6 and 7, respectively. Servers 8 and 9 are connected to the LANs 4 and 5, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, the facsimile apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 1b, a customer information storage unit (storage unit) 1c, a device state monitoring unit 1d, and a notification information generation unit in addition to a FAX unit 1a that realizes normal fax transmission / reception. 1e, SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encoding unit 1f, TCP / IP (Transport Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol control unit (communication unit) 1g, network control unit (communication unit) 1h, agency information storage unit 1i, communication A history storage / monitoring unit (communication monitoring unit) 1j is provided.

The FAX unit 1a has a scanner function and a printing function, and performs fax transmission / reception via a normal telephone line or a facsimile communication network.
The operation unit 1b includes input means such as a numeric keypad and display means such as a liquid crystal panel. In the input means, the buyer's account information (credit number, credit number, etc.) necessary for the buyer to pay for maintenance parts (rollers, pads, heaters, light sources, photosensitive drums, toner, etc.) and maintenance services (repairs, inspections, etc.) The account information unique to the buyer entered here is stored in the customer information storage unit 1c.
The input means is also used when selecting a seller based on the information in the agency information storage unit 1i, or when inputting a destination for maintenance parts.

The apparatus status monitoring unit 1d monitors the apparatus status of the facsimile machine 1, specifies necessary maintenance items, and outputs them to the notification information generation unit 1e. For example, a failure of the facsimile apparatus 1 or a consumables remaining amount warning is detected and output to the notification information generating unit 1e.
When the maintenance information is input from the device state monitoring unit 1d, the notification information generation unit 1e generates notification information to be sent to the seller side device 2, and outputs this to the SSL encoding unit 1f. In addition to the maintenance items obtained from the device status monitoring unit 1d, the notification information includes device information such as the device name, machine number, and installation date, and buyer-specific account information obtained from the customer information storage unit 1c. The
When the notification information is input from the notification information generation unit 1e, the SSL encoding unit 1f conceals this information and outputs it to the TCP / IP protocol control unit 1g. This is to keep account information included in the notification information secret even if the notification information is intercepted by a third party on the notification information transmission path from the facsimile apparatus 1 to the seller-side apparatus 2.

The TCP / IP protocol control unit 1g outputs the information input from the SSL encoding unit 1f to the network control unit 1h according to the TCP / IP protocol.
The network control unit 1h performs data link control so that the information input from the TCP / IP protocol control unit 1g reaches the server 8.
The server 8 performs routing control so as to reach the seller side device 2 in accordance with the information received from the facsimile device 1, and sends notification information from the facsimile device 1 to the Internet 3 via the gateway 6.
The agency information storage unit 1i receives the latest information provided by the seller side device 2 through the server 9, the gateway 7, the Internet 3, the gateway 6, the LAN 4, the network control unit 1h, and the TCP / IP protocol control unit 1g, and always Keep up to date.
Needless to say, alternative communication using a facsimile communication network is also an effective means for recovery processing when communication on the Internet 3 is undelivered when the notification information is transmitted to the seller side device 2.

The communication history storage / monitoring unit 1j stores the Internet connection environment (communication environment) when the notification information is transmitted to the seller side device 2 as a communication history, and transmits new notification information in a different Internet connection environment from the previous time If an attempt is made, the buyer-specific account information stored in the customer information storage unit 1c is forcibly cleared.
Specifically, when the facsimile apparatus 1 transmits notification information to the seller-side apparatus 2, the data link control with the server 8 is performed. The communication history storage / monitoring unit 1j communicates the server information at this time. It is stored together with the history, and when the notification information is newly transmitted, it is monitored whether or not the same server 8 as before is used. That is, when the facsimile apparatus 1 is stolen by a third party, the data link control to the server 8 cannot be performed because the facsimile apparatus 1 is used in a different Internet connection environment, so that it is possible to notice an abnormality.
Then, by forcibly clearing the buyer-specific account information stored in the customer information storage unit 1c according to the change in the communication environment, it is possible to prevent the buyer-specific account information from being misused by a third party. .
Further, when the account information in the customer information storage unit 1c is cleared, the facsimile machine 1 requests re-input of the account information by the operation unit 1b, and when the account information is input here, the order to the seller side device 2 is requested. Processing resumes.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the seller-side device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, the seller side device 2 includes an agent information storage unit 2a, an operation unit 2b, a customer information storage unit 2c, a notification information analysis unit 2d, an SSL decryption unit 2e, a TCP / IP protocol control unit 2f, The network control unit 2g is provided.
The seller side device 2 does not necessarily have to be a facsimile machine, and can be replaced by a personal computer (PC) or the like.

The notification information sent from the facsimile apparatus 1 to the Internet 3 is input to the SSL decryption unit 2e via the gateway 7, the LAN 5, the network control unit 2g, and the TCP / IP protocol control unit 2f.
The SSL decryption unit 2e decrypts the notification information input from the TCP / IP protocol control unit 2f and outputs it to the notification information analysis unit 2d.

The notification information analysis unit 2d analyzes the notification information input from the SSL decryption unit 2e, disassembles the constituent elements into device information, ordering property, buyer account information, a destination, and the like, and outputs them to the customer information storage unit 2c.
Among them, in order to confirm the validity of the buyer account information, an inquiry is made to a bank, a credit sales company, or another financial institution, and if it is valid, it is set as a settlement target. On the other hand, if invalid, the buyer is notified.
Here, the notification information analysis unit 2d outputs information to the shipping department if the buyer account information is valid and the ordered property obtained from the buyer is in stock, and if there is a sufficient amount in stock. To do. On the other hand, if a sufficient amount is not in stock, the purchasing department is urged to replenish.

  In the operation unit 2b, it is possible to input agency information including advertisements of the seller side device 2, and the agency information inputted here is stored in the agency information storage unit 2a. The seller-side device 2 uses the information stored in the agency information storage unit 2a as the facsimile device 1 via the TCP / IP protocol control unit 2f, the network control unit 2g, the LAN 5, the server 9, the gateway 7, the Internet 3, and the like. To provide.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the notification information generated by the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, the notification information generated by the facsimile apparatus 1 includes device information, ordering property, seller information, buyer account information, and destination information.
The apparatus information is information registered in advance in the facsimile apparatus 1 and includes an apparatus name, a machine number, an installation date, and the like.
The ordered item is a maintenance item specified by the device state monitoring unit 1d, and includes the name of a part to be ordered from the seller side device 2, the type of maintenance service, and the like.
The seller information is information indicating the destination of the seller-side device 2, and is selected by the user based on information registered in advance in the facsimile device 1, or the user directly specifies the destination of the maintenance shop, or the manufacturer It is possible to obtain and select the destination information of the seller side device 2 by accessing the information providing site.
The buyer account information is account information unique to the buyer stored in the customer information storage unit 1c, and includes a credit card number, an expiration date, a name, and the like.
The destination information is information input in advance by the user, and includes a postal code, an address, a telephone number, and the like.

Next, the automatic notification processing procedure of the facsimile apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an automatic notification processing procedure of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, in the automatic notification processing of the facsimile apparatus 1, first, it is determined whether the automatic notification function is ON / OFF (S101). If this determination result is ON, the account information in the customer information storage unit 1c is determined. The presence or absence is determined (S102). If it is determined that the account information is not stored in the customer information storage unit 1c, the display unit of the operation unit 1b is used to request the user to input account information (S103). Wait for completion (S104). When it is determined that the input has been completed, the entered account information is stored in the customer information storage unit 1c (S105).

  In a state where account information is stored in the customer information storage unit 1c, the apparatus state is monitored (S106), and it is determined whether or not a maintenance item to be automatically notified is specified (S107). If the determination result is YES, notification information including at least maintenance items and account information is generated (S108), and the communication environment is confirmed (S109). Here, when it is determined that the communication environment is the same as the previous time, the generated notification information is sent to the seller side device 2 (S110), but when it is determined that the communication environment has changed, the customer information storage is stored. The account information stored in the part 1c is forcibly cleared (S111). When the account information is cleared, the determination result in S102 is reversed, and re-input of the account information is requested (S103).

  According to the facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the operation unit 1b for inputting buyer-specific account information necessary for settlement, the customer information storage unit 1c for storing account information, and the apparatus status Device status monitoring unit 1d for monitoring and identifying necessary maintenance items, notification information generating unit 1e for generating notification information including account information and maintenance items, and notification information to seller side device 2 via the Internet 3 Therefore, when placing an order for maintenance, the account information input operation can be omitted and the ordering process can be automated.

Moreover, since it has a function of automatically clearing account information stored in the customer information storage unit 1c based on a predetermined clear condition, it is stored in the customer information storage unit 1c if an appropriate clear condition is set. Prevent misuse of account information.
For example, the facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a communication history storage / monitoring unit 1j that stores a communication history with the seller side device 2 and monitors a change in the communication environment, and the communication history storage / monitoring unit 1j performs communication. When an environmental change is detected, the account information stored in the customer information storage unit 1c is cleared. Therefore, even if the facsimile apparatus 1 is stolen, misuse of the account information stored in the customer information storage unit 1c is prevented. be able to.

  Further, since the facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment requests the account information to be re-input after clearing the account information, even if the account information is automatically cleared contrary to the intention, Order processing can be resumed immediately.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, about the same structure as 1st embodiment, the same code | symbol as 1st embodiment is attached | subjected and description of 1st embodiment is used.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, the facsimile apparatus 1 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a cover opening detection unit 1k is provided instead of the communication history storage / monitoring unit 1j.
The cover opening detection unit 1k monitors the opening / closing of an apparatus cover (not shown), and forcibly clears account information stored in the customer information storage unit 1c when detecting the opening of the cover. Thereby, even if the facsimile apparatus 1 is stolen by a third party, it is possible to prevent the account information unique to the buyer from being misused by the third party. Since the facsimile apparatus 1 clears the account information and requests the account information to be input again by the operation unit 1b, even if the account information is cleared unexpectedly, the account information is input to the seller side apparatus 2. The ordering process can be resumed immediately.
Note that it is preferable that the cover opening detection unit 1k can detect the opening operation of the cover even when power is not supplied to the facsimile machine 1. Moreover, a known technique can be used for the opening detection structure of the cover, and an existing cover opening sensor may be used.

Next, the automatic notification processing procedure of the facsimile apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an automatic notification processing procedure of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, in the automatic notification processing of the facsimile machine 1, first, it is determined whether the automatic notification function is ON / OFF (S201). If the determination result is ON, the account information in the customer information storage unit 1c is determined. The presence or absence is determined (S202). If it is determined that the account information is not stored in the customer information storage unit 1c, the user is requested to input the account information using the display unit of the operation unit 1b (S203), and the account information is input. Wait for completion (S204). When it is determined that the input has been completed, the entered account information is stored in the customer information storage unit 1c (S205).

In the state where the account information is stored in the customer information storage unit 1c, the opening / closing of the cover is monitored (S206), and the device state is monitored (S207). If the cover is closed, it is determined whether or not the maintenance item to be automatically notified is specified (S208). If the determination result is YES, the notification information including at least the maintenance item and account information is included. The generated notification information is sent to the seller side apparatus 2 (S210).
On the other hand, when the opening of the cover is detected, the account information stored in the customer information storage unit 1c is forcibly cleared (S211). When the account information is cleared, the determination result in S202 is reversed, and re-input of the account information is requested (S203).

  The present invention is applied to a facsimile apparatus and a maintenance settlement system including the facsimile apparatus. In particular, it is useful in a facsimile apparatus that performs an ordering process related to maintenance, and it is possible to prevent misuse of account information stored in the storage unit while automating the ordering process related to maintenance.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the maintenance payment system containing the facsimile apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the seller side apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the notification information which the facsimile apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention produced | generated. It is a flowchart which shows the automatic notification process procedure of the facsimile apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the facsimile apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the automatic notification process procedure of the facsimile apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile apparatus 1a FAX part 1b Operation part 1c Customer information storage part 1d Device state monitoring part 1e Notification information generation part 1f SSL encoding part 1g TCP / IP protocol control part 1h Network control part 1i Agent information storage part 1j Communication history storage / Monitoring unit 1k Cover opening detection unit 2 Seller side device 2a Agent information storage unit 2b Operation unit 2c Customer information storage unit 2d Notification information analysis unit 2e SSL decryption unit 2f TCP / IP protocol control unit 2g Network control unit 3 Internet

Claims (6)

A facsimile machine that performs order processing related to maintenance via a communication line,
An operation section for entering buyer-specific account information necessary for settlement,
A storage unit for storing the account information;
A device status monitoring unit that monitors the device status and identifies necessary maintenance items;
A notification information generating unit for generating notification information including the account information and the maintenance items;
A communication unit for transmitting the notification information to the seller side device via the communication line ;
A communication monitoring unit for storing a communication history with the seller side device and monitoring a communication environment;
The facsimile apparatus, wherein the account information stored in the storage unit is automatically cleared when the communication monitoring unit detects that the communication environment with the seller side device is different from the previous one . The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a cover opening detection unit that detects an opening of the apparatus cover, and clearing the account information stored in the storage unit when the cover opening detection unit detects the opening of the cover. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein after the account information is cleared, re-input of the account information is requested. A maintenance settlement system comprising a facsimile apparatus that performs order processing related to maintenance, a seller-side apparatus that performs order processing and settlement processing related to maintenance, and a communication line that connects these devices so that they can communicate with each other.
The facsimile machine is
An operation section for entering buyer-specific account information necessary for settlement,
A storage unit for storing the account information;
A device status monitoring unit that monitors the device status and identifies necessary maintenance items;
A notification information generating unit for generating notification information including the account information and the maintenance items;
A communication unit that transmits the notification information to the seller side device via the communication line ;
A communication monitoring unit for storing a communication history with the seller side device and monitoring a communication environment;
The seller side device is
A communication unit for receiving the notification information from the facsimile apparatus via the communication line;
A communication information analysis unit for analyzing the notification information,
The account information stored in the storage unit of the facsimile device is automatically cleared when the communication monitoring unit detects that the communication environment with the seller side device is different from the previous time. Maintenance settlement system. The facsimile device comprises a cover opening detecting unit for detecting an opening of the apparatus cover, when the cover opening detecting unit detects an opening of the cover, according to claim 4 to clear the account information stored in the storage unit The maintenance settlement system described. 6. The maintenance settlement system according to claim 4 , wherein the facsimile apparatus requests re-input of account information after clearing the account information.

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