Mobile payment solution for self-service multi-function printer

摘要

A system and method incorporating a multi-function printer (MFP), a mobile device and a server to effect payment of MFP services. The MFP generates and displays a session prepayment code containing identification information for the MFP and for a specific session initiated by a user. The code is entered into the mobile device and the mobile device transmits it to the server. In response, the server transmits a menu of MFP functions and costs to the mobile device, allowing the user to estimate and prepay the cost of the specific session through a service accessible on the mobile device. Once proof of prepayment is received, the server transmits an authorization code to the mobile device and the user inputs it into the MFP. The MFP verifies the authorization code with the server and performs user-selected functions until a time allotted for the specific session ends or until available credit is used, whichever comes first.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a first application operating on a printer; a second application operating on a mobile device of a user that is separate from said printer, said mobile device comprising a smartphone; and, a third application operating on a server that is separate from said printer and said mobile device, said first application causing said printer to generate, in response to a session initiation input by said user, a session prepayment code containing coded identification information for both said printer and a specific session of operation of said printer by said user, said first application further causing said printer to perform at least one of the following: display said session prepayment code for capture by a camera of said mobile device and wirelessly transmit said session prepayment code to said mobile device, said coded identification information comprising a printer identification number and a session number, said mobile device receiving said session prepayment code and, in response, said second application causing said mobile device to communicate said session prepayment code to said server over a network, said server receiving said session prepayment code from said mobile device and, in response, said third application causing said server to use said session prepayment code to access a function-cost menu listing functions of said printer and costs for said functions and further causing said server to communicate said function-cost menu to said mobile device over said network, said mobile device receiving said function-cost menu from said server and, in response, said second application causing said mobile device to display said function-cost menu, said function-cost menu being displayed on said mobile device so as to allow said user to estimate an amount required for prepayment for said specific session, said second application allowing said user to effect said prepayment using an on-line payment service and further causing said mobile device to communicate proof of said prepayment to said server, said server receiving said proof of said prepayment from said mobile device and, in response, said third application causing said server to generate a use authorization code for said specific session of operation of said printer by said user and to communicate said use authorization code to said mobile device, said mobile device receiving said use authorization code from said server and, in response, said second application causing said mobile device to perform any of the following:
display said use authorization code so as to allow said user to read said use authorization code and to manually enter said use authorization code into said printer; and,wirelessly communicate said use authorization code to said printer, and said printer receiving said use authorization code and, in response, said first application allowing said printer to be used by said user during said specific session and terminating use of said printer by said user when any one of the following occurs: a specific time allotted for said specific session expires; and, fees incurred for specific functions that are selected manually on said printer by said user and performed by said printer during said specific session exceed a value of available credit associated with said use authorization code.