JP2005074779A - Image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording device which is set at a convenience store or the like and is equipped with the user's effect of attracting customers by a lottery means. <P>SOLUTION: An image recording part carries out an image recording operation to a recording paper (YES in S1). When an operation detecting part 106 detects this image recording operation (S2), a control part 100 makes a lottery part 107 draw lots of determining winning or losing (S3 to S6). The effect of attracting customers is effectively exerted by enabling drafting of a business model according to the lottery result, such as application of a service of contents different according to the lottery result to the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording sheet based on image data.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an image recording apparatus (for example, a copier) that records an image of a document read by a scanner or the like on a recording sheet. Today, this image recording apparatus is installed in a convenience store or the like, and performs recording (printing) for the number of sheets instructed by the user, and collects a charge corresponding to the number of recorded sheets from the user.

  However, the image recording apparatus has a standard image recording function such as a function of copying a document or printing out image data received from a remote database or the like connected to a network. It does not have a function to attract customers. When the image recording apparatus is installed in a convenience store or the like, it is desired to have not only an image recording function but also a function of attracting users of the image recording apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus having an effect of attracting customers.

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is an image recording apparatus for recording an image on recording paper based on image data,
Recording means for recording an image on recording paper based on the image data;
Operation detecting means for detecting execution of an image recording operation by the recording means;
A lottery means for performing a lottery to determine a winning or a defeat with a predetermined winning probability;
And a control unit that causes the lottery unit to execute a lottery when the operation detecting unit detects the execution of the image recording operation of the recording unit.

  In this configuration, when the recording unit executes the image recording operation and the operation detecting unit detects this image recording operation, the control unit causes the lottery unit to perform a lottery to determine whether to win or lose.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lottery means determines winning or losing based on a random number table having a predetermined winning probability.

  In this configuration, the lottery means uses a random number table having a predetermined probability for the lottery to determine the winning or the loss, so that the winning is determined at random and the winning probability is kept constant.

The invention according to claim 3 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising image data storage means in which image data for indicating a lottery result by the lottery means is stored. ,
When the lottery is performed by the lottery unit, the control unit reads out image data corresponding to the lottery result from the image data storage unit, and causes the recording unit to record the image data on a recording sheet. .

  In this configuration, when the lottery is performed by the lottery means, the control means reads the image data corresponding to the lottery result from the image data storage means, and causes the recording means to record the image data on the recording paper so that the user can perform the lottery Recognize the results.

The invention according to claim 4 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein image data storage means in which image data for indicating a lottery result by the lottery means is stored;
Display means for displaying various messages to the operator,
The control means reads out image data corresponding to the lottery result from the image data storage means and displays it on the display means when the lottery is performed by the lottery means.

  In this configuration, when a lottery is performed by the lottery means, the control means reads the image data corresponding to the lottery result from the image data storage means, and displays the image data on the display means to win the user. It is trying to recognize.

The invention according to claim 5 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 4, comprising operation instruction receiving means for receiving an operation instruction by an external operation,
The control unit causes the recording unit to record image data indicating a winning result when the operation instruction receiving unit receives a recording instruction on a recording sheet after the winning result is displayed on the display unit by the lottery unit. Is.

  In this configuration, after the winning result by the lottery means is displayed on the display means, the control means causes the recording means to record the image data indicating the winning result when the operation instruction accepting means accepts the recording instruction on the recording paper. Thus, the user can select whether or not to record the winning result on the recording paper.

The invention according to claim 6 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an e-mail transmitting means for transmitting an e-mail via a network;
A destination storage means for storing an email destination by the email transmission means,
The control means reads out a corresponding transmission destination from the transmission destination storage means based on the user information received by the operation instruction reception means, and displays the lottery result from the electronic mail transmission means to the read transmission destination. Send email.

  In this configuration, based on the user information received by the operation instruction receiving unit, the control unit reads the corresponding transmission destination from the transmission destination storage unit, causes the e-mail transmission unit to transmit an e-mail, and the lottery result is electronically stored. The user is notified by e-mail.

The invention according to claim 7 is the image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising charge collecting means for collecting a charge according to a recording condition by the recording means,
When the winning is determined by the lottery means, the control means causes the fee collection means to reduce the predetermined amount and collect a fee.

  In this configuration, when winning is determined by the lottery means, the fee collection means reduces the predetermined amount and collects the fee so that the amount collected from the user varies according to the lottery result by the lottery means. I have to.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control means records the operation instruction receiving means after displaying the winning result by the lottery means on the display means. When an instruction to select either recording on paper or the fee reduction processing is received, either recording on the recording paper by the recording means or the fee reduction processing is executed according to the content of the received instruction It is.

  In this configuration, after the winning result is displayed by the lottery means, the contents of the processing executed by the control means are different depending on whether the operation instruction receiving means accepts an instruction to select recording on the recording paper or fee reduction processing. I have to.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lottery means has a plurality of random number tables having predetermined different winning probabilities. The random number table used for the lottery varies according to the recording conditions by the recording means.

  In this configuration, the lottery is performed with different winning probabilities according to the recording conditions by changing the random number table used for the lottery according to the recording conditions by the recording means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to plan a business model according to the lottery result, such as granting the user a service with different contents according to the lottery result, and the effect of attracting customers is effectively achieved. Can be demonstrated.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a mechanism for determining the winning at random and keeping the winning probability constant with a simple configuration.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the lottery result can be recorded on the recording paper by the recording means, so that the user can easily recognize the lottery result.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, when the lottery is performed by the lottery means, the user can be made to recognize the lottery result without recording on the recording paper. Therefore, the amount of recording paper used does not increase.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the user can select whether or not to record the lottery result on the recording paper, it is possible to provide a service according to the user's need for providing the lottery result.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, since the lottery result is notified to the user by e-mail, even if the user moves to a position away from the image recording apparatus, the user owns the lottery result. The lottery result can be known by receiving the e-mail at the communication terminal device or the like.

  According to the invention described in claim 7, since the amount collected from the user is made different according to the lottery result by the lottery means, the service of reducing the usage fee can be provided to the user at the same time when the fee is collected. In addition, since the user only needs to pay the reduced fee when collecting the fee by the fee collecting means, the economic burden on the user can be reduced, and a further effect of attracting customers can be expected.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide the user with an opportunity to select the content of the service to be provided, and to provide a variety of services according to the user's preference.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, a mechanism for performing lottery with different winning probabilities according to the recording conditions by the recording means can be realized with a simple configuration.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction device 1 has functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function, and is connected to a network such as the Internet so that it can print out data received from a remote database and send and receive e-mails. It is said that.

  The multi-function device 1 is disposed above the main body unit 2, the stack tray 3 disposed on the left side of the main body unit 2, the document reading unit 5 disposed on the top of the main body unit 2, and the document reading unit 5. And a document feeding unit 6 provided.

  An operation unit 47 is provided at the front part of the multifunction machine 1. The operation unit 47 displays a start key 471 for a user to input a print execution instruction, a numeric keypad 472 for inputting the number of copies to be printed, operation guide information for various copying operations, and the like. A display unit 473 formed of a liquid crystal display or the like having a touch panel function for input, a reset key 474 for resetting setting contents set on the display unit 473, and a stop for stopping a printing (image recording) operation being executed. A key 475 and a function switching key 477 for switching between a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function are provided.

  The document reading unit 5 includes a scanner unit 51 including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and an exposure lamp, and a document table 52 and a document reading slit 53 made of a transparent member such as glass. The scanner unit 51 is configured to be movable by a driving unit (not shown). When reading a document placed on the document table 52, the scanner unit 51 moves along the document surface at a position facing the document table 52, and reads the document image. Image data is acquired while scanning. When reading a document fed by the document feeding unit 6, the document moves to a position facing the document reading slit 53, and synchronizes with the document feeding operation by the document feeding unit 6 via the document reading slit 53. The original image is read and the image data is acquired.

  The document feeding unit 6 includes a document placing unit 61 for placing a document, a document discharge unit 62 for discharging a document whose image has been read, and a document placed on the document placing unit 61. A document transport mechanism 63 including a paper feed roller (not shown), a transport roller (not shown) and the like for feeding the paper one by one to a position facing the document reading slit 53 and discharging it to the document discharge section 62 is provided. The document conveyance mechanism 63 further includes a sheet reversing mechanism (not shown) that reverses the document and reversely conveys the document to a position facing the document reading slit 53, and scans both sides of the document through the document reading slit 53. 51 can be read.

  The main body 2 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 461, a paper feed roller 462 that feeds the recording paper from the paper feed cassette 461 one by one and transports it to the recording unit 40, and a recording paper transported from the paper feed cassette 461. And a recording unit 40 for forming an image.

  The recording unit (recording unit) 40 outputs a laser beam or the like based on the image data acquired by the scanner unit 51 to expose the photosensitive drum 43, and forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 43. A developing unit 44, a transfer unit 41 that transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 43 to the recording paper, a fixing unit 45 that heats the recording paper to which the toner image has been transferred and fixes the toner image on the recording paper, and a recording Conveying rollers 463, 464, etc. that are provided in the sheet conveying path in the section 40 and convey the recording sheet to the stack tray 3 or the discharge tray 48.

  When forming images on both sides of the recording paper, the recording unit 40 forms an image on one side of the recording paper, and then the recording paper is nipped by the paper feed roller 462 on the discharge tray 48 side. To do. In this state, the conveyance roller 463 is reversed to switch back the recording paper, and the recording paper is sent to the paper conveyance path L and conveyed again to the upstream area of the recording unit 40, and an image is formed on the other surface by the recording unit 40. Thereafter, the recording paper is discharged to the stack tray 3 or the discharge tray 48.

  When performing a printer operation, image data is input from an external computer or the like to a printer controller (described later) in the multifunction machine 1, and a modulation signal generated based on the image data is converted into laser light by the exposure device 42. Output to the photosensitive drum 43, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 43. Thereafter, development, transfer, fixing, and recording paper conveyance similar to the copying operation are performed.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The multifunction machine 1 includes a control unit 100 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus. The control unit 100 includes a scanner unit 51 that can read an original image including an exposure lamp 511 and a CCD 512, an image forming unit 111 that includes a paper transport unit 110, a photosensitive drum 43, a developing unit 44, and a transfer unit. 41 and a recording unit (recording unit) 40 including a fixing unit 45 and the like are connected.

  Connected to the control unit 100 is an image memory 140 used as a work area for temporarily storing document data read by the scanner unit 51 and an HDD (internal storage device) 150 capable of storing document data. Has been. The image processing unit 160 performs image processing necessary for image recording on the image data read by the scanner unit 51.

  The operation unit 47 described above is also controlled by the control unit 100. The operation key unit 470 is a general term for a start key 471, a numeric keypad 472, a reset key 474, a stop key 475, a function switching key 477, and the like.

  The control unit 100 also functions as a scanner controller 101, a facsimile controller 102, a printer controller 103, a copy controller 104, and a network controller 105 that control each function that can be executed by the multifunction device 1.

  The scanner controller 101 performs operation control of each unit necessary for the operation of the scanner unit 51. The facsimile controller 102 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the facsimile operation, and controls the facsimile communication unit 121 that adjusts data necessary for facsimile communication. The facsimile communication unit 121 is provided with an NCU (Network Control Unit) that controls connection of a telephone line with a destination facsimile that is a data transmission / reception partner.

  The printer controller 103 performs operation control of each unit necessary for printer operation. The printer controller 103 includes a parallel I / F unit 122 that is connected to an external device by parallel transmission that transmits several bits at a time using a plurality of signal lines, and one bit at a time using a single signal line. A serial I / F unit 123 connected to an external device by serial transmission for sending data is connected. The copy controller 104 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the copy operation.

  The network controller 105 controls data transmission / reception performed between the multifunction machine 1 and a computer on the network. The network controller 105 transmits / receives data to / from the outside via the network I / F unit 124.

  Further, the control unit 100 is a motion detection unit (motion detection unit) 106 that detects execution of the image recording operation (for example, start or end of the image recording operation) by the recording unit 40, and wins or loses with a predetermined winning probability. It functions as a lottery unit (lottery unit) 107 for performing a lottery to be determined, and an email transmission unit (email transmission unit) 108 for controlling an email transmission / reception operation via the network. The lottery unit 107 determines a winning or a loss based on a random number table having a predetermined winning probability stored in the lottery data storage unit 170. The lottery data storage unit 170 stores a plurality of random number tables having different winning probabilities determined in advance according to recording conditions performed by the recording unit 40 (image forming unit 111). A random number table having a winning probability associated with the recording conditions is selected by the lottery unit 107.

  Based on the user ID information input from the user to the operation unit 47, the e-mail transmission / reception unit 108 reads out the e-mail address unique to each user stored in the e-mail transmission information storage unit 180 in association with the user ID information. The document data indicating the winning or unsuccessfulness read from the mail transmission information storage unit 180 is transmitted.

  The image data storage unit 190 stores image data for expressing the lottery result (winning or unsuccessful) by the lottery unit 107. When the lottery unit 107 performs the lottery, the control unit 100 displays the image data. Image data suitable for the lottery result is read from the data storage unit 190, and control is performed such as causing the recording unit 40 (image forming unit 111) to print on a recording sheet or to display on the display unit 473. The fee collection device (fee collection unit) 200 is a so-called coin vendor or the like externally connected to the multifunction device 1 and is controlled by the control unit 100.

  Next, processing in the case of performing image recording processing and lottery processing in the multifunction device 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing when image recording and lottery are performed in the multifunction device 1, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation unit 47 when winning is determined, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state where a winning result is printed. It is.

  The multifunction device 1 performs an image recording operation such as copying a document by a copy function, printing data stored in a database or the like on an external network by a printer function, and transmitting / receiving data by a facsimile function. In such a case, a lottery showing winning or losing is performed. The purpose of this lottery process is to provide a user with different contents according to the lottery result when the multi-function device 1 is installed in a convenience store or the like.

  When the end of image recording by the recording unit 40 is detected by the operation of the recording unit 40 (YES in S1), the control unit 100 confirms the recording conditions for the image recording (S2). The recording conditions are, for example, various conditions such as the total number of prints performed this time, the number of copies, the recording paper size, and color / monochrome printing. Then, the lottery unit 107 selects a random number table having a probability corresponding to the confirmed recording condition from the lottery data storage unit 170 (S3). Then, the lottery unit 107 generates a random number using a random number table of the selected probabilities and determines winning or losing (S4). For example, when the total number of printed sheets is larger than a predetermined reference value, a random number table having a winning probability of 50% is used, and when the total number of printed sheets is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, the winning probability is Perform processing such as using a 10% random number table.

  Subsequently, the control unit 100 reads out image data corresponding to the lottery result determined in S4 from the image data storage unit 190 (S5), and displays the image data on the display unit 473 as the lottery result (S6). For example, if the lottery result is a win, image data indicating that the lottery has been won is read out, and a win result screen 4730 is displayed on the display unit 473 as shown in FIG. Recognize that is a winner. On the winning result screen 4730, a print button 4731 and a present unnecessary button 4732 are displayed.

  If the user presses the print button 4731 on the winning result screen 4730 and inputs a print instruction (YES in S7), the control unit 100 records the result as shown in FIG. 5, for example. The winning result is printed on the recording paper by the unit 40 (S8). In this case, an image different from the winning result screen 4730 as shown in FIG. 5 may be printed on the recording paper, or the winning result screen 4730 displayed on the display unit 473 may be directly printed on the recording paper. Also good.

  When there is no print instruction, for example, when the present unnecessary button 4732 is pressed or when there is no print instruction within a predetermined time (NO in S7), the control unit 100 wins the recording unit 40. The process ends without printing the result. Therefore, if the user does not want to exchange prizes by winning, the user can select not to receive prizes by selecting not to print.

  By performing the above processing, it is possible to plan business models according to the lottery results, such as giving users different services depending on the lottery results, and effectively exhibit the effect of attracting customers. be able to.

  Next, a second embodiment of image recording processing and lottery processing by the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the image recording process and the lottery process performed by the multifunction machine 1. The second embodiment is characterized in that the lottery result by the lottery unit 107 is transmitted to the user's mail address by e-mail.

  When the image recording by the recording unit 40 is completed (YES in S11), the control unit 100 reads out image data for displaying a message for prompting input of user ID information from the image data storage unit 190 and displays the image data on the display unit 473. (S12). When the user ID information is input from the operation unit 47 by the user (YES in S13), the control unit 100 confirms the recording condition for the current image recording (S14), and the confirmed recording condition is satisfied. Using the corresponding random number table, the lottery unit 107 determines winning or losing (S15, S16). If the user ID is not input by the user (NO in S13), the process ends without performing the lottery and mail transmission process by the lottery unit 107.

  Subsequently, the e-mail transmission / reception unit 108 associates the user ID input from the operation unit 47 with the user's e-mail address (e-mail transmission destination information) stored in the e-mail transmission information storage unit 180 and the winning selection. (S17), and sends an e-mail indicating the lottery result to the e-mail address via the network controller 105 and the network I / F unit 124 (S18).

  According to the processing according to the second embodiment, since the lottery result is transmitted from the multifunction device 1 to the user by e-mail, even if the user moves to a place away from the multifunction device 1 after printing. The user can know the lottery result by using a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a personal computer, or the like. In addition, since the lottery and the mail transmission are not performed unless the user inputs the user ID in the process of S13, the user selects whether to perform the lottery by selecting whether to input the user ID. You can choose.

  Next, a third embodiment of image recording processing and lottery processing by the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the image recording process and the lottery process performed by the multifunction machine 1. The third embodiment is characterized in that when winning is determined in the lottery process by the lottery unit 107, a process of reducing the print fee collected from the user is performed.

  When the lottery unit 107 performs lottery processing after image recording and the control unit 100 displays the lottery result on the display unit 473 (S21 to S26), the control unit 100 subsequently determines whether or not the lottery result is a win. (S27). Here, if the lottery result is winning (YES in S27), the predetermined amount is subtracted from the regular fee calculated according to the printing conditions such as the total number of prints for the print fee collected by the user from the fee collection device 200 The process of making the amount of money made is performed (S28). For example, processing such as discounting the regular fee at a predetermined rate (30% discount or the like) or subtracting a certain amount from the regular fee is performed. If the lottery result is a loss (NO in S27), the control unit 100 does not perform the reduction process. Thereafter, the control unit 100 causes the fee collection device 200 to collect a fee corresponding to the lottery result (S29).

  According to the processing of the third embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a service of reducing the print fee at the same time as collecting the fee. Further, since the user only needs to pay the reduced fee when collecting the fee by the fee collection device 200, the economic burden on the user can be reduced, and further customer attraction effect can be expected.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of image recording processing and lottery processing by the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of the image recording process and the lottery process by the multifunction device 1, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the operation unit 47 when winning is determined in the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, when winning is determined in the lottery process, the content of the service provided to the user is displayed on the display unit 473, and the process for providing the service selected by the user is performed. It is characterized by.

  In the fourth embodiment, after the lottery unit 107 performs the lottery process (S31 to S34), the control unit 100 displays the lottery result from the image data storage unit 190 on the display unit 473 (S35, S35). S36) When it is determined that the lottery process is won, the control unit 100 reads out, from the image data storage unit 190, image data indicating that the user is prompted to select a desired service together with the contents of the service to be provided. It is displayed on the display unit 473 (see, for example, FIG. 9).

  If the lottery result is a loss (NO in S37), the fee collection process of S40 is performed without waiting for the input of the service selection instruction from the user, and the process is terminated. If the lottery result is a win (YES in S37), the process waits for an input of a service selection instruction from the user and performs processing according to the input instruction (S38).

  Here, for example, when the service selection screen 4733 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 473, when the user presses the print button 4713 on the service selection screen 4733 and a print instruction is input. (Printing instruction in S38), the control unit 100 causes the recording unit 40 to print, for example, a printing result as shown in FIG. 5 (S41). If the user presses the charge reduction button 4735 on the service selection screen 4733 and a charge reduction instruction is input (charge reduction instruction in S38), a process of reducing the print charge collected by the charge collection apparatus 200 from the user. (S39). Further, when the user presses the present unnecessary button 4732 on the service selection screen 4733 and a present unnecessary instruction is input (not required in S38), the printing process (S41) and the charge reduction process (S39) are not performed. . Thereafter, the control unit 100 causes the fee collection apparatus 200 to collect a fee corresponding to the lottery result and the user's instruction (S40).

  According to the process of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with an opportunity to select the content of the service to be provided, and to provide a variety of services according to the user's preference.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, the random number table is used for the lottery process by the lottery unit 107. However, other lottery processes such as a lottery process using a mathematical formula or the like may be performed. Good.

  In the above embodiment, the multifunction apparatus 1 has been described as the image recording apparatus according to the present invention. However, the image recording apparatus has only one of the copy function, the printer function, the fax function, or two functions. Of course, it is also good.

1 is a side view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an outline of an electrical configuration of a multifunction machine. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing when image recording and lottery are performed in the multifunction machine. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation part at the time of determining winning. It is a figure which shows the state which printed the winning result. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of an image recording process and a lottery process performed by the multifunction machine. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of image recording processing and lottery processing by the multifunction peripheral. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment of an image recording process and a lottery process performed by the multifunction machine. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation part at the time of determining winning in 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunctional device 41 Transfer part 42 Exposure apparatus 43 Photosensitive drum 44 Developing part 45 Fixing part 47 Operation part 100 Control part 105 Network controller 106 Operation | movement detection part 107 Lottery part 108 E-mail transmission / reception part 111 Image recording part 473 Display part 4731 Print button 4732 Gift unnecessary button 4733 Service selection screen 4735 Charge reduction button

Claims (9)

An image recording apparatus for recording an image on recording paper based on image data,
Recording means for recording an image on recording paper based on the image data;
Operation detecting means for detecting execution of an image recording operation by the recording means;
A lottery means for performing a lottery to determine a winning or a defeat with a predetermined winning probability;
An image recording apparatus comprising: control means for causing the lottery means to execute lottery when the operation detecting means detects execution of the image recording operation of the recording means.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lottery unit determines winning or losing based on a random number table having a predetermined winning probability. Image data storage means for storing image data for indicating a lottery result by the lottery means;
When the lottery is performed by the lottery unit, the control unit reads image data corresponding to the lottery result from the image data storage unit, and causes the recording unit to record the image data on a recording sheet. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. Image data storage means storing image data for indicating a lottery result by the lottery means;
Display means for displaying various messages to the operator,
The said control means reads the image data according to the said lottery result from the said image data memory | storage means, when the lottery by the said lottery means is performed, and displays it on the said display means, The said display means is characterized by the above-mentioned. Item 3. The image recording apparatus according to Item 2. Comprising an operation instruction receiving means for receiving an operation instruction by an external operation;
The control unit causes the recording unit to record image data indicating a winning result when the operation instruction receiving unit receives a recording instruction on a recording sheet after the winning result is displayed on the display unit by the lottery unit. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4. E-mail transmission means for transmitting e-mail over a network;
A destination storage means for storing an email destination by the email transmission means,
The control means reads out a corresponding transmission destination from the transmission destination storage means based on the user information received by the operation instruction reception means, and displays the lottery result from the electronic mail transmission means to the read transmission destination. The image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein mail is transmitted. Charge collection means for collecting a charge according to the recording conditions by the recording means,
The said control means makes the said charge collection means reduce a predetermined amount and collect a fee, when winning is determined by the said lottery means. Image recording device.   The control means accepts this when the operation instruction accepting means accepts an instruction to select either recording on the recording paper or the fee reduction processing after the winning result is displayed on the display means by the lottery means. The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein either the recording on the recording paper by the recording unit or the fee reduction processing is executed according to the content of the instruction.   9. The lottery means has a plurality of random number tables having predetermined different winning probabilities, and the random number table used for the lottery varies according to the recording conditions by the recording means. An image recording apparatus according to any one of the above.

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