JP2006245750A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To cope with both charging forms of a service for storing scan data to a removable medium and of direct print from the removable medium by storing an MFP use charging counter program to the removable medium so as to receive the service in a coinless way. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus provided with a function of reading information in an external medium includes: a data capture means; an image data storage means; an output means for outputting image data; a selection means for deciding whether the data captured from the data capture means are outputted to the external medium or the data in the external medium are outputted; a number of data count means for counting the number of data captured from the data capture means; a data capacity recognition means of the data in the external medium; a charging means for calculating a charging value on the basis of the information obtained from the number of data count means and the capacity recognition means; and a control means for carrying out control processing of the means above. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus that performs billing processing for use of a copying machine or the like in a convenience store.

  Conventionally, as a method of charging using an MFP installed in the public (convenience store or the like), a user inserts coins into the MFP in advance, and receives a service such as copying for the number of coins entered. Recently, as a function of the MFP, it is possible to save scanned data in removable media (USB memory, etc.), and conversely print out data in removable media (USB memory, etc.). However, it is necessary to charge.

On the other hand, when transferring data via the network, it is added to the image data in a form that is invisible to the human eye, or additional data that is effective only on the network is added to the image data. There have been proposals for protecting the creator's copyright and ranking it or using it for a billing service (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-43058 A

  However, the conventional example has the following problems.

  When storing scanned data on removable media (USB memory, etc.) using an MFP installed in the public (convenience store, etc.) or conversely when printing out data in removable media (USB memory, etc.) In the conventional billing method, coins must be put in a coin slot in advance, and it is impossible to receive a service when no coins are present.

  In addition, when saving scanned data to removable media (USB memory, etc.), it is possible to charge in units of sheets (eg 10 yen per sheet), but when printing out data in removable media (USB memory, etc.) Since the load on the MFP (the number of processes, the amount of toner used, etc.) varies depending on the data amount, charging in a pay-as-you-go format according to the data amount is desirable, but there is no configuration or method.

  In the present invention, in order to solve these problems, a user purchases a billing counter program that enables use of the MFP service from WEB or the like in advance, and stores the billing information in a removable medium (USB memory or the like). A prepaid charging method is shown. When the user uses the above service using the MFP, the user first inserts a removable medium (such as a USB memory) into the MFP, and receives the service of the MFP within the range of the charge information in the removable medium (such as the USB memory). Therefore, it is possible to receive the service of the MFP without having coins (coin). The billing format supports both the number count format and the pay-as-you-go format, so that both the service that saves scanned data in removable media (USB memory, etc.) and the service that prints data in removable media (USB memory, etc.) It becomes possible to receive.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problems, and includes the following configuration as one means for solving the above-described problems.

An image processing apparatus having a function of reading information in an external medium,
Data capturing means for scanning a document image;
Storage means for storing image data;
Output means for outputting the image data stored in the storage means;
Selecting means for selecting whether to store the data captured from the data capturing means in an external medium or to output the data in the external medium from the output means;
A sheet number counting means for counting the number of image data fetched from the data fetching means;
Capacity recognition means for recognizing the capacity of data in external media;
Charging means for calculating a charging value based on information obtained from the number counting means and the capacity recognition means;
And a control means for performing the control process.

According to the present invention,
Assuming that the user purchases a billing counter program that enables use of the MFP service from WEB or the like in advance and stores the billing information in the removable media (USB memory or the like), the removable medium (USB memory or the like) ) Is inserted into the MFP, a service for storing scanned data in a removable medium (such as a USB memory) and a printout service for data in the removable medium (such as a USB memory) can be performed without coins. Further, the billing form can be compatible with both the sheet count format and the pay-as-you-go format according to the data capacity.

  An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital multi-function peripheral according to the present invention.

  In the figure, 100 is a controller unit, 200 is a LAN, 300 is an operation unit, 400 is a printer engine, 500 is a scanner, and 600 is a USB memory which is an external removable medium.

  A controller unit 100 controls connection of a printer engine 400 as an image output device, a scanner 500 as an image input device, and an operation unit 300 for an operator to perform an operation for copying a document or via a LAN 200. Print data from a host computer connected in this manner. In addition, processing for sending scan data read from 500 scanners to a host computer connected via 200 LANs is also performed.

  As shown in the figure, 100 printers are composed of the following blocks and are connected by an internal main bus 101.

  A control unit 102 is configured by a CPU and controls the whole.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a memory serving as storage means. Used for storing image data, charging counter program, and the like.

  A LAN interface controller 103 has a computer network communication function such as Ethernet (registered trademark). A print job is transferred from a host computer connected via a computer network, and scan data read from a scanner is transferred to the host computer.

  The interface method is not particularly limited as long as it is a method connected to a computer.

  An operation unit interface 104 is connected to the operation unit 300 and inputs an operator's instruction and controls display output of the state of the device on the operation unit.

  A printer interface 105 connects the printer engine 400 and prints out image data.

  A scanner interface 106 connects the scanner 500 and transfers scan image data input from the scanner to a scanner image processing unit 108 described later.

  A scanner image processing unit 108 corrects, processes, and edits input image data.

  A PDL processing unit 109 generates image data by analyzing PDL (page description language), which is print data transferred from the host computer, and developing it into a bitmap. A configuration that can process a single PDL or a configuration that can process a plurality of PDLs may be used.

  A billing processing unit 110 reads billing information stored in a 600 USB memory, which is an external removable medium (USB memory or the like), and copies it into the memory in the control unit 102. The charging method is switched between when the scanned data is stored in a removable medium (USB memory, etc.) and when the data in the removable medium (USB memory, etc.) is printed out, and charging processing is performed. Count down billing information. After that, the charging information is written back to the removable medium (USB memory or the like) 600.

  With the USB interface 111, data can be saved and read from / to 600 USB memories which are external removable media. When storing scan data in a removable medium (USB memory or the like) 600, the scan data is temporarily stored in the memory 112 and then stored in the USB memory 600. Conversely, when printing out data in removable media (USB memory, etc.), the data in removable media (USB memory, etc.) 600 is copied to memory 112, and then the data is transferred to 109 PDL processing unit for printing. The data is converted and sent to the printer engine 400 via the printer interface 105 or directly to the printer engine 400 via the printer interface 05 without performing PDL processing.

  Reference numeral 113 denotes a hard disk. Used for storing image data.

  FIG. 2 is an image diagram for obtaining a billing counter program according to the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 700 denotes a terminal such as a PC (personal computer), which corresponds to a removable medium (USB memory or the like) and can be connected to the WEB 701 by a LAN or a modem. The user inserts a removable medium (USB memory or the like) 702 into the PC terminal. A billing counter program is downloaded from WEB and stored in a removable medium (USB memory or the like) 702. When downloading the billing counter program, payment is made by a method such as entering a credit number. The billing counter program is subjected to encryption processing so that billing information cannot be easily rewritten.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation unit.

  The figure shows the appearance of the operation unit 300.

  The liquid crystal operation panel 301 is a combination of a liquid crystal and a touch panel, and displays setting contents, soft keys, and the like.

  The hard key group 302 is provided with a numeric keypad, a clear key, a reset key, a guide key, and a user mode key.

  A start key 303 is a hard key for instructing to start a copying operation and the like, and green and red LEDs are incorporated therein. The green LED is lit when the start is possible and the red LED is lit when the start is impossible. A stop key 304 is a hard key used to stop the operation. A power key 305 is a hard key for turning on / off the power of the digital copying machine.

  FIG. 4 shows a display example of the liquid crystal operation panel.

  This figure shows a state where a normal copy screen is displayed on the liquid crystal operation panel 301.

  The setting display portion 311 is a portion for displaying the current operation status of the digital multifunction peripheral, the set magnification, the paper, and the number of copies. The magnification soft key group 312 is provided with the same magnification, enlargement, reduction, and zoom keys that are soft keys relating to the magnification at the time of copying. A sorter key 313 is used when designating a processing method of output paper. The double-sided key 314 is used when double-sided printing is applied to an original or an output method. A paper selection key 315 is used when transitioning to a screen for designating the size, color, material, etc. of the output paper. The density designation key group 316 is a part for adjusting the density of the read or output image and displaying the setting contents.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the printer engine.

  This figure shows the configuration of a printer engine which is an image output unit.

  The printer engine unit 400, which is an image output device, is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array. There is an ink jet method for printing an image directly on paper, but any method may be used. Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the control unit 102. The printer engine unit 400 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and paper cassettes 401, 402, 403, 404 corresponding to the paper feed stages are mounted. A paper discharge tray 405 receives the printed paper.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the scanner.

This figure shows the configuration of a scanner which is an image input unit.
A scanner unit 500 serving as an image input device illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown) to convert it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray 502 of the original feeder 501, and when the user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 300, the control unit 102 gives an instruction to the scanner 500, and the feeder 501 feeds the original paper one by one, and the original image Read operation.

  The operator can also read the original image of a single paper document by placing the document directly on the document table without using the document feeder.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart when the MFP service is received using a removable medium (USB memory or the like).

  This process is performed by the control unit 102.

  In step S1000, the user stores the removable medium (USB memory, etc.) 600 in order to save the scanned data in a removable medium (USB memory, etc.) or to print out the data in the removable medium (USB memory, etc.). It is inserted into the USB interface 111 in the MFP controller unit 100.

  In step S <b> 1001, the user uses the operation unit 300 to select one of the following two services from among MFP services using a removable medium (such as a USB memory).

(A) Save scanned data on removable media (USB memory, etc.) (B) Print out data in removable media (USB memory, etc.)

  At this time, the billing counter program downloaded and stored in advance in the removable medium (USB memory or the like) 600 from the WEB is copied to the memory 112 serving as a storage unit via the USB interface 111.

  Step S1002 is processing when the scanned data of (A) is stored in a removable medium (USB memory or the like). The user sets the original paper on the tray 502 of the original feeder 501 and gives an instruction to start reading from the operation unit 300, whereby the control unit 102 gives an instruction to the scanner 500, and the feeder 501 feeds the original one by one and the original image. Read operation. The read image data is stored by the control unit 102 in the memory 112 which is storage means in the controller unit 100.

  In step S <b> 1003, the number of image data scanned in step S <b> 1002 is counted by the control unit 102 and stored in a number counter register in the control unit 102.

  In step S1004, the accounting processing unit 110 performs accounting calculation based on the number information stored in the number counter register in the control unit 102 in step S1003. When the data is scanned in step S1002, monochrome scanning or color scanning is selected, and a charging value is determined according to the number counter charging graph of FIG. Taking FIG. 8 as an example, since the fee is charged for each number of sheets, it is determined that the number of scanned sheets is 10 yen for monochrome and the number of scanned sheets is 20 yen for color. This amount coefficient can be freely determined for each MFP and for each service system. The calculated charging information is written into a charging register in the control unit 102.

  In step S1005, the controller 102 subtracts the charging information written in the charging register in step S1004 from the initial charging information in the charging counter program stored in the memory 112 in step S1001, and the memory The initial charging information in the charging counter program stored in 112 is rewritten. The new billing information is rewritten to the removable medium (USB memory or the like) 600. As a result, the billing counter program in the removable medium (USB memory or the like) 600 is billed.

  In step S1006, the control unit 102 stores the image data read from the scan stored in the memory 112 in step S1002 in a removable medium (USB memory or the like) 600.

  A flow when the user selects the case of printing out the data in the removable medium (B) such as (B) in step S1001 will be described from step S1007.

  Step S1007 is processing when the case of printing out the data 600 of the removable medium (USB memory or the like) in (B) is selected. The operation unit 300 displays an index such as the name and capacity of each image data in a removable medium (USB memory or the like). When the user selects image data to be printed out from the display, the control unit 102 reads the capacity of the selected image data and stores it in a capacity count register in the control unit 102. In this case, the only selectable image data format is JPEG format data that can be directly printed, and data that needs to be converted to PDL data that can be printed using a driver such as a word cannot be used. To do.

  In step S1008, the control unit 102 copies the image data in the removable medium (USB memory or the like) 600 selected in step S1007 to the memory 112 that is a storage unit.

In step S1009, the billing processing unit 110 performs billing calculation based on the capacity information stored in the capacity count register in the control unit 102 in step S1007. The charging value is determined according to the capacity information stored in the capacity count register of the control unit 102 and the capacity counter graph of FIG. Taking FIG. 9 as an example,
0 to 99 KByte → 10 yen 100 to 199 KByte → 20 yen 200 to 299 KByte → 30 yen 300 to 399 KByte → 40 yen
...
...
Thus, every time the data capacity increases by 100 Kbytes, 10 yen is added. For example, when the image data is 850 Kbytes, the charge is 90 yen, and the calculated charge information is written in the charge register in the control unit 102. It is assumed that the capacity counter graph can be freely determined for each MFP and for each service system. As a second example, FIG.

0 to 199 KBytes → 20 yen 200 to 399 KBytes → 40 yen 400 to 599 KBytes → 60 yen 600 to → 80 yen In FIG. 10, 20 yen is added every time the image data is increased by 200 KBytes, and after 600 KBytes is fixed to 80 yen. For example, when the image data is 850 Kbytes, the charge is 80 yen.

  In step S1010, the control unit 102 subtracts the charging information written in the charging register in step S1009 from the initial charging information in the charging counter program stored in the memory 112 in step S1001, and the memory The initial charging information in the charging counter program stored in 112 is rewritten. The new billing information is rewritten to the removable medium (USB memory or the like) 600. As a result, the billing counter program in the removable medium (USB memory or the like) 600 is billed.

  In step 1011, the image data stored in the memory 112 in step S1008 is printed. In response to an instruction from the control unit 102, activation of the printing operation is started, and printing is performed by the printer engine unit 400 that is an image output device.

  As described above, it is assumed that the user purchases a billing counter program that can use the MFP service from WEB or the like in advance and stores the billing information in a removable medium (USB memory or the like). By inserting removable media (USB memory, etc.) into the MFP, the scanned data can be saved in removable media (USB memory, etc.) and the data in removable media (USB memory, etc.) can be printed out. Can be done. In addition, the billing form can correspond to a count format and a pay-as-you-go format corresponding to the data capacity.

Configuration diagram of the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention Image of obtaining a billing counter program according to the present invention Diagram showing the operation unit The figure which shows the example of a display of liquid crystal operation panel Diagram showing the configuration of the printer engine Diagram showing the configuration of the scanner Flow chart when receiving MFP service using removable media (USB memory, etc.) Number counter billing graph Capacity counter billing graph 1 Is capacity counter billing graph 2

Explanation of symbols

100 Controller unit 200 LAN
300 Operation Unit 400 Printer Engine 500 Scanner 600 USB Memory 101 Internal Main Bus 102 Control Unit 103 LAN Interface Controller 104 Operation Unit Interface 105 Printer Interface 106 Scanner Interface 108 Scanner Image Processing Unit 109 PDL Processing Unit 110 Charge Processing Unit 111 USB Interface 112 Memory

Claims (1)

An image processing apparatus having a function of reading information in an external medium,
Data capturing means for scanning a document image;
Storage means for storing image data;
Output means for outputting the image data stored in the storage means;
Selecting means for selecting whether to store the data captured from the data capturing means in an external medium or to output the data in the external medium from the output means;
A sheet number counting means for counting the number of image data fetched from the data fetching means;
Capacity recognition means for recognizing the capacity of data in external media;
Charging means for calculating a charging value based on information obtained from the number counting means and the capacity recognition means;
An image processing apparatus comprising control means for performing the control process.