JP2023053957A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a screen that is easy to use when copying is selected as one option of an executable service.

SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus comprises: an image forming unit that performs image formation; an operation unit that has a touch panel and provides an operation screen; and a control section that controls the image forming unit and the operation unit. The control section causes the operation unit to display a first service screen including copying as one option of an executable service related to image formation, when copying is selected, causes the operation unit to display a document placement screen indicating a position at which a document should be placed, causes the operation unit to display, after the document placement screen, a copying start screen including a copying start button for receiving the start of copying, after receiving the start of copying with the copying start button, causes the operation unit to display a copying execution screen indicating that copying is being executed, and after the completion of copying, causes the operation unit to display a forget-taking alert screen for alerting a user not to forget to take the document.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus in which an authenticated user sets and charges for a job related to image processing.

2. Description of the Related Art An image processing apparatus is known that is installed in a public place such as a convenience store or a public facility and provides paid services related to image processing such as copying, printing, issuance of certificates and tickets, image scanning, and transmission of images. ing. Each time a service is provided, these image processing apparatuses perform payment processing for the provided service. In other words, the user pays for each service provided. As a means of settlement, various settlement means can be selected, such as cash, electronic money, credit card, prepaid card, and payment by points acquired in a point system.

Apart from the payment method, there is a payment method that allows one to select one of a plurality of payment methods based on the type of the person who pays the consideration, that is, the person to whom the charge is made. The most common payment method is a payment method in which the individual user pays a consideration (hereinafter also referred to as individual billing in this specification). On the other hand, there is a settlement method (hereinafter also referred to as corporate billing in this specification) in which a corporation or the like pays for the service when the user uses the service as a business. Corporate billing is a system in which a user such as a corporation creates an individual account and performs billing processing and settlement for the account.

The purpose of corporate billing is similar to the billing method for an image processing apparatus installed at a business establishment and used by an employee of the business establishment. That is, the employee uses the image processing apparatus for business. The image processing device stores the usage record in the image processing device. Furthermore, the management device may transmit to a communicably connected external management device, and the management device may tally the usage history of the image processing devices in the office. Billing based on actual usage is made to the operator. The employee who used the image processing device is not charged.

The difference between the corporate billing and the above-described billing for the image processing apparatus in the office is that the corporate billing is premised on user authentication. Since the person who can access the image processing apparatus in the office is usually limited to the person in the office, the user authentication is not mandatory but optional. An image processing apparatus installed in a public place is used by an unspecified number of people. Therefore, billing cannot be managed unless user authentication is performed and only authenticated users are allowed to use corporate billing. Therefore, a person (for example, a business operator) who uses corporate billing acquires a unique user ID and password by concluding a usage contract.

An employee or the like who works for the business uses the acquired user ID and password to log in to an image processing apparatus installed in a public place. Then, a service related to image processing, such as a job related to copying, printing, or image scanning, is executed. The image processing apparatus sends information on the usage history of jobs executed during login to an external management apparatus communicably connected. The management device aggregates the usage record for each user ID and charges the event person associated with the user ID.
In recent years, telecommuting has become popular. Along with this, it is expected that the use of corporate billing will increase further.

For example, the following techniques are known for billing management of image processing apparatuses installed in public places. The image forming process is controlled by linking a department management function for managing usage for each user department and a billing function using an external billing device. More specifically, the main control unit determines whether or not the number of printed sheets, which is the sum of the used number of sheets corresponding to the department ID code and the requested number of printed sheets, exceeds the limit number of sheets corresponding to the department ID code. If the limit is exceeded, the user is notified of the excess amount by displaying on the operation display unit that the requested number of prints exceeds the limit and the excess number and the amount for printing the excess number (excess amount). It prompts the user to insert the money into the external billing device.

JP 2008-219481 A

However, for example, when printing documents to be submitted regarding business by corporate billing, there may be a case where it is desired to keep a copy of the submitted documents. Conventionally, however, corporate billing and individual billing had to be executed as separate jobs. Therefore, after user authentication is performed and the document is printed with corporate billing, it is necessary to log out once and perform the operation related to printing the document from the beginning again with personal billing. Although it is the same document, that is, the same image data, and the same print job, the billing method is different.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and is intended to enable a job to be easily executed by selecting a payment method involving user authentication and executing the job using another payment method. It is something to do. In other words, when executing a job, it is possible to allocate charges to different parties with a simple operation.

The present invention provides an authentication unit that performs user authentication, an operation unit that provides an operation screen for the authenticated user to set and charge for a job related to image processing, and a third user associated with the user authentication. In addition to or in place of one payment method, a second payment method different from the first payment method is displayed on the operation screen to select whether or not to charge the job, and the job is charged according to the selection. An image processing apparatus is provided that includes a job control unit and an image processing unit that executes the job based on set and selected billing processing under the control of the job control unit.

From a different point of view, the present invention provides a step of performing user authentication by a computer, a step of providing an operation screen for the authenticated user to set and charge for a job related to image processing, and a step of performing user authentication. displaying on the operation screen an option as to whether or not to charge the job by a second payment method different from the first payment method in addition to or instead of the first payment method linked to the job; Provided is an image processing method comprising the steps of: performing billing processing according to selection; and executing the job using an image processing unit.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention operates an option as to whether or not to charge a job by a second payment method different from the first payment method in addition to or instead of the first payment method linked to user authentication. Since a job control unit is provided for displaying the job on the screen and performing billing processing according to the selection of the job, when a payment method involving user authentication is selected and the job is executed, the job can be easily executed by another payment method. can do

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system in this embodiment; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (general portal screen); FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (user authentication screen); FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (corporation billing portal screen); FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (color selection screen); FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (single-sided/double-sided selection screen); FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (paper size selection screen); FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (document reading screen); FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (image confirmation screen); FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (corporation billing confirmation screen); FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (corporation/individual billing confirmation screen); FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (copying screen); FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (copy completion screen); FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (login continuation screen); FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (end screen); FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a different example of the corporate/individual setting confirmation screen shown in FIG. 11; In this embodiment, it is a flow chart which shows a part of processing which a control part performs (the 1st processing portion). In this embodiment, it is a flow chart which shows a part of processing which a control part performs (the 2nd processing portion). In this embodiment, it is a flow chart which shows a part of processing which a control part performs (the 3rd processing portion). In this embodiment, it is a flow chart which shows a part of processing which a control part performs (the 4th processing portion). In this embodiment, it is a flow chart which shows a part of processing which a control part performs (the 5th processing portion). In this embodiment, it is a flow chart which shows a part of processing which a control part performs (the 6th processing portion). In this embodiment, it is a flow chart which shows a part of processing which a control part performs (the 6th processing portion). In this embodiment, it is a flow chart which shows a part of processing which a control part performs (the 7th processing portion). In this embodiment, it is a flow chart which shows a part of processing which a control part performs (the 8th processing portion). In this embodiment, it is a flow chart which shows a part of processing which a control part performs (the 9th processing portion).

The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
(Embodiment 1)
<<Configuration of Image Forming System>>
First, the image forming system in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system comprising a multi-function machine, a money processor, a receipt printer, and a photo paper printer, as one aspect of the image forming system in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the image forming system shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a multifunction machine 101 forming part of an image forming system 100 includes an operation unit 102, a scanner unit 15, a control section 11, a data storage unit 30, a communication interface circuit 24, and an image forming unit 13. . The operation unit 102 includes an operation detection element 10 , a display element 12 and an operation control circuit 21 . The data storage unit 30 has a ROM 30m and a RAM 30d. The image forming unit 13 includes an image processing circuit 20, an image forming section 13d and a sheet conveying section 13t.
A cabinet containing a cash processor 105 , a receipt printer 110 and a photo paper printer 120 is arranged adjacent to the left side of the multifunction machine 101 . The photo paper printer 120 prints on photo paper. The printed photo paper is discharged to the photo paper discharge port 121 . The money processing machine 105 includes a short-range wireless communication interface circuit 105d that communicates with an IC card or the like having a chip for short-range wireless communication.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 102 of the MFP 101 is provided on the front side so that the user can easily operate it. The operation unit 102 also includes a display element 12 and an operation detection element 10 such as a touch panel that receives a user's operation on the display element 12 .
The control unit 11 recognizes a signal indicating an input operation to the operation detection element 10 .
The display element 12 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The display element 12 displays information related to the state of the MFP 101 and the operation received by the operation detection element 10 . The operation control circuit 21 generates and displays contents to be displayed on the display element 12 according to instructions from the control section 11 . In addition, the controller 11 is notified of the operation detected by the operation detection element 10 .

3 to 16 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display element 12 of the operation unit 102. FIG. FIG. 3 is an example of a screen (comprehensive portal screen) for displaying services executable by the image forming system 100 and allowing the user to select one.
The image forming system 100 executes the selected service in response to the user's operation of touching any button displayed on the comprehensive portal screen shown in FIG. That is, the operation detection element 10 detects a user's touch operation, the control section 11 recognizes the touch operation, controls the image forming unit 13, the scanner unit 15, the communication interface circuit 24, etc., and executes the selected service. do.

Returning to the description of the MFP 101 .
The control unit 11 recognizes the state of each unit of the MFP 101 and controls the operation. Specifically, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit, hereinafter for simplicity, in this specification, CPU and MPU are collectively referred to as CPU), built-in memory, input/output interface circuit, timer It consists of hardware resources such as circuits. Functions relating to image formation of the multifunction machine 101, such as reading an image of a document and printing an image, are realized by the CPU executing an image processing program stored in the memory. Further, the control unit 11 receives a user's operation on the operation detection element 10 and controls the screen of the display element 12 .

From the functional point of view of the processing executed by the CPU, the control unit 11 includes a read job control unit 11r that executes control related to image reading, a print job control unit 11p that executes control related to image printing, and display and operation unit 102. It includes a user interface control section 11u that controls operations.
In addition to the built-in memory, the control section 11 accesses the ROM 30m and the RAM 30d of the data storage unit 30. FIG. A flash memory is an example of hardware that configures the ROM 30m. The CPU reads the control program stored in the non-volatile memory 11m and appropriately expands it in the RAM 30d. Then, it executes processing according to the control program developed in the RAM 30d. Then, it controls hardware provided in the MFP 101 . It also controls operations and displays. Furthermore, it controls communication with external devices via the communication interface circuit 24 . That is, software resources and hardware resources work together to realize functions related to image formation such as print processing.

The control section 11 and the image forming unit 13, and the control section 11 and the scanner unit 15 are connected so as to be able to transfer data.
As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-function machine 101 has a scanner unit 15 . The scanner unit 15 reads the image of the document placed on the document table under the control of the control section 11 and converts it into an image signal. That is, it executes image reading processing in copy, facsimile and scanner jobs.
The image processing circuit 20 generates image data based on the image signal output by the scanner unit 15 . Alternatively, image data for printing is generated based on the print data received via the communication interface circuit 24 . The generated image data is printed by the image forming unit 13 or transmitted to an external device via the communication interface circuit 24 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-function device 101 includes four paper trays 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d and an output tray 18.
The paper trays 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d individually accommodate sheets of various sizes. For example, sheets of A4, A3, B5, and B4 sizes are accommodated.
Under the control of the control unit 11, the sheet conveying unit 13t feeds and conveys sheets accommodated in any one of the sheet trays.

The image forming section 13d prints designated image data on a sheet fed from one of the paper trays 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d under the control of the control section 11. FIG. A print job related to printing includes, for example, a job related to printing as a printer, a job related to printing as a copy, a job related to printing of fax reception, and the like.
The sheet conveying unit 13t conveys and discharges the sheet printed by the image forming unit 13d to the discharge tray 18. FIG.
The communication interface circuit 24 is an interface for communicating data with external devices via a network.

≪Overview of operation flow≫
Next, based on FIGS. 3 to 16, an overview of the operation flow of the present application will be described using a copy job as an example.
FIG. 3 is an example of a screen (comprehensive portal screen) that displays services executable by the image forming system 100 and waits for the selection and instruction of the service from the user. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming system 100 can execute copying, printing, facsimile, scanning, and administrative services (printing of certificates such as resident cards), as well as printing of content and printing of tickets.

Furthermore, a "corporation service" button 201 is arranged on the comprehensive portal screen. In response to the operation of the user touching the "corporation service" button 201, the control unit 11 displays the user authentication screen (see FIG. 4) related to corporate billing as the user interface control unit 11u. 12).
When a login name (that is, a user ID) and a password (login password) are entered on the user authentication screen in FIG. 4 and the "Next" button 203 is touched, the control unit 11 performs user authentication I do. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display the corporate billing portal screen (see FIG. 5).
After that, until the user logs out, the service fee is basically processed by corporate billing. However, the characteristic processing of this embodiment is that it is possible to use personal billing together without logging out, or to temporarily switch to personal billing. This processing will be described later.

The operation flow related to the corporate billing service is as follows. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, "simple copy" will be described as an example of a corporate billing service, but the same flow applies to other services. Here, other services are services that can be selected other than "simple copy" on the corporate billing portal screen shown in FIG. For example, "print/scan with smartphone", "various copies", and "network print" are other services.
When the "simple copy" button 207 is touched on the corporate billing portal screen shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to sequentially display a series of setting screens related to the copy job to accept the settings.
As the first setting screen, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display a color selection screen (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, full color, black and white, and single color can be selected as the type of color to be printed. As for monochromatic colors, one is selected from six colors of red, green, blue, light blue, magenta, and yellow. At the bottom of the color selection screen, there are a bar display indicating the progress of the setting menu in stages (five stages in the examples shown in FIGS. 6 to 16) and an input amount column displaying the amount accepted by the money handling machine 105. Is displayed. They are also displayed on the screens of FIGS. 7-16.

When any color is selected on the color selection screen, the control unit 11 subsequently causes the operation unit 102 to display a single-sided/double-sided selection screen (see FIG. 7).
When either “single-sided” or “double-sided” is selected on the single-sided/double-sided selection screen, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display the paper size selection screen (see FIG. 8).
When one of the paper sizes is selected on the paper size selection screen and the “next” button 209 is touched, the control unit 11 subsequently causes the operation unit 102 to display the document reading screen (see FIG. 9). When the "change setting" button 211 is touched on the document read screen, the control unit 11 further sets the items "document type", "frame erase", "bleed-through reduction", and "slightly smaller". accept changes in

When the "read document" button 213 is touched on the read document screen, the control unit 11 reads the document placed on the document table based on the settings so far, and displays the image confirmation screen (see FIG. 10) on the operation unit 102. to display the read image in the image confirmation screen.
When the user confirms the read image on the image confirmation screen and touches the "next" button 215, the control unit 11 next displays the corporate billing confirmation screen (see FIG. 11) on the operation unit 102 in response. Let On the corporate billing confirmation screen, change the setting for the number of copies is accepted. Further, the setting item of "printing for individual billing" 217 is displayed, and a selection as to whether or not printing for personal billing is to be performed at the same time is accepted.
When the “start copying” button 219 is touched with the setting of “no” printing for individual billing, the control unit 11 starts printing related to copying and displays the copying screen (see FIG. 13) on the operation unit 102. Let

When printing related to copying is completed, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display a copy completion screen (see FIG. 14).
When the "OK" button is touched on the copy completion screen, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display the end screen (see FIG. 16) for a predetermined period of time, and then executes processing for logging out of the corporate billing service. A portal screen (see FIG. 3) is displayed on the operation unit 102 .
The above is an overview of the flow of normal operations.

On the other hand, one characteristic aspect of this embodiment is that printing for personal billing can be selected on the corporate billing confirmation screen (FIG. 11).
In the corporate billing confirmation screen, when printing of individual billing is set to "Yes" and the "start copying" button 219 is touched, the control unit 11 displays the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen (see FIG. 12) to the operation unit 102. to display. On the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen, changes to the number of copies are accepted for both corporate billing and individual billing. The number of copies for corporate billing and individual billing can also be changed to zero. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the number of copies for "corporate use", that is, the number of copies for corporate billing is one, and the number of copies for "personal use", that is, for individual billing, is one. With this setting, when the amount of cash necessary for personal billing is inserted and the "start copying" button 223 is touched, one copy of the common document is made for the corporate billing amount, and another one for the personal billing amount, for a total of two copies. part is copied. One of them is settled as corporate billing, and the other is settled as personal billing.

≪Flowchart≫
Hereinafter, the processing executed by the control unit 11 in this embodiment will be described in detail along the flowchart.
18 to 27 are flow charts showing examples of processing executed by the control unit 11 in this embodiment.
When the power of the multifunction machine 101 is turned on, the control unit 11 performs initialization processing after the power is turned on, then causes the operation unit 102 to display the general portal screen shown in FIG. 3, and waits for an instruction from the user. (Step S11 in FIG. 18).

The general portal screen is basically a screen for the user to select various services related to individual billing. However, if the "corporation service" button 201 on the general portal screen is touched (Yes in step S13), the user authentication screen shown in FIG. process. Specifically, the process waits until the login name and password for the corporate billing service are entered on the user authentication screen in FIG. 4 and the "Next" button 203 is touched (step S21). Here, the login name and password are given when the user concludes a contract for using the corporate billing service.

When a service other than the "Corporate Service" button 201 is selected while the comprehensive portal screen of FIG. 3 is displayed (Yes in step S15 after No in step S13), A related service such as simple copy is executed (step S17). It should be noted that the service related to personal billing is not a characteristic process of this embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.
When the service selected in step S15 ends, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S11 to display the general portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user's operation again (through step S17). to step S11).
Further, when the "corporation service" button 201 is not touched and no other service is selected while the comprehensive portal screen of FIG. The process returns to step S13 and waits for user's operation.

When the user authentication screen of FIG. 4 is displayed through step S19, the login name and password for corporate billing are entered and the "Next" button 203 is touched (Yes in step S21), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the entered login name and password have been registered (step S25).
On the other hand, when the "end" button is touched on the user authentication screen shown in FIG. 4 (Yes in step S23 after No in step S21), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S11 to operate the comprehensive portal screen. Display it on the unit 102 and wait for the user's operation again.
If the login name and password are not entered on the user authentication screen shown in FIG. 4 and the "end" button is not touched (No in step S21 and No in step S23), the control unit 11 ends the process in step S21. and wait for user interaction.

After determining whether or not the entered login name and password have been pre-registered through Yes in step S21, if they do not match any of the registered ones (No in step S25), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S19. Then, the user authentication screen is displayed on the operation unit 102 to request re-entry of the login name and password.
To check whether the input login name and password have been registered, the control unit 11 sends the input login name and password to the server for managing the corporate billing service, and the server checks the entered login name and password. and receive the result. Here, the corporate billing service management server is an external server that stores login names and passwords relating to the corporate billing service and is connected via the communication interface circuit 24 .

At step S25, if the login related to corporate billing is successful (Yes at step S25), the control unit causes the operation unit 102 to display the corporate billing portal screen (step S31 in FIG. 19), and waits for the user's operation.
In step S25, as a result of determining whether or not the input login name and password have been registered in advance, if the input login name and password match those registered (Yes in step S25), control is performed. The unit 11 advances the process to step S31 shown in FIG. That is, the corporate billing portal screen provided to the user who has logged in to the corporate billing service is displayed on the operation unit 102 and waits for the user's operation.

The control unit 11 makes the following determinations while the corporate billing portal screen of FIG. 5 is displayed on the operation unit 102 .
First, it is determined whether or not the "simple copy" button 207 has been touched (step S33). In this embodiment, a case in which the "simple copy" button 207 is touched will be described in detail below. When another corporate billing service is selected (Yes in step S35 after No in step S33), the selected corporate billing service is executed (step S37). Other corporate billing services will be explained in detail, but the essence of the characteristic configuration is the same as in the case of simple copy.

In step S37, when the selected service ends, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 to display the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user's operation again (through step S37). to step S31).
Further, when the "End" button 205 is touched on the corporate billing portal screen shown in FIG. 5 (Yes in step S39 after No in step S35), the control unit 11 performs a process of logging out of the corporate billing service. (Step S41). Then, the process returns to step S11 shown in FIG. 18 to display the general portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user's operation.

If the "simple copy" button 207 is not touched on the corporate billing portal screen shown in FIG. 5, no other corporate billing service is selected, and the "end" button is not touched, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S33. Return and wait for user action. (No of step S33, No of step S39 via No of step S39)
When the "simple copy" button 207 is touched on the corporate billing portal screen shown in FIG. 5 (Yes in step S33), the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display the color selection screen shown in FIG. 6 (step S43). ) and waits for an operation related to the user's selection.
With the color selection screen shown in FIG. 6 displayed, if an operation to select any color is performed (Yes in step S45), the control unit 11 selects the selected color for the "simple copy" job. is stored in the data storage unit 30 as the setting related to (step S47). Then, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S61 shown in FIG. 20, displays the single-sided/double-sided selection screen (see FIG. 7) on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user's selection operation.

Also, when the "End" button is touched on the color selection screen shown in FIG. It is displayed on the operation unit 102 and waits for an operation by the user.
Further, when the "return" button is touched on the color selection screen shown in FIG. 6 (Yes in step S51 after No in step S49), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 to return the corporate billing portal screen to the operation unit. 102 and waits for user's operation.

In the color selection screen shown in FIG. 6, if no color has been selected yet, the "end" button has not been touched, and the "return" button has not been touched, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S45. Wait for user interaction. (No of step S45, No of step S51 via No of step S49)
After step S61, when the single-sided/double-sided selection screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed, if an operation is performed to select one (Yes in step S63 of FIG. 20), the control unit 11 selects the selected content. The data storage unit 30 stores the settings related to the "simple copy" job (step S65). Then, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S71, displays the paper size selection screen (see FIG. 8) on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user's operation.

Also, when the "End" button is touched on the single-sided/double-sided selection screen shown in FIG. 7 (Yes in step S67 after No in step S63), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. to display the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and wait for the user's operation.
Furthermore, when the "return" button is touched on the single-sided/double-sided selection screen shown in FIG. The selection screen is displayed on the operation unit 102, and the user's operation is waited for.

If neither single-sided nor double-sided is selected on the single-sided/double-sided selection screen shown in FIG. The process returns to S63 and waits for the user's operation. (No of step S63, No of step S69 through No of step S67)
With the paper size selection screen shown in FIG. 8 displayed after step S71, the control unit 11 makes the following determination.
First, when one of the paper sizes is selected and the "next" button 209 is touched (Yes in step S73), the control unit 11 selects the selected paper size as data for the selected "simple copy" job. It is stored in the storage unit 30 (step S75). Then, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S81 shown in FIG. 21, displays the document reading screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user's operation.

Also, when the "end" button is touched on the paper size selection screen shown in FIG. The corporate billing portal screen is displayed on the operation unit 102, and the user's operation is waited for.
Furthermore, when the "return" button is touched on the paper size selection screen shown in FIG. It is displayed on the operation unit 102 and waits for an operation by the user.
In the paper size selection screen shown in FIG. 8, when none of the paper sizes is selected, the "end" button is not touched, and the "return" button is not touched, the control section 11 returns the process to step S73. waits for user interaction. (No of step S73, No of step S79 via No of step S79)

With the document reading screen shown in FIG. 9 displayed after step S81 in FIG. 21, the control unit 11 makes the following determination.
First, when the "change settings" button 211 is touched, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display an operation screen (not shown) for changing settings, and accepts user operations for changing settings. After completing the setting change process, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S83.
If the "end" button is touched on the document reading screen shown in FIG. 9 (Yes in step S87 after No in step S83), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. The portal screen is displayed on the operation unit 102, and the user's operation is waited for.
Further, when the "return" button is touched on the document reading screen shown in FIG. 9 (Yes in step S89 after No in step S87), the control unit 11 returns the processing to step S71 shown in FIG. The screen is displayed on the operation unit 102, and the user's operation is waited for.

When the "read document" button 213 is touched on the read document screen shown in FIG. 9 (Yes at step S91 after No at step S89), the controller 11 causes the scanner unit 15 to read the document (step S93). After waiting for the reading of the document to be completed (Yes in step S95), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S101 shown in FIG. wait for operation.
On the document reading screen shown in FIG. 9, the "change settings" button has not been touched, the "end" button has not been touched, the "return" button has not been touched, and the "read document" button 213 has not yet been touched. In that case, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S83 and waits for the user's operation. (No of step S83, No of step S87, No of step S91 via No of step S89)

With the image confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10 displayed after step S101, the control unit 11 makes the following determination.
First, when 90° rotation of the image is selected (Yes in step S103), the control unit 11 performs processing to rotate the image of the document displayed on the screen by 90° to the right (step S105), and the processing is performed as described above. Return to step S103.
When the "reload" button is touched on the image confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display the color selection screen by causing the process to proceed to step S43 shown in FIG. That is, the document is read again after accepting the setting operation related to the simple copy job from the beginning.

10 (Yes in step S109 after No in step S107), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. The portal screen is displayed on the operation unit 102, and the user's operation is waited for.
Further, when the "return" button is touched on the image confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10 (Yes in step S111 after No in step S109), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S81 shown in FIG. is displayed on the operation unit 102, and the user's operation is awaited.

When the "next" button 215 is touched on the image confirmation screen shown in FIG. The corporate billing confirmation screen shown is displayed on the operation unit 102 .
On the image confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10, 90° rotation is not selected, the "reload" button is not touched, the "end" button is not touched, the "return" button is not touched, and the "next" button is not touched. button 215 has not yet been touched, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S103 and waits for the user's operation. (No in step S103, No in step S107, No in step S109, No in step S111, No in step S113)

With the corporate billing confirmation screen (see FIG. 11) displayed through step S121 shown in FIG. 23, the control unit 11 makes the following determination.
First, when the setting of the number of copies to be printed is changed (Yes in step S123), the control unit 11 updates the display of the number of copies and the display of the total amount according to the changed contents (step S125). Then, the process returns to step S123.
11 (Yes in step S127 after No in step S123), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. The billing portal screen is displayed on the operation unit 102, and the user's operation is waited.
Further, when the "return" button is touched on the corporate billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 11 (Yes in step S129 after No in step S127), the control unit 11 returns the processing to step S101 shown in FIG. The screen is displayed on the operation unit 102, and the user's operation is waited for.

When the setting related to "printing of individual billing" 217 on the corporate billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 11 changes the display mode of the selected "Yes" button to a mode indicating that it has been selected. Then, the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the operation unit 102 (step S141 shown in FIG. 24), and the user's operation is awaited.
A characteristic aspect of this embodiment is that printing can be set for individual billing in the corporate billing service.
11, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S171 shown in FIG. to start copying.

On the corporate billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. If the "start copying" button 219 has not been touched yet, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S123. (No in step S123, No in step S127, No in step S129, No in step S131, No in step S133)
With the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 displayed after step S141 shown in FIG. 24, the control unit 11 makes the following determination.

First, it is determined whether or not at least one of the number of copies for corporate billing and the number of copies for individual billing has been changed. If any setting of the number of copies to be printed is changed (Yes in step S143), the control unit 11 updates the display of the number of copies and the total amount according to the changed content (step S145). Then, the process returns to step S143.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the number of copies for corporate use is set to zero on the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. According to the setting shown in FIG. 17, even in the corporate billing service, it is possible to set the number of copies for corporate billing to zero so that corporate billing is not performed, and jobs can be executed only with individual billing.
For example, when selecting the "Go to corporate portal screen while logged in" button 227 on the copy completion screen shown in FIG. can be a copy. Here, copying is only one example of selectable services.
In the corporate billing confirmation screen of FIG. 11, if the setting of "no" is selected for the "personal billing printing" 217, copying only with corporate billing is possible. Even if the number of copies for personal use is set to "zero" on the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen in FIG. 12, copying only for corporate billing is possible. Here, copying is only one example of selectable services.
12 (Yes in step S147 after No in step S143), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. to display the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and wait for the user's operation.
Furthermore, when the "return" button is touched on the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. The corporate billing confirmation screen is displayed on the operation unit 102, and the user's operation is waited for.

Further, while the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the setting related to the "personal use payment method" has been changed (step S151). If the payment method for personal billing is changed, the payment method for personal billing is changed to the changed payment method (step S153). Then, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S143 and waits for an operation from the user.
In the example of the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12, "cash" is selected as the "personal use payment method". When the user inserts cash into the coin slot 106 or banknote slot 107 of the money processor 105, the "inserted amount" on the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 is updated to the amount that was inserted. FIG. 12 shows a state in which a 50-yen coin has been inserted. Since the ``total amount'' of ``individual use'' is displayed as 50 yen, the personal billing will be settled with the amount of money inserted. Therefore, no change is discharged to the coin return port 108 after settlement.
In the example of the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12, one of the two payment methods of "cash" and "electronic money" can be selected. A greater number of payment methods may be selected, such as a payment method based on points acquired through a system.

Also, it is determined whether or not the setting related to "printing of receipt for personal use" has been changed on the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 (step S155). When the change is made, the control unit 11 updates the setting for printing/not printing the receipt for personal billing (step S157), returns the process to step S143, and waits for the user's operation.
Further, it is determined whether or not the "to individual use menu screen" button 221 has been touched on the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 (step S159). When the "to personal use menu screen" button 221 is touched (Yes in step S159 after No in step S155), the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display a setting screen similar to that for the corporate billing service. That is, the operation unit 102 is caused to display a setting screen similar to that shown in FIGS. Then, the setting of simple copy for personal billing is accepted (step S161). After accepting the setting for personal billing, control unit 11 returns the process to step S141.

Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the "start copying" button 223 is touched while the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. When the "start copying" button 223 is touched, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S171 shown in FIG. 25, displays the screen during copying (see FIG. 13) on the operation unit 102, and starts corporate billing and personal billing. start copying.
On the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12, in the following cases, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S143 and waits for the user's operation. That is, the number of copies setting is not changed, neither the "End" button nor the "Back" button is touched, the "Personal use payment method" is not changed, and the "Personal billing receipt printing" is not changed. is the case. Furthermore, this is the case where neither the "to personal use menu screen" button 221 nor the "start copying" button 223 is touched. (No in step S143, No in step S147, No in step S149, No in step S151, No in step S155, No in step S159, No in step S163)

After step S133 shown in FIG. 23 or step S163 shown in FIG. 24, when the "start copying" button is touched, the control unit 11 starts printing related to copying as shown in step S12 in FIG. The middle screen (see FIG. 13) is displayed on the operation unit 102 and the following determinations are made.
If the "stop copying" button 225 is pressed while the copying screen of FIG. is stopped (step S175). Then, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. 19, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user's operation.

Also, it is determined whether or not the setting for "printing of receipt for personal use" has been changed while the copy-in-progress screen of FIG. 13 is displayed (step S177 after No in step S173). If the change has been made (Yes in step S177), the control unit 11 updates the setting as to whether or not to print the receipt for personal billing (step S179), returns the process to step S173, and accepts the user's operation. wait.
Further, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the printing related to copying has ended (step S181). When printing is completed (Yes in step S181), the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display a copy completion screen (see FIG. 14) and waits for user's operation.
If the "stop copying" button 225 is not touched while the copying screen of FIG. No in step S177, No in step S181, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S173.

With the copy completion screen shown in FIG. 4 displayed after step S183, the control unit 11 makes the following determinations.
First, it is determined whether or not the button 227 “Go to corporate portal screen while logged in” has been touched. If the "to corporate portal screen while logged in" button 227 is touched (Yes in step S185), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. Wait for user action.
Next, when the "Continue same service" button 229 is touched on the copy completion screen shown in FIG. 4 (Yes in step S187 after No in step S185), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S201 shown in FIG. Then, the login continuation screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the operation unit 102 to wait for the user's operation.

Further, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the setting related to "printing of receipt for personal use" has been changed on the copy completion screen of FIG. 14 (step S189). When the change is made, the control unit 11 updates the setting of whether to print the receipt for personal billing (step S191), returns the process to step S183, and waits for the user's operation.
Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the "OK" button 231 has been touched on the copy completion screen shown in FIG. 14 (Step S193 after No in Step S189). If the "OK" button 231 is touched (Yes in step S193), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S211 shown in FIG. 27 and causes the operation unit 102 to display the end screen shown in FIG.
On the copy completion screen of FIG. 14, neither the "Login to corporate portal screen" button 227 or the "Continue same service" button 229 is touched, and the setting related to "Print personal billing receipt" is not changed. If the "OK" button 231 has not been touched yet, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S183. (No in step S185, No in step S187, No in step S189, No in step S193)

When the "continue same service" button 229 is touched in step S187 and the login continuation screen in FIG. 15 is displayed through step S201 in FIG. 26, the control unit 11 makes the following determination.
First, it is determined whether or not the "continue with the same settings" button 233 has been touched. If the "Continue with the same settings" button 233 is touched (Yes in step S203), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S81 shown in FIG. Then, it waits for the user's operation for reading a new document.

On the other hand, when the "Continue with different settings" button 235 is touched on the login continuation screen of FIG. 15, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S43 shown in FIG. to accept new settings for reading a new document.
If no button has been touched on the login continuation screen of FIG. 15 (path of No in step S205 via No in step S203), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S203 and waits for user's operation.
14 is touched and the end screen of FIG. 16 is displayed through step S211 of FIG. 27, the control unit 11 makes the following determinations.
First, if the setting for printing a receipt is made, the receipt printer 110 is made to print a receipt for corporate billing and/or individual billing according to the setting (step S213). The printed receipt is discharged to the receipt printer discharge port 111 .
Note that the control unit 11 causes the receipt printer 110 to print separately the receipt for corporate billing and the receipt for personal billing. This is regardless of the payment method. This is because the entities that make the payments are different.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the setting as to whether or not to print the receipt related to corporate billing is set in advance by the user at the time of signing a contract for corporate billing. The setting as to whether or not to print a receipt relating to personal billing is set by the user each time printing is performed in the setting item relating to "print receipt for personal use" in FIG.
When the "End" button 237 is touched on the end screen of FIG. 16 (Yes in step S215), or when a predetermined period of time elapses (Yes in step S215 and 217), the control unit 11 starts corporate billing. A process of logging out from the service is performed (step S219). Then, the process returns to step S11 shown in FIG. 18 to display the general portal screen of FIG. 3 on the operation unit 102 and wait for user's operation. An example of the predetermined period is 60 seconds after the end of printing, but the period is not limited to this.
When the "End" button 237 is not touched with the end screen of FIG. The unit 11 returns the process to step S215.
The above is an example of the processing executed by the control unit 11 in this embodiment.

(Embodiment 2)
In this embodiment, when the settlement means for corporate billing and the settlement means for personal billing are both cash, the control unit 11 performs settlement of corporate billing and personal billing separately and issues change separately, or The operation unit 102 is caused to display a screen for selecting whether to pay billing and individual billing collectively and pay change collectively, and waits for a user's operation.
The selection screen may be provided on the corporate/individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12, for example. Alternatively, it may be provided on the copy in progress screen shown in FIG. 13 or the copy completed screen shown in FIG.

When the corporate billing adopts a cash settlement method, the billing corporation or the like pays the user (for example, a freelancer commissioned by the corporation or the like) who uses the MFP 101 a predetermined amount of necessary expenses in advance in cash. It may be deposited. As such, when necessary expenses are paid in advance, said user needs to manage deposited cash and personal wallet separately. Therefore, it is more convenient for the user to receive change for corporate billing and individual billing separately. On the other hand, there are corporations and the like that claim necessary expenses and pay them later. In this case, since the user pays the costs required for copying, etc., out of his or her personal wallet, it is more convenient to receive the change for the corporate billing and the personal billing together. However, receipts will be issued separately for corporate billing and individual billing.
According to this aspect, the user can select whether to pay the change for the corporate billing and the personal billing separately or to pay the bills collectively. It is convenient because the user can select the one that is preferable for the user according to the form of settlement of corporate billing.

(Embodiment 3)
In Embodiment 1, all users who use the corporate billing service can select "Yes" or "No" for "Personal Billing Print" 217 on the corporate billing confirmation screen in FIG.
According to this embodiment, out of the users who use the corporate billing service, the printing of specific original images or image data is prohibited from being charged individually, and the printing of other original images or image data is charged individually. Allow printing. That is, for a specific document image or image data, the item "printing for personal billing" 217 is not displayed on the corporate billing confirmation screen in FIG.

By predetermining image information giving an attribute for prohibiting printing for individual billing and embedding the image information in a superimposed manner in the document image, "printing for individual billing" can be prohibited for a specific document image. The technique of superimposing and embedding image information in a document image can be realized by using a known technique that is employed for the function of deterring illegal copying of bills, for example.
Alternatively, by predetermining attribute data giving an attribute for prohibiting printing with individual charge and adding the attribute to image data for printing, "printing with individual charge" is prohibited for specific image data. be able to. A technique for adding an attribute to image data to disable a specific function can be realized by, for example, applying a technique for adding an edit-prohibited or print-prohibited attribute to image data in PDF (Portable Document Format) format.

A multifunction machine that reads the document image or receives the image data for printing has a function of extracting predetermined image information that prohibits printing for personal billing and a function of extracting predetermined attribute data. shall be provided. Then, based on the image information extracted from the document image or the attribute data extracted from the image data, printing for individual billing is prohibited.

According to this aspect, for example, when a corporation or the like that entrusts work to a freelancer includes in-house secrets in a document or image data to be provided to the freelancer, the image information is superimposed on the document or image data, or Add attribute data. Then, the freelancer to whom the document or image data is provided cannot perform printing for personal charge, and therefore cannot copy or print the information containing company secrets as a copy at hand.

(Embodiment 4)
In the third embodiment, a method for prohibiting printing of a specific document image or image data at an individual charge has been described.
In this embodiment, among the users who use the corporate billing service, specific users are prohibited from printing for personal billing, and other users are permitted to print for personal billing. That is, for a specific user, the item 'printing of individual billing' 217 is not displayed on the corporate billing confirmation screen of FIG.

By predetermining an attribute that prohibits printing of personal billing and linking that attribute to each user's login password managed by the corporate billing service management server, "printing of personal billing" can be performed for a specific user. can be prohibited.
When the multifunction device that reads the document image or receives the image data for printing receives information from the server to the effect that printing for personal billing should be prohibited during the login process for the corporate billing service, the server shall be prohibited from printing personal charges based on information received from

For example, a corporation that outsources work to a freelancer may outsource new work to a freelancer with whom a relationship of trust has been built over many years, while others may outsource new work to a freelancer who has never outsourced work before. In some cases, new work is outsourced to freelancers. According to this aspect, the corporation or the like decides whether to permit or prohibit the printing of the individual charge according to the degree of trust of the other freelancer, and the login password given to each freelancer allows the printing of the individual charge. All you have to do is associate an attribute to allow or prohibit.

(Embodiment 5)
In this embodiment, the control unit 11 generates a history of jobs executed by individual billing when "Yes" is selected for "Personal billing printing" 217 on the corporate billing portal screen of FIG. Then, the generated history is stored in the data storage unit 30, or transmitted to a corporate billing service server connected via the communication interface circuit 24 and stored in the server.
Corporations, etc. that are contractors of corporate billing services shall be able to refer to the history as necessary.
For example, when information leakage is suspected, the history can be referenced to confirm whether or not the information related to the information leakage has been printed or copied for personal billing.

As mentioned above,
(i) An image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises an authentication unit for user authentication, an operation unit for providing an operation screen for the authenticated user to set and charge for a job related to image processing, and In addition to or instead of the tied first payment method, a second payment method different from the first payment method is displayed on the operation screen to select whether or not to charge the job. and an image processing unit that executes the job based on the set and selected billing process under the control of the job control unit.

In the present invention, the authentication unit provides a function of identifying whether or not the user is permitted to use the first payment method, which is a specific payment method. Any type of means may be used for user authentication, but as an example, whether or not the user has authority may be identified by prompting the user to enter a user ID (or login name) and password. Specific examples of hardware resources that constitute the authentication unit include a memory that stores pairs of user IDs and passwords to be authenticated and a CPU that compares them with the input user IDs and passwords. As another example, a CPU that accesses a communicably connected external server and obtains a pair of user ID and password stored in the server, and a process that the CPU should execute are stored as a program. memory to be used.

Further, the operation unit provides a screen for the user to perform operations related to job settings and billing. A specific aspect thereof is, for example, a circuit mainly composed of a liquid crystal display device and a touch panel. In the case of a mode in which a user's operation is received remotely, data of an operation screen to be displayed on an external device connected in a communicable manner is generated and transmitted. Then, it receives the information of the user's operation on the operation screen displayed on the external device, and determines the processing according to the operation. A memory that stores the processing to be executed by the CPU and the processing to be executed by the CPU as a program is one of the constituent elements of the operation unit.

Furthermore, a job related to image processing refers to a series of processes related to image processing. Specific examples thereof include a copy job and print job related to printing, an image scan job related to image reading, and an image transmission job related to image transmission.
A settlement method represents a mode of charging and settlement categorized based on a billing party, particularly a type of billing party. Specific examples include corporate billing and personal billing in the previous embodiments. In the above embodiments, the first payment method corresponds to corporate billing, and the second payment method corresponds to individual billing.

Also, in the present invention, after one job is finished, the user can execute a plurality of jobs while maintaining the authenticated state. That is, it is not always necessary to log out and redo user authentication each time one job is completed. When running the next job while remaining authenticated, the settings and billing for the next job may be carried over from the previous job. However, the operation unit may provide an operation screen for setting and billing for the next job.

Furthermore, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(ii) The job control unit may display a plurality of options on the operation screen as payment means for the second payment method.
In this way, various payment methods such as cash, electronic money, credit cards, prepaid cards, and payment with points acquired in a point system can be provided as payment methods related to the second payment method. .

(iii) The job is a job related to printing, and the job control unit can change the number of printed copies of the job charged by the first payment method and the number of printed copies of the job charged by the second payment method. may be displayed on the operation screen.
In this way, the user can confirm the setting of the number of printed copies charged by the first settlement method and the number of printed copies charged by the second settlement method before executing the job. Furthermore, the number of copies to be printed for each can be changed as needed.

(iv) further comprising a receipt generating unit for generating a receipt relating to the billing, wherein the job control unit separately creates a receipt relating to the charging by the first payment method and a receipt relating to the charging by the second payment method; It may be generated by a generation unit.
In this way, separate receipts are issued for the first settlement method and the second settlement method, which are charged to different parties, which is convenient.

(v) The job control unit collectively performs settlement by the first settlement method and settlement by the second settlement method when both the first settlement method and the second settlement method are cash settlement means. Alternatively, the operation screen may display a choice of whether to perform the operation individually.
In this way, when payment by cash involves change, change can be obtained for each of the first payment method and the second payment method, which are charged to different parties, so that the user can easily manage change. The user does not need to exchange money or the like for distributing change to each payment method.

(vi) the image data or document relating to the job includes in advance payment information indicating whether or not a payment method different from the first payment method is permitted, and the job control unit controls the payment information relating to the job; does not allow a payment method different from the first payment method, an option as to whether or not to charge the job by the second payment method in addition to or instead of the first payment method is displayed on the operation screen. You may choose not to display it.
In this way, by using the payment information, it is possible to prevent image data or manuscripts containing information that the business operator wants to keep confidential from being printed as copies for the user.
In this aspect, the image data or the document is provided to the user by the corporation or the like that is charged by the first payment method, and the payment information is added to the image data or the document by the corporation or the like. In the case of image data, payment information can be given as one of file attributes, and in the case of manuscripts, it can be given as an image mark (for example, character information such as "Confidential" or "secret"). However, the payment information is defined in advance so that the image processing apparatus can acquire the information, and the corporation or the like attaches the payment information to the image data or the document according to the definition.

(vii) further comprising a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information related to the authenticated user from an external device that is communicatively connected, wherein the user information allows a payment method different from the first payment method; If the user information about the user does not allow a payment method different from the first payment method, the job control unit allows the payment method to be used in addition to or instead of the first payment method. Alternatively, the option of whether or not to charge for the job by the second payment method may not be displayed on the operation screen.
In this way, by using user information, for example, it is possible to limit users who are allowed to print image data or documents containing information that the business operator wants to keep confidential, and to prevent other users from printing the data. It is possible. However, the user information is defined in advance so that it can be obtained from an external device with which the image processing device can communicate, and the business operator stores the user information in the external device according to the definition and obtains it to the image processing device. shall be allowed.

(viii) When execution of the job by the second payment method is selected in addition to the first payment method, the job control unit sets the second payment method separately from the setting of the job by the first payment method. The operation screen may display options for setting the job by .
In this way, for example, a document to be submitted to a company is printed on one side without scaling, and a document to be printed by the user as a copy is reduced by two pages to be combined into one page and printed on both sides. , the job can be executed based on different settings for the first payment method and the second payment method.

(ix) When the job is billed by the second payment method, the method may further include a history generation unit that generates and stores a history of jobs executed by the second payment method. The generated history may be stored in the image processing apparatus, but is preferably stored in an external management apparatus communicatively connected.
In this way, by generating and storing a history, the possibility of information leakage can be verified using the stored history when, for example, a situation in which information leakage is suspected occurs at a later date.

(x) In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computer performs user authentication, provides an operation screen for the authenticated user to set and charge for a job related to image processing, and performs the user authentication. displaying on the operation screen an option as to whether or not to charge the job by a second payment method different from the first payment method in addition to or instead of the first payment method linked to the job; and executing the job using an image processing unit.

Preferred aspects of the present invention include combinations of any of the aspects described above.
Various modifications of the present invention are possible in addition to the above-described embodiments. Those modifications should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all modifications within the scope of the claims, the meaning of equivalents, and the scope.

10: Operation detection element 11: Control unit 11p: Print job control unit 11r: Read job control unit 11u: User interface control unit 12: Display element 13: Image forming unit 13d: Image forming unit 13t 15: Scanner unit 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d: Paper tray 18: Discharge tray 20: Image processing circuit 21: Operation control circuit 24: Communication interface circuit 30: Data storage unit 30d : RAM, 30m: ROM
100: Image forming system 101: MFP 102: Operation unit 105: Money processor 105d: Short-range wireless communication interface circuit 106: Coin slot 107: Bill slot 108: Coin return slot 110 : Receipt printer 111: Receipt printer outlet 120: Photo paper printer 121: Photo paper outlet 201: "Corporate service" button 203: "Next" button 205: "Exit" button 207: " Simple copy" button 209: "Next" button 211: "Change settings" button 213: "Document read" button 215: "Next" button 217: "Personal billing print" 219, 223: "Start copying" button 221: "To personal use menu screen" button 225: "Stop copying" button 227: "To corporate portal screen while logged in" button 229: "Continue same service" button 231: "OK" button, 233: "Continue with the same settings" button, 235: "Continue with different settings" button, 237: "Exit" button

Claims (11)

an image forming unit that forms an image;
an operation unit having a touch panel and providing an operation screen;
a control unit that controls the image forming unit and the operation unit;
The control unit
causing the operation unit to display a first service screen including copying as one option of executable services related to the image formation;
causing the operation unit to display a document placement screen indicating a position where the document should be placed when the copying is selected;
causing the operation unit to display a copy start screen including a copy start button for accepting start of copying after the document placement screen;
After accepting the start of copying by the copy start button, causing the operation unit to display a copy-in-progress screen indicating that copying is in progress;
An image processing apparatus for displaying, on the operation unit, a warning screen for not forgetting to pick up an original after copying is finished. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the operation unit to display a copy start screen including a button for accepting setting of the number of copies in addition to the copy start button. The control unit can cause the operation unit to display a second service screen, which is an operation screen different from the first service screen and receives a selection of an executable service, and the second service screen is 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of executable services displayed on the operation screen is smaller than that on the first service screen. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said second service screen includes copy as one option of executable services. the copy-in-progress screen includes a copy stop button;
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control unit cancels the copy being executed when an operation of said copy stop button is accepted. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays a button to return the display to the previous screen on each screen provided after the copy is selected and before the copy start button is pressed. . 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit does not display a button for returning the display to the previous screen on the screen during copying. The forgot-to-take caution screen has a display cancel button as the only button that accepts an operation,
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit cancels the display of the forget-to-take caution screen when an operation of the display cancellation button is received. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first service screen includes, as executable service options, a plurality of options relating to copying, which are different setting options. 9. The control unit displays the document placement screen, the copy start screen, the copying screen, and the forgetting to take caution screen in that order regardless of which of the options related to copying is selected. The described image processing device. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the copying screen does not include the copy start button.

Images