JP4083750B2 - Image forming apparatus and multifunction machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and a multifunction device capable of executing functions such as a printer and a copying machine.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus linked with a charging apparatus that charges for the execution of image formation, it is impossible to specify a person who has inserted a coin, a card, or the like into the charging apparatus. There was a bug that it was.

  In recent years, color digital multifunction peripherals having various functions such as a copying function, a facsimile function, and a printer function and capable of forming a color image have become widespread. An interleave function capable of processing another function in parallel by interrupt printing even if a certain function such as a facsimile function or a printer function is executed is provided as in the case of a conventional digital multifunction device dedicated to monochrome images.

Here, an identifier is assigned to the use of a coin or a card inserted into the charging apparatus, and when there is a request for image formation, it is determined whether or not the identifier included in the request is an assigned identifier. There has been proposed a technique for forming an image only when the two match (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-9-97510

  However, the conventional example described above has the following problems.

  In conventional digital MFPs dedicated to black-and-white images, billing management is performed by monitoring the execution of each function such as the printer function, facsimile function, and copying function, even during the simultaneous execution of multiple functions using the interleave function. Was able to do. However, in color digital multi-function peripherals, color functions (images to be formed on paper, such as black and white, full color, single color, or two colors, are formed) for each function such as printer function, facsimile function, and copy function. The billing management according to the color mode) is required.

  In addition, when performing charging management or the like according to such a color mode, there is a case where the charging management cannot be performed correctly in the color digital multifunction peripheral. That is, when there is a request for image formation to the color digital multifunction peripheral, it is checked whether or not the charge in the requested color mode can be executed with the current setting of the charging device, and if possible, the processing is performed. To proceed. At this time, since the fee corresponding to the color mode requested by the charging device is charged at the timing of image forming paper feeding performed in the color digital multifunction peripheral, the charging device is illegally removed. The charging device is monitored along with whether or not there is any. However, if the setting of the charging device is changed to another color mode during this period, a malfunction occurs in which charging is performed with a different color mode setting at the timing of charging. When the interleaving function is executed, the setting of the charging device is changed, and there is a possibility that such a malfunction of the charging device may occur.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a multi-function machine that can perform processing such as charging according to a requested image forming color mode.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image on a sheet, when there is a request for image formation to the image forming apparatus, a color mode for performing image formation specified by the request. A determination unit that determines the difference between the color mode, the color mode for image formation specified by the request determined by the determination unit, and an identifier for identifying a set available color mode. Thus, the image formation related to the image formation request processed by the interleaving can be executed in the color mode that can be used with the set identifier, or the image formation related to the image formation request processed by the interleaving is performed. This is a color mode that cannot be used with the set identifier.To execute the image formation, the identifier can be changed and the color can be used. A determination unit configured to determine it is necessary to change the mode, it is determined that the color mode and available execution of the image forming on condition by the determination means and permission means for permitting the execution of billing processing An image forming apparatus comprising:

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus for reading an image of a document and an image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image on a sheet based on predetermined image data. And at least an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus for transmitting and receiving images from a network, and capable of executing at least the former two functions of a printer function, a copying function, and a facsimile function. In the multifunction device, when there is a request to execute a function for the multifunction device, a determination unit that determines the color mode for performing image formation specified in the request, and the request determined by the determination unit. Compare the color mode that performs the specified image formation with the identifier that identifies the set available color mode. Image formation for image formation requests processed by interleaving can be executed in a color mode that can be used with the set identifier, or image formation for image formation requests processed by interleaving is set A determination unit that determines whether it is necessary to change the usable color mode by changing the identifier in order to execute the image formation. A multifunction device comprising: permission means for permitting execution of a request and execution of a billing process on condition that the determination means determines that the color mode is usable.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the multifunction peripheral of the present invention, it is possible to perform processing such as charging according to the requested color mode of image formation.

  [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The digital copying machine 1 is a complex machine capable of forming a color image, and includes an image scanner 2 as an image reading device, a laser printer 3 as an image forming device, and the like.

  The image scanner 2 is a device that reads an image of a document, and includes a scanner controller 4 that is a microcomputer that centrally controls each unit of the image scanner 2. The image scanner 2 is provided with a scanning optical system (not shown). The scanning optical system is driven by the scanning optical system controller 6 under the control of the scanner controller 4 to expose and scan a document on a contact glass (not shown). Then, light is received by a photoelectric conversion element (not shown) and image data of the original is read. The obtained image data is converted into image data suitable for the laser printer 3 by the image processing unit 5 and then sent to the laser printer 3 under the control of the scanner controller 4.

  The laser printer 3 is a device that forms an image on a sheet by electrophotography based on image data sent from the image scanner 2, and a printer unit controller that is a microcomputer that centrally controls each unit of the laser printer 3. 7 is provided. Under the control of the printer controller 7, the laser beam is modulated by the laser drive unit 9, and the photosensitive drum 10 is exposed and scanned by the laser beam by the polygon scanner drive unit 8. The optical writing of the electrostatic latent image based on the above is performed on the photosensitive drum 10.

  The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 10 is developed with toner when passing through the developing unit 11, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10 (when forming a color image). , Black, yellow, cyan, and magenta toners are respectively used to form toner images a total of four times). Around the photosensitive drum 10, a charging unit 12 for charging the photosensitive drum 10, a cleaning unit 13 for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum 10, and the like are disposed.

  On the other hand, the transfer paper is fed out from the paper supply tray 14 by the paper supply unit 15, and this transfer paper is synchronized with the formation timing of the toner image on the photoconductive drum 10 and overlaps the surface of the photoconductive drum 10. It is sent. Subsequently, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred to the transfer paper by the urging of the transfer charger 16, and the transfer paper on which the toner image is transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 10 and conveyed by the conveying unit 17. The image is fixed by the fixing unit 18 and discharged to the discharge unit 19.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of the control system of the digital copying machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the control system includes a system control unit 20 that is a microcomputer that controls the entire digital copying machine 1. The system control unit 20 includes a scanner controller 4, a printer unit controller 7, A timer 21 for time control of device information, an image data storage memory 22 for processing the read image data, a charging control system unit 24 for controlling the charging device 23, an operation unit 25, and a printer controller 26 and a fax controller 27 are connected.

  The billing device 23 is a device that performs billing to limit the users of the digital copying machine 1 and accepts insertion of cash, prepaid card, ID card, etc. and collects a corresponding usage fee from the user.

  The operation unit 25 includes a key input unit 28 on which various keys for receiving various input operations from the user are arranged, and a display unit 29 that includes a liquid crystal display panel and displays various messages.

  The printer controller 26 controls communication between the digital copying machine 1 and a network such as a LAN, develops image data received from an external personal computer via the network, and converts it into a format printable by the laser printer 3. To do.

  The fax controller 27 includes a modem which is a transmission / reception device, and controls transmission / reception of image data between the digital copying machine 1 and an external facsimile device via a network such as a public line.

  The digital copying machine 1 performs a printer function by forming an image with the laser printer 3 based on image data received from an external personal computer or the like via the printer controller 26. In addition, the image scanner 2 reads the image data of the original and the laser printer 3 forms an image, thereby exhibiting a copying function. Further, the image scanner 2 reads the image data of the document and transmits it to the external facsimile machine via the fax controller 27, and the laser printer 3 based on the image data received from the external facsimile machine via the fax controller 27. The facsimile function can be achieved by forming an image with.

  The digital copying machine 1 has an interleaving function that simultaneously processes a plurality of functions among the printer function, the copying function, and the facsimile function by interrupt printing. Interrupt printing means is realized by this interleave function.

  Next, control of the digital copying machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing when image formation is performed by the laser printer 3 of the digital copying machine 1.

  In advance, depending on the application's different information from the print request source and the color mode (whether the image to be formed on the paper is black and white, full color, single color, two colors, etc.) For the setting of the laser printer 3, an identifier (password) as exemplified in FIG. 4 is given. This identifier is for restricting the user of the digital copying machine 1 in relation to the billing at the billing device 23, and is the same as the identifier already given corresponding to the print request made to the laser printer 3 previously. The data is stored in the RAM of the printer unit controller 7 or the like. In FIG. 4, 001 and 002 are identifiers, and usable color modes are set for each identifier for each application of the printer function (PRN), the copy function (Copy), and the facsimile function (Fax).

  When the digital copying machine 1 is requested to execute an application for a printer function, a copying function, or a facsimile function (facsimile reception), a printing request is made to the laser printer 3 (Y in step S1). At this time, the printer controller 7 determines whether the printing request application and the color mode are different (step S2), and whether or not processing is possible in the color mode that can be used for each application of the currently set identifier. (Step S3), if it is impossible (N in Step S3), a predetermined NG process (such as rejecting the print request and displaying that fact on the display unit 29) is performed (Step S4). The process is terminated. When the process is possible (Y in step S3), the process proceeds to step S5. For example, when there is a print request as a full color printer function (PRN), if the identifier 002 is the current setting of the laser printer 3, an NG process (step S4) is performed by the determination process in step S3. However, if the identifier 001 is the current setting of the laser printer 3, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, under the currently set identifier, it is determined whether or not another print request is already being processed in addition to the current print request (for example, the current print request is a printer function). In the case where the print request for executing the copy function or the facsimile function is already being processed in the case of the print request for executing the print function). Thereby, the third determination means is realized. In this case, if another print request is being processed, the color mode is determined to be different between the print request that is already being executed and the current print request (step S7). Thereby, the fourth determination means is realized. If the color mode is different (N in step S7), the process returns to step S3. In addition to the current print request, when there is no other print request currently being processed (N in step S5), if the color mode is the same (Y in step S7), the current print request is processed, Charging for the processing is executed by the charging device 23 (step S6). At this time, it is determined whether the image forming application is different from the color mode (which realizes the determination means, the first determination means, and the second determination means), and charges are made accordingly. (Accordingly, the permission means is realized).

  That is, if the charging fee varies depending on the color mode, and if the printing color mode is changed with respect to the charging device 23 between the start of printing for the printing process and the timing at which the charging device 23 charges, Since the charging process cannot be operated correctly, it is not desired to execute the operation for changing the color mode during this period. Therefore, by repeating the closed loop of Y in step S3, Y in step S5, N in step S7, Y in step S3, and so on, the print request that is already being executed and the current print request are simultaneously performed in parallel by interrupt processing by the interleave function. Is not processed automatically. Thereby, the 1st stop means is implement | achieved. When the print request that has already been executed is completed (N in step S5), only the current print request is processed independently in step S6, and the print request is also charged. If the color modes are the same (Y in step S7), the print request already being executed and the current print request can be processed simultaneously in parallel by the interleave function (step S6).

  [Second Embodiment] Another embodiment will be described as a second embodiment of the present invention. The digital copying machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention differs from that of the first embodiment of the invention in that the processing shown in FIG. 5 is performed instead of the processing shown in FIG. The processing will be described, and illustrations and detailed descriptions of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In FIG. 5, steps S1 to S4 and S6 are the same as those shown in FIG. In the digital copying machine 1, it is possible to set whether or not to perform user restriction based on the identifier, thereby realizing the second selection means. As shown in FIG. 5, when there is a print request (Y in step S1), it is determined whether or not the digital copying machine 1 is set to perform user restriction based on the identifier (step S11). This implements a fifth determination means. If there is no user restriction (N in step S11), the print request made this time is processed, and the charging device 23 performs a charging process (step S6). In this case, if there is a print request being executed first, the print request being executed and the current print request can be processed simultaneously by an interrupt process using an interleave function.

  In the digital copying machine 1, the interleave function can be operated or stopped, thereby realizing the first selection means. When there is a user restriction (Y in Step S11), it is determined whether or not the interleave function is ON (Step S12). If it is ON (Y in step S12), it is turned OFF (step S13). Thereby, the 2nd stop means is implement | achieved. When the interleaving function is turned off (step S13) and when the interleaving function was originally turned off (N in step S12), since the interleaving function is not used, there is a print request being executed first. After the processing is completed (Y in step S14), the processing in steps S2 to S5 is executed.

  As described above, when there is a user restriction (Y in step S11), even if the interleaving function is ON (Y in step S12), it is turned OFF (step S13), and the print request being executed first. If there is, the process is completed (Y in step S14), the current print request is processed, and the charging device 23 performs the charging process (step S6). In this way, the billing process can be performed correctly without switching the setting in the middle.

  The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing electrical connection of a control system of the digital copying machine. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine. It is explanatory drawing explaining the identifier used with the said digital copying machine. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the digital copying machine which is embodiment of another invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction machine 2 Image reading apparatus 3 Image forming apparatus 23 Charge apparatus 27 Transmission / reception apparatus

Claims (2)

In an image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image on paper,
A determination unit that determines, when there is a request for image formation to the image forming apparatus, a color mode for performing image formation specified in the request;
The image processed by interleaving by comparing the color mode for image formation specified by the request determined by the determination means with an identifier for identifying a set available color mode The image formation related to the image formation request can be executed in a color mode that can be used with the set identifier, or the image formation related to the image formation request processed by interleaving is performed with the set identifier. A determination unit that determines whether it is necessary to change an available color mode by changing an identifier in order to execute the image formation.
Permission means for permitting execution of the image formation and charging processing on the condition that the color mode is usable by the determination means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image reading device for reading an image of a document;
In an image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image on a sheet based on predetermined image data,
A transmission / reception device that transmits image data acquired by the image reading device to a network and receives an image from the network; and at least the image reading device and the image forming device,
In a multifunction device capable of executing at least the former two functions of a printer function, a copying function, and a facsimile function,
When there is a request to execute the function for the multifunction device, a determination unit that determines the color mode for performing image formation specified in the request;
The image processed by interleaving by comparing the color mode for image formation specified by the request determined by the determination means with an identifier for identifying a set available color mode The image formation related to the image formation request can be executed in a color mode that can be used with the set identifier, or the image formation related to the image formation request processed by interleaving is performed with the set identifier. A determination unit that determines whether it is necessary to change an available color mode by changing an identifier in order to execute the image formation.
Permission means for permitting execution of the request and execution of a charging process on the condition that it is determined that the color mode is usable by the determination means;
A multi-function machine comprising:

Images