JPH08190323A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent the inconvenience of a charge system from occurring when a copying action is executed on forms whose size are identical but whose costs are different. CONSTITUTION: The size of the form and the copying unit price by classification are previously stored in a paper size and classification charge storage part 21 provided in a coin rank 20. By a copying charge calculation part 22, a copying charge is calculated based on the size, the classification and the number of sheets transmitted from a PPC 10 and the copying unit price stored in the storage part 21. By a thrown-in money calculation part 23, the sum of thrown-in money is calculated. When it is judged by a copying OK judgement part 24 that the thrown-in money calculated by the calculation part 23 is not smaller than the copying charge calculated by the calculation part 22, a copying OK signal is outputted to the PPC 10. Every time that a count-up signal transmitted from the PPC 10 is inputted, the copying unit price is substrated from the copying charge calculated by the calculation part 22 and displayed on a residual money display part 25.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a charge calculation function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a charge calculation function is configured to calculate a copy charge according to a paper size or a copy mode. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-1824.
66, JP-A-60-59370, JP-A-6
0-97495, JP 61-156055, JP 2-171768, and JP 2-171.
No. 769, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-39223, and the like.

[0003]

However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, since the copy fee is calculated only according to the paper size and the copy mode, even if the paper size is the same, the paper type, that is, the unit price is different. , For example, when setting relatively expensive plain paper and relatively cheap recycled paper, relatively expensive special paper and relatively inexpensive plain paper,
There is a problem that the fee system will be defective.

Further, even if the user has the same paper size, the fee is not sufficient for copying on expensive paper, but the fee may be sufficient for copying on inexpensive paper. There is also a demand for selectively copying on expensive or inexpensive paper depending on the purpose of copying.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing troubles in the charge system when copying on papers of different prices even if the paper size is the same. To do.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of selectively copying on expensive or inexpensive paper depending on the purpose of copying by the user.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a first means is a copy charge storage means for storing a copy charge for each size and type of paper, and a paper stored in the copy charge storage means. Charging means for charging the copy fee for the size and type of the paper specified at the time of copying, based on the copy fee for each size and type.

The second means is an automatic copy charge storage means for storing a copy charge for each size and type of paper and an automatic copy charge for each size and type of paper stored in the copy charge storage means. In the paper selection mode, it is provided with a unit for selecting a paper of a size and type of a copy fee less than the balance of the input amount and permitting copying.

[0009]

In the first means, the copying fee is charged for each size and type of paper, so that it is possible to prevent the trouble of the fee system when copying on paper of different prices even if the paper size is the same. it can.

In the second means, when the automatic paper selection mode is selected, the paper of the size and type of the copy fee which is less than the balance of the input amount is selected and the copy is permitted. Therefore, the expensive or inexpensive paper is selected according to the purpose of copying by the user. Can be selectively copied to.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an operation unit of the PPC of FIG. ,
4 is a block diagram showing the coordinate detection circuit of the touch panel of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the coordinate detection circuit of FIG. 4,
6 is a block diagram showing the operation part of the PPC of FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a sheet size and type setting screen, FIG. 8 is an external view showing the coin rack of FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 is a coin of FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the size, type and copy unit price of the paper set in the rack, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the copy unit price determination processing of the coin rack of FIG.

The image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is, as an example, roughly constituted by a digital copying machine (PPC) 10 and a coin rack 20 for calculating and collecting a copying fee by the PPC 10. With such a configuration, it is only necessary to add the communication function with the coin rack 20 to the general PPC 10, and there is no need to provide a function or mechanism for calculating and collecting the copy fee.

In FIG. 1, the paper size of the PPC 10
The size and type of the paper to be copied are set and stored in the type setting / storage unit 11, and the controller 12 notifies the coin rack 20 of the size and type of the paper set at the time of copying and the number of copies. When the controller 12 receives a copy OK signal from the coin rack 20, the controller 12 accepts pressing of the copy start key to start copying the set paper size, type, and number of sheets, and every time one copy is made. And outputs a count-up signal to the coin rack 20.

The paper size / type charge storage unit 21 of the coin rack 20 stores in advance the paper size and the copy unit price for each type, and the copy charge calculation unit 22 detects the size, type and number of sheets of paper transmitted from the PPC 10. The copy fee is calculated based on the copy unit price of the paper size / type charge storage unit 21. When the input amount calculation unit 23 calculates the input amount, and the copy OK determination unit 24 determines that the input amount calculated by the input amount calculation unit 23 is not less than the copy charge calculated by the copy charge calculation unit 22. And outputs a copy OK signal to the PPC 10. The balance display unit 25 displays the subtracted copy unit price from the copy charge calculated by the copy charge calculation unit 22 every time the count-up signal sent from the PPC 10 is input.

In the PPC 10 shown in FIG. 2, the document feeding device 1 conveys the document to a predetermined reading position of the image reading device 3 based on a condition designated through the operation (and display) section 2 and reads it. When completed, the paper is ejected from the reading position. The image reading device 3 irradiates the original on the reading position with light from a light source, and converts the reflected light into an electric signal by a solid-state image forming element such as a CCD. Image forming unit 4
Forms an image in the form of electric signals on plain paper or thermal paper by methods such as electrophotography, heat-sensitive, thermal transfer, and inkjet.

The double-sided unit 5 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 7
One of the sheets is fed to the image forming unit 4 and the image is formed on one side of the sheet is reversed, and the sheet is re-fed to the image forming unit 4 again. Images can be formed on both sides of the paper. In this type of double-sided unit 5, one that immediately re-feeds one sheet of paper and one that stacks a plurality of sheets and sequentially re-feeds from the lowest sheet are known. The sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit 4 is sorted by the sheet sorter 6 in page order or page and discharged.

Next, the case of setting the size and type of the paper set in the paper feed cassette 7 via the operation (and display) unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation (and display) unit 2 includes a numeric keypad 4101 for setting a numerical value such as the number of copies, a touch panel 4102 having a liquid crystal display screen for displaying an operation state, a message, etc. Guidance key 4103 for shifting to a mode for displaying explanations and operating methods
And a program key 4104 for registering and calling a frequently used setting and a screen switching key 4105 for switching between a standard screen and a simple screen.

Further, a brightness adjusting knob 4106 for adjusting the brightness of the liquid crystal display screen, and a mode clear / preheat / timer key for canceling the setting contents or setting the preheating state by continuously pressing for a predetermined time or more. 4107,
An interrupt key 4108 for interrupting the copy operation to copy another document is provided.

Coordinates touched on the touch panel 4102 are detected by a circuit as shown in FIG. The controller 4201 controls the entire circuit, sets the detection terminal to the high state when detecting coordinates, and touches the touch panel 4102.
The X1, X2, Y1 and Y2 terminals of are set to a logical combination as shown in FIG.

Since the circuits of the Y1 and Y2 terminals are pulled up, the Y1 terminal becomes + 5V when the touch panel 4102 is off and 0V when the touch panel 4102 is on. Therefore, by taking in the voltages at the X1 and X2 terminals at this time via the A / D converter 4202, the pressed position of the X coordinate can be detected. Also, the pressed position of the Y coordinate can be detected by the same method.

Next, the overall construction of the operating section 2 will be described with reference to FIG. In this circuit, C that controls the entire operation unit 2 is used.
PU4401, address latch 4402, ROM440
3, a system reset circuit 4404 for resetting the CPU 4401, an address decoder 4405, an LED driver 4406, a keyboard 4407, and an LCD controller 4408 are provided. Further, the address bus and data bus of the CPU 4401, the ROM 44 for display data
09 and RAM 4410, LCD module 4411,
A touch panel 4412 is provided, and further the CPU 440
An optical transceiver 4413 for serial communication with the outside such as the touch panel 20 is connected to the unit 1.

In such a configuration, the CPU 4401
The address signal from the address latch 4402 is taken into the address latch 4402, and a part of the signal from the address latch 4402 is input to the address decoder 4405. Address decoder 4
At 405, a chip select signal for each IC is generated, and this chip select signal is used when creating a memory map. The address is also ROM4409, RAM4
It is used when specifying the address of the memory such as 410 or the LCD controller 4408.

The data bus from the CPU 4401 is connected to the memories 4409 and 4410 and the LCD controller 4408.
Is connected to and two-way communication of data is executed. Also,
The LCD controller 4408 is a ROM based on operation signals from the keyboard 4407 and the touch panel 4412.
4409, display data is created from the data stored in the RAM 4410, and the display of the LCD module 4411 is controlled.

Next, the screen for setting the paper size and the paper type set in the paper feed cassette 7 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the menu screen 4501 shown in FIG.
When "2. Special tray setting" 4502 is touched and selected in, a special tray setting screen 4503 shown in FIG. 7B is displayed, and special operation is performed by key operation of "Next" and "Previous". The screen is switched to the tray setting screen 4504 or 4503. The operator can set the type of paper to be set in the paper feed cassette 7 on these screens 4503 and 4504. For example, when the second paper feed stage is used as a tray for recycled paper, FIG. Special tray setting screen 4 shown
Play-only tray item 4505 “tray 2” on 504
It can be set by touching the key 4506 of.

Next, the coin rack 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 8, a coin insertion slot 26 for inserting a copy fee, a 7-segment LED indicator 27 for displaying the balance, a coin return lever 28, a coin return slot 29, and the like are provided. As shown in, four types of paper sizes A3, B4, A4, and B5 (b0 to b3) and paper types of recycled paper and plain paper (b5)
Then, the copy unit price for each paper size and type can be set.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the copy unit price determination operation of the copy charge calculation section 22 of the coin rack 20 shown in FIG. The size and type of the paper sent from the PPC 10 are set to A3 respectively, and in the case of plain paper, the copy unit price is set to 30 yen (steps 5001, 5002, 5003),
In the case of A3, recycled paper, the copy unit price is set to 20 yen (steps 5001, 5002, 5004). Also, B
4, 20 yen for plain paper (steps 5005, 5
006, 5007), B4, 10 yen for recycled paper (steps 5005, 5006, 5008), 15 yen for other sizes and plain paper (steps 5005, 5500).
009, 5010), 1 for other sizes and recycled paper
Set to 0 yen (steps 5005, 5006, 501
1).

Then, the copy charge calculation unit 22 calculates a copy charge based on the copy unit price and the copy transmitted from the PPC 10, and the copy OK determination unit 24 inputs the copy charge based on the copy charge calculated by the copy charge calculation unit 22. When the input amount calculated by the amount calculation unit 23 is not small, a copy OK signal is output to the PPC 10. The balance display unit 25 displays the subtracted copy unit price from the copy charge calculated by the copy charge calculation unit 22 every time the count-up signal sent from the PPC 10 is input.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, first, the PPC 10 sends to the coin rack 20 the sheet size, type and copy unit price for each of n sheet feeding stages as shown in FIG. In the coin rack 20, when the automatic paper selection mode is selected, it is determined whether the paper in the first tray can be copied with the balance of the inserted amount as shown in FIG. 12 (step 52).
01) If the copy is possible, the paper in the first tray is selected (step 5202).

In the following, from the tray with the highest copy unit price,
If the balance can be copied, the paper in that tray is selected (steps 5203 to 5206), and if the paper in any tray can be copied with the balance of the input amount, as shown in FIG. Please display a message such as "Please do" (step 5207).

[0030]

As described above, the invention according to claim 1 charges a copy fee for each paper size and type. Therefore, even if the paper size is the same, copying is performed on different paper prices. It is possible to prevent problems with the fee system.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the automatic paper selection mode, the paper of the size and type of the copy fee which is less than the balance of the input amount is selected and the copying is permitted, so that it is expensive or cheap depending on the purpose of copying by the user. Can be selectively copied to various papers.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the image forming apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an operation unit of the PPC of FIG.

4 is a block diagram showing a coordinate detection circuit of the touch panel of FIG.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of the coordinate detection circuit of FIG.

6 is a block diagram showing an operation unit of the PPC of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a paper size and type setting screen.

8 is an external view showing the coin rack of FIG.

9 is an explanatory diagram showing sizes, types, and copy unit prices of sheets set in the coin rack of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a copy unit price determination process of the coin rack of FIG.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the paper size, type, and copy unit price for each paper feed stage set from the PPC to the coin rack in the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a balance shortage screen of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Operation and display unit 4 Image forming unit 7 Paper feed cassette 10 Digital copying machine (PPC) 11 Paper size / type setting / storage unit 12 Controller 20 Coin rack 21 Paper size / type charge storage unit 22 Copy charge calculation unit 23 Input amount Calculation part 24 Copy OK judgment part 25 Balance display part

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A copy fee storage unit for storing a copy fee for each size and type of paper, and a copy fee specified at the time of copying based on the copy fee for each size and type of paper stored in the copy fee storage unit. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a charging unit that charges a copy fee for the size and type of paper. 2. A copy charge storage unit for storing a copy charge for each size and type of paper, and an automatic paper selection mode based on the copy charge for each size and type of paper stored in the copy charge storage unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a unit for selecting a sheet of a size and type of copy fee that is less than or equal to the balance of the input amount to permit copying.