GB2162467A

GB2162467A - Photocopier logging device

Info

Publication number: GB2162467A
Application number: GB08519411A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth George Gooch
Original assignee: MORRISON SIMON JOHN
Current assignee: MORRISON SIMON JOHN
Priority date: 1984-08-01
Filing date: 1985-08-01
Publication date: 1986-02-05
Also published as: GB8519411D0

Abstract

A microprocessor controlled photocopier logging device for controlling and monitoring the operation of a photocopier is provided for identifying who made what copies for whom, when and at what cost. The device comprises a keyboard (19, 20), and possibly also a magnetic card reader (21), for entering control functions and information identifying the user and the client to be charged, a display (18) for showing keyboard entries and programmed instructions to the user, control means (22) for interfacing the device with the photocopier so that the copier is disabled until valid user and client entries have been made, and whereby the number and size of the copies then made is recorded by the device, memory (5 to 8) for storing the operating program and data relating to the program, user, client, and copies made each time the photocopier is enabled, a printer (23, 24) for printing out information from the memory relating to the operation of the photocopier, and the controlling C.P.U. (4) which operates the device in accordance with the program and the input and stored data. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Photocopier logging device This invention relates to a logging device for controlling and monitoring the operation of a photocopier so that every copy made can be accounted for and accordingly charged.

The cost of running a photocopier is considerable and it is desirable therefore that all copies which are made for any particular Client are charged to that Client, but in many firms and companies photocopying charges are often missed due to the production from the copier not having been logged. The present invention aims to overcome this problem by providing a photocopier logging device which will record who has made what copies for whom each time the copier is used.

According to the invention, a photocopier logging device for controlling and monitoring the operation of a photocopier comprises input means including a keyboard for entering control functions and information identifying the user and the Client to be charged, a screen for displaying keyboard entries, means for interfacing the device with the photocopier whereby the photocopier is disabled until valid user and Client entries have been made and whereby the number and size of the copies made while the photocopier is enabled is recorded by the device, memory for storing data relating to the user, Client, and copies made each time the photocopier is enabled, a printer for printing out information from the memory relating to the operation of the photocopier, and a microprocessor programmed to control the operation of the device in a predetermined manner in response to the input and memory data.

Preferably the memory of the device comprises a permanent ROM for holding the microprocessor program, and a read/write memory forming a transaction data store for holding details of each transaction as it is made, a transaction being the production of a copy or copies each time the photocopier is enabled.

In addition the read/write memory preferably also forms a cumulative data store for holding cumulative transaction totals for each Client, and possibly also for each user, and a preset data store for holding operational data which, as will be explained later in more detail, may include permitted user data, Client verification data, charging rates, photocopier speed, and exclusion times for operation of the photocopier. The device will normally have a security control switch which must be switched from a normal operating mode position to a control mode position in order to set or subsequently change the operational data in the preset data store using the keyboard. The switch must then be turned back to the operating mode position in order for the device to carry out its logging function.

The printer, which may be- a miniature dot matrix printer with a paper roll feed, is preferably controlled so that it will print out details of each transaction from the transaction data store at the end of the transaction, which may be signalled by pressing an appropriate function key on the keyboard or possibly by nonuse of the photocopier for a predetermined time while the photocopier is enabled. At the end of a transaction, the photocopier is disabled, and the cumulative data store is updated from the transaction data store in addition to, or possibly as an alternative to, printing out the transaction data. The printer may also be controlled to print out the cumulative data at predetermined intervals, for example every five or twenty eight days, and to print out the cumulative data automatically if the cumulative data store becomes full.

Preferably the device includes a real time clock which is controlled to enter the date and the start and/or finish time of each transaction into the transaction data store, thus enabling the device to log not only who has made what copies for whom, but also when.

In addition, the clock will enable the microprocessor to control the periodic operation of the printer to print out the cumulative data.

Preferably the device is also arranged to calculate and print out the cost of the copies listed when each transaction and/or cumulative data print-out occurs. The calculation will of course be carried out by the microprocessor using the copy totals in the transaction and cumulative data stores and set charge data in the preset data store. The charge data may comprise a set price for each copy, according to size, and possibly also a usage time cost calculated from the number of copies produced and the copying rate of the photocopier (also carried by the preset data store), and may possibly be varied according to when the transaction is made.

As will be understood, the device requires the person wishing to use the photocopier first to identify him or herself satisfactorily. This may simply comprise entering a name or identity number in an acceptable format via the keyboard, but generally it will be preferred that the device requires validation of the entry. For example, this may be achieved by requiring correspondence of the entry with a name or number in the preset data store, or by requiring a second number to be entered which corresponds to a number generated by the microprocessor from the first number entered, or by requiring correspondence with the number on an identity card, such as a magnetic water-mark card, which must be entered in a suitable card reader forming part of the device. The correspondence may be direct or after programmed manipulation by the microprocessor.If desired the identity number of the user may be indexed to other information held in the preset data store, such as the name and/or Department of the user, and this indexed information would be substituted for the identity number when printing out transaction and cumulative data.

Having satisfactorily identified oneself, the user must then satisfactorily identify the Client to whom the copies which are to be made should be accounted. This is carried out by using the keyboard to enter the Client identity, usually in the form of a job number or account number, in an acceptable format, and the device may or may not be required to verify this identity by corresponndence with the preset data store as desired.

The keyboard is preferably an alpha numeric keyboard, for example, an eight by five keyboard comprising ten numeric keys, twenty six letter keys and four function keys.

Keyboard entries are displayed on the screen, and preferably the screen will also display programmed responses and instructions for guiding a user through the various stages of operation of the device.

The means for interfacing the device with the photocopier may comprise a simple unit which connects into the counter socket of the photocopier, connecting the copier circuitry to a disabling/enabling switch in the device and means which monitors the number of copies which the copier produces and also the size of the copies if the copier is capable of producing copies of different sizes. It is however possible to make the interface and the device much more sophisticated if desired, so that the device will take account of fault conditions occurring in the copier and will possibly monitor the status of the copier consumables such as paper, toner, etc. In this case the interface would be hard wired into the copier circuitry.

The device in accordance with the invention is intended for use primarily as a self-contained device for controlling and monitoring the operation of an individual photocopier to provide a charging record each time the photocopier is used or for its use over a predetermined period. If desired, however, the device may also be provided with a serial interface for connection either directly or on line to a primary micro-computer for data exchange.

For example, cumulative data or transaction data may be transferred from the device, the transaction data possibly from a buffer store to which each transaction is added at the end of the transaction, and verification data may be transferred to the device.

Examples of the device in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic hardware block diagram of one example of the device; Figure 2 is a software flow chart for the operation of the example illustrated in Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a software flow chart for the operation of a second, simpler example of the device.

In the block diagram of Figure 1 the circuit of the device is shown in two sections 1 and 2 interconnected by a suitable multi-pin connection 3. The first section 1 contains the microprocessor (C.P.U) 4 of the device and a series of IC's 5 to 8 forming the memory. The memory chip 5 is a non-volatile ROM and holds the program for controlling the C.P.U.

4. The memory chips 6 to 8 are volatile RAMs and are used to store temporary data which the program needs to operate correctly, configuration data which may be set up and retained during power failure and which is used to customise the way in which the program operates in different environments and to specify the format of stored data, and stored data which comprises records of the use of the device (transaction and cumulative transaction data) and also verification details of users and clients.

The section 1 also includes a power supply circuit 9 which converts mains voltage to a more suitable form for the various circuits of the device, and a series of l.C's 10 to 1 3 and batteries 14, 1 5 for further modifying the supply voltage to specific levels for powering the circuits and to provide a back-up supply in the event of mains power failure.

Finally, the section 1 contains two further sets of l.C's 16 and 17, the set 16 forming a system clock and a real time clock, and the set 1 7 forming data control and safety circuits. The system clock is operative only when the device is switched on, and provides a speed reference for the operation of the C.P.U. cycles. The real time clock is powered permanently by the batteries and operates to provide the time and date as and when required by the C.P.U. 4. The data control and safety circuits 1 7 operate to prevent the battery powered memory circuits 5 to 8 from becoming corrupted by C.P.U. malfunction or during power up or power down of the device.

The second section 2, which may be regarded as the input/output section, contains a series of l.C's for controlling the other main components of the device which in this example include a magnetic card reader in addition to the keyboard, the screen, the printer, and the interface between the device and the photocopier.

As indicated, the screen comprises an L.C.D. display 18 and operates to convey programmed instructions and information to the user or operator of the device, and also to allow the user to view and modify information which has been entered via the keyboard. The keyboard, which preferably comprises an 8 X 5 alpha-numeric keyboard as described earlier, is scanned by a keyboard control circuit 1 9 under the direct programmed control of the C.P.U. 4. In addition, a keyboard function control circuit 20 is provided for indicating to the C.P.U. if the inputs from the keyboard are in control or user-mode, and also if an incorrect power supply status exists.

The magnetic card reader of the device is a read only device and interfaces only with the C.P.U. 4 through a card reader control circuit 21, decoding of the card reader signals being controlled totally by the C.P.U. program.

The circuits forming the photocopier interface control 22 are designed to be connected to the counter socket of the photocopier and operate to allow the photocopier to make copies only when the device determines, and then to sense when the copier has made a copy and whether it is a large or small format copy.

The printer is preferably a small dot-matrix printer as mentioned earlier, and the printer control circuits 23, which contain a dedicated C.P.U. and the necessary power control circuit to operate the printer directly are controlled by the main C.P.U. 4 via an off-line printer control circuit 24. This circuit 24 also monitors the status of the paper supply for the printer, and could also be used to communicate with a full size printer via a suitable standard interface.

As shown, the input/output section 2 also includes a data control circuit 25, this being provided for modifying certain signals to different levels to assist interfacing with peripheral devices which are not directly compatible with the C.P.U. 4.

The operation of the device illustrated in Figure 1 is indicated by the self explanatory flow chart shown in Figure 2, the device being activated by insertion of the user's identity card in the magnetic card reader. The number on the card is first checked against a list of authorised user numbers in the preset data store, and, if accepted, is then required to correspond with a P.l.N. number entered by the user via the keyboard. When the identity of the user has been entered and verified, the user enters the Client account number which must correspond to a verified account number which has already been placed in the permanent data store and which is also indexed to a cost code. If the account numbers accepted the photocopier is enabled and the user is then able to make the required copies.As indicated, the device is programmed to display on the screen prompt messages at various stages of the transaction, and during the transaction the following information is entered in the transaction data store: 1. Transaction number, which is increased incrementally on each new transaction.

2. Date and start time, which is entered at the commencement of each transaction.

3. Date and present time, which is updated throughout the transaction.

4. Identity card number of user.

5. Entered account number.

6. Number of A4 copies, which is initially set to zero and updated throughout the transaction.

7. Number of A3 copies, which is also set to zero and updated throughout the transaction.

As will be appreciated, if it is possible for the photocopier to produce copies of other sizes, these will also be entered.

At the end of the transaction, which may be terminated by depressing an exit key on the keyboard or by removing the identity card, the photocopier is disabled, the printer is activated to create a print-out of the transaction details, and the cumulative totals of the copies made for the particular user and account (including usage time of the copier) are updated in the cumulative data store.

A sample print-out at the end of a transaction is as follows: TRANSACTION NO. : 0123 DATE : 3/6/84 TIME . 14.25 NAME S. J. MORRISON DEPT . 2564 R 8 D ACCOUNT . 8674A/l COPIES A4 26 TIME TAKEN : 0:2:26 TOTAL COST : 0.78p The time given is the finish time of the transaction. The name and Department of the user has been substituted for the identity number which had been entered in the transaction data store, this information being indexed against the identity number in the preset data store. Twenty six A4 copies were made in an approximate time of 2 minutes 26 seconds and at a cost of 78 pence derived from a preset charge in the preset data store of 3 pence per copy.

As indicated, depression of the exit key means that the same user is still verified to use the photocopier, and simply needs to enter a new account number to commence a new transaction, whereas removal of the identity card means that the device must be operated again from scratch for the next transaction. Also shown are flow lines which may be followed if the device is capable of being used in an on-line mode for verification of user and client identities..

The second example (Figure 3) relates to a much simpler device in which there is no identity card reader or account number verification. For user identification the user simply enters his identification number via the keyboard and this is verified with a list of permitted user numbers carried by the preset data store. The user then enters the Client account number and if this is in an acceptable format, which may index the cost rates to be used, the cumulative data store is checked to see if the account number has been used previ ously, and if not the number is added to the data store. The photocopier is then enabled and the transaction continues as described in the first example. In this case however, the transaction is terminated by pressing the exit function key if the user wishes to make further photocopies for a different Client, or by pressing the escape function key if the user has finished with the photocopier for the time being.

The transaction data store entries and the transaction print-out will be the same as described in the first example except that the user's identification number will be printed instead of the name and Department. The transaction details which are transferred to the cumulative data store will be added to the previous totals for the user and account numbers if they already exist, otherwise they will be allotted to the new entries which will have been created in the transaction. The cumulative data will be printed out at a predetermined time or when the data store is full, whereupon the data store is wiped clean.

Claims

1. A photocopier logging device for controlling and monitoring the operation of a photocopier, comprising input means including a keyboard for entering control functions and information identifying the user and the client to be charged, a screen for displaying keyboard entries, means for interfacing the device with the photocopier whereby the photocopier is disabled until valid user and client entries have been made and whereby the number and size of the copies made while the photocopier is enabled is recorded by the device, memory for storing data relating to the user, client and copies made each time the photocopier is enabled, a printer for printing out information from the memory relating to the operation of the photocopier, and a microprocessor programmed to control the operation of the device in a predetermined manner in response to the input and memory data.

2. A device according to claim 1, in which the memory comprises a permanent ROM for holding the microprocessor program, and a read/write memory forming a transaction data store for holding details of each transaction as it is made, transaction being the production of a copy or copies each time the copier is enabled.

3. A device according to claim 2, in which the read/ write memory also forms a cumulative data store for holding cumulative transaction totals for each client, and possibly also for each user, and a preset data store for holding operational data such as permitted user data, client verification data, charging rates, photocopier speed, and/or exclusion times for operation of the photocopier.

4. A device according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the printer is controlled so that it will print out details of each transaction from the transaction data store at the end of the transaction.

5. A device according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, in which the printer is controlled so that it will print out the cumulative transaction details from the cumulative data store at predetermined intervals and when the cumulative data store becomes full.

6. A device according to claim 5, in which the device is also arranged to calculate and print out the cost of the copies listed when each transaction and/ or cumulative data print-out occurs, the calculation being carried out by the microprocessor using the copy totals in the transaction and cumulative data stores and set charge data in the preset data store.

7. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, including a real time clock which is controlled to enter the date and the start and/or finish time of each transaction into the transaction data store.

8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the printer is a dot matrix printer having a paper roll feed.

9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the input means includes a card reader whereby the user is identified by means of an identity card inserted into the card reader.

10. A device according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 9 when dependent on claim 3, in which the device is controlled so that the photocopier is not enabled until the entered user identification data has been validated by comparison with permitted user data in the preset data store.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the microprocessor is programmed to display on the screen at appropriate times instructions for guiding a user through the various stages of operation of the device.

1 2. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the keyboard is an alpha numeric keyboard comprising ten numeric keys, twenty-six letter keys, and four function keys.

1 3. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a security control switch which must be switched from a normal operating mode position to a control mode position in order to set or subsequently change the operational data in the preset data store using the keyboard.

14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the means for interfacing the device with the photocopier comprises a unit which connects into the counter socket of the photocopier to connect the copier circuitry to a disabling/enabling switch in the device and means which monitors the number of copies which the copier produces and also the size of the copies if the copier is capable of producing copies of different sizes.

1 5. A device according to claim 1, substantially as described with reference to Figure 1 in combination with either Figure 2 or Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.