JP2001242754A - Image forming system and method for managing image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system by which the operation of an image forming device can be enabled even when it is impossible for one operation permitting means to permit an image forming operation. SOLUTION: The image forming device 1 which can perform the image forming operation, and a first and a second operation permitting means 20 and 30 for permitting or prohibiting the operation of the image forming device are connected so that they can communicate. The device 1 is equipped with switching means 3, 31 for switching a first management mode for permitting or prohibiting the operation of the device 1 by a first operation permitting means 20, and a second management mode for permitting or prohibiting the operation of the device 1 by a second operation permitting means 30.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming apparatus management method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a coin vender (a kind of billing device) and a copying machine are connected and installed at a convenience store or the like so that they can communicate with each other, and the user himself inserts a coin. In addition, a copy service that enables a user to make a copy by performing a copy mode setting operation has become widespread. When a certain amount or more of coins are inserted into the insertion slot of the coin vender, the copying machine is ready to perform a copying operation, and the copying machine performs the copying operation in accordance with a user's instruction. The coin vendor performs a charging process based on the information from the copying machine, and displays the balance on the display unit of the coin vendor. If the coin vendor has a balance at the end of the copy,
If the user presses the balance return button, change corresponding to the balance is returned. According to this, the user can obtain a copy print (copy) and pay the copy fee without going to the point-of-sales (POS) terminal where the clerk is located.

However, in this type of system, when a coin vendor breaks down or runs out of change (meaning that the change is insufficient for the amount to be returned), until the coin is repaired or replenished with change. The state in which the copier cannot be used continues. For this reason, there is a problem that a customer who wants to use the copying machine has a bad impression of the store and the customer moves to another store.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus which is capable of performing an image forming operation even when one of the operation permitting means cannot permit the image forming operation.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that can make an image forming apparatus operable.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of managing an image forming apparatus which can make the image forming apparatus operable even when the coin vendor cannot permit the image forming operation.

[0006]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system capable of performing an image forming operation, and an apparatus for permitting or prohibiting the operation of the image forming apparatus. A first management mode in which the first and second operation permitting means are communicably connected, and the first operation permitting means permits or inhibits the operation of the image forming apparatus; and the second operation Switching means for switching between a second management mode in which the operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted or prohibited by the permission means is provided.

In the image forming system according to the first aspect, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus is initially in a first management mode in which operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted or prohibited by, for example, first operation permitting means. In the first management mode, when the first operation permission unit cannot permit the operation of the image forming apparatus due to a failure or other causes,
The switching unit can switch from the first management mode to the second management mode in which the operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted or prohibited by the second operation permission unit.
In this case, even when the first operation permitting unit cannot permit the image forming operation, the image forming apparatus can be operated in the second management mode. Then, while the image forming system is in the second management mode, the clerk removes the failure or other cause and performs the first management.
Can be operated. Thereafter, the switching means switches the first management mode again from the second management mode.
May be switched to the second management mode, or the second management mode may be maintained.

[0008] Even when the image forming apparatus is initially in the second management mode, the same operation and effect as described above are produced simply by switching the first management mode and the second management mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect, the first operation permitting means is generated by the image forming operation from the amount of money inserted into the slot by the user. The second operation permitting means comprises a money-handling terminal to be operated by a clerk.

In the image forming system according to the second aspect, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus is first in a first management mode in which operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted or prohibited by, for example, a coin vendor. In the first management mode, when a certain amount or more of money is inserted into the insertion slot of the coin vendor,
The coin vendor permits the operation of the image forming apparatus. Upon receiving the operation permission, the operation of the image forming apparatus becomes possible.
When the image forming apparatus executes an image forming operation in response to a user's operation, the coin vendor returns the balance generated by subtracting the charge generated by the image forming operation from the amount inserted into the slot by the user. When money of a certain amount or more has not been inserted into the insertion slot, the coin vendor does not give permission for operation to the image forming apparatus, and the operation of the image forming apparatus is prohibited. In the first management mode, when the coin vendor becomes unable to permit the operation of the image forming apparatus due to a failure, a change of money, or other causes, the switching unit switches the money handling terminal from the first management mode. Accordingly, it is possible to switch to the second management mode in which the operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted or prohibited. In such a case, even when the coin vendor cannot permit the image forming operation, the second management mode may be used.
The money handling terminal gives the operation permission to the image forming apparatus, whereby the image forming apparatus can be operated. Then, while the image forming system is in the second management mode, it is possible for the attendant to remove the failure or other causes so that the coin vendor operates. Thereafter, the switching means switches the first management mode again from the second management mode.
May be switched to the second management mode, or the second management mode may be maintained.

[0011] Even when the image forming apparatus is initially in the second management mode, the same operation and effect as described above are produced simply by switching the first management mode and the second management mode.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first or second aspect, when the current time enters a predetermined time zone, the switching means switches the first and the second. It is characterized by switching to a predetermined management mode among the management modes.

In the image forming system according to the third aspect, when the current time enters a predetermined time zone, the switching means switches to the predetermined management mode among the first and second management modes. Therefore, the management mode of the image forming apparatus can be automatically set to a management mode suitable for a time zone.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the second or third aspect, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is performed between the coin vendor and a money-handling terminal. It is characterized by transmitting and receiving information about the fee.

In the image forming system according to the present invention, information relating to a fee generated by the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is transmitted and received between the coin vendor and the money handling terminal. Therefore, for example, when the image forming apparatus operates in the second management mode, information on the fee generated by the image forming operation is sent from the coin vendor to the money-handling terminal. Further, when the mode is switched from the first management mode to the second management mode by the switching means, information on the balance at the time of the switching is sent from the coin vendor to the money-handling terminal. In these cases, if the user using the above-mentioned image forming apparatus goes to a staff member in charge of a terminal capable of handling money and informs him that he wishes to settle the charge, the charge is settled to the staff member based on the information on the charge. You can get it. On the other hand, the attendant can surely settle the fee based on the information on the fee without leaving the money-handling terminal.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the fourth aspect, a notice for notifying the user of identification information for identifying a user using the image forming apparatus is provided. Means, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits identification information for identifying a user to the cashable terminal.

In the image forming system according to the fifth aspect, the notifying unit notifies the user of identification information for identifying the user who uses the image forming apparatus. Further, the image forming apparatus transmits identification information for identifying a user to the money-handling terminal. Therefore,
The attendant can know the identification information of the user before using the image forming apparatus, based on the identification information received by the terminal capable of handling money. In this case, if the user using the image forming apparatus goes to a staff member in charge of a terminal capable of handling money and notifies the identification information in some form, the staff member mistakes the partner for whom the fee should be settled. Without having to settle the bill immediately.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the image forming system according to the second or third aspect relates to identification information for identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus and a fee for the user. It is characterized by comprising a notifying means for notifying the user of the information.

In the image forming system according to the present invention, the notifying means notifies the user of identification information for identifying the user who has used the image forming apparatus and information on a fee for the user. . Therefore,
For example, when the image forming apparatus operates in the second management mode, identification information for identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus and information regarding a fee generated by the image forming operation are notified to the user. Is done. When switching from the first management mode to the second management mode is performed by the switching unit, identification information for identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus and information relating to the balance at the time of the switching are: The user is notified. In these cases, the user who uses the image forming apparatus goes to a staff member in charge of a terminal capable of handling money, and informs the staff member of the fee if the identification information and the information on the fee are notified in some form. You can be liquidated. On the other hand, the clerk can surely settle the fee based on the information on the fee without leaving the terminal where the money can be handled and without making a mistake in the partner who should settle the fee.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for managing an image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of: A coin vender that gives an operation permission and, when the image forming apparatus executes the image forming operation, deducts the charge generated by the image forming operation from the inserted amount and returns the balance, and the image forming device according to an operation by a clerk. A first management mode in which a money-handling terminal that generates a signal for permitting or prohibiting the operation of the apparatus is communicably connected to the terminal, and the coin vender permits or prohibits the operation of the image forming apparatus; The second management mode in which the operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted or prohibited by the money handling terminal can be switched by switching means. The features.

In the method for managing an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the management mode of the image forming apparatus is initially in a first management mode in which the operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted or prohibited by, for example, a coin vendor. I do. In the first management mode, when money is inserted into the insertion slot of the coin vendor, the coin vendor permits the operation of the image forming apparatus. Upon receiving the operation permission, the operation of the image forming apparatus becomes possible. When the image forming apparatus executes an image forming operation in response to a user's operation, the coin vendor returns the balance generated by subtracting the charge generated by the image forming operation from the amount inserted into the slot by the user. When money of a certain amount or more has not been inserted into the insertion slot, the coin vendor does not give permission for operation to the image forming apparatus, and the operation of the image forming apparatus is prohibited. In the first management mode, when the coin vendor becomes unable to permit the operation of the image forming apparatus due to a failure, a change of money, or other causes, the switching unit switches the money handling terminal from the first management mode. Accordingly, it is possible to switch to the second management mode in which the operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted or prohibited. In this case, even when the coin vendor cannot permit the image forming operation, the money handling terminal gives the operation permission to the image forming device in the second management mode, thereby operating the image forming device. Can be made possible. Then, while the management mode of the image forming apparatus is in the second management mode, it is possible for the attendant to remove the failure or other causes and make the coin vendor work. Thereafter, the switching unit may switch from the second management mode to the first management mode again,
The second management mode may be maintained.

In the case where the image forming apparatus is initially in the second management mode, the same operation and effect as described above are produced only by switching between the first management mode and the second management mode.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment installed in a convenience store. The image forming system includes a copier 1 as an image forming apparatus to be operated by a user, a coin vender 20 as a charging apparatus for receiving a copy fee from the user,
A POS terminal 30 as a cash register, which is a cash-handling terminal to be operated by a staff member (hereinafter referred to as a “cashier”). The copier 1 and the coin vendor 20 have a line 41
Between the copier 1 and the POS terminal 30 via the line 42
Are connected to each other. Copier 1,
Each of the coin vender 20 and the POS terminal 30 has a built-in CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) as control means. These CPUs perform necessary communication with each other through lines 41 and 42 to control the operations of the copier 1, the coin vender 20, and the POS terminal 30, respectively.

The copying machine 1 includes paper cassettes 11, 12, 13 containing copy paper (not shown), a manual paper tray 14, and these paper cassettes 11, 12, 13 or a manual paper tray. A body 2 for forming an image on a sheet supplied from 14 and discharging a copy print, an operation panel 3 for a user to input a copy mode or the like to the copying machine, and an openable / closable document cover 4; And a discharge tray 15 for receiving a copy print discharged from the main body.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 3 of the copying machine 1 has a liquid crystal touch panel 91 and numeric keys 92 for inputting numbers such as the number of copies, a copy magnification, and a telephone number of a facsimile destination. A clear key 93 for returning the set value or the like to the standard value "1", a panel reset key 94 for returning the set value set in the copying machine to the standard value,
A stop key 95 for stopping the operation, a start key 96 for starting the operation, and a management key 97 as one switching unit for switching the management mode of the copying machine 1 are provided. LCD touch panel 91
Displays the copy operation state of the copying machine such as the exposure level, the copy magnification, and the paper size, various abnormal states such as the occurrence of a jam, the occurrence of a paper empty, and other information. By pressing the displayed touch key, the user can input to specify an operation mode such as a paper type and a copy magnification. When the management key 97 is pressed, a selection screen for selecting the management mode of the copying machine 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 91 as shown in FIG. On this selection screen, a character string urging the user to select "select a management mode" and a "coin vendor" for selecting a first management mode in which the operation of the copier 1 is permitted or prohibited by the coin vendor 20 are displayed. Key K101
And "PO" for selecting the second management mode in which the operation of the copying machine 1 is permitted or prohibited by the POS terminal 30.
An "S" key K102 and a cancel key K103 for closing this selection screen are displayed.

A coin vender 20 shown in FIG. 1 has a coin insertion slot 21 for a user to insert a coin (coin),
A display unit 22 for displaying the input amount or balance, a balance return button 23 for the user to request the balance return, and a balance return port 24 for returning the returned balance are provided. When the coin vender 20 is in the first management mode, when a certain amount or more of coins are inserted into the coin insertion slot 21, the coin vender 20 displays the inserted amount on the display unit 22 and permits the copier 1 to operate via the line 41. A signal is sent to enable the copying machine 1 to perform a copying operation. When the copying machine 1 performs the copying operation, the coin vendor 20 collects a predetermined amount from the inserted amount and displays the balance on the display unit 22. Note that the collection amount is variably set according to the size of the copy paper, the color mode, and the like. When the balance becomes less than a certain amount, the coin vendor 20 sends an operation prohibition signal to the copying machine 1 through the line 41 to disable the copying operation of the copying machine 1. When a coin is inserted again, the copying operation of the copying machine 1 is enabled again. Note that the minimum amount for enabling the copying operation of the copying machine 1 is an amount for outputting one copy print. After the copy is completed, the user returns the balance button 2
If you press 3, the change corresponding to the balance will be
Go to

The POS terminal 30 includes an operation panel 31 for a cashier to perform a key input operation, and a pair of display units for displaying the inputted amount of money and the amount of change (the display unit shown in FIG. And a display unit (not shown) facing the cashier) and a withdrawable currency storage unit 33. The POS terminal 30 is provided with a barcode reader (not shown) that can read a barcode for distribution management attached to a product or the like. The POS terminal 30 prints and outputs a receipt according to the data read by the barcode reader or the key input through the operation panel 31 by the cashier. On the receipt, the name, unit price, quantity, and total amount of each product are printed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel 31 of the POS terminal 30 has a paper feed key "@" 201 used for feeding roll paper and a paper feed key 201 when the receipt is in the stop mode after the transaction is completed. A post-receipt key "post-receipt" 202 used when issuing a receipt, a payment key "payment" 203 used when there is a payment different from the sale of the product, and a return key "payment key" used when there is a return "Return" 204, and "CL" key 205 used when the user misses a number input and stops the continuous warning sound,
"X" used when selling and setting two or more of the same product
Key 206, a deposit key "in" 207 used when there is a different deposit from the product, a correction key "revision" 208 used in canceling incorrect registration, unit price, amount, quantity, person in charge code, etc. Numeric keypad 2 used to enter numeric values
09 and a “receipt issue / stop” key 21 used when switching between the receipt issue mode and the stop mode
1 and "%" to use when discounting or adding extra
A key 212, a “Kake” key 213 used when registering a credit sale transaction, a “Subtotal” key 214 used when calculating and displaying a subtotal, and a “current / cash” used for cash selling, cash deposit, and currency exchange. A “deposit / exchange” key 215 is provided. The operation panel 31 is integrally provided with a mode changeover switch 109. The mode changeover switch 109 includes a “setting” mode in which a cashier inserts a mode changeover key (not shown) into the keyhole 109 a and rotates the plug 109 b to set the functions of the keys on the panel and the like, and a built-in clock. "Time" display mode, "Registration" mode to register cash in and out,
In addition to switching between the "check" mode for calling up the money registration and the "payment" mode for re-registering the money,
By selecting "OFF", the power of the apparatus can be turned off. Further, the operation panel 31 has a latch type “remote” key 216 as another switching means for switching the management mode of the copying machine 1 and a key for setting the operation of the copying machine 1 to be enabled or disabled. "ON / OF
An “F” key 217 is provided. "Remote" key 2
When 16 is in the off state, the management mode of the copying machine 1 is the management mode selected on the selection screen (see FIG. 3) of the liquid crystal touch panel 91. "Remote" key 216
Is pressed once to turn it on, the second management mode in which the POS terminal 30 permits or prohibits the operation of the copier 1 is preferentially selected. Only when the second management mode is selected, the latch type “ON”
/ OFF ”key 217 is enabled. That is, "ON
When the “/ OFF” key 217 is on, the POS terminal 30 sends an operation permission signal to the copying machine 1 through the line 42 to enable the operation of the copying machine 1. On the other hand, "ON / O
When the “FF” key 217 is in the off state, the POS terminal 3
A value of 0 sends an operation prohibition signal to the copying machine 1 through the line 42 to disable the operation of the copying machine 1. "Remote" key 2
When the button 16 is pressed again to turn it off, the management mode of the copier 1 is forcibly set to the first mode regardless of the management mode previously selected on the selection screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 91 (see FIG. 3). Return to the management mode.

FIG. 2A shows a flow when the management mode of the copying machine 1 is switched based on a human operation.

I) First, it is assumed that the first management mode in which the copying operation of the copying machine 1 is permitted or prohibited by the coin vendor 20 is selected. In the first management mode, when a predetermined amount or more of money is inserted into the insertion slot 21 of the coin vendor 20, the coin vendor 20 permits the copying operation of the copying machine 1. The copier 1 receives this operation permission.
Can be copied. When the copying machine 1 executes a copying operation in response to a user operation, the coin vender 20
Deducts the charge generated by the copying operation from the amount inserted into the insertion slot 21 by the user and returns the balance. During a series of copying operations (S1), the copying machine 1 sends a signal indicating that copying is in use to the POS terminal 30 via the line 42. Upon receiving this signal, the POS terminal 30 displays "copy in use" on the display unit 22 facing the cashier. Therefore, the cashier can easily know whether or not the copying machine 1 is performing a copying operation, and can judge whether it is appropriate to switch the management mode of the copying machine 1. In addition,
When a certain amount or more of money is not inserted into the insertion slot 21, the coin vender 20 does not give the copying machine 1 an operation permission, and the copying operation of the copying machine 1 is prohibited.

Ii) When the cashier decides to switch the management mode (S3) and turns on the "remote" key 216 on the operation panel 31 of the POS terminal 30 (S3).
4), the second management mode in which the POS terminal 30 permits or prohibits the operation of the copying machine 1 is preferentially selected (S)
5). For example, it is convenient to select the second management mode when, for example, the coin vendor 20 cannot permit the copy operation due to a failure, out of change, or other causes in the first management mode. In the second management mode, the cashier turns on the "ON / OFF" key 217 even if the coin vendor 20 cannot permit the copy operation.
This is because the copying operation of the copying machine 1 can be permitted or prohibited by turning it off. And the copier 1
Is in the second management mode, a serviceman or a cashier can remove the malfunction or other causes to allow the coin vendor 20 to operate. Thereafter, the cashier may turn off the "remote" key 216 by his / her own judgment (S3, S4), and switch from the second management mode to the first management mode again (S6).

Iii) The user can switch the management mode of the copying machine 1 through the operation panel of the copying machine 1.

First, it is assumed that, for example, the first management mode in which the copying operation of the copying machine 1 is permitted or prohibited by the coin vendor 20 is selected. The user decides to switch the management mode (S3), presses the management key 97 on the operation panel 3 of the copying machine 1, and further presses the "POS" key K102 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 91. When pressed (S4), the POS terminal 30 is
The second management mode for permitting or prohibiting the above operation is selected (S5). For example, a user who is a company employee pays for a part of the total number of copies to be copied,
It is convenient to select the first management mode for the self-paying copy and to select the second management mode for the company-paying copy when the remaining copy cost is to be paid by the company. In such a case, the copy paid by the company can be copied from the coin vendor 20 through the lines 41 and 42.
This is because information about the copy fee is sent to the OS terminal 30, and a receipt suitable for the user to submit to the company can be issued based on the information about the fee (details will be described later). Thereafter, if the user wants to use the copying machine 1 subsequently, he / she presses the management key 97 on the operation panel 3 of the copying machine 1 at his / her own discretion, and further presses the “coin vendor” key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 91. K101
(See FIG. 3) (S3, S4) to switch from the second management mode to the first management mode again (S3).
6). Alternatively, the cashier turns on the “remote” key 216 in the second management mode at his / her own discretion, temporarily shifts the management to the POS terminal 30, and then “remote”
The key 216 may be turned off (S3, S4) to forcibly switch from the second management mode to the first management mode (S5).

When the second management mode is initially selected as the management mode of the copying machine 1, only the first management mode and the second management mode are interchanged. The same procedure is performed.

FIG. 2B shows a flow when the management mode of the copying machine 1 is automatically switched based on the current time. In this example, a time zone in which the management mode of the copying machine 1 should be set to the second management mode by a service person or a cashier through the operation panel 31 of the POS terminal 30 (this is called a “POS setting time zone”). ) Is registered in advance. The POS setting time period is, for example, from 20:00 to 00:00 in the next morning when there are relatively few customers in the store within one day.
7:00 is set. In this example, the POS
The built-in CPU of the terminal 30 functions as a switching unit.

First, it is assumed that the first management mode in which the copying operation of the copying machine 1 is permitted or prohibited by the coin vendor 20 is selected. The built-in timer of the POS terminal 30 counts the current time, and the built-in C of the POS terminal 30
The PU determines whether or not the current time has entered the POS set time zone (S11). If the current time is not within the POS set time zone, the first management mode is maintained (S15). When the current time enters the POS setting time zone, the built-in CPU of the POS terminal 30 receives a signal indicating the operating state of the copying machine 1 from the copying machine 1 through the line 42,
It is determined whether the copying machine 1 is performing a copying operation (S1).
2) Wait until the copying operation is completed (S13).
As soon as the copying operation is completed, the POS terminal 30 switches the management mode of the copying machine 1 to the second management mode in which the operation of the copying machine 1 is permitted or prohibited (S14). In this case, the management mode of the copying machine 1 can be automatically set to a management mode suitable for a time zone. In the above example, the coin vendor 20 can be prevented from being stolen at night, which is also beneficial in terms of security.

In this image forming system, when the copying machine 1 performs a copying operation in the second management mode, information relating to a fee generated by the copying operation is transmitted from the coin vendor 20 to the POS terminal 30 via the lines 41 and 42. Can be Therefore, the user using the copying machine 1
If the user goes to the cashier in charge of the terminal 30 and informs him that he wants to settle the charge, he can have the cashier settle the charge based on the information on the charge. On the other hand, the cashier can surely settle the fee based on the information on the fee without leaving the POS terminal 30.

Further, in this image forming system, if the coin vendor 20 cannot permit the copy operation due to, for example, a change in money, and the mode is switched from the first management mode to the second management mode, the remaining amount at the time of the switching is changed. Information is sent from the coin vendor 20 to the POS terminal 30 via the lines 41 and 42. Built-in CPU of copier 1
Transmits the identification number for identifying the user to the POS terminal 30 through the line 42. Along with this, copier 1
The built-in CPU works as a notification means, and
Based on the information from 0, the liquid crystal touch panel 91 displays a request to the user who uses the copying machine 1 for settlement at the POS terminal 30 and an identification number for identifying the user. For example, on the liquid crystal touch panel 91,
"The coin vendor has run out of change. The change will be returned at the cash register, so please let the cashier know 123." The user who sees this display receives the POS terminal 3 from the copier 1 in order to return the balance.
Go to zero. The cashier in charge of the POS terminal 30 knows in advance the amount of the balance when the change has occurred, and can immediately return the balance to the user who comes to the POS terminal 30 on the spot. Also, the cashier knows in advance the identification number (123 in the above example) of the user when the change has occurred, so if the user identifies “123” as the identification number for identifying himself / herself, The cashier does not mistake who should return the balance. In this way, the balance can be quickly returned to the user,
Charges can be settled.

In the above example, the identification number for identifying the user using the copying machine 1 is assigned to the liquid crystal touch panel 91.
However, the method of notifying the user of the identification number is not limited to this. For example, coin vendor 20
When the change has occurred, the LCD touch panel 91 displays "The coin vendor has handed out the change at the cashier, so please show the last print to the cashier." Alternatively, the copying machine 1 may output a print on which the identification number of the user is printed.
For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a character string “No. 123” representing the identification number of the user is printed on the print, and a character string indicating that the user requests the return of the balance just in case. "Change" and a character string ".2
46 "is printed. Further, a bar code 64 representing the identification number may be printed. In this case, the user only has to go from the copier 1 to the POS terminal 30 and present the print to the cashier in order to have the balance returned, and need to remember the identification number. Absent.
Also, the cashier does not mistake the partner who should return the balance. Further, when a bar code 64 representing an identification number is printed on the print, the cashier makes the bar code reader (not shown) read the bar code 64,
The identification number “123” represented by the barcode 64 can be input to the POS terminal 30, and the change amount and the like can be automatically registered in the POS terminal 30 based on the information received from the copying machine 1. Therefore, the cashier does not need to manually input the change amount or the like into the POS terminal 30, and the settlement of the copy fee can be completed quickly.

In addition, in order to notify the user of the identification number, a ticket (in the form of a train ticket) in which the identification number is recorded in the form of magnetic data may be issued.

In this embodiment, the first operation permitting means is a coin vendor 20 which is a kind of billing device, and the second operation permitting means is a POS terminal 30 which is a kind of money-handling terminal.
However, of course, it is not limited to this. In addition to these, the operation permitting means for permitting or prohibiting the operation of the copying machine 1 includes a management device for reading a magnetic card such as a credit card, a prepaid card, a department management card, a management device using a key counter, and a department management password. A management device for inputting a number can be widely used.

The switching means only needs to be able to switch between the first management mode and the second management mode, and may be provided separately from the copying machine 1 and the POS terminal 20 so as to communicate with them. good.

The present invention is also applicable when the copying machine 1 is used as a printer or as a scanner. That is, when the copying machine 1 is used as a printer, a user brings the image data stored in a recording medium such as a floppy disk or the like, and inputs the image data to be printed into the copying machine 1. The copying machine 1 performs an image forming operation using the input image data and outputs a print. In this case, since the scanner unit mounted on the copying machine 1 is not used, a charge lower than the copy charge (this is called a “print charge”) can be set as the image forming apparatus usage charge. When the copying machine 1 is used as a scanner, a user brings in a document, reads the image of the document with the scanner unit of the copying machine 1,
The image data is stored in a recording medium such as a floppy disk. The user returns the recording medium such as a floppy disk in which the image data of the document is stored. In this case, since the copying machine 1 does not output a print, a fee (hereinafter referred to as a "scan fee") that is exceptionally lower than the copy fee can be set as the image forming device usage fee. According to the present invention, a receipt can be issued quickly and reliably even with such a print fee and a scan fee while saving resources.

[0045]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the image forming system of the first aspect, even when the first operation permitting unit cannot permit the image forming operation, the second management mode is used. The image forming apparatus can be made operable.

According to the image forming system of the present invention, even when the coin vendor cannot permit the image forming operation, the money-handling terminal permits the image forming apparatus to permit the operation in the second management mode. By giving, the image forming apparatus can be made operable.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first or second aspect, the switching means is configured to switch the first time when the current time enters a predetermined time zone. And switching to a predetermined management mode among the second management modes.

According to the image forming system of the third aspect, the management mode of the image forming apparatus can be automatically set to a management mode suitable for a time zone.

According to the image forming system of the present invention, a user who uses the image forming apparatus goes to a staff member in charge of a terminal capable of handling money and informs him that he wishes to settle the charge. Based on the information on the fee, the staff can have the fee cleared. On the other hand, the attendant can surely settle the fee based on the information on the fee without leaving the money-handling terminal.

According to the image forming system of the present invention, the clerk, based on the identification information received by the money-handling terminal, before the user using the image forming apparatus comes, You can know the identification information. Therefore,
If the user using the image forming apparatus goes to a clerk who is in charge of a terminal capable of handling money and informs the identification information in some form, the clerk will not mistake the partner who should pay the fee, Payment can be made immediately.

According to the image forming system of the present invention, the user using the image forming apparatus goes to a staff member who is in charge of a terminal capable of handling money, and transmits the identification information and the information relating to the fee. If you let us know in the form
You can have a clerk settle the fee. On the other hand, the clerk can surely settle the fee based on the information on the fee without leaving the terminal where the money can be handled and without making a mistake in the partner who should settle the fee.

According to the management method of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, even when the coin vender cannot permit the image forming operation, the terminal capable of handling money gives the operation permission to the image in the second management mode. By providing the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can be operated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow when switching a management mode of a copying machine included in the image forming system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation panel of the copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying a print mode output by the copying machine for convenience of settlement of a copy fee.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation panel of a POS terminal included in the image forming system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier 3,31 Operation panel 20 Coin vendor 30 POS terminal

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Masazumi Ito 2-13-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term in Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. 2H027 DA38 EJ01 EJ04 EJ06 EJ08 EJ15 FC02 GB01 ZA07 9A001 BB04 HH34 JJ35 JJ57 KK42 KK60 LL09

Claims (7)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus capable of executing an image forming operation and first and second operation permitting means for permitting or prohibiting the operation of the image forming apparatus are connected so as to be communicable with each other. A first management mode in which the operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted or prohibited by the first operation permission means;
An image forming system comprising: a switching unit that switches between a second management mode in which the operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted or prohibited by the operation permission unit. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first operation permitting unit returns a balance obtained by subtracting a charge generated by the image forming operation from an amount of money inserted into a slot by a user. An image forming system comprising a coin vender, wherein the second operation permitting means comprises a money-handling terminal to be operated by a clerk. 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit is configured to perform a predetermined management of the first and second management modes when a current time enters a predetermined time zone. An image forming system characterized by switching to a mode. 4. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein information regarding a fee generated by an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is transmitted and received between the coin vendor and a money-handling terminal. Characteristic image forming system. 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, further comprising: a notifying unit configured to notify the user of identification information for identifying a user using the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus includes: An image forming system for transmitting identification information for identifying a user to the terminal capable of handling money. 6. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the user is notified of identification information for identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus and information about a fee for the user. An image forming system comprising a notification unit. 7. An image forming apparatus capable of executing an image forming operation in accordance with an operation by a user, and, when money is inserted into an insertion slot, giving an operation permission to the image forming apparatus;
When the image forming apparatus performs an image forming operation, a coin vender that returns a balance generated by subtracting a charge generated by the image forming operation from the input amount, and permits the operation of the image forming apparatus according to an operation by a staff member or A first management mode for allowing or prohibiting the operation of the image forming apparatus by the coin vender by connecting a money-handling terminal that generates a prohibition signal to be communicable through a line; A management method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: switching a second management mode in which the operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted or prohibited by a switching unit.