JP2002091739A - Charging system, charging device, printer copying machine, charging method and computer-readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain efficient and easy cost calculation and expansion in operability and further to expand benefits for a system provider concerning overlay printing or copying. SOLUTION: When various printers 104, 106 and 108 shared under the management of a print server 102 are instructed to execute an overlay printing from user terminals 103, 105 and 107 to, output attribute information such as paper size to be used for printing during printing control processing, paper type, the number of printings and color/monochromatic printing, overlay form selection and overlay printing instruction are reported to a charging managing server 101. In the charging managing server 101, on the basis of the output attribute information, the overlay form selection and the overlay printing instruction, advertisement rates concerning costs for the used overlay form are collected from an advertisement provider and concerning charging related to a printing executor, charging processing is performed by subtracting these advertisement rates from the cost of printing consumption materials.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a billing system, a billing apparatus, a printing apparatus, a copying machine, a billing method, and a computer-readable storage for performing billing processing for printing or copying using an overlay. Regarding the medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the case of a print billing system in a conventional printing apparatus, the following method is generally used.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-329404 discloses a "printing device,
Method of counting printed consumer goods and notification of remaining amount of printed consumer goods "
As described above, only the cost of a printing consumable such as the number of consumed paper sheets, ink, and toner in a printing apparatus is charged.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 05-108961 "printing apparatus", only the time required for creating and developing image data in the printing apparatus, that is, the cost required for the so-called printing apparatus use time is charged.

In Japanese Patent No. 2880371 "Character Resource Utilization System" and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-261868 "Print Control Device", only the cost of using the character resources mounted on the printing device is charged.

[0006] As described above, in the prior art, the cost of the overlay form used in overlay printing was not subject to printing billing. In addition, there is no charge for subtraction in the cost of printing a document.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, there is a problem as described below when charging for printing in a printing apparatus.

[0008] That is, the overlay form related to the overlay printing of the document is not the target of the print charge. As a result, the cost of designing and creating a complicated and diverse overlay form suitable for the printing device to be used and the operation and management costs of these overlay forms become enormous, but there is no means to recover these costs. That is the fact.

[0009] In addition, an advertisement is posted on an overlay form, and an overlay printing of a document is performed using the overlay form, so that an advertiser, an advertisement provider, an advertisement creator or a sponsor charges and collects an advertisement insertion cost. Then, there is no means for subtracting the print charge, which provides the benefit to the print executor and the printed material viewer. For this reason, there is no means for obtaining the profit of the printing system provider due to the billing / collection of the advertisement posting cost related to the advertisement overlay form.

[0010] The same applies to a copy accounting system in a copying machine as to a print accounting system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in addition to the cost of printing and copying consumables, the cost of using a printing apparatus and a copying machine, and the cost of overlay printing and copying of a document. By accounting for the cost of the overlay form to be used, calculate the cost and efficiency of overlay printing and copying of documents efficiently and easily, and expand the operability, and further increase the profit to the system provider. The purpose is to provide a system that can do this.

[0012] Further, by placing an advertisement on the overlay form and performing overlay printing or copying of the document using the overlay form, a subtraction is made from the printing charge and the copy charge to the printing or copying executor.
It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problem by charging and collecting advertisement insertion costs from an advertiser, an advertisement provider, an advertisement creator, or a system sponsor.

[0013]

A billing system according to the present invention is a billing system in which an image forming apparatus and a billing apparatus that performs billing processing for image formation in the image forming apparatus are connected via a network, An overlay form storage unit for storing an overlay form used for image formation in the image forming apparatus, the charging apparatus includes:
It is characterized in that charging processing is performed for image formation in the image forming apparatus and use of the overlay form.

A billing apparatus according to the present invention is a billing apparatus connected via a network to a printing apparatus capable of printing and outputting using an overlay form, wherein the printing apparatus uses the printing form and uses the overlay form. The present invention is characterized in that charging processing means for performing charging processing is provided.

[0015] A printing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing apparatus which enables printing output using an overlay form.
The present invention is characterized in that charging means is provided for charging the print output and the use of the overlay form.

Another billing apparatus of the present invention is a billing apparatus which is connected via a network to a copying machine capable of copying and outputting using an overlay form. It is characterized in that it has a charging processing means for performing charging processing for use of the overlay form.

A copying machine according to the present invention is a copying machine capable of performing copying and outputting using an overlay form, and comprising charging processing means for performing a charging process for the copying output and use of the overlay form. It has features.

The billing method of the present invention is a billing method for print output using an overlay form, and is characterized in that it has a procedure for performing a billing process for the print output and use of the overlay form.

Another billing method of the present invention is a billing method for a copy output using an overlay form,
It is characterized in that it has a procedure for performing a billing process for the copy output and the use of the overlay form.

The computer readable storage medium of the present invention is a computer readable storage medium storing a program for executing a charging process for print output using an overlay form, wherein the print output, It is characterized in that a program for executing a charging process for using the overlay form is stored.

Another computer-readable storage medium of the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a billing process for a copy output using an overlay form. , And a program for executing a billing process for using the overlay form.

According to the present invention as described above, for example, overlay printing or copying is performed using an overlay form on which an advertisement provided by an advertisement provider is posted or a normal overlay form, and the printing is performed. And the cost of copying and the cost of using the Ovalley form can be added and subtracted to perform billing processing.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment) In the following, storage and execution means of a program for performing charge calculation and control and charge information for each user are stored and stored in the Internet or an intranet communication network centered on an external provider server. In a system in which a network environment including a charging management server having a database that is retained and updated as necessary, a user terminal connected to the database as a core, a print server that manages and shares a printer, and a printer is connected, A web page where the provider registers and updates the overlay form on which the advertisement is placed via the provider server on the Internet communication network with the charge management server, print server, and printer, and downloads the user terminal from the Internet communication network・ On the content or external server The data is printed on an overlay in which an advertisement is placed on the document, and the advertising fee is collected from the advertising provider for the cost of the used overlay form. The following shows an example of charging by subtracting.

[Explanation of Overlay Print Billing System Configuration (FIG. 1)] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the present embodiment, and is a provider server 1 in an Internet communication network.
00, a billing management server 101, a print server 102, and the like in a network communication network such as a LAN or a WAN.
User terminals 103, 105, 107 and printer 10
4, 106, and 108.

The provider server 100 constructs an Internet communication network. Also, the billing management server 101,
One or more print servers 102, user terminals (data processing devices) 103, 105, 107, and printers (printing devices) 104, 106, 108 are connected by a communication line, and an operating system and a communication protocol , A network communication network is constructed with a host system serving as the charging management server 101 as a core. These Internet communication networks and network communication networks are connected.

The advertiser or advertisement provider sends an overlay form on which the advertisement is placed from an external network communication network (not shown) to the provider server 100 on the Internet communication network. This overlay form is sent to the charge management server 101 via the provider server 100,
A print server 102, printers 104 and 106,
Registered and updated at 108.

From the user terminals 103, 105, 107,
For the various printers 104, 106, and 108 that are shared under the control of the print server 102, the print server 102 or the printers 104, 106, and 108
Using the overlay form registered in the web browser, the user terminals 103, 105, and 107 issue an overlay print instruction of a web page content downloaded from the Internet communication network or a document of data on an external server.

At this time, a print control program (printer driver) on the print server 102 or the user terminals 103, 105, and 107 is used for printing during the print control process based on various print attribute settings performed when a print instruction is given. The print management server 101 that performs print charge control processing is notified of output size information such as a sheet size, a sheet type, the number of copies, color / monochrome printing, and the like, as well as an overlay form selection and an overlay print instruction.

Further, the printer driver converts the print attributes into print control commands of the target printer based on the print attribute setting and the overlay print instruction, and causes the target printers 104, 106, and 108 to execute print output for the target document.

On the other hand, in the billing management server 101,
The print server 102 or the user terminals 103, 1
Based on the output attribute information 05, 107, the overlay form selection, and the overlay print instruction, an advertisement publication fee is collected from the advertisement provider for the cost of the used overlay form.
The advertisement publication fee is subtracted from the printing consumer goods, and a billing process is performed.

[Explanation of Sequence of Various Processes in Present System (FIG. 2)] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of various processes in the system shown in FIG. The overlay form on which the advertisement is placed is updated by the advertiser or the advertisement provider on the provider server 100 of the Internet communication network, so that the charge management server 1
01 (steps S201, S202).

The billing management server 101 obtains the overlay form and, in addition to the overlay form data, various attribute information such as the size, the number of drawing objects, the type of use, the use cost, and the advertisement posting cost per one job or one document output. (Step S2)
03), the various attribute information processing is performed (step S2).
04), the print server 102 or the printer 104,
Instruct 106 and 108 to register the overlay form.

Print server 102 or printer 10
In steps 4, 106 and 108, overlay form registration is performed (step S205), and preparations are made for subsequent processing.

The Internet provider that manages the provider server 101 charges the advertiser or the advertisement provider for a provider usage fee for transferring the overlay form data file (step S20).
6). On the other hand, the advertiser or the advertisement provider,
A provider usage fee is paid to the Internet provider (step S207).

The Internet provider also charges the system provider managing the charge management server 101 for a provider usage fee associated with the transfer of the overlay form data file (step S208).
On the other hand, the system provider pays a provider usage fee to the Internet provider (step S20).
9).

The user terminals 103, 105, and 107 download Web page contents or data on an external server from the Internet communication network or the network communication network (step S210). Then, an instruction to print the Web page content or data document is issued (step S211).

Based on the print instruction, print processing is performed in the print server 102 or the printers 104, 106 and 108 (step S212), and overlay print processing is performed using the overlay form (step S213). Then, the target document is printed (step S214), and the target document on which the advertisement is placed is output to the user (step S215).

At the same time as printing, the print server 102
Alternatively, the printers 104, 106, and 108 print the printer model name used, color / monochrome, mounted paper size, paper type, double-sided / single-sided printing, paper discharge method, toner / ink, staples, paper, and printer usage time. Consumables and various attribute information such as the used overlay form are notified to the charge management server 101 as a print log (step S216).

The accounting management server 101 updates the accounting information database based on the print log (step S217). Then, charging information processing is performed based on the updated database (step S218), and charging calculation is performed for the cost of the used overlay form together with the printing consumer goods (step S219).

Further, by using the overlay form on which the advertisement is placed, an advertisement placement fee for collecting the advertisement placement fee from the advertiser or the advertisement provider is charged (step S220). On the other hand, the advertiser or the advertisement provider pays an advertisement insertion fee to the system provider (step S221).

On the other hand, the user who is the print executor is charged with a print usage fee as a charge obtained by subtracting the advertisement publication fee from the print consumer goods (step S222). On the other hand, the user who is the printing executor pays a printing fee to the system provider (step S223).

[Explanation of block diagram showing control processing and control flow in each element in this system (FIG. 3)]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a control process and a control flow in each element in the system illustrated in FIG. 1. User terminal 10
From the browser application 300 on 3, 105, 107, the user terminals 103, 105, 10
7 or the printer driver 301 on the print server 102, various attribute settings for printing, selection of an overlay form to be used, and overlay printing instruction are performed, and a document printing instruction is performed.

The printer driver 301 performs two-way communication with a printer (denoted by 304 in this figure), and determines the paper size, paper type, presence / absence of a finisher having a staple function currently supported by the printer 304, and the like. The configuration information on the side is acquired (302), and effective functions and resources at the time of printing are reflected on the driver user interface to enable attribute setting. At this time,
Overlay form information 305 on which an advertisement registered in the printer 304 or the print server 102 is posted.
Is also acquired, and the user can select / instruct.

Then, based on the various print attribute settings and the print instruction of the document including the overlay print, the characters, graphics, image drawing, and the overlay print instruction are converted and generated into the printer print control instructions, and are passed through the spooler 303 of the operating system. The document is sent to the printer 304 and printed out (306) of the document.

Further, at the same time as the printing output, the user terminal 1
03, 105, 107 or the printer driver 301 on the print server 102, based on the various print attribute settings and the overlay print instruction for the document printing, the paper size, the number of sheets including the number of copies, the paper type , Staple use, color
/ Information to be charged is generated based on the usage status of consumables such as monochrome printing and overlay form information used in overlay printing (307).

Further, together with the user identification information of the user who performs the printing, the printer driver 301
It is added to the charging target information generated in the charging target information generation processing 306.

The print accounting control processing in the accounting management server 101 will be described. The accounting target information generated by the printer driver 301 is notified to the server by an interface program defined according to a communication protocol.
Organize various information data. Based on this information,
The cost information database shows the paper size used for printing, the number of sheets including the number of copies, the paper type, whether staples are used, the usage status of printing materials such as color / monochrome printing, and the cost of overlay form information used in overlay printing. Referring to 310, the accounting calculation process is performed for each user who performs printing (309), and the accounting result is stored in the accounting information database 311.

[Explanation of Connection between Host System and Printer (FIG. 4)] Reference numeral 400 denotes a host system, which is an input device 401 such as a keyboard and a mouse for input, a display device (display) 402 for display output, and a file for file output. A disk 403 for input / output is provided. Note that the print server 102 or the user terminals 103 and 105,
107 corresponds to the host system 400.

A printer 412 connected to the host system 400 has a disk 413. The printers 104, 106, and 108 correspond to the printer 412.

In the host system 400 and the printer 412, based on a print instruction from a printer control program (printer driver) for performing print control for performing overlay printing on a program memory (RAM) 406 in the host system 400. , Printer 41
2 to output documents.

Referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of the host system 400 will be described. A CPU 404 controls the host system and each input / output device, and executes a series of processes such as output control and various programs according to input instructions. 4
A ROM 05 stores various basic programs such as an operating system for operating the CPU 404. Reference numeral 406 denotes a RAM, which is used as a work area for various processes in which the CPU 404 performs various print attribute settings relating to the printer, overlay printing, and executes / operates a printer driver and the like. Information on document output, an application program for inputting instructions and printing instructions to the printer driver and the printer 412 from outside are also stored in the RAM 406.

A keyboard controller 407 has an interface for an input device 401 such as a keyboard and a mouse connected to the host system 400.
Reference numeral 408 denotes a display controller, which has an interface for performing display output to the display device (display) 402. A disk controller 409 has an input / output interface to the disk 403. Reference numeral 410 denotes an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, which includes the host system 400 and the printer 41.
2 for input / output via a network line such as Ethernet provided with a communication protocol for performing communication. Reference numeral 411 denotes a CPU bus, which connects each component.

Next, the configuration of the printer 412 will be described.
A CPU 414 executes a series of processes such as print control and a communication control process in accordance with input / output control and input instructions. Reference numeral 415 denotes a ROM, which stores programs for operating the printer, such as a series of processes such as print control in accordance with input / output control, communication control processing, input instructions, control command analysis processing, and various data. A RAM 416 is used as a work area for the CPU 414 to execute and process various programs.

An Ethernet interface 417 connects the host system 400 and the printer 412 and performs input / output via a network line such as Ethernet provided with a communication protocol for exchanging data. 418 is a disk controller,
Like the ROM 415, an input / output interface with the disk 413 storing various data and the like is provided. 4
A video interface 19 for mechanically outputting a pattern is an engine control processing unit having an input / output interface for exchanging data and signals with a printing apparatus drive system (engine unit) 421. 420 is C
It is a PU bus and connects each component.

Next, the RAM 4 in the host system 400
The control process of the printer control program (printer driver) on the printer 06 will be described in detail. A printer control program (printer driver) on the RAM 406 in the host system 400 is activated by a document output instruction such as a document creation, editing, and print output application program also on the RAM 406.

Based on the print attribute setting information of the document output instruction from the application, a control command for initializing the printer is transmitted in order to perform printing control of the printer in the printer initialization process.

From the application program on the RAM 406, the pattern data, size,
Input data for input processing such as a drawing output start position and various setting information input processing, input data for analyzing the read print attribute setting information and the like, information analysis processing, size, and setting parameters for instructing a drawing output form, etc. A drawing output form control process for determining a drawing output form of a document based on the output document; a print control command conversion process for converting and generating a printer control command of the printer 412 to print the determined document; A series of processes are performed in an output control command transmission control process for transmitting a control command to the printer, and the printer 412 outputs a document.

Further, here, charge target information is generated on the basis of the printing consumable material use status at the time of printing and overlay form information used in overlay printing, and the information is transmitted to a server which performs charge management by an interface program. Notify.

On the other hand, the output operation of the document by the print output control process in the control program on the ROM 415 in the printer 412 will be described in detail. First, effective functions for printing, such as the currently supported paper size, paper type, and the presence or absence of a finisher having a staple function, and printer configuration information of resources are stored in the RAM 406 of the host system 400 via the Ethernet interface 417. Notify the printer driver above.

A control command for initializing the printer, which is transmitted from the printer driver on the RAM 406 in the host system 400, is received, and an initialization process is performed.

Subsequently, a print control command input process for inputting a printer print control command transmitted from the host system 400 to the printer 412 for printing, and the input printer print control command and various setting parameters are performed. A bitmap is generated based on the control setting parameter analysis process to be analyzed, the print control command, and the control setting parameter, and a series of processes is performed in a bitmap expansion process to be expanded in a bitmap memory. Video interface 419 to perform
Then, the generated bitmap data is transmitted to the print output device drive system (engine unit) 421 through the interface, and a document is output (422).

[Control Processes in Host System of Present Embodiment (FIGS. 5 to 6)] Referring to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, host system 400 of the present embodiment having the above-described system configuration will be described. Each control process of the printer control program (printer driver) on the program memory RAM 406 will be described in detail.

FIG. 5 shows various types of information acquisition from a printer by a printer driver in the print server 102 or the user terminals 103, 105, and 107, user interface configuration and display processing, authentication request, and print control processing according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control process for generating billing target information and notifying the billing management server 101 of the billing target information.

In step S501, a printer that is to be output notifies the user of a function that can be used by the device and information that constitutes a device such as an installed optional device by using bidirectional communication means. The contents of this information are available paper size, paper type, staple
This is information related to printing functions such as staples used in finishing, consumables such as toner / ink, the amount of installed memory, and the status of optional devices installed such as finishing.

Further, in step S502, step S502
Similar to 501, the type and attribute information of the registered overlay form are notified using the two-way communication means.

Step S503 is a configuration / display control process (module) of a user interface for operating various attribute settings at the time of printing. Available functions and options based on the notified device configuration information are also reflected in step S503. Similarly, a list of available overlay forms is displayed on the user interface based on the notified type and attribute information of the overlay form, and the user is caused to make a selection / instruction.

In step S504, various attribute setting data relating to printing is input by a setting operation on the user interface.

In step S505, the user who performs printing inputs user identification information at the time of starting document printing or setting print attributes.

In step S506, an identification request is made to the accounting management server 101 that performs accounting processing and management for the input user identification information.

In step S507, step S506
From the identification result, it is determined whether or not the input user identification information is valid. If it is determined that the input of the user identification information is incorrect, the user is prompted to re-enter the information, and the process returns to step S5.
Return to 05. An application interface (API) for inputting and outputting data and information based on a communication protocol between the accounting management server 101, the print server 102, and the user terminals 103, 105, and 107.
The exchange of information is performed by using, for example,.

If the user identification information is determined to be valid, the document data is printed together with various print attribute setting data in a print control process (module) (step S508).
And performs a print control process described later.

In step S509, based on various print attribute settings analyzed in the print control processing, the use of consumables such as paper size, paper type, number of copies, consumed toner / ink amount, and staples used for printing. It generates charging target information such as a situation and overlay form information used in overlay printing.

In step S510, the generated charging target information is notified to the charging management server 101 as a print log as in step S507.

FIG. 6 shows the RAM 406 in the host system 400 (corresponding to the print server 102 and the user terminals 103, 105 and 104) to which the printer is connected in the print control processing (module) in step S508 in FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of print control processing in a printer control program (printer driver) in FIG.

The printer driver is external, for example, a character,
It is activated by a print instruction to the printer from a document input program such as a graphic, image creation, editing, and print application, and executes steps S601 to S612.

In step S601, various print attribute setting parameters and character / graphic / image data constituting a document instructed to be printed by an application are input. Selection and designation of an overlay form for overlay printing are also instructed here.

In step S602, these input parameters and data are analyzed. In step S603, preparations for printing such as paper size, printing direction, drawing resolution setting, and coordinate system unit setting are made based on the analysis result of the input data. For this purpose, each setting parameter for the printer is converted and generated into a printer control command, transmitted, and the printer is initialized.

In steps S604 and S606, the analyzed parameters and data are separated into character data, graphic data and image data. The character data, graphic data, and image data separated in steps S604 and S606 are respectively stored in step S604.
605, character print control processing (module), graphic drawing control processing (module), and image drawing control processing (module) in steps S607 and S608
Is applied.

Step S609 is a document configuration control process (module). Based on the character printing, graphic drawing and image drawing control processes of steps S605, S607 and S608, a drawing output attribute, size calculation, drawing output position The output form of the equal pattern is determined and arranged on the output page of the printer. The overlay processing using the overlay form is also performed here.

Step S610 is a print control command generation process (module). The control data for document output configured in step S609 is converted and generated into a print control command for the printer in order to output the document to the printer. .

Step S611 is an output transmission process (module) to the printer, which transmits the print control command generated in step S610 to the printer 412 and causes the printer to execute document printing.

[Charging Control Process in Charging Management Server of the Present Embodiment (FIGS. 7 and 8)] Referring to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, charging management in the present embodiment having the system configuration described above. Each control process in the server 101 will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control process in charging management server 101 in the present embodiment.
Step S701 is an information data input / output control process (module), which uses the print server 102 or the user terminals 103, 105, and 107 and an application interface (API) for inputting and outputting data and information based on the communication protocol. Exchange information.

Step S 702 is a user identification process (module) which sends a user identification information identification request from the printer driver on the print server 102 or the user terminals 103, 105 and 107 based on the information data input / output control process. Receiving and performing authentication processing. In the information data input / output control process, the authentication result is transmitted to the print server 102 or the user terminal 10 as described above.
3, 105 and 107 are notified.

In step S703, the print server 1
02 or the printer driver on the user terminals 103, 105, and 107, the charging target information notified based on the information data input / output control processing is input.

In step S 704, the cost of each charging target is searched from the cost information database 309 based on the input charging target information.

Step S705 is a billing calculation control process (module) for performing a billing calculation control process, which will be described later, based on the billing information and the cost information for each billing object.

In step S706, information on the accounting result is created for each user based on the accounting result calculated in the control process (module) for performing the accounting calculation control process.

In step S707, the created billing result information for each user is stored and stored in the billing information database 310.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the details of the charge calculation control processing relating to consumables used for document printing and the charge calculation control processing relating to use of the overlay form in the charge calculation control processing (module) in step S705 in FIG. It is. In step S801, the charging target input based on the charging target information input in step S703 is sorted into individual objects.

At step S802, at step S7
In step 04, the cost information is collated with the individual charge targets based on the search result of the charge target cost information from the cost information database 309.

In step S803, the number of sheets used, the amount of toner / ink used, the amount of staples used, and the like according to the output page of the paper to be charged are analyzed. In addition, the type and number of overlay forms used in overlay printing are also analyzed here.

In step S804, a charging cost is calculated for each charging target based on the analyzed usage amount for each charging target.

In step S805, a decision is made as to whether to add or subtract the billing cost, and it is necessary to collect the expendable supplies and the overlay form provision cost, and to use the overlay form carrying the advertisement. Thus, the overlay form provider is separated from the one that bears the cost, and it is determined which of the objects corresponds.

If the cost is to be added, step S80
When the charge cost addition calculation is performed in Step 6 and the charge cost is subtracted, the charge cost subtraction calculation is performed in Step S807.

In step S808, individual billing calculation for one printing is performed for each billing target based on the calculation of addition / subtraction of the billing cost, and in step S809, each billing target related to printing up to now is calculated. Is performed to prepare for the subsequent processing.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
On the billing management server 101 that performs billing management, in addition to the cost for the printing consumables and the time for using the printing device, the cost for using a printer used for printing or the use of an advertisement overlay form registered in the print server is reduced. Efficient and easy cost calculation for overlay printing by providing a company logo or advertisement in the overlay form, providing a charge for advertisement placement, and performing overlay printing for overlay form provision. Thus, it is possible to provide a billing system for expanding operability.

(Second Embodiment) The charge calculation and
Storage and execution means of a program for performing control and a user,
A charging management server having a database that stores and retains charging information for each group and department and updates it as necessary, a client connected to the charging management server as a core, a print server for managing and sharing printers, and a network including printers In a system configured in an environment, a business overlay form such as a form provided from the outside, or an advertisement overlay form in which an advertisement provided by an advertisement provider is posted is registered / updated in a charge management server, a print server, and a printer. And using the overlay form for a document created / updated by an application on the client, performing overlay printing, charging a print executor together with the printing consumer goods for the cost of the used overlay form, and Using a form If, the advertising fees collected from advertisement provider, the billing for the print executor, an example of charging by subtracting the advertising fee.

[Explanation of Overlay Print Billing System Configuration (FIG. 9)] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the present embodiment. The billing management server 900, the print server 901, and the print server 901 in a network communication network such as LAN or WAN.
Clients 902, 904, 906 and printer 9
03, 905, and 907.

The accounting management server 900, one or more print servers 901, and a client (data processing device)
902, 904, 906 and a printer (printing device) 90
3, 905, and 907 are connected by a communication line, and a network communication network is constructed based on an operating system and a communication protocol with a host system serving as a charging management server 900 as a core.

A business overlay form, such as a form from an external overlay form provider, or an overlay form on which an advertisement from an advertisement provider is posted can be stored in the charging management server 900, print server 901, and printers 903, 905, Register / update to 907. The overlay form may be supplied in any manner, for example, in a state of being stored on some recording medium.

The clients 902, 904, and 906 send the print server 901 or the printers 903, 90 to various printers 903, 905, and 907 which are shared under the control of the print server 901.
5, 907, the application for creating / updating document data issues an overlay print instruction of a document from the client 902, 904, 906.

At this time, in the print control program (printer driver) on the print server 901 or the clients 902, 904, and 906, the paper used for printing during the print control process is set based on various print attribute settings performed when a print instruction is given. The size, paper type, number of copies, output attribute information such as color / monochrome printing, overlay form selection, and overlay printing instruction are notified to the accounting management server 900 that performs print accounting control processing.

Further, the printer driver converts the print attributes into print control instructions of the target printer based on the print attribute setting and the overlay print instruction, and causes the target printers 903, 905, and 907 to print out the target document.

On the other hand, in billing management server 900,
The print server 901 and the clients 902 and 9
Based on the output attribute information 04, 906, the overlay form selection, and the overlay print instruction, the cost of the used overlay form is charged to the print executor together with the cost of the printing consumer goods. However, if an advertisement is placed on the overlay form to be used, the advertisement placement fee is collected from the advertisement provider, and the charge for the print executor is deducted from the advertisement placement fee to perform the charging process.

[Explanation of Sequence of Various Processes in Present System (FIG. 10)] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of various processes in the system shown in FIG. The overlay form on which the advertisement is placed is sent to the charging management server 900 by the advertiser or the advertisement provider (step S10).
01).

The billing management server 900 obtains the overlay form and obtains various attribute information such as the size of the overlay form data, the number of drawing objects, the type of use, the cost of use, and the advertisement posting cost per job or document output. (Step S1)
002), the various attribute information processing is performed (step S
1003), the print server 901 or the printer 90
At 3, 905, and 907, an overlay form registration instruction is issued.

The print server 901 or the printer 90
At 3, 905, and 907, overlay form registration is performed (step S1004) to prepare for the subsequent processing.

On the clients 902, 904, and 906, a document printing instruction is issued from an application for creating / updating a document (step S1).
005, S1006).

Based on the print instruction, print processing is performed in the print server 901 or the printers 903, 905, and 907 (step S1007), and overlay print processing is performed using the overlay form (step S1008). Then, the target document is printed (step S1009), and the target document on which the advertisement is placed is output to the user (step S1010).

At the same time as the end of printing, the print server 901
The printers 903, 905, and 907 print the printer model name, color / monochrome, mounted paper size, paper type, two-sided / one-sided printing, paper discharge method, toner / ink, staples, paper and printer usage time, etc. Consumables,
Further, various attribute information such as the used overlay form is notified to the accounting management server 900 as a print log (step S1011).

The charge management server 900 updates the charge information database based on the print log (step S1012). Then, charging information processing is performed based on the updated database (step S1013), and charging calculation is performed for the cost of the overlay form used together with the printing consumer goods (step S101).
4).

Further, when an overlay form in which an advertisement is placed is used, an advertisement placement fee for collecting the advertisement placement fee from the advertiser or the advertisement provider is charged (step S1015). On the other hand, the advertiser or the advertisement provider pays an advertisement insertion fee to the system provider (step S1016).

On the other hand, users, groups, and departments, who are the printing executors, are charged a printing usage fee by charging the cost of using the overlay form in addition to the printing consumer goods (step S1017). However, if the used overlay form is an advertisement form, a print usage fee is charged as a charge obtained by subtracting the advertisement publication fee from the print consumer goods. On the other hand, the user, group, or department that is the print executor pays the system provider a print usage fee (step S1018).

[Control Processes in Print Server or Client of the Present Embodiment (FIG. 11)] Referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the program memory of the print server or client in the present embodiment having the above-mentioned system configuration will be described. Each control process of the printer control program (printer driver) on the RAM will be described in detail.

FIG. 11 shows a print server 901 or clients 902, 904, 906 according to the present embodiment.
Is a flowchart showing control processing for generating charging target information and notifying the charging management server 900 of charging target information through the printer driver by acquiring various information from the printer, user interface configuration / display processing, authentication request, and printing control processing. is there.

In step S1101, the printer that is to be output notifies the user of the functions that can be used by the device and the information that configures the device such as the installed optional device by using bidirectional communication means. The contents of this information are available paper size, paper type, staple
This is information related to printing functions such as staples used in finishing, consumables such as toner / ink, the amount of installed memory, and the status of optional devices installed such as finishing.

Further, in step S1102, the type and attribute information of the registered overlay form are notified using two-way communication means as in step S1101.

Step S1103 is a configuration / display control processing unit (module) of a user interface for operating various attribute settings at the time of printing. Available functions and options based on the notified device configuration information are also reflected in step S1103. Similarly, a list of available overlay forms and selection / instruction are made on the user interface based on the notified type and attribute information of the overlay form.

In step S1104, various attribute setting data relating to printing is input by a setting operation on the user interface.

In step S1105, at the start of document printing or at the time of setting print attributes, the user I who identifies the user, group, department, etc.
D and password are input.

In step S1106, an authentication request is made to the charging management server 900 that performs charging processing and management for the input user ID and password.

Step S1107 is equivalent to step S110.
From the authentication result of No. 6, it is determined whether or not the input user ID and password are valid. If it is determined that the input is an improper user ID or password, re-input is prompted, and the process returns to step S1105 again. . Information is exchanged between the accounting management server 900 and the print server 901 and the clients 902, 904, and 906 using an application interface (API) for inputting and outputting data and information based on a communication protocol.

If it is determined that the user ID and the password are valid, the document data is transferred to a print control processing unit (module) (step S1108) together with various print attribute setting data, and a print control process is performed.

In step S1109, based on the various print attribute settings analyzed in the print control processing, use of consumables such as paper size, paper type, number of copies, consumed toner / ink amount, and staples used for printing is performed. It generates charging target information such as status and overlay form information used in overlay printing.

In step S1110, the generated charging target information is notified to the charging management server 900 as a print log as in step S1107.

Note that the print control processing in the print control processing (module) in step S1108 in FIG. 11 is the same as that described in FIG. 6, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

[Charging Control Process in Charging Management Server of this Embodiment (FIG. 12)] Referring to a flowchart shown in FIG. 12, each control in charging management server 900 of this embodiment having the above-described system configuration will be described. The processing will be described in detail.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control process in charging management server 900 in the present embodiment. Step S1201 is an information data input / output control processing unit (module), which uses the print server 901 or the clients 902, 904, and 906 to transmit and receive data and information based on the communication protocol using an application interface (API). Exchange information.

Step S1202 is a user ID / password recognition process (module) for receiving a user ID and password authentication request from a printer driver on the print server 901 or the clients 902, 904, and 906 in the information data input / output control process. And performs an authentication process. The authentication result is notified to the print server 901 or the clients 902, 904, and 906 in the information data input / output control processing as described above.

In step S1203, accounting target information notified based on the information data input / output control processing is input from the print server 900 or the printer driver on the clients 902, 904, and 906.

In step S1204, based on the input charging target information, the cost of each charging target is searched from the cost information database (see 309 in FIG. 3).

Step S1205 is a billing calculation process (module) for performing a billing calculation process based on the billing information and the cost information for each billing object.

In step S1206, information on the charging result is created for each user, group, and department based on the charging result calculated in the control process (module) for performing the charging calculation process.

In step S1207, the created billing result information for each user, group, and department is stored and stored in a billing information database (see 310 in FIG. 3).

Note that the charge calculation control processing in the charge calculation control processing (module) in step S1205 in FIG. 12 is the same as that described in FIG. 8, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
On the billing management server 900 that performs billing management, in addition to the cost of printing consumables and the cost of printing device usage time, the cost of using overlay forms such as fixed forms used for printing is set as the printing billing target, and the overlay is charged. Regarding the provision of the form, charge addition for collecting the creation cost, and posting the company logo or advertisement etc. in the overlay form, performing charge subtraction as the advertisement publication fee, and performing overlay printing,
It is possible to provide a billing system for efficiently and easily calculating costs and expanding operability.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the overlay form is registered and stored in the print server and the printer.
1, the overlay form may be read from a charge management server from a printer driver on a print server or a client (user terminal) during overlay printing, and overlay printing may be performed. In this case, there is an advantage that the overlay form used is managed in the charging management server, and a common overlay form can be used by each client (user terminal) and printer.

In the first embodiment, the overlay forms are registered and stored on the provider server 100, and these overlay forms are transmitted from the print server or the printer driver on the user terminal to the provider server at the time of overlay printing. 100, and overlay printing may be performed. In this case, the overlay form to be used is also managed in the provider server 100, and there is an advantage that a common overlay form can be used in each user terminal and printer.

Further, in the first embodiment, the program memory R of the print server 102 or the user terminals 103, 105 and 107, which is the host system 400, is used.
The generation process of the charging target information created based on the various print attribute settings and the overlay form print settings, which were performed in the printer driver on the AM 406, is executed by the program memory ROM 415 and the RAM of the printer 412.
416 can also be implemented. At this time, transmission and identification processing of user identification information designated at the time of printing are performed.
It is also possible to perform this instead of the print control command of the printer. In this case, a printer having this function, for example, the printers 103, 105, and 107 in FIG. 1 notifies the server 101 that performs charge management using a printer MIB or the like based on a prescribed communication protocol. it can.

Further, by preparing a Web server and using the Internet or an intranet, and distributing and updating an overlay form carrying an advertisement to a remote print server, user terminal (client), or printer, With regard to overlay printing, it is possible to provide means for more efficiently and easily calculating costs and expanding operability.

In place of the Ethernet interfaces 410 and 417 connecting the host system 400 and the printer 412 shown in FIG. 4, an input / output parallel interface conforming to Centronics, an input / output conforming to RS-232C and RS-424 are used. Data may be exchanged with the printer driver and printer 412 on the program memory RAM 406 of the host system 400 using a serial interface or a SCSI interface.

(Third Embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, a system using a printing apparatus has been described.
It is also possible to apply to a system using a copying machine.
In the following, in a system including a copier connected to a server based on a network communication protocol, a document and an overlay form to be overlaid on the document are designated and copied and output from an operation panel of the copier. An example of performing various copy output attribute settings and charging control processing for an overlay file on the server based on the document and overlay output instruction of FIG.

[Explanation of Overlay Copy Billing System Configuration (FIG. 13)] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the present embodiment, in which a server 1301 and copying machines 1302 to 1305 in a network communication network such as LAN or WAN.
Represents

Server 1301 and copiers 1302 to 13
05 is connected by a communication line, and the server 100 is connected to the server 100 based on the operating system and the communication protocol.
Build a network communication network centered on.

[0147] From the operation panel of the copiers 1302 to 1305, an overlay instruction of an overlay form registered in the copier and a copy output instruction of a document are performed, and the copy output is executed by the copier. Copier 130
Registration of the overlay form in 2-1305,
The storage is performed from the server 1301.

At this time, in the copying machine control program stored in the program memory of the copying machines 1302 to 1305, the paper size used for copy output during copy output control processing is determined based on various copy output attribute settings made at the time of the copy output instruction. , Output type information such as paper type, number of copies, color / monochrome output, etc., overlay form selection, and overlay output instruction are notified to the server 1301 which performs copy output charging control processing.

On the other hand, the server 1301 performs charging processing for copy output based on output attribute information from the operation panel of the copying machines 1302 to 1305, overlay form selection, and overlay print instruction.

[Description of block diagram showing control processing and control flow in each element in this system (FIG. 1)
4)] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a control process and a control flow in each element in the system shown in FIG. From the application program on the server 1301,
Copy the overlay form 1401 to a copying machine (140 in this figure).
2), and is registered and stored in a memory program of the copying machine 1402 or a storage device such as a hard disk.

The overlay form 1401 is an image formed in a format such as Bitmap, TIFF, JPEG or the like, which can be read and recognized by the image output control program and apparatus of the copying machine 1402.

The copying machine 1402 performs copy output of the document based on the setting of various attributes related to copy output and the overlay output instruction (1403).

Further, simultaneously with the copy output, the copying machine 14
02, based on various output attribute settings and an overlay output instruction for the copy output of the document, the number of sheets including the number of copies, the number of sheets including the number of copies, and the sheet type in the copy machine control program on the program memory No. 02. , Use of staples, use of consumables such as color / monochrome output, and billing information 14 such as overlay form information used for overlay output
04 is notified to the server 1301.

Further, information for identifying the department, group, individual, etc., which performs copy output charging operation, such as the user ID and password of the user who performs the corresponding copy output, is added to the charging target information 1404.

The copy charging control processing in the server 1301 will be described. Based on the charging target information 1404, the paper size used for copy output, the number of sheets including the number of copies, the paper type, the use of staples, the color / monochrome The cost information database 1406 searches for and refers to the usage status of consumables such as output and the cost of overlay form information used for overlay output, and performs print billing operations such as the user ID and password of the user who performs copy output. A charge calculation process is performed for each department, group, and individual (1405).

Based on the charge calculation process, the department,
The information of the charging result is generated for each group and individual (140
7), this information is stored in the charging information database 1408.

[Explanation of Connection between Host System and Copier (FIG. 15)] 1500 is a host system serving as a server 1301, an input device 1501 such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting, and a display device for displaying output (display). ) 1502, and a disk 1503 for inputting / outputting files.

Reference numeral 1512 denotes a copying machine which becomes the copying machines 1301 to 1304 connected to the host system 1500, and includes a disk 1513.

In FIG. 15, the host system 1500
Will be described. A CPU 1504 controls the host system and each input / output device, and executes a series of processes such as output control and various programs according to input instructions. A ROM 1505 stores a basic program such as a BIOS for operating the CPU 404. 1506
Denotes a RAM, which stores a copy output charging control program and application programs for creating and registering an overlay form, and is also used as a work area for various processes for executing / operating these programs.

Reference numeral 1507 denotes a keyboard controller, which is a keyboard connected to the host system 1500;
An interface of an input device 1501 such as a mouse is provided. Reference numeral 1508 denotes a display controller, which has an interface for performing display output to a display device (display) 1502. 1509 is a disk
It is a controller and has an input / output interface to the disk 1503. An Ethernet interface 1510 connects the host system 1500 and the printer 1512 and performs input / output via a network line such as Ethernet provided with a communication protocol for performing communication. Reference numeral 1511 denotes a CPU bus, which connects each component.

Next, the configuration of the printer 1512 will be described. A scanner 1513 reads a document image to be copied. Reference numeral 1514 denotes a hard disk which stores and saves various data, images input by the scanner, and overlay forms.

Reference numeral 1515 denotes a CPU, which executes various programs such as a series of processes such as print control and a communication control process in accordance with input / output control and input instructions. Fifteen
Reference numeral 16 denotes a ROM which controls input / output, communication control processing,
In accordance with the input instructions, a series of processes such as a print control, a control command analysis process and other programs for operating the copying machine, and various data are stored. 1517 is a RAM, a CPU
Reference numeral 1515 is used as a work area for executing and processing various programs. The RAM 1517 is also used as a storage area for registering and storing the image or overlay form input by the scanner.

Reference numeral 1518 denotes an Ethernet interface, which connects the host system 1500 and the printer 1512 and performs input / output via a network line such as Ethernet provided with a communication protocol for exchanging data. A scanner controller 1519 has an input / output interface for inputting and outputting data to and from the scanner 1513. Reference numeral 1520 denotes a disk controller, which has an input / output interface for inputting / outputting various data to / from the disk 1514. Reference numeral 1521 denotes a video interface for mechanically outputting an image, and an engine control processing unit having an input / output interface for exchanging data and signals with an image output device drive system (engine unit) 1523. Reference numeral 1522 denotes a CPU bus, which connects each component.

Next, the RAM in the host system 1500
The control processing on 1506 will be described in detail. In order to register and save the overlay form stored and stored in the RAM 1506 in the host system 1500 or the storage device of the disk 1503 in the RAM 1517 or the storage device of the disk 1514 in the copying machine 1512,
As described above, the RAM 1506 in the host system 1500
Alternatively, the control program on the disk 1503 is executed.

The overlay form is created by an application on the host system 1500 or an external host system.
1506 or the storage device of the disk 1503.

Next, the RAM in the host system 1500
1506 or the copy output charging control program on the disk 1503
First, a recognition process is performed as to whether or not the user is a registered person for the charging operation based on the user ID and password of the copy output executor notified from the copying machine 1512 via 510.

Subsequently, charging calculation is performed based on the paper size, paper type, staples, usage of consumables such as toner, and charging target information such as overlay form information, etc., used in the copy output notified from the copying machine 1512. Do
The accounting result is stored in the accounting information database to prepare for the subsequent processing.

On the other hand, each control process in the copier control program stored in the program memory ROM 1515 in the copier 1512 and the copy output operation of the document will be described in detail. The document image to be copied, which has been input by the scanner 1513, is read from the RAM 1517 or the disk 1514.

Based on an overlay output instruction from the operation panel of the copying machine 1512, an overlay form is read from the RAM 1517 or the disk 1514 in the same manner as described above.

Similarly, a bitmap is generated based on various output attribute settings such as paper size, paper type, stapling, number of copies, etc., input from the operation panel, the input document image image, and the overlay form. , Overlay the overlay form,
A series of processes is performed in a bitmap development process for developing in a bitmap memory on the RAM 1517.

The image data expanded on the bitmap memory is transmitted to an image output device drive system (engine unit) 1523 via a video interface 1521 for inputting and outputting to an engine control processing unit, and is copied and output (1).
524).

Further, at the same time as the copy output, the paper size, paper type, staples, toner and other consumables used by the copy output, and the user I of the copy output executor are used.
D, a password, and charging target information such as overlay form information are notified to the host system 1500 via the Ethernet interface 1518.

[Control Processing in Copying Machine of the Present Embodiment (FIG. 16)] Referring to the flow chart shown in FIG. 16, program memory RAM 1506 of copying machine 1512 of the present embodiment having the above-described system configuration is provided. Each control process of a certain copy equipment output control program will be described in detail.

FIG. 16 shows a copying machine 13 according to the present embodiment.
02 through 1305, various output attribute setting input, overlay output input, authentication request, print request processing in the copier output control program in the copier output control program on the RAM, image output processing, charging target information 13 is a flowchart illustrating control processing for generating and notifying charging information to a server 1301.

Step S1601 is a user interface configuration / display control process (module) for operating various attribute settings from the operation panel of the copier at the time of copy output.
It is.

In step S1602, various attribute setting data such as a paper size, a paper type, a staple, and the number of copies relating to the copy output are input by a setting operation of a copy output person on the user interface of the operation panel.

In step S1603, the copy output executor from the operation panel operates the program memory R
The configuration of the user interface based on the type and attribute information of the overlay form registered and stored in the storage device of the AM 1517 or the hard disk 1514.
A list of overlay forms that can be used in the display control process is displayed, and an instruction to select an overlay form to be used for overlay output related to document copy is input.

In step S1604, at the start of document copy output, a user who performs copying inputs a user ID and password for identifying a department, group, or individual registered in the accounting operation relating to copy output.

In step S1605, a request for identification of the input user ID and password is issued to the host system 1500 which performs accounting and management.

In step S1606, step S16
05, it is determined whether the input user ID and password are valid, and an invalid user ID is determined.
Alternatively, if it is determined that the password is the password, the user is prompted to reenter the password, and the process returns to step S1604. The authentication request is transmitted between the server 1301 and the copiers 1301 to 1304 via a bidirectional communication unit such as an application interface (API) for inputting and outputting data and information based on a communication protocol defined in a network environment. To exchange information.

If it is determined that the user ID and the password are valid, the document data read by the scanner 1513 together with various output attribute setting information and an overlay output instruction to use the overlay form are subjected to image output control processing (module) (step S1607), and performs copy output control processing.

In step S1608, based on the input various output attribute setting data, the paper size, paper type, the number of copies, the amount of toner consumed, the amount of toner used such as staples, and the use of consumables used for copy output, and overlay printing. Generates billing target information such as overlay form information used in.

In step S1609, the generated charging target information is transferred to the server 13 by using the bidirectional communication means.
Notify 01.

[Charging Control Process in Server of the Present Embodiment (FIGS. 17 and 18)] Referring to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the server 1301 of the present embodiment having the above-described system configuration has the same configuration. Each control process will be described in detail.

FIG. 17 shows a server 1 according to the present embodiment.
3 is a flowchart showing a control process at 301. Step S1701 is an information data input / output control process (module), and the host system 15 serving as the server 1301
00 and an application interface (API) for inputting and outputting data and information between the copying machines 1301 to 1304 based on the communication protocol.
Exchange information.

Step S1702 is a user authentication process (module) for receiving a user ID and password authentication request from the copying machines 1301 to 1304 based on the information data input / output control process, and performs an authentication process. The authentication result is notified to the copying machines 1301 to 1304 in the information data input / output control processing as described above.

In the step S1703, the copying machine 13
From 01 to 1304, charging target information notified based on the information data input / output control processing is input.

In step S1704, the cost of each chargeable object is searched from the cost information database based on the input chargeable information.

Step S1705 is a billing calculation process (module) which performs a billing calculation process based on the billing target information and cost information for each billing target.

In step S1706, information on the billing result is created for each user, groom or department based on the billing result calculated in the control process (module) for performing the billing calculation process.

In step S1707, the created user
Store and save the charging result information created for each / group / department in the charging information database.

FIG. 18 shows details of the billing calculation control processing (module) in step S1705 in FIG. 17 relating to consumables used for copy output of a document and the billing calculation control processing relating to use of an overlay form. It is a flowchart shown. In step S1801, the billing target input based on the billing target information input in step S1703 is sorted into individual objects.

In step S1802, the above-described step S1802 is executed.
In 1704, the cost information is collated with the individual charge targets based on the result of searching the cost information database for the charge target cost information.

In step S1803, the number of sheets used, the amount of toner used,
Analyze the amount of staples used. In addition, the type and number of overlay forms used in overlay printing are also analyzed here.

In step S1804, a charging cost is calculated for each charging target based on the analyzed usage amount for each charging target.

In step S1805, a branching process is performed to determine whether to add or subtract the billing cost, and it is necessary to collect the expendable supplies and overlay form provision cost, and to use the overlay form on which the advertisement is placed. Thus, the overlay form provider is separated from the one that bears the cost, and it is determined which of the objects corresponds.

If the cost is to be added, step S18
When the charge cost addition calculation is performed in 06 and the charge cost is subtracted, the charge cost subtraction calculation is performed in step S1807.

In step S1808, individual accounting for one copy output is performed for each accounting target based on the accounting calculation of the accounting cost.
In step 09, an integration calculation is performed for each chargeable object relating to the copy output so far, and preparation is made for the subsequent processing.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
On the server 1301 that performs charge management, in addition to the cost of consumable materials for copying output and the cost of using the copying machine, the cost of using overlay forms such as fixed-form books registered in the copying machine used for copying output. Is charged for printing, and for providing the overlay form, adding the charge to collect the creation cost, posting the company logo or advertisement etc. in the overlay form, subtracting the charge as the advertisement publication fee, and outputting the overlay , Efficient and easy cost calculation for overlay output,
It is possible to provide a billing system for increasing operability.

In the above-described third embodiment, various print attribute settings, which have been processed in the copy output charging control processing program on the program memory RAM 1506 of the server 1301 as the host system 1500,
The processing for generating the charging target information created based on the user identification setting of the user ID and the password and the output setting of the overlay form is performed by the program memory RO
By performing with M1516 and RAM1517,
The object of the present invention can be achieved even in a stand-alone environment of a copying machine.

Further, by providing a Web server and using the Internet or an intranet to distribute, update, and store an overlay form in which an advertisement is placed to a copying machine at a remote location, the overlay output can be more efficiently performed. It is possible to provide a simple means for calculating costs and expanding operability.

In a multifunction copying machine equipped with a printing function in recent years, the image format of the overlay form is replaced with a format such as Bitmap, TIFF, JPEG, etc., instead of an image output format constituted by a print control command for printing. It is also possible to use

The host system 150 shown in FIG.
In place of the Ethernet interfaces 1510 and 1518 connecting the printer and the printer 1512, a Centronics-compliant input / output parallel interface, RS-
232C compliant, RS-424 compliant input / output serial interface, or SCSI interface, the program memory RA of the host system 1500.
Control program and copier 1512 on M1506
It may be possible to exchange data with the server.

(Other Embodiments) Even if the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine) May be applied to a device consisting of:

Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented in an apparatus connected to the various devices or a computer in a system so that various devices are operated to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. The present invention also includes programs implemented by supplying program codes of software for operating the above various devices in accordance with programs stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.

In this case, the program code of the software implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to a computer are provided.
For example, a recording medium storing such a program code constitutes the present invention. As a recording medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, R
OM or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer or other It goes without saying that such program codes are also included in the embodiments of the present invention when the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in cooperation with the application software or the like.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided on the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is specified based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where the CPU or the like provided for performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

The shapes and structures of the respective parts shown in the above embodiments are merely examples of the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is thereby reduced. It should not be interpreted restrictively. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

[0210]

As described above, according to the present invention, in addition to the cost of the consumable material used for printing and copying and the cost of using the same, the cost of using the overlay foam used for printing and copying is also increased. Can be charged. Furthermore, when an advertisement is placed on the overlay form and the overlay printing or copying of the document using the overlay form is performed, a subtraction is made from the charge to the executor, and the advertiser, advertisement provider, advertisement creator, or printing system is performed. Advertising costs from sponsors etc.
Recovery can be performed. As a result, efficient and simple cost calculation for billing systems for printing and copying,
This has the effect of increasing operability and increasing profits to the system provider.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of various processes in the system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a control process and a control flow in each element in the system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a host system 400 and a printer 412.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process in the host system 400.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print control process in the host system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process in the charging management server 101.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a charge calculation control process in the charge management server 101.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of various processes in the system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a print server 901 or a client 9
It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control processing in 02,904,906.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process in a charging management server 900.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a control process and a control flow in each element in the system according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows a host system 1500 and a copying machine 1512.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control processing in the copying machines 1302 to 1305.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control processing in a server 1301.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a billing calculation control process in a server 1301.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Provider server 101 Charging management server 102 Print server 103, 105, 107 User terminal 104, 106, 108 Printer 900 Charging management server 901 Print server 902, 904, 906 Client 903, 905, 907 Printer 1301 Server 1302-1305 Copier

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 302 G06F 17/60 302C 5C075 326 326 332 332 19/00 300 19/00 300E H04N 1/34 H04N 1/34 F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 AR01 HJ08 HK14 HL00 HL01 HN19 HQ17 HX10 2C087 AA09 AB06 AB08 BA02 BA03 BA04 BA05 BA07 BA14 BC07 BD08 CB10 CB12 DA14 DA17 2C187 AE06 AE11 AF01 CD06 DC01 ACOA LG00 5B049 BB00 CC36 FF02 5C075 AB90 GG03

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. An accounting system for connecting an image forming apparatus and an accounting apparatus for performing an accounting process for image formation in the image forming apparatus via a network, wherein the accounting system is used for image formation in the image forming apparatus. A charging system, comprising: an overlay form storage unit for storing an overlay form, wherein the charging device performs a charging process regarding image formation in the image forming apparatus and use of the overlay form. 2. The network according to claim 1, wherein the network is constructed in a LAN or WAN environment forming an intranet communication network or an Internet communication network.
A billing system according to item 1. 3. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein said image forming apparatus is a printing apparatus. 4. The accounting system according to claim 3, wherein a print server is connected to the network, and the printing device is shared under the control of the print server. 5. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein said image forming apparatus is a copying machine. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the overlay form stored in the overlay storage means is transmitted via another network connected to the network or from the same network. Billing system. 7. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the overlay form stored in said overlay storage means is supplied by a recording medium. 8. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein when the overlay form is used for the image formation, the charging device performs an additional charging process for the use of the overlay form. 9. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein an advertisement is placed on the overlay form. 10. The charging system according to claim 9, wherein, when an overlay form on which the advertisement is placed is used for the image formation, the charging device performs a subtraction charging process on the use of the overlay form. 11. The charging system according to claim 9, wherein an advertisement insertion fee is collected from a person who has issued the advertisement. 12. The charging system according to claim 1, further comprising identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the image forming executor. 13. A charging device connected via a network to a printing device capable of printing and outputting using an overlay form, wherein the charging device performs a charging process for the printing output by the printing device and the use of the overlay form. An accounting apparatus comprising accounting processing means. 14. The charging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein an advertisement is placed on the overlay form. 15. The charging system according to claim 14, wherein when an overlay form in which the advertisement is placed on the print output is used, a subtraction charging process is performed for the use thereof. 16. A printing apparatus capable of performing print output using an overlay form, comprising: a charging unit for performing a charging process for the print output and use of the overlay form. apparatus. 17. The printing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein an advertisement is placed on the overlay form. 18. The printing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, when an overlay form in which the advertisement is placed on the print output is used, the accounting processing unit performs a subtraction accounting process on the use of the overlay form. . 19. A charging apparatus connected via a network to a copying machine capable of copying and outputting using an overlay form, wherein a charging process is performed for the copying output in the copying machine and the use of the overlay form. A billing apparatus comprising billing processing means for performing billing. 20. The charging apparatus according to claim 19, wherein an advertisement is placed on the overlay form. 21. The charging system according to claim 20, wherein when an overlay form on which the advertisement is placed is used for the copy output, a subtraction charging process is performed for the use of the overlay form. 22. A copying machine capable of copying and outputting using an overlay form, comprising: charging means for performing a charging process for the copy output and use of the overlay form. Machine. 23. The copier according to claim 22, wherein an advertisement is placed on the overlay form. 24. The copying machine according to claim 23, wherein when the overlay form in which the advertisement is placed on the copy output is used, the charging processing means performs a subtraction charging process regarding the use of the overlay form. . 25. A charging method for a print output using an overlay form, the method comprising a step of performing a charging process for the print output and the use of the overlay form. 26. A charging method for a copy output using an overlay form, the method comprising a step of performing charging processing for the copy output and use of the overlay form. 27. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a billing process for a print output using an overlay form, wherein the computer executes a billing process for the print output and the use of the overlay form. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program to be executed. 28. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a charging process for a copy output using an overlay form, wherein the charging process is performed for the copy output and the use of the overlay form. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program to be executed.