JP2002092733A - Image formation vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To charge fees other than those on a fee table and to determine the shortage of payment and completion of copying work at a copying machine side. SOLUTION: This image formation vending device has an image forming device and an automatic vending machine charging for a recording medium with images formed on it by the image forming device on the basis of the internal fee table, and it forms images on the recording medium by the image forming device when valuables are deposited in the automatic vending machine. It performs accounting other than accounting by the fee table inside the automatic vending machine for the recoding medium performed with a predetermined information output by the image forming device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a copier, a printing machine,
The present invention relates to an image forming and selling apparatus and a vending machine for selling a recording medium on which an image is formed (including information output) by an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image forming and selling apparatus, for example, an image forming and selling apparatus including a copying machine installed in a convenience store and a vending machine connected to the copying machine satisfies the size of a recording medium and a copy mode. When a fee to be paid is put into a vending machine in coins or bills, the vending machine outputs an image forming operation enable signal enabling the image forming operation to the copying machine, and the copying machine outputs the image forming operation enabling signal. The copying operation is started based on In this case, the copying machine simply outputs signals such as color copying / black and white copying and the size signal of the recording medium to the vending machine, and the copying fee is charged according to the fee table in the vending machine.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-4766 discloses a charge collecting device that collects a charge for using an image forming apparatus, and calculates the balance of the charge collecting device based on information such as the number of set recording sheets and the end of an image forming operation. An operation termination determining unit that determines that the image forming operation for the specified number of sheets has been completed in the image forming apparatus with the fee collection device that includes a balance return device that returns the balance of the fee collection device.
An image forming apparatus with a charge collection device, characterized by having control means for performing control to return the balance of the charge collection device by the balance return means based on the operation end determination result of the operation end determination means. Has been described.

[0004]

In the image forming and selling apparatus, the copy fee is charged according to the fee table in the vending machine. Therefore, it is possible to charge other than the fee set in the fee table in the vending machine. Impossible.
Further, since the copier only receives the image forming operation enable signal from the vending machine, the copier cannot determine whether the charge is insufficient or the copying operation has been completed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform charging other than charging based on a charge table in a vending machine for a recording medium that has output predetermined information, and to determine whether a charge is insufficient or to end an image forming operation. It is an object to provide a device and a vending machine.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium and a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus. A vending machine that charges based on a charge table inside the vending machine, and wherein the image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium by inputting valuable resources into the vending machine. A charge other than the charge based on the charge table in the vending machine is charged to the recording medium for which predetermined information has been output by the forming apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, and a vending machine for charging for the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus. A forming device for transmitting the number of image formed sheets and the size of the recording medium to the vending machine;
An image forming operation permitting unit that permits an image forming operation only when a signal enabling the image forming operation is received from the vending machine; and that the vending machine is performing an image forming operation during the image forming operation. An in-operation signal output means for notifying, the vending machine outputs to the image forming apparatus a signal enabling the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus by inputting a predetermined valuable resource, and when there is no balance, Operable signal output means for inhibiting the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus, storage means for storing the number of image formations and the size of the recording medium transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and ending the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus An image forming and selling apparatus having a return unit for returning valuable resources later, wherein the image forming apparatus automatically sells a fee for a recording medium that has output predetermined information on the recording medium. Includes an accounting fee instruction means for informing the machine, is obtained by allowing charging of the non-charging according to the vending machine of the fee table.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2
In the image forming and selling apparatus described above, the fee for the charging is displayed on display means of the vending machine in accordance with an instruction from the image forming apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming / selling apparatus according to the first, second or third aspect, further comprising an end instructing means provided on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus for instructing the end of the image forming. The image forming end instruction information from the end instruction means is transmitted to the vending machine.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming and selling apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the vending machine starts returning the balance when the image forming end instruction information is transmitted from the end instruction means. It is.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming and selling apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the charge in the charge table and the current amount of money input from the vending machine to the image forming apparatus. Is to convey.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine which sells a recording medium on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus on the basis of an internal charge table, wherein a predetermined information is output by the image forming apparatus. The charge other than the charge based on the charge table is charged to the medium based on information from the image forming apparatus.

[0013]

FIG. 1 shows a circuit configuration of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claims 1 to 6, and is an embodiment of an image forming and selling apparatus having a vending machine which is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 7. In this embodiment, when predetermined information is output by the image forming apparatus, not only the image forming fee but also the information fee is charged, and the image forming apparatus includes a copying machine and a vending machine as the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus has a copying function of forming a document image on a transfer sheet as a recording medium and an output function of outputting input information on the transfer sheet. The image forming apparatus may be a printing machine or a facsimile, or may be a combination of a printer and a personal computer.

This vending machine communicates with a vending machine control section 1 as control means for controlling the entire vending machine, a main switch 2 for turning on / off the power of the vending machine, and a copying machine. (I / F) unit 3, a return lever 4 for returning change and clearing of jammed coins, and a unit price (copy unit price) of an image formed product in a charge table.
And a setting switch 5 for setting The unit price of the charge table set in the charge table by the setting switch 5 is stored in a battery-backed RAM 6 as a non-volatile storage means in the vending machine control unit 1, and the power of the vending machine is turned off. Is also retained.

The vending machine determines whether or not a valuable coin inserted into the vending machine from the coin (COIN) slot 13 (see FIG. 5) is genuine, and determines whether the coin is genuine. , The coin mechanism 7 that notifies the vending machine control unit 1 of the amount of the inserted coin.
A change storage unit 8 for storing change, and a change storage unit 8
It has a coin storage box 9 (see FIG. 6) for storing coins that cannot be accommodated, a switching key 10, and a display unit 11 as display means. The switching key 10 is a key for switching between use of the copying machine alone and use of the copying machine and the vending machine in conjunction. The display unit 11 displays an inserted amount (amount of inserted coins), a fee (copying fee) for performing image formation (including information output) on a transfer sheet, image formation (including information output), possible change, and the like. I do. In this embodiment, coins are used as valuables, but bills and cards may be used as valuables.

3 and 5 show the display unit 11, and FIG. 4 shows the appearance of the vending machine. The display unit 11 displays the vending machine 1
2, a portion 14 for displaying the inserted amount (amount of input coins), a portion 15 for displaying a copy fee, a portion 16 for displaying image formation (including information output), and a change of 10 yen. A display portion 17 has a portion 18 for displaying a change of 100 yen.

The vending machine 12 has a switching key 19 for switching between a coin insertion mode and an image forming mode, a door key 20, and a coin return slot 21. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the vending machine 12 has a payout switch 22.
, A mode switch 23, an address switch 24,
It has a set amount switch 25, a main switch 2, a fuse 27, and a change storage case 31 of the change storage unit 8.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic circuit configuration of the copying machine. The copier is provided with a copier controller 28 serving as control means for controlling the entire copier, and an I / O unit for communicating with the vending machine 12.
/ F unit 29 and an operation unit 30. FIG. 7 shows an operation flow of the copying machine, and FIGS. 8 and 9 show an operation flow of the vending machine 12.

First, the case where normal image formation (image formation other than output of predetermined information) is performed will be described. In the copier, the user operates the operation unit 30 to set the image forming conditions (copy conditions) such as the size of the transfer paper, the number of formed images, and the image forming mode (whether to perform full-color or black-and-white image formation, The image forming mode is set on one side or both sides of the image forming apparatus, and after setting the copy conditions, the original is set on the original platen and the image forming is started by the start button of the operation unit 30 as the image forming start instructing means. Instruct to start.

The copier control unit 28 first executes step 10
In step 1, it is determined whether normal image formation or information output has been selected based on an input signal from the operation unit 30 or a personal computer. A signal indicating the copy condition, that is, a size signal indicating the size of the transfer paper, a number signal indicating the number of image formations, and a mode signal indicating the image formation mode are fetched. Notify the vending machine 12 via the / F unit 29. Further, the copier control unit 28
Requests the vending machine 12 for the unit price and the input amount on the fee table under the above copy conditions, and sends a signal for requesting the fee display via the I / F unit 29 to the vending machine 12.
Output to The vending machine 12 is connected to the I / F unit 3 from the copier.
Are stored in the RAM 6 via the number signal, the size signal, and the mode signal notified via the.

In the vending machine 12, the vending machine control unit 1
Is detected by a check section (not shown) as to whether or not a coin has been inserted from the coin insertion slot 13 in step 121. When a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 13 and a signal is input from the check section, in step 122, the coin mechanism 7 determines whether or not the inserted coin is genuine, and if the coin is genuine, Notifies the vending machine control unit 1 of the amount of the inserted coin. The vending machine control unit 1 calculates the amount of coins to be inserted based on an input signal from the coin mechanism 7 and causes the display unit 11 to display the amount of coins inserted. An image forming operation enable signal for enabling the forming operation is notified.

Next, the vending machine controller 1 responds to the request for unit price on the charge table under the copy conditions input from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3 in step 123, and the charge under the copy conditions is obtained. It is determined whether a unit price on the table is requested or not. If a unit price on the charge table under the above copy conditions is requested, it is input from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3 in step 124. Based on the size signal and the mode signal stored in the RAM 6, a copy unit price according to the copy condition is obtained by referring to the charge table in the RAM 6, and the copy unit price is notified to the copying machine via the I / F unit 3. The display unit 11 displays the copy unit price.

In the copying machine, the copying machine control unit 28 determines the number of images formed by the operation unit 30 in step 106,
Multiplying by the copy unit price notified from the vending machine 12 via the I / F unit 29 to obtain a copy fee, the copy fee (the number of images formed × the copy unit price) is calculated via the I / F unit 29 by the vending machine. 12 is notified. Further, the copier control unit 28
Is the I / F unit 29 from the copy fee and the vending machine 12
Is determined by comparing the input amount notified via the above with the input amount to determine whether the input amount is equal to or greater than the copy fee. The copying machine control unit 28
If the input amount is less than the copy amount and the input amount is insufficient, a warning that the input amount is insufficient is displayed on a display unit (not shown) in step 107.

In the vending machine 12, the vending machine control unit 1
Determines whether or not a charge display request signal has been input from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3 in step 125, and when the charge display request signal has been input, it has been notified from the copy machine in step 126. Display section 11 for copy fee and copy unit price
To be displayed. At this time, since there is a possibility that the copy conditions may be changed, the copying machine control unit 28 does not start the image forming operation, but accepts the copy conditions from the operation unit 30.

The vending machine control unit 1 compares the input amount in step 127 with the copy fee (the number of image formation times the copy unit price) notified from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3 and copies the input amount. It is determined whether or not the input amount is insufficient by determining whether the input amount is equal to or more than the charge. If the input amount is less than the copy fee and the input amount is not enough, the image forming operation enable signal is transmitted in step 129. Turn off.
If the input amount is equal to or larger than the copy fee, the vending machine control section 1 turns on the image forming operation enable signal in step 128.

In the copying machine, the copying machine control unit 28 checks in step 108 whether the start button of the operation unit 30 has been pressed and an image formation start instruction signal has been input.
When the image forming start instruction signal is input from the start button, if the image forming operation enable signal input from the vending machine 12 via the I / F unit 29 is off, a permission signal (image forming operation is permitted) Signal is turned off to disable (prohibit) the image forming operation. If the image forming operation enable signal input from the vending machine via the I / F unit 29 is ON, the copying machine control unit 28 executes step 1
In step 09, the permission signal is turned on to permit the image forming operation, and the respective parts of the copying machine are controlled to start the image forming operation for forming the image of the document set on the document table on the transfer paper,
A billing command for making a billing request is output to the vending machine 12 via the I / F unit 29 every time the transfer paper on which the document image is formed is discharged.

In the vending machine 12, the vending machine control unit 1
Checks in step 130 whether or not a charging command has been input from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3. If no charging command has been input, the process proceeds to step 133. When the charge command is input, the vending machine control unit 1 determines in step 131 the amount of money input and the copy fee notified from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3 (the number of formed images × copy unit price: fee under copy conditions). (Unit price set in the table) to determine whether the input amount is greater than or equal to the copy fee, thereby determining whether the input amount is insufficient. If the amount is not enough, the copier is notified via the I / F unit 3 at step 132 that the amount is insufficient. In the copying machine, the copying machine control unit 28
When the vending machine 12 notifies that the input amount is insufficient, the display unit displays that the input amount is insufficient.

If the input amount is equal to or greater than the copy fee, the vending machine control unit 1 determines in step 133 the copy unit price notified from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3 based on the input amount (in the charge table under the copy condition). (Set unit price) is subtracted for each sheet discharge, and the current input amount is displayed on the display unit 11 again. Here, in the present embodiment, the excess or deficiency of the input amount is determined at the start of the image forming operation, so that it is charged at the time of paper discharge, and even if a transfer paper jam occurs in the copying machine, there is no need to pay for it. .

In the copying machine, the copying machine control unit 28 checks in step 110 whether or not all outputs (image formation) have been completed.
Then, it is checked whether or not the press of the return lever 4 is notified from the vending machine 12 via the I / F unit 29. When the return lever 4 is informed, the copying machine control unit 28 clears the copy conditions and the like in step 114 and returns to the default state, and displays the fee to the vending machine 12 via the I / F unit 29. To turn off.

Further, the copying machine control unit 28 controls the return lever 4
Is not notified, the input signal from the end button as operation end instruction means on the operation unit 30 is checked in step 112 to determine whether or not the end button has been pressed, thereby completing the entire operation. It is determined whether or not the end button has not been pressed.
Return to When the end button is pressed, the copier control unit 28 sends the I / F unit 2 to the vending machine 12 in step 113.
9 is notified that the end button has been pressed, and
To clear the copy conditions and the like of the copying machine to return to the default state, and instruct the vending machine 12 to turn off the charge display via the I / F unit 29.

In the vending machine 12, the vending machine control unit 1
Checks whether or not the end button has been notified from the copier via the I / F unit 3 in step 134, and if the end button has been notified, determines that all operations have been completed. In step 136, the image formation enabling signal is turned off, and if the end button is not pressed, it is checked in step 135 whether the return lever 4 has been pressed based on the signal from the return lever 4.

If the return lever 4 is not pushed, the vending machine control section 1 returns to step 121 and returns the return lever 4
If is pressed, the image formation enabling signal is turned off in step 136. As a result, the copying machine does not feed the transfer paper thereafter. Then, the vending machine control section 1 checks whether or not a charging command has been input from the copying machine via the I / F section 3 in step 137. When the charge command is input, the vending machine control unit 1 discharges the unit price set in the charge table under the copy conditions notified from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3 from the input amount in step 137. At that time, the current input amount is displayed again on the display unit 11.

Further, the copying machine control section 1 outputs an operating signal to the vending machine 12 via the I / F section 3 during the image forming operation. The vending machine control unit 1 determines whether or not the copying machine is performing an image forming operation by determining in step 139 whether or not an operating signal is input from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3. If it is determined that the copying machine is in the image forming operation, the process returns to step 137. When the copying machine is not in the image forming operation, the copying machine control unit 1 confirms that the permission signal is OFF in step 140, and then sets the balance (from the above-mentioned input amount in the charge table under the copying conditions). The result of subtracting the current unit price for each paper discharge) is discharged from the change storage unit 8 to the coin return slot 21 and returned to the I / F from the copier.
In response to a charge display off instruction notified via the unit 3, the display unit 11 turns off the display of the inserted amount and the copy fee.

Next, a case where predetermined information is output will be described. In this embodiment, in the case of performing predetermined information output, the copy fee does not depend on the fee table, and is equal to the image formation allowance + the information amount. The predetermined information is output when a plurality of types of information such as a map are stored in a storage unit inside the copying machine and selectively output, or when a LAN or the like is connected to the copying machine. This is the case where information input from the ground via a LAN or the like is output.

In the copying machine, the user selects the type of information when outputting information using the operation unit 30 or a personal computer, and sets the size of transfer paper and the number of output sheets as image forming conditions (output conditions: copy conditions). (The number of images to be formed) and the image forming mode (whether to perform full-color or black-and-white image formation or to perform image formation on one side or both sides of transfer paper). Instruct the start of image formation with the start button.

The copier control unit 28 first executes step 10
In step 1, it is determined whether normal image formation or information output has been selected (which information type has been selected) based on an input signal from the operation unit 30 or a personal computer, and if information output has been selected, Captures a signal indicating the type of information selected from the operation unit 30 in step 104. Next, at step 105, the copier control unit 28 transmits a signal indicating the type of the information and a charge display request signal to the I / F
Output to the vending machine 12 via the section 3. Further, the copying machine control unit 28 requests the vending machine 12 to display the inserted amount and the fee via the I / F unit 3.

In the vending machine 12, the copying machine control unit 28
Is detected by a check section (not shown) as to whether or not a coin has been inserted from the coin insertion slot 13 in step 121. When a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 13 and a signal is input from the check section, the copying machine controller 28 determines in step 122 whether the inserted coin is genuine. If the coin is genuine, the vending machine control unit 1 is notified of the amount of the inserted coin. In step 122, the vending machine control unit 1 calculates the amount of the inserted coin based on the input signal from the coin mechanism 7 and displays the calculated amount on the display unit 11.
Notifying the copying machine of the amount of the input through the F section,
An image forming operation enable signal for enabling the image forming operation
Notify the copying machine via the F section.

In the copying machine, the copying machine control unit 28 determines the number of image formations set by the operation unit 30 in step 106,
Multiplying the information output unit price (image formation fee + information fee) stored in advance in the storage means to obtain a copy fee, the obtained copy fee and the information output unit price are sent to the vending machine 12 via the I / F unit 29. Notify to Further, the copying machine control unit 28 compares the copy fee with the input amount notified from the vending machine 12 via the I / F unit 29 to determine whether or not the input amount is equal to or higher than the copy fee. Thus, it is determined whether or not the input amount is insufficient. When the input amount is less than the copy fee and the input amount is insufficient, the copying machine control unit 28 displays a warning to the effect that the input amount is insufficient on a display unit (not shown) in step 107.

In the vending machine 12, the vending machine control unit 1
Determines whether or not a charge display request signal has been input from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3 in step 125, and when the charge display request signal has been input, it has been notified from the copy machine in step 126. The copy fee is displayed on the display unit 11.
At this time, since the type of information may be changed by the operation unit 30 or the personal computer, the copier control unit 28 does not start the image forming operation.
Alternatively, a signal indicating the type of information from the personal computer is received.

The vending machine control unit 1 compares the input amount with the copy fee (the number of image formation times the copy unit price) notified from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3 in step 127, and copies the input amount. It is determined whether or not the input amount is insufficient by determining whether or not the charge is higher than the charge. If the input amount is less than the copy fee and the input amount is insufficient, the image forming operation enable signal is turned off in step 129. To If the input amount is equal to or more than the copy fee, the vending machine control section 1 turns on the image forming operable signal in step 128.

In the copying machine, the copying machine control unit 28 checks in step 108 whether the start button of the operation unit 30 has been pressed and an image formation start instruction signal has been input.
When the image forming start instruction signal is input from the start button, if the image forming operation enable signal input from the vending machine via the I / F unit 29 is off, the permission signal (permits the image forming operation) Signal) is turned off to disable the image forming operation. If the image forming operation enable signal input from the vending machine via the I / F unit 29 is on, the copier control unit 28 turns on the permission signal in step 109 to permit the image forming operation. Controlling the respective parts of the copying machine to start an image forming operation of outputting the selected type of information, out of the information stored in the internal storage means or the information from the outside, onto the transfer paper, and outputting the information. A charge command is sent to the I / F unit 2 every time the transferred transfer paper is discharged.
9 to the vending machine 12.

In the vending machine 12, the vending machine control unit 1
Checks in step 130 whether or not a charging command has been input from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3. If no charging command has been input, the process proceeds to step 134. When the charge command is input, the vending machine control unit 1 compares the input amount with the copy fee notified from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3 in step 131, and the input amount is equal to or larger than the copy fee. It is determined whether or not the input amount is insufficient by determining whether or not the input amount is smaller than the copy fee. If the input amount is not enough, the flow proceeds to step 132 to the copying machine via the I / F unit 3. Notifies that the input amount is insufficient. In the copying machine, when the vending machine 12 notifies the vending machine 12 via the I / F unit 29 that the amount is insufficient, a warning that the amount is insufficient is displayed on the display unit. Let it.

In the copying machine, the copying machine control unit 28 checks in step 110 whether or not all the information output has been completed. Return lever 4 via section 29
It is checked whether or not the press of is pressed. When the return lever 4 is informed, the copying machine control unit 28 clears the copy conditions and the like in step 114 and returns to the default state, and displays the fee to the vending machine 12 via the I / F unit 29. To turn off.

The copying machine control unit 28 controls the return lever 4
If not, it is determined in step 112 whether the work has been completed by checking the input signal from the end button on the operation unit 30 to determine whether the end button has been pressed. If the end button is not pressed, the process returns to step 101. Copier control unit 28
If the end button is pressed, the vending machine 12 is notified of the press of the end button via the I / F unit 29 in step 113, and the copy conditions of the copier are cleared in step 114 to clear the default. It returns to the state and instructs the vending machine 12 to turn off the charge display via the I / F unit 29.

In the vending machine 12, the vending machine control unit 1
Checks whether or not the end button has been notified from the copier via the I / F unit 3 in step 134, and if the end button has been notified, determines that all operations have been completed. In step 136, the image formation enabling signal is turned off, and if the end button is not pressed, it is checked in step 135 whether the return lever 4 has been pressed based on the signal from the return lever 4.

If the return lever 4 is not pushed, the vending machine control section 1 returns to step 121 and returns the return lever 4
If is pressed, the image formation enabling signal is turned off in step 136. As a result, the copying machine does not feed the transfer paper thereafter. Then, the vending machine control section 1 checks whether or not a charging command has been input from the copying machine via the I / F section 3 in step 137. When the charge command is input, the vending machine control unit 1 subtracts the copy unit price notified from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3 at the time of paper ejection from the input amount in step 138, and returns the current input amount again. Display 1
1 is displayed.

Further, the copying machine control section 1 outputs an operating signal to the vending machine 12 via the I / F section during the image forming operation. The vending machine control unit 1 determines whether or not the copying machine is performing an image forming operation by determining in step 139 whether or not an operating signal is input from the copying machine via the I / F unit 3. If it is determined that the copying machine is in the image forming operation, the process returns to step 137. When the copying machine is no longer in the image forming operation, the copying machine control unit 1 confirms that the permission signal is off in step 140, and then proceeds to the balance (subtracts the copy unit price from the above-mentioned input amount every time paper is discharged). Is discharged from the change storage unit 8 to the coin return slot 21 and returned, and the charge amount and the copy charge are displayed on the display unit 11 according to the charge display off instruction notified from the copier via the I / F unit 3. Turn off the display.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus that forms an image on transfer paper as a recording medium and the vending machine 12 that charges for the recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus are provided. The image forming apparatus has a transmitting unit (copier control unit 28) for transmitting the number of images formed and the size of the recording medium to the vending machine, and enables the vending machine 12 to perform an image forming operation. An image forming operation permitting means (copier control unit 28) for permitting the image forming operation only when a signal is received, and an operation signal for notifying the vending machine 12 that the image forming operation is being performed during the image forming operation. Output means (copier control unit 28), wherein the vending machine 12 outputs a signal enabling the image forming apparatus to perform an image forming operation by inserting coins as predetermined valuables. If there is no output and there is no balance, an operable signal output unit (vending machine control unit 1) for prohibiting the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus, and the number of image formed sheets and the size of the recording medium transmitted from the image forming apparatus. RAM 6 as storage means for storing, and return means (vending machine control unit 1 and change accommodation unit 8) for returning valuables after the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is completed,
The image forming apparatus includes a charge rate command unit (copier control unit) for notifying the vending machine 12 of a charge for the recording medium that has output predetermined information on the recording medium. This allows charging other than charging by a table.

For this reason, the fee can be determined not only by the conditions such as the size of the recording medium and the image forming mode, but also by varying the amount of information when outputting predetermined information. Become.

Further, according to this embodiment, the charge fee is displayed on the display unit 11 as the display means of the vending machine 12 in accordance with the instruction of the image forming apparatus, so that the charge other than the charge registered in the charge table is displayed. In the case of performing image formation other than the predetermined information output, not only the image formation unit price but also the image formation unit price × the number of image formation charges can be displayed. Can be notified.

Further, according to this embodiment, the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus has an end button as end instruction means for instructing the end of image formation, and the image forming end instruction from the end instruction means is provided. Since the information is transmitted to the vending machine 12, the return of the remaining amount can be started based on the image formation end instruction information, and the operation of whether or not the work is completed can be performed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

Further, according to this embodiment, since the fee in the fee table and the current input amount are transmitted from the vending machine 12 to the image forming apparatus, it is possible to determine whether the fee is insufficient or the image forming operation is completed.

[0053]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the fee is determined not only by the conditions such as the size of the recording medium and the image forming mode, but by outputting predetermined information. It is possible to charge according to the amount of information and the like. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the fee is determined not only based on the conditions such as the size of the recording medium and the image forming mode, but when the predetermined information is output, the fee varies depending on the amount of information. It becomes possible.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display a fee other than the fee registered in the fee table. It is also possible to display a charge of (unit price of image formation) × (number of images formed), and it is possible to notify the user of the excess or deficiency of the charge.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform an operation to determine whether or not the operation is completed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform an operation on whether or not to end the operation on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus.
According to the invention of claim 6, it is possible to determine the shortage of the fee and the end of the image forming operation. According to the invention according to claim 7, the fee is determined not only by the conditions such as the size of the recording medium and the image forming mode, but when the predetermined information is output, the fee is changed depending on the information amount or the like. It becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic circuit configuration of the copying machine according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top view showing a display unit of the vending machine.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the vending machine.

FIG. 5 is a top view showing a display unit of the vending machine.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a door of the vending machine is opened.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the copying machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation flow of the vending machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another part of the operation flow of the vending machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Vending machine control unit 6 RAM 28 Copy machine control unit

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, and a vending machine for charging a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus based on an internal charge table. In an image forming and selling apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium by the image forming apparatus by charging a valuable material into a vending machine, the automatic selling is performed on a recording medium on which predetermined information is output by the image forming apparatus. An image forming and selling apparatus, which performs charging other than charging based on a charge table in the machine. 2. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, and a vending machine for charging the recording medium on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus has an image forming apparatus. Transmitting means for transmitting the number of sheets and the size of the recording medium to the vending machine; and image forming operation permitting means for permitting the image forming operation only when a signal enabling the image forming operation is received from the vending machine. During the image forming operation, an in-operation signal output means for notifying the vending machine that the image forming operation is being performed, wherein the vending machine forms an image by the image forming apparatus by inputting a predetermined valuable material. An operable signal output unit for outputting a signal enabling the operation to the image forming apparatus and prohibiting the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus when there is no balance, and an image forming apparatus transmitted from the image forming apparatus An image forming and selling apparatus, comprising: storage means for storing a number and a size of a recording medium; and return means for returning valuable resources after the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is completed. An image forming and selling apparatus, comprising: a charge rate command means for notifying the vending machine of a charge for the recording medium that has output the information of (1), and enabling a charge other than the charge based on a charge table in the vending machine. 3. An image forming and selling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said charging fee is displayed on a display means of said vending machine in accordance with an instruction of said image forming apparatus. 4. An image forming and selling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an end instruction means provided on an operation section of said image forming apparatus for instructing an end of image formation. An image forming and selling apparatus for transmitting image forming end instruction information to the vending machine. 5. An image forming and selling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said vending machine starts to return the balance when image forming end instruction information is transmitted from said end instruction means. Sales equipment. 6. The image forming and selling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said vending machine transmits a charge in said charge table and a current input amount to said image forming apparatus. Image forming and selling equipment. 7. A vending machine which sells a recording medium on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus based on an internal charge table, wherein said image forming apparatus outputs said image to a recording medium on which predetermined information is output. A vending machine for performing charging other than charging based on the charge table based on information from a forming apparatus.