JP2002183832A - Image output system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image output system capable of outputting an image from an image output device within the range of a desired amount of money. SOLUTION: When one of thumbnails (small image) 362 showing images of the respective pages is selected (pressed) from a page unit detail setting screen 360 for setting monochromatic/color printing, N-up, paper size, number of copies as output form information for each one page displayed on a touch panel display by a user, and then at least one of setting buttons 328, 330, 332, 342 is operated to change at least one of settings of monochromatic/color printing, N-up, paper size and number of copies, it is determined that the detail setting of the output form is changed, and according to the setting change, the print number, print charge and shortage of amount of money are obtained, and the displays of print number display sections 336, 338, 340, the print charge display sections 342, 344, 346 and a shortage of money message display section 324 are updated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image output system and, more particularly, to an image for recording and outputting an image on a recording medium based on image data and output form information indicating a form when outputting the image data. The present invention relates to an image output system comprising: an output device; and a charging device for charging a fee corresponding to the output mode for image output of the image output device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a convenience store or the like, image data recorded on a document is read, the read image is recorded on a recording sheet and output, or a print file input from the outside is used. An image output system equipped with an image output device for printing image data and a charging device for charging a fee according to the image output has been introduced, and nearby residents and the like input a fee corresponding to the image output to the charging device. Then, it is possible to copy a document and print a print file. In such an image output system, generally, the fee charged differs depending on the output mode such as monochrome / color printing and paper size such as A4 or B5.

[0003]

However, in the prior art, since the output form is set uniformly for one copy instruction or print instruction, for example, image data for a plurality of pages is printed by one print instruction. When printing, it was not possible to set the output mode for each page, such as color printing for only one page and monochrome printing for the other pages. For this reason, the user was not able to copy or print within the desired price range.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an image output system that allows a user to output an image from an image output device within a desired money amount range.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an image is recorded on a recording medium based on image data and output form information indicating a form when the image data is outputted. An image output system comprising: an image output device that records and outputs the output format information; and a charging device that charges a fee corresponding to the output format for the image output of the image output device. It has an input means for setting for each image data.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the output unit sets the output mode information for each image data by the input unit, so that the user can charge the fee charged according to the output mode information within a desired amount range. Thus, the output form information of each image data can be set arbitrarily.

The input means displays an operation screen so that the user can easily set the output form information so as to be within a desired amount range. It is preferable that the output form information is input from the operated operation screen, and the fee corresponding to the input output form is displayed in synchronization with the input of the output form. Further, as described in claim 3, the input means displays an operation screen, inputs the output form information from the displayed operation screen, and is input to the charging device for the fee. You may be made to display the shortfall amount of the input money amount.

[0008]

Next, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an image output system to which the present invention is applied. Image output system 10 shown in FIG.
Is a personal computer having an image output device (so-called multifunction device) 12 having a copy, printer, and facsimile function, and a touch panel display 14 having a configuration in which a touch panel is overlaid on a display panel formed of a liquid crystal display panel as a user interface. (Hereinafter referred to as “machine PC”) 16;
A billing device 18 is provided for permitting the number of copies / prints according to the inserted amount. These machine PCs
The image output device 12, the image output device 12, and the billing device 18 are connected to each other by a wired connection via a predetermined cable or a wireless connection by infrared communication or the like. In addition,
The touch panel display 14 corresponds to an input unit.

Also, as shown in FIG.
An auxiliary table 22 is attached to the mounting table 20 on which is mounted. As shown in FIG. 2, the auxiliary table 22 is a rectangular flat plate type, one side of which is attached to the mounting table 20 by a hinge, and a handle 22A is formed on the opposite side. Normally, the auxiliary table 22 is housed so that the handle portion 22A is oriented perpendicular to the floor surface with the handle portion 22A facing the floor surface (FIG. 2 (A)). When the auxiliary table 22 is rotated and lifted around the side attached to the mounting table 20 (see arrow A), the auxiliary table 22 can be set horizontally with the floor surface (see FIG. 2 ( B)).

On the auxiliary table 22 after setting, a device (hereinafter, referred to as a "user holding device") held by a user such as a notebook personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as "user PC") 26 or a digital camera is placed. Can be. The height of the auxiliary table 22 from the floor surface at the time of setting is designed so that the user can easily operate the user-owned device when the user-owned device is placed (about 93 cm). ing.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which an auxiliary table 22 on which a user-owned device can be mounted is attached to the mounting table 20 by a hinge, and the auxiliary table 22 can be stored. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that a table on which the user-held device is placed and on which the user-owned device can be operated is provided. For example, the stand may be a drawer type that can be stored, and may be pulled out only when necessary. In addition, the auxiliary table 22 does not need to be able to be stored, but it is preferable that the auxiliary table 22 be able to be stored when it is not needed in order to save space.

An interface cable 28 such as a USB cable is connected to the auxiliary
8A is stored outside, and the other connector is connected to the machine PC 16 in advance (FIG. 2).
(B)). The connector 28 that is outside the auxiliary table 22
By pulling A in the direction of arrow B, the stored cable is pulled out (FIG. 2C), and the connector 28A is connected to a connector (not shown) provided on the side of the user holding device such as the user PC 26. Thus, the user-owned device can be connected to the interface cable 28 (FIG. 2D).

Thus, the interface cable 28
, The user-owned device and the machine PC are connected to each other, and the interface cable 28 and the machine P
The user possessed device and the image output device 12 are also interconnected via C16. The interface cable 28
May not be storable, but for space saving, it is better to be able to store when not needed.

The auxiliary base 22 is provided with an outlet socket 30 connected to a power source (or an outlet capable of supplying power) via a predetermined cable (FIGS. 2B and 2C). )). Thereby, if necessary, the outlet plug provided at one end of the power cable 34 with the AC adapter 34A is inserted into the outlet receptacle 30, and the pin plug provided at the other end of the power cable 34 is inserted. By plugging into the power terminal of the user device, power can be supplied to the user device such as the user PC 26 (FIG. 2D).

It is sufficient that a user-owned device such as the user PC 26 can receive power from the auxiliary stand 22. For example, a power cable with a power AC adapter is connected to a power source or an outlet capable of supplying power with an outlet plug connected. It may be stored in the auxiliary stand 22, and the pin plug may be pulled out and connected to the user-owned device.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of the image output system 10.

The image output device 12 is, as shown in FIG.
A scanner module 40 configuring the scanner function, a printer module 42 configuring the printer function,
A FAX module 44 that configures the X function, a user interface 46 such as a display panel and operation buttons provided on the upper surface of the image output device, and an image output unit (IOT-SY).
S) 48, and the scanner module 40, the printer module 42, the FAX module 44, and the user interface 46 are each connected to the image output unit 4 via a bus or the like.
8 are interconnected.

The scanner module 40 has a document feeding means for feeding a document in a predetermined direction and a fixed reading optical system for recording a document fed by the document feeding means or a document placed on a document table. An image reading unit for reading an image is provided, and the image data obtained by reading the image by the image reading unit is output to the image output unit 48.

The FAX module 44 has a telephone line (IS
DN) and the machine PC 16, respectively, dials a destination based on a signal from the user interface 46 or the machine PC 16, and transmits image data acquired by the scanner module or image data from the machine PC 16 to the communication mode of the destination. And transmits it via a telephone line. Further, it converts a signal received via the telephone line into image data and outputs the image data to the image output unit 48.

The printer module 42 is connected via a communication control unit 50 to a hub 52 connected to a network 80 such as a LAN or the Internet, and is connected to other devices connected to the hub 52 and to the network 80. Communication with the specified device.

The printer module 42 has a memory 54 for storing print jobs and image data. The printer module 42 receives a print job transmitted from another device through communication via the communication control unit 50, and temporarily stores the print job in the memory 54. Store. Then, when the image output device 12 can perform an image output operation based on the print job, the print job is read out from the memory 54 and developed into image data, and the image output unit 48
Output to

The image output section 48 includes the scanner module 4
0, FAX module 44, or printer module 4
2, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor on the basis of the image data, and the formed electrostatic latent image is developed using a monochrome toner or a color toner. The image is transferred and output (this series of operations is referred to as “image output operation”).

The machine PC 16, as shown in FIG.
PU60 and memory 62 such as RAM, ROM, and HDD
And an input / output port 64 for inputting and outputting data. The CPU 60, the memory 62, and the input / output port 64 are interconnected via a bus.

The input / output port 64 is connected to the communication control unit 6
6 and connected to the hub 52, and can communicate with other devices (for example, the image output device 12) connected to the hub 52 and devices connected to the network 80.

The machine PC 16 is provided with an input / output port 6
4, the image output device 12, the billing device 18, and various peripheral devices are connected to each other by a wired connection through a predetermined cable or a wireless connection through infrared communication or the like.

The peripheral devices include a keyboard 68, a mouse 70, a speaker 72, an external storage device 74, and the like, in addition to the touch panel display 14. The external storage device 74 includes an FD, CD-ROM, CD-RW, or M
FD drive, CD-RO for reading and writing data to O etc.
An M drive, a CD-ROM writer, an MO drive, or the like can be used. Further, the speaker 72 may be built in the touch panel display 14.

Various programs for operating the image output system 10 are installed and stored in the memory 62 in advance, and the CPU 60 reads and executes the programs as appropriate. More specifically, not only the OS but also the copy, printer, and FAX functions for driving the copy, printer, and FAX functions of the image output device 12, respectively.
Programs, a charge information collection program for calculating charges, a charge management program for managing the amount of money input to the charging device 18, and the like are installed.

In the memory 62, a print file input from the user PC 26 connected to the machine PC 16 via the interface cable 28 housed in the auxiliary base 22, or a print file input from the external storage device 74. Various programs for printing the application file are also installed and stored in advance. Specifically, a print utility program automatically started when the user PC 26 is connected, a program for performing detailed settings such as monochrome / color printing, a program for erasing a work file for printing after printing, and the like. Is installed.

Further, by executing these programs,
Various user interface screens on the touch panel display 14 and the display 26A of the user PC 26, specifically, a print utility screen 300 described later
(See FIG. 8), a detail setting screen 320 (see FIG. 10), a page unit detailed setting screen 360 (see FIG. 13), and an erased notification screen 380 (see FIG. 17) are displayed. Become. The data of these user interface screens is also stored in the memory 62.

In the memory 62, application programs such as typical word processing software, layout software, and photo retouching software are installed and stored in advance. Further, the memory 62 stores the image output device 1
For example, if the user PC 26 is connected to the machine PC 16 via the interface cable 28 housed in the auxiliary table 22, the printer driver software program for the printer driver software is stored in advance. You can also install programs.

The memory 62 also stores a print file input from the user PC 26 or the external storage device 74, and a print work file generated for printing the print file.

The charging device 18 uses a coin kit, a slot for inserting coins, a display panel for displaying the inserted amount and balance, a return instruction button for instructing return of balance, and return of balance. It is equipped with a return port for the customer.

When a user inserts coins or bills through the insertion slot, the billing device 18 counts the inserted amount and displays the amount on the display panel. In addition, a copy or print instruction is input from the user by operating the user interface 46 of the image output device 12 or the touch panel display 14 of the machine PC 16, for example.
When an image output operation is performed in the image output device 12, a balance obtained by subtracting a fee corresponding to the number of output sheets is displayed on the display panel. When a return of the balance is instructed by operating the balance return button or the touch panel display 14 of the machine PC 16, the balance is returned to the user from the return port.

In this embodiment, a case where a coin kit for directly inserting coins is used as billing device 18 will be described as an example. However, a prepaid card, a cash card, a net connection credit, or the like may be used.

Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, a user PC created by an application program such as word processing software, layout software, photo retouching software, etc.
A case where a file stored in the internal memory 26 is printed by the image output system 10 will be described.

First, the user holds the handle 22A, rotates and lifts the auxiliary base 22 as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 2, sets the auxiliary base 22 so as to be horizontal with the floor surface, and sets the set auxiliary base. The user PC 26 is placed on the PC 22. Then, the connector 28A, which is protruding from the auxiliary table 22, is pulled in the direction of arrow B, the interface cable 28 is pulled out, and the connector 28A is connected to the connector provided on the user PC 26 side. Thus, the user PC 26 is connected to the image output system 10 via the interface cable 28, and can communicate with the machine PC 16 and the image output device 12.

If necessary, for example, when the battery of the user PC 26 is not charged, the outlet plug provided at one end of the power cable 34 is inserted into the outlet receptacle 30, and the pin plug provided at the other end is inserted. Into the power terminal of the user PC 26,
When the user PC 26 is started by turning on the power supply of FIG.
Are executed by the user PC 26.

[Process on User PC] User PC 26
Is activated, first, in step 100, it is detected that it is connected to the machine PC 16 via the interface cable 28, and a print utility program, which is an automatic activation program in the memory 62, is detected. When the print utility program is read and started, the subsequent print setting processing is started in step 104.

In this embodiment, the user PC 26
The case where the user PC 26 is connected to the machine PC 16 via the interface cable 28 and started up by detecting the connection with the machine PC 16 and activating the print utility program to execute the print setting process will be described. Alternatively, the machine PC 16 may detect that the user PC 26 has been connected, activate the print utility program, and execute the print setting process.

In the print setting process, first, at step 106
8, the data of the print utility screen is read out from the memory 62 of the machine PC 16, and the print utility screen 300 as shown in FIG.
It is displayed on the display 26A of C26. The print utility screen 300 may be displayed on the touch panel display 14 instead of the display 26A, or may be displayed on both the display 26A and the touch panel display 14.

Print utility screen 3 shown in FIG.
00 is provided with a file selection button 302 for selecting a file to be printed (print file) and a file name display field 304 for displaying the file name of the selected print file. Also, machine PC
16 (hereinafter, referred to as “direct printing”), user P
Printing from the user PC 26 using the printer driver installed in the C 26 (hereinafter referred to as “printing using printer driver”), downloading the latest printer driver, installing it in the user PC 26, and printing from the user PC 26 (hereinafter, “printing using the printer driver”) "Printer driver download printing"), and print button 306, 308, 310 for designating each print method, and description buttons 312, 314 for displaying a description of the print method corresponding to each print method. , 316 are provided.

Immediately after the display of the print utility screen 300, the print method designation buttons 306, 308, and 310 are set in an inoperable state, and only the file selection button 302 is set in an operable state.
, A selection of a print file is accepted. In addition,
When the print method designation buttons 306, 308, and 310 are made inoperable, the display is changed by, for example, decreasing the color of the buttons or changing the color, so that the user cannot operate the print method designation buttons. It should be easy to grasp.

When the user operates the file selection button 302 by operating the keyboard or the like of the user PC 26, and a file created by the application program and stored in the internal memory of the user PC 26 is selected as a print file, File name display field 304
The file name of the selected print file is displayed in step S110. In step 110, the executable print method is confirmed. Among the print method designation buttons 306, 308, and 310 on the print utility screen 300, the confirmed print method is displayed. A button corresponding to an executable printing method is set in an operable state, and selection of a printing method is accepted in the next step 112.

For the confirmation of the feasible printing method,
Based on the properties of the selected print file or the extension of the file name, the application program that created the print file is checked, and whether the application program is installed on the machine PC 16 is checked. If the application program is installed in the machine PC 16, it is determined that direct printing for printing from the machine PC 16 is executable.

If the application program is not installed in the machine PC 16, the user PC 26 must print.
The printer driver checks whether printer driver software for the image output device 12 is installed on the side 26, and if the printer driver software is installed on the user PC 26, determines that printing using the printer driver is executable.

If the printer driver is not installed on the user PC 26, it is necessary to install the printer driver on the user PC 26.
It is determined that the printer driver download printing can be executed. Alternatively, the printer driver download printing may be executed in any case.

The printer driver download printing includes a process for downloading a program for printing a print file from the Internet and making it executable based on the property or extension.

When both direct printing and printing using a printer driver can be performed, a printing method having a higher priority may be displayed as “recommended” so that the user can select a printing method without trouble. For example, a performance comparison (benchmark) between the machine PC 16 and the user PC 26 is performed, it is determined which printing method can be completed in a shorter time, and the printing method capable of completing the printing in a shorter time may be set as “recommended”. . As a method of displaying “recommended”, for example, “recommended” is entered in the print method designation button 306 or the print method designation button 308 (see FIG. 8), the character indicating each print method is enlarged, and Or change the color to a more prominent color.

The performance comparison between the machine PC 16 and the user PC 26 is performed when the user PC 26 detects the connection with the machine PC 16 via the interface cable 28 (or
(When the machine PC detects the connection of the user PC 26), and the “recommended” display may be performed using the result. When the latest printer driver is downloaded and installed on the user PC 26, the performance may be compared when the printer driver is downloaded.

The user presses the print method designation button 30 on the print utility screen 300 in an operable state.
By operating any of 6, 308 and 310,
A desired printing method is selected from executable printing methods. At this time, if necessary, the user presses the explanation button 3
By operating the buttons 12, 314, 316, an explanation display column 318 for displaying a detailed explanation of the printer method corresponding to the operated explanation button is displayed on the print utility screen 300 as shown in FIG. You can also check the detailed description of the printing method. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the explanation button 314 is operated.

When the user operates the print method designation button 306 to select direct printing, the process proceeds from step 114 to step 116, and transfers the print file selected in step 108 to the machine PC 16. Then, the processing related to printing in the user PC 26 ends.

When the user operates the print method designation button 308 and selects the print using the printer driver, the process proceeds from step 114 to step 118 and step 124, and the user PC 26 is selected in step 108 described above. Start the application program that created the print file.

If the user operates the print method designation button 310 and selects the printer driver download printing, the process proceeds from step 114 to step 11.
8, the process proceeds to steps 120 and 122, and the printer driver software stored in the memory 62 of the machine PC 16 is downloaded (transmitted) to the user PC 26 and installed on the user PC 26.
24, and the above-described step 108 is stored in the user PC 26.
Starts the application program that created the print file selected in. Note that the latest printer driver software for the image output apparatus 12 may be downloaded from a predetermined site on the network via the network 80 (Internet) and installed on the user PC 26.

When the application program is started, the user operates the keyboard or the like to use the printing function of the application to operate the image output device 12.
Is selected as the printer for printing, and black and white / color printing, N
The output mode such as -up (printing N pages collectively on one sheet of recording paper), paper size, number of copies, and the like is set, and a button indicating execution of printing is selected. As a result, in the next step 126, the image output device 12 selected by the user is designated as the printer for printing the print file, and the output form is set in detail.

In the next step 128, the print file is converted into a PDL (page description language) that can be analyzed by the image output device 12 to generate PDL data (page data). 12, the generated PDL data, the detailed setting information indicating the detailed setting result of the output form in step 126, and the print instruction are transmitted, and the processing related to printing in the user PC 26 ends.

Upon receiving the PDL data, the detailed setting information, and the print instruction transmitted from the user PC 26 in step 130, the image output device 12 determines that the print job has been submitted, analyzes the PDL data, and analyzes the image data. And performs an image output operation based on the image data in accordance with the detailed setting information to output a recording sheet on which an image based on the PDL data is recorded (that is, the content of the print file is printed on the recording sheet). When output is complete,
The data related to the print job in the image output device 12 is deleted. In addition, the charging device 18 charges a fee according to the image output operation of the image output device 12, and collects a printing fee from the user.

On the other hand, if direct printing is selected and the machine PC
When the print file is transferred to the
Then, the processing routine shown in FIG. 5 is executed.

In the above description, a case has been described where the executable printing method is confirmed and the user selects a desired printing method from the executable printing methods. The process may be shifted to the process for direct printing immediately. After confirming an executable printing method, a high-priority printing method may be automatically selected from the executable printing methods, and the process may be shifted to processing for the printing method.

[Processing on Machine PC] Machine PC 16
Receives the print file transferred from the user PC 26 in step 200, stores the received print file in the memory 62 in step 202, proceeds to step 204, and executes the detailed setting and processing shown in FIG. Perform printing fee calculation processing.

In the detailed setting and print charge calculation processing, first, in step 220, the print file is analyzed by using an application program, and based on the number of black and white pages and color pages in the print file, black and white / color pages are analyzed. The number of printed sheets is checked (counted), and the paper size of each page is checked. In the next step 222,
The amount of money currently input to the charging device 18 (the amount of money input)
Is determined, and in step 224, a printing fee required for printing is obtained based on the number of monochrome / color prints and the paper size.
The printing fee is subtracted from the input amount to determine the shortage amount.

Then, in the next step 226, for example,
An output mode as shown in FIG. 10 is set in detail, that is, a detailed setting screen 320 for setting output mode information is displayed on the touch panel display 14. Note that, in the present embodiment, the detailed setting screen 320
If C26 is connected, touch panel display 1
4 may be displayed on the display 26A of the user PC 26, or may be displayed on both the touch panel display 14 and the display 26A.

The detailed setting screen 320 shown in FIG. 10 includes an input amount display column 322 for displaying the input amount, and a shortage amount message display for displaying a message indicating the insufficient amount when the charge is insufficient. A column 324 and a file name display column 326 for displaying the file name of the print file are provided.

On the detailed setting screen 320, setting buttons 328 and 33 for setting monochrome / color printing, N-up, paper size, and number of copies as output form information, respectively.
0, 332, 334, print number display fields 336, 338, 340, and print number display fields for respectively displaying the number of black and white prints, the number of color prints, and the total number of prints according to the result of setting by these setting buttons. The printing fee required to print the number of sheets indicated in 336 in black and white,
Print fee display columns 342, 344, and 346 are provided for displaying a print fee and a total print fee required for color printing of the number displayed in the print number display column 338, respectively.

Further, on the detailed setting screen 320, for each page, monochrome / color printing, Nu
p, page size detail setting screen display button 348 for displaying a page size detail setting screen for setting the paper size and number of copies, a cancel button 350 for canceling printing of a print file, a detail setting screen or page unit A print start button 352 for instructing the start of printing of a print file according to the settings on the detailed setting screen is provided.

Immediately after setting on the detailed setting screen 320,
In the input amount display column 322, the input amount confirmed in the above-mentioned step 222 is displayed, and in the shortage amount message display column 324, a message based on the shortage amount obtained in the above-mentioned step 222 (if there is no shortage, there is no message); In the print number display fields 336, 338, and 340 and the print charge display fields 342, 344, and 346, the number of prints and the paper size confirmed in step 220, and step 224 are described.
The number of prints and the printing fee based on the printing fee obtained in the step are displayed. If there is a shortage, the print start button 352 is inoperable. When the print start button 352 is inoperable, the user can easily recognize that the print start button 352 is inoperable by changing the display such as reducing the color of the button or changing the color. It is good to do so.

When the user wants to stop printing of the print file, he selects (presses) the stop button 350. In response, the machine PC 16 makes an affirmative determination in step 228, and ends the process. At this time, the process may be ended after the print file is deleted from the memory 62.

When the user newly inserts a coin or a bill into the charging device 18, the amount of the inserted coin or bill is
8 and the latest input amount is notified to the machine PC 16. When the user operates the return instruction button of the charging device 18, it is determined that the balance is instructed to be returned, and the balance of the input amount is returned from the charging device 18, and the latest input amount, that is, 0 yen is transferred to the machine PC 16. Notified.

Upon receiving the notification, the machine PC 16 determines that the input amount has been changed, shifts from step 228 to step 230 and step 232, and displays the input amount display field 322 based on the notified latest input amount. Is updated, and the display of the shortage message display field 324 is updated by obtaining the shortage based on the latest input amount.

When the user wants to change the setting of the output form, the user selects (presses) the setting buttons 328, 330, 332, 334 to change the setting of monochrome / color printing, N-up, paper size, number of copies. . For example, by the user
Set button 3 to change black and white / color print settings
When the button 28 is operated, the machine PC 16 displays a settable item button 354 for monochrome / color printing in a pop-up menu on the detailed setting screen 320 as shown in FIG. Here, printing in a state where black and white and color are mixed, printing of color pages in black and white (all pages black and white printing), printing of color pages only, and printing of black and white pages only
Items can be set, and the user changes the setting of black-and-white / color printing by selecting (pressing) a settable item button 354 corresponding to a desired item from the items.

Similarly, when the setting button 330 is operated by the user to change the setting of N-up, similarly, any of N-up no, 2-up, 4-up, and 8-up When the setting button 332 is operated to change the setting of the paper size, the postcard, the paper size of any of B5, A4, B4, A3, and B5 to A3 can be changed. Can change settings. A setting button 334 is used to change the number of copies setting by the user.
Is operated, a button showing numbers 0 to 9 is displayed, though not shown, and the setting can be changed to an arbitrary number by operating this button.

The setting buttons 328 and 33 are set by the user.
0, 332, and 342 are operated to change at least one of the settings of black and white / color printing, N-up, paper size, and the number of copies, it is determined that the detailed settings of the output form have been changed. 228 to step 23
0, step 234, and step 236. Based on the setting change, the number of prints, the print fee, and the shortage amount are obtained, and the corresponding print number display field 3 on the detailed setting screen 320
36, 338, 340, printing fee display fields 342, 34
4, 346, the display of the shortage amount message display column 324 is updated.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, black-and-white / color printing is performed in a state where black-and-white and color are mixed.
If there is no up, the paper size is set to A4, the number of copies is set to 2 copies, and the printing fee for A4 monochrome printing is 10 yen / page and the printing fee for A4 color printing is 50 yen / page, As shown in FIG. 12, when the setting of monochrome / color printing is changed to monochrome printing of color pages as well (black and white printing of all pages), the display of the print number display columns 336, 338, and 340 is changed from 10 to 16, 6 → 0, 16 → 16
The print fee display fields 342, 344, and 346 indicate 100 yen → 160 yen, 300 yen → 0 yen, and 4
It is changed from 00 yen to 160 yen. Also, 30
If 0 yen has been inserted, shortage message display field 3
The display of 24 is changed to “100 yen shortage” → no message, and the user can confirm that printing is possible with the currently inserted amount of money.

When the user wants to set whether to print each page or not, and to set monochrome / color printing, N-up, paper size, and number of copies for each page to be printed, a page unit detailed setting screen The display button 348 is selected (pressed). Page unit detail setting screen display button 3
When 48 is selected, the machine PC 16
The page-based detailed setting screen 360 on which a thumbnail (small image) 362 indicating an image of each page is displayed together with a number indicating each page indicated by the print file as shown in FIG. 13, the detailed setting screen 320 shown in FIG.
The same screen constituent members as those described above are given the same member numbers as in FIG. 10, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The user selects (presses) the thumbnail 362 corresponding to the page for which the user wants to set (or change the setting), and then sets the setting buttons 328,
By selecting (pressing) 30, 332, 334, monochrome / color printing, N-up, paper size,
The number of copies can be set.

For the setting of monochrome / color printing or no printing, a cyclic touch format is applied to the thumbnail 362, and when the thumbnail 362 is pressed, for example, when the page corresponding to the thumbnail 362 is colored, , Color printing → black and white printing → do not print →
In addition to changing to color printing →…, and according to this change,
The display of the thumbnail 362 may be changed to a color image → black and white image → addition of x mark → color image →... (See FIG. 14A). Thus, the user can set desired settings for each page (black and white printing / color printing / not printing).
Can be done easily. If the page corresponding to the thumbnail 362 is black and white, the display is changed to black and white printing → not printing → black and white printing →... (See FIG. 14B).

Further, a pop-up menu format is applied to the thumbnail 362, and when the thumbnail 362 is pressed, the thumbnail 36 is displayed in a pop-up menu format.
If the page corresponding to No. 2 is color, the respective items of black-and-white printing / color printing / non-printing are displayed, and the user selects (presses) the desired item, and the desired setting (black-and-white printing / Color printing / not printing) may be easily performed (see FIG. 15A). When the page corresponding to the thumbnail 362 is black and white, each item of black / white printing / not printing may be displayed (see FIG. 15B).

Even when the setting is made for each page by the user in this way, the machine PC 16 determines that the setting has been changed and shifts from step 228 to step 230, step 234, and step 236. Based on the setting change, the number of prints, the print fee, and the shortage amount are obtained, and the corresponding print number display fields 336, 338, and 340 on the detailed setting screen 320 and the print fee display field 34
2, 344, 346, shortage message display field 324
Update the display of.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, it is set that the first and seventh pages are not printed, and
And the 8th page is set to monochrome printing, the 4th and 6th pages are set to color printing, and the 4th page is originally A3 size, but the paper size setting for all pages is A4. , A3 → A4, N-up is not set, the number of copies is set to 2 copies, and the printing charge for A4 monochrome printing is 10 yen /
One sheet, A4 color printing is 50 yen / sheet, A3
When the printing fee for color printing is 100 yen / sheet,
As shown in FIG. 6, the paper size of the fourth page is set to A3.
Is changed to the number of prints display fields 336, 338, 34
Although the display of 0 is 8 sheets, 4 sheets, and 12 sheets, respectively, the display of the print charge display fields 342, 344, 346 has been changed from 80 yen to 80 yen, 200 yen to 300 yen, 280 yen to 380 yen respectively You. Also, if 300 yen has been inserted into the charging device, the display of the shortage amount message display field 324 is changed from "No message" to "80 yen is insufficient", and the user is insufficient in the amount of money currently input. Then, it is possible to confirm that printing cannot be performed, so that the setting is changed again, or a new coin or bill is inserted into the charging device 18.

When the shortage amount disappears (shortage amount = 0) due to the change of the input amount or the setting change as described above, it is determined that printing is possible, and the print start button 352 becomes operable.

The machine PC 16 determines that printing is possible, sets the print start button 352 to an operable state, and operates (presses) the print start button 352 by the user to instruct printing to start printing in step 238 or step 238. A negative determination is made in step 240 and the aforementioned step 22
8, the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed. If it is determined that printing is possible and printing start is instructed, the detailed setting and print charge calculation processing is terminated, and the process returns to the processing in FIG.

In step 206, the print file is converted into a PDL that can be analyzed by the image output device 12, and the PDL is converted.
Data is generated, and in the next step 208, the generated PDL data, the detailed setting information set in the above-described detailed setting and printing fee calculation processing, and a print instruction are transmitted to the image output apparatus 12.

When the image output device 12 receives the PDL data, the detailed setting information, and the print instruction transmitted from the machine PC 16 in step 208, it determines that the print job has been input, analyzes the PDL data, and analyzes the image data. And performs an image output operation based on the image data in accordance with the detailed setting information to output a recording sheet on which an image based on the PDL data is recorded (that is, the content of the print file is printed on the recording sheet). When output is complete,
The data related to the print job in the image output device 12 is deleted, and the machine PC 16 is notified that the printing has been completed. In addition, a printing fee is charged by the charging device 18, and the printing fee is collected from the user.

The machine PC 16 stores PDL data,
After transmitting the detailed setting information and the print instruction to the image output device 12, the process proceeds to step 212, where the data erasing process shown in FIG. 7 is performed.

In the data deletion process, the process waits until the end of printing is notified from the image output device 12, and when the end of printing is notified, the process proceeds from step 250 to step 252.
All the various print work files used for printing the print files remaining in the memory 62 of the machine PC 16 are deleted from the memory 62.

[0086] Specific print work files include not only print files, but also image data files created for displaying the thumbnails 362, primary work files, and the like. In general, print history (data indicating printing date and time, file name, file size (number of bytes), etc.) is left in a log file for maintenance or the like when a failure occurs. Is not included in the print work file,
You may leave it in.

At this time, in a general file erasing process, there is a case where data of a file to be erased is merely moved to another storage area in the memory 62 (so-called “trashing” process). In the present embodiment, the memory 6
2, the storage area in which the data of the file to be erased (work file for printing) is stored is overwritten with a random mark or the like, and is completely erased from the memory 62. If the power is turned off halfway, the print work file remaining in the memory 62 when the machine PC 16 is restarted is deleted.

As described above, the image output device 12 generally automatically deletes data related to a print job when printing is completed. At this time, the image output device 12 uses the data for printing a print file. No data left. Therefore, the memory 6 of the machine PC 16 is
By erasing the printing work file from 2, the data used to print the printing file from within the image output system 10 can be completely erased.

In this embodiment, the data erasing process is not executed in the case of printing using the printer driver or printing by downloading the printer driver.
Since the PDL data and the print data of the detailed setting information are directly transmitted from the user PC 26 to the image output device 12 as a print job, no print work file is generated on the machine PC 16. Is completed, the data relating to the print job is automatically deleted, so that the image output system 10 does not need to delete the print work file from the memory 62 by the data deletion process.
No data remains.

Subsequently, in step 254, to notify the user that the printing work file has been deleted, a deleted notification screen 380 as shown in FIG. 17, for example, is displayed on the touch panel display 14.

The erased notification screen 380 shown in FIG. 17 shows that various print work files used for printing the print file instructed by the user to print, ie, that all data relating to the print file have been erased. 382 is displayed, a balance display field 384 for displaying the balance obtained by subtracting the print fee from the amount charged to the billing device 18, a balance instruction button 386 for instructing the fee adjustment, and a certificate issued. A certificate issuance payment instruction button 388 for instructing payment after that is provided.

A predetermined issuance fee is charged for issuance of a certificate. If the balance is less than this issuance fee (insufficient fee), the certificate issuance settlement instruction button 388 cannot be operated. It is in a state. If the certificate issuance and settlement instruction button 388 is inoperable, the display is changed by, for example, decreasing the color of the button or changing the color, and the user is in a state where the certificate issuance and settlement instruction button 388 is inoperable. It should be easy to understand this.

The user confirms from the erased notification screen 380 that all data relating to the print file for which he has instructed printing has been erased from the machine PC, and that the data has not been left in the image output system 10.

Then, if there is no need to receive a certificate, the user selects (presses) the settlement instruction button 386. In response to this, the machine PC 16 proceeds from step 256 to step 266, instructs the accounting device 18 to settle (return the balance), and ends the process. As a result, coins or bills corresponding to the balance are output from the billing device 18 through the balance return port, and the balance is returned to the user.

If the user wants to receive a certificate, the user checks the balance in the balance display field 384. If the user is short on charges, he or she inserts coins or bills into the charging device 18 and then setstle the certificate. An instruction button 388 is selected (pressed).

In response to this, the machine PC 16 determines that a certificate can be issued and that the issuance of a certificate has been instructed, and from step 256 to step 258, step 2
60, the process proceeds to step 262, where the certificate data and the print instruction are transmitted to the image output device 12. Image output device 12
Then, in response to this, an image output operation is performed, and the certificate 382 is recorded on a recording sheet and output (certificate issuance).

After transmitting the certificate data and the print instruction,
The machine PC 16 proceeds to step 264 and instructs the charging device 18 to charge the certificate issuance fee.
The process proceeds to 66, in which the accounting device 18 is instructed to settle (return the balance), and the process ends. The billing device 18 receives the charge instruction for the certificate issuance fee, charges the certificate issuance fee, receives the settlement instruction, and deposits coins or bills of the amount corresponding to the balance after charging the certificate issuance charge. Output from the return port,
Return the balance to the user.

If neither the settlement instruction nor the certificate issuance instruction is input after a lapse of a predetermined time after displaying the erased notification screen 380, or if it becomes impossible to issue the certificate, steps 256 to 258 and step 258 26
0, step 268, step 266, or step 256 to step 258, step 26
8. The process proceeds to step 266 to instruct the accounting device 18 to settle (return the balance) and terminate the process. This allows
A coin or a bill corresponding to the balance is output from the billing device 18 through the balance return port, and the balance is returned to the user.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the auxiliary table 22 is provided in the image output system 10, and the user can work by placing the user PC 26 on the auxiliary table 22 if necessary. . Further, an interface cable 28 is housed in the auxiliary table 22. By connecting the user PC 26 to the interface cable 28, the user PC 26 is connected to the machine PC 16, and the image output device 12 is provided with a print file created by the user PC 26. Can be printed.

Also, a detailed page setting page 360 for setting the output mode for each page in detail, that is, for setting output mode information for each image data output by the image output device 12, is displayed on the touch panel display 14. Since the output mode can be set for each page, that is, for each image data, the user can set and print so that the printing fee falls within the preferred amount range.
Also, when the setting is changed to a detailed setting screen 320 for setting output information displayed on the touch panel display 14 in detail or a page unit detailed setting screen 360 for setting output form in detail for each page. Will update the display of print charges and shortfalls accordingly.
When a coin or a bill is inserted into the billing device 18 and the inserted amount is changed, the display of the shortage amount is updated in accordance with the change, and the user performs the setting while confirming these displays. The printing fee can be easily set within the range of the desired amount.

The image output system 10 is used by an unspecified number of people. When the machine PC 16 causes the image output device 12 to perform printing based on a print file, when printing is completed, the image file is output to the print file. All relevant data is erased from the memory 62 so that the data does not remain in the image output system 10, and the user can print using the image output system 10 without worrying about secret leakage. it can.

In the above description, the case where the user PC 26 is connected to the machine PC 16 and the print file is transferred from the user PC 26 to the machine PC 16 has been described as an example, but the print file is transferred to a storage medium such as an FD or a CD-ROM. And the storage medium is set in the external storage device 72,
The present invention is also applicable to a case where a print file is read from the machine PC 16 and printed by the image output device 12. That is, in this case as well, the data erasing process is similarly performed to erase all data related to the print file from the memory 62, so that the user can use the image output system 10 without worrying about secret leakage and without worry. Can be printed.

In the above description, the case where the recording paper is used as a recording medium, that is, an image output system for recording and outputting an image on the recording paper has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Recording media include FD and CD-ROM
For example, a recording medium that records an image with electronic information such as an electronic information may be used. That is, printing includes an operation of recording an image with electronic information on a recording medium. For example, the present invention is also applicable to an image output system that records an image captured by a digital camera on a CD-ROM.

[0104]

As described above, the present invention has an excellent effect that a user can output an image from an image output device within a desired money amount range.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an image output system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining an auxiliary table provided in the image output system, where FIG. 2A is a normal state, FIG. 2B is set to be horizontal with the floor, and FIG. (D) shows an auxiliary stand when a user PC (notebook personal computer) is placed when the cable is pulled out.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image output system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by a user PC.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process (main routine) executed by the machine PC.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed setting and printing fee calculation process (subroutine) executed by the machine PC.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a data erasing process (subroutine) executed by the machine PC.

FIG. 8 is an example of a print utility screen.

FIG. 9 is an example of a print utility screen when the explanation button in FIG. 8 is selected.

FIG. 10 is an example of a detailed setting screen.

11 is an example of a detailed setting screen when a setting button for setting monochrome / color printing in FIG. 10 is selected.

FIG. 12 is an example of a detailed setting screen after a setting change.

FIG. 13 is an example of a page unit detailed setting screen.

FIG. 14A shows a page unit detailed setting screen shown in FIG.
3B shows an example in which a cyclic touch format is applied to a thumbnail of a color page, and FIG.

FIG. 15A shows a page unit detailed setting screen in FIG.
7B shows an example in which a pop-up menu format is applied to a color page, and FIG.

FIG. 16 is an example of a page unit detailed setting screen after a setting change.

FIG. 17 is an example of an erased notification screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Image Output System 12 Image Output Device 14 Touch Panel Display 16 Personal Computer (Machine PC) 18 Billing Device 22 Auxiliary Stand 26 Notebook Personal Computer (User PC) 28 Interface Cable 62 Memory 300 Print Utility Screen 302 File Selection Buttons 306, 308, 310 Printing Method designation button 320 Detailed setting screen 322 Money input amount display field 324 Shortage amount message display field 328, 330, 332, 334 Setting button 336, 338, 340 Number of prints display field 342, 344, 346 Printing fee display field 348 Page unit detailed setting Screen display button 360 Detailed page setting screen 362 Thumbnail 380 Erased notification screen 382 Certificate 388 Certificate issue payment button

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Shoji Shimojima 3-7-1, Fuuchi, Iwatsuki-shi, Saitama Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office (72) Inventor Hideo Ebukuro 3-7-1, Fuuchi, Iwatsuki-shi, Saitama Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office (72) Inventor Tomohiro Tsukawaki 3-7-1, Funai, Iwatsuki City, Saitama Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office F-term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AP07 AR01 CQ04 CQ34 HL01 HQ20 HX10 2H027 EJ06 EJ08 GA20 GB13 5E501 AA06 BA03 BA05 CB05 DA12 EA11 EA15 EB05 FA04

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image output apparatus for recording and outputting an image on a recording medium based on image data and output form information indicating a form when the image data is output, and An image output system comprising: a charging device that charges a fee according to the output mode; and an input unit configured to set the output mode information for each of the image data. system. 2. The input means displays an operation screen,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output form information is input from the displayed operation screen, and the fee corresponding to the input output form is displayed in synchronization with the input of the output form. Output system. 3. The input means displays an operation screen,
2. The image output system according to claim 1, wherein the output form information is input from the displayed operation screen, and a shortage of an amount of money input to the charging device for the charge is displayed. 3. .