JP2002328797A - Charging system for image output service and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a certain and simple charging system and method when a plurality of users who need to separately perform fare adjustment jointly use an image forming device and the image forming device. SOLUTION: In the charging system of an image output service using a managing means purchased by prepaying a prescribed sum of image output costs and an image forming device, the managing means holds the ID information of a user and the history information of the image output, and the managing means is connected to the image forming device, and the image forming device is not used until the ID information is matched with a password inputted by the user. The use of the image forming device is managed within the range of the prescribed sum according to the history information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a billing system and an image forming apparatus for an image output service of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a laser printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a plurality of users who need to perform settlement separately use an image forming apparatus, a billing system corresponding to each user's image output (use of the image forming apparatus) is required. come.

[0003] Among them, various charging systems have been proposed in which a copying machine is installed in a store such as a convenience store to provide a copy service to an unspecified number of users. Generally, a system is settled for each service.

[0004] For example, there has been known an apparatus in which a charging apparatus called a coin rack is attached to a copying machine. This is done by copying after the user inserts the coin in the billing device in advance,
This is a prepaid system in which the amount of coins to be inserted is reduced according to its use.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-89362,
A system for attaching a barcode printing device to the copier, converting the content of the copy service into a barcode, printing it on a card, reading it with a barcode reader as a commodity price reading device commonly used in convenience stores, and paying for fees It has been disclosed.

[0006]

The above-mentioned billing system comprises:
Since the system is such that an unspecified number of users settle the charge each time the image output service is used, a specific minority user can settle the payment procedure in the case of a large amount of regular office use. Is complicated and unsuitable.

In other words, there is a case in which a plurality of companies use one or a small number of image forming apparatuses jointly in a tenant building and must pay for each company separately. In such a case, it is difficult to secure dedicated personnel for maintenance of the image forming apparatus, such as a clerk at a convenience store, so that materials such as paper and toner cannot be smoothly procured.

A method of distributing means for storing history information (usage state of the image forming apparatus) of image output such as an IC card or a magnetic tape for each user and performing a fee settlement at regular intervals has been proposed. If the IC card or the magnetic tape is lost, accurate payment cannot be made. In addition, there is a possibility of being stolen and being illegally used, which is problematic in terms of security.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a reliable and simple charging system and a charging method when a plurality of users who need to perform settlement separately use an image forming apparatus jointly. It is in.

[0010]

The object of the present invention has been attained by the following constitutions.

1. An image forming apparatus for outputting an image, management means capable of holding ID information for identifying a user who can use the image forming apparatus, and history information of the user's image output by the image forming apparatus; Connection means for exchanging information between the means and the image forming apparatus, recognition means for recognizing that the management means has been connected to the connection means, password input means for inputting a password, and holding of the management means Reading means for reading ID information or history information to be read, matching means for checking the ID information read by the reading means and the password input by the password input means, and checking the ID information and the password by the checking means. Permission means for permitting image output by the image forming apparatus when confirmed,
Rewriting means capable of rewriting the history information held by the management means in accordance with image output, wherein the management means has a predetermined amount of image output cost paid in advance, and outputs image data within the predetermined amount. A billing system for an image output service.

2. A password setting request unit, wherein the management unit holds password setting information relating to a password corresponding to the ID information;
2. The charging system for image output service according to claim 1, wherein when a password corresponding to the D information is not set, the password setting request unit prompts the user to set a password from the input unit. .

3. 3. The image output service charging system according to claim 2, wherein the password corresponding to the ID information held by the management unit is stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus.

4. 3. The image output service charging system according to claim 2, wherein the password corresponding to the ID information held by the management unit is stored in the management unit.

[0015] 5. Said connection means, recognition means, reading means,
The permission means, rewriting means and password setting request means are:
(1) to (4), wherein the image forming apparatus has
The charging system for an image output service according to any one of the above items.

6. Wherein the management means is a prepaid token having a built-in IC chip.
6. The charging system for an image output service according to any one of 5.

[7] In an image forming apparatus that performs image output, management means capable of holding ID information for identifying a user who can use the image forming apparatus and history information of image output of the user by the image forming apparatus is provided by the image forming apparatus. Connecting means for exchanging information with the device, a recognizing means for recognizing that the managing means is connected to the connecting means, a password inputting means for inputting a password,
Reading means for reading the ID information or history information held by the management means, matching means for matching the ID information read by the reading means with the password input by the password input means, and ID information by the matching means. A permission unit for permitting image output by the image forming apparatus when checking with a password, and a rewriting unit capable of rewriting history information held by the management unit in accordance with the image output, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the management means is prepaid for a predetermined amount of image output cost and manages image output within the predetermined amount.

[8] A password setting requesting unit, when the password corresponding to the ID information held by the managing unit is not set, the password setting requesting unit prompts the user to set a password from the input unit; 8. The image forming apparatus according to the above 7, wherein the image forming apparatus is characterized in that:

9. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the password corresponding to the ID information held by the management unit is stored in a storage unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus in a charging system for an image output service according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, a copying machine is taken as an example of the image forming apparatus.
The present invention is not limited to this, and any device capable of outputting images, such as a printer or a facsimile, may be used. Alternatively, a multifunction device having these functions may be used.

In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming apparatus,
Reference numeral 0 denotes an operation display unit of the image forming apparatus 1, reference numeral 200 denotes an image forming apparatus main body having an image output unit, reference numeral 300 denotes a platen glass for reading a document, and reference numeral 400 denotes a platen cover for covering the platen glass 300.

The image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic copying machine. A user places an original on a platen glass 300, covers the platen cover 400, and
When a predetermined operation / input is performed on the above, the image forming apparatus main body 20
The document is read as image data by an image reading means (not shown) in the area 0. Based on the image data read by the image reading means, the image forming apparatus main body 200
A toner image is formed on a sheet by an image output unit (not shown) in the inside, and is discharged outside the apparatus. The above is the image output process. In addition to the electrophotographic method, a known technique such as an ink jet method or a heat sensitive method can be applied to the image output method.

The operation display unit 100 will be described later.
Operation for the user to operate the image forming apparatus and obtain an image output, such as setting of conditions relating to image output such as the number of image outputs, image density, paper size, and operation of the billing system of the present invention, and to the user for the operation. Is an operation panel for displaying a warning or the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the prepaid token and a part of the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus.

Reference numeral 500 denotes a prepaid token having a built-in IC chip as management means of the present invention. In the operation display unit 100, reference numeral 101 denotes a token insertion unit into which the prepaid token 500 is inserted; A start button 103 for starting the operation, a numeric keypad 103 as a password input unit for the user to input numbers, and a liquid crystal touch panel display 104 for displaying operation keys and displaying a warning to the user. In the present embodiment, start button 102 also serves as a connection unit for enabling the exchange of information between prepaid token 500 and the image forming apparatus.

The prepaid token 500 is purchased for each user by paying a predetermined amount of image output cost in advance. Although a token (coin type) is used in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this type as long as it can hold ID information and history information. Further, in the present embodiment, the ID information and the history information are stored in an IC chip, but the present invention is not limited to this. The prepaid token 500 manages image output by the image forming apparatus within the predetermined amount. This is a so-called prepaid system, and even if the prepaid token is lost or stolen, the image output service providing side does not suffer any loss. In the postpaid system (postpaid system), management for securely recording, storing, and reading image output information is required, which is complicated. Furthermore, by using the prepaid system, the image output service provider can predict and prepare and procure materials (paper, toner, etc.) necessary for future image output at the time of selling the prepaid token. Therefore, a situation in which the image forming apparatus cannot be used due to a shortage of materials can be prevented, and there is an advantage that the service can be improved.

The prepaid token 500 stores ID information for identifying a user who holds the prepaid token 500. The ID information may be given in advance for each prepaid token, or may be set for each user after purchase.

The prepaid token 500 manages the image forming apparatus to output a predetermined amount of money (prepayment amount) at the time of purchase, and prohibits the image output when the predetermined amount of money has been output. History information can be stored.

The history information is cost data obtained by converting the contents of image output such as the number of images output, paper size, toner consumption, and color image output or monochrome image output using a look-up table. . The format in which the image output cost is added or the format in which the image output cost is subtracted from the prepaid amount may be used.

For example, assuming that the cost data of a predetermined amount (prepayment amount) at the time of purchasing the prepaid token 500 is 1000, every time one A4 size monochrome image is output, one A4 size color image is output. 5 every
0 is set as the basic image output cost, and subtracted from the cost data 1000. When the cost data becomes zero, image output is disabled with the prepaid token. In the case of an image output darker than a predetermined image density, the basic image output cost is increased by 3; in the case of a paper size of B4, increased by 5;
The look-up table can be changed in any way, such as minus one for each sheet. That is, unlike the above-described coin rack, which is a uniform charge system of 10 yen per sheet, a detailed charge system can be adopted.

Further, the prepaid token 500 can hold password setting information relating to a password corresponding to the ID information.

The password is the prepaid token 5
This is a security measure for protecting the interests of the user who purchased the prepaid token 500, and prevents a person who has obtained the prepaid token 500 by an unjust method such as theft from easily using the image forming apparatus. If the ID information held by the prepaid token 500 does not match the password held by the user who has properly purchased the prepaid token,
The image forming apparatus cannot be operated. When the user uses the prepaid token 500 for the first time, the password is requested from the image forming apparatus side,
A user inputs and sets a password from the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus. Although it may be given in advance when the prepaid token 500 is purchased, it is preferable in terms of security that the user sets it independently.

The password setting information held by the prepaid token 500 may be the password itself or only a flag indicating that the password has been set. In the latter case, the password itself is stored together with the ID information in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus. For example, when four copiers are managed by one prepaid token 500, (copier ID, flag) = (1, 1), (2, 1),
If the prepaid token 500 holds the password setting information of (3, 0), (4, 1), the password can be set for the copying machines 1, 2, and 4, so that it can be used. In No. 3, the password has not been set, and a password must be set (the copier 3 cannot be used with the prepaid token 500 as it is). The password may be different for each copying machine or may be common.

In any case, when an image is output using the prepaid token 500 for which a password has been set, the user inserts the prepaid token 500 into the token insertion unit 101 and connects the user.
Enter the password from 3. Then, the ID information held by the prepaid token 500 is read, and the set password corresponding thereto is read. It is determined whether or not the password input by the user from the numeric keypad 103 is to be compared with the set password. If the password is compared, image output by the image forming apparatus is permitted.

Even when the ID information and the password are collated, if the history information held by the prepaid token 500 indicates that the image output for the prepaid has already been completed, the image output is prohibited.

When a password is not set in the prepaid token 500, a message "No password has been set" is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel display 104.
Is displayed to urge the user to set a password. When setting a password, the user inputs and sets the password using numeric keys 103 or character keys displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel display 104.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are block diagrams showing the configuration of the image output service charging system of the present invention. In the figure, blocks having the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.
2 and FIG. FIG. 3 represents each component in terms of hardware, and FIG. 4 functionally represents each means, but they are the same.

The CPU 202 controls the components of the image forming apparatus 1 and controls the sequence of the entire billing system, and exchanges information with the prepaid token 500 via the start button 102. CPU2
Specifically, the control functions in the charging system 02 are as follows: 1. Recognition of whether the prepaid token 500 (management means) is connected to the start button 102 = recognition means ID held by the connected prepaid token 500
Read information, history information and password setting information =
Reading means 3.2. In the case where the password has not been set from the read password setting information, the password setting request is sent to the LCD touch panel display 104.
Display on (display means) = password setting request means 4.2. In the above, when the password is set from the read password setting information, the user is prompted to input a password from the numeric keypad 103 (password input unit) = password input request unit 5.4. The password entered by the user from the numeric keypad 103 (password input means)
Confirmation of collation based on collation table of ID information and password stored in (storage means) = collation means 6.5. In the case where the ID information and the password are collated, after confirming that the past total image output cost has not reached the advance payment by the history information read from the prepaid token 500, the image output by the image output unit 201 is performed. Permit = Permitting means 7.5. In the case where the ID information and the password are collated, if the past total image output cost has reached the prepayment (the remaining balance is zero) based on the history information read from the prepaid token 500, the image output by the image output unit 201 is performed. Prohibit = prohibition means 8.5. 8. In the case where the ID information and the password are not collated, the image output by the image output unit 201 is prohibited = prohibiting means. When the image output 201 is permitted by the permission unit,
According to the contents of image output (number of sheets, paper size, image density, etc.), the cost data is converted into cost data using a cost data look-up table (LUT) stored in the memory 203, and the retention history of the prepaid token 500 is stored. Updating (rewriting) information = rewriting means.

FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart until the image output of the image output service charging system of the present invention is permitted.

First, it is determined whether the prepaid token 500 has been inserted into the token insertion section 101 (S1). Then, it is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to be able to exchange information via the start button 102 in the token insertion unit 101 (S2). If not connected (No), the process returns to step S1. If connected (Yes), prepaid token 5
The ID information, the history information (data on the balance that can be output as an image), and the password setting information stored in 00 are read (S3).

Based on the read password setting information, it is determined whether a password has been set for the prepaid token 500 (S4). If the password has not been set (No), a warning message such as "Password has not been set. Enter the password to be set" is displayed on the LCD touch panel display 104 of the image forming apparatus (S5). Again, step S4
Return to If it is determined in step S4 that the password has been set (Yes), a display requesting the user to input a password such as "Please enter a password" is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel display 104, and the user is input from the numeric keypad 103 or the like. The user is prompted to enter a password (S6).

It is determined whether or not the password entered by the user matches with the ID information read from the prepaid token 500 and the corresponding password stored in the memory of the image forming apparatus 1 (S7). ). If they do not match (No), a warning message such as "Password is incorrect" is displayed on the LCD touch panel display 104, and the process is repeated from step 6 again.

If the ID information and the password match in step S7 (Yes), it is determined from the read history information whether or not there is a balance available for image output in the prepaid token 500 (S9). When the balance is zero or the balance is such that one image cannot be output (N
o), a warning such as "The copy cost is insufficient. Please purchase a new token" is displayed on the LCD touch panel display 104.

If it is determined in step S9 that the balance is available for image output (Yes), image output is permitted (S11).

[0046]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a reliable and simple charging system, a charging method, and an image forming apparatus in a case where a plurality of users who need to perform settlement separately use the image forming apparatus jointly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus in an image output service billing system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a prepaid token and a part of an operation display unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image output service billing system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image output service billing system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart of an image output service charging system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Image Forming Apparatus (Copier) 100 Operation Display Unit 101 Token Insertion Unit 102 Start Button (Connecting Unit) 103 Numeric Keypad 104 Liquid Crystal Touch Panel Display 200 Image Forming Apparatus Main Body 201 Image Output Unit 202 CPU 203 Memory (Storage Unit) 300 Platen Glass 400 Platen cover 500 prepaid token

Claims (9)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus for outputting an image, management capable of holding ID information for identifying a user who can use the image forming apparatus, and history information of the user's image output by the image forming apparatus. Means, connection means for exchanging information between the management means and the image forming apparatus, recognition means for recognizing that the management means has been connected to the connection means, password input means for inputting a password, Reading means for reading the ID information or history information held by the managing means; collating means for collating the ID information read by the reading means with the password input by the password input means; A permission unit for permitting image output by the image forming apparatus when the collation with the password is confirmed; and Rewriting means capable of rewriting the history information held in accordance with the image output, wherein the management means has a predetermined amount of image output cost paid in advance and manages the image output within the predetermined amount. A billing system for an image output service. 2. A password setting requesting means, wherein the managing means holds password setting information relating to a password corresponding to the ID information, and a password corresponding to the ID information held by the managing means is not set. 2. The image output service charging system according to claim 1, wherein the password setting request unit prompts the user to set a password from the input unit. 3. The image output service charging system according to claim 2, wherein the password corresponding to the ID information held by the management unit is stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus. 4. The image output service charging system according to claim 2, wherein the password corresponding to the ID information held by the management unit is stored in the management unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said connection means, recognition means, reading means, permission means, rewriting means and password setting request means are provided in said image forming apparatus.
The charging system for an image output service according to any one of the above items. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said managing means is a prepaid token having a built-in IC chip.
6. The charging system for an image output service according to any one of 5. 7. An image forming apparatus for performing image output, wherein management is capable of holding ID information for identifying a user who can use the image forming apparatus and history information of image output of the user by the image forming apparatus. Connection means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the image forming apparatus, recognition means for recognizing that the management means has been connected to the connection means, password input means for inputting a password, and holding of the management means Reading means for reading ID information or history information to be read; matching means for checking the ID information read by the reading means with the password input by the password input means; and checking the ID information and the password by the matching means. A permission unit for permitting image output by the image forming apparatus when the confirmation is performed; Rewriting means capable of rewriting information in accordance with image output, wherein the management means is prepaid for a predetermined amount of image output cost, and manages image output within the predetermined amount. Image forming apparatus. 8. A password setting requesting means, wherein when a password corresponding to the ID information held by the managing means is not set, the password setting requesting means sends the password to the user from the input means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the setting is prompted. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the password corresponding to the ID information held by the management unit is stored in a storage unit of the image forming apparatus.