JP2003067832A - Accounting method and system in accordance with specification selection of image formation and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an accounting method and a charging system for calculating an appropriate image formation charge that satisfies a user. SOLUTION: The system is provided with user terminals 2 for requesting image formation, an image formation system 3 for performing image formation corresponding to a request of the user terminals 2 and an accounting device 1 for specifying an image formation charge corresponding to the image formation performed by the image formation system 3. The accounting device 1 associates specification of the image formation with an image formation charge corresponding to the specification and manages the associated data in an information storing means. A user terminal 2 requests image formation to the image formation system 3 based on specification selection information obtained by selecting the specification of image formation. The accounting device 1 receives the specification selection information requested by the user terminal 2 and calculates an image formation charge corresponding to the specification selection information by referring to the storing means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a charging system, and more particularly to a charging method for charging according to selection of image forming specifications.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for charging for image formation such as printing or copying, a charge is generally calculated according to the number of sheets used for image formation, and the charge is presented to the user after image formation. There were many things.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since the charging is uniformly performed on the basis of the number of sheets, the image forming specifications such as the presence / absence of stapling and the color balance are determined. Even if the specifications were different, the usage fee for image formation would be the same. For this reason, there is an inconvenience that the user is not charged appropriately according to the selection of the image forming specifications, and the user is dissatisfied. Moreover, since the user confirms the above-mentioned image forming fee after the image formation, even if the fee system is unsatisfactory such as high fee, no relief can be obtained.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention satisfies users,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a billing method, a billing system, and an image forming system that calculate an appropriate image forming fee.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a user terminal for requesting image formation, and image formation for executing image formation in response to the request of the user terminal. The system includes a system and a billing device that identifies an image forming fee according to image formation executed by the image forming system. The billing device described above provides an image forming specification and an image forming fee according to the specification. The information is managed in association with information storage means. Then, a) the above-mentioned user terminal requests the above-mentioned image forming system to form an image based on the specification selection information in which the image forming specification is selected, and b).
The above-mentioned charging device executes the step of receiving the above-mentioned specification selection information requested by the above-mentioned user terminal and calculating the current image forming fee corresponding to this specification selection information by referring to the above-mentioned storage means. The method of doing is adopted.

According to the present invention, the billing device receives the specification selection information required by the image forming system, and calculates the image forming fee corresponding to the specification selection information, whereby the proper billing according to the specification selection is made. Can be performed for the user.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a user terminal that requests image formation, an image forming system that executes image formation in response to the request of this user terminal, and an image formation that is executed by this image forming system. And an image forming fee according to the specification, and the image forming fee and the image forming fee corresponding to the specification are associated with each other and managed by the information storage unit. Then, a) the above-mentioned user terminal transmits the specification selection information for selecting the image formation specifications to the above-mentioned billing device before requesting the image formation, and b) the above-mentioned billing device is transmitted. Calculating the estimated price of the current image formation corresponding to the received specification selection information by referring to the storage means described above; and c) using the estimated price before the image formation in the image forming system before the image formation. Providing to the user terminal, d) receiving the execution permission of the image formation corresponding to the provided estimate from the user terminal, and e) presenting the estimate calculated in step b to the image forming this time. The method of executing the charge and the specifying step is adopted.

According to the present invention, the specification selection information transmitted from the user terminal is received before the image formation is requested, and the current estimate corresponding to the specification selection information is transmitted to the user terminal. After understanding the image forming fee, the user can determine whether or not the image forming can be executed.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the invention according to the first or second aspect, the specification selection information includes at least black and white or color, one side or both sides, presence or absence of stapling, paper size, number of sheets, or image formation. Contains one or more of the quality information.

According to the present invention, it is possible to execute billing according to specification selection.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, information storage means,
It is provided with a communication means for communicating with an external device and a processing means of information for controlling the operation of each of these means, and the above-mentioned storage means stores the image forming specification and the image forming charge according to the specification in association with each other. Then, the above-mentioned processing means includes the steps of: a) receiving the specification selection information corresponding to the image formation request, the specification selection information selecting the image formation specification via the communication means; and b) the received specification selection information. The step of calculating the current image forming charge corresponding to the above is calculated by referring to the above-mentioned storage means.

According to the present invention, the processing means receives the specification selection information corresponding to the request for image formation, and calculates the image formation fee corresponding to the specification selection information, thereby appropriately charging according to the specification selection. Can be performed for the user.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, information storage means,
It is provided with a communication means for communicating with an external device and a processing means of information for controlling the operation of each of these means, and the above-mentioned storage means stores the image forming specification and the image forming charge according to the specification in association with each other. Then, the above-mentioned processing means includes the steps of: a) receiving the specification selection information for selecting the image formation specifications via the above-mentioned communication means before requesting the image formation;
b) a step of calculating the estimated price for the current image formation corresponding to the received specification selection information by referring to the above-mentioned storage means, c) a step of providing the calculated estimated price to the user terminal, and d. ) Performing a step of accepting the execution permission of the image formation corresponding to the provided estimated price from the user terminal described above, and e) a step of specifying the estimated price calculated in step b above as the image forming fee of this time. , Is adopted.

According to the present invention, the processing means receives the specification selection information before requesting the image formation and transmits the current estimated price corresponding to the specification selection information to the user terminal, whereby the user is After grasping the image forming fee, it becomes possible to judge whether or not the image forming can be executed.

In the invention of claim 6, claim 4 or 5
In the invention described above, when the latest image forming fee is received via the communication means, the processing means updates the latest image forming fee in the storage means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to make a proper charge based on the latest charge system.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the storage means stores a charge change guide. Then, when the above-mentioned processing means updates the latest image forming fee in the above-mentioned storage means and then receives the above-mentioned specification selection information, it reads out the fee change guidance from the above-mentioned storage means, and this charge change guide is referred to above. It is provided to the aforementioned user terminal together with the estimated price.

According to the present invention, the processing means sends the charge change guide together with the estimated amount to the user terminal, so that the user can know that the charge system has changed before the image formation. Therefore, it is possible to avoid troubles regarding charges that occur after image formation.

According to the invention of claim 8, claim 4 or 5
In the invention described above, the storage means further stores the customer identification information and the privilege information such as a discount rate in association with each other. Then, when the above-mentioned processing means receives the associated customer identification information and the above-mentioned specification selection information via the above-mentioned communication means, the privilege information associated with the received customer identification information is referred to as the above-mentioned storage means. And sends the privilege information to the user terminal described above together with the estimated price.

According to the present invention, since the customer receives the privilege, it is possible to further enhance the customer's satisfaction.

In the invention of claim 9, claim 4 or 5
In the described invention, the above-mentioned specification selection information is at least black and white or color, single-sided or double-sided, presence or absence of stapling,
1 of information about paper size, number of sheets, or image forming quality
Including one or more.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information input means, an information display means, an information storage means, and an information processing means for controlling the operation of each of these means. The specifications and the image forming charges according to the specifications are stored in association with each other. Then, the processing means described above includes: a) a step of receiving the specification selection information corresponding to the image formation request, the specification selection information having the image formation specification selected by operating the input means; and b) the received specification selection information. The step of calculating the current image forming charge corresponding to the above is calculated by referring to the above-mentioned storage means.

According to the present invention, the processing means receives the specification selection information corresponding to the request for image formation, and calculates the image formation fee corresponding to the specification selection information, thereby appropriately charging according to the specification selection. Can be performed for the user.

The invention described in claim 11 is provided with an information input means, an information display means, an information storage means, and an information processing means for controlling the operation of each of these means, and the storage means is for forming an image. The specifications and the image forming charges according to the specifications are stored in association with each other. Then, the processing means described above includes a) a step of receiving the specification selection information for selecting the image formation specifications by the operation of the input means before requesting the image formation, and b) the received specification selection information. Corresponding to the step of calculating the corresponding estimated price for this image formation by referring to the above-mentioned storage means, c) the step of displaying the estimated rate after calculation on the above-mentioned display means, and d) corresponding to the displayed estimated rate. The step of accepting the execution permission of the image forming by the operation of the above-mentioned input means, and the step of e) specifying the estimated amount calculated in the above step b as the image forming fee of this time are executed. .

According to the present invention, the processing means receives the specification selection information before requesting the image formation and displays the current estimated price corresponding to the specification selection information on the display means, whereby the user After grasping the formation fee, it is possible to determine whether or not to execute image formation.

[0026] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth or eleventh aspect of the present invention, the above-described charging system further includes communication means with an external device. When the latest image forming fee is received via the communication means, the processing means updates the latest image forming fee in the storage means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform proper charging based on the latest charge system received from the external device.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores a charge change guide, and the processing means updates the latest image forming charge in the storage means. After that, when the above-mentioned specification selection information is received, the charge change guidance is read from the above-mentioned storage means,
The charge change guide is displayed on the display means together with the estimated price.

According to the present invention, the processing means displays the charge change guide together with the estimated price on the display means, so that the user can know that the charge system has been changed before the image formation. Therefore, it is possible to avoid troubles regarding charges that occur after image formation.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the storage means further stores the customer identification information and the privilege information such as a discount rate in association with each other. When the processing means receives the associated customer identification information and the specification selection information by operating the input means, the privilege information associated with the received customer identification information is stored in the storage means. The privilege information is read out and displayed on the above-mentioned display means together with the above-mentioned estimate.

According to the present invention, since the customer receives the privilege, it is possible to further enhance the customer's satisfaction.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the specification selection information is at least black and white or color, one side or both sides, presence or absence of stapling, paper size, number of sheets, or image formation. Contains one or more of the quality information.

The invention according to claim 16 is the invention according to claims 10 and 1.
The billing system described in 1, 12, 13, 14 or 15 is included.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible for the image forming system to form an image and to charge the user appropriately according to the specification selection.

This is intended to achieve the above-mentioned object.

[0036]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Note that the following detailed description shows an example of the present embodiment, and the scope of rights of the present invention is not limited to this. It is possible to employ alternatives commonly used by those skilled in the art.

[First Embodiment]

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a user terminal 2 that requests image formation, an image forming system 3 that executes image formation in response to the request of this user terminal 2, and this image forming system. 3, a billing system 1 for specifying an image forming fee according to the image forming executed. Here, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 4 is the Internet or LAN.
Is a communication network including.

To further elaborate the above configuration, in the present embodiment, the charging system 1 and the user terminal 2 include the computer elements shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the billing system 1 and the user terminal 2 include a processing unit 101, an input unit 102, a display unit 103, and
The storage means 104 and the communication means 105 are provided.

Here, the processing means 101 includes a CPU. The input unit 102 is a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, or the like. The display unit 103 is a display or the like. The storage unit 104 is a RAM, a ROM, an HDD, or the like. The communication means 105 is a communication interface, a modem, an antenna, or the like. The user terminal 2 is not particularly limited in type. For example, the user terminal 2 is each terminal such as a mobile phone, a personal computer, an interactive television, a home-use game machine, and a PDA. The image forming system 3 corresponds to a printer or a copying machine.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the storage means 104 of the charging system 1 shown in FIG. 1 manages the image forming specifications and the image forming charges corresponding to the specifications in association with each other. There is. Also, this storage means 1
Reference numeral 04 stores a charge change guide. Further, the storage unit 104 stores customer identification information, customer attributes, and privilege information such as discount rates in association with each other. The customer identification information may be of any type as long as it is information that can individually identify the customer, but for example, an identification number or the like is applicable.
The customer attribute is information for indicating the characteristics of the customer. Customer attributes are, for example, contacts such as email addresses,
Address, date of birth, etc. are applicable. The privilege information is information for urging the user to make a profit, and corresponds to, for example, a discount rate, information about a service period, the number of points, and a reward message. The discount rate may be set according to the image forming fee.

3A and 3B are block diagrams showing the data structure of the storage means 104 of the system 1. This Figure 3
The storage unit 104 shown in FIG.
The image forming fee according to this specification is associated. In the storage unit 104 shown in FIG. 3B, customer identification information such as a customer-specific ID number, customer attributes, and privilege information such as a discount rate are associated with each other.

Here, the data structure of the storage means 104 shown in FIG.
B). In addition, the data structure of the storage unit 104 shown in FIG.
B).

According to the present embodiment, the processing means 101 of the charging system 1 responds to the request for image formation.
The specification selection information that selects the image formation specification is received via the communication unit 105. In addition, the processing means 101 uses the specification selection information as the user terminal 2 described above.
From the image forming system 3 described above.

The processing means 101 is adapted to calculate the current image forming charge corresponding to the received specification selection information by referring to the charge DB of the storage means 104.

Further, in this embodiment, the processing means 101
Before requesting the image formation, the specification selection information for selecting the image formation specifications is received via the communication means 105.

The processing means 101 is adapted to calculate the estimated price for the current image formation corresponding to the received specification selection information by referring to the charge DB of the storage means 104.

The processing means 101 is adapted to provide the calculated estimate to the user terminal 2.

The processing means 101 is adapted to receive from the user terminal 2 an execution permission for image formation corresponding to the provided estimate.

The processing means 101 specifies the calculated estimated amount as the image forming fee for this time.

When the processing means 101 receives the latest image forming fee via the communication means 105, the processing means 101 updates the latest image forming fee in the fee DB of the storage means 104. Further, when the processing unit 101 receives the above-mentioned specification selection information after updating the latest image forming fee in the fee DB of the storage unit 104, the processing unit 101 reads out the fee change guide from the storage unit 104, and the charge change guide is described above. It is provided to the user terminal 2 together with the estimated price.

Further, the processing means 101 sends the associated customer identification information and the above-mentioned specification selection information to the communication means 10.
When it is received via 5, the privilege information associated with the received customer identification information is read from the customer DB of the storage means 104, and this privilege information is transmitted to the user terminal 2 together with the above-mentioned estimate. .

Other functions and configurations known as a server device are also provided in this embodiment as they are.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the charging system 1. The charging system 1 may realize the following operations based on the program.

The user operates the user terminal 2 to connect to the communication network 4 to access the billing system 1. Then, the charging system 1 provides the selection interface d1 to the user terminal 2. The selection interface d1 is a preset list screen that associates the image forming specifications with the charge, and is displayed on the display unit 103 of the user terminal 2.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the screen of the selection interface d1 described above.

The selection interface d1 shown in FIG.
Includes specification selection items (specification selection information) of black and white, color, single-sided or double-sided, presence or absence of stapling, paper size, number of sheets, and image forming quality, and a charge corresponding to each item. The image forming quality includes brightness, contrast,
It includes saturation, color balance, color gradation, gradation processing, color matching, etc.

When the user inputs the above-mentioned specification selection item through the operation of the user terminal 2 through the selection interface d1, the user terminal 2 requests the associated specification selection information and the customer before requesting the image formation. Identification information,
It is transmitted to the charging system 1 via the communication means 105. The method of inputting the specification selection item corresponds to, for example, a method of selecting by operating a text box, a pull-down menu, or the like.

When the processing means 101 receives the associated customer identification information and specification selection information via the communication means 105 (S101), it refers to the customer DB of the storage means 104 to identify the user of the customer identification information. It is specified (S102).
As a method of specifying the user, there are a method of inputting the customer identification information from the user terminal 2 and a method of sucking the customer identification information from the storage means 104 of the user terminal 2. Further, the reason for identifying the user here is to inform the user of a quotation, privilege information, etc., which will be described later. As a method of this guidance, there is a method of using e-mail or FAX.

Subsequently, the processing means 101 includes the storage means 10
The image forming fee is read from the fee DB of No. 4, and the estimated amount of the image forming this time corresponding to the received specification selection information is calculated by referring to the fee DB of the storage unit 104 (S103).

Next, the processing means 101 reads out the privilege information associated with the customer identification information from the customer DB of the storage means 104, and sends this privilege information to the user terminal 2 together with the calculated estimate (S104). . The user terminal 2 does not have to be the same terminal as the user terminal 2 that has transmitted the specification selection information.

Here, the interface d including the quotation
An example of the second screen is shown in FIG.

The interface d2 shown in FIG. 6 is
This is a screen for guiding the user of the estimated amount, and is displayed on the display means 103 of the user terminal 2. This interface consists of total form fee, image forming quality total fee, operation fee,
Includes maintenance, paper fees, and grand total.

Next, the processing means 101 receives the information about the estimated price transmitted from the user terminal 2 and analyzes the content of this information (execution of image formation, change of specifications, cancellation of image formation). Yes (S105).

The processing means 101 uses the above step S105.
In the analysis of 1, when the execution permission of the image formation corresponding to the estimated price is received from the user terminal 2 and it is determined that the received information is the execution of the image formation, the processing unit 101 uses the calculated estimated amount of this time as the current estimated amount. Image forming fee is specified (S10)
6). That is, the user terminal 2 requests the image forming system 3 to form an image based on the above-mentioned specification selection information, and the processing means 101 selects the image forming specification corresponding to the image forming request. The specification selection information is received via the communication unit 105, and the current image forming charge corresponding to this specification selection information is calculated by referring to the charge DB of the storage unit 104.

Then, the processing means 101 transmits the specified current image formation fee to the user terminal 2 (S10).
7). When the user terminal 2 receives the transmitted image forming fee of this time, the user pays the image forming fee as the use fee of the image forming system 3.

Further, in the above-described analysis processing of S105, when the processing means 101 accepts the change of the specification selection information from the user terminal 2 and determines that the received information is the change of the specification, the processing means 101 performs the change. The estimated image formation fee after the change corresponding to the specification selection information is calculated by referring to the charge DB of the storage unit 104 (S103).

On the other hand, in the above-described analysis processing of S105, when the processing means 101 receives the cancellation of the image formation corresponding to the estimate from the user terminal 2 and judges that the received information is the cancellation of the image formation, the processing means. 101 stops the calculation process of the estimated amount (S108).

Here, when the processing means 101 receives the latest image formation fee via the communication means 105 on the day before the charge change date, the processing means 101 updates the latest image formation fee in the charge DB of the storage means 104. According to this, it becomes possible to execute appropriate charging based on the latest charge system.

When the processing means 101 receives the above-mentioned specification selection information after updating the latest image forming fee in the fee DB of the storage means 104, the processing means 101 reads out the fee change guide from the storage means 104, and the fee change guide Is provided to the user terminal 2 together with the above-mentioned estimate. According to this, since the customer receives the privilege, it is possible to further enhance the customer's satisfaction.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the billing system 1 receives the specification selection information before requesting the image formation, the billing system 1 refers to the storage means 104 to calculate the estimated price of the image formation this time, The calculated estimated amount is transmitted to the user terminal 2. Therefore, the user can request the image formation after confirming the image formation fee.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the charging system 1
However, since the image forming fee for this time corresponding to the specification selection information is calculated, the user can pay an appropriate image forming fee according to the selected specification.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The processing means 101 of the charging system 1 is a single C
The present invention is not limited to the case of being configured by PU, and may include a plurality of computers that perform distributed processing. Further, it does not matter whether the storage means 104 of the charging system 1 is physically single or plural.

[Second Embodiment]

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

The billing system 1 in the second embodiment is the processing means 10 in the first embodiment described above.
1, the input unit 102, the display unit 103, the storage unit 104, and the communication unit 105, as well as the image forming unit 10
6 is provided. That is, the image forming system 3 in the above-described first embodiment has the charging function of the charging system 1.

Here, the processing means 101 includes an MPU. The input unit 102 is a touch panel, buttons, or the like. The display means 103 is a liquid crystal panel or the like. The storage unit 104 is a memory that holds data, such as RAM or R
OM etc. are included. The image forming unit 106 includes a drive unit that executes image formation. The image forming apparatus 3 is
For example, a printer or a copying machine is applicable.

More specifically, the storage means 104 stores the image forming specifications and the image forming charges corresponding to the specifications in association with each other, as in the first embodiment described above. There is. The storage unit 104 also stores charge change guidance. Further, this storage means 104
Stores customer identification information, customer attributes, and privilege information such as discount rates in association with each other. The data structure of the storage unit 104 is the same as the structure of FIGS. 3A and 3B in the first embodiment described above.

Further details will be described.

The processing means 101 is adapted to receive the specification selection information corresponding to the image formation request, which selects the image formation specifications, by operating the input means 102.

The processing means 101 calculates the current image forming fee corresponding to the received specification selection information by referring to the fee DB of the storage means 104.

Further, in this embodiment, the processing means 101
Before the image formation is requested, the specification selection information for selecting the image formation specifications is received by operating the input unit 102.

The processing means 101 is adapted to calculate the estimated price for the current image formation corresponding to the received specification selection information by referring to the charge DB of the storage means 104.

The processing means 101 is adapted to display the calculated estimate on the display means 103.

The processing means 101 is adapted to accept the execution permission of image formation corresponding to the displayed estimate by operating the input means 102.

The processing means 101 is adapted to specify the above-calculated estimate as the current image forming fee.

Further, the processing means 101 inputs the associated customer identification information and the above-mentioned specification selection information into the input means 102.
When it is received by the operation of, the privilege information associated with the received customer identification information is read from the customer DB of the storage unit 104, and this privilege information is displayed on the display unit 103 together with the above-mentioned estimate.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the charging system 1. The charging system 1 may realize the following operations based on the program.

When the user operates the input means 102,
The charging system 1 displays the specification selection information on the display unit 103 before requesting the image formation. The specification selection information displayed on the display unit 103 is the same as the list on the selection interface of FIG. 5 in the first embodiment described above. That is, this list is displayed in the display unit 1 in a state in which the image selection specifications and the charges are set in advance.
It is displayed on 03. The specification selection information includes black and white, color, single-sided or double-sided, presence or absence of stapling, paper size, number of sheets,
And image quality.

When the user inputs the above-mentioned specification selection items through the input means 102, the processing means 101 receives the specification selection information before requesting the image formation (S20).
1).

Subsequently, the processing means 101 includes the storage means 10
The image forming charge is read from the charge DB of No. 4, and the estimated amount of the image forming this time corresponding to the received specification selection information is calculated by referring to the charge DB of the storage unit 104 (S202).

Next, the processing means 101 displays the calculated estimate on the display means 103 (S203).

Next, the processing means 101 receives the information about the estimated price and analyzes the contents of this information (execution of image formation, change of specifications, suspension of image formation) (S204).

When the processing means 101 accepts the execution permission of the image formation corresponding to the estimated amount by the operation of the input means 102, and judges that the received information is the execution of the image formation (S
204), the processing unit 101 instructs the image forming unit 106 to execute image formation, and specifies the calculated estimate as the image forming charge for this time (S205). That is, the processing unit 101 inputs the specification selection information that selects the image forming specification corresponding to the image forming request.
The image forming fee received by the operation of 02 and corresponding to this specification selection information is calculated by referring to the fee DB of the storage unit 104.

Then, the processing means 101 displays the specified image forming fee for this time on the display means 103 (S20).
6). The user pays the image forming fee as the image forming fee.

Further, in the above-described analysis processing of S204, when the processing means 101 accepts the change of the specification selection information by operating the input means 102 and determines that the received information is the change of the specification, the processing means 101 changes the specification. The estimated image formation fee after the change corresponding to the subsequent specification selection information is calculated by referring to the charge DB of the storage unit 104 (S202).

On the other hand, in the above-described analysis processing of S204, when the processing means 101 accepts the execution stop of the image formation corresponding to the estimate by the operation of the input means 102, and judges that the received information is the execution stop of the image formation. The processing means 101 stops the calculation process of the estimated amount (S207).

When the processing means 101 receives the latest image forming fee via the communication means 105 on the day before the charge change date, the processing means 101 updates the latest image forming fee in the fee DB of the storing means 104. According to this, it becomes possible to execute appropriate charging based on the latest charge system.

When the processing means 101 receives the above-mentioned specification selection information after updating the latest image forming fee in the fee DB 104, the processing means 101 reads out the fee change guide from the storage means 104, and the charge change guide is given in the above-mentioned estimate. It is displayed on the display means 102 together with the gold. According to this, it becomes possible to avoid a trouble related to a charge that occurs after the image formation is executed.

Furthermore, when the customer identification number is assigned to the user, in the reception processing of S201 described above,
When the user inputs the customer identification information by operating the input means 102, the processing means 101 receives the associated customer identification information and the above-mentioned specification selection information by operating the input means 102, and the received customer identification information. The privilege information associated with the information is read out from the customer DB of the storage unit 104, and the privilege information is displayed together with the above-mentioned estimate with the display unit 10.
Display in 3. According to this, since the customer receives the privilege, it is possible to further enhance the customer's satisfaction.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the billing system 1 receives the specification selection information before requesting the image formation, the billing system 1 refers to the storage means 104 to calculate the estimated amount for the image formation this time, The calculated estimate is displayed on the display unit 103. Therefore, the user can request the image formation after confirming the image formation fee.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the charging system 1
However, since the image forming fee of this time is calculated for each image forming specification, the user can pay an appropriate image forming fee according to the selected specification.

[0105]

Since the present invention is constructed and functions as described above, according to this, the billing system receives the specification selection information corresponding to the image formation request, and the image formation corresponding to this specification selection information. Calculate the charge. Therefore, the user can be appropriately charged according to the specification selection.

Further, according to the present invention, the charging system is
Since the specification selection information is received before the request for image formation and the current estimate corresponding to this specification selection information is presented, the user determines whether or not to execute image formation after grasping the image formation fee. be able to.

Further, according to the present invention, the image forming system can charge the user appropriately according to the specification selection.

As described above, it is possible to provide a charging method, a charging system, and an image forming system which have not been available in the past, in which an appropriate image forming charge satisfying the user can be calculated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire system showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of each system and terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a data structure of a storage unit of the charging system shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging system.

FIG. 5 is a selection interface provided to a user terminal.

FIG. 6 is an interface that includes a quote.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging system shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Billing system 2 user terminals 3 image forming system 4 Communication network 101 processing means 102 input means 103 display means 104 storage means 105 communication means 106 image forming means d1, d2 interface

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A user terminal for requesting image formation, an image forming system for executing image formation in response to the request from the user terminal, and an image forming fee for image formation executed by the image forming system. In the charging system, the charging device manages the image forming specification and the image forming charge corresponding to the specification in a storage unit of information in association with each other, a) the user terminal A step of requesting the image forming system to form an image based on the specification selection information that has selected an image forming specification; and b) the billing device receives the specification selection information requested by the user terminal. And a step of calculating a current image forming fee corresponding to the specification selecting information with reference to the storage means, and performing a billing method according to image forming specification selection. 2. A user terminal for requesting image formation, an image forming system for executing image formation in response to the request from the user terminal, and an image forming fee for image formation executed by the image forming system. In the charging system including a charging device that specifies the image forming device, the charging device manages the image forming specification and the image forming charge corresponding to the specification in a storage unit of information in association with each other, a) the user terminal Transmitting the specification selection information selecting the image formation specification to the billing device before requesting the image formation; and b) the billing device displaying the current image corresponding to the transmitted specification selection information. Calculating an estimate of formation by referring to the storage means; c) providing the calculated estimate to the user terminal before image formation in the image forming system; A step of receiving from the user terminal permission to execute image formation corresponding to the provided estimate, and a step of e) specifying the estimate calculated in step b as a current image forming fee. The charging method according to the specification selection of the image formation. 3. The specification selection information includes at least one or more of black-and-white or color, single-sided or double-sided, presence or absence of stapling, paper size, number of sheets, or image formation quality. Or the charging method described in 2. 4. An information storage means, a communication means for communicating with an external device, and an information processing means for controlling the operation of each of these means, wherein the storage means includes an image forming specification and an image corresponding to the specification. A billing system that stores a formation fee in association with each other, wherein the processing means: a) receiving specification selection information corresponding to an image formation request, selecting specification of the image formation, via the communication means. And b) a step of calculating a current image forming fee corresponding to the received specification selection information by referring to the storage means,
A charging system according to selection of image forming specifications, which is characterized by executing 5. An information storage unit, a communication unit with an external device, and an information processing unit for controlling the operation of each of these units, wherein the storage unit has an image forming specification and an image corresponding to the specification. A billing system for storing a forming fee in association with each other, wherein the processing means includes: a) receiving specification selection information selecting an image forming specification via the communication means before requesting image formation; B) a step of calculating an estimated price for the current image formation corresponding to the received specification selection information by referring to the storage means, c) a step of providing the calculated estimated cost to the user terminal, d ) The step of accepting from the user terminal permission to execute image formation corresponding to the provided estimate, and the step of e) specifying the estimate calculated in step b as the current image forming fee. Charging system in accordance with the specification selection of the image formation and characterized in that. 6. The processing means, when receiving the latest image forming fee via the communication means, updates the latest image forming fee in the storage means. Billing system. 7. The storage means stores a charge change guide, and the processing means updates the latest image forming charge in the storage means and then receives the specification selection information, and then changes the charge from the storage means. The billing system according to claim 5, wherein the guidance is read and the fee change guidance is provided to the user terminal together with the estimate. 8. The storage means further stores the customer identification information and privilege information such as a discount rate in association with each other, and the processing means stores the associated customer identification information and the specification selection information. 5. When receiving through the communication means, the privilege information associated with the received customer identification information is read out from the storage means, and the privilege information is transmitted to the user terminal together with the estimated price. Or the charging system described in 5. 9. The specification selection information includes at least one of black-and-white or color, one-sided or both-sided, presence or absence of stapling, paper size, number of sheets, or image formation quality information. Or the charging system described in 5. 10. An information input unit, an information display unit, an information storage unit, and an information processing unit for controlling the operation of each of these units, the storage unit corresponding to an image forming specification and this specification. A billing system for storing the image forming fee in association with the image forming fee, the processing means: a) receiving specification selection information corresponding to an image forming request, selecting specification of the image forming by operating the input means. And b) a step of calculating a current image forming fee corresponding to the received specification selection information with reference to the storage means, and charging according to the image forming specification selection. system. 11. An information input means, an information display means, an information storage means, and an information processing means for controlling the operation of each of these means, wherein the storage means responds to image formation specifications and the specifications. A billing system that stores the image forming fee in association with the image forming fee, wherein the processing means: a) receives specification selection information for selecting image forming specifications by operating the input means before requesting image formation. Steps: b) calculating an estimated price for the current image formation corresponding to the received specification selection information by referring to the storage means; and c) displaying the calculated estimated price on the display means. , D) a step of accepting the execution permission of the image formation corresponding to the displayed estimated price by the operation of the input means, and e) the estimated price calculated in the step b and the image forming fee of this time. Charging system in accordance with the specification selection of the image formation and characterized by the steps of, running. 12. The billing system further includes a communication unit for communicating with an external device, and the processing unit stores the latest image forming charge when the latest image forming charge is received via the communication unit. 12. The charging system according to claim 10, wherein the charging system is updated to a means. 13. The storage means stores charge change guidance, and the processing means updates the latest image forming charge in the storage means, and then receives the specification selection information, and then changes the charge from the storage means. 12. The billing system according to claim 11, wherein the guidance is read out and the fee change guidance is displayed on the display means together with the estimate. 14. The storage unit further stores the customer identification information and privilege information such as a discount rate in association with each other, and the processing unit inputs the associated customer identification information and the specification selection information. When received by operating the means,
12. The billing system according to claim 11, wherein the privilege information associated with the received customer identification information is read from the storage unit, and the privilege information is displayed on the display unit together with the estimated amount. 15. The specification selection information includes at least one or more of black and white or color, one side or both sides, presence or absence of stapling, paper size, number of sheets, or image formation quality. Or the charging system according to item 11. 16. The method according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.
Or an image forming system including the charging system according to item 15.