JP2003241954A - Image processing device and image processing counting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve the disadvantage of an accounting process caused by a counter of an image processing device. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of counting means 2501, 2505 and 2507 for counting various cumulative processing quantities of image processing by this image processing device are installed. The counting means to be used for counting can be designated by using a designation means 2503 by a serviceman or the like. A screen creation means 2513 creates a screen relating to the cumulative processing quantities counted by the designated counting means. The created screen page is displayed on a display means of the image processing device or an external apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus, for example, a method for switching the count of the number of processing times according to image data editing processing and input / output processing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been an image input / output device equipped with a scanner, a printer, etc., which is equipped with a counter for counting the number of sheets read by the scanner and the number of sheets output by the printer. This counter has been used as a guide for determining whether or not the consumable parts have reached the end of their useful life and need to be replaced, or as a guide for various maintenance times. It was sometimes used as a guide when collecting fees according to the usage situation.

In particular, businesses that employ a counter-based charging system are widely deployed. In this business, for example, a service person from a manufacturer or a sales company regularly visits a customer, checks the counted number of sheets, and collects a service charge according to the counted number of sheets. Further, the customer side manually records the usage status and charges the fee depending on the recorded content.

[0004]

By the way, when a serious abnormality or failure occurs in the system, the person in charge of the manufacturer or the sales company visits the customer's site and performs operation confirmation, debugging work, and confirmation test on the spot. May perform maintenance work. Even if the number of times the image processing is executed accompanying such maintenance work is performed, the conventional counter executes the counting processing. Therefore, when the image processing apparatus is used in a billing business that bills according to the counter, it is desirable to stop the counter during maintenance.

However, since the counter is also used for confirming the durable number of parts as described above, it is not preferable to stop or count back the counting itself.

Therefore, conventionally, the number of counters spent by the person in charge of restoration work on the restoration work such as debugging is recorded in a notebook, and the number of counters during the restoration work is reported to the person in charge of billing and billed. The bill creator had issued the invoice after deducting the counter number. Therefore, the payer side paid great attention and effort.

Further, during the recovery operation, the number of counters required for recovery and the number of counters by other general users may be mixed and it may be impossible to determine. In order to avoid such a situation, it is desirable to restrict operation / operation instructions from normal users other than recovery work.

Further, it is necessary to more reliably perform not only the recovery work but also the charge exemption process during the trial period and the charge process after the trial period expires. Furthermore, there has been a demand for forecasting the billing income during full-scale operation based on the number of counters during the trial period.

Further, there is also a demand for executing the recording processing or the confirmation processing of the counter information, the selection of the counter counting method, the designation of the operation restriction mode or the trial period from a personal computer, a portable terminal or a dedicated host computer. It was

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the inconvenience of the billing process due to the counter of the image processing apparatus.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing means for executing image processing, and a first cumulative processing number for counting image processing by the image processing means. The second counting means is independent of the counting means of the first counting means, and counts the second cumulative processing number in accordance with the image processing executed while the specific processing mode is selected. An image processing apparatus comprising: a counting unit; and an output unit that outputs at least one of the first cumulative processing number and the second cumulative processing number.

That is, by providing a counting means for counting the number of durable parts and a counting means for counting the number of image processing operations during the execution of a specific mode such as at the time of restoration or trial use, the number of parts can be changed during the specific mode. It is not necessary to stop the counting means for counting the number of durable sheets. Further, since the number of sheets to be charged can be easily obtained by the difference between the first counting means and the second counting means, there is no need to go through a complicated process as in the past, and the burden on the payer side is reduced. Will be done. Moreover, since the number of processes in the specific mode is counted by the second counting means, the charge exemption process can be executed more reliably. It is also possible to predict the billing income during full-scale operation based on the number of counts during the trial period.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image processing means for executing image processing, a plurality of counting means for counting various cumulative numbers of image processing by the image processing means, and one or more counting means. To execute one of the plurality of counting means, a designating means for designating one or more counting means, and an output means for outputting information on the cumulative number of processes counted by the designated counting means. A featured image processing apparatus is provided.

For example, during execution of the specific mode, a dedicated counting means is designated and the counting means
Since the number of times of image processing can be counted, it is possible to execute the charge exemption processing more reliably.

Further, the designating means may designate any one of the counting means based on the input information from the input means or the received information received from the external device through the communication line. That is, a serviceman or the like can appropriately specify which counting means is specified.

At least one of the plurality of counting means counts the cumulative number of processes in a period set based on the input information from the input means or the reception information received from the outside through the communication line. You may make it count. For example, if a trial period or the like is designated in advance and the number of times of image processing executed during the period is counted, the charge during the trial period can be more surely exempted.

[0017] Further, it further comprises management means for managing whether or not to permit operation instructions from one or more external devices connected via a communication line, and the designating means comprises the management means. The counting means to be operated may be designated based on the management content of. This allows
The normal mode and trial period mode can be set only from a specific external device. This external device may be, for example, a host computer on the payer side. Further, it may be possible to restrict the image processing only from a specific external device during maintenance or the like. The management means may manage the network address of the external device such as the IP address and the host name.

The output means is a display means for displaying the cumulative processing number, a voice output means for outputting the cumulative processing number by voice, an image forming means for forming an image of the cumulative processing number, or an external communication for the cumulative processing number. It may be any transmission means for transmitting to the device. Of course, a plurality of these output means may be combined. In any case, the service person or the like can easily confirm the counted value, so that the charging can be more reliably performed.

Further, the image processing means is, for example, an image output means for outputting an image or an image input means for inputting an image.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus which executes predetermined information processing, wherein a first counter for counting the total number of times of use and an object to be charged out of the total number of times of use. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a second counter that counts the number of times of unfavorable use.

That is, in order to count the number of durable uses and the number of uses not subject to billing by individual counters,
It will be easier to comprehend the usage life count and billing.

The total number of times of use is, for example, the total number of times of use used when determining the degree of wear of the information processing apparatus or the maintenance time of the information processing apparatus.

The number of times of use not subject to billing is, for example, the number of uses within the trial period or the number of uses during maintenance processing.

A calculating means may be further provided for calculating the effective number of uses to be charged, based on the total number of uses and the number of uses not to be charged. According to this, the chargeable amount can be immediately grasped.

Similarly, instead of the second counter or together with the second counter, if a third counter for counting the number of times of usage out of the total number of times of usage is provided, the chargeable amount Let's understand immediately.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Of course, the following embodiments are provided to facilitate implementation by those skilled in the art, and are only some of the embodiments within the technical scope of the present invention defined by the claims. Absent. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that even embodiments not directly described in the specification of the present application are included in the technical scope of the present invention as long as the technical idea is common.

Although a plurality of embodiments will be described for the sake of convenience, those skilled in the art will understand that not only these embodiments are individually realized, but also the invention can be realized by appropriately combining a plurality of embodiments. Easy to understand.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example to which the present invention is applied. The present invention may be applied to, for example, a personal computer, a mobile terminal, or a dedicated host computer.

The CPU 101 is a microprocessor that controls the entire image forming apparatus. The HD 102 is a large-capacity hard disk that stores a plurality of applications necessary for the CPU 101 to operate, related data, and image data. The HD 102 may store counter information and the like according to this embodiment. Also,
It is controlled by the CPU 101. Memory 103 is a CPU
This is a work memory required for the operation of 101.
Similar to the HD 102, the counter information according to this embodiment can be stored. The high-speed CPU bus 104 is a bus that connects the above-described CPU 101, HD 102, memory 103, and each functional unit described below.
Transfers data processed by each functional unit to each functional unit or transfers data between functional units at high speed (DMA transfer)
It is for doing. High-speed CPU bus 104
Is, for example, a VL bus or a PCI bus.

The RIP 105 is a functional unit that receives a page description language (hereinafter referred to as PDL) input from an external interface connected to a computer, which will be described later, and converts it into a bitmap image according to its contents. The PDL is input via the high speed CPU bus 104. The bitmap image generated by the conversion is output to the high speed image bus 116 described later. RIP105
Examples of PDLs that can be processed include Postscript (PS), PCL, LIPS, and CaPSL.

The image processing unit 106 uses the high speed image bus 1
The bitmap image input via 16 is sent to the CPU 10
This is a functional unit that performs filtering on a bitmap image such as smoothing processing and edge processing according to the instruction from 1. Other functions of the image processing unit 106 include a character recognition (OCR) function for a bitmap image input from the high-speed image bus 116 and an image separation function for separating a character portion and an image portion. Good.

The compressing / expanding section 107 performs M bit conversion on the bitmap image input from the high speed image bus 116.
A compression process is executed using an image compression method such as H, MR, MMR, or JPEG, and the compressed data is sent to the high-speed CPU bus 104 or the high-speed image bus 116 again, or vice versa. The compressed data is expanded by this functional unit and sent to the high-speed image bus 116.

The bus bridge 108 is a high-speed CPU bus 1
04 is a bus bridge controller for connecting the low speed CPU bus 109 described later. Absorb the difference in processing speed between buses. Through the bus bridge 108, the CPU 101 operating at high speed can access the functional unit operating at low speed connected to the low-speed CPU bus 109.

The low speed CPU bus 109 is the high speed CPU.
The bus configuration has a slower transfer speed than the bus 104. This is a bus to which functional units having relatively slow processing power are connected. For example, an ISA bus or the like can be given.

The modem 110 includes a public line 111 and a low speed C
It is a functional unit for connecting to the PU bus 109. It has a function of modulating digital data sent from the low-speed CPU bus 109 and sending it to the public line 111, and a function of demodulating the modulated data received from the public line 111 into digital data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus. .

The NIC 112 is a functional unit for connecting the image forming apparatus to the local network and transmitting / receiving data to / from the local network. Generally, a network card (NIC) or the like is used. Also, CP
HD102 or memory 103 according to U101 control
It is possible to send the counter information that exists above.

The management apparatus interface 114 connects the image forming apparatus and the management apparatus 122, and manages the management apparatus 12
2 is a functional unit used for transmitting a control command to the communication device 2 and receiving an enable signal from the management device 122. Similar to the NIC 112, it is possible to send the counter information existing on the HD 102 or the memory 103.

The panel interface 115 transmits / receives various control signals to / from the operation unit 121 in the image forming apparatus. For example, a signal from an input switch arranged on the operation unit 121 is transmitted to the CPU 101, or the RIP 10
5, a unit that performs resolution conversion for displaying the image data created by the image processing unit 106 or the compression / expansion unit 107 on the liquid crystal display unit included in the operation unit 121. It is also possible to output the counter information existing on the HD 102 or the memory 103.

The high-speed image bus 116 is provided with various image generation units (RIP 105, image processing unit 106 or compression / compression unit).
This is a bus for interconnecting an image input / output bus in the decompression unit 107) with a scanner interface 117 and a printer interface 119 described later.

The scanner unit 118 is a visible image reading device equipped with an automatic document feeder, and is a CCD color sensor of three RGB lines or a black and white C line of one line.
It has a CD line sensor. The image data read by the scanner unit 118 is transferred to the high-speed image bus 116 by the scanner interface unit 117.

Scanner interface unit 117
Performs optimum binarization of the image data read by the scanner unit 118 according to the contents of the subsequent processing. It also has a function of performing serial-parallel conversion according to the data width of the high-speed image bus 116, and converting the read RGB color data of the three primary colors into CMYBk data.

The printer unit 120 forms the image data received from the printer interface unit 119, which will be described later, on the recording medium as visible image data. The printer unit 120 includes an inkjet printer that forms an image on a recording medium using an inkjet method, and a laser that uses an electrophotographic technique that forms an image on a photosensitive drum by using a laser beam and forms an image on a recording sheet. Beam printers are available. Each printer includes a monochrome printer and a CMYBk color laser beam printer. It is also possible to print the counter information existing on the HD 102 or the memory 103.

Printer interface unit 119
Is for transferring the image data sent from the high-speed image bus 116 to the printer unit. For example,
A bus width conversion function for converting the bus width of the high speed image bus 116 into a bus width according to the gradation of the printer to be output, and a difference between the printing speed of the printer 120 and the transfer speed of image data on the high speed image bus 116 Has a function to absorb.

The operation section 121 can be composed of a liquid crystal display section, a touch panel input device attached on the liquid crystal display section, a plurality of hard keys and the like. The signal input by the touch panel or the hard key is transmitted to the CPU 101 via the panel interface 115. Further, the liquid crystal display section displays the image data sent from the panel interface 115. The liquid crystal display unit displays functions related to the operation of the image forming apparatus, image data, counter information, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail one configuration example of the operation unit 121. The liquid crystal display unit 201 is a unit that displays various functions, displays data, or receives input from the user, and performs bidirectional information exchange with the user. The surface is a touch panel, and various selections can be designated by touching the displayed keys and areas with a finger.

The copy function call key 202 is for displaying the copy function screen on the liquid crystal display unit 201. Similarly, the fax function call key 203 is used to display the fax function screen on the liquid crystal display unit 201. Similarly, the box function call key 204
Is for displaying a box function screen on the liquid crystal display unit 201. With the box function, image data is stored using the HDD 102 provided in the main body, and copy and deletion of the image data and designation of print output can be performed. Extended function call key 205
Is for displaying the extended function screen on the liquid crystal display unit 201. The extended function mainly relates to the RIP 105 and the PDL printer function.
A 206 reset key is used to cancel various settings all at once, switch the screen display state to the default screen with one touch, or both. Also in various screen operation examples described later, in case of canceling or canceling the setting, this key is depressed. 207
The guide key is for displaying the explanation by pressing the key when the user does not understand the meaning of words or various keys during the setting of the function. The user mode key 208 is used to set functions and necessary presets for using the functions of the main body,
Alternatively, it is for displaying various information unique to the device. The interrupt key 209 is a key that is temporarily stopped during the copy operation and is pushed down when another copy operation is performed. However, there are some conditions under which this key can be pressed, and of course, it is impossible to press the key except during the copying operation.

The numeric keypad 210 is depressed when inputting a numerical value. The clear key 211 is for clearing the input numerical value. The ID key 212 is used to limit the use of the device with an ID and a password. The start key 213 is an instruction to start the operation. If all of the settings have not been made in advance, or if it is known that some device failure has occurred and operation cannot be started, the push-down cannot be performed. The stop key 214 is an instruction to stop the operation. The counter confirmation key 215 is for confirming the current counter value. When the CPU 101 detects that the counter confirmation key 215 is pressed, information regarding the current counter value is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 201.
Is displayed on the screen, is output as audio from an unillustrated audio output unit, is image-formed by the printer 120, and is transmitted from the modem 110, the NIC 112, or the management IF 114 to an external communication device. Power key 216 turns the power on /
It is an OFF switch.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 201 described above. This screen is a display example of a standby screen in the copy function.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. In this embodiment,
In order to facilitate understanding, it is assumed that there are two counter recording methods. Of course, more counter recording methods may exist. One is a normal state 401, and the other is another counter usage state 402. The normal state 401 is a state in which only normal counter recording is executed, and only one counter is used. The separate counter usage state 402 is a state in which the number of processes is recorded by using another counter in addition to the normal counter. That is, the separate counter usage state 402 is characterized in that two or more counters are used. This may physically use a plurality of counters or logically a plurality of counters. The former uses a plurality of counters that actually execute the increment processing, and the latter uses, for example, one physical counter to obtain a plurality of counter values. As a specific example of the latter, a physical counter that constantly counts is prepared, and the value of the physical counter at the first time and the value of the physical counter at the second time are stored in a memory or the like. If you take the difference between the two,
The relative value in that section is obtained. Note that the separate counter may be independent of the count of the normal counter, and may count the number of times of image processing according to the image processing executed while the specific processing mode is selected.

The selectable detailed mode 404 is a subdivided mode in which another counter is used. For example,
There are two modes, trial period mode and recovery / test mode, and it is possible to select which one to use. The normal state 201 does not have a detailed mode. The automatic cancellation function 405 is a function for automatically shifting from the separate counter usage state 402 to the normal state 401. This automatic cancellation function 405 can be specified only when the selectable detailed mode 404 is the trial period mode. For example, it is possible to select whether the period is specified or not specified. The designation may be performed by specifying the year, month, day, hour, minute, second, etc., or by the end of the month or after the number of days. CPU1
When 01 determines that the specified condition is satisfied, the other counter use state 402 is ended and the state shifts to the normal state 201. If it is not specified, it is not automatically canceled, and it is canceled by designating the cancellation by some method such as a key operation by the user.
In the recovery / test mode, the explanation will be made assuming that the automatic release function cannot be specified. Of course, it is possible to set the automatic release function in the recovery / test mode as in the trial period mode described above. Is. In that case,
The recovery / test mode is automatically canceled and the normal state 401 is entered.

The operation acceptance target 406 indicates an operation subject who can operate the image forming apparatus in each state. Specifically, in the normal state 401, operations can be performed from all the client devices connected to the apparatus and the main body operation unit 121. Of course, if the present apparatus is not set to be shared, only the operation from the main body operation unit 121 can be practically performed. While the image forming apparatus is operating in the trial period mode of the separate counter usage state 402, operations can be performed from all client devices and the main body operation unit 121. In the recovery / test mode, it is possible to gradually limit the operation acceptance target. It is possible to select from three options: "all clients and main body operation unit", "specific client and main body operation unit", and "main body operation unit only". What is a specific client?
It refers to one or more specific client devices and is selected when excluding operations from other client devices. The main body operation unit is a unit that receives an input from the operation unit 121 described in FIG. With this type of selection, for example, when you want to concentrate on recovery work or test work, it is possible to avoid that recovery / test work is affected by operations from other clients, and you can eliminate uncertainties. It will be possible. Clients that cannot accept operations may be notified / displayed that operations cannot be performed due to recovery / test work. In that case, the notification / display may be automatically performed to the connected client when the selectable detailed mode 404 is changed, or the operation is not possible when the client performs some operation. May be notified and displayed.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the multiple counting process according to this embodiment. This flowchart assumes that the image forming apparatus is in the standby state while displaying the screen according to FIG.

When the user mode key 208 is depressed in step S501, a depression signal is transmitted to the CPU 101 through the operation unit 121 and the panel IF 115. Based on this signal, the CPU 101 determines that the application mode has been selected, and causes the liquid crystal display unit 201 to display a user mode selection screen as shown in FIG. On the screen shown in FIG. 6, there are arranged keys for performing presetting and the like necessary for using the functions of the main body and keys for displaying various kinds of information unique to the apparatus.

In step S502, when the CPU 101 detects that the system management setting key 501 is pressed down, the system management setting type selection screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 201. In addition,
When the close key 502 is pressed, the screen returns to the standby screen as shown in FIG. 3 and enters the standby state.
Some keys related to system management are lined up on the screen shown in FIG. 7, but here it is assumed that the user depresses the setting key 701 of another counter. It should be noted that when the close key 702 is pressed down, the screen returns to the screen displayed immediately before, that is, FIG.

In step S503, the CPU 101
When it is detected that the user has pressed the setting key 701 of another counter, the setting selection screen of another counter shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 201. That is, this step is a step of displaying a selection screen for selecting a predetermined operation mode from a plurality of operation modes. The user presses the recovery / test key 801 to specify the recovery / test mode, and presses the trial period key 802 to specify the trial period mode.
When this screen is called in the normal state 401 in which the counting by the separate counter is not executed, the CPU 101 does not reversely display the recovery / test key 801 or the trial period key 802 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if this screen is called while the recovery / test counter or the trial period counter is in use, or another counter is set in detail as described later, the screen returns to this screen. If so, the CPU 101 highlights each selected key. As a result, the current state is explicitly presented to the user. The separate count mode cancel key 803 is a key for canceling the recovery / test mode or the trial period mode when the mode is in execution and shifting to the normal state. When this screen is called in the normal state 401, the CPU 101 grays out the cancel key 803 as shown in FIG. 8 and disables pressing. The gray-out display means displaying in a lighter gradation than usual. Although the gray-out display is shown here, the release key 803 may not be displayed at all. Also, display as usual, and release key 80
A warning display or warning sound may be output when 3 is pushed down. On the other hand, when the button can be pressed down, the recovery / test key 801 or the trial period key 802 is highlighted.

When the release key 803 for the separate count mode is pressed down, the CPU 101 releases the currently executing mode of the recovery / test mode or the trial period mode and returns to the normal state 401, as shown in FIG. Display the screen again.

In step S504, the CPU 101
Determines which mode has been selected. That is, this step is a step of specifying the operation mode selected according to the selection screen. Recovery / test key 801
If it is detected that is pressed, step S505
Then, the CPU 101 causes the liquid crystal display unit 201 to display the screen shown in FIG. Meanwhile, trial period key 8
When 02 is pushed down, the process proceeds to step S511. If the close key 804 is pressed down, FIG.
The screen of FIG. 7 that was displayed immediately before switching to is displayed.

(1) Designation of the recovery / test mode When the recovery / test key 801 is pressed, FIG.
The detailed setting screen of the recovery / test mode shown in is displayed on the liquid crystal display 2
01 is displayed. On this screen, the user selects either the main body operation unit and the specific client reception key 901 or the main body operation unit reception key 902 in order to set the operation reception target 406 shown in FIG. If the recovery / test mode is already being executed, the CPU 101 reads out the current detailed setting information from 103 and highlights the key 901 or 902 corresponding to the mode being executed. As a result, the current setting state is explicitly displayed. On the other hand, if the normal state or the trial period mode is being changed to the new recovery / test mode, neither key is highlighted.

In step S505, the CPU 101
Determines which key is pressed. For example, when detecting that the main body operation unit reception key 902 is pressed, the CPU 101 advances the process to step S506.

In step S506, the screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. FIG. 10 shows a display example when only the operation from the main body operation unit is permitted in the recovery / test mode. The restoration / test key 1001 is highlighted in order to clearly show the current setting state. “Local” is displayed in the comment display area 1002, indicating that only the operation from the main body operation unit is accepted.
If the close key 1003 is pressed,
The screen displayed immediately before switching to FIG. 9, that is, FIG. 8 is displayed again.

In step S507, a standby screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. FIG. 11 shows a display example when only the operation from the main body operation unit is permitted in the recovery / test mode. A construction-in-progress icon 1101 is displayed so that it can be easily recognized at a glance that it is in the recovery / test mode. In order to clearly indicate more detailed information, “Local Only” is displayed in the comment display area 1102. As a result, it is possible to notify the user that only the operation from the main body operation unit is permitted.

On the other hand, in step S505, when it is detected that the main body operation unit and the specific client reception key 901 are pressed, the CPU 101 advances the process to step S508.

In step S508, the CPU 101
Displays the designation screen of the specific client as shown in FIG. On this screen, the user specifies a client that is permitted to remotely operate the image processing apparatus.
When designating, for example, an IP address is generally used, but of course, unique identification information such as a terminal name may be used. The input field 1201 is an input field of an IP address. For the IP address, for example, numerical values input from the ten-key pad 210 are sequentially displayed in the input field 1201. Input field 1201
Is divided into four areas, separated by periods. It should be noted that the user does not need to input the period, but only the numerical value part will be input left-justified. As a general rule, a three-digit numerical value is to be entered in each area, so you may enter "0" if necessary. A cursor 1202 indicating the current input position may be displayed in the input field 1201. The cursor 1202 can be moved left and right by one digit by pressing the left move key 1203 for moving the cursor to the left and the right move key 1204 for moving the cursor to the right. The numeric value of the digit corresponding to the cursor can be rewritten by re-inputting. The cursor 1202 moves one digit to the right each time a numerical value is input. When the clear key 211 is pressed, the CPU 101
All the numerical values displayed in the input field 1201 are cleared. In the screen shown in FIG. 12, only one specific client can be designated, but it goes without saying that a plurality of clients may be designated. For example, a plurality of input fields 1201 may be provided, or a plurality of candidate IP addresses may be displayed as a list so that one or more IP addresses can be selected from the list. Of course, the host name may be designated instead of the IP address or together with the IP address. Further, information about the client may be managed by another host on the network, the client information may be requested from the host, and the client may be designated based on the obtained client information.
Further, the client designation operation may be performed from a personal computer, a mobile terminal, or a dedicated host computer. In this case, the various screens described above will be displayed on the display device such as the mobile terminal, and the input process will be executed from the keys of the mobile terminal or the like. Further, the image forming apparatus is
It will be equipped with a server program for displaying screen configuration information on a mobile terminal or the like and accepting an input from the mobile terminal or the like. These may be configured on a web basis. When the close key 1205 is pushed down, in step S509, the CPU 101 finalizes the set value and causes the liquid crystal display unit 201 to display the screen shown in FIG. If you want to cancel the setting,
The cancel key 206 is pushed down. Figure 13 shows the restoration
In the test mode, a display example in the case where an operation from a specific client is permitted in addition to the main body operation unit is shown. Restore / test key 1301 to specify the current setting status
Is highlighted. Comment display area 13
In 02, the IP address of the specific client is displayed in addition to the display of “Local” meaning the main body operation unit. In the present embodiment, an example in which the number of specific clients is only one is shown, but the operation may of course be permitted to a plurality of clients. Further, instead of the IP address, a character such as a host name or a numerical value that can identify the client may be used. Alternatively, it is possible to simply display that the operation from the client is possible without revealing the specific client name.

In step S510, the standby screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. FIG. 14 is a display example in the case where the operation from the specific one client is permitted in addition to the main body operation unit in the recovery / test mode. A construction-in-progress icon 1401 is displayed so that it is easy to recognize at a glance that it is in the recovery / test mode. In order to specify more detailed information, the comment display area 1402 displays client information that can be accepted together with the main body operation unit. In the present embodiment, only one client is displayed, but of course, multiple clients may be displayed. Further, identification information such as some identifiable character or numerical value such as a host name may be displayed instead of the IP address. Alternatively, the client name may not be displayed, but only the fact that the operation from the client is possible may be displayed.

(2) Designation of trial period mode In step S504, when the CPU 101 determines that the restoration / test key 901 is not depressed, that is, the trial period key 902 is depressed, it is shown in FIG. A screen for designating a method of canceling the trial period is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 201. On this screen, settings relating to the automatic release function 405 are made. For example, if the trial period mode is already being executed, the CPU 10
In No. 1, the current setting information is read from the memory 103, and the deadline-unspecified key 1501 or the deadline-specified key 1502 is highlighted according to the setting information. On the other hand, if the normal state or the recovery / test mode is executed, neither key is highlighted.

Now, in step S511, the CPU determines whether no deadline designation or deadline designation is selected.
101 determines. If it is determined that the unspecified time limit key 1101 has been pressed, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S5.
The process proceeds to 12. On the other hand, a key 1502 with a deadline designation
If it is determined that is pressed, the CPU 101 advances the process to step S514.

In step S512, the CPU 101
Completes the setting process and displays the screen as shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a display example when the automatic cancellation deadline is not specified in the trial period mode. The trial period key 1601 is highlighted in order to clearly indicate the current setting state, and “no time limit” is displayed in the comment display area 1602.

In step S513, a standby screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. FIG. 17 is a display example when the automatic cancellation deadline is not specified in the trial period mode. A Trial icon 1701 is displayed so that the trial mode can be easily recognized at a glance.

In step S514, the CPU 101
Causes the liquid crystal display unit 201 to display the input screen for the trial period as shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a screen displayed when the key 1102 with the time limit is pressed. On this screen, the trial period is input. When the trial period elapses, the trial period mode is released. The trial period is set by specifying the number of days, for example. A numerical value designated last time is displayed as a default in the period input field 1801. At the time of factory shipment, some numerical value is set as the system default value. The number of days may be directly input from the ten keys 210 or may be input by operating the UP key 1802 and the DOWN key 1803. When inputting using the ten-key pad 210, the CPU 101
Is the period input field 1801
To display. UP key 1802 and DOWN key 18
When using 03, the CPU is pressed according to the key depression.
101 executes count UP or count DOWN, and continuously presses U for a certain period of time to continuously count U.
Execute P or continuous count DOWN. In any case, the numerical value that can be set is 1 to 90, but of course, more numerical values may be set. Further, by pressing down the clear key 211, it is possible to clear all the numerical values in the input field 1201. The display value in that case is the value set as the system default value at the time of shipment. Close key 1805
When is pressed, the setting is confirmed, and step S515
Move to. When canceling the setting, the cancel key 206 is pushed down.

In step S515, the operation mode as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. FIG. 19 is a display example when the automatic cancellation deadline is designated in the trial period mode. Trial period key 1 to clearly indicate the current setting status
901 is highlighted. Further, the comment display area 1902 displays the number of days remaining until the deadline.
The remaining days displayed in the comment display area 1902 are as of when this screen was displayed. Note that it may be automatically subtracted and displayed. Also, the initially set period may be displayed together. In the present embodiment, the case of designating the trial period by specifying the number of days has been described, but when the end time such as the year, month, day, hour, minute, second is specified, or the end of a good break point such as the end of the month is ended. When specified as the hour, the comment display area 1902 is in a format suitable for that.
The deadline will be displayed on. In step S516, a standby screen as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. Figure 20
Is a display example when the automatic cancellation deadline is designated in the trial period mode. The Trial icon 2001 is displayed so that the trial period mode can be easily recognized at a glance. In the comment display area 2002, the number of days until the deadline is displayed. In the present embodiment, a case where a specific number of days is specified as the trial period has been described, but an end time such as a good break point such as year, month, day, hour, minute, second, or end of month may be specified. In that case, it is displayed in the comment display area 2002 in a time limit format suitable for it. The screen for informing the user that these are in the recovery / test mode or the trial period mode may be displayed on a personal computer, a mobile terminal, or a dedicated host computer.

In the present embodiment, the trial period is set by the number of days, but instead of this configuration, the end time may be designated such as year / month / day / hour / minute / second. Also, it is possible to specify a time point that is good for a break, such as the end of the month. In any case, the input value is stored in the memory 103 by the CPU 101 as trial period information.

(3) Display of Counter Information Next, a method of confirming and displaying the counter value will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart regarding the display process of the counter information. In the following description, it is premised that the step of counting the number of times of image processing when the specified operation mode is executed is executed in advance. In parallel, it is assumed that the step of counting the number of image processings independent of the operation mode is also executed by the normal counter. The above display processing is performed by the counter confirmation key 2
It is started when the CPU 101 detects the pressing of the button 15. That is, the CPU 101 executes a step of receiving an instruction for displaying the number of times of image processing. Note that, here, description will be made on the assumption that the standby screen as shown in FIG. 11 and the like is displayed.

In step S2101, the CPU 10
1 reads the data related to the normal counter from the memory 103. That is, these data are values normally counted by the counter, and are, for example, the following data.

Cumulative output number up to now (Total) -Number of cumulative output numbers that are particularly classified as Large size (Total (Large))-Number of cumulative total output numbers output by copy operation (Copy) ) ・ Larg among those output by the copy operation
Number of items classified as e-size (Copy (Larg
e)) Here, the Large size is A4 for AB type paper.
The larger size corresponds to, and the inch type paper corresponds to the size larger than LETTER.

In step S2102, the CPU 101
A display screen including the read counter data is created and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 201. FIG. 22 is a display example of normal counter information. In this example, the values counted by the four types of counters are displayed.

As the icon 2201, a normal counter may be used as appropriate. Counter type display 2202
Is the name of the counter. The counter value 2203 is the number of output sheets counted by each counter. The counter value displayed here, regardless of whether or not it is in the separate count mode, displays the cumulative number of sheets output so far in the device.

The separate counter confirmation key 2204 is displayed and can be pressed down when the separate count mode is in progress. When the separate count mode is not in effect, the separate counter confirmation key 2204 may not be displayed, or may always be displayed. In the latter case, the count value recorded immediately before is accumulated in the memory 103 even if the different count mode is not in effect at that time, and the CPU 10
1 may read and display the value. This is effective in the following cases. For example, if the trial period mode is set to have a deadline specified, the mode automatically shifts to the normal mode when the deadline expires, so the administrator or the like may not be able to confirm the final count value depending on the timing. Therefore, by holding the immediately preceding count value so that it can be referred to, the administrator or the like can grasp the usage amount during the trial period. Further, when the different count mode is designated again, the CPU 101 clears the count value and newly starts counting.

In step S2103, it is determined whether or not the separate counter confirmation key 2104 is pushed down while the separate count mode is being executed. Separate counter key 220
If 4 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S2104, and if the close key 2205 is pressed, the standby screen is displayed and the process ends.

In step S2104, the memory 10
C based on the data representing the state mode stored in
The PU 101 determines whether or not the currently executed mode is the recovery / test mode. If it is the recovery / test mode, the process advances to step S2105. On the other hand, in the trial period mode, the process proceeds to step S2107.

In step S2105, the CPU 10
1 reads out data regarding the counter for the recovery / test mode from the memory 103.

In step S2106, the CPU 10
1 displays the screen illustrated in FIG. FIG. 23 shows
It is an example of counter information display in the recovery / test mode. The icon 2301 displays an under construction icon representing a counter in the recovery / test mode. Also, the name of each counter 2
Along with 302, the counter value 2303 of each counter read by the CPU 101 is also displayed. The counter value displayed here is the cumulative number of output sheets after shifting to the recovery / test mode. When the recovery / test mode is canceled and the mode is changed to the recovery / test mode again, the value is counted from 0 again. When the close key 2304 is pressed, the normal counter display screen as shown in FIG. 22 is returned to.

In step S2107, the CPU 10
1 reads out data concerning the counter for the trial period mode from the memory 103.

In step S2108, the CPU 10
1 displays the screen illustrated in FIG. Figure 24 shows
It is an example of counter information display in the trial period mode. A Trial icon indicating the trial period mode is used as the icon 2401. Furthermore, a counter value 2403 for each counter is displayed together with a counter type display 2402 indicating the type of counter. In this case as well, the counter value displayed here is the cumulative output number after the shift to the trial period mode. When the trial period mode is released and the trial period mode is entered again, it is counted from 0 again. When the close key 2404 is pressed, the normal counter display screen as shown in FIG. 22 is returned to. In this way, since the CPU 101 executes the step of displaying the number of times of image processing that does not depend on the operation mode and the number of times of image processing when a specific operation mode is executed sequentially or simultaneously, The number of non-billing objects can be grasped more easily than before.

The confirmation display of the counter information is
It may be displayed on a personal computer, a mobile terminal, or a dedicated host computer. For example, the above screen is created as an HTML file, and the modem 101 or NIC
It may be transmitted to a mobile terminal or the like via, and the screen may be displayed by browser software executed on the mobile terminal.

(4) Count Processing FIG. 25 shows a block diagram relating to the count processing function according to this embodiment. In this block diagram, only the CPU 101 and the memory 103 or the HDD 102, which are the core of the function, are shown for the sake of clarity. Each means in the figure executes CP by executing the control program.
It is realized by U101.

The normal counting means 2501 is a normal counter that always counts the number of times of image processing, as described above. The normal counting data 2502 is the normal counting means 2501.
The value counted by is included. When the four types of count processing are executed as described above, four types of values will be stored. The normal counting means 2501
It may be considered to count the total number of times of use used when determining the degree of wear or maintenance time of the image processing apparatus.

The designation means 2503 is used for input information from the input means such as the operation unit 121, the modem 110 and the NIC 11.
2 or one of the counting means is designated based on the reception information received by the communication means such as the management IF 114. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 8, the recovery / test mode key 801 and the trial period mode key 802.
Select the mode by receiving the key input from.

The restoration / test counting means 2505 is one of the other counters described above, and particularly counts the number of times of image processing in the restoration / test mode. of course,
It may be composed of a plurality of counters. The restoration / test counting data 2506 is the restoration / test counting means 250.
The value counted by 5 is stored. When counting four types of data as shown in FIG. 23, these four types of count values are stored in the restoration / test count data 2506. The trial period counting means 2507 is one of the other counters described above, and particularly counts the number of times of image processing during the use period. Of course, it may be composed of a plurality of counters. The trial period count data 2508 stores the values counted by the trial period counting means 2507. When counting four types of data as shown in FIG. 24, the trial period count data 2508
The four types of count values are stored in.

The separate counter may count the number of times of use that is not subject to billing, and may be considered to count the number of times of use within the trial period or the number of times of use during maintenance processing, for example. Further, although not shown in the figure, a calculation unit may be further provided for calculating the number of effective uses to be charged based on the total number of uses and the number of uses not to be charged.

The trial period management means 2509 manages the trial period based on the input information from the input means or the reception information received from the outside through the communication line. For example, in FIG.
As described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 18, the setting process of the presence / absence of a deadline designation and the trial period input process are executed. The trial period data 2510 stores flag data indicating whether or not a deadline is designated, and specific trial period information. The trial period management means 2509 also functions as a calculation means for calculating the expiration of the trial period based on the trial period information.
The trial period management means 2509 further includes a timer for measuring the current time, a comparing means for comparing the value of the timer with the expiration time of the trial period, and the comparison result when the current time has passed the expiration time. It includes stop means for stopping the counting process by the trial period counting means. When the expiration time is designated based on the input information from the input means or the reception information received from the outside through the communication line, the trial period management means 2509 also stores the information regarding the expiration time in the trial period data 2510. May be stored.

The client management means 2511 manages whether or not to permit operation instructions from one or more external devices connected via a communication line. For example, when the external device is a network device to which an IP address is added, the client data 2512 stores the IP address or host name of the client that has permitted the operation instruction. Upon receiving the operation instruction request from the external device, the client management unit 2511 acquires the IP address or host name of the external device. Next, the client data 2512 is read from the memory 103, and it is determined whether the read client data 2512 includes the IP address or host name of the external device. If it is included, the operation instruction from the external device is accepted, and the process according to the operation instruction is executed. The operation instruction may include an instruction to specify a mode as described above, an instruction to set a trial period or not and a trial period, and an instruction to display a normal counter and another counter.

The screen creating means 2513 creates screen information for reporting the total number of processes, various setting screens, standby screens, and the like. The information output from the screen creating unit 2513 serves as a liquid crystal display unit 201 as a display unit, a voice output unit for outputting the contents of the screen by voice, a printer 120 as an image forming unit, or a transmitting unit for transmitting to an external communication device. Modem 110, NIC 112 or management IF 11
It is input to any one of 4. The screen creating means 251
The screen information created in 3 can be created in HTML, for example. Of course, it may be binary or multi-valued image information.

As described above, by providing a plurality of counting means, if a serious abnormality or failure occurs in the system, the person in charge of the manufacturer or the sales company visits the customer to recover it, and Even when performing operation confirmation, debugging work, and confirmation test on the spot, the procedure for managing the counter and charging method can be performed more simply and more reliably. For example, it would be possible to reliably grasp the number of sheets counted by checking the operation and debugging.

Further, by restricting the operation to only a specific client based on the IP address or the like, it is possible to prevent the count due to the original restoration / test work and the count due to the use by general users from being mixed during the restoration work. I can avoid it.

In addition, for example, regarding the exemption of the charge during the trial period and the start of the charge after the expiration of the trial period, since the count value during the trial period can be called up and displayed anytime later, the exemption and the start of the charge can be surely performed. Let's do it. Furthermore, it will be possible to predict the number of counts during full-scale operation from the count values during the trial period.

Further, recording and accumulation of the above counter information, confirmation, selection of the counter counting method, designation of operation restriction mode,
By designating the trial period in a personal computer, a mobile terminal, or a dedicated host computer, the image processing apparatus can be set and checked in an environment closer to the user. Therefore, it may be possible to provide a more user-friendly and easy-to-use operating environment.

(Other Embodiments) A storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus,
Computer of the system or device (or CP
It goes without saying that the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by the U or MPU).

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM,
Alternatively, a server computer or the like connected to a communicable network can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the respective embodiments described above are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer is executed based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the present invention includes cases where a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, Needless to say, the present invention also includes a case where the CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. .

According to the present invention, by providing a plurality of counting means, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience of the billing process due to the counter of the image processing apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a module configuration diagram of the present system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation unit of the present system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the operation unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a recording state and a function of a counter.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart relating to counter mode setting processing.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a user mode selection screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a system management setting screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a setting screen of another counter.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a detailed setting screen of a recovery / test mode.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another counter setting screen when operation instructions are permitted only to the main body operation unit in the recovery / test mode.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a standby screen when operation instructions are permitted only to the main body operation unit in the recovery / test mode.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an IP address input screen in the recovery / test mode.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another counter setting screen when operation instructions are limited to the main body operation unit and a specific client in the recovery / test mode.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a standby screen when operation instructions are limited to a main body operation unit and a specific client in the recovery / test mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a designation screen for designating a method of canceling the trial period mode.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another counter setting screen in the trial period mode when no time limit is designated.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a standby screen in a case where “no time limit designation” is selected in the trial period mode.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an input screen for inputting a trial period.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another counter setting screen when a time limit is designated in the trial period mode.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a standby screen when a deadline is designated in the trial period mode.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of counter display processing.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a confirmation screen of a normal counter.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another counter confirmation screen in the recovery / test mode.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing another counter confirmation screen in the trial period mode.

FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram for implementing a plurality of counter processes.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/00 106 G03G 21/00 392 F term (reference) 2C061 CQ23 CQ32 CQ34 2H027 DA41 DA45 EE07 EJ06 EJ08 EJ15 FA35 GA30 GB11 HB02 ZA07 5B021 AA01 BB01 NN19 QQ07 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB21 AC55 AC60 AF00 AF07 AF08 BA00

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An image processing means for executing image processing; a first counting means for counting a first cumulative number of processing in accordance with the image processing by the image processing means; and a counting by the first counting means. Independent, second counting means for counting a second cumulative number of processes in accordance with image processing executed while a specific processing mode is selected, the first cumulative number of processes and the second cumulative number of processes. An image processing apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs at least one of the cumulative number of processed images. 2. Image processing means for executing image processing, a plurality of counting means for counting various cumulative numbers of image processing by the image processing means, and a plurality of counting means for executing counting of 1 or more. An image processing apparatus comprising: a designating unit that designates at least one counting unit among the units; and an output unit that outputs information regarding the cumulative number of processes counted by the designated counting unit. 3. The designation means designates any one of the counting means based on input information from the input means or reception information received from an external device through a communication line. The image processing device described. 4. At least one of the plurality of counting means counts the cumulative number of processes in a period set based on input information from the input means or reception information received from the outside via a communication line. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, which counts. 5. A management unit for managing whether or not to permit an operation instruction from one or more external devices connected via a communication line is provided, and the designating unit is the management unit. Based on the management content of
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the counting means to be operated is designated. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the management unit manages a network address of an external device to which the operation instruction is permitted. 7. The output means is a display means for displaying the cumulative processing number, a voice output means for outputting the cumulative processing number by voice, an image forming means for image-forming the cumulative processing number, or the cumulative processing number externally. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the image processing apparatus is any one of transmitting means for transmitting to the communication device. 8. The image processing means includes at least one of an image output means for outputting an image and an image input means for inputting an image. Or the image processing device described in item 1. 9. An information processing apparatus for executing predetermined information processing, comprising: a first counter for counting the total number of times of use; and a second counter for counting the number of times of use out of the total number of times of use that is not subject to billing. An information processing apparatus comprising: a counter. 10. The total number of times of use is a total number of times of use that is used when determining a degree of wear of the information processing apparatus or a maintenance time of the information processing apparatus. Information processing equipment. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the number of times of usage that is not subject to billing is the number of times of usage within a trial period or the number of times of use during maintenance processing. 12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising calculation means for calculating the number of effective uses to be charged based on the total number of uses and the number of uses not to be charged. 11. The information processing device described in any one of 11. 13. A third counter, instead of or in addition to the second counter, for counting the number of times of usage out of the total number of times of usage, which is subject to billing. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11. 14. A step of counting a first cumulative number of processings according to execution of image processing, and a step independent of counting by the first counting means, executed while a specific processing mode is selected. Counting a second cumulative number of processes in accordance with the image processing according to the image processing, and outputting at least one of the first cumulative number of processes and the second cumulative number of processes. Image processing counting method. 15. A step of designating one or more counting means of a plurality of counting means to perform one or more counting, a step of performing counting by the designated counting means, and the designated counting. And a step of outputting information on the cumulative number of processes counted by the means. 16. An image processing counting method for counting the number of times image processing is performed in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes, wherein a selection screen for selecting a predetermined operation mode from the plurality of operation modes. Is displayed, a step of specifying the operation mode selected according to the selection screen, a step of counting the number of times of image processing when the specified operation mode is executed, the number of times of the image processing And a step of displaying the number of times of the image processing when the instruction is received, the image processing counting method. 17. The method further comprises the step of counting the number of times of image processing independent of the operation mode, wherein the step of displaying the number of times of image processing includes the number of times of image processing independent of the operation mode and the specified operation. 17. The image processing counting method according to claim 16, comprising a step of sequentially or simultaneously displaying the number of times of image processing when the mode is executed. 18. A computer program comprising a program code for causing a computer to perform all of the means described in any one of claims 1 to 13. 19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17.
A computer program comprising a program code for causing a computer to execute each of the steps described in the paragraph.