JP2003296440A - Information processing system, control method for information processing system, control program of information processing system, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system responding to diversified requirements of users, a control method for the information processing system, a control program for the information processing system, and a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU401 controls so that a user arbitrarily selects to appropriately use a coin type accounting management device 406 and an ATM 103. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing system for outputting information such as image information, a control method for the information processing system, a control program for the information processing system, and a storage medium storing the control program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the image information processing system as described above, there are abundant available functions,
The function is divided into several categories and expressed in the form of a mode. Authentication of users who use this system is performed by a method using an identifier such as an IC card or a personal identification number. The desired function setting is set in the form of a mode using the operation display unit, and this information is notified to the image processing unit, and the output subjected to the desired image processing is obtained.

Further, in recent years, these image information processing systems have been used not only in an environment where only specific users or managers such as offices, public offices, schools and copy shops use them, but also in unspecified large numbers such as supermarkets and convenience stores. Even in the environment used by the user,
By connecting a billing management device to the above-mentioned system and restricting the use of the system using this, a service has been provided to more users.

[0004]

However, in recent years,
As the demands of users have been diversified, the functions installed in the image information processing system are also diverse. In addition, the rapid spread of personal computers in ordinary homes and the accompanying rapid progress of the Internet environment.
Due to the spread of 4-hour convenience stores, the demand for image information processing systems is high, and the desired output can be obtained easily and cheaply during the day, even during the day and night, and even during holidays such as offices. Therefore, some users desire an output volume that has been collected to some extent, and it is becoming impossible to meet the diversifying needs of users only with the image information processing system to which the current coin-type charging management device is connected.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its object is to provide an information processing system, a control method of the information processing system, and an information processing which can meet the diversifying needs of users. To provide a system control program and a storage medium.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing system of the present invention comprises an information processing means for processing information and at least first and second charging management means. The charge management means of (1) performs charge management using a dedicated object, and the second charge management means is connected to a charge management organization using a dedicated line and performs charge management by specifying a user by an identifier. The information processing system is characterized by further comprising control means for controlling so that the user can arbitrarily select and use the plurality of charging management means.

In order to achieve the above object, the control method of the information processing system of the present invention comprises an information processing means for processing information and at least first and second charging management means, The charge management means of (1) performs charge management using a dedicated object, and the second charge management means is connected to a charge management organization using a dedicated line and performs charge management by specifying a user by an identifier. A control method for controlling an information processing system, characterized by comprising a control step for allowing a user to arbitrarily select and use the plurality of charging management means.

In order to achieve the above object, the control program of the information processing system of the present invention comprises an information processing means for processing information and at least first and second charging management means. Charging management means for managing charging using a dedicated object, and the second charging management means
A computer-readable control program for controlling an information processing system, which is connected to a billing management institution using a dedicated line and performs billing management by specifying a user by an identifier, comprising a plurality of billing management means. It is characterized by comprising a program code for causing a computer to execute a control step for controlling so that the user can arbitrarily select and use it.

In order to achieve the above object, the information processing system of the present invention comprises information processing means for processing information and at least first and second charging management means. The means performs charge management using a dedicated object, and the second charge management means is connected to a charge management organization using a dedicated line and performs charge management by specifying a user by an identifier. In addition, the first charging management means and the second charging management means are automatically set based on the usage charge calculated based on the mode information in which a plurality of charging management means is arbitrarily set by the user. It is characterized by having a control means for controlling it so that it can be used.

In order to achieve the above object, the control method of the information processing system of the present invention comprises an information processing means for processing information and at least first and second charging management means, and The charge management means of (1) performs charge management using a dedicated object, and the second charge management means is connected to a charge management organization using a dedicated line and performs charge management by specifying a user by an identifier. A control method for controlling an information processing system, wherein the first billing management means is automatically based on a usage fee calculated based on mode information in which a user arbitrarily sets a plurality of billing management means. And a control step for controlling so that the second charging management means can be used.

In order to achieve the above object, the control program of the information processing system of the present invention comprises an information processing means for processing information and at least first and second charging management means. Charging management means for managing charging using a dedicated object, and the second charging management means
A computer-readable control program for controlling an information processing system for performing charge management by identifying a user by an identifier, which is connected to a charge management institution using a dedicated line, and includes a plurality of charge management means for a user. A control step for automatically controlling the computer so that the first charging management means and the second charging management means can be used based on the usage charge calculated based on the mode information arbitrarily set by It is characterized by comprising program code for execution.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the storage medium of the present invention is characterized by storing a control program of the information processing system.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image information processing system according to this embodiment. In the figure, 1
Reference numeral 01 is an image information processing device (information processing means) which is the center of the image information processing system installed in a convenience store or the like, and 102 is a coin (dedicated to a user) used when the system is used by the user to obtain a desired output. A coin-type charging management device (first charging management means) for inserting an object is connected to the image processing device 101. 103
Is an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine: second charging management means) that is connected to an external bank online using a dedicated line. Each user who visits a convenience store identifies this ATM 103 and the user. It is possible to deposit / withdraw money to / from each account using a cash card and a personal identification number having an identifier of 1. In this system, the ATM 103 is also connected to the image information processing apparatus 101.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the schematic arrangement of the image information processing apparatus 101 which is the center of the image information processing system according to this embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the digital color image reader unit R is provided on the upper portion and the digital color image printer unit P is provided on the lower portion.
Have.

In the reader section R, the original 227 is placed on the original table glass 228 and exposed and scanned by the exposure lamp 229, so that the reflected light image from the original 227 is condensed on the full color sensor 231 by the lens 230. , Obtain color separated image signals. The color separation image signal is
After being processed by a video processing unit (not shown) through an amplifier circuit (not shown), it is sent to the printer section P.

In the printer section P, a photosensitive drum 201, which is an image carrier, is rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and a pre-exposure lamp 211, a corona charger 202, and a laser exposure optical system 203 are provided around the photosensitive drum 201. , Potential sensor 212, four developing devices 204Y, 204 of different colors
C, 204M, 204BK, on-drum light amount detection means 21
3, the transfer device 205, and the cleaning device 206 are arranged.

In the laser exposure optical system 203, the image signal from the reader section R is converted into an optical signal by a laser output section (not shown), and the converted laser beam is reflected by the polygon mirror 203a, and the lens 203b and the mirror. 20
It is projected onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 through 3c.

At the time of forming an image in the printer section P, the photosensitive drum 201 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the pre-exposure lamp 21
The photosensitive drum 201 after the charge removal by 1 is uniformly charged by the charger 202, and the optical image E is emitted for each separated color to form a latent image.

Next, a predetermined developing device is operated to develop the latent image on the photosensitive drum 201, and a toner image based on resin is formed on the photosensitive drum 201. The developing device selectively approaches the photosensitive drum 201 according to each separated color by the operation of the eccentric cams 224Y, 224C, 224M, and 224BK.

On the other hand, the recording material to which the image is transferred is loaded on the recording material cassettes 207b and 207c, and the recording material cassettes 207b and 207b and 207c are picked up by the pickup roller 232.
It is picked up from 07 c and is conveyed toward the registration roller 218 by the paper feed roller 233. A light transmissive sensor 223 is arranged immediately before the registration roller 218, and the type of the conveyed recording material can be discriminated by the length of time that the recording material shields the sensor 223. Then, the registration roller 218
The recording material conveyed to the position of
The transfer drum 205a is synchronized with the image leading position on the photosensitive drum 201 and the leading position of the recording material.
Sent to. Adsorption roller 2 where this recording material serves as a counter electrode
The transfer drum 20 by 05g and the adsorption charger 205c
The image on the photosensitive drum 201 is transferred onto the recording material by the transfer charger 205b.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the transfer device 205 includes a transfer drum 205a, a transfer charger 205b, an attraction charger 205c for electrostatically attracting a recording material, an attraction roller 205g facing the attraction roller 205g, an inside charger 205d, and an outside. Charger 205
A recording material carrying sheet 205f made of a dielectric material is integrally stretched in a cylindrical shape in an opening area of a peripheral surface of a transfer drum 205a which is rotatably driven. The recording material carrying sheet 205f uses a dielectric sheet such as a polycarbonate film. As the drum-shaped transfer device, that is, the transfer drum 205a is rotated, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 201 is transferred to the transfer charger 20.
The image is transferred onto the recording material carried by the recording material carrying sheet 205f by 5b.

In this way, a desired number of color images are transferred to the recording material that is adsorbed and conveyed to the recording material carrying sheet 205f to form a full color image. For full-color image formation,
When the transfer of the four-color toner images is completed in this way, the recording material is separated from the transfer drum 205a by the action of the separation claw 208a, the separation push-up roller 208b, and the separation charger 205h, and the tray is transferred via the heat roller fixing device 209. 21
Paper is discharged to 0.

On the other hand, after the transfer, the photosensitive drum 201 is subjected to the image forming process again after the residual toner on the surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 206. In the case of forming an image on both sides of the recording material, immediately after discharging the fixing device 209, the conveyance path switching guide 219 is driven, and after passing through the conveyance vertical path 220 to the reversing path 221a once, the reversing roller 22.
By the reverse rotation of 1b, the trailing end of the recording material when fed is made to be the leading end, and the recording material is withdrawn in the direction opposite to the feeding direction and is stored in the intermediate tray 222. After that, an image is formed again on one surface by the above-described image forming process.

Further, in order to prevent the powder from being scattered on the recording material-carrying sheet 205f of the transfer drum 205a and the oil on the recording material being adhered, the fur brush 214 and the recording material-carrying sheet 205f face each other. Cleaning is performed by the action of the backup brush 215 and the backup brush 217 that faces the oil removing roller 216 via the recording material carrying sheet 205f. Such cleaning is performed before or after image formation, and at any time when a jam (paper jam) occurs.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the eccentric cam 225 is operated at a desired timing to move the transfer drum 20.
The gap between the recording material carrying sheet 205f and the photosensitive drum 201 can be arbitrarily set by operating the cam follower 205I that is integrated with 5a. For example, during standby or when the power is off, the gap between the transfer drum and the photosensitive drum is increased.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation display unit of the image information processing apparatus 101 in the image information processing system according to this embodiment. In the figure, 301-315, 3
Reference numerals 17 to 331 are keys for setting various operation modes, and these keys 301 to 315 and 317 to 331.
Inside the, L lights up when the mode is set
An ED (light emitting diode) is provided. Also, 31
Reference numeral 6 is a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel on the upper part, and soft keys can be created on the screen.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the operation display portion of the image information processing apparatus in the image information processing system according to this embodiment.

In FIG. 4, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 4, 316-1 is a key input section of the touch panel display of the liquid crystal display section 316 shown in FIG. 3, and 316-2 is a liquid crystal display (LCD).
That is, the display unit of the liquid crystal display unit 316. 401 is a CPU
(Central processing unit), each key 301-shown in FIG.
315, 317 to 331, inputs from the key input unit 316-1 and the like, and input / output control in cooperation with the coin type charge management device (first charge management means) 406 and ATM (second charge management means) 407. The display on the display unit 316-2 is controlled.

Reference numeral 402 denotes a first ROM (read-only storage means)
Then, the keys 301 to 315, 317 to 331, the key input unit 316-1, the coin type charge management device 406 and the ATM.
A program already created for linking with 407 and controlling the display unit 316-2 and the like is stored in advance.

Reference numeral 403 is a second ROM (read-only storage means)
Then, data (screen data or the like) to be displayed on the display unit 316-2 is stored in advance. Reference numeral 404 is a RAM (random access memory) that works as a work area of the CPU 401, and 405 is an input port for fetching data from the key input unit 316-1 and each of the keys 301 to 315 and 317 to 331, and the coin type charge management device 406. And ATM4
Data is also taken in cooperation with 07. 408 is an output port for displaying display data on the display unit 316-2,
An ON / OFF signal of the LED 409 is output to the LED 409.

The ATM 407 is connected online by a dedicated line between the convenience store and each bank, and based on the information from the ATM 407, the bank deposits / deposits.
Withdrawals are managed. Reference numeral 410 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory.

Next, processing procedures and operation screen transitions using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to this embodiment. Further, FIG. 7 to FIG. 11 are diagrams showing operation screen transitions using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the present embodiment.

The processing procedures of FIGS. 5 and 6 and the screen transitions of FIGS. 7 to 11 will be described below in association with each other.

First, if the machine is in the standby state, the liquid crystal display unit 316, which is the operation display unit of the image information processing system installed in the state shown in FIG. 1, charges in step S701 of FIG. The user who wants to make a copy while the management means selection screen is displayed, "uses a coin" or "uses a card" by the newly connected ATM on the charging management means selection screen as in the conventional case. And press the OK key (step S501 in FIG. 5).

Here, it is determined by software whether "use coins" or "use cards" is selected (step S502 in FIG. 5 and step S702 in FIG. 7). Then, when "use coins" is selected, a screen on which a message is displayed to insert a required amount of coins into the coin-type charging management device 102 connected to the image processing device 101 (Fig. 7 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 316 (step S703) (step S503 in FIG. 5), and the user is prompted to insert a coin. Then, when the user inserts a coin into the coin type charging management device 102 (step S505 in FIG. 5 and step S705 in FIG. 8), the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 316 selects the color mode in step S707 in FIG. Transition to the screen.

On the other hand, in step S502 of FIG.
When "Use card" is selected, a message is written to the ATM 103, which is also connected to the image information processing apparatus 101, to the effect that a cash card or credit card used for payment of the fee is inserted into the user. The screen (step S704 in FIG. 7) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 31.
6 is displayed (step S504 in FIG. 5), and the user is prompted to insert the card. Then, after the user inserts the cash card or the credit card into the ATM 103, the password is correctly input (step S5 in FIG. 5).
06 and step S706 in FIG. 8), the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 316 transitions to the color mode selection screen in step S707 in FIG.

On the color mode selection screen in step S707 of FIG. 8, the user selects a color mode such as black-and-white copy or full-color copy (in this embodiment, full-color copy is selected) and presses the OK key. By (step S507 in FIG. 5), the document mode selection screen (step S708 in FIG. 8) is displayed.

On the manuscript mode selection screen in step S708 of FIG. 8, the user selects one of the three manuscript modes of character, photograph, and character / photo (in the present embodiment, character / photo is selected). By pressing the OK key (selected) (step S508 in FIG. 5), the screen transitions to the document size selection screen (step S709 in FIG. 9).

On the document size selection screen in step S709 of FIG. 9, the user can select not only the standard sizes such as A3, A4, B4 and B5, but also other sizes than the standard sizes. One is selected (A3 is selected in this embodiment), and O is selected.
By pressing the K key (step S509 in FIG. 5),
The screen transitions to the output paper size selection screen (step S710 in FIG. 9).

On the output paper size selection screen in step S710 of FIG. 9, the user selects A3, A4, B4, B.
Not only the standard size such as 5, but also other sizes than the standard size can be selected, and one of these output paper sizes is selected (A3 is selected in this embodiment), and the OK key is pressed. Is pressed (step S51 in FIG. 5)
0).

Next, the user inputs the copy magnification using the ten-key using a copy magnification designation screen (not shown) (step S511 in FIG. 5 and step S71 in FIG. 9).
1) and input the number of sheets to be output using the ten keys (step S512 in FIG. 5 and step S7 in FIG. 9).
12) Then, a screen for confirming the set copy mode (step S513 in FIG. 6 and step S7 in FIG. 10)
Transition to 13).

If the set copy mode confirmation screen is acceptable, press the OK key and then the start key (step S514 in FIG. 6 and step S71 in FIG. 10).
4) The copying in the designated mode is started.

Whether or not the charge is insufficient during copying is always monitored by software (step S515 of FIG. 6 and step S715 of FIG. 10). If the charge is not insufficient,
Copying ends normally.

On the other hand, when the charge is insufficient, it is judged whether or not copying is started with coins (step S516 in FIG. 6 and step S716 in FIG. 10). Before selecting the copy mode for the first time, when selecting the charge management means,
The user decides whether to use a coin or a card, but in the case of “use coins” (YES in step S516 in FIG. 6 and step S716 in FIG. 10), the image is determined according to the determined content. Information processing device 1
A screen (step S717 in FIG. 11) in which a message to the effect that a required amount of coins is inserted into the coin type charging management device 102 connected to 01 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 316 (step S517 in FIG. 6). ), The user is prompted to insert a coin, and the user inserts a coin into the coin type charge management device 102 (step S in FIG. 6).
519 and step S719 of FIG. 11), the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 316 becomes the copy restart promotion screen (FIG. 1).
1 to step S721).

On the other hand, in the case of "use a card" (see FIG. 6)
N in step S516 of FIG. 10 and step S716 of FIG.
In (O), a screen in which a message to the effect that a cash card or credit card used for payment of a fee is inserted into the user is written to the ATM 103 also connected to the image information processing apparatus 101 (step S71 in FIG. 11).
8) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 316 (step S in FIG. 6).
518), the user is prompted to insert a card, and the user can use a cash card or a credit card with ATM1.
03, the password is correctly input (step S520 in FIG. 6 and step S720 in FIG. 11), and the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 316 is displayed as a copy restart promotion screen (step S521 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 11). Step S7
Transition to 21).

When the copy restart promotion screen in step S721 of FIG. 11 is displayed, the user has already performed step S514 of FIG. 6 and step S of FIG.
Returning to 714, the start key is pressed to restart copying again.

As described above, in the image information processing apparatus 101 to which the coin-type charging management device 102 and the plurality of charging management means of the ATM 103 are connected, these charging management means are selectively used according to the user's request. By being able to do it, even if you do not have coins
It is possible to copy using the automatic withdrawal from 103, it is possible to build a system environment that matches the size of the output volume and the payment method for each user, and it is possible to meet diversifying user needs. Wider selection range.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Since the basic configuration of the image information processing system according to this embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 to 4 in the above-mentioned first embodiment, these drawings are diverted as necessary. And explain.

In the above-described first embodiment, in the image information processing apparatus 101 to which the coin-type charging management device 102 and the plurality of charging management means of the ATM 103 are connected, "use coins" or "before using copy". The user selects "Use card" and decides the charge management means when the charge is insufficient during copying based on this condition.However, in the second embodiment, "coin After the user decides "use" or "use card" and sets the mode, which billing management means to use again is automatically decided according to the total amount of output sheets. It is a thing.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 12 to 18, the processing procedure and operation screen transition using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described.

12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 14 to FIG. 18 are diagrams showing operation screen transitions using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, the processing procedure of FIGS. 12 and 13 and FIG.
4 to 18 will be described in association with the screen transitions.

First, on the liquid crystal display section 316 which is the operation display section of the image information processing system installed in the state as shown in FIG. 1, when the machine is in the standby state, the charge management means selection screen (Fig. The user who wants to make a copy while "step S1401" of 14 is displayed, "uses a coin" as in the conventional manner or "makes a card by a newly connected ATM" on the screen of the charge management means selection screen. Select "Use" and press the OK key (Fig. 12
Step S1201).

Here, it is determined by software whether "use coins" or "use cards" is selected (step S1202 in FIG. 12 and step S1402 in FIG. 14). Then, when “use coins” is selected, a screen in which a message is displayed to insert a required amount of coins into the coin-type charging management device 102 connected to the image information processing device 101 ( 14 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 316 (step S1203 in FIG. 12), the user is prompted to insert a coin, and the user inserts a coin into the coin-type charging management device 102 ( Step S of FIG.
1205 and step S1405 in FIG. 15), the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 316 becomes the color mode selection screen (see FIG. 1).
5 to step S1407).

On the other hand, when "use card" is selected, the AT connected to the image processing apparatus 101 is also selected.
A screen on which a message to the effect that a cash card or a credit card used for payment of a fee is inserted into the user is written on M103 (step S140 in FIG. 14).
4) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 316 (step S1204 in FIG. 12), and the user is prompted to insert a card, and the user selects the cash card or credit card A
After inserting into the TM103, the password is entered correctly (step S1206 in FIG. 12 and step S in FIG. 15).
1406), the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 316 transitions to the color mode selection screen (step S1407 in FIG. 14).

On the color mode selection screen in step S1407 of FIG. 14, the user selects a color mode such as black and white copy or full color copy (full color copy is selected in this embodiment), and presses the OK key. (Step S1207 in FIG. 12) causes a transition to the original mode selection screen (step S1508 in FIG. 15).

In the manuscript mode selection screen in step S1508 of FIG. 15, the user selects one of the three manuscript modes of character / photo / character / photo (in the present embodiment, character / photo is selected). By pressing the OK key (selected) (step S1208 in FIG. 12), the screen transitions to the document size selection screen (step S1409 in FIG. 16).

On the document size selection screen in step S1409 of FIG. 16, the user selects A3, A4, B4, B.
It is possible to select not only the standard size such as 5, but also other sizes other than the standard size. One of these document sizes is selected (A3 is selected in this embodiment), and OK. Press the key (step S12 in FIG. 12)
09), the screen transitions to the output paper size selection screen (step S1410 in FIG. 16).

On the output paper size selection screen in step S1410 of FIG. 16, the user selects A3, A4, B
It is possible to select not only standard sizes such as 4, B5 and the like but also sizes other than the standard sizes, and one of these output paper sizes can be selected (A3 in the present embodiment.
Is selected) and the OK key is pressed (step S1210 in FIG. 12).

Next, the user inputs the copy magnification using the ten-key using the copy magnification designation screen (not shown) (step S1211 in FIG. 12 and step S1411 in FIG. 16), and further, the number of sheets to be output. When input using the ten-key pad (step S1212 of FIG. 12 and step S1412 of FIG. 16), the screen transitions to a screen (step S1413 of FIG. 17) in which the set copy mode can be confirmed (step S1213 of FIG. 13).

On the copy mode confirmation screen set in step S1413 of FIG. 17, the copy fee is displayed in addition to the mode setting information. If this state is acceptable, the OK key is pressed. After that, depending on whether or not the charge for the number of output sheets exceeds a certain value by software (1000 yen in the present embodiment), it is an operation using a coin or an operation using a card. Is automatically determined (step S1214 in FIG. 13 and step S12 in FIG. 17).
1414).

If the copy fee is less than a certain amount (1000 yen in this embodiment), the image information processing apparatus 1
The liquid crystal display unit 316 displays a screen (step S1415 in FIG. 17) in which a message to the effect that a required amount of coins is inserted into the coin-type charging management device 102 connected to 01 is displayed.
Is displayed (step S1215 in FIG. 13), the user is prompted to insert a coin, and the user inserts a coin into the coin type charging management device 102 (step S1217 in FIG. 13 and step S1417 in FIG. 18). As a result, the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 316 transitions to a copy start promotion screen (not shown).

On the other hand, when the copy fee is equal to or more than a certain amount (1000 yen in this embodiment), the ATM 103 similarly connected to the image information processing apparatus 101
A screen (step S1416 in FIG. 17) in which a message to the effect that a cash card or a credit card used for payment of a fee is inserted into the user is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 31.
6 is displayed (step S1216 in FIG. 13), the user is prompted to insert the card, and after the user inserts the cash card or the credit card into the ATM 103, the password is correctly input (step in FIG. 13). In step S1218 and step S1418 in FIG. 18, the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 316 transitions to a copy start promotion screen (not shown).

If the start key is pressed if the copy start promotion screen is acceptable (step S1219 in FIG. 13 and step S1419 in FIG. 18), copying in the designated mode is started.

Whether or not the charge is insufficient during copying is always monitored by software (step S1220 of FIG. 13 and step S1420 of FIG. 18). If the charge is not insufficient, the copy ends normally.

On the other hand, when the charge is insufficient, the user returns to the step S1214 of FIG. 13 and the step S1414 of FIG. 17, which have already been performed, and depresses the start key to restart copying again. Become.

As described above, in the image information processing apparatus 101 to which the coin-type charging management device 102 and the plurality of charging management means of the ATM 103 are connected, the requested number of copies (or use) of these charging management means by the user is desired. The coin-type billing management device 102 can be used properly according to the charge), for example, when a large number of sheets are to be copied.
Then, even if you can't pay the usage fee at once, ATM10
Copying using automatic withdrawal from 3 is possible, and the selection range of the user is widened.

[0074]

As described above, according to the present invention, not only is the charging management means such as the current coin-type charging management device connected to the information processing means, but it is also installed in a convenience store or the like. By constructing a system that can be linked with billing management means such as existing ATMs, it becomes possible to construct a system environment that matches the size of the output volume and the payment method for each user, and meet the needs of diversifying users. It has the effect of being able to respond.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image information processing system to which a plurality of charging management devices according to a first embodiment of the present invention are connected.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image information processing apparatus in the image information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation display portion of the image information processing apparatus in the image information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a control configuration of an operation display unit of the image information processing apparatus in the image information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation screen transition using a plurality of charging management means in the first example of the image information processing system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation screen transition using a plurality of charging management means in the first example of the image information processing system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation screen transition using a plurality of charging management means in the first example of the image information processing system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation screen transition using a plurality of charging management means in the first example of the image information processing system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation screen transition using a plurality of charging management means in the first example of the image information processing system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an operation screen transition using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an operation screen transition using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an operation screen transition using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an operation screen transition using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an operation screen transition using a plurality of charging management means in the image information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 101 image processing device (information processing means) 102 coin type charging management device (first charging management means) 103 ATM (automatic teller machine: second charging management means) 201 photosensitive drum 202 corona charger 203 laser optics System 204Y Developing device 204M Developing device 204C Developing device 204BK Developing device 205 Transfer device 206 Cleaning device 207 Recording material cassette 208a Separation claw 208b Separation push-up roller 209 Fixing device 210 Discharging tray 211 Pre-exposure lamp 212 Potential sensor 213 Drum light amount detecting means 218 Registration roller 227 Original 228 Original platen glass 229 Exposure lamp 230 Lenses 301 to 315 Keys 316 for setting applied operation functions Liquid crystal display section 316-1 Key input section 316-2 Display section 401 CPU (central processing unit) 402 First A ROM (Read Only Memory) 403 first 2ROM (read only memory) 404 RAM (Random Access Memory) 405 input port 406 coin accounting management device 407 ATM (automated teller machine) 408 output port 409 LED

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Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An information processing means for processing information, and at least first and second charging management means, comprising:
The billing management means of does billing management using a dedicated object,
The second billing management means is an information processing system that is connected to a billing management institution using a dedicated line and performs billing management by identifying a user by an identifier. An information processing system having a control means for controlling so that it can be arbitrarily selected and used. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the dedicated object is a coin. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the identifier is specified by an IC card. 4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the identifier is specified by a personal identification number. 5. An information processing means for processing information, and at least first and second charge management means, wherein the first
The billing management means of does billing management using a dedicated object,
The second billing management means is a control method for controlling an information processing system that is connected to a billing management institution using a dedicated line and controls a billing by identifying a user by an identifier. 6. A control method for an information processing system, comprising: a control step for controlling so that a user can arbitrarily select and use the billing management means. 6. An information processing means for processing information, and at least first and second charging management means, comprising:
The billing management means of does billing management using a dedicated object,
The second billing management means is a computer-readable control program for controlling an information processing system that is connected to a billing management organization using a dedicated line and identifies a user by an identifier to perform billing management. A control program for an information processing system, comprising a program code for causing a computer to execute a control step for controlling a plurality of charging management means so that a user can arbitrarily select and use the plurality of charging management means. 7. An information processing means for processing information and at least first and second charging management means, wherein the first
The billing management means of does billing management using a dedicated object,
The second billing management means is an information processing system that is connected to a billing management organization using a dedicated line and performs billing management by identifying a user by an identifier. And a control means for automatically controlling so that the first charging management means and the second charging management means can be selectively used based on the usage charge calculated based on the mode information set in An information processing system characterized by the above. 8. A storage medium storing the control program of the information processing system according to claim 6.