JP2004034509A - Printer and its program and printing method, information management unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the registration of users by managing accepted user information appropriately. <P>SOLUTION: When a storage element storing image data is fixed, the image data is read out from the storage element and a screen for selecting a desired image being printed or a screen for selecting the size and type of a print sheet are displayed (S100-S104). When a desired image and the size/type of a sheet are selected, a screen for guiding input of registration data, e.g. a user ID or address and name as the data concerning to the user, is displayed (S110). When the user data is inputted, a normal amount of money being set depending on the size and type of the sheet is discounted and displayed on an entry amount of money setting screen (S124) and printing is performed when that amount of money is thrown in (S126, S128). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a program therefor, a printing method, and a printing system. More specifically, a printing apparatus that prints images such as characters and figures on printing paper, a program that causes a computer to function as the printing apparatus, and characters and figures A printing method for printing an image such as an image on printing paper, a method of connecting the plurality of printing devices via a communication line, and receiving information received by each printing device by exchanging information via the communication line, for printing of the printing device. The present invention relates to an information management device that manages information along with information on fees associated with execution.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this type of printing apparatus, an apparatus that prints an image on printing paper based on a request for image printing by a user has been proposed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a printing apparatus, it is preferable to receive the information about the user, for example, when trying to improve the service by accurately grasping the needs of the user. Often reluctant.
[0004]
An object of the printing apparatus and the printing method of the present invention is to solve such a problem and promote the provision of information about a user. Another object of the present invention is to provide a program for a printing device that causes a computer to function as the printing device. It is another object of the information management apparatus of the present invention to more appropriately manage information on users who use a plurality of printing apparatuses.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]
The printing apparatus, its program, the printing method, and the information management apparatus of the present invention employ the following means in order to achieve at least a part of the above object.
[0006]
The printing apparatus of the present invention
A printing device for printing images such as characters and figures on printing paper,
Image information receiving means for receiving image information on an image to be printed on a printing paper;
Fee receiving means for receiving a fee for executing printing,
A user information receiving means for receiving user information about the user;
Charge setting means for setting the charge based on the received user information; and a charge set by the charge setting means is received by the charge reception means, and the image information is received by the image information reception means. Printing execution means for executing printing on printing paper based on the received image information,
The gist is to provide
[0007]
In the printing apparatus of the present invention, when user information on a user is received, a fee for performing printing is set based on the user information, and the set fee and image information on an image to be printed are set. When printing is received, printing is executed based on the received image information. As described above, the fee associated with the execution of printing is set based on the accepted user information, so that provision of information about the user can be promoted in terms of fee. If the user information thus received is appropriately managed, the needs of the user can be grasped, so that the provision of the print service can be made more appropriate.
[0008]
In the printing apparatus of the present invention, the user information receiving unit is a unit capable of receiving registration information for performing user registration as the user information, and the charge setting unit is configured to receive the user information. The fee may be set based on whether registration information is accepted by the device. Therefore, if a lower fee is set when the registration information is received compared to when the registration information is not received, the provision of information by the user can be promoted in terms of the fee. In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the user information receiving unit is a unit capable of receiving identification information for identifying the user to a user who has already performed the user registration, The charge setting means may be means for setting the charge based on whether or not identification information has been received by the user information receiving means. Therefore, if the fee is set lower when the identification information is received than when the identification information is not received, the provision of information by the user can be promoted in terms of the fee. In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the present invention, the fee setting unit is a unit that sets the fee based on a usage history of a user corresponding to the identification information received by the user information receiving unit. You can also. In this case, the usage history of the user can be reflected on the printing fee. In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the present invention, the fee setting unit may be a unit that sets a lower fee as the number of uses increases as the usage history. By doing so, the lower the fee is set as the number of uses increases with the reception of the user information, so that the provision of information by the user can be promoted in terms of the fee, and the use of the printing apparatus can be promoted. be able to.
[0009]
Further, in the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the image information receiving unit includes a connection unit that can connect a storage element storing the image information, and the print execution unit includes a storage element storing the image information. May be means for reading out image information stored in the storage element and executing printing when is connected to the connection unit.
[0010]
Further, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the printing apparatus further includes setting information receiving means for receiving setting information relating to print settings of the printing apparatus, and the printing execution means executes printing on a printing paper based on the received setting information. It can also be a means. In this case, it is possible to meet a wide range of needs of the user regarding the printing mode. In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the present invention, the setting information relating to the print setting may be setting information relating to a paper size and / or a paper type of the printing paper.
[0011]
Further, in the printing device of the present invention, the printing device is connected via a communication line to an information management device that manages information received by the printing device together with information on a fee associated with the execution of the printing, The charge setting unit sets the charge by inquiring the information management device about the charge information based on the user information received by the user information reception unit and acquiring the charge information. It can also be a means to perform. With this configuration, it is possible to set a printing fee based on the user information, together with an inquiry about the fee to the information management device. Here, the “information about the fee” includes information directly related to the fee and various information used for determining the fee.
[0012]
The information management device of the present invention includes:
The printing apparatus of the present invention, in which a fee is set by an inquiry to the information management apparatus, is connected via a communication line, and the information received by each printing apparatus by exchanging information via the communication line is transmitted to the printing apparatus. An information management device that manages information along with information on charges associated with execution of printing,
When information including at least the user information received by the user information receiving unit is received as an inquiry from each printing device, information on a fee corresponding to the user information is output to the corresponding printing device as a result of the inquiry. Information output means
The gist is to provide
[0013]
In the information management apparatus of the present invention, when information including at least the user information received by the user information receiving unit is received as an inquiry from each printing apparatus, the information management apparatus inquires of information relating to a fee corresponding to the user information. As a result, the information including the user information received by the inquiry from the printing device can be managed, and the information on the fee for executing the printing can be output to the corresponding printing device. .
[0014]
The program for a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes:
The gist of the present invention is to make a computer function as the printing apparatus of the present invention in each of the above aspects.
[0015]
With the program for a printing apparatus of the present invention, a computer can be caused to function as the printing apparatus of the present invention in each of the above aspects. By implementing this program on a computer, the same effects as those of the printing apparatus of the present invention can be obtained. For example, by setting a fee associated with the execution of printing based on the received user information, it is possible to provide an effect such that provision of information about the user can be promoted in terms of fee.
[0016]
The printing method of the present invention
A printing method for printing images such as characters and figures on printing paper,
(A) receiving image information relating to an image to be printed on printing paper;
(B) receiving a fee for executing printing;
(C) receiving user information about the user;
(D) setting the fee based on the user information received in step (c);
(E) When the fee set in the step (d) is received in the step (b) and the image information is received in the step (a), printing is performed on printing paper based on the received image information. Steps to execute printing
The gist is to provide
[0017]
According to the printing method of the present invention, when user information on a user is received, a fee for performing printing is set based on the user information, and the set fee and image information on an image to be printed are set. When printing is received, printing is executed based on the received image information. As described above, the fee associated with the execution of printing is set based on the accepted user information, so that provision of information about the user can be promoted in terms of fee. If the user information thus received is appropriately managed, the needs of the user can be grasped, so that the provision of the print service can be made more appropriate.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described using examples. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a printing system 20 including a plurality of printing devices 30 and an information management device 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the printing system 20 includes a plurality of printing devices 30 and an information management device 60 connected to the plurality of printing devices 30 via a network 22 (for example, the Internet). The information management device 60 is configured as a device that acquires data including user data, which is information on a user who uses the printing device 30 of the embodiment, from the printing device 30 and manages the acquired data. The information management device 60 includes a user management database 62 for storing the acquired data in a database.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each function of the printing apparatus 30 according to the embodiment by a functional block. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the connection when the storage element 50 of the printing apparatus 30 according to the embodiment is connected. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functional electrical connections in functional blocks. The printing device 30 according to the embodiment is configured as a device in which a printer that prints an image by ejecting ink such as a pigment from a plurality of nozzles is incorporated, and as illustrated, a storage element 50 owned by a user or the like. A storage element connection portion 32 formed so as to be electrically connectable to a coin having a coin or bill insertion slot and a sensor (not shown) for detecting that a coin or bill has been inserted into the insertion slot. A bill insertion unit 34, a printing unit 36 corresponding to the above-described printer, a touch panel display 38 having a display unit 38a for displaying various information and an operation unit 38b for inputting various operations are provided.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 3, the storage element 50 includes a memory cell 52 that stores data such as image data, a read / write control unit 54 that controls reading and writing of data in the memory cell 52, and a read / write control unit based on a clock signal. An address counter 56 that counts up an address designated when reading / writing data in the memory cell 52 via the write control unit 54. As the storage element 50, for example, an EEPROM can be used.
[0021]
The controller 40 is configured as a microprocessor mainly including a CPU 42, and includes, in addition to the CPU 42, a ROM 44 for storing a processing program, a RAM 46 for temporarily storing data, and an input / output controller (not shown). The controller 40 receives a signal from the storage element connection unit 32, a detection signal from a sensor for detecting insertion of coins or bills in the coin / bill insertion unit 34, an operation signal from the operation unit 38 b of the display 38, and the like. Has been entered through the controller. The controller 40 outputs a control signal to the storage element connection unit 32, a print signal to the printing unit 36, a display signal to the display unit 38a of the display 38, and the like via an output controller.
[0022]
The operation of the printing apparatus 30 according to the embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process performed by the controller 40 of the printing apparatus 30 according to the embodiment. This routine is executed, for example, when the storage element 50 is connected to the storage element connection unit 32.
[0023]
When the printing process is executed, the CPU 42 of the controller 40 first outputs a read signal to the read / write control unit 54 of the storage element 50 connected to the storage element connection unit 32, thereby causing the memory cell of the storage element 50 A process of reading out all the image data stored in the memory 52 is performed (step S100). Subsequently, the read image data is displayed as a list in the thumbnail format, and a print image selection screen for selecting an image to be printed from the list is displayed on the display 38 (step S102), and the selection of the print image is completed. Then, a process of waiting until the process is performed is performed (step S104). FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print image selection screen displayed on the display 38. In the example of FIG. 5, the selection of the print image is performed by touching the frame of the image desired to be printed among the images displayed in the thumbnail format and touching the frame of “confirmation”. If the user touches the inside of the “cancel” frame before touching the inside of the “confirmation” frame, the printing process is canceled without selecting an image. The selection of a plurality of images when printing of a plurality of images is desired is made by touching the inside of the frame of the desired plurality of images and then touching the inside of the "confirmation" frame.
[0024]
When the selection of the print image is completed, a paper size / type selection screen for selecting the print paper, in this embodiment, the print paper size and paper type, is displayed on the display 38 (step S106), and the paper size and the paper size are selected. A process for waiting until the selection of the paper type is completed is performed (step S108). FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a paper size / type selection screen displayed on the display 38. In the example of FIG. 6, selection of the paper size / type is performed by touching a desired size frame from among the paper size items “A3”, “A4”, “B5”, and “postcard” displayed on the display 38, The user touches the inside of the frame of the desired type from among the paper type items “mat” and “raster”, and then touches the inside of the “confirmation” frame. If the user touches the “cancel” frame before touching the “confirmation” frame, the printing process is canceled without selecting the paper size and paper type.
[0025]
After the selection of the paper size and the paper type is completed, the user is guided to input a user ID owned by the user, or is guided to user registration when the user does not own the user ID. Is displayed on the display 38 (step S110), and a process of waiting until these inputs are completed is performed. In this embodiment, the user data input guidance screen is a user ID possession confirmation screen for confirming whether the user possesses the user ID, and is used when the user possesses the user ID. The screen includes a user ID input screen for inputting a user ID, and a user registration guide screen for guiding user registration when the user ID is not owned. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of a user ID possession confirmation screen displayed on the display 38, FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing an example of a user ID input screen displayed on the display 38, and FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a user registration guidance screen displayed on a display 38. In the embodiment, the input of the user data is started by first touching the frame of the item corresponding to each selection item displayed on the user ID possession confirmation screen shown in FIG. That is, when the user already owns the user ID, the user ID input screen shown in FIG. 8 can be touched by touching the box of “has a user ID” on the user ID ownership confirmation screen shown in FIG. Is displayed on the display 38. Then, on the user ID input screen of FIG. 8, the user ID owned by the user is input by touching a box of numerical values “1” to “0” arranged at the bottom of the screen, and thereafter, By touching the inside of the “confirmation” frame, the input of the user ID as the user data is completed. On the other hand, when the user does not own the user ID but wishes to register the user, the user registers in FIG. 9 by touching the “register user” frame on the user ID ownership confirmation screen in FIG. A guidance screen is displayed. In the example of FIG. 9, the registration guidance screen includes items of name, address, and telephone number, and the items are represented by numerical values of “1” to “0” and “a” to “n” arranged at the bottom of the screen. By touching the inside of the character frame, and then touching the “confirmation” frame, the input of the user registration data as the user data is completed. If you do not own the user ID and do not want to register the user, touch the box of “do not register user” on the user ID ownership confirmation screen of FIG. 7 and then move the box of “confirmation”. If touched, the input processing is completed without inputting user data.
[0026]
When the input processing is completed in this way, it is determined whether or not user data has been input, that is, whether or not either the user ID or the user registration data has been input (step S114), and the user data has been input. If it is determined that the user data has been received, the user data is transmitted to the information management device 60 via the network 22 together with the data on the number of images, the paper size, and the paper type selected in steps S102 to S108 (step S116). It waits until data is returned from the information management device 60. Here, a description will be given of a process in the information management apparatus 60 that has received the user data after temporarily stopping the description of the printing process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the information input / output process performed by the information management device 60.
[0027]
Upon receiving the user data from the printing device 30 of the embodiment, the information management device 60 determines whether the user data received from the printing device 30 of the embodiment is user registration data or user ID. It is determined (step S200), and when it is determined that the received user data is the user registration data, a user ID for identifying the user related to the registration is generated (step S202), and the generated user is generated. The ID is transmitted to the printing apparatus 30, which is the transmission source of the user data (step S204), and includes the user data received from the printing apparatus 30, data on the number of selected images, paper size, paper type, and the like. A process of registering the user management data in the user management database 62 in association with the generated user ID is performed (step S206). To end the output process. FIG. 11 shows an example of the user management data registered in the user management database 62. In the example of FIG. 11, the user management data includes a user ID, a data registration date as a date for registering the user registration data, a name, an address, a telephone number, the number of prints for each paper size selected by the user, The number of prints, the total number of prints, and the like for each paper type selected by the user.
[0028]
If it is determined in step S200 that the received user data is the user ID, the user management data corresponding to the received user ID from the user management data already registered in the user management database 62 (Step S208), data relating to the number of times of use in the searched user management data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 30 that is the transmission source of the user ID (step S210), and the image received together with the user ID is received. The user management data registered in the user management database 62 is updated using the data on the number, the paper size, and the paper type (step S212), and the information input / output processing ends.
[0029]
The information input / output processing of the information management device 60 has been described above. Returning to the printing process of FIG. 4, when the controller 40 of the printing device 30 receives the data on the number of times of use transmitted from the information management device 60 (step S118), the controller 40 sets the amount to be inserted by the process of step S122 described below. The processing for setting the discount rate is performed (step S120). In the embodiment, the relationship between the number of times of use and the discount rate is obtained in advance and stored in the ROM 44 as a table, and when the number of times of use is given, the corresponding discount rate is derived from the table. In this table, the discount rate can be set so as to gradually increase as the number of uses increases, or the discount rate can be set stepwise higher when a certain number of uses is exceeded. When the user data acquired in step S114 is user registration data, a predetermined fixed discount rate is used.
[0030]
If it is determined in step S114 that the user data has not been input, or if the discount rate is set in step S120, the number of images desired to be printed, the paper size, the paper type, and the discount rate are used. The amount to be inserted into the insertion slot of the coin / bill insertion unit 34 is set (step S110). In this embodiment, the input money amount is set in advance in a table in which the relationship between the paper size, paper type, and normal amount is stored in the ROM 44, and is stored in the ROM 44 using the selected paper size and paper type. When the user data is not input in the process of step S114, the derived normal amount is set as the input amount, and when the discount rate is set in the process of step S120, the normal amount is further derived. It is assumed that an amount obtained by discounting the normal amount at the set discount rate is set as the input amount. When a plurality of images are selected in steps S102 and S104, for example, a final input amount can be set by adding the input amounts set by the above method for each image.
[0031]
When the input amount is set, it is displayed on the display 38 as an input amount display screen for displaying the set input amount (step S122), and a process of waiting until the set input amount is input is performed (step S122). S124). FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the input amount display screen displayed on the display 38. In the example of FIG. 12, the coin is inserted by inserting a coin or a bill corresponding to the amount displayed on the display 38 into the insertion slot of the coin / bill insertion unit 34, and then touching the inside of the “confirmation” frame. be able to. If the user touches the “cancel” frame before touching the “confirmation” frame, the coins and bills already inserted are returned and the printing process is canceled.
[0032]
When the payment is completed, the printing unit 36 is instructed to print an image based on the image data selected in step S104 and the setting data of the paper size and type selected in step S108 (step S108). (S128), the printing process ends. Thereby, the printing unit 36 prints the image on the printing paper based on the instructed information. In the process of step S110, when user registration data such as a name and an address is input, the user ID generated and transmitted by the information management device 60 is displayed on the display 38 or output to the printing unit 36. Issue a user ID to the user.
[0033]
According to the printing apparatus 30 of the above-described embodiment, when information on a user, that is, data on a user ID or user registration is input, a discount on a fee for image printing is performed. Input can be further promoted. Further, since the discount rate is set higher as the number of times of use by the user increases, it is possible to promote the input of the information on the user and the use of the printing apparatus 30. As described above, the input information on the user is appropriately managed by the information management device 60. Therefore, it is possible to improve the service by accurately grasping the needs of the user using the information. It becomes.
[0034]
In the printing apparatus 30 of the embodiment, the size and type of the printing paper can be selected by the user in the printing apparatus 30, but it is also possible to select only one of them or not to select any of them. .
[0035]
In the printing apparatus 30 of the embodiment, when user data is input, a discount rate for a normal amount is set based on the number of past uses of the user, and an input amount is set using the discount rate. However, the discount rate may be set based on the history such as the number of printed images and the payment amount in the past. Further, by setting an absolute discount amount instead of the relative discount rate, the input discount amount may be set by subtracting the set discount amount from the normal amount. The discount rate and the discount amount may be uniform regardless of the history of the number of times of use, the number of prints, the payment amount, and the like.
[0036]
In the printing apparatus 30 according to the embodiment, the digital data of the image stored in the storage element 50 is read out via the storage element connection unit 32 and printing is performed. However, a data conversion unit that converts analog data into digital data is used. , Printing may be performed from analog data such as a film.
[0037]
In the printing device 30 of the embodiment, the fee associated with printing is collected by accepting the insertion of coins or bills through the coin / bill insertion unit 34, but settlement is performed by exchanging prepaid cards and other electronic information. A charge associated with the execution of printing may be collected in the form of so-called electronic money. At this time, a reader capable of reading a medium such as a card storing electronic information may be provided in the apparatus.
[0038]
In the printing apparatus 30 of the embodiment, the identification information (ID) for identifying the user is input by the touch panel operation. However, in addition to the input operation by the user himself, for example, a storage in which the identification information is stored. Any method may be used, such as inserting a medium (such as a magnetic card) into a printing device to read and input identification information.
[0039]
In the printing apparatus 30 of the embodiment, the input amount is set together with the inquiry of the information about the fee (for example, the above-mentioned number of uses for determining the discount rate) to the information management apparatus 60. It is also possible to set the input amount without accompanying. At this time, it is necessary to manage at least the information on the fee among the above-mentioned user management data by the printing apparatus 30 itself, not by the information management apparatus 60. Of course, all of the user management data may be managed by the printing device 30 instead of by the information management device 60.
[0040]
In the embodiment, the printing apparatus 30 of the embodiment in which the fee for the print request is set based on the information about the user input from the user has been described. Alternatively, the program may be in the form of a program that causes a computer to function as the printing device 30.
[0041]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described using the examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and may be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. Obviously you can get it.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a printing system 20 including a plurality of printing devices 30 and an information management device 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional connections of respective functions of the printing apparatus 30 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing, in functional blocks, electrical connection of each function when a storage element 50 of the printing apparatus 30 of the embodiment is connected.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process performed by the printing apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image selection screen displayed on a display 38.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a paper size / type selection screen displayed on a display 38.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user ID possession confirmation screen displayed on a display 38.
8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user ID input screen displayed on a display 38. FIG.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user registration guide screen displayed on the display 38.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information input / output process performed by the information management device 60.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of user management data.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display amount input screen displayed on a display 38.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10 printing system, 22 network, 30 printing device, 32 storage element connection unit, 34 coin / banknote insertion unit, 36 printing unit, 38 display, 38a display unit, 38b operation unit, 40 controller, 42 CPU, 44 ROM, 46 RAM , 50 storage elements, 52 memory cells, 54 read / write control unit, 56 address counter, 60 information management device, 62 user management database.

Claims (12)

A printing device for printing images such as characters and figures on printing paper,
Image information receiving means for receiving image information on an image to be printed on a printing paper;
Fee receiving means for receiving a fee for executing printing,
A user information receiving means for receiving user information about the user;
Charge setting means for setting the charge based on the received user information; and a charge set by the charge setting means is received by the charge reception means, and the image information is received by the image information reception means. A printing apparatus for performing printing on printing paper based on the received image information. The printing device according to claim 1,
The user information receiving means is a means capable of receiving registration information for performing user registration as the user information,
The printing apparatus, wherein the fee setting unit is a unit that sets the fee based on whether registration information has been received by the user information receiving unit. 3. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein
The user information receiving means is means capable of receiving identification information for identifying the user to a user who has already performed the user registration,
The printing apparatus, wherein the fee setting unit is a unit that sets the fee based on whether or not identification information is received by the user information receiving unit. The printing device according to claim 3,
The printing apparatus, wherein the fee setting unit is a unit that sets the fee based on a usage history of a user corresponding to the identification information received by the user information receiving unit. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein
The printing apparatus, wherein the fee setting unit is a unit that sets a lower fee as the number of uses increases as the usage history. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein:
The image information receiving unit has a connection unit that can connect a storage element in which the image information is stored,
The printing apparatus, wherein the print execution unit is a unit that reads out the image information stored in the storage element and executes printing when the storage element storing the image information is connected to the connection unit. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein:
A setting information receiving unit that receives setting information regarding print settings of the printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus, wherein the print execution unit is a unit that executes printing on a print sheet based on the received setting information. The printing device according to claim 7,
The printing apparatus, wherein the setting information on the print setting is setting information on a paper size and / or a paper type of the printing paper. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
An information management device that manages information received by the printing device together with information related to a fee for performing the printing is connected to the printing device via a communication line,
The charge setting unit sets the charge by inquiring the information management device about the charge information based on the user information received by the user information reception unit and acquiring the charge information. A printing device, which is a means of doing so. 10. A plurality of printing apparatuses according to claim 9 connected via a communication line, and information received by each printing apparatus by exchanging information via the communication line together with information on a fee associated with execution of printing by the printing apparatus. An information management device for managing,
When information including at least the user information received by the user information receiving unit is received as an inquiry from each printing device, information on a fee corresponding to the user information is output to the corresponding printing device as a result of the inquiry. An information management device including an information output unit that performs the operation. A program for a printing device that causes a computer to function as the printing device according to claim 1. A printing method for printing images such as characters and figures on printing paper,
(A) receiving image information relating to an image to be printed on printing paper;
(B) receiving a fee for executing printing;
(C) receiving user information about the user;
(D) setting the fee based on the user information received in step (c);
(E) When the fee set in the step (d) is received in the step (b) and the image information is received in the step (a), printing is performed on printing paper based on the received image information. Performing the printing of the image.

Images