JP2004112084A - Image forming apparatus management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus managing system which can switch a log storage mode and an accounting mode in a managing device and which can commonly use a card. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus managing system includes an image forming unit 1 for forming an image on a recording medium, and the managing device 2 connected to the image forming unit 1 to manage a consideration to an image forming operation and an image forming output of the forming unit. The managing device can select the log storage mode for storing information of the image forming output of the forming unit in a storage means, and the accounting mode for collecting the consideration of the output by the forming unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management system that manages a recording medium on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printing machine, and a facsimile.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional image forming apparatus management system, for example, an image forming and selling apparatus including a copying machine (image forming apparatus) installed in a convenience store and a vending machine (management apparatus) connected to the copying machine is referred to as a recording medium. When a fee that satisfies the size and the copy mode is inserted into the vending machine with valuables (coins, bills, prepaid cards, etc.), the vending machine enables the copier to perform an image forming operation. A copy enable signal is output, and the copying machine starts copying operation based on the image formation enable signal. In this case, the copying machine outputs a signal such as color copying / monochrome copying and a size signal of the recording medium to the vending machine, and the copying fee is charged according to a fee table in the image forming apparatus or the vending machine.
[0003]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-92733 is characterized in that a usage fee is collected by a fee table provided in a vending machine or an image forming apparatus for a recording medium on which predetermined information is output by the image forming apparatus. An image forming and selling apparatus is described.
Further, in a place such as a general company, in order to transfer expenses for each department, a management device stores ID codes indicating department or user information and image output information and uses the stored log to perform management. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-47534 discloses that, when a card in which an ID code of a department or user information using an image forming apparatus is recorded is set in the management apparatus, the management apparatus sets an image for each ID code. An image forming apparatus management system that manages the usage status of a forming apparatus is described.
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-92733 A [Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-47534 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, there are many log storage types that store and use data in a management device in order to transfer expenses for each department in general corporations and the like, but in universities and convenience stores, such resources are stored in valuable resources such as prepaid cards. There are many billing types that collect fees.
However, conventionally, there has been a problem that a management device dedicated to log accumulation and a management device dedicated to charging are respectively required, and it is impossible to switch between them in the middle.
[0005]
Therefore, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus management system in which a management apparatus can switch between a log accumulation mode and a charging mode, can also switch during operation, and can use a card in common. The purpose is to:
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, and is connected to the image forming apparatus, and is provided with a price for an image forming operation and an image forming output of the image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus management system including a management apparatus for performing management, the management apparatus has, as an arithmetic function, a log accumulation mode for storing information of an image formation output performed by the image forming apparatus in a storage unit; An image forming apparatus management system is provided which includes a charging mode for collecting a price for an image forming output performed by the forming apparatus, and which can select any of these arithmetic functions.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, and a management apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus and manages an image forming operation and an image forming output of the image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus management system, the image forming apparatus is configured to transmit image formation number and size data to a management apparatus, and to transmit an image only when a signal enabling an image forming operation is received from the management apparatus. An image forming operation permitting unit for permitting a forming operation; and an operation signal output unit for outputting a signal indicating that the operation is being performed to the management apparatus during the image forming operation. A signal that enables an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus when a card-shaped recording medium or the like in which an ID code indicating user information is stored is inserted into the management apparatus. Operable signal output means for outputting, means for transmitting an ID code stored in the card-shaped recording medium to the image forming apparatus, and storage means for storing the number of image formed sheets and size data transmitted from the image forming apparatus And the remaining number signal output means for outputting the current remaining number to the image forming apparatus when the number of images is added or subtracted from the upper limit number, and prohibiting the image forming operation when there is no remaining number. Prohibition means, display means for displaying the remaining number, means for clearing valuables after the transaction, and return means for returning valuables and card-shaped recording medium after the end of the image forming operation, and, as an arithmetic function, A log accumulation mode in which information of the image formation output performed by the image forming apparatus is stored in the storage unit together with an ID code; And a charging mode to collect valence from valuables, and a selectable these calculation functions image forming apparatus management system.
[0007]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the first or second aspect, when the accounting mode is selected, the management device outputs an image from the image forming apparatus by the settlement unit. An image forming apparatus management system that preliminarily deducts consideration from valuables according to conditions.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the third aspect, when the charging mode is selected, when the output by the image forming apparatus cannot be completed to the last or when the user interrupts the output. In the image forming apparatus management system, the output amount is subtracted from the value previously deducted from the valuables, and the unoutputted amount is returned to the valuables.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows the structure of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the management apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart in a prepaid mode. This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In this embodiment, a copying machine as an image forming apparatus and a control unit as a management device are provided. The image forming apparatus may be a printing machine or a facsimile, or may be a combination of a printer and a personal computer.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, a copying machine 1 and a control unit 2 are connected by a cable 3 having a power cable and an interface cable. The control unit 2 is also connected via a cable 5 to a reader / writer 4 that reads and writes information on a prepaid card, an IC card, and a key card that stores user information such as an ID code as valuables.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 2 includes a control unit 6 as control means for controlling the entire control unit 2, a power supply unit 7 for turning on / off the power of the control unit 2, a copy machine 1, (I / F) unit 8 for performing communication of the above, a return lever 9 for returning a prepaid card, a key card, and the like, and selecting a management mode (log accumulation mode and charging mode) and for accumulating logs. And a setting switch 10 for setting the unit price (copy unit price) of the image-formed product in the information and the charge table. The information for log accumulation and the unit price of the charge table set by the setting switch 10 are stored in a memory 11 backed up by a battery as a non-volatile storage means in the control unit 6. It is retained even if dropped.
[0011]
Further, a reader / writer 12 is connected to the interface unit 8, and the reader / writer 12 also has a function of determining whether the inserted card is genuine. If it is determined that the authenticity is authentic, the ID code stored in the key card is used in the log accumulation mode, and the remaining balance / remaining number described in the prepaid card (in some cases, the ID code is used in the charging mode). (May be included) to the control unit 6, and the display unit (not shown) displays the balance and the remaining frequency.
Here, an example in which the copier 1 is connected via the interface unit 8 will be described. However, a PC (personal computer) or the like is connected to the interface unit 8 via an external printer 13 or a network connection 14, and Printer input and PC input via the network connection 14 may be accepted.
With the above configuration, in this embodiment, both the log accumulation mode using a key card and the charging mode using a prepaid card are supported, and the user can select either of them. .
[0012]
Next, a specific operation when the image forming apparatus management system is used will be described.
First, the case where the log accumulation mode, which is the first management method, is selected will be briefly described. A user who performs copying using the copying machine 1 selects a log accumulation mode from the setting switch 10. Next, when the key card is inserted into the reader / writer 12 connected to the control unit 2, the following identification code and card number recorded on the magnetic stripe of the key card and the number of copies are read.
Identification code Code indicating that the code is a card for the control unit 2. Card number When one department has a plurality of cards, the same card number is described on each card. ]
Then, the control unit 2 (specifically, the control unit 6) displays "unusable" on the display unit when the identification code of the card does not match the identification code set in advance. On the other hand, if they match, a "user status notification" to be described later is sent to the copying machine 1, and the total number of copies made by the card number is displayed, or the remaining number of copies is displayed depending on the setting. . Here, based on the "user status notification" from the control unit 2, the copying machine 1 lights the light emitting portion of the start key on the operation unit (not shown) in green when copying is possible, and turns red when copying is not possible. To urge the user to insert the key card into the reader / writer 4 at the operation unit.
[0014]
Here, as for the setting of use permission, a copy mode in which use is permitted for each ID or a copy mode in which use is prohibited is set from an external PC or the like via the setting switch 10 of the control unit 2 or the network connection 14. This setting information is stored in the memory 11. Then, when the control unit 2 sends the key card ID and a "user status notification" to be described later to the copying machine 1, the copying machine 1 performs a user restriction for each copy mode based on the "user status notification".
[0015]
There are the following user restrictions.
・ All prohibited (all divisions prohibited)
Prohibit copying of all departments. The control unit 2 does not output a copy permission signal regardless of which key card is inserted.
・ Prohibition by card number (designated department prohibition)
Prohibit copying only for specific departments. The control unit 2 does not output a copy permission signal only when a key card of a number for which “copy impossible” is set in advance is inserted.
・ Prohibition by copy type Only “all departments” and “specified departments” can be set. For example, color copying is not prohibited for the design department, but for other departments, unnecessary colors are prohibited. Prevent copying.
The number of copy count signals sent from the copying machine 1 is stored for each copy type and copy mode, and when the number of copies reaches the preset upper limit, no copy permission signal is output. “All departments”, “specified department only”, and “each copy type” can be set. For example, the setting is performed when the total number of copies per month or the number of color copies is limited.
Prohibition due to the number of repeat copies If the number of repeat copies signal from the copying machine 1 exceeds a preset upper limit, no copy permission signal is output. This is used, for example, when a repeat copy exceeding a predetermined number of sheets is used and another inexpensive printing machine is used.
[0016]
The control unit 2 sends the following information (user status notification) to the copier 1 as a set when the key card is inserted into the reader / writer 12 and when there is an information request (user status notification request) from the copier 1. Send.
-ID code recorded on the ID code key card-Card insertion status No card / card set-Copy counter status Remaining copy status when the upper limit is set-Copy user restricted copy, single sided, double sided, black and white On whether or not the use of single color, single color, two color, full color and staple is prohibited
During operation, the copying machine 1 transmits the following information (count request) to the control unit 2 as one set.
ID code Information indicating which ID code the count request is for. Count parameter Number of copies, color mode, single sided / double sided, size, paper type, etc. Management device state notification control unit 2 is initializing memory 11 For example, when the count information cannot be received, the status is notified to the copying machine 1.
A signal indicating that the end button of the end operation unit has been pressed.
[0018]
Next, the actual operation will be described.
-"Please insert a card" is displayed on the display of the copier 1 and the control unit 2.
When the key card is inserted into the reader / writer 12, the control unit 2 transmits a "user status notification" to the copying machine 1.
The copying machine 1 determines an available copy mode based on the "user status notification", prohibits switching to an unusable copy mode, and displays "unavailable" when switched. .
When copying is started, the copying machine 1 sends a “count request” to the control unit 2. When post-processing is performed, a count request is also made.
The control unit 2 stores the ID and the count parameter in the "count request" in the count area of the RAM. At this time, if a "count request" is received for a setting not managed in the control unit 2, it is ignored.
If the card 12 is removed during the job, the copying machine 1 invalidates the ID code after the job is completed. If the card 12 is removed after the job is completed, the ID code is invalidated at that time.
[0019]
Next, a brief description will be given of a case where the billing mode, which is the second management method, is selected.
A user who performs copying using the copying machine 1 selects a charging mode from the setting switch 10. Next, when the prepaid card is inserted into the reader / writer 12 connected to the control unit 2, the following identification code and valuable information recorded on the prepaid card are read.
Identification code A code indicating that the code is a card for the control unit 2. Valuable information balance. Valuable information indicating the remaining number. Card number. In some cases, a card number identifying the user is described. ]
Then, the control unit 2 (specifically, the control unit 6) displays "unusable" on the display unit when the identification code of the card does not match the identification code set in advance. On the other hand, if they match, a "user status notification" to be described later is sent to the copying machine 1, and the remaining information, the remaining number of copies, and the remaining number of copies that can be made are displayed based on the valuable information. Here, based on the "user status notification" from the control unit 2, the copying machine 1 lights the light emitting portion of the start key on the operation unit (not shown) in green when copying is possible, and turns red when copying is not possible. To urge the user to insert the key card into the reader / writer 4 at the operation unit.
Here, as for the setting of use permission, a copy mode in which use is permitted for each ID or a copy mode in which use is prohibited is set from an external PC or the like via the setting switch 10 of the control unit 2 or the network connection 14. This setting information is stored in the memory 11. Then, when the control unit 2 sends the key card ID and a "user status notification" to be described later to the copying machine 1, the copying machine 1 performs a user restriction for each copy mode based on the "user status notification".
[0021]
The control unit 2 sends the following information (user status notification) to the copier 1 as a set when the prepaid card is inserted into the reader / writer 12 and when there is an information request (user status notification request) from the copier 1. Send.
ID code An ID code recorded on a key card.
・ Card inserted state No card / card set.
-The status of the remaining copy count when the copy counter status upper limit is set.
Information on whether or not use of copy user restriction copy, single-sided, double-sided, black and white, single color, two-color, full-color, and staple is set to be prohibited.
A signal indicating whether or not the permission signal control unit is in a state where charging is possible.
A signal indicating that the charging operation has been completed in response to a charging command from the copying machine 1.
[0022]
During operation, the copying machine 1 transmits the following information (count request) to the control unit 2 as one set.
ID code Information indicating which ID code the count request is for.
・ Count parameter Number of copies, color mode, single / double side, size, paper type, etc.
When the control unit 2 cannot receive the count information, such as during initialization of the memory 11, the control unit 2 notifies the copying machine 1 of the state.
A signal indicating whether charging is performed based on the charge table of the charge command control unit 2 or the charge table set on the copying machine 1 side. When charging on the copying machine 1 side, the fee is also transmitted at the same time.
A signal that is output at a timing when the charging command control unit 2 is to be charged.
Unit price request A signal for requesting the control unit 2 for the unit price under certain copy conditions.
A signal indicating that the end button of the end operation unit has been pressed.
[0023]
Next, the actual operation will be described.
-"Please insert a card" is displayed on the display of the copier 1 and the control unit 2.
When the prepaid card is inserted into the reader / writer 12, the control unit 2 transmits a "user status notification" to the copying machine 1.
The copying machine 1 determines an available copy mode based on the "user status notification", prohibits switching to an unusable copy mode, and displays "unavailable" when switched. .
When copying is started, the copying machine 1 sends a “count request” to the control unit 2. When post-processing is performed, a count request is also made.
The control unit 2 stores the ID and the count parameter in the "count request" in the count area of the memory 11, and collects the price from the prepaid card as a billing process based on this information.
Further, in this embodiment in particular, when the charging mode is selected, the control unit 2 causes the payment means of the control unit 6 to preliminarily debit the prepaid card from the prepaid card in accordance with the image output conditions from the copying machine 1. If the output by the copier 1 cannot be completed to the end or is interrupted by the user, the output is subtracted from the prepaid card in accordance with the count area of the memory 11, and The output is returned to the valuables.
[0024]
Here, the operation in the charging mode will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the user inserts the prepaid card into the reader / writer, it is determined in step S101 whether the card is legitimate or not. If the card is legitimate, the process proceeds to step S102, where the card information is read from the prepaid card. Notify the remaining number recorded therein.
Next, in steps S103 and S104, when the user inputs a desired copy mode and number of copies and presses the start key, in step S105, it is determined whether or not the frequency is sufficient. If the remaining number of the prepaid card is not enough, the process proceeds to step S106, a warning is displayed for the insufficient number of chests, and the process returns to step S103.
On the other hand, when the remaining frequency is the required frequency, the process proceeds to step S107, in which the scheduled frequency when the set copy is completed is preliminarily deducted from the prepaid card, and the copying operation of the copying machine 1 is started.
While the copying machine 1 is performing the copying operation, it is monitored in step S108 to step S110 whether or not a paper jam or running out of paper occurs, and whether or not the user has performed an interruption process (by pressing the stop key). Monitoring), it is determined whether or not the copying operation for the expected number of copies has been completed normally. If the copying operation has been completed normally, a series of copying operations is completed.
[0025]
Here, a case where an unexpected case occurs during the copying operation will be described.
First, in step S108, when a paper jam or a paper shortage occurs, the process proceeds to step S111, and the copying operation is stopped (emergency stop). Then, the process proceeds to step S112, where the jammed paper is removed or the paper is added, and the process proceeds to step S113.
In step S113, a selection screen for interrupting or continuing the copying operation is displayed on the display unit to prompt the user to make a determination. In step S114, when the user selects the interruption and determines to continue, the process proceeds to step S108 to resume the copying operation. If it is determined to be interrupted, the process proceeds to step S115, and the settlement unit performs a process of returning the frequency of the unoutputted amount to the prepaid card from the price in which the scheduled output amount has been previously deducted.
Also, in step S109, when the stop key is pressed, that is, when the user inputs an interruption process, the process proceeds to step S111 to stop the copying operation, and proceeds to step S112 to perform the same process.
[0026]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus (copying machine 1) for forming an image on transfer paper as a recording medium, the image forming apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming operation and image forming output of the image forming apparatus are performed. In an image forming apparatus management system including a management apparatus (control unit 2) that manages consideration, the management apparatus stores, as an arithmetic function, information on image formation output performed by the image forming apparatus in a storage unit. A log accumulation mode and a charging mode for collecting the value of the image formation output performed by the image forming apparatus are provided, and these calculation functions can be selected.
Therefore, the mode can be switched between the log accumulation mode and the prepaid mode, so that the operation can be performed in a desired mode even if the same card is used. In addition, it is not necessary to make a dedicated card and a dedicated machine for each, and the field of use can be expanded.
[0027]
Furthermore, by preliminarily debiting the value for the scheduled image output, the debit can be reliably performed even if the card is easily pulled out during image formation. Also, if a card is debited for each output depending on the type of card medium such as an IC card, the number of times of writing on the card increases, and even if the life of the card is shortened, the card is not withdrawn after the output but is performed at once. Since the number of writings is reduced, the effect of extending the life of the card can be expected.
In addition, even if the image output is not completed to the end, such as in the case of an accident such as a machine failure or when the image is interrupted by the user, the configuration for returning the value for the non-output portion is actually used. You can pay only for the output.
[0028]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to switch between the log accumulation mode and the prepaid mode, so that the operation can be performed in a desired mode even if the same card is used. In addition, it is not necessary to make a dedicated card and a dedicated machine for each, and the field of use can be expanded.
Further, according to the present invention, since it is possible to switch between the log accumulation mode and the prepaid mode, it is possible to operate in a desired mode even if the same card is used.
In addition, it is not necessary to make a dedicated card and a dedicated machine for each, and the field of use can be expanded.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, even when the card is easily removed during image formation, it is possible to reliably perform the withdrawal. Also, if the card is debited for each output depending on the type of card medium, such as an IC card, the number of times of writing on the card will increase and the life of the card will be shortened. In addition, the effect of extending the life of the card can be expected.
Further, according to the present invention, even if the output is not performed to the end due to an unexpected case such as a machine failure or the user interrupting the operation, it is possible to return the consideration for the unoutputted portion. Yes, you can only pay for what you actually output.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic circuit configuration of a control unit in the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the copying machine in a charging mode.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier 2 Control unit 6 Control part 8 Interface part 10 Setting switch 11 Memory 12 Reader / writer

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus management system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium; and a management apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus and manages an image forming operation and an image forming output of the image forming apparatus.
The management device includes, as an arithmetic function, a log accumulation mode in which information of the image formation output performed by the image forming device is stored in a storage unit, and a charge for collecting a charge for the image formation output performed by the image forming device. An image forming apparatus management system, comprising: An image forming apparatus management system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium; and a management apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus and manages an image forming operation and an image forming output of the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes: a transmitting unit configured to transmit the number of formed images and size data to a management device; and an image forming operation that permits the image forming operation only when a signal enabling the image forming operation is received from the management device. Permission means, and an operation signal output means for outputting a signal notifying that the operation is being performed to the management apparatus during the image forming operation,
The management device sends a signal that enables an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus when a card-shaped recording medium or the like in which an ID code indicating a valuable resource, a department, or user information is stored is inserted into the management device. Operable signal output means for outputting, means for transmitting an ID code stored in the card-shaped recording medium to the image forming apparatus, and storage means for storing the number of image formed sheets and size data transmitted from the image forming apparatus And the remaining number signal output means for outputting the current remaining number to the image forming apparatus when the number of images is added or subtracted from the upper limit number, and prohibiting the image forming operation when there is no remaining number. Prohibition means, display means for displaying the residual count, means for clearing valuables after the transaction, and return means for returning valuables and card-shaped recording medium after the end of the image forming operation In addition, as an arithmetic function, a log accumulation mode in which information of an image forming output performed by the image forming apparatus is stored in the storage unit together with an ID code, and a value of the image forming output performed by the image forming apparatus are An image forming apparatus management system, comprising: a charging mode for collecting from valuable resources; and selecting one of these calculation functions. 3. The management device according to claim 1, wherein when a charging mode is selected, the settlement unit preliminarily deducts a value from a valuable resource in accordance with an image output condition from the image forming apparatus. 4. 2. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1. When the charging mode is selected, when the output by the image forming apparatus cannot be completed to the end or when the output is interrupted by the user, the management device deducts the output amount from the value previously deducted from the valuable resources. 4. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 3, wherein the non-output portion is returned to the valuable resource.

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