JP2005031548A - Charging device, image forming apparatus, charging method and charging program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more appropriately perform charging. <P>SOLUTION: When printing is performed based on printing data showing the content to be printed on paper in a printer 2, an image reading part 48 reads a printed image from the already printed paper. An inspection part 66 in an inspection charging device 6 inspects a printing state by comparing the printing data acquired from the printer 2 with read image data acquired from the image reading part 48. A charging processing part 68 generates charging information so that charging may be performed in accordance with the state of the image actually printed on the paper based on the result of the inspection by the inspection part 66. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a charging processing function for charging according to the number of printed sheets, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for providing a new charging method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, facsimile machines, and printers are provided with a charging device for collecting a fee from a customer who has requested printing according to the degree of use of these apparatuses. For example, it is common to provide a counter for counting the number of printed sheets in the image forming apparatus and determine the amount to be collected based on the counter value. In this way, normally, charging is performed for the number of printed materials according to the request, but when there is a problem such as uneven color in the image quality of the printed material, the same charging as when there is no problem is that It can be detrimental to the client.

  Therefore, for example, a parameter value related to the image forming process (such as a maximum value of color density) is detected at the time of printing, and if any parameter value is not within a predetermined normal value range, printing is performed in the state of the image forming apparatus. A technique is disclosed in which the amount collected is subtracted by subtracting the number of sheets from the output sheet counter (Patent Document 1). As described above, conventionally, the amount of collected money is reduced when the image quality exceeding a certain level cannot be obtained because the state of the apparatus is unintentional.

JP 2002-196636 A

  By the way, the deterioration of the quality of the printed image is not limited to the state of the image forming apparatus, but may be caused by a defect that occurs suddenly. For example, the desired image quality may not be obtained due to character omission due to transfer failure, skew generated during paper conveyance, spot omission due to paper dust mixed in the apparatus, and the like. However, in the past, since the quality of the print image was judged according to the state of the image forming apparatus based on the parameter value, the image quality degradation of the print image quality due to a problem that cannot be grasped only by the parameter value of the apparatus Cannot be detected.

  On the other hand, even if a high-quality print image above a certain level cannot be obtained, for example, from the viewpoint of the print requester, it cannot be confirmed without gazing. might exist. In other words, there may be a case where it is not necessary to reduce the amount evenly because of a decrease in image quality. However, in the past, such a case was not assumed, and therefore the amount was always reduced when the state of the apparatus was not good.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an improved image forming apparatus that can be charged more appropriately.

  In order to achieve the above object, a charging apparatus according to the present invention includes a charging processing means for generating charging information for charging based on the state of a print image formed on a medium by an image forming apparatus. It is characterized by that.

  In addition, it has inspection means for inspecting the print state by comparing print information indicating the content to be printed on the medium and read image information of the medium printed by the forming apparatus based on the print information, The billing processing unit generates billing information so that a billing amount corresponding to a printing state of the medium is determined based on the inspection result by the inspection unit.

  Furthermore, the inspection means compares a threshold value of an inspection item, which is a criterion for determining quality of a printed image, with a value indicating a printing state for the inspection item obtained from read image information.

  Furthermore, the billing processing unit generates billing information so that a billing amount reflects a magnitude relationship among the threshold value of the inspection item, the value indicating the printing state, and the performance limit value unique to the apparatus. Features.

  Furthermore, it has a threshold value setting means for setting a threshold value of the inspection item.

  A recording unit that records the inspection results of the plurality of media by the inspection unit in a set printing unit; and the charging processing unit generates charging information in the printing unit recorded by the recording unit. Features.

  Further, the charge processing means exempts the charge for the print unit by not reflecting the print amount included in the print unit in the charge information when a reprint instruction for the print unit is input. To do.

  Furthermore, the printing unit is a unit for bookbinding processing.

  And an inspection control unit that performs execution control of the inspection in the inspection unit, and the billing processing unit performs the inspection by the inspection unit when the inspection by the inspection unit is performed according to the execution control by the inspection control unit. The billing information is generated so that the billing amount is higher than when it is not implemented.

  An accounting apparatus according to another invention includes an inspecting unit that inspects a state of a print image formed on a medium by an image forming apparatus, and an accounting process that generates accounting information for performing accounting based on an inspection result by the inspecting unit And an inspection control means for performing execution control of the inspection in the inspection means, and the billing processing means is configured to perform the inspection when the inspection by the inspection means is performed according to the execution control by the inspection control means. The billing information is generated so that the billing amount is higher than that when the inspection is not performed.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes the charging device described in each of the above inventions.

  In addition, a print information storage unit in which the print information is registered in advance, a print unit that performs printing on a medium based on the print information registered in the print information storage unit, and a medium printed by the print unit And image reading means.

  The accounting method according to the present invention compares print information indicating print contents formed on a medium by the image forming apparatus and read image information of the medium printed on the medium based on the print information by the image forming apparatus. And a charging step for generating charging information so that a charging amount corresponding to the printing state of the medium is determined based on the inspection result of the inspection step. .

  The charging step includes a magnitude relationship between a value indicating a printing state for the inspection item obtained from the read image information, and a threshold value of the inspection item serving as a determination criterion for quality of the print image or a performance limit value unique to the image forming apparatus. The billing information is generated so that is reflected in the billing amount.

  In addition, an inspection mode for performing the inspection of the printing state by the inspection step and a non-inspection mode for not performing the inspection are prepared in advance, and when the inspection mode is selected, the charging amount is charged with an additional charge. The billing information is generated as described above.

  A charging method according to another invention includes: print information indicating print contents formed on each medium by the image forming apparatus; and read image information of the medium printed on each medium based on the print information by the image forming apparatus. An inspection step for inspecting a printing state by comparing the image and recording an inspection result, and a medium based on the inspection result recorded when printing in a preset printing unit is completed by the image forming apparatus. And a billing step for generating billing information so that a billing amount corresponding to the print state is determined.

  A billing program according to the present invention is executed by a billing device that generates billing information for billing based on a state of a print image formed on a medium by the image forming device, and is formed on the medium by the image forming device. The inspection step of inspecting the print state by comparing the print information indicating the print content to be read with the read image information of the medium printed on the medium based on the print information by the image forming apparatus, and the inspection step A billing step for generating billing information so that a billing amount corresponding to the printing state of the medium is determined based on the inspection result.

  Further, the charging step includes a value indicating a printing state for the inspection item obtained from the read image information, and a threshold value of an inspection item serving as a determination criterion for quality of the print image or a performance limit value unique to the image forming apparatus. Charging information is generated so that the magnitude relationship is reflected in the charging amount.

  In addition, an inspection mode for performing the inspection of the printing state by the inspection step and a non-inspection mode for not performing the inspection are prepared in advance, and when the inspection mode is selected, the charging amount is charged with an additional charge. The billing information is generated as described above.

  A billing program according to another invention is executed by a billing device that generates billing information for billing based on a state of a print image formed on a medium by the image forming device, and is loaded on each medium by the image forming device. The print information indicating the print contents to be formed and the read image information of the medium printed on each medium based on the print information by the image forming apparatus are inspected and the inspection result is recorded. And charging information is generated by the image forming apparatus so that a charging amount corresponding to the printing state of the medium is determined by the image forming apparatus based on the inspection result recorded when printing in a preset printing unit is completed. Charging step.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to charge according to the actual printing state applied to each medium.

  In addition, a more appropriate charge amount can be determined based on the magnitude relationship between the threshold value of the inspection item, which is a criterion for determining the quality of the printed image, the value indicating the printing state, and the performance limit value unique to the apparatus.

  Further, it is possible to charge for a predetermined printing unit such as bookbinding.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a printer 2, a reading device 4, an inspection billing device 6, an input / output device 8, and a host computer 10. The printer 2 corresponds to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and assumes a relatively large high-speed printer. The printer 2 according to the present embodiment includes two trays 12 and one large-capacity tray 14, a printing mechanism 16 that generates and holds toner images by an unillustrated exposure / development unit, and prints on the paper, and toner on the paper. Fixing mechanisms 18 for fixing are respectively disposed at predetermined positions. In the present embodiment, a sheet is described as an example of a print medium, but it is needless to say that the sheet is not limited to a sheet. In FIG. 1, the paper conveyance path 20 is indicated by a line and the roller 22 is indicated by a white circle. However, the paper accommodated in each tray 12, 14 is conveyed along the conveyance path 20 by driving the roller 22, The printing mechanism 16, the fixing mechanism 18 and the reading position in the reading device 4 are passed.

  The reading device 4 includes a lamp 42, an imaging lens 44, and a CCD sensor 46, and is installed at least on the downstream side of the printing mechanism 16. The reading device 4 reads the content printed on the paper before the paper that has passed through the printing mechanism 16 and the fixing mechanism 18 is discharged, generates image reading information, and outputs it as read data to the inspection and billing device 6. .

  The inspection billing device 6 generates billing information for billing according to the number of sheets printed by the printer 2 and transmits it to the host computer 10. The host computer 10 issues a bill based on the billing information. The input / output device 8 is a means for an operator to input some information, and an output means for displaying an inspection result or the like, although a specific example will be described in an embodiment described later. In the present embodiment, the input / output device 8 is explicitly illustrated as a separate device, but the input / output device 8 can be realized by a liquid crystal panel provided in the inspection billing device 6. Further, when the printer 2 is configured as an integrated printer on which the devices 4, 6, and 8 are mounted, the input / output device 8 can be realized by a liquid crystal panel provided in the printer 2.

  FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of each device in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the configuration of each device will be described with reference to FIG.

  The printer 2 includes a print data storage unit 26 and a printing unit 28. In the print data storage unit 26, print data is registered in advance as print information indicating the contents to be printed on the paper. The print information includes the content to be printed, the print position of each content, color information, and the like. The printing unit 28 corresponds to the printing mechanism 16 and the fixing mechanism 18 illustrated in FIG. 1, and performs printing processing based on print data stored in the print data storage unit 26 for paper conveyed along the conveyance path 20. Execute.

  The image reading unit 48 corresponds to the reading device 4 shown in FIG. 1, reads the print content of the paper as described above, and sends it to the inspection and billing device 6.

  The inspection billing apparatus 6 includes a reference image data acquisition unit 62, a read data acquisition unit 64, an inspection unit 66, a billing processing unit 68, an inspection control unit 70, an inspection result recording unit 72, and a user interface (UI) unit 74. Yes. The read data acquisition unit 64 acquires read data from the image reading unit 48 as described above. The reference image data acquisition unit 62 acquires print data from the print data storage unit 26 as reference image data to be compared with the read data acquired from the image reading unit 48. The inspection unit 66 performs a quality check on the print image by comparing and comparing the data acquired by the reference image data acquisition unit 62 and the read data acquired by the image reading unit 48. The billing processing unit 68 generates billing information for billing. At this time, billing information is generated so that the billing amount is determined based on the inspection result by the inspection unit 66. The inspection control unit 70 performs inspection execution control in the inspection unit 66. In the inspection result recording unit 72, the inspection result by the inspection unit 66 is recorded. The user interface unit 74 is user interface means with a user who operates the input / output device 8 shown in FIG.

  Next, billing processing in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the printing company performs a printing job using the apparatus according to the present embodiment in response to a request from the print request destination and charges a fee. In addition, the printing company is requested to print a large amount of printed matter having the same contents from the print request destination, and requests that amount together.

  When the print attribute information such as the number of prints is set by the operator and the start button of the printer 2 is pressed and printing execution is requested, the printer 2 executes printing as usual. That is, the printing unit 28 performs printing based on the print data taken out from the print data storage unit 26 on the paper carried out from the trays 12 and 14 and conveyed along the conveyance path 20. Then, when the printed paper (that is, printed matter) is conveyed, the image reading unit 48 reads the image printed on the paper.

  The inspection billing device 6 acquires the read data from the reading device 4 by the read data acquisition unit 64 (step 101), and then acquires the reference image data from the printer 2 by the reference image data acquisition unit 62 (step 102). The acquisition of the reference image data (step 102) only needs to be performed before the next step 103.

  Subsequently, the inspection unit 66 performs a quality inspection on the printed matter by comparing and comparing the read data and the reference image data (step 103). In this inspection, misalignment of printing and color unevenness, character omission due to transfer failure, etc. as exemplified above, skew generated during paper conveyance, spot omission due to paper dust mixed in the printer 2, etc. are detected. The The inspection processing itself in the inspection unit 66 can use a conventional technique or a technique that will be proposed thereafter.

  If the charge processing unit 68 determines that the reference image data and the read data are completely consistent with each other based on the inspection result in the inspection unit 66 and that there is no abnormality in the print image, the charge processing unit 68 applies to the printed matter that passes the inspection. Billing information is generated so that normal billing is performed (steps 104 and 105). Of course, all the printed matter is delivered to the print request destination.

  On the other hand, if any abnormality is detected in the printed material, it is unreasonable to charge the printed material that has been output abnormally in the same manner, so the charging processing unit 68 charges the printed material in which the abnormality is detected. Accounting information is generated so as not to be executed (steps 104 and 106). As a result, the number of printed materials not to be charged is reduced from the billing amount.

  According to the present embodiment, as described above, since it is determined not to charge according to the actual printing state of each printed matter, the print request destination can also make a satisfactory charge.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, when the printed matter is abnormally output, the number of sheets is reduced. In other words, since the inspection unit 66 is provided, it is possible to eject a printed matter having an image quality that does not become a product without delivering it. From the viewpoint of a billing service, the amount of the ejected amount is reduced from the amount charged. Of course. However, from the viewpoint of quality, since the printed matter judged to be abnormal is ejected, the print request destination can surely obtain a printed matter of a certain quality or higher. That is, the content described in the first embodiment is not limited to a rational billing service in which the amount of abnormal output is simply reduced from the billing amount, but can also provide an additional service of quality assurance.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, an inspection mode for performing the inspection described in the first embodiment and a non-inspection mode for not performing the inspection are provided, and either one can be selected. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the charging process in the present embodiment. Note that the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The same applies to the embodiments described later. In the present embodiment, a mode is selected before execution of printing, and when the selected mode is the inspection mode (step 111), the inspection described in the first embodiment is performed (steps 101 to 103). . Then, when the inspection is passed, in the present embodiment, charging information is generated so that the charging amount is higher than usual because an added value of quality assurance occurs, that is, an additional charging is performed (step 104). 112). On the other hand, when a printed matter that does not pass the inspection is detected, the amount that does not pass the inspection is subtracted from the charging information generated so that an extra charge is made (steps 104 and 113).

  On the other hand, when the non-inspection mode is selected, billing information for the non-inspection mode (reference) that is not increased is generated (steps 111 and 114).

  According to the present embodiment, as described above, the inspection mode and the non-inspection mode are prepared, and when the inspection mode is selected, a quality-guaranteed printed matter can be obtained, and an extra fee can be collected.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the above-described embodiment, basically, the pass / fail of the inspection is determined based on the complete match between the read data and the reference image data. Therefore, not only the abnormality of the printer 2 but also the skew generated when the paper is transported. Even minor problems such as these could be detected, and the quality could be guaranteed.

  However, from the viewpoint of the print requester, it may be an acceptable range because the degree of image quality deterioration cannot be confirmed without gazing. Further, it is considered that it is not necessary to request a quality level equivalent to that of a printed matter that requires high accuracy such as an art work, even for a printed matter such as a leaflet that does not require much precision. Furthermore, each printer 2 has a performance limit (ability value) unique to the apparatus. This is a performance guarantee value determined in consideration of variation and the like as a printing system, but it seems that it is too much to pursue quality strictly to a level exceeding this performance limit.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to set a threshold value for an inspection item that is a criterion for determining whether or not the state of a print image formed on a sheet is abnormal. The billing process in the present embodiment is almost the same as in the first embodiment, and will be briefly described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 3. The user interface unit 74 in the present embodiment is input / output by the operator. When a threshold value input and designated from the device 8 is received, it is passed to the inspection unit 66. For example, each set value of one or more inspection items such as an allowable skew amount and an upper limit size of spot missing is set as a threshold value. Then, when comparing the read data and the reference image data in the inspection process (step 103) shown in FIG. 3, the inspection unit 66 refers to the specified threshold value and completely compares the data as a result of the data comparison. If not within the threshold range, it is determined to be normal and normal charging is performed (step 105). If the threshold is exceeded, charging information is generated so that the amount charged is reduced (step 106).

  The charging process in the present embodiment is as described above. Here, the relationship between the threshold value, the performance limit value of the printer 2 and the inspection result value by the inspection unit 66 and the charging will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5A shows the case of the first and second embodiments in which no threshold is set. In the beginning of the present embodiment, it has been described that the pass / fail of the inspection is determined based on the complete match between the read data and the reference image data. Therefore, if it is determined by the inspection result value that the image quality of the printed material is higher than the performance limit value of the printer 2, the printed material is handled as having passed the inspection. On the other hand, if the image quality is lower than the performance limit value of the printer 2, the printed matter has a quality level that does not reach the performance guarantee.

  FIGS. 5B and 5C show the case of the present embodiment in which a threshold value is set, but two patterns are conceivable as shown in each figure depending on the magnitude relationship between the threshold value and the performance limit value. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the relationship when the threshold value is set to a lower quality value than the performance limit value. In this case, if the quality of the printed matter is good with reference to the threshold value, a charge is made. If it ’s bad, do n’t charge. In other words, the range between the threshold value and the performance limit value corresponds to the above-described allowable range, and even if a skew is detected in the inspection, the detected amount does not reach the set skew allowable amount.

  FIG. 5C shows the relationship when the threshold value is set to a higher quality value than the performance limit value. In this case, if the quality of the printed matter is lower than the performance limit value of the printer 2. As described above, as a matter of course, there is no charge for not passing the inspection. Also, if the quality is good with reference to the threshold, a charge is made. Here, when the inspection result value indicating the image quality of the printed material is between the threshold value and the performance limit value, the print request destination expects the quality of the printed material to be higher than the performance limit value of the printer 2. However, there is a possibility that the requested quality cannot be provided due to the performance limit of the printer 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, if the image quality cannot satisfy the request of the print request destination due to the performance of the printer 2, the discount is charged.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to set a threshold value as a criterion for the pass / fail of the inspection, and depending on the magnitude relationship between the threshold value, the performance limit value unique to the printer, and the inspection result value indicating the printing state. Charging information is generated so as to be reflected in the charging amount, and it is not always necessary to decide whether to charge with a pattern illustrated in FIG. For example, in the case of FIG. 5B, the customer may be patient with the threshold and the performance limit value in a state where the original performance of the printer is not obtained. In the case of 5 (c), since the printer is capable, it may be charged normally.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In each of the above-described embodiments, a case has been described in which a large amount of printed matter having the same content as a leaflet is printed. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a printed material is bound.

  Hereinafter, the billing process in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the case of bookbinding, if there is a printed material (page) that does not pass the inspection and the relevant printed material is unconditionally ejected, a missing page will occur when the book is bound. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a printing unit such as the bookbinding mode or the continuous printing number is set, the inspection unit 66 performs inspection by comparing and comparing the acquired read data with the reference image data of the corresponding page. (Steps 101 to 103), and the inspection result is recorded in the inspection result recording unit 72 (step 121). This comparison and recording process is performed for all pages (step 122).

  Here, when all of the inspections conducted for all pages are passed, there is no need to reduce the amount, so that charging information is generated so that normal charging is performed (step 105). Of course, the printed matter is bound and delivered to the print request destination. When all the inspections are not passed, the inspection results are displayed on the input / output device 8 (steps 123 and 124). In addition, a message prompting a reprint instruction is displayed together with the display of the inspection result. This inspection result includes the page determined to be abnormal and its determination content, and the operator recognizes that an abnormality has occurred by looking at the determination result or the reprint instruction message, and then the actual printed matter. Check the contents of the abnormality visually. If the abnormality is within an allowable range, the reprint is not instructed considering that there is no need for reprint. That is, no explicit instruction is given by selecting a cancel button on the screen in response to the reprint instruction. As a result, the billing processing unit 68 generates billing information so that normal billing is performed (step 105). Of course, the number of allowed pages may be discounted while it is determined as abnormal.

  On the other hand, if the operator determines that the abnormal printing status is not within the allowable range as a result of visually confirming the content of the abnormality by looking at the actual printed matter, the reprinting instruction is selected by selecting the reprinting instruction button on the screen. Put out. Thereby, the billing processing unit 68 generates billing information so as to exempt the corresponding billing (step 126). Actually, since the book is correctly bound and delivered, the amount exempted here is added again when the inspection passes by reprinting.

  In the above description, even when there are a plurality of abnormal pages, it is selected whether or not to reprint the pages at once. However, it is also possible to give a reprint instruction for each page. Good.

  Although the charging process performed in the inspection charging apparatus 6 in each of the above embodiments has been described, the inspection charging apparatus 6 may be formed integrally with the printer 2.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus and an accounting apparatus according to the present invention. 2 is a block configuration diagram of each device in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing billing processing in the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a charging process in the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a relationship among a threshold value that is a criterion for determining a printing state, a performance limit value of a printer, and an inspection result value in the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing billing processing in the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  2 Printer, 4 Reading device, 6 Inspection billing device, 12 tray, 14 Large capacity tray, 16 Printing mechanism, 18 Fixing mechanism, 20 Transport path, 22 Roller, 24 Double-sided tray, 26 Print data storage unit, 28 Printing unit, 42 Lamp, 44 Imaging lens, 46 CCD sensor, 48 Image reading unit, 62 Reference image data acquisition unit, 64 Read image acquisition unit, 66 Inspection unit, 68 Charge processing unit, 70 Inspection control unit, 72 Inspection result recording unit, 74 User interface part.

Claims (20)

  An accounting apparatus comprising accounting processing means for generating accounting information for performing accounting based on a state of a print image formed on a medium by an image forming apparatus. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein
Having inspection means for inspecting the print state by comparing print information indicating the content to be printed on the medium and read image information of the medium printed by the forming apparatus based on the print information;
The billing apparatus generates billing information so that a billing amount corresponding to a printing state of a medium is determined based on a result of inspection by the inspection unit. The charging device according to claim 2,
The billing apparatus characterized in that the inspection unit compares a threshold value of an inspection item, which is a criterion for determining quality of a printed image, with a value indicating a printing state for the inspection item obtained from read image information. The charging device according to claim 3, wherein
The billing processing unit generates billing information so that a billing amount reflects a magnitude relationship among a threshold value of the inspection item, a value indicating the print state, and a performance limit value unique to the apparatus. Billing device. In the charging apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
An accounting apparatus comprising threshold setting means for setting a threshold for the inspection item. The charging device according to claim 2,
Recording means for recording the inspection results by the inspection means for a plurality of media in a set print unit;
The charging apparatus is characterized in that the charging processing unit generates charging information for each print unit recorded by the recording unit. The charging device according to claim 6, wherein
The charging processing means exempts the charge for the printing unit by not reflecting the printing amount included in the printing unit in the charging information when a reprint instruction for the printing unit is input. apparatus. The charging device according to claim 6 or 7,
An accounting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit is a bookbinding unit. The charging device according to claim 2,
Having inspection control means for performing execution control of inspection in the inspection means;
The billing processing unit generates billing information so that the billing amount is higher when the inspection by the inspection unit is performed according to the execution control by the inspection control unit than when the inspection by the inspection unit is not performed. An accounting apparatus characterized by the above. Inspection means for inspecting the state of the printed image formed on the medium by the image forming apparatus;
Charging processing means for generating charging information for charging based on the inspection result by the inspection means;
Inspection control means for performing execution control of inspection in the inspection means;
Have
The billing processing unit generates billing information so that the billing amount is higher when the inspection by the inspection unit is performed according to the execution control by the inspection control unit than when the inspection by the inspection unit is not performed. An accounting apparatus characterized by the above.   An image forming apparatus comprising the charging device according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.
Print information storage means in which the print information is registered in advance;
Printing means for printing on a medium based on print information registered in the print information storage means;
Image reading means for reading the medium printed by the printing means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The print state indicating the print contents formed on the medium by the image forming apparatus and the read image information of the medium printed on the medium based on the print information by the image forming apparatus are inspected to check the print state. An inspection step to perform,
A billing step for generating billing information so that a billing amount according to the printing state of the medium is determined based on the inspection result of the inspection step;
A billing method comprising: The charging method according to claim 13,
The charging step includes a magnitude relationship between a value indicating a printing state for the inspection item obtained from the read image information, and a threshold value of the inspection item serving as a determination criterion for quality of the print image or a performance limit value unique to the image forming apparatus. A billing method is characterized in that billing information is generated so that is reflected in a billing amount. The charging method according to claim 13,
Preparing in advance an inspection mode for performing an inspection of the printing state by the inspection step and a non-inspection mode for not performing,
The billing step is characterized in that billing information is generated so that a billing amount is increased and charged when the inspection mode is selected. The print status indicating the print contents formed on each medium by the image forming apparatus and the read image information of the medium printed on each medium based on the print information by the image forming apparatus An inspection step for inspecting and recording the inspection results;
A billing step for generating billing information by the image forming apparatus so that a billing amount according to a printing state of the medium is determined based on an inspection result recorded when printing in a preset printing unit is completed;
A billing method comprising: Executed by a charging device that generates charging information for charging based on the state of a print image formed on a medium by the image forming device;
The print state indicating the print contents formed on the medium by the image forming apparatus and the read image information of the medium printed on the medium based on the print information by the image forming apparatus are compared to determine the print state. An inspection step to inspect;
A billing step for generating billing information so that a billing amount according to the printing state of the medium is determined based on the inspection result of the inspection step;
A billing program comprising: The billing program according to claim 17,
The charging step includes a magnitude relationship between a value indicating a printing state for the inspection item obtained from the read image information, and a threshold value of the inspection item serving as a determination criterion for quality of the print image or a performance limit value unique to the image forming apparatus. A billing program for generating billing information so that is reflected in a billing amount. The billing program according to claim 17,
Preparing in advance an inspection mode for performing an inspection of the printing state by the inspection step and a non-inspection mode for not performing,
In the billing step, billing information is generated so that a billing amount is increased and charged when an inspection mode is selected. Executed by a charging device that generates charging information for charging based on the state of a print image formed on a medium by the image forming device;
The print information indicating the print contents formed on each medium by the image forming apparatus is compared with the read image information of the medium printed on each medium based on the print information by the image forming apparatus. An inspection step for inspecting the condition and recording the inspection results;
A billing step for generating billing information by the image forming apparatus so that a billing amount according to a printing state of the medium is determined based on an inspection result recorded when printing in a preset printing unit is completed;
A billing program comprising:

Images