JP2006092304A - Image processor and charge processing method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor enabling a user to add and delete post processing of high value which needs an additional charge to an image scanned by the user any time, and capable of flexibly performing the collection of a charge according to the increase/decrease in charging involved thereby, and a charge processing method therefor. <P>SOLUTION: In this method, an instruction of change in attribute information is transmitted from a PC 5 to an image processing server 1. The image processing sever performs a change in attribute information according to the instruction of change in attribute information, and changes charging information according to this, thereby changing attribute and charging data, performs additive processing of a scan image corresponding to the change in attribute information, and transmits the changed attribute and charging data as an attachment file of e-mail to the PC by e-mail. The PC receives the e-mail, and presents the attribute and charging data to the image processing server to perform a payment, whereby the PC can acquire the additionally processed scan image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a charging processing method thereof, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus that provides a scan image received from an image input apparatus to a terminal and a charging processing method thereof.

  In recent years, there is a service in which a color multifunction peripheral is installed in a store such as a convenience store or a copy center, and the usage fee is obtained from a user. This is a service in which a user brings a document to be copied and goes to a store where a color multifunction peripheral is installed, and the user performs a copy printing operation and pays a fee for the number of copies printed. .

  In addition to services that use the copy function of a color multifunction device, the user visits the store where the color multifunction device is installed by bringing the document, and the user inputs digital image data by scanning the document. A service that pays a fee based on the number of digital image data performed is realized.

  For example, there is an image processing apparatus that identifies a specific user based on an ID number or the like, and allows the specific user to be charged less or to add individual information or the like (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.).

In addition, for example, a charge is calculated according to the amount of data determined by scanning a document and registering a scanned image in the server before billing and specifying a conversion attribute at the time of registration, and a changeable storage period, There is an image reading system, an image reading apparatus, and a processing method in which a scanned image on a server can be used when the charge collection is confirmed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2002-209050 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-219101

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 and the technique described in Patent Document 2, high-value-added post-processing (for example, OCR or the like) that requires additional charges is applied to an image scanned by the user, When the purpose is to obtain the processing result, the user has a low degree of freedom in specifying the addition / deletion of post-processing. In addition, there was no mechanism to flexibly collect charges in response to increases or decreases in billing associated with addition / deletion of post-processing.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention makes it possible to add various post-processing using a multi-function device installed in a store, and further realizes flexible billing processing according to the usage situation of the user. The user can add or delete post-processing with high added value that requires additional charges to the scanned image at any time. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus that allows flexible collection and a charging processing method thereof.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is directed to an image processing apparatus connected to a client and a plurality of terminals via a network, an image transmitted from the client, attribute information set in the image, A file system that stores attribute / billing data including charging information according to attribute information, and when an instruction to change the attribute information is received from the terminal, the attribute information is changed according to the instruction, and the attribute information The attribute / billing data changing means for changing the attribute / billing data in accordance with the change of the billing information according to the change of the attribute, the attribute / billing data changed by the attribute / billing data changing means to the terminal Attribute / billing data transmitting means for transmitting via the attribute / billing data transmitting means to the terminal after transmission of the attribute / billing data to the terminal. When the attribute / billing data is received from the settlement unit, the settlement unit that settles the billing information included in the attribute / billing data, and the image reflecting the changed attribute information when the settlement unit settles the image Image transmission means for transmitting to a terminal.

  The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the attribute / billing data transmitting means transmits the attribute / billing data attached to an e-mail addressed to the terminal.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the client is an image input device, the image is an input image input by the image input device, and the attribute information is an input parameter of the input image. , Processing, post-processing, access control, storage period, security.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in an image processing apparatus connected to a client and a plurality of terminals via a network, a file system for storing an image transmitted from the client and attribute data set in the image, When receiving an instruction to change the attribute data from the terminal, attribute data changing means for changing the attribute data according to the instruction, and transmitting the attribute data changed by the attribute data changing means to the terminal via the network An attribute data transmission unit that performs payment when the attribute data is received from the terminal after the attribute data is transmitted to the terminal by the attribute data transmission unit. And an image reflecting the changed attribute data when the payment is made by the payment means and the payment means. Characterized by comprising the image transmission means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in an accounting processing method for an image processing apparatus that connects a client and a plurality of terminals via a network, the image transmitted from the client, attribute information set for the image, and the attribute Attribute / billing data including charging information according to the information is stored in the file system, and when an instruction to change the attribute information is received from the terminal, the attribute information is changed according to the instruction, and the attribute information The attribute / billing data is changed by the attribute / billing data changing means along with the change of the charging information according to the change, and the changed attribute / billing data is sent to the terminal by the attribute / billing data transmitting means via the network. And when the attribute / billing data is received from the terminal after the transmission of the attribute / billing data to the terminal, Settled by the settlement means Murrell billing information, upon the settlement, and transmits to the terminal by the image transmitting means image reflecting the changed attribute information.

  The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 5, the attribute / charge data transmitting means transmits the attribute / charge data attached to an e-mail addressed to the terminal.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the client is an image input device, the image is an input image input by the image input device, and the attribute information is an input parameter of the input image. , Processing, post-processing, access control, storage period, security.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in an accounting processing method for an image processing apparatus connected to a client and a plurality of terminals via a network, the image transmitted from the client and attribute data set for the image are stored in a file system. When the instruction to change the attribute data is received from the terminal, the attribute data is changed according to the instruction by the attribute data changing means, and the changed attribute data is sent to the terminal via the network When the attribute data is transmitted from the terminal after the attribute data is transmitted to the terminal after the attribute data is transmitted to the terminal, the accounting information determined based on the attribute data is settled by the settlement means, and the settlement is performed. In addition, an image reflecting the changed attribute data is transmitted to the terminal by an image transmission means.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that various post-processing can be added to a scanned image using a multi-function device installed in a store.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to realize a flexible billing process according to the usage status of the user.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, a user can add or delete post-processing with a high added value that requires an additional fee for a scanned image at any time, and collect a fee according to the increase or decrease of the charging associated therewith. It is possible to flexibly implement the above.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of an image processing apparatus and a charging processing method thereof according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the embodiment of the image processing apparatus and the billing processing method according to the present invention, for example, a user scans a document in a network-connected scanner apparatus (for example, a color copier) installed in a convenience store. The scan image generated in this manner is transmitted to an image processing server on the network and registered, and this scan image can be used from a computer at another location connected to the network.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing server 1 is connected to a store network 2 and the Internet 3. A network scanner 4 such as a color copier serving as an image processing client installed in each store such as a convenience store is connected to the store network 2, and a personal computer 5 (hereinafter referred to as a PC) as a terminal is connected to the Internet 3. Is connected.

  In such a system configuration, even a user who does not have a special storage area in the image processing server 1 (hereinafter referred to as a non-registered user) registers an image captured by the store network scanner 4 in the image processing server 1. In addition, an access right is set for the image, and the image can be used from the PC 5 connected to the Internet 3. A configuration in which a charge is different between a user who owns a special storage area in the image processing server 1 (hereinafter referred to as a registered user) and a non-registered user is also applicable. Furthermore, a configuration that provides a means for an unregistered user to register with an immediately registered user is also applicable.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing server 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing server 1 includes a system control unit 6, a file system 7, an attribute / billing data change unit 8, and a transmission / reception unit 9. That is, the image processing server 1 performs the scan image read by the network scanner 4 shown in FIG. 1, control data related to the destination and access right of the scan image, parameters set in the scan image, processing, post-processing, and the like. The attribute / billing data including the attribute information concerned and the billing information corresponding to the attribute information is received by the transmission / reception unit 9 via the store network 2 and stored in the file system 7.

  Further, the image processing server 1 transmits control data sent in correspondence with the scanned image from the transmission / reception unit 9 to the PC 5 designated as the destination via the Internet 3. This control data is transmitted as an attached file of an e-mail to the destination PC 5.

  In addition, the image processing server 1 receives control data sent from the PC 5 by the transmission / reception unit 9, and the system control unit 6 analyzes the access right based on the control data, and sends a scanned image from the file system 7 according to the access right. The data is transmitted via the Internet 3 to the PC 5 that is the transmission source of the control data.

  Also, the image processing server 1 receives an instruction to change or add attribute information sent from the PC 5 at the transmission / reception unit 9, and the attribute / billing data change unit 8 changes or adds attribute information according to this instruction. The charging information is changed accordingly, and attribute / billing data including the changed or added attribute information and the changed charging information is sent to the PC 5 that is the control data transmission source via the Internet 3. Send. Then, when the payment based on the attribute / billing data sent from the PC 5 is received by the transmission / reception unit 9 and the system control unit 6 confirms the payment, the desired scan image and the post-processing result are transmitted via the Internet 3 to the control data. Send to the original PC5.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the network scanner 4.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the network scanner 4 includes a scanner unit 10, an image processing unit 11, a file system 12, an operation panel 13, a system control unit 14, a control data generation unit 15, an attribute / billing data generation unit 16, and a transmission unit. 17 is provided. Further, the system control unit 14 is connected to the coin kit 18, receives the amount of money inserted into the coin kit 18, and confirms that the amount has reached a charge necessary for scanning, and then sends the scanned image to the image processing server 1. Send.

  The scanner unit 10 is a part that reads a desired document (image) prepared by a user as image data (scanned image). The image processing unit 11 is a part that performs desired image processing such as enlargement, reduction, hue, and sharpness on the image data read by the scanner unit 10 and stores the image data in the file system 12.

  The operation panel 13 includes input means (such as a touch panel and a key switch) that accept various settings by the user and a monitor. The system control unit 14 is a part that controls each unit. The control data generation unit 15 is a part that generates control data relating to the access right to the scanned image read by the scanner unit 10 and the destination of the scanned image. The attribute / billing data generation unit 16 generates attribute / billing data including attribute information related to parameters, processing, post-processing, and the like set in the scanned image read by the scanner unit 10 and billing information corresponding to the attribute information. It is a part to do. The transmission unit 17 performs processing for transmitting the scanner image read by the scanner unit 10 and the control data and attribute / charge data corresponding to the scanner image to the image processing server 1 via the store network 2.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the PC 5 serving as a terminal.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the PC 5 includes a system control unit 19, a display unit 20, and a transmission / reception unit 21. The system control unit 19 controls each unit. The display unit 20 is a part that displays the contents of the received e-mail or displays data such as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) downloaded via the Internet 3.

  The transmission / reception unit 21 includes a control data reception unit 211, a control data transmission unit 212, an attribute / billing data reception unit 213, an attribute / billing data transmission unit 214, and an image reception unit 215. Among these, the control data receiving unit 211 is a part that receives control data transmitted from the image processing server 1 via the Internet 3 as an attached file of an e-mail. The control data transmission unit 212 is a part that transmits control data received as an attached file of an electronic mail to the image processing server 1 via the Internet 3. The attribute / billing data receiving unit 213 is a part that receives the attribute / billing data sent from the image processing server 1 via the Internet 3 as an attached file of an e-mail. The attribute / billing data transmission unit 214 is a part that transmits the attribute / billing data received as an attached file of an electronic mail to the image processing server 1 via the Internet 3. The image receiving unit 215 is a part that downloads and receives an image corresponding to the control data from the image processing server 1.

  In the embodiment according to the present invention, the image processing server 1, the network scanner 4 and the PC 5 having such a configuration realize transmission / reception of images for which access rights are set.

  Next, an image processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 5, steps S501 to S508 are processing by the network scanner, steps S509 to S510 and S512 are processing by the image processing server, and steps S511 and S513 are processing by the PC.

  First, when the user selects a net scan from the menu screen displayed on the operation panel of the network scanner (step S501), the operation panel sets parameters (hereinafter referred to as scan parameters) of a scan image to be scanned. A screen is displayed. The user sets, for example, a color mode (full color, gray scale, black and white binary), resolution, magnification, and file format as scan parameters (step S502).

  Next, a document is placed on the scanner unit and scanned (step S503). The scanned image is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit of the network scanner and then stored in the file system. The attribute / billing data generation unit includes attribute information related to the scan parameter and billing information corresponding to the attribute information. Is generated (step S504), a screen is displayed on the operation panel prompting the user to insert the fee for the scan into the coin kit, and the user displays the fee for the fee displayed on the operation panel. Insert a coin (or a banknote if the coin kit is compatible with banknotes) into the coin kit, and the coin kit sends the inserted amount to the system control unit. The system control unit reaches the amount charged for the scan. (Step S505), the destination and access right are set on the operation panel. Surface is displayed and the user sets a mail address as a destination of the scanned image, and sets the access right to the scanned image (step S506). Thereafter, the control data generation unit of the network scanner generates control data related to the destination (e-mail address) and access right of the scanned image set by the user in advance (step S507). Next, the network scanner transmits the scan image and control data and attribute / billing data corresponding to the scan image to the image processing server from the transmission unit via the store network to the image processing server. At this time, the control data and attribute / billing data may be transmitted after being encrypted.

  Next, the scan image, control data, and attribute / billing data transmitted from the network scanner via the store network are received by the transmission / reception unit of the image processing server and registered in the file system (step S509). Subsequently, the image processing server transmits the control data by e-mail to the destination e-mail address as an e-mail attachment file (step S510). This e-mail is sent to an e-mail server (not shown) connected to the Internet and received by the PC.

  Next, the control data attached to the e-mail is transmitted from the PC that has received the e-mail to the image processing server via the Internet (step 511). The image processing server receives the control data sent from the PC, and analyzes the corresponding scanned image and access right from the control data. Then, the scanned image corresponding to the control data is read from the file system and transmitted to the PC that is the transmission source of the control data via the Internet (step S512). The PC can process a scanned image based on the access right (step S513).

  Next, the scan image processing in step S513 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, steps S601 and S605 to S606 are processing by the PC, and steps S602 to S604 are processing by the image processing server.

  First, the user uses a PC browser to access the scan image storage location via the Internet, and from the browser screen for processing the scan image based on the access right, the attribute information change or addition instruction is processed via the Internet. It transmits to the server (step S601).

  The image processing server receives the attribute information change or addition instruction sent from the PC, changes or adds the attribute information in accordance with this instruction, and changes the charging information in accordance with this, thereby changing the attribute / charging data. Change is made (step S602). Then, additional processing such as parameter change, processing, and post-processing of the scanned image corresponding to the change or addition of the attribute information is performed (step S603). These additional processes may be performed by the image processing server itself, or may be performed by an additional processing specialized server (not shown) connected to the store network. Then, the changed attribute / billing data is transmitted by e-mail to the destination e-mail address as an e-mail attachment file (step S604).

  The PC receives the e-mail sent from the image processing server with the attribute / charge as an attached file, and presents the attribute / charge data to the image processing server for settlement (step S605). Then, the PC can obtain the scan image subjected to the additional processing and other processing result information (step S606).

  Next, the scan image processing as described above will be described along the transition of the screen shown in FIGS.

  First, the user uses a browser on the PC to access the storage location of the scanned image via the Internet. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the browser screen when accessing the storage location of the scanned image.

  On the browser screen shown in FIG. 7, processing for downloading a scanned image, editing a scanned image, changing other attributes (that is, attribute information) of the scanned image, and deleting the scanned image can be performed.

  Here, when the “change other attribute” button shown in FIG. 7 is pressed, the browser screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a browser screen for changing other attributes of a scanned image.

  On the browser screen shown in FIG. 8, the document size, color mode, resolution, file format, and the like, which are attributes of the scanned image, can be changed. For example, in the browser screen shown in FIG. 8, the document size is set to “A4”, but may be changed to “A3”, “B4”, “B5”, “A5”, “Other” as desired by the user. In addition, although the color mode is set to “full color”, it can be changed to “grayscale” or “black and white” as desired by the user, and the resolution is set to “600 dpi”. , And can be changed to “400 dpi”, “300 dpi”, “200 dpi” according to the user's request, and the file format is set to “JPEG”, but “TIFF”, “PDF”, It can be changed to “Option”.

As attributes of scanned images other than the above,
Scan image parameters: compression rate Scan image processing: editing (trimming, rotation, etc.), scan image composition, image quality adjustment Scan image post-processing: OCR, translation, feature point extraction, image comparison / matching, image analysis processing Scan image Access control: adding / deleting / changing email notification destinations and access rights, notification email specifications, number of email notifications, billing by access rights (full access, read-only, etc.), user notification method (notification email text) Yes, thumbnail image attachment, compression scan image attachment, audio file attachment, etc.), scan image expiration date Scan image security: scan image encryption, complete erasure.

  Then, when the attribute of the scanned image is changed on the browser screen shown in FIG. 8 and the “Send” button is pressed, the changed attribute information is transmitted to the image processing server, and the image processing server is changed to the changed attribute information. When the attribute / billing data is changed based on the e-mail shown in FIG. 9 is sent from the image processing server to the PC.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an e-mail with the attribute / billing data sent from the image processing server as an attached file.

  In the e-mail shown in FIG. 9, the scanned image added according to the attribute information changed on the browser screen shown in FIG. 8 is described, and the attribute / billing data changed along with the adding process is attached. For example, in the e-mail shown in FIG. 9, the file format is added to the OCR and PDF for the scanned image, and the expiration date of the scanned image is extended by five days from the original expiration date. It is described that the fee for the additional processing is 850 yen, and an access location (URL) for acquiring the scanned image subjected to the additional processing is described.

  Then, the user stores the attribute / billing data attached to the e-mail on the PC, and accesses the URL for acquiring the scanned image described in the e-mail via the Internet using the browser of the PC. The browser screen shown below is displayed.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a browser screen that performs payment of a charge related to scan image addition processing.

  In the browser screen shown in FIG. 10, by sending the attribute / billing data attached to the e-mail shown in FIG. 9 to the image processing server, it is possible to settle the fee for adding the scanned image. The scanned image can be downloaded to the PC. As a payment method, when additional processing is performed on a scan image registered in the image processing server as described above, the registered user designates a registered user registered in advance in the scan image processing system. There is a way to withdraw charges from your account regularly. However, various payment methods desired by registered users may be selected. In addition, a method may be provided in which a non-registered user who has not previously registered in the scan image processing system can settle.

  Note that the example described above is a general example of charging by changing attribute information. In addition, charging by changing attribute information can be realized by various methods. For example, the above embodiment has a configuration in which the charge amount is determined at the time of changing the attribute information, but a configuration in which the charge amount is determined at the time of settlement is also applicable. In this configuration, the network scanner generates only attribute data, and the image processing server stores only attribute data in the file system. The image processing server generates billing data every time the attribute data is changed. .

  The control data described above is composed of data related to the destination and the access right, but other data may be taken into the control data. For example, the location (area or store number) where the network scanner is installed, store number, machine number, date and time, scan job number, password set by the user, and access rights for each page when the image consists of multiple pages By embedding etc., it is possible to easily identify the place where the scanned image is captured, and to easily grasp where the scanned image is transmitted from.

  Further, attribute / billing data may be taken into the control data described above.

  In addition, a PC connected to the Internet is taken as an example of a terminal serving as a destination of the scanned image and other processing result information. However, a portable terminal such as a PDA or a mobile phone may be used, and further, in the above description. The network (store network, Internet) used may be a network other than these.

1 is a system configuration diagram according to the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing server 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network scanner 4. FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of PC5 used as a terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the image processing method of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the scan image of step S513 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the browser screen at the time of accessing the storage location of a scanned image. It is a figure which shows an example of the browser screen which changes the other attribute of a scanned image. It is a figure which shows an example of the email which attached the attribute and the accounting data sent from the image processing server as an attachment file. It is a figure which shows an example of the browser screen which performs the payment of the charge concerning the addition process of a scanned image.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image processing server 2 Store network 3 Internet 4 Network scanner 5 PC
6 System control unit 7 File system 8 Attribute / billing data changing unit 9 Transmission / reception unit 10 Scanner unit 11 Image processing unit 12 File system 13 Operation panel 14 System control unit 15 Control data generation unit 16 Attribute / billing data generation unit 17 Transmission unit 18 Coin kit 19 System control unit 20 Display unit 21 Transmission / reception unit 211 Control data reception unit 212 Control data transmission unit 213 Attribute / charge data reception unit 214 Attribute / charge data transmission unit 215 Image reception unit

Claims (8)

In an image processing apparatus that connects a client and a plurality of terminals via a network,
A file system for storing an image transmitted from the client, attribute information set in the image, and attribute / billing data including charging information according to the attribute information;
An attribute for changing the attribute / billing data in response to the change of the attribute information according to the instruction and the change of the charging information according to the change of the attribute information when the instruction to change the attribute information is received from the terminal・ Billing data changing means,
Attribute / charging data transmitting means for transmitting the attribute / charging data changed by the attribute / charging data changing means to the terminal via the network;
A settlement unit that settles the billing information included in the attribute / billing data when the attribute / billing data is received from the terminal after the attribute / billing data transmitting unit transmits the attribute / billing data to the terminal; ,
An image processing apparatus comprising: an image transmission unit configured to transmit an image reflecting the changed attribute information to the terminal when a payment is made by the payment unit. The attribute / billing data transmission means includes:
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute / billing data is transmitted by being attached to an e-mail addressed to the terminal. The client is an image input device;
The image is an input image input by the image input device;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute information indicates input parameters, processing, post-processing, access control, storage period, and security of the input image. In an image processing apparatus that connects a client and a plurality of terminals via a network,
An image transmitted from the client, and a file system for storing attribute data set in the image;
When receiving an instruction to change the attribute data from the terminal, attribute data changing means for changing the attribute data according to the instruction;
Attribute data transmitting means for transmitting attribute data changed by the attribute data changing means to the terminal via the network;
A settlement unit that settles billing information determined based on the attribute data when the attribute data is received from the terminal after transmission of the attribute data to the terminal by the attribute data transmission unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an image transmission unit configured to transmit an image reflecting the changed attribute data to the terminal when the settlement unit performs settlement. In a charging processing method of an image processing apparatus that connects a client and a plurality of terminals via a network,
Storing an image transmitted from the client, attribute information set in the image, and accounting / accounting data including accounting information according to the attribute information in a file system;
When an instruction to change the attribute information is received from the terminal, the attribute / charge data change is attributed to the change of the attribute information according to the instruction and the change of the charge information in accordance with the change of the attribute information. It is done by the billing data changing means
The changed attribute / billing data is transmitted to the terminal by the attribute / billing data transmitting means via the network,
When the attribute / billing data is received from the terminal after transmission of the attribute / billing data to the terminal, the billing information included in the attribute / billing data is settled by a settlement means,
A charging processing method for an image processing apparatus, wherein when the payment is made, an image reflecting the changed attribute information is transmitted to the terminal by an image transmission means. The attribute / billing data transmission means includes:
6. The charging processing method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the attribute / billing data is transmitted by being attached to an e-mail addressed to the terminal. The client is an image input device;
The image is an input image input by the image input device;
6. The accounting processing method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the attribute information indicates input parameters, processing, post-processing, access control, storage period, and security of the input image. In a charging processing method of an image processing apparatus that connects a client and a plurality of terminals via a network,
Storing an image transmitted from the client and attribute data set in the image in a file system;
When an instruction to change the attribute data is received from the terminal, the attribute data is changed according to the instruction by the attribute data changing means,
Transmitting the changed attribute data to the terminal by the attribute data transmitting means via the network;
When the attribute data is received from the terminal after transmission of the attribute data to the terminal, the billing information determined based on the attribute data is settled by the settlement means,
An image processing apparatus charging processing method, wherein an image reflecting the changed attribute data is transmitted to the terminal by image transmission means when the settlement is made.

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