JP2011257903A - Image generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image generation device which is more convenient for users and controls the duplication of electronic book data with copy control stored in an electronic book terminal, with the interests of the copyright owners secured.SOLUTION: A copy control removal unit 211c removes a copy control on electronic book data with copy control stored in an electronic book terminal when the electronic book data is deleted from the electronic book terminal or a copyright fee for the electronic book data is paid. An electronic book data copy control unit 211 allows the electronic book data with copy control to be copied, by the operation of the copy control removal unit 211c.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that is connected to an electronic book terminal and copies electronic book data recorded on the terminal.

  Electronic book data is downloaded to an electronic book terminal from a server device or the like, and the electronic book data is browsed on the terminal (see Patent Document 1). The electronic book data is composed of electronic data such as sentences and images related to various contents such as novels, newspapers, magazines, and comics.

  In order to protect copyright holders (copyright holders and publishers) of contents related to electronic book data, copy restrictions are usually set for electronic book data. Hereinafter, a copy (print) restriction on electronic book data will be described as a copy restriction.

  The electronic book data for which the copy restriction is set can be viewed only at the electronic book terminal that is the download destination, and copying the electronic book data to a paper medium is restricted.

JP 2006-134330 A

Even for electronic book data in which copy restrictions are set, some users may want to read it on a paper medium, and it may be inconvenient if it cannot be copied to a paper medium.
On the other hand, if the copy of the electronic book data is permitted, the profit (right) of the copyright holder of the electronic book data is greatly impaired.

  The present invention provides image formation for executing copy control of electronic book data set in a copy restriction and recorded on an electronic book terminal while ensuring the benefit of the copyright holder and improving user convenience. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  The first technical means includes a terminal connection unit connected to an electronic book terminal in which electronic book data in which copy restrictions are set is recorded, an erasing unit for erasing the electronic book data from the electronic book terminal, and the electronic book A payment confirmation unit for a predetermined copyright fee set in advance in copy restrictions set in the data and erasing the electronic book data from the electronic book terminal, or depositing a copyright fee related to the electronic book data Accordingly, the image forming apparatus includes a copy restriction releasing unit that removes the copy restriction of the electronic book data, and enables the copying of the electronic book data by the operation of the copy restriction releasing unit.

  According to a second technical means, in the first technical means, the erasure unit transmits an erasure command instructing erasure of the electronic book data to the electronic book terminal, and an erasure from the electronic book terminal for the erasure command is performed. The copy restriction of the electronic book data is released by receiving a completion command.

  A third technical means receives and records the electronic book data with copy restrictions set via the terminal connection unit in the second technical means, and copies the electronic book data with the copy restrictions removed. If is unsuccessful, the electronic book data is transmitted to the electronic book terminal.

According to the present invention, even if the electronic book data is recorded in the electronic book terminal and copy restrictions are set, the electronic book data is deleted from the electronic book terminal, or the electronic book data is related to the electronic book data By copying the copyright fee, the copy restriction set for the electronic book data can be canceled and the electronic book data can be copied.
As a result, the profit of the copyright holder can be secured and the convenience of the user can be improved.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electronic book system including an electronic book data transmission server device, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a charging device, and an electronic book terminal. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of an electronic book terminal. 3 is an example of an operation screen displayed on the image forming apparatus. It is an example of the operation screen for electronic book data copy. It is an example of the selection screen of the electronic book data to copy. It is an example of the price screen which shows the copyright fee and copy price required for copying. It is an example of the alerting | reporting screen which alert | reports to a user that it is copying. It is an example of the price screen which shows the copy price required for copying. It is an example of the alerting | reporting screen which alert | reports to a user that it is copying. It is an example of the alerting | reporting screen which alert | reports to a user that copying failed. It is a 1st flowchart explaining the process which performs copy control of the electronic book data in which copy restrictions were set. It is a 2nd flowchart explaining the process which performs copy control of the electronic book data in which copy restrictions were set.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electronic book system including an electronic book data transmission server device (hereinafter abbreviated as a transmission server device) 1, an image forming apparatus 2, a charging device 3, and an electronic book terminal 4 according to the present invention. FIG.

  The transmission server device 1 records (manages) electronic book data and transmits the electronic book data to the image forming device 2 or the electronic book terminal 4 based on the electronic book data transmission request from the image forming device 2 or the electronic book terminal 4. To do. In addition, a copyright fee necessary for copying the recorded electronic book data is also recorded.

  The image forming apparatus 2 deletes the electronic book data from the electronic book terminal 4 even when the electronic book data is recorded in the electronic book terminal 4 and has copy restrictions set, or the electronic book data With the payment of the copyright fee (copying fee necessary for copying), the copy restriction set for the electronic book data is canceled and the electronic book data can be copied. Details will be described later.

  The image forming apparatus 2 makes a transmission request for electronic book data to the transmission server apparatus 1, downloads (receives) the electronic book data transmitted from the transmission server apparatus 1, and records it. Then, based on the electronic book data transmission request from the electronic book terminal 4, the recorded electronic book data is transmitted to the electronic book terminal 4.

  The charging device 3 is composed of a coin box or the like, and transmits to the image forming device 2 fee information indicating the amount of money (charge amount) inserted.

  The electronic book terminal 4 displays and outputs the electronic book data recorded in the terminal. The electronic book terminal 4 can also download and record electronic book data from the transmission server device 1 via the image forming device 2, and can also download and record electronic book data directly from the transmission server device 1. You can also

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a network connection unit 201, a charging device connection unit 202, a terminal connection unit 203, an operation unit 204, a display unit 205, an image formation unit 206, and a recording. 207, memory 208, electronic book data download unit 210, electronic book data copy control unit 211, and control unit 212.

  The network connection unit 201 provides an interface function for the network N, and executes data transmission / reception with the transmission server device 1 connected to the network N.

  The billing device connection unit 202 connects to the billing device 3 and receives price information transmitted from the billing device 3.

  The terminal connection unit 203 has, for example, a wireless communication function and an infrared communication function, and is connected to the electronic book terminal 4 to execute data transmission / reception.

The operation unit 204 is an operation panel that includes a numeric keypad, a copy start key, and the like and operates the image forming apparatus 2.
The display unit 205 includes a liquid crystal panel, a touch panel, and the like, and displays various operation screens and status information of the image forming apparatus.

The image forming unit 206 includes a photosensitive drum, a printing unit, and the like, and executes image formation (copying) of electronic book data.
The recording unit 207 is a large-capacity recording device composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and records electronic book data downloaded from the transmission server device 1. The memory 208 records various control information.

  The electronic book data download unit 210 executes a process of downloading electronic book data from the transmission server device 1 and recording it in the recording unit 207. The downloaded electronic book data is, for example, copied by the image forming unit 206 or transmitted to the electronic book terminal 4.

  The electronic book data copy control unit 211 controls a copy process of electronic book data recorded in the electronic book terminal 4 and set with copy restrictions. The electronic book data copy control unit 211 includes an electronic book data erasing unit 211a, a payment confirmation unit 211b, and a copy restriction release unit 211c.

  The electronic book data erasing unit 211 a erases the electronic book data from the electronic book terminal 4 when copying the electronic book data recorded in the electronic book terminal 4 and set with copy restrictions.

  The payment confirmation unit 211b, when copying electronic book data recorded in the electronic book terminal 4 and set with copy restrictions, has a predetermined copyright predetermined for the copy restrictions set for the electronic book data. Confirm payment of fees. The predetermined copyright fee will be described later.

  The copy restriction releasing unit 211c removes the electronic book data copy restriction from the electronic book terminal 4 by deleting the electronic book data or by receiving a copyright fee related to the electronic book data.

  The electronic book data copy control unit 211 enables the copy of the electronic book data by the operation of the copy restriction releasing unit 211c. The image forming unit 206 converts the electronic book data from which the copy restriction is removed into print data and copies the data.

  The control unit 212 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, controls each functional block, monitors the operation state of the image forming unit 206, and detects whether or not the copy of the electronic book data has failed.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the electronic book terminal 4. The electronic book terminal 4 includes an image forming apparatus connection unit 401, a display unit 402, an electronic book data download unit 403, an electronic book data recording unit 404, and an electronic book data management unit. 405, a memory 406, and a control unit 407.

The image forming apparatus connection unit 401 has, for example, a wireless communication function and an infrared communication function, and is connected to the image forming apparatus 2 to execute data transmission / reception.
The display unit 402 includes a liquid crystal panel, a touch panel, and the like, and displays electronic book data and an operation screen.

  The electronic book data download unit 403 executes processing for downloading electronic book data from the transmission server device 1 via the image forming device 2 and recording it in the electronic book data recording unit 404. Note that electronic book data may be directly downloaded from the transmission server device 1. In this case, a connection unit (network connection unit) for connecting to the transmission server device 1 is provided.

The electronic book data recording unit 404 is composed of a nonvolatile memory or the like, and records electronic book data.
The electronic book data management unit 405 manages electronic book data recorded in the electronic book data recording unit 404. Also, the attribute information of the electronic book data is managed. In the attribute information, various information related to electronic book data such as the name of the electronic book data (book name) is recorded.

The memory 406 records various control information.
The control unit 407 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and controls display processing of electronic book data and also controls each functional block.

  Hereinafter, copy control of electronic book data with copy restrictions set performed in the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. In the electronic book data recording unit 404 of the electronic book terminal 4, electronic book data of book names “AAA” to “DDD” for which copy restrictions have already been set are recorded, and the electronic book data management unit 405 Assume that attribute information of electronic book data is managed.

  First, when the user operates the “book purchase button” 41 on the operation screen 40 shown in FIG. 4 displayed on the display unit 205 of the image forming apparatus 2, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 is shown in FIG. An electronic book data copy operation screen 50 is displayed on the display unit 205.

When the user operates the “copy button from electronic book terminal” 51, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 displays a selection screen 60 shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 205.
When the user operates the “book data (purchase) download button” 52, the electronic book data download unit 210 downloads the electronic book data selected by the user from the transmission server device 1, and sets the terminal connection unit 203. To the connected electronic book terminal 4. When the user operates the “book data (purchase) book print button” 53, the electronic book data download unit 210 downloads the electronic book data selected by the user from the transmission server device 1, and the image forming unit 206. Prints the electronic book data.

  The selection screen 60 shown in FIG. 6 displayed when the user operates the “copy button from the electronic book terminal” 51 is copied from the guidance text 61 and the electronic book data recorded in the electronic book terminal 4. An electronic book data selection box 62 for selecting electronic book data to be copied, a “leave button” 63 for copying the electronic book data while leaving the electronic book data in the electronic book terminal 4, and the electronic book terminal 4 without leaving the electronic book data in the electronic book terminal 4. And a “do not leave” button 64 for erasing and copying.

  The user connects the electronic book terminal 4 and the image forming apparatus 2 in accordance with the guidance text 61 on the selection screen 60 so that data communication can be executed between them. For example, when the user brings the electronic book terminal 4 close to the image forming apparatus 2, a connection process is automatically executed between the image forming apparatus connection unit 401 of the electronic book terminal 4 and the terminal connection unit 203 of the image forming apparatus 2. Data transmission / reception becomes possible.

  When the connection process is completed, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 of the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the attribute of the electronic book data recorded in the electronic book data recording unit 404 from the electronic book data management unit 405 of the electronic book terminal 4. Get information.

The electronic book data copy control unit 211 displays the book name of the electronic book data recorded in the electronic book terminal 4 in the electronic book data selection box 62 based on the acquired attribute information.
In the electronic book data selection box 62, electronic book data of book names “AAA” to “DDD” are displayed.

  Assume that the user selects “CCC” as the book name of the electronic book data to be copied, and selects 01 to 99 as the pages to be copied. For the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the electronic book data with the book name “CCC” is a 99-page book. That is, the user copies all pages of the electronic book data with the book name “CCC”. In the following description, the electronic book data of the book name “CCC” to be copied is referred to as electronic book data C.

  Further, when the user operates the “leave button” 63, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 transmits to the electronic book terminal 4 a transmission command instructing to transmit the electronic book data C. Upon receiving the transmission command, the electronic book data management unit 405 of the electronic book terminal 4 transmits the electronic book data C to the image forming apparatus 2. At this time, the electronic book data C is still recorded (not erased) in the electronic book data recording unit 404 of the electronic book terminal 4.

  The electronic book data copy control unit 211 of the image forming apparatus 2 receives the electronic book data C. In the following description, the process of making a transmission request for electronic book data to the electronic book terminal 4 and acquiring (receiving) the electronic book data transmitted in response to the transmission request is referred to as acquisition of electronic book data.

  Next, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 determines a copyright fee and a copy price necessary for copying based on a predetermined copyright fee that is set in advance corresponding to the copy restriction set in the electronic book data C. . The copyright fee required for copying corresponds to the copyright fee related to the electronic book data C (the predetermined copyright fee), and the copy price corresponds to a toner price and a paper price. .

The predetermined copyright fee may be stored in a header area or the like of the electronic book data C, or may be recorded in the transmission server device 1 in association with the electronic book data C.
In the former case, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 extracts the predetermined copyright fee from the header area or the like of the electronic book data C. In the latter case, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 acquires the predetermined copyright fee recorded in association with the electronic book data C from the transmission server device 1. Note that it may be recorded in advance in the recording unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 2.

  The electronic book data copy control unit 211 displays a price screen 70 shown in FIG. 7 based on the determined copyright fee and copy price necessary for copying.

  When the user inserts a price into the charging apparatus 3 in accordance with an instruction on the price screen 70, the charging apparatus 3 transmits price information indicating the charged price to the image forming apparatus 2. The receipt confirmation unit 211b of the image forming apparatus 2 that has received the price information confirms that at least the copyright fee necessary for copying has been received.

  When the payment of the copyright fee is confirmed by the payment confirmation unit 211b, the copy restriction releasing unit 211c releases the copy restriction of the electronic book data C.

  Next, when the payment of the copy price of the electronic book data C is confirmed, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 outputs the electronic book data C from which the copy restriction has been removed to the image forming unit 206.

At the same time, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 displays a notification screen 80 shown in FIG.
When the user operates the start key of the operation unit 204 in accordance with the instruction on the notification screen 80, the image forming unit 206 converts the electronic book data C into print data and executes copying.

  That is, when the payment confirmation of the total amount (600 yen) of the copyright fee and the copy price necessary for copying the electronic book data C is performed, the copy restriction of the electronic book data C is released and copied.

  In this way, even if the ebook data has copy restrictions set, if the copyright fee necessary for copying is paid in addition to the copy price, the ebook data should be copied. Can do.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the user operates the “button that does not remain” 64 on the selection screen 60 on the selection screen 60 illustrated in FIG. 6, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 acquires the electronic book data C from the electronic book terminal 4.

  The electronic book data copy control unit 211 records the acquired electronic book data C in the recording unit 207. The recording of the electronic book data C is executed in preparation for a case where the copying process of the electronic book data C fails, and details will be described later.

Next, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 determines a copy price. The price does not include a copyright fee necessary for copying, and is determined based on the number of copies.
The electronic book data copy control unit 211 displays a price screen 90 shown in FIG. 9 based on the determined copy price.

  When the user inserts a price into the charging apparatus 3 in accordance with an instruction on the price screen 90, the charging apparatus 3 transmits price information indicating the inserted price to the image forming apparatus 2. The electronic book data copy control unit 211 of the image forming apparatus 2 that has received the price information confirms whether or not the determined copy price (100 yen) has been deposited.

  When the deposit confirming unit 211b confirms the deposit, the electronic book data erasing unit 211a transmits to the electronic book terminal 4 an erasure command instructing to erase the electronic book data C. The electronic book data management unit 405 of the electronic book terminal 4 that has received the deletion command deletes the electronic book data C recorded in the electronic book data recording unit 404. After execution of the erasure, an erasure completion command indicating that the electronic book data C has been erased from the electronic book data recording unit 404 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2.

  When the electronic book data copy control unit 211 of the image forming apparatus 2 receives the erasure completion command, the copy restriction releasing unit 211c releases the copy restriction of the electronic book data C recorded in the recording unit 207, and image formation is performed. The unit 206 copies the electronic book data C from which the copy restriction is removed. At the same time, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 displays the notification screen 100 shown in FIG. When the copying ends normally, the electronic book data erasure unit 211a erases the electronic book data C recorded in the recording unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 2.

By doing so, even if the electronic book data has copy restrictions set, the electronic book data can be copied if the electronic book data is deleted from the electronic book terminal.
Further, even if the communication between the image forming apparatus 2 and the electronic book terminal 4 is disconnected during the execution of copying, the electronic book data does not remain in the electronic book terminal 4, so that unauthorized copying can be prevented.

  By the way, as described above, the image forming unit 206 of the image forming apparatus 2 copies the electronic book data C from which the copy restriction is released. However, the copy fails due to paper jam (jam), out of paper / toner, and the like. There are things to do.

  Therefore, when the control unit 212 of the image forming apparatus 2 detects that the copy of the electronic book data C has failed, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 displays the notification screen 110 shown in FIG. At the same time, the electronic book data C recorded in the recording unit 207 is transmitted to the electronic book terminal 4, and the electronic book data is written back to the electronic book terminal 4. Further, it instructs the billing apparatus 3 to return the paid money.

  FIG. 12A is a first flowchart illustrating a process for executing copy control of electronic book data in which copy restrictions are set, and FIG. 12B is a second flowchart of the same. In the following description, it is assumed that electronic book data C to be copied is already recorded in the electronic book terminal 4.

  According to the instruction on the selection screen 60 shown in FIG. 6 displayed by the user operating the “copy button from electronic book terminal” 51 in the electronic book data copy operation screen 50 shown in FIG. The terminal 4 and the image forming apparatus 2 are connected (step S1).

  After the connection, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 of the image forming apparatus 2 receives the attribute information such as the electronic book data C recorded in the electronic book data recording unit 404 from the electronic book data management unit 405 of the electronic book terminal 4. Obtain (step S2).

  When the user selects the electronic book data C to be copied from the electronic book data selection box 62 on the selection screen 60 and operates the “leave button” 63 that copies the electronic book data C while leaving it in the electronic book terminal 4 ( Step S3 / Leave button operation), the electronic book data copy control unit 211 acquires the electronic book data C from the electronic book terminal 4 (Step S4), and determines in advance corresponding to the copy restriction set in the electronic book data C. Based on the predetermined copyright fee, a copyright fee and a copy price necessary for copying are determined (step S5).

  When the payment confirmation unit 211b confirms that the copyright fee necessary for copying determined by the electronic book data copy control unit 211 has been received (step S6 / YES), the copy restriction release unit 211c reads the electronic book data C. The copy restriction is released (step S7).

  When the payment confirmation unit 211b confirms the payment of the copy price in addition to the copyright fee, that is, the total payment of the copyright fee and the copy price (step S8 / YES), the image forming unit 206 releases the copy restriction. The electronic book data C is converted into printing data and is copied (step S9).

  In step S3, if the “no button” 64 (see FIG. 6) for copying the electronic book data C without leaving it in the electronic book terminal 4 is operated (step S3 / button operation without leaving), the electronic book data copy control unit 211 is operated. Acquires the electronic book data C from the electronic book terminal 4 and records it in the recording unit 207 (step S10).

  Next, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 determines a copy price (step S11). As described above, the copy price does not include the copyright fee necessary for copying the electronic book data C.

  When the payment confirmation unit 211b confirms that the copy price determined by the electronic book data copy control unit 211 has been received (step S12 / YES), the electronic book data deletion unit 211a deletes the electronic book data C. An instructing erase command is transmitted to the electronic book terminal 4 (step S13).

  When the electronic book data erasure unit 211a receives an erasure completion command indicating that the electronic book data C has been erased from the electronic book terminal 4 (step S14 / YES), the copy restriction cancellation unit 211c is recorded in the recording unit 207. The copy restriction of the existing electronic book data C is released, and the image forming unit 206 copies the electronic book data C from which the copy restriction is released (step S15).

  When the control unit 212 detects that copying of the electronic book data C has been normally completed (successful) (step S16 / copied successfully), the electronic book data erasing unit 211a is recorded in the recording unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 2. The stored electronic book data C is erased (step S17).

  When the control unit 212 detects that copying of the electronic book data C has failed (step S16 / failure), the electronic book data copy control unit 211 uses the electronic book data C recorded in the recording unit 207 as an electronic book terminal. 4 is executed to write back the electronic book data C to the electronic book terminal 4 (step S18).

  Note that the steps described in FIGS. 12A and 12B may be omitted or replaced. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 12A, after confirming payment of the copyright fee necessary for copying (step S6 / YES), the copy restriction releasing unit 211c releases the copy restriction on the electronic book data C (step S7), and further. After confirming the payment of the total amount of the copyright fee and the copy price (step S8 / YES), the copy of the electronic book data C from which the copy restriction is released is executed (step S9).

  However, after confirming the payment of the total amount of the copyright fee and the copy price (step S8 / YES), the copy restriction of the electronic book data C is released (step S7), and the copy of the electronic book data C from which the copy restriction is released is executed. (Step S9) may be performed. That is, the process of step S6 may be omitted, the process of step S7 may be executed after the determination process of step S8, and then the process of step 9 may be executed.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 12B, after confirming the payment for the copy price (step S12 / YES), the processes of steps S13 and S14 are executed. However, after the deletion completion command for the electronic book data C is received (step S14). / YES), payment confirmation of the copy price (step S12) may be executed. That is, step S12 may be executed after step S14, and then step S15 may be executed.

(Appendix)
Although the coin box is illustrated as the charging device 3, a credit card payment system, an electronic money payment system, a private card payment system, or the like can be used.

  Although the case where all the pages are selected as copy pages of the electronic book data is illustrated, an arbitrary range such as the number of pages, the number of lines, etc. in the electronic book data can be selected.

At this time, when the electronic book data is copied while remaining in the electronic book terminal 4, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 performs copying based on the copy data amount such as the number of pages to be copied, the number of lines, and the number of characters. Determine the copyright fee required for. For example, the total number of pages is assumed that X ₁ page copy of the e-book data of X pages, if, copyright fees required the electronic book data to all the pages copy is that it is Y circle. In this case, the royalty required for the electronic book data to X ₁ page copy, for example, the _{(X 1 / X) × Y} .

  In this way, only the range that the user wants to copy can be copied. In addition, the copyright fee can be determined in detail. As a result, user convenience is improved. In particular, since the number of pages to be copied can be selected, the operation becomes easy. Further, copying can be performed from the middle of the page, and unnecessary portions are not copied (copying of useless portions can be prevented).

  When copying the electronic book data without leaving it in the electronic book terminal 4, the electronic book data copy control unit 211 outputs an erasure command for instructing to erase the selected arbitrary range in the electronic book data. Transmit to the book terminal 4. The electronic book data management unit 405 of the electronic book terminal 4 that has received the deletion command deletes the selected arbitrary range in the electronic book data recorded in the electronic book data recording unit 404.

  By doing so, it is possible to copy only the location where the user wants to copy. As a result, user convenience is improved. In particular, since the number of pages to be copied can be selected, the operation becomes easy. Further, copying can be performed from the middle of the page, and unnecessary portions are not copied (copying of useless portions can be prevented).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic book data transmission server apparatus (transmission server apparatus), 2 ... Image forming apparatus, 201 ... Network connection part, 202 ... Billing apparatus connection part, 203 ... Terminal connection part, 204 ... Operation part, 205 ... Display part, 206 ... Image forming unit, 207 ... Recording unit, 208 ... Memory, 210 ... Electronic book data download unit, 211 ... Electronic book data copy control unit, 211a ... Electronic book data erasing unit, 211b ... Payment confirmation unit, 211c ... Copy restriction release , 212, control unit, 3 ... billing device, 4 ... electronic book terminal, 401 ... image forming device connection unit, 402 ... display unit, 403 ... electronic book data download unit, 404 ... electronic book data recording unit, 405 ... electronic Book data management unit, 406 ... memory, 407 ... control unit, 40 ... operation screen, 50 ... for copying electronic book data Drawing surface, 60 ... selection screen, 70 ... price screen, 80 ... notification screen, 90 ... price screen, 100 ... notification screen, 110 ... notification screen.

Claims (3)

A terminal connection unit for connecting to an electronic book terminal in which electronic book data in which copy restrictions are set is recorded;
An erasing unit for erasing the electronic book data from the electronic book terminal;
A payment confirmation unit for a predetermined copyright fee predetermined for copy restrictions set in the electronic book data;
A copy restriction releasing unit that removes the electronic book data copy restriction by erasing the electronic book data from the electronic book terminal, or by payment of a copyright fee related to the electronic book data,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the electronic book data can be copied by an operation of the copy restriction release unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The erasing unit transmits an erasure command instructing erasure of the electronic book data to the electronic book terminal, and receives an erasure completion command from the electronic book terminal in response to the erasure command, thereby copying the electronic book data An image forming apparatus, wherein the restriction is released. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
Receiving and recording the electronic book data with copy restrictions set via the terminal connection unit;
When the copy of the electronic book data for which the copy restriction is released fails, the electronic book data is transmitted to the electronic book terminal.

Images