JP2013142874A - Image forming system and charging amount calculation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system and a charging amount calculation method, in which a recording sheet conveyance and a sheet discharge are taken into consideration, and for calculating a charging amount more precisely matching costs.SOLUTION: An image forming system 1 comprises: an image forming device 10 for forming an image on a recording sheet according to a print job; post-processing devices 30, 50, 70, 90 for executing post-processing according to the print job on the recording sheet having the image thereon; and a CPU 12 for determining a conveyance route for the recording sheet according to the print job and a connection configuration of the post-processing devices, acquiring operation information of the image forming device 10 and operation information of the post-processing devices 30, 50, 70, 90 according to the job and the conveyance route of the recording sheet, and calculating a charging amount according to the acquired operation information. The operation information of the post-processing devices 30, 50, 70, 90 includes a recording sheet conveyance and a sheet discharge to be executed by the post-processing devices.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system and a charge amount calculation method for calculating a charge amount according to the operation of a post-processing apparatus or the like.

  Many image forming apparatuses such as MFP (Multi Functional Peripheral) calculate usage charges (billing amount) according to the number of times an image is printed on recording paper or the number of times post-processing such as stapling or punching is executed. Exists.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a charging system that calculates a charging amount based on a job input to an image forming apparatus. In this billing system, detailed job parameters such as paper type and size, printing color attributes, toner consumption, and post-processing operations are acquired from job configuration data of a job, and a billing amount is calculated from these detailed job parameters. . Thereby, it is possible to calculate an accurate charge amount according to the detailed contents of the job.

JP 2007-41594 A

  In recent years, so-called production printers have become widespread, and image forming systems such as these production printers are often connected with a plurality of post-processing devices (finishers) such as multi-punch machines and case binding machines. When a plurality of post-processing devices are connected and the function of the post-processing device is used, each post-processing device interposed between the image processing device and the post-processing device transports the recording paper to the post-processing device. There is a need to.

  When each post-processing device transports or discharges recording paper to the post-processing device, it relates to deterioration of a transport mechanism such as a transport roller in each post-processing device and power consumption necessary for transporting or discharging the recording paper Although the cost is high, the above patent document does not disclose the calculation of the charge amount taking the cost into consideration.

  Therefore, in the conventional billing system, the cost for transporting the recording paper by each of the post-processing devices is not reflected in the billing amount.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and provides an image forming system and a billing amount calculation method for calculating a billing amount more accurately corresponding to the cost in consideration of conveyance and discharge of recording paper. It is intended to provide.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] An image forming apparatus that forms an image on recording paper according to a job;
A post-processing device that performs post-processing on a recording sheet on which an image is formed according to the job;
The image formation indicating the operation to be performed by the image forming apparatus from the job and the determined recording paper conveyance path is determined from the connection configuration of the job and the post-processing apparatus. A billing amount calculation unit that acquires device operation information, operation information of the post-processing device indicating an operation to be performed by the post-processing device, and calculates a billing amount from the acquired operation information;
Have
The operation information of the post-processing apparatus includes conveyance or discharge of the recording paper to be executed by the post-processing apparatus.

  In the above-described invention, the cost for transporting or discharging the recording paper to be executed by the post-processing apparatus is reflected in the charge amount. Therefore, the charge amount corresponding to the cost can be calculated more accurately.

[2] The image forming system includes a plurality of post-processing devices connected to each other,
The charge amount calculation unit acquires operation information of the image forming apparatus and operation information of each post-processing apparatus from the job and the determined recording paper conveyance path, and acquires the operation information of the image forming apparatus and the acquisition The charged amount is calculated from the operation information of each post-processing apparatus that has been performed. The image forming system according to [1],

[3] A charging coefficient receiving unit that receives a charging coefficient determined for each operation of the post-processing device.
The image forming system according to [1] or [2], wherein the billing amount calculation unit calculates a billing amount for the operation of the post-processing apparatus based on the billing coefficient.

  In the above invention, since the charging coefficient receiving unit receives the charging coefficient determined for each operation of the post-processing apparatus, an administrator of the image forming system can arbitrarily set the charging coefficient.

[4] A transport path determining step for determining a transport path of the recording paper from the connection configuration of the job and the post-processing device;
The operation information of the image forming apparatus indicating the operation to be performed by the image forming apparatus and the operation to be performed by the post-processing apparatus are indicated from the job and the transport path of the recording paper determined in the transport path determining step. An operation information acquisition step of acquiring operation information of the post-processing device;
A billing amount calculating step for calculating a billing amount from the motion information acquired in the motion information acquiring step;
Have
The operation information of the post-processing device includes a transport or discharge of the recording paper to be executed by the post-processing device.

[5] When a plurality of post-processing devices are connected, in the operation information acquisition step, the operation information of the image forming apparatus and each post-processing device are determined from the job and the determined recording paper conveyance path. Get operation information
The charging amount calculation method according to [4], wherein, in the charging amount calculation step, a charging amount is calculated from the operation information of the image forming apparatus and the acquired operation information of each post-processing apparatus.

[6] Further, there is a charging coefficient receiving step for receiving a charging coefficient determined for each operation of the post-processing device,
The charging amount calculation method according to [4] or [5], wherein, in the charging amount calculation step, a charging amount for the operation of the post-processing device is calculated based on the charging coefficient.

  According to the image forming system and the billing amount calculation method according to the present invention, it is possible to calculate the billing amount more accurately corresponding to the cost in consideration of the conveyance and discharge of the recording paper.

1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a saddle stitch finisher. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a punch and ring bind finisher. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a case binding finisher. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a staple finisher. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation method of charging amount. It is a table | surface which shows the charging coefficient corresponding to operation | movement of each apparatus. It is a table | surface which shows the specific example of the charging coefficient corresponding to operation | movement of each apparatus.

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

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and four post-processing apparatuses (each of which includes a saddle stitching finisher 30, a punch and ring bind finisher 50, a case binding finisher 70, and a staple finisher 90 in order from the image forming apparatus 10). These post-processing devices are connected to each other.

  The image forming apparatus 10 prints an image according to a print job received from an external apparatus or a print job input from the operation unit 14 (see FIG. 2).

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 confirms the connection configuration of the post-processing device (type of post-processing device, arrangement order, etc.) when receiving the print job, and follows the print job from the print job and the connection configuration. Determine the transport path of the recording paper. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 receives the operation information of the image forming apparatus 10 indicating the operation to be executed by the image forming apparatus 10 and the operation to be executed by each post-processing apparatus from the print job and the recording paper conveyance path The operation information of each post-processing apparatus indicating the conveyance of the recording paper, the paper discharge, etc.) is acquired, and the charge amount is calculated from the operation information.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a paper feeding unit 11 for storing recording papers having different sizes such as plain paper and special paper. The paper feeding unit 11 may be an external unit that is separate from the image forming apparatus 10. At the time of printing an image, the conveyance unit 18 (see FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus 10 conveys the recording paper according to the print job from the paper supply unit 11 to the image forming unit 19 (see FIG. 2).

  The saddle stitch finisher 30 executes saddle stitching processing on the recording paper on which an image is printed by the image forming apparatus 10. The saddle stitch finisher 30 includes an inversion / overlap portion 31, a crease portion 32, a slit portion 33, a saddle stitch staple portion 34, a square fold portion 35, a booklet cutting portion 36, and the like. Details of each part will be described later.

  The punch / ring bind finisher 50 executes punch processing or ring binding processing on the recording paper on which the image is printed by the image forming apparatus 10. The punch / ring bind finisher 50 includes a punch portion 51, a ring bind portion 52, and the like.

  The case binding finisher 70 executes case binding processing on a recording sheet on which an image is printed by the image forming apparatus 10. The case binding finisher 70 includes a case binding unit 71 and the like.

  The staple finisher 90 executes a stapling process on the recording paper on which an image is printed by the image forming apparatus 10. The staple finisher 90 includes a staple unit 91 and the like.

  Further, for example, when a print job including a step in which the staple finisher 90 executes a stapling process is input to the image forming apparatus 10, the saddle stitching finisher 30, punch / punch that is interposed between the image forming apparatus 10 and the staple finisher 90. The ring binding finisher 50 and the case binding finisher 70 each perform a function of conveying the recording paper to the subsequent post-processing device such as conveying the recording paper on which the image is printed to the staple finisher 90 (FIG. 3). 4 and 5).

  Further, each of the four post-processing devices has a discharge tray for discharging recording paper.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12, a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a serial communication unit 15, various data storage units 16, a document reading unit 17, a conveyance unit 18, an image, and the like. A forming unit 19 and a cover identifying unit 20 are included.

  The CPU 12 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like, and performs overall control of operations of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 and the post-processing apparatus. Further, the CPU 12 confirms the connection configuration of the post-processing apparatus when a print job is input from the operation unit 14 or the like, and determines a recording paper conveyance path according to the print job from the print job and the connection configuration. Further, the CPU 12 determines the operation information of the image forming apparatus 10, that is, information relating to printing to be executed by the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, color printing or monochrome printing, from the input print job and the recording paper conveyance path). The number of copies to be printed, single-sided / double-sided printing, the size of recording paper used for printing, image resolution, etc.) and post-processing device operation information (for example, processing to be performed by the post-processing device (saddle stitching, punch ring) Binding, case binding, stapling, etc.), transport of recording paper to the post-processing device in the subsequent stage, and recording paper discharge executed by the post-processing device), and calculate the billing amount from the acquired operation information To do.

  The display unit 13 is configured by a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The display unit 13 has a creasing portion sample display portion 13a for displaying a sample of a creasing portion for making a crease on the recording paper. Furthermore, the display unit 13 displays the billing amount calculated by the CPU 12 as necessary.

  The operation unit 14 is provided on the screen of the display unit 13 and includes a touch panel that detects a coordinate position where the screen is pressed with a touch pen or a finger, a flick operation or a drag operation on the display unit 13, and the like. It fulfills the function of accepting jobs. Further, the operation unit 14 includes a print number setting unit 14 a that sets the number of prints when the user inputs a job, a post-processing setting unit 14 b that sets the operation of the post-processing device in the subsequent stage, and a crease of the saddle stitching finisher 30. The section 32 (see FIG. 3) sets a creasing setting unit 14c for setting whether or not the recording paper is to be crooked, and a creasing position adjustment for adjusting a creasing position when creasing the recording paper. 14d. Further, the operation unit 14 includes a charging coefficient setting unit 14e for setting a charging coefficient for each operation of the image forming apparatus 10 and each operation of each post-processing apparatus. Details of the accounting coefficient will be described later.

  The serial communication unit 15 transmits at least operation information of the post-processing device of the print job to the serial communication unit 38 of the saddle stitching finisher 30 (see FIG. 5) in order to cause the post-processing device to execute an operation according to the input print job. 3). In addition, the serial communication unit 15 receives the status of the post-processing device of the subsequent stage from the serial communication unit 38 of the saddle stitch finisher 30 (for example, the connection configuration of the post-processing device, the standby state, the operation being executed according to the print job, Information about the success or failure of the operation).

  The various data storage unit 16 is configured by a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing user information and various setting information. Further, the various data storage unit 16 stores the charging coefficient set by using the charging coefficient setting unit 14e of the operation unit 14.

  The document reading unit 17 performs a function of optically reading a document and acquiring image data. The image reading unit 17 sequentially, for example, a light source that irradiates light on the document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light for one line in the width direction, and a line-by-line reading position in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a moving unit for moving, a lens, a mirror, and the like for guiding reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, and a conversion unit for converting an analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data Etc.

  The transport unit 18 transports the recording paper according to the print job from the paper supply unit 11 to the image forming unit 19. In addition, after the image forming unit 19 prints an image on the recording paper, the transport unit 18 transports the recording paper to the post-processing apparatus at the subsequent stage.

  The image forming unit 19 has a function of forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. Other methods may be used for image formation.

  The cover identifying unit 20 identifies a print page to be a cover such as a booklet from an image printed by the image forming unit 19 (for example, a cover identifier printed on a recording sheet) or image data included in a print job. This display identification is performed by a known method.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the saddle stitching finisher 30. The saddle stitching finisher 30 includes a CPU 37, a reversing / overlapping unit 31, a crease unit 32, a slit unit 33, a saddle stitching staple unit 34, a square folding unit 35, a booklet cutting unit 36, and a serial communication unit 38. , A carry-out path selection unit 39, a serial communication unit 40, a conveyance unit 41, a rear-stage conveyance unit 42, a sub-tray discharge stacking unit 43, a booklet stacking unit 44, and a booklet unloading unit 45.

  The CPU 37 is based on the OS program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. The CPU 37 controls the operation of each unit of the saddle stitch finisher 30 based on the operation information of the post-processing device received from the image forming apparatus 10.

  The reversing / overlapping unit 31 conveys from the image forming apparatus 10 to facilitate the saddle stitching process when the saddle stitching process is instructed in the print job input from the operation unit 14 or the like of the image forming apparatus 10. The function of reversing and overlaying the printed recording paper is performed. The crease unit 32 applies crease to the recording paper. The slit section 33 slits (cuts) the recording paper. The saddle stitching staple unit 34 performs saddle stitching staple processing on the recording paper.

  The square fold portion 35 flatly shapes the back of a booklet created by each portion of the saddle stitch finisher 30 performing various processes on the recording paper. The booklet cutting unit 36 cuts the created booklet.

  The serial communication unit 38 receives the operation information of the saddle stitch finisher 30 or the post-processing device (punch / ring bind finisher 50, case binding finisher 70 or staple finisher 90) from the image forming apparatus 10. In addition, the serial communication unit 38 transmits information regarding the status of the saddle stitch finisher 30 and / or the post-processing device of the subsequent stage to the image forming apparatus 10.

  The carry-out path selection unit 39 determines the conveyance path of the recording paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 according to which post-processing is instructed in the print job or to which discharge tray the recording paper is discharged. select. For example, when the saddle stitching process is instructed, the carry-out path selection unit 39 selects a conveyance unit 41 to be described later, and the conveyance unit 41 conveys the recording paper to the inversion / stacking unit 31, the crease unit 32, or the like. Further, when there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the sub-tray of the saddle stitch finisher 30 in the print job, the carry-out path selection unit 39 selects the conveyance unit 41, and the conveyance unit 41 records on the sub-tray discharge stacking unit 43. Transport paper.

  On the other hand, when the post-stage post-processing is instructed, the carry-out path selection unit 39 selects a post-stage transport unit 42 described later, and the post-stage transport unit 42 removes the recording paper from the post-stage post-processing device (punch / ring bind finisher 50 ). Similarly, when there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the output tray of the post-processing apparatus in the post-stage in the print job, the carry-out path selection unit 39 selects the post-stage transport unit 42 and the post-stage transport unit 42 selects the punch ring. The recording paper is conveyed to the bind finisher 50.

  The serial communication unit 40 transmits the operation information of the post-processing apparatus received from the image forming apparatus 10 to the punch / ring bind finisher 50. Further, the serial communication unit 40 receives information related to the status of the post-processing apparatus in the subsequent stage from the punch / ring bind finisher 50.

  When the saddle stitching process is instructed in the print job, the transport unit 41 transports the recording sheet to each part of the saddle stitching finisher 30 in a predetermined order in order to perform the saddle stitching process on the recording sheet. The transport unit 41 transports the recording paper to the sub-tray discharge stacking unit 43 when instructed to discharge the recording paper to the sub-tray of the saddle stitch finisher 30.

  The post-stage transport unit 42 transports the recording paper to the punch / ring bind finisher 50 when the post-processing executed by the post-stage post-processing apparatus is instructed in the print job. Similarly, when there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the discharge tray of the post-processing apparatus in the post-stage in the print job, the post-stage transport unit 42 transports the recording paper to the punch / ring bind finisher 50. The post-stage transport unit 42 includes a plurality of transport rollers and the like.

  When there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the sub-tray of the saddle stitch finisher 30 in the print job, the sub-tray discharge stacking unit 43 discharges and stacks the recording paper on the sub-tray.

  The booklet stacking unit 44 temporarily stacks a booklet created by each unit of the saddle stitch finisher 30.

  The booklet unloading section 45 unloads the booklet loaded on the booklet stacking section 44 to a booklet discharge tray or the like.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the punch / ring bind finisher 50. The punch / ring bind finisher 50 includes a CPU 53, a punch unit 51, a ring bind unit 52, a serial communication unit 54, a carry-out path selection unit 55, a main stage stack alignment unit 56, a serial communication unit 57, Section 58, rear-stage transport section 59, and sub-tray discharge stacking section 60.

  The CPU 53 is based on the OS program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. Further, the CPU 53 controls the operation of each part of the punch / ring bind finisher 50 based on the operation information of the post-processing apparatus received from the saddle stitch finisher 30.

  The punch unit 51 performs punch processing on the recording paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 when punch processing is instructed in a print job input from the operation unit 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 or the like. The ring bind unit 52 performs the ring bind process on the recording paper when the ring bind process is instructed in the print job.

  The serial communication unit 54 receives the operation information of the punch / ring bind finisher 50 or the post-processing device (case binding finisher 70 or staple finisher 90) from the saddle stitch finisher 30. In addition, the serial communication unit 54 transmits information related to the status of the punch / ring bind finisher 50 and / or the post-processing apparatus of the subsequent stage to the saddle stitch finisher 30.

  The carry-out path selection unit 55 determines the conveyance path of the recording paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 according to which post-processing is instructed in the print job or to which discharge tray the recording paper is discharged. select. For example, when a punch process or a ring bind process is instructed, the carry-out path selection unit 55 selects a transport unit 58 described later, and the transport unit 58 transports the recording paper to the punch unit 51 or the ring bind unit 52. When there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the sub-tray of the punch / ring bind finisher 50 in the print job, the carry-out path selection unit 55 selects the conveyance unit 58, and the conveyance unit 58 selects the sub-tray discharge stacking unit 60. Transport the recording paper.

  On the other hand, when the post-stage post-processing is instructed, the carry-out path selection unit 55 selects a post-stage transport unit 59 described later, and the post-stage transport unit 59 transfers the recording paper to the post-stage post-processing device (case binding finisher 70). Transport. Similarly, when there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the discharge tray of the post-processing apparatus in the post-stage in the print job, the carry-out path selection unit 55 selects the post-stage transport unit 59, and the post-stage transport unit 59 uses the case binding finisher. The recording paper is conveyed to 70.

  The main stage stack aligning unit 56 aligns the recording sheets so that the edges of the recording sheets placed on the main stage are aligned before the punch unit 51 or the ring binding unit 52 performs a predetermined process on the recording sheets.

  The serial communication unit 57 transmits the operation information of the post-processing apparatus received from the saddle stitch finisher 30 to the case binding finisher 70. In addition, the serial communication unit 57 receives information on the status of the post-processing apparatus in the subsequent stage from the case binding finisher 70.

  When punching or ring binding processing is instructed in the print job, the transport unit 58 transports the recording paper to each part of the punch / ring bind finisher 50 in a predetermined order to perform the processing on the recording paper. The transport unit 58 transports the recording paper to the sub-tray discharge stacking unit 60 when there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the sub-tray of the punch / ring bind finisher 50.

  The post-stage transport unit 59 transports the recording paper to the case binding finisher 70 when the post-processing executed by the post-stage post-processing apparatus is instructed in the print job. Similarly, the post-stage transport unit 59 transports the recording paper to the case binding finisher 70 when there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the discharge tray of the post-processing apparatus in the post stage in the print job. The rear conveyance unit 59 includes a plurality of conveyance rollers.

  When there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the sub-tray of the punch / ring bind finisher 50, the sub-tray discharge stacking unit 60 discharges the recording paper to the sub-tray and stacks it.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the case binding finisher 70. The case binding finisher 70 includes a CPU 72, a case binding unit 71, a serial communication unit 73, a carry-out path selection unit 74, a main stage stack alignment unit 75, a glue supply unit 76, a glue application unit 77, and serial communication. A section 78, a transport section 79, a rear transport section 80, a sub-tray discharge stacking section 81, a booklet stacking section 82, a cart insertion detecting section 83, and a cart transporting section 84.

  The CPU 72 is based on the OS program and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. The CPU 72 controls the operation of each part of the case binding finisher 70 based on the operation information of the post-processing device received from the punch / ring bind finisher 50.

  The case binding unit 71 performs case binding processing on the recording paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 when a case binding process is instructed in a print job input from the operation unit 14 or the like of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The serial communication unit 73 receives operation information of the case binding finisher 70 or the post-processing device (staple finisher 90) of the rear stage from the punch / ring bind finisher 50. Further, the serial communication unit 73 transmits information regarding the situation of the case binding finisher 70 and / or the staple finisher 90 to the punch / ring bind finisher 50.

  The carry-out path selection unit 74 determines the conveyance path of the recording paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 according to which post-processing is instructed in the print job or to which discharge tray the recording paper is discharged. select. For example, when case binding processing is instructed, the carry-out path selection unit 74 selects a transport unit 79 described later, and the transport unit 79 transports the recording paper to the case binding unit 71. When there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the sub-tray of the case binding finisher 70 in the print job, the carry-out path selection unit 74 selects the conveyance unit 79, and the conveyance unit 79 records on the sub-tray discharge stacking unit 81. Transport paper.

  On the other hand, when the post-processing of the rear stage (staple processing) is instructed, the carry-out path selection unit 74 selects a rear stage transport unit 80 described later, and the rear stage transport unit 80 removes the recording paper from the post-stage post-processing device (staple finisher). 90). Similarly, when there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the discharge tray of the staple finisher 90 in the print job, the carry-out path selection unit 74 selects the rear conveyance unit 80, and the rear conveyance unit 80 records on the staple finisher 90. Transport paper.

  The main stage stack aligning unit 75 aligns the recording sheets so that the edges of the recording sheets stacked on the main stage are aligned before the case binding unit 71 performs the case binding process on the recording sheets.

  The glue supply unit 76 stores glue necessary for the case binding process, and supplies glue to the glue application unit 77 as necessary.

  The glue application unit 77 applies glue to the back of the recording paper stacked on the stage or the like during the case binding process.

  The serial communication unit 78 transmits the operation information of the post-processing device (staple finisher 90) received from the punch / ring bind finisher 50 to the staple finisher 90. In addition, the serial communication unit 78 receives information regarding the status of the post-processing device (staple finisher 90) in the subsequent stage from the staple finisher 90.

  When the case binding process is instructed in the print job, the transport unit 79 transports the recording paper to each part of the case binding finisher 70 in a predetermined order in order to perform the case binding process on the recording paper. The transport unit 79 transports the recording paper to the sub-tray discharge stacking unit 81 when there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the sub-tray of the case binding finisher 70 in the print job.

  The post-stage transport unit 80 transports the recording paper to the staple finisher 90 when the stapling process executed by the staple finisher 90 is instructed in the print job. Similarly, the post-stage transport unit 80 transports the recording paper to the staple finisher 90 when there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the discharge tray of the staple finisher 90 in the print job. The rear conveyance unit 80 includes a plurality of conveyance rollers and the like.

  When there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the sub-tray of the case binding finisher 70, the sub-tray discharge stacking unit 81 discharges and stacks the recording paper on the sub-tray.

  The booklet stacking unit 82 temporarily stacks the booklet created by each unit of the case binding finisher 70.

  The cart insertion detection unit 83 includes an optical sensor or the like, and detects whether or not a cart for carrying out the produced booklet is inserted into the case binding finisher 70.

  When the carriage insertion detection unit 83 detects the insertion of the carriage into the case binding finisher 70, the carriage transfer unit 84 transfers the booklet loaded by the booklet loading unit 82 to the carriage.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the staple finisher 90. The staple finisher 90 includes a CPU 92, a staple unit 91, a serial communication unit 93, a main stage stack alignment unit 94, a transport unit 95, a sub-tray carry-out / load unit 96, and a main tray carry-out / load unit 97.

  The CPU 92 is based on an OS program and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. Further, the CPU 92 controls the operation of each unit of the staple finisher 90 based on the operation information of the post-processing device received from the case binding finisher 70.

  The stapling unit 91 performs the stapling process on the recording paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 when the stapling process is instructed in the print job input from the operation unit 14 or the like of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The serial communication unit 93 receives the operation information of the staple finisher 90 from the case binding finisher 70. In addition, the serial communication unit 93 transmits information on the status of the staple finisher 90 to the case binding finisher 70.

  The main stage stack aligning unit 94 aligns the recording sheets so that the edges of the recording sheets stacked on the main stage are aligned before the stapling unit 91 performs the stapling process on the recording sheets.

  When the stapling process is instructed in the print job, the transport unit 95 transports the recording paper to each unit of the staple finisher 90 in a predetermined order in order to perform the stapling process on the recording paper. The transport unit 95 transports the recording paper to the sub-tray discharge stacking unit 96 when there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the sub-tray of the staple finisher 90 in the print job.

  When there is an instruction to discharge the recording paper to the sub-tray of the staple finisher 90 in the print job, the sub-tray discharge stacking unit 96 discharges and stacks the recording paper on the sub-tray.

  When the stapling process is instructed in the print job, the main tray discharge stacking unit 97 discharges and stacks the recording paper subjected to the stapling process by the stapling unit 91 on the main tray.

  Next, a method for calculating a charge amount when using the image forming system 1 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for calculating the billing amount. FIG. 8 is a table showing a charging coefficient corresponding to the operation of each apparatus.

  First, the image forming apparatus 10 receives a print job by receiving a print job from an external device (for example, a PC (Personal Computer)) or by inputting a print job from the operation unit 14 (step S101).

  When receiving a print job, the CPU 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 checks the connection configuration of the post-processing device (type of post-processing device, arrangement order, etc.), and determines the conveyance path of the recording paper from the print job and this connection configuration. (Step S102). At this time, the CPU 12 confirms the post-processing apparatus interposed in the determined conveyance path (step S103).

  Next, the CPU 12 determines the operation information of the image forming apparatus 10 indicating the operation to be performed by the image forming apparatus 10 and the operation to be performed by the post-processing apparatus in the subsequent stage from the print job and the recording paper conveyance path. Operation information of the post-processing device is acquired (step S104). At this time, the CPU 12 records not only post-processing corresponding to each post-processing device (for example, saddle-stitching processing in the case of the saddle stitch finisher 30) but also recording paper to a post-processing device to be executed by each post-processing device. Also check the conveyance of paper and the discharge of recording paper.

  The CPU 12 confirms the charging coefficient corresponding to the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 and the operation of each post-processing apparatus stored in the various data storage unit 16 (step S105). The administrator of the image forming system 1 can arbitrarily set these charging coefficients using the charging coefficient setting unit 14e of the operation unit 14.

  The CPU 12 calculates the charge amount of the print job from the charge coefficient stored in the various data storage unit 16 (step S106). Specifically, the CPU 12 extracts the charging coefficient corresponding to the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 and the operation of each post-processing apparatus, and calculates the sum of the extracted charging coefficients. Then, the charge amount is calculated based on the sum of the charge coefficients.

  A method of calculating the charge amount when the charge coefficient is set as shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

  When the recording paper is discharged to the sub-tray of the saddle stitch finisher 30 without performing any post-processing on the recording paper (printed material), the recording paper transport path is “image forming apparatus 10” → “saddle stitch finisher 30”. → "Sub-tray of saddle stitch finisher 30" The operations required in this conveyance path are “print processing of the image forming apparatus 10” and “paper discharge by the saddle stitch finisher 30”, and the sum of the charging coefficients is “β2 + γ1”.

  When the case binding process is performed on the recording paper (printed material), the recording paper transport path is “image forming apparatus 10” → “saddle stitching finisher 30” → “punch / ring bind finisher 50” → “case binding finisher 70”. Become. The operations required in this conveyance path are “print processing of the image forming apparatus 10”, “conveyance by the saddle stitching finisher 30”, “conveyance by the punch / ring bind finisher 50”, and “case of the case binding finisher 70”. Bookbinding processing ”, and the sum of the charging coefficients is“ β2 + α1 + α2 + β5 ”.

  When stapling the recording paper (printed material), the recording paper transport path is “image forming apparatus 10” → “saddle stitching finisher 30” → “punch / ring bind finisher 50” → “case binding finisher 70” → “ Staple finisher 90 ". The operations required in this conveyance path are “printing process of image forming apparatus 10”, “conveyance by saddle stitching finisher 30”, “conveyance by punch / ring bind finisher 50”, and “conveyance by case binding finisher 70”. ”And“ staple processing of the staple finisher 90 ”, and the sum of the charging coefficients is“ β2 + α1 + α2 + α3 + β6 ”.

  By multiplying the sum of the accounting factors calculated as described above by the basic charge per recording sheet and the number of printed materials, the deterioration of the conveying section and the succeeding conveying section of each post-processing device, the conveyance and discharge of recording sheets, etc. It is possible to calculate a billing amount reflecting the cost related to the power consumed by the paper. However, in order to prevent the charge amount from being reduced by dividing the printing into a plurality of times, the final charge amount is calculated by rounding up the calculated charge amount after the decimal point.

  Next, calculation of the actual billing amount using a case will be described. In the following case, the charge amount is calculated using the charge coefficient shown in FIG.

(Case 1)
Number of printed sheets: 10 Content of processing: Paper discharge by saddle stitch finisher 30 However, the basic charge per recording paper is 10 yen.

  In this case 1, the recording paper conveyance path is “image forming apparatus 10” → “saddle stitch finisher 30” → “sub-tray of saddle stitch finisher 30”. The operations required in this conveyance path are “print processing of the image forming apparatus 10” and “paper discharge by the saddle stitch finisher 30”, and the sum of the charging coefficients is 0.90 + 0.04 = 0.94. When the sum of the charging coefficients is multiplied by the basic charge and the number of printed sheets, the basic charge is 10 * the sum of the charging coefficients is 0.94 * the number of printed sheets is 10 = the charged amount is 94 yen.

(Case 2)
Number of printed sheets: 10 Process content: Punch process, paper discharge by punch / ring bind finisher 50 However, the basic fee per recording paper is 10 yen.

  The conveyance path of the recording paper in this case 2 is “image forming apparatus 10” → “saddle stitch finisher 30” → “punch / ring bind finisher 50” → “sub-tray of punch / ring bind finisher 50”. The operations required in this conveyance path are “print processing of the image forming apparatus 10”, “conveyance by the saddle stitching finisher 30”, “punch processing of the punch / ring bind finisher 50”, and “punch / ring bind finisher”. 50 ”, and the sum of the charging coefficients is 0.90 + 0.02 + 0.20 + 0.04 = 1.16. Multiplying the sum of the charging coefficients by the basic charge and the number of printed sheets, the basic charge is 10 * the sum of the charging coefficients 1.16 * the number of printed sheets 10 = the charged amount is 116 yen.

(Case 3)
Number of printed sheets: 10 Process contents: Punch process, paper discharge by case binding finisher 70 However, the basic fee per recording paper is 10 yen.

  In this case 3, the recording paper conveyance path is “image forming apparatus 10” → “saddle stitching finisher 30” → “punch / ring bind finisher 50” → “case binding finisher 70” → “sub-tray of case binding finisher 70”. Become. The operations required in this conveyance path are “print processing of the image forming apparatus 10”, “conveyance by the saddle stitching finisher 30”, “punch processing of the punch / ring bind finisher 50”, and “punch / ring bind finisher”. 50 ”and“ paper discharge by the case binding finisher 70 ”, and the sum of the charging coefficients is 0.90 + 0.02 + 0.20 + 0.02 + 0.04 = 1.18. Multiplying the sum of the billing coefficients by the above basic charge and the number of printed sheets yields the basic charge 10 x the sum of the billing coefficients 1.18 x the number of printed sheets 10 = the charge amount 118 yen.

(Case 4)
Number of printed sheets: 8 Content of processing: Case binding processing of the case binding finisher 70, use of a paper feed unit However, the basic fee per recording sheet is 10 yen.

  In this case 4, the recording paper conveyance path is “paper feeding unit 11” → “image forming apparatus 10” → “saddle stitching finisher 30” → “punch / ring bind finisher 50” → “case binding finisher 70”. The operations required in this transport path are “paper feed processing of paper feed unit 11”, “print processing of image forming apparatus 10”, “transport by saddle stitch finisher 30”, and “punch / ring bind finisher 50”. And “case binding of the case binding finisher 70”, and the sum of the charging coefficients is 0.04 + 0.90 + 0.02 + 0.02 + 0.80 = 1.78. When the sum of the charging coefficients is multiplied by the basic charge and the number of printed sheets, the basic charge is 10 * the sum of the charging coefficients is 1.78 * the number of printed sheets is 8 = 142.4. However, since the final billing amount is calculated by rounding up the decimal point of the calculated numerical value, the final billing amount is 143 yen.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, a charging coefficient is stored for each operation of each post-processing apparatus in the various data storage unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10, and the charging amount is based on the sum of the charging coefficients corresponding to the operations required in the print job. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the cost for transporting or discharging the recording paper by the post-processing device is reflected in the usage fee (charge amount) of the image forming system 1, there is no limitation on the calculation method of the charge amount. For example, the charge amount for transporting or discharging the recording by the post-processing device may be determined according to the distance that the recording paper is transported.

  Regarding the charging coefficient setting method, in this embodiment, the administrator of the image forming system 1 arbitrarily sets the charging coefficient using the charging coefficient setting unit 14e, but this administrator uses an external device to set the network. The charging coefficient may be arbitrarily set via

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming system 10 ... Image forming apparatus 11 ... Paper feed unit 12 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Display part 13a ... Stitching place sample display part 14 ... Operation part 14a ... Print number setting part 14b ... Post-processing setting part 14c ... Stitching setting part 14d ... Stitching part adjustment part 14e ... Billing coefficient setting part 15 ... Serial Communication unit 16: Various data storage unit 17 ... Document reading unit 18 ... Conveying unit 19 ... Image forming unit 20 ... Cover sheet identifying unit 30 ... Saddle stitching finisher 31 ... Inversion / stacking unit 32 ... Crease unit 33 ... Slit unit 34 ... Saddle stitching Staple part 35 ... Square fold part 36 ... Booklet cutting part 37 ... CPU
38 ... Serial communication unit 39 ... Unloading path selection unit 40 ... Serial communication unit 41 ... Conveying unit 42 ... Subsequent conveying unit 43 ... Sub-tray discharge stacking unit 44 ... Booklet stacking unit 45 ... Booklet unloading unit 50 ... Punch / ring bind finisher 51 ... Punch part 52 ... Ring bind part 53 ... CPU
54 ... Serial communication section 55 ... Unloading path selection section 56 ... Main stage stack alignment section 57 ... Serial communication section 58 ... Conveyance section 59 ... Subsequent conveyance section 60 ... Sub-tray discharge stacking section 70 ... Case bookbinding finisher 71 ... Case bookbinding section 72 ... CPU
73 ... Serial communication unit 74 ... Unloading path selection unit 75 ... Main stage stack alignment unit 76 ... Glue replenishment unit 77 ... Glue application unit 78 ... Serial communication unit 79 ... Conveyance unit 80 ... Subsequent conveyance unit 81 ... Sub-tray discharge stacking unit 82 ... Booklet stacking unit 83... Cart insertion detection unit 84. Cart transport unit 90. Staple finisher 91. Stapling unit 92.
93 ... Serial communication unit 94 ... Main stage stack alignment unit 95 ... Conveying unit 96 ... Sub-tray unloading / loading unit 97 ... Main tray unloading / loading unit

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on recording paper according to a job;
A post-processing device that performs post-processing on a recording sheet on which an image is formed according to the job;
The image formation indicating the operation to be performed by the image forming apparatus from the job and the determined recording paper conveyance path is determined from the connection configuration of the job and the post-processing apparatus. A billing amount calculation unit that acquires device operation information, operation information of the post-processing device indicating an operation to be performed by the post-processing device, and calculates a billing amount from the acquired operation information;
Have
The operation information of the post-processing apparatus includes conveyance or discharge of the recording paper to be executed by the post-processing apparatus. The image forming system includes the post-processing device connected to a plurality of units,
The charge amount calculation unit acquires operation information of the image forming apparatus and operation information of each post-processing apparatus from the job and the determined recording paper conveyance path, and acquires the operation information of the image forming apparatus and the acquisition The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein a charge amount is calculated from the operation information of each post-processing apparatus that has been performed. And a charging coefficient receiving unit that receives a charging coefficient determined for each operation of the post-processing device,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the billing amount calculation unit calculates a billing amount for the operation of the post-processing apparatus based on the billing coefficient. A transport path determining step for determining a transport path of the recording paper from the connection configuration of the job and the post-processing device;
The operation information of the image forming apparatus indicating the operation to be performed by the image forming apparatus and the operation to be performed by the post-processing apparatus are indicated from the job and the transport path of the recording paper determined in the transport path determining step. An operation information acquisition step of acquiring operation information of the post-processing device;
A billing amount calculating step for calculating a billing amount from the motion information acquired in the motion information acquiring step;
Have
The operation information of the post-processing device includes a transport or discharge of the recording paper to be executed by the post-processing device. When a plurality of post-processing devices are connected, in the operation information acquisition step, the operation information of the image forming device and the operation information of each post-processing device are obtained from the job and the determined recording paper conveyance path. Acquired,
The charge amount calculation method according to claim 4, wherein, in the charge amount calculation step, a charge amount is calculated from the operation information of the image forming apparatus and the acquired operation information of each post-processing apparatus. And a charging coefficient receiving step for receiving a charging coefficient determined for each operation of the post-processing device,
6. The charge amount calculation method according to claim 4, wherein, in the charge amount calculation step, a charge amount for the operation of the post-processing apparatus is calculated based on the charge coefficient.

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