JP2013232099A - Service providing apparatus and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus that collects fees for a service to be provided, while properly managing money discharged to a user as changes.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 includes: a display part 473; an operation part 47; a control part 100; a fee calculating part 101 for calculating fees for an operation executed by the control part 100 in response to user instruction; a money input part 38 where a user inputs money; a money detection part 102 that detects the amount of money input; a difference calculation part 103 that calculates a difference between the amount of money input and the fees; a money management part 36 that discharges the money equivalent to the calculated amount difference; and an imaging part 37 that images a money discharge position where the money is discharged by the money management part 36. The control part 100 controls the display part 473 to display the image captured by the imaging part 37 after the money is discharged by the money management part 36, and the amount of money equivalent to the difference thereon.

Description

  The present invention relates to a service providing apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for managing the handling of changes to be returned to a user.

  Conventionally, various service providing apparatuses that can be used by an unspecified number of users, collect usage fees from each user, and provide services for the collected usage fees are known. As such a service providing apparatus, for example, there is an image forming apparatus that collects a print fee from each user and provides a print service for the collected print fee. Since this image forming apparatus is installed in a place that can be used by the public, such as a convenience store, and is used by various users, it is necessary to improve the convenience of each user and to grasp the state of use of the image forming apparatus by the user. In addition, techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below have been proposed.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a copier management system for photographing a user of a copier with a photographing device in order to identify a user who has made an illegal copy, and the user performs a predetermined action when using the copier. When this is done, a technique for storing photographing data in a storage means is shown. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 provides a paper sensor in a discharge tray from which printed recording paper is discharged, and notifies that when a recording paper is forgotten to be removed based on an output signal from the paper sensor. Technology to do is shown.

JP-A-11-194687 JP 2005-82339 A

  As described above, a service providing apparatus that collects a usage fee from a user is required to more appropriately manage the usage fee. In particular, when change is generated for money entered as a usage fee from the user, the change is returned to the user from the service providing device, but the change after the discharge from the service providing device is sufficiently managed for the return. It is required to do. However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 only enables photographing of an action by a user. Further, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 can notify that the recording paper has been forgotten, but does not contribute to the change management after the discharge.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and in an apparatus that collects a usage fee and provides a service, appropriately manages money after being discharged to a user for change return. For the purpose.

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a display unit,
An operation unit for inputting an instruction from the operator;
A control unit that executes an operation indicated by the instruction based on the instruction input to the operation unit;
A billing amount calculation unit for calculating a billing amount for an operation executed by the control unit in accordance with an instruction from the operator;
A money input unit into which money is input from an operator;
An input amount detection unit for detecting an amount of money inserted into the money input unit;
A difference calculation unit for calculating a difference between the input amount detected by the input amount detection unit and the charge amount calculated by the charge amount calculation unit;
A money discharging unit that discharges money that is the amount of the difference calculated by the difference calculating unit;
A photographing unit for photographing a money discharging position at which the money is discharged by the money discharging unit;
The control unit provides a service for causing the display unit to display a photographed image photographed by the photographing unit so as to include at least a time point after the money is discharged corresponding to the difference by the money discharging unit, and the amount of the difference. Device.

  In this invention, the photographing unit photographs the money discharge position where money is discharged by the money discharging unit, and the control unit displays the photographed image photographed by the photographing unit after the difference money is discharged as the difference amount. In addition, since the information is displayed on the display unit, the user as an operator who uses the service providing apparatus can recognize the state of the money discharged to the money discharge position together with an accurate amount to be discharged.

  For example, the user and the service provider using the device confirm whether or not the money is discharged to the money discharging position by the money discharging unit according to the difference amount, based on the captured image displayed on the display unit. It becomes possible to do.

  This makes it possible for users and service providers to confirm that money is not being discharged due to equipment failure, that money that has been discharged is insufficient, or that money is being discharged exactly according to the difference amount. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately manage money such as change discharged to the user.

The invention according to claim 2 is the service providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the photographed image photographed by the photographing unit includes an image indicating the money discharge position is determined. An image determination unit for determining;
When the image determining unit determines that the image indicating the money discharge position is not included in the predetermined ratio by the image determining unit, the control unit performs an operation indicated by the instruction from the operator. If it is determined that the image showing the money discharge position is included in the ratio in the photographed image without executing, the operation indicated by the instruction from the operator is executed.

  For example, if there is a foreign object between the photographing unit and the money discharge position, the foreign object is photographed on the photographing unit, and it becomes difficult to photograph the money discharge position. For this reason, in the present invention, it is difficult for the photographing unit to photograph the money discharging position when it is determined by the image determining unit that the image indicating the money discharging position is not included in the predetermined ratio in the photographed image. It is assumed that the control unit performs control that does not execute the operation indicated by the instruction by the operator, thereby preventing the situation in which the operation indicated by the instruction by the operator is executed in a state where it is difficult to confirm the discharged money. That is, the present invention performs the operation indicated by the instruction by the operator only when a situation in which the discharged money can be photographed by the photographing unit, so that the discharged money is discharged after the operation. An environment where the state can be confirmed can be secured.

The invention according to claim 3 is the service providing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the money for detecting a predetermined money image from the photographed image photographed by the photographing unit. An image detector;
An emission amount calculation unit for calculating an amount associated with the money image detected by the money image detection unit;
An amount determination unit that determines whether or not the amount of difference calculated by the difference calculation unit and the amount of money calculated by the emission amount calculation unit match;
The said control part further displays the determination result by the said money amount determination part on the said display part.

  In this invention, the money amount detection unit calculates the amount associated with the money image detected from the captured image by the money image detection unit, and the calculated amount and the difference amount calculated by the difference calculation unit. The control unit causes the display unit to further display the determination result by the money amount determination unit as to whether or not they match, for example, whether or not the money corresponding to the difference money has been accurately discharged to the money discharge position. It is possible to make a determination based on the result of the discharging operation actually performed by the discharging unit and to show the determination result to the user or the service provider.

The invention according to claim 4 is the service providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an image storage unit that stores the photographed image photographed by the photographing unit. ,
The control unit causes the display unit to display the captured image when an instruction to display the captured image stored in the image storage unit is input from the operator to the operation unit. .

  In the present invention, the control unit causes the display unit to display the photographed image when an instruction to display the photographed image is input from the operator to the operation unit. For example, when it is necessary to make the user visually recognize the captured image, such as when the image is not discharged, the captured image can be displayed on the display unit in a timely manner. The operator in claim 3 includes both a user and a service provider.

The invention according to claim 5 is the service providing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a processing unit that performs processing to emphasize the money image detected by the money image detection unit. Prepared,
The said control part displays the said picked-up image by which the said money image part was emphasized by the said process part as the said picked-up image on the said display part.

  In this invention, since the photographed image in which the money image portion is emphasized by the processing unit is displayed on the display unit, the state of the money discharged to the money discharge position is more clearly shown to the user and the service provider. Can be recognized.

The invention according to claim 6 is a service providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5;
An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium,
In the image forming apparatus, the operation executed by the control unit according to an instruction from the operator is image formation on a recording medium by the image forming unit.

  In the present invention, it is possible to enjoy the effects obtained by the above-described inventions according to claims 1 to 5 in image formation by the image forming apparatus, for example, provision of a print service.

  Further, the invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit includes an image indicating the charge amount, the input amount, and the difference amount, and the captured image. Are formed on a recording medium by the image forming unit.

  In this invention, the image forming unit forms an image showing the charge amount, the input amount, and the difference amount, and the photographed image on the recording medium. Therefore, the user selects the recording medium after the image formation. By obtaining, it is possible to grasp that the difference amount has been properly discharged to the money discharge position. Note that if the recording medium is also used as a print service specification or receipt, the number of media provided to the user is not increased.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the apparatus which collects a usage fee and provides a service, the money after discharged | emitted with respect to a user for change return can be managed appropriately.

1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus as a service providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is front sectional drawing which shows the structure of a main-body part. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a coin vendor. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a process when a service is provided by an image forming apparatus. (A) is a figure which shows the state which image | photographs the coin in a coin return slot by an imaging | photography part, (B) is a figure which shows the picked-up image of the coin return slot by an imaging | photography part. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a display part. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a display part. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of processing when a service is provided by an image forming apparatus. (A) is a figure which shows a mode that an imaging | photography part image | photographs the inside of a coin return port in the state in which the foreign material was inserted in the coin return slot, (B) is a figure which shows the picked-up image by an imaging | photography part. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of processing when a service is provided by an image forming apparatus. (A) (B) is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a display part. (A) and (B) are flowcharts showing still another embodiment of processing at the time of service provision by the image forming apparatus. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a display part, (B) is a figure which shows the example of the printed matter which plays a ball to a user.

  Hereinafter, a service providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus as a service providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An image forming apparatus 1 as a service providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 2 and a coin vendor 3.

  In the present embodiment, the main body unit 2 will be described as a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as a printer function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. For example, the main body 2 is installed in a store or the like that can be used by the public, such as a convenience store. The main body 2 is connected to the coin vendor 3 by wire or wirelessly, and the connection enables communication between the main body 2 and the coin vendor 3. The main body unit 2 prints the print target data (in accordance with a copy operation execution instruction, a print instruction, a facsimile transmission instruction, etc.) input by an operation of an operation unit 47 (FIG. 2) described later by a user (an example of an operator) ( Image formation).

  The coin vendor 3 is a device that collects money as a usage fee for the service provided by the image forming apparatus 1 from the user, and returns change and refund. The coin vendor 3 accepts the input of the printing fee from the user, and discharges the change or the refund. The coin vendor 3 is driven and controlled by the control unit 10 (FIG. 3) of the main body 2 by communication with the main body 2.

  Next, the main body 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a front sectional view showing the structure of the main body 2.

  The main body unit 2 is a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The main body 2 is configured by including an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a document conveying unit 6, and an image reading unit 5 in the apparatus main body 11. The display unit 473 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays various operation guidance and messages for the user.

  The apparatus main body 11 includes a lower main body 111, an upper main body 112 disposed so as to face the lower main body 111, and a connecting portion 113 provided between the upper main body 112 and the lower main body 111. The upper body 112 is provided with an image reading unit 5 and a document conveying unit 6.

  On the front side of the lower main body 111, an operation unit 47 that receives an instruction from a user as an operator or a service provider is provided. The operation unit 47 includes a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, and a display unit 473. The operation unit 47 receives instructions from the operator by operating each key and a touch panel function provided in the display unit 473.

  The image reading unit 5 includes a contact glass 161 mounted on the upper surface opening of the upper main body 112 for placing a document, an openable / closable document pressing cover 162 for pressing the document placed on the contact glass 161, And a reading mechanism 163 that reads an image of a document placed on the contact glass 161.

  The document conveying unit 6 feeds the documents placed on the document placing table 61 one by one by driving the paper feed roller and the conveying roller, and faces the document reading slit 53 provided with a transparent document glass. And is read by the reading mechanism 163 of the image reading unit 5 through the document reading slit 53 and then discharged to the document discharge unit 62. During document conveyance by the document conveyance unit 6, the reading mechanism 163 of the image reading unit 5 reads an image of the conveyed document at a document reading position that is below the document reading slit 53.

  The lower main body 111 includes an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, and a paper feeding unit 14. The paper feed unit 14 has paper feed cassettes 142, 143, and 144 that can be inserted into and removed from the apparatus main body 11.

  The image forming unit 12 performs an image forming operation for forming a toner image on the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit 14. The image forming unit 12 is arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the traveling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 125, the magenta image forming unit 12M using magenta toner, and the cyan toner using cyan toner. The image forming unit 12C of yellow, the image forming unit 12Y for yellow using yellow toner, and the image forming unit 12Bk for black using black toner (hereinafter, when each image forming unit is described without distinction, Each of which is referred to as an “image forming unit 120”, and an intermediate transfer belt 125 stretched between a plurality of rollers such as a driving roller 125a (secondary transfer opposing roller) so as to be capable of endless running in the sub-scanning direction in image formation. The intermediate transfer belt 125 is a portion where the intermediate transfer belt 125 is stretched around the driving roller 125a. And a contact with the secondary transfer roller 210 to the outer peripheral surface 125.

  Each image forming unit 120 includes a photosensitive drum 121, a developing device 122 that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 121, a toner cartridge (not shown) that contains toner, a charging device 123, an exposure device 124, a primary device. A transfer roller 126 and a drum cleaning device 127 are provided.

  The photosensitive drum 121 forms an electrostatic latent image and a toner image along the electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface thereof. The developing device 122 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 121. Each developing device 122 is appropriately supplied with toner from the toner cartridge.

  The charging device 123 is provided immediately below the photosensitive drum 121. The charging device 123 uniformly charges the peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 121.

  The exposure device 124 is provided below the photosensitive drum 121 and further below the charging device 123. The exposure device 124 irradiates the circumferential surface of the charged photosensitive drum 121 with laser light corresponding to each color based on image data input from a computer or the like or image data acquired by the image reading unit 5, and each photosensitive member. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the drum 121.

  The developing device 122 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photoconductive drum 121 rotating in the direction of the arrow and stacks the toner, and the toner corresponding to the image data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductive drum 121. Form an image.

  The intermediate transfer belt 125 is disposed above the photosensitive drums 121. The intermediate transfer belt 125 is stretched between the driving roller 125a on the left side in FIG. 1 and the driven roller 125b on the right side in FIG. It is in contact. The driven roller 125b is provided at a position facing the driving roller 125a and rotates following the endless running of the intermediate transfer belt 125. The intermediate transfer belt 125 is driven by a driving roller 125 a in a state where an image carrying surface on which a toner image is transferred is set on the outer peripheral surface thereof and in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121. The intermediate transfer belt 125 travels endlessly between the driving roller 125a and the driven roller 125b while being synchronized with each photosensitive drum 121.

  A primary transfer roller 126 is provided at a position facing each photosensitive drum 121 with the intermediate transfer belt 125 interposed therebetween. A transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 126 by a transfer bias application mechanism (not shown), and the primary transfer roller 126 transfers the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 121 to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 125. Let them transcribe.

  The control unit 100 (FIG. 3) drives and controls the primary transfer roller 126 and the image forming unit 120 for each color, and the magenta toner formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 125 by the magenta image forming unit 12M. The image transfer, the transfer of the cyan toner image formed by the cyan image forming unit 12C at the same position of the intermediate transfer belt 125, and the yellow image forming unit 12Y at the same position of the intermediate transfer belt 125 are then performed. The transfer of the formed yellow toner image and the transfer of the black toner image formed by the final black image forming unit 12Bk are performed so that the toner images of the respective colors overlap each other. Are formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 125 (intermediate transfer (primary transfer)).

  A transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 210 by a transfer bias applying mechanism (not shown). The secondary transfer roller 210 transfers the color toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 125 onto the recording paper conveyed from the paper supply unit 14. The secondary transfer roller 210 forms a nip portion where the toner image is secondarily transferred onto the recording paper between the drive roller 125a with the intermediate transfer belt 125 interposed therebetween. The recording sheet conveyed through the sheet conveying path 190 is pressed and clamped between the intermediate transfer belt 125 and the secondary transfer roller 210 at the nip portion, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 125 is secondarily transferred to the recording sheet. .

  The drum cleaning device 127 is provided on the left side of each photoconductive drum 121 in FIG. 2, and removes residual toner on the peripheral surface of the photoconductive drum 121 for cleaning.

  A sheet conveyance path 190 extending in the vertical direction is formed at the left position in FIG. 2 with respect to the image forming unit 12. A pair of conveying rollers 192 is provided at an appropriate position on the sheet conveying path 190. The conveyance roller pair 192 conveys the recording paper fed from the paper supply unit 14 toward the nip unit and the fixing unit 13. That is, the recording paper is transported by the transport mechanism including the transport roller pair 192 disposed at the appropriate position.

  The fixing unit 13 includes a heating roller 132 provided with a pressure roller 134 disposed to face the heating roller 132. The fixing unit 13 detects the toner image on the recording paper transferred by the image forming unit 12 from the heating roller 132 while the recording paper passes through the fixing nip N between the heating roller 132 and the pressure roller 134. The fixing process is performed by applying heat. The image-formed recording paper that has undergone the fixing process is discharged toward a discharge tray 151 provided on the top of the lower main body 111 through a discharge conveyance path 194 that extends from the upper portion of the fixing unit 13. .

  The paper feed unit 14 includes a manual feed tray 141 that is provided on the right side wall of the apparatus main body 11 in FIG. 2 so as to be openable and closable, and paper feed cassettes 142, 143, and 144. A pickup roller 145 provided above the paper feed cassettes 142, 143, and 144 feeds the uppermost recording paper in the paper bundle stored in the paper feed cassettes 142, 143, and 144 toward the paper transport path 190.

  The paper discharge unit 15 is formed between the lower main body 111 and the upper main body 112. The paper discharge unit 15 includes a discharge tray 151 formed on the upper surface of the lower main body 111. The discharge tray 151 is a tray in which the recording paper on which the toner image is formed by the image forming unit 12 is discharged after the fixing unit 13 performs the fixing process.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the coin vendor 3.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10. The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM, a ROM, a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like. The control unit 10 includes an image reading unit 5, a document conveying unit 6, an image processing unit 31, an image memory 32, an image forming unit 12, an HDD (hard disk drive) 92, an operation unit 47, a facsimile communication unit 71, and a network interface unit. 91 and the coin vendor 3.

  The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100, a charge amount calculation unit 101, an input amount detection unit 102, a difference calculation unit 103, an image determination unit 104, a money image detection unit 105, a discharge amount calculation unit 106, and an amount determination unit 107. ing.

  The control unit 100 governs overall operation control of the main body unit 2. Based on an instruction from the user or service provider input to the operation unit 47, the control unit 100 causes each operation mechanism of the main body unit 2 to perform the operation indicated by the instruction. In addition, the control unit 100 controls the coin vendor 3, for example, is in charge of display control of the display unit 473, and causes the display unit 473 to display a photographed image photographed by the photographing unit 37 provided in the coin vendor 3. .

  The billing amount calculation unit 101 calculates a billing amount for an operation performed by the control unit 100 in accordance with an instruction input from the user to the operation unit 47. As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 is installed in a place where the public can use it and is operated by an unspecified number of users. In exchange for providing print services and facsimile transmission services to users, Vendor 3 collects usage fees from users. That is, the billing amount calculation unit 101 calculates a price corresponding to the service provided to the user as the billing amount for the user. In this embodiment, the billing amount calculation unit 101 uses the billing amount for the user for image formation (printing) by the image forming unit 12 performed according to the user's instruction as the number of recording sheets and recording sheet size used for the image formation. And calculation based on information such as color / monochrome printing.

  The amount-of-insertion detection unit 102 detects the amount of money inserted by the user into the money insertion unit 38 (FIG. 4) of the coin vendor 3. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which a coin processing device is provided as the money management unit 36 in the main body 30 of the coin vendor 3 will be described as an example. The money management unit 36 identifies the denomination and number of coins input from the money input unit 38, denomination information indicating the denomination of each coin, and number information of the type of coins inserted, It is output to the investment amount detection unit 102. Based on the denomination information and the number information obtained from the money management unit 36, the input amount detection unit 102 detects the total amount of coins inserted into the money input unit 38 by the user as the input amount.

  The difference calculation unit 103 calculates the difference between the charge amount calculated by the charge amount calculation unit 101 and the input amount detected by the input amount detection unit 102. That is, the difference calculation unit 103 calculates the amount of change to be returned to the user.

  When the charge amount is calculated by the charge amount calculation unit 101 as 0 yen, the input amount detected by the input amount detection unit 102 is the difference amount calculated by the difference calculation unit 103. This difference amount indicates the amount of the refund when the operation targeted for the service in the main unit 2 is not performed due to the user's cancellation or the like after the usage fee is entered by the user.

  The image determination unit 104 includes an image indicating a money discharge position at which coins are discharged from the money management unit 36 to the user, in the present embodiment, in the coin return port 34 of the coin vendor 3. It is determined whether or not an image obtained by photographing the bottom surface portion 344 is included at a predetermined ratio (for example, 90%). For example, the image determination unit 104 obtains an image of the bottom surface part 344 in the coin return port 34 that is acquired and held in advance by photographing by the photographing unit 37, and when the user uses the image forming apparatus 1, for example, the user inputs money. When the identity of the image obtained by photographing the bottom surface part 344 by the photographing unit 37 at the time of coin insertion into the part 38 is analyzed by pattern matching or the like, and it is detected that the identity of both the images is equal to or greater than the predetermined ratio. In addition, it is determined that the image of the currency discharge position is included in the captured image captured by the imaging unit 37 when the user uses the image forming apparatus 1 at the above ratio. In addition, when the image determination unit 104 detects that the identity of both the images is less than the above ratio, the image determination unit 104 determines that the image of the money discharge position is not included in the captured image at the above ratio. When it is determined by the image determination unit 104 that the image indicating the money discharge position is not included in the above ratio in the image determination unit 104, the control unit 100 executes an operation based on an instruction from the user (that is, service Do not provide).

  The money image detection unit 105 detects a predetermined money image from the photographed image photographed by the photographing unit 37. For example, the money image detection unit 105 has an image showing a 10 yen coin, an image showing a 50 yen coin, an image showing a 100 yen coin, and an image showing a 500 yen coin prepared in advance as the money image. doing. The money image detection unit 105 detects each money image by, for example, pattern matching or the like from a photographed image obtained by the photographing unit 37 photographing the bottom surface part 344 when the user inserts money into the money inserting unit 38.

  The discharge amount calculation unit 106 calculates the amount associated with the money image detected by the money image detection unit 105. For example, when the money image detecting unit 105 detects a coin image of a 10 yen coin, the discharge amount calculating unit 106 calculates the amount associated with the money image as 10 yen, Similarly, each of the coin images of the yen coin and the 500 yen coin is calculated as 50 yen, 100 yen, and 500 yen, respectively. The discharge amount calculation unit 106 sends out the associated amounts for all the money images detected by the money image detection unit 105, and uses the calculated total amount as the final calculated amount.

  The amount determination unit 107 determines whether or not the difference amount (change amount) calculated by the difference calculation unit 103 matches the amount calculated by the discharge amount calculation unit 106. The control unit 100 causes the display unit 473 to display the determination result by the money amount determination unit 107.

  The image reading unit 5 reads an image from the document by the reading mechanism 163 as described above under the control of the control unit 100.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 100, the billing amount calculation unit 101, the input amount detection unit 102, the difference calculation unit 103, the image determination unit 104, the money image detection unit 105, the discharge amount calculation unit 106, and the amount determination unit 107. As long as each unit is required in each embodiment described below, it becomes a component of the image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image processing unit (processing unit) 31 performs image processing on the image data of the image read by the image reading unit 5 as necessary. The image processing unit 31 performs processing for emphasizing the money image portion detected by the money image detection unit 105 in the captured image. For example, as the processing, the image processing unit 31 performs processing for enhancing the outline of the money image portion, processing for adding a contour line to the money image portion, processing for changing the color of the money image portion from the surrounding image, or the like. . The image processing unit 31 performs predetermined image processing such as shading correction.

  The image memory 32 stores image data targeted for image formation by the image forming unit 12 such as a document image obtained by reading a document by the image reading unit 5.

  As described above, the image forming unit 12 forms an image such as the image data read by the image reading unit 5.

  The operation unit (instruction input unit) 47 receives instructions from the user regarding various operations and processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. As described above, the operation unit 47 includes the display unit 473.

  The facsimile communication unit 71 includes an unillustrated encoding / decoding unit, modulation / demodulation unit, and NCU (Network Control Unit), and performs facsimile transmission using a public telephone network.

  The network interface unit 91 includes a communication module such as a LAN board, and transmits / receives various data to / from a device (such as a personal computer) in the local area via the LAN connected to the network interface unit 91.

  The HDD (image storage unit) 92 is a large-capacity storage device that stores document images and the like read by the image reading unit 5. Shooting data of a shot image shot by the shooting unit 37 is stored in the HDD 92.

  As described above, the coin bender 3 is connected to the control unit 10. That is, the coin bender 3 is configured as a separate device from the main body 2, but is driven and controlled by the control unit 10 by being connected to the control unit 10.

  Here, the coin vendor 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the coin vendor 3 is configured as a separate device from the main body 2. The coin vendor 3 has a money insertion part 38, a change return button 39, a fee display part 33, and a coin return port 34.

  The money insertion portion 38 is provided on the upper surface portion 35 of the coin vendor 3 and has an opening 341 into which a coin as a printing fee is inserted by the user. The money insertion unit 38 communicates with a coin type detection unit provided in the money management unit 36 provided in the main body 30 of the coin vendor 3. As described above, the coin type detection unit identifies the denomination of each coin, and discharges the denomination information indicating the denomination of each coin to the input amount detection unit 102.

  The change return button 39 is provided on the upper surface portion 35. The change return button 39 receives, from the user, a change return instruction for returning change when a change (difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 103) is generated in the printing fee input from the money input unit 38. The change return button 39 is provided so as to be movable up and down with respect to the upper surface portion 35, and accepts a change return instruction when the change return button 39 is pushed into the main body 30 by being pressed by the user.

  The charge display portion 33 is provided on the upper surface portion 35. The charge display unit 33 includes an LED (light emitting diode) and the like, and displays the input amount detected by the input amount detection unit 102 under the control of the control unit 100.

  The coin return port 34 has an opening 341 on the front side of the main body 30 and has a shape that has a depth toward the inside of the main body 30. An opening 343 that communicates with the money management unit 36 is provided. Coins discharged from the money management unit 36 reach the coin return port 34 through the opening 343 and are stored on the bottom surface part 344.

  The money management unit (money discharging unit) 36 is controlled and driven by the control unit 100, and is composed of, for example, a coin mech. The money management unit 36 includes the above-described coin type detection unit, a coin holding unit, and a change dispensing unit. The coin storage unit is a tube-shaped storage case that stores the input coins sorted for each coin type for change. The change dispensing unit is a mechanism for discharging coins as change from the coin holding unit. As described above, the coin type detection unit identifies the denomination and number of coins, and outputs denomination information indicating the denomination of each coin to the input amount detection unit 102. According to the coin discharge instruction sent from the control unit 100, the change dispensing unit discharges the type and number of coins indicated by the coin discharge instruction from the coin holding unit toward the coin return port 34.

  In addition, a photographing unit 37 that photographs the bottom surface part 344 of the coin return port 34 is provided above the coin return port 34. As the imaging unit 37, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera is used. The imaging unit 37 is driven by the control of the control unit 100, and can capture still images and moving images. Still image data and moving image shooting data shot by the shooting unit 37 are stored in the HDD 92. By photographing the bottom surface portion 344 of the coin return port 34 by the image capturing unit 37, it is possible to image the state of the coins discharged from the money management unit 36 to the coin return port 34.

  Next, a first embodiment of a process at the time of service provision by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a process performed when the image forming apparatus 1 provides a service. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a state in which a coin in the coin return port 34 is photographed by the photographing unit 37, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a photographed image of the coin return port 34 by the photographing unit 37. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing an example of the display screen of the display unit 473. FIG.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 collects a usage fee from a user and provides services such as a print service and a facsimile transmission service. In the present embodiment, a case where the image forming apparatus 1 performs a print service by a copy operation will be described as an example.

  A user who uses the image forming apparatus 1 inserts a coin as a usage fee into the coin insertion unit 38 of the coin vendor 3, and from the coin type detection unit of the money management unit 36, the coin type and the number of the inserted coins. Is sent to the input amount detection unit 102 (YES in S1), that is, when a user inserts a coin as a usage fee into the money input unit 38, the input amount detection unit 102 Based on the information indicating the coin type and the number of coins, the amount inserted by the user is detected (S2).

  Subsequently, the control unit 100 activates the photographing unit 37 provided in the coin return port 34 of the coin vendor 3, and causes the photographing unit 37 to start photographing in the state of the bottom surface part 344 of the coin return port 34 (S3). . In the present embodiment, the photographing unit 37 photographs a moving image. The control unit 100 stores the moving image data photographed by the photographing unit 37 in the HDD 92.

  As described above, the image capturing unit 37 is attached above the coin return port 34, and from this position, the bottom surface part 344 of the coin return port 34 is imaged. Therefore, as shown in FIG. It is possible to take an image of the state of the coin c as change or payout discharged from the money management unit 36. In this case, the image photographed by the photographing unit 37 is composed of the image of the bottom surface part 344 and the image of the discharged coin c as shown in FIG. 6B.

  When a copy operation execution instruction is input to the operation unit 47 by a user's operation after the start of shooting by the shooting unit 37 (YES in S4), the charge amount calculation unit 101 changes the content indicated by the copy operation execution instruction. The corresponding printing fee, that is, the amount charged to the user, is calculated based on information such as the number of printed sheets, the recording paper size, and the color / monochrome classification indicated by the instruction input by the user (S5).

  Then, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the input amount detected in S2 is equal to or greater than the charge amount calculated in S5 (S6). When the control unit 100 determines that the input amount is equal to or greater than the charge amount (YES in S6), the content indicated by the above instruction from the user is sent to the document conveying unit 6, the image reading unit 5, the image forming unit 12, and the like. Then, the copying operation is performed to print on the recording paper (S7). Further, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 473 to display the captured image (moving image) captured by the imaging unit 37 in real time (S8). The display of the captured image is continued during the subsequent processing.

  At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 100 displays, on the display unit 473, the number of printed sheets, the number of printed sheets, the remaining number of printed sheets, the paper size, color / monochrome, printing fee (billing amount), and the like. The amount of money input by the user and the captured image ph by the imaging unit 37 are displayed on the display unit 473 while changing in real time according to the operation status.

  After completing the printing indicated by the content of the instruction, the difference calculation unit 103 calculates a difference obtained by subtracting the billing amount from the input amount as a remaining amount (S9). At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 473 to additionally display the calculated balance as a change amount. In FIG. 7, the amount of additional change displayed is shown in a light color.

  Thereafter, the control unit 100 waits for an input of a further copy operation instruction from the user to the operation unit 47 (S10). If a copy operation instruction is input (YES in S10), the process proceeds to S5. Returning, the processing of S7 to S9 is repeated on condition that the amount of the balance calculated in S9 is equal to or more than the charge amount for the copy operation indicated by the further input instruction (S5, S6).

  On the other hand, when no further copy operation instruction is input in S10 and the control unit 100 accepts a change return instruction based on a pressing operation of the change return button 39 of the coin vendor 3 by the user (NO in S10), The control unit 100 causes the money management unit 36 to discharge the coin corresponding to the change consisting of the remaining amount calculated in S9 to the coin return port 34 (S11). At this time, the coins discharged to the coin return port 34 and the change amount are displayed on the display unit 473 as shown in FIG.

  After the change is returned to the coin return port 34, the control unit 100 ends the photographing by the photographing unit 37 and the display of the photographed image on the display unit 473 (S12). In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 100 terminates the photographing and display after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, after 60 seconds) from the time when coins as change are discharged from the money management unit 36. Thereby, the time which a user can confirm a change return state by the display of the display part 473 is further ensured.

  If the control unit 100 determines in S6 that the input amount is less than the charge amount (NO in S6), the control unit 100 issues a message requesting input of an instruction as to whether or not to cancel the copy operation. It is displayed on the display unit 473 and waits for the user to input a cancel (cancel) instruction to the operation unit 47 (S13).

  Here, when a cancel instruction is not input from the user to the operation unit 47 (NO in S13), the process returns to S1 and waits for an additional charge from the user.

  On the other hand, when a cancel instruction is input from the user to the operation unit 47 (YES in S13), the process proceeds to S8, and the control unit 100 causes the display unit 473 to display the captured image captured by the imaging unit 37. Etc., the process after S8 is performed. However, in S10, it is assumed that the refund is returned without any further copy operation instruction being input, and the process proceeds to NO in S10, and the control unit 100 sends the coin as the refund to the coin return port 34 to the money management unit 36. It shall be discharged (S11).

  In this case, the charge amount is calculated as 0 yen by the charge amount calculation unit 101, and the input amount detected by the input amount detection unit 102 is the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 103, that is, the amount of refund (S9). ). After discharging the refund money to the coin return port 34, the control unit 100 ends the photographing by the photographing unit 37 and the display of the photographed image (S12).

  In S4, when the copy operation execution instruction is not input to the operation unit 47 by the user's operation (NO in S4), the processing from S8 is similarly performed.

  According to the first embodiment, when coins as change and withdrawal are discharged from the money management unit 36 to the coin return port 34, the coins on the bottom surface portion 344 of the coin return port 34 are photographed by the photographing unit 37. Since the change amount is displayed on the display unit 473, the user can grasp the change state in the coin return port 34 and whether or not the change has been returned with the correct amount.

  According to the first embodiment, the photographing unit 37 photographs the money discharge position where money is discharged by the money management unit 36, and the control unit 100 displays the photographed image photographed by the photographing unit 37 on the display unit 473. Since it is displayed, it is possible to make the user or the service provider recognize the state of the money discharged to the money discharging position, for example, the state of change, refund or the like.

  As a result, it is displayed as described above that money as change or withdrawal money is not discharged due to a failure of the image forming apparatus 1, that money that has been discharged is insufficient, or that money is being discharged accurately. Since the user and the service provider of the image forming apparatus 1 can confirm the captured image displayed on the unit 473, it is possible to appropriately manage money such as change that has been discharged to the user.

  Next, a second embodiment of the process at the time of service provision by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of a process performed when the image forming apparatus 1 provides a service. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a state where the photographing unit 37 photographs the inside of the coin return port 34 with a foreign object inserted into the coin return port 34, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a photographed image by the photographing unit 37. . Note that the description of the same processing as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, when shooting by the shooting unit 37 is started under the control of the control unit 100 (S23), the image determination unit 104 uses, for example, stillness at the start of shooting from the moving image data shot by the shooting unit 37. An image is taken out, and it is determined, for example, by pattern matching, whether or not an image showing the bottom surface portion 344 that is a money discharging position is included in a captured image composed of the still image at a predetermined ratio (for example, 90%). (S24). The image showing the bottom surface portion 344 is an image that is previously captured by the photographing unit 37 and stored in the HDD 92 when there is no coin on the bottom surface portion 344, or a bottom surface portion 344 in which there is no coin on the bottom surface portion 344. Any of the reference images prepared in advance may be used.

  Here, when the image determination unit 104 determines that the image of the bottom surface portion 344 is included in the above ratio in the captured image captured by the imaging unit 37 in S23 (YES in S24), the money discharge position. Assuming that the bottom surface part 344 is normally photographed by the photographing part 37, the process proceeds to S25 and subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, when the image determination unit 104 determines that the image captured by the imaging unit 37 in S23 includes the image of the bottom surface part 344 only at a ratio less than the above ratio (NO in S24), the imaging unit 37. Therefore, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 473 to display an error message indicating that the photographing by the photographing unit 37 is not normal (S34). Thereafter, the control unit 100 ends the shooting by the shooting unit 37 and ends the display by the display unit 473 (S33).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (A), when the user inserts a foreign matter P such as a note paper or a leaflet into the coin return port 34, and thereby the gap between the photographing unit 37 and the bottom surface part 344 is blocked, As shown in FIG. 10B, the photographed image by 37 is not an image of the bottom surface portion 344 but an image of the foreign matter P. Here, if the image of the bottom surface part 344 is not included in the predetermined ratio in the captured image captured by the capturing unit 37 in S23, for example, by pattern matching, the image determination unit 104 appropriately It is determined that the portion 344 is not photographed, and if the image of the bottom surface portion 344 is included in the photographed image at the predetermined ratio, it is determined that the bottom surface portion 344 is properly photographed. For this reason, in the example shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the image determination unit 104 includes the image of the bottom surface part 344 at the predetermined ratio in the captured image captured by the capturing unit 37 in S23. Therefore, it is determined that the error message has not been received, and the processing after S25 is not performed, and an error message is displayed on the display unit 473 (S34).

  That is, the second embodiment performs the operation indicated by the instruction by the user only when the situation in which the money discharged to the coin return port 34 can be photographed by the photographing unit 37 is prepared. After that, ensure an environment where the state of the discharged money can be confirmed reliably. Thereby, according to 2nd Embodiment, when imaging | photography of the money discharge position by the imaging | photography part 37 is not performed and it is in the state where it is difficult for the user or the service provider to confirm the discharged money, The situation where the operation indicated by the instruction is executed is prevented.

  Next, a third embodiment of the process at the time of service provision by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of a process performed when the image forming apparatus 1 provides a service. The process shown in FIG. 11 is performed after the process of S12 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 or the process of S33 in the second embodiment shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, the description of the same processing as in the first and second embodiments is omitted, and the illustration in FIG. 11 is also omitted.

  In the third embodiment, when the control unit 100 causes the money management unit 36 to discharge change or refund after the processing of S12 or S33 (YES in S41), the processing of S42 to S46 shown in FIG. 11 is performed. Is what you do. When the change or the refund is discharged in this way, the money image detection unit 105 takes out the still image at the time after the change or the refund is discharged from the shooting data stored in the HDD 92, and extracts the still image from the still image. A predetermined currency image is detected from the captured image (S42).

  Subsequently, the discharge amount calculation unit 106 calculates the amount associated with the money image detected by the money image detection unit 105 (S43). The discharge amount calculation unit 106 calculates the associated amount for all the money images detected by the money image detection unit 105, and sets the calculated total amount as the final detection amount. In S42, when a money image is not detected from the photographed image by the money image detection unit 105, the discharge amount calculation unit 106 calculates the amount as 0 yen.

  Thereafter, the money amount determination unit 107 determines the amount of change (change amount or refund amount) calculated by the difference calculation unit 103 in S9 (FIG. 5) of the first embodiment or S30 (FIG. 9) of the second embodiment. ) And the amount calculated by the emission amount calculation unit 106 in S43 are determined (S44).

  Here, when the amount determination unit 107 determines that the difference amount matches the amount calculated by the emission amount calculation unit 106 in S43 (YES in S44), the control unit 100 displays the display unit 473. As shown in FIG. 12A, a message indicating that the change or the refund has been properly returned to the user is displayed (S45).

  On the other hand, if the amount determining unit 107 determines that the difference amount and the amount calculated by the emission amount calculating unit 106 in S43 do not match (NO in S44), the control unit 100 displays the display unit 473. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, a message indicating that the change has not been properly returned to the user is displayed (S46), and an error is warned to the user and the service provider.

  According to the third embodiment, the coin that the money management unit 36 actually performed determines whether or not the money corresponding to the difference amount or the money as the refund money has been accurately discharged to the money discharge position of the coin return port 34. It is possible to make a determination based on the result of the discharge operation and to show the determination result to the user or the service provider.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. FIGS. 13A and 13B are flowcharts showing still another embodiment of the processing at the time of service provision by the image forming apparatus 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, after the processing in the first to third embodiments is completed (S51), when an instruction to display a captured image is input to the operation unit 47 by the user or the service provider ( The control unit 100 may cause the display unit 473 to display the shooting data of the shooting unit 37 stored in the HDD 92 as a moving image (YES in S52) (S53). In addition, the control unit 100 may extract a still image at the time after discharging the change or the refund from the captured data, and display the still image on the display unit 473 (S53).

  According to this, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 473 to display the captured image when an instruction to display the captured image is input from the user or the service provider to the operation unit 47. When it becomes necessary for the user to visually recognize the photographed image such as a situation where the coin as a refund is not discharged due to a failure or the like, the photographed image can be displayed on the display unit 473 in a timely manner.

  Further, when displaying a still image as a captured image on the display unit 473 in this way, as shown in FIG. 13B (hereinafter, the same processing as that already described in FIG. 13A will be described). ), Processing for emphasizing the outline of the money image portion included in the photographed image, processing for adding a contour line, or processing for making the color of the money image portion different from that of the surrounding image by the image processing unit (processing unit) 31 The control unit 100 may cause the display unit 473 to display the photographed image after the processing (S64). In this case, the image processing unit 31 detects a currency image by the same process as the process by the currency image detection unit 105 that detects the above-described currency image from the captured image, and performs the above-described processing on the detected currency image.

  According to this, an image obtained by emphasizing the portion indicating the coin in the photographed image by the image processing unit 31 is displayed on the display unit 473 as illustrated in FIG. Can be made to recognize the state of money in the bottom face part 344 (money discharge position) in the coin return port 34 more clearly. FIG. 14A shows an example in which processing for emphasizing the outline of the money image portion and processing for making the hue of the money image portion different from the surrounding image are performed.

  Furthermore, after the processing in each of the above embodiments (including the embodiment shown using FIGS. 13A and 13B) is completed, for example, control is performed based on an instruction input to the operation unit 47 by the user. The unit 100 provides the image forming unit 12 with an image indicating a charge amount (printing fee), an input amount, and a change amount (difference amount), and a photographed image by the photographing unit 37 after the change or refund has been discharged. As shown in FIG. 14B, an image may be formed on the recording paper p (an example of a recording medium) with the still image at the point of time.

  As a result, the user can more accurately grasp that the change or the refund has been properly discharged by receiving the provision of the printed matter made of the recording paper on which the above-described content is image-formed. Further, if the printed matter is also used as a print service specification or a receipt, the medium provided to the user is not increased.

 In the above description, the image forming apparatus including the image forming unit 12 is an embodiment of the service providing apparatus according to the present invention. However, the service providing apparatus may be another electronic device or apparatus that does not include the image forming unit 12. It does not matter. The image forming apparatus 1 is a service providing apparatus according to the present invention that is further provided with an image forming unit 12 as an embodiment of the service providing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Main body part 10 Control unit 100 Control part 101 Charge amount calculation part 102 Input amount detection part 103 Difference calculation part 104 Image determination part 105 Money image detection part 106 Discharge amount calculation part 107 Amount determination part 12 Image formation part 31 Image processing unit 47 Operation unit 473 Display unit 3 Coin bender 30 Main body 33 Charge display unit 34 Coin return port 341 Opening unit 344 Bottom unit 36 Money management unit 37 Photographing unit 38 Money input unit 39 Change return button

Claims (7)

A display unit;
An operation unit for inputting an instruction from the operator;
A control unit that executes an operation indicated by the instruction based on the instruction input to the operation unit;
A billing amount calculation unit for calculating a billing amount for an operation executed by the control unit in accordance with an instruction from the operator;
A money input unit into which money is input from an operator;
An input amount detection unit for detecting an amount of money inserted into the money input unit;
A difference calculation unit for calculating a difference between the input amount detected by the input amount detection unit and the charge amount calculated by the charge amount calculation unit;
A money discharging unit that discharges money that is the amount of the difference calculated by the difference calculating unit;
A photographing unit for photographing a money discharging position at which the money is discharged by the money discharging unit;
The control unit provides a service for causing the display unit to display a photographed image photographed by the photographing unit so as to include at least a time point after the money is discharged corresponding to the difference by the money discharging unit, and the amount of the difference. apparatus. An image determination unit for determining whether or not the captured image captured by the imaging unit includes an image indicating the money discharge position;
When the image determining unit determines that the image indicating the money discharge position is not included in the predetermined ratio by the image determining unit, the control unit performs an operation indicated by the instruction from the operator. 2. The service providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation indicated by an instruction by the operator is executed when it is determined that an image indicating the money discharge position is included in the ratio in the photographed image without executing. . A currency image detection unit for detecting a predetermined currency image from the captured image captured by the imaging unit;
An emission amount calculation unit for calculating an amount associated with the money image detected by the money image detection unit;
An amount determination unit that determines whether or not the amount of difference calculated by the difference calculation unit and the amount of money calculated by the emission amount calculation unit match;
The service providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further causes the display unit to display a determination result by the money amount determination unit. An image storage unit for storing the captured image captured by the imaging unit;
The control unit causes the display unit to display the captured image when an instruction to display the captured image stored in the image storage unit is input from the operator to the operation unit. The service providing apparatus according to claim 3. A processing unit that performs processing to emphasize the money image detected by the money image detection unit;
The service providing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display, as the captured image, the captured image in which the money image portion is emphasized by the processing unit. The service providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium,
An image forming apparatus in which the operation executed by the control unit according to an instruction from the operator is image formation on a recording medium by the image forming unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit causes the image forming unit to form an image indicating the charge amount, the input amount, and the difference amount, and the captured image on a recording medium.