JP2015223772A - Image-forming service system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience in a case where another user interrupts, while a user uses an image forming apparatus by paying for a charge in a charging device, to use the image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A service system performs: moving information (e.g., a current user fee, finger print information of the user) of a second user (a previous user who has been using an image forming apparatus), the user defined as a standby user, to a standby-user information storage part 505 when the first user presses a start key 405 (step S17); moving the charge paid for by the first user to a current-user charge amount storage part 23; and storing finger print information of the first user in a current-user finger print information storage part 503 (step S17). This defines the first user as the current user, that is, the user who is charged when the job is executed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming service system in which a user can execute an image forming job such as copying by precharging a charging device with an arbitrary amount of money.

  Conventionally, as this type of system, for example, an image forming apparatus including a start key / fingerprint authenticator is combined with a prepaid card type charging apparatus, and security is obtained by using a fingerprint read when the start key is pressed. An improved charging system has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-327116 A

  When the user charges the charging device and uses the image forming apparatus, a situation may arise in which another user wants to interrupt and use the image forming apparatus. For example, when one user is making a large amount of copies, there is another user who wants to make a small amount of copies. It is not convenient to request a user who is currently using the image forming apparatus to interrupt the other user to return the remaining amount charged in the charging apparatus.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming service system that can improve convenience when another user interrupts and uses the image forming apparatus while the user charges the charging apparatus and uses the image forming apparatus. Objective.

  An image forming service system according to a first aspect of the present invention that achieves the above object includes: an image forming apparatus main body that executes an image forming job; and an instruction for causing the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job. An operation key, a fingerprint information generation unit that reads a fingerprint of a finger pressing the operation key and generates fingerprint information indicating the fingerprint, a charging device charged with an arbitrary amount of money, and the job executed When the user to be charged is the current user, the current user information storage unit that stores the current user amount that is the amount of the current user and the fingerprint information of the current user, and the job are executed. When a user who is not charged in the case of a evacuation user is a evacuation user, A first user charges the billing device with the amount of money when the current user amount and the fingerprint information are stored in the current user information storage unit; When the operation key is pressed, whether the fingerprint information of the first user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit matches the fingerprint information stored in the current user information storage unit. If it is determined that the fingerprint information determining unit and the fingerprint information of the first user do not match the fingerprint information stored in the current user information storage unit, the fingerprint information determination unit stores the current user information in the current user information storage unit The saved user information is stored as the saved user amount and the fingerprint information of the saved user by associating the current user price and the fingerprint information. And the arbitrary amount charged to the charging device is stored in the current user information storage unit as the current user amount, and the fingerprint information of the first user is used as the fingerprint information of the current user. A processing unit that performs a first process to be stored in the current user information storage unit; and the image forming apparatus that uses the current user amount stored in the current user information storage unit as a billing object after the first process. A job control unit that causes the main body to execute the job.

  The second user is a user who is currently using the image forming apparatus (current user). The current user is a user who is charged when the job is executed. The first user is a user who uses the image forming apparatus 1 for interruption. When the first user presses an operation key for executing a job, the second user is set as a saving user, and the second user information (current user amount, fingerprint information of the current user) is saved as a saving user information storage unit. Move to. Then, the amount charged by the first user is stored in the current user information storage unit, and the fingerprint information of the first user is stored in the current user information storage unit. This makes the first user the current user. Therefore, in order to interrupt the first user, the second user does not need an operation of returning the remaining money.

  As described above, according to the image forming service system of the first aspect of the present invention, another user interrupts and uses the image forming apparatus while the user charges the charging apparatus and uses the image forming apparatus. In this case, convenience can be improved.

  In the above configuration, the fingerprint information determination unit stores the current user amount and the fingerprint information of the current user in the current user information storage unit, and the saving user amount and the saving user in the saving user information storage unit. When the second user presses the operation key while the fingerprint information of the user is stored, the fingerprint information of the second user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit is the current user information storage unit. The fingerprint information stored in the save user information storage unit and the processing unit determines whether the fingerprint information of the second user matches the fingerprint information stored in the save user information storage unit. The information does not match the fingerprint information stored in the current user information storage unit, but the fingerprint information stored in the withdrawal user information storage unit When it is determined to match, the current user amount and the fingerprint information stored in the current user information storage unit are linked, and the new evacuation user amount and the fingerprint information of the evacuation user are Move to the saved user information storage unit, move the fingerprint information of the saved user that matches the fingerprint information of the second user to the current user information storage unit as the fingerprint information of the current user, and A second process of moving the saved user amount associated with the current user amount to the current user information storage unit as the current user amount, and the job control unit, after the second process, the user information storage unit The image forming apparatus main body is caused to execute the job, with the current user amount stored in the billing object being charged.

  According to this configuration, after the first user interrupts, when the second user uses the image forming apparatus again, the second user presses the operation key to save the second user. The user can be restored to the current user. That is, when the second user presses the operation key, the amount of money stored in the second user information storage unit (save user amount) stored in the second user information storage unit is moved to the current user information storage unit. The fingerprint information (the saved user's fingerprint information) is moved to the current user information storage unit. This makes the second user the current user. Therefore, the second user who is the user who has used the image forming apparatus first can use the image forming apparatus again without performing an operation of charging money to the charging apparatus.

  In the above configuration, in the first process, the processing unit stores setting information indicating the setting of the job of the second user who is the saving user from the current user in the saving user information storage unit. In the second process, the setting information of the second user who is the current user from the saved user is read from the saved user information storage unit, and the job control unit, after the second process, In accordance with the setting information read by the processing unit, the image forming apparatus main body is caused to execute the job.

  According to this configuration, after the first user interrupts, when the second user uses the image forming apparatus again, the second user can omit the job setting.

  In the above configuration, when the processing unit determines that the current user amount stored in the current user information storage unit is 0, the current user amount and the current user stored in the current user information storage unit The fingerprint information is erased.

  According to this configuration, for the user whose balance is 0, the amount of money and the fingerprint information that the user has are deleted. Therefore, when the next user charges money to the charging device and presses the operation key, the amount of money and the fingerprint information possessed by the user whose balance is 0 are saved as the amount of saved user and the fingerprint information of the saved user. It can be prevented from being moved to the storage unit. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the information stored in the saved user information storage unit from increasing without limitation.

  In the above configuration, when a display unit, a display control unit that displays a screen including a return button for remaining money on the display unit, and a return operation in which the return button is pressed and the operation key is pressed, If the fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit by the return operation matches the fingerprint information stored in the current user information storage unit, processing for returning the current user amount is performed, and the return operation If the fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit matches the fingerprint information stored in the saving user information storage unit, the saving user amount associated with the fingerprint information is returned. And a return unit.

  According to this configuration, the operation of pressing the return button and pressing the operation key is the remaining money return operation. With the return operation, the balance is returned by fingerprint authentication using the fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit. Therefore, security can be ensured and there is no need to provide a fingerprint information generation unit dedicated to returning the balance.

  An image forming service system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: an image forming apparatus main body that executes a job for forming an image; an operation key for instructing the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job; A charging device charged with the amount of money, and a first registration unit including information indicating a fingerprint of a finger pressing the operation key as fingerprint information, wherein the fingerprint information of a plurality of users is registered in advance. A wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a mobile terminal, a fingerprint information generation unit that reads a fingerprint of a finger pressing the operation key and generates the fingerprint information, and a first user that is one of the plurality of users When the charging device is charged with the arbitrary amount of money and the operation key is pressed, the fingerprints of the plurality of users registered in the first registration unit using the wireless communication are used. A fingerprint information determination unit that determines whether the fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the first user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit and the fingerprint information of the first user match When it is determined that there is the fingerprint information to be performed, a setting unit configured to perform a first setting in which the arbitrary amount of money is the amount that the first user has, and the amount of the first user that is to be charged A job control unit that causes the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job after the first setting, and the fingerprint information determination unit is configured to perform the plurality of user's operations in the state where the first setting is performed. When a second user who is different from the first user presses the operation key, the wireless communication is used and the fingerprint information of the plurality of users registered in the first registration unit is used. inside, The fingerprint information generation unit determines whether there is the fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the second user, and the setting unit determines that the fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the second user If it is determined that there is, the continuation setting for charging the amount held by the first user is made, and the job control unit causes the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job after the continuation setting.

  In the image forming service system according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the state where the first setting for charging the amount of money possessed by the first user is the second user, the second user who is registered with the same portable terminal as the fingerprint With respect to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can be interrupted using the amount of money held by the first user as a billing target. Therefore, the second user can interrupt and use the image forming apparatus without performing an operation of charging the charging apparatus. As described above, according to the image forming service system according to the second aspect of the present invention, when a user charges the charging device and the image forming apparatus is used while another user interrupts and uses the image forming apparatus. Convenience can be improved.

  In the above configuration, when the second user presses the operation key in a state where the first setting is made, the wireless communication unit cannot wirelessly communicate with the first portable terminal. At this time, the amount of money possessed by the first user is set as a billing target.

  According to this configuration, when the wireless communication unit cannot wirelessly communicate with the first mobile terminal, that is, when the first user who has the first mobile terminal leaves the image forming apparatus, the second user The image forming apparatus cannot be used with the amount of money that the first user has as a billing target. For example, when the first user is a parent and the second user is a child, it is possible to prevent the child from using the image forming apparatus without permission from the parent's eyes.

  In the above configuration, in addition to the first portable terminal, a second portable terminal including a second registration unit in which the fingerprint information of a third user who is a user other than the plurality of users is registered in advance. The fingerprint information determination unit is configured to charge the arbitrary amount to the charging device by the third user in a state where the amount of money that the first user has is set to be charged; and When the operation key is pressed, the fingerprint information generation unit generates the fingerprint information registered in the second registration unit using the wireless communication between the wireless communication unit and the second portable terminal. The setting unit determines whether the fingerprint information registered in the second registration unit matches the fingerprint information of the third user. If judged, previous The arbitrary amount charged by the third user is set as the amount held by the third user, and instead of the amount held by the first user, the amount held by the third user is charged. After setting, the job control unit causes the image forming apparatus body to execute the job after the second setting.

  According to this configuration, the first user and the second user perform fingerprint registration on a mobile terminal (first mobile terminal) on which fingerprint registration is performed and on another mobile terminal (second mobile terminal). The third user can interrupt and use the image forming apparatus while the first user or the second user is using the image forming apparatus.

  In the above configuration, when a user who is not charged when the job is executed is a saved user, the saved user amount storage unit stores the amount of the saved user, and the setting unit includes the second setting. If the wireless communication unit can wirelessly communicate with the first portable terminal, the money amount information indicating the amount of money the first user has is returned to the first portable terminal using wireless communication, If the wireless communication unit cannot wirelessly communicate with the first portable terminal, the money held by the first user is moved to the saved user money storage as the money held by the saved user.

  According to this configuration, when the third user interrupts the first user or the second user while using the image forming apparatus, the first user is able to perform wireless communication with the first portable terminal. Is returned to the first portable terminal without moving the money amount information indicating the amount of money to the saved user money amount storage unit. As described above, when the third user interrupts the first user or the second user while using the image forming apparatus, the saved user amount storage unit uniformly displays the amount information indicating the amount of the first user. Do not move to. When the wireless communication unit cannot wirelessly communicate with the first portable terminal, the amount of money held by the first user is moved to the saved user amount storage unit, so that the capacity of the saved user amount storage unit can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when another user interrupts and uses the image forming apparatus while the user charges the charging apparatus and uses the image forming apparatus.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an internal structure of an image forming apparatus applied to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a top view of a start key. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming service system according to a first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming service system according to the first embodiment (No. 1). 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming service system according to the first embodiment (No. 2). It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus applied to the image forming service system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image forming service system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the image forming service system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment (the 1). 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming service system according to the second embodiment (No. 2). 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming service system according to the second embodiment (No. 3).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an internal structure of an image forming apparatus 1 applied to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 can be applied to, for example, a digital multifunction machine having functions of a copy, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile. The image forming apparatus 1 is disposed on the apparatus main body 100, an original reading unit 200 disposed on the apparatus main body 100, an original feeding unit 300 disposed on the original reading unit 200, and an upper front surface of the apparatus main body 100. An operation unit 400 is provided.

  The document feeding unit 300 functions as an automatic document feeding device, and can feed a plurality of documents placed on the document placing unit 301 so that the document reading unit 200 can read them continuously.

  The document reading unit 200 includes a carriage 201 on which an exposure lamp or the like is mounted, a document table 203 made of a transparent member such as glass, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor (not shown), and a document reading slit 205. When reading a document placed on the document table 203, the document is read by the CCD sensor while moving the carriage 201 in the longitudinal direction of the document table 203. On the other hand, when reading a document fed from the document feeding unit 300, the carriage 201 is moved to a position facing the document reading slit 205, and the document fed from the document feeding unit 300 is scanned. Reading is performed by the CCD sensor through the reading slit 205. The CCD sensor outputs the read original as image data.

  The apparatus main body 100 includes a sheet storage unit 101, an image forming unit 103, and a fixing unit 105. The sheet storage unit 101 is disposed at the lowermost part of the apparatus main body 100 and includes a sheet tray 107 that can store a bundle of sheets. In the bundle of sheets stored in the sheet tray 107, the uppermost sheet is sent out toward the sheet conveyance path 111 by driving the pickup roller 109. The sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 103 through the sheet conveyance path 111.

  The image forming unit 103 forms a toner image on the conveyed paper. The image forming unit 103 includes a photosensitive drum 113, an exposure unit 115, a developing unit 117, and a transfer unit 119. The exposure unit 115 generates light modulated in accordance with image data (image data output from the document reading unit 200, image data transmitted from a personal computer, image data received by facsimile, etc.), and is uniformly charged. Irradiate to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 113. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 113. In this state, toner is supplied to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 113 from the developing unit 117, so that a toner image corresponding to the image data is formed on the peripheral surface. This toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 119 to the sheet conveyed from the sheet storage unit 101 described above.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is sent to the fixing unit 105. In the fixing unit 105, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image and the paper, and the toner image is fixed to the paper. The paper is discharged to the stack tray 121 or the paper discharge tray 123.

  The operation unit 400 includes an operation key unit 401 and a display unit 403. The display unit 403 has a touch panel function, and displays a screen including soft keys. The user operates the soft key while viewing the screen to make settings necessary for executing functions such as copying.

  The operation key unit 401 is provided with operation keys including hard keys. Specifically, a start key 405, a numeric keypad 407, a stop key 409, a reset key 411, a function switching key 413 for switching between copy, printer, scanner, and facsimile are provided.

  A start key 405 is a key for starting operations such as copying and facsimile transmission. A numeric keypad 407 is a key for inputting numbers such as the number of copies and a facsimile number. A stop key 409 is a key for stopping a copy operation or the like halfway. The reset key 411 is a key for returning the set contents to the initial setting state.

  The function switching key 413 includes a copy key, a transmission key, and the like, and is a key for switching between a copy function, a transmission function, and the like. When the copy key is operated, an initial copy screen is displayed on the display unit 403. When the transmission key is operated, an initial screen for facsimile transmission and mail transmission is displayed on the display unit 403.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 has a configuration in which an apparatus main body 100 (an example of an image forming apparatus main body), a document reading unit 200, a document feeding unit 300, an operation unit 400, a control unit 500, and a communication unit 600 are connected to each other by a bus. Have Since the apparatus main body 100, the document reading unit 200, the document feeding unit 300, and the operation unit 400 have already been described, description thereof is omitted.

  The control unit 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an image memory, and the like. The CPU executes control necessary for operating the image forming apparatus 1 for the above-described components of the image forming apparatus 1 such as the apparatus main body 100. The ROM stores software necessary for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The RAM is used for temporary storage of data generated during execution of software, storage of application software, and the like. The image memory temporarily stores image data (image data output from the document reading unit 200, image data transmitted from a personal computer, image data received by facsimile, etc.).

  The control unit 500 includes a display control unit 501, a current user information storage unit 503, a saved user information storage unit 505, a fingerprint information determination unit 507, a processing unit 509, and a job control unit 511 as functional blocks. Details of these blocks will be described later.

  The communication unit 600 includes a facsimile communication unit 601 and a network I / F unit 603. The facsimile communication unit 601 includes an NCU (Network Control Unit) that controls connection of a telephone line with a destination facsimile, and a modulation / demodulation circuit that modulates / demodulates a signal for facsimile communication. The facsimile communication unit 601 is connected to the telephone line 605.

  The network I / F unit 603 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 607. A network I / F unit 603 is a communication interface circuit for executing communication with a terminal device such as a personal computer connected to the LAN 607.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of the start key 405. A start key 405 is an operation key for instructing the apparatus main body 100 which is an image forming apparatus main body to execute a job for forming an image. The job is, for example, a job for printing an image indicated by image data stored in a portable storage device such as a copy job or a USB memory.

  The start key 405 has a pressing surface 405a that is a transparent window. The pressing surface 405a is a surface that comes into contact with the user's finger when the user presses the start key 405.

  The fingerprint information generation unit 415 is installed in the operation unit 400 below the pressing surface 405a so as to face the pressing surface 405a. The fingerprint information generation unit 415 is a fingerprint sensor, reads the fingerprint of the finger that is pressing the start key 405, and generates fingerprint information indicating the fingerprint.

  This embodiment includes a first embodiment and a second embodiment. The first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the image forming service system 3 according to the first embodiment.

  The image forming service system 3 includes the image forming apparatus 1 and the charging apparatus 20 described with reference to FIGS. When the user charges the billing apparatus 20 with an arbitrary amount in advance, the apparatus main body 100 (image forming apparatus main body) can execute a job.

  The billing apparatus 20 includes a charge amount storage unit 21, a current user amount storage unit 23, an amount update unit 25, and a return unit 27. The user who is charged when the job is executed is the current user.

  The charge amount storage unit 21 stores the charged amount. The current user amount storage unit 23 stores a current user amount that is an amount possessed by the current user. The current user amount storage unit 23 is an element constituting the current user information storage unit. When the job is executed, the amount updating unit 25 updates the current user amount by subtracting the billing amount for executing the job from the current user amount. When the user performs an operation of returning the balance, the return unit 27 returns the balance of the user using fingerprint authentication.

  The functional blocks of the control unit 500 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The display control unit 501 performs control to display an operation screen for operating the image forming apparatus 1 on the display unit 403.

  The current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 stores fingerprint information of the current user. The current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 is an element constituting the current user information storage unit.

  The evacuation user information storage unit 505 stores an evacuation user amount that is an amount of the evacuation user and fingerprint information of the evacuation user. The evacuation user is a user who is not charged when a job is executed.

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether the fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415 of FIG. 3 matches the fingerprint information stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503. Further, the fingerprint information generation unit It is determined whether the fingerprint information generated by 415 matches the fingerprint information stored in the saved user information storage unit 505.

  The processing unit 509 performs predetermined processing based on the determination result of the fingerprint information determination unit 507. The predetermined process will be described later.

  The job control unit 511 causes the apparatus main body 100 (image forming apparatus main body) to execute a job using the current user amount stored in the current user amount storage unit 23 as a billing target.

  Although the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503, the evacuation user information storage unit 505, the fingerprint information determination unit 507, and the processing unit 509 are provided in the image forming apparatus 1, an aspect in which these are provided in the charging apparatus 20 is also possible. is there. The current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 and the current user amount storage unit 23 shown in FIG. 4 may be combined into one current user information storage unit.

  The operation of the image forming service system 3 according to the first embodiment will be described. 5 and 6 are flowcharts for explaining the operation. The second user is a user who is currently using the image forming apparatus 1 (current user). The first user is a user who uses the image forming apparatus 1 for interruption.

  Regarding the operation of the image forming service system 3, (1) when the second user uses the image forming apparatus 1, (2) the first user forms an image while the second user is using the image forming apparatus 1. The case where the apparatus 1 is interrupted and used will be described separately in (3) the case where the second user uses the image forming apparatus 1 again after the first user interrupts and uses the image forming apparatus 1.

  First, a case where the second user uses the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The processing unit 509 in FIG. 2 determines whether an arbitrary amount of money has been charged in the charging apparatus 20 in FIG. 4 (step S1). Here, the second user charges the billing apparatus 20 with an arbitrary amount. If the charging method is cash, the charging device 20 can be charged with an arbitrary amount by inserting cash into the charging device 20 from the cash input port of the charging device 20. If the billing method is a prepaid card, the billing device 20 can be charged with an arbitrary amount by inserting the prepay card into the billing device 20 from the card insertion slot of the billing device 20. If the billing method is electronic money, the billing device 20 can be charged with an arbitrary amount of money by reading the electronic money with the electronic money reading unit of the billing device 20.

  When the processing unit 509 determines that the billing apparatus 20 is not charged with an arbitrary amount (No in step S1), the process in step S1 is repeated.

  When the processing unit 509 determines that an arbitrary amount has been charged in the charging device 20 (Yes in step S1), the processing unit 509 stores the amount charged in the charging device 20 in the charge amount storage unit 21 in FIG. Store (step S2).

  After step S2, the job control unit 511 in FIG. 2 determines whether or not the start key 405 in FIG. 3 has been pressed in a state where settings necessary for executing the job (paper size, number of printed sheets, etc.) have been made (step S3). ). Here, the second user presses the start key 405.

  When the job control unit 511 determines that the start key 405 has not been pressed (No in step S3), the process in step S3 is repeated.

  When the job control unit 511 determines that the start key 405 has been pressed (Yes in step S3), the fingerprint information generation unit 415 in FIG. 3 reads the fingerprint of the finger that pressed the start key 405, and shows the fingerprint indicating the fingerprint Information is generated (step S4). Here, fingerprint information indicating the fingerprint of the second user is generated.

  The job control unit 511 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in a login state (step S5). The login state is a state where money has already been charged in the charging device 20 before step S1. For example, when the second user charges money to the charging device 20 and the job is executed, and then the second user adds money to the charging device 20 and charges it, the login state is determined. Further, for example, after the second user charges money to the charging apparatus 20 and the job is executed, the first user charges money to the charging apparatus 20 in order to interrupt the job. Is determined to be in the login state. Here, a case where the image forming apparatus 1 is not in the login state, that is, a case where the second user charges an arbitrary amount in step S1 while the charging apparatus 20 is not charged is described.

  The job control unit 511 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is not in the login state (No in step S5), and the processing unit 509 includes the charge amount stored in the charge amount storage unit 21 in step S2 by the current user. Is stored in the current user amount storage unit 23 (an example of components of the current user information storage unit) in FIG. 4 (step S6). Further, the processing unit 509 stores the fingerprint information generated in step S4 in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 (an example of components of the current user information storage unit) in FIG. Step S6). The current user is a user who is charged when a job is executed. Here, the second user becomes the current user.

  The job control unit 511 determines whether or not the current user amount stored in the current user amount storage unit 23 is equal to or greater than the amount charged by executing the job commanded in step S3 (step S7).

  If the job control unit 511 determines that the current user amount is equal to or greater than the charge amount (Yes in step S7), the job control unit 511 causes the apparatus main body 100, which is the image forming apparatus main body, to execute a job (step S8).

  When the job is executed, the amount updating unit 25 in FIG. 4 updates the current user amount by subtracting the billing amount for executing the job from the current user amount (step S9). For example, when the current user amount is 100 yen and the charge amount is 30 yen, the current user amount is updated to 70 yen.

  The processing unit 509 determines whether the current user amount is 0 (step S10).

  If the processing unit 509 determines that the current user amount is not 0 (No in step S10), the second user decides whether or not to make the next copy without adding money to the charging device 20 and charging it. (Step S19). When the second user decides to make the next copy without adding money to the charging apparatus 20 and charging (No in step S19), the process returns to step S3. That is, when the second user causes the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a job, the process returns to step S3. If the second user decides to add money to the charging device 20 and charge it to make the next copy (Yes in step S19), the process returns to step S1.

  When the second user presses the start key 405 (Yes in step S3), the fingerprint information generation unit 415 generates fingerprint information of the second user (step S4). The fingerprint information here is the latest fingerprint information.

  Since the second user has charged the billing apparatus 20, the job control unit 511 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is in the login state (Yes in step S5).

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 in FIG. 2 determines whether the most recent fingerprint information (fingerprint information in step S4) matches the fingerprint information of the current user stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 (step S13). ). The fingerprint information of the current user here is fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415 when the second user first presses the start key 405 (step S6).

  Since the latest fingerprint information is the fingerprint information of the second user, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that the latest fingerprint information matches the fingerprint information of the current user (Yes in step S13).

  The amount update unit 25 in FIG. 4 determines whether or not the current user amount needs to be updated (step S14). If the process proceeds from step S10 to step S3, it is determined that there is no need to update the current user amount. On the other hand, the process proceeds from step S10 to step S1, and if the answer is Yes in step S1, it is determined that the current user amount needs to be updated.

  If the amount updating unit 25 determines that the current user amount needs to be updated (Yes in step S14), the amount updating unit 25 updates the current user amount (step S15). For example, if the current user amount is 70 yen and 50 yen is added to the charging device 20 and charged, the current user amount is updated to 120 yen.

  After Step S15 or when No in Step S14, the process proceeds to Step S7. If the job control unit 511 determines that the current user amount stored in the current user amount storage unit 23 is less than the charge amount by executing the job instructed in step S3 (No in step S15), step S1 Return to. For example, when the current user amount is 70 yen and a command is issued to execute a job with a charge amount of 100 yen, the job control unit 511 determines that the current user amount is less than the charge amount.

  If the job control unit 511 determines that the current user amount is equal to or greater than the billing amount (Yes in step S7), the process proceeds to step S8.

  As described above, the second user can use the image forming apparatus 1.

  Next, a case where the first user interrupts and uses the image forming apparatus 1 while the second user is using the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The processing unit 509 in FIG. 2 is used when the second user is using the image forming apparatus 1, that is, in a state where the money of the second user is charged in the charging apparatus 20 in FIG. 4 (the image forming apparatus 1 is in the login state). Is to determine whether the billing device 20 has been charged with an arbitrary amount (step S1).

  When the processing unit 509 determines that an arbitrary amount is charged in the charging device 20 (Yes in step S1), the processing unit 509 stores the amount charged in the charging device 20 in the charge amount storage unit 21 (step S1). S2). Here, the amount charged by the first user to the charging apparatus 20 is stored.

  If the job control unit 511 determines that the start key 405 has been pressed in a state where the settings necessary for executing the job (paper size, number of printed sheets, etc.) have been made (Yes in step S3), the fingerprint information generation unit 415 Then, the fingerprint of the finger whose start key 405 is pressed is read, and fingerprint information indicating the fingerprint is generated (step S4). Here, fingerprint information indicating the fingerprint of the first user is generated.

  The job control unit 511 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in a login state (step S5). As described above, the login state is a state in which money has already been charged in the charging apparatus 20 before step S1. Here, since the charging device 20 is charged with the money of the second user, the job control unit 511 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is in the login state (Yes in step S5).

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether the latest fingerprint information (first user fingerprint information in step S4) matches the fingerprint information of the current user stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 (step S4). S13). The fingerprint information of the current user here is the fingerprint information of the second user. Therefore, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that the latest fingerprint information does not match the fingerprint information of the current user (No in step S13).

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether the latest fingerprint information (first user's fingerprint information in step S4) matches the saved user's fingerprint information stored in the saved user information storage unit 505 of FIG. (Step S16). The evacuation user is a user who is not charged when a job is executed. When the first user interrupts, the first user becomes the current user and the second user becomes the evacuation user. It is assumed that there is no saved user at this time. Accordingly, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that the latest fingerprint information does not match the saved user's fingerprint information stored in the saved user information storage unit 505 (No in step S16).

  The processing unit 509 performs the current user amount stored in the current user amount storage unit 23 (an example of components of the current user information storage unit) in FIG. 4 and the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 (current user information storage unit) in FIG. 2 is linked to the fingerprint information of the current user stored in the example) and moved to the saved user information storage unit 505 of FIG. 2 as the saved user amount and the saved user fingerprint information (step S17). . Since the second user becomes the evacuation user, the current user amount is the amount that the second user has. The fingerprint information of the current user is the fingerprint information of the second user.

  Further, the processing unit 509 stores the charge amount stored in the charge amount storage unit 21 in step S2 in the current user amount storage unit 23 as the current user amount, and the fingerprint information of the first user in step S4 is stored in the current user amount storage unit 23. The information is stored in the user fingerprint information storage unit 503 (step S17). The amount charged here is the amount charged by the first user to the charging apparatus 20.

  The process proceeds from step S17 to step S7. As a result, the first user can use the image forming apparatus 1 as an interrupt.

  As described above, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 stores the current user amount in the current user amount storage unit 23 (an example of a component of the current user information storage unit) and the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 (current user). When the first user charges the billing device 20 with an arbitrary amount of money (Yes in step S1) and the start key 405 is pressed while fingerprint information is stored in an example of a component of the information storage unit (Yes in step S3), it is determined whether the fingerprint information of the first user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415 in step S4 matches the fingerprint information stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 (step S13).

  If the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that they do not match (No in step S13), the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that the fingerprint information of the first user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415 in step S4 is the saved user. It is determined whether or not it matches the fingerprint information stored in the information storage unit 505 (step S16). When it is determined that they do not match (No in step S16), the processing unit 509 performs the process of step S17 (first process).

  After the process of step S17 (first process), the job control unit 511 causes the apparatus main body 100 to execute a job using the current user amount stored in the user amount storage unit as a billing target (steps S7 and S8). .

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the first user presses the start key 405, the second user information (current user amount, current The user's fingerprint information) is moved to the evacuation user information storage unit 505 (step S17). Then, the amount charged by the first user is moved to the current user amount storage unit 23 (an example of components of the current user information storage unit), and the fingerprint information of the first user is stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 (current user information storage unit 503). It is stored in an example of a component of the user information storage unit (step S17). This makes the first user the current user. Therefore, in order to interrupt the first user, the second user does not need an operation of returning the remaining money.

  As described above, according to the image forming service system 3 according to the first embodiment, another user interrupts and uses the image forming apparatus 1 while the user charges the charging device 20 and uses the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, convenience can be improved.

  Further, according to the image forming service system 3 according to the first embodiment, since it is determined by fingerprint authentication whether the user is the current user or the evacuation user (step S13, step S16), impersonation can be prevented. .

  Next, a case where the second user uses the image forming apparatus 1 again after the first user interrupts and uses the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. When the second user makes the necessary settings for the job and then presses the start key 405 in FIG. 3, the job control unit 511 determines that the start key 405 has been pressed (Yes in step S3).

  The fingerprint information generation unit 415 in FIG. 3 reads the fingerprint of the finger that pressed the start key 405, and generates fingerprint information indicating the fingerprint (step S4). Here, fingerprint information indicating the fingerprint of the second user is generated.

  The job control unit 511 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in a login state (step S5). Since the charging device 20 is already charged with the second user's money, the job control unit 511 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is in the login state (Yes in step S5).

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether the latest fingerprint information (second user fingerprint information in step S4) matches the fingerprint information of the current user stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 (step S4). S13). The fingerprint information of the current user here is the fingerprint information of the first user. Therefore, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that the latest fingerprint information does not match the fingerprint information of the current user (No in step S13).

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether the latest fingerprint information (the fingerprint information of the second user in step S4) matches the saved user's fingerprint information stored in the saved user information storage unit 505 (step S16). ). Here, the fingerprint information of the second user is stored as the fingerprint information of the evacuated user. Therefore, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that the latest fingerprint information matches the fingerprint information of the saved user stored in the saved user information storage unit 505 (Yes in step S16).

  The processing unit 509 associates the current user amount stored in the current user amount storage unit 23 with the fingerprint information of the current user stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 to create a new evacuation user amount and evacuation amount. The user's fingerprint information is moved to the evacuation user information storage unit 505 (step S18). Here, the current user amount is the amount that the first user has. The fingerprint information of the current user is the fingerprint information of the first user.

  Further, the processing unit 509 moves the evacuation user amount stored in the evacuation user information storage unit 505 to the current user amount storage unit 23 as the current user amount, and saves the evacuation user associated with the evacuation user amount. The fingerprint information is moved to the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 as the fingerprint information of the current user (step S18). The evacuation user amount here is an amount possessed by the second user. The saved user's fingerprint information is the fingerprint information of the second user.

  The process proceeds from step S18 to step S7. Thereby, the second user can use the image forming apparatus 1 again.

  As described above, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 stores the current user amount in the current user amount storage unit 23, stores fingerprint information in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503, and saves the user information storage unit 507. When the second user presses the start key 405 with the saved user amount and the saved user's fingerprint information stored in 505 (Yes in step S3), the second generated by the fingerprint information generating unit 415 in step S4. Whether the user's fingerprint information matches the fingerprint information stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 (step S13), and whether the user's fingerprint information matches the fingerprint information stored in the save user information storage unit 505 Determination is made (step S16).

  The fingerprint information of the second user does not match the fingerprint information stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 (No in step S13), but matches the fingerprint information stored in the save user information storage unit 505. When the determination is made (Yes in step S16), the processing unit 509 performs the process of step S18 (second process).

  After the process of step S18 (second process), the job control unit 511 causes the apparatus main body 100 to execute a job using the current user amount stored in the user amount storage unit as an accounting target (steps S7 and S8). .

  Thus, according to the first embodiment, after the first user interrupts, when the second user uses the image forming apparatus 1 again, the second user presses the start key 405. Thus, the second user can be returned from the saved user to the current user. That is, when the second user presses the start key 405, the amount (secondary user amount) held by the second user stored in the evacuated user information storage unit 505 is moved to the current user amount storage unit 23, and the second user The user's fingerprint information (evacuation user's fingerprint information) is moved to the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503. This makes the second user the current user. Therefore, the second user who has previously used the image forming apparatus 1 can use the image forming apparatus 1 again without performing an operation of charging the charging apparatus 20 with money.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, since it is determined by fingerprint authentication whether the user is the current user or the evacuation user (step S13, step S16), impersonation can be prevented.

  In step S17, the processing unit 509 in FIG. 2 associates the amount of money owned by the second user with the fingerprint information of the second user, with the second user being the current user as the saving user, and saves the user. When moving to the information storage unit 505, the following processing can be performed.

  The processing unit 509 receives setting information (paper size, number of prints, etc.) of the job performed by the second user who is the current user and scan data to be processed in step S17 (first processing). The money stored in the second user is associated with the second user's fingerprint information and the fingerprint information of the second user, and moved to the evacuation user information storage unit 505. Then, when the second user who is a evacuation user presses the start key 405 to use the image forming apparatus 1 again (Yes in Step S3), Yes in Step S4 and Step S5, No in Step S13, Step Yes processing is performed in S16. In step S18 (second process), the processing unit 509 reads the setting information and the scan data from the saved user information storage unit 505 and returns them to the job control unit 511.

  That is, the processing unit 509 stores, in the processing of the step S17 (first processing), setting information indicating the setting of the job of the second user who becomes the saving user from the current user in the saving user information storage unit 505, In the process of Step S18 (second process), the setting information of the second user who becomes the current user is read from the saving user information storage unit 505 from the saving user. After the process of step S18 (second process), the job control unit 511 causes the apparatus main body 100 to execute a job according to the setting information read by the processing unit 509 (steps S7 and S8).

  According to this, when the second user uses the image forming apparatus 1 again after interruption of the first user, the second user can omit the job setting.

  Referring to FIG. 5, when processing unit 509 determines that the current user amount is 0 (Yes in step S <b> 10), processing unit 509 uses the current user amount stored in current user amount storage unit 23. The current user fingerprint information stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 is erased (step S11). As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 is logged off.

  The following effects are produced by the processing in step S11. For a user whose balance is 0, the amount and fingerprint information that the user has are erased. Therefore, when the next user charges money to the charging device 20 and presses the start key 405, the amount and fingerprint information possessed by the user whose balance becomes 0 is saved as the saved user amount and the saved user's fingerprint information. Moving to the user information storage unit 505 can be prevented. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the information stored in the saved user information storage unit 505 from increasing without limitation. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the memory capacity of the image forming apparatus 1 even in a situation where an unspecified number of users use the image forming apparatus 1.

  Explain how to return the balance. The display control unit 501 in FIG. 2 displays an operation screen including a balance return button on the display unit 403. The operation in which the user presses the return button and presses the start key 405 in FIG. 3 is the return operation. When the return operation is performed, the return unit 27 in FIG. 4 performs the return operation so that the fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415 in FIG. 3 is stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 in FIG. If the information matches the fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415 by the return operation and the fingerprint information stored in the evacuation user information storage unit 505, the process returns the current user amount. Processing to return the evacuation user amount associated with the fingerprint information.

  As described above, the operation of pressing the return button and pressing the start key 405 is set as a return operation of the balance. With the return operation, the balance is returned by fingerprint authentication using the fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a fingerprint information generation unit 415 (fingerprint sensor) dedicated to returning the balance and ensuring security.

  Explain forced logout. When the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a timer and the image forming apparatus 1 is not operated for a predetermined period, the job control unit 511 forcibly logs out the image forming apparatus 1. Instead of the timer, the image forming apparatus 1 may be provided with a human body detection sensor, and the job control unit 511 may forcibly log out the image forming apparatus 1 when the sensor does not detect a human body.

  When forcibly logging out, if the current user amount stored in the current user amount storage unit 23 is not 0, the processing unit 509 prints the current user amount and the current user fingerprint information stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503. The information is linked and moved to the saved user information storage unit 505.

  Processing in the case where fingerprint authentication cannot be performed in step S13 or step S16 will be described. This can also be applied to a second embodiment described later. When fingerprint authentication cannot be performed, the display control unit 501 causes the display unit 403 to display a screen that prompts the user to press the start key 405 again. Accordingly, when the user presses the start key 405, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 performs fingerprint authentication again using the fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415 (steps S13 and S16). If the fingerprint authentication cannot be performed a predetermined number of times (for example, three times), the job control unit 511 shifts the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 to the manual mode. In the manual mode, the image forming apparatus 1 can be used without charging the charging apparatus 20 with money.

  When shifting to the manual mode, when the current user amount stored in the current user amount storage unit 23 is not 0, the processing unit 509 performs the following processing. The processing unit 509 associates the current user amount with the fingerprint information of the current user stored in the current user fingerprint information storage unit 503 and moves it to the evacuation user information storage unit 505. Then, using the communication unit 600, the processing unit 509 notifies the administrator's terminal that the fingerprint authentication cannot be performed together with the current user amount and the fingerprint information of the current user. Using fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint sensor provided on the administrator's terminal, fingerprint authentication is performed on the notified fingerprint information, and if the fingerprint information matches, the fingerprint information from the administrator's terminal Refund the current user amount associated with.

  Fingerprint information generated by a fingerprint sensor provided in the administrator's terminal is stored in a storage unit provided in the administrator's terminal. If the fingerprint information stored in the storage unit exceeds a predetermined number, the sensitivity of the fingerprint information generation unit 415 may be deteriorated. Therefore, the administrator terminal repairs the fingerprint information generation unit 415. Display a prompt.

  The image forming service system 7 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 will be described. This system 7 is a system in which fingerprint information of a plurality of users is registered in advance in a portable terminal capable of wireless communication, and the image forming apparatus 1 can be used by setting these users as the same account.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus 5 applied to the image forming service system 7 according to the second embodiment. Among the elements constituting the image forming apparatus 5, the same elements as those of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  The communication unit 600 includes a wireless communication unit 609. The wireless communication unit 609 performs wireless communication with a user's portable terminal near the image forming apparatus 5 by one-to-many short-range wireless communication. The short distance is, for example, about several meters. The wireless communication unit 609 performs wireless communication with the mobile terminal at a certain time interval (semi-real time communication).

  The control unit 500 further includes a setting unit 513 and a saved user amount storage unit 515. The setting unit 513 sets a user who is charged when a job is executed by the apparatus main body 100 which is the image forming apparatus main body.

  A user who is not charged when a job is executed is a saved user. The evacuation user amount storage unit 515 stores the amount of money the evacuation user has.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming service system 7 according to the second embodiment. Of the elements constituting the image forming service system 7, the same elements as those of the image forming service system 3 shown in FIG.

  The image forming service system 7 includes the image forming apparatus 5 described in FIG. 7 and the charging apparatus 20 described in FIG. When the user charges the billing apparatus 20 with an arbitrary amount in advance, the apparatus main body 100 can execute the job.

  In the image forming service system 7, the first portable terminal 30 and the second portable terminal 40 are illustrated as portable terminals that wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication unit 609 in FIG.

  The first portable terminal 30 includes a first registration unit 31. Information indicating the fingerprint of the finger pressing the start key 405 in FIG. 3 is taken as fingerprint information. In the first registration unit 31, fingerprint information of a plurality of users is registered in advance. The plurality of users are users who have the same account when using the image forming apparatus 5. For example, a first user who is a parent and a second user who is a child are a plurality of users.

  The second portable terminal 40 includes a second registration unit 41. In the second registration unit 41, fingerprint information of a third user who is a user other than the plurality of users registered in the first registration unit 31 is registered in advance.

  The operation of the image forming service system 7 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 are flowcharts for explaining the operation.

  Regarding the operation of the image forming service system 7, (1) when the first user uses the image forming apparatus 5, (2) while the first user is using the image forming apparatus 5, The case where the apparatus 5 is interrupted and used will be described separately in the case of (3) the third user interrupting and using the image forming apparatus 5 while the first user or the second user is using the image forming apparatus 5.

  First, a case where the first user uses the image forming apparatus 5 will be described. It is determined whether or not an arbitrary amount of money has been charged in the charging apparatus 20 (step T1). Here, the first user charges the billing apparatus 20 with an arbitrary amount. As a method for charging an arbitrary amount, there are cash, a prepaid card, and electronic money.

  When the processing unit 509 determines that the billing apparatus 20 is not charged with an arbitrary amount of money (No in step T1), the process of step T1 is repeated.

  When the processing unit 509 determines that an arbitrary amount has been charged in the charging device 20 (Yes in step T1), the processing unit 509 stores the amount charged in the charging device 20 in the charge amount storage unit 21 ( Step T2).

  After step T2, the job control unit 511 determines whether the start key 405 in FIG. 3 has been pressed in a state where settings necessary for executing the job (paper size, number of printed sheets, etc.) have been made (step T3). Here, the first user presses the start key 405.

  If the job control unit 511 determines that the start key 405 has not been pressed (No in step T3), the process in step T3 is repeated.

  When the job control unit 511 determines that the start key 405 has been pressed (Yes in step T3), the fingerprint information generation unit 415 in FIG. 3 reads the fingerprint of the finger that pressed the start key 405, and shows the fingerprint indicating the fingerprint Information is generated (step T4). Here, fingerprint information indicating the fingerprint of the first user is generated.

  The wireless communication unit 609 performs one-to-many wireless communication (step T5). The wireless communication unit 609 can perform wireless communication with a mobile terminal located within a communication range. Since the first user has pressed the start key 405, the wireless communication unit 609 can perform wireless communication with the first portable terminal 30 possessed by the first user.

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 accesses the first registration unit 31 using the wireless communication unit 609. The fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether there is fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information generated in step T4 among the plurality of fingerprint information registered in advance in the first registration unit 31 (step T6). That is, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 charges the billing apparatus 20 with an arbitrary amount of money (Yes in step T1) and presses the start key 405 (step T3). Yes), the fingerprint that matches the fingerprint information of the first user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415 among the fingerprint information of the plurality of users registered in the first registration unit 31 using wireless communication. Determine if there is information.

  When the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that there is no fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information generated in step T4 among the plurality of fingerprint information registered in advance in the first registration unit 31 (in step T6) No), the processing unit 509 proceeds to step S5 in FIG. In the case of No in step T6, since the first portable terminal 30 does not exist within the wireless communication area of the wireless communication unit 609, the image forming service system 3 according to the first embodiment is applied.

  When the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that there is fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information generated in step T4 in the plurality of fingerprint information registered in advance in the first registration unit 31 (in step T6) Yes), the job control unit 511 determines whether the image forming apparatus 5 is in a login state (step T7). The login state is a state where money has already been charged in the charging apparatus 20 before step T1. For example, when the first user charges money to the charging apparatus 20 and the job is executed, the first user adds money to the charging apparatus 20 and charges it. Also, for example, after the first user charges money to the charging device 20 and the job is executed, the second user charges money to the charging device 20 in order to interrupt the job. Is determined to be in the login state. Here, a case where the image forming apparatus 5 is not in the login state, that is, a case where the first user charges an arbitrary amount in step T1 while the charging apparatus 20 is not charged is described.

  The job control unit 511 determines that the image forming apparatus 5 is not logged in (No in step T7). The fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether there are a plurality of portable terminals that register fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the first user generated in step T4 (step T8). The presence of a plurality of cases means that the first user has a third mobile terminal in addition to the first mobile terminal 30, and the fingerprint information of the first user is registered in the third mobile terminal. is there.

  If the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that there are a plurality of portable terminals that register fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the first user generated in step T4 (Yes in step T8), the display control unit 501 Causes the display unit 403 to display a screen that allows the first user to select a portable terminal.

  The setting unit 513 determines whether a mobile terminal has been selected (step T9). When the setting unit 513 determines that the mobile terminal is not selected (No in Step T9), the process of Step T9 is repeated.

  When the setting unit 513 determines that the mobile terminal has been selected (Yes in step T9), or the fingerprint information determination unit 507 registers fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the first user generated in step T4. If it is determined that there are not a plurality of portable terminals (No in step T8), the process of step T10 is performed.

  The process of step T10 is as follows. The first registration unit 31 stores balance information indicating a balance shared by a plurality of users. The setting unit 513 acquires balance information from the first portable terminal 30 using the wireless communication unit 609.

  The setting unit 513 adds the balance indicated by the balance information and the amount charged in step T2, sets this amount as the current user amount, and sets this amount as a billing target (step T11). Here, the current user amount is the amount that the first user has. If there is no balance information, the amount charged in step T2 is set as the current user amount, and this amount is set as a billing target. As described above, when it is determined that there is fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the first user (Yes in step T6), the setting unit 513 uses the first user to charge any amount charged to the charging unit. The first setting is made to charge the amount held by the first user.

  The job control unit 511 determines whether or not the current user amount is equal to or greater than the amount charged by executing the job commanded in step T3 (step T12). Here, it is determined whether the amount of money held by the first user is equal to or greater than the billing amount.

  When the job control unit 511 determines that the current user amount is equal to or greater than the charge amount (Yes in step T12), the job control unit 511 causes the apparatus main body 100, which is the image forming apparatus main body, to execute a job (step T13). That is, the job control unit 511 causes the apparatus main body 100 to execute a job after the first setting.

  When the job is executed, the amount update unit 25 updates the current user amount by subtracting the charge amount due to the execution of the job from the current user amount (step T14). For example, when the current user amount is 100 yen and the charge amount is 30 yen, the current user amount is updated to 70 yen.

  The setting unit 513 determines whether the current user amount is 0 (step T15). Here, it is determined whether the amount of money the first user has is zero.

  When the setting unit 513 determines that the current user amount is 0 (Yes in Step T15), the image forming apparatus 5 is changed from the login state to the logoff state (Step T16). When the setting unit 513 determines that the current user amount is not 0 (No in Step T15), the process returns to Step T3. That is, when the first user causes the image forming apparatus 5 to execute a job, the process returns to step T3. If the first user charges the charging device 20 by adding money, the process returns to step T1.

  When the first user presses the start key 405 (Yes in step T3), the processes in steps T4 and T5 are performed. Since the first user is near the image forming apparatus 5, the wireless communication unit 609 can perform wireless communication with the first portable terminal 30. Therefore, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 includes the fingerprint information (first user fingerprint information) generated in step T4 and the fingerprint information of the plurality of users registered in the first registration unit 31. It is determined that there is matching fingerprint information (Yes in step T6).

  Since the first user has already charged money in the charging apparatus 20, the job control unit 511 determines that the image forming apparatus 5 is in the login state (Yes in step T7), and proceeds to step T17.

  In step T <b> 17, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether the fingerprint information determined to match in step T <b> 6 corresponds to any of a plurality of user fingerprint information registered in the first registration unit 31. judge. The fingerprint information determined to match in step T6 is the first user's fingerprint information. Therefore, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that the fingerprint information determined to match in step T6 corresponds to one of the plurality of user fingerprint information registered in the first registration unit 31 ( Yes in step T17), the process proceeds to step T13. Thereby, the first user can use the image forming apparatus 5 continuously.

  Next, a case where the second user interrupts and uses the image forming apparatus 5 while the first user is using the image forming apparatus 5 will be described.

  When the second user presses the start key 405 (Yes in Step T3), the fingerprint information generation unit 415 generates fingerprint information of the second user (Step T4).

  The wireless communication unit 609 performs one-to-many wireless communication (step T5). The wireless communication unit 609 can perform wireless communication with a mobile terminal located within a communication range. If the first user who has the first mobile terminal 30 is near the image forming apparatus 5, the wireless communication unit 609 can perform wireless communication with the first mobile terminal 30. Here, a case where the wireless communication unit 609 can wirelessly communicate with the first portable terminal 30 will be described.

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 accesses the first registration unit 31 using the wireless communication unit 609. The fingerprint information determination unit 507 includes fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information (second user fingerprint information) generated in step T4 among the plurality of fingerprint information registered in advance in the first registration unit 31. It is determined whether or not there is (step T6). That is, when the first setting is made (step T11), the fingerprint information determination unit 507 is one of a plurality of users, and a second user different from the first user presses the start key 405. It is determined whether there is fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the second user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415 in the fingerprint information of the plurality of users registered in the first registration unit 31 using communication. To do.

  Since the fingerprint information of the second user is registered in the first registration unit 31 in advance, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 includes the plurality of fingerprint information registered in the first registration unit 31 in advance. Then, it is determined that there is fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information (second user fingerprint information) generated in step T4 (Yes in step T6).

  The job control unit 511 determines whether the image forming apparatus 5 is in a login state (step T7). Since the first user has charged the billing device 20, the job control unit 511 determines that the image forming device 5 is in the login state (Yes in step T7).

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether the fingerprint information determined to match in step T6 corresponds to any of a plurality of user fingerprint information registered in the first registration unit 31 (step T17). The fingerprint information determined to match in step T6 is the fingerprint information of the second user. Accordingly, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that the fingerprint information determined to match in step T6 corresponds to one of the plurality of user fingerprint information registered in the first registration unit 31 ( Yes in step T17).

  The setting unit 513 performs continuation setting in which the amount of money that the first user has is charged. Then, after the continuous setting, the job control unit 511 causes the apparatus main body 100 to execute a job (step T13). Thereby, the second user can use the image forming apparatus 5 by interruption.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when the first setting for charging the amount held by the first user (for example, the parent) is made (step T11), fingerprint registration is performed on the same portable terminal. The second user (for example, a child) can use the image forming apparatus 5 as an interrupt by accounting for the amount of money the first user has. Therefore, the second user can interrupt and use the image forming apparatus 5 without performing an operation of charging the charging apparatus 20 with money. As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a user charges the charging device 20 and the image forming apparatus 5 is being used, the convenience is improved when another user interrupts and uses the image forming apparatus 5. Can do.

  When the second user presses the start key 405 (Yes in step T3), when the first user who has the first portable terminal 30 leaves the image forming apparatus 5, the wireless communication unit 609 Communication with one mobile terminal 30 is not possible. In this case, the setting unit 513 performs a setting for prohibiting a job that is charged for the amount of money of the first user that is the current user amount. That is, when the second user presses the start key 405 (Yes in step T3) with the first setting made (step T11), the setting unit 513 causes the wireless communication unit 609 to move to the first mobile phone. When communication with the terminal 30 is not possible, a job for which the charge of the first user is charged is prohibited.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the wireless communication unit 609 cannot wirelessly communicate with the first mobile terminal 30, that is, the first user who has the first mobile terminal 30 starts from the image forming apparatus 5. When the user leaves, the second user cannot use the image forming apparatus 5 for charging the amount of money the first user has. For example, when the first user is a parent and the second user is a child, it is possible to prevent the child from using the image forming apparatus 5 without permission from the parent's eyes.

  Next, a case where the third user interrupts and uses the image forming apparatus 5 while the first user or the second user is using the image forming apparatus 5 will be described. The third user has the second mobile terminal 40.

  Assume that the amount of money possessed by the first user is the current user amount, and that the amount of money possessed by the first user is set as the billing target (step T11).

  The third user charges the charging device 20 with an arbitrary amount (Yes in Step T1), and presses the start key 405 (Yes in Step T3). The fingerprint information generation unit 415 generates fingerprint information of the third user (Step T4).

  The wireless communication unit 609 performs one-to-many wireless communication (step T5). The wireless communication unit 609 can perform wireless communication with a mobile terminal located within a communication range. If the third user who has the second portable terminal 40 is near the image forming apparatus 5, the wireless communication unit 609 can perform wireless communication with the second portable terminal 40. Since the third user presses the start key 405, the wireless communication unit 609 can wirelessly communicate with the second portable terminal 40.

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 accesses the second registration unit 41 using the wireless communication unit 609. The fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether there is fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information (third user's fingerprint information) generated in step T4 in the fingerprint information registered in advance in the second registration unit 41. Determine (step T6). That is, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 charges the billing apparatus 20 with an arbitrary amount and presses the start key 405 in a state where the amount of money possessed by the first user is set as a billing target. In this case, the wireless communication between the wireless communication unit 609 and the second portable terminal 40 is used, and the fingerprint information registered in the second registration unit 41 is the fingerprint of the third user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415. Determine if it matches the information.

  Since the fingerprint information of the third user is registered in the second registration unit 41 in advance, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 includes a step in the fingerprint information registered in the second registration unit 41 in advance. It is determined that there is fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information (third user's fingerprint information) generated at T4 (Yes at step T6).

  The job control unit 511 determines whether the image forming apparatus 5 is in a login state (step T7). Since the first user has charged the billing device 20, the job control unit 511 determines that the image forming device 5 is in the login state (Yes in step T7).

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether the fingerprint information determined to match in step T6 corresponds to any of a plurality of user fingerprint information registered in the first registration unit 31 (step T17). The fingerprint information determined to match in step T6 is the fingerprint information of the third user. Accordingly, the fingerprint information determination unit 507 does not determine that the fingerprint information determined to match in step T6 corresponds to any of the plurality of user fingerprint information registered in the first registration unit 31 ( No in step T17).

  The setting unit 513 determines whether the wireless communication unit 609 can wirelessly communicate with the first mobile terminal 30 (step T18). That is, it is determined whether the first user who has the first portable terminal 30 is near the image forming apparatus 5. When the setting unit 513 determines that the wireless communication unit 609 can wirelessly communicate with the first portable terminal 30 (Yes in step T18), the setting unit 513 transmits the amount information indicating the amount of money the first user has to the wireless It returns to the 1st portable terminal 30 using communication (step T19).

  When the setting unit 513 determines that the wireless communication unit 609 cannot wirelessly communicate with the first mobile terminal 30 (No in step T18), the setting unit 513 uses the amount the first user has as the amount the saved user has. Move to the evacuation user amount storage unit 515 (step T20). After step T19 or step T20, the process proceeds to step T8.

  The fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines whether there are a plurality of portable terminals that register fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the third user generated in step T4 (step T8). The presence of a plurality of cases means that the third user has another portable terminal in addition to the second portable terminal 40, and the fingerprint information of the third user is registered in another portable terminal.

  If the fingerprint information determination unit 507 determines that there are a plurality of portable terminals that register fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the third user generated in step T4 (Yes in step T8), the display control unit 501 Causes the display unit 403 to display a screen that allows the third user to select a portable terminal.

  The setting unit 513 determines whether a mobile terminal has been selected (step T9). When the setting unit 513 determines that the mobile terminal is not selected (No in Step T9), the process of Step T9 is repeated.

  When the setting unit 513 determines that the mobile terminal has been selected (Yes in step T9), or the fingerprint information determination unit 507 registers fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the third user generated in step T4. If it is determined that there are not a plurality of portable terminals (No in step T8), the process of step T10 is performed.

  The process of step T10 is as follows. The second registration unit 41 stores balance information indicating the balance that the third user has. The setting unit 513 acquires balance information from the second portable terminal 40 using the wireless communication unit 609.

  The setting unit 513 adds the balance indicated by the balance information and the amount charged in step T2, sets this amount as the current user amount, and sets this amount as a billing target (step T11). Here, the current user amount is the amount that the third user has. If there is no balance information, the amount charged in step T2 is set as the current user amount, and this amount is set as a billing target. As described above, when it is determined that the fingerprint information registered in the second registration unit 41 matches the fingerprint information of the third user (Yes in Step T6), the setting unit 513 determines that the third user The charged amount is set as the amount held by the third user, and instead of the amount held by the first user, the second setting is set to charge the amount held by the third user.

  The job control unit 511 determines whether or not the current user amount is equal to or greater than the amount charged by executing the job commanded in step T3 (step T12). Here, it is determined whether the amount of money possessed by the third user is equal to or greater than the billing amount.

  When the job control unit 511 determines that the current user amount is equal to or greater than the charge amount (Yes in step T12), the job control unit 511 causes the apparatus main body 100, which is the image forming apparatus main body, to execute a job (step T13). That is, the job control unit 511 causes the apparatus main body 100 to execute a job after the second setting. Since the subsequent steps have already been described, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the first user and the second user register the fingerprint (first portable terminal 30) and another portable terminal (second portable terminal). The third user who has registered the fingerprint in the terminal 40) can interrupt and use the image forming apparatus 5 while the first user or the second user is using the image forming apparatus 5.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, when the third user interrupts while the first user or the second user is using the image forming apparatus 5, the wireless communication unit 609 wirelessly communicates with the first portable terminal 30. If communication is possible (Yws in step T18), the amount information indicating the amount possessed by the first user is returned to the first portable terminal 30 without moving to the evacuation user amount storage unit 515 (step T19). As described above, when the third user interrupts the first user or the second user while using the image forming apparatus 5, the amount information indicating the amount held by the first user is uniformly stored in the saved user amount. Do not move to section 515. When the wireless communication unit 609 cannot wirelessly communicate with the first portable terminal 30 (No in Step T18), the amount held by the first user is moved to the evacuation user amount storage unit 515 (Step T20). The capacity of the storage unit 515 can be reduced. Therefore, even in a situation where an unspecified number of users use the image forming apparatus 5, it is not necessary to increase the memory capacity of the image forming apparatus 5.

  Returning the balance will be described by taking the first user as an example. The display control unit 501 in FIG. 7 displays an operation screen including a return button for remaining money on the display unit 403. The operation in which the first user presses the return button and presses the start key 405 in FIG. 3 is the return operation. The return unit 27 in FIG. 8 accesses the first portable terminal 30 using the wireless communication unit 609 when a return operation is performed. The return unit 27 is a first user whose fingerprint information (here, the fingerprint information of the first user) generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415 in FIG. 3 is registered in the first registration unit 31 by the return operation. It is judged whether it matches with the fingerprint information. If the return unit 27 determines that they match, the wireless communication unit 609 is used to return information indicating the current user amount (the amount held by the first user) to the first portable terminal 30 as the balance information. Process.

  As described above, the operation of pressing the return button and pressing the start key 405 is set as a return operation of the balance. With the return operation, the balance is returned by fingerprint authentication using the fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit 415. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a fingerprint information generation unit 415 (fingerprint sensor) dedicated to returning the balance and ensuring security.

  Next, forced logout will be described. The setting unit 513 forces the image forming apparatus 5 to move the current user amount to the evacuated user amount storage unit 515 when the wireless communication unit 609 becomes unable to wirelessly communicate with the mobile terminal held by the current user. Log out.

1, 5 Image forming apparatus 3, 7 Image forming service system 23 Current user amount storage unit (an example of components of current user information storage unit)
100 apparatus main body (an example of an image forming apparatus main body)
405 Start key (example of operation key)
415 Fingerprint information generation unit 503 Current user fingerprint information storage unit (an example of components of the current user information storage unit)

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus main body for executing a job for forming an image;
An operation key for instructing the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job;
A fingerprint information generating unit that reads a fingerprint of a finger pressing the operation key and generates fingerprint information indicating the fingerprint;
A billing device charged with an arbitrary amount of money;
A current user information storage unit that stores a current user amount that is an amount possessed by the current user, and the fingerprint information of the current user when a user charged when the job is executed is the current user; ,
When a user who is not charged when the job is executed is a saving user, a saving user information storage unit that stores a saving user amount that is an amount the saving user has, and the fingerprint information of the saving user;
In a state where the current user amount and the fingerprint information are stored in the current user information storage unit, when the first user charges the arbitrary amount to the billing device and presses the operation key, A fingerprint information determination unit that determines whether the fingerprint information of the first user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit matches the fingerprint information stored in the current user information storage unit;
If it is determined that the fingerprint information of the first user does not match the fingerprint information stored in the current user information storage unit, the current user amount stored in the current user information storage unit and The fingerprint information is linked to the saved user amount and the saved user's fingerprint information as the saved user information storage unit, and the arbitrary amount charged to the charging device is used as the current user amount. A first processing unit that stores the current user information in the current user information storage unit and stores the fingerprint information of the first user in the current user information storage unit as the fingerprint information of the current user;
An image forming service system comprising: a job control unit that causes the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job using the current user amount stored in the current user information storage unit as a billing object after the first processing. The fingerprint information determination unit stores the current user amount and the fingerprint information of the current user in the current user information storage unit, and the withdrawal user amount and the fingerprint of the withdrawal user in the withdrawal user information storage unit. When the second user presses the operation key with the information stored, the fingerprint information of the second user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit is stored in the current user information storage unit. Determining whether the fingerprint information matches the fingerprint information stored in the saved user information storage unit,
The processing unit is configured such that the fingerprint information of the second user does not match the fingerprint information stored in the current user information storage unit, but the fingerprint information stored in the withdrawal user information storage unit and When it is determined that they match, the current user amount and the fingerprint information stored in the current user information storage unit are associated with each other as the new evacuation user amount and the fingerprint information of the evacuation user. Move to the saved user information storage unit, move the fingerprint information of the saved user that matches the fingerprint information of the second user to the current user information storage unit as the fingerprint information of the current user, and A second process of moving the evacuation user amount linked to the current user information storage unit as the current user amount;
2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the job control unit causes the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job with the current user amount stored in the user information storage unit as a billing object after the second processing. Forming service system. In the first process, the processing unit stores setting information indicating the setting of the job of the second user who becomes the save user from the current user in the save user information storage unit, and In the process, the setting information of the second user to be the current user is read from the saving user information storage unit from the saving user,
The image forming service system according to claim 2, wherein the job control unit causes the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job in accordance with the setting information read by the processing unit after the second processing.   The processing unit, when determining that the current user amount stored in the current user information storage unit is 0, the current user amount stored in the current user information storage unit and the fingerprint information of the current user The image forming service system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming service system is deleted. A display unit;
A display control unit for displaying a screen including a return button for the balance on the display unit;
When the return button is pressed and a return operation is performed by pressing the operation key, the fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit by the return operation is stored in the current user information storage unit. The fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit by the return operation is stored in the saved user information storage unit. 5. The image forming service system according to claim 1, further comprising: a return unit that performs a process of returning the evacuated user amount associated with the fingerprint information if the information matches the information. An image forming apparatus main body for executing a job for forming an image;
An operation key for instructing the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job;
A billing device charged with an arbitrary amount of money;
A wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a first portable terminal including a first registration unit in which the fingerprint information of a plurality of users is registered in advance as information indicating a fingerprint of a finger pressing the operation key; ,
A fingerprint information generation unit that reads a fingerprint of a finger pressing the operation key and generates the fingerprint information;
When the first user, one of the plurality of users, charges the arbitrary amount to the charging device and presses the operation key, the wireless communication is used to register with the first registration unit A fingerprint information determination unit that determines whether or not the fingerprint information of the plurality of users is the fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the first user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit;
When it is determined that there is the fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the first user, the arbitrary amount is set as the amount held by the first user, and the amount held by the first user is charged. A setting unit for performing the first setting,
A job control unit that causes the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job after the first setting;
The fingerprint information determination unit is one of the plurality of users in the state where the first setting is performed, and when a second user different from the first user presses the operation key, the fingerprint information determination unit performs the wireless communication. Among the fingerprint information of the plurality of users registered in the first registration unit, the fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the second user generated by the fingerprint information generation unit is used Determine if there is
When the setting unit determines that there is the fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the second user, the setting unit continuously sets the amount of money that the first user has to be charged,
The image forming service system in which the job control unit causes the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job after the continuous setting.   When the second user presses the operation key in the state in which the first setting has been performed, the setting unit is configured such that when the wireless communication unit cannot perform wireless communication with the first portable terminal, The image forming service system according to claim 6, wherein the job for which an amount of money of one user is charged is prohibited. In addition to the first portable terminal, there is a second portable terminal including a second registration unit in which the fingerprint information of a third user who is a user other than the plurality of users is registered in advance. ,
The fingerprint information determination unit is configured to charge the arbitrary amount to the charging device by the third user and press the operation key in a state where the amount of the first user is set as an object of charging. In this case, using the wireless communication between the wireless communication unit and the second mobile terminal, the fingerprint information registered in the second registration unit is the third information generated by the fingerprint information generation unit. Determine if it matches the user's fingerprint information,
When the setting unit determines that the fingerprint information registered in the second registration unit matches the fingerprint information of the third user, the arbitrary amount charged by the third user The amount that the third user has, and instead of the amount that the first user has, a second setting is made to charge the amount that the third user has,
The image forming service system according to claim 6, wherein the job control unit causes the image forming apparatus main body to execute the job after the second setting. When a user who is not charged when the job is executed is a evacuation user, a evacuation user amount storage unit that stores an amount of the evacuation user has,
When the setting unit performs the second setting, if the wireless communication unit can wirelessly communicate with the first portable terminal, the amount information indicating the amount of money that the first user has is obtained using wireless communication. If the wireless communication unit returns to the first portable terminal and the wireless communication unit cannot wirelessly communicate with the first portable terminal, the amount held by the first user is stored in the saved user amount storage unit as the amount owned by the saved user. The image forming service system according to claim 8, which is moved.

Images