JP2017032699A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can easily output an image at a lower charge in consideration of a form of billing for a printed image desired by a user.SOLUTION: There is provided an image forming apparatus (1) comprising a sheet feeder (6), a print setting part (40), an image forming part (21), and a display part (71), and functions as a printing system that charges a bill according to a print format set in advance, the image forming apparatus including a sheet cutting device (9) that includes A4 size sheets and A3 size sheets and has a function to cut a A3 size sheet into A4 size sheets. The sheet cutting device (9) has a function to form a printed image on a A3 size sheet before cutting into A4 size sheets, and the print setting part (40) has a function to set a print format with a low charging amount according to a print condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that includes a print setting unit that sets selected image data in a desired print format and sets print formation according to print conditions.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, photo print services that read images stored on a recording medium and print them out at stores such as electronics retail stores, camera stores, and convenience stores have been provided. The user brings a recording medium containing image data to be printed into the store, and prints out using a printing terminal or the like installed in the store.

  In addition to printing images one sheet at a time, such a photo print service performs aggregate printing (index printing) in which multiple images are allocated and printed on a single sheet, depending on the number of prints. The user is charged according to a preset printing format (paper size, monochrome / color printing, duplex printing, etc.).

  However, conventionally, in order to cope with a large number of paper sizes in a copying machine, it has been necessary to install a paper tray of a required paper type in the copying machine main body.

  Further, when there is no remaining amount of paper of a specific size, there is a problem in that output cannot be continued unless the paper tray is replenished.

  Therefore, as a countermeasure for the above problem, an image forming apparatus that can use one sheet as two types of sheets has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  Specifically, in the image forming apparatus, a paper cutting device is provided between the apparatus main body and the paper tray, and the copy paper in the paper tray is supplied before the paper is fed to the copy process unit in the apparatus main body. Once entering the paper cutting device from the carry-in path, the cutter moves to a position half the size of the copy paper according to the paper size and cut. The cut copy paper is conveyed from the paper carry-out path to the copying machine.

  With this configuration, the number of paper trays can be reduced, so that the cost can be reduced, and two types of paper sizes can be output from one paper tray.

  As another prior art, when a print request for a document group is received from a print requester, detection means for detecting whether the number of documents, the document size for each page, or a color / monochrome document, and the document Storage means for storing information for each detected page, the type of paper to be printed, size, selection of color / monochrome printing, and management of the amount to be collected for each page according to selection of 4/6 color printing at the time of color printing Management means, and the type and size of paper to be copied according to the desired printing amount specified by the print requester, the number of pages to be printed on one sheet, selection of color / monochrome printing, 4/6 color printing at the time of color printing Proposed by a system that has a selection means for print setting combination candidates that allows the print requester to select one or a plurality of selection setting combination candidates Are (see Patent Document 2).

JP 11-84777 A JP 2007-33883 A

  According to the technique proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561, a certain size of paper is a certain paper compared to the conventional method in which a dedicated paper tray is prepared and only one-to-one correspondence for each size is possible. By adapting the paper size to two types of paper using a method called paper cutting, the user can reduce the number of replenishments due to running out of paper and enjoy the merit of cost reduction by reducing the paper tray of the main body of the image forming apparatus. it can.

  However, even if the paper can be generalized to two types of sizes, in a system in which a charge is charged according to the output specifications and the number of sheets when outputting a document, it can be used to actually print, Or, at the time of copy output, the user cannot enjoy the merit that leads to the reduction of the billing fee.

  Further, in the technique proposed in Patent Document 2, billing information of all output forms is calculated by reading in advance the print output specification of the user's document. In addition, a method is proposed in which the user inputs a desired print amount into the system, and the system presents the user with a print output form corresponding to the desired amount.

  However, in the above-described system, only the paper size type, color printing or monochrome printing, the number of colors at the time of color printing, and the number of pages to be printed on one sheet are used as the variable factors of the charge amount. In this case, the printing fee is not presented only by presenting the cost advantage based on the characteristics of the charging form, only by presenting the printing fee from high cost to low cost.

  In addition, there is a case in which the charge is the same even though the paper size is different in the conventional print output charging form. In such a billing mode, if the paper size is different, there is a case where the cost is further reduced by changing the size of the printing paper depending on the number of output sheets and assigning a plurality of sheets.

For example, in a convenience store, when copy printing is performed by a copying machine, as shown in FIG. 19, a billing form is adopted in which the amount is determined by the copy mode and the paper size. Specifically, in the case of a monochrome copy, the total paper size is 10 yen / sheet, and in the case of a color copy, it is 50 yen for a size of B4 or less, and 80 yen / sheet for an A3 size.
FIG. 19 is a table showing an example of a charge form of a print fee by normal charge printing.

  In this billing mode, in the case of monochrome copying, all paper sizes are a uniform price of 10 yen / sheet, so two A4 originals, for example half size, are allocated and printed with a large paper size such as A3. Then, it is possible to obtain a copy output for two sheets at a charge for one sheet. The same applies to B4 in which two B5 originals can be allocated.

  However, with conventional copiers and multifunction machines, A4 originals that are half the size of A3 paper can be allocated and copied, but the paper ejected from the copier remains large A3 size. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to perform copy output in A3 size and then cut it into desired A4 size by himself / herself.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and provides an image forming apparatus that can easily output at a lower charge in consideration of a charge form of a print image desired by a user in the image forming apparatus. The purpose is to do.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems is as follows.

  The present invention provides a reading unit that reads image data, a print setting unit that sets selected image data in a user-desired print format, and an image forming unit that forms a print image on a recording medium based on the selected image data. An image forming apparatus that functions as a printing system that includes a display unit that displays print information and charges in accordance with a preset print format, wherein the recording medium includes a first sheet, and the first sheet A second paper having a size twice that of the paper, and a paper cutting device having a function of cutting the second paper into the first paper size, wherein the paper cutting device includes the second paper The print setting unit has a function of setting a print format with a low charge amount according to printing conditions. That.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the printing format includes at least one of single-sided printing, double-sided printing, layout printing, scaling printing, and monochrome / color printing.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the printing conditions include a paper size to be used.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the printing conditions include layout printing.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the printing conditions include single-sided printing.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the printing conditions include double-sided printing.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the printing conditions include monochrome printing.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the printing conditions include color printing.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the printing condition includes whether or not a paper discharge order is a page order.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the printing conditions include a predetermined printing format restriction.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the printing condition includes giving priority to the lowest charge amount.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the display unit has a function of displaying a result of a printing format set according to the printing condition.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the display unit has a function of displaying an image in a printing format set according to the printing conditions.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a reading unit that reads image data, a print setting unit that sets the selected image data in a user-desired print format, and a print image on a recording medium based on the selected image data. An image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit to be formed and a display unit that displays print information, and functions as a printing system that charges according to a preset printing format, wherein the recording medium is a first sheet And a paper cutting device having a function of cutting the second paper into the first paper size, the second paper having a size twice the size of the first paper, A function of cutting the first paper size after forming a print image on the second paper, and the print setting unit having a function of setting a print format with a low charge amount according to printing conditions. Easily it can be output at lower rates in view of the cost structure in accordance with the printed image that the user desires to print conditions.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet cutting device included in the image forming apparatus. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen for selecting a printing condition displayed on a display unit when charging printing is selected in the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the detail of the recommended printing format displayed on the said display part. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing step of performing charge printing according to printing conditions by the image forming apparatus. 4 is a flowchart showing a color printing processing process of charge printing by the image forming apparatus. 4 is a flowchart showing a monochrome printing processing process of charge printing by the image forming apparatus. 4 is a flowchart showing processing steps for performing charge printing when printing is performed by the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a printing format when normal printing is performed by the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the printing format of the low charging printing by the charging system using the said image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example at the time of adding double-sided printing to the printing format of the low charging printing by the charging system using the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the printing format in the case of performing normal printing by the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the printing format of the low charging printing by the charging system using the said image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the printing format of the low charging printing by the charging system using the image forming apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the printing format in the case of performing normal printing by the image forming apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the printing format of the low charging printing by the charging system using the said image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the printing format of the low charging printing by the charging system using the image forming apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows an example of the charging form in the charging system using the conventional image forming apparatus.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the invention, and is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus. 3 is a schematic explanatory view showing a configuration of a sheet cutting device constituting the image forming apparatus.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a sheet feeder (reading unit) 6 that reads image data, and a print setting unit (print setting unit) that sets the selected image data in a user-desired print format. ) 40, an image forming unit 21 that forms a print image on a recording medium based on the selected image data, and a display unit (display unit) 71 that displays print information according to a preset print format. An image forming apparatus 1 that functions as an accounting printing system, and includes a first sheet and a second sheet that is twice the size of the first sheet as a recording medium, and the second sheet is a first sheet A paper cutting device 9 having a function of cutting to a paper size is provided.

  The paper cutting device 9 has a function of cutting the first paper size after forming a print image on the second paper.

  The print setting unit 40 is provided with a function (low charge printing recommendation function) for setting a print format with a low charge amount according to printing conditions.

First, the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has an operation unit 7 and a sheet feeder 6 arranged on an upper part of an apparatus main body 1 a, and a main body base table 2, a first paper tray 3, a second paper tray 3. The paper tray 4 and the paper cutting device 9 are provided, and an open / close-type manual feed tray 5 and a paper discharge tray 8 are provided on the side of the main body.

  The sheet feeder 6 is configured to be able to scan a large number of documents including different document sizes at a time.

  In the first embodiment, as a recording medium, a first sheet (A4 size) and a second sheet (A3 size) twice as large as the first sheet are used, and the first sheet is the first sheet. The paper is stored in the paper tray 3, and the second paper is stored in the second paper tray 4.

  The operation unit 7 includes a display unit 71 that displays print information. The display unit 71 is configured to allow an instruction input operation on an operation screen displayed on the screen.

  The paper cutting device 9 has a function of cutting the second paper into the first paper size, and in the first embodiment, the print image is formed on the second paper and then cut into the first paper size. It is configured.

Here, the configuration of the sheet cutting device 9 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the paper cutting device 9 includes a movable cutter 91 that can move in the longitudinal direction of the copy paper and adjust the cutting position, and a copy paper 92 on which an image is formed on the paper surface by a transfer / fixing process. A carry-in path 93, a copy sheet carry-out path 65, a stopper 94, and the like are provided.

  Various known means, mechanisms, and the like are used as driving means for moving and cutting the cutter 91. Further, although the illustration of rollers for carrying in and discharging paper is omitted, various known means and mechanisms are used for this.

  The A3 size copy paper 92, which is the second paper on which the image is formed, once enters the paper cutting device 9 from the paper carry-in path 93, and the cutter 91 is half the size of the copy paper (A4 size). Move to position and cut. Then, the cut copy paper 92 is discharged from the paper carry-out path 95 to the paper discharge tray 8.

  As described above, the sheet cutting device 9 is configured to be installed between the image forming unit and the paper discharge unit of the image forming apparatus 1 such as a conventional copying machine or multifunction peripheral.

  Next, a characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a block diagram.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet feeder 6 as a reading unit, an operation unit 7 as an input unit, an image information storage unit 11, an external job reception unit 13, a document information storage unit 15, and a control unit 20. , A charging unit (charging unit) 30 and a print setting unit 40 are provided.

The operation unit 7 sets whether the user makes a copy or printout.
The sheet feeder 6 includes a reading unit that continuously reads a placed document.
The image information storage unit 11 stores the image information read by the reading unit.

  The external job receiving unit 13 accepts and controls the job without passing through the reading unit and directly stores it in the image information storage unit 11 when printing out by an external terminal.

  The document information storage unit 15 organizes and stores the type and number of sheets of the document, the color document or the monochrome document, the page order of the document, and the like from the stored image information (image data).

The control unit 20 includes an image forming unit 21, a print processing unit 22, and a cutting control unit 23.
The image forming unit 21 forms a print image on a sheet based on the image data.
The print processing unit 22 performs print processing based on the set print format.
The cutting control unit 23 performs sheet cutting in the sheet cutting apparatus 9.

The accounting unit 30 includes a print information management unit 31.
The print information management unit 31 stores paper size information 32 and billing information 33 in advance, and determines a paper size that can be used for printing and a billing amount for color or monochrome output according to each paper size.

  The print setting unit 40 includes a candidate calculation unit 41, a candidate storage unit 42, and a candidate display unit 43.

  The candidate calculation unit 41 compares the main body information provided in the print information management unit 31 with the information of the document to be output, calculates the charge amount, and outputs a print format that can be output at a low charge fee according to the print conditions. Set.

  The candidate storage unit 42 stores a print format corresponding to the print conditions set by the candidate calculation unit 41.

  The candidate display unit 43 displays on the display unit 71 a charging status in a printing format corresponding to the printing conditions set by the candidate calculation unit 41.

Here, a display screen related to charge printing displayed on the display unit 71 by the candidate display unit 43 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a printing condition displayed on the display unit when charging printing is selected in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a recommended screen displayed on the display unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the detail of a printing format.

  When charging printing is performed in the image forming apparatus 1, a selection screen 711 is displayed on the display unit 71 as shown in FIG.

  The areas within the broken line of the selection screen 711 are a document size selection area 711a for selecting a document size and a print condition selection area 711b for selecting a print condition.

  On the selection screen 711, the user selects a document size to be printed, and selects printing conditions such as a paper size desired by the user, document layout, printing surface, printing color, paper discharge order, and format restrictions such as official documents. .

  If the selected printing conditions are acceptable, the “determine key 711c” is pressed, the “next document key 711d” is pressed to select the printing condition of the next document, and the “preview key 711e” is checked to confirm the printing state in the preview display. "push.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, when the selection of the printing conditions for charging printing is completed, a print format recommendation screen 712 showing the details of recommended printing is displayed on the display unit 71 as shown in FIG.

  The areas within the broken line of the print format recommendation screen 712 are a document size confirmation area 712a for confirming the document size and a print format confirmation area 712b indicating the details of the print contents according to the print format.

  To view the next print format, press the “next setting key 712c”, to change the setting, press the “setting change key 712d”, and to determine the print format setting, press the “decision key 712e”. .

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the print setting unit 40 sets a print format with a low charge amount according to the print condition, and the user can check the print format on the display unit 71.

Next, processing for performing charge printing by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
6 is a flowchart showing processing steps for performing charge printing according to printing conditions by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing steps for color printing of charge printing by the image forming apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing steps for performing charging printing when printing is performed by the image forming device.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6, on the display unit 71 of the operation unit 7 of the image forming apparatus 1, the user selects whether the desired work is copy printing or printout (step S1).

  If printout is selected in step S1, the process proceeds to printout processing (step S20). On the other hand, if copy printing is selected in step S1, the process proceeds to step S3, and a function for setting a print format with a low charge amount of the print setting unit 40 in the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as “low charge print recommended system”). Or not) is selected.

  If the user selects not to use the “low charge printing recommended system” in step S3, the process proceeds to a normal charge printing process (step S4).

  On the other hand, if the user selects to use the “low charge printing recommended system” in step S3, the user is prompted to set a read original to be printed (step S5), and the read original is set in the sheet feeder 6. Then, the scanning process of the read original is executed (step S6).

  When the document information of the read document is input in the sheet feeder 6, the document information is stored in the document information storage unit 15 (step S7).

  The document information includes the number of documents 151 read, the color (color / monochrome) information 152 of the image, and the document size information 153.

  Then, the candidate calculation unit 41 calculates a charge amount by setting a low charge case that combines a print format with a low charge based on the document information (step S8). Then, the set low billing case candidates are stored in the candidate storage unit 42 (step S9).

Then, the candidate display unit 43 sequentially displays the low charge case candidates on the display screen of the display unit 71 based on the output specifications desired by the user (step S10).

  Then, on the selection screen 711 displayed on the display unit 71, the user selects whether the color of the image to be printed is color or monochrome (step S11).

  If a color image is selected in step S11, the process proceeds to color printing (step S100).

  On the other hand, if a monochrome image is selected in step S11, the process proceeds to monochrome printing (step S200).

(Color printing process)
When color printing is selected, as shown in FIG. 7, it is first selected whether or not the document size and the paper size are matched (step S101).

  If it is determined in step S101 that the original size and the paper size are not matched, the final confirmation of the printing format of the selection candidate set in the print setting unit 40 and the charging amount determined in the charging unit 30 is performed (step S110). ), Whether or not to perform printing is selected (step S111).

  The final confirmation of charging printing in step S110 can be confirmed on a print format recommendation screen 712 displayed on the display unit 71, as shown in FIG.

  If the user selects not to print in step S111, the process returns to “START” (step S112). On the other hand, if printing is selected in step S111, if it is necessary to pay a fee, the fee is input to a payment device (coin vendor) (step S113), and a printed matter is output (step S114). .

  Regarding the payment of the fee, there is no payment device nearby, and there is a case where it is separately collected at a later date by a printed sheet counter or the like, so the step of charging the fee (step S113) is not necessarily included.

  If it is selected in step S101 that the document size matches the paper size, it is next selected whether or not double-sided printing is performed (step S102).

  If it is selected in step S102 that double-sided printing is not performed, the final confirmation of the printing format of the selection candidate set in the print setting unit 40 and the charging amount determined in the charging unit 30 is performed (step S120). It is selected whether or not to perform (step S121).

  The final confirmation of charge printing in step S120 can be confirmed on a print format recommendation screen 712 displayed on the display unit 71 as shown in FIG.

  If the user selects not to print in step S121, the process returns to “START” (step S122). On the other hand, if it is selected in step S121 to perform printing, if it is necessary to pay a fee, the fee is charged into the payment device (step S123), and the printed matter is output (step S124).

  If the user selects to perform double-sided printing in step S102, the final confirmation of the printing format of the selection candidate set in the print setting unit 40 and the charging amount determined in the charging unit 30 is performed (step S130), and printing is performed. Is selected (step S131).

  The final confirmation of charge printing in step S130 can be confirmed on a print format recommendation screen 712 displayed on the display unit 71, as shown in FIG.

  If the user selects not to print in step S131, the process returns to “START” (step S132). On the other hand, if it is selected to perform printing in step S131, if it is necessary to pay a fee, the fee is input to the payment device (step S133), and the printed matter is output (step S134).

(Monochrome printing process)
If monochrome printing is selected, as shown in FIG. 8, first, it is selected whether or not the document size and the paper size are matched (step S201).

  If it is determined in step S201 that the original size and the paper size are not matched, the final confirmation of the printing format of the selection candidate set in the print setting unit 40 and the charging amount determined in the charging unit 30 is performed (step S210). ), Whether or not to perform printing is selected (step S211).

  The final confirmation of charge printing in step S210 can be confirmed on a print format recommendation screen 712 displayed on the display unit 71 as shown in FIG.

  If the user selects not to print in step S211, the process returns to “START” (step S212). On the other hand, if it is selected to perform printing in step S211, if it is necessary to pay a fee, the fee is input to the payment device (step S213), and the printed matter is output (step S214).

  If it is selected in step S201 that the document size and the paper size are matched, it is next determined whether or not double-sided printing is performed (step S202).

  If it is selected in step S202 that double-sided printing is not performed, the final confirmation of the printing format of the selection candidate set in the print setting unit 40 and the charging amount determined in the charging unit 30 is performed (step S220), and printing is performed. Whether or not to perform is selected (step S221).

  The final confirmation of charging printing in step S220 can be confirmed on a print format recommendation screen 712 displayed on the display unit 71 as shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S221 that printing is not performed, the process returns to “START” (step S222). On the other hand, if printing is selected in step S221, if it is necessary to pay a fee, the fee is charged into the payment device (step S223), and the printed matter is output (step S224).

  If it is selected in step S202 to perform double-sided printing, the final confirmation of the printing format of the selection candidate set in the print setting unit 40 and the charging amount determined in the charging unit 30 is performed (step S230), and printing is performed. Is selected (step S231).

  The final confirmation of charge printing in step S230 can be confirmed on a print format recommendation screen 712 displayed on the display unit 71 as shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S231 that printing is not performed, the process returns to “START” (step S232). On the other hand, if printing is selected in step S231, if it is necessary to pay a fee, the fee is charged into the payment device (step S233), and the printed matter is output (step S234).

(Printout process)
Next, a case where charge printing by printout is performed will be described.
In the case of printout, when the user does not operate in front of the operation unit 7 of the image forming apparatus main body as in the case of copy printing, the user's request selection work performed at the time of copy printing is performed on the PC terminal. Become. That is, the operation performed on the PC terminal is the same as that for copy printing except for the operation of setting a read document to be performed at the time of copy printing on the sheet feeder 6.

  In the case of performing printing by printout, as shown in FIG. 9, in order to transmit information of a printed document, a print job setting is called to start a printing process (step S21).

  Then, it is selected whether or not to use the “low charge printing recommended system” in the image forming apparatus 1 (step S22).

  If the user selects not to use the “low charge printing recommended system” in step S22, the process proceeds to a normal charge printing process (step S23).

  On the other hand, if the user selects to use the “low charge printing recommended system” in step S22, a print job for printing a document image is transmitted (step S24).

  The document information to be printed out is stored in the document information storage unit 15 (step S25).

  The document information includes the number of documents 151 read, the color (color / monochrome) information 152 of the image, and the document size information 153.

  Then, the candidate calculation unit 41 calculates a charge amount by setting a low charge case that combines a print format with a low charge based on the document information (step S26). Then, the set low billing case candidate is stored in the candidate storage unit 42 (step S27).

And the candidate display part 43 displays the candidate of a low charge case sequentially on the display screen of the display part 71 based on the output specification which a user desires (step S28).

  Then, on the selection screen 711 displayed on the display unit 71, the user selects whether the color of the image to be printed is color or monochrome (step S29).

  Hereinafter, the color printing and monochrome printing processes are performed in the same manner as the process described in the above-described copy printing.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1, a low-charge print format is set based on the document information to be printed and recommended to the user, and the low-charge print format is set based on the print condition desired by the user. It can be set easily.

Next, processing for performing low charge printing by the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a printing format when normal printing is performed by the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing format of low charge printing by the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. is there.

  In the first embodiment, copy printing at a convenience store is assumed, and as shown in FIG. 19, it is assumed that a printing fee is charged according to a normal charging form used in a charging system.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that six of the seven originals are A4 size and one is A3 size and one copy is printed.

Here, the images of the six A4 size originals 1 to 5 and 7 are set as the first original image 1G4 to the fifth original image 5G4 and the seventh original image 7G4, respectively. Six original images 6G3.
Then, a printed copy is obtained with the same paper size as the original document.

  The billing amount for each of monochrome / color copy printing in which the original state of the original is copied as is is shown below.

(Conventional method)
The charge amount according to the conventional method is 10 (yen) per sheet for both A4 size and A3 size for monochrome copy printing.
A4 size: 6 (sheets) x 10 (yen) = 60 (yen)
A3 size: 1 (sheet) x 10 (yen) = 10 (yen)
The total copy fee is 70 (yen).

In the case of color copy printing, the A4 size is 50 (yen) per sheet, and the A3 size is 80 (yen) per sheet.
A4 size: 6 (sheets) x 50 (yen) = 300 (yen)
A3 size: 1 (sheet) x 80 (yen) = 80 (yen)
Thus, the total copy fee is 380 (yen).

(Recommended system for low-cost printing)
Next, a charging fee reduction method when the low charging printing recommendation system of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is used will be described.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment once scans a document in a mixed state with different sheet sizes by the sheet feeder 6, identifies the scanned image in the image information storage unit inside the main body, and reads the page of the document to be read. Save including order.

  Then, based on the document information stored in the image information storage unit, a print format (print condition) with the least charge is set in accordance with the charge form shown in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, based on the document information obtained by scanning the document in Step 1, in Step 2, the first document image 1G4 to the fifth document image 5G4 of the A4 size document image are used. 6 images of the original image 7G4 are set to be printed on 4 A3 size papers together with the 6th original image 6G3 of 1 A3 size paper, as two images, each assigned to 3 A3 size papers. To do.

  In step 3, three A3 size sheets printed two images at a time are cut into A4 size by the sheet cutting device 9, and six A4 size sheets and one A3 size sheet are discharged. Set to

  In the billing form shown in FIG. 19, since the A4 size and the A3 size are the same for monochrome printing, two A4 size originals are gathered on A3 size paper as much as possible, and the paper is cut after the printing process is completed. The apparatus 9 cuts A3 size paper in half at the center of the long side.

  Further, in the case of this original example, when the original images are allocated in the page order, the fifth original image 5G4 and the sixth original image 6G3 are in the order of the originals having a size different from the A4 size and the A3 size. Since the type of original cannot be assigned, the original size of the original image stored in the image information storage unit is confirmed, and the same A4 size seventh original image 7G4 assigned together with the fifth original image 5G4 is searched. , Assign the originals.

Below, the charge amount using the low charge print recommendation system of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is shown.
In the case of monochrome copy printing, printing processing is performed on A3 size paper 4 (sheets).
A3 size: 4 (sheets) x 10 (yen) = 40 (yen)
The copy fee is 40 (yen).
Compared to 70 (yen) according to the conventional method, the cost is 30 (yen).

For color copy printing,
A3 size: 4 (sheets) x 80 (yen) = 320 (yen)
The copy fee is 320 (yen).
Compared to 380 (yen) according to the conventional method, the cost is 60 (yen).

  Thus, by using the low charge printing recommendation system of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to perform charge printing at low cost for both monochrome printing and color copy printing.

  Since it is configured as described above, according to the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 functions as a printing system that charges according to a preset printing format, and includes a sheet feeder 6 that reads image data, and a selection A print setting unit 40 for setting the image data to a print format desired by the user, and a display unit 71 for displaying print information. The recording medium is an A4 size sheet as a first sheet, and a second sheet. A3 size paper, and a paper cutting device 9 having a function of cutting to A4 size paper after forming a print image on A3 size paper, and printing with a low charge amount according to the printing conditions of the user By providing a function for setting the format (recommended system for low-cost printing), it is possible to easily output a desired print image at a lower price considering the charging format according to the printing conditions. It can be. Thereby, a printed matter can be provided to the user at a low charge.

  In the first embodiment, the print cutting apparatus 9 forms the print image on the A3 size paper and then cuts the paper to the A4 size. Therefore, the user cuts from the A3 size to the A4 size after the output. Save time and effort.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which double-sided printing is added to a low charging printing format by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Note that the image forming apparatus used in the second embodiment uses the image forming apparatus 1 having the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the description of the configuration is omitted.

  The second embodiment is characterized in that low-charge printing is set using double-sided printing in addition to the low-charge printing format by the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the document is once scanned by the sheet feeder 6 in a mixed state of different paper sizes, and the scanned image is stored in the image information storage unit 11 inside the main body. The size is stored, including the page order of the read original.

  Then, based on the document information stored in the image information storage unit, a print format (print condition) with the least charge is set in accordance with the charge form shown in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, based on the document information obtained by scanning the document in step 1, in step 2, the first document image 1G4 to the fourth document image 4G4 of the A4 size document image are converted to A3 size. Double-sided printing is performed on the front and back surfaces of one sheet of paper, two images of a fifth document image 5G4 and a seventh document image 7G4 are printed on a single sheet of A3 size, and a sixth document image 6G3 of A3 size is 1 Set to print on A3 size paper.

In step 3, one sheet of A3 size with four images printed on the front and back sides;
A sheet of A3 size printed on two screens on one side is cut into A4 size by a sheet cutting device 9, and two sheets of A4 size printed on both sides, two sheets of A4 size, 1 A sheet of A3 size is set to be discharged.

  Note that there is a method in which two images of the fifth document image 5G4 and the seventh document image 7G4 are printed on both sides of one sheet of A4 size paper. However, two images are allocated to an A3 size sheet, and then cut into A4 size sheets. Even if two sheets are used, the amount is the same as that of 10 (yen) per sheet, so the latter method that allows the user to see the original more easily is selected.

  In this example, since four A4 size original images are gathered and printed on one A3 size sheet, it is possible to output at the price of one A3 size sheet.

Below, the charge amount using the low charge print recommendation system of the image forming apparatus 1 of the second embodiment is shown.
In the case of monochrome copy printing, the printing process is for A3 size paper 3 (sheets).
A3 size: 3 (sheets) x 10 (yen) = 30 (yen)
The copy fee is 30 (yen).
Compared to 70 (yen) according to the conventional method, the cost is 40 (yen).

For color copy printing,
A3 size: 3 (sheets) x 80 (yen) = 240 (yen)
The copy fee is 240 (yen).
Compared to 380 (yen) according to the conventional method, the cost is 140 (yen).

  With the configuration as described above, according to the second embodiment, by using the low charge printing recommendation system of the image forming apparatus 1, both monochrome printing and color copy printing can be performed at low cost.

  In the second embodiment, double-sided printing is permitted. However, by setting double-sided printing, if the page order is such that it is difficult to determine the page order of the printed matter, double-sided printing is intentionally stopped and printing is performed. / Easy to arrange in page order after paper discharge.

  If it is allowed to shift the page order of the document images, for example, the fifth document image 5G4 and the seventh document image 7G4 are allocated on the back side of the A3 size paper on which the sixth document image 6G3 is printed. If you print it, the billing fee will be even cheaper.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a printing format when normal printing is performed by the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing format for low charge printing by the image forming device. is there.
Note that the image forming apparatus used in the third embodiment uses the image forming apparatus 1 having the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the description of the configuration is omitted.

  In the third embodiment, low-cost printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 1 when a plurality of copies are printed on a single document.

  In the third embodiment, three A4 size original images are copied and printed from one A4 size original. Usually, as shown in FIG. 13, three A4 size sheets are used for copying. Print.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, based on the document information obtained by scanning the document in step 1, in step 2, the first document image 1G4 of the A4 size document image is formed on one A3 size sheet. Two-image layout printing is performed, and setting is made so that advertisement allocation printing of the first original image 1G4, the coupon ticket 10G4, and the like is performed on another sheet of A3 size.

  In step 3, two A3 size papers that are assigned and printed by two images are cut into A4 size by the paper cutting device 9, and four A4 size papers are discharged.

The billing amount using the low billing printing recommendation system of the image forming apparatus 1 of the third embodiment is shown below.
In the case of monochrome copy printing, the printing process is for A3 size paper 2 (sheets).
A3 size: 2 (sheets) x 10 (yen) = 20 (yen)
The copy fee is 20 (yen).
According to the conventional method, 3 (sheets) × 10 (yen) = 30 (yen), so that 10 (yen) is inexpensive.

For color copy printing,
A3 size: 2 (sheets) x 80 (yen) = 160 (yen)
The copy fee is 160 (yen).
According to the conventional method, 3 (sheets) × 5 = 150 (yen), so that 10 (yen) is increased.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, by using the low charge printing recommendation system of the image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to perform charge printing at a low cost in monochrome copy printing.

  In the third embodiment, an A4 size image is assigned and printed by adding the last one and another one. For example, in a convenience store, information about the store, coupons, and the like are displayed on this additional surface. When printing is performed, the user may be able to obtain advantageous information without paying an extra charging fee.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print format for low charge printing by the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Note that the image forming apparatus used in the fourth embodiment uses the image forming apparatus 1 having the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the description of the configuration is omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, low-cost printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 1 when a plurality of copies are printed on a single document.

  In the fourth embodiment, three A4 size original images are copied and printed from one A4 size original. As shown in FIG. 2, the first original image 1G4 of the A4 size original image is set to print two first images on one A3 size paper and the first original image 1G4 on one A4 size paper. .

  In step 3, one sheet of A3 size that has been assigned and printed two images at a time is cut into A4 size by the sheet cutting device 9, and three A4 size sheets are discharged.

For color copy printing,
A3 size: 1 (sheet) x 80 (yen) = 80 (yen)
A4 size: 1 (sheet) x 50 (yen) = 50 (yen)
The copy fee is 130 (yen).
According to the conventional method, since 3 (sheets) × 5 = 150 (yen), 20 (yen) is inexpensive.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, by using the low charge printing recommendation system of the image forming apparatus 1, charge printing can be performed at low cost in color copy printing.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a printing format when normal printing is performed by the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing format for low charge printing by the image forming device. is there.
Note that the image forming apparatus used in the fifth embodiment uses an image forming apparatus having the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the description of the configuration is omitted.

  In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, low cost printing by the image forming apparatus 1 is performed when one copy of each of five A4 size originals and one A3 size original is printed. Is.

Here, it is assumed that the images of five A4 size documents 1 to 5 are first document image 1G4 to fifth document image 5G4, respectively, and the image of one A3 size document 6 is sixth document image 6G3.
Then, a printed copy is obtained with the same paper size as the original document.

  The billing amount for each of monochrome / color copy printing in which the original state of the original is copied as is is shown below.

(Conventional method)
The charge amount according to the conventional method is 10 (yen) per sheet for both A4 size and A3 size for monochrome copy printing.
A4 size: 5 (sheets) x 10 (yen) = 50 (yen)
A3 size: 1 (sheet) x 10 (yen) = 10 (yen)
The total copy fee is 60 (yen).

In the case of color copy printing, the A4 size is 50 (yen) per sheet, and the A3 size is 80 (yen) per sheet.
A4 size: 5 (sheets) x 50 (yen) = 250 (yen)
A3 size: 1 (sheet) x 80 (yen) = 80 (yen)
Thus, the total copy fee is 330 (yen).

(Recommended system for low-cost printing)
Next, charged printing setting when double-sided printing is not performed regardless of the size of the original document using the low-charge printing recommended system of the image forming apparatus 1 of the fifth embodiment will be described.

  In the fifth embodiment, since only the sixth document image 6G3 is an A3 size document, when printing in the original document size, it is necessary to output only the sixth document image 6G3 on A3 size paper. When the sixth original image 6G3 can be reduced to A4 size of 1/2 size, low-charge printing is possible.

  In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, based on the document information obtained by scanning the document in step 1, in step 2, four images of the first document image 1G4 to the fourth document image 4G4 of the A4 size document image are displayed. Is assigned and printed on two A3 size papers by two images, and the sixth original image 6G3 is reduced to A4 size and assigned to one A3 size paper together with the fifth original image 5G4 and the seventh original image 7G4. Set to print.

  In step 3, three A3 size sheets printed two images at a time are cut into A4 size by the sheet cutting device 9, and six A4 size sheets are set to be discharged.

The billing amount using the low billing printing recommendation system of the image forming apparatus 1 of the fifth embodiment is shown below.
For monochrome copy printing,
A3 size: 3 (sheets) x 10 (yen) = 30 (yen)
The copy fee is 30 (yen).
Compared to 60 (yen) according to the conventional method, the cost is 30 (yen).

For color copy printing,
A3 size: 3 (sheets) x 80 (yen) = 240 (yen)
The copy fee is 240 (yen).
Compared with 330 (yen) according to the conventional method, the cost is 90 (yen).

  With the above-described configuration, according to the fifth embodiment, by permitting variable magnification printing in the image forming apparatus 1, both monochrome printing and color copy printing can be performed at a lower cost and charge printing.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print format for low-charge printing by the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Note that the image forming apparatus used in the sixth embodiment uses the image forming apparatus having the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the description of the configuration is omitted.

  The sixth embodiment is characterized in that the low-charge printing by the image forming apparatus 1 permits double-sided printing regardless of the size of the original document, and sets the print format so as to reduce the charge fee as much as possible. To do.

  In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, based on the document information obtained by scanning the document in step 1, in step 2, four images of the first document image 1G4 to the fourth document image 4G4 of the A4 size document image are obtained. Is printed on both front and back sides of one A3 size sheet, the sixth document image 6G3 is reduced to A4 size, and printed together with the fifth document image 5G4 and the seventh document image 7G4 on one A3 size sheet. Set to

  In step 3, one sheet of A3 size with four images printed on the front and back sides and one sheet of A3 size with two screens printed on one side are cut into A4 size by the sheet cutting device 9. Set to eject four A4 size sheets.

  The billing amount using the low billing printing recommendation system of the image forming apparatus 1 of the sixth embodiment is shown below.

For monochrome copy printing,
A3 size: 2 (sheets) x 10 (yen) = 20 (yen)
The copy fee is 20 (yen).
Compared to 60 (yen) according to the conventional method, the cost is 40 (yen).

For color copy printing,
A3 size: 2 (sheets) x 80 (yen) = 160 (yen)
The copy fee is 160 (yen).
Compared to 330 (yen) according to the conventional method, the cost is 170 (yen).

  With the above-described configuration, according to the sixth embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 permits scaling printing regardless of the size of the original document and also allows double-sided printing, thereby allowing monochrome printing and color printing. Both copy printing and charge printing can be performed at a lower cost.

  As described above, by using and selecting the low charge printing recommendation system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, charge printing is performed at a lower charge than the conventional method in accordance with the output printing form desired by the user. Is possible.

  Further, by adopting the low charge printing recommendation system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the number of sheets of the necessary paper size is simply printed as it is by taking advantage of the characteristics specific to the charge fee form. On the other hand, by providing a sheet cutting device inside an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, it is possible to realize a low charge and obtain a printed matter at a low charge that satisfies the user.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various change is possible in the range shown to the claim. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 6 Sheet feeder (reading means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Paper cutting apparatus 11 Image information storage part 15 Document information storage part 20 Control part 21 Image formation part 22 Print processing part 23 Cutting control part 30 Charging part (billing means)
31 Print Information Management Unit 32 Paper Size Information 33 Billing Information 40 Print Setting Unit (Print Setting Unit)
41 Candidate Calculation Unit 42 Candidate Storage Unit 43 Candidate Display Unit 71 Display Unit (Display Unit)
151 Number of Documents 152 Image Color Information 153 Document Size Information 711 Selection Screen 712 Print Format Recommendation Screen

Claims (13)

A reading unit that reads image data; a print setting unit that sets the selected image data in a user-desired print format; an image forming unit that forms a print image on a recording medium based on the selected image data; and print information And an image forming apparatus that functions as a printing system that charges according to a preset printing format.
The recording medium includes a first sheet and a second sheet having a size twice that of the first sheet.
A paper cutting device having a function of cutting the second paper into the first paper size;
The paper cutting device has a function of cutting to the first paper size after forming a print image on the second paper,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the print setting unit has a function of setting a print format with a low charge amount according to a print condition.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing format includes at least one of single-sided printing, double-sided printing, layout printing, scaling printing, and monochrome / color printing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition includes a paper size to be used.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition includes layout printing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition includes single-sided printing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition includes double-sided printing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition includes monochrome printing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition includes color printing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition includes whether or not a paper discharge order is a page order.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition includes a predetermined printing format restriction.   11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print condition is a charge amount priority that makes the charge amount the lowest.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit has a function of displaying a result of a printing format set according to the printing condition.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit has a function of displaying an image in a printing format set according to the printing condition.

Images