JP2020161930A - Accounting apparatus and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an accounting apparatus and an image processing apparatus that, when interrupting first image processing for a first user under execution with second image processing for a second user, can reduce a disadvantage felt by the first user.SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus, a control unit 18 comprises an acquisition processing unit 81 and a determination processing unit 82. The acquisition determination unit 81 can acquire an interruption instruction indicating execution of processing to interrupt the first image processing under execution with second image processing different from the first image processing. The determination processing unit 82 determines a first amount billed corresponding to the first image processing based on a predetermined charge system. When the acquisition processing unit 81 acquires the interruption instruction, the determination processing unit 82 determines a second amount billed corresponding to the second image processing based on the charge system, and determines an additional amount corresponding to the interruption processing with the second image processing and added to the second amount billed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a billing processing device and an image processing device.

A store or a commercial facility may be equipped with an image processing device capable of providing an image processing including a copying function to a user, subject to payment of a fee. In the image processing device, the charge processing unit calculates the charge amount based on a predetermined charge system (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2008-134427

While the first user is using the image processing device, a situation may occur in which a second user different from the first user interrupts and uses the image processing device. In the above situation, if the billing processing unit calculates the billing amount for the first user and the second user based on the same charge system, the first user may feel disadvantageous.

An object of the present invention is a billing process that can reduce the disadvantage of the first user when the second image processing for the second user is interrupted during the first image processing for the first user. The purpose is to provide an apparatus and an image processing apparatus.

The billing processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition processing unit and a determination processing unit. The acquisition processing unit can acquire an interrupt instruction indicating that the second image processing different from the first image processing is interrupted during the execution of the first image processing. The determination processing unit determines the first billing amount corresponding to the first image processing based on a predetermined charge system. When the acquisition processing unit acquires the interruption instruction, the determination processing unit determines a second billing amount corresponding to the second image processing based on the charge system, and interrupts the second image processing. Determine an additional amount that corresponds to the processing and is added to the second billing amount.

The image processing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes the billing processing device.

According to each aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the feeling of disadvantage of the first user when the second image processing for the second user is interrupted during the first image processing for the first user. It is possible to provide a charging processing device and an image processing device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a charged image processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image processing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a detailed configuration of the second discharge portion of FIG. FIG. 5A is a first flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control unit of FIG. FIG. 5B is a second flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control unit of FIG. FIG. 5C is a third flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control unit of FIG. FIG. 5D is a fourth flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control unit of FIG. FIG. 5E is a fifth flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control unit of FIG.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of understanding the present invention. The following embodiments are examples that embody the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a charged image processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The billing image processing system 100 is installed in a store such as a convenience store, a commercial facility such as a shopping mall, or a public facility such as a library. As shown in FIG. 1, the billing image processing system 100 includes an image processing device 101 and a toll collection device 102. The image processing device 101 and the toll collection device 102 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other, for example, through a communication cable 103.

The image processing device 101 is a multifunction device having a scanning function, a printing function, a facsimile function, a data saving function, a copying function, and the like capable of performing image processing. The image processing device 101 may be a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a copier.

The fee collecting device 102 collects a usage fee from a user who uses the function of the image processing device 101. Specifically, the charge collection device 102 is a coin vendor that includes a money slot 21 and collects the usage fee from the money inserted into the slot 21 by the user. The toll collection device 102 may collect the usage fee from an IC card owned by the user and in which monetary information is recorded.

Further, the arrow X indicates the left-right direction of the image processing device 101 and the toll collection device 102. The arrow Y indicates the front-rear direction of the image processing device 101 and the toll collection device 102. The arrow Z indicates the vertical direction of the image processing device 101 and the toll collection device 102.

The image processing device 101 includes an operation display unit 11, an ADF 12, an image reading unit 13, a feeding unit 14, an image forming unit 15, a first discharging unit 16, and a second discharging unit 17.

The operation display unit 11 is provided on the front side of the image processing device 101 near the upper right corner. The operation display unit 11 includes a plurality of buttons operated by the user. The plurality of buttons include a start button 11A and an interrupt button 11B. The start button 11A is operated when the image processing device 101 starts the image processing. The interrupt button 11B is an image process different from the first image process (hereinafter, referred to as a second image process) while the image processing device 101 is executing an image process (hereinafter, may be referred to as a first image process). It is operated when interrupt processing (may be).

The operation display unit 11 further includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display. The operation display unit 11 displays various screens under the control of the control unit 18.

The ADF 12 is an automatic document transfer device, and is provided above the image processing device 101. A plurality of documents to be read by the image reading unit 13 can be set in the ADF 12 by the user. The ADF 12 sequentially conveys the documents to the image reading unit 13 one by one.

The image reading unit 13 is provided directly below the ADF 12. The image reading unit 13 optically reads the document conveyed by the ADF 12 and generates image data representing the image of the document. The image reading unit 13 transmits the image data to the control unit 18.

As shown in FIG. 3, the feeding unit 14 is provided at a position near the lower end of the image processing device 101. The feeding unit 14 includes a supply cassette 14A and a transport roller 14B. A plurality of sheets can be accommodated in the supply cassette 14A. The transport roller 14B sequentially picks up sheets (for example, paper) one by one from the supply cassette 14A and transports them to the image forming unit 15.

The image forming unit 15 is provided directly above the feeding unit 14. The image forming unit 15 forms an image based on the image data on the sheet. Specifically, the image forming unit 15 includes a photoconductor drum 51, a charger 52, an optical scanning unit 53, a developing device 54, a transfer roller 55, and a fixing unit 56.

The charger 52, the optical scanning unit 53, and the developing device 54 form a toner image represented by the image data transmitted by the image reading unit 13 on the photoconductor drum 51 by an electrophotographic method. Specifically, the charger 52 uniformly charges the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 51. The optical scanning unit 53 forms an electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 51 by irradiating the peripheral surface with a light beam based on the image data. The developer 54 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image representing the image of the original on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 51.

The transfer roller 55 transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 51 onto a sheet conveyed by the feeding unit 14. The sheet to which the toner image is transferred is heated and pressed on the fixing portion 56 to fix the toner image on the sheet. The fixing portion 56 sends the sheet on which the toner image is fixed from the outlet 56A of the fixing portion 56 to the common transport path 57.

The image forming unit 15 may form an image on the sheet by an inkjet method instead of the electrophotographic method.

The common transport path 57 extends upward from the outlet 56A to the branch portion 57A. The branch portion 57A is provided at a position between the image reading unit 13 and the image forming unit 15 in the vertical direction. The branch portion 57A is provided at a position closer to the right end of the image processing device 101 in the left-right direction. Two individual transport paths 58A and 58B are connected to the branch portion 57A. The individual transport path 58A passes above the individual transport path 58B from the branch portion 57A and reaches the discharge port 59A. The individual transport path 58B passes from the branch portion 57A to the lower side of the individual transport path 58A and reaches the discharge port 59B.

The image processing device 101 further includes a claw portion 510 provided in the vicinity of the branch portion 57A. The claw portion 510 can swing bidirectionally between the first position P1 and the second position P2 under the control of the control unit 18 (see FIG. 2). The first position P1 is a position where the individual transport path 58B can be closed, and the second position P2 is a position where the individual transport path 58A can be closed.

When the claw portion 510 is in the first position P1, the sheet sent out from the fixing portion 56 is transported in the common transport path 57 and the individual transport path 58A, and then discharged from the discharge port 59A. When the claw portion 510 is in the second position P2, the sheet sent out from the fixing portion 56 is conveyed in the common transport path 57 and the individual transport path 58B, and then discharged from the discharge port 59B.

The first discharge unit 16 and the second discharge unit 17 are provided in a space formed between the image reading unit 13 and the image forming unit 15. The first discharge unit 16 is a discharge tray provided above the second discharge unit 17. The sheet discharged from the discharge port 59A is placed on the first discharge unit 16.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a detailed configuration of the second discharge unit 17. As shown in FIG. 4, the second discharge unit 17 includes an accommodating unit 171, a door unit 172, and a lock unit 173.

A storage space 174 is formed in the storage portion 171. The storage space 174 can accommodate the sheet discharged from the discharge port 59B. The front end of the accommodation space 174 is an opening 175 that opens toward the front of the image processing device 101.

The door portion 172 is attached at a position near the front end of the accommodating portion 171. The door portion 172 can be opened and closed by the operation of the user. When the door portion 172 is closed, the opening 175 is closed to block the accommodation space 174 from the outside. On the other hand, the door portion 172 opens the accommodation space 174 when it is opened.

The lock portion 173 is an electronic lock or an electric lock, and locks the closed door portion 172 so that the user cannot open it. However, the lock unit 173 releases the lock so that the user can open the door unit 172 in response to the release information D11 (see FIG. 2) transmitted from the control unit 18.

The state of the accommodating portion 171 changes between the first state S1 in which the accommodating space 174 is closed by the door portion 172 and the lock portion 173, and the second state S2 in which the accommodating space 174 can be opened.

The second discharge unit 17 may be provided with a drawer unit that can be inserted into or pulled out from the storage unit 171 and on which the second copy is loaded, instead of the door unit 172. .. In this case, the lock portion 173 locks the drawer portion inserted into the accommodating portion 171 so that the user cannot open it. However, the lock unit 173 releases the lock so that the user can pull out the drawer unit in response to the release information D11 (see FIG. 2) transmitted from the control unit 18. The state of the accommodating portion 171 changes between the first state S1 in which the accommodating space 174 is closed and the second state S2 in which the accommodating space 174 can be opened by the drawer portion and the locking portion 173.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 101 further includes a control unit 18.

The control unit 18 includes a program storage unit, a main storage unit, and a processing unit (not shown). The program storage unit is a ROM or the like, and stores the program in advance. The main storage unit is a RAM or the like. The processing unit is a CPU or the like, and by executing the program using the main storage unit, the operation display unit 11, the ADF 12, the image reading unit 13, the feeding unit 14, the image forming unit 15, and the second discharge unit are used. The operation of the unit 17 and the like is collectively controlled. The control unit 18 may be an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC).

The control unit 18 is a billing processing device according to the present invention, and as shown in FIG. 2, the acquisition processing unit 81, the determination processing unit 82, the switching processing unit 83, the interrupt instruction recording unit 84, and the refund processing unit 85 and. When the processing unit executes the program, the control unit 18 functions as an acquisition processing unit 81, a determination processing unit 82, a switching processing unit 83, an interrupt instruction recording unit 84, and a refund processing unit 85.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 18 comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming unit 15 and the like, and also functions as the acquisition processing unit 81 and the like. However, the image processing device 101 includes a plurality of control units, one of the plurality of control units collectively controls the image forming unit 15 and the like, and the other one of the plurality of control units is the acquisition processing unit 81 and the like. May function as.

The usage scenes of the image processing device 101 are roughly classified into a first usage scene and a second usage scene described below. In the first usage scene, the user A uses the image processing device 101 that has not been subjected to image processing. In this case, the user A puts money into the slot 21 (see FIG. 1) of the toll collection device 102 in order to use the image processing device 101. In the second usage scene, another user B causes the image processing device 101 to interrupt the second image processing while the image processing device 101 is executing the first image processing.

Hereinafter, the processing and operation of the image processing device 101 in the first usage scene and the second usage scene will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5A to 5E. Here, FIGS. 5A to 5E are flowcharts showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the control unit 18 in the image processing device 101.

The toll collection device 102 counts and stores the input amount by the user A. As shown in FIG. 5A, the toll collection device 102 further transmits information D12 indicating that money has been inserted to the image processing device 101. In the control unit 18, the acquisition processing unit 81 acquires the information D12 (step S101).

User A further sets a plurality of first documents in the ADF 12. A first image is shown in each of the plurality of first documents. The plurality of first manuscripts are the targets of the first image processing in the image processing apparatus 101. Specifically, the first image processing is a first copying process. After starting the execution of the first copying process, the image processing apparatus 101 generates a plurality of first duplicates, which are duplicates of each of the plurality of first documents.

The user A further operates the operation display unit 11 to set the conditions for the first image processing. The condition is the size of the sheet used in the first copying process and the like. In the control unit 18, the acquisition processing unit 81 acquires the information D13 indicating the conditions set by the user A from the operation display unit 11 and stores it in the main storage unit (step S102).

The determination processing unit 82 determines the first billing amount corresponding to the first image processing based on the information D13 and the predetermined charge system, and collects the information D14 indicating the first billing amount as the charge collection device. It is transmitted to 102 (step S103). Specifically, the first billed amount is a fee required to produce one said first duplicate. The toll collection device 102 stores the information D14 transmitted by the image processing device 101.

The user A operates the start button 11A when the insertion of the money, the setting of the plurality of first original documents, and the setting of the conditions are completed. The control unit 18 acquires information D15 indicating that the start button 11A has been operated (step S104).

Next, the control unit 18 executes the first reading process, which is a part of the first copying process (step S105). Specifically, in step S105, the control unit 18 controls the operations of the ADF 12 and the image reading unit 13. As a result, the ADF 12 sequentially conveys the first documents set in the ADF 12 to the image reading unit 13 one by one. The image reading unit 13 optically reads the first documents conveyed by the ADF 12 one by one, and generates first image data representing the first image shown in the first documents. The image reading unit 13 further transfers the first image data to the main storage unit of the control unit 18.

Next, the control unit 18 executes RIP processing based on the conditions on the first image data in the main storage unit to create a plurality of first page data in the main storage unit (step S106). ). Here, the RIP process is a process of converting image data into a raster image. The plurality of first page data represents an image in which the plurality of first images are processed so as to meet the conditions such as sheet size. In step S106, the control unit 18 further arranges the head address positions in which each of the plurality of first page data is stored in the main storage unit in the processing order of the plurality of first page data and stores them in the main storage unit. To do.

Next, the control unit 18 starts the first image forming process which is a part of the first copying process (step S107). Specifically, in step S107, the control unit 18 first positions the claw portion 510 at the first position P1. The control unit 18 further controls the operations of the feeding unit 14 and the image forming unit 15. Further, the control unit 18 reads the plurality of first page data from the head address position in the main storage unit according to the processing order and transmits the data to the optical scanning unit 53. As a result, the image forming unit 15 sequentially forms images based on the plurality of first page data on the sheet, and sequentially generates the plurality of first copies. The image forming unit 15 sequentially discharges the plurality of first copies from the discharge port 59A to the first discharge unit 16 through the common transport path 57 and the individual transport paths 58A.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the control unit 18 determines whether or not one first copy has been discharged from the discharge port 59A after step S107 (step S108). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the image processing device 101 further includes a reflection type optical sensor 511A. The optical sensor 511A emits light toward a portion near the discharge port 59A in the individual transport path 58A, and can receive the reflected light from the sheet passing through the discharge port 59A. When the optical sensor 511A receives the reflected light, it transmits a detection signal D16 having a Hi level (see FIG. 2) to the control unit 18, and when it does not receive the reflected light, it transmits a detection signal D16 having a Lo level. It is transmitted to the control unit 18. When the control unit 18 detects that the detection signal D16 has changed from the Hi level to the Lo level, it determines that one first copy has been discharged from the discharge port 59A in step S108, and processes the process in step S109. Proceed. When the detection signal D16 has not changed from the Hi level to the Lo level, the control unit 18 determines in step S108 that one first copy has not been discharged from the discharge port 59A, and performs the process in step S108. Return to.

In step S109, the control unit 18 transmits the deduction instruction D17 to the toll collection device 102. The deduction instruction D17 is information indicating that the first billing amount is deducted from the input amount. Each time the toll collection device 102 receives the deduction instruction D17, the toll collection device 102 deducts the first billing amount indicated by the information D13 stored internally from the input amount.

Here, in the case of the second usage scene, the user B first operates the interrupt button 11B in order to cause the image processing device 101 to perform interrupt processing. In the control unit 18, the acquisition processing unit 81 can acquire the interrupt instruction D18 from the interrupt button 11B. The interrupt instruction D18 is information indicating that the second image processing different from the first image processing is interrupted. When the acquisition processing unit 81 acquires the interrupt instruction D18, the interrupt instruction recording unit 84 records the interrupt instruction D18 in the main storage unit or the like (see FIG. 2).

After step S109, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the interrupt instruction D18 is recorded in the main storage unit (step S110). When the interrupt instruction D18 is recorded, the control unit 18 advances the process to step S112. When the interrupt instruction D18 is not recorded, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the first image forming process for all the first page data stored in the main storage unit has been completed (step S111). .. When the control unit 18 determines that the first image forming process has not been completed, the control unit 18 returns the process to step S108. On the other hand, when the control unit 18 determines that the first image formation process has been completed, the control unit 18 determines that the second image formation process in the second use scene is not performed, and the control unit 18 does not perform the second image formation process in the first use scene. Ends a series of processes to be executed. In this case, the user A takes out a plurality of first copies from the first discharge unit 16. Further, the user A operates the refund button 22 (see FIG. 1) provided in the toll collection device 102, if necessary. In response to the operation of the refund button 22, the toll collection device 102 discharges the balance to the return port 23 (see FIG. 1) provided in the toll collection device 102. User A takes out the balance discharged to the return port 23.

If it is determined in step S110 that the interrupt instruction D18 has been recorded, the control unit 18 executes the interruption process of the first image forming process in step S112. In the interruption process, the control unit 18 stores a storage area specified by a specific address in the main storage unit. The specific address indicates a recording area in which the first page data having the first processing order among the first page data in which the first image forming process has not been executed is stored in the main storage unit. In the interruption process, the control unit 18 further displays a first screen on the operation display unit 11 indicating that the operation of the refund button 22 (see FIG. 1) is urged.

When the first screen is displayed on the operation display unit 11, the user A operates the refund button 22 (see FIG. 1) provided in the toll collection device 102. In response to the operation of the refund button 22, the toll collection device 102 discharges the balance to the return port 23 (see FIG. 1) provided in the toll collection device 102. Further, the toll collection device 102 transmits information D19 indicating that the operation of the refund button 22 has been performed to the control unit 18.

After the end of step S112, the control unit 18 waits for the information D19 to be transmitted from the toll collection device 102, and determines whether or not the information D19 has been acquired within the first specific time from the end of step S112. (Step S113). If the information D19 cannot be acquired within the first specific time, the control unit 18 proceeds to step S128 (see FIG. 5D). On the other hand, if the control unit 18 can acquire the information D19 within the first specific time, the control unit 18 proceeds to the process in step S114.

In step S114, the control unit 18 prompts the input port 21 (see FIG. 1) to input money necessary for the second image processing, and the door unit 172 (see FIG. 4) is closed. A second screen indicating that confirmation is requested is displayed on the operation display unit 11. The user B puts money into the slot 21 (see FIG. 1) of the toll collection device 102 in order to use the image processing device 101. The toll collection device 102 counts and stores the input amount by the user B. The toll collection device 102 further transmits information D22 indicating that the money has been inserted to the image processing device 101.

Further, the user B closes the door portion 172 when the door portion 172 is open. When the door portion 172 is closed, the lock portion 173 locks the closed door portion 172 so that the user cannot open it. As a result, the state of the accommodating portion 171 becomes the first state S1.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the control unit 18 waits for the information D22 to be transmitted from the toll collection device 102 after the step S114, and sends the information D22 within the second specific time from the end of the execution of the step S114. It is determined whether or not it has been acquired (step S115). If the information D22 cannot be acquired within the second specific time, the control unit 18 proceeds to step S128 (see FIG. 5D). On the other hand, if the control unit 18 can acquire the information D22 within the first specific time, the control unit 18 proceeds to the process in step S116.

User B sets at least one second manuscript in the ADF 12 in addition to the money input. A second image is shown in each of the at least one second manuscript. The plurality of second manuscripts are the targets of the second image processing in the image processing device 101. Specifically, the second image processing is a second copying process. After the execution of the second copying process is started, the image processing device 101 generates a plurality of second copies, which are copies of each of the plurality of second documents. The target of the second image processing is not limited to a plurality of second manuscripts, but may be at least one second manuscript.

The user B further operates the operation display unit 11 to set the conditions for the second image processing. The condition is the size of the sheet used in the second copying process and the like. In the control unit 18, the acquisition processing unit 81 acquires the information D23 indicating the conditions set by the user B from the operation display unit 11 and stores it in the main storage unit (step S116). When the acquisition processing unit 81 acquires the interrupt instruction D18, the determination processing unit 82 determines the second billing amount corresponding to the second image processing based on the information D23 and the charge system, and the first 2 Information D24 indicating the billing amount is transmitted to the toll collection device 102 (step S117). Specifically, the second bill is the fee required to produce one piece of the second copy. The toll collection device 102 stores the information D24 transmitted by the image processing device 101.

The user B operates the start button 11A when the insertion of the money, the setting of the plurality of second documents, and the setting of the conditions are completed. The control unit 18 acquires the information D15 transmitted by the start button 11A (step S118).

Next, the control unit 18 executes a second reading process that is a part of the second copying process (step S119). In the second scanning process, the ADF 12 sequentially conveys the second document set in the ADF 12 to the image scanning unit 13 one by one. In the second scanning process, the image reading unit 13 optically reads the plurality of second documents conveyed by the ADF 12 one by one, and the plurality of second images shown on each of the plurality of second documents. The second image data representing the above is sequentially generated. In the second reading process, the image reading unit 13 further transfers the second image data to the main storage unit of the control unit 18.

Next, the control unit 18 executes the RIP process based on the conditions on the second image data in the main storage unit to create a plurality of second page data in the main storage unit (step). S120). The plurality of second page data represents an image in which the plurality of second images are processed so as to meet the above-mentioned condition such as sheet size. In step S120, the control unit 18 further arranges the head address positions in which each of the plurality of second page data is stored in the main storage unit in the processing order of the plurality of second page data and stores them in the main storage unit. To do.

Next, the control unit 18 starts the second image forming process, which is another part of the second copying process (step S121). In the second image forming process, the control unit 18 first positions the claw portion 510 at the second position P2 (see FIG. 3) to control the operations of the feeding unit 14 and the image forming unit 15. Further, the control unit 18 reads the plurality of second page data from the head address position in the main storage unit according to the processing order, and transmits the data to the optical scanning unit 53. As a result, the image forming unit 15 sequentially forms images based on the plurality of second page data on the sheet, and sequentially generates the plurality of second copies. The image forming unit 15 sequentially discharges the plurality of second copies from the discharge port 59B to the second discharge unit 17 through the common transport path 57 and the individual transport path 58B. The above is the second image forming process. During the execution of the second image forming process, the switching processing unit 83 maintains the state of the accommodating unit 171 in the first state S1.

As shown in FIG. 5D, the control unit 18 determines whether or not one second copy has been discharged from the discharge port 59B after step S121 (step S122). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the image processing device 101 further includes a reflection type optical sensor 511B. The optical sensor 511B emits light toward a portion in the vicinity of the discharge port 59B in the individual transport path 58B, and can receive the reflected light from the sheet passing through the discharge port 59B. When the optical sensor 511B receives the reflected light, it transmits a detection signal D26 having a Hi level (see FIG. 2) to the control unit 18, and when it does not receive the reflected light, it transmits a detection signal D26 having a Lo level. It is transmitted to the control unit 18. When the control unit 18 detects that the detection signal D26 has changed from the Hi level to the Lo level, it determines that one second copy has been discharged from the discharge port 59B in step S122, and processes the process in step S123. Proceed. When the detection signal D26 has not changed from the Hi level to the Lo level, the control unit 18 determines in step S122 that one first copy has not been discharged from the discharge port 59A, and performs the process in step S122. Return to.

In step S123, the control unit 18 transmits the deduction instruction D27 to the toll collection device 102. The deduction instruction D27 is information indicating that the second billing amount is deducted from the input amount. Each time the toll collection device 102 receives the deduction instruction D27, the toll collection device 102 deducts the second billing amount indicated by the information D23 stored internally from the input amount.

Next, in step S124, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the second image forming process for all the second page data stored in the main storage unit has been completed. When the control unit 18 determines that the second image forming process has not been completed, the control unit 18 returns the process to step S122. When the control unit 18 determines that the first image forming process has been completed, the determination processing unit 82 determines an additional amount corresponding to the interrupt processing of the second image processing and added to the second billing amount. Then, the information D28 indicating the additional amount is transmitted to the toll collection device 102 (step S125). The additional amount is a charge borne by the user B when the image processing device 101 executes the interrupt processing. Specifically, the control unit 18 counts the time required from the start of the second reading process (step S119 in FIG. 5C) to the end of the second image forming process (YES in step S124) by a time measuring unit (not shown). .. The required time corresponds to the time required for the second image processing in the present invention. The determination processing unit 82 determines the additional amount based on the required time. More specifically, the determination processing unit 82 determines the additional amount by multiplying the predetermined time unit price by the required time. The additional amount may be a predetermined fixed amount. Upon receiving the information D28, the toll collection device 102 deducts the additional amount indicated by the information D28 from the input amount. After that, the toll collection device 102 transmits the information D29 indicating that the collection of the additional amount is completed to the control unit 18.

After the end of step S125, the control unit 18 waits for the information D29 to be transmitted from the toll collection device 102, and determines whether or not the information D29 has been acquired within the third specific time from the end of step S125. (Step S126). If the control unit 18 cannot acquire the information D29 within the third specific time, the control unit 18 proceeds to the process in step S128. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 can acquire the information D22 within the third specific time, the control unit 18 proceeds to the process in step S127.

In step S127, the switching processing unit 83 of the control unit 18 switches the state of the accommodating unit 171 from the first state S1 (see FIG. 4) to the second state S2. Specifically, the switching processing unit 83 transmits the release information D11 (see FIG. 2) to the lock unit 173 to unlock the lock unit 173. After that, the user B opens the door portion 172 of the second discharge portion 17 (see FIG. 4), takes out the plurality of second copies from the accommodation space 174, and then closes the door portion 172. Further, the user B operates the refund button 22 (see FIG. 1) as needed. In response to this operation, the toll collection device 102 discharges the balance to the return port 23 (see FIG. 1).

Next, in step S128, the control unit 18 displays on the operation display unit 11 a second screen indicating that the insertion port 21 (see FIG. 1) is prompted to insert money required for the first image processing. .. The user A puts money into the slot 21 (see FIG. 1) in order to resume the use of the image processing device 101. The toll collection device 102 counts and stores the input amount by the user A. The toll collection device 102 further transmits information D31 indicating that the money has been inserted to the image processing device 101.

As shown in FIG. 5E, the control unit 18 waits for the information D31 to be transmitted from the toll collection device 102 after the step S128, and acquires the information D31 within the fourth specific time from the end of the step S128. It is determined whether or not this has been done (step S129). If the information D31 cannot be acquired within the fourth specific time, the control unit 18 ends a series of processes. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 can acquire the information D31 within the fourth specific time, the control unit 18 proceeds to the process in step S130.

Next, in step S130, the control unit 18 restarts the first image forming process. In step S130, the control unit 18 first positions the claw unit 510 at the first position P1 and controls the operations of the feeding unit 14 and the image forming unit 15. In step S130, the control unit 18 further reads the first page data from the storage area indicated by the specific address according to the processing order, and transmits the data to the optical scanning unit 53. As a result, the image forming unit 15 sequentially forms an image based on the first page data in which the first image forming process has not been executed on the sheet, and sequentially generates the plurality of first copies. The image forming unit 15 sequentially discharges the plurality of first copies from the discharge port 59A to the first discharge unit 16 through the common transport path 57 and the individual transport paths 58A.

Next, the control unit 18 determines whether or not one first copy has been discharged from the discharge port 59A based on the detection signal D16 transmitted by the optical sensor 511A (step S131). When the control unit 18 determines that one first copy has not been discharged from the discharge port 59A, the control unit 18 returns the process to step S131. When the control unit 18 determines that one first copy has been discharged from the discharge port 59A, the control unit 18 transmits a deduction instruction D17 to the toll collection device 102 (step S132). Upon receiving the deduction instruction D17, the toll collection device 102 deducts the first billing amount indicated by the information D13 stored internally from the input amount.

Next, in step S133, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the first image forming process for all the first page data stored in the main storage unit has been completed. When the control unit 18 determines that the first image forming process has not been completed, the control unit 18 returns the process to step S131. When the control unit 18 determines that the first image forming process has been completed, the determination processing unit 82 determines the amount to be reduced from the first billing amount (step S134). Here, the reduced amount is the same amount as the additional amount.

Next, the refund processing unit 85 executes the refund processing (step S135). The refund process is a process for refunding a reduced amount reduced from the first billed amount corresponding to the first image processing. Specifically, in the refund processing, the refund processing unit 85 transmits the refund instruction D32 to the toll collection device 102. The refund instruction D32 is information indicating the reduced amount and adding the reduced amount to the balance. When the toll collection device 102 receives the refund instruction D32, the toll collection device 102 adds the reduced amount to the balance stored internally.

The reduced amount may be less than the additional amount. In this case, the refund processing unit 85 transmits a refund instruction D32 indicating the reduced amount of the amount less than the additional amount to the toll collection device 102.

Next, the control unit 18 displays a third screen on the operation display unit 11 (step S136) indicating that the first image processing has been completed and prompts the operation of the refund button 22, and a series of processes. To finish. After visually recognizing the third screen, the user A takes out a plurality of first copies from the first discharge unit 16. Further, the user A operates the refund button 22 (see FIG. 1) and takes out the balance after the reduction has been settled from the return port 23 (see FIG. 1).

While the user A is using the image processing device, a situation may occur in which a user B different from the user A interrupts and uses the image processing device 101. In the above situation, if the billing processing unit calculates the billing amount for each of the users A and B based on the same billing system, the user A may feel disadvantageous.

On the other hand, the control unit 18 (that is, the charge processing device) and the image processing device 101 request the user B to pay the additional amount. Therefore, when the second image processing is interrupted during the first image processing, it is possible to reduce the user A having a feeling of disadvantage. Further, the control unit 18 (that is, the billing processing device) and the image processing device 101 execute a refund process for refunding the reduced amount to the user A. Therefore, when the second image processing is interrupted during the first image processing, it is possible to further reduce the user A's feeling of disadvantage.

In addition, the image processing device 101 includes a second discharge unit 17 so that the second copy cannot be taken out from the second discharge unit 17 unless the user B pays the additional amount. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user B from taking away the second copy without paying the additional amount.

Further, the image processing device 101 includes a first discharge unit 16 and a second discharge unit 17, which are different from each other, discharge the plurality of first copies to the first discharge unit 16, and discharge the second copy to the second discharge unit 16. Discharge to unit 17. As a result, it is possible to prevent the plurality of first copies and the second copy from being mixed in the same discharge unit. As a result, the user A can easily take out the plurality of first copies from the image processing device 101, and the user B can easily take out the second copy from the second discharge unit 17.

In the embodiment, the case where the first image processing is the first copying process and the second image processing is the second copying process has been described. The image processing device 101 can execute various processes other than the copying process. Specifically, the image processing device 101 temporarily stores the image data generated by the image reading unit 13 in the main storage unit, transfers the image data to a storage device (not shown) included in the image processing device 101, and stores the image data. The save process can be executed. The image processing device 101 temporarily stores the image data generated by the image reading unit 13 in the main storage unit, and transmits the image data to a remote facsimile from a fax transmission unit (not shown) included in the image processing device 101. Fax transmission processing can be executed. The first image processing may be a first storage processing or a first fax transmission processing instead of the first copying processing. Further, the second image processing may be a second storage process different from the first storage process instead of the second copy process, or a second fax transmission different from the first fax transmission process. It may be processed.

100 Charged image processing system 101 Image processing device 18 Control unit, Charge processing device 81 Acquisition processing unit 82 Decision processing unit 83 Switching processing unit 84 Interrupt instruction recording unit 85 Refund processing unit

Claims (7)

An acquisition processing unit capable of acquiring an interrupt instruction indicating that a second image processing different from the first image processing is interrupted during execution of the first image processing.
It is provided with a determination processing unit that determines a first billing amount corresponding to the first image processing based on a predetermined charge system.
When the acquisition processing unit acquires the interruption instruction, the determination processing unit determines a second billing amount corresponding to the second image processing based on the charge system, and interrupts the second image processing. Determine the additional amount to be processed and added to the second billing amount,
Billing processing device. The determination processing unit determines the additional amount based on the time required for the second image processing.
The billing processing device according to claim 1. The determination processing unit further determines the amount to be reduced from the first billing amount when the acquisition processing unit acquires the interrupt instruction.
The billing processing device according to claim 1 or 2. A refund processing unit for executing the refund processing for the reduced amount after the completion of the second image processing and when the additional amount is paid is further provided.
The billing processing device according to claim 3. An image processing device including the billing processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. In the first image processing, a plurality of first images are sequentially formed on a plurality of sheets, and when the interruption instruction is acquired by the acquisition processing unit, the first image processing is interrupted and the second image processing is executed. Then, in the second image processing, an image forming unit that forms at least one second image on the sheet, and
A first discharging portion in which each of the plurality of sheets on which the plurality of first images are formed is discharged, and
It further includes a second discharge portion from which the sheet on which the second image is formed is discharged.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5. The second discharge unit has a first state in which a storage space capable of accommodating the sheet on which the second image is formed is formed and the accommodation space is closed, and a second state in which the accommodation space can be opened. Includes containment that changes state between
The state of the housing unit is maintained in the first state during the execution of the second image processing, and the state of the housing unit is changed after the completion of the second image processing and when the additional amount is paid. A switching processing unit for switching from the first state to the second state is further provided.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6.

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