JP3804339B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that is applied to a self-service type copying machine that a customer uses by charging a fee, a copying machine that counts the number of used sheets and collects a fee according to the counted value, and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, a copier installed in a convenience store has a coin vendor as a charge input unit, and a customer charges a fee for each copy mode (for example, a monochrome copy fee or a color copy fee). By inserting it into a coin vendor, the copier can be used in self-service.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, conventionally, the set fee for each copy mode is fixed to a predetermined amount. For this reason, if the owner (administrator) of the copier wants to discount the set fee used depending on the day of the week, or if there is a customer's request that the midnight fee be discounted, etc. There was a disadvantage that it could not cope with.
[0004]
In addition, even in a copier of the type that counts the number of used sheets and collects a fee according to the counted value, the number of used sheets was uniformly counted, so in response to a request for setting a fee according to the usage time zone, etc. There was a limit to the improvement of the figure and service.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of setting a fee according to a time condition, counting the number of used sheets, and providing a service according to a request of an administrator or a customer. Is an issue.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-described problems, one of the present inventions relates to a self-service image forming apparatus that a customer inputs and uses a charge, and includes a charge input unit, and by charging the charge input unit, Condition setting means for setting a timing condition in an image forming apparatus that permits use of the apparatus, calculates a charge according to the usage amount according to a set charge, and continues the operation of the apparatus while the calculated charge is within the input charge And a timing condition determination means for determining whether or not a timing condition at the time of use matches a timing condition set by the condition setting means, and a timing condition at the time of use by the timing condition determination means Is determined not to meet a preset timing condition, the first charge is used as the set fee, and it is determined that the preset timing condition is met Said Using a second charge different from the first fee as a constant rates, to calculate the fee according to the amountAnd, when it is determined that the timing condition at the time of use matches a preset timing condition, regardless of whether an error occurs in the middle of one job, until the end of the job, Hold the second charge as the setting charge and calculate the chargeAnd an arithmetic means.
[0007]
  According to this image forming apparatus, when it is determined that the time condition at the time of use matches the predetermined condition, the set fee is changed to the second fee, and if the above condition is not satisfied, the first fee is changed. The usage fee is calculated with the set fee. For this reason, the owner of the image forming apparatus can perform an appropriate response in consideration of the customer's request, the operation rate of the apparatus, etc. by setting the second fee under a predetermined time condition at a low price. it can. Moreover,If it is determined that the timing conditions at the time of use match the preset timing conditions, the set fee will be charged until the end of the job regardless of whether an error has occurred during the job. Since the fee is calculated while holding the second fee, an error occurs in the image forming apparatus when, for example, the timing condition is deviated in the middle of one job or in the middle of one job. In the meantime, even if it is out of the above-mentioned time condition, the customer can continue to use it with the second charge at ease, and the service for the customer can be improved.
[0008]
  Another aspect of the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus of a type in which the number of used sheets is counted and a fee corresponding to the counted value is separately collected.First charge appliesA first counting means for counting the number of sheets used;Second counting means for counting the number of used sheets to which a second fee different from the first fee is applied;A condition setting means for setting a timing condition; a timing condition determination means for determining whether the timing condition at the time of use matches the timing condition set by the condition setting means;WithBy the time condition determining means, the time condition during use isIf it is determined that the predetermined time condition is not met, the number of used sheets is counted by the first counting means,When it is determined that a preset time condition is met, the second counting unit uses the job until the end of the job regardless of whether an error occurs during the job. Count the number of sheetsIs supposed to beIt is characterized by that.
[0009]
  In this image forming apparatus, since the number of sheets used in a predetermined time condition is counted by the second counting unit, various measures such as, for example, discounting the use fee when the predetermined time condition is met. Is possible. Also,If it is determined that the timing condition at the time of use matches the preset timing condition, it is used until the end of the job regardless of whether or not an error occurs during the job. Since the number of sheets is counted as the second number of used sheets, even if it deviates from the timing condition in the middle of use, the number of used sheets is counted as the second number of used sheets.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a digital full-color copying machine as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a charge-in type copying machine.
[0016]
The copying machine 90 includes a copying machine main body 1 and a coin vendor 60 as a fee entry section.
[0017]
The copying machine main body 1 includes a housing 20 and a document table 2 provided on the upper surface side of the housing 20. The image scanner unit 10 in the document table 2 reads a document,
The digital signal processing unit (unit) 19 performs signal processing. The printer unit 35 provided in the housing 20 prints out an image corresponding to the original image read by the image scanner unit 10 in full color on a sheet P as a transfer material.
[0018]
In the image scanner unit 10, a document (not shown) placed on the document table 2 is pressed by the pressing plate 2a, but this is replaced when an automatic document feeder (not shown) is mounted.
[0019]
A document on a platen glass (not shown) is irradiated with light from a lamp 13 held by a slider 11 that can be shifted in the horizontal direction of the drawing. Reflected light from the original is guided to mirrors 12, 14, 15, and 16 and then forms an image on a linear full color sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 17. The output from the CCD 17 is converted into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components, which are full color information, and sent to the digital signal processing unit 19.
[0020]
The digital signal processing unit 19 electrically processes the signal from the CCD 17 and decomposes it into cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (Bk) components, and the original document is processed once. For scanning, C, M, Y, and Bk color component signals are sequentially sent to the printer unit 35. That is, one printout is completed by a total of four document scans (frame sequential transfer method).
[0021]
Specifically, the C, M, Y, and Bk image signals sent to the digital signal processing unit 19 are input to the laser diode drive 21, and the semiconductor laser 21a in the laser diode drive 21 is driven according to the image signal level. Modulate. Laser light from the semiconductor laser 21 scans the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22 which is an image carrier through a polygon mirror or the like (not shown). Prior to this, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22 is charged by the charging charger 25, and the irradiated portion of the laser beam becomes an electrostatic latent image.
[0022]
The developing unit 26 includes developing units 26C, 26M, 26Y, and 26K corresponding to C, M, Y, and Bk, respectively, and the developing units 26C, 26M, 26Y, and 26K are photosensitive drums that are image carriers. The electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface 22 is developed with a positively charged developer (that is, toner). Thereby, the electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22 is visualized and becomes a toner image (image).
[0023]
A cleaner 24 is disposed around the photosensitive drum 22 on the upstream side of the charging charger 25.
[0024]
On the other hand, paper feed units 41, 42, and 43 are disposed in the lower space in the housing 20. The paper P fed from the paper feed units 41, 42, 43 via the paper feed rollers 41 a, 42 a, 43 a passes through the timing roller 28, and then is a transfer conveyance body that rotates synchronously with the photosensitive drum 22. It is sent to a certain transfer drum 27 and is electrostatically attracted by the attracting roller 29 and the attracting charger 31. In this state, when the transfer drum 27 is rotationally displaced to the transfer position with respect to the photosensitive drum 22, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 22 is transferred onto the paper P attached to the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 27 by the transfer charger 31. The
[0025]
Through these steps, the four colors C, M, Y, and Bk are sequentially transferred onto the paper P, and then the paper P is separated from the transfer drum 27 by the separation charger 33 and the separation claw 32. Next, the paper P passes through the fixing unit 35 composed of a pair of upper and lower fixing rollers 35A and 35B while being conveyed to the discharge unit 50 side, and after being subjected to toner image fixing processing, is discharged to the paper discharge tray 36. Paper.
[0026]
The transfer drum 27 from which the paper P has been separated is electrically discharged by the charge removal charger 34 after the oil adhering to the outer peripheral surface thereof is removed by the cleaner 37.
[0027]
In the double-sided copy mode, the paper P after fixing is conveyed to the reverse conveyance path 52 by the switching claw 51 and is supplied again to the transfer drum 27 through the path 55 in a state where the front and back sides are reversed. The original inserted from the manual feed tray 54 provided below the paper discharge tray 36 is taken into the passage 55 by the paper feed roller 53 and supplied to the transfer drum 27 side, and the toner image is transferred in the same manner as described above. Is done.
[0028]
A coin vendor 60 is electrically connected to the copying machine main body 1 via a cable 59 so that the customer can use it by self-service. On the upper surface of the main body 60A of the coin vendor 60, there are provided a coin insertion slot 62 as a fee, an operation indicator lamp 63, a push button 65 for returning the balance, a balance display section 66, and the like. In the lower part of the front surface, a remaining money return port 64 is formed.
[0029]
Further, the copying machine main body 1 is equipped with a control unit (FIG. 3) 80 for controlling various operations. The control unit 80 activates the copying machine main body 1 and displays a permission to use the copying machine when a fee equal to or higher than the unit price (corresponding to one copy) is inserted into the coin insertion slot 62. The operation indicator lamp 63 is turned on, and a charge corresponding to the amount used (number of copies during monochrome copy or color copy) is calculated according to the set charge, and the operation of the device is within the calculated charge. To continue.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 2, the copying machine main body 1 is electrically connected to an external device 71 such as a personal computer via transmission / reception modems 72 and 73 and a public communication line 74, so that data can be exchanged between them. Sending and receiving is set to be possible. The control unit 80 is mounted in a loading chamber 75 formed in the copying machine main body 1.
[0031]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the copying machine 90.
[0032]
In FIG. 3, the control unit 80 includes a CPU 81 that is a control subject, a ROM 82 that stores an operation program, a ROM 83 that is used for writing data, an EPROM 84 that records data in an erasable manner, and an input port 86. And an output port 87.
[0033]
The CPU 81 receives various operation input signals from the operation panel 75 of the copier body 1, control signals from the various control sensors 76, signals from the coin vendor 60, and the like via the input port 76. . A control signal from the CPU 81 is sent to the image scanner unit 10, the printer unit 35, and the coin vendor 60 of the copying machine 1 through the output port 87.
[0034]
In the EPROM 84, as will be described later, it is registered that the set fee is changed to a special fee (second fee) different from the fixed fee (first fee) and the special fee can be changed. Has been. Examples of the time condition include at least one of year, month, day, day of the week, and time zone. In this example, the month, day of the week, and time zone can be set.
[0035]
Reference numeral 77 in FIG. 3 denotes a setting unit provided in the copying machine main body 1 for setting the time condition. For example, the setting unit 77 can set and change the time condition by inputting a recitation number or the like via the operation panel 75. Further, this time condition can be set and changed at any time by remote operation from the external device 71 described above.
[0036]
Reference numeral 88 denotes a clock circuit having a calendar function, which can specify the date and time when the copying machine 80 is used.
[0037]
The CPU 81 determines whether or not the timing conditions when using the copying machine match the timing conditions (month day, day of the week, and time zone), and a fixed fee or It functions as a calculation means for calculating the usage fee with a special fee. Furthermore, it also serves as counting means such as a counter for counting the number of copies used in the normal mode and a counter for counting the number of copies used in the special fee mode, and the count result is sequentially sent to the external device 71 as data. It has come to be.
[0038]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 90 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the following description and drawings, step is abbreviated as S.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the entire operation of the copying machine 90.
[0040]
When the power of the copying machine 90 is turned on, in S100, the RAM 83, the EEPROM 84, etc. are initialized, then the routine proceeds to a condition setting routine (S200), and thereafter, the routine proceeds to a charge switching routine S300. Finally, the process proceeds to the copy control routine 400.
[0041]
There are two modes for the charge mode of the copying machine 90. One is a “copying fee fixed mode” with a uniform charge, and the other is a “time setting fee mode” (special fee) in which the copying fee varies depending on the conditions of “month”, “day of the week”, and “time zone”. Mode). In the setting routine (S200), processing as shown in FIG. 5 is performed.
[0042]
In FIG. 5, in S201, it is determined whether or not a request for changing the setting of time conditions has been made. Assume that the owner or serviceman of the copying machine 90 needs to set or change the “copying unit price”, “month”, “day of the week”, and “time zone”. If entered, it is determined in S201 that a setting change request has been made (YES in S201), and the process proceeds to S203. If the setting change request by the condition setting unit 77 has not been made (NO in S201), it is determined in S202 whether or not a setting change request has been made from the external device 71 using the telephone line 74, and the setting change request is received. If not done (NO in S202), the process returns.
[0043]
Also when a setting change request is made from external device 71 (YES in S202), the process proceeds to S203.
[0044]
In S203, it is determined whether or not to set the charge, that is, whether or not the charge setting mode is set.
[0045]
If it is the charge setting mode (YES in S203), in S204, the unit price for monochrome copying is input as data A and the unit price for color copying is input as data B. Then, in S205, whether or not the time zone is set. It is determined whether or not the time zone setting mode is set. If it is not the charge setting mode (NO in S203), it is similarly determined in S205 whether or not it is the time zone setting mode.
[0046]
If the request is for the time zone setting mode (YES in S205), the input start time and end time are stored in EEPROM 84 as time zone data, and then the process returns. If it is not a request for the time zone setting mode (NO in S205), it is determined in S207 whether or not to set the day of the week, that is, whether or not it is the day of the week setting mode. In step S208, the input day of the week is stored in the EEPROM 84 as day-of-week data, and the process returns. If it is not a request for the day setting mode (NO in S207), it is determined in S209 whether the month is set, that is, whether the month setting mode is set. If the request is for the month setting mode (YES in S209), the input month is stored as data in EEPROM 84, and the process returns. If it is not a request for the month setting mode (NO in S210), the process returns.
[0047]
Next, the charge switching routine S300 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0048]
In FIG. 6, in S301, it is determined whether or not the copying flag = 0. The copying flag will be described later. If the copying flag = 0 (YES in S301), it is determined in S302 whether or not the mode is a mode for applying a time setting fee (special fee). If the copying operation flag is not 0 (NO in S301), the process returns.
[0049]
If it is the time setting fee mode (YES in S302), whether or not to change the fee in S303, that is, whether the time zone, day of the week and month when using the copy match the set time zone, day of the week and month It is determined by referring to the clock circuit 88.
[0050]
If the charge is changed according to the conditions (YES in S303), the copy unit price input in S204 of FIG. 5 is set in S304, and further, the copy to which the time setting charge is applied in S305. After specifying the counter for counting the number of sheets, the process returns.
[0051]
On the other hand, if it is not the time setting fee mode in S302 (NO in S302), it is the copy fee fixed mode, and the fixed fee is applied even when the fee change in S303 is not performed (NO in S303). In S306, the normal copy unit price (fixed fee) already registered is read and set, and after specifying the counter for counting the number of copies to which the fixed fee is applied in S307, the process returns. .
[0052]
As described above, when it is determined that the time zone, day of the week, and month, which are conditions for changing the setting fee for using the copier 90 to the special fee, are satisfied, the setting fee is changed to the special fee. If the conditions are not met, it is calculated at the normal set fee. For this reason, the owner of the copying machine 90 can set a copy fee by setting the set fee for any day of the week at a high price, or setting the set fee for a time zone that can be used without waiting for the customer, for example, a set fee for the night. The machine 90 can be operated with high profitability. Moreover, if there is a time zone that is set at a reasonable price, the customer's request can be answered.
[0053]
The process of the copy control routine S400 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0054]
In FIG. 7, first, in S401, it is determined whether or not the coin vendor 60 is connected to the copying machine main body 1. If coin vendor 60 is connected (YES in S401), the process proceeds to a mode in which a charge count in S402 and thereafter is executed. If the coin vendor 60 is not connected (NO in S401), normal copy control in S406 is executed.
[0055]
If the coin vendor 60 is connected, it is determined in S402 whether or not the start key on the operation panel 75 has been pressed. If the start key is pressed (YES in S402), the process proceeds to a copy permission determination routine (S403) described later, and the copy balance, which is a fee charged to the coin vendor 60, is checked. If the balance is higher than the copy unit price, the copy permission flag is set to “1”. If the balance is less than the copy unit price, the copy permission flag is set to “0”, and whether or not the copy permission flag is 1 in S404. Judging.
[0056]
If the copy permission flag = 1 (YES in S404), the copying flag is set to “1” in S405, and the process returns. If the copy permission flag = 1 is not set (NO in S404), the process returns. .
[0057]
If the start key has not been pressed (NO in S402), it is determined in S407 whether or not a copying flag = 1. If the copying flag = 1 (YES in S407), it is determined in S408 whether or not it is a copy discharge timing. If it is the copy discharge timing (YES in S408), after calculating the balance by subtracting the unit price corresponding to the color copy mode or monochrome copy mode from the previous balance in S409, in S410, in S305 or S307 above Add the set counter. From this counter, the number of copies in the time setting fee mode and the number of copies in the normal fee mode can be known.
[0058]
If the copying flag is not 1 in S407 (NO in S407), the process returns. If the copy discharge timing is not reached (NO in S408), the process returns.
[0059]
When the addition of the counter is executed, in S411, it is determined whether or not there are remaining jobs. If there are remaining jobs (YES in S411), the process proceeds to the copy permission determination routine S403, where the copy balance is checked and the copy permission flag is set.
[0060]
In S412, the copy permission flag is checked. That is, it is determined whether or not the copy permission flag = 1. If the copy permission flag = 1 (YES in S412), the copying flag is set to “1” in S413.
[0061]
If there is no remaining job (NO in S411), the copying flag is set to “0” in S414, and the process returns. If the copy permission flag is not 1 (NO in S412), the process returns after the copying flag is set to “0” in S414. In this way, when the time zone, day of week, and month conditions are met, the permission flag is maintained at 1 as long as there are remaining jobs on the assumption that copying can be continued. Until there is no job and the copying flag becomes 0, there is no transition to the normal charge. Accordingly, if the timing condition is deviated in the middle of one job, or if the error occurs in the image forming apparatus in the middle of one job, the special fee will be charged. This is an effective service for users of copying machines.
[0062]
In the copy permission determination routine S403, processing as shown in FIG. 8 is performed.
[0063]
In FIG. 8, first, in S4031, it is determined whether or not the copy mode is monochrome. If the copy mode is monochrome (YES in S4031), it is determined in S4032 whether the remaining amount is higher than the monochrome copy unit price. If the remaining balance is higher than the monochrome copy unit price (YES in S4032), it is possible to continue copying, so the process returns after setting the copy permission flag to “1” in S4033. If the balance is not more than the monochrome copy unit price (NO in S4032), the process returns after setting the copy permission flag to “0” in S4034.
[0064]
If the copy mode is not monochrome (NO in S4031), it is determined in S4035 whether the remaining amount is higher than the color copy unit price. If the remaining balance is greater than the color copy unit price (YES in S4035), it is possible to continue copying, and the process returns after setting the copy permission flag to "1" in S4036. If the balance is not more than the color copy unit price (NO in S4035), the process returns after setting the copy permission flag to “0” in S4037.
[0065]
Next explained is an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention. This image forming apparatus is a fee collection type image forming apparatus according to the count value of the number of copies, but has the same configuration except that the coin vendor 60 is deleted in the copying machine shown in FIGS. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the configuration of each part, and the description and overall configuration drawings are omitted.
[0066]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0067]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the overall operation of the copying machine 90.
[0068]
When the power of the copying machine 90 is turned on, in S500, the RAM 83, the EEPROM 84, etc. are initialized, and then the process proceeds to a condition setting routine (S600), and thereafter, the process proceeds to a charge switching routine S700. Finally, the process proceeds to the copy control routine 800.
[0069]
There are two modes for the copy number mode of the copying machine 90. One is “Fixed Fee Sheet Mode” with a uniform charge, and the other is “Time Set Sheet Mode” where the copy fee varies depending on the conditions of “Month”, “Day of Week”, and “Time Zone” (special fee). Mode). In the setting routine (S600), processing as shown in FIG. 10 is performed.
[0070]
In FIG. 10, in S <b> 601, it is determined whether or not a request for changing the setting of time conditions is made. Assume that the owner or serviceman of the copying machine 90 needs to set or change the “copying unit price”, “month”, “day of the week”, and “time zone”. If entered, it is determined in S601 that a setting change request has been made (YES in S601), and the process proceeds to S605. If the setting change request by the condition setting unit 77 has not been made (NO in S601), it is determined whether or not a setting change request has been made from the external device 71 using the telephone line 74 in S602. If not done (NO in S602), the process returns.
[0071]
When a setting change request is made from the external device 71 (YES in S602), the process proceeds to S605.
[0072]
In S605, it is determined whether or not the time zone is set, that is, whether or not the time zone setting mode is set. If the request is for the time zone setting mode (YES in S605), the input start time and end time are stored in EEPROM 84 as time zone data, and then the process returns. If it is not a request for the time zone setting mode (NO in S605), it is determined in S206 whether or not to set the day of the week, that is, whether or not it is the day of the week setting mode, and if it is a request for the day of the week setting mode (S607). In step S608, the input day of the week is stored in the EEPROM 84 as day-of-week data, and then the process returns. If it is not a request for the day setting mode (NO in S607), it is determined in S609 whether the month is set, that is, whether the month setting mode is set. If the request is for the month setting mode (YES in S609), the input month is stored as data in EEPROM 84, and the process returns. If it is not a request for the month setting mode (NO in S610), the process returns.
[0073]
Next, the charge switching routine S700 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0074]
In FIG. 11, in S701, it is determined whether or not the copying flag = 0. If the copying flag = 0 (YES in S701), it is determined in S602 whether or not the mode is a mode for applying a time setting fee (special fee). If the copying operation flag is not 0 (NO in S701), the process returns.
[0075]
If it is the time setting fee mode (YES in S702), whether or not to change the fee in S703, that is, whether the time zone, day of the week and month when using the copy match the set time zone, day of the week and month Whether or not is determined with reference to the clock circuit 88.
[0076]
If the fee is changed in accordance with the conditions (YES in S703), in S705, a counter for counting the number of copies to which the time setting fee is applied is designated, and the process returns.
[0077]
On the other hand, if it is not the time setting fee mode in S702 (NO in S702), it is the copy fee fixed mode, and the fixed fee is applied even when the fee change in S703 is not performed (NO in S703). In step S707, the counter for counting the number of copies to which the fixed fee is applied is designated, and then the process returns.
[0078]
As described above, when it is determined that the time zone, day of the week, and month, which are conditions for changing the setting fee for using the copier 90 to the special fee, are satisfied, the copy is made at the counter for applying the special fee. If the number of sheets is counted and the condition is not satisfied, the number of copies is counted by a counter for applying a normal set fee. For this reason, the administrator of the copying machine 90 can set the fee for setting a certain day of the week, for example, or set the time zone that can be used without waiting for the customer, for example, the setting fee for the night to be reduced. The machine 90 can be operated with high profitability. Moreover, if there is a time zone that is set at a reasonable price, the customer's request can be answered.
[0079]
The process of the copy control routine S800 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0080]
In FIG. 12, first, in S802, it is determined whether or not the start key on the operation panel 75 has been pressed. If the start key is pressed (YES in S802), the copying flag is set to “1” in S805 and the process returns.
[0081]
If the start key has not been pressed (NO in S802), it is determined in S807 whether or not a copying flag = 1. If the copying in progress flag = 1 (YES in S807), it is determined in S808 whether or not it is a copy discharge timing. If it is the copy discharge timing (YES in S808), the counter specified in S705 or S707 is added in S810. From this counter, the number of copies in the time setting fee mode and the number of copies in the normal fee mode can be known. The number of copies is sent to the external device 71 via the modems 72 and 73 and the public communication line 74 so that it can be managed. The copy fee is calculated and collected according to the number of copies. If there are two types of copying, for example, monochrome and color copying, a plurality of counters may be set accordingly.
[0082]
If the copying flag is not 1 in S807 (NO in S807), the process returns. If the copy discharge timing is not reached (NO in S808), the process returns.
[0083]
When the addition of the counter is executed, in S811, it is determined whether there is a remaining job. If there is a remaining job (YES in S811), the copying flag is set to "1" in S813. If there is no remaining job (NO in S811), the copying flag is set to "0" in S814. Set to, respectively and return.
[0084]
Thus, when the time zone, day of the week, and month conditions are met, the copying flag is maintained at 1 as long as there are remaining jobs, so the remaining jobs disappear and the copying flag is set to 0. Until then, there will be no transition to regular charges. Accordingly, if the timing condition is deviated in the middle of one job, or if the error occurs in the image forming apparatus in the middle of one job, the special fee will be charged. This is an effective service for users of copying machines.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the time condition at the time of use matches the predetermined condition, the set fee is changed to the second fee, and if the above condition is not satisfied, Since the usage fee is calculated at the set fee of 1, the owner of the image forming apparatus etc. can set the second fee for a predetermined time condition at a low price, so that the customer's request and the operation rate of the device can be obtained. It is possible to take appropriate measures in consideration of the above.In addition, if the timing condition is deviated in the middle of one job, or the error is generated in the image forming apparatus in the middle of one job, the customer will be in the second condition. It is possible to continue to use the product with peace of mind, which is advantageous in terms of service to customers.
[0086]
  Further, according to the invention of claim 2, since the number of sheets used in a predetermined time condition is counted by the second counting means, the number counted by the second counting means is, for example, a fee. By setting it to be cheaper, it is possible to take an appropriate response in consideration of the customer's request, the operation rate of the device, and the like.In addition, if the timing condition is deviated in the middle of one job, or if the error occurs in the image forming apparatus in the middle of one job, the second use will occur. Since it is counted as the number of sheets, it is also advantageous in terms of service to customers.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a copying machine to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a copier in which the setting means for the time condition is an external device.
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the copier.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a setting routine in FIG. 4;
6 is a flowchart showing a charge switching routine in FIG. 4. FIG.
7 is a flowchart showing a copy control routine in FIG. 4. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a copy permission determination routine in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of a copying machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart showing a setting routine in FIG. 9. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a charge switching routine in FIG. 9;
12 is a flowchart showing a copy control routine in FIG. 9;
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Copy machine body
60 …… Coin vendor (charge input part)
71 ... Computer (External device)
77 .... Condition setting section (condition setting means)
81... CPU (temporal condition determination means, calculation means, counting means)
90... Image forming device (copier)

Claims (2)

A charge input unit is provided, the use of the device is permitted by inputting a fee into the charge input unit, a fee corresponding to the amount of use is calculated according to the set fee, and if the calculated fee is within the input fee, the operation of the device is In the image forming apparatus to be continued,
A condition setting means for setting a temporal condition;
A timing condition determination means for determining whether a timing condition at the time of use matches the timing condition set by the condition setting means;
When it is determined by the time condition determining means that the time condition at the time of use does not match the time condition set in advance, the first charge is used as the set charge, When it is determined that the time condition is met, a charge corresponding to the usage amount is calculated using a second charge different from the first charge as the set charge, and at the time of use If it is determined that the time condition of the current time matches the time condition set in advance, regardless of whether or not an error has occurred in the middle of one job, the set fee is set as the set fee until the end of the job. Calculation means for calculating the charge while holding the second charge;
An image forming apparatus comprising: First counting means for counting the number of used sheets to which the first fee applies ;
Second counting means for counting the number of used sheets to which a second fee different from the first fee is applied;
A condition setting means for setting a temporal condition;
A timing condition determination means for determining whether a timing condition at the time of use matches the timing condition set by the condition setting means;
With
When it is determined by the timing condition determining means that the timing condition at the time of use does not match a preset timing condition, the number of sheets used is counted by the first counting means, If it is determined that the set time condition is met, the number of sheets used by the second counting means until the end of the job regardless of whether or not an error has occurred in the middle of one job. an image forming apparatus characterized in that it is made as to count the.

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