JP3815216B2 - Image output system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image output system, and in particular, includes an image output device that records and outputs an image on recording paper based on image data, and a billing device that charges according to the image output by the image output device. The present invention relates to an image output system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, retailers and the like have been promoting sales by distributing coupon coupons that allow them to receive special discount services such as discounts on charges and exchange for prizes. With the spread of personal computers and digital cameras in recent years, coupon data can be created easily by creating coupon images and text proofreading, etc., and retailers etc. can print coupon data created in this way We ask a printing company to distribute printed coupons by inserting a newspaper or requesting a special distributor.
[0003]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-065242 discloses a technology for issuing tickets in a timely manner without using advertising costs and the like with simple capital investment by using a terminal with a coupon function that is installed in a store and issues coupons. Proposed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when coupons are folded into newspapers or distributed by specialized distributors, they are often discarded without being used because they are distributed to an unspecified number of people. Further, in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-065242, the coupon data (coupon data) could not be individually registered, so the advertiser can easily register the coupon data and distribute the coupon. There was a problem that could not be done.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and includes an image output device that outputs an image installed in a convenience store and the like and an image output device that charges according to the image output of the image output device An object is to easily register coupon data and distribute coupons effectively using the system.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is directed to an image output device that records and outputs an image on a recording sheet based on image data, and billing that is charged according to the image output by the image output device. An image output system comprising: an apparatus; De First input means for inputting data, and input from the first input means De Data Ru Swar Do Issued before De Before Recording Swar And Registered in the registration unit with respect to the registration unit for registering in association with the image output device; De Output instruction means for instructing output of an image based on data, and registration fee charge instruction means for instructing the charging apparatus to charge a registration fee in accordance with registration by the registration means; , If an amount more than the registration fee has been put in the billing device, Registered in the registration means De Data The Associated with the data Tapa Swar To Generate according to Registration confirmation information Out Force Output means and front Recording Swar Do Input from a second input means for input and the second input means Tapa Swar To Corresponding De Management processing execution means for executing management processing on the data.
[0007]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first input means is used. De Data is input, and the registration means responds to the input data. Ru Swar Do Publish and forward the data Recording Swar To Registered in association. That is, in the image output system, data can be registered, and the advertiser can individually register the data.
In addition, the charging device has a registration fee charging instruction means for instructing charging of a registration fee according to registration by the registration means, and can collect a coupon image registration fee from the advertiser, It is possible to increase the billing revenue of the image output system.
That is, in the present invention, the billing apparatus is shared by the customer and the advertiser.
Furthermore, the output means , If an amount more than the registration fee has been put in the billing device, Registered in the registration means De Data The Associated with the data Tapa Swar To Generate according to Registration confirmation information The management process execution means is input from the second input means. Tapa Swar To Corresponding De The management process to the data is executed.
[0008]
As stated in claim 2, De The data includes image data indicating an image of a coupon that is a cut-off ticket, an output permission expiration date of the coupon, an expiration date that the coupon can be used, a name of a store that can use the coupon, Additional information indicating at least one of the area where the store where the coupon is available, the type of the store where the coupon is available, and the discount amount of the discount service provided when the coupon is brought, It is good to comprise. In order to input such a coupon image, for example, as described in claim 3, the input unit performs mark recognition and image recognition on image data acquired by reading an image recorded on a document. Perform at least one of character recognition De Or the input means reads the electronic information recorded on the electronic information recording medium and reads the previous information. De Data may be acquired.
[0009]
The output instruction means is registered in the registration means. De The image output device is instructed to output the image based on the data, and the image output device The A recording sheet on which an image based on the data is recorded is output. That is, since a coupon ticket is issued in accordance with an instruction from the output instruction means, the coupon ticket can be effectively distributed, for example, only to a person who needs the coupon ticket.
[0011]
At this time, as described in claim 5, when the registration fee is not deposited in the charging device, or when a preset output permission time limit has passed after registration by the registration unit, in front De If you have a means for deleting data, the registration fee required for registration has not been collected. To de Data registration, and the output permission expiration date has passed. De Output of an image based on the data (a coupon is issued) can be prevented.
[0012]
In addition, as described in claim 6, the charging device De If an output fee billing instruction means for instructing billing of an output fee according to image output based on the data is further provided, the output fee can be collected from the customer when the coupon is issued, and the image output system The billing revenue can be increased.
[0013]
At this time, as described in claim 7, when the output fee is not deposited in the charging device, De If a further stop means for stopping the image output based on the data is further provided, it is possible to prevent the coupon ticket from being issued even though the output fee is not collected.
[0014]
In addition, as described in claim 8, if it further includes a fee notifying means for notifying the registration fee or the output fee, the advertiser To de The registration fee required for data registration can be notified, or the customer can be informed of the output fee required for receiving a coupon.
[0015]
Further, as described in claim 9, before the management processing execution means has registered by the registration means. De If you modify the data, the advertiser Is de Even after registering the data , De Data can be modified.
[0016]
Further, as described in claim 10, the output instruction means is registered before registration. De A search condition setting means for setting a search condition for searching for data, and a search condition set in the registration means based on the search condition set by the search condition setting means. De Search means for searching data, and before the search by the search means De If at least one of the data has output data setting means for setting image output instruction data for instructing image output, many De Even if the data is registered, simply set the search condition and the search condition will be met. De Since the image based on the data can be output, the customer can easily issue a desired coupon.
[0017]
At this time, as described in claim 11, the output instruction unit is configured to output a plurality of fronts by the output data setting unit. De If the data is set, De Instructing the composite output of the image based on the data, multiple recordings on one recording sheet De Since an image based on the data is synthesized, recorded, and output, the customer can receive a plurality of desired coupon tickets at a time.
[0018]
The pre-set by the output data setting means as described in claim 12 Image output instruction data If the customer further has a discount amount notification means for notifying the total discount amount of the data, the customer can easily grasp the total discount amount by the discount amount notification means, for example, the output fee for receiving a coupon ticket issuance. If necessary, the total discount amount and the output fee are compared, and if the total discount amount is higher, it is possible to determine whether a coupon is issued or the like.
[0019]
The management processing execution unit may execute the management process by the image output device. De If the number of image outputs based on the data is counted and the counted number of image outputs is notified, the advertiser De The number of image outputs based on the data, that is, the number of coupons issued can be grasped.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is an external view of an image output system to which the present invention is applied. An image output system 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration in which a touch panel is overlaid on a display panel made up of a liquid crystal display plate as a user interface, and an image output device (so-called multifunction device) 12 having a copy, printer, and FAX function. A personal computer (PC) 16 having a touch panel display 14 and a billing device 18 for permitting the number of copies / prints corresponding to the amount of money inserted. The personal computer 16, the image output device 12, and the billing device 18 are connected to each other by a wired connection via a predetermined cable or a wireless connection such as infrared communication.
[0022]
In this embodiment, the image output system 10 is installed in a plurality of convenience stores, etc., and as shown in FIG. 2, each image output system 10 is connected to a network 20 such as a LAN or the Internet, respectively. Communication with each other via the network 20 is possible.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 1, an auxiliary table 24 is attached to the mounting table 22 on which the personal computer 16 is mounted. The auxiliary base 24 is a rectangular flat plate type, one side of which is attached to the mounting table 22 by a hinge, and a handle part 26 is formed on the opposite side. The auxiliary base 24 is normally stored so that the handle portion 26 faces the floor surface and is perpendicular to the floor surface. The user has the handle portion 26 and is attached to the mounting table 22 by a hinge. When the auxiliary base 24 is rotated around the side where it is lifted, the auxiliary base 24 can be set horizontally with the floor surface. On the auxiliary table 24 after setting, a device owned by a user such as a notebook computer or a digital camera (hereinafter referred to as “user possessed device”) can be placed.
[0024]
The auxiliary base 24 stores a user interface cable (not shown) such as a USB cable, one end of which is connected to the personal computer 16 in advance, and the other end is a cable storage port (not shown) of the auxiliary base 24. (Omitted) can be connected to the user-owned device.
[0025]
In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the auxiliary base 24 on which the user-owned device can be placed is attached to the mounting base 22 by a hinge so that the auxiliary base 24 can be stored. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that a stand is provided on which the user can place the user holding device and operate the user holding device. Moreover, the stand on which the user-owned device can be placed may not be storable.
[0026]
FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of the image output system 10.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 3, the image output apparatus 12 is provided on the upper surface of the image output apparatus, the scanner module 40 constituting the scanner function, the printer module 42 constituting the printer function, the FAX module 44 constituting the FAX function. And a user interface 46 such as a display panel and operation buttons, and an image output unit (IOT-SYS) 48. The scanner module 40, the printer module 42, the FAX module 44, and the user interface 46 are respectively connected by a bus or the like. The image output unit 48 is mutually connected.
[0028]
The scanner module 40 includes a document feeding unit that transports a document in a predetermined direction and an image recorded on a document transported by the document feeding unit or a document placed on a document placing table by a fixed reading optical system. The image reading unit and the like are read out, and the image data read by the image reading unit is output to the image output unit 48.
[0029]
The FAX module 44 is connected to a telephone line (ISDN) and the personal computer 16 respectively. The FAX module 44 dials a transmission destination based on a signal from the user interface 46 or the personal computer 16 and acquires image data acquired by the scanner module or the personal computer 16. The image data is converted into a signal corresponding to the communication mode of the transmission destination and transmitted via the telephone line. In addition, a signal received via the telephone line is converted into image data and output to the image output unit 48.
[0030]
The printer module 42 is connected to a hub 52 connected to the network 20 via the communication control unit 50, and can communicate with other devices connected to the hub 52 and devices connected to the network 20. ing.
[0031]
The printer module 42 also includes a memory 54 that stores print jobs and image data. The printer module 42 receives print jobs transmitted from other devices through communication via the communication control unit 50 and temporarily stores them in the memory 54. When the image output device 12 becomes capable of performing an image output operation based on the print job, the print job is read from the memory 54, developed into image data, and output to the image output unit 48.
[0032]
The image output unit 48 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor based on the image data from the scanner module 40, the FAX module 44, or the printer module 42, and the formed electrostatic latent image is monochrome toner or color toner. The developed image is transferred to a recording sheet as a recording medium and output (this series of operations is referred to as “image output operation”).
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, the personal computer 16 includes a CPU 60, a memory 62 such as a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD, and an input / output port 64 for inputting and outputting data. The CPU 60, the memory 62, and the input / output port 64 are connected to each other via a bus.
[0034]
The input / output port 64 is connected to the hub 52 via the communication control unit 66, and can communicate with other devices (for example, the image output device 12) connected to the hub 52 and devices connected to the network 20. It has become.
[0035]
Further, the personal computer 16 is connected to the image output device 12, the billing device 18, and various peripheral devices via the input / output port 64 by wired connection via a predetermined cable or wireless connection such as infrared communication. Has been.
[0036]
As peripheral devices, in addition to the touch panel display 14, there are a keyboard 68, a mouse 70, a speaker 72, an external storage device 74, and the like. The external storage device 74 may be an FD drive, a CD-ROM drive, a CD-ROM writer, an MO drive, or the like that reads / writes data from / to an FD, CD-ROM, CD-RW, or MO. The speaker 72 may be built in the touch panel display 14.
[0037]
Various programs for operating the image output system 10 are preinstalled and stored in the memory 62, and the CPU 60 reads and executes these programs as appropriate. Specifically, not only the OS, but also the copy, printer, and fax application programs for driving the copy, printer, and fax functions of the image output device 12, coupon data registration, and coupon ticket issuance ( Hereinafter, an application program related to “registration / ticketing”), a billing information collecting application program for calculating a fee, a billing management program for managing the amount of money put into the billing apparatus 18 and the like are installed. By executing these programs, various user interface screens are displayed on the touch panel display, and an instruction from the user can be accepted.
[0038]
When the CPU 60 executes an application program relating to registration / ticketing, the personal computer 16 performs registration means, output instruction means, registration fee charging instruction means, output fee charging instruction means, deletion means, cancellation means, correction means, counting means. It is supposed to function as.
[0039]
The memory 62 also stores programs such as typical word processing software, layout software, and photo retouching software that are installed in advance. Furthermore, the memory 62 also stores a printer driver software program for the image output device 12 in advance. For example, the user-owned device is connected to the personal computer 16 via the user interface cable stored in the auxiliary table 24 described above. Then, the printer driver software program can be downloaded and installed in the user-owned device.
[0040]
In addition, a registration form for registering various screen data to be displayed on the touch panel display 14 and various data related to registration / ticketing, such as coupon data (hereinafter referred to as “coupon data”), in the memory 62. Data, registration confirmation sheet template data, coupon sheet template data, and the like are stored in advance.
[0041]
The memory 62 also stores coupon data registered using a registration form.
[0042]
The coupon data is input by reading an image recorded on a document using the scanner module 40 of the image output device 12 or read from an FD or CD-ROM set in the external storage device 74 and input. The That is, the memory 62 corresponds to registration means, and the scanner module 40 or the external storage device 74 corresponds to input means.
[0043]
The advertisement data may be stored in the memory 62 of the image output device 12, or a dedicated database may be provided in the image output system 10 and stored in the database. Alternatively, the personal computer 16 and the user possession device may be connected via a user interface cable, and advertisement data may be input from the user possession device.
[0044]
The billing device 18 uses a coin kit, and inserts coins or bills, a display panel for displaying the amount of money to be inserted and the balance, a return instruction button for instructing the return of the balance, and returning the balance. It has a return opening for the purpose.
[0045]
When the user inserts coins or bills from the insertion slot, the billing device 18 counts the amount inserted and displays the amount inserted on the display panel. In addition, when a user inputs a copy or print instruction by operating the user interface 46 of the image output apparatus 12 or the touch panel display 14 of the personal computer 16 and the image output apparatus 12 performs an image output operation. Then, the balance after subtracting the charge corresponding to the output number is displayed on the display panel. Further, when an instruction to return the balance is issued by operating the balance return button or the touch panel display 14 of the personal computer 16, the balance is returned to the user from the return slot.
[0046]
In this embodiment, a case where a coin kit is used as the charging device 18 will be described as an example. However, a prepaid card, a cash card, an internet connection credit, or the like may be used.
[0047]
Next, as operations of the present embodiment, processing related to coupon registration / issuance executed by the personal computer 16 will be described. 4 to 10 show processing routines executed by the personal computer 16 by executing the coupon registration / issuance application program by the CPU 60. FIG. In the following, a description will be given by dividing into coupon data registration processing, coupon ticket issuance processing, registered coupon data management processing, and automatic monitoring processing.
[0048]
In addition, the process at the time of coupon data registration, the process at the time of coupon ticket issuing, and the management process of the registered coupon data are performed based on the request | requirement from the user (advertiser or customer) input via the touch panel display 14. The automatic monitoring process is automatically executed in the background every predetermined time.
[0049]
[Process when registering coupon data]
When an advertiser such as a retailer registers coupon data, coupon coupon registration management is selected (pressed) from the menu displayed on the touch panel display 14. In response to this, as shown in FIG. 4, the personal computer 16 determines that the coupon data registration management process has been requested, and proceeds from step 100 to step 102 to register the coupon data on the touch panel display 14 or register the coupon data. Display a coupon registration management screen for managing the coupon data. In the present embodiment, as an example, a coupon registration management screen 600 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed.
[0050]
Thereafter, the personal computer 16 operates a coupon registration management screen displayed on the touch panel display 14 to request a registration form print request (step 104), a registration form FD copy request (step 108), a coupon registration request (step 112), It waits until any management request (step 116) is input or until a predetermined time has elapsed (step 120). If none of the above requests has been input even after the predetermined time has elapsed, a negative determination is made in step 120, and the processing is terminated as a timeout (processing cancellation).
[0051]
The advertiser first selects whether to print a registration form for registering coupon data or copy it to the FD, and the corresponding button 602 or button 604 on the coupon registration management screen displayed on the touch panel display 14. Select (press). When copying to the FD, the FD is set in the external storage device 74.
[0052]
If the button 602 is selected, the personal computer 16 determines that printing of the registration form has been requested, proceeds from step 104 to step 106, and executes the registration form printing process shown in FIG.
[0053]
In the registration form printing process, first, in step 200, the charged amount of the charging device 18 is checked. If it is confirmed that the amount more than the print fee has been inserted, the process proceeds to step 202 and registered in the image output device 12. Send form data and instruct printing. As a result, the image output unit 48 of the image output device 12 performs an image output operation based on the data of the registration form 606. For example, the registration form 606 as shown in FIG. The
[0054]
The charging device 18 calculates the total amount of money immediately after coins are inserted, and notifies the personal computer 16 of the result, and the personal computer 16 based on the notification result prints the print fee in step 200. And the FD copy fee, registration fee, and coupon ticket issuing fee, which will be described later, are determined. In addition, when the personal computer 16 receives the notification of the input amount from the charging device 18, the display of the input amount display column 608 (see FIGS. 11, 12, and 14) provided on each screen displayed on the touch panel display 14 is displayed. Update to the total amount notified.
[0055]
When the registration form 606 is printed, in step 204, the charging device 18 is instructed to charge the printing fee, and the charging device 18 receives a notification of the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the printing fee from the total amount of the input amount. The remaining balance informed is displayed. At this time, the balance return instruction may be transmitted to the billing device 18 so that the balance is returned from the billing device 18.
[0056]
Further, if an amount equal to or greater than the print fee has not been input to the charging apparatus 18 even after the predetermined period has elapsed, the process proceeds from step 200 to step 206, a negative determination is made in step 206, and the process is terminated as a timeout ( Cancel processing).
[0057]
On the other hand, if the button 604 is selected, the personal computer 16 determines that the FD copy of the registration form 606 has been requested, proceeds from step 108 in FIG. 4 to step 110, and executes the registration form FD copy process shown in FIG. To do.
[0058]
In the registration form FD copy process, first, in step 220, the input amount of the charging device 18 is checked. If it is confirmed that an amount more than the FD copy fee has been input, the process proceeds to step 222. In step 222, it is confirmed that the FD is set in the external storage device 74, and the data of the registration form 606 is copied to the FD.
[0059]
When the registration form 606 is copied to the FD, in step 224, the charging device 18 is instructed to charge the FD copy fee, and the charging device 18 receives a notification of the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the FD copy fee from the total input amount. The notified balance is displayed in the display field 608. At this time, the balance return instruction may be transmitted to the billing device 18 so that the balance is returned from the billing device 18.
[0060]
If the amount of money equal to or greater than the FD copy fee has not been input to the charging apparatus 18 even after the predetermined period has elapsed, the process proceeds from step 220 to step 226, a negative determination is made in step 226, and the process is terminated as a timeout ( Cancel processing).
[0061]
In the present embodiment, the case where the FD is set in the external storage device 74 and the data in the registration form 606 is copied is shown as an example. However, the data may be copied to a CD-RW, MO, or the like. Alternatively, a user-owned device such as a notebook personal computer may be connected to a user interface cable stored in the auxiliary stand 24 and copied to an internal memory such as an HDD of the user-owned device.
[0062]
After the registration form 606 is printed or copied to the FD in this way, the advertiser pastes the coupon image 612 on the image pasting field 610 on the registration form 606 and adds it as shown in FIG. In the information entry column 614, information such as the expiration date of the coupon, the discount amount of the coupon, and information such as the store name / area / type in which the coupon can be used is entered as additional information. The image pasting / additional information entry may be performed manually on the recording paper on which the registration form 606 is printed, or the registration form 606 data copied to the FD may be edited on a personal computer or the like. You may go by.
[0063]
After pasting the coupon image 612 and filling in the additional information, the advertiser selects registration of the coupon from the touch panel display 14. In the present embodiment, the coupon registration management screen 600 of FIG. 11 is displayed in the same manner as described above (step 102), and a button 610 provided for inputting a coupon voucher registration request from the coupon registration management screen 600 is displayed. select. In response, the personal computer 16 proceeds from step 102 to steps 104, 108, 112, and 114, and executes the coupon data registration process shown in FIG.
[0064]
In the coupon data registration process, first, in step 240, based on the advertiser instruction information input via the touch panel display 14, it is determined whether or not the coupon data is input from the recording paper. If so, go to Step 242.
[0065]
In step 242, a message is displayed on the touch panel display 14, and a recording sheet on which a registration form 606 on which a coupon image 612 is pasted and additional information is printed is placed on the document table of the image output device 12. When the start button is pressed from the touch panel display 14 by the advertiser, an instruction to read the registration form 606 is transmitted to the image output device 12. In response to this instruction, the image output device 12 reads the recording paper on which the registration form 606 on the document table is printed by the scanner module 40.
[0066]
In the next step 244, the coupon image 612 is cut out from the image data obtained by reading the recording paper on which the registration form 606 is printed by the scanner module 40, and additional information is recognized by OCR or OMR. Then, in the next step 246, a registration confirmation screen for displaying the result together with a registration fee necessary for registration on the coupon is displayed on the touch panel display 14.
[0067]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 240 that the coupon data is not input from the recording paper, it is determined that the coupon data is electronically input and the process proceeds to step 248. In step 248, a message is displayed on the touch panel display 14 to prompt the user to set the FD in which the data of the registration form 606 in which the coupon image 612 is pasted and the additional information is recorded is set in the external storage device 74. When the FD is set, the coupon image 612 and additional information are read from the FD, the process proceeds to step 246, and a registration confirmation screen is displayed on the touch panel display 14 to display the read result together with a registration fee necessary for registration on the coupon. .
[0068]
In the present embodiment, as an example, a registration confirmation screen 620 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the touch panel, and the registration fee is calculated based on the ticket issuing period for issuing the coupon ticket. The initial value is 1 week, but can be extended on a weekly basis as needed by operating a button 622 provided to instruct extension of the period.
[0069]
Further, by operating a button 624 for instructing invalidation on the day, it is possible to prevent the registration day from being included in the ticket issuing period (option setting). This is effective for eliminating the unfairness that even if the same registration fee is paid, the ticketing period varies depending on the registered time, such as morning and night.
[0070]
In the present embodiment, if there is additional information that could not be recognized and read, the personal computer 16 displays a message for prompting correction of the information on the registration confirmation screen 620 displayed on the touch panel display 14. It has become.
[0071]
The advertiser confirms the registration confirmation screen 620 from the touch panel display 14, and if there is additional information that could not be recognized or read or additional information whose contents are to be changed, a button for instructing correction provided for each information A button 626 corresponding to the additional information is selected from 626. As a result, the personal computer 16 determines that a correction instruction has been input, and proceeds from step 250 to step 252 in FIG. In step 252, the advertiser receives a correction input by operating the touch panel display 14, mouse 70, keyboard 68, etc., and updates the display content of the registration confirmation screen 620 based on the correction result.
[0072]
The personal computer 16 repeats the processing from step 250 to step 254 until a predetermined time elapses after the coupon data registration instruction is input or the touch panel display 14 is last operated.
[0073]
If the advertiser confirms the registration confirmation screen 620 and determines that the coupon data can be registered, the button 628 for instructing registration of the coupon data is selected. As a result, the personal computer 16 determines that the registration of coupon data has been instructed, and proceeds from step 254 in FIG. 7 to step 256 to issue an ID and password. In the next step 258, the issued ID and password are Correspondingly, the coupon image 612 and additional information are stored (registered) in the memory 62 as coupon data.
[0074]
Note that if a coupon data registration instruction is not input even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the last touch panel display 14 operation, the process proceeds from step 254 to step 268, where a negative determination is made in step 268 and processing is performed as a timeout. End (cancel processing).
[0075]
When the coupon data registration is instructed and the coupon data is stored (registered) in the memory 62, the process proceeds to step 260, where the charged amount of the charging device 18 is checked, and it is confirmed that the amount more than the registered fee has been inserted. Then, the process proceeds to step 262, where the initial value 0 is set for a coupon ticket issuing counter based on the registered coupon data. If the registration fee is not charged to the charging device 18 even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 270 and step 272 from step 260, and the registration of the coupon data registered in step 258 is deleted and processed. End (registration cancellation).
[0076]
When the ticketing counter is set, in the next step 264, based on the ID, password, and registered coupon data, registration confirmation sheet data indicating a coupon sample together with the ID and password is generated and sent to the image output device 12. Send and give print instructions. As a result, the image output unit 48 of the image output apparatus 12 performs an image output operation based on the data of the registration confirmation sheet. For example, a recording sheet on which the registration confirmation sheet 640 as shown in FIG. 14 is printed is output. .
[0077]
When the registration confirmation sheet 640 is printed, the process proceeds to step 266, where the charging device 18 is instructed to charge the registration fee. The notified balance is displayed in the display field 608. At this time, the balance return instruction may be transmitted to the billing device 18 so that the balance is returned from the billing device 18. When the coupon data registration process is completed in this manner, a coupon ticket can be issued based on the coupon data registered from the image output system 10.
[0078]
[Process when coupon is issued]
A customer who visits a store where the image output system 10 is installed selects (presses) a coupon ticket issued from a menu displayed on the touch panel display 14 in order to receive a coupon ticket issued. In response to this, as shown in FIG. 4, the personal computer 16 determines that the coupon ticket issuing process has been requested, proceeds from step 100 to steps 122 and 124, and executes the ticket issuing process shown in FIG.
[0079]
In the ticket issuing process, first, in step 300, based on the coupon data registered in the memory 62, data of a ticket issuing screen for issuing a coupon ticket is generated, and the ticket issuing screen is displayed on the touch panel display 14.
[0080]
In the present embodiment, as an example, a ticketing screen 660 as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. The ticket issuing screen 660 shown in FIG. 15 includes a button 662 for setting additional information such as type and region as a search condition, a button 664 for instructing a coupon ticket search based on the set search condition, and a searched coupon An option display field 666 for displaying a list of tickets and selecting a coupon to be issued is provided, and when the ticketing screen 660 is displayed in step 300, the initial value of a preset search condition is set. Based on this, a search is executed and the data of the ticketing screen 660 is generated.
[0081]
If necessary, the customer operates the button 662 to change the setting of the search condition and selects the button 664 to instruct a coupon ticket search. In response to this, the personal computer 16 determines that the change of the search condition has been instructed, proceeds from step 302 to step 304, and sets the changed search condition from all the coupon data registered in the memory 62. The corresponding coupon data is searched, and the store name indicated by the coupon data is displayed as a list in the option display column 666 as information indicating the coupon coupons that can be selected.
[0082]
Then, if there is a coupon ticket that the customer wants to check the list display, the customer selects a coupon ticket to be issued by pressing the store name corresponding to the coupon ticket from among the store names displayed in the option display field 666. To do. In the present embodiment, the coupon image 612 and additional information are displayed on the touch panel display 14 by selecting the detail button 668 provided for each store name displayed in the option display field 666. It is possible to select a coupon to be issued after confirming the details of the coupon. In addition, a mark indicating the selection status provided for each store name in the option display column, for example, “O” during selection, and “X” during non-selection are updated.
[0083]
When the coupon is selected by the customer, the personal computer 16 proceeds from step 306 to step 308, and a coupon sheet 680 in which a plurality of selected coupons are arranged in one page based on the number of selected coupons. (See FIG. 16) The number of coupon sheets 680 required to create the coupon is calculated, the coupon ticket issuing fee is calculated based on the number, and the display of the ticket issue fee display field 670 on the ticket issuing screen 660 is displayed on the calculated coupon. Update to ticketing fee. Next, in step 310, the total discount amount by the selected coupon is calculated, and the display of the total discount fee display field 672 on the ticketing screen 660 is updated to the calculated total discount amount.
[0084]
Further, when the customer wants to cancel the selection of the coupon ticket, the customer selects a button 674 for canceling the selection on the ticket issuing screen 660. As a result, the personal computer 16 determines that the instruction to cancel the selection of the coupon is instructed, proceeds from step 312 to step 314, cancels the selection of the coupon, and based on the cancellation result, the option display field on the ticketing screen 660 666, the ticketing fee display column 670, and the total discounted fee display column 672 are updated.
[0085]
The personal computer 16 repeats the processes from step 302 to step 314 until a predetermined time elapses after the coupon ticket issuing instruction is input or the touch panel display 14 is last operated.
[0086]
When the customer wants to receive the selected coupon ticket, he / she presses a button 676 for instructing the issuing of the coupon ticket on the ticketing screen 660. In response to this, the personal computer 16 determines that the issuing of a coupon has been instructed, and proceeds from step 316 to step 318.
[0087]
In step 318, the charged amount of the charging device 18 is checked. If it is confirmed that the amount more than the ticketing fee calculated in step 308 has been inserted, the process proceeds to step 320. In step 320, an image based on the selected coupon data is synthesized to generate data of a coupon sheet 680 in which a plurality of coupons are arranged in one page, and in the next step 322, data of the generated coupon sheet 680 is generated. Is sent to the image output device 12 to instruct printing. In the present embodiment, an image based on each coupon data is generated by combining the expiration date information with font information and synthesizing the coupon image.
[0088]
Thereby, in the image output unit 48 of the image output device 12, an image output operation based on the data of the coupon sheet 680 is performed. For example, a coupon sheet 680 as shown in FIG. Coupon voucher issuance). If the customer brings this coupon sheet 680 to a store where coupons can be used, the customer can receive benefits such as a discount service.
[0089]
When the coupon sheet 680 is printed, the process proceeds to step 324, where the ticket issue counter of each coupon ticket is incremented by the number of issued tickets, and in the next step 326, the charge device 18 is instructed to charge the ticket issue fee. In response to the notification of the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the ticketing fee from the total of the inserted amount, the notified remaining amount is displayed in the input amount display column 608. At this time, the balance return instruction may be transmitted to the billing device 18 so that the balance is returned from the billing device 18.
[0090]
In the personal computer 16, if a coupon ticket issuing instruction is not input even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the last operation of the touch panel display 14, the process proceeds from step 316 to step 328, and a negative determination is made in step 328. To end the processing (cancel processing).
[0091]
If the ticket issuing fee is not charged into the charging device 18 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the coupon ticket issuance is instructed, the process proceeds from step 318 to step 330, where a negative determination is made in step 330, and the process ends as a timeout. Yes (cancel processing).
[0092]
[Registered coupon data management process]
After registering the coupon data, the advertiser inputs a management request to the personal computer 16 when changing the coupon data or confirming the number of coupons issued. In the present embodiment, the coupon registration management screen 600 of FIG. 11 is displayed in the same manner as described above (step 102), and the button 618 is selected. In response to this, the personal computer 16 shifts from step 102 in FIG. 4 to steps 104, 108, 112, 116, and 118, and executes the management processing shown in FIG.
[0093]
In the management process, first, in step 400, an input screen for inputting an ID and a password is displayed on the touch panel display 14. The advertiser operates the touch panel display 14, the mouse 70, the keyboard 68, etc., and inputs the ID and password shown in the registration confirmation sheet 640 printed in step 264 described above from this input screen.
[0094]
When the ID and password are input, the process proceeds from step 402 to step 404, where the ID and password registered in the memory 62 in association with the coupon data are checked and registered in correspondence with the ID and password. If there is coupon data, the process proceeds to step 406 and a management screen is displayed on the touch panel display 14.
[0095]
If the ID and password are not input even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the input screen was displayed, the process proceeds from step 402 to step 420, where a negative determination is made in step 420, and the process ends as a timeout. (Process cancellation).
[0096]
If there is no coupon data registered corresponding to the entered ID and password, the process proceeds from step 404 to step 422, and a message indicating that there is no matching coupon data, or a registration confirmation sheet 640 An error process for displaying a message prompting the user to confirm the ID and password is performed, and the process ends.
[0097]
When the management screen is displayed on the touch panel display, the advertiser wants to change the registered coupon data, for example, to change the image of the coupon or to extend the ticketing period because the coupon is popular. Input the change instruction. In response to this change instruction, the personal computer 16 proceeds from step 408 to step 410, accepts the change of the coupon data corresponding to the ID and password, and updates the content of the coupon data registered in the memory 62 according to the change. (Coupon data correction).
[0098]
If it is desired to confirm the number of tickets issued, the confirmation instruction is input from the management screen. In response to this confirmation instruction, the personal computer 16 proceeds from step 412 to step 414, and displays the count number of the ticket issuing counter of coupon data corresponding to the ID and password on the touch panel display 14.
[0099]
If a predetermined time has passed since the touch panel display 14 was last operated after the management screen was displayed, the process proceeds from step 412 to step 424, a negative determination is made in step 424, and the process is terminated as a timeout ( Cancel processing).
[0100]
[Automatic monitoring process]
Further, the personal computer 16 executes the monitoring process of FIG. 10 by a time interruption every predetermined time. In the monitoring process, first, in step 500, the expiration date indicated by the additional information of all coupon data registered in the memory 62 is confirmed. In the next step 502, it is confirmed whether there is expired coupon data that has expired. If expired coupon data exists, the process proceeds to step 504, and the expired coupon data is deleted from the memory 62. To delete the registration and end the monitoring process. If there is no expired coupon data, the monitoring process is terminated as it is.
[0101]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the image output device 12 and the billing device 18 that are conventionally installed in a convenience store or the like are used, and the operations of the image output device 12 and the billing device 18 are controlled by the personal computer 16. By doing so, the advertiser can register the coupon data in the image output system 10 by performing the registration work of the coupon data by himself / herself.
[0102]
In order to register coupon data, the advertiser pastes a coupon image 612 on a predetermined registration form 606 and fills in additional information, and then reads the registration form from a scanner function (scanner module) or an external storage device. You can register easily.
[0103]
In addition, the registration fee is collected from the advertiser and coupon data is registered. In the image output system 10, not only the billing revenue corresponding to the number of output sheets but also the billing revenue of the registration fee can be obtained. You can increase your income.
[0104]
In addition, each customer can select the coupon they want and receive the ticket, and can issue (distribute) the coupon only to those who need it. Improvements can be made. That is, it becomes possible to distribute coupons effectively.
[0105]
In this embodiment, the advertiser goes to the store where the image output system 10 is installed, and registers the coupon ticket directly to the image output system 10, that is, registers the coupon ticket in an offline state. Although the case has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. Since the image output system 10 (the personal computer 16) can be connected to the Internet via the hub 52, it can be remote from the installation location of the image output system 10 such as an advertiser's company using the WWW (World Wide Web). You may make it register a coupon online from the ground. In this case, various fees such as a registration fee may be paid by electronic payment using a credit card or the like. Also, the confirmation work using the registration confirmation sheet can be performed at the nearest installation store.
[0106]
Further, in the present embodiment, when a customer receives a coupon ticket, a plurality of different types of coupons are selected and printed on one coupon sheet as an example. It is not limited. For example, a function for designating the number of coupons may be provided, and the same type of coupon may be printed on a plurality of coupon sheets. Further, a function for designating the number of coupon sheets may be provided, and a plurality of the same coupon sheets may be printed.
[0107]
Moreover, in this Embodiment, when issuing a coupon ticket, the case where the ticketing fee was charged with respect to the customer was demonstrated to the example, However, This invention is not limited to this. The advertiser may be charged a fee including the ticketing fee.
[0108]
In addition, a customer may be provided with a function of inputting a profile, and a discount of a ticketing fee may be provided by inputting the profile, or a coupon may be issued free of charge. This customer profile can be used as marketing information at the installation store.
[0109]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention uses an image output system including an image output device that outputs an image introduced in a convenience store and the like and a charging device that charges according to the image output of the image output device, It has an excellent effect that coupon data can be easily registered and coupons can be distributed effectively.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of an image output system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a network connection diagram of the image output system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the image output system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing routine (main routine) executed by a personal computer.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a registered form print process (subroutine) executed by a personal computer.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of registration form FD copy processing (subroutine) executed by a personal computer.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a coupon data registration process (subroutine) executed by a personal computer.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of ticket issuing processing (subroutine) executed by a personal computer.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of management processing (subroutine) executed by the personal computer.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an automatic monitoring process executed by a personal computer at a predetermined time interval.
FIG. 11 is an example of a registration management screen.
12A is an example of a registration form, and FIG. 12B is an example of pasting a coupon image and entering additional information on the registration form of FIG.
FIG. 13 is an example of a registration confirmation screen.
FIG. 14 is an example of a registration confirmation sheet.
FIG. 15 is an example of a ticketing screen.
FIG. 16 is an example of a coupon sheet.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Image output system
12 Image output device
14 Touch panel display
16 PC
18 Billing device
20 network
40 Scanner module
42 Printer module
44 FAX module
46 User Interface
48 Image output unit
50 Communication control unit
52 hub
54 memory
60 CPU
62 memory
64 I / O ports
66 Communication control unit

Claims (13)

An image output system comprising: an image output device that records and outputs an image on recording paper based on image data; and a billing device that charges according to image output by the image output device,
A first input means for inputting data,
Registration means said first Rupa issues a swirl soil against the data inputted from the input unit, registers the pre Kide over data in association with the front Kipa swirling de,
An output instructing means for instructing the output of the image to the image output device, based on data registered in the registration means,
Registration fee billing instruction means for instructing the billing device to charge a registration fee according to registration by the registration means;
Wherein when the charging device to the amount of the above registration fee is charged, registration confirmation generated in accordance with the prior SL Pas swirling de associated with registered data and those 該De over data in the registration means and output means to output the information,
A second input means for pre-inputting the Kipa swirling de,
A management process execution means for executing a management processing of the corresponding to Lud over data in Pas swirling de inputted from the second input means,
An image output system. Before Kide over others,
Image data showing an image of a coupon that is a cut-off ticket;
The output permit time limit of the coupon ticket, the expiration date that the coupon ticket can be used, the name of the store that can use the coupon ticket, the area where the store that can use the coupon ticket is located, the store that can use the coupon ticket Additional information indicating at least one of the discount amount of the discount service provided when bringing the coupon and the type of coupon,
Composed of,
The image output system according to claim 1. It said first input means, the image data obtained by reading an image recorded on a document, by performing at least one of the mark recognition and character recognition, pre acquires Kide over data,
The image output system according to claim 1, wherein the image output system is an image output system. It said first input means, read the electronic information recorded in the electronic information recording medium, pre acquires Kide over data,
The image output system according to claim 1, wherein the image output system is an image output system. If the registration fee is not credited to the charging device, or after registration by the registration means, when the elapsed preset output permission deadline, further comprising a deleting means for pre-delete Kide over data,
The image output system according to claim 1, wherein the image output system is an image output system. To the charging device, further comprising an output toll charging instruction means for instructing a charging output fee according to the prior image output based on Kide over data,
The image output system according to claim 1, wherein the image output system is an image output system. When the output rates is not credited to the charging device, further comprising a stop means for pre-stop image output based on Kide over data,
The image output system according to claim 6. A charge notification means for notifying the registration fee or the output fee;
The image output system according to claim 1, wherein the image output system is an image output system. The image output system according to claim 1 to any one of claims 8 wherein the management processing execution means, characterized in that modifying the Kide over data before registered by said registration means. The output instruction means is
A search condition setting means for setting a search condition for searching for Kide over data before registered,
Based on the search condition set by the search condition setting means, search means for searching Kide over data before registered in the registration means,
An output data setting means for at least one of Kide over data before you the search is set to the image output instruction data for instructing the image output by said search means,
The image output system according to claim 1, further comprising: Said output instruction unit, when a plurality of pre Kide over data is set by the output data setting means, directs the synthesis output of the image based on the plurality of data,
The image output system according to claim 10. Discount amount notifying means for notifying the total discount amount of the image output instruction data set by the output data setting means;
The image output system according to claim 10, wherein the image output system is an image output system. The management process execution means counts the image output times based on pre Kide over data by the image output apparatus, any one of claims 12 to notify the image output times counted from claim 1, wherein The image output system described in 1.

Images