JP4204796B2 - Image formation management system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image formation management system, and in particular, when an image is formed by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printing machine, or a facsimile, the image forming process is managed by a charging device such as a card reader. The present invention relates to an image formation management system that collects a fee from a user who has performed the operation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are the following image forming management systems that collect a fee from a user during image formation.
(1) Items using prepaid cards (2) Items sold in cash (collecting image formation fees in cash)
▲ 3 ▼ Collecting fees using identification cards such as student ID cards and employee ID cards [0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the method (1) cannot be used together with other billing systems, and the user must use a dedicated prepaid card corresponding to the card reader connected to the image forming apparatus. I had to have that card.
[0004]
In the method (2), the administrator must go to the cash collection device connected to each image forming apparatus to collect the cash. When there are a plurality of cash collection devices, the operation is troublesome. Also, the confirmation of the number of coins and banknotes after collection was a difficult task.
[0005]
Method (3) is a method in which only a code identifying an individual or a department is read from a student ID card, employee ID card, etc., and a charge is charged at a later date. It was impossible.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has the following objects.
The first purpose is not only to physically read various cards and centrally manage billing, but also to share billing information with other billing systems, and to keep a history even if the billing is not enough Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image formation management system that can be liquidated later.
[0007]
The second purpose is an image formation management system that can grasp the current usage amount and avoid being charged at the time of settlement even in the case of settlement at a later date instead of a prepaid card billing method. Is to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, the present invention has the following features.
The invention according to claim 1 is connected to the image forming apparatus, the host server, the image forming apparatus and the host server, causes the image forming apparatus to perform an image forming operation, and / or pays for the image forming output. an image forming management system comprising includes a charging device, a for managing the image forming apparatus outputs a transmission means for transmitting the size data to the accounting device, a charging instruction to the charging device for each imaging a charging command output means, it comprises a, and an image forming operation permitting means for permitting only an image forming operation when receiving a signal for permitting the image forming operation from the charging device, the charging device identifies the user use transmits the ID information to the host server when the card having the ID information is inserted into the charging device receives the available rates corresponding to the ID information from the host server, the received A ready signal output means for outputting a signal enabling the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus based on the remaining capacity rates, and storage means for storing the size data from the image forming apparatus, based on the size data calculating the fee update, the該料gold every time receiving the charging command from the image forming apparatus is subtracted from the available rates, and the remaining charge calculation means for updating the available rates, by the residual charge calculating means If there is no usable fee, the prohibition means for prohibiting the image forming operation by the image forming apparatus by stopping the output of the signal for permitting the image forming operation to the image forming apparatus, and the host server after the end of the job Means for transmitting the updated usable fee .
[0010]
The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that the charging device described above leaves a history of insufficient charges when there is no usable charge .
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the invention, the charging device described above is, when leaving a history of insufficient above rates, and displaying the amount of shortage minute.
[0012]
The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that the above-described host server has a mode in which simultaneous use of the same ID information by the charging apparatus is not permitted.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an image formation management system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which an image forming management system and another billing system as an embodiment of the present invention are connected. An image formation management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a host server 1, an image formation apparatus 2, and a billing apparatus (vending machine) 3. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 and the charging apparatus 3 is not limited to the configuration of the image forming apparatus and the charging apparatus, but may be a configuration in which the image forming apparatus, the personal computer, and the charging apparatus are connected. Hereinafter, an image forming management system as an embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking as an example a combination of a copying machine 2a and a card charging device (card reader) 3a. The card will be described by taking a prepaid type as an example.
[0015]
The accounting apparatus according to the present invention includes the following units.
・ Turn the main switch power OFF / ON.
・ Communicate with the I / F copy machine.
・ Return lever A return lever for changing change and releasing a coin jam.
・ Switch for setting unit price in setting switch table. The set unit price is stored in a RAM in the control unit. Since the RAM has a backup battery, the data is retained even if the charging device is turned off.
-It is determined whether the card inserted in the card reader is genuine, and if it is genuine, if it is written on the card, the control unit is informed of the remaining frequency.
・ Switching key Copier can be used alone (output can be done without inserting a card) and linked with the billing device.
・ Displays the remaining frequency of the display.
[0016]
The copying machine according to the present invention receives a signal for transmitting the number of images formed by the user (the number of copies) to the charging apparatus, a transmission unit for transmitting size data to the charging apparatus, and a signal for enabling an image forming operation from the charging apparatus. An image forming operation permission unit that controls the operation of the copier so that the image forming operation is permitted only when the jam occurs, a jam signal output unit that outputs a signal notifying the charging device when a jam occurs, and charging during the image forming operation An in-operation signal output unit for outputting a signal informing the apparatus that the apparatus is in operation.
[0017]
The copying machine 2a and the billing apparatus 3a are connected so as to exchange signals with each other, and the exchanged signals include the following.
A signal / size signal from the copying machine 2a to the charging device 3a A signal indicating the size of the transfer paper of the copying machine 2a.
-Mode signal A signal that indicates copying conditions such as full color or black and white, single side or double side, and what type of paper is used.
Operation signal A signal indicating whether or not the copying machine 2a is operating.
Indicates whether to charge at the table charge (frequency) of the charge command charging device 3a or to charge at the charge (frequency) specified on the copier 2a side. When instructing on the copier 2a side, the charge is also given.
A signal to be output at a timing when the charging command charging device 3a is charged.
-Unit price request A signal for requesting the accounting apparatus 3a for a unit price under certain copying conditions.
A signal indicating that there is an end button on the end operation unit and that the button has ended.
[0018]
○ Signal / remaining frequency from charging device 3a to copying machine 2a Output whenever information such as the remaining frequency of a card inserted into charging device 3a changes.
A signal representing the unit price amount (frequency) in the table of the unit price billing apparatus 3a.
A signal indicating whether or not the permission signal charging device 3a is in a chargeable state.
A signal indicating that the charging operation is completed in response to the charging command from the copying machine 2a.
[0019]
A prepaid card reader, which is a charging device in an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the prepaid card reader according to the present embodiment includes a display unit, a changeover switch, a card insertion slot, and a card ejection switch (end button). The changeover switch corresponds to the changeover key described above, and the card insertion slot is the entrance portion of the card reader. The card ejection switch is a part corresponding to the return lever described above. In this billing apparatus, several copy charges (frequency) are set in the RAM table on the control board of the billing apparatus depending on the copying conditions, transfer paper size, mode, and the like. This table is used for normal copying.
[0020]
As the configuration of the prepaid card reader having the appearance shown in FIG. 2, the signal that enables the image forming operation of the copying machine 2a when a card, an identification card, or the like is inserted into the charging device (prepaid card reader). An operable signal output unit for outputting the image, a storage unit for storing the number of image formations (number of copies) and size data transmitted from the copying machine 2a, and the number of images added or subtracted from the upper limit number A charge signal output unit that outputs the current remaining frequency to the copier 2a, a prohibition control unit that prohibits (stops) the image forming operation when there is no remaining frequency, a display unit that displays the remaining frequency, And a return unit for returning a card and an identification card inserted after the image forming operation by the copying machine 2a is completed.
[0021]
In addition, the print / copy server or the charging device 3 is connected to the host server 1 via a network such as a LAN. The host server 1 has a function of managing billing data accumulated by the billing device 3 in a unified manner and transferring billing data managed in a unified manner to other billing systems.
[0022]
Next, the operation of the image formation management system as an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
<For copy>
When the card is inserted, the billing apparatus (prepaid card reader) 3a displays the current remaining number on the “remaining number” display section, and notifies the copying machine 2a of the amount (frequency) and permission signal. . The copying machine 2a notifies the charging apparatus 3a of a mode signal and a size signal. The charging device 3a refers to the charge table from the mode signal and size signal and notifies the copying machine 2a of the unit price. Since the number of values is set on the operation unit in the copying machine 2a, the unit price × the number of values is compared with the remaining number transmitted from the charging device 3a, and if it is not sufficient, a warning that “the number is insufficient” is issued. indicate. At this time, since the copying conditions may be changed, the copying machine 2a does not start the operation, but accepts a copy condition selection key (for example, a transfer paper size key).
[0023]
When the copying operation is started, the copying machine 2a turns on the operation signal and outputs a charging command to the charging device 3a at the timing of discharging the transfer paper. When the billing apparatus 3a is instructed to charge in the table, the billing device 3a subtracts the charge (frequency) set in the table from the remaining number, and again transmits the current remaining number to the copying machine 2a. Since the excess or deficiency of the frequency can be determined at the start of the copying operation, a charge is made at the time of paper discharge, and even if the copier 2a causes a jam, it is not charged for itself.
[0024]
<When charging information>
The unit price of normal copying varies depending on the mode and paper size, but when outputting information, the charge (frequency) may not depend on the above items. For example, this is the case when information is stored in the copying machine 2a and output, or when the copying machine 2a is connected via a LAN or the like and outputs information at a remote location. For example, in the case of outputting map data, an image formation fee + information fee is charged. When output of information is selected on the operation unit of the copying machine 2a or by a personal computer connected thereto, the copying machine 2a is not a table and outputs to the charging device 3a that charging is performed by a charge command from the copying machine 2a To do.
[0025]
When the card is inserted, the billing device (prepaid card reader) 3a displays the current remaining number on the display unit. If the remaining frequency is insufficient, a warning that “the frequency is insufficient” is displayed on the operation unit of the copying machine 2a. At this time, since the type of information may be changed, the copying machine 2a does not start the operation but accepts a key for selecting information. When the information output operation is started, the copying machine 2a turns on the operation signal, and outputs a charging command to the charging device 3a at the timing of discharging the transfer paper. If the charging device 3a is set in accordance with the charging instruction from the copying machine 2a, the charging device 3a subtracts the charge from the remaining frequency and transmits the current frequency to the copying machine 2a again.
[0026]
<When the remaining number is insufficient>
When there is no remaining card number, when there is a shortage, or when the card cannot be properly cleared, the billing device (prepaid card reader) 3a displays the amount of additional payment on the display unit. Leave a shortage history. By leaving (storing) this history, the amount of the shortage can be settled later.
[0027]
<When copying is complete>
When the copying operation / information output is completed, the remaining frequency and the charge (frequency) are compared as at the start, and if the remaining frequency is insufficient, a warning “Insufficient frequency” is displayed.
[0028]
<Press return button>
The billing apparatus 3a turns off the permission signal when the return button is pressed. As a result, the copying machine 2a does not feed the transfer paper thereafter. When the image formation on the transfer paper that has started feeding is completed and discharged, the copying machine 2a turns off the operation signal, determines that the user has completed the work, and returns the copying conditions to the default state. When the charging device 3a confirms that the operation signal is turned off, the remaining number is written in the card and the return operation is started.
[0029]
<Press the end button>
When the “end” button on the operation unit of the copying machine 2a is pressed, it is determined that all the work is finished, and the copying machine 2a clears all the copy conditions and returns the screen to the default state. . In addition, the charging device 3a is notified that the button has been pressed, and the charging device 3a writes the remaining number into the card and returns it to the user after confirming that the operation signal from the copying machine 2a is OFF.
[0030]
Next, a prepaid card used for fee collection in the image forming management system as an embodiment of the present invention and a fee collection method using the prepaid card will be described.
[0031]
The following types can be applied as prepaid cards.
(I) A card with a frequency that is commensurate with the amount of money purchased. (II) When managing the remaining frequency on the server, both the cards (I) and (II) that have an ID that identifies the user are proof of identity. You may share it with a book.
[0032]
Signal exchange in the case of (I) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing signal exchange in the case of (I). The frequency is written in the prepaid card, and the card reader reads the remaining frequency. When used for image formation in the image forming apparatus 2, the frequency corresponding to the amount used is subtracted, and the remaining frequency after use is written to the card when the card is returned. The billing device (prepaid card reader) 3 stores the used history and delivers the history to the host server 1 at any time or periodically. Compared to the case of (II), it does not put a load on the network.
[0033]
Signal exchange in the case of (II) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing signal exchange in the case of (II). An ID code for identifying an individual is written on the card. When the information is read by a card reader, the charging device 3 inquires the host server 1 about ID information. Upon receiving the inquiry, the host server 1 searches the DB, and notifies the charging device 3 of the remaining number of IDs, prohibition information, and the like.
[0034]
The host server 1 that receives the inquiry permits the simultaneous use of the same ID when it is liquidated at a later date, but when subtracting the frequency, the side image formation must be stopped when the remaining frequency is exhausted. When the same ID information is inquired from the charging device 3, there is also a mode in which usage prohibition information is notified to the charging device 3 that made the inquiry later. When the image forming process is completed, the charging device 3 notifies the host server 1 of completion.
[0035]
Next, another accounting system connected to the image forming management system as an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The host server 1 of the image forming management system according to the present embodiment has a function of transferring charging data from the charging device 3 managed in a centralized manner to other charging systems. With this function, the same prepaid card is used not only in the image forming management system as an embodiment of the present invention but also in other billing systems that can share billing data via a network, such as a ticket vending machine and a store POS. Can be usable. When sharing the billing data via the network, a billing central server is further connected to the network used for sharing.
[0036]
For example, when a cafeteria, a store, and a copy machine are managed with the same prepaid card, the user purchases the prepaid card at the store, or writes the frequency in a device that charges the frequency to the card, and uses it according to the purpose. It will be. In addition, if the company that manages the cafeteria, the store, and the copy machine is different, sales must be allocated according to usage. The above-mentioned charge management server receives data from other management servers (host server, POS, etc. in other charge systems), and manages how much the charge has been made in each device, so this distribution is easy. Can be performed.
[0037]
Each of the above-described embodiments is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the image forming apparatus 2 may be a printer 2b connected to a computer (print server), or may be a multifunction machine having a function such as FAX. When this print server is used, the user may issue a print instruction from the client PC, and then insert a card into the prepaid card reader 3b and perform printout (image formation) according to the screen display of the print server. Further, the charging device 3 may be a card reader device corresponding to various cards, and accumulation of data such as history by the charging device 3 may be performed by the charging device 3, and the connection of the charging device 3 It may be performed by a computer (print server, copy server, etc.).
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the confirmation of sales by each charging device can be managed by the host server in a unified manner, especially when the remote image forming device is charged, greatly reducing the labor of the administrator. It becomes possible to do.
[0039]
In addition, since the host server that manages billing can exchange data with other management servers (such as host servers and POS in other billing systems), a prepaid card shared with other billing systems can be used. Can be used.
[0040]
In the unlikely event that the remaining card count is lost while the device is being used, a history of information such as who used the card is managed based on the ID that proves the identity, so that billing can be made at a later date.
[0041]
Further, since the charging device displays not only the remaining card number but also the shortage in image formation in the image forming device, the user can easily know how much additional payment is required.
[0042]
In addition, when the remaining number management is performed by the server using a card in which an ID for identifying the user is described, and it is desired to stop the image forming apparatus immediately when the remaining number runs out, the card having the same ID When a plurality of are used at the same time, the remaining frequency cannot be managed accurately. Even when it is desired to immediately stop the image forming apparatus when the remaining number disappears, the accurate remaining number can be managed by having a mode that does not permit simultaneous use of the same ID.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which an image forming management system and another billing system are connected as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a prepaid card reader that is a billing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing data exchange when using a prepaid card in which a frequency corresponding to the purchased amount is written.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing data exchange when the remaining number management is performed by the server using a card in which an ID for identifying a user is described.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Host server 2 Image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus + print server)
2a copier 2b printer 3 charging device

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus, a host server, a billing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus and the host server, causing the image forming apparatus to perform an image forming operation, and / or managing a consideration for an image forming output An image formation management system comprising:
The image forming apparatus includes:
And transmission means for transmitting the size data to the accounting device,
Charging command output means for outputting a charging command to the charging device for each image formation;
An image forming operation permission means for permitting the image forming operation only when receiving a signal permitting the image forming operation from the charging device;
Comprising a result, the
The charging device is
When a card having ID information for identifying a user is inserted into the billing device, the ID information is transmitted to the host server, and an available fee corresponding to the ID information is received from the host server. An operable signal output means for outputting a signal that enables an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus based on a remaining usable charge ;
Storage means for storing the size data from the image forming apparatus,
A remaining charge calculation means for calculating a charge based on the size data, subtracting the charge from the usable charge each time the charging command is received from the image forming apparatus, and updating the usable charge ;
Prohibiting means for prohibiting image forming operation by the image forming apparatus by stopping output of a signal for permitting image forming operation to the image forming apparatus when there is no usable charge updated by the remaining charge calculating means ;
Means for sending the updated usage fee to the host server after the job is completed;
Image forming management system characterized by comprising a. The image forming management system according to claim 1, wherein the charging apparatus leaves a history of insufficient charges when there is no usable charge . It said charging apparatus, wherein when store a history of rates insufficient image formation management system of claim 2, wherein the displaying the amount of shortage minute. The host server, an image forming management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a mode that does not allow simultaneous use of the same ID information by the charging device.

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