JP4786971B2 - Image forming apparatus management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus 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. those related to the image forming apparatus management system to collect fees from users of image formation.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus management system includes an image forming apparatus, a management apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus, causing the image forming apparatus to perform an image forming operation, and / or managing a consideration for an image forming output. It is known that it consists of (for example, refer patent document 1).
JP 2003-280468 A

However, in the conventional image forming apparatus management system, the management apparatus has a prepaid card, cash, student ID card, employee ID card or other magnetic card or IC card as the compensation for the image forming output, and the media are all different. It was.
For this reason, for example, in a university, when a student provides a copy service using a prepaid card and a professor uses a magnetic card or an IC card, the copying machine must be connected with two management devices.
Since there are many cases of copying and printing in class, there are cases where materials that are not related to the class are copied and printed if there is no upper limit when the copy service can be provided by the student ID. However, despite the fact that tuition has already been collected, it is not possible to collect additional copies and printing fees.
In recent years, many students have a prepaid function on their student ID cards.
Therefore, for example, multiple subtraction areas are provided for cards such as student ID cards, and when issuing a student ID card, a free copy and a print are valued and the card is issued. It is possible to suppress useless copying and printing by subtracting from the amount charged to the card.
However, in the conventional image forming apparatus management system, there is usually one subtraction area for subtracting the usage frequency, and even when there are two, the service is independent. For example, the remaining frequency of the subtraction area A is If the subtraction area B is not used, the subtraction area B can be used. Even if the subtraction area B has a remaining frequency, it cannot be used continuously.
In view of the above situation, the object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of subtraction areas on the card, set the priority order of subtraction, and subtract from the amount charged to the card by the charging machine. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus management system that can suppress copying and printing and collect a fee for the excess.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the invention described in claim 1 is configured to perform an image forming operation by being connected to the image forming apparatus, and manage a consideration for the image forming output. In the image forming apparatus management system comprising a management apparatus, the management apparatus adds a storage means for storing the number of image formations from the image formation apparatus and size data / output mode, and adds or subtracts the number of images from the upper limit number. A charge signal output means for outputting the current remaining frequency to the image forming apparatus when subtracting, a prohibiting means for prohibiting an image forming operation when there is no remaining frequency, a display means for displaying the remaining frequency, and an image A return means for returning the card or the identification card after the formation operation is completed, the card or the identification card is provided with a plurality of subtraction areas ,
The management device is capable of determining a priority for subtraction of the plurality of subtraction areas, and when the frequency of the priority area of the card or identification card is insufficient, it is subtracted only from the next priority area or the highest priority area And an image forming apparatus management system that can set whether to subtract from the sum of the next priority areas .

  According to the present invention, a card can be provided with a plurality of subtraction areas, and priorities for subtraction can be set. In addition, if the amount exceeds this amount, the amount charged to the card by the student using the charging machine will be subtracted, which will prevent unnecessary copying and printing, and the amount exceeding the amount will be charged. Become.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external structure of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the management apparatus in the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the management apparatus.
First, the structure of the image forming apparatus management system in the present embodiment will be briefly described. In the image forming apparatus management system of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the copying machine 1 and the management apparatus 2 are connected by a connection cable 3.
The management device 2 reads / writes information on a prepaid card or IC card as a valuable resource, a key card in which user information such as an ID code is stored, or updates the balance after sale and the remaining frequency / The light unit 6 is built-in.
Further, on the front side, a card insertion slot 6a of the card read / write unit 6, a switching button 7 as an input unit 8 and a card return key (card return means) 8a, a display unit for displaying the remaining frequency or ID number are described. 5 is provided. Further, a connection port 9 for connecting the setting device 10 is provided on the side surface, and a power switch 4 and a power cable 14 of the power source unit 12 (see FIG. 3) for turning off / on the power source are provided on the rear surface.
The card return key (card return means) 8a is a key that is pressed when returning a card, and updates the balance and the remaining frequency at the time of return. The switching button 7 selects prepaid settlement or post settlement when the card being used is prepaid settlement (post settlement settlement permitted).

The connection port 9 of the setting device 10 sets information such as card reading information and unit price by the connected setting device 10. The set unit price is stored in the memory unit 13 (see FIG. 3) in the control unit 11 (see FIG. 3). The memory unit 13 stores unit prices, card reading information, logs, and the like.
As shown in FIG. 3, the management apparatus 2 includes a control unit 11 as a control unit that controls the entire management apparatus 2, an interface (I / F) unit 15 for performing communication with the copying machine 1, and an input. Card return key 8a for returning a prepaid card, key card, etc. as a part, switching key 7 for selecting a settlement method (post-payment method and prepaid method), and unit price of image formation in information and fee table for log accumulation It has a setting device 10 for setting (copy unit price).
Information for accumulating logs and unit prices in the charge table set by the setting device 10 are stored in the memory unit 13 backed up by a battery as a nonvolatile storage means provided in the control unit 11, and are managed by the management device 2. Information is retained even when the power is turned off. The control unit 11 also determines whether or not the inserted card is genuine, and determines whether the remaining money and the remaining frequency are excessive or insufficient.
The card read / write unit 6 also has a function of determining whether the inserted card is genuine. If it is determined to be authentic, the ID code stored in the key card is used for the post-payment settlement method for accumulating the log, and the remaining amount / remaining frequency described in the prepaid card for the prepaid method (in some cases , The ID code may be included) to the control unit 11 to display the balance, the remaining frequency, etc. on the display unit 5.
Here, an example in which the copier 1 is connected via an interface (I / F) unit 15 will be described. The interface unit 15 is connected to an external printer, a LAN / public line 16 via a PC (personal computer) or the like. May be connected to accept external printer management and PC input. The I / F unit 15 communicates with a server via a copying machine, a card reader, and a network. This is used for data aggregation.

As described above, the image forming management system of the present invention is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 and causes the image forming apparatus 1 to perform an image forming operation and / or to an image forming output. It consists of a management device 2 that manages compensation.
The image forming apparatus 1 receives a signal for transmitting the number of formed sheets to the management apparatus 2 and a transmission means 3 for transmitting the size data / output mode to the management apparatus 2 and a signal enabling the image forming operation from the management apparatus 2. An image forming operation permission means (not shown) that permits an image forming operation only when the image forming operation is in progress, and an operation signal output means (not shown) that outputs a signal notifying the management apparatus that the image forming operation is in progress during the image forming operation ).
The management apparatus 2 includes an operable signal output means 8 that outputs a signal that enables the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 when a card or an identification card is inserted into the management apparatus 2, and the image forming apparatus 1 Storage means 13 for storing the number of image formations, size data / output mode, and charge signal output for adding the number of images or subtracting from the upper limit number and outputting the current remaining number to the image forming apparatus 1 when subtracting Means 6, prohibiting means (not shown) for prohibiting image forming operation when there is no remaining number, display means 5 for displaying the remaining number, and returning means for returning a card or an identification card after completion of the image forming operation 8a. A card to be used (not shown) has a plurality of subtraction areas.
With the above configuration, in this embodiment, the post-payment method for storing the log using the key card and the prepaid method using the prepaid card are compatible with the card-like recording medium inserted by the user. You can choose either one.

Next, a specific operation when this image forming apparatus management system is used will be described. First, a brief description will be given of a case where a post-settlement method for storing logs, which is the first settlement method, is selected. A user who performs copying using the copying machine 1 inserts into the management device 2 a key card recorded to be settled by the post-settlement method in the key card insertion slot 6a.
When the key card is inserted, the settlement method is set to the post-settlement method by the control unit 11 as the settlement method determination means, and the following identification code and card number recorded in the magnetic stripe of the key card, The number of copies is read.
Identification code: A code indicating that the code is a card for the management device 2. Card number: When one department owns a plurality of cards, the same card number is written on each card. .
Then, the management device 2 (specifically, the control unit 11) displays “unusable” on the display unit when the identification code of the card does not match the preset identification code. On the other hand, if they match, a “user status notification” to be described later is sent to the copying machine 1, and the total number of copies copied by the card number is displayed, or the remaining copyable number is displayed depending on the setting. .
Here, based on the “user status notification” from the management apparatus 2, the copying machine 1 lights up the light emission portion of the start key on the operation unit (not shown) in green when copying is possible, and on the other hand when copying is not possible. Illuminates in red and prompts the user to insert the key card into the read / write section 6 at the operating section.
In the above description, the combination of a copying machine and a card management device has been described as an example. The card is an IC card, and the management device 2 can read / write the IC card. Also, description of the access method to the IC card, the encryption procedure, etc. is omitted here.

The copying machine (image forming apparatus) 1 and the management apparatus 2 have means (I / F unit 15) that can exchange signals with each other, and the signals include the following. As a signal from the copying machine 1 to the management device 2,
Size signal: A signal indicating the size of the transfer paper of the copying machine;
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 1 is operating;
-Charge command: Indicates whether to charge at the table charge (frequency) of the management apparatus 2 or charge (frequency) specified on the copier 1 side. When instructed on the copier side, also convey the charge together signal;
Billing command: A signal output at a timing when the management apparatus 2 wants to be billed;
Unit price request: A signal for requesting the management apparatus 2 for a unit price under certain copying conditions;
End: There is an end button on the operation unit, and there is a signal indicating that the button has been pressed.
As a signal from the management apparatus 2 to the copying machine 1,
ID code: a code signal identifying the user described on the card;
-Remaining frequency: a signal output every time the remaining frequency information of the card inserted into the management device 2 changes;
Unit price: A signal indicating the unit price amount (frequency) in the table of the management device 2;
Permission signal: a signal indicating whether or not the management apparatus 2 is in a chargeable state;
There is a signal indicating that the charging operation is completed in response to the charging command from the copying machine.
The management device 2 determines whether or not there is a balance in the priority level 1 area based on the inserted card. For example, assume that the following information is described in the IC card.
Card ID: An ID code unique to the card, that is, the management device 2 treats the card as genuine only when the registered code matches the card ID;
ID number: Use a number to identify the person, employee number, student ID number, card issue number, etc .;
・ Balance amount, remaining frequency: There are multiple areas, and you can set the amount of money for each area.

In this embodiment, it is as follows.
Priority area 1: Area where a certain amount of money is charged in advance when the student ID card is issued;
Priority area 2: Area where students can charge cash; the usage area can be distinguished for each company, but in this embodiment, priority area 2 is not only for copying and printing, but also for dining halls, stalls, and vending machines. It can be used even on a machine.
Others: The card effective date, number of times, and other categories are not described in this embodiment.
The card ID, ID number, and other information are described in advance by the administrator when the card is issued, and can be changed only by the administrator. For the balance and the remaining number of times, a dedicated device for charging the card is used.
When determining the priority order of the subtraction areas to be subtracted by the management device 2, for example, a setting is made such that the management device 2 gives priority to subtracting the area A and subtracts from the area B when there is no remaining frequency to be subtracted to the area A. In advance.
In addition, when determining the priority order of subtraction areas to be subtracted by the card, when the management device 2 receives an inquiry about the subtraction frequency, the remaining frequency of A + B is notified. Is prioritized and subtracted from area B when there is no remaining frequency to be subtracted from area A.

4 and 5 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention.
4 and 5, priority area 1 is represented as a free point (F point), and priority area 2 is represented as a charge point (C point).
1 to 5, when a card is inserted into the management apparatus 2 (S1), the management apparatus 2 determines whether the card is authentic (whether it can be used in the management apparatus) from the card ID, data format, or the like. If it is an unusable card, a warning to that effect (an error is displayed and the card is not supported) is issued (S3), and it is determined whether or not the return button as the card return key 8a has been pressed (S4). If the return button 8a is pressed, the return process is performed.
In the case of a usable card, the ID number, the balance and the remaining frequency are read to determine whether or not there are F points (S5). If there is a balance in priority area 1 (F point), the balance is displayed blinking (S6), and the copy mode is selected (S7).
It is determined whether the remaining frequency number is insufficient (S8). If the remaining frequency is insufficient, it is determined whether the remaining frequency is insufficient at F and C points (S9). If the remaining frequency is insufficient, an error is displayed and the remaining frequency is insufficient. (S10) If the return button 8a is pressed (S11), return processing is performed.
If there is no balance in priority area 1 (F points) and there is a balance in priority area 2 (C points) in step S5 (S12), the remaining number of C points is lit (S13). Next, the copy mode is selected (S14), and it is determined whether or not the C point remaining frequency is insufficient (S15). If it is insufficient, an error is displayed and the remaining frequency is insufficient (S16), and if the return button 8a is pressed (S17). ), Return processing.
If the remaining number is not insufficient in steps S8 and S9, copy permission is issued (S18), it is determined whether or not the copy is started (S19), and if the copy is started, a subtraction process is performed (S20).

Next, it is determined whether or not the remaining number of F points is insufficient (S21). If the remaining number is insufficient, it is determined whether or not the remaining number is insufficient at F and C points (S22). If it is determined that there is a shortage (no free points) (S23) and the return button is pressed (S24), a return process is performed. If it is not a copy start in step S19, it is determined whether or not the return button 8a is pressed (S25). If the return button 8a is pressed, a return process is performed.
If there is no balance in priority area 2 (C points) in step S12, an error is displayed and the remaining number is not present (no free points) (S26), and then it is determined whether the return button 8a is pressed (S27) and returned. If the button 8a is pressed, return processing is performed.
If it is determined in step S15 that the remaining number of C points is not insufficient, copy permission is issued (S28), and it is determined whether or not copy is started (S29). If copy is started, subtraction processing is performed (S30).
Next, it is determined whether or not the remaining number of C points is insufficient (S31). If the remaining number is insufficient, an error is displayed and there is no free point (S32), it is determined whether or not the return button 8a is pressed (S33), and the return button 8a is pressed. Then, return processing is performed. If it is not a copy start in step S29, it is determined whether or not the return button 8a is pressed (S34), and if the return button 8a is pressed, a return process is performed.

As shown in steps S9 and S22 described above, if there is no balance or shortage in both F and C points, a warning (error display) is given and the card is returned.
When a copy or print operation is performed, if there is a balance in priority area 1, subtraction is performed from there. If there is no balance in priority area 1 and there is a balance in priority area 2, two patterns are managed: subtract from priority area 2 or subtract from priority area 1 and subtract the shortage from subtraction area 2 Can be selected by setting on the device side. In the present embodiment, the method of subtracting from the priority area 1 and subtracting the shortage from the subtraction area 2 is described.
If the remaining number is insufficient due to copy and print settings, the image forming operation is not started. When the end of copying is selected by the user (the card return key 8a is pressed), the remaining amount information and the remaining number information written on the card are rewritten, and the card is ejected.
Although the operation of the copying machine is not described in detail in the above, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-092733 (although it is a cash type management apparatus, the operation of the copying machine is the same) or Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 05-189641. You can refer to the operation of the copier.
The charging machine charges the priority area 2 with respect to the charged amount, and cannot charge the priority area 1. Only priority area 2 such as a shop, canteen, vending machine, etc. is used and cannot be subtracted from priority area 1.

According to the present invention, when the frequency of the priority area is insufficient, it is possible to set whether to subtract only from the next priority area or subtract from the highest priority area and subtract the shortage from the sum of the next priority area. If you want to manage separately the valued amount (free points) and the amount charged (charge points), subtract only from the next priority area, or subtract from the highest priority area if you do not want to leave free points halfway Then, the method of subtracting the shortage from the sum of the next priority areas can be selected.
Further, according to the present invention, when the highest priority area 1 has a remaining number, the remaining amount is displayed. When the highest priority area 1 has no remaining number, the remaining amount of the next priority area is displayed. Since the display method of the area and the next priority area is different, even if there is only one display unit when the card is inserted into the management device, it is possible to determine which balance is displayed.
In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus management system including the image forming apparatus and the management apparatus has been described as an example. However, this is only an example, and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the personal computer, and the management apparatus are included. It may be a forming apparatus management system.
In this embodiment, a copying machine is used as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus may be a printing machine or a facsimile. An image forming apparatus management system including a management apparatus includes a printer, a personal computer, and the like. Needless to say, a combination of these may be used.

1 is a perspective view showing an external structure of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a management apparatus in an image forming apparatus management system of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of a management apparatus. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1 image forming apparatus (copier), 2 management apparatus, 3 connection cable, 5 display section, 6 fee signal output means (card read / write section), 7 switching key, 8 return means (input section, card return means), 8a Card return key (return button), 10 setting device, 11 control unit, 13 storage means (memory unit), 15 control unit

Claims (1)

In an image forming apparatus management system comprising an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus and performs an image forming operation, and manages a consideration for an image forming output.
The management device includes storage means for storing the number of image formations from the image forming device and size data / output mode;
Charge signal output means for adding the number of images or subtracting from the upper limit number of sheets, and outputting the current remaining number to the image forming apparatus when subtracting,
Prohibit means for prohibiting image forming operation when there is no remaining number,
A display means for displaying the remaining number of times, and a return means for returning the card or the identification card after the image forming operation ends,
A plurality of subtraction areas are provided on the card or identification card ,
The management device is capable of determining a priority for subtraction of the plurality of subtraction areas, and when the frequency of the priority area of the card or identification card is insufficient, it is subtracted only from the next priority area or the highest priority area And an image forming apparatus management system that can set whether to subtract from the sum of the next priority area .

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