JP5117694B2 - Vending machine for image forming equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vending machine for an image forming apparatus that sells a recording medium on which image information is formed by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.

  Initially, as a device for selling a recording medium on which image information is formed, there is a copying machine installed in a convenience store, for example. Copy processing of image information of a document is performed by this copying machine, and charging for copy processing is performed by attaching an electromagnetic counter to the copying machine. Copy processing is permitted by attaching a removable electromagnetic counter to the copier, and this electromagnetic counter is incremented each time a copy is made. Finally, the copy counter is cleared at the register counter based on the count of the electromagnetic counter. It was.

  However, the demand for unattended sales has gradually increased from the checkout method at the cashier counter, and vending machines using the same interface circuit as the electromagnetic counter have been made. In addition, in order to set different charges for each number and size of recording media, and for each mode such as color and double-sided, signals corresponding to information such as size and color are added to the above-mentioned electromagnetic counter interface. Has evolved into

  In order to charge a fee based on these diversified information, a fee is charged based on a preset fee table or the like, and further, it is compatible with diversification of payment forms such as a credit card. 1-4.

Furthermore, recent copying machines are equipped with various functions, and an increasing number of apparatuses in the form of so-called multi-function machines that can use functions such as copying, printers, facsimiles, and scanners in a single unit. At the same time, it was traditionally only vending vending, but recently there have been requests for billing such as ticketing, certificate issuance, content printing, digital camera shooting data printing, facsimile transmission, scan mail, etc. It came out.
JP 2002-92733 A JP 2006-58566 A JP 2005-92636 A JP 2004-5064 A

  However, as described above, the accounting interface installed in the conventional copying machine that automatically sells copies is derived from an electromagnetic counter, and is a general personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC). In order to install a billing interface that can be connected to this PC instead of an interface that can be connected to the PC, a new cost is required, and the billing interface installed in the conventional copying machine supports various billing processes. I couldn't. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine for an image forming apparatus in which a vending machine connected to an image forming apparatus is provided with a plurality of interfaces and can cope with various charging processes.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus vending machine according to claim 1 according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus for forming image information on a recording medium, and a vending machine connected to the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus vending machine comprising: an image forming apparatus that transmits processing information relating to the formation of image information between the image forming apparatus and the vending machine, and exchanges control signals relating to the operation of the image forming apparatus . 1 communication means, storage means for storing processing information relating to the formation of image information, billing information obtained from the processing amount of the image forming apparatus based on externally input monetary information and accounting information corresponding to preset processing information The calculation means for comparing and calculating the money information, the money information based on the calculation result of the calculation means are displayed on the display unit, the operation management means for outputting the control signal, and the money processing is performed based on the calculation result of the calculation means. Characterized by comprising a money management means.

The image forming apparatus vending machine according to claim 1 stores image information from an external device connected via a network between the image forming apparatus and the vending machine, and based on a print instruction. A server device that transmits image information to be formed on a recording medium to the image forming device is provided, the server device and the image forming device are connected via a network, and the vending machine and the server device are different from the first communication unit. The communication information is transmitted through the second communication means, the processing information is transmitted and the control signal is transmitted and received, and the processing information and the control signal acquired by the vending machine through the first communication means are transmitted through the second communication means. The signal that is converted and transmitted to the server device via the second communication means, and acquired by the vending machine via the first communication means and transmitted to the server device via the second communication means, Image read from the manuscript Copying operation performed in the formation of multi-address, or according to the print instruction operation for forming the image information received from an external device, a signal for permitting / prohibiting processing, signal indicating that the operation of the processing is the signal according to the accounting processing It is characterized by that.

Further, the image forming apparatus for an automatic vending machine according to claim 2-4, in claim 1 the image forming apparatus for an automatic vending machine according, it having a plurality of interfaces as a second communication means, were or, Acquire processing information and control signals from the installed interface, switch the output interface for processing, and acquire processing information and control signals from the installed interface, and select any interface to output. It can be set.

  According to the above configuration, the vending machine for the image forming apparatus can be provided with a plurality of interfaces to cope with various billing processes.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of interfaces are provided in a vending machine connected to charge for both image formation by a copying operation and image formation by a print instruction in the image forming apparatus, and can cope with various charging processes. There is an effect that can be.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic circuit configuration of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a combination of a copier as an image forming apparatus and a vending machine will be described as an example.

  A vending machine 20 shown in FIG. 1 communicates with a control unit 1 as a control means for controlling the entire vending machine, a main switch 2 for turning on / off the power of the vending machine 20, and a copying machine. The first interface unit 3 for return, a return lever for returning the change and releasing the coin jam, a setting switch for setting the unit price (copy unit price) of the image formation in the charge table, and the use of the copying machine alone (money And an operation unit 4 having a switching key or the like that can switch the linkage between the vending machine 20 and the vending machine 20. The unit price set in the charge table by the setting switch of the operation unit 4 is stored in the RAM 6 backed up by a battery as a non-volatile storage means in the control unit 1, and information is maintained even when the power of the vending machine 20 is turned off. Is retained.

  Further, the vending machine 20 determines whether or not the coin as a valuable material inserted from the coin insertion slot by the user is genuine, and if the coin is genuine, the control unit determines the amount of the inserted coin. In this embodiment, coins such as 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen can be discriminated, and coins or medals of other denominations are inserted. If this happens, return it to the return slot. Further, the determined coins can be stored as change, and the coins that do not fit here are stored in the coin storage box. Similarly, it has a banknote discriminating / storing means 8 that determines whether or not the inserted banknote is genuine, and informs the control unit 1 of the inserted money, and in this embodiment, only 1000-yen banknotes can be accepted. When other denominations such as banknotes or fake coins are inserted, they are returned to the return slot.

  Then, the display unit 9 displays the input amount (the amount of input coin), the fee for performing image formation (including information output) on the transfer paper (copying fee), the possibility of image formation (including information output), and the change of money Etc. are displayed. In addition, although this embodiment uses a coin and a banknote as valuables, you may make it use a card | curd (a prepaid card etc.) etc. as valuables.

  Further, the control unit 1 has a plurality of interfaces (I / F unit 10a, I / F unit 10b, I / F unit 10c) as a second interface unit 10 for connecting to an external device other than the copying machine. For example, an I / F unit 10a used for charging related to a print instruction by connecting to a print billing server, an I / F unit 10b used for notification of information processed by the copying machine connected to the print billing server, or It has an I / F unit 10c used for various settings of a vending machine that is connected to the maintenance PC and performed by the operation unit 4 described above.

  As Embodiment 1 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine 20 is connected to the copying machine 21 by a signal line via the first interface unit 3 (for example, parallel I / F) of communication means. , Exchange processing information and control signals.

  A size representing the size of a transfer sheet that is a recording medium that is exchanged between the vending machine 20 and the copying machine 21 and forms image information by the copying machine 21 as processing information from the copying machine 21 to the vending machine 20. Information, mode information indicating copying conditions such as whether the image information is color or black-and-white, single-sided or double-sided, etc., and a control signal indicating whether or not the copying machine 21 is in operation, automatic There is a count signal or the like that is output at the timing at which the vending machine 20 wants to perform billing processing, and these information and signals are prepared for the necessary bits.

  Specifically, in the case where the size information is defined by 4 bits, in the communication line circuit as shown in FIG. 3, four sets of the size information receiving side are prepared, and the size code is represented by the combination (see FIG. 4).

  Further, as a control signal from the vending machine 20 to the copying machine 21, there is a permission signal indicating whether or not the vending machine 20 is in a chargeable state. In the vending machine 20, several copy charges are set in the charge table of the RAM 6 on the control unit 1 of the vending machine 20 depending on the copying conditions, transfer paper size, mode information, and the like.

  Now, in the case of only charging for the copy operation having the configuration shown in FIG. 2, when a coin is inserted into the vending machine 20, the current input amount is displayed in the “input amount” on the display unit 9 as deposit money information. Further, a permission signal is turned on for the copying machine 21 to enable operation. Receiving this, the copying machine 21 notifies the vending machine 20 of processing information such as mode information and size information acquired based on the copy condition selected by the user on the operation unit (not shown) of the copying machine 21. The vending machine 20 stores the processing information in the control unit 1 and refers to the charge table in the RAM 6 from the mode information and size information, and the unit price (billing money information) and the amount of money input from the charging information. Is compared and calculated by the calculation means.

  As a result of the calculation means in the operation management means of the control unit 1, when the amount of money inserted exceeds the unit price, and when it is possible to return the change, (for example, when 100 yen hardening is entered at a unit price of 80 yen, A determination is made as to whether or not the change of 10 yen is insufficient), and the copying machine 21 is notified. The copying machine 21 does not start copying unless the permission signal from the vending machine 20 is turned on.

  When the vending machine 20 is not permitted, a warning such as “please charge” is displayed on the display unit 9. Also in the copying machine 21, even if the start key lamp is set to red and the start key is pressed, no copy operation is performed. On the contrary, in the case of permission, the display of the charge warning is canceled on the display unit 9. The copying machine 21 also turns the start key lamp green and starts the copying operation when the start key is pressed.

  When the copying operation is started in the copying machine 21, the copying machine 21 turns on the operation signal, and outputs a timing signal for charging to the vending machine 20 at the timing of feeding and discharging the transfer sheet. To do. The vending machine 20 checks the balance at the paper feed timing. If the balance exceeds the unit price, the permission signal is kept on. If the balance falls below the unit price, the permission signal is immediately displayed. Turn off. Note that charging is performed at the discharge timing, and charging is not performed when a paper jam occurs in the middle.

  Even when the input amount exceeds the unit price, the vending machine 20 immediately turns off the permission signal when the return button provided in the operation unit 4 of the vending machine 20 is pressed. As a result, the copying machine 21 does not feed the transfer paper thereafter.

  The copying machine 21 completes the image formation of the transfer paper that has started to be fed. When the copying is finished, the copying machine 21 turns off the operating signal, determines that the user has completed the work, and returns the copying conditions to the default state. Further, the vending machine 20 confirms that the operating signal is turned off, and starts the return operation.

  In this return operation, the money management means of the control unit 1 subtracts the amount calculated by the calculation means from the charging timing signal from the charge amount, and the remaining amount of money is determined by the coin discrimination / storage means 7, bill discrimination / storage means 8, etc. Return it.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the vending machine 20 is different from the first interface unit 3 shown in FIG. 2 as a communication unit with the print billing server 22 connected to the printer 24. 2 is provided with an interface unit 10 (for example, a serial I / F (I / F unit 10a), specifically, RS232C, etc.), through which processing information and control signals are exchanged.

  As control signals exchanged between the vending machine 20 and the print billing server 22 and from the print billing server 22 to the vending machine 20, there are a count signal, a charge display signal, a return instruction signal, and the like.

  The count signal requests the vending machine 20 to charge in order to subtract the processed fee from the amount put into the vending machine 20 by the calculation means and update the balance display displayed on the display unit 9. Signal.

  In the normal vending machine 20, the charge display signal is determined by determining the cash (coins, banknotes) to be inserted, and displayed in money, but other media (for example, credit card, IC card, prepaid card, electronic money) In the case of not charging with cash, etc., it is a signal that controls the charge displayed on the display unit 9 of the vending machine 20 at this time, which is controlled from the outside because it may be necessary to inquire about the contents information of the medium.

  The return instruction signal is that the vending machine 20 does not perform a return operation unless the return instruction signal is instructed when the return lever is pressed, so return the money from the vending machine 20 or return the prepaid card. This is a signal to instruct.

  As control signals from the vending machine 20 to the print billing server 22, there are an input amount signal, a return lever on signal, and the like.

  When there is a change in the inserted amount signal, such as information on the number of bills and coins that have been additionally inserted, change information stored in the vending machine 20, status information of a switch key that switches the linkage with the vending machine 20, etc. Alternatively, this is a signal to be notified when there is a notification request from the print billing server 22, and the print billing server 22 determines whether to permit / prohibit sales (image forming processing) based on this input amount signal. The return lever on signal is a signal to be notified every time the return button of the vending machine 20 is pressed and the state changes.

  In the case of only charging for the print instruction having the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the print charging server 22 connected to the vending machine 20 outputs (images) from other client PCs 23 connected via a network (LAN). Information) may be charged for what is instructed to print, or may be charged for what is instructed to print by starting an application on the print charging server 22.

  First, when a print instruction is output from the client PC 23 on the network, for example, instead of issuing a print instruction to directly form an image with the copying machine 21 from the client PC 23, for example, issuing a ticket, issuing a certificate, etc. Printing is performed after accumulating in the server 22 (this method is publicly known, so the description is omitted).

  After the user issues a print instruction from the client PC 23, the user goes to the print billing server 22, for example, inputs a user ID or authenticates with an IC card or the like. After the authentication, a list of items that have been instructed to be printed first is displayed on the print billing server 22, and the user selects an item for which an image is to be formed.

  When the user selects a print instruction, the vending machine 20 sets in advance based on the size information of the transfer paper on which the image is formed received from the print billing server 22, and mode information such as black and white, color, and other staples. The fee is calculated with reference to the charged fee table and displayed on the screen of the display unit 9.

  When the amount is input to the vending machine 20 and the permission signal is output, the print billing server 22 outputs the image information to the printer 24 that can communicate via the network or other methods. In addition, for each sheet discharged after the transfer sheet image formation is completed in the printer 24, charging is performed according to the unit price (including information charges) of what is output to the vending machine 20 via the print charging server 22. Give instructions.

  Next, when an application is started on the print billing server 22 and a print instruction is issued there, a print instruction such as content print or digital camera print corresponds to this.

  When the print billing server 22 activates an application and issues a print instruction, it sends mode information such as size information, black and white, color, and other staples of the transfer paper on which the print instruction is formed to the vending machine 20. Based on the above, a charge is calculated with reference to a preset charge table and displayed on the screen of the display unit 9. The subsequent processing is the same operation as the output of the print instruction from the client PC on the network described above.

  The print billing server 22 monitors whether or not the image forming process instructed by the print billing server 22 is normally output, and issues a billing command to the vending machine 20 every time one sheet is output.

  Even if the return button of the vending machine 20 is pressed during the image forming process, the vending machine 20 does not return the change and starts a return operation in response to a return instruction from the print billing server 22. This makes it possible to accurately calculate the charge for the amount of processing for which image formation has been performed.

  As described above, by providing a plurality of interface units in the vending machine, it is possible to perform image forming processing corresponding to various charging processes.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a connection configuration between a copying machine and a vending machine when charging is performed for both image formation by a copy operation and image formation by a print instruction according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Incorporating both the billing by the copying operation and the billing by the print instruction in the first embodiment, and the print billing server 22 instructs the processing related to the billing performed by the vending machine 20. It is.

  The copy operation of the configuration shown in FIG. 6 in the second embodiment performs the processing described in the first embodiment, but the vending machine 20 and the copying machine 21 are connected via the first interface unit 3. The signal is further converted and transmitted to the print billing server 22 via the second interface unit 10 (I / F unit 10b).

  For example, as a signal sent from the copying machine 21 to the print billing server 22 via the vending machine 20, size information and mode information as processing information of the copying machine 21, an operating signal as a control signal, and a timing signal for charging Are converted to the print billing server 22 and transmitted. Specifically, the size information received by the vending machine 20 is “size command + size code”, the mode information is the corresponding “mode command + mode code”, and the operation signal is “ON or OFF”. If the status signal is a charging timing signal, it changes to a “charging command”.

  As described above, the vending machine 20 determines the processing information and the control signal output from the copying machine 21, and outputs the converted signal to the print billing server 22 accordingly.

  Conversely, when a command for turning on a permission signal for permitting the operation of the copying machine 21 is input from the printing charging server 22 as a signal sent from the printing charging server 22 to the copying machine 21 via the vending machine 20, copying is performed. The permission signal for the machine 21 is turned on. In this way, the vending machine 20 performs only the conversion of each signal, and all the charging instructions follow the instructions of the print charging server 22. Thereby, it can respond to the case where it does not charge with the cash mentioned above.

  The operation of the vending machine will be described with reference to FIG. 6 based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the state is acquired and stored via the first interface unit 3 (parallel I / F signal line) from the copying machine 21 (S1). The change of the count signal instructing charging of the first interface unit 3 is confirmed (S2), and when there is a change (Yes in processing S2), the second interface unit 10 (I / F unit 10b) of the serial I / F signal line ) Is notified to the print billing server 22 (S3), and if there is no change in the process S2 (No in the process S2), the process proceeds to the next process S4.

  The mode information from the copying machine 21 via the first interface unit 3 is confirmed (S4), and when there is a change (Yes in step S4), the mode command is notified to the print billing server 22 via the I / F unit 10b. However, when there is no change in the process S4 (No in the process S4), the process proceeds to the next process S6.

  The size information from the copying machine 21 via the first interface unit 3 is confirmed (S6), and when there is a change (Yes at step S6), the size command is notified to the print billing server 22 via the I / F unit 10b. However, when there is no change in the process S6 (No in the process S6), the process proceeds to the next process S8.

  The operating signal from the copying machine 21 via the first interface unit 3 is confirmed (S8), and when there is a change (Yes in step S8), the operation status is sent to the print billing server 22 via the I / F unit 10b. Notification is made (S9), and if there is no change in process S8 (No in process S8), the process proceeds to the next process S10.

  The permission signal from the print billing server 22 through the I / F unit 10b is confirmed (S10), and when there is a change (Yes in step S10), the permission signal is output to the copying machine 21 through the first interface unit 3. If it is changed (S11) and there is no change in the process S10 (No in the process S10), the process proceeds to the next process S12.

  Further, it is confirmed whether there is a command request from the print billing server 22 via the I / F unit 10b (S12). If there is a request (Yes in step S12), the state of the requested signal is sent to the copying machine 21. Notification is made (S13). After the process of step S13 and when there is no request in process 12 (No in process S12), the process returns to process 2 and the above-described process is repeated.

  In the second embodiment, only the processing for charging the copy operation may be performed using the charge table provided in the RAM 6 of the vending machine 20 using the first interface unit (parallel I / F) 3. (See FIG. 8). In this case, for example, in the copying machine 21, the processing is performed and the in-operation signal is turned on, the information is transmitted to the print billing server 22, and the vending machine 20 is exclusively used by the copying machine 21 for a predetermined time. I do.

  After this predetermined time has elapsed, for example, when nothing changes to an operating signal, the copying machine 21 and the print billing server 22 share control, and the copying machine 21 outputs a signal for which control such as copy processing has been performed. The vending machine 20 is exclusively used on the copying machine 21 side.

  Next, in the case of billing based on a print instruction, billing control is performed using only the second interface unit 10 (I / F unit 10a) as described in the first embodiment. The print billing server 22 monitors whether or not the print information instructed by the print billing server 22 is normally output via the network, and issues a billing command to the vending machine 20 each time one is output.

  In addition, since the vending machine 20 performs billing based on a print instruction, when it is performed via the second interface unit 10 (I / F unit 10a), the image information is transmitted via a network or other types as shown in FIG. According to the method, the data is output to the communicable printer 24. However, the copying machine 21 in the form of a multifunction machine as described above can be connected via the LAN.

  In the case of this configuration, the vending machine 20 monitors the image forming process of the copying machine 21 via the copying machine 21 and the first interface unit 3, and counts for charging each time one sheet is output. The signal can be sent through the second interface unit 10 (I / F unit 10b) in the same manner as the accounting for the copy operation.

  Further, which of the first interface unit 3 and the second interface unit 10 (I / F units 10a, 10b, and 10c) of the vending machine 20 controls charging is connected to the vending machine 20. It can be arbitrarily set by the copying machine 21 and the print billing server 22, and can be set as appropriate according to the application.

  As described above, by providing a plurality of billing interfaces in the vending machine 20, it is possible to cope with various billing processes even if the copying machine 21 has a conventional configuration.

  The vending machine for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of interfaces in a vending machine connected to charge the image forming apparatus for both image formation by a copying operation and image formation by a print instruction. Therefore, it is useful as an apparatus for selling a recording medium on which image information is formed by an image forming apparatus.

The figure which shows schematic circuit structure of the vending machine in embodiment of this invention. Configuration diagram of vending machine and copier connected via first interface Diagram showing an example of a communication line circuit for connecting a vending machine and a copying machine Figure showing example size code Configuration diagram of vending machine and print billing server connected via second interface Connection diagram between vending machine, copier and print billing server Flow chart showing operation of vending machine Another configuration diagram connecting vending machines, copiers and print billing servers

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Main switch 3 1st interface part 4 Operation part 6 RAM
7 Coin discrimination / storage means 8 Banknote discrimination / storage means 9 Display unit 10 Second interface units 10a, 10b, 10c I / F unit 20 Vending machine 21 Copying machine 22 Print billing server 23 Client PC
24 Printer

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus for forming image information on a recording medium, and an image forming apparatus vending machine comprising a vending machine connected to the image forming apparatus,
A first communication unit that transmits processing information related to the formation of the image information and exchanges control signals related to the operation of the image forming apparatus between the image forming apparatus and the vending machine; The storage means for storing the processing information relating to the formation of the image, and the input monetary information from the outside and the billing money information obtained from the processing amount of the image forming apparatus based on the charging information corresponding to the processing information set in advance Calculating means for displaying the money information based on the calculation result of the calculation means on the display unit, outputting the control signal, and money management means for performing money processing based on the calculation result of the calculation means When,
Image information from an external device connected via a network is accumulated between the image forming apparatus and the vending machine, and the image information to be formed on a recording medium is transmitted to the image forming apparatus based on a print instruction. Providing a server device, connecting the server device and the image forming apparatus via the network;
Wherein said automatic vending machine connected to a server device via the first communication means and different from the second communication means, transmitting the process information, have rows exchanges control signals,
The processing information and control signal acquired by the vending machine via the first communication means are converted via the second communication means, and transmitted to the server device via the second communication means. ,
A signal acquired by the vending machine via the first communication means and transmitted to the server device via the second communication means is a copy operation for forming image information read from a document, or external apparatus according to the print instruction operation for forming the image information received from signal for permitting / prohibiting processing, signal indicating that the operation of the process, images you being a signal related to the billing of the process Vending machine for forming equipment The vending machine for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of interfaces are mounted as the second communication means . 3. The vending machine for an image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein in the plurality of interfaces, processing information and control signals are acquired from the installed interfaces, and the output interface is switched and processed . 3. The vending machine for an image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of interfaces can arbitrarily set the interface that acquires and outputs processing information and control signals from the installed interfaces .

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