JP5672803B2 - Image processing apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that charges for output.

  In current copying machines, various image quality settings and editing settings are possible. For example, image quality settings include image quality mode settings. Various image quality modes, such as a photo mode suitable for photo copying and a character mode suitable for text copying, are prepared, and the image quality mode is selected according to the original to be copied. Image quality can be set. In addition, the editing setting includes an aggregation function setting. By setting the aggregation function, it becomes possible to output a plurality of documents on one page.

  By the way, copiers are often installed in convenience stores and libraries as part of services. The copying machine installed in such a place is connected to a charging device, and a fee is collected by this charging device.

  However, in conventional copying machines, various convenient functions prepared in advance, such as various image quality modes and aggregation functions, are not fully utilized by the user, and the user does not always output with the optimum settings. There is a problem that there are many cases.

  For example, although there are various settings for the image quality mode, there are many users who use the default settings for any manuscript.

The following reasons can be considered as the reason.
1. Even if it is the default setting, it is output as it is.
2. When outputting a plurality of documents continuously, it is troublesome to change the setting for each document.
3. The image of output does not come out. (It is difficult to imagine the effect of setting the image quality mode.)

  Considering the actual situation and the convenience of the user, there is also an image processing apparatus having a function for automatically setting a mode. For example, an image processing apparatus having an automatic color selection function recognizes whether a document is full color or monochrome, and automatically performs processing in a mode corresponding to the recognition result.

  However, when accounting is considered, such automatic setting cannot be set to a default value.

  If the automatic color selection function is used, it is possible to automatically change settings, and color documents can be automatically output in full color, and monochrome documents can be output automatically in monochrome. Is also reflected. For this reason, it is difficult to set automatic setting to a default value in a fee collection type copying machine. Moreover, it is not realistic to change the setting without confirming with the user.

  There is also a function that is not suitable for automatic setting regardless of billing. For example, the aggregation function is not an automatic setting but a function that the user should set independently. When the aggregation function is set, when originals with small characters are aggregated, the resulting output may be so small that the characters cannot be read. In order to avoid such a case, it may be possible to determine whether or not the device should set an appropriate aggregation function by considering the character size, but the user should select whether or not to use the aggregation function. The device should not output using the aggregation function with automatic configuration. In the fee collection type copying machine, since the setting change is reflected in the billing, it is not realistic to change the setting without confirming with the user.

For the reasons described above, it can be said that the setting by the user has a great influence on the image quality and the output form particularly in the fee collection type copying machine. As a result, there are cases where the user has an undesirable output as follows.
Example 1) When a part of a color original suitable for color output is included in a large number of monochrome originals, if monochrome printing is designated, the color original is also output in black and white.
Example 2) When a part of a map is included in a large number of photographic originals, if printing is performed in the photographic quality mode, image processing suitable for the photographs is also performed on the map originals.
Example 3) If a large number of originals include originals with small characters, if the aggregate print is performed, the print result including the originals with small characters results in very small characters being printed.

  Although there is a reality that useful functions are difficult to be used in an office copier, there are still many opportunities for use in an office. Fees for copiers used in the office are collected from the company, not the individual user. For this reason, it is easy for the user to try to use various settings.

  On the other hand, for users such as housewives and children who use fee-collecting copiers at convenience stores and libraries, it is difficult to try functions that seem to be useful due to the nature of paying the currency on the spot. It is. Also, even if the user tries various settings, the effect is not always felt if the document is difficult to understand. If it is difficult to feel the effect, it may be possible not to change the setting again.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for presenting a user with an optimal setting that falls within the upper limit determined by the apparatus when the charge amount for the setting specified by the user exceeds the upper limit specified by the user. Has been.

  However, the optimum setting presented to the user in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is the optimum setting within a range that falls within the specified upper limit amount, and means that the setting is most suitable for the document to be copied by the user. This is not the optimal setting.

  Moreover, since the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a technique that is assumed to temporarily store images, hardware for storing images is required.

The present invention is, in view of the above problems, the effect of the optimal setting, the user is intended to be able to see more efficiently.

In order to solve the above-described problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, a setting unit that performs setting for outputting a document, an output unit that outputs the document based on the setting, and a feature of an image of the document are extracted. An extraction unit; a storage unit that stores the setting information and the image characteristics; a payment unit that receives money; and a charge amount for an output from the output unit based on the amount of money received by the payment unit The remaining amount confirmation means for confirming whether there is a remaining amount, the calculating means for calculating the discountable amount based on the amount charged for the output by the output means, and the remaining amount confirmation means confirm that there is a remaining amount. Presenting the service to the user based on the remaining amount, the discountable amount, the characteristics of the image of the document output by the output means, and the settings based on the output by the output means And the step, when the service there is a plurality, a priority determining means for determining a priority for each service at the time of presenting the plurality of services, to the plurality of services, during output by the output means Setting information confirming means for confirming whether or not there is a service including the content set in the setting information, and the priority determining means is based on the confirmation result by the setting information confirming means. It is characterized in that the priority for the is determined.

  According to the present invention, the effect of the optimum setting can be confirmed by the user more efficiently.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the reading correction | amendment part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the image processing process example in the image process part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the processing operation example in the copy operation | movement which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between setting information, a document, and the feature of an image. It is a figure which shows the example of a processing operation at the time of the completion | finish of copy concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between a discount allowance and a consumed amount. It is a figure which shows the processing operation example by the priority determination means which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the processing operation example in presentation of the additional service which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of presentation of the additional service which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the processing operation example by the priority determination means which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining rearrangement of a presentation list concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining rearrangement of a presentation list concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the effect by this invention. It is a figure explaining the effect by this invention. It is a figure explaining the effect by this invention.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present invention has the following characteristics when presenting an additional service. In short, the optimal settings for the original are detected from the characteristics of the original, the optimal settings are compared with the specified setting information, and if the two do not match, it is within the range that fits within the balance. It is characterized by presenting additional services. The features of the present invention described above will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

<Configuration Example of Image Processing Apparatus 100>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an image data expansion bus control unit 104, an external I / F control unit 107, a read image correction unit 102, an image processing unit 112, and an image writing connected to an image data expansion bus 108. The unit 103 is mainly configured.

  The external image reading unit 104 is connected to a memory 105, and the external I / F control unit 107 is connected to a NIC (Network Interface Card) 106, a FAX unit 110, and an operation unit 111.

  Further, the NIC 106 can communicate with an external PC (personal computer) 400, and the FAX unit 110 can also communicate with an external FAX.

  The read image correction unit 102 is connected to the image reading unit 101, and the read image correction unit 102 performs necessary correction on the image read by the image reading unit 101.

  The image processing apparatus 100 is connected to a billing apparatus 500. The billing apparatus 500 in the present embodiment is, for example, a coin-insertion type apparatus, and it is assumed that the user needs to insert coins in advance in order to make a copy. The charging apparatus 500 includes a charging control unit 501 and charges according to an instruction from the image processing apparatus 100. In addition, the billing apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment is not a coin-insertion type but may be one that can insert bills, or may be one that charges from a medium storing electronic money.

  The image reading unit 101 includes a line sensor including a CCD photoelectric conversion element, an A / D converter, and a drive circuit that drives them. The image reading unit 101 includes an optical unit including a light source and a mirror. By moving the optical unit, a document set at a reading position (for example, on a contact glass) in the image reading unit 101, or The image of the document passing through the reading position is optically read.

  The movement speed of the optical unit is variable in accordance with the magnification ratio at the time of reading, and can be changed in the sub-scanning direction by being slow at the time of enlargement and fast at the time of reduction.

  For example, when the line sensor is composed of a color CCD, the image reading unit 101 photoelectrically converts and amplifies each color separation light of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) to obtain an electrical image. It is sent to the read image correction unit 102 as image data of 8 bits for each color of RGB (which may be other than 8 bits) as a signal.

  The reading document is set at the reading position of the image reading unit 101 by the user, or the documents on the document table are automatically fed one by one by an ADF (automatic document feeder) and set at the reading position. Alternatively, the reading position is simply passed by the ADF. The speed of passing through the reading position is also variable in accordance with the magnification ratio, and the magnification in the sub-scanning direction is performed by moving slowly at the time of enlargement and early at the time of reduction.

  Although the image data read by the image reading unit 101 is 8 bits for each color here, the present invention is not limited to this.

<Configuration Example of Read Image Correction Unit 102>
The read image data is sent to the read image correction unit 102. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the read image correction unit 102 according to the present embodiment.

  The read image correction unit 102 includes an image area separation processing unit 201, a filter processing unit 202, a color conversion processing unit 203, a scanner γ processing unit 204, a resolution conversion processing unit 205, a compression processing unit 206, and a background detection. A background processing unit 207, a color determination processing unit 208, and a document type determination processing unit 209 are provided.

  A color determination processing unit 208 determines whether the original is full color or monochrome. The color determination processing unit 208 performs this determination using the first few lines of the document, and the determination result is used in the subsequent processing. Therefore, in this embodiment, a delay buffer for several lines (not shown) is provided after the color determination processing unit 208. The determination result of the color determination processing unit 208 is also accumulated in the memory 105.

  In the present embodiment, the color determination processing unit 208 is operated even when the user specifies full color or monochrome. However, when the user designates, the determination result of the color determination processing unit 208 is only accumulated in the memory 105 and is not reflected in the subsequent processing. For example, if the user specifies monochrome for a full-color original, the result that the color is full is stored in the memory 105, but the scanner γ processing 204 and the filter processing 202 are monochrome. Communicate information and act accordingly.

  The image area separation process 201 extracts a characteristic area of a document. For example, extraction of halftone dots formed by general printing, extraction of edge portions such as characters, determination of chromatic / achromatic of the image data, determination of white background whether the background image is white, etc. I do.

  A document type determination processing unit 209 determines a document type from the characteristics of image data. As the classification of the document type, for example, there are classifications such as a map document, a photo document, and a character document. The document type determination result is not used in the read image correction unit 102 but is stored in the memory 105.

  The image data input to the image processing unit 112 is sent to the background detection / background processing unit 207.

  The background detection / background processing unit 207 detects the background density of the read document while referring to a uniform fixed range of the read image data. Based on the detection result, if necessary, the background data is removed from the image data input to the image processing unit 112. When the background data is removed, the image data is corrected so that a white background is obtained. At the same time, the background is detected for the entire image, and the level of the background level of the entire image is output.

  For example, consider copying a manuscript such as newspaper. At this time, it is also possible to print in the read state. However, the information written in the newspaper becomes easy to see by outputting the newspaper with the white paper portion not being left in the read state. In such a case, in this embodiment, the background is whitened using the background processing function. Further, the result of the background detection is stored as necessary.

  This white background is executed when the user turns background processing on from the operation unit of the copying machine. That is, this white background is not always executed, but is performed by the operator's selection. Otherwise, as described above, the background printing becomes impossible when it is desired to print a paper background of a newspaper. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is important that these functions can be turned ON / OFF. However, the background is detected even when it is OFF, and the level of the background level of the entire image is output. The strength of the background level is accumulated in the memory 105 through a path (not shown).

  After these processes, the background detection / background processing unit 207 sends output data to the scanner γ processing unit 204.

  The scanner γ processing unit 204 performs image γ conversion from the γ characteristic of the image reading unit 101 to the output characteristic. Thereafter, the scanner γ processing unit 204 sends the image data that is the output of the scanner γ processing unit 204 to the filter processing unit 202.

  The filter processing unit 202 performs filter processing on the image data output from the scanner γ processing unit 204. The filter processing in the filter processing unit 202 plays a role of converting the spatial frequency of the image data.

  In addition, the filter processing unit 202 performs a characteristic filter process for each extracted portion using the result determined by the image area separation processing unit 201. For example, in the area detected as a halftone dot portion, the filter processing unit 202 performs smoothing processing to smooth the halftone dot, and if the edge portion is a white background, the area is estimated to be a character portion. Then, an edge enhancement process that improves the MTF characteristics is performed.

  Thereafter, the resolution conversion processing unit 205 converts the image data output from the filter processing unit 202 into an appropriate resolution corresponding to the subsequent operation, and outputs the image data. For example, when an image read at 600 dpi main scanning and 300 dpi sub-scanning is output at 300 × 300 dpi, the resolution conversion processing unit 205 processes the image to a desired resolution and outputs it. At this time, the scaling process is performed by an arithmetic process such as three-dimensional convolution.

  Thereafter, the compression processing unit 206 performs data compression on the image data output from the filter processing unit 202 that is the output of the color conversion processing and the output result of the image area separation processing unit 201. However, with respect to the output data of the image area separation processing unit 201, it is necessary to use a reversible compression method because the data depends on the position of the pixel.

  These outputs from the compression processing unit 206 are accumulated in the memory 105. Since the compression method used for each output data is different, each data (image data and image area separation data) may be compressed and stored separately. However, since these data need to be handled together in subsequent processing, only the dependency is controlled and managed.

  Note that, as described above, the results of color determination and document type determination are stored in the memory 105 so as to be associated with image data. It is assumed that the result of the background level strength is also stored in the memory 105 through a path (not shown). Even if these various determination results are added together, about several bytes are sufficient for one piece of image data, and can be stored in the memory 105.

<Example of Image Processing Step in Image Processing Unit 112>
Thereafter, data is transmitted from the memory 105 to the image processing unit 112, and the image processing unit 112 converts the image data according to the image writing characteristics for performing paper output from the characteristics of the accumulated image data. For example, when the image writing unit 103 is a color writing device, the image data is converted into a CMYK image. Details thereof will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image processing process in the image processing unit 112 according to the present embodiment.

  Here, it is assumed that the input data includes image data D1 and data D2 as a result of the image area separation process. Therefore, first, the decompression processing unit 301 decompresses each image data D1 compressed by the compression processing unit 206 and data D2 as a result of the image area separation processing.

  The color conversion processing unit 304 converts RGB image data in accordance with the output form. In the case of print output, RGB image data is converted into CMYK. In the case of scanner distribution, since RGB is used, color processing suitable for viewing image data on a PC monitor is performed.

  The image processing unit 112 can use the result of the read image correction unit 102 stored in the memory 105 in addition to the image data. Again, using the separation data resulting from the image area separation processing unit 201, for example, a black character can be assumed if the edge portion has a white background and is achromatic, and CMYK conversion is performed based on that. In addition, it is possible to perform black monochrome processing.

  In the case of two-color copying, the designated two-version data is generated after conversion to CMYK. In the two-color copy, pixels converted to other than the designated two colors are not printed. Therefore, color loss may occur depending on the document. The erase ratio in FIG. 3 means the number of erased pixels / the total number of pixels. The number of erased pixels indicates the number of pixels that are not drawn even if the original has a color, and this number of erased pixels / total number of pixels is stored in the memory 106. A larger value means more color loss.

  After the processing by the color conversion processing unit 304, the γ processing unit 302 performs γ processing in consideration of the light / dark characteristics of the plotter.

  The intermediate processing unit 303 performs gradation processing that matches the characteristics of the image writing unit 103 using the data processed by the γ processing unit 302. Characteristic processing is performed using the separated data. Examples of gradation processing include dither processing and error diffusion processing.

  Further, the intermediate processing unit 303 also converts the gradation depth (number of bits) of the image writing unit 103. For example, if the output is 1 bit, 1 bit conversion is performed while dithering the input 8 bit signal.

  Thus, the signal processed by the image processing unit 112 is once again input to the image writing unit 103 via the memory 105.

  When the image writing unit 103 receives the digital image data composed of CMYK, the image writing unit 103 outputs the received image data on the transfer paper using an electrophotographic process using a laser beam.

  Here, when data is transferred from the image reading unit 101 to the read image correction unit 102, from the read image correction unit 102 to the image processing unit 112, and from the image processing unit 112 to the image writing unit 103, an image data expansion bus is used. Each input / output is performed via 108.

  At that time, depending on the timing at which these are controlled, for example, even if the image data applied by the image processing unit 112 is output by the image writing unit 103, the engine plotter is still ready for paper output. It may not be possible. In such a case, the image data is held in the memory 105 and reading of the next document is stopped.

  Further, since the image data expansion bus 108 is shared by the modules, the image data expansion bus 108 is controlled by the image data expansion bus control unit 104 that adjusts its input / output. Here, the above-described memory 105 is also connected to the image data expansion bus control unit 104.

The data stored in the memory 105 is organized. In this embodiment, there are the following.
Color determination result: full color / monochrome. By accumulating this information, for example, if the user has designated monochrome for a document suitable for full color output, it is possible to prompt re-output in full color.
Document type determination result: Indicates the result of document type determination such as a photo document or a map document. By accumulating this information, for example, when the map is output in the photo original mode, it is possible to prompt the re-output in the map original mode.
-Background level: A level of the background state of the document. For example, when a document with newspaper clippings is output with the background removal OFF, it is possible to prompt re-output with the background removal ON.
-Erase ratio: Indicates the ratio of the number of erased pixels to the total number of pixels. For example, when the apparatus determines that there are many color missing during two-color copying, it is possible for the user to inquire about whether to re-output in full color.

  In the present embodiment, the information to be accumulated is not limited to the above. For example, when an aggregate copy is performed, an output that cannot be read because the characters are too small may be obtained. However, the user may be prompted to re-output by judging the character size inside the apparatus.

<Example of processing operation in copy operation>
The above series of operations starts when the user gives an instruction to start using the operation unit 111. The user can obtain a desired output by performing settings such as image processing and image editing using the operation unit 111. Hereinafter, the copy operation according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Wait for start instruction (St001): Indicates a standby state of the copying machine. When copying, the user sets image processing and image editing using the operation unit 111 and presses the start button.

  Image processing settings include, for example, document type and color mode, and image editing includes aggregation settings. Examples of the document type include a map document, a photo document, a text document, and a text / photo mixed document. The color mode has options such as full color, monochrome, and automatic color selection, for example. When the user selects automatic color selection, processing is performed based on the determination result in the color determination processing unit 208 described above. In the aggregation setting, 2in1, 4in1, etc. can be selected. When aggregation is selected, the image is reduced and scaled by the resolution conversion processing 205 based on the setting and stored in the memory 105, and the synthesized data for the documents to be aggregated is created on the memory 105 and then output.

  Is there an instruction? (St002): When there is an instruction to start the user, the process proceeds to St003. It will continue to wait until instructed.

  Job execution (St003): The job is executed based on the setting in the apparatus. The operation here is as described above, and the image reading unit 101, the image processing unit 112, the image writing unit 103, and the like operate.

  FIG. 5 shows the setting information and the original when the original set including the originals 1 to 3 is copied with the setting information 1 and the original set including the originals 4 to 5 is subsequently copied with the setting information 2. , Showing the relationship of image features. There may be a plurality of image features for one document. The example of FIG. 5 shows a case where there are two image features. In addition, image characteristics exist for each document. The image characteristics determined inside the apparatus and the setting information designated by the user are stored in a form associated with each other on the memory 105.

  After the data is output, it is charged for the output for each charging unit. Each time the accounting unit processing is completed, the charging apparatus 500 is instructed to charge, and the charging apparatus 500 charges in accordance with the instruction. If there is a balance in the middle of the job, the process is interrupted and the user is prompted to input a fee.

  With balance (St004): The billing apparatus 500 is inquired to confirm the balance. If there is a balance, proceed to the next step. If there is no balance, the process ends and enters a standby state again.

  Operation at the end of job (St005): This process is a characteristic part of the present embodiment. This will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Example of processing operation at the end of copying>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operation at the end of copying (at the end of a job). Each process will be described below. For example, this operation may be performed by the CPU.

  S0: When the job ends, an end request is accepted. The user can continue the service or end the service. In the case of continuing, the process proceeds to S6. In the case of termination, the process proceeds to S1. This end request reception is performed from the UI such as the operation unit 111 of the apparatus.

  S1: The stored information stored in the memory 105 is read, and optimum setting information for each document is determined from the read stored information. The optimum setting information is determined from the correspondence between the image characteristics stored in advance in the recording medium inside the apparatus and the optimum setting information. Here, for example, it is assumed that correspondences as described in Table 1 are stored.

  S2: The charge for the additional service searched in S1 is set. The fee is obtained from the correspondence between the service and the fee stored in advance in the recording medium inside the apparatus. Here, for example, it is assumed that correspondences as described in Table 1 are stored.

  Based on these correspondences, it is assumed that the optimum setting information shown in Table 2 is determined inside the apparatus. If the current setting matches the optimum setting information, it is not necessary to present an additional service, so “-” is described. A mode containing a numerical value other than “−” in the table is an additional service candidate.

  Mode 1 and mode 2 in Table 2 mean the names of modes specified by the user from the operation unit 111, and include items such as color mode, background removal, and document type as shown in Table 3. . Since specific setting items are not important, the terms “mode 1” and “mode 2” are simplified.

  In Table 2, a1, a2, b1, and b2 represent setting values. Setting values as shown in Table 3 can be selected. Since specific setting items are not important, they are simplified as a1, a2, b1, and b2.

  The image feature 1 and the image feature 2 in Table 2 are the result of color determination as shown in Table 4, the background level, the erasure ratio, the background removal level, and the like. These items may correspond to the setting information on a one-to-one basis, but this may not be the case. Since specific setting items are not important, the terms “image feature 1” and “image feature 2” are simplified here.

  The optimum setting information 1 and the optimum setting information 2 are optimum settings determined by the apparatus.

  S3: A discount allowable amount is calculated from the consumed amount (= consideration for normal copy). Since the additional service is charged, if the additional service is executed, a double charge is made together with the amount copied by the normal copy. For this reason, if the additional service and the normal copy are the same amount, it is considered that the additional service is difficult to try. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the discount allowable amount is calculated according to the consumed amount. For example, the greater the number of sheets, the greater the discount allowance. Further, for example, a discount of 20 yen is performed for every 200 yen consumed. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the discount allowable amount and the consumed amount.

  S4: The priority determination means determines the priority order of the presentation priority. Finally, an additional service is presented to the user based on the determined priority.

  S5: Present additional services. Details are described in detail below.

  S6: Continue to stand by and provide a service according to the instruction when a service request is received.

<Example of processing operation by priority determination means (1)>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation performed by the priority determination unit in S4 of FIG. Explain each step.

  SS1: Calculate the product of the service unit price and the number of sheets for each additional service candidate. For each setting mode, the product of the service unit price and the number of output sheets is calculated, and the priority is assigned in descending order. Table 5 is an example of the results. In the priority column of the table, the lower the numerical value, the higher the priority.

  By doing in this way, the effect of the useful function which a user does not know can be shown at a cheaper charge.

  SS2: SS3 is executed for all additional service candidates.

  SS3: A search is made as to whether additional service candidates that match the output of the corresponding mode setting are included in the printed matter that has already been output. That is, for example, it is checked whether or not the mode setting of the additional candidate service in Table 5 matches the setting information described in Table 2. Table 6 shows the search results.

  By doing this, it becomes possible to propose the use of functions other than those used by the user to the user. By executing the functions proposed in this way, the number of functions for which the user has confirmed the effect of the setting will increase, and the choices of settings that can be selected will increase in the next and subsequent uses, and a better output may be obtained. (Fig. 14). At the same time, if the stored information is included, it is highly likely that the setting has not been selected, so there is a possibility that it may be annoying. There are also implications to avoid it.

When the proposed function is executed, the number of functions for which the effect of the setting has been confirmed increases, and the number of setting options that can be selected by the user at the next and subsequent uses increases, and the possibility that a better output can be obtained increases.
At the same time, if the stored information is included, it is highly likely that the setting has not been selected, so there is a possibility that it may be annoying. There are also implications to avoid it.

  SS4: For those that match in SS3, the priority is lowered by the amount set in advance. The results of the SS2 loop are shown in Table 7. In the example shown in Table 7, the priority is lowered by 2.

  SS5: SS6 is executed for all additional service candidates in descending order of priority.

  SS6: Check whether additional service candidates are within the balance. If it is within the balance, the process proceeds to the next SS7. If the balance is exceeded, the next step SS7 is skipped. Since the priority is determined by the product of the service unit price and the number of sheets, additional service candidates with priority after that cannot be within the balance.

  SS7: Since the additional service candidate can be executed within the balance, it is included in the final presentation list so as to be an additional service to be finally presented. At the same time, the balance information temporarily stored is reduced by this additional presentation service. Since the user does not always do so, it does not mean to reduce the actual balance.

  SS8: Update additional service candidates. As described above, since the priority of the additional service candidate is determined by the product of the service unit price and the number of sheets, even if the service unit price is low, the priority is low if the number of output sheets is large. For example, there is a possibility that a service can be provided if the number of output sheets is one. Therefore, in this step, a service whose priority is reset from those not registered in the final presentation list is set as an additional service candidate. At this time, the priority is set higher when the service unit price is lower.

  In step SS1, since the priority is calculated by the product of the service unit price and the number of output sheets, the lower the fee, the higher the priority, and it is easy for the user to try.

<Example of processing operation when an additional service is presented>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing operation example of presenting an additional service in S5 of FIG.

  SSS1: The service registered in the final presentation list is presented to the user. For example, the UI as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. There are various UI display methods, and it is effective to display a high-priority item in bold or prominently large. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the higher priority is presented above. In the present embodiment, the discount price is determined by the total of the additional services. Therefore, when displaying the discount price, the discount price may be allocated by taking the ratio of the consideration of each service.

  In addition, it is considered that it is troublesome for the user to extract a document to be re-output from a set of documents. Therefore, in the case of the image processing apparatus 100 including the document feeder, it is preferable to prompt the user to set the original document as it is, and the apparatus determines the target original document from the reading order and processes it. When there are a large number of document sets, this method can take a long time. Therefore, in such a case, the user may be requested to extract the target document.

  SSS2: When the user selects execution of the additional service, the process proceeds to SSS3. When it is not desired to execute the additional service, the process proceeds to SSS4.

  SSS3: The designated additional service is executed. Output using the setting information stored in the memory. When the user selects only some of the presented additional services, only the price of the selected additional service is charged.

  SSS4: Return the balance.

<Example of processing operation by priority determination means (2)>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another processing operation example by the priority determination unit in S4 of FIG. This processing operation example is obtained by adding SS9 to the processing operation example shown in FIG. Therefore, only SS9 will be described in detail.

  SS9: Rearrange the presentation list. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation for rearranging the presentation list in step SS9. The rearrangement of the presentation list will be described with reference to Table 8. Table 8 is a final presentation list before the start of this flow.

  F1: The number of documents corresponding to the additional service is reflected in the priority. The number of additional service documents included in the final presentation list is reflected in the priority. Specifically, it is checked whether there is a service charge with the same service price in the final presentation list, and if there is a smaller number of documents, the priority is set to the highest priority among the services that can be provided at that service charge. . This is because when the user executes an additional service, the smaller the number of documents, the easier it is to try (FIG. 16).

  As a result of this processing, for example, the priority of the service shown in the fifth line of Table 8 is 3, and the priority of the service shown in the third and fourth lines is 4, 5 respectively.

  In this case, we considered that it is easier to try with a smaller number of documents, so the priority was given to those with a smaller number of documents, but if we focus on providing optimal output for more documents at the same fee, It is appropriate to increase the priority of documents with a large number of documents. These priority adjustment guidelines may be determined, for example, by conducting market research.

  F2: The reading position of the document corresponding to the additional service is reflected in the priority. For example, in the column of “number of originals” in Table 8, for example, when priority 5 is taken as an example, the 21st, 27th, 35th, and 40th pages have priority 3 Means that the device has determined that is appropriate.

  At F1, it is considered that the user takes out fewer originals by using this information stored in the memory. Specifically, points are calculated based on the interval between the document positions (= the number of sheets) based on Table 9, and the priority of the service that has become a low point is increased. This is because it is easier for the user to try the additional service if the document positions are more organized (FIG. 16).

  Looking at the service in the third row from the top of Table 8, since the difference between the document positions of the 21st and 27th sheets is 6, the difference between the 2nd, 27th and 35th sheets is 8, so the points 4 and 35 The difference between the 40th sheet and the 40th sheet is 5, so it is 2 points, and the total point of this service is 8. The results calculated for each service in this way are shown in Table 10.

  In this example, it is assumed that the priority is increased by 1 with respect to points having 3 or less points. The method of increasing the priority of points with a low number of points is not limited to this. As a result, the priorities of the priorities 4 and 5 are switched. This is a process for the user because it is necessary to take out the original when prompted for an additional service, and it is easier to try a document whose position is not separated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating another processing operation example of the presentation list rearrangement.

  FL1: The number of each currency type is reflected in the priority. As a factor that determines whether the user is willing to perform additional services, the number of different types of currency for change may also be involved. For example, if the balance is 40 yen at the end of copying and an additional service of 40 yen is presented at that time, there may be a user who wants to obtain a better output with the additional service than to get a change. This is because 40 yen is generally four 10-yen coins, and the wallet becomes bulky if it is put in the wallet as it is.

  For such a user, if the change is 90 yen, if an additional service of 40 yen is executed, one 50-yen coin will be changed, which may be easy to implement. At this time, if a 50-yen coin does not remain in the billing device, the service may be easily implemented if a 90-yen service is provided instead of the 40-yen service.

  When the charging apparatus 500 charges from a medium storing electronic money, it is not meaningful to mount this presentation list rearrangement. When there is a balance, it is up to each person to decide what price the service is to use. Therefore, it is better to select whether such an algorithm is installed or not depending on the machine.

  The processing operation in the above-described embodiment can be executed by hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when there is a change after the user has output, it is possible to present an optimum setting for the document output by the user within the range of the change. In the present embodiment, the optimum setting to be presented is within the range of the change, and as described above, an effort is made to make the user want to try the output with the presented optimum setting. For this reason, the opportunity for the user to try the optimum setting, that is, the opportunity for the user to confirm the effect of the optimum setting increases. Therefore, according to the present invention, the user can more efficiently confirm the effect of the optimum setting.

  When processing by software is executed, the program is loaded from a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program recording a processing sequence to a memory (RAM) in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. The program can be read and executed, or the program can be installed and executed on a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processes.

  For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a hard disk or ROM as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program is stored on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a magneto-optical disk such as an MO (Magneto Optical) disk. It is possible to store (record) temporarily or permanently.

  Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software.

  The program is installed on the computer from the above-described removable recording medium, transferred wirelessly from the download site to the computer, or transferred to the computer via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. On the other hand, the computer can receive the transferred program and install it on a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk.

  In addition to being executed in time series in accordance with the processing operations described in the above embodiment, the processing capability of the apparatus that executes the processing, or a configuration to execute in parallel or individually as necessary Is also possible.

  In addition, the system described in the above embodiment can be configured to have a logical set configuration of a plurality of devices or to mix the functions of each device.

  The present invention has been described above by the preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. is there.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image processing apparatus 101 Image reading part 102 Reading image correction part 103 Image writing part 104 Image data expansion bus control part 105 Memory 106 NIC
Reference Signs List 107 External I / F control unit 108 Image data expansion bus 111 Operation unit 112 Image processing unit 201 Image area separation processing unit 202 Filter processing unit 204 Scanner γ processing unit 205 Resolution conversion processing unit 206 Compression processing unit 207 Background detection / background processing unit 208 Color determination processing unit 209 Document type determination processing unit 301 Decompression processing unit 302 Gamma processing unit 303 Halftone processing unit 304 Color conversion processing unit 400 PC
500 charging device 501 charging control unit

JP 2009-283993 A

Claims (2)

Setting means for performing settings for outputting a document;
Output means for outputting the document based on the setting;
Extracting means for extracting image features of the original;
Storage means for storing the setting information and the characteristics of the image;
Receiving means to receive money input,
A remaining amount confirming unit that confirms whether there is a remaining amount when subtracting the amount charged for the output by the output unit from the amount of money received by the receiving unit;
Calculation means for calculating a discountable amount based on the charge amount for the output by the output means;
When it is confirmed by the remaining amount confirmation means that there is a remaining amount, based on the remaining amount, the discountable amount, the characteristics of the image of the document output by the output unit, and the setting based on the output by the output unit Presenting means for presenting the service to the user;
Priority determining means for determining a priority for each service when presenting the plurality of services when there are a plurality of the services;
Setting information confirmation means for confirming whether or not there is a service including the content set at the time of output by the output means among the plurality of services,
The priority determining means includes
Based on the check result by the setting information confirmation unit, an image processing apparatus characterized by determining a priority for the plurality of services. The image processing device
Setting means for performing settings for outputting a document;
Output means for outputting the document based on the setting;
Extracting means for extracting image features of the original;
Storage means for storing the setting information and the characteristics of the image;
Receiving means to receive money input,
A remaining amount confirmation means for confirming whether there is a remaining amount when subtracting the amount charged for the output by the output means from the amount of money received by the money receiving means;
Calculation means for calculating a discountable amount based on the charge amount for the output by the output means;
When it is confirmed by the remaining amount confirmation means that there is a remaining amount, based on the remaining amount, the discountable amount, the characteristics of the image of the document output by the output unit, and the setting based on the output by the output unit Presenting means for presenting the service to the user;
Priority determining means for determining a priority for each service when presenting the plurality of services when there are a plurality of the services;
Among the plurality of services , function as a setting information confirmation unit for confirming whether there is a service including the content set at the time of output by the output unit,
The priority determining means includes
A program for determining a priority for the plurality of services based on a confirmation result by the setting information confirmation unit.

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