JP6215733B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a charged operation with charge for image formation and a free operation without charge for image formation.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as printers and multifunction peripherals are installed in public facilities or convenience stores, and the user can use the image forming apparatus by paying a predetermined fee.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that an image forming apparatus having a paid print mode with charging and a free print mode without charging returns to the paid print mode when a predetermined time elapses in the free print mode. Yes.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-242008

  In the above-described image forming apparatus, there is a risk of unauthorized use by the next user and a problem that hinders the use of the next user when the user leaves it while it is being used in the paid print mode. It was.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus described above, when the predetermined time (threshold time) elapses in the free print mode, the print mode returns to the paid print mode. There is. Also, for the paid print mode, if the threshold time is too short, the customer's operation may be hindered and the usability may be deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a paid operation that involves charging for image formation and a free operation that does not involve charging for image formation. When the time for which the instruction relating to image formation is received or the execution of the instruction is not performed is counted and the time for which the fee-charging operation is left is longer than the first time, or the time for the image-free operation is left. If it is longer than the second time, by displaying a specific screen (for example, the initial screen), if the neglected time continues for the threshold time based on the threshold for each paid operation and free operation, the initial screen is forcibly In order to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent unauthorized use by the next user or use by the next user even if the user leaves the user in the middle of use. is there

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is configured to accept an instruction relating to image formation or to execute the instruction in an image forming apparatus having a charged operation that involves charging for image formation and a free operation that does not involve charging for image formation. A time-counting unit that counts the leaving time in which neither is performed, and a determination unit that determines whether the leaving time in the paid operation is longer than the first time or whether the leaving time in the free operation is longer than the second time A display unit that displays a specific screen of the paid operation when the neglected time in the paid operation is longer than the first time or when the idle time in the free operation is longer than the second time. .

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the first time or the second time can be changed.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the first time is longer than the second time.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives the settings of the first time and the second time, and a notification unit that notifies that if the received second time is longer than the first time. It is characterized by.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a receiving unit that receives the setting of the first hour and the second time, when the second time accepted is longer than the first time, disabled to disable between second time accepted And a means for generating.

  According to the present invention, the initial screen is forcibly displayed when the neglected time continues for the threshold time based on different threshold values for each of the paid operation and the free operation. Even so, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use by the next user or obstruction to use by the next user.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a control unit in the main body of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the main body in the multifunction peripheral according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the display unit in the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an example of a selection reception screen in a free mode displayed on a display unit in the multifunction peripheral according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a multi-function peripheral and will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of a multifunction machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The multi-function device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 100 and a charging device 200.

  The multi-function device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed in, for example, a convenience store and the like. When executing a job such as image formation, there is a paid mode (paid operation) with a charge and no charge. Free mode (free operation). That is, when used by a customer, it operates in a paid mode, and when used by a related person such as a store clerk, it operates in a free mode.

  The main body 100 includes a control unit 10, an image input unit 2, an image processing unit 3, an image output unit 4, a communication unit 5, an operation panel 6, a display unit 7, a storage unit 8, an I / F unit 9, and a time measuring unit 11. Etc. Hardware is provided.

  The image input unit 2 performs optical reading of document image data. Further, the image input unit 2 includes an optical unit having a light source that irradiates light to a reading document, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). Further, the image input unit 2 forms a reflected light image from the original set at a predetermined reading position on the image sensor, and outputs RGB (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue) analog electrical signals. Output. The analog electrical signal output from the image input unit 2 is input to the image processing unit 3.

  The image processing unit 3 generates digital image data based on the analog electrical signal input through the image input unit 2, or reads out the image data stored in the storage unit 8, and according to the type of each image. Then, output image data is generated.

  The image output unit 4 forms an image on a recording sheet such as a recording sheet or an OHP film based on the image data output from the image processing unit 3 and outputs the image. Therefore, the image output unit 4 generates a latent image on the photosensitive drum by emitting a laser beam in accordance with the photosensitive drum, a charger for charging the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, and image data received from the outside. Laser writing device to be generated, developing device for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum to make it visible, transfer device for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto the paper Etc. (not shown), and an image desired by the user is formed on the sheet by electrophotography. In addition to image formation by an electrophotographic method using a laser writing apparatus, an image formation may be performed by an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, or the like.

  The communication unit 5 includes a network card, a modem, and the like that transmit the image data processed by the image processing unit 3 to the outside. For example, the communication unit 5 transmits the image data to a destination set by attaching it to a mail.

  The operation panel 6 includes function buttons such as “copy” and “print” related to important functions of the main body 100, a numeric keypad, an enter key for confirming received instructions, and the like.

  The storage unit 8 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, EEPROM (registered trademark), HDD, MRAM (magnetoresistance memory), FeRAM (ferroelectric memory), or OUM. The storage unit 8 stores, for example, a first time and a second time, which are threshold values used for determination by the determination unit 104 described later. The first time or the second time can be changed by the user. Said 1st time is a threshold value used for determination of the leaving time mentioned later in paid mode. Further, the second time is a threshold value used for determining the leaving time in the free mode. Further, the first period is longer than the second period.

  The display unit 7 includes, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electroluminescence) panel, and displays an image to be output (printed) on a predetermined recording sheet via the image output unit 4. The display unit 7 displays information to be notified to the user, such as the state of the main body 100, the status of job processing, the image of the document read by the image input unit 2 and the operation content of the operation panel 6. .

  In the display unit 7, a touch panel 71 is provided on the front side of the display screen on which an image is displayed. The touch panel 71 can detect a predetermined position on the display screen of the display unit 7 by a touch operation in which the user touches the fingertip. The touch panel 71 detects, for example, a change in pressure due to a touch operation of the user's fingertip, or an electric signal due to static electricity, and coordinates on the display screen of the display unit 7 corresponding to the contact position of the user's fingertip. And a signal for specifying the coordinates is generated. The touch panel 71 is not limited to this, and may be configured to use a pointing device (for example, a stylus pen).

  The I / F unit 9 is connected to the outside. The I / F unit 9 is connected to the charging apparatus 200 via a LAN.

  The timekeeping unit 11 keeps time for the standing time. The neglected time is a state in which no processing relating to an image forming job is performed in the multifunction device 1 such as receiving data relating to image formation from the outside and executing image formation or accepting an instruction relating to image formation. Say time.

  In addition, the time measurement by the time measuring unit 11 may measure the passage of time, or may perform (integer) counting at a predetermined time interval. In the following, for convenience of explanation, an example in which integer counting is performed at predetermined time intervals will be described.

  The control unit 10 appropriately controls each of the above hardware, and executes a job related to a service to be provided to the user.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of the control unit 10 in the main body 100 of the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 10 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a determination unit 104, a reception unit 105, a notification unit 106, and an invalidation unit 107.

  The ROM 102 stores data such as basically fixed data among various control programs and calculation parameters in advance, and the RAM 103 temporarily stores the data and reads it regardless of the storage order, storage position, etc. Is possible. The RAM 103 stores, for example, a program read from the ROM 102, various data generated by executing the program, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, and the like.

  The CPU 101 loads the control program stored in advance in the ROM 102 onto the RAM 103 and executes it, thereby controlling the various hardware described above, causing the entire apparatus to operate as the MFP 1 of the present invention, and as described above. Job execution, billing processing (use fee settlement, balance calculation, etc.).

  The determination unit 104 determines whether the neglected time measured by the timing unit 11 in the paid mode is longer than the first time, or whether the neglected time measured by the timing unit 11 in the free mode is longer than the second time. Determine. If the determination unit 104 determines that the neglected time in the paid mode is longer than the first time, or determines that the neglected time in the free mode is longer than the second time, the current mode is The paid mode is set and the display unit 7 displays the specific screen. The specific screen is, for example, an initial screen. Such an initial screen is a screen for receiving selections for various services (jobs) that can be provided by the multi-function peripheral 1 as will be described later.

  The accepting unit 105 accepts a setting input for the first time and the second time from the user. The user inputs the first time and the second time by appropriately operating the display unit 7 (touch panel 71), and the receiving unit 105 receives the input of the first time and the second time and has already stored in the storage unit 8 The first time and the second time that have been set are updated to the accepted first time and second time.

  As described above, when the receiving unit 105 receives an input of the first time or the second time, the notification unit 106 compares the first time and the second time, and the received second time is longer than the first time. If so, this is notified.

  For example, the notification unit 106 may be configured to display a warning message that the second time is longer than the first time or to sound a warning sound via the display unit 7.

  The invalidation unit 107 compares the first time and the second time when the reception unit 105 receives the input of the first time or the second time, and accepts it when the received second time is longer than the first time. Disable the first time or the second period.

  Such invalidation by the invalidation unit 107 may be performed together with the notification by the notification unit 106. Moreover, it is not restricted to this, You may comprise so that it may be performed only when a user does not correct 1st time or 2nd time irrespective of the alerting | reporting by the alerting | reporting part 106. FIG.

  On the other hand, the charging apparatus 200 is connected to the main body 100 via a LAN, and includes a control unit 210, a sensor unit 250, a receipt printing unit 220, a coin vendor 230, and an I / F unit 240. .

  The receipt printing unit 220 includes, for example, a recording paper storage unit (not shown) and a printing unit (not shown) having a so-called thermal head. A heat-sensitive receipt paper wound in a roll is loaded into the recording paper storage section, and billing information is printed on the receipt paper sent out from the recording paper storage section.

  The billing information is a fee to be collected from the user according to the service provided by the main body 100 and information relating to the details thereof, and is a breakdown relating to a so-called receipt or receipt.

  The sensor unit 250 detects, for example, whether there is a receipt sheet in the recording sheet storage unit of the receipt printing unit 220, and detects the temperature of the thermal head.

  The coin vendor 230 includes, for example, a coin insertion slot and a coin return slot. The coin vendor 230 accepts coins inserted into the coin insertion slot, and the control unit 210 calculates the balance from the usage fee and the amount inserted according to the executed job. Then, the coin related to the balance is returned to the user through the coin return port.

  The I / F unit 240 connects the charging apparatus 200 to the main body 100 via the LAN.

  The control unit 210 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). Depending on the job performed by the main body 100, each hardware described above is charged (for example, payment of usage fees, calculation of the balance). And an instruction for printing the billing information.

  Since the multi-function device 1 has the above-described configuration, even if the user leaves the device in the middle of use for a certain period of time, it becomes an obstacle to unauthorized use by the next user or use of the next user. Can be prevented.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the main body 100 in the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, a case where the multifunction device 1 is in a so-called standby mode will be described as an example. The first time and the second time are “60” and “40”, respectively.

  Since the multi-function device 1 is in the standby mode, a standby screen indicating that it is in the standby mode is displayed on the display unit 7 (step S101). At this time, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is an operation on the standby screen by monitoring a signal from the touch panel 71, for example (step S102).

  When the CPU 101 determines that there is no operation on the standby screen (step S102: NO), the CPU 101 repeatedly performs such determination.

  For example, when a customer or a store clerk (hereinafter simply referred to as a user) touches the display unit 7 (touch panel 71), the CPU 101 determines that there is an operation on the standby screen (step S102: YES), and the display unit 7 Instruct to display the initial screen. The display unit 7 displays an initial screen in response to an instruction from the CPU 101 (step S103).

  FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of an initial screen displayed on the display unit 7 in the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, soft keys such as “copy”, “photo service”, “print service”, and “scan service” are provided on the initial screen. The user may touch any one of the soft keys as necessary.

  Further, the user can change from the paid mode to the free mode by appropriately operating the initial screen. For example, when the user touches two specific soft keys at the same time among the soft keys on the initial screen, the paid mode is changed to the free mode.

  Next, the CPU 101 instructs the time measuring unit 11 to start counting the standing time. In response to the instruction from the CPU 101, the time measuring unit 11 starts counting the standing time (step S104). As a result, the count result (hereinafter referred to as “N”) by the time measuring unit 11 becomes “1”.

  It is assumed that the initial screen is included in the paid mode, and counting of the leaving time in the paid mode is started by the processing in step S104.

  Then, for example, the CPU 101 monitors a signal from the touch panel 71 and also monitors the operation panel 6 to determine whether any operation has been performed (step S105). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether any soft key on the initial screen is operated, whether any button on the operation panel 6 is operated, or whether an external recording medium is connected to a USB port (not shown). Etc. are monitored.

  If the CPU 101 determines that any operation has been performed (step S105: YES), it determines whether or not it is a mode change instruction (step S109). Such a determination is made by the CPU 101 confirming whether the two specific soft keys are touched simultaneously.

  If the CPU 101 determines that it is an instruction to change the mode (step S109: YES), the CPU 101 changes the mode from the paid mode to the free mode, and stores that fact in the RAM 103 (step S110). Thereafter, the process returns to step S105 again.

  At this time, the selection reception screen in the free mode is displayed on the display unit 7. FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a selection acceptance screen in the free mode displayed on the display unit 7 in the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. On the selection reception screen, for example, soft keys such as “business copy”, “total number of used sheets”, “business print”, and “delete all files” are provided. A person concerned such as a store clerk may change to the free mode as necessary, and touch any soft key from the selection reception screen.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user touches any one of the soft keys on the initial screen, the CPU 101 determines that it is not a mode change instruction (step S109: NO), resets “N” to “0”, The timer unit 11 is instructed to restart counting. In response to the instruction from the CPU 101, the timer unit 11 resets “N” and starts counting again (step S111).

  That is, since any operation has been performed in the paid mode, the count of the standing time is once reset and then restarted. Thereafter, the process returns to step S105 again.

  However, if the CPU 101 determines that no operation has been performed (step S105: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether the current mode is the free mode (step S106). Such a determination is made based on the stored contents of the RAM 103.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the current mode is the free mode (step S106: YES), the determination unit 104 determines whether the current “N” (count result) is greater than the second time (hereinafter referred to as T2). (Step S107). That is, the determination unit 104 determines whether “N” is greater than “40”.

  When the determination unit 104 determines that the current “N” is greater than T2 (step S107: YES), the CPU 101 instructs the display unit 7 to display the initial screen, and resets “N” to “0”. The timer unit 11 is instructed.

  In response to an instruction from the CPU 101, the display unit 7 displays an initial screen, and the time measuring unit 11 resets “N” (step S108).

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 104 determines that the current “N” is not greater than T2 (step S107: NO), the timer unit 11 increments the count result. That is, the timer unit 11 sets N + 1 to “N” (step S112). Thereafter, the process returns to step S105.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the current mode is not the free mode (step S106: NO), that is, when the current mode is the paid mode, the determination unit 104 determines that the current “N” is the first time (hereinafter referred to as T1). It is determined whether it is larger (step S113). That is, the determination unit 104 determines whether “N” is greater than “60”.

  When the determination unit 104 determines that the current “N” is greater than T1 (step S113: YES), the CPU 101 instructs the display unit 7 to display the initial screen and resets “N” to “0”. The timer unit 11 is instructed. In response to an instruction from the CPU 101, the display unit 7 displays an initial screen, and the time measuring unit 11 resets “N” (step S114).

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 104 determines that the current “N” is not greater than T1 (step S113: NO), the timer unit 11 increments the count result. That is, the timer unit 11 sets N + 1 to “N” (step S115). Thereafter, the process returns to step S105.

  For example, in the above processing, when processing is performed at a speed of about 1 second from step S103 to step S112 or step S115, the first time is 60 seconds and the second time is 40 seconds.

  In the present invention, as described above, when the neglected time continues for a certain period of time, the initial screen is forcibly displayed, so that if the user leaves it as it is during use, it is fraudulent by the next user. It is possible to prevent the use or the next user from being hindered.

  In the present invention, as described above, threshold values serving as criteria for determining whether or not to display the initial screen forcibly are provided for each mode. That is, the paid mode is based on the first time, the free mode is based on the second time, and the second time is shorter than the first time as a default.

  Therefore, when the threshold value in the free mode (second time) is longer than that in the paid mode, it is possible to suppress damage that occurs due to free removal due to being left for a long time. In addition, for the paid mode, it is possible to prevent a problem that the threshold is too short and the user is forced to return to the initial screen during the operation of the customer.

  Further, in the above description, the case where the initial screen is forcibly displayed when the standing time continues for a certain time has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a screen for prompting a subsequent operation may be displayed instead of the initial screen.

(Embodiment 2)
In Embodiment 1, the case where the first time and the second time are fixed has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The MFP 1 according to the second embodiment is configured so that the second time is fixed and the default value of the first time is longer than the second time, but the setting can be received and changed from the user. ing. Such setting of the first time is received via the receiving unit 105.

  Further, the range of the first time accepted by the accepting unit 105 is limited to be longer than the second time. That is, when the setting of the first time received by the receiving unit 105 from the user is shorter than the second time, the notification unit 106 notifies that the received first time is shorter than the second time. For example, the notification unit 106 is configured to display a warning message that the first time is shorter than the second time or to sound a warning sound via the display unit 7.

  Since the MFP 1 according to the second embodiment has the above-described configuration, the first time in the paid mode can be changed as necessary. For example, in the case of a store environment where there are more first-time customers than regular customers, the threshold time (first time) in the paid mode is too short and the customer is forced to return to the initial screen during the operation of the customer. It can prevent the customer's usability from becoming worse.

(Embodiment 3)
In Embodiment 1, the case where the first time and the second time are fixed has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The MFP 1 according to the third embodiment is configured so that the first time and the second time can be changed by accepting the setting from the user, although the default value of the first time is longer than the default value of the second time. It is configured. The setting of the first time and the second time is received through the receiving unit 105.

  Further, the relationship between the first time and the second time accepted by the accepting unit 105 is limited to the second time shorter than the first time, as in the first embodiment. That is, when the setting of the first time and the second time received by the receiving unit 105 from the user is in a relationship in which the second time is longer than the first time, the notification unit 106 indicates that the second time is longer than the first time. Is notified.

  Since the MFP 1 according to the third embodiment has the above-described configuration, the second time in the free mode and the first time in the paid mode can be flexibly changed as necessary.

(Embodiment 4)
In Embodiment 1, the case where the first time and the second time are fixed has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  As in the third embodiment, the MFP 1 according to the fourth embodiment accepts settings from the user for the first time and the second time although the default value for the first time is longer than the default value for the second time. It is configured so that it can be changed.

  That is, when the change range of the first time in the paid mode is t1min to t2max, the relationship between the first time and the second time received by the receiving unit 105 is limited to satisfy t1min> second time.

  Since the MFP 1 according to the fourth embodiment has the above-described configuration, the second time in the free mode and the first time in the paid mode can be flexibly changed as necessary.

  In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a paid operation with charge for image formation and a free operation without charge for image formation, the instruction for image formation is accepted or A timing unit 11 that counts a neglected time during which no execution is performed, and a determination of whether the neglected time in the paid operation is longer than a first time or whether the neglected time in the free operation is longer than a second time Means 104 and a display unit 7 for displaying a specific screen of the paid operation when the neglected time in the paid operation is longer than the first time or when the idle time in the free operation is longer than the second time. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, when the neglected time in the paid operation is longer than the first time, or when the neglected time in the free operation is longer than the second time, a specific screen (for example, an initial screen) is displayed. Thus, based on the threshold value for each of the paid operation and the free operation, the initial screen is forcibly displayed when the leaving time continues for the threshold time.

  Embodiment 2 of the present invention is characterized in that the first time or the second time can be changed.

  According to the present invention, the first time or the second time can be changed, and the first time or the second time can be flexibly changed as necessary.

  Embodiment 3 of the present invention is characterized in that the first time is longer than the second time.

  According to the present invention, the second time in the free mode is shorter than the first time in the paid mode. Thereby, when the threshold value (second time) of the free mode is longer than that of the paid mode, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of damage due to the free standing due to leaving for a long time. In addition, for the paid mode, it is possible to prevent a problem that the threshold is too short and the user is forced to return to the initial screen during the operation of the customer.

  In the embodiment 4 of the present invention, the accepting means 105 for accepting the setting of the first time and the second time, and the notifying means 106 for notifying that when the accepted second time is longer than the first time, It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, when the received second time is longer than the first time, the notification means notifies the user to that effect.

  In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the accepting unit 105 that accepts the first time and the second time, and the invalidation that invalidates the accepted second period when the accepted second time is longer than the first time. Means 107 is provided.

  According to the present invention, when the accepted second time is longer than the first time, the invalidating means invalidates the accepted second period and prevents a user input error.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction machine 7 Display part 10 Control part 11 Timekeeping part 100 Main body 101 CPU
104 determination unit 105 reception unit 106 notification unit 107 invalidation unit 200 charging device

Claims (5)

In an image forming apparatus having a charged operation with charge for image formation and a free operation without charge for image formation,
A timing unit that counts the time for which an instruction relating to image formation is received or the execution of the instruction is not performed;
Determining means for determining whether the neglected time in the paid operation is longer than a first time or whether the neglected time in the free operation is longer than a second time;
A display unit that displays a specific screen of the paid operation when the neglected time in the paid operation is longer than the first time or when the neglected time in the free operation is longer than the second time. Forming equipment.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first time or the second time can be changed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first time is longer than the second time. Accepting means for accepting the setting of the first time and the second time;
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an informing unit that informs that when the received second time is longer than the first time. 5. Accepting means for accepting the setting of the first time and the second time;
If the second time accepted is longer than the first time, it received image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises an invalidation unit to disable between second time.

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