JPH05241388A - Copying controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make it possible for a controller himself to issue a fresh card by permitting the input of information concerning the allowable number of sheets on which copies are taken, storing the input information, further storing the stored information into a portable information-medium by the use of a control means, and setting the allowable number of sheets on which copies are taken onto the portable information-medium. CONSTITUTION:When a writing switch 24e is closed, reading and input deciding/ discriminating program data are read and stored in a RAM 26c. The system 26 decides what is specified by the inputs applied by the operation of ten keys 24c and performs a data processing based on the program data. Then, the inputs applied by the ten keys 24c are stored in a register and data processing on a magnetic card is carred out by referring to a memory code. The data processing types are the writing of the use division NO of a copying machine into a RAM 27, the recording of that onto the card, and the recording of the allowable number of sheets on which copies are taken. Here, the controller inputs the code specifying the type of the data processing by means of ten keys 24c, so that the setting of copying allowable division No, recording on the magnetic card, and its reproducing and reading are carried out.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying apparatus, and more particularly, to a copying apparatus capable of counting down the number of sheets or the amount of recording paper used for each copy to control the amount used, and more particularly,
The present invention relates to a copy management device that performs the management.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A copying apparatus which can count the number of sheets or the amount of recording paper used for each copy to control the amount of use is generally one equipped with an electromagnetic or electronic digital counter, or , There is one that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the copying machine. In any case, the counter is used to refer to the management of the usage state of the copying machine and / or the reference of the management of the number of copies. For example, in a copying machine with a fixed counter, the number of copies is obtained by meter reading of the counter to charge a maintenance fee, or a copy fee is charged, but meter reading is first required to request the copy fee. When billing the maintenance fee, it is necessary to calculate the number of sheets used by meter reading.
In a copying machine using a counter, one or several counters are assigned to one copying machine, but it is still necessary to read the meter readings and to collect the reading data of the several counters. As described above, conventionally, there is a problem that the meter reading of the counter is necessary, and the meter reading and the counting are troublesome.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54-104837 discloses recording of a magnetic card or the like in order to prevent the unauthorized use of a copying machine by a person who does not have a use right and to manage the copying usage amount for each department. A copying machine using a medium and an information reproducing apparatus is disclosed. An ID indicating the department used is recorded on the magnetic card, and the copying machine has a RAM for accumulating the number of copies, and the accumulated value for each department of the number of copies using the card is recorded. To be recorded. The copying machine detects whether the card is right or wrong, and if the card is abnormal, the copying is disabled.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 50-50097 discloses a ticket issuing device using a cash card. Cash card
When buying a ticket using a ticket, if the ticket issuing machine breaks down, the ticket fee for the amount already paid out will be released in cash.

In Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 56-47536, which is a prior application, the total number of sheets that can be copied recorded on a magnetic card is compared with the cumulative number of sheets that is counted up each time copying is completed.
A copying apparatus is disclosed that prohibits a copying operation when the cumulative number of copies matches the total number of copies that can be made.

[0006]

When the administrator manages the amount of copying used, the administrator himself records the number of copyable sheets on the magnetic card and issues a new card. By doing so, the total number of issued cards can be grasped quickly and accurately, and further, it becomes possible to promptly respond to the request from the user to issue the card. However,
In the prior art including Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 56-47536, a copy management device that meets the above demand has not been realized.

An object of the present invention is to provide a copy management apparatus which can meet the above-mentioned demands and can issue a new card in which the manager himself / herself records the copyable number information.

[0008]

A copy management apparatus according to the present invention is a portable information medium, a reading unit for reading information on the number of copyable sheets recorded on the portable information medium, and a copying device read by the reading unit. The first storage means for storing the number-of-sheets information, the updating means for updating the copyable-number information stored in the first storage means to a value counted down by one each time copying is completed, and the updated copyable-number information is previously stored. A copy management apparatus comprising: a first control means for permitting a copying operation until a predetermined set value is reached, the permission means permitting input of copyable sheet number information, and an input means for inputting copyable sheet number information. A second storage means for storing the copyable sheet number information inputted by the input means; and a second storing means for storing the copyable sheet number information stored in the second storage means on the portable information medium.
And a control means.

[0009]

When the administrator permits the copyable sheet number information by the permitting means and inputs the copyable sheet number information by the inputting means,
The second storage means stores the input information about the number of copies that can be copied. Then, the second control means stores the copyable sheet number information stored in the second storage means in the portable information medium. In this way, the administrator can set the number of copyable sheets in the portable information medium.

Thus, the reading means reads the copyable sheet number information stored in the portable information medium, and the first storage means stores the read copyable sheet number information. Then, the updating means updates the copyable sheet number information stored in the first storage means to a value obtained by counting down by one at each completion of copying, and the first control means determines the updated copyable sheet number information in advance. Since the copying operation is permitted until the set value is reached, a person who holds the portable information medium for which the administrator sets the number of copyable sheets as described above can copy the set number of sheets.

As described above, the administrator himself / herself can issue a new card in which the copyable sheet number information is recorded, and the copyable sheet number information is again provided to the card which has finished copying the set number of sheets. Updates can be recorded and reissued, the administrator can quickly and accurately grasp the total number of issued cards and the total number of copies set, and further, in response to a request from the user to issue a card. You will be able to respond quickly.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0013]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. Explaining the mechanical portion of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the image of the original document 3 which is on the contact glass plate 1 and is pressed against the contact glass plate 1 by the pressing plate 2 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 4 and the first mirror. -5, the second mirror 6, the lens 8, the third mirror 9, the fourth mirror 10 and the slit 7 are projected onto the photosensitive drum 11. The illuminating lamp 4, the first mirror 5 and the second mirror 6 are synchronized with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11 in the direction of the arrow and along the contact glass plate 1 with the arrow AR2.
And scan driven in the direction of AR3. As a result, the entire image of the original 3 is projected on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11,
A latent image corresponding to the image is formed. This latent image is developed by the developing device 12, and the developing toner is transferred to the recording paper sent from the registration roller 14 just below the transfer charger 13. The toner image on the recording paper is fixed by the fixing roller 15, and the recording paper which has been fixed is sent out onto the paper discharge tray 17 by the conveying roller 16. 18 is a charging charger, 19 is a charge eliminating charger, and 20 is a clear charger.
Ning roller, 21 is a cleaning blade. The copying machine shown in FIG. 1 is of a two-stage paper feed type in which _two cassettes 22 ₁ and 22 ₂ can be attached and detached. Paper feed roller 23
_By selectively driving one of ₁ and 23 ₂ ,
The recording paper in cassette 22 ₁ or 22 ₂ is registered
It is sent to LA 14.

Next, the electrical component section will be described. An operation board 24 and a magnetic recording / reproducing device 25 are mounted on the upper surface of the main body of the copying machine. These plan views are shown in FIG. The operation board 24 includes a power switch 24a, a print key 24b,
Numeric keypad 24c for setting number of copies, cassette key
A write key for writing data into 24d ₁ and 24d ₂ and a nonvolatile RAM 27 described later and for processing card data.
24e is installed, and a selection paper size display and a status display lamp 24i and an operation instruction display lamp 2 are provided.
4j _{1 to} 24j ₃ , a copy availability indicator lamp 24f, a set number display 24g, a copy number display 24h, and a buzzer 24k. And this operation button
A magnetic recording / reproducing device 25 for reading magnetic information from the magnetic card and recording magnetic information on the magnetic card is integrated with the card 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, the above-mentioned respective elements of the operation board 24 are used as the first and second control means of the present invention, and are also used as the central control unit of the main body of the copying machine. It is connected to 26. The microcomputer computer 26 includes an input / output port 26f, a central processing unit (or a microprocessor;
26a, system controller 26d, read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) 2
6b, read / write memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) 26c,
And a clock pulse oscillator 26e as a component of a micro computer system, which is a non-volatile read / write memory (hereinafter referred to as a non-volatile RAM) in such a manner that writing and reading can be performed by the micro computer system 26. 27 is connected.

In the ROM 26, power-on sequence program data, copy program data, magnetic card information read / write control program for turning on the power of each part of the copying machine in response to the closing operation of the power switch 24. In addition to the data, the timing data to be referred to when performing each of the above-described operations, and the data for setting the constants of each part are stored in advance in a fixed memory, the write switch 24e is further in the non-volatile RAM 27 in the closed state. Write program data to write data to
Input / output port with the write switch 24e open.
Non-volatile RA represented by the code given to the switch 26f
Code reading program data for reading the memory data of the read address of M27, and a magnetic card for writing to the magnetic card and collecting magnetic card information when the write switch 24e is closed. The data processing program data is stored in a fixed memory.

The CPU 26a reads out each program data from the ROM 26b and stores it in the temporary RAM 26c,
System controller 26d according to the program
Input / output port 26f, ROM 26b, RAM 26c
And data for specifying the non-volatile RAM 27, etc.
It gives instruction data such as data selection, write designation, and read designation.
The system controller 26d decodes these data and gives specific command signals to specific elements 26a to 26c and 26f. In the RAM 26c, in addition to the program data, timing data referred to in the execution of the program, constant setting data and the like are read from the ROM 26b and stored therein, and the input / output port 26f is also stored. Various data coming from the outside are temporarily stored in.

As shown in FIG. 2, the key upper portion of the writing switch 24e is covered with a cover 24l so as not to be operated normally, and the cover 24l is locked if necessary. When the cover 24l is removed and the write switch 24e is closed, the tenkey 24c reading and input designation reading program data is read from the ROM 34 and stored in the RAM 26c, and the system 26 reads the tenkey 24c based on the program data. From the operation input of -24c, the department number. Writing, writing the number of copies that can be copied to the magnetic card, magnetic card
Data collection and display,
Based on the judgment, data processing is performed based on the corresponding program data. This data processing flow is shown in FIG.
The fourth from "RT", "memory in register Z if there is scan and input & 24c scan &input" and the following, and FIGS. For convenience of explanation, the internal RAM of the CPU 26a and / or each data storage area of the RAM 26a will be referred to as a register, and the required data will be read and written by adding symbols to the register as shown in Table 1 below. I'm supposed to.

Table 1 Register Name Memory Content Register A Magnetic Card Department No. Data register B Number of magnetic card copies that can be copied Data register C Copy set number data Register D Copy number data .. .. .. .. .. .. Register T Number of occurrences for each trouble type Register U Magnetic card Card A3 size copied number register V Magnetic card B4 size copied number register W Magnetic card A4 size copied number register X Magnetic card B5 size copied number register Y Magnetic card and The department number recorded in the RAM 27. Data processing designation code indicated by register Z numeric keypad 24c input The storage area of each data is not always fixed, and the same memory area is used as a different register name in time series. Sometimes used at a time.

When the power switch 24a is turned on, power is supplied to each part of the copying machine main body at a predetermined timing based on the power-on sequence program data. When the writing key 24e is turned on, the operation reading of the numeric keypad 24c is started, and the input of the numeric keypad 24c is stored in the register Z. When it is confirmed that there is a ten key input, the memory code of the register Z is referred to and the data processing of the magnetic card is performed. The types of data processing are (1) Department No. that can use this copying machine. To the RAM 27 and record it on the magnetic card (Fig. 4), (2) record the number of copies that can be made on the magnetic card (Fig. 6), and (3) show the trouble data of the magnetic card. There are four types: collection (left column of FIG. 5) and (4) collection of copy size data for each magnetic card size (right column of FIG. 5).

First, the above (1) will be described. If the memory code of the register Z indicates the above (1), the indicator lamp 2
4j ₃ is turned on to instruct the insertion of the card, and when the card is inserted, the micro switch in the device 25 is closed, and when this is detected, the indicator lamp 24j ₁ is turned on (24j ₃ is turned off). Then the department No. Prompts for input. Tenki-24
When a 2-digit input is made with c, it is displayed on the display 25g, and the section number of the RAM 27 is displayed. "1" is stored in an address determined by the input (two digits) in the data storage area, the input code is recorded in the magnetic card, and the card is discharged. As a result, the copyable department N can be stored in the RAM 27 of the copying machine.
o. Is set and the department number is set on the magnetic card. The code has been recorded.

In order to record the number of copies that can be made on this magnetic card, a key operation input for designating the above item (2) is performed with the ten key 24c. With this input, the system 26 causes the indicator light 2 to
4j ₃ lit mosquitoes - instructs the insertion of de, mosquitoes - lighting the indicator lamp 24j ₂ and de is set (24j ₃ is turned off) to instruct the input of the copying allowed number. When a 6-digit number is entered on the key 24c, a code representing it is stored in the register B and displayed on the displays 25g and 24h.
Record on the magnetic card and eject the magnetic card. In this way, the department No. And the magnetic card on which the number of copies that can be copied is recorded, in exchange for a charge, or in the ledger. And the user or department to be used, and hand it to the person or department to be used by the copier. As will be described later, a card holder can set the card in a copying machine to make a copy, and the number of copyable sheets is subtracted and updated for each use, so that the copy can be updated during use. , Paper jam, toner exhaustion, paper exhaustion, and other prescribed problems, the number of trouble occurrences is updated and recorded in the trouble recording area, and the number of copies is accumulated and updated for each paper size. It When the used card is collected, or when the card is collected or temporarily collected in order to check the usage status of the copying machine even if the number of sheets that can be copied is not zero, the writing key 24e is turned on. In this state, operate the key 24c to specify (3) or (4) above.
Enter the code. When (3) is specified, the system 26
Turns on the indicator lamp 24j ₃ to instruct the insertion of the card,
When a card is set, the trouble data (number of occurrences) recorded in the card is stored in the register T for each trouble, and when this is finished, is another card inserted again? If it is inserted, read the data in the same way as above and add the data to the register T, and if the card is not inserted, monitor the input of the key 24c and confirm the trouble designation -Check whether the code has been entered. When the trouble designation code is input, the designated number of troubles is read from the register T and displayed on the display 24h. Trouble can be totaled by the above operation.

When the item (4) is designated by operating the key 24c, the system 26 lights the indicator lamp 24j ₃ to instruct the insertion of the card, and when the card is set, the card is set. The cumulative value of the number of sheets that can be copied according to the size of the card is added to the memory in the registers U to X, the card is discharged, the next card is waited for, and the size of the card is further inserted. The additional copy number data is added and stored in the registers U to X. Car
When a code for specifying the size is input by the numeric keypad 24c without inserting the code, the data of the registers U, V, W or X corresponding to the size is read and displayed on the displays 24g and 24h. Display in 6 digits. By the above operation, the number of copies for each size can be totaled.

As described above, the administrator inputs the code for designating the above (1) to (4) with the numeric keypad 24c while the writing key switch 24e is turned on, and the indicator lamp 24j. ₁ ~
Ca according to the instructions of 24j ₃ - Set the de, and numeric keypad -24c Dede - co associated with data - by entering a de, copiable sector No. to copier Set of
It is also possible to record, reproduce and read magnetic cards.

Next, copying using a card will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and the subsequent flow of FIG. The write key switch 2 with the power switch 24a turned on.
When 4e is not turned on, the system 26 turns on the indicator light 24 to instruct the insertion of the magnetic card. Then, when the card is set, the magnetic information of the card is read and the department number. Is stored in the register A and the number of copyable sheets is stored in the register B. Then, the memory of the RAM 27 is read by using the data of the register A as an address, and when the memory is "1", that is, in the copying machine (RAM 27 thereof), the department number. If is set, then it is checked whether the contents of register B is zero. If it is zero, the card is exhausted, so the buzzer 25k is activated and the program timer
(Every time a clock pulse appears, 1 is added to the contents of the timer register to perform addition and update memory, and it is checked whether the memory data has reached a predetermined value. (Timer set in step 1) is set, and when the time is over, the card is discharged and the copying machine power is cut off. In addition, this operation is performed by setting the department No. in the set magnetic card. Is also recorded, or even if it is not recorded in the RAM 27, the same operation is performed. Therefore, copying cannot be performed when the magnetic card is not a predetermined one, and when the number of recorded copies is zero.

If the number of copies that can be copied is not zero, the numeric keypad
The input of 24c is stored in the reading register C and displayed on the display 25g. When there is no input operation, the memory of the register C is zero, and the display on the display 25g is "000". Next, it is checked whether or not the preparation for copying such as the developer circulation, the heater warm-up, the toner density, the paper setting, etc. is ready.
See if 24b was pressed. While it is not being pressed, it waits for the press of the print key 24b while watching the reading of the set of sheets.

When the print key 24b is pressed, the indicator lamp 24f is turned on to display the start of copying and the copying operation is started.
When one copy is finished, 1 is added to the contents of the register D to update the sum in the register D and the contents of the register D are updated and displayed on the display 24h. Then, 1 is subtracted from the contents of the register B, and the remaining value is updated and stored in the register B. Then, the contents of the register C, that is, the set number of sheets, and the contents of the register D, that is, the number of copies, are compared, and if the latter is equal to or more than the former, a predetermined number of copies have been completed.
By referring to the size signal, the content of the register D is added to the number of copies of the magnetic card in the used paper size section, and the sum is updated and recorded in the magnetic card. Then, see if the clear key (in this case, used for designating the end of copying) is on, and if it is not on, copy again will be performed,
Jumping to the circled e in FIG. 8, it is confirmed that the content of the register B is not zero, and the flow returns to the input monitoring of the numeric keypad 24c.
When the clear key is turned on, the contents of the register B are updated and recorded in the copyable number recording area of the magnetic card, the card is ejected and the copy is waited (c in FIG. 4). Return.

When the contents of the registers C and D are compared, if the latter is less than the former, the copying of the set number of sheets has not been completed, so it is checked whether the contents of the register B is zero or not. If not, the process returns to the copy of FIG. 8 (circled mark d).
If the number is zero, the copy number allocated to the card has been exhausted. Therefore, the content of the register D is added to the copy number on the magnetic card in the used paper size section. , The sum is updated and recorded in the size division part of the magnetic card, and the content “zero” of the register B is updated and recorded in the copy number recording area of the magnetic card, the card is discharged, and the power is turned on. Cut off.

The program data for controlling the operation flow described above is fixedly stored in the ROM 26b.
Therefore, the cardholder can set the card in the copying apparatus and make a copy each time a copy is required until the number of copies permitted on the card becomes zero. Each time copying is performed, the number of copyable sheets on the card is subtracted and updated, and the cumulative value of the number of used copying sheets is updated and recorded for each used paper size.

Next, the operation when a trouble occurs during the copying operation will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. In the copying machine, a code is assigned for each type of trouble, and when a trouble occurs and the interruption is read,
A trouble code is set in the RAM 26c or the internal RAM of the CPU 26a to prohibit the copying operation and set the paper discharge. An indicator lamp 24i and, if necessary, a buzzer 24k informs the operator of the trouble, reads the data in the recording area of the magnetic card associated with the trouble code, adds 1 thereto, and adds the sum. Record the update in the area. Then, as in the case where the copying is completed or the copying is stopped (the content of the register B is zero), the sum of the contents of the register D added to the copy number recording area for each paper size of the magnetic card is updated and memorized. Moreover, the contents of the register B are updated and recorded in the copyable number recording area, and the card is discharged. Trouble notification will be continued. With this trouble record, the number of occurrences of each trouble is recorded in the card.

In the above embodiment, the department number corresponding to the usable card is stored in the RAM 27 of the copying machine. I am trying to register, but this is not absolutely necessary. Even if this registration is not performed, the number of copies of the card can be managed. In any case, the card No. Or the above-mentioned department No. May be displayed on the display 24g and / or 24h when the card is set.

In the above embodiment, the magnetic recording / reproducing device is installed in the operation board of the copying machine body.
For example, the number management unit 28 shown in FIG. 10 is connected to the copying machine main body separately from the copying machine main body, the unit 28 is provided with a magnetic recording / reproducing device 28a and a display 28b, and this unit or the copying machine main body is provided with a control device. Good. Further, the unit 28 may be provided with an operation board for recording the magnetic card and collecting card data, or the section number for the magnetic card. Also, the device for recording the number of copies that can be copied may be a single unit.
The device for collecting data of the data may be integrated with this unit or may be a separate single unit. These may be determined based on the management system configuration such as the number of copying machines to be managed and the management area.

Further, the above-mentioned embodiment is intended for a copying machine which uses a copy paper which is cut into a predetermined size in advance.
The present invention can be similarly applied to a copying machine equipped with roll paper and cutting into a predetermined size for each copy.

[0034]

As described above, according to the present invention, the administrator himself / herself can issue a new card in which information on the number of copyable sheets is recorded, and a card that has finished using the set number of sheets has been copied.
It is possible that the administrator can update and record the information on the number of copyable sheets again and reissue it, so that the administrator can quickly and accurately grasp the total number of issued cards and the total number of set copies, and further issue a card. It will be possible to promptly respond to requests from users.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a mechanical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of an operation board 24 of the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of an electric control unit of the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of control operation of the computer system 26 shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing a part of a control operation of the computer system 26 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of the control operation of the computer system 26 shown in FIG.

7 is a flowchart showing a part of the control operation of the computer system 26 shown in FIG.

8 is a flowchart showing a part of the control operation of the computer system 26 shown in FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing a part of the control operation of the computer system 26 shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Contact glass plate 2: Presser plate 3: Original document 4: Illumination lamp 5: 1st mirror 6: 2nd mirror 7: Slit 8: Lens 9: 3rd mirror 10: 4th mirror 11: Photoconductor Drum 12: Developing device 13: Transfer charger 14: Registration roller 15: Fixing roller 16: Conveying roller 17: Paper discharging tray 18: Charging charger 19: Charge removing charger 20: Clear
Ningroller 21: Cleaning blade 22 ₁ , 2
2 _2: Cassette 23 _1, 23 _2: feed roller 24: Operation board - de 24a: Power switch 24b: print key - 24c: numeric keypad - 24d _1, 24d _2: Cassette specified key - 24e: Shokomiki - 24f: copy - whether indicator 24 g: set number display 24h: copy - number display 24i: state indicator 24j ₁ ~24j _3: Indicators for operating instructions 24k: buzzer - 24l: cover - 25: magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus 26: micro Computer system 26a: CPU 26b: RO
M 26c: RAM 26d: System controller 26e: Clock pulse oscillator 26f: Input / output port 27: Nonvolatile RAM 28: Number management unit 28a: Magnetic recording / reproducing device 28b: Display

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A portable information medium, reading means for reading the copyable sheet number information recorded on the portable information medium, and first storage means for storing the copyable sheet number information read by the reading means. Updating means for updating the copyable sheet number information stored in the first storage means to a value which is counted down by one at each completion of copying, and copying operation is permitted until the updated copyable sheet number information reaches a predetermined set value. And a first control means for enabling the input of the copyable number information, the inputting means for inputting the copyable number information, and the copyable number information input by the inputting means. The second to remember
A copy management apparatus comprising: storage means; and second control means for storing the copyable sheet number information stored in the second storage means in the portable information medium.