JPH064766A - Image forming device with charge collecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To avoid waste in an image forming work, and to smoothly execute the image forming work by executing automatically a refundment of an excess charge, even if a user does not execute a refundment operation. CONSTITUTION:Cash thrown into a cash receiving part 501 of a coin rack 500 passes through a cash inspecting part 502 and is stored in a cash stock part 503, and when a control part 506 receives a copy operation finishing signal from a CPU of a copying machine main body, a cash refundment command is generated to a cash refunding part 504, and the cash stored in the cash stock part 503 is refunded to a user through the cash refunding part 504.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

[Industrial field of use] Generally, an image forming apparatus with a charge collecting device such as a copying machine, which is provided with a charge collecting device called a coin rack, for collecting usage charges, or a post-processing device such as a stapler. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus with a fee collecting device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional copying machine equipped with a coin rack, a charge is set according to the size of the recording paper, and at the time of normal copying, the user pays a charge per sheet for the number of copies to be made. The charged amount or more is put in the coin rack in advance, and then the copy operation is executed. When a charge shortage occurs during the execution of the copying operation, the copying machine temporarily stops the copying operation and prohibits the copying operation until the coin rack is charged again with a fee for executing the copying. In addition, if the amount of money put into the coin rack exceeds the amount of money required for copying after the copy is completed,
By operating the return lever by the user, the excess amount of the inserted cash was to be returned. Further, a fee collecting mechanism for post-processing of a copying machine equipped with a post-processing device such as a stapler was not added.

[0003]

As described above, when the input amount exceeds the amount required for copying, the user must operate the return lever to return the excess charge. , If you forget to operate the return lever, it will damage the user. Therefore, the user pays attention to whether or not the input amount exceeds the amount required for the copying operation, and if the excess charge needs to be returned, the user must operate the return lever. Further, in a copying machine equipped with a post-processing device, since a fee collecting mechanism for post-processing of the copying machine is not added, it cannot be used as a copying machine capable of automatically collecting usage fees. Therefore, when a user who uses a copying machine equipped with a coin rack makes a large number of copies of a large number of sheets, the post-processing after copying has to be done manually one copy at a time. Was spending time.
If the place where the copier is used is different from the post-processing work place of the user, for example, an unstitched copy must be carried to the stitching work place. Must. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems in the prior art, and even if the user does not perform a return operation, the excess charge is automatically returned on the device side, which is a waste in the image forming work. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus with a fee collector, which can omit the above and perform a smooth image forming operation. Another object of the present invention is to automatically calculate the usage fee of the post-processing device in a copying machine equipped with a post-processing device such as a stapler, and if the balance of the toll collector is insufficient, the balance is paid. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus with a fee collector that can be automatically returned.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention proposes an operation end judging means for judging that a specified number of image forming operations have ended, and an operation end judging result of the operation end judging means. Based on the above, the balance return means has a control means for performing control to return the balance of the charge collection device. Alternatively, the control for returning the balance of the charge collecting device of the control means is to input the balance return command information for starting the refund operation of the balance of the charge collecting device by the balance return command information input means, and to detect the absence of the recording paper of the recording paper detecting means. It may be performed based on information or detection information of the document absence of the document detection means of the automatic document feeder. Alternatively, a charge calculation means that includes a post-processing device and calculates a usage charge of the post-processing device corresponding to the preset number of image forming copies, and a comparison means that compares the remaining charge of the charge collection device with the calculated usage charge, If the balance of the charge collection device does not fall below the calculated usage charge according to the output information of the comparison means,
The post-processing device has a control means for permitting the post-processing operation and returning the balance when the remaining amount of the charge collecting device is less than the calculated usage charge.

[0005]

The operation end determination means determines that the image forming operation for the designated number of sheets has been completed, the balance return instruction information input means inputs the balance return instruction information, the recording sheet detection means detects the absence of recording paper, Alternatively, when the detection information indicating that there is no document by the document detection unit is transmitted to the control unit, the control unit controls the balance collection unit to return the balance of the charge collection device based on the information. In the latter means provided with the post-processing device, the charge calculation means calculates the usage charge of the post-processing device corresponding to the preset number of image forming copies, and the comparison means calculates the balance of the charge collection device. The usage charges are compared and information of the comparison result is output. If the balance of the charge collection device does not fall below the calculated usage charge based on the output information of the comparison means, the control means permits the post-processing operation of the post-processing device and determines the usage charge calculated for the balance of the charge collection device. If it falls below the level, control is performed to return the balance.

[0006]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1. Schematic Configuration of Digital Copier 1.1 Overall Configuration FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the entire digital copier according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are a plan view and a side view of a writing unit in the digital copier, respectively. It is a figure. First,
A schematic configuration of the digital copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the digital copier is the main body of the copier.
(I), automatic document feeder (ADF) (II), sorter with stapler, sorter stapler (III)
And a double-sided reversing unit (IV). Furthermore, the copier body (I) is
The writing unit, the photoconductor unit, the developing unit, and the paper feeding unit are provided. The configuration and operation of each part of the copying machine main body (I) will be described below. 1.2 Scanner Unit The scanner unit is equipped with the first mirror that is equipped with the reflecting mirror 1, the light source 3 and the first mirror 2 and moves at a constant speed, and the second mirror 4 and the third mirror 5, It has a second scanner that moves following the first scanner at half the speed of one scanner. By moving the first scanner and the second scanner, the contact glass 9
The upper original (not shown) is optically scanned, and the reflected image is guided to the lens 7 through the color filter 6 and imaged on the one-dimensional solid-state image pickup element 8. A fluorescent lamp or a halogen lamp is used as the light source 3, and a fluorescent lamp is generally used because of its stable wavelength and long life. In the present embodiment, the reflecting mirror 1 is attached to one light source 3, but two or more light sources 3 may be used. Further, since the solid-state image sensor 8 is driven by a constant sampling clock, unless the fluorescent lamp is turned on at a higher frequency than that, the read image signal is adversely affected. A CCD is generally used for the solid-state imaging device 8. Since the image signal read by the solid-state image sensor 8 is an analog value, it is analog / digital (A / D) converted and various image processing (binarization, binarization,
Multi-valued, gradation processing, scaling processing, editing processing, etc.) are performed and converted into a digital signal composed of a set of pixels. As described above, in this embodiment, in order to obtain color image information, the color filter 6 that allows only the light of the required color to pass through is arranged in the optical path guided from the document to the solid-state image sensor 8. . The color filter 6 is moved in and out in accordance with the scanning of the original, and the functions such as multiple transfer and double-sided copy are activated each time to make various kinds of copies. In order to obtain three color information of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) at the same time, a color original may be read using a 3-line CCD or the like.

1.3 Writing Unit The writing unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The image information after the image processing is converted into a set of dot-shaped optical images by the raster scanning of the laser light in the writing unit and written on the photosensitive drum 40. The laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 20 is converted into a parallel light flux by the collimator lens 21, and is shaped into a constant light flux by the aperture 32. The shaped laser light enters the polygon mirror 24 in a form compressed by the first cylinder lens 22 in the sub-scanning direction. The polygon mirror 24 has an accurate polygonal shape and is rotated in a fixed direction at a fixed speed by a polygon motor 25. This rotation speed is determined by the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 40, the writing density, and the number of faces of the polygon mirror 24. The reflected light of the laser light incident on the polygon mirror 24 is deflected by the rotation of the polygon mirror 24. The deflected laser light sequentially enters the fθ lenses 26a and 26b. The fθ lenses 26a and 26b refract the scanning light having a constant angular velocity so as to scan the photoconductor drum 40 at a constant speed, and form an image so that the light spot on the photoconductor drum 40 becomes the minimum light spot. Is also doing. The laser light that has passed through the fθ lenses 26a and 26b is guided outside the image area by the synchronization detection mirror 29 to the synchronization detection light input portion (synchronization detection plate) 30, and reaches the sensor portion via the optical fiber. The sensor unit performs main-scan synchronization detection that serves as a reference for cueing in the main-scan direction, and outputs a main-scan synchronization signal. The image data for one line is output after a fixed time after the synchronization signal is output, and thereafter, by repeating this, one screen image is formed. In FIG. 3, 27 is a mirror and 31 is a lens holding unit.

1.4 Photosensitive Member A photosensitive layer is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40.
Organic photosensitive materials (OPC), α-Si, and photosensitive layer materials that are sensitive to semiconductor lasers (wavelength 780 nm)
Se-Te and the like are known, and an organic photoconductor (OPC) is used in this embodiment. Generally, when performing laser writing, a negative / positive (N /
P) process and positive / positive (P /
P) There are two processes, but in the present embodiment, the former N
/ P process is adopted. The charging charger 41 is of a scorotron type having a grid on the photoconductor side and uniformly (-) charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 40. Then, the image forming portion of the photosensitive drum 40 is irradiated with laser light to reduce the potential of that portion. By the irradiation of the laser light, the background portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 40 is -7.
An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 40 with a potential of 50 to −800 V and an image portion of about −500 V. The developing roller of the developing units 42a and 42b has a range of -500 to
A bias voltage of −600 V is applied to attach the (−) charged toner to the electrostatic latent image to visualize the electrostatic latent image.

1.5 Developing Unit In this embodiment, two developing units, a main developing unit 42a and a sub developing unit 42b, are provided. The sub-developing device 42b and the toner replenishing device 43b are detached when making a black color copy. When performing normal color copying, the main developing device 42
Put black toner in the toner replenisher 43a that pairs with a,
By inserting color toner into the toner replenishing device 43b paired with the sub-developing device 42b, selective development is performed by changing the main pole position of the developing device of another color during development of one color.
In this way, by using the two developing devices 42 and switching the color filter 6 of the scanner to read a color image, and combining the multiple transfer by the paper transport system and the double-sided copy function, multi-functional color copying and color editing are possible. Becomes Development of three or more colors can be performed by a method of arranging three or more developing devices side by side around the photoconductor drum 40, a revolver method of rotating and switching three or more developing devices, or the like. The transfer charger 44 applies a (+) electric charge from the back surface of the paper to the surface of the transfer paper that is sent in synchronization with the photoconductor drum 40.
The image visualized at 42b is transferred onto the transfer paper surface.
The transfer paper on which the image is transferred is subjected to AC charge removal by a separation charger 45 which is held integrally with the transfer charger 44.
It is separated from the photoconductor drum 40. The toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 40 without being transferred to the transfer paper is scraped off from the photoconductor drum 40 by the cleaning blade 47,
It is collected in the attached tank 48. In addition, the photosensitive drum 4
The potential pattern remaining at 0 is erased by being irradiated with light by the static elimination lamp. A photosensor 50 including a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element is provided immediately after the electrostatic latent image is developed. This photo sensor 50
Detects the density of the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40 based on the intensity of the reflected light. That is, the writing unit writes a fixed reference pattern (for example, a pattern of black or halftone dots) at a position corresponding to the photosensor reading position on the surface of the photoconductor drum 40, and the photoconductor drum after developing the electrostatic latent image. 40, the toner image density is determined from the ratio of the reflectance of the pattern portion on the surface of 40 to the reflectance of the portion other than the pattern portion. If the density does not increase even after the toner is replenished, it is determined that the remaining amount of toner is insufficient, and a toner remaining amount insufficient signal is output.

1.6 Paper Feeding Unit The paper feeding unit has a plurality of paper feeding cassettes 60a, 60b, 60c.
Is equipped with. Furthermore, it is possible to carry out double-sided copying or re-feeding by feeding the transfer paper after the image transfer once to the re-feeding feeding path 72. Multiple paper cassettes 60
When one of the paper feed cassettes 60 is selected from a, 60b, and 60c, and the start button is pressed, the paper feed rollers 61 (a,
b, c) rotate, the transfer paper is taken out, and the paper is fed until the leading end abuts the registration roller 62. The registration roller 62 is stopped at this time, but soon, the registration roller 62 starts to rotate at the timing of the movement of the image formed on the photosensitive drum 40, and the transfer sheet is sent to the transfer position on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40. . Thereafter, as described above, the transfer unit transfers the toner image to the transfer paper, and the transfer paper is suctioned and conveyed by the separation / conveyance belt 63 and sent to the fixing roller composed of a pair of the heat roller 64 and the pressure roller 65. The toner image transferred in the process of being conveyed under pressure is fixed on the transfer paper surface. Incidentally, 46 is a separating claw, 80 is a main motor, and 81 is a fan motor. The transfer sheet on which an image is formed in this manner is guided to the sheet discharge port on the sorter (III) side by the switching claw 67 during a normal copying operation. On the other hand, during the multiple copying operation, the conveying direction is changed by the switching claws 68 and 69, and the sheets are not discharged to the sorter (III) side
The sheet is again guided to the registration roller 62 via the lower sheet re-feeding conveyance path 72. In 2-sided copy mode,
The transfer sheet is guided downward by the switching claw 67, and is guided by the next switching claw 69 to the double-sided tray 70 further below the re-feeding conveyance path 72. Then, by reversing the roller 71, it is conveyed again in the opposite direction, and by switching the switching claw 69, the re-feeding conveyance path 7
The sheet is guided to the sheet 2 and fed again to the registration roller 62.

1.7 Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) (II) The original placed on the original table 100 is the original sensor 10
Detected by 1. When the document is detected, the document feeding process is executed by the document feeding command of the copying machine main body (I). First, the document on the platen 100 is called by the calling roller 1.
Called by 04. The called originals are prevented from being double-fed by the action of the pull-out rollers 105, 106 and the separation belt 107 wound around the pull-out rollers 105, which are pressed against each other, and are fed along the single-sheet guide plate 108. The original document sent along the guide plate 108 is sent to a predetermined exposure position on the contact glass 9 by the belt carrying device 125 and stopped there. The belt transport device 125 includes the transport belt 102 and performs a known document transport operation. The conveyor belt 102 includes a driving roller 109, a driven roller 110 and a fixed roller 11.
It is wrapped around 1. The fixed roller 111 sets the insertion position of the original, and the pressure roller presses the original against the contact glass 9.

1.8 Sorter Stapler (III) Entrance guide plates 1101 and 1102 are provided at the receiving port A of the transfer paper discharged from the copying machine.
Subsequent to 101 and 1102, a switching claw 1103 is provided to switch the copy conveyance path. Switching claw 110
The path above 3 is the inlet guide plate 1101, the guide plates 1110 and 1114, the transport roller 1108, and the driven roller 11
09, a discharge roller 1111, a driven roller 1115, and a proof tray 1116 are provided as an upper conveyance unit 1100. Further, the paths below the switching claw 1103 are the skew guide plates 1205, 1217, the lower conveyance section guide plates 1308, 1309, 1310, the skew receiving rollers 1201, the skew rollers 1202, and the skew discharge rollers 120.
3, the driven rollers 1214, 1216, the sphere 1215, the transport rollers 1301, 1302, and the driven rollers 1305, 1306 are provided in the lower transport unit 1200 to reach the deflection unit B path. A deflection claw 1312 and a deflection portion discharge roller 1304 are provided in the vicinity of the transfer sheet vertical conveyance path corresponding to each bin 1350 of the deflection portion B. It is in pressure contact with 1304. The transport roller 1108 and the discharge roller 1111 are driven by the proof motor 1117, and the skew receiving roller 1201, the skew roller 1202, the skew discharging roller 1203, the transport rollers 1301 and 1302, and the deflecting roller 1304 are the drive motors 1313. Driven by. The transfer sheet discharged to the bin 1350 is detected by the sensor light source 1131 and the light receiving sensor 1130. That is, the sensor light source 113
When the light of 1 does not reach, it can be determined that the transfer paper exists, and when the light reaches, it can be determined that the transfer paper does not exist.
Further, the transfer paper discharged by the discharge roller 1111 is judged by a reflection type optical sensor (not shown) incorporated in the proof tray 1116 whether or not there is the transfer paper on the proof tray 1116. The post-processing unit such as the stapler mechanism and the punch mechanism and the double-sided reversing unit are the same as those in the conventional apparatus, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

1.9 Electric Control Section FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are block diagrams showing the control unit of the copying machine, and FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are block diagrams of the control system of the entire copying machine. . As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit has two CPs.
The main CPU (a) 200 controls the sequence and the main CPU (b) 201 controls the operation. Main CPU (a) 2
00 and the main CPU (b) 201 are connected by a serial interface. 202 is an image control circuit,
Reference numeral 203 is a signal switching gate array, 204 is an operation unit unit, 205 is an editor, 206 is a scanner control circuit, 207 is a page memory, 208 is an image processing unit, 209 is a calendar IC, 210 is an application system, and 211 is a laser beam scanner unit. Is. Further, in FIG. 6, 220 is a main control plate, 221 is a paper feed control plate, 222 is a sorter control plate, 2
Reference numeral 23 is a double-sided control board, and 224 is an ADF control board. 1.9.1 Sequence Control First, sequence control will be described. Main CPU
(a) 200 sets the conditions for transfer paper transfer timing and image formation, and outputs control signals. Paper size sensors, sensors related to transfer paper transfer such as paper discharge detection and resist detection, duplex units, and high-voltage power supplies. Units, relays, solenoids, drivers such as motors, sorter units, laser units, scanner units, etc. are connected. Paper feed cassette 6 for sensors
A paper size sensor that detects the size and orientation of the transfer paper attached to 0, and outputs an electric signal according to the detection result,
Input from sensors related to transfer paper transportation such as registration detection and paper discharge detection, sensors that detect the supply of consumable materials such as oil ends and toner ends, and abnormality sensors that detect machine abnormalities such as door open and fuse blow Receive the signal. In the double-sided unit, a motor for aligning the width of the transfer paper, a paper feed clutch, a solenoid for changing the conveyance path, a transfer paper presence / absence detection sensor,
There are a side fence home position sensor for adjusting the width of the transfer paper, a sensor for transferring the transfer paper, and the like. The high-voltage power supply unit applies a predetermined high-voltage to the charging charger 41, the transfer charger 44, the separation charger 45, and the developing bias electrode only during the period obtained by the PWM control. In the PWM control, the digital value obtained by A / D converting the feedback value of each high voltage output is controlled to be equal to the target value. For drivers, there are paper feed clutch, registration clutch, counter, motor, toner replenishing solenoid, power relay, fixing heater, etc. The sorter unit is connected to the main CPU (a) 200 via a serial interface, and conveys a transfer sheet at a predetermined timing according to a signal from the main CPU (a) 200, and discharges it to each bin. To the analog input, a fixing temperature, an output of a photo sensor, a monitor of a laser diode, a reference voltage of the laser diode, a feedback value of an output value from various high voltage power supplies, and the like are input. Further, the main CPU (a) 200 detects the temperature of the fixing roller with a thermistor in the fixing unit, and performs on / off control of the fixing heater power supply or phase control so that the temperature of the fixing roller becomes constant. A photo pattern is formed on the photoconductor drum 40 by the phototransistor, and the density of the pattern formed by the photosensor is detected, so that the toner replenishment clutch is turned on / off to control the toner density. The toner end is also detected by this density detection. An analog input of the A / D converter and the CPU is used as a mechanism for adjusting the output of the laser diode to a constant value. That is, the monitor voltage when the laser diode is turned on is controlled so as to match the preset reference voltage.

Next, operation-related control will be described. The main CPU (b) 201 controls a plurality of serial ports and the calendar IC 209. In addition to the CPU (a) 200 for sequence control, the operation unit unit 204 and the scanner control circuit 20 are provided for the plurality of serial ports.
6, application system 210, editor 20
5 etc. are connected. The operation unit unit 204 has a display for displaying the operator's key input and the status of the copying machine, and transmits the key input information to the main CPU (b) 201 by serial communication. Based on this input information, the main CPU (b) 201 determines whether the indicator of the operation unit unit 204 is turned on, turned off, or blinks, and serially transmits a control signal to the operation unit unit 204. The operation unit CPU is the main CPU
(b) The operation of turning on, off, and blinking of the display is controlled according to the information from 201. Further, the operating condition of the apparatus is determined from the input information, and the input information is transmitted to the main CPU (a) 200 which is performing sequence control at the start of copying. In the scanner unit, the scanner control circuit 206
Provides information on image reading, image processing and scanner servo motor drive control to the main CPU (b) 201.
To the ADF control board 224 of the ADF (II) and the main CPU (b) 201 for interface processing. The application system 210 is an interface between an external device such as a fax and a printer and the main CPU (b) 201, and exchanges preset information. The editor 205 is a unit for inputting editing information, and serially transmits image editing data such as deletion, extraction, and movement of an image input by the operator to the main CPU (b) 201. The calendar IC 209 stores the date and time, and the main CPU (b) 201 can call up these information at any time. Therefore, the current time information is output and displayed on the display unit of the operation unit, or the operation unit displays the information of the device. By setting the turning-on time and the turning-off time, it becomes possible to control the turning-on and turning-off of the power supply of the device by a timer.

1.9.2 Application Unit FIGS. 7A and 7B are block diagrams showing the overall configuration of the application unit. The application unit is a file unit (APL1), FAX unit (APL1)
2), on / off printer unit (APL3), L
AN (APL4), image direction recognition unit (APL
5) has a system configuration including a display device (T / S, LCD). First, the base part will be described. This base is a unit that performs the basic control of this system.
The engine I / F 340 converts image data sent as serial data into parallel data. Also, the parallel data in the page memory 341 is converted into serial data and sent out to EXTIN. The control signal of the serial data is connected to the system bus via the engine I / F 340 and the serial communication interface (SCI) 342. The page memory 341 has a memory capacity of one page of A3 size paper, and here, the image data is converted into BIT image data and the EXTI
Data speed of input / output data of N and EXTOUT and CPU
The processing speed of is also adjusted. The scaling circuit 343 is a CPU
The DMAC 344 is used not through 352 to perform high-speed enlargement or reduction processing on the image data stored in the page memory 341. The rotation control circuit is FAX
When the size of the document on the transmission side of the transmission exceeds the size of the recording paper on the reception side, the process of rotating the transmission document by 90 degrees is performed. For example, when the original on the transmitting side is A4 vertical and the recording paper on the receiving side is A4 horizontal, the image on the receiving side is difficult to see because the apparatus on the transmitting side automatically reduces the image data by 71% before transmitting. However, the rotation control circuit prevents the reduction operation of the image data, rotates the transmission original by 90 degrees, and converts the image data so that the original is transmitted in the same size as if it was read in A4 landscape. Another function of the rotation control circuit is to convert the image data when the designated paper size on the receiving side is A4 landscape and the recording paper size of the paper feed cassette 60 is A4 portrait when receiving a fax and outputting a recorded image. Then, rotate the output image 90 degrees to A4
This is a function for supporting a paper feed cassette that can be output as vertical image data, which makes it unnecessary to distinguish vertical and horizontal in the mounting direction of the paper feed cassette 60. The CEP 345 is a circuit having functions of compressing, expanding, and passing image data. The bus arbiter 346 performs a process of sending the image data output from the AGDC 385 to the image bus or the system bus. The timer 348 generates a predetermined clock signal. The RTC 349 has a function as a clock and generates current time data. The console is a terminal for control, so that in addition to reading and rewriting data inside the system, this terminal can also be used to develop software using the debug tool, which is a function of the original software (OS) of the system. It has become. ROM
In 350, basic functions of software such as an OS are stored. The RAM 351 is mainly used as a working storage device.

1.9.2.1 File Unit (AP
L1) SCSI 360 is a hard disk (HDD) 325, an optical disk (ODD) 361, a floppy disk (FD)
D) An interface (I / F) for the 323. R
The OM 362 connects the HDD 325, O through the SCSI 360.
The software as a filing system for controlling the DD 361 and the FDD 323 is stored. 1.9.2.2 FAX Unit (APL2) The G4 FAX controller 370 controls the protocol for G4 and supports Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 of G4. Further, since it also supports ISDN and becomes a line of 2B + 1D (64 KB × 2 + 16 KB) in NET64, only G4 / G4, G4 / G3, G3 / G3, G4 or only G3 can be selected. The G3FAX controller 371 controls the G3 protocol, and also has a G3FAX protocol by an analog line and a converter for converting a digital signal into an analog signal. Network control unit (N
The CU) 372 has a function of dialing when communicating with the other party through the exchange or a function of receiving an incoming call from the other party. Store and Forward (SAF) 37
Reference numeral 3 is a memory for accumulating image data (including data such as code data) when transmitting / receiving a FAX.
In addition to the FAX, character-based data communication is also possible by using the NCU 372 and the modem used in the G3 FAX controller 371. As a result, the data obtained from the external public line can be transferred to the RAM managed by the main CPU (b) 201 via the system bus. It is possible to execute a program based on the transferred data, execute the transferred data itself as a program code, and display the sent data in the form of a bitmap image on the operation unit. . It is also possible to transfer the data inside the FAX to the outside via a public line. Already, in a standalone fax machine, the center accesses the fax at the user's destination to perform self-diagnosis and provide a telephone number batch change service. A semiconductor memory, an HDD 325, an ODD 361, or the like is used as a storage device of this unit. RO
A program for controlling APL2 is stored in M374. Further, an external battery is connected to the RAM 375 so that the stored contents are always held. Therefore, the RAM 375 is used for the calculation of the unit, and the destination name and telephone number,
Data for controlling the FAX function and the like are stored, and the data such as the destination can be easily set by using the touch switch (T / S) of the display unit and the LCD 410.

1.9.2.3 Display Unit The display unit controls the LCD 410 and the T / S.
The CG 412 therein has a built-in second-level code of ANK and Chinese characters so that the LCD 410 can display characters and figures. Touch switch controller (TS
C) 413 controls T / S. T / S are arranged vertically and horizontally, and the size of the switch when the operator uses
It can be freely set by determining the number of grids for one key by the TSC 413. Also, the LCD 410 and the T / S have a two-layer structure, and the key size and LCD
The frame of 410 keys can be adapted. 414 is a display CPU, 415 is an SCI, 416 is a ROM, 417 is a RAM, 418 is an LCDC, and 419 is a DPRAM. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the operation / display device. Fixed keys include a numeric keypad 430 for setting the number of copies and the like, and a start key 431 for instructing the start of copying. Function keys 432 and 432 are available as mode setting keys with which the user can arbitrarily set the mode.
There are 433 and 434. For example, function key 4
32 is assigned a sort mode, function key 433 is assigned a staple mode, function key 434 is assigned a double-sided mode, and the like. The display device displays a copy number display 435.
A set number display 436 is provided as a fixed display device, and other displays are displayed on the LCD 410. The LCD 410 also has a T / S function,
The mode can be selected by pressing the guide display displayed on the LCD 410.

Next, the operation of each application unit will be described. 1.9.3 Operation of Fax Unit (APL2) The FAX in this embodiment has the functions of MF, G2, G3 and G4, and the transmission density is 3.85, 7.7, 15.
4 lines / mm, and for G4, 200, 240,
It is possible to perform density conversion with each other by using the scaling function while maintaining 300,400 dpi. In addition, SAF373
It is possible to realize operations such as memory transmission / reception, relay, confidential reception, polling, etc. by using, and it is possible to perform memory transmission, memory reception, reception output, etc. at the same time while storing transmission documents in the memory. First, the transmission operation will be described. Place the original on the reading position and press the start key 431.
A dial call is made to the destination stored in the RAM 375 of PL2 to call the destination. Sending party is FAX
When the device is found to be a device, the document reading operation starts. If the original is not placed, press the start key 4
When 31 is pressed, a guide display prompting the placement of the original is displayed. When the original reading operation starts, the scanner moves, the solid-state image sensor (CCD) 8 reads the original, and the read image data is output to the EXTOUT terminal through the IPP 251 and MUX (1) of the memory system circuit shown in FIG. It At this time, by appropriately selecting MUX (1) and MUX (3), it is possible to select whether or not to process the IPU 255. The function of the IPU 255 can be freely selected by a program. The image data output to EXTOUT is input to the engine I / F 340 and stored in the page memory 341 according to the bit size of the page memory 341. Since the image data is sent in a multi-value of 8 bits per pixel, the difference in bit configuration from the page memory 341 corresponding to 16 bits is adjusted here. When the image data sent from the scanner is stored in the page memory 341, the stored image data is stored in the SAF 373 of the APL 2 while being compressed. As described above, by transmitting the image data of the read original while accumulating it in the SAF 373, the following effects can be obtained. While it takes about 2 seconds to read one A4 size original by the scanner, about 9 seconds is required to send the same original by G3 with the FAX function. That is, the FAX transmission time is about 4.5 times longer than the document reading time. In an apparatus that can be used not only as a copying machine but also as a fax machine, a printer, or the like as in this embodiment, for example, an FA
If another operator wants to make a copy during X transmission, FAX
It is desirable to finish the sending work quickly, but FAX
The transmission time may be faster or slower depending on the performance of the receiver. Therefore, the read image data is transferred to the SAF37.
By transmitting the data while accumulating in 3, the apparent transmission speed can be increased. Also, the transmitted document is SAF3.
Since it is stored in 73, a correct image can be sent by re-calling and resending when an error occurs during transmission, the line is disconnected, or the like. In this way, SA
The data stored in F373 passes through the system bus and G
It is accessible from 3 fax units or G4 fax units. FIG. 10 shows I shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram of an internal circuit of PU255. IPU25
Reference numeral 5 includes a multi-value conversion circuit 440, a marker editing circuit 441, an outline circuit 442, an error spreading circuit 443, and the like.

Next, the reception of image information will be described. Figure 1
1 (a) and 1 (b) are block diagrams of the image information receiving unit.
In the figure, received image data received through a public line is converted into a digital signal by a modem 450. DCR4
51 converts this image data into raw data, further compresses it, and stores it in the SAF memory 452. At this time, DCR
The reason for recompressing the raw data in 451 and then compressing it again is that the received image data usually contains an error that occurred on the line, and if it is stored in the SAF memory 452 as it is, it may be a hardware error or an error in the image data. This is because it becomes impossible to distinguish whether the error is. When recompressing the image data, a method with good storage efficiency should be adopted. SA
The image data accumulated in the F memory 452 is printed out for each page by a printer (writing unit). In order to print out the image data from the SAF memory 452, it is necessary that the page memory 341 is not occupied by the image data from the other APL, and the copying operation is not performed. When these conditions are met, the image data stored in the SAF memory 452 is written into the page memory 341 while being restored to raw data by the CEP 345. When the writing is completed, the optimum paper size is selected.
At this time, for example, when the image data stored in the page memory 341 is data corresponding to A4 portrait and the transferable paper is A4 landscape, the image of the image data stored in the page memory 341 is rotation controlled. The image is rotated by 90 degrees to print on the selected transfer paper. By this operation, it is possible to prevent a margin from appearing on the transfer paper on which an image is recorded and discharged. As described above, the image rotation function can perform the image processing corresponding to the rotation of the image according to the function of the receiver not only when the image data is received but also when the image data is transmitted. When the HDD 325 is used instead of the SAF memory 452, the SAF 452 is used as a buffer memory to drive the HDD 325 via the SCSI 360 of the APL1.

1.10 Coin Rack The main CPU (b) 201 and the coin rack exchange 8-bit serial data, and exchange coin rack information and copier side information with each other. Main CPU
(b) The data sent from 201 to the coin rack includes a count mode signal, a paper size signal, a jam signal, a set number data signal, a job status signal, and the like. The count mode signal has a monochrome copy count code, a monochrome color copy count code, a full color copy count code, a FAX print count code, a FAX transmission count code, a printer print count code, and a stapler driving count code for each count mode. For example, if one black and white copy is executed by a copying machine, the main CPU (b) 20
From 1, a black and white copy count code signal is output to the coin rack. Similarly, at the time of FAX transmission, a FAX transmission count signal is sent to the coin rack each time the communication frequency is counted. In addition, every time the stapler performs the binding operation, it transmits a count mode signal having a step count for driving the stapler to the coin rack. The count mode signal corresponds to the code shown in FIG. 12, and the code 1 representing the count mode signal in the header
0H is added. The paper size signal is sent to the main CPU (b) 20 each time the paper size of the selected transfer paper is changed.
This is a signal transmitted from 1 to the coin rack. The paper size signal has a header 11 for indicating the paper size signal.
H is added. The paper size signal is composed of 8-bit data representing 256 code numbers. The jam signal is a signal for transmitting to the coin rack the occurrence of a paper jam of the transfer paper and the number of transfer papers that could not be ejected as a copy due to the paper jam. In the coin rack, the count for the number of transfer sheets that cannot be copied must be subtracted from the count for the count mode signal. The data format is 256 pieces of transfer paper number data that could not be copied, with 12H added as a header. The set number signal is a signal output to the coin rack every time the number of copies set by the user is changed. The data format is 2 bytes long and the number of copies is 13H as a header.
Is added. The job status signal indicates that when the image formation is started in the copier, when the image formation is completed and the paper is ejected, when the mode clear key of the copier is pressed, and when the copy is completed, the transfer paper is transferred to the paper ejection tray. This signal is set when there is no more documents, when all the binding operations by the sorter stapler (III) have been completed, and when there are no documents on the ADF (II) document table 100. In the FAX transmission mode, the originals to be transmitted are exhausted and the originals are transmitted even when the telephone line is cut off. A code is assigned according to each mode, and the coin rack side can also determine which mode the copying machine body (I) is currently in. The data format of the job status signal is composed of nine status codes shown in FIG. 13 and a 14H header. Code data indicating that printing is possible 0, printing is not possible 1, stapling is available 0, and printing is not possible 1 is sent from the coin rack to the main CPU (b) 201. The command signals of the print enable / disable notification signal and the staple enable / disable notification signal are 20H and 21H, respectively, and are sent from the coin rack each time the state changes.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration inside the coin rack. Cash such as coins thrown into the cash accepting unit 501 is transferred to the cash inspection unit 502 and separated into cash and non-cash. Here, at the same time, the amount of cash is counted and the amount of cash that has been input is managed. The inserted cash is stored in the cash stock unit 503. The data of the input amount of money counted by the cash inspection unit 502 is the control unit 5.
It is transmitted to 06. A one-chip microcomputer is incorporated in the control unit 506, and the one-chip microcomputer includes a CPU core, ROM, RAM, and I
Built-in / O port. The data of the input amount of money counted by the cash inspection unit is accumulated in the RAM of the control unit 506, is also sent to the display unit 505 connected to the control unit 506, and is displayed on the 7-segment LED display device.
As shown in FIG. 14, the display unit 505 includes a display unit 505a that displays the input amount and the remaining amount, and a display unit 505b that displays the staple fee. RAM
As the data stored in, the following information including the staple charging mode flag described above is stored and can be freely read and written. That is, the billing mode flag indicating each of the billing mode according to copy size, billing mode according to copy mode (black and white, color and mono color mode), staple billing mode, fax reception billing mode, fax transmission billing mode, printer billing mode , Deposit amount display (remaining amount information), display amount information indicating required amount display in each mode, other than that, billing information for each mode, deposit amount information, return amount (change) information, copy set number information, option (OP) mode The setting number is stored in the RAM.

The operation information input key switch 507 is provided with a sales amount per binding operation, that is, a staple charge input key switch, in addition to the copy charge information input key switch. That is, the input key switch 507 is provided with 10 keys for inputting billing information in units of yen, for inputting billing mode, or for inputting the billing limit number of copies, # key for indicating data entry, and 10 key.
Clear key to clear (set to 0) the data entered with the key, copy size key to enter the mode to charge for each transfer paper size (after inputting the copy paper size information with the 10 key and pressing the # key Enter the billing information with the 10 key), FAX reception key to enter the mode to enter the amount of money per FAX reception (after pressing the key, enter the billing information with the 10 and # keys), FAX transmission To enter the mode to enter the amount of money per printer, press the FAX transmission key (after pressing the key, enter the billing information with the 10 and # keys), to enter the mode of entering the amount of money per printer output Printer key (use the 10 key to enter the transfer paper size, press the # key and then enter the billing information with the 10 key), and the OP key to set various special modes. To have. Further, the control unit 506 is provided with a transmission / reception unit, and is serially connected to the copying machine main body (I). First, the user inputs in advance data such as the amount of money charged for one copy operation or the like using the operation key switch 507. The data of the amount of money inserted into the cash is subtracted from the thus inputted billing information per copy and the count signal transmitted in the serial format. Note that a refund lever is provided in the cash return unit 504 in order to deal with the case where cash is mistakenly inserted.

Next, FIG. 1 shows a refund judgment operation during normal copying.
A description will be given based on the flow chart of the refund determination process of No. 5. Through the serial reception process (S-1), various command signals input from the copying machine main body (I) to the control unit 506 of the coin rack are received. In step S-2, the first of the transmitted signals
(Code) Data indicates job status signal 14H
Determine whether or not. If the first code is the job status signal of 14H, the second data is a parameter indicating the status of the job, so it is determined whether the parameter data indicating the end of the copying operation is 2 (S-3). If the second data is 2, which indicates the end of the copy operation, R of the control unit 506
The completed number counter stored in the AM is stepped up (S-4). The completed number counter is reset when the coin rack needs to be refunded, when the set number information described later changes, or when the completed number and the set number match. On the other hand, when the first data is other than 14H in step S-2, the process proceeds to step S-5, and it is determined whether the first data is 13H. First data is 13
If it is H, the second data is the set number data, so the input second data is set as the set number data.
06 RAM. In step S-7, it is determined whether the completed number counter and the set number data match. If the two values match, step S-
8, the control unit 506 issues a cash return instruction to the cash return unit 504 to start the cash return operation.

Next, the operation when the staple mode is selected will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the staple billing information input process. In step S-60, the staple charge input mode is confirmed. In step S-61, it is determined whether the staple charging switch has been input. If the determination result is Yes, the process proceeds to step S-62, and step S-
The staple charging input mode checked in 60 is set. That is, the staple charging input mode flag stored in the RAM is set to 1. In step S-63, 10-key input of staple billing information is checked, and if there is 10-key input, the input information is stored in the 10-key input buffer memory. If there is no 10-key input, the flow advances to step S-65 to determine whether the clear key has been pressed. If the determination result is Yes, the value of the data stored in the input buffer memory is set to 0 (S-66). In step S-67, it is determined whether the # key has been pressed. If the determination result is Yes, a process for writing the data stored in the input buffer memory to the nonvolatile RAM is performed. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the serial communication process. First, after performing serial reception processing (S-70), the process proceeds to steps S-71 and S-72 to determine whether the first data is 10H and the second data is 7. If the received data is the job status signal 10H [7], it means that the stapler driving count is set. Therefore, the staple charging data is subtracted by 1 from the deposit amount data every time the stapler driving is performed (S-73). The subtracted deposit data is replaced with the display amount data, sent to the display unit of the coin rack and displayed as balance information (S-74).
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the stapleability determination processing. First, the staple billing data stored in advance in the RAM in the coin rack is loaded into the counter A (S-7
5) Further, the copy number data transmitted from the copying machine main body (I) is input to the counter B (S-76). Next, the value obtained by calculating A × B is put into the counter C indicating the stapling price (S-77). Step S-78
Then, the balance information, that is, the charging information for each mode, and the count information for each mode input from the copying machine main body (I) are used to compare the deposit amount subtracted from the deposit amount with the value of the counter C. If the former amount of money is greater than or equal to the latter amount, stapleable information, that is, the job status signal 21H is sent to the copying machine main body (I).

[0] is transmitted (S-79). On the other hand, when the former amount is smaller, the staple non-performing information, that is, the job status signal 21H [1] is sent to the copying machine main body (I) (S-80). The stapability determination process is executed when the job status signal of the image forming operation end code is received from the copying machine main body (I).

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of the option number input process. First, in step S-88, it is determined whether the OP number input mode is set. If the determination result is No, in step S-89, it is determined whether the OP number input key is pressed. When pressed, step S-
In step 90, the OP number input mode checked in step S-88 is set. This is set as an OP number input mode flag stored in RAM. Step S-
Since the processing from 91 to S-95 is the same as the processing from step S-63 to S-67 of the above-mentioned staple charging information input processing, description thereof will be omitted. O in step S-96
The P number input process is performed. FIG. 20 is a flow chart of the OP number check process. First, it is determined whether or not OP number 1 is present (S-97). As a result, if the OP number is determined to be 1, the stapling enable signal, that is, data, is unconditionally sent to the copying machine body (I). 21H

[0] is transmitted. On the other hand, when it is determined that the OP number is other than 1, the stapleability determination processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18 is executed. OP
When 2 is input by the number input operation, the service number input processing routine is started. FIG. 21 is a flow chart of the service number input process. In step S-100, it is determined whether or not the OP number is 2, and only when it is determined that the OP number is 2, the processes in step S-101 and subsequent steps are executed. Step S-10
Since the processes from 1 to S-105 are the same as the processes from steps S-63 to S-67 of the above-mentioned staple charging information input process, the description thereof will be omitted. In step S-106, processing for setting the number of services is performed. The value of the input service number is stored in the RAM as service number data.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of staple service determination processing. This process is a process of unconditionally permitting the stapling operation when the number of copies exceeds the service number. In step S-107, the total number of copies and the number of services are compared. As a result of comparison, if the total number of copies is greater than or equal to the number of services, the stapling enable signal, that is, the job status signal 21H is sent to the copying machine main body (I).

[0] is transmitted. If the result of comparison is other than that, the above-described processing for determining whether or not stapling is possible is executed. The total number of copies is the number of copies counted from the state where the balance is zero. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the staple fee display. First, the staple billing data stored in the RAM in the coin rack is loaded into the counter A in advance (S-12
0) Further, the copy number data transmitted from the copying machine main body (I) is input to the counter B (S-121). Next, the value obtained by calculating A × B is put into the counter C indicating the stapling price (S-122). Step S-1
At 23, the data of the counter C is stored in the staple charge display buffer memory. The control unit 506 decodes the data stored in the buffer memory for displaying the staple charge, and the display unit 5 including LEDs of 7 segments.
Turn on 05b.

Next, a normal copying operation of the second embodiment will be described. Since the structure of the mechanical section of the copying machine is the same as that of the first embodiment, its explanation is omitted. The same applies to the following examples. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the refund determination process. The operation from step S-11 to the serial reception process to step S-16 is the same as the operation from step S-1 to step S-6 of the above-described first embodiment.
If the decision result in the step S-15 is No, in steps S-17 and S-18, the job status signal issued from the copying machine main body (I) is updated by pressing the mode clear key. Judge whether it is a thing or not. If the determination result is Yes, the process proceeds to step S-19, and it is determined whether the completed number counter value and the set number data match. If the two values match, step S
Proceeding to -20, the control unit 506 issues a cash return instruction to the cash return unit 504 to start the cash return operation. As described above, when the mode clear key is pressed, the main body of the copying machine (I) outputs the signal for setting the set number of data to 1 by the mode clear processing by the mode clear processing. The signal must be output. Next, the operation when the staple mode is selected will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the stapleability determination processing. The processing of steps S-81 to S-86 is the same as the processing of steps S-75 to S-80 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, after the job status signal 21H [1] is sent in step S-86, the control unit 5
06 outputs a cash return instruction for starting the cash return operation to the cash return unit 504 (S-87). When 3 is input by the OP number input operation, the service amount input processing routine is activated. FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the service amount input processing. In step S-110, it is determined whether or not the OP number is 3, and only when the OP number is 3, the processes in and after step S-111 are executed. Since the processing from steps S-111 to S-116 is the same as the processing from steps S-101 to S-106 of the service number input processing of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted. In the above process, the service number is replaced with the service amount. FIG. 27 is a flowchart of staple service determination processing. This process is a process in which the stapling operation is unconditionally permitted when the copying machine is used for more than the service amount. Step S-1
At 17, the total amount used and the service amount are compared. As a result of the comparison, if the total amount of money used is greater than or equal to the amount of service, a stapling enable signal, that is, data 21H, is sent to the copying machine body (I).

[0] is transmitted. If the result of the comparison is other than that, the process of the stapability determination shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18 is executed. The total usage fee is a usage fee of the copying machine in various modes, which is subtracted from the state where the balance is zero.

The operation of the third embodiment during normal copying will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the refund determination process. Step S
The operation from -21 serial reception processing to step S-26 is the same as the operation from step S-1 to step S-6 of the first embodiment described above. If the decision result in the step S-25 is No, the steps S-27 and S-
28, 1350 in each bin of Sorter Stapler (III)
Alternatively, the job status signal indicating whether or not there is a copied transfer sheet on the proof tray 1116 is checked. That is, the copying machine main body (I) emits a job status signal 14H [5] when the transfer paper is no longer detected by the optical sensor of the bin 1350 or the proof tray 1116, so that here, the first data is 14H, the second data is 14H. Determine whether the data is 5. If the determination result is Yes, the process proceeds to step S-29, and it is determined whether or not the value of the completed number counter and the set number data match. If the two values match, the process proceeds to step S-30, and the control unit 506
Issues a cash return instruction to the cash refund unit 504 to start the cash return operation. Next, the operation when the staple mode is selected will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the refund operation determination process. First, after performing the command reception process from the copying machine main body (I) and the serial reception process (S-130),
In steps S-131 and S-132, it is determined whether the first data is 10H and the second data is 7.
If the received data is the job status signal 10H [7], it means that the count is the stapler driving count.
Each time the staple driving count signal from (I) is received, the staple processing count number is incremented (S-
133). If the first data of the job status signal sent from the copying machine main body (I) is 13H, the second data is stored in the RAM as set number data (S-135). Next, it is determined whether or not the staple processing count number and the set number data value are equal (S-13
6) If they are equal, the control unit 506 determines that the stapling process of the copying machine main body (I) is completed, and outputs a cash return command for starting the refund operation to the cash return unit 504.

The normal copying operation of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
A description will be given based on the flow chart of the refund determination process of 0. Step S
The operation from -31 serial reception processing to step S-36 is the same as the operation from step S-1 to step S-6 of the first embodiment described above. If the determination result of step S-35 is No, steps S-37 and S-
At 38, a job status signal indicating whether or not there is a document on the ADF (II) document table 100 is checked. When the document is not detected by the document sensor 101 of the ADF, the copying machine body (I) issues a job status signal, 14H [7], so here, it is determined whether the first data is 14H and the second data is 7. to decide. If the judgment result is Yes,
In step S-39, it is determined whether or not the value of the completed number counter and the value of the set number match, and if both values match, the cash return operation is started in step S-40.

The operation of the fifth embodiment during normal copying will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart of the refund timer process. From the serial reception process of step S-41 to step S-46
The operations up to are the same as the operations from step S-1 to step S-6 of the first embodiment described above. Step S-
At 47, it is determined whether or not the values of the completed number counter and the set number match, and if both values match, the process proceeds to step S-48, and the cash refund timer is operated. FIG. 32 is a flowchart of the refund determination process. When the cash return timer is in operation (Yes in S-50) and 20 seconds have elapsed from the start of operation (Yes in S-51), the control unit 506 causes the cash refund unit 504 to start the cash return operation. A cash return instruction is issued (S-52). further,
The cash return timer is reset (S-53). In addition,
The cash return timer starts counting operation by processing such as timer interruption.

The cash refund judgment operation at the time of normal copying of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart of the cash refund judgment processing of FIG. First, the serial reception process (S-54) causes the control unit 506 of the coin rack to receive various command signals input from the copying machine main body (I). In step S-55, it is determined whether the first data is 14. 1st data is 1
If it is the job status signal of 4H, step S-5.
At 6 it is determined whether the second data is parameter data 9 indicating the end of FAX communication. If the second data is 9, which indicates the end of FAX communication, the process proceeds to step S-57, and the control unit 506 issues a cash return command to the cash refund unit 504 to start the cash return operation. The main CP of the copying machine main body (I) can be used to determine whether the communication has ended.
The U (b) 201 checks the state of the NCU 372 of the APL 2 to determine whether the telephone line is open.

[0032]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the balance collecting operation of the charge collecting device is performed based on the result of the judgment of the end of the image forming operation. It becomes possible to automate the balance return of the charge collection device, and the user does not need to operate the return lever during the image forming work using the charge collection device, and the smooth image formation work can be performed. It is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to receive the balance. According to the invention of claim 2, since the balance return command information for starting the balance refund operation of the charge collection device can be inputted, for example, the balance refund operation is automatically performed by pressing the existing mode clear key. Can be done automatically. According to the third aspect of the invention, the balance of the charge collecting device is returned based on the detection information indicating that the recording paper is not present on the recording paper receiving tray.
It is possible to detect the operation of removing the recording paper on the recording paper receiving tray, which is performed when the user is replaced, and automatically perform the operation of refunding the balance. According to the invention described in claim 4, in the image forming apparatus with the automatic document feeder, the balance of the charge collecting device is returned based on the detection information indicating that there is no document on the document table of the automatic document feeder. Therefore, the refund operation of the balance can be automatically performed by the detection signal of the existing document detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of the document on the document mounting table. According to the invention of claim 5, the balance of the charge collecting device is compared with the use charge, and when the balance of the charge collecting device is not lower than the use charge of the post-processing device corresponding to the preset number of image forming copies, , Allow the post-processing operation of the post-processing device,
If it falls below, we will return the balance of the charge collection device, so it is possible to automate the charge collection due to the post-processing operation of the image forming apparatus with the post-processing device added, and if the balance is insufficient, the balance is automatically Is returned, the efficiency of image forming work including post-processing can be improved. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, if the number of times the image forming apparatus is used is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times, the post-processing device can be operated based on the input information of the permission information input means regardless of the remaining amount of the charge collecting device. Since the processing operation is permitted, for example, the post-processing operation can be released to the user a predetermined number of times or more free of charge, and various services can be provided to the user. According to the invention described in claim 7, if the usage fee of the image forming apparatus is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the post-processing apparatus is operated based on the input information of the permission information input unit regardless of the remaining amount of the fee collecting apparatus. Since the processing operation is permitted, for example, the post-processing operation can be released free of charge to the user having a predetermined amount of money or more, and various services can be provided to the user.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration inside a coin rack of a digital copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the entire digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a writing unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a writing unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the entire electrical equipment control system of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an application unit.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the operation / display device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a memory system circuit.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing unit.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an image information receiving unit.

FIG. 12 is a table showing codes of a count mode signal.

FIG. 13 is a table showing a status code of a job status signal.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a configuration of a display unit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a refund determination process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a staple billing information input process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of serial communication processing.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a stapleability determination processing.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of an option number input process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of OP number check processing.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a service number input process.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of staple service determination processing.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for displaying a staple fee.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a refund determination process according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart of staple availability determination processing.

FIG. 26 is likewise a flow chart of the service amount input processing.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of staple service determination processing.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a refund determination process according to the third example.

FIG. 29 is likewise a flowchart of a refund operation determination process.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a refund determination process according to the fourth example.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a refund timer process according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is likewise a flowchart of the refund determination process.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of cash refund determination processing according to the sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 original sensor 200, 201 CPU 202 image control circuit 203 signal switching gate array 204 operation unit unit 207 page memory 208 image processing unit 210 application unit 220 main control plate 410 LCD 430 10 key 432, 433, 434 function key 501 cash accepting unit 502 Cash inspection section 503 Cash stock section 504 Cash return section 505 Display section 506 Operation section 507 Key switch 1130 Light receiving sensor 1131 Sensor light source

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] March 1, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 3]

[Figure 10]

[Figure 1]

[Fig. 2]

[Figure 4]

[Fig. 12]

[Fig. 13]

FIG. 14

[Figure 5]

[Figure 6]

[Figure 7]

[Figure 8]

[Figure 9]

FIG. 20

FIG. 23

FIG. 11

FIG. 17

FIG. 22

FIG. 15

FIG. 16

FIG. 18

FIG. 27

FIG. 19

FIG. 21

FIG. 24

FIG. 25

FIG. 26

FIG. 28

FIG. 29

FIG. 30

FIG. 31

FIG. 32

FIG. 33

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyasu Shijo 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Hiroshi Fukano 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock company Ricoh

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A charge collection device for collecting a usage charge of an image forming apparatus, a balance calculation means for calculating the balance of the charge collecting apparatus based on information such as the number of recording sheets set and the end of image forming operation, and the charge. In an image forming apparatus with a charge collecting device having a balance returning means for returning the balance of the collecting device, an operation end judging means for judging that a specified number of image forming operations have ended, and an operation end judging means An image forming apparatus with a charge collecting device, comprising control means for controlling, by the balance returning device, to return the balance of the charge collecting device based on a determination result. 2. The charge collection device according to claim 1, further comprising a balance return command information input unit for inputting balance return command information for starting a balance refund operation of the charge collection device by the balance return unit. Image forming device with device. 3. The recording paper receiver according to claim 1, further comprising a recording paper receiver for holding the discharged recording paper on which an image has been formed, and a recording paper detector for detecting the presence or absence of the recording paper on the recording paper receiver. However, the control means controls the balance return means based on the detection information of the absence of the recording paper of the recording paper detection means to return the balance of the charge collection device, and the image with the charge collection device. Forming equipment. 4. The automatic document feeder according to claim 1, which automatically conveys a document to a document reading position, and a document detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a document on a document table of the automatic document feeder. An image forming apparatus with a charge collecting device, characterized in that the control device controls the balance returning device to return the balance of the charge collecting device based on the detection information indicating that there is no document in the document detecting device. apparatus. 5. A post-processing device for performing post-processing such as a binding operation on a transfer sheet having an image formed thereon, a charge collecting device for collecting a usage charge of the image forming device, and the post-processing device or the image forming device. In the image forming apparatus with the fee collecting device having the subtracting means for subtracting the usage fee from the storage fee received by the fee collecting apparatus in accordance with the output post-processing operation signal, the rear corresponding to the preset number of image forming copies. The charge calculation means for calculating the usage charge of the processing device, the balance of the charge collection device, the comparison means for comparing the calculated use charge, and the output information of the comparison means calculate the balance of the charge collection device. If the charge is not lower than the used charge, the post-processing operation of the post-processing device is permitted, and if the balance of the charge collecting device is less than the calculated use charge, the charge collecting device is installed. An image forming apparatus with a fee collecting device, comprising: a control unit that controls the return of the balance of the storage. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising permission information input means for permitting post-processing operations of the post-processing device, and the control means if the number of times the image forming apparatus is used is a predetermined number or more.
If the post-processing operation of the post-processing device is permitted based on the input information of the permission information input means regardless of the remaining amount of money of the charge collecting device, and the number of times the image forming device is used is less than the predetermined number of times. An image forming apparatus with a charge collecting device, which controls whether to permit or prohibit a post-processing operation of the post-processing device according to the remaining amount of money of the charge collecting device. 7. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising permission information input means for permitting post-processing operations of the post-processing device, and the control means if the usage fee of the image forming apparatus is a predetermined amount or more.
Based on the input information of the permission information input means, the post-processing operation of the post-processing device is permitted regardless of the remaining amount of money of the charge collecting device, and the usage fee of the image forming device is less than the predetermined amount. An image forming apparatus with a charge collecting device, which controls whether to permit or prohibit a post-processing operation of the post-processing device according to the remaining amount of money of the charge collecting device.