JPH07110857A - Image forming system and its device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To fairly manage an image forming device by securing the continuous use of the device by a user satisfying a fixed payment condition and surely restricting the continuous use of the device by an illegal user. CONSTITUTION:When a controller 6a in a managing device 6 sets up prescribed reference use amounts and the increment/decrement of the reference use amounts for image forming devices 4, 8, the reference use amounts are stored in storage means in the devices 4, 8, controllers 4a, 8a compare consumption counted by a counter with the reference use amounts stored in the storage means, control the permission/inhibition of the start of image forming operation based upon the compared result and update the reference use amounts stored in the storage means in accordance with the increment/decrement of the set reference use amounts.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming apparatus capable of remotely managing a plurality of image forming apparatuses via a communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various systems have been commercialized according to the recent development of communication media. In particular, in the field of OA equipment, a system in which an image forming apparatus and various peripheral devices are combined, a system for centrally managing maintenance and inspection of image forming apparatuses leased or sold to each office, etc. have been proposed. There is.

At this time, in the above image forming system,
For maintenance and inspection of each image forming apparatus, the service person visually confirms the total usage amount from the previous copy counter value, or the sales office in charge inquires the customer by telephone to calculate the total usage amount, and the copy is performed. The maintenance fee was collected by multiplying the number of sheets by a certain fee.

Further, the image forming apparatus is provided with a large-capacity image memory, and the desired image selected by the purchaser from various image information registered in the image memory is confirmed as payment of the fee and output as a copy. The momentum of possible simple image forming systems is increasing.

That is, an individual who collects and creates various kinds of information completes a work (photograph, text, illustration, etc.),
Selling as a publication requires a large amount of money according to the number of copies, and there is no means to sell timely information easily,
The arrival of media, which sells valuable information resources as images, and which converts the cost commensurate with the information provision fee to the copyright holder, is awaited.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, it takes a lot of trouble and cost for the service person to go to the office where the image forming apparatus is installed.

Further, even if the user refuses to pay the maintenance fee, there is a problem in that the customer cannot take measures such as limiting the use of the image forming apparatus.

Further, in the conventional publication, since a system for simply publishing a personal work is not proposed,
There was an economic problem that publication costs were high.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and a certain amount of data can be obtained by limiting or permitting the use of the image forming apparatus according to the maintenance fee paid by the user of the image forming apparatus. An image that secures the continuous use of users who meet the payment conditions and at the same time manages the image forming apparatus fairly by reliably restricting the continuous use of unauthorized users, and an image that satisfies the proper use by anyone An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and an image forming apparatus that manage a registrant and a person who receives image information provision so that anyone can register image information and easily publish it.

[0010]

In the image forming system according to the present invention, the management device is provided with setting means for setting a predetermined use reference amount and increase / decrease of the use reference amount with respect to the image forming device, and the image forming device is provided with: The storage means for storing the usage reference amount, the counter for increasing or decreasing the predetermined usage amount, the usage amount counted by the counter and the usage reference amount stored in the storage means are compared, and based on the comparison result. Control means for controlling permission or prohibition of the start of the image forming operation, and updating means for updating the usage amount stored in the storage means according to the increase or decrease of the usage reference amount set by the setting means are provided. .

Further, the predetermined use reference amount set by the setting means is set as the number of image formations.

Further, the predetermined use reference amount set by the setting means is configured to be the image forming use period.

Further, the predetermined usage reference amount set by the setting means is used as the usage fee of the image forming apparatus.

Further, the usage fee set by the setting means is configured to be the total fee of the usage period fee of the image forming apparatus and the number of sheets used of the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit for storing the image information, an image information input unit for storing the image information in the storage unit, and an image for outputting the image information stored in the storage unit. Information output means, a settlement means for calculating a processing amount according to item processing for the image information, and adjusting the change according to the input amount, and storing the image information in the storage means according to the input amount. Registration permitting means for permitting, the code registering means for registering predetermined code information in the card medium according to the image information registration state of the image information inputting means with respect to the storing means, and the storing means according to the inserted amount. Output permission means for permitting the output of the image, the counting means for counting the amount of the image information output from the storage means for each code information, and the code registered in the card medium. Code detecting means for detecting the number, the calculating means for calculating the amount of information provided to the image information registrant according to the output amount of the image information stored in the storage means and the output unit price of the image information, and the code detecting means for detecting the code. When the number is detected, the payout permission means for permitting the payout of the information provision amount is included.

Further, the item image of the image information stored in the storage means is used as a search image.

Further, the storage amount of the image information stored in the storage means is adjusted according to the input amount.

[0018]

In the image forming system of the present invention, when the setting means of the management device sets a predetermined use reference amount and increase / decrease of the use reference amount for the image forming device, the use reference amount is stored in the storage means of the image forming device. The control means compares the usage amount counted in the counter with the usage reference amount stored in the storage means, controls the permission or prohibition of the image forming operation start based on the comparison result, and the updating means controls the setting means. Since the usage amount stored in the storage means is updated according to the increase or decrease of the usage reference amount set by, the continuous usage of the user satisfying a certain payment condition is ensured, while the unauthorized user's It is possible to reliably limit the continuous use and manage the image forming apparatus fairly.

Further, since the predetermined use reference amount set by the setting means is the number of image forming sheets, it becomes possible to manage the use situation of the image forming apparatus according to the number of used sheets.

Further, since the predetermined use reference amount set by the setting means is used as the image forming use period, the use condition of the image forming apparatus can be managed according to the use period.

Since the predetermined usage reference amount set by the setting means is used as the usage fee of the image forming apparatus, it becomes possible to manage the usage status of the image forming apparatus according to the usage fee.

Further, since the usage fee set by the setting means is the total fee of the usage period fee of the image forming apparatus and the number of used sheets of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is used according to the number of used sheets and the usage period fee. It is possible to manage the usage status of.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the settlement means calculates the processing amount according to the item processing on the image information, and after the change amount is settled according to the input amount, the registration permission means is input. Is allowed to be stored in the storage means in accordance with the above, and the code registration means registers predetermined code information in the card medium according to the image information registration state of the image information input means with respect to the storage means, and the inserted amount of money. The output permission means permits the output of the image stored in the storage means according to the above, the counting means counts the amount of image information output from the storage means for each code information, and the code detection means is registered in the card medium. When the code number is detected, the calculation means calculates the information provision amount paid to the image information registrant according to the output amount of the image information stored in the storage means and the output unit price of the image information, When the code detection means detects the code number, the payout permission means permits the information provision amount to be paid out, so that anyone can manage the image registrant and the person who receives the image information provision, and who can receive the image information provision? However, it becomes possible to register image information and publish it easily.

Further, since the item image of the image information stored in the storage means is used as the search image, it is possible to perform the search reflecting the contents of the registered image information.

Further, since the storage amount of the image information stored in the storage means is adjusted according to the input amount, even if the information fee is large, it is possible to reliably register when the registration fee commensurate with the amount is paid. Becomes

[0026]

【Example】

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 is an office in which an image forming apparatus 4 is installed. Reference numeral 2 is a sales company responsible for maintenance and inspection of each image forming apparatus installed at various points, 3 is an office, which is located at a location separate from and independent from the office 1, and the image forming apparatus 8 is installed. . The image forming apparatus 4 and the image forming apparatus 8 may have the same functional specifications.
It may have different functional specifications. The image forming apparatus 4 is also connected to the management apparatus 6 of the sales company 2 connected via the modem 5, the telephone line 10 and the modem 7, and the controller 4a (CP) for controlling the main body of the image forming apparatus 4 is used.
U, ROM, RAM and the like). Similarly, the image forming apparatus 8 has a controller 8a (CPU) that communicates with the management apparatus 6 of the sales company 2 connected through the modem 9, the telephone line 10, and the modem 7 and controls the main body of the image forming apparatus 4. , ROM, RAM, etc.). The image forming apparatuses 4 and 8 are not limited to pure analog image forming apparatuses that execute only the copy sequence,
Even if the digital image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus in which peripheral devices (computer, file device, facsimile apparatus, etc.) are connected to the digital image forming apparatus, the application of the present invention is not hindered. Further, it can be easily applied to a printer device that only records an image.

In the image forming system of the present invention thus configured, when the setting means (controller 6a) of the management device 6 sets the predetermined use reference amount and the increase or decrease of the use reference amount with respect to the image forming devices 4 and 8. The use reference amount is stored in the storage unit (nonvolatile storage medium) of the image forming apparatus, the control unit (controllers 4a and 8a) counts the counter (internal counter), and the use reference amount stored in the storage unit. And the permission or prohibition of the start of the image forming operation is controlled based on the comparison result, and the updating means (by the controllers 4a and 8a) stores in accordance with the increase or decrease of the use reference amount set by the setting means. The usage amount stored in the method is updated, thus ensuring the continuous use of users who meet certain payment conditions, while maintaining the continued use of unauthorized users. The use and certainly limit it is possible to manage the fair image forming apparatus.

Further, since the predetermined use reference amount set by the setting means is the number of image forming sheets, it becomes possible to manage the use condition of the image forming apparatus according to the number of used sheets.

Further, since the predetermined use reference amount set by the setting means is used as the image forming use period, the use condition of the image forming apparatus can be managed according to the use period.

Further, since the predetermined usage reference amount set by the setting means is set as the usage fee of the image forming apparatus, it becomes possible to manage the usage status of the image forming apparatus according to the usage fee.

Further, since the usage fee set by the setting means is the total fee of the usage period fee of the image forming apparatus and the number of used sheets of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is used according to the number of used sheets and the usage period fee. It is possible to manage the usage status of.

The image forming apparatus maintenance management control operation in the image forming system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of a first image forming apparatus maintenance management control procedure in the image forming system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

In this embodiment, various information and commands are exchanged between the management device 6 and the image forming devices 4 and 8. One of them is a request for increasing the number of copies that can be made from the management device 6 to a specific image forming device.
For example, the following description will be made assuming that the image forming apparatus 4 has been requested to add 5000 sheets.

First, it is judged whether there is communication (1),
If NO, the process proceeds to step (5) and thereafter, and if YES, then it is determined whether or not it is a copy number increase request (2), and if NO, a process suitable for the communication content is performed (4), and step (5). If the determination is YES, the number of sheets that can be copied on the memory in the controller 4a is added to, for example, 5000 sheets (3). Next, it is determined whether or not the number of copyable sheets is larger than "0" regardless of whether communication is performed (5). If it is "0" or less, copying is prohibited (7), and the process returns to step (1) to copy. If the number of possible sheets is greater than "0", it is determined that copying is possible (6). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a copy request (8). If NO, the process returns to step (1). If YES, one copy operation is performed. Do (9). Then, the copyable number is subtracted by one (10) and the process returns to step (1).

In this embodiment, the copy request is a flag that is generated from when the start key of the image forming apparatus is pressed until the end of the entire copy operation.
In other words, the number of copies that can be made is 1 each time one copy is taken.
The countdown is continued and copying is prohibited when the number of copyable sheets reaches "0". Then, the permission for copying is again given when the management apparatus 6 requests the increase of the number of copyable sheets and the number of copyable sheets is set to be larger than "0".

Normally, the user of the image forming apparatus pays a fee to the sales company 2 before the number of copyable sheets becomes "0", and the management apparatus 6 controls each image forming apparatus by the number of copies corresponding to the fee. A request for increasing the number of sheets that can be copied is issued to the recording devices 4 and 8.

In the present embodiment, the memory for storing the number of copyable sheets does not have EE so that the memory is not volatilized.
ROM is used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the copyable sheet number value stored in the memory provided in the controllers 4a and 8a of the image forming apparatus 4 or the image forming apparatus 8 is set in accordance with the increase requestable number of sheets from the management apparatus 6. Although the case where the image forming apparatus is managed has been described as an example in which the number increases, various information and commands are communicated between the management apparatus 6 and the image forming apparatuses 4 and 8. The management process corresponding to the request for postponing the expiration date, which is one of the above, will be described as an example. In this embodiment, the request for postponing the expiration date is a request made from the management apparatus 6 to a specific image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the second image forming apparatus maintenance management control procedure in the image forming system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

In the following, in the present embodiment, for example, a case in which the image forming apparatus 4 is requested to postpone for 20 days will be described as an example.

First, it is judged whether there is communication (1). If NO, the process proceeds to step (5) and thereafter, and YES.
If so, then it is judged whether or not it is a request for postponing the expiration date (2), and if NO, a process suitable for the communication content is executed (4), and the process proceeds to step (5) and thereafter.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (2) is YES, the expiration date on the memory of the controller 4a is extended, for example, by 20 days (3). Next, it is judged whether the current date of the clock (provided in the timer circuit of the controller 4a) indicating the current date and time is within the expiration date (5), and if it is within the expiration date, copying is permitted (6). If not, the copy is prohibited (7) and the process returns to step (1).

The above-mentioned processing is performed by each image forming apparatus 4, 8
It is assumed that processing is performed in parallel with each copy sequence of.

Further, in the above embodiment, in response to a request for increasing the number of copies that can be made from the management device 6, the value of the number of copies that can be stored in the memory provided in the controllers 4a and 8a of the image forming device 4 or 8 is changed. Although the case where the image forming apparatus is managed has been described as an example in which the number increases, various information and commands are communicated between the management apparatus 6 and the image forming apparatuses 4 and 8. The management process corresponding to the balance increase request, which is one of the above, will be described as an example.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the third image forming apparatus maintenance management control procedure in the image forming system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step.

In the following, the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example the case where the image forming apparatus 4 is requested to increase the balance of 10,000 yen.

For example, suppose that the image forming apparatus 4 is requested to add a balance of 10,000 yen, the image forming apparatus 4 operates as shown in FIG.
First, it is determined whether there is communication (1), if NO, the process proceeds to step (5) and thereafter, and if YES, then it is determined whether there is a balance increase request (2). , NO, a process suitable for the communication content is executed (4), and the process proceeds to step (5) and thereafter, and if YES, the balance on the memory of the controller 4a is increased by 10,000 yen (3).

Next, it is judged whether or not the balance is larger than "0" yen regardless of the presence of communication (5), and if the balance is larger than 0, copying is permitted (6), After step (8), if 0 or less, copy is prohibited (7), and the process proceeds to step (11) and thereafter.

Then, it is judged whether or not there is a copy request (8). If NO, the process proceeds to step (11), YES.
Then, the copying operation is performed for one sheet (9), and the fee for one sheet (for example, 10 yen) is subtracted from the balance (10).

Next, assuming that the daily rental fee of the image forming apparatus is set to, for example, 1000 yen, each time more than one day elapses from the balance (11), rental for the number of elapsed days from the balance is performed. Deduct the fee (12) and return to step (1).

As a result, the balance gradually decreases,
If there is no request to increase the balance, the balance becomes "0" or less, and it becomes possible to prohibit copying from the balance increase request requested by the management device 6 and the usage amount of the user. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of an image forming system showing a second embodiment of the present invention. For example, a system for performing a publication process by an image forming apparatus, a storage device and a card reading / writing device. Corresponds to the case of.

In the figure, 11 is a microcomputer that controls the image forming apparatus, 12 is a printer that forms an image stored in an image memory or an image read by a reader on a sheet, 13 is a reader, and 14 is an image memory. ,
Reference numeral 15 is a magnetic card input / output unit for reading and writing monetary information and code number of the magnetic card, and 16 is an operation panel which is an interface with an image forming user. In the present embodiment, the settlement means, registration permission means, and
The case where the count means, the code registration means, the payout permission means, the output permission means, the calculation means and the like are achieved by the control program executed by the microcomputer 11 is shown, but each of them can be hard logic.

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the settlement means calculates the processing amount according to the item processing on the image information, and after the change is settled according to the input amount, the registration permission means is turned on. The storage unit (image memory 14) is allowed to store the image information according to the amount of money, and the code registration unit sets the predetermined code information according to the image information registration state of the storage unit by the image information input unit (reader 13). Is registered in the card medium, the output permission means permits the output of the image stored in the storage means according to the amount of money inserted, and the counting means counts the amount of the image information output from the storage means for each code information. Then, when the code detection means detects the code number registered in the card medium, the calculation means according to the output amount of the image information stored in the storage means and the output unit price of the image information. When the amount of information provision paid to the image information registrant is calculated and the code detection means detects the code number, the payout permission means permits the information provision amount to be paid out. It becomes possible for anyone to register the image information and easily publish it from the printer 12 by managing who receives the information provision.

Further, since the item image of the image information stored in the storage means is used as the search image, it is possible to perform the search reflecting the contents of the registered image information.

Further, since the storage amount of the image information stored in the storage means is adjusted according to the input amount of money, even if the information fee is large, it is possible to reliably register when the registration fee corresponding to it is deposited. Becomes FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of the operation panel shown in FIG.

In the figure, 16a is a display section for displaying various messages, charges and the like. Reference numeral 16b denotes a registration key, which is pressed when registering a document image. 16c is an output key,
Press to output the registered image. Reference numeral 16d denotes a payout key, which is pressed by an image registrant (copyright holder) when paying out the amount of registered images provided. An update key 16e is pressed to update the registration deadline set for the registered image. Reference numeral 16f is an up key, which is pressed when searching the inquiry data of the registered image. Reference numeral 16g denotes a down key, which is pressed when searching the inquiry data of the registered image. 1
A start key 6h is pressed when outputting the searched image. 15a is a card insertion slot.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of a magnetic card inserted into the card insertion slot shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 19 denotes a magnetic card body, in which money information 19a and a code 19b, which will be described later, are stored.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a manuscript submitted from the reader 13 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 20a to 20c are originals and 3
This corresponds to the case where the document is composed of a set of sheets. 20d
Corresponds to a document area (indicated by hatching in the drawing) registered for image search, and corresponds to, for example, the case where “non-globality of patent of theme” described in the document 20a is registered as a search image.

The publication processing operation using the image forming apparatus will be described below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.

9 to 13 are flowcharts showing an example of a publication processing procedure using the image forming apparatus system according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (58) show respective steps, and hereinafter, the standby state process, the registration process, the output process, the payout process, the update process and the like will be sequentially described. [Standby state] When the power is turned on, the display 16a of the operation panel 16 displays "Please select a menu" (Display 1) (1), and the registration key 16b, output key 16c, and payout key are displayed. When either 16d or the update key 16e is pressed, the process shifts to registration process, output process, payout process, or update process (2),
(3), (4), (5). Further, the image data whose registration period has expired is searched and erased (6), and the withdrawal fee and the code that have passed the withdrawal period are searched and erased (7). [Registration processing] On the other hand, the registration key 1 is determined by the determination in step (2).
When 6b is pressed and the author registers the image, "Please set the document on the reader and press the start key" (Display 2) is displayed on the display unit 16a of the operation unit panel 16. If the document is set (8) and the start key is pressed (9), the document is counted (1
0), and calculates the registration fee according to the number (11). The calculation formula is shown in the following formula (1). (Registration fee) = (Registration fee per sheet) x (Number of registered sheets),
However, registration fee per sheet = 1000 yen (1) And "Please insert the card" on the display 16a
(Display 3) is displayed (12). Then, when the card is inserted (13), the monetary information recorded on the card is read by the magnetic card input / output unit and compared with the registration fee (14), and the monetary information recorded on the card is small. Sometimes the card is ejected (15) and the display 16a displays "Insufficient card charge, insert a card with sufficient charge" (Display 5) (16).

When a sufficient charge is recorded in the card (usable monetary balance), the image information of the original is read and recorded in the image memory (17). Then, a code for this image information is generated on the card, and this code is written on the card (18). Then, the money information obtained by subtracting the registration fee is recorded on the card (19), and the card is ejected (20). Then, the display 16a displays "Please remember to bring the card and manuscript home" (display 4) (21). Then, an information fee, which is a fee for outputting the information, is calculated and stored (22). The calculation formula is shown in Formula (2).

Next, the registration deadline of the image is stored as one month ahead (23). Further, the payout deadline is recorded one month ahead of the registration deadline (24). Then, the process returns to step (1) to enter the standby state. (Information fee) = (Information fee per sheet) x (Number of originals),
However, the information fee per sheet = 1250 yen (2) [Output process] On the other hand, when the output key 16c is pressed in the determination in step (3), the "↑ key and ↓ key" are displayed on the display unit 16a. Please select the image you want to output with the key and press the start key. Price is 12500 yen, theme) Think about ecology ”(display 5) is displayed (25).
"12500 yen, think about ecology" in this display is an introduction part of registered image information data. When the ↓ key is pressed here (26), the introductory part is changed to the introductory part of another image data one after another (29). When the ↑ key (up key 16f) is pressed (27), the introduction part changes in the reverse order (30). The 12,500 yen of this introduction part is the information fee already calculated.

"Think about ecology" is a part of the registered image, and is one of a plurality of originals 20a, 20b, 20c as shown in FIG.
It is the image portion 20d of the area shown by the diagonal lines of the page.

When the user looks at this introduction and decides which image is to be output and presses the start key 16h (28), "insert card" on the display 16a.
(Display 6) is displayed (31).

Then, when the card is inserted (32),
It is judged whether the monetary information recorded on the card is equal to or more than the information fee (33), and if it is less than the information fee, the card is ejected (34), and the display section 16a displays “The card fee is Insufficient, please insert a card with sufficient charges "
(Display 5) is displayed (35).

When the monetary information recorded on the card 19 is more than the information fee, the information fee is subtracted from the card to record the monetary information (36), and the card is ejected (3
7).

Next, the selected image information is image-formed and output (38). Next, the display 16a displays "Please remember to bring home the card and output image" (Display 7) (39). Next, the count value of the number of output sheets for each code is increased by the number of formed images (40). Then, it returns to the standby state again. [Payout process] On the other hand, when the payout key 16d is pressed in the judgment of step (4), "insert the card at the time of registration" is displayed on the display unit 16a (Display 8).
Is displayed (41).

Next, when the card is inserted (42), the code recorded on the card is read. If there is no code that matches the read code in the code group generated when registered (43), the card is ejected (47), and the message "Not registered to the attendant" is displayed on the display 16a. Please tell me "(Display 9) (4
8).

If there is a matching code, the payout fee is calculated from the count value of the number of printed sheets of the code and the payout fee per sheet (4
4). This calculation is performed by the following formula (3).

Then, the monetary information of the card is increased by the payout fee (45), and the card is ejected (4
6). (Payment fee) = (Payment fee per sheet) ×
(Count value of the number of output sheets), however, payout fee per sheet = 800 yen (3) [Update processing] On the other hand, when the update key 16e is pressed in the determination of step (5), , "Please insert the card used for registration" (Display 10) is displayed on the display 16a (49), and when the card is inserted (5
0), read the code recorded on the card.

If the condition that there is a code that matches the read code in the code group generated at the time of registration and that there is monetary information recorded on the card more than the charge for updating ( 51), (5
2) Subtract the renewal fee from the financial information on the card (5
3).

Then, the registration deadline and withdrawal deadline are extended by one month, and the card is ejected (54), (55), (56).

On the other hand, when the above conditions are not satisfied, the card is suddenly ejected (57). Then, for a while, the display 16a displays "Please contact the staff who cannot update with this card" (Display 11) (58). Then, the process returns to the standby state of step (1).

In this embodiment, the renewal fee is set to be the same as the registration fee.

In the above embodiment, the image registration is performed without identifying the type of the original document to be registered. However, in the case of an original document such as a photograph, high-quality image registration that can be selected in advance (extra charge). ) May be executed to register or output a clear image.

Further, the registered image can be switched and output according to the payment fee, that is,
It may be configured such that the image is not output except for the required portion (mask) according to the charge.

Whether the image type is a monochrome original or a color original does not prevent the application of the present invention.

Further, as for the image to be registered, the original image may be remotely registered via another communication medium. Further, the same type of image forming systems may be communicable with each other so that a registered image at a remote location can be transferred and output.

[0083]

As described above, according to the image forming system of the present invention, when the setting means of the management device sets the predetermined use reference amount and the increase or decrease of the use reference amount to the image forming device, the image forming device The storage reference amount is stored in the storage means, the control means compares the use amount counted in the counter with the use reference amount stored in the storage means, and the start or end of the image forming operation is permitted or prohibited based on the comparison result. In addition, the updating means updates the usage amount stored in the storage means in accordance with the increase or decrease of the usage reference amount set by the setting means, so that continuous use by a user who satisfies a certain payment condition can be achieved. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus can be managed in a fair manner by restricting continuous use by an unauthorized user.

Further, since the predetermined use reference amount set by the setting means is the number of image forming sheets, it is possible to manage the use condition of the image forming apparatus according to the number of used sheets.

Further, since the predetermined use reference amount set by the setting means is used as the image forming use period, the use condition of the image forming apparatus can be managed according to the use period.

Further, since the predetermined usage reference amount set by the setting means is used as the usage fee of the image forming apparatus, the usage status of the image forming apparatus can be managed according to the usage fee.

Further, since the usage charge set by the setting means is the total charge of the usage period charge of the image forming apparatus and the number of used sheets of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is used according to the number of used sheets and the usage period fee. The usage status of can be managed.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the settlement means calculates the processing amount according to the item processing on the image information, and after the change amount is settled according to the input amount, the registration permission means is turned on. It is allowed to store the image information in the storage means according to the amount of money, and the code registration means registers predetermined code information in the card medium according to the image information registration state of the image information input means with respect to the storage means, and is inserted. The output permission unit permits the output of the image stored in the storage unit according to the amount of money, the counting unit counts the amount of the image information output from the storage unit for each code information, and the code detection unit writes the card medium. When the registered code number is detected, the computing unit plays the information provision amount paid to the image information registrant according to the output amount of the image information stored in the storage unit and the output unit price of the image information. However, when the code detection means detects the code number, the payout permission means permits the payout of the information provision amount, so anyone can manage the image registrant and the person who receives the image information provision, Anyone can register image information and publish it easily.

Further, since the item image of the image information stored in the storage means is used as the search image, it is possible to perform the search reflecting the contents of the registered image information.

Further, since the storage amount of the image information stored in the storage means is adjusted according to the input amount, even if the information fee is large, if the corresponding registration fee is paid, it is possible to reliably register. And many other effects.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a first image forming apparatus maintenance management control procedure in the image forming system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a second image forming apparatus maintenance management control procedure in the image forming system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a third image forming apparatus maintenance management control procedure in the image forming system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a schematic view showing an example of the operation panel shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of a magnetic card inserted into the card insertion slot shown in FIG.

8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a manuscript submitted from the reader shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a publication processing procedure using the image forming apparatus system according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a publication processing procedure using the image forming apparatus system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a publication processing procedure using the image forming apparatus system according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a publication processing procedure using the image forming apparatus system according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a publication processing procedure using the image forming apparatus system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 image forming apparatus 4a controller 6 management apparatus 6a controller 8 image forming apparatus 8a controller

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image forming system capable of communicating between an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus, wherein the management apparatus is provided with setting means for setting a predetermined use reference amount for the image forming apparatus and an increase / decrease of the use reference amount. In the forming device, a storage unit that stores the use reference amount, a counter that increases or decreases a predetermined use amount, and a use amount that is counted by the counter and the use reference amount that is stored in the storage unit are compared, Control means for controlling permission or prohibition of start of image forming operation based on the comparison result, and updating the usage amount stored in the storage means in accordance with increase or decrease of the usage reference amount set by the setting means. An image forming system comprising: an updating unit. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined use reference amount set by the setting unit is the number of image formations. 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined use reference amount set by the setting means is an image forming use period. 4. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined use reference amount set by the setting means is a use charge of the image forming apparatus. 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the usage fee set by the setting means is a total fee of a usage period fee of the image forming apparatus and a sheet number fee of the image forming apparatus. 6. Storage means for storing image information,
Image information input means for storing image information in the storage means, image information output means for outputting the image information stored in the storage means, and a processing amount corresponding to item processing for the image information is calculated and input. A settlement means for adjusting the change according to the amount of money, a registration permission means for permitting the image information to be stored in the storage means according to the inserted amount, and an image for the storage means by the image information input means. From the storage means, code registration means for registering predetermined code information in the card medium according to the information registration state, output permission means for permitting output of the image stored in the storage means according to the inserted amount, Counting means for counting the amount of image information output for each code information,
Code detecting means for detecting a code number registered in the card medium, and an information providing amount to be paid to the image information registrant according to the output amount of the image information stored in the storage means and the output unit price of the image information. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a calculation unit that performs the above; and a payment permission unit that permits payment of the information provision amount when the code number is detected by the code detection unit. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an item image of the image information stored in the storage means is used as a search image. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the storage amount of the image information stored in the storage means is adjusted according to the input amount.