JPH09247328A - Digital copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automate a bill and bar code output by storing the number of outputted transfer papers in a nonvolatile memory and calculating a copy charge. SOLUTION: By the input of keys from an operation part 310, a main control unit 320 instructs an image scanner CCD 110 to read. Read original picture signal is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter 120. Next, a shading correction unit corrects the variation of the density levels of the signal and the signal is sent to a laser printer 200 through a picture data switching device 340. At the time of finishing the ejection of papers, the unit 320 stores the number of the outputted transfer papers by each size of them in the nonvolatile memory 330 capable of holding after the stoppage of a power source. Next, the copying charge is calculated based on stored data and a drawing means 360 draws the calculating result in a page memory 350 and sends it to the printer 200 through the switching device 340. Thereby the bill for the copying charge and bar code output are automated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital copying machine equipped with a billing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art It is widely practiced to install a digital copying machine in a store such as a convenience store and to use it for general customers. In this case, the customer must pay a fee depending on the number of sheets used and the size of the transfer paper. Therefore, a billing device for a digital copying machine has been proposed and used.

[0003]

However, since a coin rack, a key counter or the like is used as the charging device of the conventional digital copying machine and this device is used by being connected to the main body, a unique charge management is performed. There is a strong demand for a billing device that can manage POS at convenience stores and the like. Another problem is the high cost of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a digital copying machine having a function of a billing device capable of outputting a bill for a copy fee without a special external connecting device.

[0005]

In order to achieve this object, a first aspect of the present invention is to provide an operation section for designating an operation mode of a copying machine, an optical reading of an original, and photoelectric conversion of the original to obtain image data. In a digital copying machine having an original reading unit for obtaining the image and an output unit for forming an image read by the original reading unit on a transfer sheet and discharging the sheet, a counter for counting the number of transfer sheets output by the output unit for each size. , Copy operation end designating means, transfer paper size charge storage means, page memory, page memory drawing means, usage charge calculation means, transfer paper size charge used up to the copy end instruction And a control means for controlling the use fee calculated from the number of sheets and drawing the calculated fee on the page memory by the image forming means and outputting by the output means.

The second invention, in the first invention, further comprises a tray designating means for designating an output tray of the billing information from the operation section, and the control means automatically selects the output tray when outputting the charge information. It is characterized by performing control to switch to.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the number of sheets for each transfer paper size counted by the counter, the usage fee calculated by the usage fee calculation means, and the date and time calculated by the usage fee calculation means are stored. It is characterized in that it has a calculation result storage means, and the control means performs control to draw and output the date / time, the count value, and the usage charge on the page memory according to designation from the operation unit.

In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the control means further includes a graph calculation means, and the control means calculates a graph from the date / time, the count value, and the usage charge by the designation from the operation unit, It is characterized in that the drawing means controls to draw and output a graph in the page memory.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a mechanism diagram of a digital copying machine. This digital copying machine is roughly divided into an upper image scanner 100 and a laser printer 200 arranged below it. Image scanner 1
A contact glass on which a document is placed is arranged at the uppermost part of 00, and an optical scanning system is provided below it. The document is exposed by the exposure lamp 1 of the optical scanning system, and its reflected light, that is, image light is imaged on the light receiving section 3 through various mirrors and lenses 2 provided in the optical scanning system. The light receiving unit 3 is provided with a one-dimensional CCD image sensor.

Since the optical scanning system is driven in the left-right direction in the drawing by a mechanical driving system, image light obtained by exposing each portion of the document surface is sequentially read by the image sensor, that is, line by line.

The image information read by the image sensor is converted into an output image by the processing described later, and the laser light output from the writing device 4 of the laser printer 200 is modulated. The laser light modulated by the image information passes through the writing optical system and is imaged on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5. The surface of the photoconductor drum 5 is uniformly charged to a predetermined high potential by the main charger 6 in advance, and when it is irradiated with image light, the potential changes according to the light intensity and the potential corresponding to the image. A distribution, that is, an electrostatic latent image is formed.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 is
As it passes through the developing unit 7, it is visualized by the adsorption of toner to form a toner image.

On the other hand, a transfer paper is fed from a selected one of the paper feed cassettes 12 or 13, and the transfer paper is synchronized with the timing of forming the toner image on the photoconductor drum 5. It is sent so that it overlaps the surface of. Then, the toner image on the photoconductor drum 5 is transferred onto the transfer paper by the bias of the transfer charger 8. Further, the transfer paper on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photoconductor drum 5 by the urging of the separation charger 9, and is fixed to the transfer paper by the fixing unit 14, and then the transfer paper is discharged to the outside of the copying machine. It After the transfer of the image and the separation of the transfer paper are completed, the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 10 to prepare for the next image formation.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the digital copying machine. The electronic component of the digital copying machine is the image scanner 1
00, laser printer 200, operation unit 310, main control unit 320, non-volatile memory 330, image data switch 340, page memory 350, image forming means 360.
Is provided. The image scanner 100 includes a color CCD image sensor 110, an A / D converter 120, a shading correction unit 130, and a scanner control unit 140.
Is provided. In addition, the laser printer 200 includes the buffer 2
10, LD driver 220, laser diode 230,
A printer controller 240 is provided.

In the image scanner 100 having such a configuration, the color CCD image scanner 1
The signal of the original document image in the bitmap format read by 10 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 120, and is then corrected by the shading correction unit 130 with respect to the variation in the density level. Via laser printer 200
Sent to The output image information sent via the image data switch 340 is applied to the laser printer 200 in the form of binary information corresponding to white / black of each pixel, passes through the buffer 210, and passes through the LD driver 220. It is applied to the laser diode 230 as an energizing signal.

Therefore, the laser diode 230 outputs the laser light modulated according to the output image information. This laser light is output from the writing device 4, is irradiated onto the surface of the photoconductor drum 5 via the optical scanning system for writing, and optical writing is performed.

Instructions from the operator are carried out by key inputs from the operation unit 310 arranged on the upper surface of the copying machine. The main control unit 320 includes an operation unit 310.
In addition to controlling the above various displays, the key input from the operation unit 310 is read, and each unit is instructed to start reading and output.

The non-volatile memory 330 is a memory that retains information even when the power is turned off, stores various setting values and count values, and can be referred to and written by the main control unit 320. .

The drawing means 360 is the main control unit 3
An output image is drawn on the page memory 350 by an instruction from 20. The image on the page memory 350 can be sent to the laser printer 200 by the main control unit 320 controlling the image data switch 340.

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram of the operation unit 310. The numeric keypad 2
1, a start key 22, a clear / stop key 23, a mode clear / preheat key 24, an interrupt key 25, and a copy end key 26 are provided. A liquid crystal touch panel 27 is provided on the left side, and detailed copy mode settings can be made.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the initial operation.
After the power is turned on, as an initial operation (S1), after checking each unit and tray and initial setting, the user waits for key input (S2). Here, if the start key 22 is pressed, a copy operation process is performed (S3), and if the copy end key 26 is pressed, a bill output process is performed (S4). After completion of each processing, it returns to waiting for key input again. The processing by pressing other keys is the same as the normal copy operation, and is omitted here.

FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of the copy process of FIG. First, the scanner 100 is operated to read a document image (S12), and the laser printer 200 outputs it (S13). When the paper discharge is completed (Y in S14),
The count value of the output transfer paper for each output transfer paper size is updated (S15). This count value is stored in the non-volatile memory 330 so as to be retained even when the power is turned off.
The above is repeated for the number of repeats (S11).

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of the bill output process according to the first embodiment. First, the count value for each transfer paper size is read from the nonvolatile memory 330 (S2
1) Then, the preset copy charge for each transfer paper size is read from the non-volatile memory 330 (S22).
The billing charge is calculated from the number of copies and the copy charge (S23), and the calculation result is drawn on the page memory 350 by the drawing means 360 (S24).

Next, the image data switching unit 340 is switched by the main control unit 320 and output by the laser printer 100 (S25). When the output is completed (Y in S26), the count value is reset and the process ends (S27).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an output example according to the first embodiment. By the processing described above, a bill as shown in the example of FIG. 7 is output. As in this example, not only can the size and number of sheets used be checked, but if the billing amount is printed out as a bar code, the copy fee can be POS managed.

FIG. 8 shows the touch panel 2 of the second embodiment.
7 is a diagram showing a display example of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the bill output process. As shown in FIG. 8, when the tray is selected by entering the bill output tray selection mode from the operation unit, the main control unit 320 causes the non-volatile memory 33.
0 is stored.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the copy end key 26 is pressed, the count value for each transfer paper size is first read from the non-volatile memory 330 (S31) and then preset as in the flow of FIG. The copy fee for each transfer sheet size is read from the nonvolatile memory 330 (S3
2). The billing charge is calculated from the number of copies and the copy charge (S33), and the calculation result is drawn in the page memory 350 by the drawing unit 360 (S34).

Then, the invoice output tray designated in the example of FIG. 8 is read from the non-volatile memory 330, and the output destination tray is changed (S35). At this time, the tray setting before the change is stored. After outputting by the laser printer 100 (S36), the count value for each size is reset (S36).
At 37, Y, S38), the output tray is returned to the original state and the process ends (S39). This mode is effective when it is desired to output a bill as small size paper such as A5 or A6 or recycled paper.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel 27 of the third embodiment, FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the bill output process, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the list output process.

In the bill output process flow of FIG. 11, similarly to the flow of FIG. 6, first, the count value for each transfer sheet size is read from the nonvolatile memory 330 (S41), and then the preset transfer sheets are set. The copy fee for each size is read from the non-volatile memory 330 (S42). The billing charge is calculated from the number of copies and the copy charge (S43), and the calculation result is drawn by the drawing means 360 in the page memory 350 (S44).

Next, the image data switching unit 340 is switched by the main control unit 320, and the laser printer 100 outputs the image (S45). When the output is completed (Y in S46), the count value and date and time for each size are stored in the non-volatile memory 330 (S47), and then the count value is reset to finish (S48).

Next, when entering the list output mode of the operation unit 310 as shown in FIG. 10, selecting the list format and the output tray and pressing the start key 22, as shown in the flow of FIG. First, the count value for each size and the date and time information is read from the non-volatile memory 330 (S51), and then the charge for each size is also read (S52).

Data is extracted according to the mode ("Today" or "This month") designated by the operation unit of FIG. 10, and the billing charge is calculated (S53). At this time, the number of output pages is also calculated. Next, the calculation result is drawn by the drawing means 360 in the page memory 350 (S54). Next, the main control unit 320 causes the image data switch 3
The laser printer 100 is switched between 40 and output (S55). The above is repeated for the number of output pages and the process ends (S56, S57).

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an output example according to the third embodiment. As shown in this figure, this method is effective for daily charge management and charge confirmation when a bill is lost.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel 27 of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a flow chart of the total output processing. The operation unit 310 as shown in FIG.
15 is entered, and when the counting unit, the output format and the output tray are selected and the start key 22 is pressed,
As shown in the flow in FIG. 6, first, the count value and date and time information for each size are read from the nonvolatile memory 330 (S6
1) Then, the charge for each size is also read (S62). Data is extracted according to the mode designated by the operation unit 310 in FIG. 14 and a graph is calculated (S63). At this time, the number of output pages is also calculated.

Next, the calculation result is drawn by the drawing means 360 in the page memory 350 (S64). Then, the image data switching unit 340 is switched by the main control unit 320 and output by the laser printer 100 (S65). The above is repeated for the number of output pages and the process ends (S66, S67).

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an output example according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in this figure, this method is effective for monthly aggregation and grasp of business performance.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. According to the first aspect, it is possible to automatically output the bill of the copied fee by the end of copying from the operation unit. In addition, it is possible to output the fee using a barcode.

In the second aspect, it is possible to specify the tray for outputting the bill. Only invoices can be output on recycled paper or small size paper.

In claim 3, the date and time when the copying is completed, the number of sheets and the fee can be stored, and the list can be drawn and output, so that the daily fee management and the fee confirmation when the invoice is lost are supported. it can.

According to the fourth aspect, a graph can be created based on the date and time at the end of copying, the number of sheets and the data of the fee, and the graph can be output, which is effective for monthly aggregation and grasping the business performance.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a mechanism diagram of a digital copying machine.

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

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram of an operation unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an initial operation.

5 is a detailed flowchart of the copy process of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of a bill output process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an output example according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a bill output process of the same.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the bill output process of the same.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a list output process of the same.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an output example according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a total output process of the same.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an output example according to the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 200 laser printer 320 main control unit 350 page memory 360 image forming means

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An operating unit for designating an operation mode of a copying machine, an original reading unit for optically reading an original and photoelectrically converting the original to obtain image data, and an image read by the original reading unit for creating an image on a transfer sheet. In a digital copying machine having an output unit for outputting an image and discharging the paper, a counter for counting the number of transfer sheets output by the output unit, a designation unit for terminating the copying work, and a charge storage unit for each transfer sheet size. , Page memory, page memory drawing means, usage fee calculation means, transfer paper size fee used up to the copy end instruction and the usage fee calculated from the number of sheets A digital copying machine comprising: a control unit that controls the control of drawing an image and outputting the output by an output unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a tray designating unit for designating an output tray for charging information from the operation unit, wherein the control unit automatically controls switching of the output tray when outputting the charge information. A digital copying machine characterized by. 3. The calculation result storage means for storing the number of sheets for each transfer paper size counted by the counter, the usage charge calculated by the usage charge calculation means, and the date and time calculated by the usage charge calculation means according to claim 1. A digital copying machine characterized in that the control means performs control to draw and output a date / time, a count value, and a usage charge on a page memory by designation from the operation unit. 4. The graph calculation means according to claim 3, further comprising a graph calculation means, wherein the control means specifies a date / date by designation from the operation unit.
A digital copying machine characterized in that a graph is calculated from a time, a count value, and a usage charge, and a graph is drawn by a drawing means in a page memory and outputted.