JPH1028218A - Charging system for composite device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charging system of a composite device for operating copying and a facsimile service by using a conventional charging device by displaying a charged fee set, according to a specific sheet size, or a charged fee decided for each sheet size set for the area of another party telephone number in a facsimile service. SOLUTION: This system is composed of a reading means 1, copying means 2 which copies image information on a sheet, transmitting means 3 which transmits the image information, composite device 6 compose of a selecting means 4 which selects whether the picture information should be copied by the copying means 2 or transmitted by the transmitting means 3, and a condition setting means 5 which sets a condition, and charging device 7 which operates the composite device 6 by charging. The charging device 7 is provided with a fee setting means 8 which decides the charged fee, and when the transmitting means 3 is selected by the selecting means 4, a condition to be set by the condition setting means 5 is set as previously decided fixed conditions, and transmitted to the fee-setting means 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a charging system for a multifunction device, which operates a multifunction device having both functions of a copying machine and a facsimile by a charging system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, apparatuses such as copiers, online printers, and facsimile machines have been frequently used at the same place in an office. For this reason, as a demand for miniaturization, space saving, or cost reduction in the market, multifunction devices that perform functions such as a copying machine, an online printer, and a facsimile by one unit have become widespread. On the other hand, for a user who cannot purchase such a multifunction device by itself, a facsimile service is performed using a multifunction device with a charging device in addition to a conventional copying service. At that time, the copy service displays the charge for each sheet determined by the copy paper size, subtracts the charge for each use from the amount entered, and adds it when the charge for one sheet is not reached The next copying operation is not performed unless the amount is input. However, in the case of the facsimile service, the charged fee greatly varies depending on the destination, the receivable speed of the destination device, and the number of transmitted documents, and the charged fee cannot be accurately charged in advance. In addition, unlike the copy service, once the transmission line is connected, the line fee is charged even when the original is not transmitted, so it is possible to charge a surcharge for each sheet like the copy service difficult.
For this reason, the facsimile service does not use a billing device, but after the facsimile service ends, separately calculates a charge from the destination location and the transmission time and charges the user directly.

[0003]

However, in a conventional multifunction peripheral to which a billing device is added, a charge per sheet determined by the copy paper size is displayed, and one time is used each time the used amount is used based on the inserted amount. The copy service was performed by reducing the amount of each sheet, but in the case of facsimile service, the surcharge differs greatly depending on the destination location, the receivable speed of the destination device, and the number of transmitted documents, and the transmission time etc. The charge could not be calculated and the charging device could not be used. Therefore, after termination of the facsimile service, the transmission destination location and transmission time are checked, another calculation is performed, and the user is billed directly.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to display a levy determined by a copy paper size to be actually copied in a copy service, and to display a levy set in a special paper size in a facsimile service, or a region of a destination telephone number. By setting the paper size according to the number shown and displaying the imposed fee determined for each set paper size, a charging system for a multifunction device capable of performing a copying service and a facsimile service using a conventional charging device is provided. To provide.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: reading means for reading a document image; and copying means for copying image information read by the reading means onto a sheet. Transmitting means for transmitting the image information read by the reading means, selecting means for selecting whether the read image information is to be copied to paper by the copying means or transmitted by the transmitting means, and a copy paper size. A multifunction device comprising: a multifunction device including condition setting means for setting conditions of the number of sheets and a transmission destination; and a charging device configured to operate the multifunction device by charging. A charge setting means for determining a charged charge by transmitting setting conditions of the means is provided in the charging device, and the selecting means selects the transmitting means for transmitting image information. Characterized in that none so as to transmit to said pricing means and constant conditions defined set conditions in advance the condition setting means. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reading unit for reading a document image, a copying unit for copying image information read by the reading unit onto a sheet, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the image information read by the reading unit. Selecting means for selecting whether the read image information is to be copied on paper by the copying means or transmitted by the transmitting means, and condition setting for setting conditions of a copy paper size, the number of sheets, and a transmission destination. A multifunction device comprising: a multifunction device; a charging device for operating the multifunction device by charging; and a charging system for the multifunction device. Provided in the apparatus, when the selecting means selects the transmitting means for transmitting the image information, another condition determined according to the condition set by the condition setting means Is characterized in that none so as to transmit to said pricing means and. According to a third aspect of the present invention, based on the premise of the first or second aspect, the transmission means for transmitting image information is selected, and the condition set by the condition setting means is set to a predetermined condition. Even if the condition set by the condition setting means is changed after transmission to the charge setting means, the charge is made in accordance with the surcharge already determined by the charge setting means. . The invention according to claim 4 is
On the premise of the invention according to claims 1 to 3, the shortage judging means for judging whether or not the amount of money charged into the charging device is insufficient for the charge calculated by the charge setting means is provided by the charging means. A setting condition for providing in the apparatus, further, when the selecting means selects the transmitting means for transmitting the image information, and when the shortage judging means judges that the chargeable fee is insufficient, the setting condition of the condition setting means is prohibited from being changed. It is characterized by having a prohibition means.

[0005]

According to the billing system for a multifunction device configured as in claim 1, when the selection means selects the transmission means for transmitting image information, a predetermined copy paper size is set in the condition setting means. And transfer it to the above-mentioned fee setting means, so that if the imposed fee of the predetermined copy paper size is set to an appropriate price without loss even if the facsimile service is performed, the copy service and the facsimile service will be the same as before. This can be done using a billing device. Further, according to the billing system for a multifunction device configured as in claim 2, when the selecting means selects the transmitting means for transmitting the image information, it is determined according to the condition set by the condition setting means. Since it is transmitted to the charge setting means under another condition, a specially determined copy paper size is set according to the number indicating the area of the destination telephone number set in the condition setting means, and the special charge setting means is set. If the imposed charge of the copy paper size specified in the above is determined to be an amount corresponding to the area of the telephone number, the facsimile service is provided with a very fine imposed charge for the destination area in addition to the effect of claim 1 above. be able to. Further, according to the billing system for a multifunction device configured as in claim 3, if the billing is performed with the amount calculated by the above-mentioned fee setting means, even if the setting condition of the condition setting means is changed, the charged fee is not changed. ,
If the previously calculated surcharge is made very high, the billing device can be prevented from being used when performing the facsimile service with the multifunction peripheral. Further, according to the billing system for a multifunction device configured as in claim 4, when the selecting means selects the transmitting means for transmitting the image information and the shortage judging means judges that the charge is insufficient, the setting is performed. Since the change of the setting condition of the condition setting means is prohibited by the condition prohibiting means, the operation is not performed unless the shortage of the fee is solved or the condition is set again from the beginning, so that the operation can be simplified.

[0006]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a multifunction device 6 in which a copier and a facsimile device are integrated, and a multifunction device 6.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of a charging system of a multifunction peripheral with a charging device 7 that operates according to a charging system. The functions and configurations of the copier and the facsimile apparatus are well-known, and their description will be omitted. The main operation of the multifunction apparatus charging system of FIG. First, in the case of the copy service, the copy service is selected by the selection unit 4 in the operation unit 12 and the same operation unit 12 is selected.
The conditions such as the copy magnification, the copy paper size (sometimes automatically determined from the document size and the copy magnification), the number of copies, and the like are set from the condition setting unit 5 in the unit. Is done. A part of the information set by the condition setting unit 5 by the operation of the CPU 15 is transmitted from the bus line via the interface (I / F) unit 17.
The information is transmitted to the charge setting unit 8 of the charging device 7. Depending on the convenience of the multifunction device 6, the setting location in the condition setting unit 5 may be on the RAM of the ROM / RAM 16.

The charge setting section 8 of the charging apparatus 7 has a charge table in the form of a ROM or the like corresponding to the type of copy paper size, and corresponds to the information on the copy paper size received from the I / F section 17. The found charge is found and the charge setting section 8
Is set in the setting section, and simultaneously transmitted to the billing display section 18,
Display as a copy service fee for one copy sheet. On the other hand, the number of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot of the charging device 7 is calculated by the insertion amount calculator 19, and
8 to display the input amount in comparison with the copy service fee. Insufficiency judging section 9 is used to calculate input money amount 1
By comparing the input amount calculated in step 9 with the copy service fee for one copy sheet set in the fee setting section 8, it is determined whether or not the input amount is insufficient.
The judgment information of the shortage judging unit 9 is returned to the multifunction device 6 via the I / F unit 17, and if the input amount is insufficient, the amount is input and the copy service operation of the multifunction device 6 is performed until the shortage is resolved. Cancel. If the input amount exceeds the copy service fee, the start of the copy service is permitted.

The start of the copy service is performed by the operation unit 12.
It is executed by pressing the start key 20 (see FIG. 3). When the start key 20 is pressed, a document placed on a document table (not shown) is read by the reading unit 1 and temporarily stored in the image storage unit 11 as image information. Image storage unit 1
1 may be constituted by the RAM of the ROM / RAM 16. Further, the image processing unit 14 processes the image information stored in the image storage unit 11 based on the condition set by the condition setting unit 5, and stores the processed information in the image storage unit 11 again. Further, the copying section 2 forms an image on a copy sheet through an electrostatic process of exposing, developing, transferring, and thermocompressing the photosensitive member based on the image information re-stored in the image storage section 11.

When the copying service for one copy sheet is completed as described above, information of the completion of one copy is transmitted to the charge setting section 8 of the charging device 7. Since the charge setting unit 8 is a service of the same copy paper size, the content of the copy service charge for one copy paper displayed on the charge display unit 18 does not change, but the input amount calculation unit 19 sends the information on the end of one copy from the charge setting unit 8. Is received, the copy service charge for one copy sheet is subtracted from the amount calculated by the input amount calculation unit 19 (displayed on one of the charge display units 18). The subtraction result of the input amount calculation unit 19 is transmitted to the charging display unit 18 and displayed in the form of the input amount balance. Further, the shortage judging unit 9 asks whether or not the remaining balance of the input money can cover the copy service fee for the next copy sheet. If the balance of the input amount exceeds the copy service fee, continuous copy service can be received. If the balance of the input amount is insufficient for the copy service fee of one copy sheet, the copy service operation is re-introduced. It is stopped until the shortage is resolved.

Next, when the facsimile service is selected by the selection unit 4 in the operation unit 12, a destination telephone number or the like is set from the condition setting unit 5 in the operation unit 12. The CPU 15 sends information on the copy paper size set by the condition setting unit 5 via the I / F unit 17 as in the case of the copy service. In the case of the facsimile service, the copy paper size is set. Since it does not exist (or even if it is set), a predetermined copy paper size is set. As the copy paper size to be set, a paper size not used in the copy service is suitable. Here, the paper size not used is assumed to be a letter (L
T), the LT size is set in the condition setting unit 5 and transmitted to the charge setting unit 8 of the charging device 7 via the I / F unit 17. (The above corresponds to the first aspect of the present invention.) Further, the charge setting unit 8 of the charging device 7 stores a charge charge table in which the charge charge corresponding to the type of the copy paper size is described.
It is stored in the form of M, etc., finds the LT-sized charge from the charge table, sets it in the setting section of the charge setting section 8, and simultaneously transmits it to the charge display section 18 and displays it as a facsimile service charge. Let it. This (LT size) charge is fundamentally different from the charge of a general copying service, and is set at an appropriate price that does not impair the facsimile service. On the other hand, the amount of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot of the charging device 7 is calculated by the insertion amount calculation unit 19, transmitted to the charging display unit 18, and displayed in comparison with the facsimile service fee already displayed above. It is the same. If the input amount exceeds the facsimile service fee by the shortage judging unit 9, the facsimile service is started by pressing the start key 20 in the operation unit 12. When the facsimile service is started, the image processing unit 14 arranges the image information stored in the image storage unit 11 so that facsimile communication is possible, and stores the image information in the image storage unit 11 again. Further, the transmitting unit 3 confirms the other party's telephone number set in the condition setting unit 5, communicates with the other party facsimile, and sends the image information stored in the image storage unit 11 to the other party facsimile.

When a predetermined copy paper size is set in the condition setting section 5 in the operation section 12, a copy corresponding to the number indicating the area of the destination telephone number set in the condition setting section 5 is set. A comparison table describing the paper size is stored in the form of a ROM or the like.
The copy paper size is set according to the number indicating the area of the other party's telephone number set in (1). Also, the information of the set copy paper size is transmitted to the charge setting unit 8 of the charging device 7 via the I / F unit 17. On the other hand, the charge setting section 8 of the charging device 7 also stores a charge table corresponding to the transmitted copy paper size in the form of a ROM or the like. Facsimile service with an appropriate charge system according to the fee. Further, if the number indicating the area of the destination telephone number is divided into several groups and the copy paper size is set, a facsimile service according to several regional fee systems can be performed.

When the facsimile service is selected by the selection unit 4 in the operation unit 12, the condition setting unit 5 sets a predetermined LT size, and sets the I / F unit 17
To the charge setting unit 8 of the charging device 7 via In the charge setting unit 8 of the charging device 7, if the LT-size charge is set to be a high price, the charging device 7 cannot be used in the facsimile service. That is, a system can be used in which the billing device 7 is used only for the copy service and not used for the facsimile service. (The above corresponds to the third aspect of the present invention.) Although not shown, a setting condition prohibiting unit is arranged in the multifunction device 6 of FIG. 1 by connecting to a bus line. Then, the facsimile service is selected by the selection unit 4 in the operation unit 12, and if the input amount is less than the facsimile service fee, the shortage determination unit 9 determines that the charge fee is insufficient, and passes through the I / F unit 17 via the I / F unit 17. The information is returned to the setting condition prohibition section of the multifunction device 6.
The setting condition prohibition unit prohibits the change of the setting condition of the condition setting unit 5 in the operation unit 12 when receiving the information.
FIG. 2 is a front external view of a billing system for a multifunction peripheral.
The left device is a multifunction device 6 in which a copying machine and a facsimile device are integrated, and the right charging device 7 that operates the multifunction device 6 according to a charging system is connected by an interface cable. The billing device 7 is provided with a coin insertion slot, a return lever for coin insertion by mistake, a coin return slot, and the like. The operation unit 12 of the multifunction device 6 includes:
A selection unit 4 for selecting a copy service or a facsimile service, a condition setting unit 5 for setting conditions such as a copy magnification, a copy sheet size, the number of copies, and a telephone number, and a display unit 13 are provided.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the operation unit 12 of the multifunction device 6, and FIG. 4 shows a display example on a display unit 13 provided in the operation unit 12. The selection unit 4 selects a copy service or a facsimile service. Condition setting section 5
Is composed of a numeric keypad 5a, a function key 5b, a selection message 5c shown on the display unit 13, and the like. If the display unit 13 has a display as shown in FIG.
The function keys 5b correspond. That is, switching of the rightmost copy paper size (displayed as paper) of the selection message 5c can be executed by pressing the rightmost key of the function key 5b (see FIG. 3).
In the screen of FIG. 4A, each time the button is pressed, A4 (horizontal) → A4
(Vertical) → B4 (horizontal) → A3 (horizontal) → manual feed → A4 (horizontal)
Is replaced in order. At the same time, the currently selected paper size is determined. In addition, the change in magnification corresponds to reduction, enlargement, and equal magnification, and three left positions of the function key 5b correspond to three left positions of the selection message 5c. Accordingly, in order to set the reduction to 80%, the reduction mode is selected by pressing the leftmost key of the function key 5b, and the number is set by inputting the numeral 80 from the numeric keypad 5a. The set contents are displayed on the display unit 13. further,
The desired number of copies can be set from the function keys 5b and ten keys 5a in accordance with a display screen (not shown). FIG. 4B shows the display contents of the display unit 13 when the shortage judging unit 9 of the billing device 7 judges that the input amount is insufficient in the copy service. In such a case, by changing the copy paper size in the condition setting unit 5, the shortage of the charge may be solved, so that the paper selection of the selection message 5c is possible. FIG. 4C shows a setting condition prohibiting unit 1 that sets conditions such as a paper size of the condition setting unit 5 when the input amount is insufficient in the facsimile service.
The display is prohibited by 0.

FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 are flowcharts showing main operations in the charging system of the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. In FIG. 5, the service selected by the selection unit 4 is confirmed (step S1). It is asked whether the selected service is a facsimile service (S
2) If the service is not the facsimile service but the copy service (No in S2), the information of the copy paper size is obtained from the condition set in the condition setting unit 5 via the I / F unit 17 to the charge device 7 The charge is transmitted to the charge setting unit 8 (S7), and the process proceeds to step S5. In step S2, if the selected service is a facsimile service (Yes in S2)
s) The setting condition of the condition setting unit 5 is set to a predetermined copy paper size (S3). Therefore, the predetermined setting condition of the copy paper size is transmitted to the charge setting unit 8 of the charging device 7 (S4). Further, the charge setting unit 8 of the billing device 7 calculates a levy fee corresponding to a predetermined copy paper size in the case of the facsimile service from the levy fee table (S5), and displays it on the billing display unit 18 of the billing device 7. And inform (S6). Further, in step S5, in the case of the copy service, the charge setting unit 8 which has received the information of the copy paper size calculates the charge fee corresponding to the given copy paper size from the charge charge table (S5),
The information is displayed on the billing display unit 18 of the billing device 7 to notify the user (S)
6). (The above corresponds to the first aspect of the invention.) In FIG. 6, the service selected by the selection unit 4 is confirmed (S11). It is asked whether the selected service is a facsimile service (S12). If the selected service is not a facsimile service but a copy service (N in S12)
o), information of the copy paper size set in the condition setting unit 5 is transmitted to the charge setting unit 8 of the charging device 7 via the I / F unit 17 (S17), and the process proceeds to step S15. Also,
If the selected service is the facsimile service in step S12 (Yes in S12), a copy paper size corresponding to the setting condition of the condition setting unit 5 is extracted with reference to the comparison table (S13). For example, if the condition set in the condition setting unit 5 is a destination telephone number, a reference is made to a comparison table describing copy paper sizes corresponding to the numbers indicating the areas of the destination telephone numbers, and the corresponding copy paper size is determined. Find out, I /
The information is transmitted to the charge setting unit 8 of the charging device 7 via the F unit 17 (S14). Further, in the case of the facsimile service, the charge setting unit 8 of the charging device 7 calculates a charge to be charged corresponding to the received copy paper size from the charge charge table (S1).
5) The information is displayed on the billing display section 18 of the billing device 7 to notify the user (S16). Further, in step S15, in the case of the copy service, the charge setting unit 8 receives the information of the copy paper size set in the condition setting unit 5, and calculates the charge corresponding to the copy paper size from the charge charge table. (S15), and displayed on the billing display section 18 of the billing device 7,
Notify (S16). In FIG. 7, in the case of the facsimile service, the charge setting unit 8 of the charging device 7 calculates the charge corresponding to the given copy paper size from the charge charge table (S21). ). Further, it is displayed on the billing display section 18 of the billing device 7 to notify the user (S22). On the other hand, after waiting for a coin to be inserted from the coin insertion slot of the charging device 7 (Yes in S23), the shortage judging unit 9 compares the amount of the inserted coin with the imposed charge calculated by the charge setting unit 8. (S24), it is determined whether or not the coins are insufficient (S25). Furthermore, as a result of the judgment by the shortage judging section 9, if the coin is insufficient (Ye in S25)
s) The setting condition prohibition unit 10 prohibits a change of the setting condition of the condition setting unit 5 (S26). If the coins are sufficient in step S25 (No in S25), the telephone number of the other party set in the condition setting section 5 is confirmed, the facsimile is communicated with, and the facsimile service is started (S27). Further, although the charging device 7 has been described as charging coins for the charge, the charging device 7 using a pre-bate card can be handled in the same manner.

[0015]

In summary, the present invention has the following excellent effects. According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conventional copying service in which the charge fee for each sheet determined by the copy paper size is displayed, and the amount for each sheet used is reduced from the input amount, and The facsimile service can be performed by setting the imposed charge of the copy paper size to an appropriate price without loss even if the facsimile service is performed, so that the appropriate copy service and facsimile service can be performed with almost no change in the conventional system. A billing system for the multifunction peripheral can be provided. According to the invention of claim 2, the copy paper size specially set according to the number indicating the area of the destination telephone number set by the condition setting unit is set, and the copy paper size specially set by the charge setting unit of the charging device is set. Since the charge for the copy paper size is determined according to the area of the telephone number, the present billing device can be used to add the effect of the invention of claim 1 and to set a very fine charge for the destination area. It is possible to provide a billing system for a multifunction device capable of performing a predetermined facsimile service.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the amount calculated by the charge setting unit is set to a large amount, so that even if the setting condition of the condition setting unit is changed, the charged charge does not change.
In practice, it is possible to prevent the facsimile service from using the charging device, so that the facsimile service can be implemented based on the telephone charge. According to the invention of claim 4, when the facsimile service determines that the charge is insufficient, the change of the setting condition is prohibited.
It is possible to provide a billing system for a multifunction device that can prevent a complicated display of a setting screen and a complicated setting operation, simplify the operation, and perform a facsimile service without error.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of a billing system for a multifunction peripheral showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a multifunction device billing system showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the multifunction device shown in FIG. 2;

4A and 4B are diagrams showing display examples on a display unit in the operation unit shown in FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 4A is a display example of a function selection screen in a copy service, and FIG. (C) is a display example when it is determined that
It is a display example in a case where the input amount is insufficient in the facsimile service.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main operation of the charging system of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another main operation of the charging system for the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another main operation of the charging system for the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 reading unit, 2 copying unit, 3 transmitting unit, 4 selecting unit, 5
Condition setting unit, 6 multifunction device, 7 billing device, 8 fee setting unit, 9 shortage judgment unit, 10 setting condition prohibition unit, 12 operation unit, 13 display unit, 18 charging display unit

Claims (4)

[Claims] A reading means for reading an original image; a copying means for copying image information read by the reading means onto a sheet; a transmitting means for transmitting image information read by the reading means; Selecting means for selecting whether the image information is to be copied on paper by the copying means or transmitted by the transmitting means, and a copy paper size, the number of sheets,
A billing system comprising a multifunction device comprising condition setting means for setting conditions of a transmission destination to be transmitted, and a charging device for operating the multifunction device by charging, based on a condition set by the condition setting means. Charge setting means for determining the charge is provided in the charging device, and when the selecting means selects the transmitting means for transmitting the image information, the condition set by the condition setting means is set to a predetermined constant condition to set the charge. A billing system for a multifunction device, wherein the billing system transmits the information to a means. 2. A reading device for reading a document image, a copying device for copying image information read by the reading device onto a sheet, a transmitting device for transmitting image information read by the reading device, Selecting means for selecting whether the image information is to be copied on paper by the copying means or transmitted by the transmitting means, and a copy paper size, the number of sheets,
A multifunction device billing system, comprising: a multifunction device including condition setting means for setting conditions of a transmission destination to be transmitted, and a charging device for operating the multifunction device by charging, wherein the setting condition by the condition setting means is provided. A charge setting means for determining a charge based on the fee is provided in the charging device, and when the selecting means selects the transmitting means for transmitting the image information, another setting determined according to the condition set by the condition setting means is provided. A billing system for a multifunction peripheral, wherein the billing system transmits the condition to the fee setting means. 3. The transmission means for transmitting the image information is selected, the condition set by the condition setting means is set to a predetermined constant condition, and the condition is transmitted to the charge setting means. 3. The charging system for a multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein even if the condition is changed, the charging is performed in accordance with the charged charge already determined by the charge setting means. 4. An insufficiency judging means for judging whether or not the amount of money charged into the charging device is insufficient for the charge calculated by the fee setting means is provided in the charging device, and the selecting means is provided with A setting condition prohibiting unit for prohibiting a change of the setting condition of the condition setting unit when the transmission unit for transmitting the image information is selected and the shortage judging unit judges that the charge is insufficient. Item 5. A charging system for a multifunction device according to any one of Items 1 to 3.