JP2000276017A - Charge collection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To collect a charge from each user. SOLUTION: Image information is inputted by reading a manuscript by a full-color CCD 210. An operation mode showing the identification number to identify a user and print conditions is inputted from an operation key or a touch panel. The identification number, the operation mode, and the image information are made to correspond to each other, and stored in a RAM 255 as job data. An amount of money put into a copy vender 161 is released to the identification number and stored in the RAM 255 as a balance data. Plural job data and plural balance data can be stored in the RAM 255. When the job is executed and the print operation is carried out, a value corresponding to the print operation is subtracted from the balance of the balance data having the same identification number as that of the job.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toll collection device, and more particularly to a toll collection device used in an image forming apparatus for forming an image in accordance with an input price.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a toll collection system for a copying machine that performs a copying operation in accordance with an inputted price. In such a system, if the user inputs money, or inserts a prepaid card or an ID card, etc., and inputs a price for a copy operation expected in advance,
The price corresponding to the copying operation is subtracted. Then, at the end of the copying operation, the balance is refunded.

[0003]

However, since the conventional fee collection system is a system for one user, the copying operation is performed so that the entered fee is not used by another person. From start to finish, it had to be monitored beside the system.

[0004] On the other hand, a multi-job type copying machine has appeared, which can register a plurality of processes (jobs) for reading and outputting one document group. The multi-job type copying machine reads a group of documents, temporarily stores the read images of the group of documents in a memory, and prints the images stored in the memory on a sheet of paper. In the multi-job type copying machine, the read image of the document group is temporarily stored in the memory, so that the process of reading the document group and the process of printing the image of the read document group can be performed separately. Normally, the time required to read a document is faster than the time required to print the image of the read document group. Therefore, it is necessary to read a document group and read another document group before output is completed. Can be. In such a multi-job type copying machine, it is difficult to collect a charge for each job for each user.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a fee collection device capable of collecting a usage fee of the device for each user.

[0006]

A toll collection system according to an aspect of the present invention is a toll collection device used in an image forming apparatus that forms an image in accordance with an input price, and is used to identify a user. Identification number input means for inputting an identification number of an image, image information input means for inputting image information for forming an image in an image forming apparatus, money information input means for inputting money information, Related means for associating a number, image information, and money information, and updating means for updating money information associated with the image information by the related means based on a price corresponding to an image forming operation on the image information; When a signal indicating the end of the operation is input, and the identification number associated with the related means is input with the identification number input means, the identification number input with the relevant means is used. And output means for outputting the continuous association was money information.

[0007] Preferably, the fee collection device further includes instruction means for instructing the image forming apparatus to perform an image forming operation on the image information. When the money information associated with the information is exceeded, the image forming operation for the image information is not instructed.

[0008] Preferably, the related means of the toll collection device are:
It is possible to associate a plurality of pieces of image information with one piece of identification information, and when the image forming operation is not performed on at least one of the pieces of image information associated with the identification number, the plurality of pieces of image information are associated with the identification number. A prohibition unit for prohibiting output of the money information by the output unit is further provided.

A charge collecting apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is a charge collecting apparatus used for an image forming apparatus which performs an image forming operation in accordance with a charged value, and an input means for inputting money information. A state control unit for switching from the first state to the second state when an interrupt signal indicating an interruption of an image forming operation performed by the image forming apparatus is input; A storage unit for storing the input first monetary information and the second monetary information input in the second state, and in accordance with the image forming operation from the first monetary information in the first state The first monetary information is updated to an amount obtained by subtracting the consideration from the first monetary information, and stored in the storage unit. In the second state, the second monetary information is subtracted from the second monetary information by an amount corresponding to the image forming operation. Means for updating and storing in a storage means , When a signal indicating the end of image forming operation is entered, in a second state and outputting the second monetary information stored in the storage means.

According to these inventions, it is possible to provide a fee collecting apparatus capable of collecting a charge for each user according to an image forming operation performed by the image forming apparatus.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding members.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a toll collection system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the figure, the fee collection system is roughly a digital copier 2
00, a copy vendor 161 for collecting a print fee for the digital copying machine 200, and a sorter 10.

The copy vendor 161 has a coin insertion slot 163 for inserting a coin, and a coin return button 164.
, A coin return slot 165, and a display unit 166 for displaying the amount of the inserted money. Copy vendor 161
The digital copier 200 is connected to the digital copier 200 via a connector 162 via a cable.

In the present embodiment, the copy vendor 161 is configured to collect a print fee by inserting a coin. However, instead of coins, bills, prepaid cards, IC cards, cash cards, and the like are set. May be used to collect the print fee.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view for explaining a schematic configuration of the digital copying machine 200. Referring to the figure,
The digital copier 200 includes an image reader unit 201 for reading image data from a document, and a printer unit 202 for printing an image on a sheet.

A document placed on a document table 203 of the image reader unit 201 is irradiated by an exposure lamp 205 provided in a scanner 204. Light reflected from the document surface forms an image on the full-color CCD sensor 210 via mirrors 206 to 208 and a condenser lens (not shown). The full-color CCD sensor 210 converts the reflected light from the original surface into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) electric signals (analog signals) and outputs the electric signals to the image signal processing unit 211.
The scanner 204 is moved in the direction of the arrow (sub-scanning direction) by the scanner motor 212 to scan the entire document.

The image signal processing section 211 converts an input analog signal into a predetermined digital signal (laser drive signal) and stores it in the RAM 255 (see FIG. 4). RAM2
The digital signal stored in 55 is stored for each document. The laser device 213 outputs a laser beam based on a digital signal stored in the RAM 255.

In the printer unit 202, the laser device 2
The laser beam output from 13 exposes photosensitive drum 215 charged by charging charger 214 to form an electrostatic latent image. The toner developing units 216 to 219 of four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow and black are sequentially selected, and the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 215 is developed. Appropriate paper is conveyed from the paper feed cassettes 220 to 222. The sheet passes through the timing roller 223. Electrostatic suction charger 2 provided opposite suction roller 224
The paper is attracted to the transfer drum 226 by 25.

The toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 215 is transferred by the transfer charger 227 to a sheet wound on the transfer drum 226. The rotation of the transfer drum 226 is controlled by a drum motor 228. When a full-color copy is performed, the above printing process is repeatedly performed for four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. That is, the transfer drum 226 rotates four times.

Thereafter, the sheet is discharged from the surface of the transfer drum 226 by the separation charger 229 and the charge elimination charger 230, and the transfer drum 2
After being separated from the fixing device 26 and fixed through the fixing device 232, the sheet is discharged toward the sorter 10 connected to the digital copying machine 200.

The fixing device 232 includes an upper roller 234 and a lower roller 235. Each roller 23
4, 235 is adjusted by a heater so as to reach a predetermined temperature.

FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of operation panel 150 provided on the upper surface of digital copier 200. The operation panel 150 includes a liquid crystal display 156.
And a touch panel 151 provided thereon and made of a transparent member. The liquid crystal display device 156 displays a print operation mode and an internal state of the digital copying machine 200. The touch panel 151 is used to set a print operation mode and the like, and a user can input a predetermined operation. The operation panel 150 further includes a numeric keypad 152 for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies and a print magnification, a reset key 153 for resetting a print operation mode set by a user input,
An interrupt key 154 for temporarily interrupting the print operation of the digital copying machine to interrupt another print operation, a start key 155 for instructing a copy start, and a job reservation key 157 for reserving a new job. And a settlement key 158 for instructing the start of the settlement process.

The above-described digital copying machine 200 and copy vendor 161 are controlled by a control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control unit of the digital copying machine 200. Referring to the figure, a control unit mainly includes a CPU 252 for controlling image reader unit 201.
And a CPU 260 that controls the printer unit 202. CPU 252 is a serial I / O
253 is connected to the copy vendor 161.

The CPU 252 has a ROM 254 storing a program to be executed by the CPU 252 and a personal computer 27.
RAM 255 for storing image data transmitted from 0 to 273 or a digital signal output by the image signal processing unit 211, an NVRAM 256 for storing a screen used for display on the operation panel 150, The processing unit 211 is connected.

The CPU 260 is connected with a ROM 261 storing a program to be executed by the CPU 260, a RAM 262 storing variables and the like necessary for executing the program, and the laser device 213 described above.

The image signal processing section 211 is connected to a full-color CCD sensor 210 for reading an original image.
The laser diode 213a is connected to the laser device 213.

The CPU 252 is further connected to an external input / output control unit 257, and can communicate with personal computers 270 to 273 connected to the image forming apparatus via a LAN. The CPU 252 communicates with the personal computers 270 to 273 via the external input / output control unit 257,
Image data, an identification number for identifying the owner of the image data (hereinafter referred to as “ID number”) and an operation mode for printing the image data are received from the personal computers 270 to 273 and stored in the RAM 255. RAM 25
The image data stored in 5 is subjected to predetermined processing by an image signal processing unit 211, and then an image is formed on a sheet by a laser device 213 and output.

The image data read by the full-color CCD 210 is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing signal processing section 211 and then stored in the RAM 255, or is printed on a recording medium by the laser device 213.

The copy bender 161 is connected to the CPU 252 via a serial I / O 253. The amount of the fee charged to the copy vendor 161 is transmitted from the copy vendor 161 to the CPU 252. CPU25
2 to the copy vendor 161, the copy vendor 16
The amount to be displayed on the first display unit 166 and the amount to be returned from the coin return slot 165 are transmitted. That is,
In the copy vendor 161, the display on the display unit 166 and the return from the coin return slot 165 are controlled by the CPU 252.

In the fee collection system, a plurality of jobs are sequentially printed. Here, the job will be described.
The job occurs when a user using the digital copying machine 200 inputs an ID for identifying the user and a document, and sets an operation mode for printing the input document. Manuscript input is full color CC
This is performed by scanning the original with the D sensor 210. Image information obtained by scanning is stored in RAM 255.
Is stored. When the user inputs a plurality of originals, the image information is stored in the RAM 255 as information in which the plurality of originals are put together. The operation mode is set when the user inputs a document, and is set in the printer unit 20.
The second operating condition, for example, the copy magnification, the ink density, the size of the paper to be printed, and the like. This mode of operation is
RAM 255 is input from the operation panel 150 described above.
Is stored.

An ID for identifying a user is input from the operation panel 150 when the user inputs a document to the digital copier 200, and is stored in the RAM 255. The image information, the operation mode, and the ID correspond to one job. Therefore, when a plurality of users input a document, a job corresponding to each user is generated. If one user inputs a different group of documents, a job corresponding to each group of documents is generated.
In this case, the ID numbers of the generated jobs are the same.

The digital copying machine 200 creates a job management table shown in FIG. 5 for managing a plurality of jobs. Referring to FIG. 5, the job management table stores, for each job, job data in which data of five items of “job number”, “image information”, “operation mode”, “ID”, and “order” are associated. It is a table for storing.
The creation of the job data is performed by the CPU 252.
The image information and the operation mode are stored in M255, and when the ID is input from the operation panel 150, it is created by numbering the job number. Further, when the operation of printing the image information under the condition of the operation mode ends, the job data is deleted from the job management table. The item “image information” indicates the head address of the image information stored in the RAM 255. The item of “operation mode” is R
The start address of the operation mode stored in the AM 255 is shown. The item “ID” indicates an identification number for identifying a user input from the operation panel 150. The "rank" item indicates the rank of the queue for multiple jobs,
Printing is performed by the print unit 202 according to this order. The item of “rank” is the order in which the jobs are generated.
A number is assigned at 252. Note that a job including a specific ID may be preferentially raised in the queue.

The CPU 252 creates job data every time a job occurs and adds it to the job management table stored in the RAM 255. Then, the jobs are sequentially processed according to the contents of the job data registered in the job management table.

FIG. 6 is a balance management table created in the RAM 255. The balance management table includes two items, “ID” and “balance”, and is a table for storing the balance for each ID. The amount of money input to the copy vendor 161 is transferred to the CPU via the serial I / O 253.
252. In the CPU 252, the operation panel 1
The balance data that associates the ID input from 50 with the balance received from the copy vendor 161 is added to the balance management table of the RAM 255. Also, the printer unit 202
When printing is performed, the value corresponding to the printing operation is subtracted from the balance stored in the balance management table.
This processing will be described later in detail.

Next, the processing performed by the CPU 252 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing mainly performed by CPU 252. Referring to FIG.
U252 determines whether or not there is a queue (step S01). The presence or absence of a queue is determined by referring to a job management table stored in the RAM 255. If there is a numbered job data in the “rank” item among the job data stored in the job management table, the queue is in a queued state and there is no numbered job data. Has no queue. If there is no queue, it is in a standby state until the queue is registered.

If there is a queue (YES in step S01), the highest priority job is selected (step S0).
2). The highest-priority job is a job in the job management table stored in the RAM 255 in which the item number of “order” is the smallest. In the case of the job management table shown in FIG. 5, the job with the lowest number of the item of “order” and the job with “job number” of “01” are selected as the highest priority jobs. Then, a process of printing the selected highest priority job by the printer unit 202 is performed (step S03).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the job execution process performed in step S03 of FIG. For simplicity of the description, a description will be given of the job execution process when the job with the job number “01” in the job management table shown in FIG. 5 is selected as the highest priority job selected in step S02 in FIG. The CPU 252 reads the image information of the selected job from the RAM 255 based on the address A1 and the operation mode from the RAM 255 based on the address B1. And
The fee required to print the first piece of the read image information is calculated based on the read operation mode (step S41).

Then, the balance data is retrieved from the balance management table (see FIG. 6) stored in the RAM 255 based on the ID of the job management table. The ID of the selected job (job number 01) is “aaa”. Therefore, from the balance management table, “ID” is a
The balance data of “aa” is selected, and the balance “1000 yen” is acquired. Then, the acquired balance "1000 yen" is compared with the print fee obtained in step S41 to determine whether the print fee does not exceed the balance (step S4).
2). If the print fee exceeds the balance (if the balance is insufficient), the process proceeds to step S43; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S44.

In step S43, the job is deleted from the queue. Specifically, this is performed by deleting the number of the item of “order” in the job management table. Referring to FIG. 5, the item of “order” of the job data having the job number “04” is not numbered. The job with the job number “04” indicates that the job has been deleted from the queue. Instead of deleting the job from the queue, the order of the queue may be lowered. For example, referring to FIG. 5, for the job data of job number “01”, “1” of the item of “order” may be changed to “5”. By doing so, there is no possibility of printing without being able to collect the fee.

If it is determined in step S42 that the balance is not insufficient, a printing operation is performed in the printing unit 202 (step S44). Image information for one sheet is sent from the image signal processing unit 211 to the laser device 213,
0 drives the image forming system to perform the printing operation. At this time, the operation mode is
260. CPU 260 performs a printing operation based on the received operation mode. When the printing operation is completed, the CPU 252 updates the balance data in the balance management table. If the print fee calculated in step S41 is, for example, 10 yen, 10 yen is subtracted from the balance of 1000 yen stored in the balance management table and updated to 990 yen.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is image information to be printed (step S45). If there is image information to be printed, the above processing is repeated. If there is no image information to be printed (step S45)
(NO at step S46), and a process of ending the printing operation is performed (step S46). The process of ending the print operation refers to, for example, a process of displaying a message “Do you want to pay the fee” on the liquid crystal display 156 of the operation panel 150.
By displaying such a message on the liquid crystal display device 156, it is possible to prompt the user to start a settlement process described later. When the user is beside the digital copying machine 200, the settlement process can be started immediately, which is convenient.

<Image Input Processing> The CPU 252 receives image information and the like from the personal computers 270 to 273 via the external input / output control unit 257. FIG. 9 shows personal computers 270-27.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by CPU 252 when image information is received from No. 3; CPU 252
Receives three pieces of information of image information, ID, and operation mode from the personal computers 270 to 273 (step S31). As described above, a job is generated when these three pieces of information are arranged. Upon receiving the three pieces of information, the CPU 252 assigns a job number and stores the job data in the RAM 2.
55 is added to the job management table stored in the storage unit 55 (step S32). At this time, the added job is not registered in the queue. At the time when the image information and the like are received from the personal computers 270 to 273, since the fee for the ID of the job has not been charged, the job cannot be printed. Therefore, at the time of receiving the image information and the like,
Add job data to the job management table without registering in the queue. Referring to FIG. 5, job data with a job number “05” is job data added by receiving image information from personal computers 270 to 273. The rank item is blank.

<Interruption Processing> The CPU 252 associates each of the following keys by pressing the interrupt key 154, the job reservation key 157, the submit key 158, and the settlement key 159 provided on the operation panel 150. Execute the specified processing. Each process will be specifically described.

(1) Input key 158: Charge input processing (2) Job reservation key 157: Job reservation processing (3) Settlement key 159: Settlement processing (4) Interrupt key 154: Interrupt print processing <Charge input processing> FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of a fee input process. When the input key 158 on the operation panel is pressed, the CPU 252 causes the liquid crystal display device 1
A message "Please enter ID" is displayed at 56. Thus, the user can be prompted to input an ID. When the user operates the numeric keypad 152 or the touch panel 15
When an ID is input from 1, the CPU 252 determines whether or not the same ID as the input ID is registered in the balance management table stored in the RAM 255 (step S12). If there is no balance data including the same ID as the ID entered in the balance data of the balance management table,
Proceeding to step S14, new balance data is added to the balance management table. At this time, the added balance data is the input ID and the balance “0”.

If there is balance data having the same ID as the input ID (YES in step S12), the balance data is read (step S13). For example, when the input ID is “bbb”, the balance data with the ID “bbb” and the balance “1500 yen” is read.

Then, it is determined whether or not the amount entered from the copy vendor 161 has been transmitted (step S15). If there is no charge input for a predetermined time (NO in step S15), the charge input processing ends. If the amount entered from the copy vendor 161 has been transmitted (YES in step S15), the balance data read in step S13 is updated. Specifically, step S13
When the balance data with the ID “bbb” is read and the amount received from the copy vendor 161 is “1000 yen”, the amount (1000 yen) received from the copy vendor 161 is added to the balance (1500 yen) of the read balance data. ) Is updated to the sum (2,500 yen).

In the charge input processing, the amount input from the copy vendor 161 is stored in a balance for each ID using a balance management table.

In the charge input process according to the present embodiment,
When the ID is entered and a coin is inserted, the ID
The balance data is added to the balance management table for storing the balance every time. Note that a money card such as a prepaid card may be used instead of the coin. If an ID-added money card is used, it is only necessary to insert an ID-added money card instead of inputting an ID and inserting a coin.

<Job Reservation Processing> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of job reservation processing. When the job reservation key 157 on the operation panel 150 is pressed, the CPU 252
Is "Please enter your ID" on the LCD 156
Display the message of Thus, the user can be prompted to input an ID. Enter the ID using the numeric keypad 152
Or from the touch panel 151 (step S
21).

Based on the input ID, the CPU 252 searches the job management table stored in the RAM 255 to determine whether there is job data having the same ID as the input ID (step S22).

If a job having the same ID as the input ID is not registered in the job management table (NO in step S22), image information is input (step S24). Input of image information is performed by full color CCD 21
The analog signal obtained by scanning the original at 0 is converted into digital data by the image signal
5 is stored.

Then, the input of the operation mode by the user is accepted (step S25). At this time, the CPU 252 displays an instruction screen on the liquid crystal display device 156 to facilitate input of the operation mode. Thereby, the user can easily proceed with the input of the operation mode.

If a job having the same ID as the input ID is registered in the job management table (step S
22), the image information is already stored in the RAM 255, so the CPU 252 sets the file name of the image information of the job having the same ID as the input ID in the liquid crystal display device 1.
56. For example, if the input ID is "cc
In the case of "c", the job of the job number "04" is selected, and the file name of the image information stored at the address A4 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 156. The image information is selected by the user viewing and selecting the displayed file name.

When the retrieval of the image information (step S23) or the input of the image information (step S24) and the input of the operation mode (step S25) are completed, it is determined whether or not the end key displayed on the liquid crystal display 156 has been pressed. Is determined (step S26). If the end key has not been pressed for a predetermined period, the processing from step S22 to step S25 is repeatedly performed. If the end key has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S27.

At the time of step S27, step S2
In step S23, the image information corresponding to the input ID is associated with the operation mode in step S23 or step S24 and step S25. When these three pieces of information are provided, the job can be registered. If it is determined in step S22 that the image information has not been input, a job number is assigned and new job data is added to the job management table. However, no job is registered in the queue at this time. Therefore, no number is assigned to the “rank” item of the newly added job data. On the other hand, step S22
If it is determined that the image information has been input in the above, the corresponding job data already exists in the job management table, and there are cases where a number is assigned to the “order” of the job data and cases where it is not present. is there. If not, the job has not been enqueued.

Among the jobs registered in the job management table, the jobs not registered in the queue include the job registered when image information and the like are transmitted from the personal computers 270 to 273 and the job registered once in the queue. Includes jobs that have been registered but have been removed from the queue due to lack of balance.

Next, in step S28, the balance table stored in the RAM 255 is searched based on the ID input in step S21. Then, it is determined whether there is a balance corresponding to the ID. If there is a balance corresponding to the ID, the job is registered in a queue in step S29. Registration of a job in the queue is performed by assigning the next number after the largest number among the numbers assigned to other job data to the item of “order” of the job data. As a result, jobs that have not been registered in the queue are registered in the queue.

If it is determined in step S28 that the balance is "0", the process ends without registering the job in the queue.

In the job reservation processing according to the present embodiment, an ID, image data, and an operation mode are input.
In addition, a job is registered in a queue by inputting a charge (there is a balance). In the present embodiment, the ID, the image data, and the operation mode are input in the job reservation process, and the input of the fee is input in the fee input process. The charge input process and the job reservation process can be combined into one process. Furthermore, IC
By using a cash card with an ID such as a card,
The input of D and the input of the fee can be performed simultaneously.

<Payment Processing> When the payment key 159 of the operation panel 150 is pressed, the CPU 252 performs the payment processing. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the settlement process. Referring to the figure, when the settlement key 159 is pressed, the CPU 252 displays a message “Please enter an ID” on the liquid crystal display device 156 to urge the user to enter the ID. When the ID is input (step S51), C
The PU 252 searches the balance management table stored in the RAM 255 based on the input ID. If the balance of the balance data having the same ID as the input ID is "0", the process proceeds to step S55, and if not, the process proceeds to step S53.
Proceed to. For example, when the input ID is “ccc”, the balance is “0” with reference to the balance management table of FIG.
Therefore, the process proceeds to step S55. If the input ID is “aaa” or “bbb”, the balance is not 0 and the process proceeds to step S53.

Next, it is determined whether a job having the same ID as the input ID is registered in the queue (step S53). Specifically, based on the input ID, R
The job data having the same ID as the input ID is searched from the job management table stored in the AM 255. If any one of the extracted job data has a number assigned to the item of “rank”, the input I
A job having the same ID as D is registered in the queue. If a job with the same ID as the input ID is registered in the queue, nothing is performed and the process ends. If the job with the same ID is not registered in the queue (NO in step S53), copy vendor 1
From 61, an instruction to refund the amount corresponding to the balance is sent to the copy vendor 161. As a result, copy vendor 1
From 61, the amount corresponding to the balance is refunded. Then, the balance data of the input ID is deleted from the balance management table (step S55).

As described above, in the settlement process, the input I
Only the balance associated with D will be refunded. If a job related to the input ID is registered in the queue, the refund process is not performed. As a result, it is possible to recognize that the job registered by the user has not yet been subjected to the print processing and has been registered in the queue.

In step S53, instead of determining whether or not the job data is registered in the queue, it is determined whether or not job data having the same ID as the ID input to the job management table is registered. You may.

<Interrupt print processing> Operation panel 150
When the interrupt key 154 is pressed, the CPU 252
Perform interrupt print processing. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the interrupt print process. Referring to FIG.
When the interrupt key 154 on the operation panel 150 is pressed, the PU 252 stops the print operation for the job being executed by the print unit 202 (Step S61). This is performed by the CPU 252 transmitting a stop signal to the image signal processing unit 211. As a result, the image signal processing unit 211 stops transmitting the digital signal to the laser device 213, and the CPU 260 stops the printing process.

Then, the operation mode of the job data of the job being executed is updated to the operation mode for the operation which has not been executed, and is stored in the RAM 255 (step S62). For example, if the number of prints in the operation mode of the job being executed is set to 100, and if 60 prints are made when the interrupt key 154 is pressed, the number of prints is 40. And is stored in the RAM 255.

Then, the process waits until a fee is input from the copy vendor 161 (step S63). When the fee is input to the copy vendor 161, the CPU 252
The input amount transmitted from the copy vendor 161 is stored in a memory in the CPU 252. After the user inputs image information (step S64) and an operation mode (step S65), execution of the job is started (step S66). The job execution process performed in step S66 will be described later. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a balance (step S67). If there is a balance, the amount corresponding to the balance is refunded from the copy vendor 161 (step S68). If there is no balance, the refund process is not performed and the process proceeds to step S69. In step S69, the image information, operation mode, and ID of the job whose execution has been stopped by pressing the interrupt key 154 are read, and the printing operation of the read job is started.

As described above, in the interrupt printing process, even if the printing operation of the job registered in the queue is being executed, the interrupted job is pressed by pressing the interrupt key 154 to insert the coin. It can be stopped and the execution of a new job can be started. Further, since the balance for the ID of the job stopped by pressing the interrupt key 154 is stored in the balance management table of the RAM 255, it is not illegally used by the interrupting user.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the job execution process performed in step S66 of FIG. Referring to the figure, the job execution process performed in step S66 calculates the fee required to print one piece of the image information input in step S64 (step S8).
1). Then, the amount entered in step S63 is compared with the print fee, and it is determined whether or not the amount entered (balance) is sufficient (step S82). If the balance is insufficient, a message "Please input a fee" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 156 to urge the user to add a fee and input the fee. If an additional fee has been entered (YES in step S83), step S8
Proceed to 4. If no additional fee is entered (NO in step S83), the process proceeds to step S87.

If it is determined in step S82 that the balance is not insufficient, the process proceeds to step S84. Step S84
Then, the printing process is started in the printer unit 202.
When one print is completed by the printer unit 202, the balance corresponding to the printing operation is subtracted from the balance to update the balance (step S85).

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a process for printing (step S86). If there is a process to be printed, the processes from step S81 to step S85 are repeated. Proceeding to S87, a process for ending the printing operation is performed.

<Modification of Job Execution Process> The job execution process shown in FIG. 8 is for calculating the balance each time a print operation is performed once and determining whether or not to execute the job. The modified job execution process is a process of calculating a total charge for printing image information based on an operation mode, and determining whether to perform printing based on the calculated total charge. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the modified job execution process performed in step S03 of FIG.

Referring to the figure, in the modified job execution process, the total charge for printing all of the image information under the conditions of the operation mode is calculated (step S9).
1). Then, the calculated total charge is compared with the balance stored in the balance management table (step S9).
2). If the total charge is smaller than the balance, all the image information is printed, and the balance in the balance table is updated to a value obtained by subtracting the total charge (step S93). When the printing operation is completed, the job data is deleted from the job management table.

If the total charge exceeds the balance (YES in step S92), the job is deleted from the queue (step S94). Thereafter, processing for ending the printing operation is performed (step S95). Step S
Instead of deleting from the queue at 94, the order of the queue may be changed to a lower order.

As described above, step S0 in FIG.
In the modified job execution process performed in step 3, the image information is not printed unless a fee necessary for printing all of the image information in the operation mode is input.
Thus, printing of the image information is not interrupted halfway.

In the toll collection system according to the present embodiment, the balance management table is provided in the RAM 255, and the balance is stored for each ID, so that the balance can be managed for each user.

Since the input image information, ID, and operation mode are stored in the job management table in association with each other, even in a multi-job type copying machine, the price for the printing operation is determined for any user. Can be determined.

Further, by pressing the interrupt key 154,
Even when an interrupt job occurs, it is possible to collect a fee corresponding to a print operation that occurs each time the interrupt job is executed.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a fee collection system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a schematic configuration of the digital copying machine 200.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an operation panel 150 provided on an upper surface of the digital copying machine 200.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control unit that controls the digital copying machine 200.

FIG. 5 is a job management table stored in a RAM 255.

FIG. 6 is a balance management table stored in a RAM 255.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing mainly performed by CPU 252 of digital copying machine 200;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a job execution process performed in step S03 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of image input processing performed by CPU 252 when image information is received from personal computers 270-273.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a charge input process started by pressing an input key 158.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of a job reservation process started when a job reservation key 157 is pressed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of a payment process started when a payment key 159 is pressed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of an interrupt print process started when an interrupt key 154 is pressed.

14 is a flowchart showing the flow of a job execution process performed in step S66 in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of a modified job execution process performed in step S03 of FIG. 7;

[Explanation of symbols]

 252 260 CPU 255 RAM 161 Copy bender 211 Image signal processing unit 150 Operation panel 200 Digital copier 154 Interrupt key 157 Job reservation key 158 Enter key 159 Settlement key

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H027 DA33 EJ02 EJ03 EJ05 EJ06 EJ08 EJ09 9A001 BB03 BB04 DD07 DD13 EE05 FF02 FF03 HH23 HH31 JJ35 JJ66 KK16 KK31 KK42 KK57 LL03

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A toll collection device used in an image forming apparatus for forming an image in accordance with an input consideration, comprising: an identification number input means for inputting an identification number for identifying a user; Image information input means for inputting image information for forming an image in the image forming apparatus; money information input means for inputting money information; and for associating the identification number with the image information and the money information. Related means, and updating means for updating the money information associated with the image information by the related means based on a price corresponding to the image forming operation for the image information, and indicating an end of the image forming operation. A signal is input, and
Output means for outputting, when the identification number associated with the association means is input by the identification number input means, the financial information associated with the input identification number by the association means; Collection device. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an instruction unit configured to instruct the image forming apparatus to perform an image forming operation on the image information, wherein the instruction unit is configured to set a value corresponding to the image forming operation on the image information in the related unit. 2. The fee collection device according to claim 1, wherein when the amount exceeds the money information associated with the image information, the image forming operation for the image information is not instructed. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the association unit associates a plurality of pieces of the image information with one piece of the identification information, and forms an image with at least one of the pieces of image information associated with the identification number. When no action is taken,
2. The toll collection device according to claim 1, further comprising a prohibition unit for prohibiting the output unit from outputting the money information associated with the identification number. 4. A toll collection device used in an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation in accordance with a value entered, comprising: input means for inputting money information; and an image forming operation performed by the image forming apparatus. State control means for switching from a first state to a second state when an interrupt signal indicating an interrupt is input; and a first state input by the input means in the first state.
Storage means for storing the money information of the second state and the second money information input in the second state, and the first state corresponds to the image forming operation from the first money information. The first monetary information is updated to an amount obtained by subtracting the consideration and stored in the storage unit. In the second state, the first monetary information is subtracted from the second monetary information by an amount corresponding to the image forming operation. Calculating means for updating the second money information and storing the updated money information in the storage means; when a signal indicating the end of the image forming operation is inputted, the second money information is stored in the storage means in the second state A fee collection device for outputting the second money information.