Image forming apparatus and server

Abstract

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a server, which can eliminate the unreasonable charging even if the writing of data to a wireless tag fails under the condition that the wireless tag is written as a charging object. According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes: a communication unit that communicates with a wireless tag; an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium on which the wireless tag is carried; and a control unit that, when the communication unit successfully writes data to the wireless tag, allows the image formation by the image forming unit, and uses the image formation by the image forming unit when the image formation by the image forming unit is allowed as a charging target.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus and a server. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for charging print data and / or wireless chip data in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus writes the type of print data to be printed on paper as wireless chip data into a wireless chip of paper. Summary of the invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to eliminate the unreasonableness of being charged even when writing data to the wireless tag fails when wireless chip data is charged according to the technology described in Patent Document 1.

[0004] The image forming device of the embodiment comprises: a communication unit that communicates with a wireless tag; an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium carrying the wireless tag; and a control unit that allows the image forming unit to form an image when the communication unit successfully writes data to the wireless tag, and charges the image forming unit for the image forming unit when the image forming unit allows the image forming unit to form an image.

[0005] A server in an implementation manner communicates with an image forming device having a communication unit and an image forming unit, the communication unit communicates with a wireless tag, the image forming unit forms an image on a medium carrying the wireless tag, the image forming device allows image formation by the image forming unit when the communication unit successfully writes data to the wireless tag, and sends the image formation number of the image forming unit when the image formation by the image forming unit is allowed, the server comprising: a communication interface for receiving the image formation number of the image forming unit when the image formation by the image forming unit is allowed; and a storage unit for storing the image formation number of the image forming unit when the image formation by the image forming unit received by the communication interface is allowed as a charging object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a label carrying medium according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 It is an enlarged view of the image forming section of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 It is an enlarged view of a conveyance path of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus and a reader / writer according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of data stored in a wireless tag according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the processor of the reader / writer involved in the embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing the processing of a print job by a processor of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0015] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing the processing of a wireless tag writing and printing job performed by a processor of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0016] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing the processing of a wireless tag writing job without printing by a processor in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0017] Fig.12 This is a table showing the relationship between the processing, the count, and the charge when the charge count of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is used as the charge target.

[0018] Fig.13 This is a table showing the relationship between the processing, counting, and charging when the number of successful pages of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is charged.

[0019] Fig.14 This is a block diagram of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig.15 This is a block diagram of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Description of Reference Numerals

[0022] 100: image forming device; 101: printer; 102: scanner; 103: reader / writer; 104: operation panel; 106: user terminal; 111: paper feed tray; 112: manual tray; 114: toner cartridge; 115, 115Y, 115M, 115C, 115K: image forming unit; 116: optical scanning device; 117: transfer belt; 118: secondary transfer roller; 119: fixing unit; 120: double-sided unit ; 121: paper discharge tray; 122: paper discharge roller; 123: paper supply roller; 125: manual tray roller; 152, 320: ROM; 153, 330: RAM; 154, 340: auxiliary storage device; 155, 350: communication interface; 105, 1035: serial interface; 151, 310, 1033: processor; 156, 360, 1036: bus; 200: label bearing medium; 201: paper unit; 2 02: wireless tag; 210: unlabeled medium; 300: server; 311: application server; 321: management server; 331: memory cache server; 341: storage server; 351: load balancer; 360: intranet; 400: service terminal; 500: intranet; 600: wide area network; 1032: memory; 1041: touch panel; 1042: input device; 1151, 1151Y , 1151M, 1151C, 1151K: photosensitive drum; 1152, 1152Y, 1152M, 1152C, 1152K: charging device; 1153, 1153Y, 1153M, 1153C, 1153K: developer; 1154, 1154Y, 1154M, 1154C, 1154K: transfer roller; 1155, 1155Y, 1155M, 1155C, 1155K: cleaner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The printing system and image forming apparatus involved in the embodiment are described below using the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the scales of the various parts of the drawings used in the following description of the embodiment are appropriately changed. In addition, the various drawings used in the following description of the embodiment are sometimes omitted for the purpose of explanation. In addition, in the drawings and this specification, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0024] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the structure of a printing system. The printing system includes: a plurality of image forming devices 100, a plurality of user terminals 106, a server 300, and a service personnel terminal 400. Each image forming device 100 is placed in a workplace and can be communicatively connected to a user terminal 106 arranged in the same workplace via an intranet 500 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The connection can be a wired connection or a wireless connection. In addition, the intranet 500 is connected to a wide area network 600 such as the Internet. The server 300 and the service personnel terminal 400 are connected to the wide area network 600. Thus, the image forming device 100 can be communicatively connected to the server 300 via the intranet 500 and the wide area network 600.

[0025] The user terminal 106 is an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a digital camera, etc., which instructs printing in any image forming device 100. It should be noted that the user terminal 106 can also be connected to the image forming device 100 in a communicative manner through the wide area network 600 and the intranet 500. That is, the user terminal 106 can also be located outside the workplace where the image forming device 100 is placed. In addition, the user terminal 106 can also be directly connected to the image forming device 100 without going through the wide area network 600 and the intranet 500, that is, locally connected. For this local connection, it can be either a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0026] The server 300 is a computer operated directly by a management company that is responsible for the maintenance and inspection of the image forming apparatus 100 or by a service provider company on behalf of the management company. The server 300 can be implemented as a single computer device or as a so-called cloud server implemented by a group of computer devices that respectively play the roles of a load balancer, a storage server, an application server, etc. The server 300 periodically or as needed obtains data indicating the operating status of each image forming apparatus 100, or obtains notification data such as an alarm sent from the image forming apparatus 100. Based on the obtained data, the server 300 determines the necessity of inspection and repair of each image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, if there is an image forming apparatus 100 that needs to be inspected or repaired, the server 300 sends information identifying the image forming apparatus 100 to the service personnel terminal 400, so that the service personnel can go to the inspection and repair of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0027] The service personnel terminal 400 is an information processing device such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal carried by a service personnel who performs inspection and repair of the image forming apparatus 100. Figure 1Only one service terminal 400 is shown in the figure, but the printing system may include a plurality of service terminals 400. In this case, the server 300 may also assign an appropriate service person to the image forming apparatus 100 that needs to be inspected or repaired based on the position information of each service person and the availability of each service person using the position detection function of the service terminal 400.

[0028] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 100. The X direction in the figure is set as the left-right direction, the +X direction is set as the right direction, and the -X direction is set as the left direction. The Y direction is set as the front-back direction, the +Y side of the image forming apparatus 100 is set as the rear side, and the -Y side is set as the front side. The Z direction is set as the up-down direction, the +Z side of the image forming apparatus 100 is set as the upper side, and the -Z side is set as the lower side.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), a copier, a printer, or a fax machine. However, the image forming apparatus 100 is described below as an MFP. The image forming apparatus 100 has, for example, a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, a data writing function, and a fax function.

[0030] The printing function is a function of forming an image on a printing medium using a recording material such as a toner or ink. It should be noted that text is also a type of image. Figure 2 The image forming apparatus 100 shown is an image forming apparatus using toner. Here, the printing medium is, for example, a sheet of paper for printing, and there are types such as a label-bearing medium 200 and a label-free medium 210 .

[0031] The scanning function is a function of reading an image from a document or the like on which an image is formed. The copying function is a function of printing an image read from a document or the like using the scanning function on a printing medium using the printing function.

[0032] The data writing function is a function of writing data to the wireless tag 202 attached to the tag carrying medium 200. In addition, when the writing of data to the wireless tag 202 fails, the image forming apparatus 100 does not form an image on the printing medium that should be formed when the writing of data is successful, so as to know that the writing of data has failed. Not forming an image on the printing medium that should be formed when the writing of data is successful is called gap printing. For example, in gap printing, no image is formed on the printing medium.

[0033] It should be noted that, for example, in gap printing, an image different from the image formed when data writing is successful may be formed on the printing medium. The image formed on the printing medium in gap printing, which is different from the image formed when data writing is successful, includes, for example, a symbol such as a cross mark. Alternatively, the image includes a character string indicating that data writing has failed.

[0034] Figure 2 The image forming apparatus 100 includes, as an example, a printer 101 , a scanner 102 , a reader / writer 103 , and an operation panel 104 .

[0035] The printer 101 forms an image on a printing medium (performs printing). The printer 101, as an example, includes a paper feed tray 111, a manual tray 112, a paper feed roller 123, a toner cartridge 114, an image forming unit 115, an optical scanning device 116, a transfer belt 117, a secondary transfer roller 118, a fixing unit 119, a double-sided unit 120, a paper discharge tray 121, and a paper discharge roller 122. The printer 101 is an example of a printing unit that forms an image on a label carrying medium 200.

[0036] The paper feed tray 111 is a tray for storing print media for printing. The image forming apparatus 100 includes one or more paper feed trays 111. At least one paper feed tray 111 stores label-bearing media 200 as print media. Other paper feed trays 111 store label-free media 210 as print media. The paper feed roller 123 rotates by the operation of the motor, thereby carrying out the print media stored in the paper feed tray 111 from the paper feed tray 111.

[0037] Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing an example of a label carrying medium 200. The label carrying medium 200 is a printed medium with a wireless tag 202. The label carrying medium 200 includes a paper portion 201 and a wireless tag 202. The paper portion 201 is, for example, a sheet of paper in which the wireless tag 202 is embedded. The label carrying medium 200 includes a wireless tag 202 at a position close to one side of the paper portion 201 and away from the other side opposite to the one side. Figure 3 The wireless tag 202 is provided on one side close to the lower +X side edge and on the other side away from the upper -X side edge. The paper feed tray 111 accommodates the label carrying medium 200 so that the label carrying medium 200 is first carried out from one side by the paper feed roller 123 and then carried out from the other side.

[0038] The wireless tag 202 communicates with the reader / writer 103. Thus, data is written to the wireless tag 202. The wireless tag 202 is, for example, an RF (Radio Frequency) tag using an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentifier). The wireless tag 202 is typically a passive type that operates using received radio waves as a power source.

[0039] On the other hand, the tagless medium 210 is a printed medium to which no wireless tag is attached. The tagless medium 210 is, for example, a sheet of paper or the like.

[0040] Figure 3 The manual tray 112 shown is a tray for manually printing media. The manual tray roller 125 is rotated by the operation of the motor, and the printing media stored in the manual tray 112 are carried out from the manual tray 112 .

[0041] The colorant box 114 stores recording materials such as colorants for supplying to the image forming unit 115. The image forming device 100 includes one or more colorant boxes 114. As an example, the image forming device 100 includes four colorant boxes 114. The four colorant boxes 114 store, for example, recording materials corresponding to the colors of CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black): cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). It should be noted that the colors of the recording materials stored in the colorant box 114 are not limited to the colors of CMYK, but may also be other colors. In addition, the recording materials stored in the colorant box 114 may also be special recording materials. For example, the colorant box 114 stores a decolorizable recording material, which decolorizes at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature and becomes invisible.

[0042] The image forming apparatus 100 includes one or more image forming units 115. As an example, the image forming apparatus 100 includes four image forming units 115. The four image forming units 115 form images using recording materials corresponding to the respective colors of CMYK.

[0043] Each image forming unit 115 includes a photosensitive drum and a developer. The developer develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum using the recording material supplied from the toner cartridge 114. Thus, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum. The image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the transfer belt 117 by contacting the transfer belt 117 (primary transfer).

[0044] Figure 4It is an enlarged view of the image forming unit 115 of the image forming apparatus 100. Each image forming unit 115 (115Y, 115M, 115C, 115K) includes a photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K), a charger 1152 (1152Y, 1152M, 1152C, 1152K), a developer 1153 (1153Y, 1153M, 1153C, 1153K), a transfer roller 1154 (1154Y, 1154M, 1154C, 1154K), and a cleaner 1155 (1155Y, 1155M, 1155C, 1155K).

[0045] The photosensitive drum 1151 is an image carrier for forming an electrostatic latent image. The charger 1152 charges the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 1151 to a predetermined potential. The charger 1152 has a grid for adjusting the charging output to the photosensitive drum 1151. The developer 1153 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1151 with a toner. The transfer roller 1154 transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 1151 to the transfer belt 27. The cleaner 1155 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 1151 after the transfer.

[0046] When printing is ready for forming a color image, the transfer roller 1154Y approaches the photosensitive drum 1151Y and sandwiches the transfer belt 117, and the transfer roller 1154Y is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1151Y and the transfer belt 117. When printing is ready for forming a color image, the transfer roller 1154M approaches the photosensitive drum 1151M and sandwiches the transfer belt 117, and the transfer roller 1154M is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1151M and the transfer belt 117. When printing is ready for forming a color image, the transfer roller 1154C approaches the photosensitive drum 1151C and sandwiches the transfer belt 117, and the transfer roller 1154C is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1151C and the transfer belt 117. When a color image is formed in preparation for printing, the transfer roller 1154K sandwiches the photosensitive drum 1151K and the transfer belt 117 , and the transfer roller 1154K is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1151K and the transfer belt 117 .

[0047] When printing is prepared for forming a monochrome image, the transfer roller 1154Y is located away from the transfer belt 117, and the transfer roller 1154Y and the photosensitive drum 1151Y do not rotate. When printing is prepared for forming a monochrome image, the transfer roller 1154M is located away from the transfer belt 117, and the transfer roller 1154M and the photosensitive drum 1151M do not rotate. When printing is prepared for forming a monochrome image, the transfer roller 1154C is located away from the transfer belt 117, and the transfer roller 1154C and the photosensitive drum 1151C do not rotate. When printing is prepared for forming a monochrome image, the transfer roller 1154K clamps the photosensitive drum 1151K and the transfer belt 117, and the transfer roller 1154K is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1151K and the transfer belt 117.

[0048] Each image forming unit 115 (115Y, 115M, 115C, 115K) develops the electrostatic latent image formed on each photosensitive drum 1151 by each developer 1153. Each developer 1153 includes a developer container having a developer roller. The developer container stores a toner as a developer of each color. The toner is charged by being stirred in the developer container together with a carrier. A development bias is applied to the development roller. The development roller to which the development bias is applied supplies the toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1151. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1151 is developed as a toner image by the supplied toner.

[0049] The optical scanning device 116 is also called LSU (Laser Scanning Unit). The optical scanning device 116 controls the laser beam irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 1151 of each image forming unit 115 (115Y, 115M, 115C, 115K) based on the image data and image formation permission signal input from the processor 151 of the image forming device 100 to the printer 101, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1151 of each image forming unit 115. The optical scanning device 116 may also include a polygonal reflector and a motor for rotating the polygonal reflector. When printing is prepared for forming an image, the optical scanning device 116 stabilizes the motor at a predetermined rotation speed.

[0050] The transfer belt 117 is, for example, an endless belt, and can be rotated by the operation of a roller. The transfer belt 117 conveys the image transferred from each image forming unit 115 to the position of the secondary transfer roller 118 by rotating.

[0051] Figure 2 The registration roller 124 shown temporarily stops the print medium fed from the paper feed tray 111 by the paper feed roller 123 and the print medium fed from the manual tray 112 by the manual tray roller 125, and restarts the transport of the print medium so that the image transferred to the transfer belt 117 and the print medium are in an appropriate positional relationship.

[0052] The secondary transfer roller 118 includes two rollers facing each other. The secondary transfer roller 118 transfers the image formed on the transfer belt 117 (secondary transfer) to a printing medium passing between the secondary transfer rollers 118 .

[0053] The fixing unit 119 heats and pressurizes the printing medium to which the image is transferred. Thus, the image transferred to the printing medium is fixed. The fixing unit 119 includes a heating unit 1191 and a pressure roller 1192 that are opposed to each other. The heating unit 1191 is, for example, a roller that includes a heat source for heating the heating unit 1191. The heat source is, for example, a heater. The roller heated by the heat source heats the printing medium. Alternatively, the heating unit 1191 may be an endless belt in the form of a film suspended on a plurality of rollers. The pressure roller 1192 pressurizes the printing medium passing between the pressure roller 1192 and the heating unit 1191. When preparing to form an image for printing, the fixing unit 119 heats the heating unit 1191 to a preparation temperature while rotating the pressure roller 1192.

[0054] The double-sided unit 120 puts the printing medium in a state where printing on the back side is possible. For example, the double-sided unit 120 reverses the front and back sides of the printing medium by using a roller or the like to turn the printing medium upside down. It should be noted that the front side of the printing medium is the side on which the double-sided unit 120 forms an image without reversing it. And, the back side of the printing medium is the side on which the image is formed in a state where the double-sided unit 120 reverses it once. The double-sided unit 120 is an example of a reversing unit that reverses the front and back sides of the label carrying medium 200.

[0055] The paper discharge roller 121 rotates by the operation of the motor to convey the print medium. The paper discharge tray 121 is a table on which the print medium discharged to the outside of the frame after printing is placed. When the print medium is discharged to the paper discharge tray 121 without being turned over by the double-sided unit 120, it is discharged face down. The image forming apparatus 100 discharges the print medium face down, so that the order of the print medium is arranged in the order of pages when the page numbers are printed in ascending order from small to large.

[0056] Figure 5It is an enlarged view of the conveying path of the image forming apparatus 100. The printing medium passes through the path R by the operation of the paper feed roller 123 and the double-sided unit 120. It should be noted that the path R includes the paths Ra to Re. The path Ra is a path from the paper feed tray 111 to the registration roller 124. The printing medium passing through the double-sided unit 120 merges with the path Ra at a point X in the middle of the path Ra. The path Rb is a path from the registration roller 124 to the secondary transfer roller 118. The path Rc is a path from the secondary transfer roller 118 to the fixing unit 119. The path Rd is a path from the fixing unit 119 to the entrance of the double-sided unit 120, that is, the point Y. The path Re is a path from the point Y to the paper discharge tray 121. The path Rf is a path passing through the inside of the double-sided unit 120 from the point Y to the point X.

[0057] When the image forming apparatus 100 discharges the print medium without reversing it by the double-sided unit 120, the print medium is conveyed in the order of the paper feed tray 111, the path Ra, the location X, the registration roller 124, the path Rb, the secondary transfer roller 118, the path Rc, the fixing unit 119, the path Rd, the location Y, the path Re, and the paper discharge tray 121. When the image forming apparatus 100 reverses the print medium by the double-sided unit 120, the print medium is conveyed in the order of the paper feed tray 111, the path Ra, the location X, the registration roller 124, the path Rb, the secondary transfer roller 118, the path Rc, the fixing unit 119, the path Rd, the location Y, and the path Re. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 100 reverses the print medium by the operation of the double-sided unit 120, and conveys it in the order of the path Re, the location Y, the path Rf, the location X, the registration roller 124, and the path Rb. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 conveys the print medium in the order of the registration roller 124, the path Rb, the secondary transfer roller 118, the path Rc, the fixing unit 119, the path Rd, the location Y, and the path Re. Here, when the image forming apparatus 100 discharges the print medium, it discharges it to the paper discharge tray 121. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 100 turns the print medium over again, it turns it over again and conveys it through the same path.

[0058] Figure 2 The scanner 102 reads an image from the original. The scanner 102 is, for example, an optical reduction method having an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor. Alternatively, the scanner 102 is a contact sensor (CIS (Contact Image Sensor)) method having an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor. Alternatively, the scanner 102 may be other known methods.

[0059] The reader / writer 103, which is a communication unit that communicates with the wireless tag 202, has an antenna 1031. The reader / writer 103 communicates with the wireless tag 202 using the antenna 1031. The antenna 1031 transmits radio waves to the wireless tag 202. In addition, the antenna 1031 receives radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 202. The reader / writer 103 is set at a position where it can communicate with the wireless tag 202 of the tag carrying medium 200 where the registration roller 124 is temporarily stopped. Alternatively, the reader / writer 103 may be set at another position. For example, the reader / writer 103 is set at a position where it can communicate with the wireless tag 202 of the tag carrying medium 200 turned over by the double-sided unit 120.

[0060] The reader / writer 103 demodulates the radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 202 and received by the antenna 1031. Thus, the reader / writer 103 reads the information recorded in the wireless tag 202. In addition, the reader / writer 103 transmits information to the wireless tag 202 by modulating the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 1031 to the wireless tag 202. Thus, the reader / writer 103 can write information to the wireless tag 202. As described above, the reader / writer 103 has a function as a reader that reads information recorded in the wireless tag 202 and a function as a writer that writes information to the wireless tag 202. The reader / writer 103 is an example of a writing unit that writes data to the wireless tag 202.

[0061] The operation panel 104 includes a human-machine interface for performing input and output between the image forming apparatus 100 and the operator of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation panel 104 includes, for example, a touch panel 1041 and an input device 1042. The touch panel 1041 is formed by stacking a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display and an indication device based on touch input. The display included in the touch panel 1041 functions as a display device for displaying a screen for notifying the operator of the image forming apparatus 100 of various information. In addition, the touch panel 1041 functions as an input device for receiving touch operations by the operator. The input device 1042 receives operations by the operator of the image forming apparatus 100. The input device 1042 is, for example, a button, a keyboard, a keypad, or a touchpad.

[0062] Figure 6This is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus 100 and the reader / writer 103. As an example, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a processor 151, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 152, a RAM (Random-Access Memory) 153, an auxiliary storage device 154, a communication interface 155, a printer 101, a scanner 102, a serial interface 105, and an operation panel 104. Then, a bus 156 and the like connect these components.

[0063] The processor 151 is equivalent to the central part of the computer that performs the operations and controls required for the operation of the image forming device 100. The processor 151 controls each part to realize various functions of the image forming device 100 based on the programs such as firmware, system software and application software stored in the ROM 152 or the auxiliary storage device 154. In addition, the processor 151 performs the processing described below based on the program. It should be noted that part or all of the program can also be assembled in the circuit of the processor 151. The processor 151 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an SoC (System on a Chip), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 151 is a combination of multiple of them.

[0064] The processor 151 counts the number of pages of color images input to the printer 101 as the number of color input pages. The processor 151 counts the number of pages of monochrome images input to the printer 101 as the number of monochrome input pages. The processor 151 counts the number of sheets of paper passed through the printer 101.

[0065] The processor 151 counts the number of pages on which the printer 101 can normally form color images as the number of color success pages. The processor 151 counts the number of pages on which the printer 101 can normally form monochrome images as the number of monochrome success pages. The number of pages on which the printer 101 can normally form images is, for example, the number of pages on which the paper is passed without stopping due to a mechanical error related to paper passing or image formation (so-called paper jam).

[0066] The processor 151 counts the number of pages on which the printer 101 cannot normally form a color image as the number of color failure pages. The processor 151 counts the number of pages on which the printer 101 cannot normally form a monochrome image as the number of monochrome failure pages. When the image input to the printer 101 is blank, the processor 151 may not count the number of color input pages or the number of monochrome input pages.

[0067] When the printer 101 notifies the occurrence of the count-up event, the processor 151 updates the charge count.

[0068] The processor 151 may be configured to update the charging count when the number of pixels counted by the pixel counter 84 is notified from the printer 101. In the case of a wireless tag writing job without printing, the processor 151 may be configured to update the charging count as long as a response indicating successful writing is received from the reader / writer 103 regardless of whether the occurrence of the count increase event is notified.

[0069] The amount by which the processor 151 increases the charging count when updating the charging count varies, for example, depending on the type of job. For example, the processor 151 increases the charging count by 1 in the case of a wireless tag writing job, increases the charging count by 2 in the case of a monochrome printing job, increases the charging count by 4 in the case of a color printing job, and increases the charging count by 5 in the case of a wireless tag writing and printing job.

[0070] When the processor 151 updates the charging count, the amount by which the charging count is increased may be configured to be 0 during gap printing, for example.

[0071] When the processor 151 updates the charging count, the amount of the charging count may be increased, for example, when the number of pixels counted by the pixel counter 84 notified by the printer 101 is less than a predetermined number, it may be configured to be 0. The predetermined number here may be, for example, 0, or an arbitrary natural number corresponding to a number of pixels that is small enough to make the page almost blank.

[0072] When the processor 151 updates the charging count, the amount of the charging count increase may be different depending on the size of the print medium. For example, the processor 151 may be configured to increase the charging count by two times when the print medium is A3 size, which is larger than A4 size.

[0073] In the case of a wireless tag writing and printing job, the amount by which the charging count is increased is exemplified as 5, but in the wireless tag writing and printing job, when a response indicating that the data write command is successfully written cannot be received from the reader / writer 103, for example, in the case of a wireless tag writing job, it can also be constructed as 4 after the processor 151 subtracts the increased amount 1.

[0074] The processor 151 may be configured to increase the charging count by 0 when updating the charging count if no response indicating that the data write command has been successfully written is received from the reader / writer 103 .

[0075] The processor 151 counts the number of times the data write command is sent to the reader / writer 103 as the number of times the data write command is sent.

[0076] The processor 151 counts the number of responses received from the reader / writer 103 indicating successful writing of the data write command as the number of successful data writes. The processor 151 counts the number of responses received from the reader / writer 103 indicating failed writing of the data write command as the number of failed data writes.

[0077] The counted values ​​are stored in RAM 153 and auxiliary storage device 154. The counted values ​​are stored in association with the user for each user of image forming apparatus 100. The counted values ​​are also stored as totals not associated with the user of image forming apparatus 100.

[0078] Processor 151 transmits each count value stored in RAM 153 and auxiliary storage device 154 to server 300 via communication interface 155. Server 300 stores each count value transmitted from image forming apparatus 100 as part of data indicating the operating status of image forming apparatus 100.

[0079] The processor 151 calculates the charge amount by multiplying the stored charge count by the unit price. The amount of increase in the charge count may be different depending on the type of job, and the unit price may be the same regardless of the type of job.

[0080] The unit price may be different depending on the type of work, such as data writing, color printing, monochrome printing, etc.

[0081] The processor 151 may also calculate the charge amount by multiplying the stored charge count by the printing unit price.

[0082] The processor 151 may also calculate the charge amount by multiplying the number of stored data write successes by the data write unit price.

[0083] The processor 151 may also calculate the charge amount by multiplying the stored number of successful color pages by the color printing unit price.

[0084] The processor 151 may also calculate the charge amount by multiplying the stored number of successful monochrome pages by the monochrome printing unit price.

[0085] The processor 151 may also calculate the charge amount by multiplying the stored number of color input pages, monochrome input pages, number of sheets, number of data write command transmissions, and number of data write failures by the corresponding unit prices.

[0086] The ROM 152 corresponds to a main storage device of a computer having the processor 151 as a core.

[0087] The ROM 152 is a nonvolatile memory dedicated to reading data. The ROM 152 stores, for example, firmware and the like among the above-mentioned programs. In addition, the ROM 152 also stores data and the like used when the processor 151 performs various processes.

[0088] RAM 153 is equivalent to the main storage device of the computer with processor 151 as the core.

[0089] The RAM 153 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 153 is used as a work area for storing data temporarily used by the processor 151 when performing various processes. The RAM 153 is typically a volatile memory.

[0090] The auxiliary storage device 154 is equivalent to the auxiliary storage device of the computer with the processor 151 as the core. The auxiliary storage device 154 is, for example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 154 stores the above-mentioned programs, such as system software and application software. In addition, the auxiliary storage device 154 stores data used by the processor 151 when performing various processes, data generated by the processing of the processor 151, and various setting values. It should be noted that the image forming device 100, as an auxiliary storage device 154, can also have an interface for inserting a storage medium such as a memory card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The interface reads and writes information to the storage medium.

[0091] The printer 101 forms an image based on the image data and the image formation permission signal input from the processor 151 .

[0092] The printer 101 includes a processor 82, a parallel interface 83, a pixel counter 84, a rotation counter 85, a photoconductor motor 86, and an optical scanning device 116. Then, a bus 81 or the like connects these respective components.

[0093] The processor 82 receives image data from the processor 151 of the image forming apparatus 100 through the parallel interface 83 .

[0094] The optical scanning device 116 controls the laser beam irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 1151 of each image forming unit 115 ( 115Y, 115M, 115C, 115K) based on the image data input from the processor 82 , thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1151 of each image forming unit 115 .

[0095] When the image formation permission signal permits image formation, the optical scanning device 116 forms an electrostatic latent image according to the image data.

[0096] When the image formation permission signal prohibits image formation, the optical scanning device 116 does not form an electrostatic latent image even if image data is input.

[0097] The photoconductor motor 86 rotates the photoconductor drum 1151 of each image forming unit 115 ( 115Y, 115M, 115C, 115K) under the control of the processor 82 .

[0098] The pixel counter 84 counts the pixels of the points where the photosensitive drum 1151 of each image forming unit 115 (115Y, 115M, 115C, 115K) is irradiated with laser light as the light scanning device 116. The pixel counter 84 obtains the number of pixels by, for example, counting the pixels for each page of each color. The pixel counter 84 counts the number of pixels emitted by the laser for each page of each color of image formation. The pixel counter 84 counts the number of pixels emitted by the laser for each color of image formation. The pixel counter 84 counts the number of pixels when the image formation permission signal permits image formation. The pixel counter 84 notifies the processor 82 of the number of pixels counted when the image formation permission signal permits image formation when the image formation permission signal does not permit image formation. The processor 82 notifies the processor 151 of the image forming device 100 of the number of pixels notified from the pixel counter 84.

[0099] The rotation counter 85 counts the number of rotations of each photosensitive drum 1151 ( 1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) for each photosensitive drum 1151 ( 1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K).

[0100] The processor 151 of the image forming apparatus 100 stores the count values ​​received from the processor 82 in the RAM 153 and the auxiliary storage device 154. The total number of light-emitting pixels of the laser light of each color of the image forming is stored in the auxiliary storage device 154. The total number of light-emitting pixels of the laser light of each color of the image forming can also be reset when the photosensitive drum 1151 associated with the corresponding color is replaced. The number of rotations of each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) can also be reset when the corresponding photosensitive drum 1151 is replaced.

[0101] When the registration roller 124 temporarily stops the printing medium, the processor 82 notifies the processor 151 of the image forming apparatus 100 of the occurrence of the count-up event after being notified of the number of pixels from the pixel counter 84 .

[0102] The processor 82 may be configured not to notify the occurrence of the count-up event when the number of pixels notified from the pixel counter 84 is less than a predetermined number. The predetermined number here may be, for example, 0 or any natural number corresponding to a number of pixels so small that the page is almost considered blank.

[0103] The scanner 102 reads an image from a document and outputs the read image data. The output read image data is stored in the RAM 153 and the auxiliary storage device 154 .

[0104] The operation panel 104 displays an image based on the display data output from the processor 151. The operation panel 104 receives an execution operation from the user and outputs it to the processor 151.

[0105] The processor 151 displays the charge count, unit price, and calculated charge amount on the operation panel 104 .

[0106] The processor 151 may also display the number of successful data writing, the data writing unit price, and the calculated charge amount on the operation panel 104 .

[0107] The processor 151 may also display the number of color successful pages, the color printing unit price, and the calculated charge amount on the operation panel 104 .

[0108] The processor 151 may also display the number of monochrome successful pages, the monochrome printing unit price, and the calculated charge amount on the operation panel 104 .

[0109] The processor 151 may also display on the operation panel 104 the unit prices and calculated charges corresponding to the number of color input pages, the number of monochrome input pages, the number of sheets of paper, the number of times data write commands are sent, and the number of data write failures.

[0110] The processor 151 causes the printer 101 to print the charge count, unit price, and calculated charge amount on a print medium.

[0111] The processor 151 may also cause the printer 101 to print the number of successful data writing, the data writing unit price, and the calculated charge amount on the printing medium.

[0112] The processor 151 may also cause the printer 101 to print the number of color successful pages, the color printing unit price, and the calculated charge amount on the printing medium.

[0113] The processor 151 may also cause the printer 101 to print the number of successful monochrome pages, the monochrome printing unit price, and the calculated charge amount on a printing medium.

[0114] The processor 151 may also cause the printer 101 to print the unit prices and calculated charges corresponding to the number of color input pages, monochrome input pages, number of sheets, number of data write command transmissions, and number of data write failures on the print medium.

[0115] When the number of sheets of paper passed through the printer 101 exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 151 displays an image urging maintenance inspection on the operation panel 104 .

[0116] In this embodiment, since the number of sheets of paper passing through the printer 101 is counted and recorded regardless of the success or failure of the wireless tag writing, the deterioration of the paper feed roller 123, the transfer belt 117, the secondary transfer roller 118, the fixing unit 119, and the paper discharge roller 122 located in the conveying path of the print medium can be appropriately estimated and prompted for maintenance inspection without being affected by the success or failure of the wireless tag writing.

[0117] When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151Y exceeds a predetermined number of times, the processor 151 displays an image prompting the maintenance and inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151Y and the image forming unit 115Y on the operation panel 104. When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151M exceeds a predetermined number of times, the processor 151 displays an image prompting the maintenance and inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151M and the image forming unit 115M on the operation panel 104. When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151C exceeds a predetermined number of times, the processor 151 displays an image prompting the maintenance and inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151C and the image forming unit 115C on the operation panel 104. When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151K exceeds a predetermined number of times, the processor 151 displays an image prompting the maintenance and inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151K and the image forming unit 115K on the operation panel 104.

[0118] In the present embodiment, since the number of rotations of each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) is counted and recorded for each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) regardless of the success or failure of the wireless tag writing, the deterioration of each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) can be properly estimated without being affected by the success or failure of the wireless tag writing, thereby prompting maintenance inspection.

[0119] When the total number of light-emitting pixels of the laser beam on the photosensitive drum 1151Y exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 151 displays an image on the operation panel 104 that prompts the maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151Y. When the total number of light-emitting pixels of the laser beam on the photosensitive drum 1151M exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 151 displays an image on the operation panel 104 that prompts the maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151M. When the total number of light-emitting pixels of the laser beam on the photosensitive drum 1151C exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 151 displays an image on the operation panel 104 that prompts the maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151C. When the total number of light-emitting pixels of the laser beam on the photosensitive drum 1151K exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 151 displays an image on the operation panel 104 that prompts the maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151K.

[0120] In this embodiment, since the total number of luminous pixels of each color of laser light forming the image is recorded regardless of the success or failure of the wireless tag writing, the deterioration of each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) can be appropriately estimated and maintenance inspection can be prompted without being affected by the success or failure of the wireless tag writing.

[0121] The communication interface 155 is an interface for the image forming apparatus 100 to communicate via a network including a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The bus 156 includes a control bus, an address bus, and a data bus, and transmits signals received and sent by each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The serial interface 105 communicates with the serial interface 1034 of the reader / writer 103.

[0122] As an example, the reader / writer 103 includes a processor 1033, a memory 1032, and a serial interface 1035. Then, a bus 1036 or the like connects these components.

[0123] The processor 1033 is equivalent to the central part of the computer that performs the operations and controls required for the operation of the reader / writer 103. The processor 1033 controls each part to realize various functions of the reader / writer 103 based on the program such as the firmware stored in the memory 1032. In addition, the processor 1033 performs the processing described below based on the program. It should be noted that part or all of the program can also be assembled in the circuit of the processor 1033. The processor 133 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a SoC (System on a Chip), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 1033 is a combination of multiple of them. The processor 1033 uses the antenna 1031 to transmit and receive radio waves between the wireless tag 202 and the wireless tag 202 .

[0124] The memory 1032 stores, for example, firmware, etc. The memory 1032 also stores data, etc., used by the processor 1033 when performing various processes. The serial interface 1034 communicates with the serial interface 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0125] Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of data stored in the wireless tag 202 .

[0126] The wireless tag 202 has four storage bodies "00", "01", "02" and "03". The storage body "00" (Reserved) stores a termination password and an access password, etc. The storage body "01" (EPC) stores EPC (Electrical Product Code) and the like. The storage body "02" (TID) stores wireless tag identification information (TID) for identifying the wireless tag 202. Here, as TID, the storage body "02" stores tag manufacturer information, model information, and serial number, etc. For example, in the storage body "02", data at the time of manufacturing the wireless tag 202 is stored. The storage bodies "00", "01", and "02" store data used for control and communication of the wireless tag 202, while the storage body "03" (User) stores other data as a payload. It should be noted that the composition of the data stored in the wireless tag 202 is not limited to a specific composition.

[0127] Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing the processing of the processor 1033 of the reader / writer 103. The functions realized by the reader / writer 103 are realized by the processor 1033 executing a program stored in the memory 1032 or the like.

[0128] The processor 1033 has a function of writing predetermined data to the wireless tag 202 (for example, writing EPC to the memory bank “01” and writing other data to the memory bank “03”).

[0129] The processor 1033 receives a data write command instructing to write predetermined data from the processor 151 of the image forming apparatus 100 via the serial interface 1035. The data write command includes the predetermined data and the TID of the wireless tag 202 to be written.

[0130] When receiving the data write command, the processor 1033 starts transmitting radio waves from the antenna 1031 (ACT 810).

[0131] When the transmission of the radio wave starts, the processor 1033 transmits a selection command for selecting the wireless tag 202 having the TID indicated by the data write command (ACT 820).

[0132] When the selection command is transmitted, the processor 1033 waits until a predetermined time has passed (ACT 830 ) or a response is received from the wireless tag 202 (ACT 840 ).

[0133] When the processor 1033 cannot receive a response from the wireless tag 202 even after a predetermined time has passed (YES in ACT 830 ), the processor 1033 transmits a response indicating a write failure to the processor 151 of the image forming apparatus 100 through the serial interface 1035 (ACT 850 ).

[0134] The wireless tag 202 receives the selection command from the antenna 1031. When the TID included in the selection command matches its own TID, the wireless tag 202 responds.

[0135] When the processor 1033 receives a response from the wireless tag 202 via the antenna 1031 (YES in ACT840), it transmits a data write request command (ACT860) including predetermined data and the TID of the wireless tag 202 to be written to the wireless tag 202 via the antenna 1031. When the data write request command is transmitted, the processor 1033 waits until a predetermined time has passed (ACT870) or a response is received from the wireless tag 202 (ACT880).

[0136] When the processor 1033 cannot receive a response from the wireless tag 202 even after a predetermined time has passed (YES in ACT 870 ), the processor 1033 transmits a response indicating a write failure to the processor 151 of the image forming apparatus 100 through the serial interface 1035 (ACT 850 ).

[0137] The wireless tag 202 receives the data write request command, and writes the predetermined data into its own memory when the TID included in the data write request command matches its own TID. When the predetermined data is stored, the wireless tag 202 transmits a response indicating that the writing is successful.

[0138] When receiving a response including the TID from the wireless tag 202 via the antenna 1031 (YES in ACT 880 ), the processor 1033 transmits a response indicating that writing is successful to the processor 151 of the image forming apparatus 100 via the serial interface 1035 (ACT 890 ).

[0139] It should be noted that a modified example may be adopted in which the processor 1033 does not transmit the selection command and does not wait for a response to the selection command from ACT 820 to ACT 840 .

[0140] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing the processing of a print job performed by processor 151 of image forming apparatus 100. The functions realized by image forming apparatus 100 are realized by processor 151 executing a program stored in ROM 152, auxiliary storage device 154, and the like.

[0141] The processor 151 receives a print job from the network through the communication interface 155 and starts Fig. 9 In addition, the processor 151 receives, for example, a print execution operation from the operation panel 104 and starts Fig. 9 processing.

[0142] The processor 151 causes the printer 101 to start printing preparation (ACT 910). The so-called start of printing preparation includes, for example, starting to drive the motor of the optical scanning device 116, starting to rotate the transfer belt 117 and the secondary transfer roller 118, starting to rotate the fixing unit 119, starting to raise the temperature to the preparation temperature, etc. When the printing job is a color printing job, printing preparation is performed to form a color image. When the printing job is a monochrome printing job, printing preparation is performed to form a monochrome image.

[0143] When the printer 101 is ready to print, the processor 151 causes the paper feed roller 123 to carry out the label-free medium 210 from the paper feed tray 111 and the registration roller 124 to temporarily stop the label-free medium 210 (ACT 920). The processor 151 increments the number of sheets passed through the printer 101 (ACT 930).

[0144] If the label-free medium 210 is temporarily stopped by the registration roller 124 , the processor 151 permits the image formation of the printer 101 through an image formation permission signal, and transmits image data to the printer 101 (ACT 940 ).

[0145] The processor 151 resumes the conveyance of the labelless medium 210 that was temporarily stopped by the registration roller 124 at a timing when the image transferred to the transfer belt 117 and the print medium are in an appropriate positional relationship (ACT 950 ).

[0146] The image formed on the transfer belt 117 is transferred to the label-less medium 210 passing through the secondary transfer roller 118. The label-less medium 210 to which the image is transferred is discharged to the paper discharge tray 121 through the fixing unit 119.

[0147] When the processor 151 receives a notification of occurrence of a count-up event from the printer 101 (YES in ACT 960 ), the processor 151 counts up the charging count (ACT 970 ).

[0148] If the printer 101 can normally discharge the label-free medium 210 (yes in ACT 980), the processor 151 counts up the number of successful pages (ACT 990). In ACT 990, when the print job is a color printing job, the number of color successful pages is counted up. When the print job is a monochrome printing job, the number of monochrome successful pages is counted up.

[0149] The processor 151 obtains the number of rotations of each photosensitive drum 1151 ( 1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) from the rotation counter 85 , records the number of rotations in the RAM 153 and the auxiliary storage device 154 , and ends the process.

[0150] Fig.101 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a wireless tag writing and printing job performed by processor 151 of image forming apparatus 100. The functions realized by image forming apparatus 100 are realized by processor 151 executing a program stored in ROM 152, auxiliary storage device 154, and the like.

[0151] The processor 151 receives a wireless tag writing and printing job from the network through the communication interface 155 and starts Fig.10 In addition, the processor 151 receives, for example, a wireless tag writing and printing execution operation from the operation panel 104 and starts Fig.10 processing.

[0152] Processor 151 causes printer 101 to start printing preparation (ACT 1010). The start of printing preparation includes, for example, starting to drive the motor of optical scanning device 116, starting to rotate transfer belt 117 and secondary transfer roller 118, starting to rotate fixing unit 119, and starting to raise the temperature to the preparation temperature.

[0153] When the printer 101 is ready to print, the processor 151 causes the paper feed roller 123 to unload the label supporting medium 200 from the paper feed tray 111 and temporarily stops the label supporting medium 200 by the registration roller 124 (ACT 1020). The processor 151 increments the number of sheets passed through the printer 101 (ACT 1025).

[0154] When the label-bearing medium 200 is temporarily stopped by the registration roller 124, the processor 151 sends a data write command instructing to write predetermined data to the reader / writer 103 through the serial interface 105 (ACT 1030). The processor 151 counts up the number of times the data write command is sent to the reader / writer 103 (ACT 1035). The processor 151 waits until a predetermined time has passed (ACT 1040) or a response is received from the reader / writer 103 (ACT 1050).

[0155] When the processor 151 cannot receive a response from the reader / writer 103 even after a predetermined time has passed (No in ACT 1040), the processor 151 restarts the conveyance of the label carrying medium 200 temporarily stopped by the registration roller 124 while the image formation of the printer 101 is prohibited by the image formation permission signal (ACT 1060).

[0156] If the processor 151 receives a response indicating a write failure from the reader / writer 103 (ACT1050: Yes, ACT1070: No), the processor 151 increases the count of the number of responses received from the reader / writer 103 indicating a write failure to the data write command (ACT1073), and the processor 151 restarts the conveyance of the label-bearing medium 200 that was temporarily stopped by the registration roller 124 while the image formation of the printer 101 is prohibited by the image formation permission signal (ACT1060).

[0157] When the processor 151 restarts the conveyance of the label bearing medium 200 in ACT 1060 in a state where the image formation permission signal prohibits the printer 101 from forming an image, an image is not formed on the transfer belt 117, and the image is not transferred to the label bearing medium 200 passing through the secondary transfer roller 118. The label bearing medium 200 to which the image is not transferred is discharged to the paper discharge tray 121 by the fixing unit 119.

[0158] Since the image formation permission signal prohibits the printer 101 from forming an image, no count-up event occurs (No in ACT 1084), and the processor 151 does not count up the charging count. Since no image is formed on the label bearing medium 200 (No in ACT 1090), the processor 151 does not count up the number of successful pages.

[0159] If processor 151 receives a response indicating successful writing from reader / writer 103 (yes in ACT1050, yes in ACT1070), it increases the count of the number of responses indicating successful writing received from reader / writer 103 to the data write command (ACT1076), allows printer 101 to form an image through an image formation permission signal, and sends image data to printer 101 (ACT1080).

[0160] The processor 151 restarts the conveyance of the label carrying medium 200 which was temporarily stopped by the registration roller 124 at the timing when the image transferred to the transfer belt 117 and the print medium are in an appropriate positional relationship (ACT 1060). Since the processor 151 allows the printer 101 to form an image by the image formation permission signal and sends the image data to the printer 101, an image is formed on the transfer belt 117 and transferred to the label carrying medium 200 passing through the secondary transfer roller 118. The label carrying medium 200 to which the image is transferred is discharged to the paper discharge tray 121 by the fixing unit 119.

[0161] When the processor 151 receives a notification of the occurrence of the count-up event from the printer 101 (YES in ACT 1084 ), the processor 151 increments the charging counter (ACT 1085 ).

[0162] If the printer 101 can normally discharge the label bearing medium 200 (YES in ACT 1090 ), the processor 151 increments the number of successful pages (ACT 1095 ).

[0163] The processor 151 obtains the number of rotations of each photosensitive drum 1151 ( 1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) from the rotation counter 85 and records it in the RAM 153 and the auxiliary storage device 154 , and then ends.

[0164] It should be noted that, when the processor 151 cannot receive a response from the reader / writer 103 even after a predetermined time has passed (No in ACT 1040), or when the processor 151 receives a response indicating a write failure from the reader / writer 103 (Yes in ACT 1050, No in ACT 1070), instead of prohibiting the printer 101 from forming an image by the image formation permission signal, the processor 151 may send image data without an electrostatic latent image (i.e., indicating a blank page) formed on the photosensitive drum 1151 to the printer 101. Alternatively, instead of prohibiting the printer 101 from forming an image by the image formation permission signal, the processor 151 may not send image data to the printer 101.

[0165] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing the processing of a wireless tag writing job without printing performed by processor 151 of image forming apparatus 100. The functions realized by image forming apparatus 100 are realized by processor 151 executing a program stored in ROM 152, auxiliary storage device 154, etc.

[0166] For example, the processor 151 receives a wireless tag writing job from the network through the communication interface 155 and starts Fig.11 In addition, the processor 151 receives, for example, an execution operation of writing a wireless tag from the operation panel 104, and starts Fig.11 processing.

[0167] The processor 151 causes the printer 101 to start the transport preparation (ACT 1110). The start of the transport preparation includes, for example, the start of the rotation of the transfer belt 117 and the secondary transfer roller 118, the start of the rotation of the fixing unit 119, and the like.

[0168] When the printer 101 is ready to transport, the processor 151 causes the paper feed roller 123 to unload the label carrying medium 200 from the paper feed tray 111 and temporarily stops the label carrying medium 200 by the registration roller 124 (ACT 1120). The processor 151 increments the number of sheets passed through the printer 101 (ACT 1125).

[0169] When the label-bearing medium 200 is temporarily stopped by the registration roller 124, the processor 151 sends a data write command (ACT 1130) to the reader / writer 103 via the serial interface 105, and waits until a predetermined time has passed (ACT 1140) or a response (ACT 1150) is received from the reader / writer 103. The processor 151 counts up the number of times the data write command is sent to the reader / writer 103 (ACT 1135).

[0170] When the processor 151 fails to receive a response from the reader / writer 103 even after a predetermined time has passed (No in ACT 1140 ), the processor 151 resumes conveyance of the label carrying medium 200 temporarily stopped by the registration roller 124 (ACT 1160 ). The label carrying medium 200 on which no image has been formed is discharged to the paper discharge tray 121 by the fixing unit 119 .

[0171] When the processor 151 receives a response indicating a write failure from the reader / writer 103 (yes in ACT 1150, no in ACT 1170), the processor 151 increments the number of responses indicating a write failure received from the reader / writer 113 to the data write command (ACT 1173), and resumes the conveyance of the label carrying medium 200 temporarily stopped by the registration roller 124 (ACT 1160). The label carrying medium 200 on which no image is formed is discharged to the paper discharge tray 121 by the fixing unit 119.

[0172] When the processor 151 receives a response indicating that writing is successful from the reader / writer 103 (YES in ACT1150, YES in ACT1170), it increments the number of responses indicating that writing is successful received from the reader / writer 103 to the data writing command (ACT1176), updates the charging count (ACT1177), and restarts the conveyance of the label bearing medium 200 temporarily stopped by the registration roller 124 (ACT1160). The label bearing medium 200 on which an image is not formed is discharged to the paper discharge tray 121 by the fixing unit 119.

[0173] Since the image formation by the printer 101 is prohibited by the image formation permission signal, no count-up event occurs. Since no image is formed on the label bearing medium 200, the processor 151 does not count up the number of successful pages.

[0174] Fig.12 This is a table showing the relationship between the processing of the image forming apparatus 100, the count, and the charge when the charge count becomes a chargeable object.

[0175] As the charge for processing one print medium, ¥20 is set for color printing of one page, ¥10 is set for monochrome printing of one page, and ¥5 is set for wireless tag writing. The successful charge for processing wireless tag writing and printing is set as the sum of the charge for color printing or monochrome printing and the charge for wireless tag writing.

[0176] The charge for color printing is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the amount of the charge count for color printing. The charge for monochrome printing is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the amount of the charge count for monochrome printing. In color printing and monochrome printing, the number of times when the count increase event is not notified from the printer 101 to the processor 151 is not subject to charging.

[0177] The charge for the wireless tag writing process is the amount of the charge count when the data writing is successful multiplied by the unit price. Failure of data writing is not charged. If the number of times the data writing command is sent, including the number of successful data writing and the number of failed data writing, is used as the charging object for the wireless tag writing process, it is unreasonable to charge even when the data writing to the wireless tag fails. In this embodiment, since the charging object for the wireless tag writing process is set to the amount of the charge count when the data writing is successful, the unreasonableness is eliminated.

[0178] It should be noted that when data writing fails, the charge count may be increased by an amount less than the amount when data writing succeeds. It is possible to charge for the consumption of the paper feed roller 123, transfer belt 117, secondary transfer roller 118, fixing unit 119, and paper discharge roller 122 of the image forming device 100 that rotates even when wireless tag writing fails, thereby eliminating unreasonableness.

[0179] The charge for the wireless tag writing and printing process is the sum of the amount of the charge count when adding color printing multiplied by the unit price, the amount of the charge count when adding monochrome printing multiplied by the unit price of monochrome printing, and the amount of the charge count when adding data writing successfully multiplied by the unit price. In this embodiment, even if printing is successful, if the wireless tag writing fails, no charge is made, thereby eliminating the unreasonable charge for the failure.

[0180] Fig.13 This is a table showing the relationship between the processing of the image forming apparatus 100, the count, and the charging when the number of successful pages is the object of charging.

[0181] The charge for processing one print medium is set to ¥20 for color printing, ¥10 for monochrome printing, and ¥5 for wireless tag writing. The successful charge for processing wireless tag writing and printing is set to the sum of the charge for color printing or monochrome printing and the charge for wireless tag writing.

[0182] The charge for color printing is the amount of the number of color pages multiplied by the color printing charge. The charge for monochrome printing is the amount of the number of monochrome pages multiplied by the monochrome printing charge. Pages that stop due to mechanical errors related to paper feeding and image formation (so-called paper jams) are not subject to charges.

[0183] It should be noted that, in the charge for color printing, an amount obtained by multiplying an amount lower than the charge for color printing by the number of color failed pages may be charged. The consumption of the paper feed roller 123, transfer belt 117, secondary transfer roller 118, fixing unit 119, and paper discharge roller 122 of the image forming apparatus 100 which rotates even when color printing fails can be charged, thereby eliminating unreasonableness.

[0184] It should be noted that in the charge for monochrome printing, an amount obtained by multiplying an amount lower than the charge for monochrome printing by the number of monochrome failed pages may be charged. The consumption of the paper feed roller 123, transfer belt 117, secondary transfer roller 118, fixing unit 119, and paper discharge roller 122 of the image forming apparatus 100 that rotates even when monochrome printing fails can be charged, thereby eliminating unreasonableness.

[0185] The charge for the wireless tag writing process is the amount of the number of successful data writing multiplied by the charge for wireless tag writing. The number of failed data writing is not charged. If the number of data writing command transmissions including the number of successful data writing and the number of failed data writing is used as the charging object for the wireless tag writing process, it is unreasonable to charge even if the writing of data to the wireless tag fails. In this embodiment, since the charging object for the wireless tag writing is the number of successful data writing, the unreasonableness is eliminated.

[0186] It should be noted that in charging for wireless tag writing, an amount obtained by multiplying an amount lower than the charge for wireless tag writing by the number of data writing failures may be charged. This allows charging for consumption of the paper feed roller 123, transfer belt 117, secondary transfer roller 118, fixing unit 119, and paper discharge roller 122 of the image forming apparatus 100 that rotate even when wireless tag writing fails, thereby eliminating unreasonableness.

[0187] The charge for the wireless tag writing and printing process is the sum of the amount of the color successful pages multiplied by the color printing charge and the amount of the wireless tag writing charge multiplied by the number of data writing successes. In this embodiment, even if the printing is successful, if the wireless tag writing fails, since the charge for the printing process is not charged, the charge for the wireless tag writing is charged, so that the unreasonableness of charging for the failed wireless tag writing can be eliminated. In addition, users who only allow the printing to proceed normally and deliberately cause the data writing to fail can also be charged appropriately, eliminating unreasonableness. In this embodiment, even if the printing fails, if the wireless tag writing is successful, the charge for the wireless tag writing process is charged, so users who only allow the wireless tag writing to proceed normally and intentionally cause a paper jam can also be charged appropriately, eliminating unreasonableness.

[0188] It should be noted that, in the charge for wireless tag writing and printing processing, an amount that is lower than the charge for color printing multiplied by the amount for color failed pages, an amount that is lower than the charge for monochrome printing multiplied by the amount for monochrome failed pages, and an amount that is lower than the charge for wireless tag writing multiplied by the amount for data writing failures can also be charged. The consumption of the paper feed roller 123, transfer belt 117, secondary transfer roller 118, fixing unit 119, and paper discharge roller 122 of the image forming device 100 that rotates in both the case of printing failure and the case of wireless tag writing failure can be charged, eliminating unreasonableness.

[0189] Fig.14 This is a block diagram of a server 300 implemented as a single computer device. As an example, the server 300 includes a processor 310, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 320, a RAM (Random-Access Memory) 330, an auxiliary storage device 340, and a communication interface 350. Then, a bus 360 and the like connect these components.

[0190] The processor 310 is equivalent to the central part of the computer that performs the operations and controls required for the operation of the server 300. The processor 310 controls each part to realize various functions of the server 300 based on the programs such as firmware, system software and application software stored in the ROM 320 or the auxiliary storage device 340. In addition, the processor 310 performs the processing described below based on the program. It should be noted that part or all of the program can also be assembled in the circuit of the processor 310. The processor 310 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (MicroProcessing Unit), a SoC (System on a Chip), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 310 is a combination of multiple of them.

[0191] The ROM 320 is a main storage device of a computer with the processor 310 as a core.

[0192] The ROM 320 is a nonvolatile memory dedicated to reading data. The ROM 320 stores, for example, firmware and the like among the above-mentioned programs. In addition, the ROM 320 also stores data and the like used by the processor 310 when performing various processes.

[0193] RAM 330 corresponds to a main storage device of a computer with processor 310 as a core.

[0194] The RAM 330 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 330 is used as a work area for storing data temporarily used by the processor 310 when performing various processes. The RAM 330 is typically a volatile memory.

[0195] The auxiliary storage device 340 is equivalent to the auxiliary storage device of the computer with the processor 310 as the core. The auxiliary storage device 340 is, for example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 340 stores the above-mentioned programs, such as system software and application software. In addition, the auxiliary storage device 340 stores data used by the processor 310 when performing various processes, data generated by the processor 310, and various setting values.

[0196] The communication interface 350 is an interface used by the server 300 to communicate via a network including the intranet 500 , the wide area network 600 , and the like.

[0197] The bus 360 includes a control bus, an address bus, and a data bus, and transmits signals received and sent by various components of the server 300 .

[0198] The processor 310 stores each count value received from the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 in the RAM 330 and the auxiliary storage device 340 as a part of the data indicating the operation status of the image forming apparatus 100. The processor 310 determines the necessity of inspection and repair of each image forming apparatus 100 based on the data indicating the operation status of the image forming apparatus 100. Then, if there is an image forming apparatus 100 that needs inspection and repair, the processor 310 transmits information identifying the image forming apparatus 100 to the service personnel terminal 400 through the communication interface 350, thereby enabling the service personnel to go to the inspection and repair of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0199] When the number of sheets of paper passed through the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 310 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 .

[0200] In the present embodiment, since the number of sheets of paper passing through the image forming device 100 is counted and recorded regardless of the success or failure of wireless tag writing, the deterioration of the paper feed roller 123, the transfer belt 117, the secondary transfer roller 118, the fixing unit 119, and the paper discharge roller 122 located in the transport path of the print medium of the image forming device 100 can be appropriately estimated and prompted for maintenance inspection without being affected by the success or failure of wireless tag writing of the image forming device 100.

[0201] When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151Y of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 310 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151Y and the image forming unit 115Y to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 .

[0202] When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151M of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 310 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151M and the image forming unit 115M to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 .

[0203] When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151C of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 310 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151C and the image forming unit 115C to the service terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication interface 350 .

[0204] When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151K of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 310 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151K and the image forming unit 115K to the service terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 .

[0205] In the present embodiment, since the number of rotations of each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) of the image forming device 100 is counted and recorded for each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) regardless of the success or failure of the wireless tag writing of the image forming device 100, the deterioration of each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) can be appropriately estimated without being affected by the success or failure of the wireless tag writing of the image forming device 100, thereby prompting maintenance inspection.

[0206] When the total number of light-emitting pixels of the laser directed to the photosensitive drum 1151Y of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 310 sends information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151Y to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 .

[0207] When the total number of pixels emitting laser light toward the photosensitive drum 1151M of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 310 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151M to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 .

[0208] When the total number of pixels emitting laser light toward the photosensitive drum 1151C of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 310 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151C to the service terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication interface 350 .

[0209] When the total number of pixels emitting laser light toward the photosensitive drum 1151K of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the processor 310 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151K to the service terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 .

[0210] In the present embodiment, since the total number of light-emitting pixels of each color of laser light for image formation by the image forming device 100 is recorded regardless of the success or failure of writing a wireless tag by the image forming device 100, the degradation of each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) of the image forming device 100 can be appropriately estimated and prompted for maintenance inspection without being affected by the success or failure of writing a wireless tag by the image forming device 100.

[0211] The processor 310 calculates the charge amount by multiplying the amount of the charge count when adding color printing received from the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 by the unit price. The processor 310 calculates the charge amount by multiplying the amount of the charge count when adding monochrome printing received from the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 by the unit price. The processor 310 calculates the charge amount by multiplying the amount of the charge count when adding data writing success received from the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 by the unit price. The processor 151 may also calculate the charge amount by multiplying the number of color successful pages received from the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 by the color printing unit price. The processor 151 may also calculate the charge amount by multiplying the number of monochrome successful pages received from the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350 by the monochrome printing unit price. The processor 310 may also calculate the charge amount by multiplying the number of color input pages, monochrome input pages, number of sheets, number of data write command transmissions, and number of data write failures received from the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication interface 350 by the corresponding unit prices.

[0212] The processor 310 sends the amount of the charge count when color printing is added and the unit price, and the calculated charge amount to the user terminal 106 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350. The processor 310 sends the amount of the charge count when monochrome printing is added and the unit price, and the calculated charge amount to the user terminal 106 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350. The processor 310 sends the amount of the charge count when data writing is successful and the unit price, and the calculated charge amount to the user terminal 106 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350. The processor 310 may also send the number of color successful pages and the unit price of color printing and the calculated charge amount to the user terminal 106 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350. The processor 310 may also send the number of monochrome successful pages and the unit price of monochrome printing and the calculated charge amount to the user terminal 106 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication interface 350. The processor 310 may also send the unit prices and calculated charges corresponding to the number of color input pages, monochrome input pages, number of sheets, number of data write command transmissions, and number of data write failures to the user terminal 106 and the image forming device 100 through the communication interface 350 .

[0213] Fig.15 This is a block diagram of a server 300 implemented as a so-called cloud server. As an example, the server 300 includes an application server 311, a management server 321, a memory cache server 331, a storage server 341, and a load balancer 351. In addition, an intranet 360 or the like connects these components.

[0214] The application server 311 performs calculation processing necessary for the operation of the server 300 .

[0215] The memory cache server 331 plays the role of a data cache of the operation processing of the application server 311. The memory cache server 331 is used as a work area or the like for storing data temporarily used by the application server 311 when performing various processes.

[0216] The storage server 341 stores the results of the calculation processing of the application server 311 temporarily stored by the storage cache server 331 for a long time. The storage server 341 stores data used when the application server 311 performs various processes, data generated by the processing of the application server 311, various setting values, etc. The storage cache server 331 receives data, various setting values, etc. from the storage server 341 and sends them to the application server 311.

[0217] The load balancer 351 is an interface for the server 300 to communicate through a network including the intranet 500, the wide area network 600, etc. The load balancer 351 determines which application server 311 performs operations, which memory cache server 331 supports the operations of the application server 311, and schedules which storage server 341 to use storage and which storage server 341 to store results, based on the operation status of the application server 311, the memory cache server 331, and the storage server 341.

[0218] The management server 321 monitors whether the application server 311 , the memory cache server 331 , the storage server 341 , and the load balancer 351 are operating normally.

[0219] The application server 311 , the management server 321 , the memory cache server 331 , the storage server 341 , and the load balancer 351 communicate via the intra-area network 360 .

[0220] The load balancer 351 stores each count value received from the image forming apparatus 100 in the storage server 341 as a part of the data indicating the operation status of the image forming apparatus 100. The application server 311 determines the necessity of inspection and repair of each image forming apparatus 100 based on the data indicating the operation status of the image forming apparatus 100. Then, if there is an image forming apparatus 100 that needs inspection and repair, the application server 311 sends information identifying the image forming apparatus 100 to the service personnel terminal 400 through the load balancer 351, so that the service personnel can go to the inspection and repair of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0221] When the number of sheets of paper passed through the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the application server 311 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351 .

[0222] In the present embodiment, since the number of sheets of paper passing through the image forming device 100 is counted and recorded regardless of the success or failure of wireless tag writing, the deterioration of the paper feed roller 123, the transfer belt 117, the secondary transfer roller 118, the fixing unit 119, and the paper discharge roller 122 located in the transport path of the print medium of the image forming device 100 is not affected by the success or failure of wireless tag writing of the image forming device 100 and is appropriately estimated and prompted for maintenance inspection.

[0223] When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151Y of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the application server 311 sends information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151Y and the image forming unit 115Y to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351 .

[0224] When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151M of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the application server 311 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151M and the image forming unit 115M to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 via the load balancer 351 .

[0225] When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151C of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the application server 311 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151C and the image forming unit 115C to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 via the load balancer 351 .

[0226] When the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 1151K of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the application server 311 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151K and the image forming unit 115K to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 via the load balancer 351 .

[0227] In the present embodiment, since the number of rotations of each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) of the image forming device 100 is counted and recorded for each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) regardless of the success or failure of the wireless tag writing of the image forming device 100, the deterioration of each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) can be appropriately estimated without being affected by the success or failure of the wireless tag writing of the image forming device 100, thereby prompting maintenance inspection.

[0228] When the total number of laser light-emitting pixels directed to the photosensitive drum 1151Y of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the application server 311 sends information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151Y to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351 .

[0229] When the total number of laser light-emitting pixels directed to the photosensitive drum 1151M of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the application server 311 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151M to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 via the load balancer 351 .

[0230] When the total number of laser light-emitting pixels directed to the photosensitive drum 1151C of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the application server 311 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151C to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 via the load balancer 351 .

[0231] When the total number of laser light-emitting pixels directed to the photosensitive drum 1151K of the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined number, the application server 311 transmits information prompting maintenance inspection of the photosensitive drum 1151K to the service personnel terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 via the load balancer 351 .

[0232] In the present embodiment, since the total number of light-emitting pixels of each color of laser light for image formation by the image forming device 100 is recorded regardless of the success or failure of writing a wireless tag by the image forming device 100, the degradation of each photosensitive drum 1151 (1151Y, 1151M, 1151C, 1151K) of the image forming device 100 can be appropriately estimated and prompted for maintenance inspection without being affected by the success or failure of writing a wireless tag by the image forming device 100.

[0233] The application server 311 calculates the charge amount by multiplying the amount of the charge count when adding color printing received from the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351 by the unit price. The application server 311 calculates the charge amount by multiplying the amount of the charge count when adding monochrome printing received from the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351 by the unit price. The application server 311 calculates the charge amount by multiplying the amount of the charge count when adding data writing success received from the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351 by the unit price. The application server 311 may also calculate the charge amount by multiplying the number of color success pages received from the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351 by the color printing unit price. The application server 311 may also calculate the charge amount by multiplying the number of monochrome success pages received from the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351 by the monochrome printing unit price. The application server 311 may calculate the charge amount by multiplying the number of color input pages, monochrome input pages, sheets of paper, data write command transmission times, and data write failure times received from the image forming apparatus 100 via the load balancer 351 by the corresponding unit prices.

[0234] The application server 311 sends the amount of the charge count when color printing is added and the unit price, and the calculated charge amount to the user terminal 106 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351. The application server 311 sends the amount of the charge count when monochrome printing is added and the unit price, and the calculated charge amount to the user terminal 106 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351. The application server 311 sends the amount of the charge count when data writing is successful and the unit price, and the calculated charge amount to the user terminal 106 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351. The application server 311 may also send the number of color successful pages and the unit price of color printing and the calculated charge amount to the user terminal 106 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351. The application server 311 may also send the number of monochrome successful pages and the unit price of monochrome printing and the calculated charge amount to the user terminal 106 and the image forming apparatus 100 through the load balancer 351. The application server 311 may also send the unit prices and calculated charges corresponding to the number of color input pages, monochrome input pages, number of sheets of paper, number of data write command transmissions, and number of data write failures to the user terminal 106 and the image forming device 100 through the load balancer 351.

[0235] Each device in the embodiment is, for example, transmitted to the administrator of each device in a state where the program for executing each of the above-mentioned processes is stored. Alternatively, each device is transmitted to the administrator in a state where the program is not stored. Then, the program is separately transmitted to the administrator and stored in each device based on the operation of the administrator or service personnel. The transmission of the program at this time can be achieved by, for example, using a removable storage medium such as a disk medium or a semiconductor memory or by downloading through a network.

[0236] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and subject matter of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: A communication unit, communicating with the wireless tag; an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium carrying the wireless tag; and The control unit permits the image forming unit to form an image when the communication unit successfully writes data to the wireless tag, and charges for the image forming unit's image forming when the image forming unit's image forming is permitted.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming unit includes a registration roller for temporarily stopping the medium. The communication unit communicates with the medium temporarily stopped by the registration roller and the wireless tag.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit calculates the charging amount according to the charging count. The amount by which the charge counter is incremented when the communication unit succeeds in writing data to the wireless tag is different from the amount by which the charge counter is incremented when the image forming unit forms an image on the medium.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The image forming unit counts the number of pixels of the image to be formed and notifies the control unit of the number of pixels when the control unit permits the image forming unit to form an image. The control unit makes the image formation a chargeable object when the number of pixels is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit increments the number of sheets passed through the image forming unit when the communication unit succeeds in writing data to the wireless tag and when the communication unit fails in writing data to the wireless tag.

6. A server, characterized in that: communicates with an image forming device including a communication unit and an image forming unit, The communication unit communicates with the wireless tag. The image forming unit forms an image on a medium carrying the wireless tag. The image forming device allows the image forming unit to form an image when the communication unit successfully writes data to the wireless tag, and transmits the image forming number of the image forming unit when the image forming unit is allowed to form an image. The server has: a communication interface for receiving an image formation number of the image forming unit when image formation of the image forming unit is permitted; and The storage unit stores, as a charging object, the number of image formations by the image forming unit when the image formation received by the communication interface is permitted.

Images