Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming device that can properly issue a receipt in accordance with a payment amount.SOLUTION: An image forming device is provided with: an image forming part that executes image forming processing in accordance with operation by a user; a control part that controls the image forming part and calculates a charge amount in accordance with the image forming processing every time when the image forming processing is executed by the image forming part; a receipt issuing part that issues a receipt in accordance with charge amounts or a payment amount constituted of total amounts of the charge amounts; and a storing part that stores necessary information that should be printed on the receipt. When the payment amount is less than a set amount (does not reach in a step S7), the control part makes the receipt issuing part issue a receipt with no necessary information written-on (a step S8), and when the payment amount is above the set amount (reaches in the step S7), makes the receipt issuing part issue a receipt with the necessary information written-on (a step S11).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that executes image forming processing according to a user's operation, a control unit that controls the image forming unit and calculates a usage amount corresponding to the image forming processing each time the image forming processing executed by the image forming unit is performed, a receipt issuing unit that issues a receipt corresponding to a payment amount consisting of the usage amount or an accumulation of the usage amounts, and a storage unit that stores necessary information to be printed on the receipt.

Background Art

[0002] In stores such as convenience stores, offices, and copy shops, an image forming apparatus composed of a multifunction machine and a billing unit is installed (see Patent Document 1). The multifunction machine has functions such as copying, printing, and facsimile. When a user inserts currency (coins or banknotes) into the billing unit, it is possible to receive services such as copying, printing, and facsimile according to the amount of money. In recent years, in addition to currency, payment by electronic money, prepaid cards, credit cards, etc. has also become possible.

[0003] For example, when the remaining amount of currency inserted during copying is insufficient, the image forming apparatus stops the execution of copying, and when additional currency is inserted, the execution of copying is resumed. Also, after the copying is completed, the amount exceeding the usage amount is returned to the user, and a receipt is issued according to the user's request.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, the matters to be described in the receipt are not necessarily fixed. For example, at the time of filing this application, in the method of storing eligible invoices for consumption tax (invoice system), a receipt with a usage amount including consumption tax of 50,000 yen or less can be treated as an eligible simplified invoice. However, for the user to apply for input tax deduction using such a receipt, the issuer of the receipt must be a taxable business operator and an eligible invoice-issuing business operator, and the receipt must have prescribed legal matters described therein.

[0006] The prescribed legal matters are the name or title of the issuer of the receipt, the registration number, the date of the transaction, the details of the transaction, the amount of consideration (excluding tax or including tax) totaled by category of tax rate, and the consumption tax amount or applicable tax rate by category of tax rate. In principle, both the issuer and the user of the receipt are obliged to store it for a certain period.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of issuing an appropriate receipt according to the payment amount.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] An image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes an image forming unit that executes an image forming process according to a user's operation, a control unit that controls the image forming unit and calculates a usage amount corresponding to the image forming process each time the image forming process executed by the image forming unit is performed, a receipt issuing unit that issues a receipt corresponding to a payment amount consisting of the usage amount or an accumulation of the usage amounts, and a storage unit that stores necessary information to be printed on the receipt. The control unit is configured to cause the receipt issuing unit to issue a receipt on which the necessary information is not described when the payment amount is less than a set amount, and to issue a receipt on which the necessary information is described when the payment amount is equal to or more than the set amount.

[0009] In the sale of goods and the like conducted by vending machines and automatic service machines (where the receipt of payment and the transfer of assets are completed only by mechanical devices), when the amount of usage including consumption tax per transaction is less than 30,000 yen, the issuer is exempt from the obligation to issue a qualified simplified invoice. That is, the set amount can be exemplified by 30,000 yen.

[0010] According to the above configuration, when the payment amount is less than the set amount (for example, 30,000 yen), the control unit causes an invoice without the necessary information (predetermined information such as a registration number) to be issued, and when the payment amount is equal to or more than the set amount (for example, 30,000 yen), the control unit can cause an invoice with the necessary information to be issued.

[0011] Note that the usage amount refers to the usage fee including consumption tax. At the time of filing this application, the consumption tax has multiple tax rates, namely, a reduced tax rate (8%) and a standard tax rate (10%).

[0012] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, it may be characterized in that the necessary information can be stored in advance in the storage unit before the image forming process is executed.

[0013] According to the above configuration, by storing the necessary information in the storage unit before using the image forming apparatus for the first time, an invoice with the necessary information can be issued as needed.

[0014] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, it may be characterized in that it includes a communication unit capable of communicating with a server in which the necessary information is stored, and when the control unit is instructed by the user to execute the image forming process or when the payment amount is equal to or more than the set amount, the control unit is configured to acquire the necessary information from the server via the communication unit and store it in the storage unit.

[0015] According to the above configuration, even if the necessary information cannot be stored in the storage unit before the image forming apparatus is used for the first time, when the control unit is instructed to execute the image forming process or when the payment amount is equal to or more than the set amount, the control unit acquires the specific removal information from the server in which the necessary information is stored via the communication unit, stores it in the storage unit, and can issue a receipt on which the necessary information is described.

[0016] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, when the control unit is to cause the receipt issuing unit to issue a receipt on which the necessary information is described, when the necessary information is not stored in the storage unit, the control unit is configured to cause the receipt issuing unit to issue the receipt without describing the necessary information on the receipt. This may be a feature.

[0017] According to the above configuration, even when the necessary information is not stored in the storage unit, it is possible to issue a receipt. A user who has received the receipt can have the necessary information handwritten by the issuer of the receipt or handwrite it himself / herself.

[0018] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, an operation display unit is provided, and when the control unit causes the receipt issuing unit to issue the receipt without describing the necessary information, the control unit is configured to display a specific screen that allows the user to recognize that the necessary information is not described on the operation display unit. This may be a feature.

[0019] According to the above configuration, when a receipt on which the necessary information is not described is issued, since it is displayed on the operation display unit to that effect, the user can be made to recognize that the necessary information is not described on the receipt.

[0020] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, an operation display unit is provided, and the control unit is configured to display a receipt button for receiving a receipt issuance instruction from the user on the operation display unit, and when the receipt button is pressed by the user, cause the receipt issuing unit to issue a receipt corresponding to the payment amount. This may be a feature.

[0021] According to the above configuration, when the user presses the receipt button, a receipt is issued. For users who do not need a receipt, it is not necessary to issue a receipt.

[0022] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, a charging unit that settles the payment amount is provided, and the charging unit is configured to be able to settle the payment amount by at least one of currency, electronic money, credit card, and prepaid card. This may be a feature.

[0023] The charging unit that settles the usage amount can settle the usage amount by at least one of currency, electronic money, credit card, and prepaid card, so the usability for the user is good. Note that currency refers to coins or banknotes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

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Figure 11

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same components among the embodiments described below, and redundant descriptions of these components are omitted.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is installed in a convenience store, a supermarket, etc., on the premise that it is used by an unspecified number of people.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 20 having a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printer function, an image scanner function, and a fax function, and a charging unit 30 as an accessory device. The image forming apparatus 10 having these functions can provide various services such as a copy service, a print service, a fax service, a scan service, and an administrative service.

[0028] In the following description, the up-down direction is defined based on the state in which the image forming apparatus 10 is installed for use as shown in FIG. 1. Then, with the front side in FIG. 1 being the front side of the image forming apparatus 10, the front-back direction of the image forming apparatus 10 is defined. Further, the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus 10 is defined when viewed from the front side of the image forming apparatus 10. The user stands in front of the image forming apparatus 10 and performs operations.

[0029] In the copy service, for example, the image forming apparatus 10 can read the image of the document specified by the user and copy (print) this read image onto a sheet-like paper as an image recording medium (not shown). The paper mentioned here includes plain paper, glossy paper, photo paper, etc. The user can select any of these papers.

[0030] Print services include PDF (Portable Document Format) print services, photo print services, network print services, and the like.

[0031] In the PDF print service, a PDF file stored in a medium as an external storage medium (not shown) can be read via a medium reading unit 41 (see FIG. 2), and this can be printed. The media referred to here include semiconductor media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories and SD (Secure Digital) memory cards, and disk media such as CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs).

[0032] Also, in the PDF print service, a PDF file stored in a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet can be transferred to the image forming apparatus 10 via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and printed. Further, when the mobile device has an infrared communication function, it is also possible to transfer the PDF file from the mobile device to the image forming apparatus 10 by this infrared communication function and perform printing.

[0033] In the photo print service, it is possible to print an image file in a predetermined format stored in the above-mentioned medium. As the paper for printing in this photo print service, photo paper is generally selected, but paper other than photo paper such as plain paper or glossy paper may be selected. Also, in this photo print service, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet can be used as a source for supplying the image file.

[0034] In the network printing service, it is possible to print files pre-registered on a dedicated website. Examples of files that can be registered on the dedicated website include PDF files, image files in a predetermined format, document files in a predetermined format, spreadsheet files in a predetermined format, presentation files in a predetermined format, and the like.

[0035] In the fax service, it is possible to send faxes. Specifically, it is possible to read the image of a document, digitize the read image, and send it to an arbitrary fax device as a counterpart device (not shown). Also, in the fax service, it is possible to receive faxes via a relay center (not shown), that is, it is also possible to print the digitized image (image data) received via the relay center.

[0036] In the scanner service, it is possible to read the image of a document, digitize the read image, and store it in the aforementioned external storage medium, particularly a USB memory, by the external storage medium communication unit 32 (see FIG. 2).

[0037] In the administrative service, it is possible to receive the issuance of predetermined public certificates such as copies of resident registers and certificates of seal registration. To receive this administrative service, a resident basic register card or a personal number card as a card-type storage medium (not shown) is required. The public certificates issued by this administrative service are provided in a state printed on plain paper.

[0038] Other services include, for example, the content printing service. In this content printing service, it is possible to print various contents such as bromides and musical scores provided by a content provider accessible by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0039] The multi-function device 20 includes an image reading unit 21 (see FIG. 2), an image forming unit 22 (see FIG. 2), a paper feeding unit 23 (see FIG. 1), a paper discharge tray 24 (see FIG. 1), a control unit 100 (see FIG. 2) for controlling these components, etc. to provide these services.

[0040] The image reading unit 21 includes a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, etc. inside the housing. The image reading unit 21 exposes the surface of the document with the light source, and guides the reflected light reflected from the surface of the document to the imaging lens by a plurality of mirrors. Then, the imaging lens forms the reflected light on the light receiving elements of the line sensor. In the line sensor, the luminance or chromaticity of the reflected light formed on the light receiving elements is detected, and read image data based on the image on the surface of the document is generated. As the line sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), etc. is used.

[0041] Also, the image reading unit 21 includes a document placement table formed of a transparent material. Above the document placement table, a document pressing cover 21a (see FIG. 1) is attached so as to be openable and closable via a hinge or the like.

[0042] The image forming unit 22 is provided below the image reading unit 21. This image forming unit 22 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, etc.

[0043] The image forming unit 22 forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the photosensitive drum by the charging device and the exposure device, etc., and the developing device visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum with toner. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred by the transfer device to a recording medium (paper P) conveyed from the paper feeding unit 23, and after the toner image transferred to the paper is thermally fixed by the fixing device, it is discharged to a paper discharge tray 24 provided between the image reading unit 21 and the image forming unit 22.

[0044] However, as the image data for forming an image on the paper P, the image data read by the image reading unit 21, the image data transmitted from the information processing apparatus, or the image data transmitted from an external computer, etc. are used. Further, the recording medium is not limited to the paper P made of paper, and sheets other than paper such as OHP films are also used.

[0045] The paper feeding unit 23 is provided below the image forming unit 22. The paper feeding unit 23 has a plurality of paper feeding cassettes 23a, 23a,.... Sheets of the same or different predetermined sizes are accommodated in each of the paper feeding cassettes 23a, 23a,.... Then, the paper feeding unit 23 uses the paper feeding cassette 23a in which the paper P selected by the user is accommodated as the paper feeding source, and supplies the papers one by one from the paper feeding source to the image forming unit 22.

[0046] The paper discharge tray 24 is a tray having an in-body paper discharge structure provided between the image reading unit 21 and the image forming unit 22, that is, inside the housing of the multifunction machine 20. Then, the paper P after the image forming process by the image forming unit 22, that is, a so-called printed matter, is discharged onto this paper discharge tray 24. Note that the paper discharge tray 24 may be a tray having an out-body paper discharge structure provided outside the housing of the multifunction machine 20.

[0047] The charging unit 30 is a device that settles the charges corresponding to various services including printing services (print jobs) such as copying and printing provided by the multifunction machine 20 by at least one of currency, electronic money, credit card, and prepaid card. Here, the currency means money or banknotes.

[0048] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the charging unit 30 is provided in the vicinity of the multifunction machine 20, specifically, adjacent to the left side in the front direction of the multifunction machine 20. Note that the multifunction machine 20 and the charging unit 30 may have configurations in which their respective housings are independent, or may have a configuration in which they share a housing.

[0049] The charging unit 30 is provided with an operation display unit 31 that receives input operations such as printing instructions from the user. The operation display unit 31 is composed of a touch panel that combines a display device such as a display and an operation device such as a touch pad, and the user can directly touch the screen to operate it. In addition, an operation button composed of hardware keys including various keys or buttons such as a home button, a power button, and a power saving key may be separately provided.

[0050] The display is a general-purpose monitor such as an LCD, and is connected to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 2) via a display control circuit (not shown). The display control circuit includes a GPU and a VRAM. Under the instruction of the CPU, the GPU generates display image data for displaying various screens on the display using the image generation data stored in the RAM, and outputs the generated display image data to the display. The touch panel detects a touch operation within the touch valid range and outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch operation to the control unit 100.

[0051] When the user selects functions such as printing, copying, scanning, and FAX transmission / reception or sets image formation processing via the operation display unit 31, a screen for setting input of image formation processing, information input by the user, etc. are displayed on the operation display unit 31. The operation display unit 31 is not limited to the configuration provided in the charging unit 30, and may be provided in the multifunction machine 20.

[0052] The charging unit 30 is connected to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 2) so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly. The charging unit 30 holds deposit information (balance information) indicating the balance of the currency inserted by the user, and notifies the control unit 100 of the deposit information in response to a request from the control unit 100.

[0053] The charging unit 30 includes an external storage medium communication unit 32, a coin insertion slot 33, a bill insertion slot 34, a change return lever 35, a coin return port 36, a short-range communication unit 37, a photo discharge port 38, and a paper piece discharge port 39, etc.

[0054] The charging unit 30 calculates the amount of currency inserted through the coin insertion slot 33 and the bill insertion slot 34. The calculation result is displayed on the operation display unit 31.

[0055] The control unit 100 causes the operation display unit 31 to accept printing settings related to a printing job, for example, before the start of the printing job. Then, the control unit 100 sets the printing usage amount based on the content of the printing settings accepted by the operation display unit 31. Note that the usage amount information indicating the correspondence between the printing settings and the printing usage amount is stored in advance in the storage unit 101.

[0056] The control unit 100 refers to the usage amount information stored in the storage unit 101 and charges the user a printing usage amount corresponding to the content of the printing settings. For example, the operation display unit 31 accepts settings such as the number of printed sheets, resolution, and color printing / monochrome printing from the user. The higher the number of printed sheets, the higher the printing usage amount. The higher the resolution, the higher the printing usage amount. Also, color printing has a higher printing usage amount than monochrome printing.

[0057] The operation display unit 31 displays a menu screen (see FIG. 5) as the initial screen. On the menu screen, an operation to select any one of a plurality of items including the copy service is accepted. When the copy service is selected, the control unit 100 causes the operation display unit 31 to display a payment method selection screen (not shown). On the payment method selection screen, a selection to pay the printing usage amount of the printing job in currency or by electronic payment is accepted.

[0058] When the operation display unit 31 accepts that the payment for the usage amount of the copy service is to be made in currency, the control unit 100 deducts the printing usage amount from the amount deposited in the charging unit 30.

[0059] When the image forming apparatus 10 is used in this way, that is, when any service is provided by the image forming apparatus 10, the charging unit 30 subtracts the usage amount corresponding to the content of the service from the inserted amount. Thereby, currency settlement is performed.

[0060] The external memory medium communication unit 32 is an example of the external memory medium communication means. That is, the external memory medium communication unit 32 is responsible for two-way communication with the aforementioned media. For this reason, although detailed illustration is omitted, the external memory medium communication unit 32 has a mounting portion on which each medium can be mounted.

[0061] In addition, the external memory medium communication unit 32 has an infrared communication unit or the like for performing two-way communication by the infrared communication function with a portable device having the aforementioned infrared communication function.

[0062] The coin insertion slot 33 is an example of the currency reception means. That is, the coin insertion slot 33 receives the insertion of the currency when the usage amount (price) for the use of the image forming apparatus 10 is settled by the currency. The banknote insertion slot 34 is also an example of the currency reception means and receives the insertion (insertion) of banknotes.

[0063] The coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 33 and the banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion slot 34 are classified by type and stored in a predetermined currency storage section (not shown), and the inserted amount is calculated according to the type and number of coins and the type and number of banknotes stored in the currency storage section.

[0064] The operation display unit 31 displays the inserted amount of the currency received by the coin insertion slot 33 and the banknote insertion slot 34, and strictly speaking, displays the remaining amount (inserted amount) that is valid at the current time (that is, can be used for settlement of the usage amount).

[0065] When copying, printing, etc. are executed in the image forming apparatus 10, the charging according to the content of the service is subtracted from the inserted amount, and the amount remaining after subtracting the usage amount from the inserted amount (remaining amount) is calculated. Further, when the change return lever is operated, coins or banknotes are returned according to the remaining amount.

[0066] The change return lever 35 is an operator that is operated (pressed) when it is desired to return currency, particularly change, according to the valid inserted amount at the current time. The change return lever 35 is provided near the coin insertion slot 33.

[0067] When the change return lever 35 is operated while there is the remaining amount, currency corresponding to the remaining amount, that is, change is returned. When the change includes coins, the coins are returned from the coin return slot 36. When the change includes banknotes, the banknotes are returned from the banknote insertion slot 34.

[0068] Note that when the change return lever 35 is operated without any service being provided by the image forming apparatus 10 after the currency is inserted, the inserted currency is returned as it is. The coin insertion slot 33, the banknote insertion slot 34, and the change return lever 35 constitute a currency processing unit 40 (see FIG. 2).

[0069] In addition, the charging unit 30 can perform electronic money settlement using the short-range communication unit 37 instead of or in addition to the settlement with currency in the currency processing unit 40. That is, the charging unit 30 is also an example of an electronic money settlement device that settles the charge corresponding to the image formation by the multifunction machine 20 with electronic money.

[0070] The short-range communication unit 37 performs wireless non-contact data communication with communication targets such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card and a portable terminal (feature phone, smartphone, tablet PC, etc.) in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The communicable distance of the short-range communication unit 37 is about several cm to several m. The IC card includes the above-mentioned resident basic register card and personal identification number card. The short-range communication unit 37 has a shape suitable for placing (setting) a non-contact type IC card such as an electronic money card (not shown), and is, for example, recessed.

[0071] For example, when an IC card is placed on the short-range communication unit 37, short-range wireless communication is performed between the short-range communication unit 37 and the IC card. When the IC card is a predetermined electronic money card, the remaining balance of the electronic money included in the electronic money data is read, and a fee corresponding to the content of the provided service or the like is subtracted from the remaining balance of the electronic money. After the settlement is completed, the service or the like is provided. The predetermined electronic money cards referred to here include prepaid cards (prepaid cards), immediate settlement cards (debit cards), and post-settlement cards (post-paid cards), regardless of which type, and there are a plurality of types that are predetermined (so to speak, in cooperation).

[0072] The photo discharge port 38 is a discharge port through which the photo as the result in the above-described photo printing service is discharged, and is connected to the paper discharge unit of the photo printer 42 (see FIG. 2).

[0073] The photo printer 42 (see FIG. 2) is, for example, a sublimation printer or an inkjet printer, and is used for providing the above-described photo printing service. That is, the photo printer 42 prints a predetermined format image file stored in the medium with high quality, and the photo as the printed matter (result) is discharged to the photo discharge port 38. As photo papers for printing by this photo printer 42, for example, two types of B4 size and 2B size are prepared. These two types of photo papers are stored in a paper storage unit (not shown) provided in the photo printer 42.

[0074] The piece of paper discharge port 39 is a discharge port through which a piece of paper such as a receipt is discharged, and is connected to the paper discharge unit of the piece of paper printer 43 (see FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, the photo discharge port 38 and the piece of paper discharge port 39 are shared.

[0075] The paper printer 43 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues papers such as receipts (see FIGS. 10 and 11), receipts, and coupon tickets. That is, the paper printer 43 prints an appropriate character string, image, etc. on a roll paper (not shown) and issues the printed paper. This paper is discharged from a paper discharge unit (not shown) of the paper printer 43 and is ultimately discharged from the paper discharge port 39. Note that the paper printer 43 is the receipt issuing unit in the claims.

[0076] Furthermore, the charging unit 30 is appropriately provided with a photo printer (not shown) such as a sublimation printer or an inkjet printer that prints an image on photo paper.

[0077] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the operation display unit 31, the image reading unit 21, the short-range communication unit 37, the media reading unit 41, the image forming unit 22, the photo printer 42, the paper printer 43, the external storage medium communication unit 32, etc. described above, a storage unit 101 is connected to the control unit 100.

[0078] The control unit 100 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, etc., and controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The CPU executes various processes according to the programs stored in the ROM.

[0079] The storage unit 101 is composed of a hard disk or the like and stores various data and programs. The storage unit 101 has an image data storage area, a setting information storage area, a charging information storage area, and a payment means information storage area.

[0080] The image data storage area stores image data. The setting information storage area stores settable information for image forming processing executed by the multifunction machine 20. The "settable information" is information that can be arbitrarily set by the user, and examples include "number of printed sheets", "paper size", "color or monochrome", "single-sided printing or double-sided printing", "necessity of stapling", etc.

[0081] The charging information storage area stores charging information for calculating the charging amount of the image forming process executed by the multi-function machine 20. The payment means information storage area stores information regarding payment means available when a user makes a payment for the image forming process. Examples of payment means include currency payment by the charging unit 30, payment by electronic money, payment by credit card, and the like.

[0082] According to the image forming apparatus 10, various services can be provided as described above. The user can arbitrarily select whether to make a payment (settlement) of the usage amount corresponding to each service by any one of a plurality of payment methods, i.e., currency settlement and electronic money settlement.

[0083] Based on FIGS. 3 and 5 to 9, the behavior of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. For example, assume that the image forming apparatus 10 is in a so-called standby state where it is not operated for a certain period of time and waits for some operation to be performed. When in this standby state, a home screen 50 as a basic operation screen as shown in FIG. 5 (which may also be referred to as a "menu screen" or a "portal screen") is displayed on the operation display unit 31.

[0084] On this home screen 50, buttons 51 as operators for the aforementioned copy service, buttons 52 as operators for the print service, buttons 53 as operators for the fax service, buttons 54 as operators for the scan service, buttons 55 as operators for the administrative service, and buttons 56 as operators for other services are appropriately arranged.

[0085] On this home screen 50, when any one of the buttons 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 is operated, the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to a state for providing the service corresponding to the operated button 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, or 56. For example, when the button 51 for selecting the copy service is operated (step S1 in FIG. 3), the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to a state for providing the copy service as shown in FIG. 6, and enters the copy service mode so to speak.

[0086] In the copy service mode, a setting screen 60 for making settings necessary for copying as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the operation display unit 31. The user makes appropriate settings according to this setting screen and places the original on the platen.

[0087] On the setting screen 60, there are provided an operator 61 as an operator for selecting single-sided printing or double-sided printing, a button 62 as an operator for selecting monochrome or color, a button 63 as an operator for setting the magnification, a button 64 as an operator for selecting the paper type, a button 65 as an operator for selecting the paper size, a button 66 as an operator for setting other copy conditions, a button 67 as an operator when each setting is determined, etc., which are appropriately arranged.

[0088] On this setting screen 60, according to the operations of the user on each of the buttons 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 and 66, settings necessary for copying, such as printing conditions such as the type of original, paper size and number of copies, are made.

[0089] When the user operates the button 67, a payment method selection screen 70 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the operation display unit 31. On the payment method selection screen 70, there are provided a button 71 as an operator for setting the number of copies according to the above setting content, a button 72 as an operator for selecting the payment method, a button 73 as an operator for setting whether to print a receipt or not, a button 74 as an operator for starting copying the set number of copies, etc., which are appropriately arranged. On the payment method selection screen 70, the usage amount corresponding to the number of copies set by the user is determined.

[0090] In step S2 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether there is a deposit in the currency processing unit 40. That is, the control unit 100 acquires, from the currency processing unit 40, deposit information indicating the balance of the currency inserted by the user into the currency processing unit 40, and estimates whether the use of the multifunction machine 20 is to be continued based on this deposit information. Note that, in order to execute a copy job by the multifunction machine 20, it is a condition that a copy usage amount has been previously deposited (there is a balance) in the currency processing unit 40. Therefore, the control unit 100 also determines whether there is a balance equal to or greater than the usage amount required for the copy job.

[0091] When there is a balance equal to or greater than the usage amount required in the currency processing unit 40, a control signal is transmitted to the multifunction machine 20 on the condition that the button 74 has been pressed by the user, and printing processing is executed (step S3 in FIG. 3).

[0092] When the printing processing is being executed, a copy-in-progress screen 80 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the operation display unit 31. On the copy-in-progress screen 80, there are appropriately arranged a display 81 prompting the user to wait without leaving the image forming apparatus 10, a button 82 as an operator for canceling the printing processing, a button 83 as an operator for setting whether to print a receipt, and the like.

[0093] When the printing processing is executed, the control unit 100 transmits a control signal to the currency processing unit 40 of the charging unit 30 and calculates a usage amount corresponding to the executed copy job (step S4 in FIG. 3).

[0094] In step S5 of FIG. 3, the control unit 100 causes the payment amount consisting of the usage amount or the accumulation of the usage amounts to be subtracted from the balance, and a completion report screen 90 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the operation display unit 31. On the completion report screen 90, there are appropriately arranged a button 91 as an operator for continuing with the same settings as the most recent copy, a button 92 as an operator for ending the copy, a button 93 as an operator for setting whether to print a receipt, and the like.

[0095] In step S5 of FIG. 3, on the completion report screen 90, it is determined whether button 91 has been operated or button 92 has been operated. When button 91 is operated, since the copy function is subsequently used, the process returns to step S1 of FIG. 3, and steps S1 to S5 of FIG. 3 are repeated. If the user selects button 92 to end the use of the service on the completion report screen 90 (step S5 of FIG. 3), the process proceeds to step S6 of FIG. 3, and it is determined whether any of buttons 73, 83, and 93 for issuing a receipt have been operated at any timing.

[0096] When none of buttons 73, 83, and 93 have been operated, an end guidance screen (not shown) is displayed (step S9 of FIG. 3). On the other hand, in step S6 of FIG. 3, when any of buttons 73, 83, and 93 has been operated, it is determined whether the payment amount is equal to or more than a predetermined upper limit amount (for example, 30,000 yen) (step S7 of FIG. 3).

[0097] In step S7 of FIG. 3, when the payment amount is less than the predetermined upper limit amount, as shown in FIG. 11, a receipt 27 with no required items filled in is issued (step S8 of FIG. 3). Thereafter, an end guidance screen is displayed on the operation display unit 31 (step S9 of FIG. 3), and a message prompting the receipt of the receipt and, when there is a balance in the money processing unit 40, a message prompting the operation of the change return lever are displayed.

[0098] On the other hand, in step S7 of FIG. 3, when the payment amount is equal to or more than the predetermined upper limit amount, necessary information is inquired of the server (step S10 of FIG. 3), and as shown in FIG. 10, a receipt 25 with the necessary information 26 filled in is issued (step S11 of FIG. 3). Thereafter, an end guidance screen is displayed on the operation display unit 31 (step S9 of FIG. 3), and a message prompting the receipt of the receipt and, when there is a balance in the money processing unit 40, a message prompting the operation of the change return lever are displayed.

[0099] In this way, when the payment amount is less than the set amount (for example, 30,000 yen), the control unit 100 causes a receipt without the necessary information (predetermined information such as a registration number) to be issued (step S8 in FIG. 3). When the payment amount is equal to or greater than the set amount (for example, 30,000 yen), the control unit 100 can cause a receipt with the necessary information to be issued (step S11 in FIG. 3). Note that the inquiry to the server is not limited to the case where it is made when the payment amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit amount in step S7 of FIG. 3, and may be made at the stage when the user instructs the execution of the image forming process.

[0100] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. In the description of Embodiment 2, different configurations from those of Embodiment 1 described above will be described, and the description in Embodiment 1 will be applied to the same configurations.

[0101] In Embodiment 1, when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the set amount, the control unit 100 acquires the necessary information from the server via the communication unit, stores it in the storage unit 101, and describes it in the receipt. However, in Embodiment 2, when the control unit 100 is to cause the paper printer 43 to issue a receipt with the necessary information described therein, if the necessary information is not stored in the storage unit 101, the control unit 100 is configured to cause the paper printer 43 to issue a receipt without describing the necessary information.

[0102] That is, the storage unit 101 is configured to be able to store the necessary information in advance before the image forming process is executed. By storing the necessary information in the storage unit 101 before using the image forming apparatus for the first time, it is possible to issue a receipt with the necessary information described therein as needed.

[0103] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, when the process has progressed to step S6 in FIG. 4 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, if any of the buttons 73, 83, 93 is operated, an inquiry about the necessary information is made to the server (step S10 in FIG. 4). Thereafter, it is determined whether the payment amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit amount (for example, 30,000 yen) (step S7 in FIG. 4).

[0104] In step S7 of FIG. 4, when the payment amount is less than the predetermined upper limit amount, as shown in FIG. 11, a receipt 27 with no necessary items described is issued (step S8 of FIG. 4). Thereafter, an end guidance screen is displayed on the operation display unit 31 (step S9 of FIG. 4), and a message prompting the receipt of the receipt and, when there is a balance in the money processing unit 40, a message prompting the operation of the change return lever are displayed. On the other hand, in step S7 of FIG. 3, when the payment amount is equal to or more than the predetermined upper limit amount, confirmation of the registrability of the necessary information is performed (step S12 of FIG. 4).

[0105] In step S12 of FIG. 4, when the registration of the necessary information is not confirmed or when the registration fails, as shown in FIG. 11, a receipt 25 with no necessary items described is issued (step S8 of FIG. 4). Thus, even when the necessary information is not stored in the storage unit 101, it is possible to issue a receipt 27 as shown in FIG. 11, and the user who has received the receipt 27 can have the necessary information handwritten by the issuer of the receipt 27 or handwrite it himself / herself.

[0106] Thereafter, an end guidance screen is displayed on the operation display unit 31 (step S9 of FIG. 4), and a message prompting the receipt of the receipt and, when there is a balance in the money processing unit 40, a message prompting the operation of the change return lever are displayed. At that time, when the control unit 100 issues a receipt 27 as shown in FIG. 11 without writing the necessary information on the paper printer 43, it may be configured to display a specific screen that allows the user to recognize that the necessary information is not written on the operation display unit 31. Thereby, when a receipt 27 with no necessary information written is issued, since that fact is displayed on the operation display unit 31, the user can be made to recognize that the necessary information is not written on the receipt.

[0107] On the other hand, in step S12 of FIG. 4, when the registration of necessary information is confirmed or when the registration is successful, as shown in FIG. 10, a receipt 25 on which the necessary information 26 is described is issued (step S11 of FIG. 4). Thereafter, an end guidance screen is displayed on the operation display unit 31 (step S9 of FIG. 4), and a message prompting the receipt of the receipt and, when there is a balance in the currency processing unit 40, a message prompting the operation of the change return lever are displayed.

[0108] The configurations disclosed in any of the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradiction occurs. Also, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately modified within the scope not departing from the object of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0109] 10: Image forming apparatus 20: Multifunction machine 21: Image reading unit 30: Billing unit 31: Operation display unit 40: Currency processing unit 82: Button (end button) 100: Control unit 101: Storage unit P: Paper

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that executes image forming processing in response to a user operation; a control unit that controls the image forming unit and calculates a usage amount corresponding to the image forming processing each time the image forming processing is executed by the image forming unit; a receipt issuing unit that issues a receipt corresponding to the payment amount consisting of the usage amount or the accumulated usage amount; and a storage unit that stores necessary information to be printed on the receipt, wherein the control unit is configured to cause the receipt issuing unit to issue a receipt on which the necessary information is not described when the payment amount is less than the set amount, and to cause the receipt issuing unit to issue a receipt on which the necessary information is described when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the set amount. An image forming apparatus characterized by this.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is configured to be able to store the necessary information in advance before the image forming processing is executed.

3. Comprising a communication unit capable of communicating with a server in which the necessary information is stored, The control unit is configured to acquire the necessary information from the server via the communication unit and store it in the storage unit when the execution of the image forming processing is instructed by the user or when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the set amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

4. The control unit is configured to cause the receipt issuing unit to issue a receipt without describing the necessary information in the storage unit when the necessary information is not stored in the storage unit when the receipt issuing unit is to issue a receipt on which the necessary information is described. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

5. Comprising an operation display unit, The control unit is configured to display a specific screen that allows the user to recognize that the necessary information is not described on the operation display unit when the receipt issuing unit issues a receipt without describing the necessary information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by this.

6. Comprising an operation display unit, The control unit is configured to display a receipt button for receiving an instruction to issue a receipt by the user on the operation display unit, and to cause the receipt issuing unit to issue a receipt corresponding to the payment amount when the receipt button is pressed by the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

7. comprising a charging unit for settling the payment amount, wherein the charging unit is configured to be able to settle the payment amount by at least any one of currency, electronic money, credit card, and prepaid card, and the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

Images