Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus in which the amount of payment in single transaction is controlled to fall below a predetermined upper limit amount.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: an image forming unit that executes image forming processing in accordance with a user's operation; and a control unit that controls the image forming unit and calculates a usage fee according to the image forming processing every time the image forming processing is executed by the image forming unit. When the amount of payment that is the usage fee or the integration of usage fees is less than a predetermined upper limit amount (step S5: not reached), the control unit permits execution of new image forming processing in the image forming unit (step S6), and when the amount of payment is equal to or more than the upper limit amount (step S5: reached), does not permit the execution of new image forming processing in the image forming unit (step S8).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 operation, and 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.

Background Art

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

[0003] For example, when the remaining amount of the currency inserted during copying is insufficient, the image forming apparatus stops the execution of copying, and when additional currency is inserted, it resumes the execution of copying. 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 the present application, in the consumption tax eligible invoice etc. storage method (invoice system), a receipt with a consumption tax-included usage amount of 50,000 yen or less can be treated as an eligible simplified invoice. However, in order for the user to receive the application of input tax deduction based on the said receipt, the issuer of the receipt must be a taxable business operator and an eligible invoice-issuing business operator, and the said receipt must have prescribed legal matters described therein.

[0006] The said prescribed legal matters are the name or title of the issuer of the said receipt, the registration number, the transaction date, the transaction details, 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 side and the user side of the said receipt are obliged to store it for a certain period.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to set etc. the said legal matters to be described in the receipt to be issued in advance in the image forming apparatus. However, if the issuer of the receipt is a taxable business operator but has not received the assignment of a registration number, or if the assignment of the registration number is delayed, the registration number to be described in the receipt cannot be described, so the user cannot make an appropriate input tax deduction.

[0008] Even if a registration number is assigned to the issuer of the receipt, if the registration number is not set etc. in the said image forming apparatus, the registration number will not be described in the issued receipt. Also, there may be a case where the image forming apparatus is not configured to print the matters to be described in the receipt. In such a case, for the issued receipt, cumbersome operations such as having an employee handwrite the registration number or the user himself / herself handwrite the registration number instructed by the employee will occur. Also, if there is a misdescription when writing the registration number, there is also a possibility that the user cannot make an appropriate input tax deduction.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus that is controlled so that the payment amount in a single transaction is within a predetermined upper limit amount.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] An image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes an image forming unit that executes image forming processing in response to a user's operation, and 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. The control unit is configured to allow the image forming unit to execute a new image forming process when the payment amount consisting of the usage amount or the accumulation of the usage amounts is less than a predetermined upper limit amount, and not to allow the image forming unit to execute a new image forming process when the amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit amount.

[0011] At the time of filing of the present application, in the sale of goods and the like by vending machines and automatic service machines (where the receipt of payment and the transfer of assets are completed only by the mechanical device), when the usage amount including consumption tax per time is less than 30,000 yen, the issuer is exempted from the obligation to issue a qualified simplified invoice.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined upper limit amount, the control unit does not allow the image forming unit to execute a new image forming process, so that it is possible to avoid the payment amount in one transaction from exceeding the predetermined upper limit amount. At that time, a receipt without a predetermined item such as a registration number can be issued.

[0013] The predetermined upper limit amount refers to an amount set lower than 30,000 yen in order to avoid the possibility that the accumulation of the usage amount exceeds 30,000 yen when a new image forming process is executed after exceeding this amount. For example, when the upper limit of the usage amount corresponding to one image forming process is 10,000 yen, the upper limit amount is set to 20,000 yen or less, for example, 20,000 yen.

[0014] In addition, when the payment amount is less than a predetermined upper limit amount, that is, less than 20,000 yen in the above example, the control unit allows the execution of a new image forming process in the image forming unit, so convenience is ensured.

[0015] The usage amount refers to the usage amount 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%).

[0016] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, when the execution of a new image forming process is allowed in the image forming unit, in order to execute the new image forming process under the same conditions as the immediately preceding image forming process, an operation display unit capable of displaying a repeat button for receiving an operation by the user is provided, and when the payment amount is less than the upper limit amount, the control unit enables the operation display unit to receive an operation by the user on the repeat button, and when the payment amount is greater than or equal to the upper limit amount, it is configured to make the display or behavior on the operation display unit different from when it is less than the upper limit amount. This may be a feature.

[0017] According to the above configuration, when the payment amount is less than the upper limit amount, the control unit can receive an operation by the user on the repeat button on the operation display unit, so that the new image forming process can be easily repeated and executed under the same conditions as the immediately preceding image forming process.

[0018] On the other hand, when there is a possibility that an appropriate receipt cannot be issued, that is, when the payment amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined upper limit amount, by making the display or behavior on the operation display unit different from when it is less than the predetermined upper limit amount, the user can be made to recognize that a new image forming process cannot be executed.

[0019] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, it may be a feature that the control unit is configured to make the repeat button non-displayed when the payment amount is greater than or equal to the upper limit amount.

[0020] According to the above configuration, when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit amount, the control unit can make the user recognize that a new image forming process cannot be executed by making the repeat button non-displayed.

[0021] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to display the repeat button in a manner different from the case where an operation by the user can be accepted when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit amount.

[0022] According to the above configuration, when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit amount, the control unit can make the user recognize that a new image forming process cannot be executed by displaying the repeat button in a manner different from the case where an operation can be accepted.

[0023] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured such that when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit amount, the repeat button is displayed but the operation by the user is not accepted.

[0024] According to the above configuration, when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit amount, the control unit can make the user recognize that a new image forming process cannot be executed by making the repeat button displayed but not accepting the operation by the user.

[0025] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to display the repeat button when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit amount, and to give a notification for alerting the user when the repeat button is operated by the user.

[0026] According to the above configuration, when the payment amount is equal to or higher than the upper limit amount, the control unit causes the repeat button to be displayed, and when the repeat button is operated by the user, notifies the user to draw attention, so that the user can recognize that a new image forming process cannot be executed.

[0027] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, the notification may be made by a message displayed on the operation display unit.

[0028] According to the above configuration, the user can be made to recognize that a new image forming process cannot be executed by a message displayed on the display unit.

[0029] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, after the control unit displays the message on the operation display unit, the control unit is configured to display a screen before the message is displayed on the operation display unit after waiting for a predetermined time to elapse or by an operation of the user.

[0030] According to the above configuration, after the control unit notifies an error by a message, the control unit displays a screen before the message is displayed on the display unit after waiting for a predetermined time to elapse or by an operation of the user, so that the user can perform subsequent operations (for example, an instruction to issue a receipt) with the recognition that a new image forming process cannot be executed.

[0031] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, after the control unit displays a screen before the message is displayed on the operation display unit, the control unit is configured to display an end button that prompts a transition to an end guidance screen.

[0032] According to the above configuration, after the control unit displays a screen before the message is displayed on the display unit, the control unit displays an end button that prompts a transition to an end guidance screen, so that the user can end the image forming process.

[0033] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, after the control unit displays the message on the operation display unit, it is configured to display an end guidance screen on the operation display unit after waiting for a predetermined time or by an operation of the user.

[0034] According to the above configuration, after the control unit notifies an error by a message, it is configured to display an end guidance screen on the display unit after waiting for a predetermined time or by an operation of the user. Therefore, the user can perform subsequent operations (for example, an instruction to issue a receipt) with the recognition that a new image forming process cannot be executed.

[0035] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, it may be characterized in that it includes a sound generation unit, and the notification is made by a sound generated by the sound generation unit.

[0036] According to the above configuration, since the error is notified by a sound generated by the sound generation unit, the user can be made to recognize that a new image forming process cannot be executed. The sound may be something like a warning sound or may be something that reads out a message.

[0037] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, it may be characterized in that it includes an operation display unit capable of displaying a receipt button for receiving an instruction from the user to issue a receipt, and a receipt issuing unit that issues a receipt according to the payment amount, and the control unit is configured to cause the receipt issuing unit to issue a receipt according to the payment amount when the receipt button is pressed by the user.

[0038] According to the above configuration, a receipt is issued when the user presses the receipt button. Users who do not need a receipt can avoid issuing a receipt.

[0039] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, a charging unit for settling 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.

[0040] The charging unit for settling 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. Here, the currency refers to money or paper currency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0042] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components among the embodiments described below, and redundant descriptions of these components are omitted.

[0043] 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, for example.

[0044] 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 copying service, a printing service, a fax service, a scanning service, and an administrative service.

[0045] In the following description, the vertical direction is defined based on the state in which the image forming apparatus 10 is installed so as to be usable as shown in FIG. 1. And the front side in FIG. 1 is defined as the front side of the image forming apparatus 10, and the front-rear 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 on the front side of the image forming apparatus 10 and performs operations.

[0046] In a copying service, for example, the image forming apparatus 10 can read the image of the document specified by the user and copy (print) the 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.

[0047] Printing services include PDF (Portable Document Format) printing service, photo printing service, network printing service, etc.

[0048] In the PDF printing 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 mentioned here include semiconductor media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and SD (Secure Digital) memory cards, and disk media such as CD (Compact Disc) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0049] Also, in the PDF printing service, it is also possible to transfer a PDF file stored in a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet to the image forming apparatus 10 via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and print this. Furthermore, when the portable device has an infrared communication function, it is also possible to transfer the PDF file from the portable device to the image forming apparatus 10 by this infrared communication function and print it.

[0050] In a photo printing service, it is possible to print an image file in a predetermined format stored in the above-described medium. As the paper for printing in this photo printing 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 printing service, a mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet can be used as a source for supplying the image file.

[0051] In a network printing service, it is possible to print a file pre-registered on a dedicated website. Examples of files that can be registered on the dedicated website mentioned here 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.

[0052] In a fax service, fax transmission can be performed. Specifically, an image of a document can be read, the read image can be digitized, and it can be transmitted to an arbitrary fax device as a counterpart device (not shown). Also, in a fax service, it is possible to receive a fax via a relay center (not shown), that is, it is also possible to print the digitized image (image data) received via the relay center.

[0053] In a scanner service, an image of a document can be read, the read image can be digitized, and it can be stored in the above-described external storage medium, particularly a USB memory, by an external storage medium communication unit 32 (see FIG. 2).

[0054] In an administrative service, it is possible to receive the issuance of a predetermined public certificate such as a copy of a resident registry or a certificate 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 certificate issued by this administrative service is provided in a state printed on plain paper.

[0055] Other services include, for example, a content printing service. In this content printing service, various contents such as bromides and sheet music provided by a content provider accessible by the image forming apparatus 10 can be printed.

[0056] The multifunction peripheral 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, etc. in order to provide these services.

[0057] 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 reflected light is imaged on the light receiving elements of the line sensor by the imaging lens. In the line sensor, the luminance or chromaticity of the reflected light imaged 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The image forming unit 22 forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the photosensitive drum by means of the charging device, the exposure device, etc., and visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum with toner by means of the developing device. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred by the transfer device to a recording medium (sheet P) conveyed from the paper feeding unit 23. After the toner image transferred to the sheet 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.

[0061] However, as the image data for forming an image on the sheet P, the image data read by the image reading unit 21, the image data transmitted from the information processing device, or the image data transmitted from an external computer, etc. are used. Also, the recording medium is not limited to the sheet P made of paper, and sheets other than paper such as OHP films are also used.

[0062] 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 paper feeding cassette 23a, 23a,.... Then, the paper feeding unit 23 uses the paper feeding cassette 23a in which the sheet P selected by the user is accommodated as the paper feeding source, and supplies the sheets to the image forming unit 22 one by one from the paper feeding source.

[0063] The paper discharge tray 24 is a tray with 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 sheet P after the image forming process by the image forming unit 22, that is, a so-called printed matter, is discharged to this paper discharge tray 24. Note that the paper discharge tray 24 may be a tray with an out-body paper discharge structure provided outside the housing of the multifunction machine 20.

[0064] 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 means of at least one of currency, electronic money, credit card, and prepaid card. Note that currency refers to coins or banknotes.

[0065] In this 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 front of the multifunction machine 20. Note that the multifunction machine 20 and the charging unit 30 may have independent casings, or may share a casing.

[0066] The charging unit 30 is provided with an operation display unit 31 for receiving input operations such as print 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. 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 provided separately.

[0067] 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 effective range and outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch operation to the control unit 100.

[0068] When the user selects functions such as printing, copying, scanning, and FAX transmission / reception or sets image formation processing through 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.

[0069] The charging unit 30 is communicably connected to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 2) either 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.

[0070] 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, a paper piece discharge port 39, and the like.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The control unit 100 causes the operation display unit 31 to receive, for example, print settings regarding a print job before the start of the print job. Then, the control unit 100 sets the print usage amount based on the content of the print settings received by the operation display unit 31. Note that usage amount information indicating the correspondence between the print settings and the print usage amount is stored in advance in the storage unit 101.

[0073] The control unit 100 refers to the usage amount information stored in the storage unit 101 and charges the user a print usage amount corresponding to the content of the print settings. For example, the operation display unit 31 receives from the user settings such as the number of printed copies, the resolution, and color printing / monochrome printing. The higher the number of printed copies, the higher the print usage amount. The higher the resolution, the higher the print usage amount. Also, color printing has a higher print usage amount than monochrome printing.

[0074] The operation display unit 31 displays a menu screen (see FIG. 5) as an initial screen. On the menu screen, an operation for selecting any one of a plurality of items including a copy service is received. 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 for paying the print usage amount of the print job in currency or by electronic payment is received.

[0075] When the operation display unit 31 receives an instruction to pay the usage fee of the copy service in currency, the control unit 100 deducts the printing usage fee from the amount deposited in the charging unit 30.

[0076] 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 fee corresponding to the content of the service from the input amount. Thereby, currency settlement is performed.

[0077] The external storage medium communication unit 32 is an example of external storage medium communication means. That is, the external storage medium communication unit 32 is responsible for two-way communication with the aforementioned media. For this reason, although detailed illustration is omitted, the external storage medium communication unit 32 has a mounting unit on which each medium can be mounted.

[0078] In addition, the external storage 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.

[0079] The coin insertion slot 33 is an example of currency reception means. That is, the coin insertion slot 33 receives the insertion of the currency when the usage fee (price) for using the image forming apparatus 10 is settled in currency. The banknote insertion slot 34 is also an example of currency reception means and receives the insertion (insertion) of banknotes.

[0080] 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 unit (not shown), and the input amount is calculated according to the types and numbers of the coins and banknotes stored in the currency storage unit.

[0081] The operation display unit 31 displays the input amount of the currency received by the coin insertion slot 33 and the banknote insertion slot 34, and strictly speaking, displays the current available balance (input amount) (that is, the balance that can be used for settlement of the usage fee).

[0082] When copying, printing, etc. are executed in the image forming apparatus 10, the charge corresponding 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. Also, when the change return lever is operated, coins or banknotes are returned according to the remaining amount.

[0083] The change return lever 35 is an operator that is operated (pressed) when it is desired to return currency, particularly change, according to the effective inserted amount at the current time. The change return lever 35 is provided near the coin insertion slot 33.

[0084] When the change return lever 35 is operated while there is the remaining balance, currency corresponding to the remaining balance, that is, change, is returned. When the change includes coins, the coins are returned from the coin return opening 36. When the change includes banknotes, the banknotes are returned from the banknote insertion slot 34.

[0085] In addition, when the change return lever 35 is operated without any service being provided by the image forming apparatus 10 after 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 the currency processing unit 40 (see FIG. 2).

[0086] Also, the charging unit 30 can perform electronic money settlement using the short-range communication unit 37 instead of or in addition to 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 image formation by the multifunction machine 20 with electronic money.

[0087] The short-range communication unit 37 performs wireless non-contact data communication with communication targets such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card and a mobile terminal (feature phone, smartphone, tablet PC, etc.) according to a predetermined communication standard. The communication range of the short-range communication unit 37 is about several cm to several m. The IC card includes the aforementioned 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 IC card such as an electronic money card (not shown), and is, for example, recessed.

[0088] 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 the fee corresponding to the content of the provided service or the like is subtracted from the remaining balance of the electronic money, and the service or the like is provided by completing the settlement. The predetermined electronic money cards referred to here include a plurality of types that are predetermined (so to speak, in partnership) regardless of whether they are prepaid cards (prepaid cards), immediate settlement cards (debit cards), or post-settlement cards (post-paid cards).

[0089] The photo discharge port 38 is a discharge port through which the photo as the result in the aforementioned photo printing service is discharged, and is connected to the paper discharge unit of the photo printer 42 (see FIG. 2).

[0090] The photo printer 42 (see FIG. 2) is, for example, a sublimation printer or an inkjet printer, and is used for providing the aforementioned 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 sizes, L size and 2L size, are prepared. These two types of photo papers are stored in a paper storage unit (not shown) provided in the photo printer 42.

[0091] The paper sheet discharge port 39 is a discharge port through which paper sheets such as receipts are discharged, and is connected to the paper discharge unit of the paper sheet printer 43 (see FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, the photo discharge port 38 and the paper sheet discharge port 39 are shared.

[0092] The paper sheet printer 43 is, for example, a thermal (heat-sensitive) printer or a dot impact printer, and issues paper sheets such as receipts, receipts, and coupon tickets. That is, the paper sheet printer 43 prints an appropriate character string, image, etc. on a roll paper (not shown) and issues the printed paper sheet. This paper sheet is discharged from a paper discharge unit (not shown) of the paper sheet printer 43 and is ultimately discharged from the paper sheet discharge port 39.

[0093] 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.

[0094] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 2, a storage unit 101 is connected to the control unit 100 in addition to the above-described operation display unit 31, image reading unit 21, short-range communication unit 37, media reading unit 41, image forming unit 22, photo printer 42, paper sheet printer 43, external storage medium communication unit 32, etc.

[0095] The control unit 100 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, and RAM, etc., and controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The CPU executes various processes according to the programs stored in the ROM.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The image data storage area stores image data. The setting information storage area stores setting information that can be set for the image forming process executed by the multifunction machine 20. The "setting information that can be set" is information that can be arbitrarily set by the user, and examples thereof include "number of printed sheets", "paper size", "color or monochrome", "single-sided printing or double-sided printing", "necessity of stapling", and the like.

[0098] The charging information storage area stores charging information for calculating the charge amount for the image forming process executed by the multifunction machine 20. The payment means information storage area stores information regarding payment means that can be used when the 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.

[0099] 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, namely currency payment and electronic money payment.

[0100] Based on FIGS. 3 and 5 to 9, the behavior of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. For example, it is assumed 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 (which may also be referred to as a "menu screen" or a "portal screen"), which is a basic operation screen as shown in FIG. 5, is displayed on the operation display unit 31.

[0101] On this home screen 50, buttons 51 as operation elements for the aforementioned copy service, buttons 52 as operation elements for the print service, buttons 53 as operation elements for the fax service, buttons 54 as operation elements for the scan service, buttons 55 as operation elements for the administrative service, and buttons 56 as operation elements for other services are appropriately arranged.

[0102] 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 a 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] On the setting screen 60, there are appropriately arranged 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, and the like.

[0105] On this setting screen 60, according to the operation of each button 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66 by the user, settings necessary for copying, such as printing conditions such as the type of original, paper size, and number of copies, are made.

[0106] When the user operates 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 appropriately arranged 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 a 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 to copy the set number of copies, and the like. On the payment method selection screen 70, the usage amount corresponding to the number of copies set by the user is determined.

[0107] 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. In addition, in order to execute a copy job by the multifunction machine 20, it is a condition that a copy usage amount is 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.

[0108] When there is a balance equal to or greater than the usage amount required in the currency processing unit 40, on the condition that the user presses button 74, a control signal is transmitted to the multifunction machine 20 to execute a printing process (step S3 in FIG. 3).

[0109] When the printing process is being executed, a copying screen 80 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the operation display unit 31. On the copying screen 80, there are appropriately arranged a display 81 prompting the user to wait so as not to leave the image forming apparatus 10, a button 82 as an operator for canceling the printing process, a button 83 as an operator for setting whether to print a receipt or not, and the like.

[0110] When the printing process is executed, the control unit 100 transmits a control signal to the currency processing unit 40 of the charging unit 30 to calculate the usage amount corresponding to the executed copy job (step S4 in FIG. 3).

[0111] In step S5 of FIG. 3, when the payment amount consisting of the usage amount or the accumulated usage amount is less than a predetermined upper limit amount, the control unit 100 subtracts the usage amount from the balance and allows the multi-function machine 20 to execute a new image forming process. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the usage amount corresponding to one image forming process is 10,000 yen, and the upper limit amount is set to 20,000 yen.

[0112] When it is less than the upper limit amount, a completion report screen 90 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the operation display unit 31. On the completion report screen 90, buttons 91 as operation elements for continuing with the same settings as the most recent copy, buttons 92 as operation elements for ending the copy, buttons 93 as operation elements for setting whether to print a receipt, etc. are appropriately arranged. In step S6 of FIG. 3, by operating the button 91, it is allowed to continue with the same settings as the most recent copy.

[0113] In step S7 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether the button 91 or the button 92 has been operated on the completion report screen 90. When the button 91 is operated, since the copy function is subsequently used, the process returns to step S1 of FIG. 3, and steps S1 to S7 of FIG. 3 are repeated. When the user selects the button 92 to end the use of the service on the completion report screen 90 (step S7 of FIG. 3), the process proceeds to step S8 of FIG. 3, and an end guidance screen (not shown) is displayed. On the end guidance screen, for example, when printing of a receipt is instructed, a message prompting receipt of the receipt and, when there is a balance in the money processing unit 40, a message prompting operation of the change return lever are displayed.

[0114] On the other hand, in step S5 of FIG. 3, when the payment amount consisting of the usage amount or the accumulated usage amount becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit amount, the control unit 100 does not allow the multi-function machine 20 to execute a new image forming process. After displaying the in-copy screen 80, the process proceeds to step S8 of FIG. 3 as described above.

[0115] In this way, when the payment amount is equal to or more than a predetermined upper limit amount, in the above example, when it is 20,000 yen or more, the control unit 100 does not allow the execution of a new image forming process in the multifunction machine 20, so that it is possible to avoid the payment amount in a single transaction from becoming equal to or more than the predetermined upper limit amount. Therefore, even when issuing a receipt by operating the buttons 73, 83, and 93, it is possible to issue a receipt without a predetermined item such as a registration number being described. On the other hand, when the payment amount is less than the predetermined upper limit amount, in the above example, when it is less than 20,000 yen, since the control unit 100 allows the execution of a new image forming process in the multifunction machine 20, convenience is ensured.

[0116] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. In the description of Embodiment 2, configurations different from those of Embodiment 1 described above will be described, and the descriptions in Embodiment 1 will be incorporated for the same configurations.

[0117] In Embodiment 2, when the payment amount is equal to or more than the upper limit amount, the control unit 100 is configured to make the button 91 displayed on the completion report screen 90 as shown in FIG. 9, which is displayed to receive an operation by the user on the operation display unit 31 when the payment amount is less than the upper limit amount, non-displayed.

[0118] Specifically, in Embodiment 2, when the payment amount is less than the upper limit amount, the control unit 100 does not transition to the completion report screen 90 as shown in FIG. 9, but transitions to the completion report screen 90a as shown in FIG. 10.

[0119] On the completion report screen 90a, the button 91 as an operator for continuing with the same settings as the most recent copy displayed on the operation display unit 31 on the completion report screen 90 is non-displayed (the location where the button 91 should be displayed is displayed in the same color as the background color). Therefore, on the completion report screen 90a, the user has no choice but to select the button 92 to end the use of the service, and proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 3, and a termination guidance screen (not shown) is displayed.

[0120] On the end guidance screen, for example, when printing a receipt is instructed, a message prompting the user to receive the receipt is displayed, and when there is a balance in the money processing unit 40, a message prompting the operation of the change return lever is displayed.

[0121] In this way, when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit amount, the control unit 100 can cause the user to recognize that a new image forming process cannot be executed by displaying the button 91 for receiving an operation by the user on the operation display unit 31 in a manner that the user cannot recognize.

[0122] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described. In the description of Embodiment 3, configurations different from those in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 described above will be described, and the descriptions in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 will be incorporated for the same configurations.

[0123] In Embodiment 3, when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit amount, the control unit 100 causes the button 91 displayed on the completion report screen 90 as shown in FIG. 9 for receiving an operation by the user on the operation display unit 31 when the payment amount is less than the upper limit amount to be displayed in a manner different from the case where the operation can be received.

[0124] Specifically, in Embodiment 3, when the payment amount is less than the upper limit amount, the control unit 100 transitions to a completion report screen 90b as shown in FIG. 11 without transitioning to a completion report screen 90 as shown in FIG. 9, for example.

[0125] On the completion report screen 90b, although a button 91 as an operator for continuing with the same settings as the most recent copy displayed on the operation display unit 31 in the completion report screen 90 is displayed, the operation is not accepted even if the user presses it. At this time, the color of the button 91 on the completion report screen 90b may be displayed lighter than the color of the button 91 on the completion report screen 90, or may be displayed in a different color. Therefore, on the completion report screen 90b, the user selects the button 92 to end the use of the service, or proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 3, and a termination guidance screen (not shown) is displayed.

[0126] On the termination guidance screen, for example, when printing of a receipt is instructed, a message prompting receipt of the receipt, or when there is a balance in the money handling unit 40, a message prompting operation of the change return lever is displayed.

[0127] In this way, when the payment amount is equal to or more than the upper limit amount, the control unit 100 displays the button 91 for accepting an operation by the user on the operation display unit 31 when the amount is less than the upper limit amount, but does not accept the operation by the user, thereby enabling the user to recognize that a new image forming process cannot be executed.

[0128] (Embodiment 4) Next, Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure will be described. In the description of Embodiment 4, different configurations from those of Embodiments 1 to 3 described above will be described, and the descriptions in Embodiments 1 to 3 will be incorporated for the same configurations.

[0129] In Embodiment 4, the control unit 100, similar to Embodiment 1, displays a button 91 as an operator for continuing with the same settings as the most recent copy as the completion report screen 90, a button 92 as an operator for ending the copy, a button 93 as an operator for setting whether to print a receipt, etc. (see FIG. 9).

[0130] However, in the fourth embodiment, a button 91 as an operator for continuing with the same settings as the most recent copy displayed on the operation display unit 31 is displayed on the completion report screen 90, but when the button 91 is operated by the user, a notification for alerting the user is given. As shown in FIG. 12, for alerting, a message window 90c such as "Cannot continue to be used because the upper limit amount has been reached." is displayed on the completion report screen 90. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the fourth embodiment, as in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, when the upper limit amount has been reached in step S5 of FIG. 4, the message window 90c is displayed (step S9 of FIG. 4). Therefore, the user has no choice but to check the message displayed in the message window 90c and press the OK button 94.

[0131] When the user presses the OK button 94, the control unit 100 causes the operation display unit 31 to display the completion report screen 90 (see FIG. 9). Note that the transition to the completion report screen 90 after the message window 90c is displayed may be performed by the user's operation as described above, or may be configured to be automatically performed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0132] Thereafter, when the user presses the button 92 to end the use of the service (see FIG. 9), the process proceeds to step S8 of FIG. 4, and an end guidance screen (not shown) is displayed. That is, the button 92 is the "end button that prompts a transition to the end guidance screen" in the claims. On the end guidance screen, for example, when printing of a receipt is instructed, a message prompting receipt of the receipt, or when there is a balance in the money processing unit 40, a message prompting operation of the change return lever is displayed.

[0133] In this way, when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit amount, the control unit 100 causes the operation display unit 31 to display a button 91 for receiving an operation by the user when the amount is less than the upper limit amount. When the button is operated by the user, a notification for alerting the user is given. Specifically, by displaying a message, the user can be made to recognize that a new image forming process cannot be executed.

[0134] (Embodiment 5) Next, Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure will be described. Embodiment 5 is a modified form of Embodiment 4.

[0135] Similar to the image forming apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 4, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 5, the control unit 100, similar to Embodiment 1, has a button 91 as an operator for continuing with the same settings as the most recent copy as a completion report screen 90, a button 92 as an operator for ending the copy, a button 93 as an operator for setting whether to print a receipt, etc. displayed (see FIG. 9).

[0136] Also in the image forming apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 5, the button 91 as an operator for continuing with the same settings as the most recent copy displayed on the operation display unit 31 in the completion report screen 90 is displayed. When the button 91 is operated by the user, a notification for alerting the user is given. As shown in FIG. 12, for alerting, a message window 90c such as "Cannot continue to be used because the upper limit amount has been reached." is displayed in the completion report screen 90. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 5, as in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, in step S5 of FIG. 4, when the upper limit amount has been reached, the message window 90c is displayed (step S9 of FIG. 4). Therefore, the user has no choice but to check the message displayed in the message window 90c and press the OK button 94.

[0137] However, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the fifth embodiment, the behavior after the user presses the OK button 94 is different from that of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the fourth embodiment. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the fifth embodiment, the control unit 100 displays an end guidance screen without displaying the completion report screen 90 on the operation display unit 31 (see FIG. 9). Note that the transition to the end guidance screen after the message window 90c is displayed may be performed by the user's operation as described above, or may be configured to be automatically performed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0138] (Embodiment 6) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The sixth embodiment is a modified form of the fourth and fifth embodiments.

[0139] In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the fourth and fifth embodiments, when the button 91 on the completion report screen 90 is operated by the user, as a notification for alerting the user, as shown in FIG. 12, in the completion report screen 90, a message window 90c such as "You cannot continue to use because the upper limit amount has been reached." is displayed. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the fifth embodiment, as in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, in step S5 of FIG. 4, when the upper limit amount has been reached, the message window 90c is displayed (step S9 of FIG. 4).

[0140] On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the sixth embodiment, when the button 91 on the completion report screen 90 is operated by the user, as a notification for alerting the user, a voice such as "You cannot continue to use because the upper limit amount has been reached." is generated in the completion report screen 90. In order to realize this, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a sound generation unit, and the sound generation unit is connected to the control unit 100. Note that the notification by the sound may be voice as described above, or may be simply a warning sound or the like.

[0141] 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 there is no contradiction. Also, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative, 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

[0142] 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 according to a user operation; and 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, wherein the control unit is configured to allow the image forming unit to execute a new image forming process when a payment amount consisting of the usage amount or an accumulation of the usage amounts is less than a predetermined upper limit amount, and not to allow the image forming unit to execute a new image forming process when the upper limit amount is reached or exceeded. An image forming apparatus characterized by this.

2. When execution of a new image forming process is allowed in the image forming unit, an operation display unit capable of displaying a repeat button for receiving an operation by the user to execute the new image forming process under the same conditions as the immediately preceding image forming process, The control unit, when the payment amount is less than the upper limit amount, is configured to be able to receive an operation by the user on the repeat button in the operation display unit, when the payment amount is greater than or equal to the upper limit amount, is configured to make the display or behavior in the operation display unit different from when the payment amount is less than the upper limit amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The control unit is configured to make the repeat button non-displayable when the payment amount is greater than or equal to the upper limit amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by this.

4. The control unit is configured to display the repeat button in a manner different from when the user can operate it when the payment amount is greater than or equal to the upper limit amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by this.

5. The control unit is configured to display the repeat button but not to receive an operation by the user when the payment amount is greater than or equal to the upper limit amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by this.

6. The control unit is configured to display the repeat button and, when the repeat button is operated by the user when the payment amount is greater than or equal to the upper limit amount, to give a notification to alert the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by this.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the notification is made by a message displayed on the operation display unit.

8. After the control unit displays the message on the operation display unit, the control unit is configured to display a screen before the message is displayed on the operation display unit after waiting for a predetermined time to elapse or by an operation of the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that.

9. After the control unit displays a screen before the message is displayed on the operation display unit, the control unit is configured to display an end button that prompts a transition to an end guidance screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that.

10. After the control unit displays the message on the operation display unit, the control unit is configured to display an end guidance screen on the operation display unit after waiting for a predetermined time to elapse or by an operation of the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that.

11. Comprising a sound generation unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the notification is made by a sound generated by the sound generation unit.

12. An operation display unit capable of displaying a receipt button for receiving an instruction from the user to issue a receipt, and a receipt issuing unit for issuing a receipt according to the payment amount, When the receipt button is pressed by the user, the control unit is configured to cause the receipt issuing unit to issue a receipt according to the payment amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

13. Comprising a charging unit for settling the payment amount, 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. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

Images