Image Processing Device

Abstract

To provide a screen that is easy to use when copying is selected as one option of executable services.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus comprises an image forming unit that performs image formation, an operating unit that has a touch panel and displays an operating screen, and a control section that controls the image forming unit and an operating unit. The control section causes the operating unit to display a user authentication screen for receiving a user's log-in, after receiving a user operation to the user authentication screen, causes the operating unit to display a copying setting screen including a copying start button for receiving the start of copying, when receiving an operation to the copying start button, starts copying, upon completion of copying, causes the operating unit to display a leave-behind warning screen for warning the user not to leave behind a document placed on a document platen, and when a log-out condition is reached while the leave-behind warning screen is displayed, executes log-out processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus in which an authenticated user sets and charges for a job relating to image processing. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known image processing devices that are installed in public places such as convenience stores and public facilities and provide image processing-related services, such as copying, printing, issuing certificates and tickets, image scanning, and image transmission, for a fee. These image processing devices perform payment processing for the provided service each time the service is provided. In other words, the user pays for the service each time the service is provided. Many of them allow users to choose from a variety of payment methods, including cash, electronic money, credit cards, prepaid cards, and payment with points earned under a point system.

[0003] In addition to the payment method, there are several payment methods that can be selected based on who pays the fee, i.e., the type of party to be charged. The most common payment method is the one in which the user pays the fee individually (hereinafter referred to as individual charging in this specification). In contrast, there is a payment method in which when a user uses a service as a business, the corporation or other entity performing the business pays the fee (hereinafter referred to as corporate charging in this specification). Corporate charging is a system in which corporate or other users create individual accounts, and charging processes and settlements are made to those accounts.

[0004] The purpose of corporate billing is similar to the billing method for an image processing device installed in, for example, a business establishment and used by employees of that establishment. That is, the employees use the image processing device for work. The image processing device stores usage records within the image processing device. Furthermore, the usage records may be transmitted to an external management device connected in a communicable manner, and the management device may tally up the usage records of the image processing device within the establishment. Billing is based on the usage records and is levied against the business establishment. Billing is not levied against the employees who use the image processing device.

[0005] Corporate billing differs from billing for image processing devices within a business premises described above in that corporate billing is premised on user authentication. In business premises, image processing devices are usually only accessible to employees of the business premises, so user authentication is not mandatory but optional. In the case of image processing devices installed in public places, they are used by an unspecified number of people. Therefore, billing management will not be possible unless user authentication is performed and only authenticated users are allowed to use corporate billing. For this reason, users of corporate billing (for example, businesses) obtain a unique user ID and password by entering into a usage contract.

[0006] An employee or the like who performs work for the business uses the acquired user ID and password to log in to an image processing device installed in a public place. Then, the employee executes a job related to an image processing service, such as copying, printing, or image scanning. The image processing device sends information related to the usage record of the job executed while logged in to an external management device connected to the image processing device so as to be able to communicate with the image processing device. The management device tallys up the usage record for each user ID and charges the user associated with the user ID. In recent years, telecommuting has become more common, and it is expected that the use of corporate billing will increase.

[0007] Regarding billing management for image processing devices installed in public places, the following technology is known, for example. This technology controls image formation processing by linking a department management function that manages usage for each user department with a billing function using an external billing device. More specifically, the main control unit judges whether the total number of sheets used and the requested number of sheets that correspond to a department ID code exceeds the limit number that corresponds to the department ID code. If the limit number is exceeded, the operation display unit displays a message that the requested number of sheets exceeds the limit number, the number of sheets that has exceeded the limit, and the amount for printing the excess number of sheets (excess amount), thereby urging the user to insert the excess amount into the external billing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-219481 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, for example, when printing documents to be submitted for business purposes at corporate billing, there may be cases where a copy of the submitted documents is to be kept. Conventionally, however, corporate billing and personal billing had to be executed as separate jobs. Therefore, after performing user authentication and printing a document at corporate billing, the user had to log out once and then perform the operations related to printing the document again from the beginning at personal billing. Even though it was the same document, i.e., the same image data, and the same print job, the billing methods were different, so it was necessary to redo it as a separate job, which made the operation cumbersome.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to make it possible, when a payment method involving user authentication is selected to execute a job, to easily execute the job using another payment method. In other words, it makes it possible to allocate charges to different parties with a simple operation when executing a job. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention provides an image processing device comprising: an authentication unit that performs user authentication; an operation unit that provides an operation screen for an authenticated user to set up and charge for a job related to image processing; a job control unit that displays on the operation screen an option of whether to charge for the job using a second payment method different from the first payment method in addition to or instead of a first payment method linked to the user authentication, and performs charging processing for the job in accordance with the selection; and an image processing unit that executes the job based on the set and selected charging processing under the control of the job control unit.

[0012] Also, from a different perspective, the present invention provides an image processing method including the steps of: a computer performing user authentication; providing an operation screen for the authenticated user to set up and charge for a job related to image processing; displaying on the operation screen an option of whether to charge for the job using a second payment method different from the first payment method in addition to or instead of a first payment method linked to the user authentication; performing charging processing for the job in accordance with the selection; and executing the job using an image processing unit. Effect of the Invention

[0013] The image processing device of the present invention is equipped with a job control unit that displays on an operation screen an option of whether or not to charge for a job using a second payment method different from the first payment method, in addition to or instead of a first payment method linked to user authentication, and performs charging processing for the job in accordance with the selection.Therefore, when a payment method involving user authentication is selected to execute a job, the job can easily be performed using another payment method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the image forming system shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (general portal screen). [Figure 4] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (user authentication screen). FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (corporate billing portal screen); [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (color selection screen). [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (single-sided / double-sided selection screen); [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (paper size selection screen). [Figure 9] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (original reading screen); FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (image confirmation screen). FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (corporate billing confirmation screen); [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (corporate / individual billing confirmation screen); [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (screen during copying); [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (copy completion screen); [Figure 15] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (login continuation screen). [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1 (final screen); [Figure 17] 12 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the corporate / individual setting confirmation screen shown in FIG. 11; [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the control unit in this embodiment (first processing part). [Figure 19] 5 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the control unit in this embodiment (a second processing part). [Figure 20] 6 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the control unit in this embodiment (third processing part). [Figure 21]11 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the control unit in this embodiment (fourth processing part). [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the control unit in this embodiment (a fifth processing part). [Diagram 23] 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the control unit in this embodiment (a sixth processing part). [Figure 24] 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the control unit in this embodiment (a sixth processing part). [Diagram 25] 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the control unit in this embodiment (a seventh processing part). [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the control unit in this embodiment (an eighth processing part). [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the control unit in this embodiment (a ninth processing part). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. (Embodiment 1) Configuration of the image forming system First, the image forming system in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system including a multifunction device, a money handling machine, a receipt printer, and a photo paper printer as one aspect of an image forming system in this embodiment. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the external appearance of the image forming system shown in Fig. 1.

[0016] 1, a multifunction peripheral 101 constituting a part of an image forming system 100 includes an operation unit 102, a scanner unit 15, a control unit 11, a data storage unit 30, a communication interface circuit 24, and an image forming unit 13. The operation unit 102 includes an operation detection element 10, a display element 12, and an operation control circuit 21. The data storage unit 30 includes a ROM 30m and a RAM 30d. The image forming unit 13 includes an image processing circuit 20, an image forming unit 13d, and a paper transport unit 13t. Located adjacent to the left of the multifunction device 101 is a cabinet housing a cash handling machine 105, receipt printer 110, and photo paper printer 120. The photo paper printer 120 prints on photo paper. The printed photo paper is discharged to a photo paper outlet 121. The cash handling machine 105 includes a short-range wireless communication interface circuit 105d that communicates with an IC card or the like equipped with a short-range wireless communication chip.

[0017] 2, the operation unit 102 of the multifunction device 101 is provided on the front side for easy operation by the user. The operation unit 102 also includes a display element 12 and an operation detection element 10 including a touch panel or the like that receives user operations on the display element 12. The control unit 11 recognizes a signal indicating an input operation to the operation detection element 10 . The display element 12 is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The display element 12 displays information related to the state of the multifunction device 101 and operations received by the operation detection element 10. The operation control circuit 21 generates and displays the content to be displayed on the display element 12 according to instructions from the control unit 11. It also notifies the control unit 11 of operations detected by the operation detection element 10.

[0018] 3 to 16 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display element 12 of the operation unit 102. Fig. 3 shows an example of a screen (general portal screen) that displays services that can be executed by the image forming system 100 and allows the user to select one of the services. The image forming system 100 executes the selected service in response to a user touching any of the buttons displayed on the general portal screen shown in Fig. 3. That is, the operation detection element 10 detects the user's touch operation, and the control unit 11 recognizes the touch operation and controls the image forming unit 13, the scanner unit 15, the communication interface circuit 24, etc. to execute the selected service.

[0019] Returning to the explanation of the multifunction peripheral 101, The control unit 11 recognizes the state of each part of the multifunction device 101 and controls its operation. Specifically, it is composed of hardware resources such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit; hereinafter, for simplicity, in this specification, CPU and MPU are collectively referred to as CPU), built-in memory, an input / output interface circuit, a timer circuit, etc. The CPU executes an image processing program stored in the memory to realize functions related to image formation of the multifunction device 101, such as reading an image of an original and printing an image. The control unit 11 also accepts user operations on the operation detection element 10 and controls the screen of the display element 12.

[0020] From a functional standpoint related to the processing executed by the CPU, the control unit 11 includes a reading job control unit 11r that executes control related to the reading of images, a printing job control unit 11p that executes control related to the printing of images, and a user interface control unit 11u that controls the display and operation of the operation unit 102. In addition to the built-in memory, the control unit 11 also accesses the ROM 30m and RAM 30d of the data storage unit 30. An example of hardware constituting the ROM 30m is a flash memory. The CPU reads out the control program stored in the non-volatile memory 11m and loads it in the RAM 30d as appropriate. Then, it executes processing according to the control program loaded in the RAM 30d. Then, it controls the hardware included in the multifunction device 101. It also controls operations and displays. It also controls communication with external devices via the communication interface circuit 24. That is, the software resources and hardware resources work together to realize functions related to image formation, such as printing processing.

[0021] The control unit 11 and the image forming unit 13, and the control unit 11 and the scanner unit 15 are each connected so as to be able to transfer data. 2, the multifunction device 101 includes a scanner unit 15. The scanner unit 15 reads an image of a document placed on a platen under the control of the control unit 11 and converts the image into an image signal. That is, it executes image reading processing for copy, fax, and scanner jobs. The image processing circuit 20 generates image data based on an image signal output by the scanner unit 15. Alternatively, the image processing circuit 20 generates image data for printing based on print data received via the communication interface circuit 24. The generated image data is then printed by the image forming unit 13, or transmitted to an external device via the communication interface circuit 24.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction device 101 includes four paper trays 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d and a discharge tray . The paper trays 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d accommodate sheets of various sizes, for example, A4, A3, B5, and B4. Under the control of the control unit 11, the paper transport unit 13t feeds and transports a sheet stored in one of the paper trays.

[0023] Image forming unit 13d prints the specified image data on a sheet fed from any one of paper trays 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d under the control of control unit 11. Examples of print jobs related to printing include those related to printing as a printer, those related to printing as a copy, and those related to printing received faxes. The paper transport section 13t transports the sheet printed by the image forming section 13d to the discharge tray 18 and discharges it. The communication interface circuit 24 is an interface for communicating data with external devices via a network.

[0024] <Overview of operation flow> Next, an outline of the operation flow of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 16, taking a copy job as an example. Fig. 3 is an example of a screen (general portal screen) that displays services that can be executed by the image forming system 100 and waits for the user to select and instruct the service. As shown in Fig. 3, the image forming system 100 can execute printing related to content and printing of tickets in addition to the services of copying, printing, faxing, scanning, and administrative services (printing of identification documents such as resident's certificates).

[0025] Furthermore, the general portal screen has a "Corporate Service" button 201. In response to a user's touch of the "Corporate Service" button 201, the control unit 11, functioning as the user interface control unit 11u, causes the operation unit 102 (more specifically, the display element 12) to display a user authentication screen (see FIG. 4) relating to corporate billing. When a login name (i.e., user ID) and password (login password) are entered on the user authentication screen in Fig. 4 and the "Next" button 203 is touched, the control unit 11 performs user authentication in response to the operation. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display a corporate billing portal screen (see Fig. 5). After that, until you log out, basically the service fee is charged based on corporate billing. However, a characteristic feature of this embodiment is that you can use individual billing in addition to corporate billing without logging out, or you can temporarily switch to individual billing. This process will be described later.

[0026] The operation flow for corporate billing services is as follows. In the following, in this embodiment, "simple copy" will be taken as an example of a corporate billing service, but the flow is similar for other services. Here, other services are services that can be selected other than "simple copy" on the corporate billing portal screen shown in FIG. 5. For example, "Print and scan with smartphone," "Various copies," and "Network print" are other services. When the "simple copy" button 207 is touched on the corporate billing portal screen shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to sequentially display a series of setting screens relating to the copy job and accepts the settings. As the first setting screen, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display a color selection screen (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, full color, black and white, and single color can be selected as the type of color to be printed. For single color, one of six colors, red, green, blue, light blue, magenta, and yellow, is selected. At the bottom of the color selection screen, a bar display showing the progress of the setting menu in stages (five stages in the example shown in FIGS. 6 to 16) and a deposited amount column showing the amount accepted by the money handling machine 105 are displayed. These are also displayed on the screens of FIGS. 7 to 16.

[0027] When a color is selected on the color selection screen, the control unit 11 then causes the operation unit 102 to display a single-sided / double-sided selection screen (see FIG. 7). When either "single-sided" or "double-sided" is selected on the single-sided / double-sided selection screen, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display a paper size selection screen (see FIG. 8). When a paper size is selected on the paper size selection screen and the "Next" button 209 is touched, the control unit 11 then causes the document reading screen (see FIG. 9) to be displayed on the operation unit 102. When the "Change Settings" button 211 is touched on the document reading screen, the control unit 11 further accepts changes to the settings for each of the items "Document Type", "Border Erase", "Reduce Show-through", and "Slightly Smaller".

[0028] When the "Read Original" button 213 is touched on the original reading screen, the control unit 11 reads the original placed on the platen based on the settings made up to that point, and displays an image confirmation screen (see FIG. 10) on the operation unit 102, causing the read image to be displayed on the image confirmation screen. When the user checks the loaded image on the image confirmation screen and touches the "Next" button 215, the control unit 11 responds by displaying a corporate billing confirmation screen (see FIG. 11) on the operation unit 102. On the corporate billing confirmation screen, a change to the number of copies is accepted. Furthermore, a setting item for "printing at personal charge" 217 is displayed, and a selection is accepted as to whether or not to perform printing at personal charge at the same time. When the "Start Copying" button 219 is touched with the personally charged printing set to "No", the control unit 11 starts printing related to copying and also causes the operation unit 102 to display a copying in progress screen (see FIG. 13).

[0029] When the printing related to the copy is completed, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display a copy completion screen (see FIG. 14). When the “OK” button is touched on the copy completion screen, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display an end screen (see FIG. 16) for a specified period of time, then executes a process to log out from the corporate billing service, and causes the operation unit 102 to display the general portal screen (see FIG. 3). This is an outline of the normal operation flow.

[0030] On the other hand, one characteristic aspect of this embodiment is that printing of personal charges can be selected on the corporate charge confirmation screen (FIG. 11) described above. When printing for personal billing is set to "Yes" on the corporate billing confirmation screen and the "Start Copying" button 219 is touched, the control unit 11 displays the corporate / personal billing confirmation screen (see FIG. 12) on the operation unit 102. On the corporate / personal billing confirmation screen, the number of copies for each of the corporate billing and the personal billing is changed. The number of copies for the corporate billing and the personal billing can also be changed to zero. In the example shown in FIG. 12, "corporate use", i.e., the number of copies for the corporate billing, is 1, and "personal use", i.e., the number of copies for the personal billing, is 1. With this setting, when the cash required for the personal billing is inserted and the "Start Copying" button 223 is touched, one copy of the common document is made for the corporate billing and one copy for the personal billing, making a total of two copies. One of the copies is settled as the corporate billing, and the other is settled as the personal billing.

[0031] <Flowchart> The process executed by the control unit 11 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to a flowchart. 18 to 27 are flowcharts showing examples of processing executed by the control unit 11 in this embodiment. When the multifunction peripheral 101 is powered on, the control unit 11 performs initialization processing after the power is turned on, and then causes the operation unit 102 to display the general portal screen shown in FIG. 3 and waits for instructions from the user (step S11 in FIG. 18).

[0032] The general portal screen is basically a screen for the user to select various services related to personal billing. However, when the "Corporate Service" button 201 on the general portal screen is touched (Yes in step S13), the user authentication screen shown in Fig. 4 is displayed on the operation unit 102 (step S19) and login processing to the corporate billing service is performed. In detail, the login name and password related to the corporate billing service are input on the user authentication screen in Fig. 4, and the process waits for the "Next" button 203 to be touched (step S21). Here, the login name and password are given when the user makes a contract to use the corporate billing service.

[0033] 3 is displayed, if a service other than the "Corporate Service" button 201 is selected (No in step S13, then Yes in step S15), the selected service related to personal billing, such as simple copy, is executed (step S17). Note that the service related to personal billing is not a characteristic process of this embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. When the service selected in step S15 is completed, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S11, displays the general portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform another operation (return to step S11 via step S17). Furthermore, when the general portal screen of Figure 3 is displayed, if the "Corporate Services" button 201 is not touched and no other services are selected (No in step S13 and No in step S15), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S13 and waits for user operation.

[0034] After step S19, when the user authentication screen of FIG. 4 is displayed, if a login name and password related to corporate billing are entered and the "Next" button 203 is touched (Yes in step S21), the control unit 11 determines whether the entered login name and password are registered or not (step S25). On the other hand, if the “End” button is touched on the user authentication screen shown in FIG. 4 (No in step S21 and Yes in step S23), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S11, displays the general portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits again for the user to perform an operation. Furthermore, if the login name and password are not entered on the user authentication screen shown in FIG. 4 and the “End” button has not yet been touched (No in step S21 and then No in step S23), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S21 and waits for user operation.

[0035] After the Yes in step S21, if the input login name and password are determined to be those registered in advance and do not match any of the registered ones (No in step S25), the control unit 11 returns the process to the above-mentioned step S19, and then displays a user authentication screen on the operation unit 102 to request re-entry of the login name and password. Incidentally, to check whether the input login name and password are registered or not, the control unit 11 transmits the input login name and password to a server for managing corporate billing services, which performs the check and receives the result. Here, the server for managing corporate billing services is an external server that stores login names and passwords related to corporate billing services and is connected via the communication interface circuit 24.

[0036] If the login related to corporate billing is successful in step S25 (Yes in step S25), the control unit displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102 (step S31 in FIG. 19) and waits for a user operation. In step S25, as a result of judging whether the input login name and password are registered in advance, if the input login name and password match those registered (Yes in step S25), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S31 shown in Fig. 19. That is, the control unit 11 displays on the operation unit 102 a corporate billing portal screen provided to a user who has logged in to the corporate billing service and waits for an operation by the user.

[0037] The control unit 11 performs the following determination while the corporate billing portal screen of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the "simple copy" button 207 has been touched (step S33). In this embodiment, a detailed description will be given below of an example in which the "simple copy" button 207 has been touched. If another corporate billing service has been selected (No in step S33, then Yes in step S35), the service related to the selected corporate billing is executed (step S37). A detailed description of the other corporate billing services will be given below, but the essence of the characteristic configuration is the same as in the case of simple copy.

[0038] When the selected service is completed in step S37, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform another operation (return to step S31 via step S37). 5 (Yes in step S39 after No in step S35), the control unit 11 performs processing to log out from the corporate billing service (step S41).Then, the control unit 11 returns the processing to step S11 shown in FIG. 18, displays the general portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for an operation by the user.

[0039] 5, if the "Simple Copy" button 207 is not touched, no other corporate billing service is selected, and the "Exit" button is not touched, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S33 and waits for a user operation (No in step S33, No in step S35, and No in step S39). When the "Simple Copy" button 207 is touched on the corporate billing portal screen shown in FIG. 5 (Yes in step S33), the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display the color selection screen shown in FIG. 6 (step S43), and waits for the user to perform an operation related to the selection. 6 is displayed, when an operation to select a color is performed (Yes in step S45), the control unit 11 stores the selected color in the data storage unit 30 as a setting for the selected "simple copy" job (step S47).Then, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S61 shown in Fig. 20, displays the single-sided / double-sided selection screen (see Fig. 7) on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation related to the selection.

[0040] Furthermore, if the “Exit” button is touched on the color selection screen shown in FIG. 6 (No in step S45 and Yes in step S49), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation. Furthermore, if the "Back" button is touched on the color selection screen shown in FIG. 6 (No in step S49, then Yes in step S51), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation.

[0041] 6, if no color has been selected, the "Exit" button has not been touched, or the "Back" button has not been touched, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S45 and waits for a user operation (the path from No in step S45, No in step S49, and No in step S51). 7 is displayed after step S61, if an operation to select one of them is performed (Yes in step S63 in FIG. 20), the control unit 11 stores the selected content in the data storage unit 30 as the setting for the selected "simple copy" job (step S65).Then, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S71, displays a paper size selection screen (see FIG. 8) on the operation unit 102, and waits for a user operation.

[0042] Furthermore, if the “Exit” button is touched on the single-sided / double-sided selection screen shown in FIG. 7 (No in step S63 and Yes in step S67), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. 19, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation. Furthermore, if the “Back” button is touched on the single-sided / double-sided selection screen shown in FIG. 7 (No in step S67 and Yes in step S69), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S43 shown in FIG. 19, displays the color selection screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation.

[0043] 7, if neither single-sided nor double-sided has been selected, the "Exit" button has not been touched, nor the "Back" button has been touched, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S63 and waits for a user operation (the path from No in step S63, No in step S67, and No in step S69). With the paper size selection screen shown in FIG. 8 being displayed after step S71, the control unit 11 makes the following determination. First, when a paper size is selected and the "Next" button 209 is touched (Yes in step S73), the control unit 11 stores the selected paper size in the data storage unit 30 as a setting for the selected "simple copy" job (step S75).Then, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S81 shown in Fig. 21, displays a document reading screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for an operation by the user.

[0044] Furthermore, if the “Exit” button is touched on the paper size selection screen shown in FIG. 8 (No in step S73 and Yes in step S77), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. 19, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation. Furthermore, if the “Back” button is touched on the paper size selection screen shown in FIG. 7 (No in step S77 and Yes in step S79), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S61, displays the single-sided / double-sided selection screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation. 8, if no paper size is selected, the "Exit" button is not touched, and the "Back" button is not touched, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S73 and waits for a user operation (the path from No in step S73 to No in step S79 via No in step S77).

[0045] In the state where the document reading screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed after step S81 in FIG. 21, the control unit 11 performs the following determination. First, when the "Change Settings" button 211 is touched, the control unit 11 displays an operation screen (not shown) related to the setting change on the operation unit 102 and accepts a user operation related to the setting change. When the processing related to the setting change is completed, the control unit 11 returns the processing to step S83. Furthermore, if the "Exit" button is touched on the manuscript reading screen shown in FIG. 9 (No in step S83 and Yes in step S87), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. 19, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation. Furthermore, if the "Back" button is touched on the document reading screen shown in FIG. 9 (No in step S87 and Yes in step S89), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S71 shown in FIG. 20, displays the paper size selection screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation.

[0046] 9 is touched (Yes in step S91 after No in step S89), the control unit 11 causes the scanner unit 15 to read the document (step S93). After waiting for the document reading to finish (Yes in step S95), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S101 shown in Fig. 22, displays an image confirmation screen (see Fig. 10) on the operation unit 102, and waits for a user operation. 9, if the "Change Settings" button is not touched, the "Exit" button is not touched, the "Back" button is not touched, and the "Read Original" button 213 is not touched yet, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S83 and waits for a user operation (the path from No in step S83, No in step S87, No in step S89, and No in step S91).

[0047] In the state where the image confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed after step S101, the control unit 11 performs the following determination. First, when rotation of the image by 90 degrees is selected (Yes in step S103), the control unit 11 performs a process of rotating the image of the document displayed on the screen by 90 degrees to the right and displaying it (step S105), and returns the process to step S103. When the "Reload" button is touched on the image confirmation screen shown in Fig. 10, the control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S43 shown in Fig. 19, and causes the color selection screen to be displayed on the operation unit 102. That is, the setting operation related to the simple copy job is accepted from the beginning, and then the document is reloaded.

[0048] Furthermore, if the “Exit” button is touched on the image confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10 (No in step S107 and Yes in step S109), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. 19, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation. Furthermore, if the "Back" button is touched on the image confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10 (No in step S109 and Yes in step S111), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S81 shown in FIG. 21, displays the document reading screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation.

[0049] If the “Next” button 215 is touched on the image confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10 (No in step S111 and Yes in step S113), the control unit 11 advances the processing to step S121 shown in FIG. 23 and causes the corporate billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 11 to be displayed on the operation unit 102. 10, if the 90° rotation is not selected, the "Reload" button is not touched, the "Exit" button is not touched, the "Back" button is not touched, and the "Next" button 215 is not touched yet, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S103 and waits for a user operation (the path from No in step S103, No in step S107, No in step S109, No in step S111, and No in step S113).

[0050] In the state where the corporate billing confirmation screen (see FIG. 11) is displayed through step S121 shown in FIG. 23, the control unit 11 performs the following determination. First, when the number of copies to be printed is changed (Yes in step S123), the control unit 11 updates the display of the number of copies and the total amount according to the changed content (step S125), and then returns the process to step S123. Furthermore, if the “Exit” button is touched on the corporate billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 11 (No in step S123 and Yes in step S127), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. 19, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation. Furthermore, if the “Back” button is touched on the corporate billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 11 (No in step S127 and Yes in step S129), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S101 shown in FIG. 22, displays the image confirmation screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation.

[0051] When the setting related to "Print personal charges" 217 on the corporate charging confirmation screen shown in Fig. 11 is changed from the initial setting of "No" to "Yes" (No in step S129 and Yes in step S131), the control unit 11 changes the display mode of the selected "Yes" button to a mode indicating that it has been selected. Then, the control unit 11 causes the corporate / personal charging confirmation screen shown in Fig. 12 to be displayed on the operation unit 102 (step S141 shown in Fig. 24) and waits for an operation by the user. A distinctive feature of this embodiment is that printing for personal charges can be set in a corporate billing service. In addition, if the "Start Copying" button 219 is touched on the corporate billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 11 advances the processing to step S171 shown in FIG. 25, and causes the copying in progress screen (see FIG. 13) to be displayed on the operation unit 102, starting copying.

[0052] 11, if the number of copies is not changed, the "Exit" button is not touched, the "Retrieve" button is not touched, the settings related to printing for personal charges are not changed, and the "Start Copying" button 219 is not touched, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S123 (the path from No in step S123, No in step S127, No in step S129, No in step S131, and No in step S133). In the state where the corporate / individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed through step S141 shown in FIG. 24, the control unit 11 makes the following determination.

[0053] First, it is determined whether at least one of the number of copies charged to the corporation or the number of copies charged to the individual has been changed. If the setting of the number of copies to be printed has been changed (Yes in step S143), the control unit 11 updates the display of the number of copies and the total amount according to the changed content (step S145). Then, the process returns to step S143. Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the number of copies for corporate use has been set to zero on the corporate / individual billing confirmation screen shown in Fig. 12. According to the settings shown in Fig. 17, even in the corporate billing service, it is possible to set the number of copies for corporate billing to zero so that corporate billing is not performed, and to execute a job with only individual billing. For example, when selecting the "Go to corporate portal screen while remaining logged in" button 227 on the copy completion screen shown in Fig. 14 to copy multiple copies of a document at both corporate and individual charges, some of the documents can be copied at individual charges only. Here, copying is merely one example of a selectable service. Also, copying only at the corporate charge can be performed by selecting "No" for "Print at personal charge" 217 on the corporate charge confirmation screen in Fig. 11. Copying only at the corporate charge can be performed by setting the number of copies for personal use to "zero" on the corporate / personal charge confirmation screen in Fig. 12. Copying here is merely one example of a selectable service. Furthermore, if the “Exit” button is touched on the corporate / individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 (No in step S143 and Yes in step S147), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in FIG. 19, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation. Furthermore, if the "Back" button is touched on the corporate / individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 (No in step S147 and Yes in step S149), the control unit 11 returns the processing to step S121 shown in FIG. 23, displays the corporate billing confirmation screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation.

[0054] 12 is displayed, the control unit 11 determines whether the setting related to the "personal use payment method" has been changed (step S151). If the payment method related to personal billing has been changed, the settlement method related to personal billing is changed to the changed payment method (step S153). The control unit 11 then returns the process to step S143 and waits for an operation from the user. In the example of the corporate / individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12, "cash" has been selected as the "personal use payment method." When the user deposits cash into the coin insertion slot 106 or bill insertion slot 107 of the money handling machine 105, the "deposited amount" on the corporate / individual billing confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 is updated to the amount deposited. FIG. 12 shows that a 50 yen coin has been deposited. As the "total amount" for "personal use" is displayed as 50 yen, the payment for the personal billing is made with the amount deposited, neither over nor under. Therefore, no change is dispensed into the coin return slot 108 after payment. In the example of the corporate / individual billing confirmation screen shown in Figure 12, two payment methods, "cash" and "electronic money," can be selected, but there are other payment methods to choose from, such as credit card, prepaid card, or payment using points earned in a points system.

[0055] Also, it is determined whether the setting related to "print receipt for personal use" has been changed on the corporate / personal billing confirmation screen shown in Fig. 12 (step S155). If a change has been made, the control unit 11 updates the setting related to whether or not to print a receipt for personal billing (step S157), returns the process to step S143, and waits for an operation from the user. Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the "Go to personal use menu screen" button 221 has been touched on the corporate / personal billing confirmation screen shown in Fig. 12 (step S159). If the "Go to personal use menu screen" button 221 has been touched (No in step S155 and Yes in step S159), the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display a setting screen similar to that of the corporate billing service. That is, the control unit 11 causes the operation unit 102 to display setting screens similar to those in Figs. 6 to 8. Then, settings for simple copy related to personal billing are accepted (step S161). When the settings related to personal billing have been accepted, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S141.

[0056] Furthermore, the control unit 11 judges whether or not the "Start copying" button 223 has been touched while the corporate / individual billing confirmation screen shown in Fig. 12 is displayed. If the "Start copying" button 223 has been touched, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S171 shown in Fig. 25, and causes the operation unit 102 to display a copying screen (see Fig. 13) to start copying related to corporate billing and individual billing. On the corporate / individual billing confirmation screen shown in Fig. 12, in the following cases, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S143 and waits for a user operation. That is, in the cases where the number of copies is not changed, neither the "Exit" button nor the "Back" button is touched, the "Personal use payment method" is not changed, and neither "Print receipt for personal billing" is changed. Furthermore, in the cases where neither the "Go to personal use menu screen" button 221 nor the "Start copying" button 223 is touched. (The path of No in step S143, No in step S147, No in step S149, No in step S151, No in step S155, No in step S159, and No in step S163)

[0057] After step S133 shown in FIG. 23 or step S163 shown in FIG. 24, when the "Start Copy" button is touched, the control unit 11 starts printing related to the copy as shown in step S12 of FIG. 25, displays a copying in progress screen (see FIG. 13) on the operation unit 102, and performs the following determination. 13 is displayed and the "Stop Copying" button 225 is pressed (Yes in step S173), the control unit 11 continues printing up to the in-progress print and performs billing processing, while canceling subsequent printing (step S175).Then, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in Fig. 19, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for the user to perform an operation.

[0058] 13 is displayed, the control unit 11 determines whether the setting related to "print receipt for personal use" has been changed (step S177 via No in step S173). If the setting has been changed (step S177: Yes), the control unit 11 updates the setting related to whether or not to print a receipt for personal charging (step S179), returns the process to step S173, and waits for an operation from the user. Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the printing related to the copy is completed (step S181). When the printing is completed (Yes in step S181), the control unit 11 displays a copy completion screen (see FIG. 14) on the operation unit 102 and waits for a user operation. When the copying screen in FIG. 13 is displayed, if the "Stop Copying" button 225 is not touched, the settings related to "Printing Individual Charge Receipt" are not changed, and printing is not yet completed (No in step S173, No in step S177, and No in step S181), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S173.

[0059] In the state where the copy completion screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed after step S183, the control unit 11 performs the following determination. First, it is determined whether or not the "Go to corporate portal screen while remaining logged in" button 227 has been touched. If the "Go to corporate portal screen while remaining logged in" button 227 has been touched (Yes in step S185), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S31 shown in Fig. 19, displays the corporate billing portal screen on the operation unit 102, and waits for an operation by the user. Next, if the “Continue same service” button 229 is touched on the copy completion screen shown in FIG. 4 (No in step S185 and Yes in step S187), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S201 shown in FIG. 26, and causes the operation unit 102 to display the login continuation screen shown in FIG. 15 and waits for user operation.

[0060] Furthermore, the control unit 11 judges whether or not the setting related to "printing a receipt for personal use" has been changed on the copy completion screen of Fig. 14 (step S189). If a change has been made, the control unit 11 updates the setting of whether or not to print a receipt for personal charging (step S191), returns the process to step S183, and waits for an operation from the user. Furthermore, the control unit 11 judges whether or not the "OK" button 231 has been touched on the copy completion screen shown in Fig. 14 (No in step S189, and then step S193). If the "OK" button 231 has been touched (Yes in step S193), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S211 shown in Fig. 27, and causes the operation unit 102 to display the end screen shown in Fig. 16. 14, if neither the "Go to corporate portal screen while logged in" button 227 nor the "Continue same service" button 229 is touched, the setting related to "Print personal charge receipt" is not changed, and the "OK" button 231 is not touched yet, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S183 (the path of No in step S185, No in step S187, No in step S189, and No in step S193).

[0061] In the state where the "Continue same service" button 229 is touched in step S187 and the login continuation screen in FIG. 15 is displayed via step S201 in FIG. 26, the control unit 11 makes the following determination. First, it is determined whether or not the "Continue with the same settings" button 233 has been touched. If the "Continue with the same settings" button 233 has been touched (Yes in step S203), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S81 shown in Fig. 21, and causes the document reading screen in Fig. 9 to be displayed on the operation unit 102. Then, the control unit 11 waits for a user operation related to reading a new document.

[0062] On the other hand, if the “Continue with different settings” button 235 is touched on the login continuation screen of FIG. 15, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S43 shown in FIG. 19, and causes the color selection screen of FIG. 6 to be displayed on the operation unit 102 to accept new settings related to the reading of a new document. If none of the buttons have been touched on the login continuation screen of FIG. 15 (No in step S203 and No in step S205), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S203 and waits for a user operation. Furthermore, when the "OK" button 231 is touched on the copy completion screen of FIG. 14 and the end screen of FIG. 16 is displayed via step S211 shown in FIG. 27, the control unit 11 makes the following determination. First, if a setting has been made to print a receipt, the receipt printer 110 is caused to print a receipt for corporate billing and / or individual billing according to the setting (step S213). The printed receipt is discharged to the receipt printer discharge port 111. The control unit 11 causes the receipt printer 110 to print receipts for corporate billing and receipts for individual billing separately. This is regardless of whether the payment method is the same or different. This is because the entities making the payments are different.

[0063] In this embodiment, the setting of whether or not to print receipts for corporate billing is set in advance by the user when signing a contract for use with corporate billing. The setting of whether or not to print receipts for personal billing is set by the user each time printing is performed using the setting item related to "Print personal receipts" in FIG. When the "Exit" button 237 is touched on the end screen in Fig. 16 (Yes in step S215), or when a predetermined period of time has elapsed (No in step S215, then Yes in 217), the control unit 11 performs processing to log out from the service related to corporate billing (step S219). Then, the processing returns to step S11 shown in Fig. 18, and the general portal screen in Fig. 3 is displayed on the operation unit 102 to wait for a user operation. An example of the predetermined period of time is 60 seconds after printing is completed, but is not limited to this. When the termination screen of FIG. 16 is displayed, if the “Exit” button 237 is not touched and the predetermined period of time has not yet elapsed (path from No in step S215 to No in step S217), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S215. The above is an example of the process executed by the control unit 11 in this embodiment.

[0064] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, when the payment means for both the corporate charge and the individual charge are cash, the control unit 11 displays a screen on the operation unit 102 that prompts the user to select whether to settle the corporate charge and the individual charge separately and give change separately, or to settle the corporate charge and the individual charge together and give change all at once, and waits for user operation. The selection screen may be provided, for example, on the corporate / individual billing confirmation screen in Fig. 12. Alternatively, it may be provided on the copy in progress screen shown in Fig. 13 or the copy completion screen shown in Fig. 14.

[0065] When corporate billing adopts a cash settlement method, the billing recipient corporation or the like may deposit a predetermined amount of necessary expenses in cash in advance with the user who uses the multifunction device 101 (for example, a freelancer who has been commissioned by the corporation or the like). When necessary expenses are paid in advance like this, the user needs to manage the deposited cash separately from his / her personal wallet. Therefore, it is more convenient for the user to receive the change for the corporate bill and the personal bill separately. On the other hand, there are corporations or the like that bill for necessary expenses and pay later. In such cases, the user pays the expenses required for copying etc. from his / her personal wallet in advance, so it is more convenient for the user to receive the change for the corporate bill and the personal bill together. However, receipts are issued separately for the corporate bill and the personal bill. According to this embodiment, the user can select whether to pay the change for the corporate charge and the individual charge separately or in a lump sum, which is convenient because the user can select the method that is most preferable for the user depending on the settlement form of the corporate charge.

[0066] (Embodiment 3) In the first embodiment, all users who use the corporate billing service can select "Yes" or "No" for "Print personal billing" 217 on the corporate billing confirmation screen in FIG. According to this embodiment, among users who use the corporate billing service, printing at a personal charge is prohibited for specific original images or image data, and printing at a personal charge is permitted for other original images or image data. In other words, for specific original images or image data, the item "print at a personal charge" 217 is not displayed on the corporate billing confirmation screen in FIG. 11.

[0067] By predetermining image information that gives an attribute forbidding printing of personal charges, and superimposing and embedding the image information on the document image, it is possible to prohibit "printing of personal charges" for a specific document image. The technique for superimposing and embedding image information on the document image can be realized by utilizing a known technique adopted, for example, in a function for preventing illegal copying of paper currency. Alternatively, by predetermining attribute data that provides an attribute for prohibiting printing at a personal charge and adding that attribute to image data for printing, it is possible to prohibit "printing at a personal charge" for specific image data. The technology for adding an attribute to image data to disable a specific function can be realized by, for example, utilizing the technology for adding an attribute for prohibiting editing or printing to image data in PDF (Portable Document Format) format.

[0068] The multifunction machine that reads the document image or the multifunction machine that receives the image data for printing is provided with a function for extracting predetermined image information that prohibits printing for personal charges and a function for extracting predetermined attribute data, and prohibits printing for personal charges based on the image information extracted from the document image or the attribute data extracted from the image data.

[0069] According to this aspect, for example, a corporation or the like that outsources work to a freelancer superimposes the image information or adds the attribute data to a document or image data that is provided to the freelancer if the document or image data contains confidential company information. In this way, the freelancer to whom the document or image data is provided cannot print at a personal charge, and therefore cannot copy or print information containing confidential company information for a copy to keep on hand.

[0070] (Embodiment 4) In the third embodiment, a method for prohibiting printing of specific document images or image data at an individual charge has been described. In this embodiment, among users who use the corporate billing service, specific users are prohibited from printing personal bills, and other users are permitted to print personal bills. In other words, for specific users, the "Print personal bills" 217 item is not displayed on the corporate billing confirmation screen in FIG. 11.

[0071] By predefining an attribute for prohibiting printing for personal charges and linking the attribute to the login password of each user managed by the management server of the corporate billing service, it is possible to prohibit "printing for personal charges" for specific users. When the multifunction machine that reads the original image or the multifunction machine that receives the image data for printing receives information from the server during login processing for the corporate billing service that indicates that printing for personal charges should be prohibited, the multifunction machine prohibits printing for personal charges based on the information received from the server.

[0072] For example, a corporation or the like that outsources work to a freelancer may outsource a new work to a freelancer with whom it has outsourced work over many years and has built a relationship of trust, or it may outsource a new work to a freelancer with whom it has not outsourced work before. According to this aspect, the corporation or the like can determine whether to permit or prohibit printing at an individual charge according to the trustworthiness of the other freelancer, and can associate the attribute of whether to permit or prohibit printing at an individual charge with the login password given to each freelancer.

[0073] (Embodiment 5) In this embodiment, when "Yes" is selected for "Print at personal charge" 217 on the corporate charging portal screen in Fig. 11, the control unit 11 generates a history of jobs executed at personal charge. Then, the generated history is stored in the data storage unit 30, or transmitted to a server for corporate charging services connected via the communication interface circuit 24 and stored in the server. Corporations and other entities that are subscribers to the corporate billing service shall be able to refer to the history as necessary. For example, if a situation occurs in which information leakage is suspected, the history can be referenced to confirm whether or not the information related to the information leakage has been printed or copied at an individual charge.

[0074] As mentioned above, (i) An image processing device according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises an authentication unit which performs user authentication, an operation unit which provides an operation screen for an authenticated user to set up and charge for a job related to image processing, a job control unit which displays on the operation screen an option of whether to charge for the job using a second payment method different from the first payment method in addition to or instead of a first payment method linked to the user authentication, and which performs charging processing for the job in accordance with the selection, and an image processing unit which executes the job based on the set and selected charging processing under the control of the job control unit.

[0075] In this invention, the authentication unit provides a function for identifying whether or not a user is permitted to use a first payment method, which is a specific payment method. The means for performing user authentication can be of any type, but as an example, whether or not a user has authority may be identified by having the user enter a user ID (also called a login name) and password. Specific examples of hardware resources constituting the authentication unit include a memory that stores a pair of user IDs and passwords to be authenticated, and a CPU that compares them with the entered user ID and password. Another example includes a CPU that accesses an external server connected for communication and acquires a pair of user IDs and passwords stored in the server, and a memory that stores the processing to be executed by the CPU as a program.

[0076] The operation unit also provides a screen on which the user can perform operations related to job settings and billing. A specific example of such an embodiment is a circuit mainly composed of a liquid crystal display device and a touch panel. In the case of an embodiment in which operations by a user are accepted remotely, data for an operation screen to be displayed on an external device connected in a communicable manner is generated and transmitted. Then, information on the user's operation on the operation screen displayed on the external device is received, and processing corresponding to the operation is determined. A CPU for carrying out such processing and a memory for storing the processing to be executed by the CPU as a program are examples of components of the operation unit.

[0077] Furthermore, a job related to image processing refers to a series of processes related to image processing, specific examples of which include a copy job or a print job related to printing, an image scan job related to reading an image, and an image transmission job related to transmitting an image. The payment method expresses the manner of charging and settlement classified based on the party to be charged, in particular the type of party to be charged. Specific examples include corporate charging and individual charging in the above-mentioned embodiment. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first payment method corresponds to corporate charging, and the second payment method corresponds to individual charging.

[0078] Furthermore, in this invention, after one job is completed, the user can execute multiple jobs while maintaining the authenticated state. That is, it is not necessarily necessary to log out and perform user authentication again every time one job is completed. When executing the next job while maintaining the authenticated state, the settings and charges for the next job may be carried over from the previous job. However, the operation unit may provide an operation screen for setting and charging for the next job.

[0079] Further, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. (ii) The job control unit may display a plurality of options as payment methods related to the second payment method on the operation screen. In this way, various payment means can be provided as payment means for the second payment method, such as cash, electronic money, credit cards, prepaid cards, and payment with points earned in a points system.

[0080] (iii) The job may be a job related to printing, and the job control unit may display on the operation screen the number of copies to be printed of the job for which charges are to be made using the first payment method and the number of copies to be printed of the job for which charges are to be made using the second payment method, each of which may be changed. In this way, the user can check the settings of the number of copies to be printed for which a charge is made using the first payment method and the number of copies to be printed for which a charge is made using the second payment method before executing a job. Furthermore, the user can change each number of copies to be printed as necessary.

[0081] (iv) The method may further include a receipt generating unit that generates a receipt related to the charging, and the job control unit may cause the receipt generating unit to separately generate a receipt related to the charging using the first payment method and a receipt related to the charging using the second payment method. This is convenient because separate receipts are issued for the first and second payment methods, which are billed to different parties.

[0082] (v) When the first payment method and the second payment method are both cash payment methods, the job control unit may display on the operation screen an option of whether to make the payment using the first payment method and the payment using the second payment method together or separately. In this way, when a cash payment requires change, the user can easily manage the change because the first and second payment methods, which are billed to different parties, can each receive the change. The user does not need to exchange money to distribute the change between the different payment methods.

[0083] (vi) The image data or manuscript relating to the job may previously contain payment information indicating whether or not a payment method different from the first payment method is permitted, and if the payment information relating to the job does not permit a payment method different from the first payment method, the job control unit may not display on the operation screen an option as to whether or not to charge the job using the second payment method in addition to or instead of the first payment method. In this way, by using the payment information, it is possible to prevent image data or manuscripts that include information that the business operator wishes to keep secret from being printed out as a copy for the user. In this embodiment, the image data or manuscript is provided to the user by a corporation or the like that is the party to the billing under the first payment method, and the payment information is added to the image data or manuscript by the corporation or the like. In the case of image data, the payment information can be added as one of the file attributes, and in the case of a manuscript, it can be added as a mark on the image (for example, text information such as "Confidential" or "Secret"). However, the payment information is defined in advance as information that the image processing device can acquire, and the corporation or the like adds the payment information to the image data or manuscript in accordance with that definition.

[0084] (vii) The job control unit may further include a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information relating to the authenticated user from an external device that is communicatively connected, the user information including information as to whether or not the user accepts a payment method different from the first payment method, and if the user information relating to the user does not accept a payment method different from the first payment method, the job control unit may not display on the operation screen an option as to whether or not to charge for the job using the second payment method in addition to or instead of the first payment method. In this way, by using the user information, it is possible to limit the users who are permitted to print image data or manuscripts containing information that the business operator wishes to keep secret, and to prevent other users from printing, etc. However, the user information is defined in advance so that it can be obtained from an external device with which the image processing device can communicate, and the business operator stores the user information in the external device according to the definition and has the image processing device obtain it.

[0085] (viii) When execution of the job using the second payment method in addition to the first payment method is selected, the job control unit may display options on the operation screen for making settings for the job using the second payment method in addition to settings for the job using the first payment method. In this way, it is possible to execute jobs based on different settings for the first and second payment methods, for example, printing documents to be submitted to a business one-sided without any enlargement or reduction, while documents printed by the user as a copy are reduced by two pages and condensed onto one page and printed double-sided.

[0086] (ix) In the case where the job is charged by the second payment method, a history generating unit may be further provided which generates and stores a history relating to the job executed by the second payment method. Note that the generated history may be stored in the image processing device, but is preferably stored in an external management device connected to the image processing device so as to be able to communicate with the image processing device. In this way, by generating and storing a history, if an incident occurs at a later date in which information leakage is suspected, the stored history can be used to verify the possibility of information leakage.

[0087] (x) A preferred aspect of the invention includes an image processing method comprising the steps of: a computer performing user authentication; providing an operation screen for the authenticated user to set up and charge for a job related to image processing; displaying on the operation screen an option of whether to charge for the job using a second payment method different from the first payment method in addition to or instead of a first payment method linked to the user authentication; performing charging processing for the job in accordance with the selection; and executing the job using an image processing unit.

[0088] Preferred aspects of the present invention include any combination of the above-mentioned aspects. In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, various modifications of the present invention are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not falling within the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meanings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10: operation detection element, 11: control unit, 11p: print job control unit, 11r: read job control unit, 11u: user interface control unit, 12: display element, 13: image forming unit, 13d: image forming unit, 13t: paper transport unit, 15: scanner unit, 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d: paper tray, 18: discharge tray, 20: image processing circuit, 21: operation control circuit, 24: communication interface circuit, 30: data storage unit, 30d: RAM, 30m: ROM 100: image forming system, 101: multifunction device, 102: operation unit, 105: money handling machine, 105d: short-range wireless communication interface circuit, 106: coin insertion slot, 107: bill insertion slot, 108: coin return slot, 110: receipt printer, 111: receipt printer outlet, 120: photo paper printer, 121: photo paper outlet 201: "Corporate service" button, 203: "Next" button, 205: "Exit" button, 207: "Simple copy" button, 209: "Next" button, 211: "Change settings" button, 213: "Scan original" button, 215: "Next" button, 217: "Print for personal charges", 219, 223: "Start copying" buttons, 221: "Go to personal use menu screen" button, 225: "Cancel copying" button, 227: "Go to corporate portal screen while remaining logged in" button, 229: "Continue with the same service" button, 231: "OK" button, 233: "Continue with the same settings" button, 235: "Continue with different settings" button, 237: "Exit" button

Claims

1. an image forming unit for forming an image; an operation unit having a touch panel and displaying an operation screen; a control unit for controlling the image forming unit and the operation unit, The control unit is displaying a user authentication screen on the operation unit to accept a user's login; After accepting a user operation on the user authentication screen, a copy setting screen including a copy start button for accepting a start of copying is displayed on the operation unit, and copying is started when an operation on the copy start button is accepted; When the copying is completed, a screen for warning the user about the document placed on the document table and having a button for logging out is displayed on the operation unit; When a logout condition is reached while the forgotten item warning screen is being displayed, a process of logging out is executed; The image processing device, wherein the logout condition is that the button is operated or that a predetermined time has passed without any operation while the forgotten-to-take notice screen is displayed.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit, after accepting the start of the copying operation by the copy start button, causes the operation unit to display a copying screen indicating that the copying operation is in progress.

3. the copy in progress screen includes a copy stop button, The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit stops the copy operation in progress when the copy stop button is operated.

4. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit accepts an operation on the user authentication screen, it causes the operation unit to display a portal screen including a copy service selection button that accepts the selection of a copy service, and when the control unit accepts an operation on the copy service selection button, it causes the operation unit to display a copy setting screen including the copy start button.

5. The image processing device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit causes the operation unit to display one or more setting screens related to copying before the copy service is selected and the copy start button is pressed, and causes the one or more setting screens related to copying to display a button for returning the display to the previous screen.

6. 6. The image processing device according to claim 5, wherein after accepting the start of the copy via the copy start button, the control unit causes the operation unit to display a copy in progress screen indicating that the copy is being performed, but does not cause the copy in progress screen to display a button for returning the display to the previous screen.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the portal screen includes a plurality of copy-related options with different settings as options of executable services.

8. the control unit, after accepting the start of the copying operation by the copy start button, causes the operation unit to display a copy in progress screen indicating that the copying operation is being performed; 8. The image processing device according to claim 7, wherein regardless of which of a plurality of copy-related options is selected, the control unit causes the operation screen on which the copy start button is displayed, the copying in progress screen, and the forget-to-remove screen to be displayed in that order.

Images