JP2005085104A - Accounting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To charge the transmitter of a source for a printing fee when a recipient as the destination of electronic data prints the transmitted electronic data. <P>SOLUTION: By the transmitter, a cost burden condition for the print of the electronic data is set (102). For printing the electronic data by a designated printer, whether or not the cost burden condition has been set is referred to, the printing fee for designated electronic data is calculated (104), and the printing fee is charged (105 to 107) to the transmitter or the recipient according to the reference result and the calculation result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging system and a charging processing method for transmitting and receiving electronic data via a network and charging for the electronic data print. In particular, the present invention relates to a charging system and a charging processing method for printing image data read by an image reading device or the like on a sheet by a printer device or the like via a network and charging a print fee.

  Conventionally, when a user copies an original as represented by a copying machine installed in a convenience store, a copy shop, etc., the user is charged a copy fee according to the use of the copy. The user can insert a coin into a coin insertion machine connected to the copying machine and take a copy of the amount.

  In addition, there is an apparatus in which a copying machine and a coin-inserting machine communicate with each other to draw a money amount. In addition, the user is registered in the copying machine, the specified card is read through a card reader connected to the copying machine, the user is specified, and the number of copies is added for each registered user. In the case of a system or a system in which a card that has been read is a prepaid card of a certain amount, a system that can make a copy up to the fee has been put into practical use.

  Further, not only a copying function but also a multifunction machine equipped with a printing function from a computer, a FAX function, and an image transmission function has been commercialized. Along with the increase in these functions, a mechanism for storing and charging the usage status inside or outside the device according to the function, processing, user, etc. has been put into practical use.

  However, in the conventional charging method, since the user who uses the apparatus is charged, for example, when image / document data attached to an e-mail is printed, print processing is performed, that is, data is received. Is charged to the user. It was not possible to charge the print fee to the sender of the image / document data.

  For example, in the following example, it is inconvenient with the conventional billing system.

  If the meeting organizer wants to send the meeting materials to the attendees in advance for review, the organizer will send an e-mail, server, etc. rather than sending the printed materials to the attendees by mail. It is possible to send materials to attendees earlier by sending document data and image data via the Internet or the like. Although communication costs are incurred, due to the spread of the Internet, speeding up, etc., it is possible to send it at a lower price than sending a printed one.

  However, it is assumed that there are people who just want to see the sent electronic data on a monitor connected to a computer or the like, while others want to see the printed material. In such a case, the person who printed the material will bear the print fee that should be borne by the conference organizer.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. When a receiver who is a transmission destination of electronic data prints the sent electronic data, the transmission fee is charged to the sender of the transmission source. An object of the present invention is to provide a charging system and a charging processing method capable of performing the above.

  A charging system according to the present invention is a charging system that performs transmission / reception of electronic data via a network and charges the print of the electronic data, and sets a cost burden condition for the print of the electronic data by a sender. Cost burden condition setting means for setting; data transmitting means for transmitting the electronic data; data receiving means for receiving electronic data transmitted by the data transmitting means; and the printing of electronic data received by the data receiving means Print designation means for designating, reference means for referring to whether the electronic data printed by the print designation means is set by the expense burden condition setting means, and designated by the print designation means Charge calculation means for calculating a print charge for the print of electronic data , Depending on the result of the said reference means and said charge calculation means, the sender the printing fee or and a charging means for charging for the recipient.

  According to the present invention, when the electronic data sent by the recipient who is the transmission destination of the electronic data is printed, the printing fee can be charged to the sender of the transmission source. As a result, the sender of the electronic data can specify whether or not to pay the printing fee by itself when the electronic data receiver prints the electronic data. The billing system can be selected according to the purpose and can meet the needs of the user.

  In addition, since the upper limit of the print fee to be borne, the number of copies to be printed, the print deadline, and the like are set, an upper limit can be set for the print fee of the transmitted electronic data.

  Next, an embodiment of a charging system and a charging processing method of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

-Overall configuration of billing system-
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Reference numerals 1001 and 1024 denote image forming apparatuses, which are configured by a scanner and a printer, which will be described later. An image read from the scanner is sent to a local area network 1010 (hereinafter referred to as a LAN), and an image received from the LAN 1010 is printed by a printer. Or out. Further, an image read from the scanner is transmitted to the PSTN or ISDN 1030 by a FAX transmission unit (not shown), and an image received from the PSTN or ISDN 1030 is printed out by a printer.

  Reference numeral 1002 denotes a database server, which manages binary images and multi-valued images read by the image forming apparatus 1001 as a database. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a database client of the database server 1002 that can browse or search image data stored in the database server 1002. An e-mail server 1004 can receive an image read by the image forming apparatus 1001 as an e-mail attachment. Reference numeral 1005 denotes an e-mail client, which can receive and browse mail received by the e-mail server 1004 and send e-mail.

  Reference numeral 1006 denotes a WWW server that provides an HTML document to the LAN 1010, and prints out the HTML document provided by itself by the image forming apparatus 1001. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a router, which connects the LAN 1010 with the Internet / intranet 1012. In the Internet / intranet 1012, apparatuses similar to the image forming apparatus 1001, the database server 1002, the e-mail server 1004, the e-mail client 1005, and the WWW server 1006 described above, respectively, are an image forming apparatus 1024, a database server 1021, and an e-mail server. 1023, an e-mail client 1025, and a WWW server 1022.

  The image forming apparatus 1001 is configured to be able to transmit and receive with the FAX apparatus 1031 via the PSTN or ISDN 1030. A printer 1040 is also connected on the LAN 1010 so that an image read by the image forming apparatus 1001 can be printed out.

-Software configuration of image forming device-
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of software of the accounting system.

  Reference numeral 1501 denotes a user interface (UI), which is a module that mediates with the device when the operator performs various operations and settings of the multifunction peripheral. This module transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, and requests processing or sets data in accordance with the operation of the operator.

  Reference numeral 1502 denotes a database module for managing an address-book, that is, a data transmission destination, a communication destination, and the like. The contents of the Address-Book are used to add, delete, and acquire data by an operation from the UI 1501 and to provide data sending / communication destination information to each module described later by the operation of the operator. .

  A Web-server module 1503 is used to notify management information of the image forming apparatus in response to a request from a Web client (not shown). This management information is read via a later-described Control-API 1518 and notified to a Web client via an HTTP 1512, TCP / IP 1516, and Network-Driver 1517, which will be described later.

  Reference numeral 1504 denotes a universal-send, that is, a module that manages data distribution, and distributes data instructed to the operator by the UI 1501 to a communication (output) destination similarly designated. When an operator uses the scanner function of this apparatus to instruct generation of distribution data, the device is operated via the below-described Control-API 1518 to generate data.

  A module 1505 is executed when a printer is designated as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504. A module 1506 is executed when an E-mail address is designated as a communication destination in the Universal-Send 1504. Reference numeral 1507 denotes a module that is executed when a database is specified as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504. Reference numeral 1508 denotes a module that is executed when a multifunction device similar to this apparatus is designated as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

  Reference numeral 1509 denotes a remote-copy-scan module, which uses the scanner function of this device, outputs other multifunction devices connected via a network or the like as an output destination, and has the same processing as the copy function realized by this device alone It is a module that performs. Reference numeral 1510 denotes a remote-copy-print module, which uses the printer function of this apparatus, and uses a copy function realized by this apparatus alone using another multifunction device connected via a network or the like as an input destination. It is a module that performs equivalent processing. Reference numeral 1511 denotes a module that reads out and prints information on various web pages on the Internet or intranet, that is, Web-Pull-Print.

  Reference numeral 1512 denotes a module used when the apparatus performs communication using HTTP, and provides communication to the Web-server 1503 and Web-Pull-Print 1511 module described above by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later. Reference numeral 1513 denotes an lpr module which provides communication to the printer module 1505 in the above-mentioned Universal-Send 1504 by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later. An SMTP module 1514 provides communication to the E-mail module 1506 in the above-described Universal-Send 1504 by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.

  Reference numeral 1515 denotes an SLM, ie, a Salutation-Manager module, which communicates with the database module 1517, DP module 1518, Remote-Copy-Scan 1509 module, and Remote-Copy-Print 1510 module in the above-mentioned Universal-Send 1504 by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later. Is to provide. Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module, which provides network communication to the various modules described above by a network-driver 1517 described later.

  Reference numeral 1517 denotes a network driver that controls a portion physically connected to the network. 1518 is a Control-API that provides an interface with an upstream module such as Universal-Send 1504 to a downstream module such as Job-Manager 1519 described later, and dependency between upstream and downstream modules. It is to reduce each and improve the applicability of each.

  Reference numeral 1519 denotes a job manager, which interprets processing instructed from the various modules described above via the Control-API 1518 and gives instructions to each module described later. In addition, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the apparatus. Reference numeral 1520 denotes a CODEC-Manager, which manages and controls various compression / decompression of data in the process instructed by the Job-Manager 1519.

  Reference numeral 1521 denotes an FBE-Encoder, which compresses data read by the scan processing executed by the Job-Manager 1519 and Scan-Manager 1524 in the FBE format. Reference numeral 1522 denotes JPEG-CODEC, and JPEG compression of read data and JPEG expansion processing of print data in scan processing executed by Job-Manager 1519 and Scan-Manager 1524 and print processing executed by Print-Manager 1526 Is to do.

  Reference numeral 1523 denotes an MMR-CODEC, which performs MMR compression of read data and MMR expansion processing of print data in scan processing executed by the Job-Manager 1519 and Scan-Manager 1524 and print processing executed by the Print-Manager 1526. Is. Reference numeral 1524 denotes a scan manager, which manages and controls scan processing instructed by the job manager 1519.

  Reference numeral 1525 denotes a SCSI driver, which communicates with the Scan-Manager 1524 and the scanner unit to which this apparatus is internally connected. Reference numeral 1526 denotes a print manager, which manages and controls print processing instructed by the job manager 1519. Reference numeral 1527 denotes an engine-I / F driver that provides an interface between the print manager 1526 and the printing unit. Reference numeral 1528 denotes a parallel port driver, which provides an I / F when the Web-Pull-Print 1511 outputs data to an output device (not shown) via the parallel port.

-Hardware configuration of image forming device-
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of hardware of the image forming apparatus.

  A controller unit 2000 is connected to a scanner 2070 that is an image input device and a printer 2095 that is an image output device. On the other hand, the controller unit 2000 is connected to a LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051 to store image information and device information. It is a controller for input / output.

  A CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory for operating the CPU 2001, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 2003 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive and stores system software, image data, software counter values, and the like.

  The operation unit I / F 2006 controls an interface with the operation unit (UI) 2012 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. In addition, the system user plays a role of transmitting information input via the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001.

  A network 2010 is connected to the LAN 2011 and inputs / outputs information to / from the LAN 2011. A modem (MODEM) 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs / outputs information to / from the public line 2051. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007.

  An image bus interface (Image Bus I / F) 2005 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed and converts a data structure. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F unit 2020 connects an image input / output device such as a scanner 2070 and a printer 2095 to the controller unit 2000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. A printer image processing unit 2090 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 performs JPEG, MMR, and MH compression / decompression processing for multilevel image data and binary image image data.

(Image input / output unit of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image input / output device in the image forming apparatus.

  A scanner unit 2070 serving as an image input device illuminates an image on paper serving as a document and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown) to convert the image on paper as raster image data 2071 into an electrical signal. The original paper is set on the tray 2073 of the original feeder 2072, and the apparatus user gives an instruction to start reading from the operation unit 2012, whereby the CPU 2001 gives an instruction to the scanner 2070 (2071), and the feeder 2072 receives the original paper 1 Feeds the images one by one and reads the original image.

  The printer unit 2095, which is an image output device, is a part that converts raster image data 2096 into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array. In addition, there is an ink jet method for printing an image directly on a sheet, but any method may be used. The printing operation is started by an instruction 2096 from the controller CPU 2001. The printer unit 2095 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has paper cassettes 2101, 1022, 2103, and 2104 corresponding thereto. A paper discharge tray 2111 receives paper that has been printed.

(Operation unit of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation unit 2012 of the image forming apparatus.

  The LCD display unit 2013 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays a system operation screen, and transmits the position information to the CPU 2001 when a displayed key is pressed. A start key 2014 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key 2014, there is a green and red two-color LED 2018, which indicates whether or not the start key 2014 is in a usable state.

  A stop key 2015 functions to stop an operation in progress. The ID key 2016 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key 2017 is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

(Scanner image processing unit of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the scanner image processing unit 2080 of the image forming apparatus.

  The image bus I / F controller 2081 is connected to the image bus 2008, and controls the bus access sequence, and controls the devices in the scanner image processing unit 2080 and generates timing. The filter processing unit 2082 performs a convolution operation with a spatial filter. For example, the editing unit 2083 recognizes a closed area surrounded by a marker pen from the input image data, and performs image processing such as shading, shading, and negative / positive inversion on the image data in the closed area.

  When changing the resolution of the read image, the scaling processing unit 2084 performs enlargement / reduction by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of the raster image. The scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown). A table 2085 is table conversion performed to convert image data, which is read luminance data, into density data. Binarization 2086 binarizes multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing. The processed image data is transferred to the image bus via the image bus controller 2081 again.

(Printer image processing unit of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the printer image processing unit 2090 of the image forming apparatus.

  The image bus I / F controller 2091 is connected to the image bus 2008 and controls the bus access sequence, and controls the devices in the printer image processing unit 2090 and generates timing. A resolution conversion unit 2092 performs resolution conversion for converting image data from the network 2011 or the public line 2051 into the resolution of the printer 2095. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs processing to smooth out jaggies of the image data after resolution conversion (roughness of an image appearing at a black and white border such as an oblique line).

(Image compression processing unit of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the image compression processing unit 2040 of the image forming apparatus.

  The image bus I / F controller 2041 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, and performs timing control and data compression with respect to the image compression unit 2043 to exchange data with the input buffer 2042 and the output buffer 2045. It works to control mode settings. The processing procedure of the image compression processing unit 2040 is shown below.

  Settings for image compression control are performed from the CPU 2001 to the image bus I / F controller 2041 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 performs settings necessary for image compression (for example, MMR compression, JBIG expansion, etc.) for the image compression unit 2043. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 2001 again permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 2041. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2041 starts transferring image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008.

  The image data received by the image bus I / F controller 2041 is temporarily stored in the input buffer 2042, and the image is transferred at a constant speed in response to an image data request from the image compression unit 2043. At this time, the input buffer determines whether image data can be transferred between the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, reads the image data from the image bus 2008, and sends it to the image compression unit 2043. When the image cannot be written, control is performed so as not to transfer data (hereinafter, such control is referred to as handshaking).

  The image compression unit 2043 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 2044. This is because, when image compression is performed, several lines of data are required depending on the type of image compression processing to be performed. In order to perform compression for the first one line, image data for several lines is prepared. This is because image compression cannot be performed unless it is later. The image data subjected to the image compression is immediately sent to the output buffer 2045.

  The output buffer 2045 performs handshaking with the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043 and transfers the image data to the image bus I / F controller 2041. The image bus I / F controller 2041 transfers the transferred compressed (or expanded) image data to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008.

  Such a series of processing is performed until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the required number of pages is completed) or until a stop request is issued from the image compression processing unit 2040 (when an error occurs during compression or expansion) )Repeated.

(Image rotation processing unit of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 9 is a block configuration diagram of the image rotation processing unit 2030 of the image forming apparatus.

  The image bus I / F controller 2031 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus sequence, control to set a mode or the like in the image rotation unit 2032, and timing to transfer image data to the image rotation unit 2032 It works to control. The processing procedure of the image rotation processing unit 2030 is shown below.

  Via the image bus 2008, the CPU 2001 performs setting for image rotation control to the image bus I / F controller 2031. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 performs settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction / angle, etc.) for the image rotation unit 2032. After making the necessary settings, the CPU 2001 again permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 2031. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2031 starts transfer of image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008.

  Here, it is assumed that the image size to be rotated is 32 × 32 bits, and the image data is transferred in units of 32 bits when the image data is transferred onto the image bus 2008 (the image to be handled). Assumes a binary value). As described above, in order to obtain a 32 × 32 bit image, it is necessary to perform the unit data transfer described above 32 times, and it is necessary to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses (see FIG. 10).

  The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written in the RAM 2033 so that it is rotated at a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the 32-bit image data transferred first is written in the Y direction as shown in FIG. By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated.

  After the 32 × 32-bit image rotation (writing to the RAM 2033) is completed, the image rotation unit 2032 reads the image data from the RAM 2033 by the above-described reading method, and transfers the image data to the image bus I / F controller 2031. The image bus I / F controller 2031 that has received the rotated image data transfers the image data to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008 by performing continuous addressing.

  Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the necessary number of pages is completed).

(Device I / F part of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 12 is a block configuration diagram of the device I / F unit 2020 of the image forming apparatus.

  The image bus I / F controller 2021 is connected to the image bus 2008 and functions to control the bus access sequence and to generate control and timing of each device in the device I / F unit 2020. In addition, control signals to the external scanner 2070 and printer 2095 are generated. The scan buffer 2022 temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner 2070 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008.

  The serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion unit 2023 arranges the image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order or decomposes and converts the image data into a data width of image data that can be transferred to the image bus 2008. The parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion unit 2024 decomposes the image data transferred from the image bus 2008 or arranges the image data in order, and converts the image data into a data width that can be stored in the print buffer 2025.

  A print buffer 2025 temporarily stores image data sent from the image bus 2008 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the printer 2095. The processing procedure at the time of image scanning is shown below.

  The image data sent from the scanner 2070 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner 2070. If the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when 32 or more bits of image data are stored in the scan buffer 2022, the image data is input in a first-in first-out manner for 32 bits from the scan buffer 2022 to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion unit 2023. , Converted to 32-bit image data, and transferred to the image bus 2008 through the image bus I / F controller 2021.

  When the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, the image data in the scan buffer 2022 is sent from the scan buffer 2022 to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion unit 2023 on a first-in first-out basis, and is converted into serial image data. The data is transferred to the image bus 2008 through the controller 2021. The processing procedure at the time of image printing is shown below.

  When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, 32-bit image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller, sent to the parallel-serial / serial-parallel converter 2024, and input data bits of the printer 2095. The image data is divided into a number of image data and stored in the print buffer 2025.

  When the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, the serial image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller, sent to the parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion unit 2024, and the number of input data bits of the printer 2095. Is stored in the print buffer 2025.

  Then, in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the printer 2095, the image data in the scan buffer 2022 is first-in first-out and sent to the printer 2095.

-Billing system application-
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an embedded application in the accounting system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a built-in application relating to distribution in the billing system of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 4050 denotes a block indicating an application of the operation unit 2012. Reference numeral 4100 denotes a block indicating the transmission side of the remote copy application. Reference numeral 4150 denotes a block indicating the transmission side of the broadcast distribution. Reference numeral 4200 denotes a block indicating a Web-Pull-Print module. Reference numeral 4250 denotes a block indicating a Web-server module.

  Reference numeral 4300 denotes a block indicating the remote copy receiving side (printing side). Reference numeral 4350 denotes a block for receiving and printing an image transmitted by broadcast delivery by a general-purpose printer. Reference numeral 4400 denotes a block indicating a remote print receiving side (printing side). Reference numeral 4450 denotes a block for receiving and storing an image transmitted by the broadcast distribution by a known Notes-server. Reference numeral 4500 denotes a block for receiving and storing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution as a binary image. Reference numeral 4550 denotes a block for receiving and storing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution by a known Mail-server. Reference numeral 4600 denotes a block for receiving and storing a multi-valued image transmitted by broadcast distribution. Reference numeral 4650 denotes a block indicating a known Web server including information content. Reference numeral 4700 denotes a block indicating a known Web-Browser that accesses a Web-server or the like. Hereinafter, the application group will be described in detail with reference to each block.

(User interface (UI) application)
The details of the user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) shown in the block 4050 are as described above. Here, the Address-Book 4051 will be described. This Address-Book 4051 is stored in a non-volatile storage device (non-volatile memory, hard disk, etc.) in the image forming apparatus, and in this, features of devices connected to the network are described.

  For example, those listed below are included.

-Device official name or alias name-Device network address-Device processable network protocol-Device processable document format-Device processable compression type-Device processable image resolution-Printer device Paper size that can be fed, and paper feed stage information-Folder name that can store documents for server (computer) devices

  Each application described below can determine the characteristics of the delivery destination based on the information described in the Address-Book 4051. Further, this Address-Book 4051 can be edited, and can be downloaded and used or directly referred to as stored in a server computer or the like in the network.

(Remote copy application)
The remote copy application discriminates resolution information that can be processed by the device designated as the distribution destination from Address-Book 4051, and compresses the binary image read by the scanner using known MMR compression in accordance with the information. The image is converted into a known TI / FF (Tagged Image File Format) and transmitted to a printer device on the network through the SLM 4103. Although not described in detail, the SLM 4103 is a kind of network protocol including device control information called a known Salutation-Manager (or Smart-Link-Manager).

(Broadcast distribution application)
Unlike the remote copy application, the broadcast distribution application can transmit images to a plurality of distribution destinations with a single image scan. Further, the distribution destination is not limited to the printer device, but can be directly distributed to a so-called server computer. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order according to a delivery destination.

  If it is determined from Address-Book 4051 that the destination device can process LPD (Line Printer Daemon) which is a well-known network printer protocol, and well-known LIPS as a printer control command, the image similarly determined from Address-Book 4051 The image is read in accordance with the resolution, and the image itself is compressed by using a well-known FBE (First Binari Encoding) in the present embodiment, and further LIPS-encoded to use the LPR which is a well-known network printer protocol. Send to.

  When the delivery destination device is a server device that can communicate with the SLM, the server address and the designation of the folder in the server are discriminated from Address-Book 4051, and the binary image read by the scanner is read as in the remote copy application. It is possible to compress using known MMR compression, convert it into a known TI / FF (Tagged Image File Format), and store it in a specific folder in the server device on the network through the SLM.

  Further, in the apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the server as the counterpart device determines that a known JPEG-compressed multi-valued image can be processed, an image obtained by multi-value reading similar to the above-described binary image is used. Using compression, it is also possible to convert to a known JFI / F and store it in a specific folder in a server device on the network through the SLM.

  When the delivery destination device is a known E-mail server, the mail address described in Address-Book 4051 is determined, the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using a known MMR compression, and this is known. TI / FF (Tagged Image File Format), and transmits to the E-mail server using a known Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) 4153. Subsequent distribution is performed according to the mail-server 4550.

(Web-Pull-Print application)
Since the Web-Pull-Print application is not directly related to the present embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

(Web-server application)
Since the Web-server application is not directly related to the present embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

-Outline of operation unit of image forming device-
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the operation unit 3000 of the image forming apparatus.

  The LCD display unit 3001 has a touch panel sheet pasted on the LCD, displays a system operation screen, and transmits position information to the controller CPU 2001 when a displayed key is pressed. A start key 3002 is used to start a document image reading operation. There is a green and red two-color LED in the center of the start key, and the color indicates whether the start key is ready for use. A stop key 3003 serves to stop an operation in operation. An ID key 3004 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key 3005 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

  Hereinafter, each screen of the operation unit 3000 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an operation screen of the operation unit 3000.

  The functions provided by the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment are divided into six major categories of Copy / Send / Retrieve / Tasks / Management / Configuration, and these are the six main tabs displayed at the top of the operation screen 3010. (COPY3011, SEND3012, RETRIVEVE3013, TASKS3014, MGMT3015, CONFIG3016). By pressing these main tabs, switching to the screen of each category is performed. When switching to another category is not allowed, the display color of the main tab changes and no response is made when the main tab is pressed.

  The COPY 3011 has a function of performing normal document copying using the scanner and printer of its own device, and a function of copying the document using a printer connected to the scanner of the own device via a network (remote copy). Including. The SEND 3012 is a function for transferring a document placed on a scanner of its own device to an e-mail, a remote printer, a fax, a file transfer (FTP), and a database, and a plurality of destinations can be designated. The RETRIIVE 3013 is a function for acquiring an external document and printing it with a printer of the own device. It is possible to use WWW, e-mail, file transfer and fax as document acquisition means.

  The TASKS 3014 automatically processes a document sent from the outside such as a fax or an Internet print, and generates and manages a task for periodically performing a retrieve. MANAGEMENT 3015 manages jobs, address books, bookmarks, documents, account information, and the like. The CONFIGURATION 3016 performs settings (network, clock, etc.) regarding its own device. Hereinafter, a method for setting these functions will be described using an example of an LCD screen display.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an ID input screen of the operation unit 3000.

  An ID input screen 3020 is displayed immediately after the power is turned on and when the ID key is pressed. When the user ID and password are correctly input on the ID input screen 3020 and the OK button 3024 is pressed, the above-described operation screen is displayed and the operation becomes possible. Switching between the ID input area 3021 and the password input area 3022 can be switched by directly pressing the input area.

  18 and 19 are schematic views showing the COPY screen of the operation unit 3000. FIG.

  When the start button is pressed while the COPY screen is displayed, the scanner operates, and a copy corresponding to each setting parameter displayed on the screen is output from the selected printer. The COPY main screen 3100 includes a printer selection button 3103 and a printer display area 3102, an image-quality selection button 3105 and an image-quality display area 3104, a copy parameter display area 3101 similar to a conventional copier, and enlargement / reduction setting buttons 3106 and 3107. , A paper selection button 3108, a sorter setting button 3110, a duplex copy setting button 3112, a density indicator / density setting button 3109, and a numeric keypad 3114.

  When the printer selection button 3103 is pressed, a list 3120 of usable printers (printers included in the own device and printers connected via a network) is displayed in a pull-down manner as shown in FIG. When a desired printer is selected from the list, the list disappears and the selected printer name is displayed in the printer display area 3102.

  When an image-quality setting button 3105 is pressed, a list of image-quality is displayed, and a desired image-quality can be selected from among three types: photo, photo / text, and text.

  When the above copy parameter setting button is pressed, a sub screen (enlargement / reduction setting, paper selection, sorter setting, duplex copy setting, etc.) for setting corresponding to each is displayed, which is the same as the setting in the conventional copying machine. Parameters can be set. Also, the density setting can be operated in the same manner as a conventional copying machine.

  20 and 21 are schematic diagrams showing the SEND screen of the operation unit 3000. FIG.

  When the start button is pressed while the SEND screen is displayed, the scanner operates, and processing for transmitting the read image data by the transmission method specified for the set destination is started.

  The SEND main screen 3200 includes a destination display area 3202, a detailed destination number display area 3203, a destination scroll button 3204, an address book button 3208, a New button 3209, an Edit button 3210, a Delete button 3211, a Subject input area 3205, a Message input area 3206, A File-Name input area 3207, a Cover-page check button 3212, a Put-Into-HD check button 3213, a Print-Out check button 3214, and a Scan-Setting button 3215 are configured. At initialization including resetting, as shown by 3201 in FIG. 21, one destination is not displayed in the destination display area, and an operation explanation screen is displayed.

  A list of input destinations is displayed in the destination display area 3202. Input is appended to the end sequentially. The detailed destination number display area 3203 displays the number of destinations currently set. When a delete button 3211 is pressed after selecting a destination from the destination display area, the selected destination is deleted. In addition, when a subject input area 3205, a message input area 3206, and a file-name input area 3207 are pressed, a full keyboard is displayed, and each input becomes possible.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an address book sub-screen 3220 in the operation unit 3000.

  When the Address-Book button 3208 shown in FIG. 20 is pressed, an address book sub-screen 3220 is displayed. A destination to which a selection mark 3232 is added in the address book display area 3221 is added to the destination display area 3202 of the SEND main screen by pressing an OK button 3231. The display of the address book is sorted by class, name ascending order, name descending order by pressing sort item setting buttons 3224-3226. The item selection number display area 3227 displays the number of items with selection marks.

  When the OK button 3231 or the cancel button 3230 is pressed, the address book sub screen is closed and the SEND main screen is displayed. Here, when the Detail button 3229 is pressed in a state where one item in the address book is selected, a Detail sub-screen 3235 is displayed. On the Detail sub-screen, all information obtained from the address book is displayed as information on the selected item.

  FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a search sub screen 3240 in the operation unit 3000.

  When search button 3228 in address book sub-screen 3220 is pressed, search sub-screen 3240 for searching for a destination from the local address book or an external address server is displayed. The upper part of the search sub-screen is a search condition setting part. In the search target class display area 3245, the search target attribute display area 3247, the search target condition display area 3249, and the search target address book display area 3252, the currently selected one is displayed.

  When a search target class setting button 3246 is pressed, a search target class list is displayed. What is selected from the list is displayed in the search target class display area. When a search target attribute setting button 3248 is pressed, a search target attribute list is displayed. The attributes displayed in the list vary as follows depending on the selected search target class. Common Name / Address / Country (Class: Person), Common Name / Owner / Location / Model / Type / Resolution / Color / Finisher (Class: Printer), Common Name / Member (Class: Group), all attributes (Class: Everything).

  When search condition setting button 3250 is pressed, a search condition list is displayed, and a condition is selected from the list. When a search target address book setting button 3253 is pressed, a list of search target address books is displayed, from which a list can be selected. When the search target attribute value input area 3251 is pressed, a full keyboard 3040 is displayed, and a value can be input.

  When the Do-Search button 3254 is pressed, a search is performed according to the set search condition. The search result is displayed in the search result display area 3241, and the number of search results is displayed in the search result number display area 3244. When one of the items in the search result display area is selected and the Detail button 3255 is pressed, detailed information on the item is displayed.

  FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a search result display screen 3265 in the operation unit 3000.

  As shown in FIG. 24, a selection mark is added to an item in the search result display screen 3265 to be added to the destination. When the OK button 3257 in FIG. 23 is pressed, the search sub-screen 3240 is closed and the screen returns to the SEND main screen 3200, and the item to which the selection mark has been added is added to the destination. When the cancel button 3256 is pressed, the search sub screen 3240 is closed and the screen returns to the SEND main screen 3200, but the destination is not changed.

  FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a detailed destination sub-screen 3270 in the operation unit 3000.

  When the New button 3209 on the SEND main screen 3200 in FIG. 20 is pressed, the Person class detailed destination sub-screen 3270 is displayed as shown in FIG. 25, and a new destination can be set. The destination can be input by pressing a transmission method selection button 3271 to 3274 corresponding to the transmission method (e-mail, fax, printer, FTP) or pressing a detailed destination input area 3275 to 3278. 3050, otherwise the full keyboard 3040 is displayed and can be entered. Reference numerals 3279 to 3282 denote buttons for performing transmission options for the respective transmission methods, but detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  When the Edit button 3210 is pressed in the state where the Person class destination is selected on the SEND main screen 3200 in FIG. 20, the Person class detailed destination sub-screen 3290 is displayed as shown in FIG. Details of the selected destination are displayed in the corresponding areas of the detailed destination input areas 3275 to 3278, and when the keyboard is displayed by the above-described method, the destination can be edited.

  When the Edit button 3210 is pressed in the state where the Data-Base class destination is selected on the SEND main screen 3200 of FIG. 20, a detailed destination sub-screen 3310 of the Data-Base class is displayed as shown in FIG. Is done. On the detailed destination sub-screen 3310 of the Data-Base class, a database name 3311 and a folder list 3312 are displayed.

  On the SEND main screen 3200 in FIG. 20, when the Group class destination is selected and the Edit button 3210 in FIG. 28 is pressed, the Group class detailed destination sub-screen 3320 is displayed. A group member display 3321 is displayed on the detailed destination sub-screen 3320 of the Group class.

  When the Put-Into-HD check button 3213 is pressed on the SEND main screen 3200 of FIG. 20, an HD-SETTING sub-screen for performing settings for transmission to the hard disk is displayed. Detailed description is omitted.

  When the Print-Out check button 3214 shown in FIG. 20 is pressed, a printout subscreen is displayed. In this printout sub-screen, the number of prints, paper size, enlargement / reduction ratio, duplex printing, sorting, resolution, and the like are set.

  When the Scan-Setting button 3215 shown in FIG. 20 is pressed, a Scan-Setting sub-screen 3370 shown in FIG. 29 is displayed. When one scan setting is selected from the Preset mode selection area 3371 in the Scan-Setting sub-screen 3370, the corresponding preset resolution, scan mode, and density are displayed in the respective display areas 3377, 3379, 3381. These values can be changed manually.

  When a Put-Into-HD check button 3213 common to each category is pressed, an HD-Setting sub-screen is displayed. The function is the same as the HD-SETTING sub-screen in Send.

  When a print-out check button 3214 common to each category is pressed, a print-setting sub-screen is displayed. The function is the same as the printout subscreen in Send.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram when a full keyboard is displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

  The full keyboard 3040 is displayed when the character input area is pressed. WWW. When a button 3041 and a com button 3042 are pressed, characters “WWW.” And “com” are input, respectively. Since the other keys have the same functions as before, description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram when a numeric keyboard is displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

  The numeric keyboard 3050 is displayed when the numeric input area or the month input area is pressed. A description of each key is omitted.

  Next, the device information service (DIS) will be described. A database that stores setting values for devices, functions of devices (scanners, printers, etc.), status, billing information, etc. in the controller in a data format conforming to the Control-API, and the I / F of the database is represented by device information It is defined as a service (hereinafter referred to as DIS).

  FIG. 31 is a diagram showing exchanges between the DIS 7102, the Job-Manager 7101, and the Scan-Manager 7103 and the Print-Manager 7104, which are the Scan-Printer Document-Managers.

  Basically, dynamic information such as a job start command is instructed directly from the Job-Manager 7101 to each Document-Manager, and the DIS 7102 is referred to for static information such as device functions and job contents. Static and dynamic information and events from each Document-Manager are transmitted to the Job-Manager 7101 via the DIS 7102.

  When data is set and acquired from each Document-Manager to the database of DIS7102, the internal data format of DIS7102 is Control-API compliant. Therefore, the data format compliant with Control-API and the data that each Document-Manager can understand. Performs mutual conversion processing with the format. For example, when setting status data from each Document-Manager, device-specific data is interpreted, converted to corresponding data defined by the Control-API, and written to the database of the DIS7102.

  When data is set and acquired from the job manager 7101 to the database of the DIS 7102, no data conversion occurs between the job manager 7101 and the DIS 7102. Further, in the DIS 710, event data is updated based on various event information notified from each Document-Manager.

  FIG. 32 shows various databases (hereinafter referred to as DB) held in the DIS 7102, and each DB will be described. Here, the rounded rectangles in FIG. 32 represent individual DBs.

  Reference numeral 7201 denotes a superviser DB, which holds status and user information about the entire device. Information that needs to be backed up, such as a user ID and password, is stored in an HD device or a non-volatile storage device such as a backup memory. Retained.

  Reference numeral 7202 denotes a Scan-Component DB, and 7203 denotes a Print-Component DB. These Component DBs are held corresponding to each existing component. For example, in the case of a device including only a printer, only the Print-Component DB 7202 exists. For example, in the case of a device including a FAX, the FAX-Component DB is held. In each ComponentDB, the corresponding Document-Manager sets the function and status of the component at the time of initialization.

  7204 is a Scan-Job-ServiceDB, 7205 is a Print-Job-ServiceDB, and these Job-ServiceDBs, like ComponentDB, can be used by each corresponding Document-Manager at the time of initialization, and their support. Set the status.

  Next, JobDB and DocumentDB will be described.

  Reference numeral 7206 denotes a Scan-JobDB, 7207 denotes each JobDB of the Print-JobDB, 7208 denotes a Scan-DocumentDB, and 7209 denotes a Print-DocumentDB. The JobDB and DocumentDB are dynamically secured and initialized by the Job-Manager 7101 every time a job and its accompanying document are generated, and necessary items are set.

  Each Document-Manager reads items necessary for processing from the JobDB and DocumentDB before starting the Job processing, and starts the Job. Thereafter, when the job is completed, the job and the DB of the document associated therewith are released. Since Job has one or more Documents, a plurality of DocumentDBs may be secured for a certain Job. Reference numeral 7211 denotes a database that holds event information notified from each Document-Manager, and 7210 denotes a counter table for recording the number of scans and the number of prints of the apparatus.

  Events notified from each Document-Manager include component state transitions from the Scan-Manager 7103, scan processing operation completion and various errors, component state transitions from the Print-Manager 7104, print processing operation completion, and paper jams. In this case, an event ID for identifying each event is determined in advance.

  When an event is issued from each Document-Manager, the event ID issued to the event database 7211 in the DIS 7102 and detailed data accompanying the event are registered if necessary. Further, when the cancellation of the event is notified from each Document-Manager, the event data designated to be deleted is deleted from the event database 7211.

    When an event is polled by the job manager 7101, the event database 7211 is referred to in the DIS 7102, and the event ID currently generated and, if necessary, detailed data associated with the event are returned to the job manager 7101. If there is no current event, a message to that effect is returned.

 In addition, when the event of completion of the scan processing operation and the completion of the print processing operation is notified, the counter value of the user who performed the scan processing and the print processing is updated. The counter by this software is written back to the backed-up memory device or the non-volatile storage device of the HD device every time the value is updated so that the value is not lost due to accidental power interruption or the like.

  Details of the scan operation will be described below.

  FIG. 33 is a conceptual diagram of blocks related to the scanning operation. The scan operation includes a PCI bus 8105, a CPU 8101, a memory 8102, an image compression / decompression board (CODEC) 8104, a SCSI controller 8103 and a SCSI cable 8106, a scanner 8107, an IDE controller 8108, and an IDE. The IDE-HD 8110 is connected via a cable 8109.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a software structure related to the scan operation.

  The Job-Manager 8201 has a function of classifying and storing application level requests. The DIS 8202 stores parameters necessary for the scanning operation from the application level. A request from the application is stored in the memory 8102. The scan operation management unit 8203 acquires information necessary for scanning from the job manager 8201 and the DIS 8202.

  The scan operation management unit 8203 receives from the Job-Manager 8201 the table data 8301 of the job number 8303 and the document number 8304 shown in FIG. 35A, and from the DIS 8202 based on the table data 8301, the table of FIG. ) Is received. As a result, scanning is performed based on the scanning conditions requested by the application.

  Then, the scan operation management unit 8203 delivers the scan parameters 8302 acquired from the DIS 8202 to the scan sequence control unit 8204 in the order of document numbers. Upon receiving the scan parameter 8302, the scan sequence control unit 8204 controls the SCSI control unit 8207 according to the content of the scan image attribute 8308. Then, the SCSI controller connected to the PCI bus 8105 shown in FIG. 33 is operated, and a SCSI control command is transmitted to the scanner 8107 via the SCSI cable 8106, thereby executing a scan.

  The scanned image is sent to the SCSI controller 8103 via the SCSI cable 8106 and further stored in the memory 8102 via the PCI bus 8105. The scan sequence control unit 8204 scans an image stored in the memory 8102 according to the content of the scan image compression format 8309 of the scan parameter 8302 at the time when the scan is completed and the image is stored in the memory 8102 via the PCI 8105 bus. Is sent to the compression / decompression control unit 8205.

  Upon receiving this request, the compression / decompression control unit 8205 performs compression based on the designation of the scan image compression format 8309 from the scan sequence control unit 8204 using the CODEC 8104 connected to the PCI 8105 bus. The compression / decompression control unit 8205 stores the compressed image in the memory 8102 via the PCI 8105.

  The scan sequence control unit 8204 compresses the scan image into the format specified by the scan image compression format 8309 by the compression / decompression control unit 8205 and stores the compressed image in the memory 8102 according to the image file type 8307 of the scan parameter 8302. The compressed scan image stored in is filed. Also, the scan sequence control unit 8204 requests the file system 8206 to create a file in the file format specified by the image file type 8307 of the scan parameter 8302.

  The file system 8206 converts the compressed image stored in the memory 8102 into a file in accordance with the image file type 8307 from the scan sequence control unit 8204, transfers the file to the IDE controller 8108 via the PCI bus 8105, and transmits the IDE cable. The scanned compressed image is filed by transferring to the IDE Hard Disk 8110 via 8109. The scan sequence control unit 8204 notifies the scan operation management unit 8203 that the current processing on the scanner 8107 has ended when the file system 8206 stores the image filed in the IDE-HD 8110, and notifies the scan operation management unit 8203 of the scan end. Send back.

  At this time, if there is an original that has not been scanned on the scanner 8107 and there is a scan request from the Job-Manager 8201, the scan sequence control unit uses the scan parameter 8302 stored in the DIS 8202 again. A scan operation is requested to 8204. If there is no unscanned document on the scanner 8107, or if there is no scan request from the Job-Manager 8201, a scan end notification is issued to the Job-Manager 8201 as the end of the scan operation.

  Next, details of the printing operation will be described below.

  FIG. 36 is a conceptual diagram of blocks relating to the printing operation. As a configuration in the printing operation, a CPU 9001, a memory 9002, an image compression / decompression board (CODEC) 9004, an engine I / F 9003, and an engine I / F cable 9006 are connected to a PCI bus 9005. Has been.

  The engine I / F 9003 has a DPRAM inside, and performs parameter setting to the printer 9007, status reading of the printer 9007, and exchange of print control commands via the DPRAM. The engine I / F 9003 has a video controller, and the image data developed on the PCI bus 9005 is matched with VCLK (Video Clock) and HSYNC given from the printer 9007 via the engine I / F cable 9006. The data is transmitted to the printer 9007 via the engine I / F cable 9006.

  FIG. 37 is a timing chart for transmitting image data from the engine I / F 9003 to the printer 9007.

  VCLK is continuously output, and HSYNC is given in synchronization with the start of one line of the printer 9007. The video controller reads data for the set image width (WIDTH) from the set memory (SOURCE) on the PCI bus 9005 and outputs the data to the engine I / F cable 9006 as a video signal. After repeating this for the designated line (LINES), an IMAGE-END interrupt is generated.

  As described above, when a print job instruction is transferred from the application program on the CPU to the Control-API 1518, the Control-API 1518 transfers this to the controller-level Job-Manager 7101 as a job. Further, the Job-Manager 7101 stores the job settings in the DIS 7102 and instructs the Print-Manager 7104 to start the job. When receiving a job, the Print-Manager 7104 reads information necessary for job execution from the DIS 7102 and sets the information in the printer 9007 via the engine I / F 9003 and DPRAM.

  Here, FIG. 38 shows setting items in the engine I / F 9003, and FIG. 39 shows setting items, control commands, and status commands via the DPRAM of the printer 9007. In addition, for the sake of simplicity, this job is assumed to be uncompressed, a 2-page one-part print in a letter (11 ″ × 8.5 ″) size binary image, and a printer having 600 dpi performance. Will be explained.

  First, when receiving this job, the Print-Manager 7104 calculates the number of image bytes of the width of this image (in this case, the 8.5 ″ side) as follows.

WIDTH = 8.5 × 600 ÷ 8 ≒ 630 (Bytes)
Subsequently, the number of lines is calculated as follows.

LINES = 11 × 600 = 6600 (Lines)
These calculated values and the SOURCE address storing the given first page image are set in WIDTH, LINES, and SOURCE shown in FIG. At this point, the engine I / F 9003 is ready for image output, but has not output image data because the HSYNC signal from the printer 9007 has not been received (VCLK has been received).

  Subsequently, the Print-Manager 7104 writes 1 as the number of output copies to a predetermined address (BookNo) of the DPRAM shown in FIG. After that, an output paper feed request (FEED_REQ) for the first page is issued, and an IMAGE_REQ from the printer 9007 is awaited. When IMAGE_REQ is received from the printer 9007, IMAGE_START is output. In response to this, the printer 9007 starts outputting HSYNC, and the engine I / F 9003 waiting for HSYNC outputs an image.

  The printer 9007 outputs IMAGE_END when it detects the trailing edge of the output paper, and outputs SHEET_OUT when the output paper is discharged. The Print-Manager 7104 receives IMAGE_END of the first page, sets WIDTH, LINES, and SOURCE of the second page to the engine I / F 9003, outputs FEED_REQ, and waits for IMAGE_REQ. The operation after the IMAGE_REQ of the second page has been received is the same as that of the first page.

  Next, the details of the image transmission process, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart of image transmission processing.

  First, a transmission destination is selected (step 100), and then transmission conditions such as resolution and size are set (step 101). Subsequently, the cost burden of the image data to be transmitted is selected (step 102). That is, when the received image data is printed, it is possible to select whether the sender bears the cost or not. Furthermore, it is possible to set the upper limit of the charge, the upper limit of the number of copies, and the print date and time limit from the operation unit.

  After these settings, the transmission process is subsequently started by pressing the transmission key (start key 2014) (step 103). Subsequently, when transmission processing is performed, the count value of the SEND item of the software counter in the image forming apparatus 1001 shown in FIG. 42 is increased (step 104). Details of the software counter will be described later.

  Registration in the transmission job list shown in FIG. 44 is performed in accordance with the designation of the printing cost burden source (transmission source or transmission destination) designated in step 102 (steps 105 to 107), and the transmission processing is terminated. At this time, for example, when a document is sent from the image forming apparatus 1001 in FIG. 1 to the e-mail client 1025, the document data is attached to the e-mail as shown in FIG. This e-mail describes the charge for printing as the sender, the name of the document to be sent, and restrictions on printing.

  FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a detailed transmission job list of image data transmission jobs transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1001. The contents of this data are stored in a partial area of the HDD 2004, as with a software counter described later. In FIG. 44, JobNo indicating the job number from the left, the user ID of the transmission source, the user ID of the transmission destination, the name of the transmitted document, the number of sheets for each original size, and the charge when printing the transmitted image data Indicates the recipient. Also, in the case where the transmission source burden is designated in step 102 in FIG. 41, “transmission source” is displayed in this item. Even when the transmission source bears the cost, if the print restriction is performed, it is reflected in the next print restriction item. Subsequently, it is an item indicating whether or not the print processing is completed, the date and time, and the print fee.

  For example, JobNo. aaa0001 is xxx.1 from the user 0001 to the user 1001 on February 1, 2001 at 13:00. This is information that 10 documents of A4 size called pdf are sent and the sender bears the cost. The print restriction is valid up to 1 copy, February 8, 2001, and 13:00. The transmitted document indicates that the user 1001 has printed it at 15:00 on February 1, 2001, and it costs 100 yen.

  Next, print processing of received image data will be described.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart of the received image data print process. When printing the received image data, after selecting a print destination (step 201), input a user ID, set print conditions such as the number of copies, size, etc. (step 202), and press a print start key such as a PC (step 201). Step 203). Subsequently, an inquiry is made from the image forming apparatus 1024 to the PC as to whether the transmission source is a job that bears the printing cost (step 204), and if the transmission source does not bear the printing cost, the process proceeds to 1). . On the other hand, when the transmission source bears the printing cost, it is confirmed whether or not the transmission source is a job that bears the printing cost against the transmission job list shown in FIG. 44 (step 205).

  It is confirmed whether or not the transmission job list is OK (step 206). If the transmission job list is not OK, the printing cost burden is confirmed (step 207). In this case, go to 2) and return to step 201. If the transmission job list is OK in step 206, the print fee is estimated according to the set print conditions (step 208).

  When the estimate of the print fee exceeds the sender charge fee (step 209), the image forming apparatus 1024 displays a notice that the print fee is over and notifies the user (step 210). Then, it is confirmed whether or not it is OK for the user to bear the cost (step 211). If it is confirmed that it is OK for the user to bear the cost, the process proceeds to step 212. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that it is OK, the process proceeds to 2).

  Subsequently, in step 212, the start of charge source burden printing is notified to the image forming apparatus 1001 that is the transmission source, and the printing process is started (step 213). When printing is started, a billing process is performed for each page of the print paper according to the cost burden source (step 214). 43, for example, the user ID 1001 field of the software counter in FIG. 43 is counted up (step 216), and in the process borne by the transmission source, the sender's user ID 0001 field is counted up. (Step 215).

  In step 211, when the print user bears the excess amount, the process of step 215 is performed first, and the process of step 216 is performed halfway. These processes are performed until all the print processes are completed (step 202). When the transmission destination is a job that bears the print cost (step 217), the end of the print job and the charge are notified (step 217). Step 218).

  Next, the software counter will be described.

  As a non-volatile storage device that holds the value of the software counter, as shown in FIG. 3, an HDD 2004 (magnetic disk) is provided. The HDD 2004 uses a part of the area for storing software counter values. As described above, the CPU 2001 can read / write data in the HDD 2004 via the system bus 2007.

  FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the software counter stored in the storage device of the image forming apparatus 1001. The counter value is managed for each user ID. Further, it is divided into items such as COPY, PRINT, FAX, SEND operations, and paper size. Items for calculating the respective unit prices and storing the total cost are prepared. The SENDPRINT item is an item indicating the print cost generated at the image transmission destination. Therefore, the cost of SENDPRINT is charged from the printer that performed the printing. Therefore, for example, the operator with the user ID 0001 uses 52650 yen for the image forming apparatus 1001 and uses the other printer for 600 yen (400 yen for the image forming apparatus 1024 and 200 yen for the apparatus XXXX). Show.

  FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a software counter stored in the storage device of the image forming apparatus 1024. The counter configuration is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 42 except that the items of user IDs 0001 to 0003 are increased. This is a charge generated by printing out image data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1001 by the user IDs 1001 to 0003 using the image forming apparatus 1024. For example, among the image data sent from the user ID 0001, it is shown that the user 400 is charged for a total of 400 yen for the A4 size and 40 prints. This value matches the item of SENDPRINT in FIG. The charge of this fee may be made by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1024, or the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1001 may also make the user IDs 0001 to 0003 for the image forming apparatuses 1024.

  Hereinafter, various aspects of the present invention will be collectively described as appendices.

[Appendix 1] A billing system that transmits and receives electronic data via a network and charges the electronic data print,
Cost burden condition setting means for setting a cost burden condition for the print of the electronic data by the sender;
Data transmitting means for transmitting the electronic data;
Data receiving means for receiving electronic data transmitted by the data transmitting means;
Print designation means for designating a print destination of electronic data received by the data reception means;
A reference means for referring to whether the electronic data designated by the print designation means is set by the cost burden condition setting means;
Charge calculation means for calculating a print charge for the print of the electronic data designated by the print designation means;
A charging system comprising: charging means for charging the print fee to a sender or receiver according to the results of the reference means and the charge calculation means.

  [Appendix 2] The charging system according to Appendix 1, wherein the cost burden condition is any one of the number of copies, a print deadline, or the print fee.

[Appendix 3] A billing method for sending and receiving electronic data via a network and charging for printing of the electronic data,
A first step of setting a cost sharing condition for the print of the electronic data by a sender;
A second step of transmitting the electronic data;
A third step of receiving the electronic data transmitted in the second step;
A fourth step of designating a print destination of the electronic data received in the third step;
A fifth step for referring to whether the electronic data designated for printing in the fourth step is set in the first step;
A sixth step of calculating a print fee for the print of the electronic data designated in the fourth step;
A billing method comprising: a seventh step of billing the sender or receiver for the print fee according to the results of the fifth step and the sixth step.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a charging system in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block block diagram of the software of an accounting system. 2 is a block configuration diagram of hardware of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image input / output device in an image forming apparatus. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of a scanner image processing unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of a printer image processing unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of an image compression processing unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of an image rotation processing unit of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the rotation process of an image. It is a figure for demonstrating the rotation process of an image. 2 is a block configuration diagram of a device I / F unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is the schematic which showed the operation screen of the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the ID input screen of the operation part. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram when a full keyboard is displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram when a numeric keyboard is displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. It is the schematic which showed the COPY screen of the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the COPY screen of the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the SEND screen of the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the SEND screen of the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the address book subscreen in the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the search subscreen in the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the search result display screen in the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the detailed destination subscreen in the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the detailed destination subscreen in the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the detailed destination subscreen in the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the detailed destination subscreen in the operation part. It is the schematic which showed the scan setting screen in the operation part. It is the block block diagram which showed the built-in application regarding the delivery in the charging system of this invention. It is the figure which showed the exchange with DIS and Job-Manager, and each Document-Manager of Scan and Print. It is the figure which showed the various databases hold | maintained in DIS. It is a conceptual diagram of the block regarding a scanning operation | movement. It is the figure which showed the software structure regarding a scanning operation | movement. It is the schematic of the parameter table in scan operation | movement. It is a conceptual diagram of the block regarding a printing operation. 6 is a timing chart in transmission of image data from an engine I / F to a printer. It is the figure which showed the setting item in engine I / F. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating setting items, control commands, and status commands in the DPRAM of the printer. 6 is a flowchart in print processing of received image data. It is a flowchart in the transmission process of an image. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a counter in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a counter in the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed transmission job list of transmission jobs for image data transmitted from the image forming apparatus. It is the figure which showed the example of the E-mail which notifies that a transmission source bears printing expense.

Explanation of symbols

1001, 1024 Image forming apparatus 1002, 1021 Database server 1003 Database client 1004, 1023 E-mail server 1005, 1025 E-mail client 1006, 1022 WWW server 1010 Local area network (LAN)
1011 Router 1012 Internet / Intranet 1030 PSTN or ISDN
1031 FAX machine 1040 Printer

Claims (2)

A billing system that transmits and receives electronic data via a network and charges the electronic data print,
Cost burden condition setting means for setting a cost burden condition for the print of the electronic data by the sender;
Data transmitting means for transmitting the electronic data;
Data receiving means for receiving electronic data transmitted by the data transmitting means;
Print designation means for designating the print of the electronic data received by the data receiving means;
A reference means for referring to whether the electronic data designated by the print designation means is set by the cost burden condition setting means;
Charge calculation means for calculating a print charge for the print of the electronic data designated by the print designation means;
A charging system comprising: charging means for charging the print fee to a sender or receiver according to the results of the reference means and the charge calculation means. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the cost sharing condition is any one of the number of copies, a print deadline, or the print fee.

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