JP2005254571A - Apparatus and method for forming image, and program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus and a method for forming an image, which can easily reduce charges for a copy and a print by changing a printing condition, and a program and a storage medium. <P>SOLUTION: When receiving a print job from a portable terminal 2, a copying machine 1 receives printing data and the printing condition from a server 3 via the internet 4, so as to store them in a RAM 105 or an HD 106. When a desired charge mode is specified by a key input part 102 of the copying machine 1, a message, which demands the input of the desired amount of money from a user, is displaced on a display part 103 of the copying machine 1; the input desired amount of money is received and stored in the RAM 105; and the charge is computed according to the stored printing data and the stored printing condition. When the computed charge is beyond the range of the desired charge, a more inexpensive alternate printing condition is suggested. When the user accepts the suggested alternate printing condition, the printing condition is changed into the suggested alternate printing condition; and the print job is performed according to the changed printing condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and method, a program, and a storage medium, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer that sets a fee per copy or print and charges the same. And a program and a storage medium.

A conventional image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer charges a copy or print by setting a charge per sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The charge per sheet is set such that the A4 size is 10 yen per sheet, the A3 size is 10 yen per sheet, etc., and the user changes the printing conditions such as the paper size and magnification. Charges can be reduced. For example, when copying one copy of 16 pages of A4 size document, the cost is 160 yen because it is 16 sheets for 10 yen per sheet. However, since the A3 size includes 2 pages of A4 size, the A3 size It can be placed on 8 sheets of paper, and the fee is 80 yen. Furthermore, if the image size is reduced by 70%, the A3 size will contain 4 pages of A4 size, so it can be stored on 4 sheets of A3 size paper, and the fee will be 40 yen.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-104622

  However, in the above image forming apparatus, if the user is not familiar with the printing conditions and fee system for copying and printing, it is impossible to consider changing the printing conditions. There is a high possibility of printing.

  Even if the user is familiar with the printing conditions and fee system for copying and printing, it takes time to change the printing conditions.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and method, program, and storage medium that can easily reduce the total charge for copying and printing by changing printing conditions.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 includes an input unit that inputs print data and printing conditions, and a calculation unit that calculates a fee based on the printing data and the printing conditions. In the image forming apparatus, trial calculation means for trial calculation of other charges based on the print data and alternative printing conditions different from the printing conditions, and selection means for selecting whether or not to change the printing conditions to the alternative printing conditions And changing means for changing the printing condition to the alternative printing condition based on the selection result.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising: a desired amount input unit that inputs a desired amount; and a determination unit that determines whether or not the fee is equal to or less than the desired amount. The trial calculation means calculates the other charge based on the print data and the alternative printing condition when the charge is not less than the desired amount.

  According to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the method according to claim 6, the program according to claim 11, and the storage medium according to claim 12, the other is based on print data and an alternative print condition different from the print condition. Since it is calculated whether the print condition is changed to the alternative print condition and the print condition is changed to the alternative print condition based on the selection result, it is easy to copy and print by changing the print condition Can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming system includes a copier 1 shown in FIG. 2 described later as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a portable terminal 2, and a server 3. Are connected to each other. Further, the portable terminal 2 can be connected to the copying machine 1 via wireless communication.

  The server 3 controls transmission / reception of electronic mail, and the mobile terminal 2 receives electronic mail from the server 3 via the Internet 4. In the electronic mail received by the mobile terminal 2 from the server 3 via the Internet 4, the Internet address of the location where the attached file on the server 3 is stored is described. The portable terminal 2 transmits this Internet address to the copying machine 1 via wireless communication, and the copying machine 1 receives the Internet address to receive a print job, and receives an attached file from the server 3 via the Internet 4. By downloading the print data and print conditions, it is possible to print the attached file. The print data and print conditions are attached files downloaded from the server 3.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the copying machine 1 in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the copying machine 1 includes a control unit 101 that controls the entire apparatus. The copier 1 also has a key input unit 102 for a user to input an instruction, a display unit 103 as a display device, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, and an HD 106 as storage media, and a print mechanism unit that executes a print job. 107, an external IF 108 connected to the Internet 4 for communicating with the outside, and a wireless communication unit 109 for performing wireless communication with the mobile terminal 2, which are connected to the control unit 101. A part of the key input unit 102 and a part of the display unit 103 are configured as a touch panel display.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the copying machine 1 sets a fee per copy and charges for copying and printing.

  In FIG. 3, the charge for copying and printing is set according to the paper size, color printing / black and white printing, and plain paper / backside advertising paper (an advertisement is printed on the backside of the paper). For example, color printing on A4 size plain paper costs 50 yen per sheet, and monochrome printing on A3 size backside advertising paper costs 9 yen per sheet.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the copying machine 1 can perform copying or printing by changing the number of pages per sheet and the sheet size.

  In FIG. 4, when printing 16 pages of an A4 size document, for example, if the number of pages per page is 1 page and printing on A4 size paper, the magnification is 100% and the number of sheets is 16 sheets. If the number of pages per page is 4 and printing on A3 size paper, the magnification is 70% and the paper is 4 sheets. In the case of monochrome printing on plain paper, the former fee is 160 yen and the latter fee is 40 yen.

  When the user designates the desired amount mode using the key input unit 102 of the copier 1 and inputs the desired amount, the control unit 101 of the copier 1 changes the printing conditions so that the fee is within the desired amount.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the printing process executed by the control unit 101 of the copying machine 1 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, when receiving a print job from the portable terminal 2 (YES in step S102), the copier 1 receives print data and print conditions from the server 3 via the Internet 4 and stores them in the RAM 105 or HD 106 (step S102). S103) (input means).

  For example, when the mobile terminal 2 owned by the user receives a mail describing the Internet address of the location where the attached file on the server 3 is stored, the user goes to a convenience store or the like to print the attached file. The copying machine 1 approaches the installed copying machine 1 and transmits the Internet address described in the mail from the portable terminal 2 to the copying machine 1 by wireless communication. The copying machine 1 receives this Internet address via the wireless communication unit 109 (step S102). Next, the copying machine 1 requests the server 103 to download the attached file using the received Internet address, downloads the attached file, and stores it in the HD 106 (step S103).

  In the subsequent step S104, it is determined whether or not the desired charge mode is designated by the key input unit 102 of the copying machine 1, and when the desired charge mode is designated, the user is requested to input the desired amount (for example, 50 yen). The requested message is displayed on the display unit 103 of the copying machine 1, and the input desired amount is received and stored in the RAM 105 (step S105) (desired amount input means). By executing the printing condition changing process of FIG. 6 to be described later, the printing conditions are changed based on the stored desired amount, print data, and printing conditions so that the fee is within the desired amount (step S106). A print job is executed in accordance with the changed printing conditions (step S107), and this process is terminated.

  If the desired charge mode is not designated as a result of the determination in step S104, the print job is executed without executing the processes in steps S105 to S106 (step S107), and this process ends.

  According to the process of FIG. 5, when the desired fee mode is designated (YES in step S104), the printing conditions are set so that the fee is within the desired amount based on the stored desired amount, print data, and printing conditions. Since the change is made (step S106), the fee for copying or printing can be easily reduced by changing the printing conditions.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the printing condition changing process in step S106 of FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the control unit 101 of the copying machine 1 calculates a fee based on the stored print data and printing conditions (calculation means), and determines whether or not the calculated fee is within a desired amount (step S202). (Distinguishing means) When the calculated fee is within the desired amount, this processing is immediately terminated.

  As a result of the determination in step S202, if the calculated fee is not within the desired amount, it is determined whether or not the document is A4 size (step S203). If the document is A4 size, the display unit 103 displays FIG. To display two original pages on one A3-size sheet by displaying the above screen (estimation means, display means), and the user presses the “Yes” key (FIG. 7) via the key input unit 102. It is determined whether or not the input, that is, whether or not two pages of the document are printed on one A3 size sheet (step S204) (selection means), and the user prints two pages on the one sheet of A3 size sheet. If it is determined that the user has accepted, the print size is changed from A4 size to A3 size, and the number of pages per page is changed from 1 page to 2 pages (step S20). ) (Changing means), to calculate the rates in the changed printing conditions. It is determined whether or not the calculated fee is within the desired amount (step S206), and if the calculated fee is within the desired amount, this process is terminated.

  As a result of the determination in step S203, the document is not A4 size, or as a result of the determination in step S204, the user does not approve that two pages of the document are printed on one side of the A3 size paper (“NO” key (FIG. If 7) is pressed, the process proceeds to step S208 without executing the processes of steps S205 to S206.

  In FIG. 7, the screen displays charges for the initial printing conditions and the printing conditions proposed in step S204. When printing 16 pages of A4-size originals on A4-size plain paper, the charge is 800 yen because the number of sheets to be used is 16 sheets for 50 yen per sheet, and the sheet size is A3 size. If the number of pages is changed to two, the fee is 640 yen because 80 sheets per sheet is 8 sheets.

  This screen allows the user to easily compare the desired amount, the fee under the first printing conditions, and the fee under the proposed printing conditions.

  As a result of the determination in step S206, if the calculated fee is not within the desired amount, it is suggested that the user use the back advertising paper by displaying the screen of FIG. To input the “Yes” key (FIG. 8), that is, whether or not the user has accepted the use of the backside advertisement paper (step S208), and when the user has decided to accept the use of the backside advertisement paper. Changes the paper to be used from plain paper to backside advertising paper (step S209), and calculates a charge under the changed printing conditions. It is determined whether or not the calculated fee is within the desired amount (step S210), and if the calculated fee is within the desired amount, this process is terminated.

  As a result of the determination in step S208, when the user does not agree to use the back side advertising paper ("NO" key (FIG. 8) is input), the process of steps S209 to S210 is not executed. The process proceeds to step S211.

  In FIG. 8, the screen displays charges for the initial printing conditions and the printing conditions proposed in step S208. If the paper to be used is changed to the backside advertising paper, the charge is 624 yen because the number of sheets to be used is 8 for 78 yen per sheet.

  As a result of the determination in step S210, if the calculated fee is not within the desired amount, it is determined whether or not the document is in color (step S211). If the document is in color, the screen shown in FIG. Is displayed to the user, and it is determined whether or not the user has input the “Yes” key (FIG. 9) through the key input unit 102, that is, whether or not the user has accepted monochrome printing (step S212). When it is determined that the monochrome printing is accepted, the color mode is changed from the color printing to the monochrome printing (step S213), and the charge under the changed printing condition is calculated. It is determined whether or not the calculated fee is within the desired amount (step S214), and if the calculated fee is within the desired amount, this process is terminated.

  If the result of determination in step S211 is that the document is not in color, or the result of determination in step S212 is that the user has not accepted monochrome printing ("NO" key (FIG. 9) has been input), steps S213 to S213 are performed. The process proceeds to step S215 without executing the process of S214.

  In FIG. 9, the screen displays charges for the initial printing conditions and the printing conditions proposed in step S212. When changing to black and white printing, the fee is 72 yen because 9 sheets per sheet is 8 sheets.

  If the calculated charge is not within the desired amount as a result of the determination in step S214, it is determined whether or not the number of pages per page is two or more (step S215), and the number of pages per page is two pages. If not, a screen (not shown) suggesting that the number of pages per page be set to two is displayed on the display unit 103 as in FIGS. 7 to 9, and the user inputs “Yes” with the key input unit 102. ”Key is entered, that is, it is determined whether or not it is accepted that the number of pages per page is 2 pages (step S216), and the user accepts that the number of pages per page is 2 pages. When the determination is made, the number of pages per page is changed to 2 pages (step S217), and the charge under the changed printing conditions is calculated. It is determined whether or not the calculated fee is within the desired amount (step S218). If the calculated fee is within the desired amount, this process is terminated.

  As a result of the determination in step S215, the number of pages per page is two pages or more, or as a result of the determination in step S216, the user does not approve that the number of pages per page is set to two pages (“ If the “NO” key has been input), the process proceeds to step S219 without executing the processes of steps S217 to S218.

  In the example of FIG. 6, since the number of pages per page is already two, the process proceeds to step S219 without executing the processes of steps S217 to S218.

  If the calculated fee is not within the desired amount as a result of the determination in step S218, it is determined whether or not the number of pages per page is 4 or more (step S219), and the number of pages per page is 4 pages. If not, it is proposed to display the screen of FIG. 10 on the display unit 103 so that the user can set the number of pages per page to four, and the user inputs the “Yes” key (FIG. 10) using the key input unit 102. ), That is, whether or not the user has approved to set the number of pages per page to 4 pages (step S220), and determines that the user has approved to set the number of pages per page to 4 pages. If so, the number of pages per page is changed to 4 pages (step S221), and the charge under the changed printing conditions is calculated. It is determined whether or not the calculated fee is within the desired amount (step S222). If the calculated fee is within the desired amount, the screen of FIG. 11 is displayed on the display unit 103, and the present process is terminated. .

  In FIG. 10, the screen displays the charges for the initial printing conditions and the printing conditions proposed in step S219. If the number of pages per page is changed to 4 pages, the price will be 36 yen within the desired amount because the number of sheets used is 9 sheets for 9 yen per sheet. Further, since it is displayed that the printing magnification after changing the printing conditions is 70%, it is possible to confirm whether or not the image has been extremely reduced. Here, when the user inputs the “Yes” key using the key input unit 102, the calculated fee falls within the desired amount, so the screen of FIG. 11 is displayed on the display unit 103, and this processing is terminated.

  The control unit 101 of the copier 1 calculates that the charge is 36 yen based on the setting after changing the printing conditions, and determines that it is within the desired charge (YES in step S222). Returning to the processing of FIG. 6, when the user inputs the “print” key from the key input unit 102 on the screen of FIG. 11, the copier 1 performs printing (step S107).

  As a result of the determination in step S219, the number of pages per page is 4 pages or more, or as a result of the determination in step S220, the user does not approve that the number of pages per page is set to 4 pages (“ When the “NO” key (FIG. 9) is input), the process proceeds to step S223 without executing the processes of steps S221 to S222.

  If the calculated charge is not within the desired amount as a result of the determination in step S222, it is determined whether the number of pages per page is 8 or more (step S223), and the number of pages per page is 8 pages. If not, as in FIGS. 7 to 10, a screen (not shown) for suggesting that the number of pages per page is set to 8 is displayed on the display unit 103, and the user inputs “ It is determined whether or not the user has accepted the "Yes" key, that is, the number of pages per page is 8 pages (step S224), and the user accepts that the number of pages per page is 8 pages. Is determined, the number of pages per page is changed to 8 pages (step S225), and the charge under the changed printing conditions is calculated. It is determined whether or not the calculated fee is within the desired amount (step S226), and if the calculated fee is within the desired amount, this process is terminated.

  As a result of the determination in step S223, the number of pages per page is 8 pages or more, or as a result of the determination in step S224, the user does not approve that the number of pages per page is 8 pages. If the “NO” key has been input), the process proceeds to step S227 without executing the processes of steps S225 to S226.

  As a result of the determination in step S226, if the calculated fee is not within the desired amount, it is determined whether or not a “start” key (not shown) has been input by the input of the key input unit 102 (S227). When the key is input, the process returns to step S203, and when the “from the beginning” key is not input, this process is terminated.

  When the “Preview” key is pressed on the screens shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the control unit 101 processes the display unit 103 to display an image indicating the printing result under the proposed printing conditions. When the “return” key is pressed, the screen returns to the previous printing condition screen.

  According to the process of FIG. 6, when the calculated fee is not within the desired amount (NO in step S202, step S206, step S210, step S214, step S218, step S222), a cheaper alternative printing condition is proposed, When the user accepts the proposed alternative printing condition (YES in step S204, step S208, step S212, step S216, step S220, and step S224), the printing condition is changed to the proposed alternative printing condition (step S205, step S205). S209, step S213, step S217, step S221, and step S225), the fee for copying and printing can be easily reduced by changing the printing conditions.

  The processing in FIG. 6 is executed by the copying machine 1, but may be executed by software such as JAVA (registered trademark) downloaded to the portable terminal 2, and the server 3 is executed on the WEB by CGI or the like. You may display on 2 display apparatuses.

  Although this embodiment has been described with respect to printing, it can also be applied to copying.

  The printing conditions and the charge per sheet in this embodiment are examples, and are not limited to these. Although this embodiment has been described as single-sided printing, double-sided printing may be possible.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and to perform computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this is also achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code However, it is needless to say that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The above-described program only needs to be able to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments by a computer, and the form includes forms such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, and script data supplied to the OS. But you can.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, RAM, NV-RAM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, MO, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW), magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, other ROM, etc. may be used as long as they can store the above programs. Alternatively, the program is supplied by downloading from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of the copying machine 1 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a charge per sheet for copying and printing charged by the copying machine 1 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the number of pages per sheet and the sheet size when the copying machine 1 in FIG. 2 performs printing. 3 is a flowchart of printing processing executed by the copying machine 1 in FIG. 2. 6 is a flowchart of a printing condition change process in step S106 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed by FIG.6 S204. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed by FIG.6 S208. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed by FIG.6 S212. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed by FIG.6 S220. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed by FIG.6 S221.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copy machine 2 Portable terminal 3 Server 4 Internet 102 Key input part 103 Display part

Claims (12)

  In an image forming apparatus including an input unit that inputs print data and printing conditions, and a calculation unit that calculates a fee based on the printing data and the printing conditions, an alternative printing condition different from the printing data and the printing conditions is set. Based on a trial calculation unit that calculates another fee based on the above, a selection unit that selects whether or not to change the printing condition to the alternative printing condition, and the printing condition is changed to the alternative printing condition based on the selection result An image forming apparatus comprising: a changing unit.   A desired amount input means for inputting a desired amount; and a determination unit for determining whether or not the fee is less than or equal to the desired amount; and the trial calculation means, when the fee is not less than or equal to the desired amount, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other fee is estimated based on data and the alternative printing condition.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising display means for displaying the desired amount and at least one of the fee and the other fee.   2. The printing condition includes at least one of magnification, paper size, number of pages per sheet, single-sided or double-sided, plain paper or backside advertising paper, and color or black and white. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print condition and the print data are included in one file.   In an image forming method comprising an input step for inputting print data and printing conditions, and a calculation step for calculating a charge based on the print data and printing conditions, the print data and alternative printing conditions differing from the printing conditions A trial calculation step of calculating another fee based on the above, a selection step of selecting whether or not to change the printing condition to the alternative printing condition, and changing the printing condition to the alternative printing condition based on the selection result An image forming method comprising: a changing step.   A desired amount input step for inputting a desired amount; and a determination step for determining whether or not the fee is less than or equal to the desired amount, wherein the trial calculation step includes the printing when the fee is not less than or equal to the desired amount. The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein the other fee is estimated based on the data and the alternative printing condition.   The image forming method according to claim 7, further comprising a display step of displaying the desired amount and at least one of the fee and the other fee.   The print condition includes at least one of magnification, paper size, number of pages per sheet, single-sided or double-sided, plain paper or backside advertising paper, and color or black-and-white. 9. The image forming method according to any one of items 1 to 8.   The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein the print condition and the print data are included in one file.   In an image forming program for causing a computer to execute an input module for inputting print data and printing conditions and a calculation module for calculating charges based on the printing data and printing conditions, an alternative different from the printing data and the printing conditions A trial calculation module for trial calculation of another fee based on the printing conditions; a selection module for selecting whether or not to change the printing conditions to the alternative printing conditions; and the alternative printing conditions based on the selection result An image forming program for causing a computer to execute a change module to be changed to   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 11.

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