JP6773003B2 - Image forming device and billing method executed by the image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a charging method executed by the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is arranged in an office and can be used not only for business purposes but also for private use. The image forming apparatus predicts the free time of the image forming apparatus and presents a time zone suitable for private use. Specifically, the image forming apparatus selects a time zone that satisfies a predetermined condition as a time zone suitable for private use based on the user's schedule.

JP-A-2017-5548

The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 permits private use, but when the private use is permitted, various problems occur. For example, the issue of billing to users.

Specifically, when it is used privately, it is preferable to charge the user appropriately. For example, when the copy process is performed for private purposes, it is preferable to charge the user based on the number of copies and the paper size. However, with the above image forming apparatus, it is difficult to properly charge the user.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of appropriately charging a user and a charging method executed by the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a first reception unit, an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a billing unit. The first reception unit accepts a user to log in to the image forming apparatus. The acquisition unit acquires business information when the first reception unit accepts the login. The determination unit determines whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus privately based on the business information. The charging unit charges the user according to the determination result of the determination unit. The business information indicates whether or not the specific time point is within the business hours of the user. The specific time point indicates a time point after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the reception unit receives the login. The private use means that it is used for a purpose unrelated to business.

The billing method executed by the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a reception step, an acquisition step, a determination step, and a billing step. In the reception step, the user is accepted to log in to the image forming apparatus. When the login is accepted, the business information is acquired in the acquisition step. In the determination step, it is determined whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus privately based on the business information. In the charging step, the user is charged according to the determination result in the determination step. The business information indicates whether or not the specific time point is within the business hours of the user. The specific time point indicates a time point after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the reception unit receives the login. The private use means that it is used for a purpose unrelated to business.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention and the charging method executed by the image forming apparatus, the user can be appropriately charged.

It is a figure which shows the connection state of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, a personal computer and a server apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing of a determination part. It is a screen view which shows an example of the selection screen which a determination part displays on a touch panel. (A) is a screen view showing an example of a selection screen displayed when the login time is within business hours. (B) is a screen view showing an example of a selection screen displayed when the login time is not during business hours. It is a figure which shows an example of a billing list. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing of a control part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing of a control part.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 8). In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description is not repeated.

First, the connection state of the image forming apparatus 100, the personal computer 200, and the server apparatus 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is communicably connected to a plurality of personal computers (PCs) 200 and a server apparatus 300 via a network 400.

The image forming apparatus 100 is a so-called multifunction device and has a communication function. The image forming apparatus 100 transmits and receives various information to and from the personal computer 200 via the network 400. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires the business information BJ from the server apparatus 300 via the network 400. In the embodiment of the present invention, the business information BJ indicates whether or not the login time TL is within the user's business time TW. The business information BJ will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The personal computer 200 has a communication function. Since the plurality of personal computers 200 have substantially the same configuration as each other, they may be collectively referred to as the personal computer 200 in the following description.

The server device 300 has a communication function. In addition, the server device 300 performs "business management" of the user. In the embodiment of the present invention, "business management" manages a time zone during which the user is in business. For example, when a user enters an office, the user has a card reader read an ID card in which the user ID is recorded. Then, the server device 300 acquires the user ID from the card reader and determines that the user has gone to work. Also, when the user leaves the office, the user has the card reader read the ID card. Then, the server device 300 acquires the user ID from the card reader and determines that the user has left the company. Further, the server device 300 sets the business time TW as the time between the time of going to work and the time of leaving the office, excluding the preset lunch time and break time. The server device 300 and the card reader function as a so-called "business management system".

The network 400 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The network 400 is not limited to LAN. The network 400 may be in the form of WAN (Wide Area Network) or the Internet.

Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is a color multifunction device. The image forming apparatus 100 reads the image formed on the original R and forms an image on the paper P using toner.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 1, an image reading unit 2, a document conveying unit 3, an operation panel 4, and a control unit 5. The image forming unit 1 forms an image on the paper P. The image reading unit 2 reads the image formed on the document R and generates image information. The document transport unit 3 transports the document R to the image reading unit 2. The operation panel 4 receives an operation from the user. The control unit 5 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

The image forming unit 1 includes a feeding unit 12, a conveying unit L, a toner supply unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a fixing unit 16, and a discharging unit 17. The image forming unit 14 includes a transfer unit 15.

The feeding unit 12 supplies the paper P to the conveying unit L. The transport unit L transports the paper P to the discharge unit 17 via the transfer unit 15 and the fixing unit 16. Paper P corresponds to an example of a “recording medium”.

The toner supply unit 13 supplies toner to the image forming unit 14. The image forming unit 14 forms an image on the paper P.

The transfer unit 15 includes an intermediate transfer belt 154. The image forming unit 14 transfers a cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 154. Toner images of a plurality of colors are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 154, and an image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 154. The transfer unit 15 transfers the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 154 onto the paper P. As a result, an image is formed on the paper P.

The fixing unit 16 heats and pressurizes the paper P, and fixes the image formed on the paper P to the paper P. The ejection unit 17 ejects the paper P to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100.

The operation panel 4 includes a touch panel 41. The touch panel 41 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various images. Further, the touch panel 41 is provided with a touch sensor and accepts operations from the user.

The control unit 5 includes a processor 51 and a storage unit 52. The processor 51 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 52 may include a memory such as a semiconductor memory, and may include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 52 stores the control program.

Next, the configuration of the control unit 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 5.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 5 includes a reception unit 501, an acquisition unit 502, a determination unit 503, a billing unit 504, a generation unit 505, a correction unit 506, and an instruction unit 507. Specifically, the processor 51 functions as a reception unit 501, an acquisition unit 502, a determination unit 503, a billing unit 504, a generation unit 505, a correction unit 506, and an instruction unit 507 by executing a control program.

The reception unit 501 accepts the user to log in to the image forming apparatus 100 via the touch panel 41 or the personal computer 200. For example, the reception unit 501 receives the user ID information. The reception unit 501 corresponds to an example of the "first reception unit" and the "second reception unit".

The acquisition unit 502 acquires the "business information BJ" when the reception unit 501 accepts the user's login. Specifically, the acquisition unit 502 acquires "business information BJ" from the server device 300. The "business information BJ" indicates whether or not the TA at a specific time is within the business hours TW of the user. The specific time point TA indicates a time point after a predetermined time has elapsed from the login time point TL. The login time point TL indicates the time point when the reception unit 501 accepts the login. In the embodiment of the present invention, the "business information BJ" indicates whether or not the TL at the time of login is within the business time TW of the user. That is, the specific time point TA coincides with the login time point TL. The predetermined time indicates 0 (zero) time. Further, the business time TW indicates the time when the user should work.

The determination unit 503 determines whether or not the user "privately uses" the image forming apparatus 100 based on the business information BJ. "Private use" means to use for purposes unrelated to business. Specifically, when the business information BJ indicates that the TL at the time of login is not within the business time TW, the determination unit 503 determines that the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately. Further, when the business information BJ indicates that the TL at the time of login is within the business time TW, the determination unit 503 determines that the user does not use the image forming apparatus 100 privately. The determination unit 503 corresponds to an example of the "determination unit" and also corresponds to an example of the "determination unit".

The charging unit 504 charges the user according to the determination result of the determination unit 503. Specifically, when the user determines that the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately, the charging unit 504 charges the user. If the user determines that the image forming apparatus 100 is not used privately, the charging unit 504 does not charge the user. Further, the billing unit 504 calculates the billing amount MA.

The generation unit 505 generates a charge list LM when the charge unit 504 charges the user. The billing list LM includes a date and time DT at which the processing to be billed is executed, and a billing amount MA for the processing.

The correction unit 506 corrects the billing list LM based on the operation from the administrator. Specifically, the administrator logs in to the image forming apparatus 100 using the administrator ID. For example, when the reception unit 501 accepts the login with the administrator ID via the personal computer 200, the correction unit 506 corrects the billing list LM based on the operation of the personal computer 200.

The instruction unit 507 forms an image showing the billing list LM on the paper P via the image forming unit 14.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 503 determines whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately based on the business information BJ. judge. Further, when the determination unit 503 determines that the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately, the charging unit 504 charges the user. Therefore, the user can be charged appropriately.

Further, the correction unit 506 corrects the billing list LM based on the operation from the administrator. Therefore, when the billing list LM is incorrect, the user can modify the billing list LM by asking the administrator to modify the billing list LM.

Next, the configuration of the control unit 5 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of processing by the determination unit 503. FIG. 4 shows an example of “time T”, “business time TW”, “usage record of image forming apparatus 100”, and “determination result of determination unit 503”.

The business hours TW indicate the time from 9:00 to 12:00 and the time from 13:00 to 18:00. The time from 12:00 to 13:00 indicates a lunch break.

As shown in the usage record of the image forming apparatus 100, the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 as follows. That is, at the time point T1, the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 100, and the image forming apparatus 100 executes 100 copy jobs JB1. The copy job JB1 indicates a job JB that uses the copy function of the image forming apparatus 100. Next, at the time point T2, the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 100, and the image forming apparatus 100 executes ten facsimile transmission jobs JB2. The facsimile transmission job JB2 indicates a job JB that uses the facsimile transmission function of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, at the time point T3, the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 100, and the image forming apparatus 100 executes three copy jobs JB3. Next, at the time point T4, the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 100, and the image forming apparatus 100 is executing 50 scanner jobs JB4. The scanner job JB4 indicates a job JB that uses the scanner function of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, at the time point T5, the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 100, and the image forming apparatus 100 executes 35 printer jobs JB5. The printer job JB5 indicates a job JB that uses the printer function of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, at the time point T6, the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 100, and the image forming apparatus 100 executes five printer jobs JB6.

Since the time point T1 is the login time TL and the time point T1 is within the business hours TW, the determination unit 503 states that the copy job JB1 is used for the business of the image forming apparatus 100 and does not correspond to private use. judge. Further, since the time point T2 is the login time point TL and the time point T2 is within the business hours TW, the determination unit 503 indicates that the facsimile transmission job JB2 is used in the business of the image forming apparatus 100, and is used for private use. Judge that it does not apply. Similarly, since each of the time point T4 and the time point T5 is the login time point TL, and each of the time point T4 and the time point T5 is within the business hours TW, the determination unit 503 determines that each of the scanner job JB4 and the printer job JB5 is an image. It is determined that the forming apparatus 100 is used in business and does not correspond to private use.

On the other hand, since the time point T3 is the login time point TL and the time point T3 is not within the business hours TW, the determination unit 503 determines that the copy job JB3 corresponds to the private use of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, since the time point T6 is the login time point TL and the time point T6 is not within the business hours TW, the determination unit 503 determines that the printer job JB6 corresponds to the private use of the image forming apparatus 100.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the business information BJ indicates that the TL at the time of login is not within the business hours TW, the user can use the determination unit 503. It is determined that the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately. On the other hand, when the business information BJ indicates that the TL at the time of login is within the business time TW, the determination unit 503 determines that the user does not use the image forming apparatus 100 privately. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately.

Next, the configuration of the control unit 5 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG. 5 is a screen view showing an example of a selection screen displayed on the touch panel 41 by the determination unit 503. FIG. 5A is a screen view showing an example of the selection screen 600 displayed when the TL at the time of login is within the business hours TW.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the selection display unit 610, the cancel button 620, and the decision button 630 are displayed on the selection screen 600. When the business information BJ indicates that the login time TL is within the business time TW, the determination unit 503 displays the selection screen 600. Further, since the TL at the time of login is within the business hours TW, the determination unit 503 determines that the user does not use the image forming apparatus 100 privately. In the following explanation, it may be stated that it is not used privately, but that it is used for business purposes.

The selection display unit 610 includes a guidance display unit 601, a business use button 602, and a private use button 603.

Since the determination unit 503 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 is to be used for business purposes, the guidance display unit 601 displays a guidance saying "In the case of private use, touch the private use button." There is.

The business use button 602 indicates a button that the user touches when using the business. When the user touches the business use button 602, the business use button 602 is selected. In FIG. 5A, since the determination unit 503 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 is to be used for business purposes, the business use button 602 is displayed in the selected state on the selection screen 600. In FIG. 5A, it is described that the business use button 602 is in the selected state with the business use button 602 shaded. On the selection screen 600, when the business use button 602 is in the selected state, the display color of the business use button 602 is displayed in a color different from the display color of the private use button 603. For example, the private use button 603 is displayed in blue, and the business use button 602 is displayed in red. That is, the button in the selected state is displayed in red, and the button in the non-selected state is displayed in blue.

The private use button 603 indicates a button that the user touches when using it for private use. When the user touches the private use button 603, the private use button 603 is selected. When the private use button 603 is selected, for example, the private use button 603 is displayed in red and the business use button 602 is displayed in blue.

The cancel button 620 indicates a button that the user touches when canceling the user's selection operation. When the user touches the cancel button 620, the user's selection operation is canceled and the selection screen 600 is displayed.

The decision button 630 indicates a button that the user touches when deciding the user's selection operation. For example, when the business use button 602 is in the selected state and the user touches the decision button 630, the determination unit 503 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 is used for business. On the other hand, when the user touches the decision button 630 when the private use button 603 is in the selected state, the determination unit 503 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately.

Next, the selection screen 650 shown in FIG. 5B will be described. FIG. 5B is a screen view showing an example of the selection screen 650 displayed when the login time TL is not within the business hours TW. In the selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 5A, the business use button 602 is in the selected state, whereas in the selection screen 650 shown in FIG. 5B, the private use button 663 is in the selected state. The selection screen 650 shown in 5 (b) is different from the selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 5 (a). Hereinafter, the differences between the selection screen 650 and the selection screen 600 will be mainly described.

On the selection screen 650, a selection display unit 660, a cancel button 620, and a decision button 630 are displayed. The determination unit 503 displays the selection screen 650 when the business information BJ indicates that the TL at the time of login is not within the business time TW. Further, since the TL at the time of login is not within the business hours TW, the determination unit 503 determines that the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately.

The selection display unit 660 includes a guidance display unit 661, a business use button 662, and a private use button 663.

Since the determination unit 503 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 is to be used privately, the guidance display unit 661 displays a guidance stating, "In the case of business use, touch the business use button." ..

The business use button 662 indicates a button that the user touches when using the business. When the user touches the business use button 662, the business use button 662 is selected. When the business use button 662 is selected, for example, the business use button 662 is displayed in red and the private use button 663 is displayed in blue.

The private use button 663 indicates a button that the user touches when using it for private use. When the user touches the private use button 663, the private use button 663 is selected. In FIG. 5B, since the determination unit 503 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately, the private use button 663 is displayed in the selected state on the selection screen 650. In FIG. 5B, it is described that the private use button 663 is in the selected state with the private use button 663 shaded. On the selection screen 650, when the private use button 663 is in the selected state, the display color of the private use button 663 is displayed in a color different from the display color of the business use button 662. For example, the private use button 663 is displayed in red and the business use button 662 is displayed in blue.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the reception unit 501 accepts the correction operation indicating the correction from the business use to the private use, the determination unit 503 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately. In the embodiment of the present invention, the modification operation indicating that the modification is performed from business use to private use is performed by the user touching the private use button 603 to select the private use button 603 and then selecting the private use button 603. The operation of touching 630 is shown. Further, when the reception unit 501 accepts a correction operation indicating that the image is modified from private use to business use, the determination unit 503 determines that the user does not use the image forming apparatus 100 privately. In the embodiment of the present invention, the modification operation indicating that the modification is performed from private use to business use is performed by the user touching the business use button 662 to select the business use button 662, and then the user presses the enter button 630. Indicates the operation to touch. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not it is for private use with a simple configuration.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the reception unit 501 receives the correction operation via the touch panel 41, but the present invention is not limited to this. The reception unit 501 may accept the correction operation. For example, the reception unit 501 may accept the correction operation via the personal computer 200.

Next, the configuration of the control unit 5 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the billing list 700. As shown in FIG. 6, the billing list 700 includes a name display unit 701, a date display field 702, a time display field 703, a function display field 704, a number display field 705, a unit price display field 706, and an amount display field 707.

The billing unit 504 generates a billing list 700. The instruction unit 507 forms an image showing the billing list 700 on the paper P via the image forming unit 14. The billing list 700 corresponds to an example of the billing list LM.

The name display unit 701 displays name information indicating the name of a user who has privately used the image forming apparatus 100.

In the date display column 702, date information indicating the date when the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately is displayed. In the time display field 703, time information indicating the time when the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately is displayed.

In the function display field 704, functional information indicating the function of the image forming apparatus 100 when the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately is displayed. As the function information, for example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately at 12:30 on April 3, "copy" is displayed in the function display field 704, and the user can copy the image forming apparatus 100. Indicates that Further, for example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately at 18:30 on April 3, "printer" is displayed in the function display field 704, and the user uses the printer function of the image forming apparatus 100. Show that.

The number of sheets information is displayed in the number of sheets display field 705. The number information indicates the number of processed images of the image forming apparatus 100 when the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately. For example, when the copy function of the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately at 12:30 on April 3, "3" is displayed in the number display field 705, and the image forming apparatus 100 performs the copying process of three images. Indicates that you have gone. Further, for example, when the printer function of the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately at 18:30 on April 3, "5" is displayed in the number display column 705, and the image forming apparatus 100 prints five sheets. Indicates that processing has been performed.

In the unit price display column 706, unit price information indicating the billing amount per image when the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately is displayed. For example, if the copy function of the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately at 12:30 on April 3, "5" is displayed in the unit price display field 706, and 5 yen is charged for each image. Shown. When the printer function of the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately at 18:30 on April 3, "4" is displayed in the unit price display column 706, indicating that 4 yen is charged for each image.

In the amount display field 707, amount information indicating the charge amount MA when the image forming apparatus 100 is used privately is displayed. The billing amount MA indicates the product of the billing amount per sheet and the number of processed sheets.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the charging unit 504 charges the user, the generation unit 505 executes the process to be charged. A billing list 700 including the date and time DT and the billing amount MA for processing is generated. Then, the instruction unit 507 forms an image showing the billing list 700 on the paper P via the image forming unit 14. Therefore, the user can confirm the content of the charge from the charge list 700.

Next, the processing of the control unit 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing of the control unit 5.
First, as shown in FIG. 7, in step S101, the reception unit 501 determines whether or not the user has accepted the login to the image forming apparatus 100.
When the reception unit 501 determines that the user has not accepted the login to the image forming apparatus 100 (NO in step S101), the process is in the standby state. When the reception unit 501 determines that the user has accepted the login to the image forming apparatus 100 (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S103.
Then, in step S103, the acquisition unit 502 acquires the business information BJ from the server device 300.

Next, in step S105, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the job JB has been accepted from the user.
When the control unit 5 determines that the job JB has not been accepted from the user (NO in step S105), the process is in the standby state. When the control unit 5 determines that the job JB has been accepted from the user (YES in step S105), the process proceeds to step S109.
Then, in step S109, the determination unit 503 determines whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately based on the business information BJ.

When the control unit 5 determines that the user does not use the image forming apparatus 100 privately (NO in step S109), the process proceeds to step S115.
Then, in step S115, it is determined whether or not the reception unit 501 has accepted the correction operation indicating that the correction is made from business use to private use.
If it is determined that the reception unit 501 has not accepted the correction operation (NO in step S115), the process proceeds to step S117.
Then, in step S117, the determination unit 503 determines that the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 for business, and the process ends.
If it is determined that the reception unit 501 has accepted the correction operation (YES in step S115), the process proceeds to step S113.
Then, in step S113, the determination unit 503 determines that the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately, and the process proceeds to step S119 of FIG.

When the control unit 5 determines that the determination unit 503 determines that the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately (YES in step S109), the process proceeds to step S111.
Then, in step S111, it is determined whether or not the reception unit 501 has accepted the correction operation indicating that the correction is made from private use to business use.
If it is determined that the reception unit 501 has accepted the correction operation (YES in step S111), the process proceeds to step S117.
Then, in step S117, the determination unit 503 determines that the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 for business, and the process ends.
If it is determined that the reception unit 501 has not accepted the correction operation (NO in step S111), the process proceeds to step S113.
Then, in step S113, the determination unit 503 determines that the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately, and the process proceeds to step S119 of FIG.

Then, in step S119 shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 5 executes the job JB.
Next, in step S121, the control unit 5 determines the function of the image forming apparatus 100 used when executing the job JB.
Next, in step S123, the billing unit 504 determines the unit price of the job JB based on the function of the image forming apparatus 100 used when executing the job JB.
Next, in step S125, the billing unit 504 calculates the billing amount MA. Specifically, the billing amount MA indicates the product of the unit price of the job JB and the number of processed jobs JB.
Next, in step S127, the generation unit 505 generates the billing list LM.
Next, in step S129, the instruction unit 507 determines whether or not to print the billing list LM.
When the instruction unit 507 determines that the billing list LM is not printed (NO in step S129), the process ends. If the instruction unit 507 determines that the billing list LM is to be printed (YES in step S129), the process proceeds to step S131.
Then, in step S131, the instruction unit 507 forms an image showing the billing list LM on the paper P via the image forming unit 14, and the process ends.

Step S101 corresponds to an example of the "reception step". Step S103 corresponds to an example of the “acquisition step”. Step S109 corresponds to an example of the “determination step”. Step S125 corresponds to an example of a “billing step”.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, in the embodiment of the present invention, based on the function of the image forming apparatus 100 used by the billing unit 504 to execute the job JB, the job JB Determine the unit price. Further, the billing unit 504 calculates the billing amount MA by multiplying the unit price of the job JB by the number of processed jobs JB. Therefore, the billing unit 504 can calculate an appropriate billing amount MA.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various embodiments without departing from the gist thereof (for example, (1) to (3) shown below). The drawings are schematically shown mainly for each component for easy understanding, and the thickness, length, number, etc. of each component shown are different from the actual ones for the convenience of drawing creation. In some cases. Further, the shape, dimensions, and the like of each component shown in the above-described embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially deviating from the configuration of the present invention.

(1) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the embodiment of the present invention, the business information BJ indicates whether or not the login time TL is within the user's business time TW, but the present invention Is not limited to this. The business information BJ may indicate whether or not the specific time point TA after a lapse of a predetermined time from login is within the business time TW. The business information BJ may be, for example, a form indicating whether or not the start time of the job JB is within the business time TW of the user. In this form, the start time point of the job JB corresponds to the specific time point TA. Further, the business information BJ may be in a form indicating whether or not the end time of the job JB is within the business time TW of the user, for example. In this form, the end time point of the job JB corresponds to the specific time point TA.

(2) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the embodiment of the present invention, the reception unit 501 accepts the user ID information and accepts the login of the user to the image forming apparatus 100. Is not limited to this. The reception unit 501 may accept the user to log in to the image forming apparatus 100. The reception unit 501 may accept the user ID information and the password information and accept the user to log in to the image forming apparatus 100.

(3) As described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, in the embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 503 determines whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately based on the business information BJ. However, the present invention is not limited to this, although the user determines whether or not to use the image forming apparatus 100 privately based on the correction operation. The determination unit 503 may determine whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately based on the business information BJ. For example, the determination unit 503 may not execute the process of determining whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately based on the correction operation. In this form, the processing of the control unit 5 can be simplified. Further, for example, the determination unit 503 may be configured to be able to select whether or not to execute the process of determining whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 privately based on the correction operation. Good. In this form, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

The present invention is available in the field of image forming apparatus and billing methods performed by the image forming apparatus.

100 Image forming device 1 Image forming unit 14 Image forming unit 2 Image reading unit 3 Original transfer unit 4 Operation panel 41 Touch panel 5 Control unit 51 Processor 52 Storage unit 501 Reception unit (1st reception unit, 2nd reception unit)
502 Acquisition unit 503 Judgment unit (decision unit)
504 Billing unit 505 Generation unit 506 Correction unit 507 Instruction unit 200 Personal computer 300 Network BJ Business information JB Job MA Billing amount LM Billing list TA Specific time TL Login time TW Business hours

Claims (6)

The first reception section that accepts users to log in to the image forming device,
When the first reception department accepts the login, the acquisition department that acquires business information and
A determination unit that determines whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus privately based on the business information.
A billing unit that charges the user according to the determination result of the determination unit is provided.
The business information indicates whether or not the specific time point is within the business hours of the user.
The specific time point indicates a time point after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the first reception unit receives the login.
The private use is an image forming apparatus indicating that it is used for a purpose unrelated to business. When the business information indicates that the specific time point is not within the business hours, the determination unit determines that the user uses the image forming apparatus for private use.
The image formation according to claim 1, wherein when the business information indicates that the specific time point is within the business hours, the determination unit determines that the user does not use the image forming apparatus for private use. apparatus. A second reception unit that accepts an operation indicating whether or not to use the image forming apparatus for private use, and
Further provided with a determination unit for determining whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus for private use based on the operation received by the second reception unit.
When the second receiving unit receives an operation indicating that the image forming apparatus is used privately, the determining unit determines that the user uses the image forming apparatus for private use.
When the second receiving unit accepts an operation indicating that the image forming apparatus is not used privately, the determining unit determines that the user does not use the image forming apparatus for private use. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
When the billing unit charges the user, a generation unit that generates a billing list including the date and time when the process to be charged is executed and the billing amount for the process is further provided.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image forming unit forms an image showing the billing list on the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a correction unit that corrects the billing list based on an operation from the administrator. A reception step that accepts the user's login to the image forming device,
When the login is accepted, the acquisition step to acquire business information and
A determination step for determining whether or not the user uses the image forming apparatus privately based on the business information, and
Including a charging step in which the user is charged according to the determination result in the determination step.
The business information indicates whether or not the specific time point is within the business hours of the user.
The specific time point indicates a time point after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the login is accepted.
The private use is a billing method executed by an image forming apparatus, which indicates that the image is used for a purpose unrelated to business.

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