JP7358255B2 - Image forming device system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a multifunction peripheral, and a management server connected to the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Conventionally, a sender transports a postal item, typically a postcard, and a recipient receives the postal item. Further, when the sender transmits communication data such as communication data by facsimile communication or communication data by e-mail communication, the recipient receives the printed material.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-104557 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-309417

However, when transporting mail, the actual mail must be delivered from the sender to the recipient, so it takes time to receive it, and the mail may become dirty or damaged before or after it reaches the recipient. There was a problem that there was no way to restore the original state if something happened.

It is also possible to use other communication methods such as facsimile communication or e-mail communication, but in that case, it would be necessary to install a device with similar functions on the receiving side.

Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which delivery arrangements are made using a server installed on a network system such as the Internet, and Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which delivery arrangements are made using a server installed on a network system such as the Internet, and Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which physical mail with an address and the address are given in electronic data. This disclosure discloses the configuration of a delivery sorting device that receives electronic mail and sorts it by destination. However, these configurations do not solve the problems of the present invention.

Therefore, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus system that can reduce the effort and time required for shipping, and also allows the recipient to obtain the original information even if some or all of the shipped information is lost. The purpose is to provide

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus system according to the present invention includes:
multiple image forming devices;
An image forming apparatus system comprising: a management server connected to the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
When the image forming apparatus on the sending side among the plurality of image forming apparatuses receives output information to which address information regarding the address of the destination is added from the sender, the image forming apparatus on the sending side sends the output information and the address information to the management server. send,
The management server is
selecting a predetermined installation location from the address information among the installation locations where the plurality of image forming devices are installed, based on the address information transmitted from the transmitting-side image forming device;
transmitting the output information to a receiving-side image forming apparatus installed at the selected installation location;
The image forming apparatus on the receiving side includes:
receiving the output information from the management server and outputting the received output information;
The plurality of image forming apparatuses include:
When a re-output operation instructing to re-output the output information is received, the image forming apparatus for outputting receives the output information from the management server and outputs the received output information.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the effort and time required for shipping, and even if some or all of the shipped information is lost, it is possible for the recipient to obtain the original information.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an image forming apparatus in the image forming apparatus system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a management server in the image forming apparatus system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a method for receiving e-mail addresses and output information by recipients. 3 is a chart showing a fee structure for an output information transmission service of an image forming apparatus system. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of providing an output information transmission service and an output information re-output service. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of operation screens displayed on the image forming apparatus. It is a figure showing an example of a screen for operation. It is a figure showing an example of a screen for operation. It is a figure showing an example of a screen for operation. It is a figure showing an example of a screen for operation. It is a figure showing an example of a screen for operation. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing another example of providing an output information transmission service and an output information re-output service. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an expiration notification screen displayed on an output image forming apparatus. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of an output information transmission service. 3 is a flowchart showing part of the flow of an output information re-output service. 12 is a flowchart showing another part of the flow of the output information re-output service. 7 is a chart showing a pattern of setting authority to re-output output information.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus system 100 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m) (m is an integer of 2 or more) and a management server 20. The image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m) are installed in a wide range of installation locations. It is desirable that the image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m) be installed throughout the country. The image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m) are installed at public installation locations 1(1) to 1(m), such as stores such as convenience stores and post offices, respectively. Note that a plurality of image forming apparatuses may be installed at one installation location.

The plurality of image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m) (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as image forming apparatuses 10) and the management server 20 are connected via a network NT.

(Image forming device)
The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a multifunction device such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the image forming apparatus 10 in the image forming apparatus system 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG.

The image forming apparatus 10 has an image forming function (printer function), a scanner function, and a copy function (original copying function). The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading section 11, a paper feeding section 12, an image forming section 13, a paper discharging section 14, an operation display section 15, an authentication section 16, a network communication section 17, and a storage section 18. and a control section 19.

The image reading section 11 reads an image of a document, and includes a document transport section 11a and a document reading section 11b. The image reading section 11 reads the image of the document with the document reading section 11b while conveying the document with the document conveying section 11a, or reads the document placed on the document table of the document reading section 11b with the document reading section 11b. Scan and read. Paper feeding section 12 transports paper toward image forming section 13 . The image forming section 13 forms (prints) an image on the paper sent from the paper feeding section 12 based on the image data. The paper discharge section 14 discharges the paper on which the image has been formed in the image forming section 13 .

The operation display unit 15 receives user operations and displays various information on the display screen based on display data. The operation display section 15 includes hardware keys 15a, a display device 15b (display panel), a touch panel 15c provided on the display device 15b, and an information input/output section 15d. The operation display unit 15 receives a user's touch operations on various software keys displayed on the display device 15b using the touch panel 15c. The information input/output unit 15d is a connection type interface, and includes a port (USB port) for reading and writing information recorded in an external storage device such as a USB (registered trademark) memory M.

The authentication section 16 is composed of a card reader that reads card information of various IC cards CD. Network communication section 17 communicates with management server 20 via network NT. The storage unit 18 includes a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The control unit 19 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10 . The control unit 19 is composed of a computer such as a CPU. The control unit 19 controls the operation of various components by loading a control program previously stored in the ROM of the storage unit 18 onto the RAM of the storage unit 18 and executing it.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 not only provides users with normal services such as copying (original copying), printing, facsimile, and scanning, but also provides various services (for example, output information transmission service, Information re-output service) is provided to users. The output information transmission service and the output information re-output service will be described in detail later.

(Management server)
Management server 20 is connected to image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m) via network NT. The management server 20 manages information regarding various services of the image forming apparatus system 100.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the management server 20 in the image forming apparatus system 100 shown in FIG. The management server 20 includes a network communication section 21, a storage section 22, a control section 23, a location information database DB1, and an address information database DB2.

The network communication unit 21 includes a communication unit 21a that communicates with the image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m) via the network NT. The storage unit 22 includes a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The storage unit 22 stores information regarding various services of the image forming apparatus system 100. The control unit 23 controls the entire management server 20. The control unit 23 is composed of a computer such as a CPU. The control unit 23 controls the operation of various components by loading a control program previously stored in the ROM of the storage unit 22 onto the RAM of the storage unit 22 and executing it. The control unit 23 performs processing such as registration, deletion, and modification of information stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 23 transmits and receives information regarding various services of the image forming apparatus system 100 from the communication unit 21a to and from the image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m) via the network NT.

Further, the location information database DB1 includes image forming apparatus information AID(1) to AID(m) regarding the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m), and image forming apparatus information AID(1) to AID(m) regarding the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m). Installation location position information APS(1) to APS(m) (latitude and longitude information) corresponding to installation locations 1(1) to 1(m) where (m) is installed is registered in advance. Address information database DB2 includes address information AD(1) to AD(n) (n is an integer of 2 or more) corresponding to addresses nationwide, and address information AD(1) to AD(n) corresponding to nationwide addresses. Position information PS(1) to PS(n) (latitude and longitude information) is registered in advance.

[About this embodiment]
<Output information transmission service>
- Image Forming Apparatus In the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. P5 and output means P6.

The first reading means P1 reads the user's personal information IDI. Specifically, the sender SH (sender) brings the IC card CD close to or in contact with the authentication section 16. The first reading means P1 reads the personal information IDI of the IC card CD at the authentication section 16. Note that the sender SH may be the sender himself or an agent (for example, a convenience store clerk or a post office clerk) who has received a request from the sender.

The first reception means P2 inputs output information PI to which address information AD(j) (j is an integer from 1 to n) regarding the address of the recipient RH (receiver) as the transmission destination is input to the sender SH. Accept by operation.

The second reading means P3 reads address information AD(j) from the output information PI.

The transmitting means P4 transmits the output information PI and address information AD(j) to the management server 20 via the network communication section 17.

- Management Server In the management server 20, the control unit 23 includes a specifying means Q1, a selecting means Q2, and a transmitting means Q3.

The specifying means Q1 specifies the positional information PS(j) of the destination of the output information PI from the address information AD(j) of the destination of the output information PI using the address information database DB2.

The selection means Q2 selects a predetermined installation location 1 (where i is an integer from 1 to m) corresponding to predetermined installation location location information APS(i) (i is an integer from 1 to m) from the destination location information PS(j) using the location information database DB1. Image forming apparatus information AID(i) of i) is selected. In this example, the selection means Q2 uses the location information database DB1 to select the image forming device information of the installation location 1(i) corresponding to the installation location location information APS(i) closest to the destination location information PS(j). Select AID(i).

The transmitting means Q3 transmits the output information PI to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side corresponding to the obtained image forming apparatus information AID(i).

- Image Forming Apparatus In the image forming apparatus 10 on the receiving side, the receiving means P5 receives the output information PI from the management server 20. The output means P6 outputs the received output information PI.

Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 receives output information PI from the management server 20, displays the received output information PI on the display device 15b capable of displaying the same size and enlarged display, and/or inputting the information. The output unit 15d writes the image to an external storage device such as a USB memory M, and/or prints it on paper using the image forming unit 13, which is capable of same-size printing and enlarged printing. The image forming apparatus 10 discharges the paper printed by the image forming section 13 to the paper discharging section 14 as the receiving side printed matter RP.

According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side (h is an integer from 1 to m other than i) sends output information PI to which address information AD(i) is added to the sender SH. If the address information AD(i) is accepted, the output information PI and address information AD(i) are sent to the management server 20. The management server 20 selects the address information AD() among the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m) based on the address information AD(i) sent from the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side. A predetermined installation location 1(i) is selected from i), and output information PI is transmitted to the receiving-side image forming apparatus 10(i) installed at the selected installation location 1(i). By doing this, there is no need to send the actual printed matter from the sender to the recipient. Therefore, the effort and time required for shipping can be significantly reduced.

In this example, the management server 20 selects the installation location 1(i) closest to the address information AD(i) based on the address information AD(i) sent from the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side. The output information PI is then transmitted to the receiving image forming apparatus 10(i) installed at the selected installation location 1(i) and to the transmitting image forming apparatus 10(h). By doing so, the effort and time required for shipping can be further reduced.

The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side also reads address information AD(i) from the output information PI. By doing so, it is possible to save the effort of inputting the destination of the output information PI.

Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the transmitting side performs an image scan on the output information PI and reads it as image data. In this way, for example, the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side can read the output information PI of a postal item such as a handwritten postcard as image data. Specifically, the second reading means P3 performs character recognition control to recognize text character information from image data using an optical character recognition (OCR) function, and performs character recognition control to recognize text character information from image data, and determines address information based on an address and/or postal code. Performs judgment control. This character recognition control and/or address determination control may be performed by the image forming apparatus 10 on the sending side, or may be performed by the management server 20.

The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side also reads output information PI from the external storage device. By doing this, the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side can read file data from an external storage device such as a USB memory M in which file data such as word processor file data and spreadsheet file data is recorded. can. Specifically, the second reading means P3 performs address determination control to determine address information based on the address and/or postal code from the file data. This address determination control may be performed by the image forming apparatus 10 on the sending side, or may be performed by the management server 20.

Next, three embodiments of the output information transmission service will be described in order.

[First embodiment (J1) of output information transmission service]
By the way, when the output information PI is printed by the image forming unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side, the management server 20 is sent to the delivery person (for example, a postman) who has jurisdiction over the selected installation location 1(i). ) can deliver the printed matter RP printed by the image forming unit 13 to the recipient RH at the address written on the printed matter RP. In this case, the delivery person checks whether the output information PI has been sent to the receiving image forming apparatus 10(i) at the installation location 1(i) where the image forming apparatus 10(i) is installed. ) must be visited regularly.

In this regard, the management server 20 notifies the delivery person in charge of the selected installation location 1(i) that the output information PI has been transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side. By doing so, the delivery person can be made aware that the output information PI has been sent to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side. This makes it possible to avoid the delivery person periodically visiting the installation location 1(i) where the management server 20 has been selected for the image forming apparatus 10(i).

Specifically, the e-mail address of the delivery person in charge of the installation location 1(i) is registered in advance in the storage unit 22 of the management server 20. When the control unit 23 of the management server 20 transmits the output information PI to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side, it registers in the storage unit 22 that the output information PI has been sent to the installation location 1(i). sent to the email address of the delivery person.

By the way, when displaying the output information PI on the display device 15b in the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side, or when receiving the output information PI, the receiver RH displays the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side. It is necessary to go to the installation location 1(i) where the equipment has been installed. Furthermore, even if the output information PI is printed by the image forming unit 13, when the recipient RH goes to pick up the printed material RP, the installation location 1(i) where the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side is installed. ). However, unless the recipient RH is informed that the output information PI has been sent to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side, he cannot go to the installation location 1(i).

In this regard, the management server 20 notifies the recipient RH that the output information PI has been sent to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side. By doing so, it is possible to notify the recipient RH that the output information PI has been sent to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side. Thereby, the recipient RH can go to the installation location 1(i) where the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side is installed.

The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side delivers the printed matter RP printed based on the output information PI by a delivery person having jurisdiction over the selected installation location 1(i), or prints it based on the output information PI. It is possible to select whether the destination recipient RH receives the printed matter RP. By doing so, the sender SH can specify whether to have the printed material RP delivered by a delivery person or received by the recipient RH based on the output information PI.

The management server 20 notifies the sender SH that the output information PI has been output by the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side. This allows the sender SH to recognize that the output information PI has been sent to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side and output by the image forming apparatus 10(i).

Specifically, for example, if the sender SH is a non-member of the output information transmission service, the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side receives the e-mail address of the recipient RH and/or sends the e-mail address based on the input operation of the sender SH. The e-mail address of the person SH is accepted. The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side sends the received e-mail address of the recipient RH and/or the e-mail address of the sender SH to the management server 20.

If the sender SH is a member of the output information transmission service, the sender SH stores the e-mail address of the recipient RH and/or the e-mail address of the sender SH in advance in the storage unit 22 of the management server 20 on the member homepage. Register it. Note that when the sender SH is a member and receives the output information transmission service, the sender SH needs to authenticate to the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to membership registration, even if an e-mail address has been registered as a sender SH in the past, a similar notification may be made so that the recipient RH can select a receiving method. In this case, it is possible to perform a primary key search using the name and address as a set to check whether an e-mail address is registered.

When the control unit 23 of the management server 20 transmits the output information PI to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side, the control unit 23 informs the image forming apparatus 10(i) that the output information PI has been sent to the installation location 1(i). It is sent to the e-mail address of the recipient RH accepted in step h), or to the e-mail address of the recipient RH registered in the storage unit 22.

Furthermore, when the output information PI is output by the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side, the control unit 23 of the management server 20 detects that the output information PI has been output by the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side. It is sent to the e-mail address of the sender SH accepted by the image forming apparatus 10(h), or to the e-mail address of the sender SH registered in the storage unit 22.

FIG. 5 is a chart showing a method for receiving the e-mail address and the output information PI by the recipient RH.

As shown in FIG. 5, if the recipient RH does not have an e-mail address, the delivery person will deliver to the recipient RH. On the other hand, if there is an e-mail address of the recipient RH, the delivery person can deliver it to the recipient RH, or the recipient RH can receive it by notifying the e-mail address of the recipient RH. The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side can select one of these.

Furthermore, if there is no e-mail address of the sender SH, it is not possible to notify the e-mail address of the sender SH. Further, if there is an e-mail address of the sender SH, it is possible to notify or not to notify the e-mail address of the sender SH that the receiver RH has received the output information PI. The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side can select one of these.

The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side sends the received selection information to the management server 20. When the selection information sent from the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side is selection information to be delivered by the delivery person to the recipient RH, the management server 20 sends the delivery to the delivery person using the delivery person's e-mail address. informs the person that the delivery is to be made. When the selection information sent from the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side is the selection information to be received by the recipient RH, the management server 20 sends the information to the recipient RH using the e-mail address of the recipient RH. let them know what they should receive. When the selection information sent from the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side is selection information for the sender SH to receive a notification of receipt of the output information PI of the receiver RH, the management server 20 selects the selection information from the sender SH. The e-mail address informs the sender SH that the receiver RH has received the output information PI.

〔Example〕
- Image forming apparatus on the transmitting side [1] Among the image forming apparatuses 10(1) to 10(m) installed in a wide area, the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the transmitting side, which is one image forming apparatus 10, is If the sender SH is a member, personal authentication is performed, and if the sender SH is a non-member, the e-mail address of the sender SH and the e-mail address of the receiver RH are accepted.
[2] The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side is configured to either have a delivery person deliver the printed matter RP to the address of the recipient RH, or the recipient RH to receive the printed matter RP, or the recipient RH to the display device 15b. accepts a selection of whether to confirm with , or receive output information PI.
[3] The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side scans the printed matter SP on the sending side according to an input operation by the sender SH and converts it into output information PI, or reads it from an external storage device.
[4] The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side identifies the destination address information AD(j) from the output information PI.
[5] The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side performs billing processing for basic transmission fees.
[6] After the billing process, the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side performs a process of sending the output information PI and address information AD(j) to the management server 20.

- Management server [7] The management server 20 identifies the location information PS(j) of the destination of the output information PI from the address information AD(j) of the destination of the output information PI.
[8] The management server 20 selects the image forming device information AID(i) of the installation location 1(i) corresponding to the installation location location information APS(i) closest to the destination location information PS(j).
[9] The management server 20 transmits the output information PI to the receiving side image forming apparatus 10(i) corresponding to the obtained image forming apparatus information AID(i).
[10] The management server 20 has the e-mail address of the recipient registered in the storage unit 22, and whether the recipient RH receives the printed matter RP, or whether the recipient RH confirms it on the display device 15b or receives the e-mail address. When the person RH accepts the selection of whether to receive the output information PI, the recipient is notified to the recipient's e-mail address that the output information PI has been sent to the installation location 1(i). If the management server 20 accepts the selection to deliver the printed matter RP to the recipient RH even if there is no e-mail address of the recipient or there is an e-mail address of the recipient, the management server 20 stores the output information PI in the e-mail address of the delivery person at installation location 1 ( i) Notify the delivery person that the item was sent to.

- Receiving-side image forming apparatus [11] The receiving-side image forming apparatus 10(i) receives output information PI from the management server 20 and outputs the received output information PI.

・Recipient [12] The recipient RH displays the output information PI, receives the output information PI, receives the printed printed matter RP from the receiving side, or prints it at the nearest installation location 1(i). The recipient receives the printed matter RP by delivery. When displaying the output information PI, the display magnification can also be changed. When printing the output information PI, the paper size and printing magnification can be changed and received.

[Second embodiment of output information transmission service (J2)]
By the way, the output information PI and the like may not be received by the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side due to a communication error due to a communication failure or a failure of the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10(i) cannot output the output information PI.

In this regard, in the second embodiment (J2), the management server 20 selects the installation location 1 (i-1) again if the image forming apparatus 10 (i) on the receiving side cannot receive the output information. , transmits the output information PI to the receiving side image forming apparatus 10 (i-1) installed at the selected installation location 1 (i-1). Note that if the output information PI etc. cannot be received even at the installation location 1 (i-1) selected again, these processing operations are repeated. By doing this, even if the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side cannot receive the output information, the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side installed at the reselected installation location 1(i-1) The output information PI can be sent to i-1).

In this example, multiple installation locations 1(i-1), 1(i+1), 1(i+2), 1(i-2), etc. are preset in order of proximity from address information AD(1) to AD(n). has been done. If the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side cannot receive the output information, the management server 20 selects the next closest installation location 1(i-1), and selects the next closest installation location 1(i-1). The output information PI is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 (i-1) on the receiving side installed in the image forming apparatus 10 (i-1). Note that if the output information PI, etc. cannot be received even at the next closest installation location 1 (i-1), these processing operations are repeated. By doing this, even if the closest receiving image forming apparatus 10(i) cannot receive the output information, the receiving image forming apparatus 10 installed at the next closest installation location 1(i-1) Output information PI can be sent to (i-1).

Specifically, the selection means Q2 uses the location information database DB1 to select an image of the installation location 1 (i-1) corresponding to the installation location location information APS (i-1) that is next closest to the destination location information PS (i). Select forming device information AID(i-1). The management server 20 transmits the output information PI to the receiving side image forming apparatus 10 (i-1) corresponding to the selected image forming apparatus information AID (i-1).

[Third embodiment of output information transmission service (J3)]
FIG. 6 is a chart showing the fee structure of the output information transmission service of the image forming apparatus system 100.

<Basic output format (basic fee)>
As shown in FIG. 6, a basic fee F corresponding to the basic output form of the output information PI is preset in the storage unit 22 of the management server 20. The management server 20 accepts payment of the basic fee F at the image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side. The management server 20 calculates an increase or decrease from the basic fee F depending on the output format of the output information PI in the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side. In the case of an increase, the management server 20 collects the increased charge Ga (Ga1) from the sender SH or the recipient RH who is the destination. In the case of a reduction, the management server 20 returns the reduced charge Gb (Gb1, Gb2, Gb3) to the sender SH or the destination receiver RH. In this example, the reduced charge Gb increases in the order of Gb1, Gb2, and Gb3.

By doing so, when the output fee E of the output information PI becomes higher than the basic fee F (output fee E2), an increased fee Ga (Ga1) can be collected from the sender SH or the receiver RH. In addition, if the output fee E of the output information PI becomes cheaper than the basic fee F (output fee E4 to E6), the reduced fee Gb (Gb1, Gb2, Gb3) is returned to the sender SH or receiver RH. I can do it.

In the third embodiment (J3), the basic output form of the output information PI is a form in which the output information PI is printed (basic printing) on paper of a prescribed basic size (for example, postcard size). By doing so, the printed matter RP printed on paper of a basic size (for example, postcard size) can be handled as mail, for example, like a commonly used postcard.

Specifically, the basic fee F is preset in the storage unit 22 of the management server 20. The management server 20 determines the increased charge Ga (Ga1) and/or reduced charge Gb (Gb1, Gb2, Gb3) for the output form of the output information PI. The management server 20 calculates the output charges E (E1 to E6) by increasing the increase charge Ga (Ga1) and/or subtracting the decrease charge Gb (Gb1, Gb2, Gb3) from the basic charge F.

<Optional output format (optional fee)>
By the way, there are cases where the output information PI should be printed on paper of a size (eg, B5 size, A4 size) other than the basic size (eg, postcard size). In this regard, in the third embodiment (J3), the output format of the output information PI is to print the output information PI on paper of a size (for example, B5 size, A4 size) other than the basic size (for example, postcard) (optional printing). It is a form. By doing so, when the output information PI should be printed on paper of a size other than the basic size (for example, postcard size), it can be printed on paper of a size other than the basic size (for example, postcard size).

By the way, depending on the recipient RH (especially the elderly), the image (especially the characters) of the printed matter printed based on the output information PI may be too small and difficult to see. Furthermore, when printing on paper of a size larger than the basic size, it may be difficult to carry the printed material. In this regard, in the third embodiment, the output form of the output information PI is such that the output information PI is printed on paper (optional printing) by changing the magnification (enlargement or reduction) of the output information PI. In this case, the output information PI may be printed on more or less sheets of paper of the same size, and/or the output information PI may be printed on paper of a size larger or smaller than one basic size. It's okay. By doing this, for example, when enlarging the output information PI and printing it on paper, you can enlarge the image of the printed material RP even if the image (especially the characters) of the printed material RP printed based on the output information PI is too small to see. This allows the recipient RH (especially the elderly) to easily see the information. Furthermore, for example, by reducing the output information PI and printing it on a sheet of paper smaller than the basic size, it is possible to improve the convenience of making printed matter easier to carry.

In any case, when printing the output information PI, the delivery person in charge of the selected installation location 1(i) can deliver the printed matter RP printed on paper to the recipient RH.

In the third embodiment (J3), in the case of an output form (optional printing) that costs more than the basic fee F, the output fee for the output information PI is increased more than the basic fee F. By doing so, necessary expenses can be added to the basic fee F as an output cost for an output form that costs more than the basic fee F. For example, when optional printing is performed, the basic fee F can be increased by an additional fee Ga (Ga1) for optional printing.

In the third embodiment (J3), the output form of the output information PI can be such that the output information PI is displayed on the display device 15b or the output information PI is written to an external storage device. By doing so, the trouble of printing the output information PI can be saved.

In the present embodiment, in the case of an output form (displaying only the output information PI or receiving the output information PI) with a lower cost than the basic fee F, the output fee for the output information PI is reduced from the basic fee F. By doing so, the excess cost can be deducted from the basic fee F as an output cost for an output form that is cheaper than the basic fee F. For example, when the recipient RH goes to pick up the printed matter RP at the installation location 1(i), the basic fee F is equal to the reduced fee Gb (Gb1) for picking up the printed material RP at the installation location 1(i), or the recipient When the RH goes to the installation location 1(i) and checks the output information PI on the display device 15b, or when the RH writes the output information PI to an external storage device, there is a discount for not printing while going to the installation location 1(i) to pick up the output information PI. The fee can be reduced by the amount of Gb (Gb2, Gb3).

That is, the output information transmission service of the image forming apparatus system 100 includes the following output formats (a) to (f).
(a) The delivery person basically prints the output information PI and delivers the printed printed matter RP (postcard-sized printed matter RP) to the recipient (basic output form).
(b) The delivery person optionally prints the output information PI and delivers the printed printed matter RP to the recipient. In this case, the sender or receiver pays the increased charge Ga1.
(c) The recipient goes to the installation location 1(i), optionally prints the output information PI, and takes the printed printed matter RP home. In this case, the sender or receiver pays the increased fee and receives a refund of the reduced fee Gb1.
(d) The recipient goes to the installation location 1(i), basically prints the output information PI, and takes the printed printed matter RP home. In this case, the sender or receiver receives a refund of the reduced charge Gb1.
(e) The recipient goes to the installation location 1(i), writes the output information PI to an external storage device, and receives the output information PI. In this case, the sender or receiver receives a refund of the reduced charge Gb2.
(f) The recipient goes to the installation location 1(i) and confirms the output information PI on the display device 15b. In this case, the sender or receiver receives a refund of the reduced charge Gb3.

<Payment method>
Examples of payment methods for the output information transmission service include cash payment, electronic currency payment, and point payment for a point service. Here, examples of electronic currency include online banking, virtual currency, crypto currency, as well as credit cards, debit cards, and the like. Further, point payment can be used when the sender SH is a member.

The management server 20 performs billing processing for cash payment, electronic currency payment, or point payment. By doing so, the billing process for paying the fee for the output information transmission service can be performed reliably.

For example, when the sender SH pays in cash or electronic currency, the management server 20 performs billing processing by paying in cash or electronic currency to the installation location 1 (h) on the sending side of the sender SH. When the sender SH pays points, the sender SH needs to register as a member on the member homepage. Further, when the receiver RH pays in cash or electronic currency, the management server 20 performs billing processing by paying in cash or electronic currency to the installation location 1(i) on the receiving side of the receiver RH. When the recipient RH pays points, the recipient RH needs to register as a member on the member homepage.

The output information transmission service (J) has been described above. Next, the output information re-output service (K) will be described.

<Output information re-output service>
In the above-mentioned output information transmission service, the printed matter RP on which the output information PI is printed by the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side is delivered by a delivery person, or the receiver RH (receiver) The recipient RH acquires the information by going to the installation location 1(i) of the forming device 10(i) and receiving it.

By the way, the recipient RH may want to further acquire the same printed matter RP. For example, you may want to present it to an acquaintance. Alternatively, the recipient RH may want to acquire the same printed matter RP anew. For example, the user may want to acquire the printed matter RP again because the acquired printed matter RP has been lost or soiled. Alternatively, the delivery person may want to print the same output information PI again. For example, if the printed material RP is damaged due to an accident during delivery, the delivery person may want to reprint the output information PI and deliver the undamaged printed material RP to the recipient RH.

In order to meet such needs, the image forming apparatus system 100 uses the image forming apparatus PI that has been previously transmitted from the management server 20 to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side to perform an image forming process in which the user has re-outputted the output information PI. The device 10 is configured to be able to provide a re-output service for output information output by the device 10. The output information re-output service can be configured so that the management server 20 sends the output information PI that was previously sent to the receiving-side image forming apparatus 10(i) to the image forming apparatus 10 that has requested re-transmission. . In this configuration, the management server 20 reissues permission to output the output information PI by transmitting the output information PI to the image forming apparatus 10 that has requested retransmission.

[Device configuration]
- Image Forming Apparatus In the output image forming apparatus 10 operated by the user of the output information re-output service, the control section 19 includes a second receiving means P7, as shown in FIG. The second receiving means P7 receives a re-output operation performed by the user using the operation display section 15 or the authentication section 16. The users are assumed to be a destination (recipient), a delivery person, and a sender in the output information transmission service. The re-output operation is an operation for causing the image forming apparatus 10 to output desired output information PI, and includes an operation for logging in to receive approval for use, an operation for specifying output information PI, and the like.

When the output information PI is specified by the re-output operation, the transmitting means P4 requests the management server 20 to transmit the output information PI via the network communication unit 17.

- Management Server In the management server 20, the control unit 23 includes a receiving means Q4, a managing means Q5, and a transmitting means Q6, as shown in FIG.

The receiving unit Q4 receives a request for transmission of output information PI from the image forming apparatus 10 for output.

In the output information transmission service, the management means Q5 stores the output information PI received by the first reception means P2 in the storage unit 22, and sets a period specified by the sender as the storage period of the output information PI. The output information PI is managed. Specifically, the output information PI is stored until the storage period ends, and when a transmission request is made within the storage period, the requested output information PI is read from the storage section 22 and delivered to the transmission means Q6.

The transmitting means Q6 transmits the output information PI delivered from the managing means Q5 to the image forming apparatus 10 for output. Since the output information PI transmitted at this time has been transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side in the output information transmission service, the current transmission is viewed from the management server 20 as a retransmission. However, since the image forming device 10 for output may or may not be the image forming device 10(i) on the receiving side, if the previous sending destination (image forming device 10) and the current sending destination are the same, There are some and some are different.

- Image Forming Apparatus In the image forming apparatus 10 for output, the receiving means P5 receives output information PI from the management server 20. The output means P6 outputs the received output information PI.

Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 for output receives output information PI from the management server 20, and prints the received output information PI on paper using the image forming unit 13 capable of same-size printing and enlarged printing; And/or display it on the display device 15b that can display it at the same size and enlarge it, and/or attach it to an e-mail and send it to a specified destination, and/or send it to a USB memory from the information input/output unit 15d. Write to an external storage device (removable memory) such as M. The image forming apparatus 10 discharges the paper printed by the image forming section 13 to the paper discharging section 14 as printed material RP2 of the output information re-output service.

Next, three embodiments of the output information re-output service will be described in order. The output information re-output service involves an output information transmission service, but since the output information transmission service has been described in detail above, the explanation of the output information transmission service will be simplified below.

[First embodiment (K1) of output information re-output service]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of providing an output information transmission service and an output information re-output service. In the example of FIG. 7, the recipient RH in the output information transmission service is a user of the output information re-output service.

- Output information transmission service (1) The sender SH, who is a user of the output information transmission service, brings a postcard as a printed matter SP to the installation location of the image forming device 10(h) on the sending side, and prints images of the front and back sides of the postcard. The output information PI is input by scanning the image forming apparatus 10 (postcard input).
(2) The sender SH specifies a period for storing the output information PI in the management server 20 and inputs an e-mail address for contacting the sender with inquiries (re-output setting).
(3) The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side sends the input output information PI and period information PL indicating the specified period to the management server 20.
(4) The management server 20 identifies the destination address information AD(i) from the output information PI and selects the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side.
(5) The management server 20 sets a retention period based on the period information PL and stores the output information PI.
(6) The management server 20 transmits the output information PI to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side.
(7) The management server 20 sends an e-mail requesting delivery to the delivery person TH.
(8) The delivery person TH goes to the installation location of the receiving side image forming apparatus 10(i) and instructs the receiving side image forming apparatus 10(i) to print the output information PI.
(9) The image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side prints the output information PI and outputs the printed matter RP.
(10) The delivery person TH delivers the printed material RP to the destination address 2 indicated by the printed material RP. Thereby, the printed matter RP is received by the receiver (receiver) RH (11) The delivery person TH notifies the management server 20 of the completion of delivery. The notification can be made, for example, by a portable terminal device. The management server 20 updates the service provision history based on the notification. In addition, the sender SH and the receiver RH access the management server 20 using any terminal device 5a, 5b such as a personal computer or a smartphone, and access the output information PI and service provision history related to them at any time. can be viewed.

- Output information re-output service (12a), (12b) The recipient RH selects, for example, the image forming apparatus 10(i) as the image forming apparatus 10 for output, and goes to the installation location of the image forming apparatus 10(i) to print the image. The user logs into the forming apparatus 10(i) and instructs printing of the output information PI. In the example of FIG. 7, the selected output image forming apparatus 10(i) is the image forming apparatus 10 on the receiving side in the output information transmission service.

Logins include a first login in which personal authentication is performed and a second login in which personal authentication is not performed. In the first login, the operator (recipient RH in this case) brings a personal authentication card authenticated by the organization that operates the image forming apparatus system 100 close to or in contact with the card reading surface of the authentication unit 16, or Enter personal authentication information such as a personal number (so-called My Number). In the second login, the operator inputs a pre-registered user ID, or inputs the name and address of the sender SH and receiver RH, respectively. There is a difference in the form of re-outputting the output information PI between the first login and printing instruction (12a) and the second login and printing instruction (12b) as follows.
(13) The output image forming apparatus 10(i) requests the management server 20 to retransmit the output information PI. At this time, the output image forming apparatus 10(i) notifies the management server 20 whether the login is the first login or the second login.
(14) If the storage period of the requested output information PI is within the storage period, that is, if the output information PI is stored, the management server 20 transmits the output information PI to the image forming apparatus 10(i) for output. Send to.
(15a) The output image forming apparatus 10(i) receives the output information PI transmitted from the management server 20. Then, only when the login is the first login, the output image forming apparatus 10(i) prints the received output information PI on paper and outputs it to the paper output unit 14 as a re-output printed matter RP2. Paper. The recipient RH receives the ejected printed matter RP2 and takes it home. Thereby, the recipient RH can obtain the printed material RP2 having the same output information PI as the previously delivered printed material RP.
(15b) If the login on the image forming apparatus 10(i) is the second login, the management server 20 sends the output information PI to the image forming apparatus 10(i) for output as the process of (14). At the same time, the delivery person TH in charge of the installation location 1(i) of the output image forming apparatus 10(i) is requested to print and deliver the output information PI.
(16) The delivery person TH goes to the installation location 1(i) of the image forming apparatus 10(i) for output and performs the first login and print instruction.
(17) The output image forming apparatus 10(h) prints the output information PI acquired from the management server 20 in response to the retransmission request on a sheet of paper, and discharges the paper to the paper discharging unit 14 as a re-output printed matter RP2.
(18) The delivery person TH receives the ejected printed matter RP2 and delivers it to the address 2. Thereby, the recipient RH can obtain the printed material RP2 having the same output information PI as the previously delivered printed material RP.
(19) The delivery person TH notifies the management server 20 of the completion of delivery. The management server 20 updates the service provision history based on the notification.

According to the first embodiment (K1), even if the printed material RP acquired by the output information transmission service is soiled, damaged, or lost, the recipient RH obtains the printed material RP2 having the same output information PI as the printed material RP. can do. That is, according to the first embodiment, even if part or all of the output information PI sent by the sender SH is lost, the receiver RH can obtain the original output information PI.

In addition, according to the first embodiment (K1), when the recipient RH performs the second login, that is, when the personal authentication of the recipient RH is not performed, the printed matter RP2 is printed according to the printing instruction of the delivery person TH. The image is created and delivered so that the recipient RH cannot receive it directly from the image forming apparatus 10 for output. By doing this, it is possible to prevent a third party who knows the names and addresses of the sender SH and recipient RH from impersonating the recipient RH and acquiring the printed material RP2, thereby improving the security of the output information re-output service. can be increased.

[Operation screen]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the operation screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 10, and FIG. (B) shows an example of transition in the image forming apparatus 10 on the receiving side or the image forming apparatus 10 for output.

Each figure from FIG. 9 to FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for operation. 9(A) shows an example of the login screen 31, FIG. 9(B) shows an example of the user information input screen 32, and FIG. 9(C) shows the user ID confirmation screen 33. FIG. 10(A) shows an example of the re-output setting screen 34, and FIG. 10(B) shows an example of the transmission setting confirmation screen 35. 11(A) shows an example of the login screen 36, FIG. 11(B) shows an example of the user information input screen 37, and FIG. 11(C) shows an example of the output information selection screen 38. 12(A) shows an example of the output format confirmation screen 39, FIG. 12(B) shows an example of the re-output setting confirmation screen 40, and FIG. 12(C) shows an example of the output information selection screen 41. show. 13(A) shows an example of the preview screen 42, and FIG. 13(B) shows an example of the output format selection screen 43.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the sender SH logs into the image forming apparatus 10 on the sending side using the login screen 31. On the login screen 31, as shown in FIG. 9(A), it is possible to input a user ID. When the sender SH inputs the user ID, a transmission setting confirmation screen 35 is displayed. On the transmission setting confirmation screen 35, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the recipient of the current transmission can be selected from a plurality of recipient candidates registered in advance.

If the user ID is not entered on the login screen 31, a user information input screen 32 is displayed, and the sender's and receiver's names and addresses are requested to be entered, as shown in FIG. 9(B). Login is authorized by providing the requested input. When the user performs an operation to approve the issuance of a user ID on the user information input screen 32, a user ID confirmation screen 33 containing the issued user ID is displayed.

The display switches from the transmission setting confirmation screen 35 or the user ID confirmation screen 33 to the re-output setting screen 34. As shown in FIG. 10(A), on the re-output setting screen 34, it is possible to select a storage period for ending the storage and management of the output information PI in the management server 20. In the example of FIG. 10A, there are four options for the storage period: "Do not store," "30 days," "60 days," and "90 days." "Do not store" is an option to delete the output information PI in the management server 20 immediately after sending it to the image forming apparatus 10 on the receiving side, and the sender SH allows the re-output of the output information PI by itself and others. Selected if not. However, if the output information PI is printed and delivered as an output format, even if "Do not store" is selected, the output information PI will be stored in the management server 20 until the delivery is completed. Good too. In this case, only the delivery person TH can print the output information PI again until the delivery is completed. Note that, for example, "30 days" means that the output information PI is deleted when 30 days have passed since the start of storage, that is, the storage period is 30 days. The same applies to "60 days" and "90 days". The length of the storage period is not limited to the example and can be set arbitrarily.

The sender SH selects a storage period on the re-output setting screen 34, and inputs an email address for contacting inquiries if it is acceptable to receive inquiries from the management server 20. Thereafter, the sender SH specifies the output format of the output information PI on the receiving side on a predetermined screen, and instructs the management server 20 to transmit the output information PI.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the operator who is the recipient RH, the delivery person TH, or the sender SH logs into the image forming apparatus 10 on the receiving side or the image forming apparatus 10 for output using the login screen 36. . On the login screen 36, as shown in FIG. 11(A), it is possible to input a user ID and/or input personal information using a personal authentication card. When the operator inputs the user ID, the operator can display the re-output setting confirmation screen 40. As shown in FIG. 12(B), on the re-output setting confirmation screen 40, the operator can select any one of a plurality of recipient candidates.

If the user ID is not entered on the login screen 36, a user information input screen 37 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 11(B), on the user information input screen 37, it is required to input user information including the names and addresses of the sender and receiver of the output information PI to be output. Login is approved by entering the requested user information. When the login is approved, an output information selection screen 38 is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 11(C), on the output information selection screen 38, a history of transmission and reception of output information PI stored in association with user information that matches the user information input on the user information input screen 32 is displayed. Information 380 is displayed as an option for output information PI. The history information 380 includes the above-mentioned user information, the date of transmission by the sender SH (that is, the date of reception by the management server 20), and/or the date of reception by the image forming apparatus 10 on the receiving side.

When the operator selects output information PI on the output information selection screen 38, an output format confirmation screen 39 is displayed. If personal authentication cannot be performed because a personal authentication card is not presented, the output format of the output information PI should be printed in order to reduce the risk of the output information PI being illegally obtained by a third party due to impersonation. Limited to delivery formats. As shown in FIG. 12A, the output format confirmation screen 39 is a screen that requests the selection of whether to accept the print and delivery format or cancel the output.

On the other hand, when the operator's personal authentication is performed, an output information selection screen 41 is displayed. The difference between this output information selection screen 41 and the output information selection screen 38 described above is as can be seen by comparing FIG. 12(C) and FIG. 11(C). The options for output information PI are each composed of history information 380 of transmission and reception of output information PI and a preview button 410. When the operator touches the preview button 410 of an arbitrary option, a thumbnail 420 of an image of the printed or displayed option (output information PI) is displayed on the preview screen 42. By doing this, it becomes easier to distinguish whether the output information PI that is an option is the output information PI that the operator wants to output, and the operator can select the desired output information PI rather than selecting based only on text information such as the history information 380. It becomes easier to select a PI.

When the operator selects output information PI on the output information selection screen 41, an output format selection screen 43 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 13(B), on the output format selection screen 43, the output format options include a format where the operator receives the printed material on the spot and takes it home, and an email address with the output information PI attached. There are three modes: a mode in which the output information PI is sent to a recipient, a mode in which it is displayed on the display device 15b, and a mode in which a delivery person converts the output information PI into printed matter RP2 and delivers it to the recipient's address. However, if the output format is limited by the sender SH, options that do not fall outside of the limitations can be selected on the output format selection screen 43.

When the operator selects an output format and instructs output, the image forming apparatus 10 outputs the selected output information PI in the selected output format.

[Second embodiment of output information re-output service (K2)]
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of providing the output information transmission service and the output information re-output service. In the example of FIG. 14, the delivery person TH in the output information transmission service is a user of the output information re-output service.

- Output information transmission service The procedures from (1) to (9) are the same as in the first embodiment (K1) in FIG.
(10) The delivery person TH starts delivering the printed material RP to the destination address 2 indicated by the printed material RP. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the output information PI needs to be reprinted during delivery. For example, a sudden heavy rain may cause most of the printed PR to be blurred, or the printed PR may be lost when sorting the multiple printed materials collected at multiple installation locations. Whether the printed matter is lost or not can be determined by comparing the delivery request from the management server 20 with the existing printed matter.
(11) The delivery person TH selects an output image forming apparatus 10 for reprinting the output information PI, goes to its installation location, and performs the first login and print instruction. In FIG. 14, the image forming apparatus 10(j) (j is an integer from 1 to m other than i) is selected as the image forming apparatus 10 for output, but the image forming apparatus on the receiving side is not limited to this. Any image forming apparatus 10 including 10(i) can be selected.
(12) The output image forming apparatus 10(j) requests the management server 20 to retransmit the output information PI. At this time, the output image forming apparatus 10(j) notifies the management server 20 whether the login is the first login or the second login.
(13) If the requested output information PI is within the storage period, the management server 20 transmits the output information PI to the output image forming apparatus 10(j).
(14) The output image forming apparatus 10(j) receives the output information PI transmitted from the management server 20. Then, the output image forming apparatus 10(j) prints the received output information PI on paper and discharges the paper to the paper discharging unit 14 as a re-output printed matter RP2.
(15) The delivery person TH receives the ejected printed matter RP2 and resumes delivery. Thereby, the recipient RH can obtain the printed material RP2 having the same output information PI as the undelivered printed material RP.
(16) The delivery person TH notifies the management server 20 of the completion of delivery. The management server 20 updates the service provision history based on the notification.

According to the second embodiment (K2), even if the printed material RP is soiled, damaged, or lost during delivery, the delivery person TH can obtain the printed material RP2 having the same output information PI as the printed material RP and deliver the printed material. It can be delivered in place of RP. That is, according to the second embodiment, even if part or all of the output information PI sent by the sender SH is once lost, the receiver RH can obtain the original output information PI.

In addition, according to the second embodiment, the risk that the printed matter RP is not delivered and the output information PI does not reach the recipient RH is reduced, so it is possible to increase the reliability of the output information transmission system for the sender SH. can.

[Third embodiment of output information re-output service (K3)]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an expiration notification screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 10 for output, and FIG. 15A shows the display content when the operator is a member of the output information transmission service. FIG. 15B shows the display contents when the operator is a non-member of the output information transmission service.

In the first embodiment (K1) and the second embodiment (K2), the explanation has been made assuming that the re-output operation is performed within the retention period in which the output information PI is stored within the management server 20. There may be cases where a reprint operation is performed after The third embodiment (K3) provides the user with a solution in this case.

For example, when a user ID issued to a member is input in a re-output operation in which the recipient RH logs in and instructs to re-output the output information PI, the output image forming apparatus 10 performs the process shown in FIG. 15 ( The expiration notification screen 44 shown in A) is displayed on the display device 15b.

On the expiry date notification screen 44, it is displayed that the time limit for re-outputting has passed and a message is displayed requesting the sender SH to instruct whether or not to request re-transmission of the output information PI. Ru.

When an operation to request retransmission is performed, the output image forming apparatus 10 requests the management server 20 to request the sender SH to retransmit. In response to this request, the management server 20 sends an e-mail requesting the sender SH to resend the output information PI. After that, when there is a reply from the sender, the management server 20 sends an e-mail to the recipient RH notifying that there has been a reply. The sender can respond by sending a reply email or by using a website for members. When receiving the reply mail, the management server 20 forwards the reply mail to the recipient RH.

When the sender SH retransmits the output information PI to the management server 20, the management server 20 stores the output information PI anew. The image forming apparatus system 100 provides an output information transmission service of the content specified by the sender SH at the time of retransmission. For example, when delivery is specified, output information PI is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side, and a predetermined delivery person is requested to make the delivery. If direct reception by the recipient RH on the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side is specified, the recipient RH is notified that the output information PI has been sent to the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side. do.

On the other hand, if the output image forming apparatus 10 does not input the user ID in the re-output operation, the output image forming apparatus 10 displays an expiration notification screen 45 shown in FIG. 15(B) on the display device 15b. The expiration date notification screen 45 displays that the expiration date has expired. In this case, the recipient RH cannot cause the output image forming apparatus 10 to output the output information PI.

According to the third embodiment (K3), the member of the output information transmission service can directly contact the sender SH by e-mail, telephone, etc. even after the storage period of the output information PI in the management server 20 has expired. It becomes possible to obtain output information PI without having to take the trouble of arranging for it.

According to the third embodiment (K3), only members are provided with a means to obtain output information PI whose storage period has expired. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the sender SH is requested to retransmit frequently and the sender SH has difficulty responding to the request.

Next, the flow of providing the output information transmission service and the output information re-output service by the image forming apparatus system 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart. In the description, the installation location 1 of the image forming apparatus 10 is assumed to be a store (for example, a convenience store), and the output information PI is image data of a postcard (this may be referred to as "data").

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the output information transmission service.

The image forming apparatus 10(h) on the sending side receives an operation for sending a postcard (step S51). If the item brought by the sender SH to input postcard data is an actual postcard, the image forming device 10(h) scans the actual postcard to obtain the data (steps S52 and S53). . If the item brought by the sender SH is a removable memory (external storage device) that stores postcard data, the image forming device 10(h) reads the data from the removable memory (step S52, step S54). .

The sender SH specifies the data retention period in the image forming apparatus 10(h) (step S55), and registers (inputs) an e-mail address for contacting the sender with inquiries (step S56). The image forming apparatus 10(h) transmits the postcard data to the management server 20 along with the specified retention period and the input email address (step S57).

The management server 20 extracts the destination from the postcard data and searches for a store near the destination (step S58). The management server 20 sets a retention period and stores the data (step S59), and transmits the data to the image forming apparatus 10(i) of the searched store (step S60). When the image forming apparatus 10(i) completes receiving the data, it notifies the management server 20 of the completion of the data reception (step S61).

The management server 20 notifies the delivery person TH of the completion of data reception at the store and the store, for example, by e-mail (step S62).

The delivery person TH receives the e-mail (step S63), moves to the store notified by the e-mail (step S64), and instructs the image forming apparatus 10(i) to print the data (step S65). The delivery person TH delivers the printed matter RP on which the data has been printed, and sends a completion notification indicating the date and time of delivery completion to the management server 20 (step S66). The management server 20 records the date and time indicated in the completion notification as a service provision history (step S67).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing part of the flow of the output information re-output service. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another part of the flow of the output information re-output service.

As shown in FIG. 17, the output image forming apparatus 10 transmits user information or personal information input by the operator to the management server 20 as information for searching for data candidates to re-output ( Step S71). The management server 20 identifies data candidates, and if the storage period of the candidate data has not ended (step S72: YES), transmits the history of transmission and reception of the candidate data to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S73). . The history includes the sender's name, the sender's address, the delivery destination's address, the delivery destination's address, and the delivery date.

If personal authentication has been performed (step S74: YES), the image forming apparatus 10 displays history and thumbnails as options for re-outputting data (step S75), and if personal authentication has not been performed (step S75). Step S74: NO), history is displayed as an option, but thumbnails are not displayed (step S76).

If the operator selects any of the options, that is, if the data is to be re-outputted (step S77: YES), the flow advances to step S83 in FIG. 18.

On the other hand, if the storage period of the candidate data has ended in step S71 (step S72: NO), the image forming apparatus 10 displays that there is no data to be re-outputted (step S78), and the sender An inquiry is made to the operator as to whether to request retransmission of the data (step S79). When the operator selects to request retransmission (step S79: YES), the management server 20 requests the sender SH to retransmit the data (step S80). When retransmission is performed by the sender SH (step 81: YES), the management server 20 notifies the receiver RH indicated by the retransmitted data that there has been retransmission (step S82).

As shown in FIG. 18, if the personal authentication of the operator of the image forming apparatus 10 is performed (step S83: YES), a process of charging according to the output format is performed (step S84), and the Data is transmitted to the forming apparatus 10(i) (step S85).

Then, the image forming apparatus 10(i) re-outputs the data according to the specified output format. For example, if printing (take-home) is specified, printing is performed on the spot (step S86, step S87). Alternatively, if transmission to a mail server or a terminal device owned by the recipient RH is specified, data transmission is performed on the spot (steps S86 and S88).

On the other hand, if the personal authentication of the operator is not performed (step S83: NO), a process of charging according to the output format is performed (step S89). Subsequently, data is transmitted from the management server 20 to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S90), and a delivery request is notified to the delivery person TH (step S91).

The delivery person TH receives the e-mail requesting delivery (step S92), moves to the store specified in the e-mail (step S93), and instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to print the data (step S94). Subsequently, the delivery person TH delivers the printed matter RP on which the data has been printed (step S95), and sends a delivery completion notification to the management server 20 (step S96). The date and time indicated in the completion notification is recorded as a history by the management server 20 (step S97).

FIG. 19 is a chart showing a pattern for setting the authority to re-output the output information PI. The authority setting is performed by, for example, an administrator of the image forming apparatus system 100.

As shown in FIG. 19, in pattern 1, the sender SH, delivery person TH, and recipient RH all have the authority to re-output. The storage period is, for example, 90 days. When a person with authority performs a re-output operation, candidates of output information PI that can be re-output according to the authority are displayed.

In pattern 2, the sender SH and the delivery person TH have the authority to re-output, and the receiver RH does not have the authority to re-output. The storage period is, for example, 30 days.

In pattern 3, the delivery person TH has the authority to re-output, and the sender SH and the receiver RH do not have the authority to re-output. The retention period is the period until delivery is completed. The setting of pattern 3 is a setting aimed at ensuring that the output information transmitted by the sender SH reaches the recipient RH as printed matter RP or printed matter RP2 more reliably than before. According to pattern 3, although no one other than the delivery person can re-output the output information PI, the sender SH can feel secure that the output information he has sent will reach the destination more reliably than before, and the receiver The person RH can receive the printed matter to be received more reliably than before, and the delivery person can still deliver a printed matter RP equivalent to the printed matter RP to the destination even if the printed matter RP becomes dirty, damaged, or lost during delivery. can.

In the first embodiment (K1), second embodiment (K2), and third embodiment (K3) of the output information re-output service described above, the charge for the use of the output information re-output service is based on the output information transmission. Similar to charging for the use of a service, a basic fee may be set and then increased or decreased depending on the output format, the presence or absence of options, etc. The discount amount may be determined depending on the usage status of the user (number of times of use, value of points added according to the fee paid, presence or absence of membership registration, etc.). The payment method for the output information re-output service may be the same as that for the output information transmission service, and options include cash payment, electronic currency payment, and point payment.

If the output information PI is image data of a New Year's postcard or other printed matter SP with a lottery ticket, the lottery portion may be deleted or replaced with a predetermined image when printing as re-output. By doing this, it is possible to suppress the misuse of the printed matter RP2 created by re-outputting, and the output information re-output service can be used to re-create the original printed matter SP using a postcard with a lottery ticket as the printing paper. Can be done.

In the first embodiment (K1), second embodiment (K2), and third embodiment (K3) of the output information re-output service described above, the output information PI stored in the management server 20 is used for output. The image forming apparatuses 10(i) and 10(j) re-output the information, but there are the following modifications in this regard. If the security of the image forming apparatus 10 and its installation location 1 is ensured, the output information PI received during the output information transmission service at the image forming apparatus 10(i) on the receiving side is stored for a retention period or a shorter period. I'll keep it. When the receiving-side image forming apparatus 10(i) becomes an output image forming apparatus in the output information re-output service, the image forming apparatus 10(i) saves the output information PI within itself without acquiring the output information PI from the management server 20. Re-output the output information PI. According to this modification, the processing load on the management server 20 can be reduced.

Each of the first embodiment (K1), second embodiment (K2), and third embodiment (K3) of the output information re-output service described above can be combined with any one or the other two. and implemented in combination with any one or more of the first embodiment (J1), second embodiment (J2), and third embodiment (J3) of the output information transmission service. be able to.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, such embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects, and should not be interpreted in a limiting manner. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and is not restricted in any way by the main text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and changes that come within the scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

1 Installation location 5a Terminal device 5b Terminal device 10 Image forming device 11 Image reading section 13 Image forming section 15 Operation display section 15a Hardware key 15b Display device 15c Touch panel 15d Information input/output section 16 Authentication section 17 Network communication section 18 Storage section 19 Control Unit 20 Management server 21 Network communication unit 21a Communication unit 22 Storage unit 23 Control unit 100 Image forming device system 380 History information 420 Thumbnail AD Address information AID Image forming device information APS Installation location location information CD IC card DB1 Location information database DB2 Address information Database E Output charge F Basic charge Ga Increased charge Gb Reduced charge IDI Personal information M USB memory NT Network P1 First reading means P2 First receiving means P3 Second reading means P4 Transmitting means P5 Receiving means P6 Output means PI Output information PL Period Information PS Location information Q1 Specification means Q2 Selection means Q3 Transmission means RH Receiver RP Receiving side printed matter SH Sender SP Sending side printed matter

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus system comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a management server connected to the plurality of image forming apparatuses,
When the image forming apparatus on the sending side among the plurality of image forming apparatuses receives output information to which address information regarding the address of the destination is added from the sender, the image forming apparatus on the sending side sends the output information and the address information to the management server. send,
The management server selects a predetermined installation location based on the address information from among the installation locations where the plurality of image forming devices are installed, based on the address information transmitted from the sending-side image forming device; transmitting the output information to a receiving-side image forming apparatus installed at the selected installation location;
The image forming apparatus on the receiving side receives the output information from the management server and outputs the received output information,
When the plurality of image forming apparatuses receive a re-output operation instructing re-output of the output information, the plurality of image forming apparatuses receive the output information from the management server as image forming apparatuses for output, and output the received output information. output ,
If the image forming apparatus for output is able to perform personal authentication of the operator of the re-output operation, accepts an operation for selecting printing or data transmission to the destination as output of the output information, If personal authentication of the operator cannot be performed, accept an operation to select delivery of the printout of the output information to the address or cancellation of the output.
An image forming apparatus system characterized by: The image forming apparatus system according to claim 1 ,
The management server stores the output information sent from the transmitting image forming apparatus until a set storage period ends, and requests retransmission from the output image forming apparatus within the storage period. An image forming apparatus system characterized in that the stored output information is transmitted to the output image forming apparatus when the output information is output. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 2 ,
The transmitting-side image forming apparatus transmits, together with the output information and the address information, period information indicating a period specified by the sender as the storage period to the management server;
The image forming apparatus system is characterized in that the management server sets the specified period indicated by the period information transmitted from the transmitting image forming apparatus as the storage period. An image forming apparatus system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
When the output image forming apparatus receives an operation for selecting delivery of the printed matter to the address, the output image forming apparatus transmits a delivery request to the management server;
The image forming apparatus system is characterized in that, when the management server receives the delivery request, it requests a delivery person in charge of the selected installation location to print and deliver the output information. An image forming apparatus system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
If the image forming apparatus for output is able to perform personal authentication of the operator, it displays a history of transmission/reception involving the operator and a thumbnail of the output information, and performs personal authentication of the operator. An image forming apparatus system characterized in that, if it is not possible to perform the above operations, the history is displayed and the thumbnails are not displayed. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 3 ,
If the output image forming apparatus accepts the re-output operation after the storage period has ended, the sender is requested to re-send the output information by e-mail, and the sender is requested to re-send the output information. An image forming apparatus system characterized in that the destination is notified of the request by e-mail. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 6 ,
The image forming apparatus on the sending side displays a plurality of options according to usage status by the sender or the destination when the sender specifies the retention period, and the plurality of options are configured to display the output information. An image forming apparatus system characterized by including an option to set the storage period to the time when the delivery of the printed matter to the address is completed. An image forming apparatus system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
An image forming apparatus system characterized in that the output of the output information by the re-output operation is charged according to the content thereof. An image forming apparatus system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
The image forming apparatus system is characterized in that the sender and the destination can view the output information stored by the management server using terminal devices that can communicate with the management server. An image forming apparatus system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
The image forming apparatus system is characterized in that the transmitting side image forming apparatus performs an image scan on the output information and reads it as image data. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 10 ,
The image forming apparatus system is characterized in that the transmitting side image forming apparatus reads the output information from an external storage device. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 10 or 11 ,
The image forming apparatus system is characterized in that the management server notifies the sender that the output information has been output by the image forming apparatus on the receiving side.

Images