JP2003274077A - Digital multi function machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital multi function machine with a function whereby a user or a serviceman easily performs material management including recording paper and charging management by visually displaying transition of an operating state of the recording paper of the like or an operating state of copy/fax/printer/ scanner or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The digital multi function machine characterized in that it records counts of a plurality of counters selected among a copy counter for counting copy operations; a printer counter for counting print operations; a scanner counter for counting scanner operations; and a FAX related counter for counting FAX transmission and FAX reception operations to a nonvolatile memory, and is provided with: a totalizing means for totalizing the counts of the counters by each prescribed period; a plurality of total counters each having a sectional count unit for recording the result of sum by the totalizing means; and an output means for outputting the result of summation recorded in the total counters. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital multi-function peripheral.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a digital multi-function peripheral, a plurality of counters corresponding to an operation mode, a document size, a recording paper size, etc. are recorded in a non-volatile memory and the count value of each counter is displayed on an LCD screen. It is possible to print a list. In addition, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13, a counter is provided for each operation mode of copy, printer, fax, scanner, etc., and the display and counter list of each counter for each operation mode can be output as shown in FIG. .

[0003]

However, in the conventional counter display or list print of the digital multi-function peripheral, the current count value is displayed as a numerical value, and the transition of the use status of the recording paper or the use In order to know the situation, it is necessary to regularly check the counter display or perform a list print to record the count value, which is difficult for both the user and the service person to use.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to visually display the usage status of recording paper or the like, or the usage status of copy / fax / printer / scanner, etc., to manage materials including the recording paper and to charge. It is to provide a digital multi-function peripheral having a function that facilitates management by a user or a service person.

Other objects of the present invention will be clarified by the following description.

[0006]

The above-mentioned problems can be solved by the following inventions.

(Claim 1) A copy counter for counting copy operations, a printer counter for counting print operations, a scanner counter for counting scanner operations, and a fax-related counter for counting fax transmission operations and fax reception operations. In a digital multi-function peripheral that records a plurality of counters stored in a non-volatile memory, a plurality of aggregating units that perform aggregating for each predetermined period based on the counts of the counters and a section counter unit that records the aggregating result in the aggregating unit A digital multi-function peripheral comprising: a totaling counter and an output unit that outputs the totaling result recorded in the totaling counter.

(Claim 2) Graph data creating means for creating a graph data for reading out and displaying a total result recorded in an arbitrary total counter, and outputting the total result recorded in the total counter as a numerical value. 2. The digital composite according to claim 1, further comprising: a selection unit for selecting whether to output or output in a graph, the output unit outputting in the output form selected by the selection unit. Machine.

(Claim 3) A copy counter for counting copy operations, a printer counter for counting print operations, a scanner counter for counting scanner operations, a fax-related counter for counting fax transmission operations and fax reception operations. In a digital multi-function peripheral that records a plurality of counters stored in a non-volatile memory, a plurality of aggregating units that perform aggregating for each predetermined period based on the counts of the counters and a section counter unit that records the aggregating result in the aggregating unit Counting counter, billing data table for each document size and recording paper size, and counting results recorded in the counting counter within a certain period in the past are read out and multiplied by the billing data table to change billing data for each predetermined period. Graph for displaying Digital MFP and having a charging graph data generating means for generating over data, and selection means for selecting whether to output the to or graph to output the charging data numerically.

(Claim 4) The digital multifunction peripheral according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the graph is a line graph or a bar graph for each paper size.

(Claim 5) In the output of the line graph, graphs of a plurality of size-based counters are used for different line types,
The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 4, wherein different colors or different densities are displayed on the same screen or the same recording medium.

(Claim 6) In the output of the bar graph, the graphs of a plurality of size-based counters are displayed on the same screen or the same recording medium with different filling patterns, different colors or different densities. Item 4
Digital multi-function peripheral as described in the item.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital multi-function peripheral for recording a plurality of counters including a counter for each mode corresponding to each of an operation mode and a paper size in a non-volatile memory, and counting for each predetermined period based on the count of the counter. Mode-specific totaling means, a plurality of mode-specific totaling counters having a section counter unit for recording the totalization results in the mode-specific totaling means, and output means for outputting the totalization results recorded in the mode-specific totaling counters And a digital multi-function peripheral.

(Claim 8) A mode-based graph data creating means for creating graph data for displaying the frequency of use for each operation mode on the basis of the counting result recorded in the counting counter, and stored in the counting counter. And a selecting means for selecting whether to output the tabulated result as a numerical value or a graph, and the output means outputs in the output form selected by the selecting means. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 7.

(Claim 9) The graph of the frequency of use for each operation mode is a graph showing the ratio of each individual paper size counter to the addition result of all the paper size counters. Digital multi-function peripheral as described in the item.

(Claim 10) In the graph of the frequency of use for each operation mode, the ratio of the count value aggregated for each operation mode of copy, printer, fax, scanner, etc. to the addition result of all paper size counters 9. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 8, which is a graph shown.

(Claim 11) In the graph of the frequency of use for each operation mode, all paper size counters are added for each operation mode such as copy, printer, fax, and scanner, and the paper size counter for each operation mode is added. 9. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 8, wherein the graph is a graph showing a ratio of.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital multi-function peripheral for recording a plurality of counters including a mode-specific counter corresponding to each of an operation mode and a paper size in a non-volatile memory, and counting based on the count of the counter every predetermined period. Mode-specific totaling means, a plurality of mode-specific totaling counters having a section counter unit for recording the totalization result in the mode-specific totaling means, a billing data table for each document size and each recording paper size, and a certain past value Billing graph data creating means for reading out the counting result recorded in the mode-based counting counter within the period and multiplying the billing data table to create graph data for displaying the transition of the billing data for each predetermined period in a graph. Selecting means for selecting whether to output the billing data as a numerical value or as a graph. Digital MFP characterized by.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

Since the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention has four modes, first, the first mode will be described in detail below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the first mode of the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention.

The control unit 1 controls the operation of the entire digital multi-function peripheral. For example, various arithmetic devices such as CPU and MPU can be used. The operation unit 2 is used by the user to input data for operating each operation of the digital multi-function peripheral. In the operation unit 2, it is possible to make an input for performing a copy operation, a scan operation, a fax transmission operation, a print operation, or the like. For example, when an operation for printing is input, the digital multi-function peripheral performs the printing operation. At this time, the operation for printing includes inputting various settings for printing. The display unit 3 is a display for the user to confirm the input of the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral,
The totalization result recorded in the totalization counter according to the present invention described later is displayed. For example, various display devices such as a liquid crystal panel can be used. If a touch panel display is used as the operation unit 2 and the display unit 3,
The installation area can be saved more than when the operation unit 2 and the display unit 3 are provided separately.

When performing the scanning operation, the reading section 4 reads the image by optically scanning the document. For example, various scanner devices can be used. The image processing unit 5 processes the image read by the reading unit 4 and generates image data.

When the copy operation is performed, the image data generated by the reading unit 4 and the image processing unit 5 is recorded on the recording medium such as paper or OHP sheet by the image recording unit 6.

When performing the fax transmission operation, the image data generated by the reading unit 4 and the image processing unit 5 is transmitted to the outside of the digital multi-function peripheral by the communication unit 7. The communication unit 7 can also receive image data from the outside via a fax line (fax receiving operation). The image data received at this time is recorded on a recording medium such as paper by the image recording unit 6.

When performing the printing operation, the image data received via the communication unit 7 is recorded on the recording medium such as paper by the image recording unit 6.

The original size detecting section 8 detects the size of the original read by the reading section 4. The recording paper size detection unit 9
The size of a recording medium such as paper recorded in the image recording unit 6 is detected.

The counter section 10 corresponds to a plurality of counters of the present invention and counts the number of times of each operation.
For example, a copy counter that counts copy operations,
The counter includes a plurality of counters selected from a printer counter that counts print operations, a scanner counter that counts scanner operations, and a fax-related counter that counts fax transmission operations and fax reception operations. The count-up timing of these counters is
For example, it is a timing to be performed each time various operations are completed. In addition to the above counters, the counter unit 10 includes a jam / error counter that counts when a jam or an error occurs, a counter for each replacement part that counts when a part is replaced, a counter for each department, and a composite for each department. It may have a department counter for counting the use of the machine, a total counter for counting when a predetermined operation (for example, a print operation, a copy operation, a scan operation, a fax operation) is performed.

The user can freely determine the department in the department counter. For example, a sales counter, a general affairs department, and the like can be separately provided with department counters to grasp the usage status of each department.

The tally counter section 11 corresponds to the tally counter of the present invention, and records the tally of count values for each predetermined period. The counter unit 10 collects the count values for each predetermined period.
Is recorded for each counter. The counting counter unit 11
The section counter unit is provided for each predetermined period (hereinafter, also referred to as a total period) so that the total result of the counter unit 10 for each predetermined period can be recorded. The section counter unit is provided, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, so as to record the total for each predetermined period (hereinafter, also referred to as total interval) corresponding to the type of each counter. In FIG. 2, a case where a total counter, a copy counter, a printer counter, a scanner counter, a fax related counter, a jam error counter, a replacement part counter, and a department counter are provided as the counter unit 10 is taken as an example. It is shown as an example. As the section counter unit of the totalizing counter unit 11, a non-volatile memory whose recording is not lost even when the power is turned off can be used, but in the present invention, the non-volatile memory is not limited to the internal memory of the main body of the multifunction peripheral. Also includes an external memory such as a memory card and a recording medium.

The aggregating unit 12 corresponds to a plurality of aggregating means of the present invention, aggregates the count values in the counter unit 10 and records the aggregating result in the aggregating counter unit 11. For example, in FIG.
The count value in the counter unit 10 is totalized by the processing flow as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the counting unit 12 records the count value of each counter in the memory of the counting period to be counted this time of the section counter unit corresponding to the counter (S1). After that, when the counting interval is reached (S
2) The count value recorded in S1 is subtracted from the count value of each counter (S3). The result of the subtraction is overwritten (rewritten) on the section counter unit recorded in S1 (S4).

In this way, the count value recorded in S4 (the value obtained as a result of the subtraction in S3) is recorded and stored as the totalization result of the section of the counter.

After S4, it is judged whether or not the counting of all types of counters has been completed (S5). If not finished, calculation of count values of all types during the counting period (S3) and recording ( S4) is performed, and the counting is ended when the counting of all types of counters is completed.

The totaling interval of the section counter unit by the totaling unit 12 can be set in an arbitrary unit such as hourly, daily, weekly or monthly. By automatically setting the counting start time, for example, 10:00 on March 3, 2002, based on the clock of the main body of the machine, based on this counting start time, the counting is performed at each set counting interval. To do.

The counting result recorded in the counting counter section 11 by the counting section 12 is output by an output means such as a printout in the image recording section 6 or a screen display in the display section 3.

As described above, since the totalizing means has the section counter unit for totaling for each predetermined period, the totaling result can be grasped for each predetermined period. By grasping the aggregation result for each predetermined period, it is possible to grasp the transition of the usage status. Since the usage status of the digital multi-function peripheral is closely related to the work, the user can confirm the usage status for each predetermined period by checking the usage status for each predetermined period, and eventually the work amount. Can manage.

It is also preferable that the graph data creating unit 13 preferably provided outputs the tabulation result as graph data.

The graph data creating section 13 corresponds to the graph data creating means of the present invention, and causes the operating section 2 to act as the selecting means of the present invention, that is, outputs the tabulation result as a numerical value or as a graph. By accepting the selection by the user, if the selection to create the graph is made, the tabulation result is read and the graph data for displaying the graph is created.

A line graph, a bar graph, a pie graph or the like can be adopted as the graph showing the transition of the counter for each predetermined period, which is created by the graph data creating unit 13, but is preferably a line graph or a bar graph for each paper size. .

In the present invention, the paper size means the size of the recording medium which can be recorded by the image recording means. The recording medium that can be recorded by the image recording means is paper,
Includes OHP sheet.

In the output of the line graph, it is preferable that the graphs of a plurality of size counters are output on the same screen or the same recording medium in different line types such as a solid line and a broken line, or in different colors or different densities. .

In the output of the bar graph, it is preferable to output the graphs of the plurality of size counters with different fill patterns, different colors, or different densities on the same screen or the same recording medium.

According to the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention, the totalization result for each predetermined period is recorded, and the totalization result can be displayed in a graph as needed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when it is desired to confirm the transition of the number of copies from March 2001 to August 2001, the operation unit 2 makes a copy from March 2001 to August 01. When you input to display the transition of the number of sheets,
As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 4, the transition of the number of copies from March 2001 to August 2001 is displayed on the display unit 3 as a numerical value. This allows the user to check the transition of the usage status. Since the usage status of the digital multi-function peripheral is closely related to the work, the user can confirm the usage status for each predetermined period by checking the usage status for each predetermined period, and eventually the work amount. Can manage.

At this time, when the graph display is further selected by the operation unit 2, the transition of the number of copies from March 2001 to August 2001 is displayed in the graph on the display unit 3 as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. . As a result, the transition of the usage status can be visually confirmed, which has the effect of simplifying the work management for each predetermined period.

Next, the second aspect of the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention will be described in detail below.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the second aspect of the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention, in which 14 is a billing data table and 15 is a billing graph data creating section. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The digital multi-function peripheral according to the second aspect displays a charging data graph instead of displaying the usage status in the graph in the digital multi-function peripheral according to the first aspect.

The charge data table 14 is a database in which charge amounts are associated with each document size and each recording paper size. For example, it is preferable to create a database as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the database structure is shown in the case where the totaling result in the copy counter, the printer counter, the scanner counter, and the fax-related counter is charged as a charge target. The database is divided into a plurality of tables according to the charge level. The user selects which table is used for charging, and the charging data of the selected table is used. By doing this, for example, when the usage amount is large, a table with a high billing amount is selected to prevent excessive use, and when the usage amount is small, a table with a low billing amount is selected to use the table. It is possible to improve the rate.

The charging graph data creating unit 15 corresponds to the charging graph data creating means of the present invention, and is the counting counter unit 1.
The tabulation result recorded in 1 is read out and multiplied by the billing data table 14 to create billing data for each predetermined period, and to create graph data for displaying the billing data in a graph.

A line graph, a bar graph, a pie graph or the like can be adopted as the graph showing the transition of the charge data for each predetermined period created by the charge graph data creating unit 15, but it should be a line graph or a bar graph for each paper size. Is preferred.

In the output of the line graph, it is preferable that the graphs of the plurality of size counters are output on the same screen or the same recording medium in different line types such as a solid line and a broken line, or in different colors or different densities. .

In the output of the bar graph, it is preferable that the graphs of the plurality of size-based counters are output on the same screen or the same recording medium with different filling patterns, different colors, or different densities.

According to the digital multi-functional peripheral of the second aspect, it is possible to display the charging data for each predetermined period on a graph.

For example, when it is desired to confirm the transition of the billing data from March 2001 to August 2001, the operation unit 2 is used to display the transition of the billing data from March 2001 to August 2001. From March 2001 to 01
Chart 3 shows the change of billing data up to August 2013
Is displayed in. As a result, the user can confirm the transition of the charging status. The user can easily check the charging status for each predetermined period by a graph. If the service person also charges the billing amount based on this billing data, it can be confirmed by comparing the billing amount of the previous billing with the billing amount of the previous billing.
For the user, charging management can be performed with peace of mind.

Next, the third aspect of the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention will be described in detail below.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the third mode of the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention. 16 is a counter section for each mode, 17 is a counting counter section for each mode, and 18 is a counter section for each mode. It is a graph data creation unit. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the digital multi-function peripheral according to the third aspect, a plurality of counters according to the first aspect are further classified and provided for each mode for totaling.

The mode-specific counter section 16 corresponds to a plurality of counters including the mode-specific counter of the present invention, and can be provided with counters corresponding to each operation mode and paper size. The counter corresponding to each operation mode and paper size counts for each paper size for each operation mode.

In the present invention, the paper size refers to the size of the read original in the scanner operation, and refers to the size of the recording paper to be printed in the printer operation. In the copying operation, it is preferable to count the read original size and the recording paper size separately for more accurate counting. However, when only one of them is counted as the paper size, the recording paper to be recorded is used. Counting the size as the paper size is preferable from the viewpoint of easy replenishment of the recording paper.

The mode-specific counter section 16 includes, for example, a print total counter, a scan total counter,
Total copy counter, counter for each paper size copy,
Copy mode counter, print counter for each paper size,
Total scan counter, scanner counter for each paper size, fax counter for each paper size, transmission number counter, reception number counter, transmission number counter, reception number counter, communication error number counter, counter for each jam type, counter for each error, It is possible to provide a counter for regular replacement parts, a counter for copying, a counter for printers, a counter for scanners, a counter for faxes, and the like, which are aggregated by department.

The print total counter is a copy,
This is a counter that counts the number of prints including all of the printer, fax, and list print. The count-up timing is, for example, the timing at which the count-up is performed every time one page of paper is discharged.

The scan total counter is the reading unit 4
This is a counter that counts when a document is read in, that is, the number of times the scanner operation, the copy operation, and the fax transmission operation are performed. The count-up timing is, for example, a timing at which the count-up is performed each time one page scan is completed.

The total copy counter is a counter that counts when a copy operation is performed. The count-up timing is, for example, the timing at which the count-up is performed every time one page of paper is discharged.

Paper size copy counters are A3, A
This is a counter that counts the copy operation for each paper size of the recording medium such as 4, B4, and B5. The count-up timing is, for example, the timing at which the count-up is performed every time one page of paper is discharged.

The copy mode counter is a counter that can be provided for each type of copy mode and counts the usage status of each mode. The copy mode refers to various functions such as enlargement mode and double-sided printing mode. The count-up timing is, for example, the timing at which the count-up is performed every time one page of paper is discharged.

Paper size print counters are A3, A
This is a counter that counts the copy operation for each paper size of the recording medium such as 4, B4, and B5. The count-up timing is, for example, the timing at which the count-up is performed every time one page of paper is discharged.

The total scan counter is a counter that counts when a scan operation is performed. The count-up timing is, for example, 1
It is the timing to be performed every time page scanning is completed.

The scanner counter for each paper size is A3, A
This is a counter for counting the scanning operation (original reading operation) for each paper size of the recording medium such as 4, B4, and B5.
The count-up timing is, for example, the timing at which the count-up is performed each time one page scan is completed.

The fax counter for each paper size is A3, A4, B4, which is recorded and output by the fax operation.
This is a counter that counts each paper size of a recording medium such as B5. The count-up timing is, for example, the timing at which the count-up is performed every time one page of paper is discharged.

The transmission counter is a counter that counts each time a fax transmission operation is performed. The count-up timing is, for example, the timing at which the count-up is performed each time one communication is completed.

The reception counter is a counter that counts each time a fax reception operation is performed. The count-up timing is, for example, the timing at which the count-up is performed each time one communication is completed.

The transmission number counter is a counter that counts each time a fax transmission operation is performed. The count-up timing is, for example, a timing at which the count-up is performed for the number of originals transmitted at the end of each communication.

The received number counter is a counter that counts each time a fax reception operation is performed. The count-up timing is, for example, a timing at which the number of recording media that is output by receiving the count-up each time one communication is completed is performed.

The communication error number counter is a counter which counts each time a communication error occurs in attempting a fax operation. The count-up timing is
For example, it is the timing at which the count-up is performed when the communication attempt ends due to a communication error.

The jam error counter is a counter for counting each jam type. The count-up timing is, for example, the timing at which the count-up is performed each time a jam occurs.

The counter for each error is a counter for counting each error. Various errors include jam, fax communication error, ADF failure, non-volatile memory error, FlashROM error, print controller error, FAX board error, FAX error, paper feed tray error, fixing high temperature error, high voltage power error, optical system error, etc. Is mentioned. As for the count-up timing, for example, the count-up is performed every time various errors occur.

The regular replacement parts counter is a counter that counts when parts of the digital multi-function peripheral are replaced. At the time of counting, it is preferable that the replacement parts are scored, the score is counted, and the count value is multiplied by the billing rate because the billing amount becomes clear. The count-up timing is, for example, the time when the first operation is performed after the parts are replaced.

The copy counter / printer counter / scanner counter / fax-related counter totaled for each department is a counter provided for each department and for each operation mode, and is a counter for performing counting for each operation mode for each department. (The illustrated example shows a counter for one operation in one department). The count-up timing is, for example, the same as the count-up timing of each operation mode.

In addition to the above counters, a paper type counter that counts for each paper type such as recycled paper, plain paper, OHP paper, and a scan resolution counter that counts for each scanning resolution such as 200 dpi and 300 dpi. Etc. may be provided.

The mode-specific totalization counter unit 17 corresponds to the mode-specific totalization counter of the present invention, and records the totalization of count values for each predetermined period. For counting the count values for each predetermined period, each counter of the mode-specific counter unit 16 is classified according to the operation mode and recorded for each counter. The mode-specific aggregation counter unit 17 classifies operation modes of the mode-based counter unit 16 and records the aggregation results for each predetermined period so that the aggregation results can be recorded for each predetermined period (hereinafter, also referred to as aggregation period). It has a section counter unit provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the section counter unit is provided so as to be able to record the total for each predetermined period (hereinafter, also referred to as total interval) corresponding to the type of each counter. As the mode-specific totalization counter unit 17, for example, a non-volatile memory whose recording is not lost even when the power is turned off can be used. In the present invention, the non-volatile memory is not limited to the internal memory of the main body of the multi-function peripheral. ,Memory card,
It includes an external memory such as a recording medium.

The totaling result recorded by the totalizing unit 12 in the mode-specific totaling counter unit 17 is output by an output means such as a printout in the image recording unit 6 or a screen display in the display unit 3.

It is also preferable that the mode-specific graph data creation unit 18 preferably outputs the tabulation result as graph data.

The mode-specific graph data creation unit 18 corresponds to the mode-based graph data creation means of the present invention, and is the operation unit 2.
Is operated as the selection means of the present invention, that is, by accepting the selection by the user as to whether to output the tabulation result as a numerical value or to output it in the form of a graph. The totalized result is read out and graph data for displaying a graph for each operation mode is created.

A line graph, a bar graph, a pie graph, or the like can be adopted as the graph showing the transition of the counter for each operation mode for each predetermined period created by the graph data for each mode 18, but the line graph for each paper size or It is preferably a bar graph.

For example, the example shown in FIG. 9 shows a case where the ratio of each operation mode to the number of prints is confirmed. In the figure, the mode-based totalization result is read from the mode-based totalization counter unit 17. That is, the totalized result of all paper sizes in each printing mode is added. In this way, the number of prints for each mode is calculated. The total number of prints is added to calculate the total count. The totalization result for each mode recorded in the totalization counter for each mode 17 is read out and output as a numerical value (upper diagram in FIG. 9).
Further, when the selection to display the graph is input in the operation unit 2, the graph data for displaying the aggregation result by mode is created by the mode-based graph data creation unit 18,
The mode-specific totaling result is displayed as a graph on the display unit 3 (FIG. 10 lower diagram). In this way, the usage status can be confirmed for each mode. Therefore, for example, by displaying and confirming the ratio of the number of prints for each operation mode, it is possible to know whether the number of prints is large in each operation mode.

As described above, since the usage status for each operation mode can be displayed as a graph, the digital copying machine has troubles or needs maintenance depending on the operation status, and the inventory replenishment depending on the usage status of the recording paper. The time can be predicted in advance. Therefore, the user can easily manage the materials such as the digital copying machine itself and the recording paper by visually confirming the usage status for each operation mode.

A graph of the frequency of use for each operation mode is as follows:
It is preferable that the graph is a graph showing the ratio of the individual paper size counters to the addition result (total counter) of all the paper size counters. This is because the usage status can be known for each paper size. All paper size counters can be added based on the mode totalization result of the mode totalization counter 17 and the paper size copy counter, the paper size print counter, the paper size scanner counter, the paper size fax of the mode counter unit 16. This is performed by adding the values of the counting result for each mode corresponding to all the paper sizes of the counter.

In the graph of the frequency of use for each operation mode, the ratio of the count value summed up for each operation mode such as copy, printer, fax, and scanner to the addition result (total counter) of all paper size counters is shown. The graph shown is also preferable. This is because the usage status can be known for each operation mode. The count value summed up for each operation mode is calculated from the count result for each mode of the count counter 17 for each mode to the counter for each paper size copy, the print counter for each paper size, the scanner counter for each paper size, the fax counter for each paper size of the counter section 16 for each mode. This is performed by reading out the value of the aggregation result for each mode corresponding to all the paper sizes for each operation mode.

Further, in the graph of the frequency of use for each operation mode, all the paper size counters are added for each operation mode such as copy, printer, fax, and scanner, and the ratio of the paper size counter for each operation mode is calculated. The graph shown is also preferable. All the counters for each paper size are added for each operation mode such as copy, printer, fax, and scanner. The counter for each paper size of the counter unit 16 for each mode is the counter for each copy size, the paper size This is performed by adding the values of the aggregation result for each mode corresponding to all the paper sizes for each of the separate print counter, the paper size-based scanner counter, and the paper size-based fax counter.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the usage status classified by the user's operation mode and paper size can be grasped, from the viewpoint of the service person, the usage tendency of the user can be grasped and, for example, the scanner It is possible to provide a service according to the actual situation of the user by proposing an application related to the scanner to the user having a high usage rate. Also, from the user's perspective, maintenance requests, material orders, etc. that occur depending on operating conditions can be smoothly executed, and management of the main body and material management can be performed easily.

Next, the fourth aspect of the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention will be described in detail below.

FIG. 10 shows a fourth example of the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the aspect of No. 19, and 19 is a mode-specific charging data table.

The same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7 indicate the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The digital multi-function peripheral according to the fourth aspect performs the charging performed by the digital multi-function peripheral according to the second aspect for each mode.

The billing data table for each mode 19 can be provided, for example, in the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 11A shows a copy / printer billing table, and FIG. 11B shows a scanner billing table. In such a data table, the service person or the user may freely set other items such as the paper type and the resolution at the time of scanning. Further, although the paper size, the paper type, the resolution at the time of scanning and the like are used as the charging index, the amount of scan data and the like can be freely set.

The digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention has a counter section 16 for counting by mode and a mode-by-mode aggregation counter 17 for recording by-mode aggregation result, and a mode-by-mode billing data table recording the aggregation result and billing amount by mode. The charge data is calculated by multiplying with 19, and graph data for displaying a graph of the change in the charge data for each predetermined period is created.

As described above, even in the copying operation, since the charging according to the paper size and the paper type can be performed, the flexible charging can be performed. Also, copy operations by department (or by individual),
Since fax-related operations are counted and billed, the billing data can be directly managed, and finer management can be performed as compared with the conventional method of setting and managing the limit value of the counter. Further, by setting the department set in the department counter for each business such as A project and B project, not for the department such as sales department and general affairs department, the charge amount for each business can be grasped and the charge amount is reflected in the cost. It is also possible to let them do it.

[0100]

According to the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention, changes in the usage status of recording paper or copying / fax /
By visually displaying the usage status of the printer / scanner, etc., it becomes possible to provide a digital multi-function peripheral having a function that makes it easy for the user to perform material management, work management, and billing management including recording paper. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a first aspect of a digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a counting counter according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a processing flow of a counting means.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display state of counting results according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a second aspect of the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a charging data table.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a third aspect of the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a counter for each mode according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the display state of the counting result according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a fourth aspect of the digital multi-function peripheral of the present invention.

11A and 11B are views showing an example of a mode-specific charging data table.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a counter of a conventional digital multi-function peripheral.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a counter confirmation screen in a conventional digital multi-function peripheral.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Control unit 2: Operation unit 3: Display 4: Reading unit 5: Image processing unit 6: Image recording section 7: Communications department 8: Document size detector 9: Recording paper size detector 10: Counter section 11: Total counter section 12: Totaling section 13: Graph data creation section 14: Billing data table 15: Charge graph data creation unit 16: Counter by mode 17: Total counter by mode 18: Mode-specific graph data creation means 19: Billing data table by mode

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Jinji Seiichi             2970 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica stock             Inside the company (72) Inventor Motoaki Aoyama             2970 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica stock             Inside the company F term (reference) 2C061 AP07 BB10 HH03 HJ07 HK07                       HK14 HK23 HL01 HN02 HN15                 2H027 DA32 DA44 DA45 DB09 DC10                       EC02 EC06 ED04 EE01 EE07                       EE08 EF09 FA30 FA35 GA24                       GA45 GA47 GA54 ZA07                 5B021 AA04 AA19 BB10 CC05 KK00                 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB20 AB22 AB25                       AB41 AB42 AC04 AC05 AC22                       AC24 AC51 AC58 AC60 AC67                       AC69 AE15 AF06 AF07 AF08                       AF10 AF15

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A copy counter for counting copy operations, a printer counter for counting print operations,
In a digital multi-function peripheral that records in a nonvolatile memory a plurality of counters selected from a scanner counter that counts scanner operations and a fax-related counter that counts fax transmission operations and fax reception operations, based on the counts of the counters And a plurality of counting counters having a section counter unit for recording the counting result in the counting means, and an output means for outputting the counting result recorded in the counting counter. Digital multifunction device. 2. A graph data creating means for creating a graph data for reading out and displaying a total result recorded in an arbitrary total counter, and outputting the total result recorded in the total counter by a numerical value, or 2. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit for selecting whether to output in a graph, wherein the output unit outputs in the output form selected by the selection unit. 3. A copy counter for counting copy operations, a printer counter for counting print operations,
In a digital multi-function peripheral that records in a nonvolatile memory a plurality of counters selected from a scanner counter that counts scanner operations and a fax-related counter that counts fax transmission operations and fax reception operations, based on the counts of the counters, aggregation for each predetermined period A totaling means for performing the above, a plurality of totaling counters having a section counter unit for recording the totaling result in the totaling means, a billing data table for each document size and each recording paper size, and a totaling counter within a certain past period A billing graph data creating means for reading out the recorded totalized result, multiplying it by the billing data table, and creating graph data for graphically displaying the transition of billing data for each predetermined period, and outputting the billing data as numerical values. Or output as a graph Digital MFP and having a selection means that. 4. The graph according to claim 2, wherein the graph is a line graph or a bar graph for each paper size.
Digital multi-function peripheral as described in the item. 5. The output of the line graph, wherein the graphs of a plurality of size-based counters are displayed on the same screen or the same recording medium with different line types, different colors or different densities. Digital multi-function peripheral as described in the item. 6. The output of the bar graph, wherein the graphs of a plurality of size-based counters are displayed on the same screen or the same recording medium with different fill patterns, different colors or different densities. Described digital multifunction machine. 7. A digital multi-function peripheral for recording a plurality of counters including a counter for each mode corresponding to each of an operation mode and a paper size in a non-volatile memory, and a mode for totaling for each predetermined period based on the count of the counter. It has a separate counting means, a plurality of mode-based counting counters having a section counter unit for recording the counting result in the mode-based counting means, and an output means for outputting the counting result recorded in the mode-based counting counter. This is a digital multi-function peripheral. 8. A mode-specific graph data creating means for creating graph data for displaying a graph of usage frequencies by operation mode based on the result of the total recorded in the total counter, and the total result stored in the total counter. And a selecting means for selecting whether to output as a numerical value or as a graph, and the output means outputs in the output form selected by the selecting means.
Described digital multifunction machine. 9. A graph of frequency of use for each operation mode is
9. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 8, wherein the graph is a graph showing the ratio of the individual paper size counters to the addition results of all the paper size counters. 10. The graph of the frequency of use for each operation mode is a graph showing the ratio of the count value aggregated for each operation mode of copy, printer, fax, scanner, etc. to the addition results of all paper size counters. 9. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 8, which is provided. 11. The graph of the frequency of use for each operation mode is obtained by adding up all the counters for each paper size for each operation mode such as copy, printer, fax, and scanner, and calculating the ratio of the counters for each paper size in each operation mode. 9. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 8, which is a graph shown. 12. A digital multi-function peripheral for recording a plurality of counters including a counter for each mode corresponding to each of an operation mode and a paper size in a non-volatile memory, and a mode for totaling a predetermined period based on the count of the counter. Separate counting means, a plurality of mode-based counting counters having a section counter unit for recording the counting results in the mode-based counting means, a billing data table for each document size and each recording paper size, and within the past fixed period Billing graph data creating means for reading out the counting result recorded in the counting counter for each mode, multiplying it by the billing data table, and creating graph data for graphically displaying the transition of billing data for each predetermined period; and the billing data. With a selection means for selecting whether to output as a numerical value or as a graph. Digital multifunction machine according to symptoms.