Abstract: A job-based accounting system for image processing includes receiving an image processing job at a multifunction image processing apparatus from a walk-up user or a computer workstation operably connected to the image processing apparatus. The image processing job is classified as one of: (i) a print job submitted from a computer workstation operably connected to the image processing apparatus; (ii) a copy job submitted by a walk-up user of the image processing apparatus; (iii) a scan job submitted by a walk-up user of the image processing apparatus; and (iv) a facsimile job submitted or received by a user of the image processing apparatus. One of a plurality of different accounting modes is selected to be used by the multifunction device when the multifunction device carries out the image processing job based upon the classification of the image processing job.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism for performing an image forming operation, a detachable process cartridge, a card inlet having a data input and output port, and a controlling mechanism. The process cartridge contains material used to make the image visible. The card inlet receives for electrical connection an electronic money integrated circuit card including an integrated circuit chip dedicated to an electronic money application. The controlling mechanism having an integrated circuit chip dedicated to the electronic money application controls the image forming operation and is capable of communicating for monetary information with the electronic money integrated circuit card.

Abstract: When a fare is inserted, a receipt on which a password assigned to the user is printed is issued, and a sheets each bearing a printed image is housed in a storage bin or a storage box. When the password printed on the receipt is inputted, the corresponding storage bin (storage box) is shifted to a sheet outlet, thereby allowing the user to take this out. Thus, it is possible to provide a print system that is superior in the operability and allows the user to positively obtain his or her own job, and a sheet-processing device suitable for such a system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer or copying machine which operates according to several different functional and operational modes, a host computer which sends a print or copy order to the printer or copying machine, which order may include the number of copies to be made, the time of printing or copying, and an operational mode, such as size of copy, two-sided copying, collating, stapling, etc., and an accounting means which calculates charges based on the order before it is carried out by the printer or copying machine and which transmits those charge to the host computer.

Abstract: An integration density acquiring unit for a consumption information management apparatus acquires integration density from an image signal sent from an image processing section, and an information converting unit calculates a quantity of consumed toner (consumption information) by multiplying the integration density by a specified coefficient to send the quantity to a cumulative consumption information calculating unit. The cumulative consumption information calculating unit temporarily stores the information for the quantity of toner consumption in a memory, and reads out the information from the memory at predetermined timing. Accordingly, it is possible to determine only the cost for developer used by a user or calculate the quantity of developer remaining within an image formation apparatus based on the cumulative consumption information for the unadjusted developer stored in the memory.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer or copying machine which operates according to several different functional and operational modes, a host computer which sends a print or copy order to the printer or copying machine, which order may include the number of copies to be made, the time of printing or copying, and an operational mode, such as size of copy, two-sided copying, collating, stapling, etc., and an accounting means which calculates charges based on the order before it is carried out by the printer or copying machine and which transmits those charge to the host computer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, comprises an image forming section having a detachable process cartridge provided with identification information; an identification information reading section to read the identification information of the process cartridge; and a control section to control the image forming apparatus on a basis of a comparison result between the identification information and license presence/absence judgement information used for judging whether the process cartridge is licensed or not.

Abstract: A quotient (rounding up at one decimal place) obtained by dividing a user-designated number UNum of copies by a limit number PNum of copies unique to a printer is set as a number J of print jobs. PNum copies of print data obtained by one despool operation are printed. After printing of the PNum copies is performed (J−1) times, the number of copies for the final job (Jth job) is calculated. Since PNum×(J−1) copies have already been output at that time, N copies as the remainder of division of UNum by PNum suffice to be printed by the final job. Hence, the N copies are printed as the number of copies for the Jth print job, and printing is complete. This makes it possible to print the user-designated number of copies regardless of the printer limitation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a print control apparatus having a function of acquiring detailed data about print processing. A printer driver (101c) generates print data such as a PDL interpretable by a printer on the basis of command data transferred from a GDI (101b). The number of sheets is counted for the generated data in accordance with not only the number of sheets to be printed but also many settings such as the number of pages laid out on one sheet, paper size, color information, and double-side printing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism for performing an image forming operation, a detachable process cartridge, a card inlet having a data input and output port, and a controlling mechanism. The process cartridge contains material used to make the image visible. The card inlet receives for electrical connection an electronic money integrated circuit card including an integrated circuit chip dedicated to an electronic money application. The controlling mechanism having an integrated circuit chip dedicated to the electronic money application controls the image forming operation and is capable of communicating for monetary information with the electronic money integrated circuit card.

Abstract: A quotient (rounding up at one decimal place) obtained by dividing a user-designated number UNum of copies by a limit number PNum of copies unique to a printer is set as a number J of print jobs. PNum copies of print data obtained by one despool operation are printed. After printing of the PNum copies is performed (J-1) times, the number of copies for the final job (Jth job) is calculated. Since PNum x (J-1) copies have already been output at that time, N copies as the remainder of division of UNum by PNum suffice to be printed by the final job. Hence, the N copies are printed as the number of copies for the Jth print job, and printing is complete. This makes it possible to print the user-designated number of copies regardless of the printer limitation.

Abstract: Where a so-called tandem-copying function is selected, in which image data read by one image forming apparatus via a control panel (con-pane) unit is output and copied at high speed by two image forming apparatuses. A central control unit causes a scanner unit to read an original and stores read image data in an image memory unit. An external controller reads the image data stored in the image memory unit and feeds the data to the two image forming apparatuses as print data. Printing is effected by printer units in the respective image forming apparatuses. In this case, if a key counter is attached to one of the two image forming apparatuses or key counters are attached to the two image forming apparatuses, the central control unit and external controller perform an accounting process using the key counter.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus which can correctly recognize a function substantially used by a user. The image forming apparatus is provided with an image input portion for reading a read original document as image data, an image output portion for forming an output image on the basis of inputted image data and prints it out, a discrimination portion for discriminating whether the output image formed by the image output portion is formed on the basis of the image data read by the image input portion, a billing amount calculation portion for calculating a billing amount on the basis of a discrimination result of the discrimination portion, and a system control portion for controlling the entire operation of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A method for controlling an imaging apparatus based on an intelligent usage tracking system is provided. The method monitors use of the imaging apparatus over a period of time and uses the collected data to predict future use. The collected data is used to control the imaging apparatus to minimize warm-up delays and to maximize time in one or more standby modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for resetting a sheet processing device is disclosed in which even if a trouble occurs, a sheet processing can be continued after resetting without wasting the previous processing. In a sheet processing device in which a set of sheets conveyed from an image forming device is discharged to a discharge tray after a predetermined processing process, the processing process is finely divided into plural function units and the function units are individually reset. In a memory device, a status flag indicating the condition of each module unit is assigned to each unit. The presence of a partially performed operation is confirmed by the status flag, and only the function unit having partially performed operation is reset to its initial condition.

Abstract: An electronic network transaction recording system for accumulating billing data for printing machines interconnected to multiple work stations on the network. A network administrator includes a memory for storing data representing usage of selected printers and a decoder for validating a print job request and a billing account number. Requests for print jobs are verified and billed to an individual or group billing account number.

Abstract: The user inputs the section ID of the user section using the operator panel on a copying machine, for selecting receiver sections. In the receiver selection processing, the section numbers and the names of the prospective receiver sections that have been stored in the memory in relation to the user section ID are displayed in a list on the liquid crystal display unit of the operator panel. The user selects the receiver sections using the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit. When the copying operations are performed, the number of copying operations are counted for the selected receiver sections.

Abstract: When a user approaches a digital copying machine, an ID card which the user is holding is detected (S1), and an ID number of the same is checked by communication between the ID card and the digital copying machine (S2). Print jobs corresponding to the detected ID number areb listed up (S4), and the print jobs corresponding to the ID number are outputted (S6). An order of output, timings of output, and a current state of output, of the print jobs can be displayed according to the ID number. Thus, an image output processing apparatus which is capable of controlling print jobs according to ID numbers is designed so as to execute various controls such as output processing control according to ID numbers, thereby to be an image output processing apparatus highly convenient for the users.

Abstract: In a multifunction digital printing apparatus, such as a copier-printer, image data from print jobs are intermingled with image data from copy jobs, such as originating from a digital scanner. Further, scanner-only functions such as electronic filing and sending facsimiles can be performed without need for printing hardware. An auditing device can decrement a user's account on a per-sheet basis regardless of whether a requested job requires the use of the scanner or printing hardware or both.

Abstract: If an input number exceeds a section remaining number, an image forming apparatus executes a processing of displaying a warning notifying that the input number exceeds the section remaining number. If a rounding off processing is possible, the input number is changed to be within the section remaining number and the set number is automatically reduced. As a result, an image forming apparatus capable of giving an alarm or automatically changing a set number into a possible number of prints if the set number exceeds the possible number of prints upon setting is provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus supervisory system is provided. The image forming apparatus supervisory system includes an image forming apparatus and a control device. The image forming apparatus has an input unit for inputting an identification code and a transmission unit for transmitting the identification code. The control device is connected to the image forming apparatus, and has a reception unit for receiving the identification code and a transmission unit for transmitting to the image forming apparatus a signal for informing the image forming apparatus of a permitted number of time an image can be formed in response to receipt of the identification code. Upon receipt of the signal from the control device, the image forming apparatus permits forming an image the permitted number of times.

Abstract: A printing system includes an input unit for entering a printing job, a calculator for calculating copying cost according to the input printing job, a display for displaying the calculated copying cost, and a controller for allowing modification of a displayed printing job, and permitting a printing operation after confirming that there is no modification in the displayed printing job. The cost of a desired printing job can be displayed prior to a print out operation, so that modification of the printing mode is allowed. Since a print out operation is permitted after confirming the display of the copying cost, the expense required for printing can be identified in advance.

Abstract: The invention accurately meters usage of an electrophotographic printer/copier (EPC) by counting the number of pages that are ejected to an output bin of the EPC and incrementing a user charge value accordingly. Further, the invention determines a toner parameter value that is related to an amount of toner used on each page and bases the user charge value, at least in part, on such toner parameter value. The toner parameter value is preferably determined by counting a number of pixels that are imaged on a page. The invention further utilizes a non-volatile memory to maintain copies of usage total values, while concurrently storing such usage total values on a disk memory. If an attempt is made to substitute a different disk memory in the EPC, usage parameter values are updated thereon through use of values stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus control system including at least one copier or similar image forming apparatus and a central control unit connected by a data communication unit and a communication line is disclosed. The image forming apparatus selectively inhibits or permits its image forming operation on receiving image formation control data representative of inhibition or permission, respectively, from the central control unit. An inhibiting device is included in the apparatus for inhibiting, if the apparatus is performing a current image forming operation at the time of receipt of the image formation control data representative of inhibition, the next image forming operation after the current operation has completed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of controlling the conditions of use for each user by employing a user ID code and supplying identical images to multiple users by means of a simple operation, the image forming apparatus provided with a code input unit for inputting user ID codes, a number input unit for inputting the number of images to be formed for each user ID code, a processing unit for summing up the input number of images for each user ID code and setting the summed number as the number of images to be formed, and an image forming unit for forming images based on the set number of images.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device for forming an image on a recording material, a high voltage electric power source for driving the image forming device, a storing device for storing information related to image formation, and an information inputting/outputting device for inputting the information into the storing device, or outputting it therefrom, by accessing the storing device. The inputting/outputting device accesses the storing device when the high voltage electric power source is not in operation.

Abstract: A group code which is a code indicating a user group, an identification code which is a unique code assigned to each group, and image formation frequency data which is data indicating a frequency of image forming operations by each group are stored in a storage unit, related to each other. After receiving an identification code from an input unit, an identification code judging unit judges whether the received identification code matches any identification code stored in the storage unit. If an identification code judging unit judges that the received identification code matches a stored identification code, a calculating unit calculates the frequency of image forming operations performed after the identification code is received, and the image formation frequency data of the group in the storage unit corresponding to the received identification code is rewritten according to the frequency of image forming operations calculated by the calculating unit.

Abstract: An administrating apparatus for administrating an image forming apparatus comprises a first receiving unit for receiving the status information of the image forming apparatus in the serial communication, a second receiving unit for receiving a pulse signal in accordance with the operation of the image forming apparatus, and a count unit for counting for each status indicated by the status information received in accordance with the pulse signal received. The administrating apparatus for administrating the image forming apparatus for each status can be provided with a simple construction.

Abstract: An image producing apparatus including a control panel. When a school mode is selected, numeric or alphanumeric keys are pressed on a keypad so as to select one or a plurality of classes or grades. Numerical data concerning the number of students per class and grade are extracted, and are registered as the number of prints to be produced and sorted.

Abstract: In a system in which a host computer performs lifetime management for components of a plurality of copiers, components whose lifetimes are to be managed can be freely selected copier by copier and, as a result, warning reports can be transmitted with a reduced number of communication sessions. The copiers are each equipped with a device for management, so that counting can be performed for their individual components and interlock counts for such counting can be freely specified. The host computer compares a count received through communication with a threshold value to issue a report within the host computer. Within one copier, during a period after a component PM call is issued and before a component is replaced, even if another component becomes a target of a component PM call, the component PM call is not issued. When a component replacement report is received, a report of a component PM call is automatically deleted from an urgency report list.

Abstract: In color printing the quality of the image reproduced depends upon factors which include the type of image processing chosen, which affects the amount of colorant consumed; the type of paper used, uncoated or coated; and optional coatings applied thereto. The cost of a printing job can be significantly affected by the amount of colorant and the quality of paper used. A method of changing the factors affecting image quality and determining the cost of the job based on the output image quality is disclosed. This method allows a customer to choose the desired image quality versus cost trade-offs for a printing job.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which forms an image on a sheet in accordance with an image forming mode selected from among a plurality of image forming modes is provided with a counter to accumulate the number of times image formation has been executed for each of the plurality of image forming modes. The counter includes a memory to store the accumulated number of times image formation has been executed for each of the plurality of image forming modes and a display to display content of the memory.

Abstract: In a copier, to execute renewal of a maintenance contract with ease and without fail, a current date is compared with a contract expiry date, and a current total count of copies is compared with a count prescribed by the contract. As long as the contract is valid, the copier is operated in a normal copying mode. Meanwhile, the difference between the current count and the contract count is monitored every time a copying operation takes place. When the contract count is exceeded, the copier displays a message indicating expiry of the contract and requesting renewal of the contract in order to notify its user that the contract count has been exceeded. The copier then switches to a restricted copying operation mode. If the user chooses to renew the contract, the user contacts a service provider, so that the service provider checks the state of the contract for the copier and performs a procedure for renewing the contract.

Abstract: There is provided an accounting system for a document processing system which executes one or more jobs with multiple document processing facilities. One of the jobs is identified by a unique identifier and has its origin in a document in a hardcopy or electronic form. A first portion of the one job is processed with a first one of the multiple document processing facilities, in accordance with a first set of control instructions, to result in a first accountable event characterized by a first set of one or more attribute values, and a second portion of the one job is processed with a second one of the multiple document processing facilities, in accordance with a second set of control instructions to result in a second accountable event characterized by a second set of one or more attribute values.