JP2002183833A - Image output system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply register coupon data and effectively distribute coupon tickets by using an image output system having an image output device for outputting an image and an accounting device for accounting according to the image output of the image output device, which is introduced in a convenience store or the like. SOLUTION: The operation of the image output device 12 and the accounting device 18 is controlled by a personal computer 16, whereby when registration of coupon data is requested by an advertiser, the advertiser pastes a coupon ticket image and reads a designated registration form where additional information is entered from a scanner function (scanner module 40) or an external storage device 74 to be registered as coupon data in a memory 62, and accounting for registration charge is conducted to the advertiser from the accounting device 18. When issuing of the coupon ticket is requested by a customer, an image based on the coupon data corresponding to the coupon ticket selected by the customer is recorded on a recording sheet and output by the image output device 12.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image output system, and more particularly, to an image output device for recording an image on a recording paper based on image data and outputting the image, and charging the user according to the image output by the image output device. And an image output system having the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, retailers and the like have promoted sales by distributing coupon tickets that can be used to bring preferential services such as discounts of fees and exchange for premiums. With the spread of personal computers and digital cameras in recent years, it is possible to easily create images of coupons and proofread sentences to create coupon data, and retailers and others can print coupon data created in this way. The coupons are distributed to the printing company by placing the printed coupons in newspapers or by requesting specialized distributors.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-066522 discloses that a terminal with a coupon function installed in a store and issuing a coupon ticket can issue a ticket in a timely manner with simple capital investment and without using advertising expenses. A technology to do this has been proposed.

[0004]

However, when a coupon is inserted into a newspaper or distributed by a specialized distributor or the like, the coupon is discarded without being used because it is distributed to an unspecified number of people. There were many. Also, in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H07-066522, since the coupon data (coupon data) cannot be individually registered, the advertiser can easily register the coupon data and distribute the coupon. There was a problem that you can not.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and comprises an image output device for outputting an image installed in a convenience store or the like, and a charging device for charging according to the image output of the image output device. It is an object to easily register coupon data and effectively distribute coupon tickets using the image output system.

[0006]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image output apparatus for recording an image on a recording sheet based on image data and outputting the image, and the image output apparatus. An image output system comprising: a charging device for charging according to an image output by the input device; input means for inputting coupon data; registration means for registering the coupon data input from the input means; Output instruction means for instructing the image output device to output an image based on the coupon data registered in the registration means,
Having.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, coupon data is inputted by the input means and registered in the registration means. That is, in the image output system, coupon data can be registered, and the advertiser can individually register coupon data.

[0008] As described in claim 2,
The coupon data includes image data indicating the image of the coupon, the output permission period of the coupon, the validity period of the coupon that can be used, the name of a store that can use the coupon, and the use of the coupon. A configuration including at least one of a region where a possible store is located, a type of store where the coupon can be used, and a discount amount of a discount service provided when the coupon is brought. Good to do. In order to input such a coupon image, for example, as described in claim 3, the input unit performs mark recognition and image recognition on image data obtained by reading an image recorded on a document. By performing at least one of character recognition to obtain the coupon data, as described in claim 4,
The input means may read the electronic information recorded on the electronic information recording medium to acquire the coupon data.

The output instruction means instructs the image output apparatus to output an image based on the coupon data registered in the registration means, and causes the image output apparatus to output a recording sheet on which an image based on the coupon data is recorded. That is, since the coupon is issued according to the instruction of the output instruction means, the coupon can be effectively distributed, for example, the coupon is issued only to the person who needs the coupon.

[0010] As described in claim 5,
If the charging device further includes a registration fee charging instruction unit for instructing charging of a registration fee according to the registration by the registration unit, a registration fee for a coupon image can be collected from an advertiser, It is possible to increase the billing income of the image output system.

At this time, as set forth in claim 6, when the registration fee has not been credited to the charging device, or when a preset output permission period has passed after registration by the registration means. In such a case, if there is further provided a deletion means for deleting the coupon data, it is possible to prevent the coupon data from being registered even though the registration fee required for registration has not been collected, and to execute the coupon data based on the coupon data after the output permission period has passed. It is possible to prevent an image from being output (a coupon is issued).

Further, as described in claim 7,
If the charging apparatus further comprises output fee charging instruction means for instructing the charging device to charge a coupon output fee in accordance with the image output based on the coupon data, the coupon output fee is issued by the customer when the coupon is issued. Can be collected, and the billing income of the image output system can be increased.

At this time, as described in claim 8, when the coupon output fee has not been paid to the charging device, there is further provided a stop means for stopping image output based on the coupon data. This can prevent a coupon from being issued even though the coupon output fee has not been collected.

Further, as described in claim 9,
In order to further inform the advertiser of the registration fee required for registration of coupon data, or to receive a coupon ticket issued to the customer, the registration fee or the fee notification means for notifying the coupon output fee is further provided. The required coupon output fee can be notified.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when the advertiser further includes a correction unit for correcting the coupon data registered by the registration unit, the advertiser can register the coupon data even after registering the coupon data. Data can be modified.

Further, as set forth in claim 11, the output instructing means includes a search condition setting means for setting a search condition for searching for the registered coupon data, and the search condition setting means. A search unit for searching for the coupon data registered in the registration unit based on the set search condition, and at least one of the coupon data searched by the search unit as coupon data for instructing image output. Output coupon data setting means for setting, even if a large number of coupon data are registered, it is possible to output an image based on the coupon data corresponding to the search condition only by setting the search condition. Therefore, the customer can easily receive a desired coupon ticket.

At this time, as described in claim 12, when the output coupon data setting means sets a plurality of the coupon data, the output instruction means sets the image based on the plurality of coupon data. Is output, the images based on the plurality of coupon data are combined and recorded on one sheet of recording paper, and output. Therefore, the customer can issue a plurality of desired coupon tickets in one.
Can be received at times.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, if the apparatus further comprises discount amount notifying means for notifying a total discount amount of the coupon data set by the output coupon data setting means, the customer can reduce the discount amount. The total discount amount can be easily grasped by the notification means, for example, if a coupon output fee is required to receive a coupon ticket, compare the total discount amount and the coupon output fee,
If the total discount amount is higher, it can be determined that a coupon is to be issued.

[0019] As described in claim 14, a counting means for counting the number of image outputs based on the coupon data by the image output device, and an image output number notification for notifying the number of image outputs counted by the counting means. Means, the advertiser can grasp the number of image outputs of the image based on the coupon data, that is, the number of issued coupon tickets.

[0020]

Next, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an image output system to which the present invention is applied. Image output system 10 shown in FIG.
Is a personal computer having an image output device (so-called multifunction device) 12 having a copy, printer, and facsimile function, and a touch panel display 14 having a configuration in which a touch panel is overlaid on a display panel formed of a liquid crystal display panel as a user interface. (PC) 16 and a charging device 18 for permitting copy / print of the number corresponding to the input amount.
And These personal computer 16 and image output device 1
2, and the billing device 18 are connected to each other by a wired connection via a predetermined cable or a wireless connection by infrared communication or the like.

In the present embodiment, the image output systems 10 are installed in a plurality of convenience stores and the like, and as shown in FIG.
N, the Internet, and the like, are connected to each other, and can communicate with each other via the network 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, an auxiliary table 24 is attached to a mounting table 22 on which the personal computer 16 is mounted. The auxiliary table 24 is of a rectangular flat plate type, one side of which is attached to the mounting table 22 by a hinge, and a handle 26 is formed on the opposite side. This auxiliary table 24
Normally, the handle portion 26 is placed so as to be perpendicular to the floor surface with the handle portion 26 facing the floor surface, and the user holds the handle portion 26 and assists mainly on the side attached to the mounting table 22 by the hinge. When the table 24 is rotated and lifted, the auxiliary table 24 can be set horizontally with the floor. On the auxiliary table 24 after setting, a device (hereinafter, referred to as a notebook personal computer or a digital camera) owned by the user.
(Referred to as “user-owned device”).

A user interface cable (not shown) such as a USB cable is stored in the auxiliary table 24. One end of the auxiliary table 24 is connected to the personal computer 16 in advance, and the other end is stored in the cable of the auxiliary table 24. It can be pulled out from a mouth (not shown) and connected to a user-owned device.

In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which an auxiliary table 24 on which a user-owned device can be mounted is attached to the mounting table 22 by a hinge so that the auxiliary table 24 can be stored. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, it is only necessary that a platform on which the user can place the user-held device and operate the user-held device is provided. Also, the table on which the user-owned device can be placed may not be stowable.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of the image output system 10.

The image output device 12 is, as shown in FIG.
A scanner module 40 configuring the scanner function, a printer module 42 configuring the printer function,
A FAX module 44 that configures the X function, a user interface 46 such as a display panel and operation buttons provided on the upper surface of the image output device, and an image output unit (IOT-SY).
S) 48, and the scanner module 40, the printer module 42, the FAX module 44, and the user interface 46 are each connected to the image output unit 4 via a bus or the like.
8 are interconnected.

The scanner module 40 has a document feeding means for feeding a document in a predetermined direction and a fixed reading optical system for recording a document fed by the document feeding means or a document placed on a document table. An image reading unit for reading an image is provided, and the image data obtained by reading the image by the image reading unit is output to the image output unit 48.

The FAX module 44 has a telephone line (IS
DN) and the personal computer 16, respectively, dials a destination based on a signal from the user interface 46 or the personal computer 16, and transmits image data acquired by the scanner module or image data from the personal computer 16 to the communication mode of the destination. And transmits it via a telephone line. Further, it converts a signal received via the telephone line into image data and outputs the image data to the image output unit 48.

The printer module 42 is connected to the hub 5 connected to the network 20 via the communication control unit 50.
2 and can communicate with other devices connected to the hub 52 and devices connected to the network 20.

The printer module 42 has a memory 54 for storing print jobs and image data. The printer module 42 receives a print job transmitted from another device by communication via the communication control unit 50, and
Once. When the image output device 12 is enabled to perform an image output operation based on the print job, the memory 5
4, the print job is read out, developed into image data, and output to the image output unit 48.

The image output unit 48 includes the scanner module 4
0, FAX module 44, or printer module 4
2, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor on the basis of the image data, and the formed electrostatic latent image is developed using a monochrome toner or a color toner. The image is transferred and output (this series of operations is referred to as “image output operation”).

As shown in FIG. 3, the personal computer 16
U60, memory 62 such as RAM, ROM, HDD, etc.
An input / output port 64 for inputting / outputting data;
These CPU 60, memory 62, and input / output port 64
Are interconnected via a bus.

The input / output port 64 is connected to the communication control unit 6
6 and connected to the hub 52, and can communicate with other devices (for example, the image output device 12) connected to the hub 52 and devices connected to the network 20.

The personal computer 16 has an input / output port 64
Are connected to the image output device 12, the billing device 18, and various peripheral devices by a wired connection via a predetermined cable or a wireless connection by infrared communication or the like.

As the peripheral devices, in addition to the touch panel display 14, there are a keyboard 68, a mouse 70, a speaker 72, an external storage device 74 and the like. The external storage device 74 includes an FD, CD-ROM, CD-RW, or M
FD drive, CD-RO for reading and writing data to O etc.
An M drive, a CD-ROM writer, an MO drive, or the like can be used. Further, the speaker 72 may be built in the touch panel display 14.

Various programs for operating the image output system 10 are installed and stored in the memory 62 in advance, and the CPU 60 reads and executes the programs as appropriate. More specifically, not only the OS but also the copy, printer, and FAX functions for driving the copy, printer, and FAX functions of the image output device 12, respectively.
Application program for registration of coupon data and application of coupon ticket (hereinafter referred to as “registration / ticketing”), an application program for collecting billing information for calculating fees, and charging management for managing the amount of money input to the charging device 18. Programs and the like are installed. By executing these programs, various user interface screens are displayed on the touch panel display, and instructions from the user can be received.

By executing an application program related to registration and ticketing by the CPU 60,
The personal computer 16 functions as registration means, output instruction means, registration charge accounting instruction means, output charge accounting instruction means, deletion means, suspension means, correction means, and counting means.

In the memory 62, typical programs such as word processing software, layout software, and photo retouching software are installed and stored in advance. Further, a program of printer driver software for the image output device 12 is also stored in the memory 62 in advance. For example, a user-owned device is connected to the personal computer 16 via a user interface cable housed in the above-mentioned auxiliary stand 24. Then, the program of the printer driver software can be downloaded and installed in the user's device.

The memory 62 is used to register data of various screens displayed on the touch panel display 14 and various data relating to registration / ticketing, for example, coupon data (hereinafter referred to as “coupon data”). The registration form data, registration confirmation sheet template data, coupon sheet template data, and the like are stored in advance.

The memory 62 also stores coupon data registered using the registration form.

The coupon data is stored in the image output device 12
An image recorded on a document is read and input using the scanner module 40, or is read from a FD or a CD-ROM set in the external storage device 74 and input. That is, the memory 62 corresponds to the registration unit, and the scanner module 40 or the external storage device 74 corresponds to the input unit.

The advertisement data may be stored in the memory 62 of the image output device 12 or may be stored in the image output system 10.
May be provided with a dedicated database and stored in the database. Alternatively, the personal computer 16 may be connected to the user possessed device via a user interface cable, and the advertisement data may be input from the user possessed device.

The charging device 18 uses a coin kit, a slot for inserting coins or bills, a display panel for displaying the inserted amount and the balance, a return instruction button for instructing return of the balance, a balance, There is a return port for returning

When a user inserts a coin or bill through the insertion slot, the billing device 18 counts the inserted amount and displays the inserted amount on the display panel. Further, when a user inputs a copy or print instruction by operating the user interface 46 of the image output device 12 or the touch panel display 14 of the personal computer 16 and the image output device 12 performs an image output operation, Then, the balance remaining after subtracting the fee corresponding to the output number is displayed on the display panel. Further, when a return of the balance is instructed by operating the balance return button or the touch panel display 14 of the personal computer 16, the balance is returned to the user from the return port.

In the present embodiment, a case where a coin kit is used as the billing device 18 will be described as an example. However, a prepaid card, a cash card, a net connection credit, or the like may be used.

Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, a process related to registration and issuance of a coupon ticket executed by the personal computer 16 will be described. 4 to 10 show processing routines executed by the personal computer 16 by executing the coupon ticket registration / ticketing application program by the CPU 60. In the following, the processing at the time of coupon data registration, the processing at the time of issuing a coupon ticket, the management processing of registered coupon data, and the automatic monitoring processing will be described separately.

The processing at the time of coupon data registration, the processing at the time of issuing a coupon ticket, and the processing of managing registered coupon data are based on a request from a user (advertiser or customer) input via the touch panel display 14. The automatic monitoring process is automatically executed in the background every predetermined time.

[Process of Registering Coupon Data] When an advertiser such as a retailer registers coupon data, the coupon ticket registration management is selected (pressed) from the menu displayed on the touch panel display 14. In response, as shown in FIG. 4, the personal computer 16 determines that the coupon data registration management process has been requested, and
Then, the process proceeds to step 102, where coupon data is registered and a coupon registration management screen for managing the registered coupon data is displayed on the touch panel display 14. In the present embodiment, as an example, a coupon registration management screen 600 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed.

Thereafter, the personal computer 16 operates the coupon registration management screen displayed on the touch panel display 14 to request a registration form print request (step 104), a registration form FD copy request (step 108), and a coupon registration request (step 108). 112), and waits until any of the management requests (step 116) is input or a predetermined time elapses (step 120). In addition,
If none of the above requests has been input even after the predetermined time has elapsed, a negative determination is made in step 120, and the process ends as a timeout (process cancellation).

The advertiser first selects whether to print a registration form for registering coupon data or to copy the registration form to the FD.
The user selects (presses) the corresponding button 602 or 604 on the coupon registration management screen displayed in. Also,
When copying to the FD, the FD is set in the external storage device 74.

When the button 602 is selected, the personal computer 16 determines that the printing of the registration form has been requested, and proceeds from step 104 to step 106 to execute the processing shown in FIG.
The registration form print processing shown in FIG.

In the registration form print processing, first, in step 200, the amount of money charged in the charging device 18 is checked. 12, the data of the registration form is transmitted to instruct printing. Thereby, the image output unit 4 of the image output device 12
At 8, the image output operation based on the data of the registration form 606 is performed, and the registration form 606 as shown in FIG.

It should be noted that the charging device 18 immediately calculates the total amount of the inserted money as soon as the coin is inserted, and notifies the personal computer 16 of the result, and the personal computer 16 performs step 200 based on the notification result. Of a print fee, and a later-described FD copy fee, a registration fee, and a coupon ticket issuing fee. When the personal computer 16 receives the notification of the input amount from the charging device 18, the input amount display field 608 (FIG. 11, 1) provided on each screen displayed on the touch panel display 14.
The display of (2, 14) is updated to the notified total amount.

When the registration form 606 is printed,
In step 204, the charging device 18 is instructed to charge the printing fee, and the charging device 18 receives the notification of the remaining balance obtained by subtracting the printing fee from the total input amount, and displays the notified remaining amount in the input amount display column 608. I do. At this time, a balance return instruction may be transmitted to the billing device 18 so that the balance is returned.

Further, even if a predetermined period has elapsed, the charging device 18
If you did not spend more than the print fee on
The process proceeds from step 200 to step 206, and a negative determination is made in step 206, and the process ends as a timeout (process cancellation).

On the other hand, when the button 604 is selected,
The personal computer 16 determines that the FD copy of the registration form 606 has been requested, and proceeds from step 108 to step 1 in FIG.
Then, the process proceeds to step S10, where the registration form FD copy process shown in FIG. 6 is executed.

In the registration form FD copy process, first,
In step 220, the amount of money charged in the charging device 18 is checked, and if it is confirmed that the amount of money equal to or more than the FD copy fee has been charged, the process proceeds to step 222. In step 222, it is confirmed that the FD is set in the external storage device 74, and the data of the registration form 606 is copied to the FD.

After the registration form 606 has been copied to the FD, in step 224, the charging device 18 is instructed to charge the FD copy fee, and the charging device 18 is notified of the balance remaining after subtracting the FD copy fee from the total input amount. The notified balance is displayed in the input amount display column 608. At this time, a balance return instruction may be transmitted to the billing device 18 so that the balance is returned.

Further, even if a predetermined period has elapsed, the charging device 18
If the amount equal to or larger than the FD copy fee is not entered in step S220, the process proceeds from step 220 to step 226, where a negative determination is made in step 226, and the process ends as a timeout (process cancellation).

In this embodiment, the external storage device 7
In the above example, the FD is set to No. 4 and the data of the registration form 606 is copied. Alternatively, a user-owned device such as a notebook personal computer may be connected to a user interface cable housed in the auxiliary stand 24 and copied to an internal memory such as an HDD of the user-owned device.

When the registration form 606 is printed or copied to the FD in this manner, the advertiser will
As shown in (B), the coupon ticket image 612 is pasted in the image pasting column 610 on the registration form 606, the expiration date of the coupon, the discount amount of the coupon, the coupon in the additional information entry column 614. Information such as the store name, area, and type where the ticket can be used is entered as additional information. Note that the image pasting and additional information entry may be performed manually on the recording paper on which the registration form 606 has been printed, or the registration form 606 data copied to the FD may be edited by a personal computer or the like. May be performed.

When the coupon image 612 is pasted and the additional information is entered, the advertiser selects registration of the coupon from the touch panel display 14. In the present embodiment, the coupon registration management screen 600 of FIG. 11 is displayed in the same manner as described above (step 102), and a button 610 provided for inputting a coupon ticket registration request from the coupon registration management screen 600 is clicked. select.
In response, the personal computer 16 shifts from step 102 to steps 104, 108, 112, and 114, and
The coupon data registration process shown in FIG.

In the coupon data registration process, first, in step 240, it is determined whether or not coupon data is to be input from a recording sheet based on advertiser's instruction information input via the touch panel display 14. In the case of the input, the process proceeds to step 242.

In step 242, the recording paper on which the registration form 606 in which the coupon ticket image 612 is pasted and the additional information is entered is printed by displaying a message on the touch panel display 14 or the like, and the document placing table of the image output device 12 is placed. When the start button is pressed from the touch panel display 14 by the advertiser, an instruction to read the registration form 606 is transmitted to the image output device 12. In response to this instruction, the image output device 12 causes the scanner module 40 to read the recording paper on which the registration form 606 on the document table is printed.

In the next step 244, the coupon image 612 is cut out from the image data obtained by reading the recording paper on which the registration form 606 is printed by the scanner module 40, and the additional information is recognized by OCR or OMR. Then, in the next step 246, the touch panel display 1 displays a registration confirmation screen displaying the result together with a registration fee required for registration on the coupon.
4 is displayed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 240 that the coupon data is not input from the recording paper, it is determined that the coupon data is electronically input, and the process proceeds to step 248. In step 248, a message is displayed on the touch panel display 14, for example, to prompt the user to set the FD in which the data of the registration form 606 in which the coupon ticket image 612 is pasted and the additional information is written is set in the external storage device 74. When the FD is set, the coupon ticket image 612 and additional information are read from the FD, and the process proceeds to step 246, where a registration confirmation screen for displaying the read result together with a registration fee required for registering the coupon is displayed on the touch panel display 14. .

In the present embodiment, as an example, a registration confirmation screen 620 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the touch panel, and the registration fee is calculated based on the issuance period for issuing the coupon. The initial value of the ticketing period is one week, but can be extended on a weekly basis as needed by operating a button 622 provided for instructing extension of the period.

A button 6 for instructing invalidation on the day
By operating 24, it is also possible not to include the registration day in the ticketing period (optional setting). This means that even if you pay the same registration fee,
This is effective for eliminating the unfairness that the ticketing period differs depending on the registered time, such as morning and night.

In the present embodiment, when there is additional information that could not be recognized and read, the personal computer 16 displays a message prompting correction of the information on the registration confirmation screen 620 displayed on the touch panel display 14. It is supposed to.

The advertiser checks the registration confirmation screen 620 from the touch panel display 14 and, if there is additional information that could not be recognized or read, or additional information whose contents are to be changed, instructs a correction provided for each information. Button 626 corresponding to the additional information from buttons 626 for
Select 26. As a result, the personal computer 16 determines that the correction instruction has been input, and proceeds to step 252 from step 250 in FIG. In step 252, the advertiser accepts a correction input by operating the touch panel display 14, the mouse 70, the keyboard 68, and the like, and based on the correction result, the registration confirmation screen 62
Update the display contents of 0.

The personal computer 16 repeats steps 250 to 254 until a coupon data registration instruction is input or a predetermined time has elapsed since the touch panel display 14 was last operated.

The advertiser checks the registration confirmation screen 620,
If you decide that you can register the coupon data,
A button 628 for instructing registration of coupon data is selected. Accordingly, the personal computer 16 determines that the registration of the coupon data has been instructed, shifts from step 254 in FIG. 7 to step 256, and issues an ID and a password. In the next step 258, the issued ID and password are Correspondingly, the coupon ticket image 612 and the additional information are stored (registered) in the memory 62 as coupon data.
I do.

If the coupon data registration instruction has not been input within a predetermined time since the last operation of the touch panel display 14, the process proceeds from step 254 to step 268, and a negative determination is made in step 268, and a timeout occurs. And terminates the process (process cancel).

When the registration of the coupon data is instructed and the coupon data is stored (registered) in the memory 62, the process proceeds to step 260, where the input amount of the charging device 18 is checked, and an amount equal to or more than the registration fee is input. Is confirmed, the process proceeds to step 262, and the initial value of the coupon ticket issuing counter based on the registered coupon data is set to 0. If the registration fee has not been charged to the charging device 18 even after the lapse of the predetermined time, a timeout occurs, and the process proceeds from step 260 to step 270 and step 272, in which the registration of the coupon data registered in step 258 is deleted and the processing is performed. Finish (cancel registration).

After setting the ticketing counter, in the next step 264, based on the ID, the password, and the registered coupon data, data of a registration confirmation sheet indicating a sample of the coupon together with the ID and the password is generated, and the image is output. The data is transmitted to the device 12 and a print instruction is issued. As a result, the image output unit 48 of the image output device 12 performs an image output operation based on the data of the registration confirmation sheet, for example, the registration confirmation sheet 64 as shown in FIG.
The recording paper on which 0 is printed is output.

When the registration confirmation sheet 640 has been printed, the process proceeds to step 266, in which the charging device 18 is instructed to charge a registration fee, and the charging device 18 receives a notification of the remaining balance obtained by subtracting the registration fee from the total input amount. The notified balance is displayed in the input amount display column 608. At this time, a balance return instruction may be transmitted to the billing device 18 so that the balance is returned. When the coupon data registration process ends in this way, a coupon can be issued based on the coupon data registered from the image output system 10.

[Processing at the time of issuing a coupon ticket] When a customer who comes to a store where the image output system 10 is installed wants to issue a coupon ticket, the user selects the issuance of a coupon ticket from the menu displayed on the touch panel display 14. (Press). In response to this, as shown in FIG. 4, the personal computer 16 determines that coupon ticket issuing processing has been requested, and proceeds from step 100 to step 122 and step 12
4 and the ticketing process shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

In the ticket issuing process, first, in step 300, data of a ticket issuing screen for issuing a coupon is generated based on the coupon data registered in the memory 62, and the ticket issuing screen is displayed on the touch panel display 14. .

In this embodiment, as an example, a ticketing screen 660 as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. A button 66 for setting additional information such as a type and a region as a search condition is displayed on the ticketing screen 660 shown in FIG.
2, a button 664 for instructing a search for a coupon based on the set search conditions, and a list of the searched coupons and an option display field 666 for selecting a coupon to be issued are provided. When the ticketing screen 660 is displayed in step 300, a search is executed based on preset initial values of the search conditions, and data of the ticketing screen 660 is generated.

If necessary, the customer operates the button 662 to change the setting of the search condition, and selects the button 664 to instruct the coupon search. In response to this, the personal computer 16 determines that the change of the search condition has been instructed, shifts from step 302 to step 304, and selects the changed search condition from all the coupon data registered in the memory 62. The corresponding coupon data is searched, and the shop name indicated by the coupon data is displayed as a list in the option display column 666 as information indicating a selectable coupon ticket.

Then, if there is a coupon that the customer wants to check the list display, the customer presses the store name corresponding to the coupon from the store name displayed in the option display column 666, or the like, and receives the coupon. Select a ticket.
In the present embodiment, by selecting a detail button 668 provided for each store name displayed in the option display field 666, the coupon ticket image 61 is displayed.
2 and additional information are displayed on the touch panel display 14, and it is possible to select the coupon to be issued after confirming the details of the coupon. Also,
The mark indicating the selection status provided for each store name in the option display column is updated, for example, “○” during selection, and “X” when not selected.

When the coupon is selected by the customer, the personal computer 16 proceeds from step 306 to step 308, and arranges a plurality of selected coupons in one page based on the number of selected coupons. The number of coupon sheets 680 required to create the coupon sheet 680 (see FIG. 16) is obtained, the coupon ticketing fee is calculated based on the number, and the display of the ticketing fee display field 670 on the ticketing screen 660 is calculated. Update to the issued coupon ticket issuance fee. Next, in step 310, the total discount amount of the selected coupon is calculated, and the ticketing screen 6 is displayed.
The display of the total discount charge display column 672 is updated to the calculated total discount amount.

When the customer wants to cancel the selection of the coupon, he or she selects the button 674 for canceling the selection on the ticket issuing screen 660. Thereby, the personal computer 16
Then, it is determined that the cancellation of the selection of the coupon has been instructed, and the process proceeds from step 312 to step 314, where the selection of the coupon is canceled, and based on the cancellation result, the option display field 666 of the ticket issue screen 660, the issue fee display Box 67
0, the display of the total discounted fee display column 672 is updated.

In the personal computer 16, an instruction to issue a coupon is input or the touch panel display 14
Steps 302 to 314 are repeated until a predetermined time has elapsed since the last operation was performed.

When the customer wants to receive the selected coupon, the customer presses a button 676 on the ticket issuing screen 660 for issuing a coupon. In response,
The personal computer 16 determines that the issuance of a coupon has been instructed, and proceeds from step 316 to step 318.

In step 318, the amount of money charged in the charging device 18 is checked. In step 320, an image based on the selected coupon data is synthesized to generate data of a coupon sheet 680 in which a plurality of coupon tickets are arranged in one page. In the next step 322, data of the generated coupon sheet 680 is generated. Is transmitted to the image output device 12 and a print instruction is issued. In the present embodiment, an image based on each coupon data is generated by performing font processing on information of an expiration date on a coupon ticket image and combining the images.

As a result, the image output section 48 of the image output device 12 performs an image output operation based on the data of the coupon sheet 680. For example, a coupon sheet 680 as shown in FIG. (Coupon ticket issuance). If the customer brings the coupon sheet 680 to a store where a coupon can be used, the customer can receive benefits such as a discount service.

When the coupon sheet 680 has been printed, the process proceeds to step 324, in which the ticket counter of each coupon is incremented by the number of tickets issued. In the next step 326, the charging device 18 is instructed to charge the ticketing fee. Upon receiving the notification of the balance obtained by subtracting the ticketing fee from the sum of the input amounts from the charging device 18, the notified remaining amount is displayed in the input amount display column 608. At this time, a balance return instruction may be transmitted to the billing device 18 so that the balance is returned.

In the personal computer 16, if the coupon ticket issuing instruction is not input after a predetermined time has elapsed since the touch panel display 14 was last operated, the process proceeds from step 316 to step 328, and step 32 is executed.
In step 8, a negative determination is made, and the process ends as a timeout (process cancellation).

If no issuance fee is charged to the charging device 18 within a predetermined time after the issuance of the coupon is instructed, the process proceeds from step 318 to step 330, and a negative determination is made in step 330, and The processing ends (processing is canceled).

[Management Process of Registered Coupon Data] After registering the coupon data, the advertiser inputs a management request to the personal computer 16 when he wants to change the coupon data or check the number of issued coupons. . In the present embodiment, coupon registration management screen 600 of FIG. 11 is displayed in the same manner as described above (step 102), and button 618 is displayed.
Select In response to this, the personal computer 16 operates from step 102 to steps 104, 108, 112, and 1 of FIG.
The process proceeds to steps 16 and 118, and the management processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

In the management process, first, in step 400, an input screen for inputting an ID and a password is displayed on the touch panel display 14. Advertisers
By operating the touch panel display 14, the mouse 70, the keyboard 68, and the like, the user inputs the ID and password shown on the registration confirmation sheet 640 printed in step 264 from this input screen.

When the ID and the password are input, the process proceeds from step 402 to step 404, where the ID and the password are registered in the memory 62 in association with the coupon data, and registered in correspondence with the ID and the password. If there is any coupon data that has been entered, the process proceeds to step 406, where a management screen is displayed on the touch panel display 14.

If the ID and password have not been input after a predetermined time has elapsed since the input screen was displayed, the process proceeds from step 402 to step 420, and a negative determination is made in step 420, and the process is performed as a timeout. Is terminated (processing is canceled).

If there is no coupon data registered corresponding to the input ID and password, the process proceeds from step 404 to step 422, where a message indicating that there is no matching coupon data, a registration confirmation Error processing is performed to display a message or the like prompting the user to confirm the ID and password from the sheet 640, and the processing ends.

When the management screen is displayed on the touch panel display, the advertiser can change the registered coupon data, for example, if he wants to change the image of the coupon or wants to extend the issuance period because the coupon is popular. Enter the change instruction from the management screen. In response to the change instruction, the personal computer 16 shifts from step 408 to step 410 to accept the change of the coupon data corresponding to the ID and the password, and updates the content of the coupon data registered in the memory 62 according to the change. (Correction of coupon data).

If the user wants to confirm the number of issued tickets, he or she inputs the confirmation instruction from the management screen. In response to the confirmation instruction, the personal computer 16 executes steps 412 to 4
The process proceeds to 14, and the count of the ticket counter of the coupon data corresponding to the ID and the password is displayed on the touch panel display 14.

If a predetermined time has elapsed since the last operation of the touch panel display 14 after the management screen was displayed, the process proceeds from step 412 to step 424, in which a negative determination is made in step 424, and the process is performed as a timeout. End (processing cancel).

[Automatic Monitoring Process] The personal computer 16 executes the monitoring process shown in FIG. 10 by interruption every predetermined time. In the monitoring process, first, in step 500,
The expiration date indicated by the additional information of all coupon data registered in the memory 62 is confirmed. In the next step 502, it is checked whether or not there is expired coupon data whose expiration date has passed. If there is an expired coupon data, the process proceeds to step 504 to delete the expired coupon data from the memory 62. Deletes the registration and terminates the monitoring process. If there is no expired coupon data, the monitoring process is terminated.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the image output device 12 and the charging device 18 conventionally installed in a convenience store or the like are used, and the operations of the image output device 12 and the charging device 18 are performed by a personal computer. The control by 16 allows each advertiser to register coupon data by himself and to register coupon data in the image output system 10.

Also, in order to register coupon data,
The advertiser simply pastes the coupon voucher image 612 on a predetermined registration form 606 and fills in additional information, and then simply reads the registration form from a scanner function (scanner module) or an external storage device, and can easily register. It is.

[0103] The registration fee is collected from the advertiser and the coupon data is registered. In the image output system 10, not only the accounting income according to the number of output sheets but also the accounting income of the registration fee can be obtained. Therefore, the billing income can be increased.

Further, each customer selects and receives a coupon that he or she wants, and can issue (distribute) a coupon to only those who need it. The utilization rate can be improved. That is, the coupon can be effectively distributed.

In this embodiment, the advertiser goes to the store where the image output system 10 is installed and registers the coupon directly in the image output system 10, that is, the advertiser enters the coupon in an offline state. Although the case of performing registration has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. Since the image output system 10 (the personal computer 16) can be connected to the Internet via the hub 52,
Using the WWW (World Wide Web), advertiser companies,
A coupon may be registered online from a remote place remote from the installation location of the image output system 10.
In this case, various fees such as a registration fee may be paid by electronic payment using a credit card or the like. In addition, the confirmation work using the registration confirmation sheet can be performed at the nearest installation store.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case where a customer selects a plurality of different types of coupons and prints them on one coupon sheet when the customer receives a coupon is issued. Is not limited to this. For example, a function to specify the number of coupons is provided,
The same type of coupon may be printed on a plurality of coupon sheets. Further, a function for designating the number of coupon sheets may be provided so that a plurality of coupon sheets are printed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where a coupon is issued to a customer when issuing a coupon is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The advertiser may be charged a fee including a ticketing fee.

[0108] Further, a function may be provided for the customer to input a profile, and the coupon may be issued free of charge or free of charge by inputting the profile. This customer profile can be used as marketing information at the setting store.

[0109]

As described above, the present invention provides an image output apparatus provided with an image output apparatus for outputting an image installed in a convenience store or the like and a charging apparatus for charging according to the image output of the image output apparatus. There is an excellent effect that coupon data can be easily registered and a coupon ticket can be effectively distributed using the system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an image output system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a network connection diagram of the image output system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image output system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing routine (main routine) executed on a personal computer.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a registration form print process (subroutine) executed on a personal computer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a registration form FD copy process (subroutine) executed on a personal computer.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a coupon data registration process (subroutine) executed on a personal computer.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a ticketing process (subroutine) executed on a personal computer.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a management process (subroutine) executed on the personal computer.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an automatic monitoring process executed by a personal computer at an interval of a predetermined time.

FIG. 11 is an example of a registration management screen.

12A is an example of a registration form, and FIG. 12B is an example of pasting a coupon image and entering additional information on the registration form of FIG.

FIG. 13 is an example of a registration confirmation screen.

FIG. 14 is an example of a registration confirmation sheet.

FIG. 15 is an example of a ticketing screen.

FIG. 16 is an example of a coupon sheet.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Image Output System 12 Image Output Device 14 Touch Panel Display 16 Personal Computer 18 Billing Device 20 Network 40 Scanner Module 42 Printer Module 44 FAX Module 46 User Interface 48 Image Output Unit 50 Communication Control Unit 52 Hub 54 Memory 60 CPU 62 Memory 62 Input / Output Port 66 Communication control unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Shoji Shimojima 3-7-1, Fuuchi, Iwatsuki-shi, Saitama Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office (72) Inventor Hideo Ebukuro 3-7-1, Fuuchi, Iwatsuki-shi, Saitama No. 1 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office (72) Inventor Tomohiro Tsukawaki 3-7-1, Fuchu, Iwatsuki City, Saitama Prefecture F Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office F Term (Reference) 3E042 AA10 CC04

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image output system comprising: an image output device that records an image on recording paper based on image data and outputs the image; and a charging device that charges according to an image output by the image output device. Input means for inputting coupon data; registration means for registering the coupon data input from the input means; output of an image based on the coupon data registered in the registration means to the image output device. And an output instructing means for instructing the image output. 2. The coupon data includes: image data indicating an image of the coupon; an output expiration date of the coupon; an expiration date for which the coupon can be used; a name of a store where the coupon can be used; Area where the coupon is available,
And additional information indicating at least one of a type of store where the coupon can be used and a discount amount of a discount service provided when the coupon is brought. The image output system according to claim 1. 3. The coupon data is obtained by performing at least one of mark recognition and character recognition on image data obtained by reading an image recorded on a document and obtaining the coupon data. The image output system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image output system is configured to perform the operation. 4. The image output system according to claim 1, wherein the input unit reads the electronic information recorded on an electronic information recording medium to acquire the coupon data. 5. The registration fee charging instruction means for instructing the charging device to charge a registration fee in accordance with registration by the registration means, further comprising: Item 2. The image output system according to Item 1. 6. A deletion means for deleting the coupon data when the registration fee has not been deposited in the charging device or when a preset output permission period has passed after registration by the registration means. The image output system according to claim 5, further comprising: 7. An output fee charging instruction means for instructing the charging device to charge a coupon output fee in accordance with an image output based on the coupon data. 7. The image output system according to claim 6. 8. The image output apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a stop unit for stopping an image output based on the coupon data when the coupon output fee is not paid to the billing device. system. 9. The image output system according to claim 5, further comprising a charge notifying unit for notifying the registration charge or the coupon output charge. 10. The image output system according to claim 1, further comprising a correction unit that corrects the coupon data registered by the registration unit. 11. A search condition setting means for setting a search condition for searching for the registered coupon data, wherein the output instruction means includes: Search means for searching for the coupon data registered in the means, and output coupon data setting means for setting at least one of the coupon data searched by the search means to coupon data instructing image output. The image output system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: 12. The output instructing means, when a plurality of the coupon data are set by the output coupon data setting means, instructs a composite output of an image based on the plurality of coupon data. The image output system according to claim 11. 13. The image output according to claim 11, further comprising a discount amount notifying unit that notifies a total discount amount of the coupon data set by the output coupon data setting unit. system. 14. The image output apparatus further comprising: counting means for counting the number of image outputs based on the coupon data by the image output device; and image output number notifying means for notifying the number of image outputs counted by the counting means. Claims 1 to 13
The image output system according to claim 1.