JP2007221552A - Charging device and charging method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charging device and charging method for appropriately performing charging processing, even when a print quality level is deteriorated due to the sudden occurrence of stain, omission, tint errors, or the like. <P>SOLUTION: An inspection image acquiring part 12 acquires an inspection object image, obtained by picking up a printed matter with image data to be an inspection reference image printed thereon, and an image difference detecting part 14 detects difference amount between the inspection object image and the inspection reference image and derives a difference image. In this case, a determining part 17 determines the quality level of the print, on the basis of the differential image, and a charging processing part 18, receiving the determination result, changes the charging fees on the basis of the determination result to perform charging processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging apparatus and a charging method for collecting a predetermined charging fee each time printing is performed and, more specifically, changing a charging fee (charging count value) in accordance with a print quality level. The present invention relates to a charging apparatus and a charging method that perform charging processing.

  Generally, a printing device installed in an office (company, government office), school, etc. is provided with a billing meter (billing device), and each time copying is performed, billing processing is performed according to the number of sheets used. ing.

  However, if the billing process by the billing meter is performed only according to the number of used sheets, the billing process is appropriate even if the blank sheet is output due to miscopy or the like, and the billing is counted. I couldn't say that.

  In order to cope with this, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which charging processing is performed based on the information amount of image information (for example, the number of dots, resolution, etc.). Therefore, there is a problem that even if the printed matter is smudged or missing and the print quality level is low, it is charged and counted.

  Therefore, Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose a technique in which charging processing is not performed when an abnormality is detected. In this patent document 2, a technique is disclosed in which charging processing is not performed when a synchronization detection signal for alignment in the main scanning direction becomes abnormal.

Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a technique in which, when an abnormality occurs in toner density, drum surface potential, and cleaner, and the quality level of printing cannot be guaranteed, printing is performed during that period, and is excluded from the chargeable object. .
JP2003-21987 JP 2003-295716 A JP 2002-196636 A JP 2001-010172 A JP 2001-177680 A

  However, the above-described technique still cannot be said that the billing process is appropriate. That is, in the technique of Patent Document 2, the positional deviation in the main scanning direction is monitored from the synchronization timing signal, and the charging process is stopped when the abnormality is detected. It was. Further, in the technique of Patent Document 3, for example, when dirt, omission, or a color error suddenly occurs, the accounting process is performed without being able to cope with it.

  By the way, not only whether or not to perform billing processing, but also a technology of changing the billing fee collected at the time of performing billing processing as disclosed in Patent Literature 4 and Patent Literature 5 is known. In the technology disclosed here, the charging fee can be changed according to the print settings (resolution, color / monochrome, test printing), but the charging fee cannot be changed according to the print quality level. It was.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and even if the quality level of printing is lowered due to sudden occurrence of dirt, omission, or hue error, charging processing is performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a charging apparatus and a charging method that can be appropriately performed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 captures a printed matter on which image data serving as an inspection reference image is printed in a charging apparatus that collects a predetermined charging fee and performs a charging process each time printing is performed. Determining means for determining the print quality level based on the inspection target image obtained in the above and the inspection reference image, and changing the predetermined charging fee based on the determination result by the determining means to perform charging processing Charging processing means for performing the processing.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the determination unit determines a print quality level based on a difference image between the inspection target image and the inspection reference image.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the determination means includes all or a print smudge amount, missing amount, and hue error based on the inspection target image and the inspection reference image. A part is detected and the quality level of printing is determined.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the billing processing unit is a case where the determination unit determines that the operator is at a predetermined quality level and needs to be determined by the operator, Is instructed, charging processing for the page is not performed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the billing processing unit is a case where the determination unit determines that a determination is made by the operator because the determination unit is at a predetermined quality level. Is instructed, the billing process is performed by reducing the billing fee for the page.

  The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the accounting processing means does not perform accounting processing for the page when inconsistency between pages is detected from the printed matter. To do.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in a billing method in which a predetermined billing fee is collected each time printing is performed and a billing process is performed, a printed matter printed on the basis of image data serving as an inspection reference image is captured. A quality level of printing is determined by the determination unit based on the inspection target image and the inspection reference image, and the charging process is performed by the charging processing unit by changing the charging fee based on the determination result by the determination unit It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, the quality level of printing is determined based on an inspection target image obtained by imaging a printed matter on which image data serving as an inspection reference image is printed, and the inspection reference image. Since the billing process is performed by changing the prescribed billing fee based on this, even if the quality level of printing is reduced due to sudden occurrence of dirt, omission, or hue error Processing can be performed appropriately.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a charging apparatus and a charging method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a part of a functional configuration of a charging apparatus according to the present invention.

  The charging apparatus 10 includes a reference image acquisition unit 11, an inspection image acquisition unit 12, an image storage unit 13, an image difference detection unit 14, a UI (User Interface) control unit 15, a setting information storage unit 16, The determination unit 17 and the billing processing unit 18 are provided.

  The reference image acquisition unit 11 acquires image data (hereinafter, this image data is referred to as an inspection reference image) as a criterion for determining whether or not to charge, and stores the image data in the image storage unit 13. Fulfills the function. The inspection reference image corresponds to image data to be printed. The image storage unit 13 is not necessarily a necessary component and can be omitted. If omitted, the acquired inspection reference image is transferred to the image difference detection unit 14.

  The inspection image acquisition unit 12 has a function of acquiring image data read from a printed matter to be inspected (hereinafter, this image data is referred to as an inspection target image). The inspection image acquisition unit 12 acquires image data obtained by imaging from a printed material by an imaging mechanism (not shown) as an inspection target image.

  The image difference detection unit 14 functions to detect a difference amount based on the inspection target image and the inspection reference image and derive a difference image.

  The UI control unit 15 has a function of receiving an input operation from a user via a user interface (not shown) and controlling display of an operation screen and the like on the user interface. In particular, in the present embodiment, an input operation of a determination set value serving as a reference for determining the print quality level and its allowable value (a region near the set value) is received and stored in the setting information storage unit 16. .

  The setting information storage unit 16 functions to store various setting information. The setting information storage unit 16 stores setting information and the like necessary for quality level determination in the determination unit 17 described later.

  The determination unit 17 has a function of determining the print quality level based on the difference image derived by the image difference detection unit 14 and outputting the determination result to the billing processing unit 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the quality level is determined by (1) larger than a predetermined range in the vicinity of the set value (apparent NG level), and (2) the operator is determined to be NG within the predetermined range in the vicinity of the set value. The determination is divided into four patterns: (3) the operator determines OK within a predetermined range in the vicinity of the set value, and (4) smaller than the predetermined range in the vicinity of the set value (obvious OK level).

  In the cases of (2) and (3), the determination result is changed by the operator's judgment. This is because the difference amount is not recognized as a character on the software, but is processed as a block of pixels. Therefore, there is no problem when the difference amount is obviously large, but if it is within the range of the vicinity of the set value, it is divided into OK and NG in some cases.

  The billing processing unit 18 performs a billing process by changing the billing fee (billing count value) based on the determination result of the determination unit 17. For example, when the determination result of the determination unit 17 corresponds to (4) smaller than a predetermined range in the vicinity of the set value, a normal charging process (charging count: +1) is performed, but (1) If it is larger than the predetermined range in the vicinity of the set value, the charging process is reduced (charging count: +0.5). In the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example where billing processing is performed by changing the billing count value to “+1”, “+0.5”, and “+0” based on the quality level determination result. The billing count value may be other than this, and can be changed and set as appropriate. The above is the description of the functional configuration of the charging apparatus 10.

  Next, the operation of the charging process in the charging apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described using FIG.

  In this accounting process, first, the reference image acquisition unit 11 acquires image data to be printed as an inspection reference image (step S101), and the inspection image acquisition unit 12 captures the printed matter on which the inspection reference image is printed. The inspection object image obtained in this way is acquired (step S102).

  When the inspection reference image and the inspection target image are acquired in this way, the details will be described later, but the determination unit 17 determines the print quality level based on these difference images (step S103). .

  As a result, when it is determined that the difference amount is smaller than the predetermined range in the vicinity of the set value and is at an obvious OK level (YES in step S104), the charging processing unit 18 that has received the determination result normally The charging process (charging count: +1) is performed (step S105). On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference amount is larger than a predetermined range in the vicinity of the set value and is in an obvious NG level. (NO in step S104, YES in step S106) The charging processing unit 18 that receives this determination result does not perform the charging process (charging count: +0) (step S110).

  If it is determined that the difference amount is in the vicinity of the set value and needs to be determined by the operator (NO in step S104, NO in step S106), the UI control unit 15 asks for the operator's determination. The inspection target image is displayed on the user interface (step S107).

  Here, when NG is instructed by the operator who refers to this (NG in step S108), the billing processing unit 18 that has received the determination result does not perform billing processing (billing count: +0). However, when OK is instructed by the operator (OK in step S108), the charging processing unit 18 that has received the determination result reduces the charging fee and performs the charging process (charging count: +0.5) is performed (step S109).

  Here, the details of the quality level determination process in step S103 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this quality level determination process, the reference image acquisition unit 11 converts the acquired inspection reference image from multivalue to binary (step S201), and generates a projection waveform for the X and Y components (step S202). , Step S204), the extraction of the mountain valley is performed (Step S203, Step S205).

  In parallel with this, the inspection image acquisition unit 12 converts the acquired inspection target image from multivalue to binary (step S206), and generates a projection waveform for the X and Y components (step S206). S207, step S209), and extraction of the mountain valley (step S208, step S210).

  In response to this, the image difference detection unit 14 derives a difference image from the obtained inspection reference image and the inspection target image (step S211). This makes it possible to extract missing prints and print stains.

  Subsequently, the determination unit 17 measures the print quality level from the neighborhood value of the difference image (step S212). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, this processing is performed by connecting the pixels of the difference image obtained by the image collation, recognizing the block of pixels, and measuring the size of the circumscribing and the number of pixels.

  Then, the print quality level is determined based on the measurement result (step S213).

  As described above, in the present invention, the print quality level is determined based on the inspection target image obtained by imaging the printed matter on which the image data serving as the inspection reference image is printed, and the inspection reference image, This is a case in which the charging process is performed by changing the predetermined charging fee based on the determination result, and this is a case where the print quality level is lowered due to sudden occurrence of dirt, omission, or hue error. However, the billing process can be performed properly.

Next, Example 2 will be described. In the second embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, the inter-page consistency check is performed. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a part of the functional configuration of the accounting apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is. In addition, what attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIG. 1 which demonstrated the said Example 1 operate | moves substantially the same, The description is abbreviate | omitted and it demonstrates with a difference here.

  The charging apparatus 10 includes a reference image acquisition unit 11, an inspection image acquisition unit 12, an image storage unit 13, an image difference detection unit 14, a UI control unit 15, a setting information storage unit 16, and a determination unit 17. , A billing processing unit 18 and a page error checking unit 19 are provided.

  Here, the page error inspection unit 19 performs a function of checking the image to be inspected to inspect whether there is any inconsistency between pages. If inconsistency is detected between pages as a result of the inspection, the fact is notified to the billing processing unit 18 and billing processing for the page is not performed.

  The page error checking unit 19 detects a page order mismatch and a double-sided page mismatch as a consistency check between pages. Since this inspection method is performed by a conventionally well-known technique, the details are omitted. For example, code information indicating the page order from within the image to be inspected (for example, a page number, an ID number in a bill, A bar code, a QR (Quick Response) code, etc.) are acquired, and by checking this code information, it is possible to check whether or not there is an error in the page.

  When inspecting using this code information, the code information and the page rules corresponding to the code (for example, the page numbers are in ascending order, and the ID numbers on the front and back sides of the same sheet must match. ... etc.), and inconsistencies between pages are detected.

  In the page order consistency check, for example, the page number printed on each page of the printed material is recognized, and the page number is determined by determining whether the page number is in an appropriate order (based on the page rule). It is possible to check the consistency between them.

  For example, in the case of invoices, for example, in the case of invoices, invoices for one customer are generally printed over a plurality of pages, and a customer ID number is printed for each page. Therefore, by comparing the customer ID numbers on the front and back sides of one sheet and determining whether or not there is a mismatch between the front and back sides, the consistency of the pages on both sides can be inspected.

  The setting information storage unit 16 stores setting information indicating a page rule necessary for the consistency check between pages in the page error inspection unit 19 described above, a position where code information is printed, and the like. The above is the description of the functional configuration of the charging apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the charging process in the charging apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 6 will be described using FIG.

  In this accounting process, first, the reference image acquisition unit 11 acquires image data to be printed as an inspection reference image (step S301), and the inspection image acquisition unit 12 captures an image from a printed matter on which the inspection reference image is printed. The inspection object image obtained in this way is acquired (step S302).

  Here, the page error inspection unit 19 performs an inspection as to whether or not there is a mismatch between pages based on the acquired inspection target image. If a page error is detected as a result of the inspection (YES in step S303), the charging processing unit 18 that receives this result does not perform the charging process (charging count: +0) (step S304). If there is no problem in the page order or the like (NO in step S303), a quality level determination process is performed next.

  This quality level determination process is the same as the process described in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, and the determination unit 17 determines the quality level based on the difference image between the inspection reference image and the inspection target image. (Step S305).

  As a result, if it is determined that the difference amount is smaller than the predetermined range in the vicinity of the set value and is at an obvious OK level (YES in step S306), the charging processing unit 18 that has received the determination result normally The charging process (charging count: +1) is performed (step S307). On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference amount is larger than a predetermined range in the vicinity of the set value and is in an obvious NG level. (NO in step S306, YES in step S308) The charging processing unit 18 that has received the determination result does not perform the charging process (charging count: +0) (step S304).

  When it is determined that the difference amount is in the vicinity of the set value and needs to be determined by the operator (NO in step S306, NO in step S308), the UI control unit 15 asks for the operator's determination. The inspection target image is displayed on the user interface (step S309).

  Here, when NG is instructed by the operator who refers to this (NG in step S310), the billing processing unit 18 that has received this determination result does not perform billing processing (billing count: +0). However, if OK is instructed by the operator (OK in step S310), the billing processing unit 18 that has received this determination result lowers the billing fee (billing count: +0.5) is performed (step S311).

  As described above, in the second embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, the page error checking unit 19 is provided so as to detect inconsistencies between pages, so even if a page error occurs. Charge processing can be performed appropriately.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the page error checking unit 19 is provided in the charging apparatus 10 to check whether there is a mismatch between pages has been described. 10, and by acquiring the inspection result from the page error inspection unit 19 provided outside, the accounting process may be performed by changing the accounting fee as described above.

  Further, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the case where the determination pattern of the quality level in the determination unit 17 is divided into four has been described, but this quality level pattern can be changed as appropriate, and how many steps It may be divided into

  Abnormalities that occur suddenly during printing include the above-described smudges and omissions, color errors, blurred backgrounds, blurred characters, and the like.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not changing the gist thereof.

  The charging apparatus and the charging method of the present invention can be applied to all charging apparatuses that collect a predetermined charging fee and perform a charging process every time printing is performed. In particular, this charging apparatus is used in an office (company, public office). It can be effectively used by being applied to a printing apparatus installed in a school or the like.

It is a figure which shows a part of functional structure of the charging device concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the determination pattern of the quality level of printing. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the accounting process in the accounting device 10 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the quality level determination process in step S103 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the measurement process of the quality level of printing. It is a figure which shows a part of functional structure of the charging device concerning Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the accounting process in the accounting device 10 shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Accounting apparatus 11 Reference | standard image acquisition part 12 Inspection image acquisition part 13 Image storage part 14 Image difference detection part 15 UI (User Interface) control part 16 Setting information storage part 17 Judgment part 18 Charge processing part 19 Page error inspection part

Claims (7)

In a billing device that collects a predetermined billing fee and performs billing processing each time printing is performed,
A determination means for determining a print quality level based on an inspection target image obtained by imaging a printed matter on which image data to be an inspection reference image is printed, and the inspection reference image;
An accounting apparatus comprising: accounting processing means for performing accounting processing by changing the predetermined accounting fee based on a determination result by the determining means. The determination means includes
The charging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a print quality level is determined based on a difference image between the inspection target image and the inspection reference image. The determination means includes
The print quality level is determined by detecting all or a part of a print stain amount, missing amount, and hue error based on the inspection target image and the inspection reference image. Billing device. The billing processing means
The billing process for the page is not performed when the judgment means judges that the judgment level is at a predetermined quality level and the judgment by the operator is necessary, and NG is instructed by the operator. Item 2. The charging device according to Item 1. The billing processing means
If it is determined by the determination means that the level is at a predetermined quality level and the operator needs to make a determination, and if the operator instructs OK, the charging fee for the page is reduced and charging processing is performed. The charging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The billing processing means
The charging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when an inconsistency between pages is detected from the printed matter, charging processing for the page is not performed. In a billing method of collecting a predetermined billing fee and performing a billing process each time printing is performed,
A determination unit determines a print quality level based on an inspection target image obtained by imaging a printed matter printed based on image data serving as an inspection reference image, and the inspection reference image,
A billing method characterized in that the billing processing is performed by the billing processing means by changing the billing fee based on the determination result by the judging means.

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