JP2007302007A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system which can authorize an image forming operation through preset procedures by sales personnel by connecting a POS (point of sales) system with an image forming device. <P>SOLUTION: An authorization for image forming operation is input from an input part 102 (S201) and then sent to the imaging device 110 through a communication control part 105 (S208). In addition, a signal for inhibiting an image forming operation is also sent to the imaging device 110 (S210). When a signal of an account settlement request and an ID number for the account settlement are received from the input part 102 (S205; Y), the operation proceeds to the account settlement process (S216). Further, when the ID number is received by the POS 100 (S206; Y), the ID receiving process gets underway (S218). Besides, when charge information is sent from the image forming device 110 (S212; Y), the POS 100 changes over to a charge information receiving process (S220). On the other hand, when a "account settlement impossible" notice is sent from the imaging device 110 (S214; Y), the "account settlement impossible" is shown at a display part 103 (S222). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, and in particular, consumables ordering and billing management control of image forming apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles that can communicate with a POS (Point of System point of sale information management) system via a POS system. The present invention relates to an image forming system.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses have been installed and widely used in retail stores such as convenience stores. Conventionally, when performing a copy service, an image forming operation is permitted when a coin is inserted, and a coin rack that charges a predetermined amount according to the image forming operation or a counter is set for each image forming operation. A charging control device that uses a key counter to count up the number of images formed is used.

  Further, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, or a printer having these charge control devices needs to be replenished with consumables such as transfer paper, toner, and fixing oil related to the image forming operation. Normally, when ordering necessary consumables, contact the supplier with the name and quantity of the necessary consumables by telephone, fax, etc., so check the model number in the instruction manual, Place an order after confirming the telephone number.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-301451

  In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, by providing means for instructing the ordering of consumables from the consumption amount of consumables and placing an order from the operation unit, it is possible to perform automatic ordering, shortening the work time and improving the work efficiency. An improved image forming apparatus is described.

However, when an image is formed, it is necessary to perform face-to-face sales from the viewpoint of crime prevention due to the different billing settings depending on the size of the transfer paper and whether it is full color or black and white, and the widespread use of full color image forming apparatuses.
When the inserted coin is returned from the charging control device, or when the key counter or the key card is removed, an image may be formed without being charged depending on the return timing of the effect or the removal timing.

Further, in the case of a coin rack, it is difficult to grasp the total content of sales, and by counting the number of coins in the coin rack, sales must be recorded despite the presence of a POS system.
When sales management is performed by a POS system in a conventional retail store, consumables are ordered as commodities from the POS system. At that time, the remaining amount of consumables disclosed in JP-A-10-301451 is managed. In such an image forming apparatus, it is necessary to go to the image forming apparatus and check the order of consumables.
Further, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-301451, it is necessary to manually input information regarding an order placed without going through the POS system, and it takes time to place an order.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of order management by a POS system in response to a consumables ordering request for an image forming apparatus.
A second object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of setting whether or not automatic ordering is possible.
A third object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of confirming the stock status and placing an order for consumables that need to be ordered when the mode is changed to the automatic ordering mode.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of preventing double ordering by ignoring ordering instructions for the second and subsequent times when ordering instructions for the same consumables are received twice before ordering. It is.
A fifth object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of changing an inventory quantity simultaneously with delivery.
A sixth object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of checking whether or not it is necessary to place an order by checking the stock quantity after changing the stock quantity at the time of delivery.

A seventh object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of arbitrarily setting the quantity to be automatically ordered.
An eighth object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of changing the setting of the minimum stock quantity and checking the stock quantity and confirming whether or not an order is required when the minimum stock quantity is changed. That is.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming system in which a point-of-sale information management (POS) system and an image forming apparatus are connected, the image forming apparatus detects an inventory amount of consumables such as toner and paper, and places an order. Detecting means for determining whether it is necessary, ordering means for instructing ordering of consumables detected by the detecting means, and transmitting means for transmitting an ordering instruction by the ordering means to the POS system Thus, the first object is achieved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the POS system receives a communication unit that communicates an ordering instruction to an ordering party and an ordering instruction transmitted by the transmitting unit of the image forming apparatus. The first object is achieved by comprising order processing means for communicating with the ordering party by the communication means.

  The invention according to claim 3 further comprises order setting means for setting an ordering mode of automatic ordering or manual ordering according to the invention according to claim 2, and the order processing means in the case where the order setting means is set to automatically place an order. Achieves the second object by ordering consumables.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the order setting input means for inputting an ordering mode for automatic ordering or manual ordering, the ordering mode input by the order setting input means, and the order setting means Comparing means for comparing with an ordering mode set in advance is further provided, and as a result of comparison between the ordering setting input means and the ordering setting means being different in ordering mode, the ordering setting input means switches to automatic ordering. When the ordering mode is input, the detecting means detects the stock amount of consumables and determines whether or not ordering is necessary, thereby achieving the third object.

  In the invention according to claim 5, in the invention according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, as a result of detecting the inventory amount of consumables by the detecting means, If it is determined that there is a need, the order processing means performs the ordering process for the consumables that are determined to need to be ordered, thereby achieving the third object.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the ordering processing identifying means for identifying that the order has been placed by the ordering processing means, and the consumables ordered by the ordering processing means are ordered until delivered. Ordering storage means for storing the name, quantity, etc. of the consumables that have been ordered, and when the consumables ordered by the ordering means have already been ordered, the order processing means does not place the order. The fourth object is achieved.

  In the invention described in claim 7, in the invention described in any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, and 6, the delivery process is performed by inputting a product code. A delivery means; and a product judgment means for judging whether the product of the product code delivered by the delivery means is a consumable product, and if the product judged by the product judgment means is a consumable product, The detection means achieves the fifth object by changing the stock amount of the consumables according to the quantity of the goods delivered by the delivery means.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, further comprising inventory quantity setting means for setting a minimum required inventory quantity for each consumable item, wherein the detection means is the quantity of goods delivered by the delivery means. When the stock quantity of the consumables is changed according to the above, if the changed stock quantity is less than the minimum stock quantity set by the stock quantity setting means, the ordering means gives the order instruction by giving the order instruction. To achieve the objectives.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6 and claim 7, wherein the order setting means sets the order mode for automatic ordering. The system further comprises automatic order storage means for storing the order quantity in the case where the order has been made, and the order means can arbitrarily change the order quantity, thereby achieving the seventh object.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 8, further comprising inventory amount storage means for storing a minimum required inventory quantity for each consumable set by the inventory quantity setting means, wherein the inventory quantity setting means When the setting of the minimum stock quantity is changed by the above, if the stock quantity detected by the detection means is smaller than the minimum stock quantity, the ordering means achieves the eighth object by giving an ordering instruction.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus detects a stock amount of consumables such as toner and paper, determines whether or not ordering is necessary, and orders the consumables detected by the detecting unit. Since the ordering means for instructing and the transmission means for transmitting the ordering instruction by the ordering means to the POS system are provided, order management by the POS system becomes possible, and consumables inventory management and order management can be facilitated.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the POS system includes a communication unit that communicates an ordering instruction to the ordering party, and an ordering processing unit that communicates the ordering instruction transmitted by the transmitting unit of the image forming apparatus to the ordering party by the communication unit. Therefore, order management by the POS system is possible, and consumables inventory management and order management can be facilitated.

  In the invention described in claim 3, the apparatus further comprises order setting means for setting an order mode for automatic ordering or manual ordering, and when the order setting means is set to automatically place an order, the order processing means orders the consumables, Ordering can be prohibited for consumables that are no longer needed, and erroneous ordering can be prevented.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the comparison means compares the order setting modes of the order setting input means and the order setting means with each other and the order setting mode is input to the automatic order from the order setting input means, the detection means is consumed. Since the inventory amount of the product is detected and it is determined whether or not an order is required, it is possible to prevent omissions after switching from the manual order mode to the automatic order mode.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the order is necessary as a result of detecting the inventory amount of the consumables, the order processing means orders the consumables that are determined to be ordered. Since it is possible to check the stock status and order consumables that need to be ordered, omissions can be prevented.

  In the invention described in claim 6, the order processing identification means for identifying that the order has been placed by the order processing means, and the order for storing the name and quantity of the consumables ordered until the consumables ordered by the order processing means are delivered. The storage unit is further provided, and when the consumable item instructed to be ordered by the ordering unit has already been ordered, the ordering processing unit does not place the order, so that it is possible to prevent double ordering.

  In the invention according to claim 7, when the product determined by the product determination means is a consumable, the detection means changes the stock amount of the consumable according to the quantity of the product delivered by the delivery means. Since the inventory quantity can be updated, an appropriate inventory quantity can always be managed.

  The invention according to claim 8 further comprises inventory quantity setting means for setting a minimum required minimum inventory quantity for each consumable, and the detecting means determines the inventory quantity of the consumable according to the quantity of goods delivered by the delivery means. When the change is made, if the changed inventory quantity is less than the minimum inventory quantity set by the inventory quantity setting means, the ordering means issues an ordering instruction, and therefore the consumption amount until delivery is considered. This makes it possible to immediately place an order for consumables, improve work efficiency, and manage inventory more appropriately.

  The invention according to claim 9, further comprising automatic order storage means for storing an order quantity when the order setting means is set to an automatic ordering order mode, and the ordering means can arbitrarily change the order quantity. It is possible to appropriately have the number of inventory corresponding to the frequency, and to reduce the inventory cost.

  The invention according to claim 10, further comprising stock quantity storage means for storing the minimum required stock quantity for each consumable set by the stock quantity setting means, wherein the setting of the minimum stock quantity has been changed by the stock quantity setting means. When the stock quantity detected by the detection means is less than the minimum stock quantity, the ordering means issues an ordering instruction, so that it is possible to place an order according to the change without the user being aware of it, thus improving work efficiency. .

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment.
The image forming system includes a POS 100, an image forming apparatus 110, and an ID (Identifier) recognition apparatus 120.
The POS 100 includes a POS control unit 101, an input unit 102, a display unit 103, a printer unit 104, a communication control unit 105 that exchanges image forming operation information with the image forming apparatus 110, sales data 106, and unpaid billing data 107. Yes.

The POS control unit 101 receives information from a keyboard, a barcode scanner, a card reader, etc. (not shown) from the input unit 102 as price information and POS information. Then, the POS control unit 101 displays the purchased product name and price on the POS display unit 103, records the sales data in the sales data 106, and the name and amount of the purchased product, the total amount, the change amount, etc. by the printer unit 104 at the time of payment. Print it.
When the image forming operation prohibition / permission information is input from the input unit 102, the POS control unit 101 transmits the image forming operation prohibition / permission information to the image forming apparatus 110 via the communication control unit 105.

Further, when image forming operation information is sent from the image forming apparatus 110, the communication control unit 105 transmits the image forming operation information to the POS control unit 101. The POS control unit 101 stores the image forming operation information from the communication control unit 105 in the unpaid billing data 107 for each ID.
When the settlement request for the image forming operation and the ID number to be settled are input from the input unit 102, the POS control unit 101 extracts billing information of the corresponding ID from the unsettled billing data 107 and records the sales.
When the sales accounting ends, the POS control unit 101 deletes the record of the unsettled billing data 107 of the corresponding ID stored in the unsettled billing data 107.
The sales amount and the POS information are stored in the sales data 106.

When the POS 100 does not have the unpaid billing data 107, an image forming operation settlement request and an ID number to be settled are sent from the input unit 102 to the image forming apparatus 110 via the communication control unit 105. Requests that the billing information of the ID requested from the unit 102 be transmitted.
When charging information is sent from the image forming apparatus 110, the charging information is transmitted to the POS control unit 101 via the communication control unit 105, counted as a purchased item, and the sales amount and POS information are stored in the sales data 106. Remembered.
When the payment is completed, the POS control unit 101 requests the image forming apparatus 110 to delete the charge data of the ID for which the payment has been completed via the communication control unit 105.

The image forming apparatus 110 includes a mode control unit 111, a sequence control unit 112, an operation display unit 113, a communication control unit 114, a charging control unit 115, and ID-specific charging data 116.
When the ID storage medium is set, the ID recognition device 120 reads the ID stored in the magnetism, the barcode, the punch hole, and the like. If the ID is recognized, the ID recognition device 120 recognizes the ID in the mode control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 110. Send data.
When the storage medium is removed from the ID recognition device 120, ID recognition cancellation is transmitted to the image forming device 110.

The mode control unit 111 stores the ID recognition data sent from the ID recognition device 120. Only when the ID is recognized and the image forming operation is permitted by the POS 100, the mode setting selection on the operation display unit 113 is validated. When the mode setting selection is disabled, the operation display unit 113 displays that the image forming operation is prohibited.
Upon receiving the mode setting data and the image forming operation start signal from the operation display unit 113, the mode control unit 111 instructs the sequence control unit 112 to start the image forming operation.

When the sequence control unit 112 receives an instruction to start an image forming operation, the sequence control unit 112 starts an image forming operation by operating a load (not shown). During the image forming operation, a charging timing signal is issued to the mode control unit 111 at a predetermined charging timing.
When the accounting timing signal is sent from the sequence control unit 112, the mode control unit 111, together with the ID recognition data sent from the ID recognition device 120 of the process being executed, mode setting data such as paper size and color mode. Is transmitted to the charging control unit 115 as a charging instruction signal.

When the charging control unit 115 receives the charging instruction signal from the mode control unit 111, the charging control unit 115 transmits the payment request and the ID number for payment to the POS 100 via the communication control unit 114.
When the POS 100 does not have the unsettled billing data 107, when the billing instruction signal is received from the mode control unit 111, the billing control unit 115 stores information for each ID in the ID-specific billing data 116.
When a request for transmitting accounting information of a certain ID from the POS 100 is received via the communication control unit 114, the accounting information of the corresponding ID is extracted from the ID-specific charging data 116 and transmitted to the POS 100. Further, when there is a request to delete the charging information of a certain ID from the POS 100, all the charging information of the corresponding ID is deleted from the ID-specific charging data 116.

When a user tries to execute an image forming operation, when the salesperson is informed, the salesperson hands over the magnetic card, which is an ID storage medium, to the user and inputs permission for the image forming operation to the input unit 102 of the POS 100. To do.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming operation prohibition display on the operation display unit.
The POS control unit 101 to which the image forming operation permission transmitted to the input unit 102 is transmitted notifies the image forming apparatus 110 of the image forming operation permission.
In the image forming apparatus 110, before the image forming operation permission is received from the POS 100, an image forming operation prohibition display as shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an ID recognition card insertion instruction display on the operation display unit.
When the image forming operation permission is received from the POS 100, the mode control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 110 causes the operation display unit 113 to display an ID recognition card insertion instruction display as shown in FIG.
When the ID recognition card insertion instruction display of FIG. 3 is performed, that is, when the image forming operation is permitted from the POS 100, when the user correctly recognizes the ID by setting the magnetic card, the ID recognition device ID recognition data is transmitted from 120 to the mode control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 110.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of mode selection display on the operation display unit. FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of an image forming operation permission confirmation display on the operation display unit.
The mode control unit 111 performs mode setting selection display of the image forming operation as shown in FIG. 4 on the operation display unit 113 and stores ID recognition data.
When the image forming operation prohibition display of FIG. 2 is performed, that is, when the image forming operation is prohibited from the POS 100, when the user sets the magnetic card, the image forming operation permission confirmation display as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

In the case of the display as shown in FIG. 5, the image forming operation can be performed by inputting the image forming operation permission signal from the POS 100, so the salesperson inputs the image forming operation permission signal from the POS 100.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a card reset request display on the operation display unit.
If the ID is not recognized because the user does not set the magnetic card correctly or the information on the magnetic card cannot be read correctly, a card reset request display as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. When there is a display as shown in FIG. 6, the user resets the magnetic card.

When the mode setting selection display of FIG. 4 is displayed on the operation display unit 113, when the user selects the paper size or color mode and presses the start key, an image forming operation is executed.
The operation display unit 113 notifies the mode control unit 111 of the mode setting contents every time a mode setting operation is performed. The mode control unit 111 stores the mode setting contents.
When the mode control unit 111 receives start key pressing information from the operation display unit 113, the mode control unit 111 instructs the sequence control unit 112 to start executing the image forming operation with the mode setting contents stored in advance. Further, the ID recognized at this time is stored until all image operations are completed.

When the sequence control unit 112 receives an image forming operation request from the mode control unit 111, the sequence control unit 112 realizes the image forming operation according to the instructed mode setting.
Further, when the image forming operation is executed, if the POS 100 has the uncleared billing data 107, the POS control unit 101 of the POS 100 is notified of the ID during the image forming operation and the operation being performed. When the POS 100 is in operation with this ID, it stores the ID number in the unpaid billing data 107 and the fact that it is in operation.

If the POS 100 does not have the uncleared charging data 107, the charging control unit 115 is notified of the ID during the image forming operation and the operating status. When receiving the ID and the operation, the charging control unit 115 stores the ID number in the ID-specific charging data 116 and the fact that the ID is being operated.
As the image forming operation, a sequence operation is executed for each transfer sheet. When the transfer paper is completely discharged, the sequence control unit 112 issues a charging timing signal to the mode control unit 111. By issuing a charging timing signal upon completion of discharging, it is possible to prevent charging for jammed paper.
Upon receipt of the charging timing signal, the mode control unit 111 transmits the ID currently recognized by the charging control unit 115 and the color mode setting and paper size setting of the image forming operation at which the charging timing has come. Give instructions.

When the image forming operation is completed, the user removes the magnetic card from the ID recognition device 120. When the ID recognition device 120 recognizes that the magnetic card has been removed, the ID recognition cancellation is transmitted to the mode control unit 111 of the image forming device 110.
When the image forming operation cannot be executed, the mode control unit 111 displays the ID recognition card insertion instruction display in FIG. 3 on the operation display unit 113.
Even if ID recognition cancellation is received from the ID recognition device 120 during image formation, the image formation operation is still being executed, so the image formation operation is executed only for the fed transfer paper.

If there is an image forming operation that has already been fed, the image forming operation cannot be interrupted, so the image forming operation is executed as it is, and a charge is imposed. In this case, when all the executable image forming operations are completed, the mode control unit 111 causes the operation display unit 113 to display the ID recognition card insertion instruction display of FIG.
The mode control unit 111 notifies the POS 100 of the end of the image forming operation together with the ID at the same time as displaying the ID recognition card insertion instruction.
Upon receiving the end of the image forming operation, the POS control unit 101 in the POS 100 changes the operation state of the corresponding ID to the operation end.

When the user passes the magnetic card to the salesperson, a magnetic card reading unit (not shown) in the input unit 102 reads the ID. The input unit 102 issues a payment request for an image forming operation to which an ID number is assigned to the POS control unit 101.
When the POS control unit 101 receives the settlement request for the image forming operation to which the ID number is assigned, the POS control unit 101 checks the operation state of the ID stored in the unsettled billing data 107. If the operation of the corresponding ID is completed, the charging information of the corresponding ID is extracted and recorded as sales.
When the payment is completed, the information for each color mode setting and paper size setting and the sales amount are stored in the sales data 106 as the sales result. When the storage in the sales data 106 is completed, all the billing information of the ID for which settlement has been completed in the unsettled money billing data 107 is deleted.
If the state of the corresponding ID is not the end of the operation, it is displayed on the display unit 103 that the payment is impossible because the image forming operation is being performed.

When the POS 100 does not have the uncleared billing data 107, when the billing control unit 115 receives a billing instruction, the image forming operation information for color mode setting and paper size setting is tabulated and stored in the billing data 116 by ID for each ID.
Upon receiving the payment request for the image forming operation to which the ID number is assigned, the POS control unit 101 requests the image forming apparatus 110 to transmit the charging information for the requested ID.
When the charging control unit 115 in the image forming apparatus 110 receives the charging information, it checks the operation state of the corresponding ID from the ID-specific charging data 116.
If the operation state is the operation end, the image forming operation charging data for the color mode setting, the paper size setting, and the number of image formations in the ID-specific charging data 116 is transmitted to the POS control unit 101 via the communication control unit 114.

When the storage in the sales data 106 is completed, the charging control unit 115 is instructed to delete all the charging information of the ID whose payment has been completed.
When the charging control unit 115 receives an instruction to delete all the charging information of the ID for which payment has been completed, the charging control unit 115 deletes all the charging information of the corresponding ID in the ID-specific charging data 116.
Further, when the operation state is being executed, the payment impossible is transmitted to the POS control unit 101.
When the POS 101 receives the payment impossible, the display unit 103 displays that the payment is impossible because the image forming operation is being performed.

After completion of payment, when the POS control unit 101 is notified from the input unit 102 that the image forming operation is prohibited, the POS control unit 101 notifies the image forming apparatus 110 that the image forming operation is prohibited.
When the mode control unit 111 accepts the image forming operation prohibition, when it is confirmed that the image forming operation is not being executed, the mode control unit 111 instructs the operation display unit 113 to perform the image forming operation prohibition display shown in FIG.
If the image forming operation is being performed, the image forming operation prohibition is ignored or the POS control unit 101 is notified that the operation is being performed. When the POS control unit 101 receives that the operation is being executed, the POS control unit 101 displays on the display unit 103 a failure to prohibit the image forming operation.

Next, each processing procedure in the image forming system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the POS of the first embodiment.
When a user tries to execute an image forming operation, when the salesperson is informed, the salesperson hands over the magnetic card, which is an ID storage medium, to the user and inputs permission for the image forming operation to the input unit 102 of the POS 100. (Step 201).
When the image forming operation permission is input from the input unit 102 (step 201; Y), the image forming operation permission is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 110 via the communication control unit 105 (step 208).

When the image forming operation prohibition is input from the input unit 102 of the POS 100 (step 204; Y), the image forming operation prohibition is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 110 via the communication control unit 105 (step 210).
When the settlement request and the settlement ID number are transmitted from the input unit 102 (step 205; Y), the process proceeds to the settlement process (step 216).
When an ID notification is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 110 to the POS 100 (step 206; Y), the process proceeds to an ID reception process (step 218).
When charging information is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 110 (step 212; Y), the POS 100 proceeds to charging information reception processing (step 220).
When the payment impossible notification is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 110 (step 214; Y), the payment impossible is displayed on the display unit 103 (step 222).

Next, processing procedures of the settlement process (step 216), the ID reception process (step 218), and the billing information reception process (step 220) will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a checkout process procedure in the case where the POS has unsettled billing data.
If there is no ID for the image forming operation request to the image forming apparatus 110 and the requested ID is not in operation (step 301; N), a warning display that cannot be settled is displayed on the display unit 103 (step 303), and processing is performed. Exit.

When there is an ID of an image forming operation request to the image forming apparatus 110 and the requested ID is in operation (step; Y), the POS control unit 101 selects the corresponding ID from the unsettled billing data 107 of the POS 100. Is recorded as sales (step 302).
When the settlement at the POS control unit 101 is completed (step 304; Y), the settlement contents are stored in the sales data 106 (step 305). Then, the accounting information of the corresponding ID is deleted from the unsettled accounting data 107 (step 306).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a settlement processing procedure when there is no unsettled billing data in the POS.
If the unsettled billing data 107 is not in the POS 100, the POS control unit 101 transmits a billing data transmission request to the image forming apparatus 110 (step 401). Then, the POS control unit 101 waits for charging information from the image forming apparatus 110 (step 402).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an ID reception processing procedure when there is unpaid billing data in the POS.
When the ID notification is requested from the ID recognition device 120 of the image forming apparatus 110 (step 501; Y), and the requested ID is in operation (step 504; Y), the unpaid billing data 107 The operation state of the corresponding ID is changed so as to be in operation (step 505). Then, the state of the image forming apparatus 110 is also changed during operation (step 506).
If the requested ID is not in operation (step 504; N), the operation state of the corresponding ID in the unpaid billing data 107 is changed to operation end (step 507), and the state of the image forming apparatus 110 is set to operation end. Change (step 508).

If the ID notification from the ID recognition device 120 of the image forming apparatus 110 is not the requested ID (step 501; N), but the requested ID is in operation (step 502; Y), the requested ID is The unsettled billing data 107 is stored (step 503).
If the ID notification from the ID recognition device 120 of the image forming apparatus 110 is not the requested ID (step 501; N) and the requested ID is not in operation (step 502; N), the process is terminated.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an ID reception processing procedure when there is no unpaid billing data in the POS.
When the operation status information of the corresponding ID is in operation (step 601; Y), since the adjustment process cannot be performed if the corresponding ID is in operation, the state on the image forming apparatus 110 side is also changed during operation. (Step 602).
If the requested ID is not in operation (step 601; N), the state of the image forming apparatus 110 is changed to operation end (step 603).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a charging information reception processing procedure when there is unsettled charging data in the POS.
When the POS 100 has uncleared billing data 107, when the billing control unit 115 receives a billing instruction, the POS control unit 101 in the POS 100 via the communication control unit 114 informs the POS control unit 101 of color mode setting and paper size setting image forming operation information. Or billing data is tabulated and stored in the unsettled billing data 107 for each ID (step 701).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a charging information reception processing procedure when there is no unsettled charging data in the POS.
When the POS 101 is waiting for billing information (step 801; Y), when it receives image forming operation billing data, it counts it as sales (step 802). When the settlement is completed (step 803; Y), the settlement amount is stored in the sales data 106 as the sales amount together with the information for each color mode setting and paper size setting (step 804). Then, the image forming apparatus 110 is instructed to delete the charging information of the corresponding ID (step 805).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus 110.
First, when an image forming operation permission is transmitted from the POS 100 (step 901; Y), the process proceeds to an image forming operation permission process (step 904).
When the image forming operation prohibition is transmitted from the POS 100 (step 902; Y), the process proceeds to the image forming operation prohibiting process (step 905).
When a billing information request is transmitted from the POS 100 (step 903; Y), the processing proceeds to a billing information request reception process (step 906).

When the ID recognition information is transmitted from the ID recognition device 120 (step 907; Y), the process proceeds to an ID recognition release process (step 908).
When ID recognition cancellation information is transmitted from the ID recognition device 120 (step 909; Y), the process proceeds to ID recognition cancellation processing (step 910).
When key operation information is transmitted from the operation control unit 113 (step 911; Y), the process proceeds to key operation information reception processing (step 912).
When a charging timing signal is transmitted from the sequence control unit 112 (step 913; Y), the processing proceeds to charging timing processing (step 914).
When a billing information deletion request is transmitted from the POS 100 (step 915; Y), the processing proceeds to billing information deletion processing (step 916).

Next, image forming operation permission processing (step 904), image forming operation prohibition processing (step 905), billing information request reception processing (step 906), ID recognition setting processing (step 908), ID recognition release processing (step 910) The key operation information reception process (step 912), the charging timing process (step 914), and the charging information deletion process (step 916) will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming operation permission processing procedure in the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus 110 stores the image forming operation permission (step 1001), and when the ID is recognized (step 1002; Y), displays the mode setting selection on the operation display unit 113 (step 1003).
When the ID is not recognized (step 1002; N), the permission confirmation display of the image forming operation is displayed (step 1004).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming operation prohibiting process procedure in the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus 110 stores the image forming operation prohibition (step 1101). If the ID is recognized (step 1102; Y), the image forming operation prohibition is displayed (step 1104).
If the ID is not recognized (step 1102; N), the permission confirmation display of the image forming operation is displayed (step 1103).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a charging information request reception processing procedure in the image forming apparatus.
If the ID corresponding to the billing information request is in operation (step 1201; Y), the settlement impossible is transmitted to the POS 100 (step 1203).
If the ID corresponding to the charging information request is not in operation (step 1201; N) and the requested ID exists (step 1202; Y), the charging data of the corresponding ID is transmitted to the POS 100 (step 1204).
If the requested ID does not exist (step 1202; N), the settlement impossible is transmitted to the POS 100 (step 1203).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an ID recognition setting process procedure in the image forming apparatus.
The ID recognized by the image forming apparatus 110 is stored (step 1301). If the image forming operation is permitted (step 1302; Y), the mode setting selection display is displayed on the operation display unit 113 (step 1304).
If the image forming operation is not permitted (step 1302; N), the image forming operation permission confirmation display is performed (step 1303).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an ID recognition release processing procedure in the image forming apparatus.
The ID recognized by the image forming apparatus 110 is deleted (step 1401). When the image forming operation is permitted (step 1402; Y), the permission confirmation display of the image forming operation is displayed (step 1403).
If the image forming operation is not permitted (step 1404), an ID recognition card insertion instruction is displayed (step 1404).

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating key operation information reception processing in the image forming apparatus.
When mode setting key operation information is transmitted by the user selecting a mode from the operation display unit 113 (step 1501; Y), the mode setting content is stored (step 1503).
When mode setting key operation information is not transmitted (step 1501; N) and image formation start information is received (step 1502), the image forming operation is instructed to the sequence control unit 112.
If the image formation start information has not been transmitted (step 1502; N), the process ends.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a charging timing processing procedure in the image forming apparatus when there is unsettled charging data in the POS.
When the POS 101 transmits a charging instruction to the charging control unit 115 (step 1601), the charging control unit 115 transmits image forming operation information to the POS 100.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a charging timing processing procedure in the image forming apparatus when there is no unsettled charging data in the POS.
When the POS 101 transmits a charging instruction to the charging control unit 115 (step 1701), the contents of the charging instruction are totaled in the ID-specific charging data 116 (step 1702).

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a charging information deletion processing procedure in the image forming apparatus.
If the requested ID is in the ID-specific charging data 116 (step 1801; Y), the requested ID data is deleted from the ID-specific charging data 116 (step 1802).
If the requested ID is not in the ID-specific billing data 116 (step 1801; N), the process is terminated.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming operation processing procedure in the image forming apparatus.
When an image forming operation is executed (step 1901) and a jam occurs (step 1902; Y), a process end is transmitted to the mode control unit 111 (step 1905).
If a jam does not occur (step 1902; N) and the paper discharge is completed (step 1903; Y), a charging timing signal is transmitted to the mode control unit 111 (step 1904).

Next, a second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to the second embodiment.
In the image forming system according to the second embodiment, the POS 100 is connected to the public line 126.
Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
The image forming system according to the second embodiment includes a POS 100, an image forming apparatus 110, and a public line 126.

The POS 100 includes a POS control unit 101, an input unit 102, a display unit 103, a printer unit 104, a communication control unit 105 that transmits / receives data to / from the image forming apparatus 110, an expenditure data storage unit 123, a supply management data storage unit 124, and a supply order. A mode storage unit 125 is provided.
The POS control unit 101 is also used for managing the ordering of products, and performs product ordering processing via the public line 126 and checks the delivery of delivered products. When the POS control unit 101 places an order for a product, the POS control unit 101 stores the number of orders and the amount for each product ordered in the expenditure data storage unit 123.

The supply management data storage unit 124 stores the inventory quantity and order status of the supplies for each consumable number determined for each supply.
The supply order mode storage unit 125 stores a supply order mode set from the input unit 102, an order quantity setting at the time of automatic ordering for each consumable, and an automatic order mode or a manual order mode.
When the supply replenishment request is received from the image forming apparatus 110, the POS control unit 101 subtracts the stock quantity of the corresponding supply item from the supply management data 124.
When the automatic ordering mode is set in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125, if the consumable item has not been ordered when the stock quantity falls below a predetermined quantity, the POS control unit 101 falls below the predetermined quantity. The consumables are ordered through the public line 126. Then, the order quantity and the amount are stored for each consumable item ordered in the expenditure data storage unit 123. In addition, the supply management data storage unit 124 sets the order status of the corresponding supply item to “completed”.

When the manual ordering mode is set in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125, a message prompting for ordering is displayed on the display unit 103. When an order is actually placed, the number of orders and the amount of money are stored in the expenditure data storage unit 123 for each consumable item ordered. Also,
From the supply management data storage unit 124, the order status of the corresponding supply item is set to the ordered state.
Further, it is possible to display the data in the supply management data storage unit 124 on the display unit 103 by the input from the input unit 102.
When the product is delivered, the POS control unit 101 recognizes the product by inputting the product code from the input unit 102. At this time, if the delivered product is a consumable item, the stock quantity of the consumable item stored in the supply management data storage unit 124 is initialized, and the order status is changed to an unordered item.

The image forming apparatus 110 includes a mode control unit 111, a sequence control unit 112, an operation display unit 113, a communication control unit 114, an order instruction control unit 121, and a supply information storage unit 122.
The sequence control unit 112 notifies the mode control unit 111 of the start of paper feed when the image forming operation is started and the paper feed timing comes. The mode control unit 111 adds the paper size of the process that has started feeding to the ordering instruction control unit 121, and requests a supply count from the ordering instruction control unit 115.
When the sequence control unit 112 detects the toner end or the fixing oil end, the sequence control unit 112 notifies the mode control unit 111 of the information. The mode control unit 111 displays information on the toner end and the fixing oil end on the operation display unit 113 and prohibits the image forming operation as necessary.

When the mode control unit 111 receives information on the toner end and the fixing oil end, the mode control unit 111 requests a supply count from the ordering instruction control unit 121.
Upon receiving the supply count request, the ordering instruction control unit 121 notifies the POS 100 of a supply replenishment request via the communication control unit 114.
In the case where the POS 100 does not have the supply management data storage unit 124, the supply information storage unit 122 stores the inventory quantity for each supply item. When a supply count request is received, the corresponding consumption stored in the supply information storage unit 122 is stored. Let the inventory quantity of the item be subtracted.
When the stock quantity of the consumable item falls below a predetermined quantity, a supply replenishment request is notified to the POS 100.

The setting of the supply replenishment request quantity can be changed from the image forming apparatus 110 or the POS 100. When setting from the image forming apparatus 110, the quantity setting for each supply item is input from the operation display unit 113. The supply quantity is supplied to the order instruction control unit 121 via the mode control unit 111, and the supply replenishment request quantity is stored for each supply item in the supply information storage unit 122.
When setting from the POS 100, the quantity setting for each supply item input from the input unit 102 is transmitted to the POS control unit 101, and notified to the image forming apparatus 110 via the communication control unit 105 as a supply replenishment request quantity setting. The
In the image forming apparatus 110, when the communication control unit 114 receives the supply replenishment request quantity setting, it is transmitted to the ordering instruction control unit 121, and the supply replenishment request quantity is stored in the supply information storage unit 122 for each supply item.

Upon receiving the supply replenishment request, the POS 100 refers to the supply order mode storage unit 125 and determines whether the automatic order mode is set.
When the automatic ordering mode is set, when the stock quantity becomes a predetermined quantity or less, if the corresponding consumable part has not been ordered, the POS control unit 101 sets the consumable part that has become the predetermined quantity or less to the public line 126. In addition, the order number and the amount of money are stored for each consumable item ordered in the expenditure data storage unit 123.
In the case of the manual ordering mode, a message prompting ordering is displayed on the display unit 103. When an order is actually placed, the number of orders and the amount of money are stored in the expenditure data storage unit 123 for each consumable item ordered.

When the order is placed, the POS 100 issues an order notification to the image forming apparatus 110. Data on the ordered consumables is added to the order notification, and the image forming apparatus 110 assumes that the ordering status of the consumables that have been ordered by the ordering instruction control unit 121 has been ordered.
When the ordered consumable is delivered, the POS 100 notifies the image forming apparatus 110 of the name and quantity of the delivered consumable. When receiving the delivery information from the POS 100, the ordering instruction control unit 121 changes the inventory quantity of the corresponding consumable in the supply information storage unit 116.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing data stored in the supply management data storage unit 124 when the supply information is managed by the POS 100.
Data is managed for each consumable item. When a supply count request is received, the inventory quantity of the corresponding consumable item is subtracted. In addition, when an order is placed, the order status is set as ordered, and when delivered, it is set as delivered and the stock quantity is initialized.
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating data stored in the supply information storage unit 122 when the image forming apparatus 110 manages supply information.
Data is managed for each consumable item. When a supply replenishment request is received, the inventory quantity of the corresponding consumable item is subtracted. In addition, when an order is placed, the order status is set as ordered, and when delivered, it is set as delivered and the stock quantity is initialized.

Next, the operation of the entire image forming system according to the second embodiment will be described.
First, the case where the POS 100 has the supply management data storage unit 124 will be described.
The supply replenishment check is performed during the image forming operation. The sequence control unit 112 notifies the mode control unit 111 of the paper feed timing when the paper feed timing comes during execution of the image forming operation.
When forming an image on both sides of a sheet, the sheet feeding timing is notified only at the sheet feeding timing when the image forming operation is performed on the first side.

The mode control unit 111 notifies the ordering instruction control unit 121 that the paper feed timing has come, and issues a supply count request to the POS 100. A product code that can identify whether the supply is supplied is added to the supply count request. Similarly, when the toner end and the fixing oil end are detected, a supply count request is issued to the POS 100.
When the image forming operation is finished, the supply replenishment check is finished.
Note that a supply replenishment check may be performed even during the initialization operation of the image forming apparatus.

When the POS 100 receives the supply count request, the POS control unit 101 subtracts the remaining amount count of the consumable code requested from the supply management data storage unit 124. Then, after the subtraction, an order check process is executed.
In the order check process, the number of stocks is compared with the supply replenishment setting. If the stock quantity is larger than the supply replenishment setting, there is no need to place an order, and the order check process is terminated.
If the stock quantity is less than or equal to the supply replenishment setting, if the corresponding supply is not “ordered”, the ordering mode setting stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 is referred to.

When the ordering mode setting is automatic ordering, a predetermined quantity stored in the supply order data storage unit 125 is placed for the corresponding consumables using the public line. At the same time, the order name and amount are recorded in the expenditure data storage unit.
If the corresponding supply has been ordered, there is no need to place an order, and the order check process is terminated. The ordering status of the corresponding data in the supply management data storage unit 124 is already ordered, and the order check process is terminated.
When the ordering mode setting is manual ordering, a message indicating that the consumable item corresponding to the display unit 103 is short is displayed. If the user determines to place an order, the product code and quantity are input from the input unit 102, and the corresponding consumable is ordered using the public line. At the same time, the order name and amount are recorded in the expenditure data storage unit. The order status of the corresponding data in the supply management data storage unit 124 has been ordered, and the process is terminated.

When the consumable is delivered, the consumable code and the inspection quantity delivered from the input unit 102 are input. In the POS control unit 101, when the quantity input by the order unit or the like has to be changed, the POS control unit 101 changes the number of deliveries according to the order unit. If there is no need to change, the inspection quantity is handled as the number of deliveries.
The POS control unit 101 adds the number of deliveries to the number of consumable supplies delivered in the supply management data storage unit 107. Then, the order status of the delivered consumables in the supply management data storage unit 124 is set as delivered. Then, a delivery check process is executed to check whether an order is necessary. As a result, when the inventory quantity is less than the supply replenishment setting even though the inventory is further reduced after the order is placed, the order is placed again.

If the ordering mode has been changed, ordering mode setting processing is executed (see FIG. 33). In the ordering mode setting process, first, the currently set ordering mode stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 is compared with the newly input ordering mode. If the ordering mode is different, the next process is executed.
When the newly input ordering mode is automatic ordering, the automatic ordering is stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125.
Since there may be consumables that need to be ordered due to the change to the automatic ordering mode, the names of all consumables in the supply management data storage unit 124 (only the amount registered by managing the number of registrations may be used). In order to compare the stock quantity and the supply replenishment request setting, the order check process is executed and the order mode setting process is terminated.

If the newly input ordering mode is manual ordering, the manual ordering is stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125, and the ordering mode setting process is terminated.
Upon receiving a change in the supply replenishment request setting from the input unit 102, the POS control unit 101 updates the supply replenishment request setting for the corresponding consumable stored in the supply management data storage unit 124.
Then, an order check process for consumables whose values have been changed is executed, and if there is a need for ordering, an order is placed.

Next, a case where the supply management data storage unit 124 is not provided in the POS 100 will be described.
The supply replenishment check is performed during the image forming operation. When the paper feed timing comes during execution of the image forming operation, the sequence control unit 112 notifies the mode control unit 111 of the paper feed timing.
When forming an image on both sides of a sheet, the sheet feeding timing is notified only at the sheet feeding timing when the image forming operation is performed on the first side.
The mode control unit 111 notifies the ordering instruction control unit 121 that the paper feed timing has come, and executes supply subtraction processing. Similarly, when the toner end and the fixing oil end are detected, supply subtraction processing is executed on the POS 100.
When the image forming operation is finished, the supply replenishment check is finished.
Note that a supply replenishment check may be performed even during the initialization operation of the image forming apparatus.

The supply subtraction process subtracts the number of stocks of the corresponding supply in the supply information storage unit 122 and performs a supply replenishment request issuance check process.
In the supply replenishment request issuance check process, the number of consumables for which supply replenishment is requested is compared with the supply replenishment setting.
If the stock quantity is larger than the supply replenishment setting, there is no need to place an order, so the supply replenishment request issuance check process is terminated.
If the stock quantity is less than or equal to the supply replenishment setting, if the order status of the corresponding supply is not ordered, a supply replenishment request is issued to the POS 100, and the supply replenishment request issuance check process is terminated.
If the order status of the corresponding supply is already ordered, the supply replenishment request issuance check process is terminated because there is no need to place an order.

When the POS 100 receives a supply replenishment request, the POS 100 performs a supply replenishment request reception process.
In the supply replenishment request reception process, first, the ordering mode setting stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 is referred to.
When the ordering mode setting is the automatic ordering mode, the corresponding consumable is ordered by a predetermined quantity stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 using the public line. At the same time, the order name and amount are recorded in the expenditure data storage unit.
Next, the image forming apparatus 110 is notified that the order has been placed, and the supply replenishment request receiving process is terminated.
When the ordering mode setting is manual ordering, a message indicating that the consumables corresponding to the display unit 103 is in short supply is displayed.

When it is determined that the user places an order, by inputting the product code and quantity from the input unit 102, the corresponding consumable is ordered using the public line. At the same time, the order name and amount are recorded in the expenditure data storage unit.
Next, an order notification is issued to the image forming apparatus 110, and the supply replenishment request reception process is terminated. When the image forming apparatus 110 receives an order notification from the POS 100, it performs an order notification reception process.
In the order notification reception process, the order instruction control unit 121 sets the order status of the ordered consumables stored in the supply information storage unit 122 to have been ordered, and ends the order notification reception process.

When the product is delivered, the product code and inspection quantity delivered from the input unit 102 are input. In the POS control unit 101, when the quantity input by the order unit or the like has to be changed, the POS control unit 101 changes the number of deliveries according to the order unit. If there is no need to change, the inspection quantity is handled as the number of deliveries.
The POS control unit 101 issues delivery information to the image forming apparatus 110.
When receiving the delivery information, the image forming apparatus 110 executes a delivery information receiving process.
In the delivery information reception process, the ordering instruction control unit 121 adds the number of deliveries to the inventory number of consumables that are the same as the delivered consumables in the supply information recording unit 122. Then, the order status of the delivered consumables in the supply information recording unit 122 is set as delivered.
Then, supply replenishment request issuance check processing is executed. As a result, when the stock quantity is less than the supply replenishment setting even though the stock is further reduced after the order is placed, the order is placed again.

When the ordering mode is changed, the currently set ordering mode stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 is compared with the newly entered ordering mode, and if the ordering mode is different, the next ordering mode setting process is executed. To do.
When the newly input ordering mode is automatic ordering, the automatic ordering is stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125.
Since there is a case where there are consumables that need to be ordered due to the change to the automatic ordering mode, the image forming apparatus 110 is notified of the ordering mode change, and the ordering mode setting process ends.
If the newly input ordering mode is manual ordering, the manual ordering is stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125, and the ordering mode setting process is terminated.

When the image forming apparatus 110 receives the ordering mode change, the ordering instruction control unit 121 executes ordering mode change notification reception processing.
In the order mode change notification reception process, in order to compare the stock quantity of all consumable product names (which may be just registered by managing the number of registrations) in the supply information storage unit 122 with the supply replenishment request setting, for each consumable product The above-described supply replenishment request issuance check process is executed, and when all the checks are completed, the order mode change notification reception process ends.

When the supply replenishment request setting change is received from the input unit 102, the POS control unit 101 notifies the image forming apparatus 110 of the supply replenishment request setting change.
Upon receiving the supply replenishment request setting change, the image forming apparatus 110 executes a supply replenishment request setting change reception process.
In the supply replenishment request setting change reception process, the supply request setting of the consumable that has been requested in the supply information storage unit 122 is updated, the supply replenishment request issuance check process is executed, and it is checked whether or not an order for consumables is required. .
When the supply information is managed by the image forming apparatus 110, the supply replenishment request setting can be changed also from the operation display unit 113. When the supply replenishment request setting is changed from the operation display unit 113, the mode control unit 111 instructs the ordering instruction control unit 121 to rewrite the supply replenishment request setting.

The order instruction control unit 121 performs a supply replenishment request setting change reception process, and checks whether it is necessary to rewrite the supply replenishment request setting and to order consumables.
When an automatic order quantity change at the time of automatic ordering is instructed from the input unit 102, the POS control unit 101 changes the automatic order quantity of consumables input to the supply order mode storage unit 125, and at the next automatic ordering time Use a more updated value. (Supply information management is common to both image forming devices and POS)

Next, each processing procedure of the image forming system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the supply replenishment check processing procedure when the supply management data storage unit 124 is included in the POS.
This supply replenishment check is performed during the image forming operation, and when the execution of the image forming operation is started (step 2001), the sequence control unit 112 notifies the mode control unit 111 of the sheet timing when the sheet timing is transmitted. (Step 2002). The mode control unit 111 notifies the ordering instruction control unit 121 that the paper feed timing has come, and issues a supply count request to the POS 100 (step 2003).

A product code for recognizing the supply is added to the supply count request. First, when a toner end is detected (step 2004; Y), a supply count request is issued to the POS 100 (step 2005).
Similarly, when the fixing oil end is detected (step 2006; Y), a supply count request is issued to the POS 100 (step 2007).
When the image forming operation is finished (step 2008), the supply replenishment check process is finished.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a supply count request reception processing procedure in the POS 100.
When the POS 100 receives the supply count request, the POS 100 subtracts the requested inventory quantity of the consumables from the supply management data storage unit 124 (step 2101), and proceeds to order check processing (step 2102).

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the order check processing procedure.
The stock quantity is compared with the supply replenishment setting (step 2101), and when the stock quantity is larger than the supply replenishment setting (step 2101; Y), the order mode setting set in the supply order mode storage unit 125 is referred to.
When the supply order mode storage unit 125 is set to automatic ordering (step 2202; Y), it is confirmed whether the order has already been ordered (step 2203).
If the corresponding supply has been ordered (step 2203; Y), the order check process is terminated.
If the relevant supply has not been ordered (step 2203; N), an order is placed (step 2206), the order status of the relevant data in the supply management data storage unit 124 is placed as ordered (step 2207), and the process ends. .

If the supply order mode storage unit 125 is not set to automatic ordering (step 2202; N), an inventory shortage message is displayed on the display unit 103 (step 2204), and it is confirmed whether or not to place an order (step 2205).
When placing an order (step 2205; Y), an order is placed by inputting a product code and quantity through the input unit 102 (step 2206), and the order status of the corresponding data in the supply management data storage unit 124 is set to the ordered state.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a manual ordering process procedure when the supply management data storage unit 124 is included in the POS.
When the supply order mode storage unit 125 is set to manual ordering and the display unit 103 indicates that the consumable item is in short supply, the user places an order for the consumable item using the input unit 102 (step S102). 2301).
Then, the order status of the corresponding data in the supply management data storage unit 124 is placed in the ordered state (step 2302), and the process is terminated.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a delivery processing procedure when the supply management data storage unit 124 is included in the POS.
When the consumables are delivered, the delivery number is added to the inventory quantity in the supply management data storage unit 124 (step 2401). Then, the order status of the corresponding data in the supply management data storage unit 124 is set as delivered (step 2402), and the process proceeds to the order check process (step 2403).

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the ordering mode setting processing procedure when the POS has the supply management data storage unit 124.
The currently set ordering mode stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 is compared with the newly input ordering mode (step 2501).
If the ordering mode is not different (step 2501; N), the ordering mode setting process is terminated.
If the ordering mode is different (step 2501; Y) and the newly input ordering mode is the automatic ordering mode (step 2502; Y), the ordering mode in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 is stored as automatic ordering (step 2503).

When automatic ordering is stored in the ordering mode (step 2503), the inventory quantity of all consumables in the supply information storage unit 122 (only the amount registered by managing the number of registrations) is checked for each consumable. When all checks are completed, the ordering mode change notification receiving process is terminated (steps 2505 to 2508).
If it is not the newly entered ordering mode automatic ordering mode (step 2502; N), the ordering mode in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 is stored as manual ordering (step 2504), and the process is terminated.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a supply replenishment request setting change processing procedure when the supply management data storage unit 124 is included in the POS.
When the supply replenishment request setting change is received from the input unit 102, the supply replenishment request setting for the corresponding consumable stored in the supply management data storage unit 124 is updated (step 2601). Then, the process proceeds to an order check process (step 2602).

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the supply replenishment check processing procedure when the supply management data storage unit 124 is not included in the POS.
The supply replenishment check is performed during the image forming operation. When the execution of the image forming operation is started (step 2701), the sequence control unit 112 notifies the mode control unit 111 of the sheet timing when the sheet timing is transmitted. (Step 2702). The mode control unit 111 notifies the ordering instruction control unit 121 that the paper feed timing has come, and executes a supply subtraction process for the POS 100 (step 2703).

First, when the toner end is detected (step 2704; Y), supply subtraction processing is executed for the POS 100 (step 2705).
Similarly, when the fixing oil end is detected (step 2706; Y), a supply subtraction process is issued to the POS 100 (step 2707).
When the image forming operation is finished (step 2708), the supply replenishment check process is finished.
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the supply subtraction procedure.
The number of stocks of the corresponding supply in the supply information storage unit 122 is subtracted (step 2801), and supply replenishment request issue check processing is executed (step 2802).

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the supply replenishment request issuance check processing procedure.
First, the number of consumables for which supply replenishment is requested is compared with the supply replenishment setting (step 2901).
If the inventory quantity is greater than the supply replenishment setting (step 2901; N), the supply replenishment request issuance check process ends because there is no need to place an order.
If the inventory quantity is less than the supply replenishment setting (step 2901; Y) and the order status of the corresponding supply has been ordered (step 2902; Y), the supply replenishment request issuance check process is terminated because there is no need for ordering. .
If the inventory quantity is smaller than the supply replenishment setting (step 2901; Y) and the order status of the corresponding supply is not ordered (step 2902; N), a supply replenishment request is issued to the POS 100 (step 2903).

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the supply replenishment request reception processing procedure.
When the POS 100 receives a supply replenishment request, the POS 100 performs a supply replenishment request reception process. First, it is confirmed whether the setting of the ordering mode stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 is the automatic ordering mode (step 3001).
If it is not the automatic ordering mode (step 3001; N), a stock short message is displayed on the display unit 103 (step 3002), and the user selects whether to place an order (step 3003).
If the automatic order mode is selected (step 3001; Y), the corresponding consumable is ordered using the public line 126 by a predetermined quantity stored in the supply order mode storage unit 125 (step 3004). Then, the image forming apparatus 110 is notified that the order has been placed.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a manual ordering process procedure when the supply management data storage unit 124 is not included in the POS.
When the supply order mode storage unit 125 is set to manual ordering and the display unit 103 indicates that the consumable item is in short supply, the user places an order for the consumable item using the input unit 102 (step S102). 3301). Then, it notifies the image forming apparatus 110 that an order has been placed (step 3302).

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the order notification reception processing procedure.
The ordering instruction control unit 121 sets the ordering status of the desired product ordered in the supply information storage unit 122 to have been ordered (Step 3101), and ends the order notification receiving process.
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a delivery processing procedure when the supply management data storage unit 124 is not waited for in the POS.
When the product is delivered, the product code and inspection quantity delivered by the input unit 102 are input. The POS control unit 101 notifies delivery information to the image forming apparatus 110 (step 3201).

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a delivery information reception processing procedure.
The ordering instruction control unit 121 adds the number of deliveries to the inventory number of delivered target supplies in the supply information recording unit 122 (step 3401). Then, the delivery status of the delivered consumables in the supply information storage unit 122 is set as delivered (step 3402), and the process proceeds to a supply replenishment request issuance check process (step 3403).

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the order mode setting process procedure when the supply management data storage unit 124 is not included in the POS.
The currently set ordering mode stored in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 is compared with the newly input ordering mode (step 3501).
If the ordering mode is not different (step 3501; N), the ordering mode setting process is terminated.
If the ordering mode is different (step 3501; Y) and the newly input ordering mode is the automatic ordering mode (step 3502; Y), the ordering mode of the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 is stored as automatic ordering (step 3503), the image forming apparatus 110 is notified of the change of the ordering mode (step 3505).
If it is not the newly entered ordering mode automatic ordering mode (step 3502; N), the ordering mode in the supply ordering mode storage unit 125 is stored as manual ordering (step 3504), and the process is terminated.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the ordering mode change notification reception processing procedure.
In order to compare the inventory quantity of all the consumables in the supply information storage unit 122 (only the amount registered by managing the number of registrations) and the supply replenishment request setting, a supply replenishment request issuance check is performed for each consumable, When all checks are completed, the ordering mode change notification reception process is terminated (steps 3601 to 3604).

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a supply replenishment request setting change processing procedure when the supply management data storage unit 124 is not included in the POS.
When the supply replenishment request setting change is received from the input unit 102, the POS control unit 101 notifies the image forming apparatus 110 of the supply replenishment request setting for the corresponding consumable item (step 3701).

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the supply replenishment request setting change reception processing procedure.
The supply request setting of the consumables requested in the supply information storage unit 122 is updated (step 3801), supply replenishment request issuance check processing is executed (step 3802), and it is confirmed whether or not there is a need to order consumables.
FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing an automatic order quantity change processing procedure.
When an automatic order quantity change at the time of automatic ordering is instructed from the input unit 102, the POS control unit 101 changes the quantity of the corresponding product in the supply order mode storage unit 125 to the input numerical value (step 3901). Use the updated value from the time of automatic ordering.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming operation prohibition display on an operation display unit. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the ID recognition card insertion instruction | indication display of an operation display part. It is the figure which showed an example of the mode selection display of the operation display part. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of permission confirmation display for an image forming operation on an operation display unit. It is the figure which showed an example of the card reset request display of an operation display part. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence in POS of 1st Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the adjustment process sequence in the case of having unadjusted charge data in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the payment processing procedure in case there is no unpaid billing data in POS. It is the flowchart which showed ID reception processing procedure in the case of having unpaid billing data in POS. It is the flowchart which showed ID reception processing procedure when there is no unpaid billing data in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the accounting information reception processing procedure when there is unsettled accounting data in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the accounting information reception processing procedure when there is no unsettled accounting data in POS. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming operation permission processing procedure in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming operation prohibiting process procedure in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart showing a charging information request reception processing procedure in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an ID recognition setting process procedure in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an ID recognition release processing procedure in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating key operation information reception processing in the image forming apparatus. 10 is a flowchart showing a charging timing processing procedure in the image forming apparatus when there is unsettled charging data in the POS. 6 is a flowchart showing a charging timing processing procedure in the image forming apparatus when there is no unsettled charging data in the POS. 6 is a flowchart showing a charging information deletion processing procedure in the image forming apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming operation processing procedure in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a second embodiment. It is the figure which showed the data memorize | stored in the supply management data storage part in the case of managing supply information by POS. 6 is a diagram illustrating data stored in a supply information storage unit when supply information is managed by the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the supply replenishment check processing procedure in the case of having a supply management data storage part in POS. It is the figure which showed the supply count request | requirement reception processing procedure in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the order check processing procedure. It is the figure which showed the manual order processing procedure in the case of having a supply management data storage part in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the delivery processing procedure in the case of having a supply management data storage part in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the order mode setting processing procedure in the case of having a supply management data storage part in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the supply replenishment request | requirement setting change process procedure in the case of having a supply management data storage part in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the supply replenishment check processing procedure in case there is no supply management data storage part in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the supply subtraction process procedure. It is the flowchart which showed the supply replenishment request issue check processing procedure. It is the flowchart which showed the supply replenishment request reception processing procedure. It is the flowchart which showed the manual ordering process procedure when not having a supply management data storage part in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the order notification reception processing procedure. It is the flowchart which showed the delivery processing procedure when not waiting for a supply management data storage part in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the delivery information reception processing procedure. It is the flowchart which showed the ordering mode setting process sequence in case there is no supply management data storage part in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the order mode change notification reception processing procedure. It is the flowchart which showed the supply replenishment request | requirement setting change process procedure in case there is no supply management data storage part in POS. It is the flowchart which showed the supply replenishment request setting change reception process procedure. It is the flowchart which showed the automatic order quantity change process procedure.

Explanation of symbols

100 POS (Point of System point of sale information management)
101 POS control unit 102 input unit 103 display unit 104 printer unit 105, 114 communication control unit 106 sales data 107 unpaid billing data 110 image forming apparatus 111 mode control unit 112 sequence control unit 113 operation display unit 115 billing control unit 116 by ID Billing data 120 ID recognition device 121 Order instruction control unit 122 Supply information storage unit 123 Expenditure data storage unit 124 Supply management data storage unit 125 Supply order mode storage unit 126 Public line

Claims (10)

In an image forming system in which a point-of-sale (POS) system and an image forming apparatus are connected,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A detecting means for detecting a stock amount of consumables such as toner and paper and determining whether or not an order is necessary;
Ordering means for ordering consumables detected by the detecting means;
Sending means for sending an ordering instruction by the ordering means to the POS system;
An image forming system comprising: The POS system is
A communication means for communicating an ordering instruction to the supplier;
Order processing means for communicating an ordering instruction transmitted by the transmitting means of the image forming apparatus to an ordering party by the communication means;
The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: An order setting means for setting an order mode for automatic ordering or manual ordering is further provided.
3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein when the order setting means is set to automatically place an order, the order processing means orders consumables. Order setting input means for inputting an order mode for automatic ordering or manual ordering, and comparison means for comparing the order mode input by the order setting input means with the order mode preset by the order setting means ,
As a result of comparing the order setting mode of the order setting input unit and the order setting unit with the comparison unit, when the order mode is input to the automatic order from the order setting input unit, the detection unit calculates the inventory amount of consumables. 4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the image forming system detects and judges whether or not an order is necessary.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the detection unit determines that an order is necessary as a result of detecting a stock amount of the consumables, the order processing unit performs an ordering process on the consumables determined to be ordered. The image forming system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4.   Ordering processing identifying means for identifying that the ordering processing means has placed an order, and ordering storage means for storing the name and quantity of consumables ordered until the consumables ordered by the ordering processing means are delivered, 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the order processing means does not place an order when the consumable that is ordered by the ordering means has already been ordered. A delivery means for processing delivery by entering a product code;
Product determination means for determining whether the product of the product code delivered by the delivery means is a consumable product,
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the product determined by the product determination unit is a consumable product, the detection unit changes a stock amount of the consumable product according to the quantity of the product delivered by the delivery unit. The image forming system according to any one of claims 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. It further comprises inventory quantity setting means for setting the minimum required inventory quantity for each consumable,
When the detecting means changes the stock amount of the consumables according to the quantity of the goods delivered by the delivery means, and the changed stock quantity is less than the minimum stock quantity set by the stock quantity setting means, the ordering 8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the means issues an ordering instruction.   4. The automatic order storage means for storing an order quantity when the order setting means is set to an automatic ordering mode, wherein the ordering means can arbitrarily change the order quantity. The image forming system according to claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, or claim 7. Stock quantity storage means for storing the minimum required stock quantity for each consumable set by the stock quantity setting means,
9. The ordering means issues an ordering instruction when the minimum inventory quantity setting is changed by the inventory quantity setting means and the inventory quantity detected by the detecting means is smaller than the minimum inventory quantity. Image forming system.

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