Image processing apparatus, method, and storage medium

Abstract

An image processing apparatus that charges a user for executing a predetermined image process holds charging information in a storage device, charges a user for executing the predetermined image process based on charging information held in the storage device. When the charging information held in the storage device is updated, the image processing apparatus determines whether to permit the update of the charging information based on an operated state of the image processing apparatus by the user, and according to the result of determination, the image processing apparatus is controlled so that the charging information is updated if the update of the charging information is permitted, and is controlled so that the charging information is not updated if the update of the charging information is not permitted.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An image processing apparatus which communicates with an external apparatus via a network, comprising:
 a scanner adapted to scan a document;   an operation unit adapted to accept an operation from a user;   a printer adapted to print an image corresponding to the scanned document when the operation unit accepts the operation from the user;   a charging unit adapted to charge the user for a printing service of the printer, based on charging information stored in a memory;   a reception unit adapted to receive, from the external apparatus, an instruction to update the charging information stored in the memory; and   a controller adapted to update the charging information stored in the memory, when the reception unit receives the instruction,   wherein the controller performs control such that the charging information is not updated at least until the operation by the user is completed.   
     
     
         3 . The image processing apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the controller notifies the external apparatus of an error if the operation by the user is not completed even after a predetermined time has passed. 
     
     
         4 . The image processing apparatus according to  claim 2 , further comprising a display unit adapted to display the charging information,
 wherein the controller performs control such that the charging information is not updated at least over a time period between when the display unit displays the charging information and when the operation by the user is completed.   
     
     
         5 . The image processing apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the charging information is unit prices of monochrome copy or unit prices of color copy. 
     
     
         6 . The image processing apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the controller performs control such that the operation unit does not accept the operation from the user in a case where the charging information is updated. 
     
     
         7 . A method for controlling an image processing apparatus which communicates with an external apparatus via a network, the method comprising:
 scanning a document;   accepting an operation from a user;   printing an image corresponding to the scanned document when the operation is accepted from the user;   charging the user for a printing service by the printer, based on charging information stored in a memory;   receiving, from the external apparatus, an instruction to update the charging information stored in the memory; and   updating the charging information stored in the memory, when the instruction is received,   wherein control is performed such that the charging information is not updated at least until the operation by the user is completed.   
     
     
         8 . A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute steps of:
 accepting an operation from a user;   printing an image corresponding to a scanned document when the operation is accepted from the user;   charging the user for a printing service by the printer, based on charging information stored in a memory;   receiving, from the external apparatus, an instruction to update the charging information stored in the memory; and   updating the charging information stored in the memory, when the instruction is received,   wherein control is performed such that the charging information is not updated at least until the operation by the user is completed.