Patent Publication Number: US-10780731-B2

Title: Mail creation method and image forming system

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-149137, filed on Aug. 1, 2017. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a mail creation method and an image forming system. 
     A mail receiving apparatus includes a weight measuring section, a size measuring section, a recording section, and an adhering section. The weight measuring section measures a weight of an article of mail. The size measuring section measures a size of the article of mail. The recording section records postage according to the weight and the size of the article of mail. The adhering section adheres a postage stamp to the article of mail. 
     SUMMARY 
     A mail creation method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes forming an address, forming an image, folding, inserting, sealing, and fixing a voucher. In the forming of the address, an image forming section forms the address on an envelope. In the forming of the image, the image forming section forms the image on paper. In the folding, a folding section folds the paper having the image formed thereon. In the inserting, an enclosing section inserts the folded paper into the envelope having the address formed thereon. In the sealing, the enclosing section seals the envelope having the folded paper inserted therein. In the fixing of the voucher, a voucher fixing section fixes the voucher to the sealed envelope. The voucher indicates that postage has been paid. 
     An image forming system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an image forming section, a folding section, an enclosing section, and a voucher fixing section. The image forming section forms an address on an envelope and forms an image on paper at different times. The folding section folds the paper having the image formed thereon. The enclosing section inserts the folded paper into the envelope having the address formed thereon and thereafter seals the envelope. The voucher fixing section fixes a voucher to the sealed envelope. The voucher indicates that postage has been paid. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram illustrating a first controller and a second controller according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a portion of a mail creation method according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating another portion of the mail creation method according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating another portion of the mail creation method according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating another portion of the mail creation method according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating another portion of the mail creation method according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating another portion of the mail creation method according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating another portion of the mail creation method according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a display section according to the embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described as follows with reference to the drawings. Note that elements within the drawings that are the same or equivalent will be referred to with the same reference numbers and description thereof will not be repeated. 
     First, an image forming system  100  according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the image forming system  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the image forming system  100  includes an image forming apparatus A 1  and a post-processing device A 2 . 
     The image forming apparatus A 1  forms (prints) an address on an envelope E and forms (prints) an image on paper P. The image forming apparatus A 1  is a multifunction peripheral (MFP), for example. 
     Specifically, the image forming apparatus A 1  includes an image forming unit  1 , an image reading unit  2 , an original document conveyance unit  3 , an operation panel  4 , a money receiving machine  5  (money receiving section), and a first controller B 1 . 
     The image forming unit  1  forms the address on the envelope E and forms the image on the paper P. The image reading unit  2  reads an image from an original document. The original document conveyance unit  3  conveys the original document from which the image is read. The operation panel  4  is for a user to operate the image forming apparatus A 1  and the post-processing device A 2 . The operation panel  4  includes a display section b 1  that displays an image and an input section b 2  that receives input of various information from the user. The input section b 2  is a touch panel, for example, located on the display section b 1 . The money receiving machine  5  receives money inserted by the user. The first controller B 1  controls each element of the image forming apparatus A 1 . 
     Specifically, the image forming unit  1  includes a plurality of envelope cassettes  11 , a plurality of feed rollers  12 , a plurality of paper cassettes  13 , a plurality of feed rollers  14 , a plurality of conveyance rollers  15 , a manual feed tray  16 , a feed roller  17 , a plurality of conveyance rollers  18 , an image forming section  20 , a first ejection roller  21 , a first ejection tray  22 , and an output roller  23 . The image forming unit  1  includes a first conveyance path C 1  and a second conveyance path C 2  converging with the first conveyance path C 1 . The conveyance rollers  15  are located in the first conveyance path C 1 . The conveyance rollers  18  are located in the second conveyance path C 2 . 
     The envelope cassettes  11  each house a plurality of envelopes E. The feed rollers  12  send the envelopes E from the envelope cassettes  11 . An envelope E sent by any one of the feed rollers  12  is conveyed to the image forming section  20  through the first conveyance path C 1  by the conveyance rollers  15 . 
     The paper cassettes  13  each house multiple sheets of paper P. The feed rollers  14  send the paper P from the paper cassettes  13 . The paper P sent by any one of the feed rollers  14  is conveyed to the image forming section  20  through the first conveyance path C 1  by the conveyance rollers  15 . 
     An envelope E or paper P is placed on the manual feed tray  16 . The feed roller  17  sends the envelope E or the paper P from the manual feed tray  16 . Then, the envelope E or the paper P is conveyed to the first conveyance path C 1  through the second conveyance path C 2  by the conveyance rollers  18 . The envelope E or the paper P is then conveyed to the image forming section  20  through the first conveyance path C 1  by the conveyance rollers  15 . 
     The image forming section  20  forms the address on the envelope E and forms the image on the paper P at different times. Specifically, the image forming section  20  includes a photosensitive drum a 1 , a charger a 2 , an exposure device a 3 , a developing device a 4 , a transfer roller a 5 , a cleaning device a 6 , and a fixing device a 7 . The charger a 2  charges the photosensitive drum a 1  to a predetermined potential. The exposure device a 3  forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum a 1  according to image data by emitting laser light based on the image data to irradiate the photosensitive drum a 1 . The image data to be used, for example, is read from a removable medium (USB memory or a memory card, for example), received from an external computer (a mobile terminal or a desktop personal computer, for example) through a communication network, or generated by the image reading unit  2  reading the original document. 
     The developing device a 4  supplies toner to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum a 1  into a toner image. The transfer roller a 5  transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum a 1  to the envelope E or the paper P. When the toner image represents an address (specifically an address image), the address (specifically the address image) is formed on the envelope E. The address includes some or all of the following: a name, a street address, and a postal code. The image data indicating the address is provided from the removable medium or the external computer. When the toner image represents an image, the image is formed on the paper P. The image represents one or more of characters, photographs, and pictures, for example. The characters may be letters, numbers, or marks, for example. The image data indicating the image is provided from the removable medium, the external computer, or the image reading unit  2 . 
     The cleaning device a 6  removes remaining toner from the photosensitive drum a 1  after image transfer. The fixing device a 7  fixes the toner image to the envelope E or the paper P by applying heat and pressure thereto. The envelope E or the paper P with the toner image fixed thereon is output to the post-processing device A 2  by the output roller  23 . When the paper P is not to be inserted into an envelope E, the paper P with the toner image fixed thereto may be ejected to the first ejection tray  22  by the first ejection roller  21 . 
     The post-processing device A 2  receives the envelope E with the address formed thereon and the paper P with the image formed thereon from the image forming apparatus A 1 . Then, the post-processing device A 2  performs post-processing on the envelope E and the paper P received from the image forming apparatus A 1 . The post-processing includes a folding process for the paper P, an enclosure process of the paper P into the envelope E, and a voucher fixing process for the envelope E. A voucher indicates that postage has been paid. The voucher is a postage stamp or a meter mark, for example. Note that post-processing may include either or both of a punching process and a stapling process. The punching process is to form a punched hole in the paper P. The stapling process is to bind sheets of the paper P with a binding tool such as a staple. 
     Specifically, the post-processing device A 2  includes a folding section  51 , an enclosing section  52 , a weight measuring section  53 , a voucher fixing section  54 , a plurality of conveyance rollers  55 , a plurality of conveyance rollers  56 , a diverging guide  57 , a second ejection roller  58 , a second ejection tray  59 , and a second controller B 2 . The second controller B 2  controls each element of the post-processing device A 2 . The post-processing device A 2  also includes a third conveyance path C 3  and a fourth conveyance path C 4 . The fourth conveyance path C 4  diverges from the third conveyance path C 3  and reconverges with the third conveyance path C 3 . The diverging guide  57  is located at a diverging point of the fourth conveyance path C 4 . 
     The enclosing section  52 , the weight measuring section  53 , and the voucher fixing section  54  are located along the third conveyance path C 3 . The folding section  51  is located along the fourth conveyance path C 4 . The conveyance rollers  55  are located in the third conveyance path C 3 . The conveyance rollers  56  are located in the fourth conveyance path C 4 . The second ejection roller  58  is located at the exit of the third conveyance path C 3 . 
     Operation of the post-processing device A 2  will be described in relation to the image forming apparatus A 1  with further reference to  FIG. 1 . After the envelope E is outputted by the output roller  23  of the image forming apparatus A 1 , the diverging guide  57  of the post-processing device A 2  guides the envelope E to the third conveyance path C 3 . The address has been formed on the envelope E. Then, the conveyance rollers  55  convey the envelope E to the enclosing section  52 . 
     After the paper P is outputted by the output roller  23  of the image forming apparatus A 1  by contrast, the diverging guide  57  guides the paper P to the fourth conveyance path C 4 . The image has been formed on the paper P. The conveyance rollers  56  convey the paper P to the folding section  51 . The folding section  51  folds the paper P. The conveyance rollers then  56  convey the folded paper P to the third conveyance path C 3 . The conveyance rollers  55  then convey the folded paper P to the enclosing section  52 . 
     The enclosing section  52  opens the opening of the envelope E and inserts the folded paper P into the envelope E. The weight measuring section  53  measures the weight of the envelope E with the paper P inserted therein. The enclosing section  52  then seals the envelope E with the paper P inserted therein. The conveyance rollers  55  then convey the sealed envelope E to the voucher fixing section  54 . The voucher fixing section  54  fixes the voucher to the sealed envelope E. As a result, an article of mail is created. The conveyance rollers  55  then convey the envelope E with the voucher fixed thereto to the second ejection roller  58 . The second ejection roller  58  then ejects the sealed envelope E to the second ejection tray  59 . Note that the inserting of the paper P into the envelope E and the sealing of the envelope E may be referred to as “enclosing”. 
     According to the present embodiment as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , the image forming section  20  forms the address and the image, the folding section  51  folds the paper P, the enclosing section  52  encloses the paper P in the envelope E, and the voucher fixing section  54  fixes (adheres, for example) the voucher (stamp, for example) to the envelope E. That is, the image forming system  100  performs a series of jobs from address forming and image forming to voucher fixing. Therefore, labor and burden can be reduced for a person (specifically the user) processing mail. 
     Also according to the present embodiment, the image forming system  100  has an address forming mode, an address non-forming mode, and an unspecified paper mode as mail creation modes. The address forming mode means a mode in which the image forming section  20  forms an address on an envelope E to create an article of mail. The address non-forming mode means a mode in which the image forming section  20  creates an article of mail without forming an address on an envelope E. The unspecified paper mode means a mode in which the image forming system  100  creates an article of mail without specifying a size of paper P. 
     Accordingly, the user can select a desired mode from the address forming mode, the address non-forming mode, and the unspecified paper mode through the input section b 2  to create an article of mail with the image forming system  100 . 
     An example of the folding section  51 , the enclosing section  52 , the weight measuring section  53 , and the voucher fixing section  54  will be described with further reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     The folding section  51  includes a blade (unillustrated) and a pair of sheet folding rollers (unillustrated). The blade and a nip part between the sheet folding rollers are located opposite to each other. Paper is placed between the blade and the nip part between the sheet folding rollers. The blade then inserts the paper into the nip part between the sheet folding rollers while making contact with a main surface of the paper and thus folding the paper. The sheet folding rollers then rotate while folding the paper through the nip part. As a result, the paper is folded. 
     The enclosing section  52  includes an opening claw (unillustrated), a crease inserting mechanism (unillustrated), a conveyance roller (unillustrated), and a pair of flap closing rollers (unillustrated). The opening claw opens the opening of an envelope. The conveyance roller conveys the paper and inserts the paper into the envelope. The crease inserting mechanism inserts a creased part of a flap of the envelope with the paper inserted therein into a nip part between the flap closing rollers. The flap closing rollers fold the flap by rotating, and seal the envelope. Note that adhesive is preapplied or double-sided adhesive tape is pre-adhered to the flap. However, the enclosing section  52  may further include an adhesion mechanism (unillustrated). The adhesion mechanism applies adhesive to the flap before processing by the crease inserting mechanism. 
     The weight measuring section  53  includes a weight sensor (unillustrated) such as a load cell. The weight sensor measures the weight of the envelope with the paper inserted therein. 
     The voucher fixing section  54  adheres a postage stamp as the voucher to the envelope. Specifically, the voucher fixing section  54  includes a plurality of rolls (unillustrated), a plurality of cutters (unillustrated) arranged corresponding to the rolls, and an adhering mechanism (unillustrated). Stamp tape is wrapped around each roll. The stamp tape includes a plurality of postage stamps arranged in a straight line. The price of a stamp varies by roll. Each of the cutters cuts the stamp tape extended from a corresponding roll to separate a postage stamp from the stamp tape. The adhering mechanism then applies glue or liquid to the postage stamp to adhere the postage stamp to the envelope. 
     Alternatively, the voucher fixing section  54  forms a meter mark as the voucher on the envelope. Specifically, the voucher fixing section  54  includes a plurality of stamps (unillustrated) and an impressing mechanism (unillustrated). Each of the stamps represents a meter mark. The price of the meter mark varies by stamp. The impressing mechanism presses a stamp to the envelope to form the meter mark on the envelope. 
     Note that the folding section  51  is a folding machine, the enclosing section  52  is an inserter, the weight measuring section  53  is a weight measuring machine, and the voucher fixing section  54  is a voucher fixing machine, for example. 
     Next, the first controller B 1  and the second controller B 2  will be described with reference to  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram illustrating the first controller B 1  and the second controller B 2 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the image forming apparatus A 1  further includes first storage M 1  in addition to the first controller B 1 . The post-processing device A 2  further includes second storage M 2  in addition to the second controller B 2 . The first controller B 1  and the second controller B 2  communicate with each other. The first controller B 1  then controls the post-processing device A 2  through the second controller B 2 . The second controller B 2  transmits information indicating a state of the folding section  51 , the enclosing section  52 , the weight measuring section  53 , and the voucher fixing section  54  to the first controller B 1 . 
     The first controller B 1  and the second controller B 2  each include a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). The first storage M 1  and the second storage M 2  each store various data and computer programs. The first storage M 1  and the second storage M 2  each include a storage device. The storage device includes a main storage device such as semiconductor memory as well as an auxiliary storage device such as semiconductor memory and a hard disk drive. 
     The first controller B 1  includes a first computing section  71 , a second computing section  72 , a third computing section  73 , and a determining section  74 . Specifically, the processor of the first controller B 1  functions as the first computing section  71 , the second computing section  72 , the third computing section  73 , and the determining section  74  by executing a computer program stored in the first storage M 1 . The first computing section  71 , the second computing section  72 , the third computing section  73 , and the determining section  74  will be later described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 10 . The processor of the first controller B 1  also controls the image forming unit  1  by executing a computer program stored in the first storage M 1 . By contrast, the processor of the second controller B 2  controls the folding section  51 , the enclosing section  52 , the weight measuring section  53 , and the voucher fixing section  54  by executing a computer program stored in the second storage M 2 . 
     Next, a mail creation method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 10 .  FIGS. 3 to 9  are flowcharts illustrating the mail creation method. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 to 9 , the mail creation method includes Steps S 1  to S 177 . The mail creation method includes the address forming mode, the address non-forming mode, and the unspecified paper mode. The image forming system  100  performs the mail creation method. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the first controller B 1  sets the mail creation mode to the address forming mode in Step S 1 . 
     In Step S 3 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the input section b 2  has received input of first information. The first information indicates that formation of an address is unnecessary. 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the input of the first information has been received (Yes in Step S 3 ), the process advances to Step S 71 . 
     In Step S 71 , the first controller B 1  sets the mail creation mode to the address non-forming mode. The process then advances to Step S 73  in  FIG. 6 . The reception of the input of the first information by the input section b 2  is equivalent to selection of the address non-forming mode. For example, the user selects the address non-forming mode when bringing an envelope E with an address written thereon. 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the input of the first information has not been received by contrast (No in Step S 3 ), the process advances to Step S 5 . 
     In Step S 5 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the input section b 2  has received input of second information. The second information indicates that an image is to be formed on paper P placed on the manual feed tray  16 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the input of the second information has not been received (No in Step S 5 ), the process advances to Step S 11 . 
     In Step S 11 , the input section b 2  receives input of a size of the envelope E, the size of the paper P, and a sheet quantity of the paper P on which the image is to be formed. The process then advances to Step S 13 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the input of the second information has been received by contrast (Yes in Step S 5 ), the process advances to Step S 7 . 
     In Step S 7 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the input section b 2  has received input of third information. The third information indicates the size of the paper P on which the image is to be formed. 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the input of the third information has been received (Yes in Step S 7 ), the process advances to Step S 9 . 
     In Step S 9 , the input section b 2  receives input of the size of the envelope E and the sheet quantity of the paper P on which the image is to be formed. The process then advances to Step S 13 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the input of the third information has not been received by contrast (No in Step S 7 ), the process advances to Step S 131 . Non-reception of the input of the third information indicates that the size of the paper P is not specified. 
     In Step S 131 , the first controller B 1  sets the mail creation mode to the unspecified paper mode. The process then advances to Step S 133  in  FIG. 8 . The non-reception of the input of the third information by the input section b 2  is equivalent to selection of the unspecified paper mode. For example, the user selects the unspecified paper mode when bringing paper P of an unknown size. 
     After a negative determination in Step S 5  or a positive determination in Step S 7 , the mail creation mode remains set to the address forming mode in Steps S 9  to S 55 . 
     In Step S 13 , the first computing section  71  computes a first service fee F 1 , a predicted value PV of the postage, and a first total value SM 1  based on the size of the envelope E (rectangular #2, for example), the size of the paper P (A4, for example), and the sheet quantity of the paper P received by the input section b 2 . The first service fee F 1  indicates a fee for a service of forming the address on the envelope E and forming the image on the paper P. The first total value SM 1  indicates a total value of the first service fee F 1  and the predicted value PV. 
     For example, the first computing section  71  adds “1” which is a quantity of envelopes E to the sheet quantity of the paper P to compute a sum. The first computing section  71  then multiplies an image formation unit price by the sum to compute a product. The product indicates the first service fee F 1 . The image formation unit price indicates a fee when images (including the address) are formed on one sheet of paper P or one envelope E. 
     For example, the first computing section  71  refers to a first weight table WT 1  to specify a unit weight of the paper P based on the size of the paper P. The first weight table WT 1  associates the size of the paper P with the unit weight of the paper P. The unit weight of the paper P indicates the weight of one sheet of the paper P. The first computing section  71  also refers to a second weight table WT 2  to specify a unit weight of the envelope E based on the size of the envelope E. The second weight table WT 2  associates the size of the envelope E with the unit weight of the envelope E. The unit weight of the envelope E indicates the weight of one envelope E. The first computing section  71  multiplies the sheet quantity of the paper P by the unit weight of the paper P to compute a product. The first computing section  71  then adds the unit weight of the envelope E to the product to compute a sum. The sum indicates a predicted value of the weight of the envelope E with the paper P inserted therein, or rather the predicted value of the weight of the article of mail. The first computing section  71  then refers to a fee table FT to specify the postage based on the size of the envelope E and the predicted value of the weight of the article of mail. The fee table FT associates the size of the envelope E, the weight of the article of mail, and the postage. 
     Note that the postage specified by the first computing section  71  is postage based on a predicted value of the weight of the article of mail, not postage based on the actual value of the weight of the article of mail. Accordingly, the postage specified by the first computing section  71  indicates the predicted value PV of the postage. The first storage M 1  also stores the first weight table WT 1 , the second weight table WT 2 , and the fee table FT. 
     In Step S 15 , the display section b 1  displays the first service fee F 1 , the predicted value PV of the postage, the first total value SM 1 , and a message. The process then advances to Step S 17  in  FIG. 4 . The message includes content requesting payment of a fee equivalent to the first total value SM 1 . 
     Next, the display section b 1  will be described with reference to  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating the display section b 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the display section b 1  includes a first area  81 , a second area  82 , and a third area  83 . The display section b 1  displays the first service fee F 1  (“Printing fee: ¥50” for example) in the first area  81 . The display section b 1  displays the predicted value PV of the postage (“Postage: ¥120” for example) in the second area  82 . The display section b 1  displays the first total value SM 1  (“Total: ¥170” for example) and the message in the third area  83 . 
     Next, the process of the address forming mode will be further described with reference to  FIG. 4 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the money receiving machine  5  receives money and computes an amount of received money in Step S 17 . 
     In Step S 19 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the first total value SM 1 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the first total value SM 1  (Yes in Step S 19 ), the process advances to Step S 29 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the first total value SM 1  by contrast (No in Step S 19 ), the process advances to Step S 21 . 
     In Step S 21 , the third computing section  73  computes a fee deficiency amount (specifically a deficiency amount relative to the first total value SM 1 ) based on the first total value SM 1  and the amount of received money. The deficiency amount is a value computed by subtracting the amount of received money from the first total value SM 1 . 
     In Step S 23 , the display section b 1  displays the deficiency amount and a message. The message includes content requesting payment of the deficiency amount. 
     In Step S 25 , the money receiving machine  5  receives money and computes an amount of received money. 
     In Step S 27 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of money received in Step S 25  is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount. 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the deficiency amount (No in Step S 27 ), the process returns to Step S 21 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount by contrast (Yes in Step S 27 ), the process advances to Step S 29 . 
     In Step S 29 , the image forming section  20  forms the address on the envelope E. The image forming apparatus A 1  then outputs the envelope E with the address formed thereon to the post-processing device A 2 . The post-processing device A 2  receives the envelope E and conveys the envelope E to the enclosing section  52 . Step S 29  is equivalent to an example of “forming an address”. 
     In Step S 31 , the image forming section  20  forms the image on the paper P. The image forming apparatus A 1  then outputs the paper P with the image formed thereon to the post-processing device A 2 . The post-processing device A 2  receives the paper P and conveys the paper P to the folding section  51 . Step S 31  is equivalent to an example of “forming an image”. 
     In Step S 33 , the folding section  51  folds the paper P with the image formed thereon. The folded paper P is then conveyed from the folding section  51  to the enclosing section  52 . Step S 33  is equivalent to an example of “folding”. 
     In Step S 35 , the enclosing section  52  opens the opening of the envelope E with the address formed thereon and inserts the folded paper P into the envelope E. The process then advances to Step S 37  in  FIG. 5 . Step S 35  is equivalent to an example of “inserting”. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , in Step S 37 , the weight measuring section  53  measures the weight of the envelope E with the folded paper P inserted therein. 
     In Step S 39 , the second computing section  72  computes an actual value AV of the postage and a second total value SM 2 , based on the size of the envelope E and the actual value of the weight of the envelope E with the folded paper P inserted therein. The second total value SM 2  indicates a total value of the first service fee F 1  and the actual value AV of the postage. Note that the display section b 1  may display the first service fee F 1 , the actual value AV of the postage, and the second total value SM 2 . 
     For example, the second computing section  72  refers to the fee table FT to specify the postage based on the size of the envelope E and the actual value of the weight of the envelope E with the paper P inserted therein (that is, the actual value of the weight of the article of mail). Note that the postage specified by the second computing section  72  is postage based on the actual value of the weight of the article of mail. Accordingly, the postage specified by the second computing section  72  indicates the actual value AV of the postage. 
     In Step S 41 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of money received by the money receiving machine  5  before Step S 41  is equal to or greater than the second total value SM 2 . The “amount of money received by the money receiving machine  5  before Step S 41 ” means a total amount of the amounts of money received in Steps S 17  and S 25 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the second total value SM 2  (Yes in Step S 41 ), the process advances to Step S 51 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the second total value SM 2  (No in Step S 41 ), the process advances to Step S 43 . 
     In Step S 43 , the third computing section  73  computes a fee deficiency amount (specifically a deficiency amount relative to the second total value SM 2 ) based on the second total value SM 2  and the amount of received money. The deficiency amount is a value computed by subtracting the amount of received money from the second total value SM 2 . 
     In Step S 45 , the display section b 1  displays the deficiency amount and a message. The message includes content requesting payment of the deficiency amount. 
     In Step S 47 , the money receiving machine  5  receives money and computes the amount of received money. 
     In Step S 49 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of money received in Step S 47  is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount. 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the deficiency amount (No in Step S 49 ), the process returns to Step S 43 . That is, when the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the deficiency amount, the enclosing section  52  defers performance of Step S 51  and the voucher fixing section  54  defers performance of Step S 53 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount by contrast (Yes in Step S 49 ), the process advances to Step S 51 . 
     In Step S 51 , the enclosing section  52  seals the envelope E with the folded paper P inserted therein. The sealed envelope E is then conveyed from the enclosing section  52  to the voucher fixing section  54 . Step S 51  is equivalent to an example of “sealing”. 
     In Step S 53 , the voucher fixing section  54  fixes the voucher to the sealed envelope E. As a result, the article of mail is created. The envelope E with the voucher fixed thereto is then conveyed from the voucher fixing section  54  to the second ejection roller  58 . Step S 53  is equivalent to an example of “fixing a voucher”. 
     In Step S 55 , the second ejection roller  58  ejects the envelope E to the second ejection tray  59 . 
     Next, a process of the address non-forming mode will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3, 6, and 7 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in Step S 73  after Step S 71  in  FIG. 3 , the input section b 2  receives input of the size of the envelope E, the size of the paper P. and the sheet quantity of the paper P on which the image is to be formed. 
     In Step S 75 , the first computing section  71  computes a second service fee F 2 , the predicted value PV of the postage, and a third total value SM 3  based on the size of the envelope E, the size of the paper P, and the sheet quantity of the paper P received by the input section b 2 . The second service fee F 2  indicates a fee for a service of forming the image on the paper P without forming an address on the envelope E. The third total value SM 3  indicates a total value of the second service fee F 2  and the predicted value PV. 
     For example, the first computing section  71  multiplies an image formation unit price by the sheet quantity of the paper P to compute a product. The product indicates the second service fee F 2 . The image formation unit price indicates a fee when the image is formed on one sheet of the paper P. Note that the predicted value PV is computed in the same manner as Step S 13  in  FIG. 3 . 
     In Step S 77 , the display section b 1  displays the second service fee F 2 , the predicted value PV of the postage, the third total value SM 3 , and a message. The message includes content requesting payment of a fee equivalent to the third total value SM 3 . 
     In Step S 79 , the money receiving machine  5  receives money and computes an amount of received money. 
     In Step S 81 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the third total value SM 3 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the third total value SM 3  (Yes in Step S 81 ), the process advances to Step S 90 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the third total value SM 3  by contrast (No in Step S 81 ), the process advances to Step S 83 . 
     In Step S 83 , the third computing section  73  computes a fee deficiency amount (specifically a deficiency amount relative to the third total value SM 3 ) based on the third total value SM 3  and the amount of received money. The deficiency amount is a value computed by subtracting the amount of received money from the third total value SM 3 . 
     In Step S 85 , the display section b 1  displays the deficiency amount and a message. The message includes content requesting payment of the deficiency amount. 
     In Step S 87 , the money receiving machine  5  receives money and computes an amount of received money. 
     In Step S 89 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of money received in Step S 87  is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount. 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the deficiency amount (No in Step S 89 ), the process returns to Step S 83 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount by contrast (Yes in Step S 83 ), the process advances to Step S 90 . 
     In Step S 90 , the image forming apparatus A 1  acquires the envelope E from the manual feed tray  16  and outputs the envelope E to the post-processing device A 2 . The post-processing device A 2  receives the envelope E and conveys the envelope E to the enclosing section  52 . 
     In Step S 91 , the image forming section  20  forms the image on the paper P. The image forming apparatus A 1  then outputs the paper P with the image formed thereon to the post-processing device A 2 . The post-processing device A 2  receives the paper P and conveys the paper P to the folding section  51 . 
     In Step S 93 , the folding section  51  folds the paper P with the image formed thereon. The folded paper P is then conveyed from the folding section  51  to the enclosing section  52 . 
     In Step S 95 , the enclosing section  52  opens the opening of the envelope E with the address formed thereon and inserts the folded paper P into the envelope E. The process then advances to Step S 97  in  FIG. 7 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , in Step S 97 , the weight measuring section  53  measures the weight of the envelope E with the folded paper P inserted therein. 
     In Step S 99 , the second computing section  72  computes the actual value AV of the postage and a fourth total value SM 4 , based on the size of the envelope E and the actual value of the weight of the envelope E with the folded paper P inserted therein. The fourth total value SM 4  means a total value of the second service fee F 2  and the actual value AV of the postage. Note that the display section b 1  may display the second service fee F 2 , the actual value AV of the postage, and the fourth total value SM 4 . 
     In Step S 101 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of money received by the money receiving machine  5  before Step S 101  is equal to or greater than the fourth total value SM 4 . The “amount of money received by the money receiving machine  5  before Step S 101 ” means a total amount of the amounts of money received in Steps S 79  and S 87 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the fourth total value SM 4  (Yes in Step S 101 ), the process advances to Step S 111 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the fourth total value SM 4  by contrast (No in Step S 101 ), the process advances to Step S 103 . 
     In Step S 103 , the third computing section  73  computes a fee deficiency amount (specifically a deficiency amount relative to the fourth total value SM 4 ) based on the fourth total value SM 4  and the amount of received money. The deficiency amount is a value computed by subtracting the amount of received money from the fourth total value SM 4 . 
     In Step S 105 , the display section b 1  displays the deficiency amount and a message. The message includes content requesting payment of the deficiency amount. 
     In Step S 107 , the money receiving machine  5  receives money and computes an amount of received money. 
     In Step S 109 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of money received in Step S 47  is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount. 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the deficiency amount (No in Step S 109 ), the process returns to Step S 103 . That is, when the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the deficiency amount, the enclosing section  52  defers performance of Step S 111  and the voucher fixing section  54  defers performance of Step S 113 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount by contrast (Yes in Step S 109 ), the process advances to Step S 111 . 
     In Step S 111 , the enclosing section  52  seals the envelope E with the folded paper P inserted therein. The sealed envelope E is then conveyed from the enclosing section  52  to the voucher fixing section  54 . 
     In Step S 113 , the voucher fixing section  54  fixes the voucher to the sealed envelope E. As a result, the article of mail is created. The envelope E with the voucher fixed thereto is then conveyed from the voucher fixing section  54  to the second ejection roller  58 . 
     In Step S 115 , the second ejection roller  58  ejects the envelope E to the second ejection tray  59 . 
     Next, a process of the unspecified paper mode will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3, 8, and 9 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in Step S 133  after Step S 131  in  FIG. 3 , the input section b 2  receives input of the size of the envelope E and the sheet quantity of the paper P on which the image is to be formed. 
     In Step S 135 , the first computing section  71  computes the first service fee F 1  based on the sheet quantity of the paper P received by the input section b 2 . 
     In Step S 137 , the display section b 1  displays the first service fee F 1  and a message. The message includes content requesting payment of the first service fee F 1 . 
     In Step S 139 , the money receiving machine  5  receives money and computes an amount of received money. 
     In Step S 141 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the first service fee F 1 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the first service fee F 1  (Yes in Step S 141 ), the process advances to Step S 151 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the first service fee F 1  by contrast (No in Step S 141 ), the process advances to Step S 143 . 
     In Step S 143 , the third computing section  73  computes a fee deficiency amount (specifically a deficiency amount relative to the first service fee F 1 ) based on the first service fee F 1  and the amount of received money. The deficiency amount is a value computed by subtracting the amount of received money from the first service fee F 1 . 
     In Step S 145 , the display section b 1  displays the deficiency amount and a message. The message includes content requesting payment of the deficiency amount. 
     In Step S 147  the money receiving machine  5  receives money and computes an amount of received money. 
     In Step S 149 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of money received in Step S 147  is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount. 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the deficiency amount (No in Step S 149 ), the process returns to Step S 143 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount by contrast (Yes in Step S 149 ), the process advances to Step S 151 . 
     In Step S 151 , the image forming section  20  forms the address on the envelope E. The image forming apparatus A 1  then outputs the envelope E with the address formed thereon to the post-processing device A 2 . The post-processing device A 2  receives the envelope E and conveys the envelope E to the enclosing section  52 . 
     In Step S 153 , the image forming section  20  forms the image on the paper P. The image forming apparatus A 1  then outputs the paper P with the image formed thereon to the post-processing device A 2 . The post-processing device A 2  receives the paper P and conveys the paper P to the folding section  51 . 
     In Step S 155 , the folding section  51  folds the paper P with the image formed thereon. The folded paper P is then conveyed from the folding section  51  to the enclosing section  52 . 
     In Step S 157 , the enclosing section  52  opens the opening of the envelope E with the address formed thereon and inserts the folded paper P into the envelope E. The process then advances to Step S 159  in  FIG. 9 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the weight measuring section  53  measures the weight of the envelope E with the folded paper P inserted therein in Step S 159 . 
     In Step S 160 , the second computing section  72  computes the actual value AV of the postage based on the size of the envelope E and the actual value of the weight of the envelope E with the folded paper P inserted therein. 
     In Step S 161 , the display section b 1  displays the actual value AV of the postage and a message. The message includes content requesting payment of a fee equivalent to the actual value AV of the postage. 
     In Step S 162 , the money receiving machine  5  receives money and computes an amount of received money. 
     In Step S 163 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of money received by the money receiving machine  5  in Step S 162  is equal to or greater than the actual value AV of the postage. 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the actual value AV (Yes in Step S 163 ), the process advances to Step S 173 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the actual value AV by contrast (No in Step S 163 ), the process advances to Step S 165 . 
     In Step S 165 , the third computing section  73  computes a fee deficiency amount (specifically a deficiency amount relative to the actual value AV) based on the actual value AV and the amount of received money. The deficiency amount is computed by subtracting the amount of received money from the actual value AV. 
     In Step S 167 , the display section b 1  displays the deficiency amount and a message. The message includes content requesting payment of the deficiency amount. 
     In Step S 169 , the money receiving machine  5  receives money and computes an amount of received money. 
     In Step S 171 , the determining section  74  determines whether or not the amount of money received in Step S 169  is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount. 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the deficiency amount (No in Step S 171 ), the process returns to Step S 165 . That is, when the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is less than the deficiency amount, the enclosing section  52  defers performance of Step S 173  and the voucher fixing section  54  defers performance of Step S 175 . 
     When the determining section  74  determines that the amount of received money is equal to or greater than the deficiency amount by contrast (Yes in Step S 171 ), the process advances to Step S 173 . 
     In Step S 173 , the enclosing section  52  seals the envelope E with the folded paper P inserted therein. The sealed envelope E is then conveyed from the enclosing section  52  to the voucher fixing section  54 . 
     In Step S 175 , the voucher fixing section  54  fixes the voucher to the sealed envelope E. As a result, the article of mail is created. The envelope E with the voucher fixed thereto is then conveyed from the voucher fixing section  54  to the second ejection roller  58 . 
     In Step S 177 , the second ejection roller  58  ejects the envelope E to the second ejection tray  59 . 
     According to the present embodiment as described above with reference to  FIG. 3 , the display section b 1  displays the first total value SM 1  (=first service fee F 1 +predicted value PV of the postage) in the address forming mode (Step S 15 ). Therefore, the user can insert a total amount (first total value SM 1 ) of a required fee for a mail creation service into the money receiving machine  5  at one time because the total amount can be ascertained before processing of the envelope E and the paper P by the image forming system  100 . As a result, burden for the user can be further reduced compared to a case in which the first service fee F 1  and the postage are inserted into the money receiving machine  5  at different times. The burden for the user can also be further reduced in the address non-forming mode (Step S 77 ) in the same manner as the address forming mode. 
     Note that in the address forming mode and the unspecified paper mode, the mail creation service indicates a series of processes performed by the image forming system  100  from address forming and image forming to voucher fixing. In the address non-forming mode, the mail creation service indicates a series of processes performed by the image forming system  100  from image forming to voucher fixing. 
     Also according to the present embodiment, the weight of the envelope E with the paper P inserted therein is measured to compute the actual value AV of the postage (Steps S 39 , S 99 , and S 160 ). Accordingly, the burden for the user of measuring the weight of the envelope E with the paper P inserted therein can be eliminated. 
     Additionally according to the present embodiment, the enclosing section  52  performs the sealing process of Step S 51  and the voucher fixing section  54  performs the fixing process of Step S 53  after the determining section  74  determines that the amount of money received by the money receiving machine  5  is equal to or greater than the second total value SM 2  (=first service fee F 1 +actual value AV of the postage) (Yes in Step S 41 ) in the address forming mode. Accordingly, the process can be inhibited from advancing while the fee required for the mail creation service cannot be collected. That is, a situation in which the postage cannot be collected can be inhibited from occurring. The process also can be inhibited from advancing (Yes in Step S 101 , Steps S 111 , and S 113 ) while the fee required for the mail creation service cannot be collected in the address non-forming mode in the same manner as the address forming mode. 
     Also according to the present embodiment, the series of processes from address forming and image forming to voucher fixing can be smoothly performed without interruption as long as an amount equal to or greater than the fee (second total value SM 2 ) required for the mail creation service is inserted into the money receiving machine  5  (Yes in Step S 41 ) in the address forming mode. As a result, a time period from the beginning to the end of the mail creation service can be shortened. The time period from the beginning to the end of the mail creation service can also be shortened in the address non-forming mode (Yes in Step S 101 ) in the same manner as the address forming mode. 
     Additionally according to the present embodiment, the enclosing section  52  performs the sealing process of Step S 51  and the voucher fixing section  54  performs the fixing process of Step S 53  after money equal to or greater than the deficiency amount is received by the money receiving machine  5  (Yes in Step S 49 ) in the address forming mode. Therefore, the process can be inhibited from advancing while the fee required for the mail creation service cannot be collected. That is, a state in which the postage cannot be collected can be inhibited from occurring. The process can also be inhibited from advancing while the fee required for the mail creation service cannot be collected in the address non-forming mode (Yes in Step S 109 ) in the same manner as the address forming mode. 
     Furthermore according to the present embodiment, the convenience for the user can be increased because the address non-forming mode is included (Step S 71 ). Particularly, the address non-forming mode is effective in a situation in which the user brings an envelope E with an address written thereon. In the address non-forming mode, the second service fee F 2  not including a fee for address formation is presented to the user (Step S 77 ). Therefore, the user can pay an appropriate fee, not an excessive fee. 
     Also according to the present embodiment, the first service fee F 1  is displayed (Step S 137 ) before the address formation process of Step S 151  and the image formation process of Step S 153  are performed in the unspecified paper mode. Before the sealing process of Step S 173  is performed, the weight of the envelope E with the paper P inserted therein is measured and the actual value AV of the postage is displayed (Steps S 159  to S 161 ). Accordingly, the process from address forming and image forming to voucher fixing can be performed while presenting the first service fee F 1  and the actual value AV of the postage to the user even when the size of the paper P is unknown (No in Step S 7 ). Particularly, the unspecified paper mode is effective in a situation in which the user brings paper P of an unknown size. 
     Note that Steps S to S 27  are performed before Steps S 29  and S 31 . Steps S 33  to S 49  are performed after Steps S 29  and S 31  and before Step S 51 . Steps S 17  to S 55  are performed after Step S 15 . 
     Steps S 71  to S 90  are performed before Step S 91 . Steps S 93  to S 109  are performed after Step S 91  and before Step S 111 . Steps S 79  to S 115  are performed after Step S 77 . 
     Steps S 131  to S 149  are performed before Steps S 151  and S 153 . Steps S 155  to S 171  are performed after Steps S 151  and S 153  and before Step S 173 . 
     An embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and may be implemented in various manners within a scope not deviating from the essence thereof (as in below-mentioned (1) and (2), for example). Furthermore, various disclosures may be formed by appropriately combining constituent elements disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, a number of the constituent elements may be removed from the entirety of constituent elements presented in the embodiment. Additionally, the constituent elements may be appropriately combined across differing embodiments. The drawings are schematic, emphasizing the constituent elements for ease of understanding. Properties of the constituent elements such as thickness, length, number, and interval thereof in the drawings may differ in practice from the above embodiment to facilitate preparation of the drawings. The properties of the constituent elements illustrated in the above-mentioned embodiment, such as material properties, shapes, and dimensions, are merely examples and are not intended as specific limitations, and can be altered in various manners within a scope not substantially deviating from the effects of the present disclosure. 
     (1) In Steps S 9 , S 11 , S 73 , and S 133  described with reference to  FIGS. 3, 6, and 8 , the input section b 2  may receive input of information indicating a printing method. The printing method is double-sided printing in which images are formed on both sides of the paper P or single-sided printing in which an image is formed on one side of the paper P. The first computing section  71  computes the first service fee F 1  and the second service fee F 2  by reflecting the printing mode. Note that in  FIGS. 3 to 9 , the first service fee F 1  and the second service fee F 2  are computed presuming single-sided printing. 
     When the printing method is double-sided printing, for example, the first computing section  71  multiplies the sheet quantity of the paper P by “2” to compute a product. A quantity “1” of the envelope E is added to the product to compute a sum. The first computing section  71  then multiplies an image formation unit price by the sum to compute a product. The product indicates the first service fee F 1 . 
     (2) Either Step S 29  or Step S 31  in  FIG. 4  may be performed first. Either Step S 151  or Step S 153  of  FIG. 8  may be performed first. Step S 51  in  FIG. 5  may be performed between Steps S 35  and S 37 . Step S 111  in  FIG. 7  may be performed between Steps S 95  and S 97 . Step S 173  in  FIG. 9  may be performed between Steps S 157  and S 159 .