JP2003006314A - Method for managing recycle-oriented device, managing server, program and medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily grasp the details of an after-use treatment and give notice of the after-use treatment in advance. SOLUTION: Information on how a copier 20 is used is grasped and pointed out at a management center 50, and detailed data on its recovering section and reproducing section are notified in advance to a central warehouse 70, a disassembling factory 80 or a recycling place 90. The copier 20 is once transported to a business location 60, and then it is transported to the central warehouse 70, the disassembling factory 80 or the recycling place 90 according to the recovering section. In the disassembling factory 80 or the recycling place 90, the treatments for recycling and materialization are made for each unit or each part contained in the units of the copier 20.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a management method, a management server, a program and a medium of a reuse target device, and more particularly, to management of a reuse target device when reusing an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine. Management method of the device to be reused,
A management server, a program, and a medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Reusable devices, such as image forming devices such as copying machines and facsimile devices, are used when the lease contract period expires or when the user replaces the product with a new product. , Instead of immediately discarding
From the viewpoint of effective use of resources, it is desired to reuse or recycle the device to be reused or a part of the parts. For example, if a reuse target device such as a used image forming device can be reused, it is transported to a recycling factory, the reuse target device is repaired, inspected, and then distributed to the market again.
Some parts are transported to a recycling plant and the remaining parts are recycled at the processing plant.

Recycle factories and recycling factories efficiently process the equipment and parts to be reused that have been carried in, but the parts included in the equipment to be reused include various parts and are sorted. The storage and storage are specified for each reuse target device.

[0004]

However, although the processing contents of the above-mentioned used reuse target device depend on the worker etc., it is possible to quickly grasp how to process the reuse target device. However, it was difficult to manage the used reuse target device.

In view of the above facts, the present invention is to provide a management method, a management server, a program and a medium of a reuse target device capable of easily and efficiently managing the reuse target device.

[0006]

With the recent rapid improvement in semiconductor technology and other manufacturing technologies, a personal computer (PC) is connected to a network as an information terminal to transmit and obtain various kinds of information. Is becoming possible. Recently, the Internet is known as a network that has become easily available.
Therefore, the present inventor has considered that the image forming apparatus can be managed quickly and reliably by using a network.

More specifically, the management method of the reuse target apparatus according to the present invention receives the usage information of the reuse target apparatus via a communication line, and based on the received usage information, the reuse target apparatus. Generate diagnostic information for diagnosing the reuse of the component equipped in the device, and based on the generated diagnostic information, set reuse information for reusing the component or recovery information for recovery of the reuse target device Then, based on the set reuse information or collection information, the identification information for identifying the processing site for processing the reuse target device is determined, and the processing terminal belonging to the processing site corresponding to the determined identification information. In addition, the reuse information or the recovery information is notified.

According to the present invention, the reusable device is managed including reusing at least a part of the reusable device such as the image forming device via the communication line such as the Internet. Specifically, the server or the like receives the usage information of the image forming apparatus via the communication line. The operation of the device to be reused shortens the life of the unit and parts. This varies depending on the operating state of the reuse target device. Therefore, the usage information of the device to be reused is received via the communication line, and based on the received usage information, diagnostic information is generated that diagnoses the reuse of the parts equipped in the device to be reused. Next, based on the diagnosis information, the reuse information for reusing the parts or the collection information regarding the collection of the reuse target device is set. Then, based on the set reuse information or collection information, determine the identification information for identifying the processing site that processes the reuse target device,
Reuse information or recovery information is notified to a processing terminal belonging to a processing site (for example, a recycling plant) corresponding to the identification information. As a result, at processing plants such as recycling factories,
It is possible to confirm in advance that the reusable device is carried in before the reusable device such as the image forming apparatus is carried in.

The collection information can be output to the reuse target device connected to the communication line, and the contents can be printed on the reuse target device side. By doing so, it is possible for the reuse target device side to easily grasp the collection information by the printed print, etc., and the carry-out person such as the maintenance person can easily collect the reuse target device. You can

As the reuse information, at least one of an instruction to extract a component mounted on the device to be reused and a processing instruction based on material information indicating at least one of the size, weight and material of the component. Can be included. In this way, since it is possible to give an instruction for each part equipped in the reuse target apparatus, it is possible to give a more detailed instruction regarding reuse of the reuse target apparatus after recovery.

Setting a priority for reusing the parts, accumulating the reuse information, receiving production plan information from the production management side when producing at least a part of the reuse object apparatus, Based on the accumulated reuse information and the production plan information, the reuse target device for reusing the part can be determined. The target unit is required to reuse the part. There may be multiple types of units, but the volume of distribution may vary depending on the size of the market. Therefore, by determining the production plan information from the production management side when producing at least a part of the reusable device, and the reusable device for reusing the parts based on the reusable information, the reusability value It is possible to use high-quality parts.

When the diagnosis information does not include a diagnosis result of reusing the component, the reuse information can be set as recycling information. If there is little merit in reusing a part, reusing it positively deteriorates the usage efficiency. Therefore, when the diagnosis result of reusing the parts is not included, if the reuse information is set as the recycling information corresponding to the discard, etc., it is possible to shift to the processing that deteriorates the efficiency in the subsequent processing. There is no.

The management method of the reuse target apparatus can be easily realized by causing the management server to function as each means as described below. Specifically, the management server of the device to be reused is installed in the device to be reused based on the receiving means for receiving the use information of the device to be reused through the communication line and the received use information. Generating means for generating diagnostic information for diagnosing reuse of the parts, and reuse information for reusing the parts or recovery information for recovery of the reuse target device based on the generated diagnostic information Setting means, deciding means for deciding the identification information for identifying the processing place for processing the device to be reused based on the set reuse information and collection information, and communication corresponding to the decided identification information. It is characterized by further comprising a notifying means for notifying the processing terminal belonging to the processing site connected to the line of the reuse information or the collection information.

The management server may further comprise an output means for outputting the recovery information to the image forming apparatus connected to the communication line and printing it.

In the management server, the setting means is based on the reuse information based on material information indicating at least one of a part extraction instruction of the image forming apparatus, a size, a weight and a material of the part. It can be set including at least one of the processing instructions.

The management server sets a priority order for reusing the parts and accumulates the reuse information, and a production management side when producing at least a part of the image forming apparatus. And a specifying unit that determines an image forming apparatus for reusing the component based on the accumulated reuse information and the accumulated production plan information.

In the management server, the setting means can set the reuse information as recycling information when the diagnosis information does not include a diagnosis result of reusing the component.

The management method of the device to be reused can be easily executed by any computer by the following management program. Specifically, the management program of the reuse target device causes the usage information of the reuse target device to be received via a communication line, and based on the received usage information, a component equipped in the reuse target device. Reuse information for reusing the component or collection information regarding collection of the device to be reused is generated based on the generated diagnosis information, and the reuse information is generated. Processing belonging to a processing site connected to a communication line corresponding to the determined identification information, by which identification information for identifying a processing site for processing the reuse target device is determined based on information or the recovery information It is characterized in that the terminal is notified of the reuse information or the collection information. It is preferable that the management program be executed by a server that manages the reuse target device including reusing at least a part of the reuse target device.

Further, the management method of the reuse target apparatus is as follows:
By storing it in the following medium, it becomes possible to carry a program for executing the processing function according to the management method of the device to be reused, and by executing the program stored in the medium on any computer, Can be easily implemented. In detail, the storage medium receives the usage information of the device to be reused through a communication line, and diagnoses the reuse of the parts equipped in the device to be reused based on the received usage information. Generated diagnostic information and based on the generated diagnostic information,
Reuse information for reusing the parts or collection information regarding collection of the reuse target device is set, and a processing site for processing the reuse target device is identified based on the reuse information or the recovery information. Reuse object characterized by causing the identification information for the determination to be determined, and notifying the processing terminal belonging to the processing site connected to the communication line corresponding to the determined identification information of the reuse information or the recovery information Stores the device management program.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a copying machine collecting system using a computer network system capable of wirelessly or wiredly connecting an information terminal such as a computer or PDA to a network. Further, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus is adopted as the apparatus to be reused and the copying machine is adopted as the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the parts or the product It can be applied to at least a part of reusable equipment.

FIG. 1 shows a copying machine collecting system 11 constructed by using a copying machine management system 10 according to the present embodiment. The copying machine collecting system 11 is a system for collecting a copying machine (image forming apparatus) 20 that has been used because the lease period has expired. More specifically, each copying machine defined by the management system 10 is used. According to the recovery classification (recovery information) of the copying machine 20 described later, the copying machine 20
Is once transported to the sales base 60, and then to the central warehouse 70, the dismantling factory 80, or the recycling site 90. The sales base 60 is a sales warehouse 62,
And a district warehouse 64 corresponding to the business base 60. The copying machine 20 is transported to the business warehouse 62 and then to the district warehouse 64. Sales office 60
Central warehouse 70, dismantling factory 8 without transporting to
0, or may be configured to be transported to the recycling site 90. In addition, sales office 60, central warehouse 70, dismantling factory 8
0, or the resource recycling plant 90 corresponds to the processing plant of the present invention.

The management system 10 includes the copying machine 20 to be managed and a management center 50 connected to the copying machine 20 via a network 55. Further, as will be described later in detail, the management center 50 is connected to a central warehouse 70 via a network 56, connected to a dismantling factory 80 via a network 57, and connected to a recycling site 90 via a network 58. , And is connected to a sales office 60 via a network 58. The Internet is known as an example of these networks 55 to 59.

The copying machine 20 has a normal printing function, and in the casing 12 of the copying machine 20, an image reading section 22 for reading an image of a document on a copy glass 27 and converting it into image data, An image forming unit 24 that forms an image on a sheet based on image data from the image reading unit 22.
Further, a paper feed unit 26 that supplies the paper stored in the paper feed tray to the image forming unit 24 is provided. Further, at a predetermined position of the casing 12 (on the left side in the drawing), a sorter 28 for allocating the sheet on which the image is formed is disposed.

Although not shown, the image forming section 24 includes a known device for forming an image on a sheet,
The device is, for example, a photosensitive drum that is charged by a charging device, or a document that outputs a laser beam based on image data input from the image reading unit 22 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. Device, a developing device that visualizes and develops the electrostatic latent image with toner, a transfer device that transfers the developed image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum to the paper supplied from the paper feed unit 26, and a transfer device that transfers the developed image to the paper. There is a fixing device for fixing the formed image on the sheet.

Above the sorter 28 provided in the copying machine 20, a touch panel 23 is provided above which information such as paper size and image density can be input and which displays the information.

Next, the application of the copying machine collecting system 11 having the above-mentioned configuration to an information terminal such as a computer or PDA or a computer network system capable of wirelessly or wiredly connecting a computer to a network will be described.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a configuration of a computer network system mainly including a computer portion of the copying machine collecting system 11 according to the present embodiment. The copying machine collecting system 11 may be, for example, a distributed network system. In a distributed network environment, each user does not need to be aware of the location of resource objects such as programs and data.
Further, the procedures executed in the computer are also distributed and held and managed on the network. For example, a process running on one computer on the network can call and execute a procedure of a process running on another computer.

In this embodiment, the copying machine collecting system 1
1 is a LAN (Local Area Network) as a communication medium such as the Internet and other small-scale networks
And a network 88 represented by. In FIG. 1, a network 5 is shown for convenience of explanation of connection.
Although the configuration has been described in which 5, 56, 57, 58, and 59 are separated, the same network as the original, that is, the network 88 can be generically used.

The network 88 can be configured to include a communication network represented by a public telephone network constructed and provided by a telephone company in each country or region. This communication network includes, for example, PSTN (Public Switched Teleph).
one Network) and ISDN (Integrated Service Digita)
l Network) is included. Further, as a communication network, PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) and PHS (P
personal handyphone system) can be included in various types of wireless telephone networks. When the network 88 and the communication network are constructed as separate networks, they can be constructed to be interconnected by a gateway system.

The communication network has a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from the mobile terminal, as well as a function of authenticating the caller number and a function of giving position data to the mobile terminal registered in the cell of each base station. It is preferable to be able to provide.

In the network 88 represented by the Internet, a user computer operated by a user and various server computers are respectively a modem, a router, and a TA (Terminal Adapter).
r) or the like via a connecting device 86. These computers have a configuration capable of exchanging information by mutual communication via the network 88.

Specifically, the processing content control unit 3 of the copying machine 20
The target computer 81 is 0, the base computer 82 provided in the sales base 60, the management server 83 provided in the management center 50, the warehouse computer 85 provided in the central warehouse 70, and the dismantling factory 80. The dismantling computer 87 and the recycling computer 89 provided in the recycling site 90 are the network 88.
Information can be transmitted and received through mutual communication via.

Computers on such a network are connected to each other by, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control P
Mutual access is possible according to a predetermined communication protocol such as rotocol / Internet Protocol. Therefore, the copying machine collection system 11 has a configuration in which numerous host terminals and user terminals are connected.
The system is a so-called server-client system in which some computers operate as “servers” that provide various resource services for a fee or free of charge, and other computers operate as “clients” that request resource services from the servers. Function as.

An example of the server is a WWW server in a WWW system built on a TCP / IP network such as the Internet. WWW server is HT
An HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) resource object such as ML (Hyper Text Markup Language) content can be provided. Other examples of the server include a mail server, a database server, a file server, etc. that provide an e-mail transmission / reception service to each user account.

In the present embodiment, a management server 83 is included as a specific example of various server computers. Although the detailed operation of the management server 83 will be described later, the management server 83 receives the data of the copying machine 20 and, based on the data, carries the copying machine 20 in accordance with the collection classification of the copying machine 20 (the central warehouse 70). Or dismantling factory 80) and parts.

Although each of these computers is described as one computer, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of computers may be used, or the functions may be collectively configured.

As shown in FIG. 3, the management server 83 has a computer configuration capable of executing various processes in order to manage the collection of the copying machines 20 and the like existing on the network. Although the management server 83 is connected at a predetermined location (IP address) on the network 88,
It does not limit the location of the server. The location of another device on the network may be specified by, for example, an IP address or a URL.

Specifically, the management server 83 has the CPU 4
2A, ROM42B, RAM42C, and I / O42D
Is configured to include a microcomputer connected so that commands and data can be exchanged. I /
The O42D is connected to a read / write device 42E such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk device, an operation device 42F such as a keyboard, a display device 42G such as a display, and a memory 42H in which a processing program is stored.

The read / write device 42E is a storage medium FD.
Is configured so that it can be inserted and removed. The storage medium FD includes a floppy disk and the like. It should be noted that the processing routine and the like described later can be executed from the storage medium FD by using the read / write device 42E. Therefore, the processing routine described below
Instead of being stored in the memory 42H or the like, it may be recorded in a storage medium in advance and the processing program recorded in the storage medium may be executed via the read / write device 42E. In addition, with a mass storage device such as a hard disk device,
The processing program recorded in the storage medium may be stored (installed) and the corresponding processing may be executed. As the recording medium, there are discs such as CD-ROM, MD, MO and DVD, and magnetic tapes such as DAT. When these are used, the read / write device 12E has a CD-R.
An OM device, MD device, MO device, DVD device, DAT device or the like may be used.

The I / O 42D includes a communication device 44,
A scanner 46 and a printer 48 are also connected. The communication device 44 is shown in FIG.
Is an interface portion for connecting to the communication device 86. The scanner 46 is a device that scans a document or a symbol to read an image or a code. In the present embodiment, it is preferable to use a two-dimensional bar code as the code. The printer 48 is a device that prints image data or text data and outputs it as a print P.

The above-mentioned two-dimensional bar code means the copying machine 2
0 is a two-dimensional code that can be output by the output unit 34 and the image forming unit 24. In the present embodiment, processing information (described later) is
It can be printed as a dimension code. in this way,
By making the processing information into a two-dimensional code, the processing information can be kept secret from a third party, and the density of information can be increased. Further, for example, the maintenance person or the like can grasp the processing information of the copying machine 20 only by having a reader for reading the two-dimensional barcode, and it is possible to prevent the processing information from being known to the user or the like.

The management server 83 includes various electrical and mechanical configurations for performing various processes in the computer, but since it has a general and general hardware configuration, a detailed description will be given. Is omitted. The configurations of the base computer 82, the warehouse computer 85, the dismantling computer 87, and the recycle computer 89 are almost the same as the configuration of the management server 83, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the management system 10 showing the processing content control unit 30 in detail. As shown in FIG. 4, the copying machine 20 includes a processing content control unit 30 for managing the processing content when the copying machine 20 is used up. The processing content control unit 30 is configured to include a microcomputer (which functions as the target computer 81), and in the functional classification, the management center 50.
I / O port 3 for sending and receiving various signals to and from
1, a copying machine information database (hereinafter abbreviated as "copying machine information DB") 32 in which basic collection categories and basic reproduction categories after use of the copying machine are stored in advance, and a new collection transmitted from the management center 50. The receiving unit 37 that receives the classification (collection information) and the reproduction classification (reuse information), and the basic processing information stored in the copying machine information DB 32 when the processing information is received by the receiving unit 37 is updated to new processing information. Update unit 33
And an output unit 34 that outputs processing information to the image forming unit 24.
And are equipped with.

FIG. 5 shows an example of data stored in the copying machine information DB 32. The copier information DB 32 stores data of “contract number”, “contract form”, “product code”, “usage amount”, “installation date”, “basic collection category”, and “basic reproduction category”.

The "contract number" is given without duplication in accordance with the contract of each copying machine, and serves as a key for specifying the contracted product and contract contents. "Contract form" is for copier 2
0 is information indicating how to sell or rent, and contract types include short-term rental, lease,
There are sales etc. The “product code” is a code for identifying the type of the copying machine 20, and the same product code is attached to the copying machines of the same type. "Usage" is
The number of copies made by the copier (hereinafter, "C / V (Cop
y Volume) ”) by the copier 20
Indicates the degree to which the is used. Copier information DB3
The C / V stored in No. 2 is configured to be automatically updated each time the copying machine 20 makes a copy (each time a print is output). The maintenance staff of the copying machine 20 measures the C / V when the copying machine 20 is inspected regularly or when requested, and the maintenance staff operates the touch panel 23 to input the measured value into the copying machine information DB 32. You may do it. The “installation date” represents the date on which the contracted copying machine 20 was installed, and serves as an index of the usage period.

The "basic collection section" is a place where the copying machine 20 is collected when the copying machine 20 is used, that is, where in the central warehouse 70, the dismantling factory 80, or the recycling site 90. It is for instructing whether or not to collect, and as initial data, it is stored in the copying machine information DB 32 in advance at the manufacturing stage before the copying machine 20 is used by the user.

In the "basic reproduction section", the units (in the present embodiment, the copying machine 20 is classified into three main units, "IIT", "IOT" and "sorter").
It indicates whether to recycle or recycle after use. IIT (ImageInputTermin
al) represents the image reading unit 22 (FIG. 1), and IOT (I
“Mage output Terminal” represents a portion of the entire copying machine 20 including the image forming unit 24 except for the sorter 28 and the image reading unit 22. Such a basic reproduction section constitutes basic processing information together with the basic recovery section, and is stored in advance in the copying machine information DB 32 before the copying machine 20 is carried into the user.

The above-mentioned "central warehouse" of the basic collection category is a warehouse where the copying machines to be recycled are stored.
When all the basic recycling categories of T, IOT, and sorter are recycled, the basic recovery category becomes the central warehouse.
In this case, the used copying machine 20 is transported to the central warehouse 70 directly from the user or via the district warehouse 64. The copying machine 20 carried into the central warehouse 70 undergoes repair and inspection, and is stored until it is distributed to the market again. It should be noted that the district warehouse 6 in which the copying machine 20 is installed in the sales base 60
4 can be collected in the central warehouse 70, and this is because the copiers 20 handled by the sales base 60 are collected in the regional warehouse 64 and transported to the central warehouse 70.

The "dismantling factory" of the basic collection category is the copying machine 2
Copier 20 to recycle some units of 0
It is a factory for dismantling, and one or two basic regeneration sections of IIT, IOT, and sorter are recycling,
If the basic recycling classification of the remaining units is recycling, the basic recovery classification becomes the dismantling factory. In this case, the used copying machine 20 is transported to the dismantling factory 80 directly from the user or via the district warehouse 64. And
The units that are dismantled and recycled in the dismantling factory 80 are transported to the central warehouse 70, and the remaining units that are not recycled are transported to the recycling site 90.

The "recycling site" of the basic recovery category is a place where the non-recycled copying machine 20 is recycled.
When all the basic recycling categories of T, IOT, and sorter are recycled, the basic recovery category becomes the recycling site.
In this case, the used copying machine 20 is transported to the recycling site 90 directly from the user or via the district warehouse 64.

In this embodiment, the basic reproduction classification is II.
Although it is set for each of the three units of T, IOT, and sorter, the basic reproduction section may be set for the entire copying machine 20 without dividing each unit in this way. In this embodiment,
As will be described later, a finer basic reproduction division can be defined for each unit or part included in the unit.

The above-mentioned basic reproduction section and basic recovery section are determined by the computer in the management center 50. Then, the determined basic collection section and basic reproduction section are stored in the copying machine information DB 32 before the copying machine 20 is carried into the user.

Further, the processing content control unit 30 of the copying machine 20
(FIG. 4) is provided with a usage information transmission unit 35 that periodically transmits information (usage information) regarding the C / V of the copying machine 20 to the management center 50 via the network 55.
Based on the C / V information from the usage information transmission unit 35,
The management center 50 generates new processing information for the copying machine 20. The C / V of the copying machine 20 may be reported to the management center 50 by a maintenance person or the like. In addition, the usage information transmitting unit 35 uses II as the usage information of the copying machine 20.
The number of document feeds at T, the number of sorts at the sorter, and the like may be transmitted to the management center 50. In this case, the management center 50 can grasp the usage status for each unit.

The processing information of the copying machine 20 is periodically transmitted from the management center 50 to the processing content control unit 30. Therefore, the processing content control unit 30 is provided with a processing information requesting unit 36 that requests the management center 50 to send the latest processing information. In order to request the processing information requesting section 36 to request processing information, the touch panel 23 is operated.

FIG. 6 shows the touch panel 23 of the copying machine 20.
The special screen for outputting the collection category instruction that is displayed by operating is shown. On the specialized screen of the touch panel 23, a processing information request key 23a for requesting the latest processing information (collection category and reproduction category) is displayed.
When the maintenance staff or the like touches the processing information request key 23a, the processing information request unit 36 (see FIG. 4) requests the latest processing information from the management center 50, and in response to this request, the management center 50 sends the processing information. It is transmitted to the processing content control unit 30 of the copying machine 20.

On the touch panel 23, the processing information print key 2 for printing the basic processing information or the processing information is displayed.
3b is provided. When the maintenance person or the like touches the processing information print key 23b, the output unit 34 outputs the basic processing information stored in the copying machine information DB 32 or the updated latest processing information to the image forming unit 24.
At this time, the output unit 34 transmits, to the image forming unit 24, data obtained by combining the processing information and the format for printing the processing information in a fixed format.

The basic processing information or processing information output from the output unit 34 is input to the writing device (not shown) of the image forming unit 24, and the writing device uses the information to electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Form an image. After that, through the steps of development, transfer, and fixing, the "collection category instruction" on which the basic processing information or the processing information is printed is output from the copying machine 20.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the collection category instruction output from the copying machine 20. In the lower part of this instruction, it is specified that the collection category is a dismantling factory, the IIT and IOT recycling categories are recycling, and the sorter recycling categories are recycling. As described above, the collection section instruction sheet on which the collection section and the reproduction section after use are printed is output from the copying machine 20, so that the maintenance personnel or the like who sees the collection section instruction can easily collect the collection section of the copying machine 20 and It is possible to grasp the playback classification. Therefore, when collecting the copying machine 20, it is not necessary for the maintenance staff or the like to inquire of the management center or the like about the collection classification or the reproduction classification by telephone or FAX. In particular, in the present embodiment, the place where the copying machine 20 is collected (collection classification) is described in the collection classification instruction sheet, so that a maintenance person or the like can quickly grasp the transport destination of the used copying machine 20.

Next, the operation of the copying machine collecting system 11 will be described.

FIG. 8 shows the flow of processing executed at predetermined time intervals in the management server 83 installed in the management center 50 for information transfer in the copying machine collection system 11 according to the present embodiment. In step 102,
When the data is received, the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104, and when the data is denied, the present routine is ended.

The processing executed in the management server 83 is classified into three types. The first processing is processing for updating processing information after delivery of the copying machine 20, the second processing is processing for changing or instructing processing information according to a collection request, and the third processing is processing for recovering copying machine 20. This is a process for managing the state of that point in time.

The first processing is executed in response to a processing information request from the copying machine 20. The processing information request from the copying machine 20 is affirmative in step 102, and step 104
Judgment of whether to request collection of paper, and copying machine 2 in step 130
The result of the determination as to whether or not the response data for collecting (carrying in) 0 is possible is negative, and the routine proceeds to step 132.

In step 132, a production plan corresponding to the demand for the copying machine and the demand for the parts is derived in conjunction with the production management,
In the next step 134, the copiers and parts to be reused are selected. The processing information is updated to the latest based on the selected copiers and parts, and the information is transmitted to the copier 20 in the next step 136. . That is, C from the copying machine 20
/ V information and the shortage or surplus number of copying machines obtained from the demand for copying machines and the number of copying machines in stock transmitted from the central warehouse 70 or the like, and the collection and reproduction classifications of the copying machine 20. (Processing information) is determined.

Note that the priority order for reusing the parts can be set in advance if necessary, and as described above, the priority order may be set in conjunction with the production control.

Specifically, in the management center 50 in which the management server 83 is installed, based on the production plan, the "demand" of the copying machine, the "stock quantity" of the copying machine, the "recycling cost" of the copying machine, etc. , A reproduction classification and a collection classification are determined for each copying machine 20. In this case, the "manufacturing process" of the copier
Or "contract form" may be considered. The "manufacturing process" represents the manufacturing state of the copying machine such as new or remanufactured, and the "contract form" represents the contract contents such as lease and purchase.

The "demand" of a copying machine is the lease of the copying machine,
Short term rental or the number of users who wish to purchase,
"Inventory quantity" of copier means sales office 60 and central warehouse 70
The number of new and reusable copiers or units stored in. The management center 50 determines the number of shortages or surpluses of copying machines according to the difference between the demand for copying machines and the number of copying machines in stock. Further, the management center 50 calculates the shortage or surplus number of each unit based on the demand and inventory of each unit of IIT, IOT, and sorter in addition to the shortage or surplus number of copying machines. Then, for example, when the demand for a certain type of copying machine is high and the number of copying machines stored in the central warehouse 70 is insufficient, the management center 50 sets the basic collection category of the copying machine to the central warehouse, and the basic collection of all units. The recycling category is recycling. Even in such a case, if the “recycling cost” is obtained, and as a result, it is determined that there is no cost merit by recycling the copying machine, the basic recycling section may be recycled. Also, when it is necessary to bring only the sorter of a certain copying machine to the user, the basic recovery category should be a dismantling factory, the basic recovery category of the sorter should be recycled, and the remaining basic recovery categories of IIT and IOT should be recycled. Will be changed. In this way, by storing the required number of copying machines or units in the central warehouse 70 and recycling unnecessary copying machines or units, the storage cost of the copying machines or units and the transportation cost to the central warehouse 70 can be reduced. Can be reduced. The management center 50 can acquire information about the number of copying machines and units stored in the sales base 60 and the central warehouse 70 via the network 56.

The management center 50 will be described in detail later.
Then, the "collection category" and "reproduction category" of the copying machine 20 are
Manage by further classifying. That is, the collection category and the reproduction category are determined for each part included in the device according to the category. This is because there is a high demand for arbitrary parts included in an arbitrary unit, and it is possible to set, for example, a "collection category" and a "recycle category" assuming that parts are extracted.

In this way, after the copying machine 20 is carried into the user, the management center 50 examines the "collection category" and the "reproduction category" of the copying machine 20 as needed, and the "collection category" according to the latest situation. And “reproduction category” are determined.

In determining such a collection category and a reproduction category, "demand" of the copying machine, "stock quantity" of the copying machine, "usage" of the copying machine, etc. are considered. Similar to the basic recovery classification, the “recovery classification” indicates where in the central warehouse 70, the dismantling factory 80, or the recycling site 90, when the copying machine 20 is used up. It is a thing. Similar to the basic reproduction classification, the "reproduction classification" indicates whether each unit of IIT, IOT, and sorter is to be recycled or recycled after the copying machine 20 is used.

Then, the information regarding the collection section and the reproduction section is transmitted to the processing content control unit 30 of the copying machine 20 via the network 55. When the receiving section 37 of the copying machine 20 receives the information regarding the collection section and the reproduction section, the updating section 3
3 updates the basic collection section and the basic reproduction section of the copying machine information DB 32 to the collection section and the reproduction section. As described above, in the present embodiment, the collection section and the reproduction section stored in the copying machine information DB 32 are updated with appropriate contents. When the collection section and the reproduction section are updated, the collection section and the reproduction section before the update may be stored in the copying machine information DB 32 or may be deleted. These collection classification, reproduction classification, and usage information are stored in the management server as history information.

The "usage" of the copying machine is C /
If the C / V of the copying machine 20 is much higher than the standard value such as the average in the market, the management center 50 cannot recycle each unit of the copying machine 20. Judgment is made, and the recovery section of the copying machine 20 is set as the recycling area, and the reproduction section of each unit is set as the recycling section. On the other hand, when the C / V of the copying machine 20 is much smaller than the average value, the management center 50 determines that each part of the copying machine 20 can withstand another cycle of use.
The collection section of the copying machine 20 is set to the central warehouse, and the reproduction section of each unit is set to recycling.

The second processing is executed by a request for collection from the copying machine 20 or a request from maintenance personnel. This request can be made by inputting data from a terminal connectable to the network, but may be made by directly inputting it to the management server 83 (inputting the operation device 42F). This request is affirmative in step 102, and the next step 10
An affirmative decision is made in step 4 regarding whether or not the collection request is possible, and the operation proceeds to step 106.

In steps 106 and 108, similarly to the above-mentioned steps 132 and 134, a production plan corresponding to the demand of the copying machine and the demand of the parts is derived in association with the production management, and the copying machine to be reused. In addition, the latest processing information is generated based on the selected copying machine or part.

More specifically, as described above, C / of the copying machine 20
Based on the V information and the shortage of copiers required from the demand for copiers and the number of copier stocks transmitted from the central warehouse 70, etc., the collection category and the reproduction category (processing information) of the copier 20 ) Is determined. Basically, as described above, the presence or absence of a certain merit for each unit is used as a judgment criterion. If there is no certain merit, it will be transported to a dismantling factory for recycling, and if there is a certain merit, parts will be reused.

FIG. 9 shows diagnostic data (diagnosis information) about the parts included in the unit for determining the reuse of the parts. FIG. 9 is a list of some of the parts included in the IOT.
"Q", "part number", "part name", "part life", "usage", "remaining life", "required life", "remaining life ratio",
"Life unit", "reuse judgment", "reuse utilization method",
It is composed of "collection destination".

The item "SEQ" is an abbreviated number such as a serial number of a part included in the copying machine 20, the item "part number" is the manufacturing number of the part, and the item "part name" is the corresponding part. Represents the name of. In addition, the "part life" is the expiration date determined at the time of manufacturing the part, the "usage" item is the usage amount of the part, and the "remaining life" item is from the "part life" to It represents the value obtained by subtracting "usage". Also, the "required life" item is the standard usage amount predicted at the time of designing the relevant part, and the "remaining life ratio" item represents the value obtained by dividing the "remaining life" by the "required life". There is. The item "lifetime unit" is a unit of a numerical value of life.

The item "reuse judgment" is based on the fact that it is included in the required parts according to the production plan, "part name",
When the values of "parts life", "usage", "remaining life", "required life", "remaining life ratio", etc. exceed predetermined thresholds, it is possible (○ in Fig. 9) and is below the threshold. Is impossible (X in FIG. 9). The item “reuse / utilization method” indicates how to actually process the part, corresponding to the result of the “reuse determination”. In Figure 9,
"Part extraction", "processing", and "materialization" are used as examples. The "spare part" means that the corresponding part is taken out from the unit as a spare part and stored, and the "processing" means denying reuse such as disposal (recycling information). “Materialization” is used when it is difficult to reuse but can be materialized. The item of “collection destination” represents the final delivery destination of where to collect the relevant part. In addition, "Spare warehouse" in Figure 9
Assumes a case where a warehouse for storing spare parts is provided in the central warehouse 70.

In this way, each part included in the unit is diagnosed and the detailed utilization method is set. Here, the “collection category” and the “recycle category” can be determined according to the item of the parts belonging to the unit, and the data is transmitted. It
That is, in each of the units, when all of the units are the same recovery destination, the “recovery section” is the recovery destination, and when there are multiple recovery destinations, the downstream recovery destination.

After the processing information is confirmed, the next step 11
In 0, the delivery company for collecting the copying machine 20 is determined, the determined delivery company and the scheduled date and time for collection are determined and transmitted to the copying machine 20 on the user side. Step 11
In 0, first, a delivery company is determined corresponding to the model of the copying machine 20. Next, the optimum delivery route (for example, the shortest route) to the sales office 60 is obtained corresponding to the place where the copying machine 20 is collected, and the collection date and time predicted by the optimum delivery route is obtained. The result is transmitted to the copying machine 20.
The transmission in step 110 is not limited to the transmission to the copying machine 20. For example, data may be transmitted to the sales office 60 in charge of the copying machine 20 and the sales office 60 may directly notify the user side.

At the next step 112, the corresponding copying machine 20 is once moved from the predetermined transport route to the sales base 6
If it is affirmed, the data is transmitted to the base computer 82 of the sales base 60 in step 114. This data is the above-mentioned processing information including at least the data of the recovery classification instruction data and the data representing the recovery classification of the recovery destination of the copying machine 20. As a result, at the business base 60, it is possible to know which copying machine 20 is to be carried in, and where it is to be carried out, before the copying machine 20 is collected.

At the next step 116, it is judged from the processing information determined as described above whether or not to convey to the central warehouse as a collection destination, and if affirmed, the warehouse computer 85 of the central warehouse 70 at step 118. Send data. This data is the above-mentioned processing information including at least the data of the recovery classification instruction data and the data representing the recovery classification of the recovery destination of the copying machine 20. The transmission data may include detailed data (FIG. 9) for each part. Thus, in the central warehouse 70, it is possible to know which copying machine 20 is to be carried in and when to be carried out, before actually collecting the copying machine 20. It is also possible to know in advance which parts will be provided as spare parts.

At the next step 120, it is judged from the processing information determined as described above whether or not to convey to the dismantling factory as a collection destination, and if affirmative, to the dismantling computer 87 of the dismantling factory 80 at step 122. Send data. Similar to the data transmitted to the warehouse computer 85, this data is the above-mentioned processing information including at least the data of the collection classification instruction sheet and the data representing the collection classification which is the collection destination of the copying machine 20, and further, for each part. Detailed data (FIG. 9) is included. As a result, in the dismantling factory 80, which copying machine 20 is carried in and when and how to process the copying machine 20 that has been carried in, for example, which parts and parts are to be taken out to the resource recovery site 90, for extracting parts. Can be grasped before the copying machine 20 is actually carried in. It is also possible to know in advance which parts will be extracted as spare parts. Note that, in FIG. 9, in the reuse and utilization method, the parts extracted and the recovery destination is the central warehouse means that the parts extracted in the dismantling factory 80 are returned to the central warehouse 70.

At the next step 124, it is judged from the processing information determined as described above whether or not to carry the material to the recycling site as a recovery destination, and if affirmed, step 126
At, the data is transmitted to the recycling computer 89 of the recycling site 90. This data is stored in the warehouse computer 85.
Similar to the data transmitted to the above, the processing information includes at least the data of the recovery classification instruction data and the data representing the recovery classification of the recovery destination of the copying machine 20, and the detailed data of each part (FIG. 9). Is included. Here, only the relevant data may be extracted and transmitted. As a result, in the recycling site 90, which copying machine, unit, or part is loaded and when, and how the loaded copying machine 20 is processed, for example, materialization or processing (disposal), It is possible to grasp the information before actually carrying in the copying machine 20, the unit, and the parts.

The third processing is executed in response to a response from the sales base 60, the central warehouse 70, the dismantling factory 80, and the recycling site 90 into which the copying machine 20, the unit, or the parts have been loaded. This response is executed by receiving response data from the site computer 82, the warehouse computer 85, the demolition computer 87, or the recycling computer 89. When this response data is received, the affirmative determination is made in step 102 and the negative determination is made in the next step 104. And step 130 affirmatively proceeds to step 140. The response data includes confirmation of carrying-in of the copying machine 20, the unit, or the parts, and a change in the carrying-out schedule of the copying machine 20, the unit, or the parts.

Therefore, in steps 140 and 142, as in steps 132 and 134 described above, the response data received by the management server 83 is used to interlock with production management to produce a product in accordance with the demand for the copying machine or the demand for parts. Revise the plan and select the copiers and parts to be reused Update the processing information to the current state based on the selected copiers and parts. In the next step 144, the updated latest processing information is transmitted to at least one of the department, that is, the base computer 82, the warehouse computer 85, the dismantling computer 87, or the recycling computer 89. Note that when the response data is simply confirmation of delivery, the production plan is only modified, and therefore transmission to other computers is not executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the copying machine is collected, the collection classification and the reproduction classification are detailed for each unit equipped in the copying machine and further for each part included in the unit. It is possible to notify in advance to the corresponding departments (sales base 60, central warehouse 70, dismantling factory 80, recycling plant 90). Therefore, in the sales base 60, the central warehouse 70, the dismantling factory 80, and the recycling site 90, what kind of copying machine is carried in before the copying machine is carried in and how it is processed, and where is the collection destination. You can know in advance. Therefore, it becomes easy to secure the occupied portion when storing the copying machine or parts or units. Further, since the delivery destination is notified, the arrangement of the occupied portion can be set according to the delivery destination, and the arrangement in the warehouse becomes easy and functional.

The image forming apparatus includes not only a copying machine, but also any apparatus such as a printer and a FAX that can form an image.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described,
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment,
It is obvious that those skilled in the art can modify or substitute the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Reuse information for diagnosing the reuse of parts equipped in the reuse target device based on the usage information of the reuse target device such as the image forming device received by the server, and the reuse target device Since the collection information regarding the collection of the information is notified to the processing terminals belonging to the processing plant such as the recycling plant, the recycling target device can be preliminarily used at the processing plant such as the recycling plant before the recycling target device is brought in. There is an effect that it can be confirmed that the goods are delivered.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a copying machine collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an image diagram schematically showing a copying machine collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention as a configuration of a computer network system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic functional configuration block diagram of each device of the computer network system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a management system showing a processing content control unit of a copying machine in detail.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing data stored in a copying machine information DB.

FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing a specialized screen of a touch panel.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a collection classification instruction sheet.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the management server.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing diagnostic data for parts included in a unit for determining reuse of parts.

[Explanation of symbols]

FD storage medium 10 management system 11 Copier collection system 20 Copier 22 Image reader 23 Touch panel 24 Image forming section 26 Paper Feed Section 27 copy glass 28 Sorter 30 Processing content control unit 50 management center 60 sales bases 62 business warehouse 64 district warehouse 70 Central Warehouse 80 Demolition Factory 81 Target computer 82 base computers 83 Management server 85 Warehouse Computer 87 Demolition computer 88 network 89 Recycling computer 90 Recycling plant

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/00 107 H04N 1/00 107Z (72) Inventor Masatsugu Kawaguchi 2274 Hongo, Ebina, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Zero F-term in Ebina Works, Co., Ltd. (reference) 2H027 EJ08 EJ13 HB02 HB05 ZA09 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA29 AA35 AB38 AB42 AC22 AC34 AF00 BD00

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. Use information of a device to be reused is received via a communication line, and diagnostic information for diagnosing reuse of parts equipped in the device to be reused is based on the received use information. Based on the generated diagnostic information, the reuse information for reusing the component or the recovery information regarding the recovery of the device to be reused is set, and based on the set reuse information or the recovery information. Determining identification information for identifying a processing site that processes the reuse target device, and notifying the processing terminal belonging to the processing site corresponding to the determined identification information of the reuse information or the recovery information And a method for managing a device to be reused. 2. The management method for a reuse target apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recovery information is output to the reuse target apparatus connected to a communication line and printed. 3. The reuse information is at least one of an instruction to extract a component equipped in a device to be reused and an instruction to perform a process based on material information indicating at least one of size, weight and material of the component. The reuse target device management method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an instruction. 4. The production plan information from the production management side when setting the priority order for reusing the parts and accumulating the reusability information and producing at least a part of the reusable apparatus. The device to be reused for reusing the component is determined based on the received reuse information and the accumulated production plan information, and the device to be reused is determined. Management method of reuse target device. 5. The reusable information is set as recycle information when the diagnostic information does not include a diagnostic result of reusing the component. 2. A method of managing a device to be reused according to item 1. 6. Receiving means for receiving usage information of a device to be reused via a communication line, and diagnosis of reuse of parts equipped in the device to be reused based on the received usage information. Generating means for generating diagnostic information, and setting means for setting reuse information for reusing the component or recovery information regarding recovery of the reuse target device based on the generated diagnostic information, Based on the reuse information and the recovery information, the determination means for determining the identification information for identifying the processing site for processing the device to be reused, and the processing terminal belonging to the processing site corresponding to the determined identification information, A management server for a device to be reused, comprising: a notification unit that notifies the reuse information or the collection information. 7. The reuse target apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an output unit that outputs the recovery information to the reuse target apparatus connected to a communication line and prints it. Management server. 8. The setting means uses, as the reuse information, an instruction to extract a component mounted on a reuse target device,
The reusable object according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the reusable object is set by including at least one instruction of processing based on material information indicating at least one of size, weight and material of the part. Device management server. 9. A storage unit for setting a priority order for reusing the parts and accumulating the reuse information, and production from a production management side when producing at least a part of the reuse target apparatus. It further comprises a receiving means for receiving the plan information, and a specifying means for determining a reuse target device for reusing the part based on the accumulated reuse information and the production plan information. The management server of the reuse target apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8. 10. The setting means sets the reuse information as recycling information when the diagnosis information does not include a diagnosis result of reusing the component. The management server of the reuse target apparatus according to claim 9. 11. Diagnostic information for receiving use information of a device to be reused through a communication line, and diagnosing reuse of a component equipped in the device to be reused based on the received use information. Based on the generated diagnostic information, the reuse information for reusing the component or the recovery information regarding the recovery of the device to be reused is set, and based on the reuse information or the recovery information. Identification information for identifying a processing site for processing the reuse target device is determined, and the reuse information or the processing information belonging to the processing site connected to the communication line corresponding to the determined identification information A management program for a device to be reused, which notifies recovery information. 12. Use information of a device to be reused is received via a communication line, and based on the received use information, diagnostic information is diagnosed for reuse of a component equipped in the device to be reused. Based on the generated diagnostic information, the reuse information for reusing the component or the recovery information regarding the recovery of the device to be reused is set, and based on the reuse information or the recovery information. Identification information for identifying a processing site for processing the reuse target device is determined, and the reuse information or the processing information belonging to the processing site connected to the communication line corresponding to the determined identification information A storage medium storing a management program for a device to be reused, characterized by notifying recovery information.