JP2012242481A - Greenhouse gas discharge reduction support system, image forming apparatus using the same, greenhouse gas discharge reduction support method, and display device for use in greenhouse gas discharge reduction support system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a greenhouse gas discharge reduction support system which provides a support service for greenhouse gas reduction to prompt a user to make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas, an image forming apparatus using the same, a greenhouse gas discharge reduction support method, and a display device for use in the greenhouse gas discharge reduction support system.SOLUTION: The greenhouse gas discharge reduction support system for an image forming apparatus 1 includes a function of detecting consumables information, a function of storing the consumables information, a function of determining consumables, a function of calculating a greenhouse gas discharge, a function of determining whether the greenhouse gas discharge exceeds a greenhouse gas offset amount or not, a function of notifying of information indicating that a support service for reducing greenhouse gas discharge is to be provided, a function of displaying the information indicating that the support service is to be provided, and a function of selecting the support service and notifying a data management server 701.

Description

  The present invention relates to a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system, an image forming apparatus using the same, a greenhouse gas emission reduction support method, and a display device used in a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system, and in particular, an image that is purchased or leased. Greenhouse gas emission reduction support system for supporting reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by consumables to which a greenhouse gas emission allowance (greenhouse gas emission right) used in the forming apparatus has been granted, and an image forming apparatus using the same And a display device used in a greenhouse gas emission reduction support method and a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system.

In recent years, in consideration of the global environment, copiers, facsimiles, printers, and other image forming apparatuses use consumables and replacement parts used in the image forming apparatus that have reduced the burden on the global environment. Has been promoted.
In addition, in order to reduce the CO ₂ emission amount, an improvement is recommended to the user.

As a conventional technique, for example, in an image forming apparatus, conversion information for converting energy consumption necessary for various operations of the image forming apparatus and necessary consumption resources into an expected emission amount of greenhouse gas (for example, carbon dioxide) is provided. A CO ₂ conversion type parameter storage area to be stored, an in-device information collection module that collects information on energy consumption and necessary consumption resources associated with the operation when the image forming apparatus performs an operation, and an operation collected thereby There has been proposed one having a CO ₂ conversion counter calculation module that converts information into an expected greenhouse gas emission amount using conversion information (see Patent Document 1).

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of calculating the expected amount of greenhouse gas emission by the image forming apparatus and presenting a user with a method of using the image forming apparatus optimal for the environment.

JP 2009-58749 A

  However, although the above-described conventional technology can provide the user with a method of using the image forming apparatus that is most suitable for the environment, it is a consumable item with a greenhouse gas emission frame (consumable item with a greenhouse gas reduction credit). ) For users with high environmental awareness, such as purchasing), improving the awareness that carbon offsets do not require efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage users to make further efforts to reduce greenhouse gases themselves It was difficult.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by offsetting a highly environmentally conscious user such as purchasing a consumable with a greenhouse gas reduction credit. Greenhouse gas emission reduction support system that can improve the awareness that there is no need to do so, and encourage users to make further efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, image forming apparatus using the same, and greenhouse gas emission reduction support It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device used in a method and a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system.

  A greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus using the same, a greenhouse gas emission reduction support method, and a display device used in a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system include the following: Street.

  The present invention is a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system that performs support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame used in an image forming apparatus that is purchased or leased. Connecting the forming apparatus and a data management server of a consumables manufacturer or a consumables sales company via a communication means, and configured to allow the data management server to monitor the use status of the consumables of the image forming apparatus, Consumables information detecting means for detecting information stored in storage means or recording means provided in the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus, and a consumable with a greenhouse gas discharge frame used in the image forming apparatus. Consumables information storage means that stores consumables information including greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction costs, and greenhouse gas emissions are calculated according to the usage status of the consumables. And the consumables greenhouse gas emissions purchased in advance based on the greenhouse gas emissions calculated by the greenhouse gas emission calculation means. A greenhouse gas emission judging means for judging whether or not a greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to an emission allowance transaction cost is exceeded, and a greenhouse gas of the consumable product that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumable product is purchased in advance. Information that informs the image forming apparatus that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumable product exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount when it is determined that the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the emission allowance transaction cost is exceeded; Greenhouse gas emission support information notification means for notifying information that a service for restricting use of the image forming apparatus is provided, and the greenhouse gas emission Based on the information that the information notified by the port information notifying means displays the greenhouse gas emission support information display means for displaying the information on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, and the service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus. A greenhouse gas emission support service selection notification means for notifying the data management server of information for selecting a service for restricting use of the image forming apparatus when selecting a service for restricting use of the image forming apparatus; The data management server can receive a service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, as a service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus, any of a service for restricting at least an operation time of the image forming apparatus, a service for restricting printing, or a service for restricting communication of the image forming apparatus. It is preferable to notify the data management server of the service specified from among the services that restrict the use of the image forming apparatus by the greenhouse gas emission support service selection notification means.

  According to the present invention, when a user selects a service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus, the selected service is set as a default of the image forming apparatus (that is, set in a preset state). Is preferred.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that a service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus is provided until replacement of the consumables.

  Further, the present invention provides at least information for identifying the consumable as information stored in the storage means or recording means provided in the consumable, and a credit number related to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumable Or any information of a greenhouse gas reduction project in which the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction costs are used.

  Further, the present invention provides information notified from the greenhouse gas emission support information notifying means, that is, information notifying that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount, and the image formation Information indicating that a service for restricting use of the apparatus is provided is preferably displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is ready.

  In the present invention, when the image forming apparatus is ready, when warming up, between print jobs, or when there is no input signal from the input unit (when the user is not operating the image forming apparatus), the scanner When there is no signal for placing a document in the unit.

  Further, the present invention provides information notified from the greenhouse gas emission support information notifying means, that is, information notifying that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount, and the image formation When the image forming apparatus is notified of information that provides a service that restricts the use of the apparatus, it is owned by the administrator of the image forming apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus by the control unit of the image forming apparatus. It is preferable to transfer to a terminal device (for example, a personal computer).

  Further, the present invention provides a two-dimensional code such as an IC chip (for example, a non-volatile memory such as a wireless IC tag or a contact type CRUM), a barcode, or a QR code (registered trademark) as the storage means or recording means for the consumables. Either of these is preferably used.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the consumable item includes a carbon footprint mark.

  In addition, the present invention provides a service that includes a touch panel or operation keys substantially as a configuration of the display unit, and restricts use of the image forming apparatus by operating the touch panel or the operation keys on the display unit. It is preferable to select.

  Note that the touch panel and the operation keys may be provided separately, or a display unit using the touch panel and a display unit that performs only display, that is, a plurality of display units may be provided.

  In addition, the present invention includes a display unit that is connected to an external data management server via a communication unit and has a function of displaying information notified from the data management server, and is purchased or leased. 11. A display device for use in a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system that provides support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of consumables with a greenhouse gas emission frame used in the device, wherein the display device is any one of claims 1 to 10. It is used as a display device constituting the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to one item.

  The present invention is an image forming apparatus that is purchased or leased, and is used as an image forming apparatus constituting the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. It is characterized by.

  In the image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus includes a display unit that displays information, and the display device according to claim 11 is used as the display unit.

  Further, the present invention is a greenhouse gas emission reduction support method for providing support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in purchased or leased image forming apparatuses, The display device according to claim 11 is used to notify information for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of consumables with a greenhouse gas emission frame.

  Further, the present invention is a greenhouse gas emission reduction support method for providing support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in purchased or leased image forming apparatuses, The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 is used as the image forming apparatus to notify information for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of consumables with a greenhouse gas discharge frame.

  According to the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system of the present invention, the greenhouse gas that performs the support for reducing the greenhouse gas emission by the consumable with the greenhouse gas emission frame used in the purchased or leased image forming apparatus. An emission reduction support system, wherein the image forming apparatus is connected to a data management server of a consumable manufacturer or a consumable sales company via a communication unit, and the consumable of the image forming apparatus is connected by the data management server. Consumables information detecting means for detecting information stored in a storage means or a recording means provided in a consumable attached to the image forming apparatus, the usage status being configured to be monitored, and used in the image forming apparatus Consumables information storage means for storing consumables information including greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction costs of consumables with greenhouse gas emission allowances, and the consumables Greenhouse gas emission calculation means for calculating greenhouse gas emission according to the usage situation, and greenhouse gas emission of the consumables based on the greenhouse gas emission calculated by the greenhouse gas emission calculation means Greenhouse gas emission judging means for judging whether or not the amount exceeds a greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to a greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumables purchased in advance, and greenhouse gas emission of the consumables When it is determined that the amount exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumables purchased in advance, the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables is transferred to the image forming apparatus. Greenhouse gas emission support that notifies information that the gas offset amount is exceeded and information that provides a service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus. Use of the image forming apparatus, the greenhouse gas emission support information display means for displaying the information notified by the greenhouse gas emission support information notification means on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, and the use of the image forming apparatus When selecting a service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus based on the information that the service to be used is provided, the data management server is notified of information that selects the service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus. A greenhouse gas emission support service selection notification means, and a service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus by the data management server. However, if the carbon offset is easily done, the awareness that it is not necessary to make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is improved. Users can promote their own efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system that can suppress global warming.

  In addition, the user can more easily practice the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce costs by eliminating the need to purchase additional credit costs for excess greenhouse gas emissions.

  According to the present invention, as a service for restricting use of the image forming apparatus, at least a service for restricting an operation time of the image forming apparatus, a service for restricting printing, or a service for restricting communication of the image forming apparatus. By notifying the data management server of the service specified from among the services that restrict the use of the image forming apparatus by the greenhouse gas emission support service selection notification means. A desired service can be selected from services that restrict the use of the image forming apparatus, and the desired service can be received. Accordingly, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced without deteriorating the convenience of use of the image forming apparatus to the user in accordance with the use environment of the image forming apparatus of the user.

  According to the present invention, when a user selects a service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus, the use restriction of the image forming apparatus is set by setting the selected service as a default of the image forming apparatus. Since the default setting can be easily performed, the user does not need to set the value each time the image forming apparatus is used, and the greenhouse gas emission amount can be easily reduced.

  According to the present invention, a service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus is provided until the replacement time of the consumables, so that one consumable credit purchase cost and one service correspond one-to-one. This makes it easy for users to manage consumables.

  According to the present invention, the information stored in the storage means or the recording means provided in the consumable item includes at least information that can identify the consumable item, and the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumable item. Including either the credit number or the information of the greenhouse gas reduction project in which the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost is used, that is, the data on which the greenhouse gas offset amount is exceeded is provided. Thus, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the credit purchase cost has been exceeded, and it is possible to easily determine whether or not the consumable item is a consumable item with a greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost (credit).

  According to the present invention, the information notified from the greenhouse gas emission support information notification means, that is, information notifying that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount, In an environment where the image forming apparatus is used by a plurality of users, information indicating that a service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is ready. In addition, information notified from the data management server can be displayed without interfering with the copy operation, mail operation, and FAX operation of other users.

  According to the present invention, the information notified from the greenhouse gas emission support information notification means, that is, information notifying that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount, The manager of the image forming apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus by the control unit of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is notified of information that provides a service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus. By transferring to the terminal device owned by the administrator, even in an environment where the image forming apparatus is used by a plurality of users, the administrator may interfere with copy operations, mail operations, and FAX operations of other users. The information notified from the data management server can be displayed.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the storage means or recording means for the consumables, there are 2 such as an IC chip (for example, a non-volatile memory such as a wireless IC tag or a contact type CRUM), a bar code, a QR code (registered trademark), or the like. By using any one of the dimension codes, the storage information can be easily read by the detection unit of the image forming apparatus, and the read storage information can be easily acquired by the data management server.

  In addition, according to the present invention, by providing a carbon footprint mark on the consumables, the user can confirm the amount of greenhouse gas generated in the lifecycle of the consumables, further contributing to the promotion of environmental activities. it can.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display unit, a touch panel or an operation key is provided substantially integrally, and the use of the image forming apparatus is restricted by operating the touch panel or the operation key on the display unit. Selection operation can be easily performed by selecting a service.

  Further, according to the display device of the present invention, the display device is connected to an external data management server via a communication unit, and has a display unit having a function of displaying information notified from the data management server, and is purchased or leased. 11. A display device for use in a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system that performs support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of consumables having a greenhouse gas emission frame used in an image forming apparatus that is used. By using as a display device that constitutes the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to any one of the above, information on a service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus from the data management server in the display device The desired service can be selected based on the information displayed. As a result, users who are highly environmentally conscious, such as purchasing consumables with greenhouse gas reduction credits, will be able to improve their awareness that if they make an offset, they will not have to make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Can encourage efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.

  In addition, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is purchased or leased, and constitutes the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. When used as an image forming apparatus, information on a service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus from the data management server in the image forming apparatus is displayed, and a desired service is selected based on the service information. Can do. As a result, users who are highly environmentally conscious, such as purchasing consumables with greenhouse gas reduction credits, will be able to improve their awareness that if they make an offset, they will not have to make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Can encourage efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.

  According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a display unit that displays information, and the display unit according to claim 11 is used as the display unit, whereby the data management server is used in the display device. The service information for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus from is displayed, and a desired service can be selected based on the service information. As a result, users who are highly environmentally conscious, such as purchasing consumables with GHG reduction credits, will be able to improve their awareness that offsetting will eliminate the need for efforts to reduce GHG emissions. Can encourage efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.

  In addition, according to the greenhouse gas emission reduction support method of the present invention, a greenhouse that provides support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in purchased or leased image forming apparatuses. An effect gas emission reduction support method, wherein the display device according to claim 11 is used to display information on a service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus from the data management server, and information on the service is displayed. The desired service can be selected based on the above. As a result, users who are highly environmentally conscious, such as purchasing consumables with greenhouse gas reduction credits, will be able to improve their awareness that if they make an offset, they will not have to make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Can encourage efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.

  In addition, according to the greenhouse gas emission reduction support method of the present invention, a greenhouse that provides support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in purchased or leased image forming apparatuses. 14. An effective gas emission reduction support method, comprising: using the image forming apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 as the image forming apparatus, to obtain service information that restricts use of the image forming apparatus from the data management server. The desired service can be selected based on the information displayed. As a result, users who are highly environmentally conscious, such as purchasing consumables with greenhouse gas reduction credits, will be able to improve their awareness that if they make an offset, they will not have to make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Can encourage efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the communication network which comprises the greenhouse gas emission reduction assistance system used for the said image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the operation panel which comprises the greenhouse gas emission reduction assistance system used for the said image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial screen of DOCUMENT FILING mode displayed on the display part which comprises the said operation panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the notification screen containing the information notified to the image forming apparatus from the data management server displayed on the said display part, and notifying that the greenhouse gas emission amount of consumables exceeds a greenhouse gas offset amount. . It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial screen of the IMAGE SEND mode displayed on the said display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the notification screen for selecting the support service of the greenhouse gas emission reduction displayed on the display part of the operation panel of the said image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the notification screen for performing selection confirmation of the support service containing the service content of the support service of the greenhouse gas emission reduction displayed on the said display part. The user restricts the use of the image forming apparatus based on the information on the greenhouse gas emission of the consumables notified from the data management server side to the image forming apparatus on the user side by the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system of the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which selects a service and notifies a data management server. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the modification of embodiment which concerns on the greenhouse gas emission reduction assistance system of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

  The present embodiment is an image forming apparatus that is purchased or leased as shown in FIG. 1, and is used in an image forming apparatus 1 that is connected to a data management server and forms an image using toner by an electrophotographic method. The greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to the present invention is adopted as a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system that provides support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames. It is.

First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a predetermined sheet (recording paper, recording medium) according to image data transmitted from the outside. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 mainly includes an image forming unit 3 including an electrophotographic process unit (not shown) which is a main unit, an operation panel 100, and a scanner unit (not shown). The image reading unit 2 is provided.

  The image data obtained by reading the original image with the scanner unit is subjected to various processes and then temporarily stored in the memory. In response to an output instruction, the image data is output from the memory to the image forming unit 3 and is exposed to light. After being reproduced as a visible image on a body drum (not shown), the image is transferred onto a sheet to form a toner image.

A paper feed unit 4 for supplying paper adjacent to the image forming unit 3 is configured.
The sheet feeding unit 4 includes first to third cassettes 31, 32, and 33, and a large-capacity cassette 34 as an option. The large-capacity cassette 34 can accommodate a large amount of standard paper that is most frequently used, for example, A4 size.

A paper discharge tray 51 is formed between the image reading unit 2 and the image forming unit 3.
A post-processing device 5 is configured adjacent to the image forming unit 3.
The post-processing device 5 is provided with a first paper discharge tray 52 and a second paper discharge tray 53.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a PC, FAX, and a data management server such as a manufacturer, a sales destination or a lease destination via a network line (LAN, telephone line, etc.) not shown.

Here, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a block diagram.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes, as an electrical configuration, a control unit 501 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, a storage unit 502, a calculation unit 503, a display unit 101, an input unit 505, and a network line. A communication unit 506 that performs LAN connection with a PC or the like, an image processing unit 508 that performs image processing, an image forming unit 509 that performs image formation, a fixing unit 510 that performs toner image fixing processing, and a scanner that reads an image A reading unit 507, a control unit 511 for controlling the operation of the post-processing device 5 (referring to the peripheral device in FIG. 2), and the like are provided.

  In this embodiment, the consumables used in the image forming apparatus 1 include an IC chip (non-volatile memory such as a wireless IC tag or a contact type CRUM), a barcode, a QR code (registered) as a storage unit or a recording unit. Trademark) and the like.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a detecting unit (consumable information detecting unit) 509a that detects information stored in the storage unit or the recording unit of the consumable item.
The detection unit 509 a detects information on consumables used by the user in the image forming apparatus 1.

  The storage unit 502 stores consumable information with a greenhouse gas emission frame used in the image forming apparatus 1 as consumable information storage means.

  The control unit 501 collates the detection result (consumable information) detected by the detecting unit 509a with the consumable information stored in the storage unit 502, and the consumable is a consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame. It has a function to determine whether or not.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 501 starts the image forming apparatus 1 to the Ready state when it is determined that the consumable part mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 is a consumable part with a greenhouse gas discharge frame. Has been.

Next, a characteristic greenhouse gas emission reduction support system used in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a communication network constituting the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a greenhouse gas emission used in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the initial screen of the DOCUMENT FILE mode displayed on the display unit constituting the operation panel, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the initial screen of the operation panel constituting the reduction support system. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of a notification screen including information notifying that the greenhouse gas emission amount of consumables notified from the data management server to the image forming apparatus exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial screen of the IMAGE SEND mode displayed on.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system used in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit 506 via a LAN (local area network) 700, such as a manufacturer, sales destination, or lease destination. A greenhouse gas emission reduction support system that provides support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in the image forming apparatus 1 connected to the data management server 701, the data management server 701 It is characterized by providing support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the user by a business operator who manages the above.

  In this greenhouse gas emission reduction support system, the image forming apparatus 1 and the data management server 701 of the sales destination of the image forming apparatus 1 are connected via a LAN (local area network (communication means)) 700 as a communication connection. The usage status of the consumables of the image forming apparatus 1 can be monitored by the sales destination.

  In addition, the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system includes a detection unit (consumption) that detects information stored in a storage unit or a recording unit provided in a consumable item attached to the image forming apparatus 1 on the image forming apparatus 1 side. Product information detection means) 509a and a storage unit (consumables information storage means) 502 in which information on consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in the image forming apparatus 1 (including information on greenhouse gas emission frames) is stored. On the data management server 701 side, based on the calculated greenhouse gas emission amount, the function of calculating the greenhouse gas emission amount according to the use state of the consumables (greenhouse gas emission calculating means) A function for determining whether or not the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables exceeds a greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumables purchased in advance (greenhouse Fruit gas emission determination means), and when it is determined that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumables purchased in advance, A function of notifying the image forming apparatus 1 of information notifying that the amount of greenhouse gas emissions of the consumables exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount and information providing a service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 1 ( Greenhouse gas emission support information notification means).

  The image forming apparatus 1 has a function of displaying information notified to the image forming apparatus 1 on the display unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 (greenhouse gas emission support information display unit). The service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 1 is selected when the service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 1 is selected based on the information that provides the service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 1 notified to A function (greenhouse gas emission support service selection notification means) for notifying the data management server 701 of the information to the effect.

  In the present embodiment, information for notifying the storage means (not shown) on the data management server 701 side that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumable exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount, and a service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 1 Is stored.

  The service information for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 1 includes information on a selection screen for selecting a service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 1 and a selection confirmation screen for selecting and determining the content of the selected service. Contains information.

  A control unit (not shown) on the side of the data management server 701 functions as a greenhouse gas emission calculating means for calculating a greenhouse gas emission amount according to the use state of the consumables, and the calculated greenhouse gas emission amount. The greenhouse gas emission determination for determining whether the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumables purchased in advance It is comprised so that it may function as a means.

  Further, the control unit (not shown) on the data management server 701 side determines that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumable item exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumable item purchased in advance. Information that informs the image forming apparatus 1 that the amount of greenhouse gas emissions of the consumable product exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount, and information that provides a service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus 1. Is configured to function as a greenhouse gas emission support information notification means.

  In the present embodiment, information notified from the data management server 701 is displayed on the display unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 when the image forming apparatus 1 is ready.

  The control unit 501 on the image forming apparatus 1 side is configured to function as a greenhouse gas emission support information display unit that displays information notified to the image forming apparatus 1 on the display unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1. Yes.

  Further, the control unit 501 on the image forming apparatus 1 side provides a service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the information that the service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 1 notified to the image forming apparatus 1 is provided. When selecting, it is configured to function as a greenhouse gas emission support service selection notification means for notifying the data management server 701 of information to select a service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus 1.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit 101 of the operation panel 100 is configured to function as a display unit of the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system.

As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 100 has an operation surface (input unit) 100 a configured in a substantially planar shape, and a display unit 101 configured in a substantially central portion thereof.
The display unit 101 may not be flush with the operation surface (input unit) 100a, but may be openable and closable with respect to the operation surface (input unit) 100a. What is the operation surface (input unit) 100a? It may be provided separately. Moreover, you may combine them.

  The display unit 101 includes a touch panel or operation keys substantially integrally. The display unit 101 is configured to display information transmitted from the data management server 701 by operating the touch panel or operation keys on the display unit 101.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the display unit 101 displays operation keys 110 for selecting a processing mode by the image forming apparatus 1. The operation key 110 is provided with an icon 111a for DOCUMENT FILING mode, an icon 111b for IMAGE SEND mode, and an icon 111c for COPY mode. By using the operation key 110, a COPY mode, an IMAGE SEND mode, and a DOCUMENT FILING mode can be selected.

  When the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, an initial screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 101. When the icon 111a for the DOCUMENT FILING mode is selected from the operation keys 110, as shown in FIG. The initial screen 110a of the DOCUMENT FILING mode is displayed.

  A preview confirmation icon 120a as an operation key is displayed at the lower left of the initial screen 110a in the DOCUMENT FILING mode. When the preview confirmation icon 120 a is touched, information such as an email received by the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed on the display unit 101.

  In the present embodiment, when a new mail is received by the image forming apparatus 1, the icon 111 a for DOCUMENT FILING mode blinks. When the preview confirmation icon 120a is selected, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumables purchased in advance is the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables of the image forming apparatus 1. A notification screen 101a including a message (notification mail) notifying that the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to is exceeded is displayed on the display unit 101.

  Specifically, the greenhouse gas emission amount calculated according to the use state of the consumables by the control unit (not shown) on the data management server 701 side corresponds to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumables purchased in advance. When it is determined that the greenhouse gas offset amount is exceeded, the title (important notice) 101a1 is sent from the store data management server 701 to the image forming apparatus 1 (user side) as shown in FIG. A message 101a2 for informing that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumables purchased in advance, and for reducing the greenhouse gas emission amount The information on the notification screen 101a including the message 101a3 indicating that the support service is provided is notified.

  Further, on the notification screen 101a, as a selection switch thumbnail, a selection icon 131 for selecting to view the contents of various services of the support service and a selection icon 132 for selecting to close without looking at the support service are displayed.

  When the IMAGE SEND mode icon 111b of the operation keys 110 is selected on the display unit 101, an initial screen 110b in the DOCUMENT SEND mode is displayed as shown in FIG.

  An application icon 120b as an operation key is displayed at the lower left of the initial screen 110b in the IMAGE SEND mode. When the application icon 120b is touched, information notifying that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables notified from the data management server 701 to the image forming apparatus 1 exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount, and the use of the image forming apparatus 1 are displayed. A notification screen 101a including information that a service to be restricted is provided is displayed.

  The operation panel 100 also includes an icon (not shown) for switching between list display and thumbnail display, and an icon (not shown) for returning to the initial screen 110b in the IMAGE SEND mode.

  In this embodiment, the selection screen displayed on the display unit 101 is, for example, information on each list display or thumbnail display by touching a list display or thumbnail display displayed on the screen using a touch panel. It is comprised so that it may function as a selection means which performs operation based on.

Next, information notified from the data management server 701 to the image forming apparatus 1 in the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen for selecting a greenhouse gas emission reduction support service displayed on the display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the notification screen for performing selection confirmation of the support service including the service content of the support service of greenhouse gas emission reduction performed.

  According to the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system of this embodiment, the data management server 701 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the above-mentioned consumables exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount. In addition to the information on the notification screen that includes information and information on providing support services to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the information on the notification screen for confirming the selection of support services including the service contents of the support services Be notified.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the preview confirmation icon 120a is selected on the initial screen 110a in the DOCUMENT FILING mode, or the display on the operation panel 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed as shown in FIG. When the application icon 120b is selected on the initial screen 110b in the IMAGE SEND mode displayed on the unit 101, the greenhouse gas emissions of the consumables of the image forming apparatus 1 are displayed on the display unit 101 in advance as shown in FIG. A notification screen 101a including a message notifying that the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the purchased consumable item is exceeded is displayed.

  When the selection icon 131 for selecting viewing of the contents of the various support services is selected on the notification screen 101a, a support service for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is provided as shown in FIG. A notification screen 101b for selection is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the notification screen 101b includes a title (support service main menu) 101b1, an appearance display 101b2 of the image forming apparatus 1 currently used as a thumbnail for image display, and an icon for a selection switch. A return icon 133 for returning to the screen, a stop icon 134 for stopping the selection of the support service, and a selection switch icon for selecting a support service for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are displayed.

  As a selection switch icon for selecting a support service for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, an icon 141 for selecting a service for restricting the operating state of the image forming apparatus, an icon 142 for selecting a service for restricting printing, and an image An icon 143 for selecting a service for restricting communication of the forming apparatus, an icon 144 for selecting a service for restricting the use of consumables, and an icon 145 for selecting an “all” service are displayed.

  When an icon for selecting a support service for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is touched, the content of the selected support service is displayed on the display unit 101.

  For example, when an icon 142 for selecting a service for which printing is to be restricted is touched on the notification screen 101b, as shown in FIG. 9, the notification screen 101c for displaying a submenu of services for which printing is restricted is displayed on the display unit 101. Is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the notification screen 101c includes a title (support service submenu) 101c1, a submenu item 101c2 of the selected support service, and a return icon 133 that returns to the previous screen as an icon of a selection switch. A stop icon 134 for canceling the selection of the support service, a confirmation icon 135 for confirming the selected service, and a transmission icon 136 for transmitting the selected result are displayed.

  The support service submenu item 101c2 for restricting printing displays the support service number 101c21 and the support service content 101c22 for restricting printing corresponding to the support service number.

  Specifically, the support service number SS-21 is the content of toner save (1) (to reduce toner consumption). For example, data (not shown) is used to keep the toner density in the developing device (not shown) low. The control unit 501 of the image forming apparatus 1 is remotely controlled via the LAN 506 by the control unit of the management server 701.

  The support service number SS-22 is the content of toner save (2) (all black printing). For example, full curler printing is printed in black, and yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner are not consumed. So that remote control.

  The support service number SS-23 is the content of image density saving (reducing power when forming a printed image). For example, the application is applied to a charging device that charges a photosensitive member (electrostatic latent image carrier) (not shown). Remote control is performed to reduce power consumption by reducing the voltage or thinning the exposure dot density of an exposure apparatus that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor.

  The support service number SS-24 is the content of the recording paper save (prints all the sizes larger than the A4 size reduced to the A4 size). For example, by printing the A3 size to the A4 size, Remote control is performed to reduce power consumption by reducing the consumption by half or by halving the amount of heat lost to the recording paper of the fixing device (not shown).

  The support service number SS-25 is the content of the printing speed save (all low-speed printing). For example, by printing at a low speed, the pulse cycle of the rotation driving pulse voltage of the driving motor of the image forming apparatus (not shown) is increased. Remote control to reduce power consumption.

  The support service number SS-29 is a content for selecting all support services for printing restriction, and a content for selecting all the support services from SS-21 to SS-25 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the support service number SS-21 or toner save (1) (reducing toner consumption) is selected, the support service number selected for a color or color tone (not shown). SS-21 or Toner Save (1) (reduced toner consumption) column changes the display state (for example, it is lit or displayed in a different color) and is selected by the user It can also be made visible.

  If the content selected by the desired support service is acceptable, the confirmation icon 135 for confirming the selection is selected, and then the transmission icon 136 is selected.

  Then, the contents of toner save (1) (to reduce toner consumption) desired by the user are transmitted to the data management server 701, and the control means of the data management server 701 (not shown) stores the data in the data management server 701 (not shown). The image forming apparatus control program corresponding to toner save (1) (to reduce toner consumption) is read from the means, and remote control is performed via the control unit 501 of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the read image forming apparatus control program. I do.

  Note that the read control program may be transmitted to the control unit 501 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 1 may be controlled based on the control program received by the control unit 501.

  The content of the selected support service is set as a default print setting in the image forming apparatus 1.

Here, a support service for reducing other greenhouse gas emissions will be described.
In the present embodiment, the restriction on the operating state of the image forming apparatus refers to the case where, for example, most of the users are salespeople based on the history of the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus 1 by the data management server 701 in advance. During most of the time of absence from business (for example, 2 hours after the start of work, except for 3 hours before the end of work, which is crowded with slip processing and daily reports), the image forming apparatus can be used as a scanner or fax machine. For example, the printing time is reduced, the peripheral device (sorter, finisher) is disabled and only the paper output tray of the image forming apparatus is discharged, or the large-capacity paper supply device is disabled. Thus, the remote control is performed so that only the paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus main body is used.

  The restriction of communication of the image forming apparatus means that, for example, if the user owns a plurality of image forming apparatuses, remote control is performed so that communication is concentrated on one image forming apparatus.

  Further, the restriction of consumables means, for example, a remote control in which the amount of toner replenished from the toner cartridge is reduced and toner is replenished little by little so that toner empty is not detected.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, information that informs the image forming apparatus 1 that the greenhouse gas emission amount of consumables exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount from the data management server 701, and the image forming apparatus 1. Information indicating that a service for restricting use of the data is provided, and the user who receives the information notifies the data management server 701 of the selection of the service for restricting printing, whereby the data management server 701 is illustrated. The control unit 501 of the image forming apparatus 1 can be remotely controlled via the LAN 700 by the control unit that does not perform, thereby limiting the toner consumption.

  Accordingly, since the user can receive a support service for restricting printing from the data management server 701, the user can operate the image forming apparatus 1 without the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables exceeding the greenhouse gas offset amount. Can do.

  An operation for receiving a support service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus is performed when an input signal is sent to the operation panel 100 when the image forming apparatus 1 is warming up before the consumables are emptied or when printing is not being performed. If there is no document placement signal from the scanner unit, or if there is no memory card, magnetic card, USB memory, IC card, or wireless input signal, the operation panel 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed. It may be determined that the user is not operating, and the notification screens shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 may be displayed on the display unit 101 of the operation panel 100.

In addition, on consumables or consumable packing materials not shown, a value obtained by converting greenhouse gas emissions in the life cycle of the consumables into CO ₂ emissions and an explanatory text explaining the value are displayed. Yes.

The value of greenhouse gas emissions converted to CO ₂ emissions in the life cycle of consumables starts from the raw material procurement stage of consumables, during the production stage, distribution stage, use / maintenance management stage, and disposal / recycling stage. This is the value of greenhouse gas emissions and emissions.

There are six types of greenhouse gases, CO ₂ , CH ₄ , N ₂ O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF ₆ that are targeted by the Kyoto Protocol, but the value converted to CO ₂ is displayed.
The CO ₂ emission amount is calculated by the following general formula (I) using an LCA (life cycle assessment) method.

CO ₂ emissions = Σ (activity i x CO ₂ emissions intensity) (I)
i is an activity amount (process) from the above-mentioned raw material procurement to disposal / recycling.
Each stage of the life cycle and an example of the amount of activity (process) are shown in (1) to (5).
(1) The amount of activity at the raw material procurement stage is the amount of material used.
(2) The amount of activity at the production stage is the assembly weight and the power consumption during production.
(3) The amount of activity in the distribution stage is the transport amount (the product of the transport distance, the loading rate, and the truck loading amount).
(4) The amount of activity at the usage / maintenance stage is the amount of power consumed during use.
(5) The amount of activity at the disposal / recycling stage is landfill weight and recycled weight.
In addition, the unit of CO ₂ discharge | emission amount is represented by the unit showing the weight of (kg), (g), (t).

  Next, the connection between the image forming apparatus 1 and the data management server 701 constituting the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system used in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, overall control of the image forming apparatus 1 is performed by a control unit 501 as shown in FIG. Further, product information of consumables used in the image forming apparatus 1 and ecolabel information which is environment-acquisition acquisition information of consumables are stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the data management server 701.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 and the data management server 701 are connected to each other via a communication unit.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of users A, B, and C are connected to an image forming apparatus or consumables via a LAN (local area network) 700 by the communication unit 506 of the image forming apparatus 1 that is each terminal. It is possible to connect to a data management server 701 such as a store or a leasing company, or to connect via a satellite communication infrastructure 710 using a communication satellite 711.

  As the LAN (local area network) 700, in the case of wired, Ethernet (registered trademark) IEEE standard 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 10GBASE-T, etc., and their optical multimode 10BASE-F, 100BASE-F. , 1000BASE-X, 10GBASE-R, 10GBASE-W, 10GBASE-X, in the case of wireless, WiMAX IEEE 802.16 (broadband wireless standard), IEEE 802.16a (standard wireless communication standard, IEEE 802.16 standard frequency band used) ), IEEE 802.16-2004 (method used for fixed sections, also known as IEEE 802.16a / REVd), WAN, and cloud computing services (dedicated operators: cloud providers) can also be used.

The communication connection method between the image forming apparatus 1 and the data management server 701 is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, an ISDN, a VAN, a CATV communication network, a virtual private network, A telephone line network, a mobile communication network, etc. can be used.
Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth, etc. (Registered trademark), 802.11 radio, and radio such as HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, etc.

Next, the user forms an image based on the information on the greenhouse gas emission of the consumables notified from the data management server 701 side to the image forming apparatus 1 on the user side by the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system of the image forming apparatus 1. A procedure for selecting a service that restricts use of the apparatus 1 and notifying the data management server 701 will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 10 shows the image formation by the user based on the information on the greenhouse gas emission of the consumables notified from the data management server side to the image forming apparatus on the user side by the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which selects the service which restrict | limits use of an apparatus and notifies a data management server.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the power source of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, and the control for supporting the greenhouse gas emission reduction of the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1 by the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system is started. (Step S1), first, it is confirmed whether the data management server 701 at the sales destination of the image forming apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 1 are connected and can communicate with each other (Step S2). If the data management server 701 and the image forming apparatus 1 can communicate, the establishment of communication is recognized (step S3).

  Next, the data management server 701 determines whether or not a consumable item is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 (step S4).

  Whether or not a consumable item is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 can be determined by detecting the consumable item by the detection unit 509a. Further, the information on the consumables stored in the storage contents of the storage means provided in the consumables can be detected by the detecting unit 509a.

  The detection unit 509a detects from the data management server 701 to the image forming apparatus 1 that the consumables have been attached to the image forming apparatus 1 or the storage contents of the storage means provided in the consumables of the image forming apparatus 1. Is instructed via the LAN 700. As a result, the instructed control unit 501 transmits the result detected by the detection unit 509a to the data management server 701 via the LAN 700.

  Consumable information (product information) includes, for example, the identification number (unique model number) of consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1, information provided with a greenhouse gas emission frame, unique credit number, greenhouse Information on effect gas reduction projects.

  If it is determined in step S4 that no consumables are attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the processing by the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that a consumable item is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, does the consumable item attached to the image forming apparatus 1 have credit information (greenhouse gas emission frame information)? It is determined whether or not (step S5).

  If it is determined in step S5 that the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1 have no credit information (eg, consumable identification number, unique credit number, reduction project number, etc.), greenhouse gas emission reduction is performed. The processing by the support system ends.

  In step S5, if it is determined that the consumable item attached to the image forming apparatus 1 has credit information, the control unit (not shown) of the data management server 701 has received it in the past stored in the storage unit. The credit information is read out and it is determined whether or not the same credit information is present in the received information. And when it is judged that the same credit information was received in the past, the process by a greenhouse gas emission reduction assistance system is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the same credit information has not been received in the past, the control means (not shown) of the data management server 701 stores “consumable greenhouse gas emissions” stored in the storage means. "Information that informs that the greenhouse gas offset amount is exceeded" and "Information that a service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided" are read (step S6).

  Information that provides a service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus 1 includes information on a program that selects a service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus 1 and notifies the data management server 701 of the selected result. It is out.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1 is the Ready state (step S7). That is, in step S7, (1) whether the image forming apparatus 1 is warming up, (2) whether a print job is being executed, (3) whether there is an input signal from the input unit 505 of the display means, (4 When the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1 is determined, such as whether there is a document placement signal from the scanner, and the image forming apparatus 1 is determined to be in the ready state, the data management server 701 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is in the ready state. 1 is notified of information indicating that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumable exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount, and information indicating that a service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided (step S8).

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the information notified from the data management server 701, as shown in FIG. 5, the icon 111a for DOCUMENT FILE mode is blinked to notify the user.

  When the user touches the preview confirmation icon 120a, as shown in FIG. 6, the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponds to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumables purchased in advance. A notification screen 101a including a message notifying that the greenhouse gas offset amount to be exceeded is displayed on the display unit 101.

  The user confirms the message that the greenhouse gas offset amount of the consumables on the notification screen 101a exceeds, and when receiving the support service for reducing the greenhouse gas, the user selects to view the contents of the various services of the support service. When the selection icon 131 to be selected is selected, a notification screen 101b for selecting a support service for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is displayed on the display unit 101 as shown in FIG.

  Then, a desired support service is selected on the notification screen 101b, and further, the desired support service is selected from the submenu items 101c2 of the selected support service on the notification screen 101c for applying for the support service shown in FIG. Is selected and confirmed (step S9).

  Then, when the user touches and selects the transmission icon 136 on the notification screen 101c, the content of the support service selected by the user is transmitted to the data management server 701 (step S10).

  Note that the IMAGE SEND mode of the operation keys 110 is used at the convenience of the user (for example, when the image forming apparatus is warmed up, during a print job, or when there is no input signal from the input unit 505 of the display unit). By touching the icon 111b, an initial screen 110b in the IMAGE SEND mode is displayed as shown in FIG. Then, by touching the application icon 120b on the display screen, the notification screen shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 may be displayed on the display unit 101 to perform the above-described operation.

  Thereby, for example, in an environment where the image forming apparatus 1 is used by a plurality of users, it is possible to perform an operation of selecting and applying for a support service for reducing greenhouse gas emissions without disturbing other users.

  As described above, the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system of the image forming apparatus 1 allows the user to confirm whether or not the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the credit purchase cost of the consumables is exceeded. Support services for reducing gas emissions have been selected so that users can receive services, so even users with high environmental awareness will not make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if they easily offset carbon. You can improve your awareness that you can get away with it, and encourage users to make efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. As a result, a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and suppress global warming can be realized.

  If the consumable item attached to the image forming apparatus 1 is not a genuine consumable item, it may be displayed on the display unit 101 as a non-genuine consumable item. In addition, the content displayed for non-genuine consumables is, for example, a warning or warning to the user such as "This image forming device may not operate normally because non-genuine consumables are used." It can be a message.

  Further, as a message display method, the notification screen 101a shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed on the display unit 101 for a specific time, or may be displayed a plurality of times for a predetermined time.

  The message can be deleted by the data management server 701 after displaying a specific time or number of times, or when the user operates any operation key (input unit 505). Also good.

  In addition, for example, when a predetermined password is input by an operation of the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1, it may be deleted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, as a configuration of the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system of the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 and the data management server 701 that sells consumables are connected to the LAN 700. Connected to the image forming apparatus 1 so that the state of use of the consumables of the image forming apparatus 1 can be monitored by the sales destination. The storage means provided in the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1 or A detection unit 509a for detecting information stored in the recording means, and a storage unit 502 for storing information on consumables with a greenhouse gas emission frame used in the image forming apparatus 1, and on the data management server 701 side , The function of calculating greenhouse gas emissions according to the usage status of the consumables, and the greenhouse gas emissions of the consumables purchased in advance based on the calculated greenhouse gas emissions A function of determining whether or not a greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to a greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of consumables is exceeded, and a greenhouse gas of the consumables that the greenhouse gas emissions of the consumables are purchased in advance Information that informs the image forming apparatus 1 that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumable product exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount when it is determined that the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the emission allowance transaction cost is exceeded; And a function of notifying the information that the service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the information notified to the image forming apparatus 1 on the image forming apparatus 1 side. The image forming apparatus 1 has a function of displaying on the unit 101 and is provided with a service that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus 1 notified to the image forming apparatus 1. When a service that restricts use is selected, the user is provided with a function of notifying the data management server 701 of information that selects a service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus 1. It can be confirmed whether the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the cost is exceeded.
In addition, support services for reducing greenhouse gas emissions can be selected and received, so even users with a high environmental awareness can easily reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making a carbon offset. It is possible to improve the awareness that it is not necessary to make an effort, and to encourage the user to make further efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. As a result, a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and suppress global warming can be realized.

  In the above-described embodiment, information notified from the data management server 701 by the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system is displayed on the display unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1, but the present invention has this configuration. It is not limited.

(Modification)
Below, the modification of the greenhouse gas emission reduction assistance system of embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a modification of the embodiment according to the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system of the present invention.

  In addition to the configuration of the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system of the above-described embodiment, the modified example of the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system includes an image forming apparatus 1 and an administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. An owned terminal device 800 (for example, a personal computer) is communicatively connected, and a notification screen 801a notified from the data management server 701 is displayed on the display unit 801 of the terminal device 800 owned by the administrator. It is.

  When the control unit 501 of the image forming apparatus 1 detects the use recommendation message of the recycled consumables notified from the data management server 701, the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system transfers the message to the terminal device 800 owned by the administrator. It is configured.

  With the configuration described above, the administrator can use other users of the image forming apparatus by using the terminal device 800 that he / she manages without being affected by the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1 by other users. Support service operation can be performed without worrying about the situation and without disturbing.

  Further, the terminal device 800 may be a tablet type portable terminal other than a personal computer.

  In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the data management server 701 is managed by a business unit such as a manufacturer, a sales destination, or a lease destination. For example, an image forming apparatus manufacturer, a consumables manufacturer, a cloud computer, etc. It may be managed by a cloud provider that provides a streaming service.

  The data management server 701 may be connected to a backup server that backs up the functions of the data management server 701. Thereby, even if the data management server 701 is down, the system of the present invention is smoothly operated.

Further, the administrator of the image forming apparatus may be an administrator who performs general device management, or more preferably a person who is qualified for a professional qualification “carbon manager” for reducing CO ₂ emissions. The professional qualification “Carbon Manager” enables objective evaluation of expertise and know-how regarding global warming countermeasures, so that the system of the present invention can be understood and used more effectively, and greenhouse gases can be used for users. Encourage efforts to reduce.

  The storage unit 502 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the storage unit of the data management server 701 (not shown) include, for example, a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and a CD-ROM. / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R / Blu-ray and other optical discs, IC cards (including memory cards) / optical cards, etc., mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM, etc. A semiconductor memory system or the like can be used.

  Further, the configuration of the display unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display (Organic Electro-Luminescence Display), a plasma display (Plasma Display Panel), a plasma tube array display (Plasma Tubes Array Display). ), An electronic paper display using electrophoresis, and a display device including a display unit such as a display using an electron-emitting device (Field Emission Display, Surface-conduction Electron-emitter Display) can be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the configuration of the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 1 having the operation panel 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 has been described. The image forming apparatus and the copying machine having the above-described configuration are not limited to an apparatus having a display unit capable of being used, but are not limited to an inkjet recording apparatus or other apparatuses such as home appliances and consumer devices (video).・ Electronic devices, devices, or terminals related to sound / communication, etc. that are intended for use by general consumers / use in general households, or products / standards developed / designed on the premise thereof ), And business equipment (products developed on the premise of applications other than ordinary homes such as corporations (businesses, schools, government offices)).

  In addition, although a touch panel is used as the input unit 505, a gesture input device using a Ubi-Finger device or the like may be used.

  In this embodiment, the preview confirmation icon 120a and the application icon 120b are displayed on the display unit 101 to provide a display changeover switch. However, the screen size is small, and the operation unit (menu key, numeric keypad, print key, etc.) is provided. When the small preview confirmation icon 120a or the application icon 120b is not provided, a preview confirmation operation key or an application operation key can be provided in a place other than the display unit 101.

  In this embodiment, the preview confirmation icon 120a and the application icon 120b are provided in the lower right part of the display unit 101. However, the present invention is not particularly limited, and any part of the upper, lower, left, or right side of the display unit 101 can be used. May be provided.

  The product information and ecolabel information of consumables stored in the storage unit 502 are, for example, manufacturers, dealers, and leasing companies that have environmental ecolabel information of consumables via a network through a LAN connection in the communication unit 506 as a communication connection. Or you can get it by accessing a website such as a cloud provider.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 Image forming apparatus 100 Operation panel (display device)
101, 801 Display units 101a, 101b, 101c, 801a Notification screen 101a1 Title (important notice)
101a2, 101a3 Message 101b1 Title (Support Service Main Menu)
101c1 title (support service submenu)
101c2 Submenu item 101c21 Support service number 101c22 Support service content 110 Operation key 110a DOCUMENT FILING mode initial screen 110b IMAGE SEND mode initial screen 120a Preview confirmation icon 120b Application icon 131 Selection icon 132 Selection icon 133 Return icon 134 Cancel icon 135 Confirmation icon 136 Transmission icon 141 Icon (select a service that restricts the operating state of the image forming apparatus)
142 icon (Select a service to restrict printing)
143 Icon (Select a service that restricts communication of the image forming device)
144 icon (select a service that restricts the use of consumables)
145 icon (select all services)
501 control unit (greenhouse gas emission support information display means, greenhouse gas emission support service selection notification means)
502 storage unit (consumables information storage means)
506 Communication unit 509a Detection unit (consumables information detection means)
700 LAN (communication means)
701 Data management server (greenhouse gas emission calculation means, greenhouse gas emission judgment means, greenhouse gas emission support information notification means)
702 Offset provider 710 Satellite communication infrastructure 800 terminal device

Claims (15)

A greenhouse gas emission reduction support system that provides support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in purchased or leased image forming apparatuses,
The image forming apparatus is connected to a data management server of a consumables manufacturer or a consumables sales company via a communication unit, and the data management server is configured to be able to monitor the usage status of the consumables of the image forming apparatus. ,
Consumable information detecting means for detecting information stored in storage means or recording means provided in the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus;
Consumables information storage means storing consumables information including greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction costs for consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in the image forming apparatus,
A greenhouse gas emission calculating means for calculating a greenhouse gas emission according to the use status of the consumables;
Based on the greenhouse gas emission calculated by the greenhouse gas emission calculating means, the greenhouse gas emission of the consumables corresponds to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumables purchased in advance. Greenhouse gas emission determination means for determining whether or not the offset amount is exceeded,
When it is determined that the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumable item exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount corresponding to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumable item purchased in advance, the consumable item is sent to the image forming apparatus. Greenhouse gas emission support information notification means for notifying information notifying that the greenhouse gas emission amount exceeds the greenhouse gas offset amount, and information providing a service for restricting the use of the image forming apparatus,
Greenhouse gas emission support information display means for displaying the information notified by the greenhouse gas emission support information notification means on the display unit of the image forming apparatus,
Information indicating that a service for restricting use of the image forming apparatus is selected when a service for restricting use of the image forming apparatus is selected based on information that provides a service for restricting use of the image forming apparatus. Greenhouse gas emission support service selection notification means for notifying the data management server of,
A greenhouse gas emission reduction support system characterized by comprising: The service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus includes at least one of a service that restricts an operation time of the image forming apparatus, a service that restricts printing, and a service that restricts communication of the image forming apparatus,
2. The greenhouse effect according to claim 1, wherein the greenhouse gas emission support service selection notification unit notifies the data management server of a service specified from among services that restrict use of the image forming apparatus. Gas emission reduction support system.   3. The greenhouse gas emission reduction support according to claim 1, wherein when a user selects a service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus, the selected service is set as a default of the image forming apparatus. system.   4. The greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to claim 1, wherein a service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus is provided until replacement of the consumables. 5.   The information stored in the storage means or the recording means provided for the consumables includes at least information for identifying the consumables, a credit number related to the greenhouse gas emission allowance transaction cost of the consumables, or the greenhouse gas. 5. The greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system includes any information on a greenhouse gas reduction project in which the emission allowance transaction cost is used.   6. The information notified from the greenhouse gas emission support information notification means is displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is ready. The greenhouse gas emission reduction support system described in the paragraph.   The information notified from the greenhouse gas emission support information notification means is the administrator of the image forming apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus by the control means of the image forming apparatus when notified to the image forming apparatus. The greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to claim 1, wherein the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system is transferred to a terminal device owned by the company.   8. The greenhouse gas emission reduction support according to claim 1, wherein the consumable storage means or the recording means uses any one of an IC chip, a bar code, and a QR code. system.   The greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the consumable item includes a carbon footprint mark. The display unit includes a touch panel or operation keys substantially integrally,
The greenhouse effect according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a service that restricts use of the image forming apparatus is selected by operating the touch panel or the operation key on the display unit. Gas emission reduction support system. Greenhouse effect used for an image forming apparatus purchased or leased, having a display means connected to an external data management server via a communication means and having a function of displaying information notified from the data management server A display device for use in a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system that provides support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of consumables with gas emission frames,
11. A display device for use in a greenhouse gas emission reduction support system, characterized in that the display device is used as a display device constituting the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. An image forming apparatus purchased or leased,
11. An image forming apparatus that is used as an image forming apparatus constituting the greenhouse gas emission reduction support system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The image forming apparatus includes a display unit that displays information,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the display device according to claim 11 is used as the display unit. A greenhouse gas emission reduction support method for providing support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in purchased or leased image forming apparatuses,
12. A greenhouse gas emission reduction support method comprising notifying information for reducing greenhouse gas emission of a consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame using the display device according to claim 11. A greenhouse gas emission reduction support method for providing support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in purchased or leased image forming apparatuses,
A greenhouse gas emission characterized in that the image forming apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 is used as the image forming apparatus to notify information for reducing the greenhouse gas emission of a consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame. Reduction support method.

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