JP4844887B2 - Recycling system and recycling method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a recycling system, a recycling method, and a program, and more particularly, to a recycling system and a recycling method for recycling resources used in an image forming apparatus, and a control program that operates in the recycling system.

  Copiers and multifunction machines (hereinafter collectively referred to as image forming apparatuses) having a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a scanner function, and the like have become widespread. Since this image forming apparatus uses various members, resource reuse and environmental considerations are required, and various proposals have been made regarding recycling of parts of the image forming apparatus itself. In addition, proposals have been made regarding the reuse of resources used in image forming apparatuses such as printing paper.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 below discloses a technique for printing an image to be printed on a printing paper together with an index image that serves as an index for sorting when the printing paper is discarded. A method is described in which the index image is generated by a terminal such as a personal computer that instructs the apparatus to print, bitmap data in which the index image is added to the image to be printed is generated, and the bitmap data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Has been.

JP 2004-302752 A

  However, in the recycling system described in Patent Document 1, since the index image is generated on the terminal side and the bitmap data in which the index information is added to the image to be printed is generated, the printer driver installed in the terminal is complicated. There is a problem that the general versatility of the system is low.

  Also, because the definition that is the standard for the recycling method is stored in many terminals and, in some cases, image forming devices, disposal devices, etc., information on all terminals and devices is updated when the definition is changed. There was a problem that it was not possible to easily cope with the change of definition.

  In addition to printing paper, resources used in image forming devices include metal needles that bind printing media. However, the conventional recycling system targets only printing paper. There was a problem that the usage was not enough.

  In addition, in the conventional recycling system, effective information such as how the previously output print medium has been processed is not presented to the user who operates the terminal, so the user is encouraged to consider the environment. There was also a problem that it was not possible.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a cycle system, a recycling method, and a control program that can promote recycling of resources used in an image forming apparatus. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a server that manages resource recycling, a terminal that issues a print instruction, and an image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium in accordance with the print instruction are connected via a network. In the recycling system, the server includes a communication unit connected to the network, a recycling definition storage unit that stores recycling definition information that defines a recycling method for each resource, and the printing based on the recycling definition information. A terminal for connecting to the network; and a recycling information generating unit that generates recycling information describing a recycling method for the instruction; and an identification information issuing unit that issues identification information associated with the recycling information. A communication unit and a mark including the identification information received from the server via the communication unit. A print command generation unit that generates a command, and the image forming apparatus extracts the identification information from the communication command connected to the network and the print command received from the terminal via the communication unit. Using the identification information, obtains the recycling information from the server, generates a recycling tag in which the recycling information is recorded in a readable manner, and the recycling tag at a predetermined position of the print medium. And at least a printing unit for recording.

  The present invention is also a recycling system in which a server that manages resource recycling, a terminal that issues a print instruction, and an image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium according to the print instruction are connected via a network. The server includes a communication unit connected to the network, a recycle definition storage unit that stores recycle definition information that defines a recycle method for each resource, and a recycle method for the print instruction based on the recycle definition information. A recycling information generating unit that generates the described recycling information; and an identification information issuing unit that issues identification information associated with the recycling information. The terminal includes a communication unit that connects to the network; and Generate a print command including the identification information received from the server via a communication unit A print command generation unit, and the image forming apparatus extracts the identification information from the communication command connected to the network and the print command received from the terminal via the communication unit, Includes a tag generation unit that generates a recycle tag recorded so as to be readable, and a printing unit that records the recycle tag at a predetermined position of the print medium.

  In the present invention, a disposal device for disposing of the print medium is connected to the recycling system, and the disposal device includes the communication unit connected to the network and the recycling tag of the printing medium from the recycling information or the A recycling information reading unit that reads identification information, a processing unit that obtains a recycling method from the server using the recycling information or the identification information, and disposes of the print medium according to the recycling method, and a result of recycling A control unit that transmits to the server via a communication unit, and the server stores a history information storage unit that stores history information of recycling received from the disposal device via the communication unit; and the history information A statistical information generation unit that performs statistical processing on the statistical information to generate statistical information. Part may be further provided with configuration control unit for displaying on the display unit recycle setting screen including the statistical information received from the server via.

The present invention is also a recycling system in which a terminal that issues a print instruction and an image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium according to the print instruction are connected via a network, and the terminal is connected to the network A communication unit that performs recycling, a recycle definition storage unit that stores recycle definition information that defines a recycle method for each resource, and a recycle that generates recycle information that describes a recycle method for the print instruction based on the recycle definition information An information generation unit; and a print command generation unit that generates a print command including the recycling information. The image forming apparatus receives a communication unit connected to the network and the terminal via the communication unit. The recycling information is extracted from the printed command, and the recycling information is Comprising at least a tag generator for generating only take capable recorded recycled tag, a print unit that records the recycling tag to a predetermined position of the printing medium, and the recycling system, to dispose of the printing medium A disposal device is connected, and the disposal device uses the communication information to be connected to the network, a recycling information reading unit that reads the recycling information from the recycling tag of the print medium, and the terminal using the recycling information. A processing unit that obtains a recycling method from the computer and disposes of the print medium according to the recycling method, and a control unit that transmits a result of recycling to the terminal via the communication unit, the terminal including the communication A history information storage unit for storing the history information of recycling received from the disposal apparatus via the unit; A statistical information generating unit that generates statistical information gravel information statistical processing to a control unit for displaying on the display unit recycle setting screen including the statistical information, is shall further comprising a.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the resource includes the print medium and a needle for binding the print medium.

  The method of the present invention is a system in which a server that manages resource recycling, a terminal that issues a print instruction, and an image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium according to the print instruction are connected via a communication network. A recycling method, wherein the server generates recycling information describing a recycling method for the print instruction based on recycling definition information that defines a recycling method for each resource stored in advance, and corresponds to the recycling information Issuing the identification information attached, transmitting the identification information to the predetermined terminal, receiving the identification information from the server at the terminal, generating a print command including the identification information, and The image forming apparatus receives the print command from the terminal and extracts the identification information. Then, using the identification information, the recycling information is acquired from the server, a recycling tag in which the recycling information is recorded so as to be readable is generated, and the recycling tag is recorded at a predetermined position on the printing medium. Is.

  The method of the present invention is a system in which a server that manages resource recycling, a terminal that issues a print instruction, and an image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium according to the print instruction are connected via a communication network. A recycling method, wherein the server generates recycling information describing a recycling method for the print instruction based on recycling definition information that defines a recycling method for each resource stored in advance, and corresponds to the recycling information Issuing the identification information attached, transmitting the identification information to the predetermined terminal, receiving the identification information from the server at the terminal, generating a print command including the identification information, and The image forming apparatus receives the print command from the terminal and extracts the identification information. And generates a recycle tags the identification information is recorded to be readable and records the recycle tag to a predetermined position of the printing medium.

  In the present invention, a disposal device for disposing the print medium is connected to the system, and the disposal device reads the recycling information or the identification information from the recycling tag of the printing medium, and the recycling information or the Using the identification information, obtain a recycling method from the server, dispose of the print medium according to the recycling method, send the recycling result to the server, and receive the recycling result from the disposal device at the server Storing the recycling result as history information, statistically processing the history information to generate statistical information, transmitting the statistical information to the terminal, and receiving the statistical information from the server at the terminal. The recycling setting screen including the statistical information can be displayed on the display unit.

The method of the present invention is a system in which a terminal that issues a print instruction, an image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium in accordance with the print instruction, and a disposal apparatus that disposes of the print medium are connected via a communication network. Recycling information describing the recycling method for the print instruction is generated on the terminal based on the recycling definition information defining the recycling method for each resource stored in advance, and the recycling information is stored in the terminal. Generating a print command including: receiving the print command from the terminal in the image forming apparatus; extracting the recycle information from the print command; generating a recycle tag in which the recycle information is recorded in a readable manner; recording the recycle tag to a predetermined position of the printing medium, in the disposal device, the indicia Read the recycling information from the recycling tag of the medium, use the recycling information to obtain a recycling method from the terminal, dispose of the print medium according to the recycling method, and send a recycling result to the terminal The terminal receives a recycling result from the disposal device, stores the recycling result as history information, statistically processes the history information to generate statistical information, and displays a recycling setting screen including the statistical information. It is displayed on the display unit .

  In this way, since the terminal only needs to generate a print command including recycling information or identification information, the versatility of the recycling system can be improved. Further, in the configuration including the server, the recycling definition information is stored in the server, so that it is possible to easily cope with the change of the recycling definition information. Further, since not only the print medium but also the staples for binding are to be recycled, resources can be used effectively. Further, since statistical information obtained by statistically processing past recycling results is presented to the user who operates the terminal, it is possible to prompt the user to consider the environment.

  According to the cycle system, the recycling method, and the control program of the present invention, recycling of resources used in the image forming apparatus can be promoted.

  The reason is that the terminal only needs to generate a print command with the recycle information or an ID associated with the recycle information added, so that the terminal forms an image based on the recycle information, or the recycle information is added to the image to be printed. This is because there is no need to perform complicated processing such as forming a synthesized image, and the versatility of the recycling system can be improved.

  In addition, in the configuration including the recycling information management server, the recycling definition information is stored in the recycling information management server, and the recycling information is generated based on the recycling definition information. Because you can.

  In addition, since not only the printing medium but also the staples are to be recycled, resources used in the image forming apparatus can be used effectively.

  Further, since statistical information obtained by statistically processing past recycling results is displayed on the terminal, information useful for recycling can be provided to the user, and further, the recycling results can be statistically processed. This is because it is possible to numerically manage the approach to the adapted environment.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a terminal that issues a print instruction, an image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium according to the print instruction, and a disposal apparatus that disposes of the print medium. A recycling information management server that manages the recycling of resources used in the system is provided, the recycling information management server stores the recycling definition information, generates the recycling information based on the recycling definition information, and associates it with the recycling information The ID is issued and transmitted to the terminal, and the terminal generates a print command with the ID added and transmits it to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus uses the ID to send the recycling information from the recycling information management server. Obtain a recycling tag that can read the recycling information, record it on a print medium, and use a disposal device. It reads recycling information from recycled tag recorded on the print medium, and dispose of the print medium in accordance with the recycling information, and transmits the result to the recycling information management server.

  In this way, the printer driver of the terminal does not embed recycling information in the image to be printed, but only generates a print command with an ID added and sends it to the image forming apparatus, which affects the image printed on the print medium. Therefore, it can be easily applied to an existing system, and the versatility of the recycling system can be enhanced.

  Further, since the recycle definition information for generating the recycle information is managed by the recycle information management server, the content of the recycle definition information can be easily changed according to the user's environment.

  Further, since not only the print medium but also other resources used in the image forming apparatus such as a binding needle are targeted for recycling, the resources can be used effectively.

  In addition, the recycling result at the disposal device is sent to the recycling information management server, and the recycling status is managed by the recycling information management server. It is possible to quantify environmental efforts by collecting statistics.

  In order to describe the above embodiment in more detail, a cycle system, a recycling method, and a control program according to a first example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the recycling system of the present embodiment. 2 to 5 are block diagrams showing configurations of the recycling information management server, the terminal, the image forming apparatus, and the disposal apparatus, respectively. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the print medium. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a printing procedure using the recycling method of the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a disposal procedure of the printing medium. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a recycle setting screen, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print command. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the recycling definition, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the recycling statistical information.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a recycling system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a recycling information management server 20 that manages recycling, a terminal 30 such as a personal computer in which a printer driver that can issue a printing instruction is installed, and printing. A tag (hereinafter referred to as a recycle tag 51) that can read information (hereinafter referred to as recycle information) that prints an image on a medium such as paper (hereinafter referred to as a print medium 50) and describes a recycling method for a print instruction. And a disposal device 60 that disposes the print medium 50, which are connected to each other via a communication network 70 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Connected to a network protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). Are ready to communicate with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the recycling information management server 20 according to the present embodiment is connected to an information storage unit 21 that stores various types of information, an information generation unit 22 that generates various types of information, and a communication network 70. A communication I / F unit 23 is provided. The information storage unit 21 includes a recycling definition storage unit 21a that stores information that defines a recycling method (hereinafter referred to as recycling definition information), a history information storage unit 21b that stores past recycling results as history information, and the like. Is provided. In addition, the information generation unit 22 includes a recycling information generation unit 22a that generates recycling information based on the recycling definition information, an ID issuing unit 22b that issues an ID associated with the recycling information, and statistics of recycling history. A statistical information generation unit 22c for generating statistically processed statistical information (hereinafter referred to as recycling statistical information).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 30 of this embodiment includes a display unit 32 that displays a recycle setting screen, an operation unit 33 that sets recycle settings, and a storage unit that stores various information and programs. 34, a print instruction unit 35 configured by a printer driver that issues a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 40, a communication I / F unit 36 for connecting to the communication network 70, a control unit 31 for controlling these operations, and the like. Is provided. The print instruction unit 35 includes a print command generation unit 35a that acquires an ID associated with the recycle information from the recycle information management server 20 and generates a print command to which the ID is added. The print command generation unit 35a may be configured as hardware in the terminal 30, or a computer is configured as a control program that functions as the print command generation unit 35a, and the control program is configured to function on the terminal 30. By using the control program, it is possible to generate a print command with the existing terminal 30, and the versatility of the recycling system 10 can be enhanced.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 40 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a printing unit 42 that performs printing, a display unit 43 that displays various types of information, an operation unit 44 that performs various types of operations, A storage unit 45 that stores programs, a tag generation unit 46 that generates a recycling tag 51 based on recycling information, a communication I / F unit 47 for connection to the communication network 70, and a control that controls these operations The unit 41 is provided. The printing unit 42 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 42a, an image reading unit 42b, a paper feeding unit 42c, an image forming unit 42d, an image output unit 42e, and the like.

  The ADF 42a automatically conveys one or more document sheets to the image reading unit 42b. The image reading unit 42b reads image data from a document sheet on a document table. The paper feed unit 42c stores the print medium 50 and sends the stored print medium 50 to the image forming unit 42d. The image forming unit 42d includes components necessary for image formation using an image forming process such as an electrophotographic method or an electrostatic recording method, such as a photoconductor, a transfer belt, a fixing device, various conveying belts, and the like. An image is formed from the image data read from the unit 42b or the job data received via the communication I / F unit 47, and the recycling tag 51 is recorded in a predetermined area of the print medium 50 and sent to the image output unit 42e. . The image output unit 42e outputs the print medium 50 conveyed from the image forming unit 42d after finishing processing (for example, stapling processing) desired by the user.

  The tag generation unit 46 may be configured as hardware in the image forming apparatus 40, or may be configured as a control program that causes the computer to function as the tag generation unit 46, and the control program functions on the image forming apparatus 40. The recycling tag 51 can be generated by the existing image forming apparatus 40 by using the control program, and the versatility of the recycling system 10 can be enhanced.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the disposal apparatus 60 of the present embodiment includes a paper input unit 62 that inputs the print medium 50 on which the recycle tag 51 is recorded, and a recycle information reading unit 63 that reads the recycle information from the recycle tag 51. A processing unit (not shown) that processes the print medium 50 by a designated recycling method, a paper return unit 64 that returns the print medium 50, and a paper storage unit 65 that collects the print medium 50 for each disposal type The communication I / F unit 66 for connecting to the communication network 70, the control unit 61 for controlling these operations, and the like. In FIG. 5, two paper storage units 65 are provided, but the number may be increased or decreased depending on the disposal type.

  Next, a procedure for outputting the print medium 50 on which the recycle tag 51 is recorded using the recycle system 10 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when a user creates an image to be printed using an application of the terminal 30 and instructs printing, in step S101, a printer driver (print instruction unit 35) installed in advance in the terminal 30 is activated. Queries the recycling information management server 20 for statistical information.

  Next, in step S102, the statistical information generation unit 22c of the recycling information management server 20 generates recycling statistical information based on the recycling history information stored in the history information storage unit 21b. The recycling statistical information is output from the image forming apparatus 40, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, information for identifying the image forming apparatus 40 such as the IP address and name of the image forming apparatus 40 managed by the recycling system 10. The total number of print media 50, the total number of print media 50 to be recycled, the total number of print media 50 disposed in accordance with the recycling designation, and the like are described. In FIG. 12, the recycling statistical information 110 is described in an XML (Extensible Markup Language) format, but can be described in an arbitrary format capable of statistical management. Further, the parameters in the recycling statistical information 110 are not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and may include information obtained by statistically processing the recycling history information.

  The recycle information generation unit 22a refers to the recycle definition information in the recycle definition storage unit 21a, and generates recycle information such as recyclability / non-recyclability, separation method, reusability rate (%) for the print setting of the terminal 30. Then, the terminal 30 is notified of whether recycling is possible. The recycle definition information is configured as shown in FIG. 11, for example, information for identifying the image forming apparatus 40 such as the IP address and name of the image forming apparatus 40 managed by the system, and the target image forming apparatus 40. The output print medium 50 and the recycling method for each print option are configured (in the figure, the print medium 50 is plain paper, and the print option is staple). Even if it is an option, the recycle definition information 100 can be changed by the user's specification (for example, the staple needle 101 is recycled in 102 and the needle is not recycled in 102). Although the recycle definition information 100 is described in the XML format in FIG. 11, the recycle definition information 100 can be described in any format that can be changed. Further, the parameters in the recycle definition information 100 are not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and may include information that can be used to generate the recycle information.

  Next, in step S103, the terminal 30 displays a recycle setting screen 80 as shown in FIG. 9 on the display unit 32 based on the received recycle statistical information and recyclability information. The recycle setting screen 80 includes a dedicated setting area 81 for displaying information related to recycling. The setting area 81 includes an area 82 indicating current print settings and an area 83 indicating whether recycling is possible. And an area 84 indicating the disposal category according to the current setting, statistics of recycling performed so far on the terminal 30 that issues the output instruction, statistics of all the recycling instructions managed by the recycling information management server 20, and the like are displayed. Area 85 and the like. When the output result is under permanent management or when it is used outside the usage environment such as a contract, the area 83 may be operated to change to a setting that does not recycle at the user's discretion. Is possible.

  If recycle is not designated in step S104, the print command generation unit 35a generates a print command and transmits the print command and image data to the image forming apparatus 40 in step S108.

  On the other hand, if recycling is specified in step S104, the print command generation unit 35a generates and transmits a command for inquiring to the recycling information management server 20 in step S105, and the ID issuing unit of the recycling information management server 20 in step S106. 22b issues an ID for acquiring recycling information in association with the recycling information and transmits it to the terminal 30, and stores the recycling information and the ID in the information storage unit 22 in association with each other.

  Next, in step S107, the print command generation unit 35a of the terminal 30 assigns a recycling information acquisition ID to the print command, and transmits the print command and image data to the image forming apparatus 40 in step S108. In this print command, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a command 91 indicating that recycling is performed and a command 92 indicating ID for acquiring recycling information are set. In FIG. 10, the print command is configured in the PJL (Print Job Language) format, but can be described in any format that the image forming apparatus 40 can analyze.

  Next, in step S109, the image forming apparatus 40 analyzes the received print command 90. In step S110, the image forming apparatus 40 determines whether there is a recycle designation. If there is no recycle designation, the print command is issued in step S113. The image is printed on the print medium 50 according to 90.

  On the other hand, if there is a recycle designation, the information acquisition ID is transmitted to the recycle information management server 20 to make an inquiry. In step S111, the recycle information management server 20 specifies the recycle information based on the information acquisition ID. In step S112, the tag generation unit 46 of the image forming apparatus 40 generates the recycling tag 51 based on the received recycling information, and prints the image on the print medium 50 in step S113. At the same time, the recycling tag 51 is recorded.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the output print medium 50 includes a printable area 52 in which image data can be printed at the center of the print medium 50. ) Is recorded with the recycling tag 51. In addition to the recycling information, the recycling tag 51 includes information such as a job ID that can uniquely identify a job for which printing of the printing medium 50 has been designated. In FIG. 6, the recycle tag 51 is output in one place, but the place and the number are not limited as long as the original image data is not changed. In FIG. 6, the recycle tag 51 is a QR code (registered trademark). However, the recycle tag 51 only needs to be readable by the disposal device 60 equipped with a reading device. For example, the recycle tag 51 uses electromagnetic coupling or electromagnetic induction. Then, an IC tag capable of data communication with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader may be used, and the tag generator 46 may write the above information to the IC. The recycling tag 51 may be any character information or color information. You may comprise.

  As described above, since the terminal 30 generates the print command 90 to which the ID associated with the recycling information is added, an image based on the recycling information is generated, or an image in which the recycling information is combined with the image to be printed is generated. It is not necessary to perform complicated processing such as, and the versatility of the recycling system 10 can be enhanced. In addition, since the recycling information management server 20 manages the recycling definition information in an integrated manner, it is possible to easily cope with changes in the recycling definition information. Further, since not only the print medium 30 but also staples and the like are to be recycled, resources can be used effectively. In addition, when the user operates the terminal 30 to instruct printing, the recycling statistical information is displayed on the display unit 33 of the terminal 30, so the user can be encouraged to consider the environment.

  Next, a procedure for disposing of the print medium 50 on which the recycle tag 51 is recorded will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the printing medium 50 is loaded into the paper loading unit 62 of the disposal apparatus 60, the recycling information reading unit 63 of the disposal apparatus 60 determines whether or not the recycling tag 51 is in a predetermined area of the printing medium 50 in step S201. If the recycle tag 51 is not present, the control unit 61 ejects the print medium 50 from the paper return unit 64 and returns it in step S206.

  On the other hand, if there is the recycle tag 51, the recycle information reading unit 63 reads the recycle information from the recycle tag 51, and the control unit 61 inquires the recycle information management server 20 about the recycle method. In step S202, the recycle information management server 20 Identifies the recycling method corresponding to the recycling information and notifies the disposal apparatus 60 of the recycling method. The method for reading the recycling information is not particularly limited. For example, when the recycling tag 51 is configured by a QR code (registered trademark), the code information can be read by an optical method, and the recycling tag 51 is an IC tag. When configured, the information stored in the IC can be read using electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling, and when the recycling tag 51 is configured with character information or color information, the character information or color is optically detected. Characters and colors can be recognized by reading information and performing predetermined image processing.

  Moreover, when specifying a recycling method, the function with which the disposal apparatus 60 is equipped can also be considered. For example, if recycling of the print medium 50 and staples is set in the recycling information, but the disposal device 60 does not have a function of disposing of staples, only the recycling of the print medium 50 is instructed. Alternatively, only recycling of the print medium 50 is set in the recycle information, but if the disposal device 60 has a function of disposing of staples, an instruction to recycle the print medium 50 and staples is given. May be. In this example, the recycling information management server 20 is inquired about the recycling method, but the control unit 61 may specify the recycling method from the recycling information.

  Next, in step S203, the disposal apparatus 60 determines whether or not the disposal apparatus 60 is compatible with the notified recycling method. If the disposal apparatus 60 does not support the disposal method 60, in step S206, the control unit 61 transfers the print medium from the paper return unit 64. Eject 50 and return.

  On the other hand, if the recycling method is supported, in step S204, the print medium 50 is disposed according to the recycling method, the staples of the staple are removed from the print medium 50, and the paper is separated and stored in the dedicated paper storage unit 65. Then, the control unit 61 transmits the recycling result to the recycling information management server 20, and in step S205, the recycling information management server 20 stores the received recycling result in the history information storage unit 21b.

  Thus, since the disposal apparatus 60 transmits the result to the recycling information management server 20 every time it is recycled, the latest recycling statistical information can be presented to the user, and environmental consideration is given to the user. Can be urged. Further, when inquiring the recycling method to the recycling information management server 20, it is possible to set the recycling method according to the function of the disposal device 60, so that appropriate disposal can be executed using various disposal devices 60. it can.

  In the above description, the image forming apparatus 40 acquires the recycling information from the recycling information management server 20 using the ID, generates the recycling tag 51 that can read the recycling information, and records the recycling tag 51 on the print medium 50. However, for example, the image forming apparatus 40 does not acquire the recycling information from the recycling information management server 20, generates a recyclable tag 51 that can read the ID, records it on the print medium 50, and the disposal apparatus 60 stores the ID. It is also possible to use a configuration in which the recycling information management server 20 is inquired about a recycling method.

  Next, a cycle system, a recycling method, and a control program according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the recycling system of the present embodiment.

  In the first embodiment described above, the recycling information management server 20, the terminal 30, the image forming device 40, and the disposal device 60 are provided in the recycling system 10, and the recycling result in the disposal device 60 is stored in the recycling information management server 20. Although the recycling statistical information is generated, the recycling information management server 20, the terminal 30, and the image forming apparatus 40 constitute a recycling system 10 as shown in FIG. Recycling statistics can be provided.

  In this case, when the ID is issued in step S106 in the flowchart of FIG. 7, what kind of print instruction is issued at the terminal 30 is stored in the history information storage unit 21b, and from the ID in step S111. When specifying the recycle information, what type of printing is performed in the image forming apparatus 40 is stored in the history information storage unit 21b, and the statistical information generating unit 22c stores a plurality of terminals 30 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 40. Recycle statistical information 110 is generated by statistically processing the information.

  Even with such a configuration, the recycling statistical information 110 such as the total number of print media 50 output from the image forming apparatus 40 and the total number of print media 50 to be recycled can be presented to the user. , The user can be encouraged to consider the environment. In particular, by statistically processing information from a plurality of terminals 30 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 40, more useful information can be presented to the user.

  Next, a cycle system, a recycling method, and a control program according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the recycling system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a printing procedure using the recycling method of the present embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a disposal procedure of the printing medium.

  In the first embodiment described above, the recycling system 10 includes the recycling information management server 20, the terminal 30, the image forming apparatus 40, and the disposal apparatus 60, and the recycling information management server 20 manages the recycling. As shown in FIG. 14, even when the recycling system 10 is configured by the terminal 30, the image forming apparatus 40, and the disposal apparatus 60, recycling can be promoted.

  In this case, the configuration of the terminal 30 is as shown in FIG. 15, a recycling information generation unit 35 b and a statistical information generation unit 35 c are added to the print instruction unit 35, and a recycling definition storage unit 34 a and history information are added to the storage unit 34. A storage unit 34b is added. Note that it is not necessary to add the above means to all the terminals 30 constituting the recycling system 10. For example, the above means is added to one terminal 30, and the storage unit 34 and the print instruction unit 35 of the terminal 30 are connected via a network. It is good also as a structure shared. Hereinafter, processing using the recycling system 10 having the above-described configuration will be described.

  First, the procedure for outputting the print medium 50 on which the recycle tag 51 is recorded will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Similar to the first embodiment described above, when the user creates an image to be printed using the application of the terminal 30 and instructs printing, in step S301, a printer driver (print instruction unit) installed in advance in the terminal 30 is displayed. 35) is activated, and in step S302, the statistical information generation unit 35c generates recycling statistical information as shown in FIG. 12 based on the recycling history information stored in the history information storage unit 34b.

  Further, the recycle information generation unit 35b refers to the recycle definition information in the recycle definition storage unit 34a, and generates recycle information such as recyclability / non-permitted for a print setting, a separation method, and a reusability rate (%). Then, the recycle setting screen 80 as shown in FIG.

  If recycling is not designated in step S303, a print command and image data are generated and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 40 in step S305. On the other hand, if recycle is designated in step S303, the print command generation unit 35a gives recycle information to the print command in step S304, and transmits the print command and the image data to the image forming apparatus 40 in step S305.

  In step S306, the image forming apparatus 40 analyzes the received print command 90. In step S308, the image forming apparatus 40 determines whether there is a recycle designation. If there is no recycle designation, in step S309, the print command is issued. The image is printed on the print medium 50 according to 90.

  On the other hand, if there is a recycling designation, in step S308, the tag generation unit 46 of the image forming apparatus 40 generates the recycling tag 51 based on the received recycling information, and prints an image on the print medium 50 in step S309. At the same time, the recycling tag 51 is recorded.

  As described above, since the terminal 30 generates the recycling information based on the recycling definition information stored in advance in the recycling definition storage unit 34a and generates the print command to which the recycling information is added, the image based on the recycling information is used. It is not necessary to perform complicated processing such as generating an image that is generated by combining recycling information with an image to be printed, and the versatility of the recycling system 10 can be improved. Further, when the recycling definition information is stored in one terminal 30 and can be shared on the network, it is possible to easily cope with the change of the recycling definition information. Further, since not only the print medium 30 but also binding staples and the like are targeted for recycling, resources can be used effectively. In addition, when the user operates the terminal 30 to instruct printing, the recycling statistical information is displayed on the display unit 33 of the terminal 30, so the user can be encouraged to consider the environment.

  Next, a procedure for disposing of the print medium 50 on which the recycle tag 51 is recorded will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the printing medium 50 is loaded into the paper loading unit 62 of the disposal apparatus 60, the recycling information reading unit 63 of the disposal apparatus 60 determines whether the recycling tag 51 is in a predetermined area of the printing medium 50 in step S401. If the recycle tag 51 is not present, the control unit 61 ejects the print medium 50 from the paper return unit 64 and returns it in step S406.

  On the other hand, if there is the recycle tag 51, the recycle information reading unit 63 reads the recycle information from the recycle tag 51, and the control unit 61 inquires the terminal 30 about the recycle method. In step S402, the terminal 30 corresponds to the recycle information. The recycling method to be performed is specified, and the disposal apparatus 60 is notified. In this example, the terminal 30 is inquired about the recycling method, but the control unit 61 may specify the recycling method from the recycling information.

  Next, in step S403, the disposal apparatus 60 determines whether or not the disposal apparatus 60 is compatible with the notified recycling method. If the disposal apparatus 60 does not support the disposal method 60, in step S406, the control unit 61 sends a print medium from the paper return unit 64. Eject 50 and return.

  On the other hand, if the recycling method is supported, in step S404, the printing medium 50 is disposed according to the recycling method, the staple of the staple is removed from the printing medium 50, or separated and stored in the dedicated paper storage unit 65. Then, the control unit 61 transmits the recycling result to the terminal 30. In step S405, the terminal 30 stores the received recycling result in the history information storage unit 34b.

  Thus, since the disposal apparatus 60 transmits the result to the terminal 30 every time it is recycled, the latest recycling statistical information can be presented to the user, and the user is encouraged to consider the environment. it can.

  In each of the above embodiments, the recycling system and the recycling method of the present invention are applied to the printing medium 50 and staples used in the image forming apparatus 40. However, the present invention is limited to the above embodiments. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to any recyclable member used in the image forming apparatus 40.

  The present invention can be used in a system and method for recycling resources used in the image forming apparatus 40.

It is a figure showing typically composition of a recycling system concerning the 1st example of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the recycling information management server which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the disposal apparatus which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print medium according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the printing procedure using the recycling system which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the disposal procedure of the printing medium using the recycling system which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the recycle setting screen which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the print command which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the recycle definition information which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the recycling statistical information which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the recycling system which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the recycling system which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the printing procedure using the recycling system which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the disposal procedure of the printing medium using the recycling system which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Recycle system 20 Recycle information management server 21 Information storage part 21a Recycle definition storage part 21b History information storage part 22 Information generation part 22a Recycle information generation part 22b ID issuing part 22c Statistical information generation part 23 Communication I / F part 30 Terminal 31 Control Unit 32 Display unit 33 Operation unit 34 Storage unit 34a Recycle definition storage unit 34b History information storage unit 35 Print instruction unit 35a Print command generation unit 35b Recycle information generation unit 35c Statistical information generation unit 36 Communication I / F unit 40 Image forming apparatus 41 Control unit 42 Printing unit 42a ADF
42b Image reading unit 42c Paper feeding unit 42d Image forming unit 42e Image output unit 43 Display unit 44 Operation unit 45 Storage unit 46 Tag generation unit 47 Communication I / F unit 50 Print medium 51 Recycle tag 52 Printable area 60 Disposal device 61 Control unit 62 Paper input unit 63 Recycle information reading unit 64 Paper return unit 65 Paper storage unit 66 Communication I / F unit 70 Communication network 80 Recycle setting screen 90 Print command 100 Recycle definition information 110 Recycle statistical information

Claims (10)

A recycling system in which a server that manages recycling of resources, a terminal that issues a print instruction, and an image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium according to the print instruction are connected via a network,
The server
A communication unit connected to the network;
A recycle definition storage unit that stores recycle definition information that defines a recycle method for each resource;
Based on the recycling definition information, a recycling information generating unit that generates recycling information describing a recycling method for the printing instruction;
An identification information issuing unit for issuing identification information associated with the recycling information,
The terminal
A communication unit connected to the network;
A print command generation unit that generates a print command including the identification information received from the server via the communication unit;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A communication unit connected to the network;
The identification information is extracted from the print command received from the terminal via the communication unit, the recycling information is acquired from the server using the identification information, and the recycling information is recorded in a readable manner. A tag generator for generating a recycling tag;
A recycling system comprising: at least a printing unit that records the recycling tag at a predetermined position of the printing medium. A recycling system in which a server that manages recycling of resources, a terminal that issues a print instruction, and an image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium according to the print instruction are connected via a network,
The server
A communication unit connected to the network;
A recycle definition storage unit that stores recycle definition information that defines a recycle method for each resource;
Based on the recycling definition information, a recycling information generating unit that generates recycling information describing a recycling method for the printing instruction;
An identification information issuing unit for issuing identification information associated with the recycling information,
The terminal
A communication unit connected to the network;
A print command generation unit that generates a print command including the identification information received from the server via the communication unit;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A communication unit connected to the network;
A tag generation unit that extracts the identification information from the print command received from the terminal via the communication unit, and generates a recycling tag in which the identification information is recorded so as to be readable;
A recycling system comprising: at least a printing unit that records the recycling tag at a predetermined position of the printing medium. A disposal device for disposing the print medium is connected to the recycling system,
The disposal device is
A communication unit connected to the network;
A recycling information reading unit that reads the recycling information or the identification information from the recycling tag of the print medium;
Using the recycling information or the identification information, obtaining a recycling method from the server, and disposing of the print medium according to the recycling method;
A control unit that transmits a result of recycling to the server via the communication unit,
The server
A history information storage unit for storing recycling history information received from the disposal apparatus via the communication unit;
A statistical information generating unit that statistically processes the history information to generate statistical information; and
The terminal
The recycling system according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that causes a display unit to display a recycling setting screen including the statistical information received from the server via the communication unit. A recycling system in which a terminal that performs a print instruction and an image forming apparatus that performs printing on a print medium according to the print instruction are connected via a network,
The terminal
A communication unit connected to the network;
A recycle definition storage unit that stores recycle definition information that defines a recycle method for each resource;
Based on the recycling definition information, a recycling information generating unit that generates recycling information describing a recycling method for the printing instruction;
A print command generation unit that generates a print command including the recycling information,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A communication unit connected to the network;
A tag generating unit that extracts the recycling information from the print command received from the terminal via the communication unit, and generates a recycling tag in which the recycling information is recorded in a readable manner;
A printing unit that records the recycling tag at a predetermined position of the print medium ,
A disposal device for disposing the print medium is connected to the recycling system,
The disposal device is
A communication unit connected to the network;
A recycling information reading unit that reads the recycling information from the recycling tag of the print medium;
Using the recycling information, obtaining a recycling method from the terminal, and disposing the print medium according to the recycling method;
A control unit that transmits the result of recycling to the terminal via the communication unit,
The terminal
A history information storage unit for storing recycling history information received from the disposal apparatus via the communication unit;
A statistical information generating unit that statistically processes the history information to generate statistical information;
Further comprising recycling system characterized Rukoto and a control unit to be displayed on the display unit recycle setting screen including the statistical information. The recycling system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the resource includes the printing medium and a needle for binding the printing medium . A recycling method in a system in which a server that manages resource recycling, a terminal that issues a print instruction, and an image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium according to the print instruction are connected via a communication network,
On the server,
Based on the recycling definition information that defines the recycling method for each resource stored in advance, the recycling information describing the recycling method for the print instruction is generated,
Issuing identification information associated with the recycling information,
Transmitting the identification information to the predetermined terminal;
On the terminal,
Receiving the identification information from the server;
Generating a print command including the identification information;
Sending the print command to the image forming apparatus;
In the image forming apparatus,
Receiving the print command from the terminal and extracting the identification information;
Using the identification information, obtain the recycling information from the server,
Generating a recycling tag in which the recycling information is recorded in a readable manner;
A recycling method, wherein the recycling tag is recorded at a predetermined position of the print medium . A recycling method in a system in which a server that manages resource recycling, a terminal that issues a print instruction, and an image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium according to the print instruction are connected via a communication network,
On the server,
Based on the recycling definition information that defines the recycling method for each resource stored in advance, the recycling information describing the recycling method for the print instruction is generated,
Issuing identification information associated with the recycling information,
Transmitting the identification information to the predetermined terminal;
On the terminal,
Receiving the identification information from the server;
Generating a print command including the identification information;
Sending the print command to the image forming apparatus;
In the image forming apparatus,
Receiving the print command from the terminal and extracting the identification information;
Generating a recycling tag in which the identification information is recorded in a readable manner;
A recycling method, wherein the recycling tag is recorded at a predetermined position of the print medium. A disposal device for disposing of the print medium is connected to the system;
In the disposal device,
Read the recycling information or the identification information from the recycling tag of the print medium,
Using the recycling information or the identification information, obtain a recycling method from the server,
Disposing of the print medium according to the recycling method;
Send the recycling result to the server,
On the server,
Receiving recycling results from the disposal device,
Storing the recycling result as history information;
Statistical processing is performed on the history information to generate statistical information,
Sending the statistical information to the terminal;
On the terminal,
Receiving the statistical information from the server;
The recycling method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a recycling setting screen including the statistical information is displayed on a display unit . A recycling method in a system in which a terminal that performs a print instruction, an image forming apparatus that performs printing on a print medium according to the print instruction, and a disposal apparatus that disposes of the print medium are connected via a communication network,
On the terminal,
Based on the recycling definition information that defines the recycling method for each resource stored in advance, the recycling information describing the recycling method for the print instruction is generated,
Generating a print command including the recycling information;
In the image forming apparatus,
Receiving the print command from the terminal;
Extracting the recycling information from the print command;
Generating a recycling tag in which the recycling information is recorded in a readable manner;
Recording the recycling tag at a predetermined position on the print medium;
In the disposal device,
Read the recycling information from the recycling tag of the print medium,
Using the recycling information, obtain a recycling method from the terminal,
Disposing of the print medium according to the recycling method;
Send the result of recycling to the device,
On the terminal,
Receiving recycling results from the disposal device,
Storing the recycling result as history information;
Statistical processing is performed on the history information to generate statistical information,
A recycling method comprising displaying a recycling setting screen including the statistical information on a display unit . The recycling method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the resource includes the print medium and a needle for binding the print medium .

Images