JP5746902B2 - Greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a greenhouse gas emission frame purchase system, an image forming apparatus using the same, a greenhouse gas emission frame purchase method, and a display device used for purchasing a greenhouse gas emission frame, and in particular, a purchased or leased image. Greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system for purchasing consumable greenhouse gas emission allowances to which greenhouse gas emission allowances (greenhouse gas emission rights) used for forming apparatuses have been granted, and image forming apparatuses and greenhouses using the same The present invention relates to a method for purchasing an effective gas emission allowance and a display device used for purchasing a greenhouse gas emission allowance.

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 conventional technology, for example, consumable units sold in a form to which greenhouse gas emission rights (greenhouse gas emission allowances) are granted are used as consumable units that can be attached to and detached from electronic devices. There has been proposed a method in which greenhouse gas reduction is evaluated according to the state of continuous use, the evaluation result is displayed on an operation panel or the like, and printed on paper (see Patent Document 1).

  Thereby, since the user can easily know the evaluation of the reduction of the greenhouse gas due to the use of the consumable unit, the user's awareness of the reduction of the greenhouse gas can be enhanced.

JP 2010-2442 A

  However, although the above-described conventional technology can increase the user's awareness of participation in carbon offset activities, it is easy to set up a greenhouse gas emission allowance for consumables sold in a format that does not have a greenhouse gas emission allowance. There is a problem that it cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is easy to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission frame that is sold in a form without a greenhouse gas emission frame. An object of the present invention is to provide a greenhouse gas emission frame purchase system that can be used, an image forming apparatus using the same, a greenhouse gas emission frame purchase method, and a display device used to purchase a greenhouse gas emission frame.

  A greenhouse gas emission allowance purchasing system according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus using the same, a greenhouse gas emission allowance purchasing method, and a display device used for purchasing a greenhouse gas emission allowance are as follows: Street.

  The present invention relates to a greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system used for a purchased or leased image forming apparatus, comprising a communication means for communicating the image forming apparatus with a data management server of a consumable manufacturer or consumable sales company. And the data management server and a plurality of offset providers that provide consumable greenhouse gas emission allowances are connected via communication means, and the data management server allows the consumables of the image forming apparatus to be connected. Consumables information detection means for detecting information stored in a storage means or a recording means provided in a consumable attached to the image forming apparatus, and configured to be able to monitor a use situation, and used in the image forming apparatus Consumables information storage means storing information on consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames, detection results by the consumables information detection means, Consumables determining means for determining whether or not the consumable is a consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame by collating with consumable information stored in the consumable information storage means, and use of the consumable A consumable status determination unit that determines when to replace the consumable based on the status, and the consumables determination unit determines that the consumable mounted on the image forming apparatus is not a consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame. In addition, information on a message prompting the user to purchase a greenhouse gas emission allowance of the consumables, information on greenhouse gas emissions of the consumables, information on the plurality of offset providers, and greenhouse effect of the consumables Greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information notifying means for notifying the image forming apparatus of information on a purchase request form for requesting the purchase of gas emission allowance, and before being notified by the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information notifying means. Message information prompting the user to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance, information on the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumable, information on the plurality of offset providers, and the greenhouse gas emission allowance of the consumable And a specific offset provider selected from the information of the plurality of offset providers, and a greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information display means for displaying information on a purchase request form requesting purchase of the image on the display unit of the image forming apparatus A greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase request information notifying means for notifying the specific offset provider of the information on the purchase request form including the information on the greenhouse gas emission allowance. Is.

  In the present invention, an offset provider (or carbon offset provider) refers to an organization that conducts a business that provides a carbon offset mechanism.

In the present invention, it is preferable that a greenhouse gas emission amount (for example, a CO ₂ emission conversion value) of the consumable item is a greenhouse gas emission amount in the life cycle of the consumable item.

Further, the present invention provides, as information on a plurality of offset providers that provide a consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance, greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to at least the greenhouse gas emission amount (for example, a CO ₂ emission conversion value). It is preferable to include a frame fee (credit cost).

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the information notified by the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information notifying unit is 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, according to the present invention, it is preferable that information relating to a replacement time of the consumables and information relating to a greenhouse gas emission frame of the consumables are stored in a storage unit or a recording unit provided in the consumables.

  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 addition, the present invention includes a touch panel or operation keys substantially integrally as a configuration of the display unit, and performs the procedure for purchasing the greenhouse gas emission allowance by operating the touch panel or the operation keys on the display unit. It is preferable.
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 the present invention, it is preferable that the consumable is provided with a carbon footprint mark.

  Further, according to the present invention, the consumable item is displayed with at least one of the types of greenhouse gas in the life cycle of the consumable item, the value of the emission amount of the greenhouse gas, and the explanatory text explaining the value. Preferably it is.

  Further, the present invention provides a display used for purchasing a greenhouse gas emission allowance provided with 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. It is an apparatus, Comprising: It uses as a display apparatus which comprises the greenhouse gas emission frame purchasing system as described in any one of Claim 1-9.

  The present invention is an image forming apparatus that is purchased or leased, and is used as an image forming apparatus that constitutes the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchasing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 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 10 is used as the display unit.

  The present invention also relates to a method for purchasing a greenhouse gas emission frame used in a purchased or leased image forming apparatus, wherein the greenhouse gas emission frame is purchased using the display device according to claim 10. It is characterized by.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for purchasing a greenhouse gas emission frame used for a purchased or leased image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus uses the image forming apparatus according to claim 11 or 12 as a greenhouse effect. It is characterized by purchasing gas emission allowances.

  According to the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system of the present invention, it is a greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system used for a purchased or leased image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus and consumables manufacturer or consumable sales The data management server is connected via a communication means, and the data management server and a plurality of offset providers that provide consumable greenhouse gas emission allowances are connected via the communication means, thereby the data management. Consumable information that detects the information stored in the storage means or the recording means provided in the consumables mounted on the image forming apparatus, and configured so that the use status of the consumables of the image forming apparatus can be monitored by the server. Detecting means; consumable information storage means storing consumable information with a greenhouse gas emission frame used in the image forming apparatus; Consumption that determines whether or not the consumable is a consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame by comparing the detection result by the consumable information detection means with the information of the consumable stored in the consumable information storage means A consumable item status determining unit for determining a replacement time of the consumable item based on a use status of the consumable item, and a consumable item attached to the image forming apparatus by the consumable item determining unit is a greenhouse gas emission frame. A message prompting the user to purchase a greenhouse gas emission allowance of the consumable, a greenhouse gas emission information of the consumable, and the plurality of offset providers when it is determined that the consumable is not a consumable And a greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information notifying means for notifying the image forming apparatus of information on a purchase request for requesting the purchase of a consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance, and the greenhouse gas emission Message information prompting the user to purchase the consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance notified by the frame purchase information notifying means, information on the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables, information on the plurality of offset providers, A greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information display means for displaying information on a purchase request form for requesting purchase of the consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance on a display unit of the image forming apparatus, and information on the plurality of offset providers A greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase request information notification means for notifying the specific offset provider of information on the purchase request form including information on the specific offset provider selected from It is easy to purchase the effective gas emission allowance (credit) and it is cheaper from the information of multiple offset providers Since the greenhouse gas emission allowance can be selected and purchased, the burden of purchase costs can be reduced. In addition, consumables manufacturers or consumables sales companies can raise awareness of environmental contributions to users, and can provide funding for greenhouse gas reduction projects without omissions, contributing to the permanence of greenhouse gas reduction projects. .

In addition, according to the present invention, the greenhouse gas emission amount (for example, the CO ₂ emission conversion value) of the consumable item is set as the greenhouse gas emission amount in the life cycle of the consumable item. Can raise environmental awareness.

According to the present invention, the greenhouse effect corresponding to at least the greenhouse gas emission amount (for example, the CO ₂ emission conversion value) is used as the information of the plurality of offset providers that provide the consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance. By including the gas emission allowance cost (credit cost), the user can selectively purchase a cheaper greenhouse gas emission credit (credit) from the information of a plurality of offset providers, and the burden of the purchase cost can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are displayed by displaying the information notified by the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information notifying unit on the display unit of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is ready. Even in an environment used by other users, an information rejection message can be notified without interfering with copy operations, mail operations, and FAX operations of other users.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is easy to store the information related to the replacement time of the consumables and the information related to the greenhouse gas emission frame of the consumables in the storage means or the recording means provided in the consumables. Information can be extracted.

  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, it is possible to easily detect the wearing of the consumable item.

  In addition, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display unit, a touch panel or an operation key is substantially integrated, and the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase procedure is performed by operating the touch panel or the operation key on the display unit. By performing the above, it is possible to easily display each information directly from the image forming apparatus and easily obtain the information and purchase the credit.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the consumable product is provided with a carbon footprint mark, the user can easily check the amount of greenhouse gas generated in the life cycle of the consumable product, and the environment is further improved. Contribute to the promotion of activities.

  Further, according to the present invention, at least one of the types of greenhouse gases in the life cycle of the consumables, the value of the greenhouse gas emission amount, and the explanatory text explaining the values is displayed on the consumables. Therefore, the user can grasp the environmental resistance performance of the consumables and can purchase and use the consumables with peace of mind.

  Further, according to the display device of the present invention, greenhouse gas emission comprising 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. It is a display apparatus used for frame purchase, Comprising: By using as a display apparatus which comprises the greenhouse gas emission frame purchase system as described in any one of Claim 1 to 9, a user is a greenhouse gas emission frame. (Credits) can be easily purchased, and a cheaper greenhouse gas emission allowance can be selected and purchased from information of a plurality of offset providers, thereby reducing the burden of purchase costs. In addition, consumables manufacturers or consumables sales companies can raise awareness of environmental contributions to users, and can provide funding for greenhouse gas reduction projects without omissions, contributing to the permanence of greenhouse gas reduction projects. .

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is purchased or leased, and constitutes the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchasing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. By using it as an image forming device, the user can easily purchase greenhouse gas emission allowances (credits), and can select and purchase cheaper greenhouse gas emission allowances from the information of multiple offset providers. The burden of purchase costs can be reduced. In addition, consumables manufacturers or consumables sales companies can raise awareness of environmental contributions to users, and can provide funding for greenhouse gas reduction projects without omissions, contributing to the permanence of greenhouse gas reduction projects. .

  According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a display unit that displays information, and the display device according to claim 10 is used as the display unit, so that the user can use a greenhouse gas emission frame. (Credits) can be easily purchased, and a cheaper greenhouse gas emission allowance can be selected and purchased from information of a plurality of offset providers, thereby reducing the burden of purchase costs. In addition, consumables manufacturers or consumables sales companies can raise awareness of environmental contributions to users, and can provide funding for greenhouse gas reduction projects without omissions, contributing to the permanence of greenhouse gas reduction projects. .

  The greenhouse gas emission allowance purchasing method of the present invention is a greenhouse gas emission allowance purchasing method used for a purchased or leased image forming apparatus, using the display device according to claim 10. By purchasing greenhouse gas emission allowances, users can easily purchase greenhouse gas emission allowances (credits) and select a cheaper greenhouse gas emission allowance from the information of multiple offset providers. Since it can be purchased, the burden of purchase costs can be reduced. In addition, consumables manufacturers or consumables sales companies can raise awareness of environmental contributions to users, and can provide funding for greenhouse gas reduction projects without omissions, contributing to the permanence of greenhouse gas reduction projects. .

  Further, according to the method for purchasing a greenhouse gas emission frame of the present invention, it is a method for purchasing a greenhouse gas emission frame used for a purchased or leased image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is as claimed in claim 11 or 12. By purchasing the greenhouse gas emission allowance using the image forming apparatus described, the user can easily purchase the greenhouse gas emission allowance (credit), and it is cheaper from the information of multiple offset providers. Since it is possible to selectively purchase greenhouse gas emission allowances, the burden of purchase costs can be reduced. In addition, consumables manufacturers or consumables sales companies can raise awareness of environmental contributions to users, and can provide funding for greenhouse gas reduction projects without omissions, contributing to the permanence of greenhouse gas reduction projects. .

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 frame purchasing system of the said image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the operation panel which comprises the greenhouse gas emission frame purchasing system of 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 preview display of the message containing the information of the message which prompts the user to purchase the consumable greenhouse gas emission frame notified from the data management server displayed on the display unit to the image forming apparatus. 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 of the credit purchase procedure containing the greenhouse gas emission allowance information of the consumables notified to the image forming apparatus from the data management server 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 containing the information of the offset provider notified to the image forming apparatus from the data management server displayed on the said display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the notification screen containing the information of the purchase request form of the consumable greenhouse gas emission frame notified to the image forming apparatus from the data management server displayed on the said display part. The flowchart which shows the procedure which notifies the information regarding the greenhouse gas emission frame purchase of the consumables with which the image forming apparatus 1 was mounted | worn from the data management server 701 to the user's image forming apparatus by the greenhouse gas emission frame purchase system of the said image forming apparatus. Is part of. The figure which shows the procedure which notifies the information regarding the greenhouse gas emission frame purchase of the consumables with which the image forming apparatus 1 was mounted | worn from the data management server 701 to the user's image forming apparatus by the greenhouse gas emission frame purchase system of the said image forming apparatus. 11 is a part of a flowchart following the flowchart of FIG.

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 a greenhouse used in an image forming apparatus 1 that is purchased or leased as shown in FIG. 1 and that is connected to a data management server and forms an image using toner by an electrophotographic method. As the effect gas emission allowance purchase system, the characteristic greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system configuration according to the present invention is adopted.

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. Is provided with a function (consumables determination means) for determining 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 frame purchasing 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 view showing an example of a communication network constituting the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system of the image forming apparatus according to the 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 a data management server displayed on the display unit. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of a preview display of a message including information on a message prompting the user to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance notified to the image forming apparatus from FIG. 7, and FIG. 7 shows IMAGE SEND displayed on the display unit It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial screen of a mode.

  The greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system used for the image forming apparatus 1 that is purchased or leased as shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a data management server 701 such as a manufacturer, a sales destination or a lease destination by a unit 506 via a LAN (local area network) 700, and the data management server 701 and a plurality of offset providers 702 and the like (multiple To the image forming apparatus 1 from the data management server 701 in order to purchase a greenhouse gas emission allowance for consumables. A temperature that includes information on multiple offset providers that provide consumable greenhouse gas emissions allowances attached to the forming apparatus 1 Notify the gas emissions frame information, and is characterized in that to purchase greenhouse gas emission allowance.

  In this greenhouse gas emission allowance purchasing 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 allowance purchase system has a detection unit (consumable) 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, a storage unit (consumables information storage unit) 502 in which information on consumables with a greenhouse gas emission frame used in the image forming apparatus 1 is stored, and a detection result and a storage unit by the detection unit 509a A data management server 701 having a function (consumables determination means) for checking whether or not the consumables are consumables with a greenhouse gas emission frame by comparing with the consumables information stored in 502; In addition, the function (consumable status determination means) for determining the replacement timing of the consumable based on the usage status of the consumable, and the consumable mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 are not consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame. And Multiple offsets that provide a message prompting the user to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance, consumable greenhouse gas emission information, and consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance And a function of notifying the image forming apparatus 1 of information on the provider 702 and the like (greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information notifying means).

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 side has information of a message for prompting the user to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission frame notified by the data management server 701, information on the amount of consumable greenhouse gas emissions, and consumption. A function (greenhouse gas emission frame purchase information display means) for displaying information on a plurality of offset providers 702 for providing greenhouse gas emission frames of the product on the display unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 and display on the display unit 101 A function (offset provider information notifying means) for notifying the data management server 701 of information of a specific offset provider selected from the information of the plurality of offset providers 702 and the like.

  In the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 501 detects information stored in the storage unit 502, that is, consumables for detecting information on consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in the image forming apparatus 1. In addition to functioning as an information detection unit, the result of detection by the detection unit 509a and the information on the consumables stored in the storage unit 502 are collated to determine whether the consumable is a consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame. It is configured to function as a consumable item determination means for determining. Furthermore, the control unit 501 is configured to function as an information notification unit that notifies the data management server 701 of the result of determining whether or not the consumable is a consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the storage means (not shown) on the data management server 701 side, information on a message prompting the user to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission frame, information on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions of consumables, Information on a plurality of offset providers 702 that provide a greenhouse gas emission allowance for consumables is stored.

  When a control unit (not shown) on the data management server 701 side determines that the consumable item attached to the image forming apparatus 1 is not a consumable item with a greenhouse gas emission frame, the control unit 501 has a consumable greenhouse. Image formation of message information prompting user to purchase effect gas emission allowance, information on greenhouse gas emission of consumables, and information on multiple offset providers 702 that provide greenhouse gas emission allowances for consumables It is configured to function as a greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information notifying means for notifying the apparatus 1.

  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.

  Further, the control unit 501 on the image forming apparatus 1 side transmits information on a message notified by the data management server 701 to prompt the user to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance, and information on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions of consumables. And a plurality of offset providers 702 that provide consumable greenhouse gas emission frames, and the like, are configured to function as a greenhouse gas emission frame purchase information display unit that displays on the display unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1. And is configured to function as an offset provider information notifying means for notifying the data management server 701 of information on a specific offset provider selected from information on a plurality of offset providers 702 and the like displayed on the display unit 101. ing.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the display part 101 of the operation panel 100 is comprised so that it may function as a display part of a greenhouse gas emission frame purchasing 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, a consumable used in the image forming apparatus 1 is attached with a greenhouse gas emission frame (greenhouse gas emission credit). A notification screen (preview screen) 101a of a message (notification mail) indicating that it has not been displayed is displayed on the display unit 101.

  Specifically, the control unit 501 of the image forming apparatus 1 matches the detection result of the consumables by the detection unit 509a with the information on the consumables stored in the storage unit 502, and as a result, is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. When it is determined that the consumable product is not attached with a greenhouse gas emission frame, the data management server 701 at the store stores the image forming apparatus 1 (user side) as shown in FIG. IMPORTANT NOTICE) 101a1, a consumable information message 101a2 informing that the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1 are not attached with a greenhouse gas emission frame, and the purchase of the consumable greenhouse gas emission frame. Information on the notification screen 101a including the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase request message 101a3 requested to be sent is notified.

  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 for purchasing the greenhouse gas emission allowance of consumables notified from the data management server 701 to the image forming apparatus 1 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 allowance purchase system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 8 shows an example of a credit purchase procedure notification screen including greenhouse gas emission allowance information of consumables notified from the data management server to the image forming apparatus displayed on the display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen including information on offset providers notified from the data management server displayed on the display unit to the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen including information on a purchase request form for consumable greenhouse gas emission frames notified from the data management server to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system of this embodiment, information (notification screen) of a message prompting the user to purchase the above-mentioned consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance from the data management server 701 to the image forming apparatus 1. 101a), information on greenhouse gas emissions of consumables, information on multiple offset providers that provide consumable greenhouse gas emission allowances, and credit purchase requests for purchasing greenhouse gas emission allowances Information on the certificate is notified.

  In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the application icon 120 b is touched on the initial screen 110 b in the IMAGE SEND mode displayed on the display unit 101 of the operation panel 100 of the image forming apparatus 1, First, as shown in FIG. 8, a notification screen 101b including information for purchasing a consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance is displayed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the notification screen 101b includes consumable information including a title (credit purchase procedure) 101b1 and information on the greenhouse gas emission allowance of consumables used in the image forming apparatus 1. 101b2.

  The consumable information 101b2 includes, for example, product information 101b21 that guarantees printing of 50,000 sheets using a black toner cartridge as a consumable, and greenhouse gas emission allowance information 101b22 that the credit cost is 2,000 yen. include.

  Further, a next screen switching icon 131 for switching the display screen is displayed on the notification screen 101b as a thumbnail of the selection switch.

  When the next screen switching icon 131 is touched on the notification screen 101b, a notification screen 101c including information on a plurality of offset providers that provide consumable greenhouse gas emission frames is displayed on the display unit 101 as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  Specifically, the notification screen 101c includes a title (offset provider list) 101c1 and offset provider information 101c2 of a plurality of offset providers connected to the data management server 701.

  The offset provider information 101c2 includes an offset provider name 101c21, a partner project 101c22, and a credit fee 101c23.

  The alliance project 101c22 is a project with which an offset provider is affiliated, and includes, for example, wind power generation, hydropower generation, biomass power generation, forest management, energy use efficiency improvement, and the like.

  The credit fee 101c23 displays an amount for crediting an amount corresponding to 1 ton of greenhouse gas emissions.

  Further, on the notification screen 101c, as a thumbnail of the selection switch, a next screen switching icon 132 for switching the display screen to the next screen after selecting the offset provider and a previous screen icon 133 for returning the display screen to the previous screen are displayed.

  When the next screen switching icon 132 is touched on the notification screen 101c, as shown in FIG. 10, a credit purchase screen 101d including information on a credit purchase request form for requesting a greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase is displayed on the display unit 101. Is displayed. Based on the credit purchase screen 101d, the data management server 701 is notified of credit information purchased by the user.

  Specifically, on the credit purchase screen 101d, as shown in FIG. 10, a preview image 101d1 of a credit purchase request form for requesting a manufacturer or a dealer to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance, A confirmation icon 141 for confirming the number, a transmission icon 142 for transmitting (notifying) the credit purchase request, a return icon 143 for returning to the previous screen, and a return icon 144 for returning to the initial screen are displayed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the display unit 101 of the operation panel 100 displays the product information of consumables, information of a plurality of offset providers that handle the greenhouse gas emission allowances of consumables, partnership projects, credit charges, and the like. By displaying, it is possible to select an offset provider that provides the optimal (lowest cost) greenhouse gas emission allowance while confirming the displayed information.

  The purchase of consumables credits is preferably performed when the consumables are first set in the image forming apparatus 1. However, if the image forming apparatus 1 is not warming up or not in a print job, the operation panel 100 is purchased. When there is no input signal or when there is no document placement signal from the scanner unit, it is determined that the user is not operating the operation panel 100 of the image forming apparatus 1, and an initial screen is displayed on the display unit 101 of the operation panel 100. It may be displayed so that it can be operated on the display screen.

In addition, a consumable item (not shown) displays a value obtained by converting a greenhouse gas emission amount in the life cycle of the consumable item into a CO ₂ emission amount, and an explanatory text explaining the value.

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 load).
(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). In the present embodiment, the total CO ₂ emission amount in the life cycle of consumables from (1) to (5) is 5 ton (t).

  Next, connection between the image forming apparatus 1 and the data management server 701, the plurality of offset providers 702, and the like constituting the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase 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 the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 and the data management server 701, and the data management server 701 and a plurality of offset providers 702 are connected via communication means.
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 ), 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.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a server owned by a government agency (eg, the Ministry of the Environment, etc.) or a server of a partner project partner, and a credit purchase request entered by the user is received from the public organization or partner project partner. You may make it transmit to.

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 greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system of the image forming apparatus 1 notifies the user's image forming apparatus 1 of the information regarding the purchase of the consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance from the data management server 701 so that the user can A procedure for purchasing an emission allowance will be described with reference to a flowchart.
11 and 12 show greenhouse gas emission frames of consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1 from the data management server 701 to the user's image forming apparatus 1 by the greenhouse gas emission frame purchasing system of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which notifies the information regarding purchase.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on and the control for purchasing the greenhouse gas emission frame of the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1 is started by the greenhouse gas emission frame purchasing system. (Step S1) First, it is confirmed whether the data management server 701 of 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.

  The consumable information includes, for example, a unique model number of consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1, information assigned with a greenhouse gas emission frame, a unique credit number, and the like.

  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 allowance purchase 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 credit information (for example, a unique credit number), the processing by the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that there is no credit information for the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the data management server 701 acquires the consumable usage status (operating status) from the image forming apparatus 1. (Step S6).

  Then, the data management server 701, for example, based on the usage status of consumables in the image forming apparatus 1, for example, the current number of consumables printed (detection result, for example, 45,000) and the guaranteed number of prints by the manufacturer (data management server). By comparing the stored data stored in the storage unit 701 (for example, 50,000 sheets), it is recognized that the replacement time for consumables is approaching.

  For example, if the difference between the current number of consumables printed and the guaranteed number of prints by the manufacturer is less than a predetermined number (for example, 40,000), the time for replacement is determined. You may make it judge that it is approaching.

As a result, it is determined that it is time to replace the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1, and that the consumables have not been granted a greenhouse gas emission allowance (credit) (or have no unique credit number). (1) Information on message prompting purchase of greenhouse gas emission allowance (credit) from storage means of data management server 701 (not shown), (2) Greenhouse gas emission amount of consumables (CO ₂ emission amount) (3) Information on multiple greenhouse gas emission allowances (credits), (4) Information on the purchase of greenhouse gas emissions allowances, including information on programs for creating credit purchase requests. Is read (step S7). In this way, preparations for notifying the image forming apparatus 1 are made.

  The notification of the information related to the purchase of the greenhouse gas emission allowance from the data management server 701 may be notified to a personal computer or a portable terminal of an administrator who manages the image forming apparatus 1.

  In this embodiment, the data management server 701 on the store side and the image forming apparatus 1 on the user side are always connected via the LAN 700 so that the store can manage the state of the image forming apparatus 1 of the user. In other words, the store monitors what type of image forming apparatus is currently used for the image forming apparatus 1, usage status of the image forming apparatus 1, malfunction of the image forming apparatus 1, maintenance time of the image forming apparatus 1, and the like. it can.

  The data management server 701 communicates with the control unit 501 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the LAN 700 to check the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1, for example, whether the image forming apparatus 1 is warming up, printing JOB, or the operation panel 100. It is monitored whether there is an input signal and whether there is a document placement signal from the scanner (step S8).

In step S8, when the image forming apparatus 1 is not warming up, during printing JOB, when there is no input signal on the operation panel, or when there is no document placement signal from the scanner, the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed. When the data management server 701 determines that the user is not operating 100, the data management server 701, as shown in FIG. 11, (1) information on a message prompting the purchase of a greenhouse gas emission allowance (credit), and (2) consumables. (3) Information on multiple offset providers providing greenhouse gas emission rights (credits), (4) Purchasing credits, including information on greenhouse gas emissions (CO ₂ emissions equivalent) Information regarding the purchase of greenhouse gas emission allowance including information on the program for creating the request form is notified to the image forming apparatus 1 (step S9).

  6 is displayed on the display unit 101 of the operation panel 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 or a notification screen 101b including information for purchasing a consumable greenhouse gas emission frame shown in FIG. 9, a notification screen 101c including information on a plurality of offset providers that provide consumable greenhouse gas emission allowances, and information on a credit purchase request form for requesting the purchase of greenhouse gas emission allowances shown in FIG. The credit purchase screen 101d including can be displayed.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, when the information on the notification screen 101 a is received, the icon 111 a for DOCUMENT FIRING mode displayed on the display unit 101 on the initial screen 110 a of DOCUMENT FIRING mode is blinked to notify the user.

  Then, when the user touches the icon 111a for the DOCUMENT FILE mode among the operation keys 110, the initial screen 110a in the DOCUMENT FILE mode is displayed as shown in FIG. Then, by touching the preview confirmation icon 120a on the display screen, as shown in FIG. 6, the greenhouse effect is requested to purchase the consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance notified from the data management server 701. A notification screen 101a including a gas emission allowance purchase request message 101a3 is displayed on the display unit 101. After confirming the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase request message displayed on the display unit 101, the user operates the touch panel of the display unit 101 to request the data management server 701 to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance. Is performed (step S10).

  Specifically, when the user touches the IMAGE SEND mode icon 111b of the operation keys 110, the 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, a notification screen 101b including information for purchasing a consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance is displayed on the display unit 101 as shown in FIG. .

Based on the consumable information 101b2 shown on the notification screen 101b, the user can confirm that the consumable is a black toner cartridge that is guaranteed to print 50,000 sheets, and that the greenhouse gas generation amount (CO ₂ emission conversion value) of the consumable is 5 ton. Thus, it can be confirmed that the general purchase price of 5 ton credits is 2,000 yen (including tax).

When the next screen switching icon 131 on the notification screen 101b is touched to select the next screen, the display unit 101 has a plurality of offset providers that provide consumable greenhouse gas emission frames as shown in FIG. A notification screen 101c including information 101c2 is displayed.
In order to select “ABCDE Argentine wind power generation 300 yen (tax included)” with the cheapest credit equivalent to 1 ton from the list of multiple offset providers shown on the notification screen 101c, “ABCDE Corporation”, “Argentina Wind Power” The offset provider is selected by selecting either “power generation” or “300 yen (including tax)”, and the next screen switching icon 132 is selected.

  When the next screen switching icon 132 on the notification screen 101c is touched, as shown in FIG. 10, the display unit 101 displays a credit purchase screen 101d including information on a credit purchase request form for requesting purchase of a greenhouse gas emission allowance. Is displayed. The credit purchase screen 101d is created based on the above-described program for creating a credit purchase request.

  The purchase request preview screen 101d1 of the credit purchase screen 101d includes “ABCDE Co., Ltd.” as the name of the offset provider selected earlier, “Argentina wind power generation” as the partner project, and “Greenhouse gas emissions of products used” 5 ton. “, And the date of the company are automatically entered in the upper right of the preview screen, and the company name of the user is entered in the lower right of the preview screen.

Here, in this embodiment, since the greenhouse gas generation amount (CO ₂ emission conversion value) of the consumable item is 5 tons, when “5” for 5 tons is input with the numeric keypad, the purchase request preview is displayed. A purchased number of 5 is automatically generated on the screen 101d1.
If there is no problem after confirming the description content (input content) on the purchase request preview screen 101d1, the transmission icon 142 for transmitting the purchase request is selected, and the information on the credit purchase request form is transmitted to the data management server 701.

  Therefore, the user can purchase consumables credits at the cheapest 1,500 yen (including tax), and the burden of credit purchase costs can be reduced.

  The credit purchase request form is accompanied by an e-mail address of “ABCDE” (not shown) or an offset provider identification number unique to “ABCDE”. Similarly, a unique identification number or the like may be attached to “Argentina wind power generation” or “500 yen (including tax)”.

  Returning to the flowchart, the data management server 701 receives information on a credit purchase request form from the user (step S11). Then, the contents of the credit purchase request form and the data of a plurality of offset providers stored in the storage unit of the data management server 701 are collated and notified to “ABCDE Co., Ltd.” selected by the user. At that time, the data management server 701 notifies the contents of the credit purchase request form and the web posting request of the offset provider (step S12).

  The notified offset provider assigns a unique credit identification number, etc. to the credit purchase request form, (1) a message that accepted the credit purchase request form, and (2) a unique credit identification number and credit card account deduction date and price 1 , 500 yen (including tax), (3) Information such as the URL of the offset provider's Web on which a unique credit identification number is posted is notified to the data management server 701. The data management server 701 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the information notified from the offset provider (step S13).

  Further, the notified offset provider provides the credit price to the organization that manages and supervises “Argentina wind power generation” in response to the credit price transferred from the user of the image forming apparatus 1 to the account.

  Since the data management server 701 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the notification content from the offset provider, the user of the image forming apparatus 1 sends the Web of the offset provider on which the unique credit identification number is posted to the image forming apparatus 1. You can confirm that purchased consumables credits contribute to “Argentina wind power generation” with PCs and mobile devices.

  As described above, the greenhouse gas emission frame purchase system of the image forming apparatus 1 notifies the user from the data management server 701 of information regarding the purchase of the greenhouse gas emission frame of the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1 to the user. The process of purchasing the greenhouse gas emission allowance from the offset provider selected by the user is terminated.

  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.

  With the configuration as described above, according to the present embodiment, as a configuration of the greenhouse gas emission frame purchase system of the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 and the data management server 701 that sells consumables are configured with the LAN 700. In addition, the data management server 701 and a plurality of offset providers 702 and the like are connected via communication means so that the usage status of the consumables of the image forming apparatus 1 can be monitored by the sales destination, thereby forming an image. On the apparatus 1 side, a detection unit 509a that detects information stored in storage means or recording means provided in the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus 1, and a greenhouse gas emission frame used in the image forming apparatus 1 The storage unit 502 storing attached consumable information, the detection result by the detecting unit 509a and the consumable information stored in the storage unit 502 are collated to check A function for determining whether or not the consumable is a consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame, and a function for determining the replacement time of the consumable based on the use status of the consumable on the data management server 701 side, and an image When it is determined that the consumables attached to the forming apparatus 1 are not consumables with a greenhouse gas emission frame, information on a message prompting the user to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission frame and the consumable greenhouse A function of notifying the image forming apparatus 1 of information on the amount of effect gas emissions and information on a plurality of offset providers 702 for providing greenhouse gas emission frames of consumables; , Information of a message that prompts the user to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance notified by the data management server 701, information on the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumable, and a greenhouse gas emission allowance of the consumable A function of displaying information such as a plurality of offset providers 702 to be provided on the display unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 and a specific offset selected from the information of the plurality of offset providers 702 displayed on the display unit 101 And a function of notifying the data management server 701 of the provider information, and the image forming apparatus from the data management server 701 to the user based on the information regarding the greenhouse gas emission allowance notified from the data management server 701. The purchase of greenhouse gas emission allowances (credits) for consumables used in 1 can be encouraged. The user can easily purchase a greenhouse gas emission allowance, and can select and purchase a cheaper greenhouse gas emission allowance from information of a plurality of offset providers, thereby reducing the purchase cost burden.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the consumable manufacturer or consumable sales company can raise awareness of environmental contributions to users, and can provide funds to the greenhouse gas reduction business without omission. Contribute to the persistence of the business.
In addition, the distribution of non-genuine consumables that do not have legitimate greenhouse gas emission allowance information can be suppressed, contributing to improved sales of image forming apparatus manufacturers and consumables sales companies.

  In this embodiment, 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, and a cloud computing service are provided. It may be managed by a cloud provider.

  In addition, the data management server 701 is connected to a plurality of servers owned by the offset providers, and the user has selected information (credit purchase request form) related to the purchase request for the consumable greenhouse gas emission quota notified by the user. Consumables greenhouse gas entered by the user connected to a server owned by a government agency (for example, the Ministry of the Environment) or a partner project partner. Information regarding purchase requests for emission allowances may be transmitted to public institutions and partner projects.

  Further, the data management server 701 is connected to a server owned by the carbon offset inspection and certification / registration organization, and the information regarding the purchase of the greenhouse gas emission allowance of consumables notified by the user is owned by the carbon offset inspection / certification / registration organization. You may make it transmit to the server of.

  Furthermore, 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 user may be an administrator who performs general device management of the image forming apparatus, or more preferably 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 the optimum offset provider can be selected. You can purchase a greenhouse gas emission allowance.

  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 double registration prevention system for greenhouse gas emission frames 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 apparatus is not limited to the image forming apparatus and the copying machine having the above-described configuration as long as the apparatus includes a display unit capable of displaying a message or the like. Equipment (electronic devices, devices, or terminals related to video, audio, communication, etc., intended for use by general consumers or in general homes, or developed and designed on the premise thereof) Products and standards), and business equipment (products (corporates, schools, government offices, etc.)

  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 Display unit 101a, 101b, 101c Notification screen 101a1 Title (important notice)
101a2 Consumables information message 101a3 Greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase request message 101b1 Title (credit purchase procedure)
101b2 Consumables information 101b21 Product information 101b22 Greenhouse gas emission allowance information 101c1 Title (offset provider list)
101c2 Offset provider information 101c21 Offset provider name 101c22 Partner project 101c23 Credit charge 101d Credit purchase screen 101d1 Purchase request preview screen 110 Operation key 110a Initial screen in DOCUMENT FIRING mode 110b IMAGE SEND mode initial screen 120a Preview confirmation icon 120b Application icon 131 , 132 Next screen switching icon 133 Previous screen icon 141 Confirm icon 142 Send icon 143 Return icon (previous screen)
144 Return icon (initial screen)
501 Control unit (consumables determination means, consumable information detection means, information notification means,
Greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information display means,
Offset provider information 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 (consumables status determination means,
Greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information notification means)
702 Offset provider 710 Satellite communication infrastructure

Claims (9)

A greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system used for purchased or leased image forming apparatuses,
The greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system includes the image forming apparatus, a data management server, and a plurality of offset providers,
A plurality of offset providers that connect the image forming apparatus and a data management server of a consumables manufacturer or a consumables sales company via communication means, and provide a greenhouse gas emission allowance for the data management server and consumables Are connected via communication means,
The data management server is configured to be able to monitor the usage status of 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;
Consumable information storage means for storing information on consumables with greenhouse gas emission frames used in the image forming apparatus;
The result of detection by the consumable information detecting means and the information on the consumables stored in the consumable information storage means are collated to determine whether the consumable is a consumable with a greenhouse gas emission frame. Consumables determination means;
Consumable item status judging means for judging the replacement time of the consumable item based on the usage status of the consumable item,
A message prompting the user to purchase a consumable greenhouse gas emission frame when the consumable product determination unit determines that the consumable product attached to the image forming apparatus is not a consumable product with a greenhouse gas emission frame. Information, information on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions of the consumables, information on the plurality of offset providers, and information on a purchase request form requesting the purchase of the greenhouse gas emission allowance on the consumables Greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information notification means to notify
Information of a message prompting a user to purchase a greenhouse gas emission allowance of the consumables notified by the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information notifying means, information of the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumables, Greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information display means for displaying on the display unit of the image forming apparatus information on an offset provider and information on a purchase request for requesting purchase of a greenhouse gas emission allowance for the consumables;
Greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase request information notification means for notifying the specific offset provider of information on the purchase request including information on a specific offset provider selected from the information of the plurality of offset providers;
A greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system characterized by comprising:   The greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system according to claim 1, wherein the greenhouse gas emission amount of the consumable item is a greenhouse gas emission amount in a life cycle of the consumable item.   The information of the plurality of offset providers that provide the consumable greenhouse gas emission allowance includes at least a greenhouse gas emission allowance cost corresponding to the greenhouse gas emission amount. Greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system.   4. The information notified by the greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase information notifying means is displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is ready. The greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system according to one item.   The information on the replacement time of the consumables and the information on the greenhouse gas emission frame of the consumables are stored in storage means or recording means provided in the consumable goods. The greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system according to any one of the above.   The greenhouse gas emission frame according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the consumable storage means or recording means uses any one of an IC chip, a barcode, and a two-dimensional code. Purchase system. The display unit includes a touch panel or operation keys substantially integrally,
The greenhouse gas emission according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the greenhouse gas emission frame purchase procedure is performed by operating the touch panel or the operation key on the display unit. Frame purchase system.   The greenhouse gas emission allowance purchasing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the consumables are provided with a carbon footprint mark.   The consumable item includes at least one of a type of greenhouse gas in the life cycle of the consumable item, a value of the emission amount of the greenhouse gas, and an explanatory text explaining the value. Item 9. The greenhouse gas emission allowance purchase system according to any one of Items 1 to 8.

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