JPH1170378A - Unwanted article collection information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To conduct recycle collection of unwanted articles efficiently and comprehend the state of collection of the unwanted articles concerning on devices produced by a manufacture himself. SOLUTION: When a device 21 is allowed to be a used device, the device 21 itself transmits device information (a) by notifying-and-indicating means 34 from device information storage means 31 and usage status information (b) from usage status measuring means 32 to an information-totalizing device 3 by using a communication circuit (d). The information-totalizing device 3 receives the information, wherein the information-totalizing device 3 is provided with a user information database part 52 and discriminates a user address or a place to make contact from device information (a') by user-discriminating means 51 (e) and provided with a fault information database part 54 for storing fault or life information of devices and judges whether the device is allowed to be reused as a used device or the device is allowed to the discarded and recycled from the usage status information (b') by means for judging a product to be repaired or to be discarded (f). Signal-judging means 55 allots the device information (a) and the user information (e) to a used article collection-receiving apparatus 24 or a waste product collection-receiving apparatus 23.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a refrigerator,
Centrally manages information on the collection of waste equipment from home appliances such as TVs and washing machines.It handles information for effective use of collected equipment and handles information for grasping the collection status of equipment. The present invention relates to a waste collection information processing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, awareness of protecting the global environment has been increasing for both companies, which are manufacturers, and consumers, who are users. For this reason, it is becoming important to think of recycling, such as eliminating illegal waste and reliably collecting waste products, reusing collected waste products as used products, or reusing them as parts and materials.

[0003] Here are some examples of information processing systems for collecting waste. First, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-166416 discloses a method for monitoring illegal disposal.
No. publication. This document describes a physical distribution monitoring system that manages and monitors the flow of waste from an intermediary company that collects and transports waste to a waste processor, mainly by a medical institution that is a waster.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-342224 discloses a method for efficiently recycling collected waste products.
There is an official gazette. This includes a description of a recycling system that continuously and stably supplies collected waste to a waste disposal person who is a consumer. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-194988 discloses a system for determining a route for efficiently delivering collected waste to a waste disposal person.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Manufacturers are obliged to collect waste of home appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, washing machines and the like. An object of the present invention is to provide a system for efficiently recycling and collecting waste products,
Therefore, it is necessary to create a system that makes it easy for users to cooperate when disposing of waste products. To establish a system that allows the manufacturer to grasp the status of waste collection for equipment manufactured by the manufacturer and a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the manufacturer's approach to waste collection, for example, a collection rate of waste. It is.

There are the following two situations in which a user discards a home electric appliance. There are two cases: a time when it is discarded because it has failed, and a time when it is not broken but it is unnecessary. Each of the current issues will be explained.

[0007] In the event of a failure of a device, the user has contacted the store where the device was purchased or a repair company. However, if you contact the dealer, you may be advised to discard any equipment that can be used if it is still repaired and purchase a new one. Alternatively, if a repair contractor is contacted, repair may be recommended even for a device that is near the end of its service life and that is supposed to be repaired even if it is repaired.

[0008] In each case, the priority is given to each business, and the user may be confused about which of the repairs should be requested. In other words, the user has to decide in advance whether to replace or repair the device to some extent, and to select a contact. For this reason, when the user's judgment is not accurate, there is an inefficient result in that the device can be used even if it is repaired, but is discarded. These methods have a problem in forcing a user who does not know the life of the device to judge a repaired product, and a system for objectively determining whether to replace or repair the product, apart from a commercial operation, is required.

[0009] In addition, when a device is no longer required due to moving or the like, it is often crushed as a waste item because a pick-up partner cannot be found even though it can be used as a used item. Also, even if a pick-up partner is found, it is difficult to judge the quality of second-hand goods because it is not known how long it can be used for the life of the device. As a result, the secondhand market for home appliances is more difficult to establish than private cars, but the current situation is that. These have the problem of forcing users who do not know the life of the equipment or second-hand goods collectors to judge the second-hand goods, and make an objective judgment on whether to discard or use them, apart from business activities. Need a system.

[0010] Furthermore, a waste product collector and a used product collector may not always be able to collect only the equipment they desire and the convenient equipment. For example, air conditioners and refrigerators are brought to waste collectors regardless of whether they have a CFC recovery facility. In addition, used goods collectors cannot easily find the equipment they are looking for, and waste collectors come in with equipment that they do not want to handle if possible because of the difficulty in handling waste. If they are refused, the burden is placed on the user who brought in the waste, and it is necessary to search for a collecting person who can collect the waste. From the above, it is necessary to have a system that activates the increase in the amount of waste collection and the complexity of recycling in the future, as well as a system that is easy to work for waste collectors and second-hand collectors. is there.

The above-mentioned conventional system does not satisfy the above-mentioned object and is not conceived based on it. This will be described below.

The above-described physical distribution monitoring system for monitoring illegal disposal is not suitable for household electrical appliances because there are some differences between medical waste and household electrical appliances. For example, a medical waste item is discarded by the same person as the disposal manager, but in the case of home electric appliances, the discarder is a user and the monitor is, for example, a manufacturer and not the same. Also, there is no reuse of medical waste, but there is a form of reuse of used products for home appliances. In addition, in the case of home electric appliances, since waste processors exist in each municipality, it is not easy to install an online terminal under the waste processors as in JP-A-6-166416.

Next, a system for efficiently recycling the collected waste is a processing system after collecting the waste and is not directly related to the user. Therefore, the object of the present invention to increase the recovery rate of waste products and to create a system in which the user can easily cooperate therewith does not exist or is not solved.

Similar to home electric appliances, a comparison is made between a privately-owned vehicle, which has a high focus on waste collection and recycling. The most distinctive difference is that, unlike home appliances, private cars are difficult to illegally dispose of. The reason is that private cars are large and easy to find when they are illegally disposed of, and because owners and property are socially managed by license plates, illegal discards are made when waste is discovered. Can be easily identified. Therefore, most privately-owned vehicles are collected by processing companies, and the automotive industry is focusing on recycling, such as the recyclable rate, after collecting waste.

[0015] In comparison, home electric appliances are small and easy to throw away, and even if waste is found, it is unknown who the waste belongs to. Therefore, a manufacturer of home electric appliances needs to attach importance to how to collect 100% of used electric home appliances.

In view of the above points, the problem to be solved by the present invention is a system for efficiently recycling and collecting wastes, and a system for which a user can easily cooperate when processing wastes. It is to make. To establish a system that allows the manufacturer to grasp the status of waste collection for equipment manufactured by the manufacturer and a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the manufacturer's approach to waste collection, for example, a collection rate of waste. It is.

[0017]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a home appliance such as an air conditioner and a refrigerator,
An information tallying device that connects to the device through a communication line, aggregates the usage information of the device, and distributes the device information to the used goods collection reception device or the waste product collection reception device according to the usage status at the time of disposal;
The device consists of a used goods collection reception device and a waste product collection reception device that receives device information from the information aggregation device and collects used products and waste products.Equipment stores identification information such as device model number and serial number as device information. Device information storage means to be used, usage actual measurement storage means for measuring and storing actual usage information such as the usage time of the equipment, notification instruction means for outputting a notification instruction signal to the transmission means when the equipment is discarded, and notification instruction A transmitting unit for transmitting the information from the device information storage unit and the use actual measurement storage unit by a signal;
Receiving means for receiving information transmitted from the transmitting means of the device, a user information database section for storing user information such as the address and contact information of the device user, and a user information database section for storing device information from the receiving means User identification means for outputting user information of a device which is a source of a received signal by inputting the information to a user, a failure information database unit storing failure information and life information of each device, and failure of the actual use information from the reception means. A waste item judging means for judging whether a device which is a source of a received signal by inputting into the information database part is reused as a used item or discarding and reusing the device, and a used item according to a signal from the waste item judging device This is a waste collection information processing system including a collection receiving device or a distribution determining unit that distributes device information and user information to the collection receiving device.

According to the above invention, when a user uses a device used by the user, the device itself uses the device information such as the model number and serial number of the device and the usage time of the device when the user uses the device. The actual information is transmitted to the information totalizing device using a communication line. The information tallying device that has received the information includes a user information database unit, determines the address and contact information of the user from the device information, and includes a failure information database unit that stores device failure information and life information. Whether the equipment is reused as used goods or discarded and recycled is determined from the information, and the equipment information and the user information are distributed to the used goods collection receiving apparatus or the used goods collection receiving apparatus. Since the used goods collection reception device and the waste product collection reception device know the model number, the serial number, the address and the contact information of the user, they can respond quickly and reliably and can collect the equipment. As described above, even if the user does not make an arrangement, the used goods collection receiving apparatus or the waste goods collection receiving apparatus is automatically arranged according to the use state, so that the collection rate of the used goods can be increased. In addition, since it is possible to appropriately determine whether to reuse or recycle in accordance with the state of use, it is efficient in terms of the life of the device. Further, it is possible to construct a system in which the manufacturer can grasp the status of the waste collection of the equipment manufactured by the manufacturer using this system as a starting point.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention can be embodied in the form described in each claim.

That is, as in the first aspect of the present invention,
Connects to home appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators through communication lines with the appliances, aggregates the usage information of the appliances, and distributes the equipment information to used equipment collection reception equipment and waste collection reception equipment at the time of disposal according to the usage status It consists of an information aggregation device and a used goods collection reception device or a waste product collection reception device that receives equipment information from the information aggregation device and collects used goods and waste products, and the equipment is identification information such as the model number and serial number of the device. Device information storage means for storing device information as device information, usage status measurement storage device for measuring and storing usage status information such as the usage time of the device, and a notification instruction for outputting a notification instruction signal to the transmission means when the device is discarded Means for transmitting information from the device information storage means and the usage actual state measurement storage means in accordance with the notification instruction signal. Receiving means, a user information database unit for storing user information such as a device user's address and contact information, and a source of a received signal by inputting device information from the receiving means into the user information database unit. A user discriminating means for outputting user information of a device, a failure information database unit storing failure information and life information for each device,
Waste determination means for inputting actual usage information from the reception means to the failure information database to determine whether the equipment that is the source of the received signal is to be reused as used equipment or to be discarded and reused; and waste determination means And a distribution determining means for distributing the device information and the user information to the used goods collection receiving apparatus or the used goods collection receiving apparatus in response to a signal from the apparatus.

Then, when the user uses the used equipment, the equipment instructs the equipment itself such as the model number and the serial number of the equipment and the usage actual information such as the usage time of the equipment by the notification instruction means. A call is sent to the information totaling device using a communication line. The information tallying device that has received the information includes a user information database unit, determines the address and contact information of the user from the device information, and includes a failure information database unit that stores device failure information and life information. Whether the equipment is reused as used goods or discarded and recycled is determined from the information, and the equipment information and the user information are distributed to the used goods collection receiving apparatus or the used goods collection receiving apparatus. The used goods collection and reception device and the waste product collection and reception device can know the model number, serial number, user's address and contact information, and can respond quickly and reliably. As described above, even if the user does not make an arrangement, the used goods collection receiving apparatus or the waste goods collection receiving apparatus is automatically arranged according to the use state, so that the collection rate of the used goods can be increased. In addition, since it is possible to appropriately determine whether to reuse or recycle in accordance with the state of use, it is efficient in terms of the life of the device. Further, it is possible to construct a system in which the manufacturer can grasp the status of the waste collection of the equipment manufactured by the manufacturer using this system as a starting point.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the notification instruction means of the device outputs a notification instruction signal to the transmission means when the device is discarded, and stores the usage status stored in the usage status measurement storage device after the notification. It outputs an initialization signal for erasing and initializing a part of the information.

[0023] Since a part of the usage status information is erased when the device is discarded by the notification instruction means, the privacy of the user can be protected. As described above, it is possible to prevent the user from recognizing the usefulness of the notification instruction unit and discarding the device without activating the notification instruction unit.

Also, as in the third aspect of the present invention, a repair receiving apparatus is connected to home appliances such as an air conditioner and a refrigerator via a communication line to collect failure information of the appliances and to accumulate failure information of the appliances according to the state of the failure. Data collection device that distributes failure information to devices and waste collection and reception devices, and repair reception devices and waste product collection and reception devices that receive device information from the information collection device and collect repaired products and waste products. Device information storage means for storing identification information such as numbers and serial numbers as device information; usage status measurement storage means for measuring and storing usage status information such as the usage time of the device; and fault conditions such as fault locations of the device Failure state investigating means for examining information, and transmitting information from the equipment information storage means, usage actual measurement storage means and failure state investigation means when a failure is found by the failure state investigation means. The information summarizing device includes a receiving unit that receives information transmitted from the transmitting unit of the device, a user information database unit that stores user information such as the address and contact information of the device user; User discriminating means for inputting device information from the means to the user information database unit and outputting user information of the device which is the source of the received signal, and a failure information database unit storing device repair information and life information Repair determination means for inputting the actual usage information and the failure state information from the reception means to the failure information database unit to determine whether to repair or discard and recycle the device that is the source of the received signal; and And a distribution determining means for distributing the device information, the failure state information, and the user information to the repair receiving device or the waste collection receiving device in response to a signal from the means.

Then, when a device used by the user fails, the device itself transmits failure state information such as a failure location of the device to the information totalizing device using a communication line. At this time, device information such as a device model number and a serial number and usage status information such as device usage time are also transmitted to the information totaling device. The information totaling device that receives the information includes a user information database unit, determines the address and contact information of the user from the device information, and includes a failure information database unit that stores device repair information and life information. It is to determine whether the equipment is repaired or discarded and recycled based on the information and the actual usage information, and to distribute the equipment information, the failure state information, and the user information to the repair receiving device or the waste collection receiving device. . The repair receiving device and waste collection receiving device can also know the model number, serial number, user's address and contact information, and the location of the failure when repairing, so it can respond quickly and reliably and can repair and recover equipment. . As described above, even if the user does not make an arrangement, the repair receiving device or the waste collection receiving device is automatically notified according to the failure state, so that the recovery rate of the waste can be increased. In addition, since it is possible to appropriately determine whether to repair or discard according to the failure state, it is efficient in terms of the life of the device. Further, based on this system, it is possible to construct a system that allows the manufacturer to grasp the state of waste collection for devices manufactured by the manufacturer.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information totalizing device, comprising: a shipping equipment database unit storing identification information of equipment shipped by a manufacturer to a market; A first waste collection report means for inputting information to the shipping equipment database unit to obtain an uncollected equipment list and a collection rate.

The information totaling device includes a shipping device database storing a model number and a serial number of the device shipped by the manufacturer to the market. The information collecting device obtains the device number and the serial number of the device distributed to the waste collection receiving device. It is possible to obtain a list of uncollected devices among the devices shipped to the market and a waste product collection rate with respect to the number of units shipped in the market. As described above, it is possible to construct a system that allows the manufacturer to grasp the state of waste collection for the equipment manufactured by the manufacturer, and for that purpose, a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the manufacturer's approach to waste collection, for example, waste collection A system that can obtain the rate can be constructed.

Further, as in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the shipping equipment database unit of the information totaling device stores the identification information of the equipment shipped to the market and the sales route information, and the first waste collection and reporting means stores the sales information. A list of uncollected devices and a collection rate are obtained in consideration of routes.

Since the shipping equipment database stores the model number, serial number, and sales route of the equipment shipped to the market, an uncollected equipment list and a collection rate can be obtained for each sales route. If this is not the case, it is possible to analyze whether there is any cause in the sales route. As described above, it is possible to construct a system capable of obtaining a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the approach to waste collection including the sales route, for example, a waste collection rate.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a device at home receives a connection confirmation signal for confirming that the communication line is connected to the information totalizing device when the device is installed. Signal generating means for outputting to the communication means, the transmitting means transmits the device information from the device information storing means through the communication line, and the information summarizing device identifies the device whose connection of the communication line has been confirmed from the device information received by the receiving means. A second waste collection report means for inputting the identification information of the equipment connected to the communication line connection equipment database unit for storing information and the equipment distributed to the waste collection reception apparatus to the communication line connection equipment database unit to obtain an uncollected equipment list and a collection rate. Is provided.

Then, the device itself transmits device information such as the model number and the serial number of the device to the information totalizing device by using the communication line by the signal generating means. The information tallying device that has received this has a communication line connection device database unit that stores the model number and serial number of the device for which the connection of the communication line has been confirmed from the received device information. It is possible to obtain a list of uncollected devices and a waste product collection rate among the devices for which the connection of the communication line has been confirmed from the device number and the serial number. As a result, a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the manufacturer's approach to waste collection in consideration of equipment not yet used by the user that is in stock in the sales route, for example, the collection rate of waste, The resulting system can be constructed.

Further, as in the invention according to claim 7, the equipment at home includes timer means for outputting a connection confirmation signal to the signal generation means at predetermined time intervals, and the second waste collection of the information totalizing apparatus. The reporting means obtains an uncollected device list and a collection rate by regarding the device which previously received a signal from the device in the communication line connection device database unit but did not receive the signal after a predetermined period as a used device. It is.

In the second waste collection report means, a device which previously received a signal from the device but has not received it now is regarded as a used device, and the device number of the device distributed to the waste collection receiving device. A list of uncollected devices among used devices and a collection rate of waste products can be obtained from the and the serial number. A numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the manufacturer's approach to waste collection by discriminating between devices that are still in use by the user and devices that have been discarded without notifying the information collection device, for example, the waste collection rate Can be constructed.

Further, as in the invention according to claim 8, the connection of the communication line with the shipping equipment database storing the identification information of the equipment shipped to the market and the sales route information is confirmed. The apparatus further comprises a third waste collection report means for obtaining a list of unconnected devices of the communication line and a non-connection rate in consideration of the sales route from a communication line connected device database unit storing device identification information.

Then, in the third waste collection report means, the model number of the device confirmed to be connected to the communication line with the shipping device database storing the sales route for each model number and serial number of the device shipped to the market, and the manufacturing number. The list of the unconnected devices of the communication line and the connection ratio are obtained for each sales route by comparing with the communication line connected device database unit storing the numbers. As described above, the connection rate of the communication line can be determined for each sales route, and a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the approach to the system such as connection work can be obtained.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the communication line connection device database section of the information totalizing device includes a registration requesting a new registration of user information when device information is first received from an unstored device. A request signal is output to notify the device.

The communication line connection device database unit outputs a registration request signal for requesting user information such as the address and contact information of the device user when receiving device information from a device whose connection has not been confirmed. And notifies the user of the device. As described above, the maintenance of the user information database unit can be completed, and the reliability of the system of the present invention can be improved.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the information totaling device includes a collection device database unit for storing identification information of a used product collection reception device and devices distributed to the waste product collection reception device, When receiving device information for the first time from a device stored in the database unit, the communication line connection device database unit outputs a registration deletion signal requesting registration deletion of information on the device to the collection device database unit, A registration request signal for requesting re-registration of user information is output to notify the device.

The information summarizing device includes a used product collection receiving device and a collection device database unit storing the model number and the serial number of the device distributed to the waste product collection receiving device. When the device information is received again from the device that has been treated as a waste product, the user information is registered and deleted, and a registration request signal for requesting user information such as the address and contact information of the device user is output. Notify the side user. As described above, the maintenance of the user information database unit can be completed in consideration of the used goods market, and the reliability of the system of the present invention can be improved.

In addition, as in the invention according to claim 11, the first or second waste collection report means of the information totaling device does not consider the residential area of the user stored in the user information database unit. A collection device list and a collection rate are obtained.

In the first or second waste collection report means, an uncollected device list or a collected item is collected from a user information database unit storing user information such as the address and contact information of the device user for each residential area of the user. Since the rate can be obtained, it is possible to analyze whether there is any cause in the collection area when the collection is not expected. As described above, it is possible to construct a system capable of obtaining a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the approach to waste collection including the collection area, for example, a waste collection rate.

[0042]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a waste collection and information processing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, there is a refrigerator 1 in a certain home. The refrigerator 1 is connected to the information totaling device 3 by using the telephone line 2 and, when a failure occurs, its own model number, failure information such as a failure state and a failure location, and usage actual information such as a use period and a power-on time are transmitted to the information totaling device 3. Send (failure report). Further, when the user wants to dispose of the used product due to aging or moving, the user sends his / her model number and actual usage information to the information totaling device 3 by pressing a push button switch on the refrigerator body (disused product). Processing report). The connection between the refrigerator 1 and the information processing totaling device 3 is not limited to a telephone line, but may be any connection between the house and an external communicator such as a coaxial cable network or an optical fiber network such as a cable television.

The information totalizing device 3 which has received the failure report and the waste product disposal report judges the content of each report and transfers it to the place to be processed. For example, in the case of a failure report, it is a repair acceptance device of the service window 4 of the device manufacturer, a repair acceptance device of the repair company 5 in the prefecture, or a repair acceptance device of the nearby electronics store 6. Which information to report is determined based on the failure status known from the failure information, the repair cost thereof, and the life of the device known from the actual use information. For example, when the information totaling device 3 determines that it is better to replace the device than to repair it. Transfer to the electrical appliance store 6 preferentially.

At this time, the information totaling device 3 has user information such as the name, address, and contact information of the user of the device.
This is also transferred to the report destination. Each trader who has been contacted by the information totaling device 3 refers to this, first contacts the user, negotiates, and goes to repair / receive the equipment. The user information may be stored in the refrigerator 1 and transmitted in a failure report or a waste disposal report, but the user information is stored in the refrigerator 1.
Erasing means and time are required, and there is a possibility of privacy leakage because user information can be obtained by eavesdropping a failure report or a waste disposal report, for example.

Therefore, it is desirable to store the user information in the information totalizing device 3 and search for the user information using the model number included in the report. As a result, the information totaling device 3 has a database for handling the device model number and the user information, which will be described later in detail.

Conventionally, when a device breaks down, the user has difficulty in determining whether to call the service window 4 of the manufacturer, to contact the repair company 5, or to contact the electronics store 6. For example, when the repair company 5 is contacted, the repair company is also a business, so it mainly considers repair. As a result, for example, a device may be repaired even if its life is short and it is better to replace it in the long run than to repair it. On the other hand, an electric appliance store 6 is introduced at a service window 4 of a manufacturer, and the electric appliance store 6 sometimes recommends replacement of equipment that can be repaired and used, mainly considering sales.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically notify an optimal partner without the user having to worry about repairing or discarding and replacing. On the other hand, a repair contractor or the like who has received a report from the information totaling device can quickly obtain necessary information, such as a model number, a failure state, and a user's address, at the same time as when the report is made. In the case of replacement, the dealer receiving the notification can obtain a newly purchased customer.

Similarly, in the case of a waste disposal report, the contents of the report are transferred to a waste collection reception unit of the nearby electronics store 6, a waste collection reception unit of the waste collection unit 7, and a used collection reception unit of the used goods dealer 8. I do. In the electronics store 6, the above-described repair reception device and the waste product collection reception device may be combined. Since the disposal destination of the waste disposal may differ depending on the device, the information totaling device 3 determines this by the model number. For example, in the case of a refrigerator, it is transferred to a waste collector 7 who can collect Freon. In addition, it is determined whether the device is disassembled and reused as parts or materials, or reused as a used product as it is, depending on the use condition of the device.
Refer to the equipment usage status information included in the waste disposal notification,
Information tallying device 3 to which location it is better to report
Judge. For example, in the case of a refrigerator, a device whose usage period is less than three years is transferred to a used goods dealer 8, and if it is longer than that, the device is transferred to an electric appliance store 6 or a waste collection person 7. Conventionally, even equipment that can still be used as second-hand goods is sold at an electronics store 6 or a waste collector 7
Was dismantled without passing over to the used goods dealer 8.

In this respect, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically notify the optimum partner without the user having to consider whether to use a used product or to dispose of a used product or to know the circumstances of the disposal of a used product. That is, recycling can be actively performed. On the other hand, waste collectors who receive a report from the information tallying device can register the devices they want to collect in the information tallying device in advance so that they can efficiently collect what can be processed and what they want. Can be.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a waste collection and information processing system which is a further development of FIG. In addition to the refrigerator 1, the television 10 and the washer / dryer 1
1, an air conditioner 12, and a lighting device 13. There is one information transmitting device 14 connected to the telephone line 2 in the family, and a report from each device is transmitted to the information transmitting device 14 by a radio signal, and transmitted from the information transmitting device 14 to the information totaling device 3 using the telephone line 2. Can be

As shown in FIG. 1, a failure report and a waste article processing report are transmitted from each device, and a use abnormality report is transmitted from the information transmission device 14. This is a kind of security in which the information transmitting device 14 monitors the usage status of the equipment in the home and reports an abnormality when it is judged that it is hard to imagine in normal use. For example, in FIG. 2, although the television 10 is kept on, the lighting device 13 is not turned on at night, or the use of toilets and water is not observed for more than half a day. Make a call decision. If the content of the report received is a use abnormality report, the information totaling device 3 gives priority to this to the security reception device of the security company 9 and gives priority to the report process of the other households received at the same time. Give an error report along with the phone number.

As described above, since the information summarizing device 3 determines the transfer destination by looking at the contents of the report, the information collection device 3 does not complicate the communication processing of the device on the transmitting side, and a new system such as security is based on the waste collection processing system. Service can be added. For example, the information transmitting device 14 only needs to have one report destination telephone number (the telephone number of the information totalizing device 3), and it is not necessary to prepare a communication procedure for communication for a plurality of parties.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the waste article recovery information processing system shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 illustrates a device 21 such as a refrigerator, an information totaling device 3, and a repair receiving device 22 and a waste product collecting receiving device 23 as transfer destinations from the information totaling device 3.

First, the device 21 is composed of three signal transmission sources and one transmission means 30. As a signal source,
A device information storage unit 31 that stores identification information such as a model number and a serial number of the device 21 itself as device information, and a usage status measurement unit 32 that measures and stores usage status information such as a usage time and an energization time of the device 21. There is a failure state investigation means 33 for examining failure state information such as a failure location of a device. When the failure state investigating means 33 finds a failure, the transmitting means 30 transmits the equipment information a from the equipment information storage means 31, the usage actual information b from the usage actual measuring means 32, and the failure status from the failure state investigating means 33. The information c is transmitted to the information totaling device 3 (d).

Therefore, the device information is stored in the device information storage means 31 at the factory at the time of manufacturing. Since this does not need to be rewritten, a ROM may be used. The actual use measuring unit 32 obtains and measures an operation signal from a control unit (not shown) for controlling the equipment. What is measured is the use time and energization time of the device, and the number of uses such as the number of washings of the washing machine. If there is an element with a large stress applied to the device, a sensor for measuring the element may be provided, and the usage status information obtained from the sensor to obtain a measured value may be used. For example, the temperature and vibration of the surrounding environment. Further, the failure state investigating unit 33 causes the control unit for controlling the device to execute the self-diagnosis program, and confirms from the monitor signal at that time that the operation result is within a predetermined range. At this time, when it is out of the predetermined range, it is determined that a failure has occurred, and a self-diagnosis program for examining the failure portion and failure content in more detail is executed to obtain detailed failure state information.

Next, the information totalizing device 3 will be described. The information totaling device 3 includes one receiving unit, three sets of database units, and a determining unit.

The receiving means 50 receives the information d transmitted from the transmitting means 30 of the device 21 and outputs the device information a ', the usage status information b' and the failure status information c '.

First, in the user discriminating means 51, the device information a '
Is used as a search term to retrieve and output user information such as the address and contact information of the user of the device that is the source of the received signal (e). For this purpose, a user information database unit 52 is provided which stores device information such as model numbers and serial numbers of a plurality of devices and information on users thereof.

Here, the device information a 'is not limited to the model number or the serial number, but may be any information as long as it can identify the device used by the user. Further, the user information stored in the user information database unit 50 is constructed by registering the address, contact information, and device information by, for example, telephone or postcard from the user at the time of purchase.

The repair / waste item determining means 53 determines whether the device which is the source of the received signal is repaired or discarded, using the device information a ', the use status information b' and the failure status information c 'as search words. (Repair / waste item determination information f). Therefore, a failure information database unit 53 storing repair information and life information of equipment is used.

That is, the target model can be known from the device information a ′. The failure information database unit 54 can tell from the usage status information b 'in the model how long it can be used up to the life of the device. Further, the work and cost required for repairing the failure can be known from the failure state information c ′. The repair determination unit 53 comprehensively determines whether or not to repair the device in consideration of the life of the device and the amount of repair.

The distribution determining means 55 determines whether the above device information a ′,
Usage status information b ′, failure status information c ′, user information e,
The user inputs repair / waste item determination information f, selects an optimum transfer destination section, and transmits the information. In other words, the target device can be known from the device information a ', whether to repair or be discarded can be known from the repair / waste determination information f, and the area where the user lives can be known from the user information e. The distribution judging means 55 searches for an optimal contractor using these as search words. For this purpose, the contractor's industry, responsible area, equipment, desired equipment,
It has a contact database 56 that stores devices that you do not want.

In this manner, the repair receiving device 22 and the waste collection receiving device 23 which have received the report from the information totaling device 3 have the device information a ', the usage status information b', the failure status information c ', the user information e, and the repair information. Receiving the waste item determination information f, it is possible to understand what kind of equipment is in what kind of state, and how to contact the user (owner). Therefore, repairers and waste collectors can obtain necessary and sufficient information at the same time as making reports on the equipment they want, the equipment they can repair, and the equipment that can collect waste, so that repair work and waste collection work can be promoted. You.

The distribution judging means 55 may record which device is assigned to which contractor. The collection device database unit 57 builds a database of the device information and the contractor who is the delivery destination. As a result, the results so far can be understood for each contractor, and the results can be reflected in the search for the contractor accordingly. As a result, a sense of competition among contractors can be created and activated. If there is a device whose processing is inappropriate such as illegal disposal, the collection device database 57 can be used to determine which contractor was in charge from the model number and the serial number. Therefore, if there is a contractor who does not fulfill its role, this can be checked.

As described above, even if the user does not make an arrangement, the repair receiving apparatus or the waste collection receiving apparatus is automatically notified according to the failure state, so that the recovery rate of the waste can be increased. In addition, since it is possible to appropriately determine whether to repair or discard according to the failure state, it is efficient in terms of the life of the device.

(Embodiment 4) Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. FIG. 4 illustrates a device 21 such as a refrigerator, an information collection device 3, and a waste collection reception device 23 and a used collection reception device 24 as transfer destinations from the information collection device 3.

The device 21 includes a device information storage unit 31, a use actual state measurement unit 32, a failure state investigation unit 33,
And transmission means 30. In addition, the device information a is output to the device information storage means 31,
2 is provided with a report instructing means 34 for outputting the usage status information b and transmitting it from the transmitting means 30 to the information totalizing device 3, and an input means 35 for activating the report instructing means.

When the user no longer needs the device 21 and wants to discard it, he activates the notification instruction means 34 using the input means 35. Then, the device information a and the usage status information b are transmitted from the transmission unit 30 to the information totalizing device 3 by the notification instruction unit 34. The input means 35 is a switch such as a push button.
It is usually hidden by doors to prevent accidental pushing.

As shown in FIG. 3, the information totalizing device 3 receives the data, the receiving means 50, the user discriminating means 51 and the user information database unit 52, the repair / waste product judging means 53 and the failure information database unit 54, and the distribution judging means. 55, a contact database section 56, and a collection device database section 57. In addition, a first waste collection report unit 58 and a shipping equipment database unit 59 are provided.

The receiving means 50 which has received the notification from the transmitting means 30 outputs the device information a 'to the user discriminating means 51 and outputs the device information a' and the use status information b '.

The user discriminating means 51 uses the user information database 52 to search for and output user information such as the address and contact information of the user of the device which is the source of the received signal using the device information a 'as a search term. (E). Further, the repair / waste item determining means 53 uses the device information a ′ and the usage status information b ′ as search words by using the failure information database 53 to reuse the device that is the source of the received signal as a used product, or It is determined whether to discard and recycle and output (repair / waste item determination information f).

That is, the target model can be known from the device information a '. The failure information database unit 54 can tell from the usage status information b 'in the model how long it can be used up to the life of the device. The repair determination unit 53 comprehensively determines whether to reuse these devices as used products or to disassemble and reuse them at the component or material level in consideration of the life of these devices.

The distribution determining means 55 determines whether the above device information a ′,
The user inputs the actual usage information b ', the user information e, and the repair / waste item determination information f, selects an optimum transfer department, and transmits the information. In other words, the target device can be known from the device information a ', whether the used or used product can be determined from the repair / waste determination information f, and the area where the user lives can be known from the user information e. The distribution determining unit 55 uses the contact database unit 56 to search for an optimal contractor using these as search words. For this purpose, the contact database 56 stores the type of business of the contractor, the area in charge, the equipment, the equipment desired, and the equipment not desired.

As described above, the waste product collection receiving device 23 and the used product collection receiving device 24 that have received the report from the information totaling device 3 have the device information a ′, the usage status information b ′, the user information e, the repair /
Receiving the waste item determination information f, it is possible to know what kind of equipment is in what kind of state and how to contact the user (owner). In particular, in the case of second-hand goods, how much you have used so far, how much you can estimate for the life, repair /
Since the information can be obtained from the waste product determination information f, the quality of the used product can be determined. Therefore, a waste collector or a used collector can surely obtain necessary and sufficient information at the same time as making a report on a device desired by the user, a device that the user can handle, and a device that can collect the waste. In addition, the reuse of used products and the recycling of parts and materials are separated by the information totalizing device 3, so that the recycling operation is promoted.

As described above, even if the user does not arrange, the used goods collection receiving device or the used goods collection receiving device is automatically arranged according to the use condition, so that the collection rate of the used products can be increased. In addition, since it is possible to appropriately determine whether to reuse or recycle in accordance with the state of use, it is efficient in terms of the life of the device.

Further, by using this system, it is possible to construct a system in which a manufacturer can grasp the state of waste product recovery for the device manufactured by the manufacturer. This will be described.

In the information totaling device 3, device information such as a model number and a serial number of all devices shipped by the manufacturer to the market is stored in the shipping device database unit 59. And
By comparing the device information of the devices sent to the waste collection, it is possible to investigate how much of the products shipped to the market has been recovered.

That is, the first waste collection report means 58 inputs the equipment information a 'and the repair / waste determination information f from the repair / waste determination means 53 and searches the equipment information for the equipment determined to be waste recovery. First, it is checked against the shipping equipment database 59. Then, a list of uncollected devices among the devices shipped to the market and a waste product recovery rate with respect to the number of units shipped in the market are calculated and output to the output unit 63. When the product is shipped can be managed by the serial number, and if the device is shipped and evaluated, for example, seven years later, the influence of store inventory and the like can be reduced and the waste product recovery rate can be checked. Items that are determined to be reused as second-hand products are collected again, and are not included in the collection rate.

As described above, it is possible to create a system in which the user can easily cooperate in processing the waste in order to increase the recovery rate of the waste. In other words, as users become more aware of the efficient recycling of waste products to protect the global environment, the more they support and cooperate with this system, the more accurate the waste collection rate becomes. We can demand corporate effort from collectors. It is possible to provide a waste collection system in which a user, a manufacturer, and a collector are linked.

Further, the first waste collection report means 58 obtains the address of the equipment user from the user information a ', calculates the uncollected equipment list and collection rate for each user's residence area, and outputs the output means 63 Output to As a result, it is possible to analyze whether or not there is any cause in the waste disposal system in the area and the waste disposal education for the user when the collection of the waste is not expected.

Under the present circumstances, when the equipment used so far becomes unnecessary and is disposed of, it is taken to a waste disposal site in the municipalities. However, as recycling becomes more complicated, it is desirable to use a specialized company for waste disposal instead of collective disposal at a waste disposal site. In other words, it is necessary to disseminate the idea of reporting waste information to an information aggregation device and entrusting waste collection and processing to specialists to governments and users such as municipalities, instead of arbitrarily deciding on waste disposal by the waste disposal site that performs batch processing Therefore, an index for that purpose is obtained by the present invention.

As described above, it is possible to construct a system capable of obtaining a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the approach to waste collection including the collection area, for example, the collection rate of waste.

The shipping device database 59 also stores sales route information for each device. For example, the sales route information is to which sales company or store the equipment was delivered. Then, the first waste collection reporting means 58 calculates the waste collection rate for each sales route and each store and outputs it to the output means 6.
Output to 3. As a result, it is possible to analyze whether there is any cause in the sales route when the collection of the waste does not become as expected.

In the present situation, the collection of waste products used up to now is set together with the purchase of new equipment, and is often performed by dealers. Therefore, sales channels are also responsible for waste collection. When recycling becomes complicated, it is desirable to collect waste from a dealer to waste from a specialist. Since the present invention presents the waste collection rate for each store, this can be promoted. In other words, it is necessary for the dealers to inform the dealers and users of the idea of notifying the information collection device and leaving the waste collection and processing to specialists, rather than arbitrarily determining the disposal of waste. Is obtained by the present invention.

As described above, it is possible to construct a system capable of obtaining a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of waste collection efforts including the sales route, for example, a waste collection rate.

Incidentally, the usage actual state measuring means 32 of the device 21 may include the privacy information of the user. It is desirable to delete such information such as the time zone used before collecting the waste. The total usage time, etc., is necessary for the process of judging used goods, and thus is left without being deleted. Therefore, when the notification instruction means 34 is activated, an initialization signal is output to erase a part of the usage status information and protect the privacy of the user. In this way, the user is encouraged to activate the notification instruction means 34 through the input means 35 and discard it in order to protect privacy. As a result, the information is reported to the information totaling device 3 and appropriate waste collection is performed, which is included in the waste collection rate.

As described above, it is possible to prevent the user from recognizing the usefulness of the notification instruction means and discarding the device without activating the notification instruction means.

(Embodiment 5) Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. FIG. 5 shows a device 21 such as a refrigerator, an information collecting device 3, a repair receiving device 22, a waste product collecting receiving device 23, and a used collecting receiving device 2 as transfer destinations from the information collecting device 3.
4 will be described.

The device 21 includes a device information storage unit 31, a use actual state measurement unit 32, a failure state investigation unit 33, a report instruction unit 34, an input unit 35, and a transmission unit 30 as in FIGS.
It is composed of In addition, the communication line is an information totaling device 3
A signal generation means 36 for outputting a connection confirmation signal for confirming that the connection is established at a predetermined time, and a timer means 37 for measuring the predetermined time.

The connection confirmation signal causes the device information storage unit 31 to output the device information a, and the transmission unit 30 sends the information totaling device 3
Call. When the information tallying device 3 receives this normally, the information tallying device 3 knows the device connected by the communication line. Although not shown, the device 21 and the information totaling device 3 can perform two-way communication, and the information totaling device 3 communicates with the device 21 by returning a response signal to the source device when normally received. It can be confirmed that the line connection is normal.

The connection confirmation as described above is necessary when the device is installed. The operation of this system may be guaranteed periodically thereafter. In this case, after confirming the connection once at the time of installation, the device information is transmitted by the timer means 37 at intervals of, for example, six months, and the confirmation of the connection is performed.

According to the present invention, not only such a connection confirmation but also a report of waste collection as described below can be made using the connection confirmation.

(1) A device that has never been notified is regarded as a stock item, and only the devices that have been notified are used by the user, or the collection rate of waste products of the used device is obtained.

(2) In addition, a device that has received a notification but has not received it at present is regarded as a used device, and a collection rate of waste of the used device is obtained.

This will be described below. The information totalizing device 3 that receives the notification from the device 21 includes a receiving unit 50, a user discriminating unit 51 and a user information database unit 52, a repair / waste item judging unit 53 and a failure information database unit 54, as in FIGS. Delivery determination means 55 and contact database section 5
6, a collection device database unit 57, a first waste product collection reporting unit 58, and a shipping device database unit 59. In addition, the communication line connection device database unit 60 that stores the device information of the device connected to the communication line, that is, the device that has received the notification, the waste line collection rate and the like are calculated using the communication line connection device database unit. Output means 63
And a second waste collection and reporting means 61 for outputting the information to the user.

Receiving means 50 having received the report from transmitting means 30 outputs device information a 'to communication line connected device database section 60. This is not limited to the regular notification, and the device information a ′ may be output also when a report including device information, for example, a failure report is received.

The communication line connection device database unit 60 uses the received device information a ′ as a search term and newly registers the received device information if the device information has not been registered. If you have already registered, you do not need to register. As a result, information relating to the device connected to the communication line or used in the past, that is, the device used by the user is built in the communication line connection device database unit 60.

The second waste collection report means 61 obtains the equipment information of the equipment which has collected the waste from the collection equipment database 57 and compares the equipment with the equipment information registered in the communication line connection equipment database 60. By comparing and referring to the list of used devices, a list of uncollected devices and a waste product collection rate are calculated and output to the output unit 63. Alternatively, the second waste collection report unit 61 inputs the device information a 'and the repair / waste determination information f from the repair / waste determination unit 53, and connects the device information to the search term for the device determined to be a waste collection by connecting the communication line. A list of uncollected devices among the used devices and a waste product collection rate may be output by collating with the device database unit 60.

As described above, with respect to the equipment used by the user while distinguishing the equipment in stock at the store, a numerical value which objectively indicates the degree of the manufacturer's approach to waste collection, for example, the waste A system that can obtain a recovery rate can be constructed. As a result, it is possible to obtain a high-accurate waste collection rate with respect to equipment having a large stock in the market due to poor sales.

Further, although not shown, the communication line connection equipment database section 60 has a calendar and records the date when the notification was received together. First, the received device information a '
If the received device information is not registered, this is registered together with the date information at this time. If the device is already registered, the received date information is additionally registered.

If the timer means 37 of the device 21 reports periodically at half-year intervals, the communication-line-connected device database unit 60 lists devices that have not been notified at a longer interval, for example, one year or more. Collection reporting means 6
Output to 1. These devices were previously connected to a communication line and used, but are now not connected to the communication line and can be considered used and discarded as a background.

The second waste collection report means 61 obtains the equipment information of the equipment which has collected the waste from the collection equipment database unit 57, compares the equipment with the above-mentioned used equipment, and refers to the used equipment. Thus, a list of uncollected devices and a waste product collection rate can be obtained.

As described above, a value that objectively indicates the degree of a manufacturer's approach to waste collection, for example, a waste collection ratio, is obtained for a device that has been used by distinguishing a device that is still in use by the user. System can be constructed. In addition, according to this method, it is possible to obtain the recovery rate of the discarded devices at the present time without considering the stock of the store and the life of the devices.

[0105] Since these devices collect waste products and calculate the recovery rate of the devices connected to the communication line, it is very likely that each device used at home is not connected to the communication line. has no effect. Therefore, a system that promotes this to a store that sells and installs these devices is described.

The information totaling device 3 is provided with the third waste collection report means 62, and the connection of the communication line with the shipping equipment database 59 storing identification information of the equipment shipped to the market and sales route information is confirmed. A list of devices not connected to the communication line and a non-connection rate are obtained from the communication line connection device database unit 60 storing the identification information of the connected devices, taking the sales route into consideration. As a result, the connection rate of the communication line can be determined for each sales route, and a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of approach to this system can be obtained.

That is, it is difficult to make aggressive connection work on communication lines at a store that is focused on sales but does not focus on collecting wastes because it has little to do with their business. Such a store is an obstacle to popularizing the system of the present invention. Conversely, dealers that understand waste collection will sell mainly equipment that can be connected to communication lines, and will also focus on connection work. Therefore, the number of shipments and the number of confirmed communication are compared for each store, and the connection rate of the communication line and the approach of the store are evaluated. The number of units sold is almost the same as the number of units sold since the number of units sold is small. In addition, since the sold device is a representative device in the market, the number of units shipped can be regarded as the number of units sold and evaluated. As described above, it is possible to obtain the degree of cooperation of the dealer with respect to the spread of the present system from the connection rate of the communication line.

Here, the summary up to now will be described with reference to FIG. 6, and the problem will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for obtaining the waste product recovery rate of the present invention. The equipment flows from the manufacturer 70 to the seller 71, the user 72, and the waste disposal processor 73. In the process, the following database is constructed in the information totaling device 3 as described above.

(1) A shipping device database 59 that stores information such as the model number and serial number of the shipped device and its sales route in the flow from the manufacturer to the seller.

(2) In the flow from the seller to the user, a communication line connection device database 52 in which information such as the model number and the serial number of the device confirmed to be connected to the communication line is stored. A user information database 52 storing information such as the name, address, and contact information of the user;
Further, the information accumulated in the communication line connection device 52 is the information that was reported at the time of installation of the device, “the device whose installation was confirmed =
The equipment used by the user "and the" equipment not installed = the equipment used ", for which no periodic notification has been received from the equipment.

(3) A collection device database 57 that stores information such as the model number and serial number of the device from which the waste was collected and the name of the waste processor in the flow from the user to the waste product processor.

Using the above database, the following numerical values are obtained, for example, for each store or each user's area.

(A) Compare the shipping equipment database 59 with the collecting equipment database 57 to determine the waste collection rate for the shipped equipment.

(B) Communication line connection device database 60
Compared with the collection device database 57, the waste collection ratio for “the device whose installation has been confirmed = the device used by the user”. Alternatively, the “currently uninstalled equipment = used equipment” is the waste collection rate for the shipped equipment.

(C) The connection ratio of the communication line to the shipped device by comparing the shipping device database 59 with the communication line connection device database 60.

In this system, the accuracy of the user information database is important. That is, a correct user contact information is required for a repairer or a waste product collector who has received the failure report to surely collect the trouble report. The waste collection rate is meaningless unless user information is accurate.

This is accurate because the device information need not be registered at the factory and changed thereafter. The measurement of the failure state information can be solved if the manufacturer uses a highly accurate sensor. Alternatively, the accuracy of the failure information database section and shipping equipment database section can be improved by the efforts of the manufacturer.
However, the user information is after sale and the manufacturer cannot directly participate. Although there is no user information even though it is connected to the communication line, and it is unique to home appliances, it may change before the user registered in the information totaling device knows due to used goods or donations. It is essentially necessary to eliminate these as much as possible.

Therefore, the communication line connection device database unit 60 requests the registration information for requesting the user information such as the address and the contact information of the device user when the device information is received for the first time from the device whose connection has not been confirmed. Output a signal. The registration request signal is included in a response signal returned from the information totaling device 3 to the device 21 and transmitted, and the device 21 notifies the device 21 by, for example, display or voice. Upon seeing this, the user or the equipment installer informs the user information. As described above, the new purchaser can be reliably followed and the maintenance of the user information database 52 can be completed, and the reliability of the system of the present invention can be improved.

Further, the information totaling device 3 is provided with a collection device database unit 57 which stores the model number and the serial number of the device distributed to the used product collection reception device 24 and the waste product collection reception device 23. The communication line connection equipment database unit 57 deletes the registered user information when the equipment information is received again from the equipment once processed as a used article or a waste article, and newly adds the address and contact information of the equipment user. For example, it outputs a registration request signal requesting user information. The registration request signal is included in a response signal returned from the information totaling device 3 to the device 21 and transmitted, and the device 21 notifies the device 21 by, for example, display or voice. Upon seeing this, the user or the equipment installer informs the user information. As described above, the second-hand goods market can be reliably followed and the maintenance of the user information database 52 can be completed, and the reliability of the system of the present invention can be improved.

[0120]

As is clear from the above description, the following effects can be obtained by the information processing system for collecting and recycling waste equipment according to the present invention.

When a user uses a used device, the device itself compiles device information such as a device model number and a serial number, and usage status information such as a device usage time by the reporting instruction means. Send a call to the device using a communication line. The information tallying device that has received the information includes a user information database unit, determines the address and contact information of the user from the device information, and includes a failure information database unit that stores device failure information and life information. From the information, it is determined whether the device is reused as a used product or discarded and recycled, and the device information and the user information are distributed to the used product collection receiving device or the used product collection receiving device. Since the used goods collection reception device and the waste product collection reception device know the model number, the serial number, the address and the contact information of the user, they can respond quickly and reliably and can collect the equipment. As described above, even if the user does not make an arrangement, the used goods collection receiving apparatus or the waste goods collection receiving apparatus is automatically arranged according to the use state, so that the collection rate of the used goods can be increased. In addition, since it is possible to appropriately determine whether to reuse or recycle in accordance with the state of use, it is efficient in terms of the life of the device. Further, it is possible to construct a system in which the manufacturer can grasp the status of the waste collection of the equipment manufactured by the manufacturer using this system as a starting point.

Then, a part of the usage status information is deleted by the notification instruction means when the device is discarded, so that the privacy of the user can be protected. As described above, it is possible to prevent the user from recognizing the usefulness of the notification instruction unit and discarding the device without activating the notification instruction unit.

Further, when a device used by the user fails, the device itself transmits failure state information such as a failure location of the device to the information totalizing device using a communication line. At this time, device information such as a device model number and a serial number and usage status information such as the usage time of the device are also transmitted to the information totalizing device.
The information totaling device that receives the information includes a user information database unit, determines the address and contact information of the user from the device information, and includes a failure information database unit that stores device repair information and life information. It is determined whether the device is repaired or discarded and recycled based on the information and the usage status information, and the device information, the failure state information, and the user information are distributed to the repair reception device or the waste collection reception device. The repair receiving device and waste collection receiving device can also know the model number, serial number, user's address and contact information, and the location of the failure when repairing, so it can respond quickly and reliably and can repair and recover equipment. . As described above, even if the user does not make an arrangement, the repair receiving device or the waste collection receiving device is automatically notified according to the failure state, so that the recovery rate of the waste can be increased. In addition, since it is possible to appropriately determine whether to repair or discard according to the failure state, it is efficient in terms of the life of the device. Further, based on this system, it is possible to construct a system that allows the manufacturer to grasp the state of waste collection for devices manufactured by the manufacturer.

Further, the information totaling device has a shipping device database unit storing the model number and the manufacturing number of the device shipped by the manufacturer to the market, and obtains the information from the device number and the manufacturing number of the device delivered to the waste collection receiving device. It is possible to obtain a list of uncollected devices among the devices shipped to the market and a waste product collection rate with respect to the number of units shipped in the market. As described above, it is possible to construct a system that allows the manufacturer to grasp the state of waste collection for the equipment manufactured by the manufacturer, and for that purpose, a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the manufacturer's approach to waste collection, for example, waste collection A system that can obtain the rate can be constructed.

Since the shipping equipment database stores the model number, serial number, and sales route of the equipment shipped to the market, it is possible to obtain an uncollected equipment list and a collection rate for each sales route. If this is not the case, it is possible to analyze whether there is any cause in the sales route. As described above, it is possible to construct a system capable of obtaining a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the approach to waste collection including the sales route, for example, a waste collection rate.

Alternatively, at the time of installation of the device, the device itself transmits device information such as the model number and the serial number of the device to the information totalizing device by using the communication line by the signal generating means. The information tallying device that has received this has a communication line connection device database unit that stores the model number and serial number of the device for which the connection of the communication line has been confirmed from the received device information. It is possible to obtain a list of uncollected devices and a waste product collection rate among the devices for which the connection of the communication line has been confirmed from the device number and the serial number.
As described above, the objective of the manufacturer's approach to waste collection for equipment used by the user by distinguishing equipment not yet used by the user that is in stock in the sales channel is objective. , A system that can obtain the recovery rate of waste products can be constructed.

Then, in the second waste collection report means, the device which previously received the connection confirmation signal but has not received the connection confirmation signal is regarded as a used device, and the device number of the device delivered to the waste product collection receiving device and From the serial number, a list of uncollected devices among the used devices and a waste product collection rate can be obtained. As described above, a system that can obtain a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the manufacturer's approach to waste collection, for example, a collection ratio of waste, for equipment that has been used by distinguishing equipment that is still in use by the user. Can be built.

Alternatively, in the third waste collection report means, a shipping device database storing the sales route for each model number and serial number of the device shipped to the market, and the model number and manufacturing of the device for which the connection of the communication line is confirmed. The list of the unconnected devices of the communication line and the connection ratio are obtained for each sales route by comparing with the communication line connected device database unit storing the numbers. As described above, the connection rate of the communication line can be determined for each sales route, and a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the approach to the system such as connection work can be obtained.

The communication line connection device database unit outputs a registration request signal for requesting user information such as the address and contact information of the device user when receiving device information from a device whose connection has not been confirmed. And notifies the user of the device. As described above, the maintenance of the user information database unit can be completed, and the reliability of the system of the present invention can be improved.

The information totaling device includes a used device collection receiving device and a collected device database unit storing the model number and the serial number of the device distributed to the waste product collection receiving device. When the device information is received again from the device that has been treated as a waste product, the user information is registered and deleted, and a registration request signal for requesting user information such as the address and contact information of the device user is output. Notify the side user. As described above, the maintenance of the user information database unit can be completed in consideration of the used goods market, and the reliability of the system of the present invention can be improved.

Further, in the first or second waste collection report means, a list of uncollected devices and a collection of uncollected devices for each residential area of the user can be obtained from a user information database storing user information such as the address and contact information of the device user. Since the rate can be obtained, it is possible to analyze whether there is any cause in the collection area when the collection is not expected. As described above, it is possible to construct a system capable of obtaining a numerical value that objectively indicates the degree of the approach to waste collection including the collection area, for example, a waste collection rate.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual configuration diagram illustrating a waste collection information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a waste collection information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a waste product recovery information processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a waste collection information processing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a waste product recovery information processing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual configuration diagram illustrating a waste collection information processing system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Home electrical equipment 2 Communication line 3 Information totaling device 14 Information transmitting device 22 Repair receiving device 23 Waste collection receiving device 24 Used product collecting receiving device 31 Equipment information storage means 32 Usage status Measuring means 33 Failure state investigating means 34 Notification instruction means 36 Signal generating means 50 Receiving means 51 User discriminating means 52 User information database unit 53 Repair / waste item judging means 54 Failure information database unit 55 Distribution judging means 56 Contact database part 57 Collection equipment database section 58, 61, 62 Waste collection report collection means 59 Shipping equipment database section 60 Communication line connection equipment database section

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A home appliance such as an air conditioner or a refrigerator,
An information tallying device that is connected to the device through a communication line and counts usage information of the device; a used product collection receiving device to which information of the device is transmitted from the information tallying device when the device is discarded; The device comprises a collection reception device, the device measures device usage information such as device information storage means for storing identification information such as a model number and a serial number of the device as device information, and usage time of the device. The actual use measurement storage means for storing, the report instruction means for outputting a report instruction signal to the transmission means when the device is discarded, and the information from the device information storage means and the use actual measurement storage means by the report instruction signal. A transmitting means for transmitting the information, the information totalizing device includes a receiving means for receiving information transmitted from the transmitting means of the device, and user information such as an address and contact information of the user of the device. A user information database unit that stores, and user discriminating unit that inputs device information from the receiving unit to the user information database unit and outputs user information of a device that is a transmission source of the reception signal, A failure information database unit that stores failure information and life information for each device, and usage status information from the receiving unit is input to the failure information database unit, and the device that is the transmission source of the reception signal is reused as a used product. Waste information determining means for determining whether or not to discard or recycle, and distributing the device information and the user information to a used goods collection receiving device or a waste product collection receiving device in response to a signal from the waste product determining device. A waste collection information processing system including a distribution determining unit. 2. A notification instruction means for a device outputs a notification instruction signal to a transmission means when the device is discarded, and erases a part of the usage status information stored in the usage status measurement storage device after the notification to initialize the device. 3. The waste collection information processing system according to claim 2, which outputs an initialization signal to be initialized. 3. A home appliance such as an air conditioner or a refrigerator,
An information totalizing device connected to the device via a communication line and totalizing failure information of the device; a repair receiving device and a waste product collecting receiving device for transmitting information of the device from the information totaling device when repairing the device The device is a device information storage unit that stores identification information such as a model number and a serial number of the device as device information, and a device that measures and stores usage status information such as a usage time of the device. Actual state measurement storage means, failure state investigation means for examining failure state information such as a failure location of the equipment, and when the failure state investigation means finds a failure, the equipment information storage means, the use actual state measurement storage means and the failure Transmitting means for transmitting information from the state investigating means, wherein the information summarizing device receives the information transmitted from the transmitting means of the device; A user information database unit that stores user information such as a user's address and contact information; and a device that is a source of the reception signal by inputting device information from the receiving unit into the user information database unit. User identification means for outputting user information, a failure information database section storing equipment repair information and life information, and inputting the actual use information and failure state information from the reception means to the failure information database section and receiving the information. Repair determination means for determining whether to repair or discard and recycle the equipment that is the source of the signal; and, in response to a signal from the repair determination means, a repair reception device or a waste product collection reception device, and the device information and A waste collection information processing system comprising: a delivery determination unit that delivers failure state information and the user information. 4. An information totalizing device inputs a shipping device database unit storing identification information of a device shipped to a market by a manufacturer and identification information of a device delivered to a waste product collection receiving device to the shipping device database unit. 4. A waste collection information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first waste collection report unit for obtaining a list of uncollected devices and a collection rate. 5. The shipping equipment database section of the information totalizing device stores identification information of equipment shipped to the market and sales route information, and the first waste collection report means considers the sales route and lists uncollected equipment. 5. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein a recovery rate is obtained. 6. A device at home includes a signal generating means for outputting a connection confirmation signal for confirming that the communication line is connected to the information totaling device to the device information storage means when the device is installed. Means for transmitting device information from the device information storage means via a communication line, and the information totalizing device storing identification information of a device for which connection of the communication line has been confirmed from the device information received by the receiving means; An apparatus database section, and a second waste collection report means for inputting identification information of the apparatus delivered to the waste collection receiving apparatus to the communication line connection apparatus database section to obtain an uncollected apparatus list and a collection rate. 4. The waste collection information processing system according to 1 or 3. 7. An appliance at home includes timer means for outputting a connection confirmation signal to a signal generation means at predetermined time intervals, and a second waste collection and reporting means of the information totaling device includes a communication line connection equipment database unit. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a device that previously received a signal from the device but does not receive the signal after the predetermined period of time is regarded as a used device, and an uncollected device list and a collection rate are obtained. system. 8. An information totalizing device, comprising: a shipping device database unit storing identification information of devices shipped to the market and sales route information; and a communication line connection storing identification information of devices for which communication line connection has been confirmed. 7. The waste collection information processing system according to claim 6, further comprising third waste collection reporting means for obtaining a list of unconnected devices and a non-connection ratio of the communication line in consideration of the sales route from the device database unit. 9. The communication line connection device database section of the information totalizing device outputs a registration request signal for requesting new registration of user information when receiving device information for the first time from an unstored device, and notifies the device. The waste collection information processing system according to claim 6. 10. An information totalizing device, comprising: a used device collection receiving device and a collection device database unit for storing identification information of a device distributed to the waste product collection receiving device, and device information from the device stored in the collection device database unit. Upon first reception, the communication line connection device database unit outputs a registration deletion signal requesting registration deletion of information on the device to the collection device database unit, and a registration request requesting re-registration of the device user information. 7. The waste information processing system according to claim 6, wherein a signal is output to notify the device. 11. The first or second waste collection report means of the information totalizing device obtains an uncollected equipment list and a collection rate in consideration of the user's residential area stored in the user information database unit. The waste collection information processing system according to 4 or 6.