JP2002202697A - Method for discriminating genuine article, replacement part used therefor, genuine article managing device, genuine article handling device, genuine article managing network system, and computer-readable recording medium with program for executing the method for discriminating genuine article recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method by which a genuine article and a non-genuine article can easily and correctly be recognized when using a replacement part installable on equipment, and circulation of replacement parts can easily be managed. SOLUTION: This genuine article managing device comprises a 1st storage part 124 for registering information inherent in a replacement part 6 in circulation, a communication part 121 for acquiring information inherent in the replacement part 6, and an arithmetic processing part 122 which compares the inherent information acquired from the communication part 121 with the inherent information registered in the 1st storage part 124 and decides, when both match with each other, that the replacement part 6 having the inputted inherent information is a genuine part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a service provider for distributing replacement parts which are mounted on a device having a communication function and need to be replaced before or after the desired performance or function cannot be achieved. , A genuine product discriminating method for confirming whether or not a replacement component newly attached to the device is a genuine product registered by the service provider, a replacement part used for the genuine product, and a genuine product The present invention relates to a management device, a genuine product correspondence device, a genuine product management network system, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing a genuine product discrimination method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge is mounted on a developing device and toner is supplied from the toner cartridge has been put to practical use.

In such an image forming apparatus, there is an image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge is detachable, and the cartridge is replaced according to consumption of toner in the cartridge. Normally, in the case of this type of image forming apparatus, it is desirable to use a genuine toner cartridge whose performance is guaranteed by the manufacturer according to the structure and standards of the machine.

However, as a toner for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a toner suitable for each image forming apparatus has been developed and supplied to the market. There are many pirated toners that do not guarantee the availability.

[0005] Toner cartridges are very easy to imitate because of the nature of consumables, and even if similar or non-guaranteed toner cartridges are used, a certain degree of copying performance can be ensured. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to understand the inconvenience caused by the use of pirated toner regardless of intentional or misuse, which not only does not allow the performance of the image forming apparatus to be sufficiently exhibited, but also causes a trouble. Had also become.

[0006] In order to determine whether such a genuine replacement part is mounted on an image forming apparatus, a genuine replacement part identification method for a replacement part has conventionally been proposed. For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 5-224479, a bar code label is attached to a replacement part so that the image forming apparatus operates normally only when the designated data is read out. There has been proposed an identification method capable of identifying that the camera has been attached to the camera. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
In JP-A-185311, a genuine replacement part is provided with a concavo-convex pattern shape, and a genuine replacement part is detected by a mechanical switch having a normally open contact.
In 3264, a genuine replacement part is provided with a pressurized conductor having a complicated shape to distinguish it from a non-genuine replacement part.
JP-A-59-145179 proposes a method in which a genuine replacement part is provided with a specific mark, and the genuine replacement part is identified by detecting this with a photoelectric sensor or a magnetic sensor.

However, the above method has a disadvantage that a third party can easily imitate and it is difficult to completely eliminate non-genuine products. In the case where the replacement part is disposable, a third party can obtain the replacement part only by exchanging only the toner and the like and put it back on the market as a new product, which makes it difficult to eliminate non-genuine parts. This is one of the reasons. or,
When a non-genuine product is used, its use state cannot be recognized, and there is a disadvantage that maintenance becomes difficult. Further, when the replacement part is a recycled part, the number of times of use cannot be controlled, and there is a drawback that a tired replacement part may be re-introduced to the market.

To solve the above problems, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-69139 discloses a data carrier comprising a non-volatile memory for holding predetermined data corresponding to the type of copying machine in an ink bottle as a genuine replacement part. And the control unit of the copying machine determines whether or not the data held in the memory is a normal value, so that a normal operation is performed for a genuine product and a normal operation is stopped for a non-genuine product. Alternatively, there is disclosed a method of performing an operation such as holding a use state of a non-genuine product in a memory of a copying machine.

[0009]

However, according to the method disclosed in the above publication, the same data is held in each of the ink bottles that can be used in a specific type of copying machine. It is relatively easy to manufacture imitation products by analyzing data and the structure of the data carrier by a third party, and once imitation products can be manufactured, they will be released in large quantities. It is almost impossible to stop.

[0010] Further, it cannot be determined whether or not the imitation product has been obtained by the user of the copying machine unless the service person goes to the collection of the ink bottle or receives a notification from the user of the copying machine. . For this reason, there is a possibility that the manufacturer of the ink bottle or the distribution manager may have a delay in ascertaining the presence of the imitation product.

Further, in order to prevent a third party from collecting unnecessary replacement parts such as ink bottles and attaching the data carrier to a non-genuine product using only the data carrier, the device is used in advance. A method of destroying a data carrier when removing a replacement part from a device for the purpose of replacement is disclosed, but it is necessary to ensure that the data carrier is not destroyed even if the replacement part is removed during maintenance. is there. In such a case, destruction / non-destruction of the data carrier must be selected depending on whether a replacement part is removed for maintenance or removal for replacement. There is also a risk that the data carrier may be destroyed by an operator error.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a distribution manager of a replacement part easily and quickly recognizes whether a replacement part mounted on a device is a genuine part or a non-genuine part. As well as hard to find counterfeit goods,
Or a genuine product discriminating method that can keep it as small as possible even if it comes out, replacement parts used for it,
It is an object to provide a genuine product management device, a genuine product management device, a genuine product management network system, and the like.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided a genuine product discriminating method for detecting, via a network, unique information for specifying a replacement part mounted on a device in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. By accessing the storage unit in which the unique information of the replacement part is registered, and comparing the detected unique information with the registered unique information, a genuine product registered in the storage unit with the replacement part attached to the device is stored. And a step of judging whether or not the program is executed by a programmed computer.

According to the above configuration, the replacement part can be specified by its unique information. In addition, since the unique information is registered in the storage unit, by detecting the unique information of the replacement part mounted on the device, the replacement part is a genuine product in which the unique information is registered or is not registered. It is possible to immediately judge whether it is a non-genuine product.

In addition, by registering the unique information of the replacement part and detecting the unique information via the network, the service provider of the replacement part manages the distribution of the replacement part in a centralized manner. be able to. As a result, the service provider can easily know the distribution of the non-genuine product, and can immediately take necessary measures to eliminate the non-genuine product. Also, due to this quickness, the number of non-genuine products can be minimized, and the spread of generation can be suppressed to a minimum range.

In the above configuration, the device is not particularly limited as long as it is equipped with a replacement part and can exchange information via a network. Further, if an image forming apparatus having a communication function is applied as a device, in particular, it is determined whether a consumable such as a cartridge containing a recording medium such as a toner, an ink, or a tape is a genuine product as a replacement part. The present invention can be accurately determined, and the present invention is suitable for the distribution management of such consumables.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the genuine article discriminating method of the present invention includes a step of registering unique information for specifying a circulating replacement part in a storage means accessible by a computer; Detecting, via a network, that the component has been mounted on the device, obtaining the unique information of the replacement part, and comparing the obtained unique information with the registered unique information, thereby enabling the replacement mounted on the device to be performed. Determining whether the part is a genuine product registered in the storage means.

According to this, the service provider gives unique information such as an ID number to the replacement part to be distributed, registers it in a storage means accessible by the computer, and attaches the replacement part to the device. In this case, the service provider operates the computer to detect the unique information of the replacement part via the network, compares the detected unique information with the registered unique information, and determines whether the two match. If this is the case, the computer can determine that the product is genuine.

As described above, by operating the computer, it is extremely easy for the service provider to identify a replacement part for which unique information is not registered as a non-genuine product. To take the necessary measures to take action immediately.

If the management file storing the unique information is not accessed by the user of the device at all, the operation of checking whether the product is genuine is not performed on the device side. It becomes more difficult to fake a non-genuine product such as a genuine product. Also, if the unique information is set to a random value instead of a serial number, even if a third party analyzes the unique information of the genuine product and manufactures a replacement part with similar unique information, Since it is less likely to match the unique information given to the user, it is possible to make it difficult to manufacture a counterfeit product.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the genuine article discriminating method of the present invention includes a step of registering unique information for specifying a replacement part in a storage means accessible by a computer; Receiving the unique information of the replacement part mounted on the device read out by the device to be performed from the device, and comparing the received unique information with the registered unique information, thereby installing the replacement component in the device. Determining whether the replacement part is a genuine product registered in the storage means.

According to this, the same effect as described above can be obtained. Further, since the replacement part has unique information which is read by the device in a state of being mounted on the device, it is difficult to manufacture a large number of imitation products having the unique information identifying such a replacement part. It is. This is because the unique information specifying the replacement part is information unique to each replacement part and information that can be identified from each other, and therefore, such unique information must be given to each replacement part.

Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the imitation of the replacement part from being distributed.

According to the genuine product discriminating method of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in addition to the above steps, it is determined that the replacement part mounted on the device is a genuine product registered in the storage means. Transmitting a signal indicating permission of operation to use the replacement part to the device; and, if the replacement part attached to the device is determined to be not a genuine product, using the replacement part. And transmitting a signal to the device indicating that the operation is not permitted.

According to the above configuration, when it is determined that the replacement part is a genuine part, a signal indicating permission of the operation of using the replacement part is transmitted to the device. It is possible to execute a control such as performing an operation using a replacement part based on the reception of the received signal.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the replacement part is a non-genuine part, a signal indicating that the operation of using the replacement part is not permitted is transmitted to the apparatus. , It is possible to execute control such as stopping the operation of using the replacement part based on the reception.

As a result, the use of non-genuine products is positively and reliably eliminated without the trouble and cost of destroying the data carrier to make it unusable when the replacement part is removed from the device as in the prior art. can do.

The replacement part according to the present invention is characterized in that it is used in each of the above genuine article discriminating methods.

By applying each of the above-described genuine product discriminating methods to the above-mentioned replacement parts, it is easy to determine whether the product is a genuine product, it is difficult for a third party to manufacture an imitation product, and the distribution of the imitation product is easily suppressed. The service provider can enjoy the advantage that the replacement part can be distributed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the genuine product management device of the present invention has a storage unit for registering unique information for specifying a replacement part to be distributed, and a communication unit for acquiring the unique information of the replacement part. Unit and the unique information acquired via the communication unit and the unique information registered in the storage unit, and when both match, a replacement part having the acquired unique information is registered in the storage unit. And an arithmetic processing unit for determining that the product is a genuine product.

According to this, since the unique information of the replacement part is registered in the storage unit, the arithmetic processing unit compares the unique information acquired through the communication unit with the unique information registered in the storage unit. , It can be determined that the replacement part having the unique information that has not been registered is a non-genuine part. As described above, the unique information is registered in the storage unit and acquired through the communication unit, so that it is extremely easy to centrally manage the distribution of the replacement part. In addition, since the distribution of the non-genuine product can be easily detected, the service provider can quickly take necessary measures to eliminate the non-genuine product. Also, due to this quickness, the number of non-genuine products can be minimized, and the spread of generation can be suppressed to a minimum range.

As described above, if the unique information of the replacement part is registered and the security of the information is managed carefully, the imitation by a third party can be eliminated, and the information obtained from the replacement part user after the sale is obtained. It is possible to determine whether the replacement part is genuine by a simple method of comparing the unique information of the replacement part with the registration information.

In the genuine product management device of the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, the arithmetic processing unit determines that the replacement part having the acquired unique information is a genuine product registered in the storage unit. In this case, while generating a signal indicating permission for use of the replacement part, when determining that the replacement part is not a genuine part, generating a signal indicating permission for use of the replacement part is generated. Features.

According to the above configuration, when the arithmetic processing unit determines that the replacement part is a genuine part, a signal indicating permission of an operation using the replacement part is generated. Accordingly, it is possible to execute control such as performing an operation using a replacement part. For example, by transmitting such a signal from the communication unit to the device using the replacement part, the device can perform control such as performing an operation using the replacement part when detecting the reception of the signal. become.

On the other hand, if the arithmetic processing unit determines that the replacement part is a non-genuine part, a signal indicating that the operation using the replacement part is not permitted is generated. It is possible to execute control such as stopping the operation using the component. For example, by transmitting such a signal from the communication unit to the device that uses the replacement part, the device can perform control such as stopping the operation using the replacement part when detecting the reception of the signal. Will be possible.

As a result, the genuine product management device of the present invention eliminates the trouble and cost of destroying the data carrier for the purpose of making the data carrier unusable when removing the replacement part from the device as in the prior art. Use can be positively and reliably eliminated.

The genuine article correspondence device of the present invention comprises a reading section for reading the unique information from a replacement part holding unique information for specifying a replacement part to be distributed, and a genuine article in which the replacement part is registered. A genuine product management device that determines whether or not there is a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives information, and transmits the read unique information to the genuine product management device via the transmission / reception unit,
When the replacement part is certified by the genuine product management device as a genuine product, the operation to use the replacement part is permitted, and when the replacement part is certified as a non-genuine product, the replacement part is used. A controller for performing a control for inhibiting the operation.

According to the above configuration, the unique information of the replacement part is read by the reading unit and transmitted to the genuine product management device via the transmission / reception unit. The genuine product management device determines whether the replacement part that has read the unique information in the genuine product compatible device is a genuine product, and transmits the result to the genuine product compatible device.

Therefore, when the controller unit receives the result that the genuine product management device judges that it is a genuine product,
When the operation of using the replacement part is permitted and a result of determining that the operation is a non-genuine product is received, control is performed to prohibit the operation of using the replacement part.

As a result, the genuine product-compatible device of the present invention eliminates the trouble and cost of destroying the data carrier for the purpose of making the data carrier unusable when removing the replacement part from the device as in the prior art. Use can be positively and reliably eliminated.

The genuine product management network system of the present invention is characterized in that the genuine product management device and the genuine product support device are connected via a network.

As a result, it is possible to construct a genuine product management system via a network that can positively and reliably exclude the use of non-genuine products.

The genuine product management network system of the present invention is a device which can be specified with unique information, and in which replacement parts to be consumed or consumed are removably disposed. A reading unit for detecting unique information from a communication unit, a transmission / reception unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller unit for controlling the reading unit and the transmission / reception unit. A first group, a communication unit for communicating with the first group, a storage unit for registering information unique to the replacement part, and a replacement part obtained from the first group via the communication unit The unique information of the replacement part is compared with the unique information of the replacement part stored in the storage unit, and when both match, it is determined that the replacement part having the acquired unique information is a genuine product registered in the storage unit. It is characterized by being composed of a processing unit that performs determination, a second group composed of genuine management apparatus having a.

According to this, the genuine product discriminating method described above can be realized by using the IT technology such as the network system and the IC chip.

Since the unique information of the replacement part is stored as electronic data in the storage unit of the genuine product management device physically separated from the device, a third party other than the genuine product management device administrator can Normally, the unique information cannot be accessed, and the possibility of leakage to a third party is extremely low. In other words, the unique information of the replacement part can be transmitted by the one-way transmission system transmitted from the device user to the administrator of the genuine product management device, so that the unique information itself is completely shut off from the external network system. It can be saved in the state that was done.

The genuine product management network system of the present invention is a device which can be specified with unique information, and in which replacement parts to be consumed or consumed are removably disposed. A reading unit for detecting unique information from a communication unit, a transmission / reception unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller unit for controlling the reading unit and the transmission / reception unit. A first group, a communication unit for communicating with the first group, a storage unit for registering the unique information of the replacement part, and the unique information of the replacement part requested to be collated from the first group. The unique information of the replacement part stored in the storage unit is compared, and if the two match, at least the matching information that can specify the matching requester and the matching date is stored in the storage unit. And if the collation information is not stored, it is determined that the replacement part having the unique information requested for collation is a genuine product registered in the storage unit, while if the collation information is stored, It is characterized by comprising a processing unit for determining that it is a non-genuine product, and a second group including a genuine product management device having a genuine product management device.

According to this, a third party different from the user of the replacement part and the genuine product manager collects the used genuine product and analyzes the unique information to obtain the same unique information as the genuine product. Even if a replacement part is manufactured and sold, the time for requesting verification after these counterfeit products are used is later than the time of verification of the genuine part. If the collation is requested via the network, if it is the second or subsequent collation, it can be determined that the product is an unauthorized non-genuine product.

Therefore, compared to the case where a genuine product is determined only by whether or not the unique information is registered,
It is possible to improve the discrimination accuracy by using the collation information as a filter.

The genuine product management network system according to the present invention is a device which can be specified with unique information, and in which replacement parts to be consumed or consumed are detachably disposed. A reading unit for detecting unique information from a communication unit, a transmission / reception unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller unit for controlling the reading unit and the transmission / reception unit. A first group, a communication unit for communicating with the first group, a storage unit for registering the unique information of the replacement part, and the unique information of the replacement part requested to be collated from the first group. The unique information of the replacement part stored in the storage unit is compared, and if the two match, the collection date and the collection person who can identify the collection person when the replacement part is collected from the first group. Is stored in the storage unit, and if the collection information is not stored, while determining that the replacement part having the unique information requested to be verified is a genuine product registered in the storage unit, When is stored, an arithmetic processing unit that determines that it is a non-genuine product,
And a second group including a genuine product management device having the following.

According to this, since the performance of the replacement part deteriorates with use, the replacement part is replaced with a new replacement part when the predetermined performance is no longer exhibited. Used replacement parts are collected from the first group, and collection information that can specify a collection date and a collection person is stored in the storage unit of the genuine product management device.

Therefore, a third party different from the user of the replacement part and the genuine product manager collects the used genuine product and analyzes the unique information, whereby the replacement having the same unique information as the genuine product is performed. Even if parts are manufactured and sold, after these counterfeit products are used, the time to request collation is later than the time of collection of genuine products, so whether the replacement parts are genuine products If the verification is requested via the network and the collection information of the genuine product has already been recorded, it can be determined that the product is an unauthorized non-genuine product.

Therefore, compared to a case where a genuine product is determined based on whether or not unique information is registered,
The collection information can be used as a filter to improve the discrimination accuracy.

The genuine product management network system of the present invention is a device which can be specified with unique information, and in which replacement parts to be consumed or consumed are detachably disposed, and the replacement parts are provided. A reading unit for detecting unique information from a communication unit, a transmission / reception unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller unit for controlling the reading unit and the transmission / reception unit. A first group, a communication unit for performing communication with the first group, and a unique information of the replacement part are registered, and when the replacement part is delivered to the first group, a first destination serving as a delivery destination is provided. A storage unit for registering the identification information of the group as delivery information associated with the unique information of the replacement part;
The unique information of the replacement part requested to be checked by the first group is compared with the unique information of the replacement part stored in the storage unit. The identification information of the group and the identification information of the first group registered above are compared, and when the identification information of both groups matches, the replacement part having the unique information requested to be verified is a genuine product registered in the storage unit. And a second group including a genuine product management apparatus having a genuine product management device.

According to this, since the replacement parts delivered to the first group by the service provider are guaranteed to be genuine parts, the replacement parts are provided to the contractor who is a member of the first group. Is delivered, the unique information is associated with the identification information of the first group and registered in the storage unit of the genuine product management device.

Therefore, when a collation request is made for the same replacement part as the unique information, it is confirmed that the collation requester is different from the registered contractor by comparing the identification information. In addition, it is possible to determine that the replacement part having the unique information requested to be verified is an unauthorized non-genuine product.

Therefore, compared to a case where a genuine product is determined only based on whether or not the unique information is registered,
The discrimination accuracy can be improved using the identification information as a filter.

The computer readable recording medium of the present invention is characterized by recording a program for executing the genuine product discriminating method of the present invention.

According to the above configuration, the genuine product discriminating method of the present invention can be provided to the service receiver by loading the program recorded on the recording medium into the genuine product management device.

[0059]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1] (Replacement part) In this embodiment, a replacement part is a part that constitutes a part of the apparatus from the viewpoint of functions and whose performance can be recovered and maintained by replacement. For example, when the apparatus is an image forming apparatus, a toner cartridge or a developing cartridge, a photosensitive member cartridge, a cartridge in which a developing member and a photosensitive member are integrally formed, an ink cartridge,
A cartridge in which an ink tank and a print head are integrally formed, an ink sheet cartridge for a thermal transfer system, and the like are equivalent. In the industry, these products are sometimes referred to as supplies.

FIG. 5 shows a general example in which the replacement part 6 is a toner cartridge. The toner cartridge 60 in the distribution state is wrapped and packed by a wrapping material 62 and a wrapping material 63. The packaging material 62 and the packaging material 63 are used for quality maintenance or protection.
Is an aluminum pack, for example, and the packing material 63 is paper, cardboard, or the like, which is unnecessary for actual use of the toner cartridge. Therefore, the replacement parts 6 in the distribution state include the packaging material 62 and the packaging material 63, but the replacement parts 6 when the device is mounted indicate the toner cartridges 60.

The ink cartridge of an ink jet printer and the ink sheet cartridge of a video printer have the same configuration.

(Network Configuration and Device Configuration) FIG.
Shows a general configuration on the network between the service provider 10 and the contractor 1.

The service provider 10 provides the contractor 1 (service receiver) with services relating to the replacement parts 6 such as the toner cartridge 60 as described in detail below.

In the case where the service provider 10 is a leasing company or the like, the service may be a service for making a lease contract with the image forming apparatus main body.

The network 20 is a public network such as a telephone line, for example. Hereinafter, the relationship between the specific contractor 1 and the service provider 10 will be described.

First, the service provider 10 delivers a replacement part 6 such as a toner cartridge 60 compatible with the image forming apparatus 2 together with the delivery of the image forming apparatus 2 described later.
In general, even if they are made by the same manufacturer, if the model of the image forming apparatus is different, the replacement part used for the model is often different, so the model number, code number, etc. of the replacement part are determined based on the image forming apparatus main body information. Confirm.

At this time, the number of replacement parts 6 to be delivered is not particularly limited, and it is sufficient that at least one spare part is provided except for those used immediately in the apparatus body.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 on the contractor 1 side is connected to the terminal 12 on the service provider 10 side by a telephone line or the like as a network 20.

The configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 of the contractor 1 will be described below. The image forming apparatus 2 (equipment, genuine product compatible apparatus) includes an image forming unit 7 that forms an image on a recording material such as paper with toner, a toner cartridge 60 as a consumable part, and a toner cartridge 60 formed on the toner cartridge 60. A reading unit 4 for reading information (described later), a transmitting / receiving unit 5 for outputting the read information to the outside, a controller unit 3 for controlling the reading unit 4, the transmitting / receiving unit 5 and the image forming unit 7, and a contract. And a memory 8 for registering contractor information (to be described later) for specifying the party 1. Sensor circuit 9
Is composed of a sensor for detecting whether or not the toner cartridge 60 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 2 and its peripheral circuits, and is often provided in a normal copying machine / printer. It is assumed that
However, in the absence of such a sensor, alternative means can be used and is not a necessary requirement.

As described above, the toner cartridge 60 is provided on the surface or inside thereof as described above.
It is preferable that unique information that can individually specify 0 is recorded. For example, as shown in FIG.
The product type number and the cartridge ID number are stored in advance in a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a ferroelectric memory. Hereinafter, as the content to be stored in the IC chip 61, the product type number,
An ID number including a number that can specify a product type is used. However, when the service provider 10 handles a single product type and it is not necessary to specify the product type, the product type number can be omitted. Alternatively, it may be formed by a simple method such as a bar code.
This is because, in the present invention, the ID number stored in the IC chip 61 does not need any particular confidentiality.

For the purpose of distribution management, inventory management and the like, a bar code for specifying the type of replacement part may be conventionally printed. At this time, the same barcode is used for the same replacement part in order to reduce the printing burden, printing time, management burden, and the like. Therefore, in this state, if the type is different, it is possible to determine by this bar code, but if the type is the same, individual replacement parts cannot be determined.

On the other hand, the bar code given to the replacement part 6 in the present invention is information unique to the replacement part 6, and is different from the conventional bar code in that the individual replacement parts 6 can be identified. Are different.

In the present invention, the information stored in the IC chip 61 is basically only the product type number and the cartridge ID number for individually identifying the replacement part 6, and the information does not usually need to be rewritten. In addition, the memory capacity and functions can be reduced, and the scale of software and hardware such as a memory controller can be greatly reduced.

Further, by providing a toner remaining amount detecting sensor as needed, the amount of toner currently used can be detected relatively accurately.

The reading section 4 differs depending on the form of information formed in the toner cartridge 60. The reading section 4 is a bar code reader in the case of a bar code, and is read from electrical or high frequency reading means in the case of an IC chip. Be composed.

The transmitting / receiving unit 5 is, for example, a modem.
The connection form is not limited to telephone lines,
It may be a TV or the like. Further, the transmission form between the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal 12 does not need to be all wired, but may be partly transmitted wirelessly. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the transmission mode of the transmitting / receiving unit 5 mounted or connected to the image forming apparatus 2 is wireless, and the contractor 1
It can be transmitted in a wireless state to a second transmitting / receiving unit 51 installed therein, and the second transmitting / receiving unit 51 can be connected to the network 20 in a wired state. In addition, a function for connecting to the local network 21 may be provided.

The sensor circuit 9 comprises various sensors and peripheral circuits for processing signals from the sensors. The sensors are a door sensor and a cartridge sensor, and are of a mechanical or optical principle. The door sensor is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the door of the image forming apparatus 2, and the cartridge sensor is a sensor that detects whether the toner cartridge 60 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 2. . The peripheral circuits include a waveform shaping circuit for shaping the waveform of the sensor output, a filter circuit, a binarization circuit, a voltage level adjustment circuit, and the like.
For example, it is converted into a digital signal having a logic level of 0-5V.

The controller unit 3 issues an instruction to the reading unit 4 to access the IC chip 61 and read out the toner cartridge information when the toner cartridge 60 is replaced. Further, it instructs the transmission / reception unit 5 to transmit the read information to the outside as necessary.
At this time, information processing is performed according to the transmission mode. Also,
It monitors signals from various sensors, and issues predetermined instructions according to the signal contents. In the case of an image forming apparatus using a CPU for controlling the entire apparatus, the controller unit 3
Can be used as the CPU.

Next, the recorded contents of the information formed on the toner cartridge 60 will be described. In the IC chip 61, numbers such as 0 | 0 | 100 | 2 | 000000000101 are previously stored as information for specifying the toner cartridge 60. The number of digits is not limited to this. Also, the digit separator "|" and the space are intended to indicate a group of information for the sake of explanation, and may be continuous depending on the method of reading the information, or A symbol (space, comma, etc.) indicating a delimiter may be inserted. The numbers are created by the service provider 10 and
Is managed in the replacement part information table of the server.

Next, the meaning of the above numbers will be described.
The number consists of the upper 8 bits and the lower 8 bits.
The bits represent the product type, and the lower 8 bits are unique information that allows the replacement parts 6 to be individually identified. Note that the entire 16-bit information including the product type information and the unique information can also be referred to as unique information.

First, the upper 8 bits will be described.
The single digit of the highest order is product type information necessary for distinguishing whether the replacement part 6 is a genuine product or a genuine product.

Specifically, it is used to distinguish a genuine product manufactured by its own factory from a quasi-genuine product manufactured by licensing to another company. An example is shown in Table 1.

[0084]

[Table 1]

Note that the uppermost one-digit number is unnecessary information in the case of products manufactured in-house only, and can be omitted. In addition, information (numeral 4) for excluding the product from the service target may be provided for the in-house product.

Next, the number in the upper 2 digits is product type information indicating a large classification of a plurality of replacement parts 6, and an example is shown in Table 2.

[0087]

[Table 2]

The numbers in the upper third to fifth digits are product type information indicating the middle classification of a plurality of replacement parts. For example, in the toner cartridge 60 for electrophotography,
When there are a plurality of toner cartridges 60 having different physical shapes, configurations, and the like, this is information for distinguishing them. Generally, it can be associated with the model of the image forming apparatus 2. Major category is toner cartridge 6 for electrophotography
Table 3 shows an example in the case of 0.

[0089]

[Table 3]

The upper sixth digit is product type information for distinguishing the color of the toner contained in the toner cartridge 60. An example is shown in Table 4.

[0091]

[Table 4]

The lower 2 digits of the upper 8 bits are empty information, and are not used effectively in this example. The purpose of the arrangement is to make the product type information 1 byte in the information processing. However, it is a bit that can be used when more information is needed to distinguish the replacement part 6 at a later date.

According to the above rules, 0 100 100 200 means a genuine magenta toner cartridge for the digital copying machine BL-2000.

Next, in the above example, the lower 8 bits are the individual number of the toner cartridge 60 having the type number of 0 0 100 200, and a single and unique Numbers are assigned. This information is also added to the replacement part information table at the terminal 12 on the service provider 10 side.

Next, the configuration of the terminal 12 (genuine product management device) of the service provider 10 will be described.

The terminal 12 is, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS).
Communication unit 121, arithmetic processing unit 122, input unit 123
, A storage unit 124, and an output unit 125.

The communication section 121 is for connecting to the network 20, and in the case of a telephone line, for example, is a modem. In addition, a function for connecting to the local network 22 may be provided.

The arithmetic processing section 122 is a section for performing an arithmetic operation on information input from the communication section 121 or the input section 123, and is, for example, a CPU and a memory. The memory is a memory such as a RAM for temporarily storing a processing result. When the arithmetic processing is performed by software, a nonvolatile memory for storing a program describing a processing procedure is prepared. Alternatively, the program may be stored in a storage unit 124 to be described later, read out from the storage unit 124 when the program operates, and developed on the RAM for work.

The input unit 123 includes, for example, a keyboard,
Mouse, pointing device, image scanner,
It is a barcode scanner or the like, and is used to input information of the contractor 1 and the like.

The storage section 124 is a section for storing information input from the communication section 121 or the input section 123 and a result of the operation performed by the operation processing section 122, and is, for example, a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage contents include the replacement part information tables shown in Tables 1 to 4 described above, a contractor information table described later, a service management table for each contractor, an application program describing the processing flow of the service management method according to the present invention, and the like. is there. Note that the storage unit 124 corresponds to the recording medium of the present invention.

The output unit 125 is for soft copy and hard copy of information. The former corresponds to a display such as a CRT or a liquid crystal, and the latter corresponds to a printer.

(Registration of ID Number of Replacement Parts) The service provider 10 checks the replacement parts 6 to be serviced.
In the manufacturing stage, unique information is formed on the IC chip 61 according to the rules based on Tables 1 to 4 above. Also,
The storage unit 124 stores the entire list of the unique information as electronic data.
To save. FIG. 8 shows an example of the replacement part ID number list (cartridge management file, replacement part management file or replacement part management table). This list is an example of a genuine magenta toner cartridge for the digital copying machine BL-2000. As preliminary information, the date and time of manufacture are both described.

If the manufacturer of the replacement part 6 and the service provider 10 are not the same, the manufacturer forms the unique information, and the service provider 10 registers the unique information by obtaining the information from the manufacturer. I do. When the unique information is formed on the IC chip 61, the creation of the information,
Since management and the like are generally performed electronically, it is easy to obtain electronic data.

(Registration of Contractor Information) Next, the operation of the system will be described.

First, the service provider 10 obtains information on the contractor 1 as advance information. As shown in the contractor table [1] in FIG. 7A, the information may be anything as long as the contractor 1 can be specified. For example, when the contractor 1 is one company, the information is represented by a company name. Yes, even in the case of the same company, if a contract is made for each business establishment, it is necessary to specify the business establishment name.

Next, in order to handle the contractor information in the terminal 12, the service provider 10 issues a contractor ID for each contractor 1. The contractor ID is unique,
One number such as a number such as 000125 (hereinafter referred to as a contractor ID number) is assigned to each contractor 1.

Further, the user obtains location information for delivering and collecting the replacement part 6 as a service object, and obtains information such as a payment method for collecting a fee.

The above is described in the form of an electronic file in the terminal 1.
2 is stored in the storage unit 124. FIG. 7A shows an example in which the file is displayed on the output unit 125 of the terminal 12.

Next, the service provider 10 dispatches a service person to the contractor 1 to set the image forming apparatus 2.
The image forming apparatus 2 is connected and set to be communicable with an external network 20, and more specifically, a service provider 10
Phone number, UR,
An access destination such as L is registered. After the registration of the information, the desired information is automatically transmitted to the access destination.

Further, in order to specify the contractor 1, the contractor information such as the contractor ID number described above is registered in the image forming apparatus 2. The registered contents are stored in the nonvolatile memory 8.
As the contractor information, any information can be used as long as it can specify the contractor 1. As described above, detailed information on the contractor 1 is stored in the terminal 12 of the service provider 10 as described above.
The purpose of registering the contractor information in the contractor information table and registering the contractor information in the image forming apparatus 2 is to specify the transmission source when transmitting desired information (in the present invention, the unique information of the replacement part 6). Therefore, the information registered in the terminal 12 of the service provider 10 is as simple as the contractor ID number, that is, the amount of information is small, has no meaning in itself, and is easy to handle as electronic data. Good information.

In the case of the contractor ID number, a ten key or the like provided in a normal copying machine can be used, and the service provider 10 is stored in the storage unit 124 based on the ID number transmitted by the contractor 1. Contractor table [1] (see FIG. 7)
(Refer to (a)), the contractor name is specified.

On the other hand, for example, “○ △ (KK) ● □
If you use the information "Business unit", the contractor table [1]
There is an advantage that the name of the contractor can be directly confirmed from the transmission information of the contractor 1 without referring to the information. However, such so-called Japanese information causes an increase in the amount of information. Not desirable from a communication standpoint. In order to enable Japanese input, an input means such as a keyboard is separately required. Further, since there is always a risk that the transmission information may be leaked to a third party, even if it is leaked, the third party cannot abuse the service provider 10 and the contractor 1 so as not to cause any damage. It can be said that code information such as a contractor ID number is better.

At this time, in addition to the given contractor ID number, information such as the model number of the image forming apparatus 2 and the device ID number of each product may be sent.

As long as it is only necessary to know what kind of image forming apparatus 2 the contractor 1 has, the device ID number is a model number, product number,
Alternatively, coded information may be used.
Is a case where a plurality of the same image forming apparatuses 2 are provided, and when it is necessary to know information of each image forming apparatus 2 individually, a unique number such as a serial number that can identify the image forming apparatus 2 is used. Information is good.

In the case of a copying machine, a combined analog / digital copying machine, etc., a numeric keypad is provided for designating the number of prints and the like.
The D number and / or the device ID number to the image forming apparatus 2
Can be easily entered. Contractor I once entered
If the D number is stored in the non-volatile memory 8, it is not necessary to input the information again when transmitting information from the contractor 1 to the service provider 10. Also, device ID
If the numbers are also stored in the non-volatile memory 8 at the time of shipment, the input operation can be omitted thereafter, so that a series of operations can be automatically performed electronically.

As described above, the terminal 12
As shown in (b), necessary items are entered in the contractor table [2]. For example, the contractor ID number 000003
It can be understood that the contractor of the present invention has received the service according to the present invention for two image forming apparatuses 2, AR-2000 and AR-2001.

The contractor table [1] and the contractor table [2] can be combined as common information for associating the contractor ID number. Therefore, FIG.
, It can be seen that the contractor with the contractor ID number 000003 is “C Co., Ltd. △△△ Division”.

At this step, the terminal 12 can automatically detect the model of the image forming apparatus 2 of the contractor 1 and can obtain model information as a service target.

Further, even if the toner cartridge 60 for the image forming apparatus 2 is changed to improve the performance or the like and the type number of the toner cartridge 60 is changed, the type number of the toner cartridge 60 is changed based on the model information of the image forming apparatus 2. Latest toner cartridge 6
0 can be provided. Also, the device ID for each product
Although the number is not particularly necessary, even if the model is the same, there may be some changes during the manufacturing process. Therefore, when the replacement part 6 such as the toner cartridge 60 or the like is changed, In order to deal with it correctly. Also, before and after the partial change, when a defect of the image forming apparatus 2 is found, the device ID number can be used also when performing additional services such as notifying the contractor 1 of the defect. .

Next, the serviceman opens the toner cartridge 60 necessary for operating the image forming apparatus 2, and
It is set in the image forming apparatus 2. Since the image forming apparatus 2 is already connected and set to be communicable with the outside and is in a communicable state, the image forming apparatus 2 sends the toner set to the terminal 12 of the service provider 10 side. The information of the cartridge 60 is transmitted. The terminal 12 transmits the information together with the contractor ID number in order to determine the information from the contractor 1.

In the case where the above operation is performed automatically,
This will be described below. The image forming apparatus 2 is generally provided with various sensors for detecting whether the door is opened and closed and whether or not the toner cartridge 60 is mounted.
Has a function of monitoring each sensor. When the mounting of the toner cartridge 60 is detected based on a signal from the toner cartridge sensor, the controller unit 3 instructs the reading unit 4 to read the IC chip 61 of the toner cartridge 60.
To read the information stored in. Further, the controller unit 3 issues a transmission command to the transmission / reception unit 5 to transmit the information from the transmission / reception unit 5. The transmission / reception unit 5 transmits information to the transmission destination described above.

The above processing may be performed automatically, but may require an auxiliary operation of a service person. That is, at the stage when the ID number of the replacement part 6 has been read, a read completion display is displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 2, and based on the display, the serviceman presses the information transmission button to display information. May be transmitted. According to this, if there is a display of the read completion, the serviceman can determine that the reading operation has been normally performed, and if there is no display of the read completion, the normal reading was not performed. Since the determination can be made, it is possible to quickly confirm at which stage the error has occurred, and to solve the problem quickly. Details of the operation will be described later.

The terminal 12 of the service provider 10 receives the above information and, based on the transmitted information, stores the delivery destination information (code information of the delivery destination) in the replacement part ID number list shown in FIG. And the delivery date) column is updated as shown in FIG. In FIG. 8B, 00100020000
Replacement parts 6 of 0001 to 00100000000005
Is the contractor 1 with the contractor ID number 00025,
00100200000000006 to 0010020000
The replacement part 6 of the 0007 has the contractor ID number 093637.
It can be seen that the contractor 1 has been delivered.

In the above description, since the replacement part 6 delivered by the service person of the service provider 10 is a genuine product, no process for verifying the replacement part 6 in the above-mentioned initial installation is provided. In the case where an external company is responsible for the work to be performed, it is necessary to check whether the product is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. Further, in the manufacturing process, there is a possibility that the replacement part 6 manufactured by duplicating the ID number may be delivered, and in such a case, the replacement part 6 may be imitated by a third party or may be manufactured by the manufacturer. In order to be able to check at the delivery stage whether the replacement part 6 is based on the ID number, it is preferable to always perform the collation work of the ID number of the replacement part 6 as described below.

In the above description, the image forming apparatus 2
The information such as the model number of the product and the device ID number of each product is automatically sent to the terminal 12 of the service provider 10.
2 may be registered.

(Verification Process) Next, the toner cartridge 6
The operation in the case where 0 is exchanged will be described.

A device manager or a device user in the contractor 1 contracting with the service provider 10 is provided as a spare based on the “toner cartridge exchange” message issued from the image forming apparatus 2. Is replaced with a new toner cartridge 60 that has been used. In the present embodiment, a case where only the black toner is consumed will be described. Some of the new toner cartridges 60 provided as spares are those supplied by the service provider 10 and guaranteed by the service provider 10 to be genuine, and those obtained by the contractor 1 from another sales channel. There is Then, the toner cartridge 60 provided as a spare by the contractor 1 is
May include non-genuine products other than genuine products regardless of the recognition of the contractor 1.

In this collation process, the contractor 1 uses the image forming apparatus 2
This is a process in which the terminal 12 of the service provider 10 checks whether the toner cartridge 60 set in the service provider 10 is a genuine product or a non-genuine product via a network. The image forming apparatus 2 permits the printing operation when the toner cartridge 60 set in the image forming apparatus 2 is a genuine product as a result of the collation processing in the terminal 12, and is confirmed to be a non-genuine product. In such a case, the printing operation cannot be performed.

The internal operation of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

When the used toner cartridge 60 is taken out of the image forming apparatus 2 and an unused toner cartridge 60 is mounted in place of the used toner cartridge 60, as shown in FIG.
, That is, the control flow of permission / non-permission of the printing operation by the image forming unit 7 is started. Below, permission /
The non-permission control flow will be described for each step.

Step [10] (S10) The controller unit 3 monitors whether or not an ID information read command has been issued.
1] and repeat this step until an error occurs. Hereinafter, an example in which an ID information read command is issued when detecting whether or not the toner cartridge 60 is mounted will be described.

The image forming apparatus 2 is generally provided with a sensor for detecting whether or not the toner cartridge 60 is mounted. Therefore, the attachment / detachment and attachment of the toner cartridge 60 can be detected using the reaction result of the sensor.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of the mounting / removing operation of the toner cartridge 60 and the sensor output at that time. The sensor output signal when the toner cartridge 60 is mounted is at a low level, and the sensor output signal when the toner cartridge 60 is detached is at a high level.

Next, the sensor circuit 9 generates a trigger pulse as shown in FIG. 9C based on the sensor output signal. That is, the sensor circuit 9 generates a pulse signal having a constant pulse width with the fall of the sensor output signal as a timing. In terms of circuit, a sensor output signal can be used as an input signal of the mono-multi vibrator using a mono-multi vibrator, and a pulse rising at the falling timing of the sensor output signal can be generated.

This trigger pulse indicates that the sensor circuit 9 has detected the timing at which the toner cartridge 60 has been switched from the detached state to the mounted state, and the controller 3 outputs the trigger pulse output from the sensor circuit 9. The pulse is detected as an ID information read command.

Note that noise included in the sensor output signal
The sensor output signal may be input to the mono-multi vibrator through a Schmitt trigger circuit, a filter circuit, or the like so that the mono-multi vibrator does not malfunction due to chattering.

As described above, the controller unit 3
The mounting timing of the toner cartridge 60 is detected, and this timing is used as a trigger for the reading unit 4 to perform an operation.

Step [11] (S11) Next, when the sensor circuit 9 generates the trigger pulse,
The controller unit 3 instructs the reading unit 4 to access the IC chip 61 of the toner cartridge 60 and read data stored in the IC chip 61. FIG. 4D shows a period during which the reading unit 4 accesses the IC chip 61. Specifically, it is a strobe signal, and during this period, addressing and data reading are performed. The read data is stored in a volatile memory such as a RAM.

With the falling edge of the strobe signal as the timing, the reading section 4 generates a pulse signal having a constant pulse width as shown in FIG.

Step [12] (S12), Step [13] (S13) The controller section 3 uses the trigger pulse as a timing signal for transmitting the information read by the reading section 4 by the transmitting / receiving section 5. That is, the controller unit 3 causes the transmission / reception unit 5 to process information or the like in accordance with the communication mode and to transmit the information as shown in FIG.

The processing of the information may be performed by the controller unit 3 or may be performed by the transmitting and receiving unit 5. If the transmission / reception unit 5 performs the processing, the processing load on the controller unit 3 can be reduced, so that other processing can be performed. For example, when the controller unit 3 is a CPU that controls the overall control of the image forming apparatus 2, it is possible to perform processing related to image formation, and to perform processing of the entire image forming apparatus at high speed and efficiently. be able to.

With the above operation, information on the unused toner cartridge 60 is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 to the terminal 12 of the service provider 10.

In the above description, the image forming apparatus 2 is provided with a sensor for detecting whether or not the toner cartridge 60 is mounted. However, if there is no sensor, a door sensor may be used. The door is provided to replace the toner cartridge 60 or to remove paper in the event of a paper jam. For safety, the door is provided with a door sensor for checking the open / closed state. That is common. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 60 is replaced, the operation of opening and closing the door always occurs.
Access timing.

Further, in the case of a device without any sensor, it can be coped with by programming the controller 3 so that an event for reading occurs at regular intervals.

Step [14] (S14) Next, the controller unit 3 monitors whether a message or a signal indicating that the printing operation is possible is received from the terminal 12 of the transmission destination. [15]
If NO, go to step [16].

Step [15] (S15) In this case, the service provider 1 confirms that the toner cartridge 60 set in the image forming apparatus 2 is a genuine product.
0 means that the terminal 12 has been confirmed. Therefore, the controller unit 3 instructs the image forming unit 7 to perform a predetermined operation. Thus, the image forming apparatus 2 can perform an image forming operation.

Step [16] (S16) If the reply from the destination terminal 12 is a message or signal indicating NO, the toner cartridge 60 set in the image forming apparatus 2 is a non-genuine product. Means that the terminal has been confirmed by the terminal of the service provider 10. Therefore, the controller unit 3 prohibits the operation using the toner cartridge 60, that is, the image forming operation in the image forming unit 7. Specifically, in the case of a copying machine or the like, even if an image formation instruction signal is input to the controller unit 3 by pressing a start button or the like for image formation, the signal is ignored and the continuation or start of the image formation operation is ignored. Abort. The same applies when a print request is issued from another PC via a network.

At this time, in order to inform the operator of the reason for stopping the image forming operation, the display unit such as a liquid crystal display displays "The currently mounted toner cartridge is
incorrect. Install another toner cartridge. And the like. Thereby, the reason for the non-operation can be clarified, so that the operator does not cause a misunderstanding such as a mechanical trouble of the image forming apparatus 2.

After step [16], the process returns to step [10], and when another toner cartridge 60 is mounted, the above operation is repeated.

Next, the processing in the terminal 12 of the service provider 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

Step [20] (S20) The arithmetic processing section 122 sends a message from the image forming apparatus 2 of the contractor 1 to the
It monitors whether a cartridge inquiry signal has been received,
If received, go to step [21]. When the image forming apparatus 2 of the contractor 1 is connected to the terminal 12 via a server (not shown) due to the configuration of the network, the information received by the terminal 12 is information transmitted from the server.

The content of the processing in step [20] is not limited to the above, and the signal received from the image forming apparatus 2 includes the unique information for identifying the toner cartridge 60 (the cartridge I).
D number) may be monitored. As described with reference to FIG. 6, when the toner cartridge 60 is newly attached to the image forming apparatus 2, the monitoring process reads the cartridge ID number from the IC chip 61 of the toner cartridge 60, It is assumed that the process to be transmitted is performed by the image forming apparatus 2.

More specifically, when the terminal 12 receives a signal requesting access permission to the terminal 12 from the image forming apparatus 2 or a server that mediates between the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal 12, the arithmetic processing unit 122, after authenticating the image forming apparatus 2 or the server and granting access permission, subsequently determining whether or not the signal received from the image forming apparatus 2 or the server includes the cartridge ID number of the toner cartridge 60. I do. If the cartridge ID number has been detected, the process proceeds to step [21]. If not detected, the process returns to step [20] or proceeds to another process for the received signal.

Step [21] (S21) Next, the arithmetic processing section 122 extracts a cartridge ID number from the received signal. That is, the received signal includes at least the information (contractor ID) for specifying the contractor 1 and the cartridge I of the toner cartridge 60 to be compared.
D number is included, so cartridge I
Extract the D number. Note that the contractor ID is used as transmission destination information for transmitting the collation result, but the entirety of the contractor ID and the cartridge ID number may be collated. The prevention effect can be further enhanced.

Step [22] (S22) Next, the arithmetic processing section 122 reads the cartridge management file shown in FIG.

Step [23] (S23) Next, the arithmetic processing unit 122 checks the received and detected ID number with the cartridge management file. That is, the received cartridge ID number is compared with the cartridge ID number registered in the cartridge management file.
When the entirety of the contractor ID and the cartridge ID number is to be collated, both the cartridge ID number and the contractor ID registered as the delivery destination are read from the cartridge management file in FIG. The ID number is compared with the received and detected ID number.

Step [24] (S24) Next, the arithmetic processing section 122 determines whether the received ID number has already been registered, that is, the received cartridge ID number is registered in the cartridge management file. The ID numbers are compared one by one. If the same ID number has already been registered, the process proceeds to step [25]. If the same ID number has not been registered, the process proceeds to step [26].

Step [25] (S25) Next, if the received ID number is already registered, the arithmetic processing section 122 determines that the received ID number is a genuine product, and generates a print permission message or a print permission signal. The image is transmitted to the corresponding image forming apparatus 2.

Step [26] (S26) Next, if the received ID number is not registered, the arithmetic processing unit 122 determines that the product is a non-genuine product and generates a print non-permission message or a print non-permission signal. Then, the image data is transmitted to the corresponding image forming apparatus 2.

For the above steps [25] and [26], the image forming apparatus 2 executes the processing from step [14] onward.

[0161] Here,
The request for collation of the cartridge ID number 08 is 011
FIG. 12 shows an example of the replacement part ID number list when there is a contractor 1 with a contractor ID of 218. Since the cartridge ID number has already been registered and the delivery destination and delivery date information has not been entered, it can be determined that the cartridge is a genuine product, not a counterfeit product. That is, since the delivery destination and delivery date information of the toner cartridge 60 is not input, the toner cartridge 60 is not directly delivered to the contractor 1 by the serviceman, and the contractor 1 removes the toner cartridge 60 by another acquisition route. You can see that it was obtained. Therefore, the terminal 12 replies to the contractor 1 having the contractor ID of 011218 that the genuine product has been confirmed, and inputs the contractor ID as the collation destination together with the collation date in the list. .

As described above, in the present invention, the terminal 12 of the service provider 10 checks whether the toner cartridge 60 used by the contractor 1 is genuine or non-genuine based on the ID number information. I do not register
If it is a D number, it can be immediately determined that the product is a non-genuine product. That is, a malicious third party obtains the genuine toner cartridge 60, and
The ID information recorded on the C chip 61 is analyzed,
By generating a new ID number with reference to the D number and recording it on the IC chip 61, the toner cartridge 6
Even if it is manufactured by imitating 0, if the ID number is not registered in the replacement part ID number file managed by the service provider 10, it is determined to be a non-genuine product.

In addition, since the ID numbers and delivery destinations of all the toner cartridges 60 are registered,
The service provider 10 can centrally manage the distribution of the toner cartridges 60 collectively. Further, when the toner cartridge 60 is newly mounted from the image forming apparatuses 2 of all the contractors 1, the toner cartridge 6
Since the system transmits unique information specifying 0, it is possible to immediately detect the attachment or presence of a non-genuine product. Therefore, the service provider 10 can promptly take necessary measures to eliminate non-genuine products. Also, due to this quickness, the number of non-genuine products can be minimized, and the spread of generation can be suppressed to a minimum range.

If the cartridge ID number is a random value having less regularity than a serial number, the risk of imitation by a third party is further reduced.

[0165] Unless the ID number is falsified by a third party, a pirated product or the like is not used.
In addition, since the cartridge management file in which the registered ID number and the like are recorded is under the control of the service provider 10, the possibility of unauthorized access to the file by a third party is extremely low. Further, from the service provider 10 side,
Since the cartridge ID number is not transmitted via the network, the cartridge ID number is not leaked when the information is transmitted by the service provider 10.

By detecting that a new toner cartridge 60 is mounted, the image forming apparatus 2
Since the ID number of the toner cartridge 60 attached to the toner cartridge 60 is checked, the contractor 1 transmitting the ID number has to prove that the toner cartridge 60 having the ID number actually has the toner cartridge 60. Become. Therefore, it is possible to pursue a sales channel and a manufacturer / distributor of the counterfeit product by the legitimate method for the contractor 1 who has collated the ID number of the counterfeit product. The sales / manufacturer can be specified.

Further, when receiving a print permission message or a print permission signal from terminal 12, image forming apparatus 2 performs a printing operation using toner cartridge 60. If toner cartridge 60 is a non-genuine product, Since the printing operation is stopped, non-genuine products are positively and reliably eliminated without the trouble and cost of breaking the IC chip 61 for the purpose of removing the toner cartridge 60 when removing the toner cartridge 60 as in the related art. can do.

[Second Embodiment] In the method described in the first embodiment, a malicious third party analyzes an ID number recorded on an IC chip 61 of a certain toner cartridge 60, and obtains the ID number. When the toner cartridge 60 is manufactured by imitation by simply copying the imitation product, there is a possibility that the imitation product cannot be distinguished from the genuine product on which the imitation product is based. In order to cope with such a case, in the present embodiment, a description will be given of a process of judging all the improper products in the second and subsequent collations for the ID number collated once.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, a collation date information column is provided, and when a collation operation occurs for the first time, the collation date is input to the input column. Thereafter, when there is a collation, the arithmetic processing unit 122 checks whether the received ID number is registered in the list. Check if it is blank. If it is not entered, it is determined that the collation for the ID number this time is the first time, the collation date is entered in the collation date information column for the ID number, and a genuine product is issued to the contractor 1. Notify that there is. The notification content is, for example, a print permission message or a print permission signal.

On the other hand, if the collation date column has already been entered,
It is determined that the matching of the ID number this time is the second time or later, and the contractor 1 is notified of the non-genuine product. The notification content is, for example, a print non-permission message or a print non-permission signal.

Accordingly, even if a malicious third party manufactures a large number of toner cartridges 60 having the ID number using at least one of the ID numbers registered in the replacement part ID number list, Since it is determined that the product is a genuine product, and therefore, only one toner cartridge 60 is allowed to perform the image forming operation, most of the imitation products manufactured in this manner are not effectively used.

In general, it can be considered that the time when the counterfeit product is used is later than the time when the genuine product is used. It can be said that judging the replacement part 6 having the ID number as a non-genuine product is correct with a considerable probability.

In addition to the collation date, as shown in FIG.
If the ID of the contractor who has requested the collation is entered in the collation destination information field, when a counterfeit product is detected, which contractor 1 owns the counterfeit product, With the cooperation of the person 1, it is possible to investigate through what kind of sales channel the product was obtained, which can be used for countermeasures against counterfeit products in the future.

[Embodiment 3] When the image forming apparatus 2 is used, a situation in which paper is jammed inside the apparatus, that is, a paper jam may occur due to a trouble mainly caused by the apparatus transport system. In this case, in order to remove the paper, the toner cartridge 60 which is removable
Need to take out the kind.

When the same cartridge not related to the cartridge replacement is inserted or removed, the information is transmitted one by one according to the procedure described in the above embodiment, and the processing becomes complicated and unnecessary. It only causes an increase in network load due to information transmission. .

On the other hand, the service provider 10 on the receiver side
In this case, it is not only meaningless to receive such non-useful information, but as described in the second embodiment, if the collation date is entered for the ID number once collated, If there is a subsequent check against the ID number, it is determined that the product is a non-genuine product, and the image forming processing operation cannot be continued.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the same cartridge is inserted or removed, cartridge information is not transmitted. For this purpose, when the cartridge ID number of the toner cartridge 60 is read for the first time, the cartridge ID number is stored in another storage area of the memory 8 shown in FIG. When the toner cartridge 60 is temporarily removed and re-attached at the time of paper jam or the like, reading of the cartridge ID number is performed as described in the first embodiment with the timing of the attachment. Subsequently, the controller unit 3 compares the latest information input from the reading unit 4 with the information already stored in the memory 8, and if different, transmits the information to the transmission / reception unit 5, 8 to update the storage contents stored in another storage area,
If they are the same, a process is performed so that neither storage update nor information transmission is performed.

In the above description, the comparison between the latest information input from the reading unit 4 and the already stored information is performed by the controller unit 3. However, the comparison unit and the operation unit are separately provided. You may.

In the case of an image forming apparatus having a storage device such as a hard disk as a part of the image forming function,
The hard disk can be used as the memory 8.

[Embodiment 4] In Embodiment 2 described above,
First, it was determined that the authenticated ID number was a genuine product. However, the replacement parts 6 such as the toner cartridge 60 are being recycled, and the used toner cartridge 60 is collected. A system is being created.

Using such a collection system, the IC of the toner cartridge 60 collected by the service provider 10 is used.
The cartridge ID number recorded on the chip 61 is read, and the collection information (for example, collection destination and collection date) of the replacement part ID number list is updated as shown in FIG. That is, in the uncollected state, as shown in FIG. 13A, information such as the collection destination and the collection date is not input, but the collection destination and the collection date are input at the time of collection.

As a result, according to the processing flow shown in FIG. 11, for collation of the same ID number as the already collected ID number, it is determined that the product is non-genuine.

The details will be described below. In the processing flow shown in FIG. 11, the processing content of steps [20] to [24] is the same as the processing flow shown in FIG. If it is determined in step [24] that the received ID number is not registered, the process proceeds to step [26].
Then, the process of transmitting a print non-permission message or a print non-permission signal to the image forming apparatus 2 is the same.

As a new process of the present embodiment, when the arithmetic processing unit 122 determines in step [24] that the received ID number has been registered, the process proceeds to step [27], and the process proceeds to step [27]. It is checked whether the toner cartridge 60 has not been collected. If not collected, step [2]
8], the arithmetic processing unit 122 determines that the toner cartridge 60 requested for collation is a genuine product, generates a print permission message or a print permission signal, and transmits it to the corresponding image forming apparatus 2. On the other hand, if the toner cartridge has been collected, the process proceeds to step [26], it is determined that the toner cartridge requested to be verified is a non-genuine product, and a print non-permission message or a print non-permission signal is generated. 2
Send to

Generally, when imitating an ID number, it is most likely that the ID number of a genuine product that actually exists is used as it is. In other words, a third party obtains a genuine product consumed by legitimate handling, obtains an ID number by analyzing the ID number, and fills the toner cartridge 60 with non-genuine toner. Alternatively, it is conceivable to manufacture an imitation product by forming the ID number obtained by the above method on a non-genuine toner cartridge manufactured by imitating the genuine toner cartridge 60 and filling the toner with the toner.

By the time such a counterfeit product reaches the user (here, all users who use the replacement part 6 and in a narrow sense also includes the contractor 1 according to the present invention),
It takes a certain period. In other words, if there is a genuine product and a counterfeit product having the same ID number and the toner provider with the ID number has already been collected by the service provider 10, a request for collation is sent to the terminal 12. It is highly possible that the used toner cartridge is a non-genuine product.

In this embodiment, by utilizing this property, the service provider 10 collects the unnecessary replacement parts 6 used by the contractor 1 and becomes unnecessary, and as shown in FIG. Enter the information in the collection information field of. If the genuine product is promptly collected before the counterfeit product is distributed,
Such a system is established.

[Embodiment 5] Still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows a case where delivery information has been input and a case where delivery information has not been input. That is, for the ID numbers 001002000000001 to 00100000000000007, the delivery destination and the delivery date are input, and the ID number is 00
1002000000008 to 0010000000000
For 010, the delivery destination and delivery date are not entered. The input of the delivery destination and the delivery date indicates that the replacement part 6 has been delivered to the contractor 1 under the guarantee of the service provider 10. On the other hand, the input of the delivery destination and the delivery date is not only when the replacement part 6 remains at the service provider 10 but also because the replacement part 6 is shipped to a mass retailer via a normal distribution channel. The figure also shows a case where the tracking investigation of the replacement part 6 cannot be performed. The information on the delivery destination is the contractor ID described above.

Further, regarding the method of obtaining the replacement part 6,
The contractor 1 using the delivery service provided by the service provider 10 has a low probability of purchasing from another route, that is, from a mass retailer, and the replacement parts 6 held by the contractor 1 are genuine. Note that the probability is very high.

That is, when there is a request for collation of ID information from the contractor 1, as shown in FIG. 14, the cartridge ID number is registered by the processing of steps [20] to [24] described in FIG. After confirming that the processing has been performed, step [29] (for convenience of explanation, S27 in FIG. 11 has been replaced with S29) is performed, and the arithmetic processing unit 12
2 extracts the contractor ID from the received ID number and refers to the replacement part ID number list to determine whether the contractor ID of the verification requester is the same as the registered contractor ID of the delivery destination. I do.

As a result, if the contractor ID of the verification requester matches the registered contractor ID information,
1, the process proceeds to step [28], and the arithmetic processing unit 12
2 determines that the toner cartridge 60 requested to be verified is a genuine product, generates a print permission message or a print permission signal, and transmits it to the corresponding image forming apparatus 2. On the other hand, if the contractor ID of the verification requester does not match the registered contractor ID information, it is highly possible that the replacement part 6 held by the contractor 1 who has requested the verification is a non-genuine product. If it is determined to be high, the process proceeds to step [26], and a print non-permission message or print non-permission signal is transmitted as a response message.

As described above, when the delivery destination information is input, even if the counterfeit product is checked against the terminal 12 before the use of the genuine product, it is registered in advance. If the contractor ID number as the delivery destination information does not match the contractor ID number for which the collation request has been made, the product is determined to be a non-genuine product, so that a correct determination can be made.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but it can be applied to a single device (for example, a copier, a printer, a printer, etc.). Facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used.

Further, the program code may be downloaded from another computer system to the storage unit 124 of the terminal 12 via a transmission medium such as a communication network.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) Performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided on the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. , The CPU provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

[0202] Throughout, the main parts of the present invention are:
Since the content is related to the exchange service of consumables and consumables, a contract with the image forming apparatus main body is not always prerequisite and is not essential. In other words, it goes without saying that the service according to the present invention can be applied to a lease contract, a rental contract, or a purchased image forming apparatus main body through another route. However, it is procedurally smooth to use the service management method of the present invention for a lease contract, a rental contract, or a person who has newly purchased an image forming apparatus main body, and to make a contract for the service according to the present invention simultaneously with the main body contract / purchase. Can be performed.

Further, the present invention relates to a copying machine, a printer, etc.
The replacement part is not limited to the replacement part, but may be a replacement part that is shorter than the expiration date of consumption and consumption of the main unit, and all devices that perform a predetermined operation using such a replacement part. More preferably, information unique to the replacement part is formed, and if the information can be read out by the main unit, the detachment / attachment of the replacement part can be electronically detected.

[0204]

According to the genuine product discriminating method of the present invention, as described above, the step of detecting, via the network, the unique information for specifying the replacement part mounted on the device, and the step of detecting the unique information of the replacement part. A step of accessing the registered storage means and comparing the detected unique information with the registered unique information to determine whether the replacement part mounted on the device is a genuine product registered in the storage means. Are executed by a programmed computer.

[0205] Therefore, since the unique information capable of specifying the replacement part is registered in the storage means, the unique information of the replacement part is registered by detecting the unique information of the replacement part mounted on the device. It is possible to immediately determine whether the product is a genuine product or a non-genuine product that has not been registered. In addition, by registering the unique information of the replacement part and detecting the unique information via the network, the service provider of the replacement part can centrally manage the distribution of the replacement part. .

As a result, the service provider can easily know the distribution of the non-genuine product, and can immediately take necessary measures to eliminate the non-genuine product. In addition, due to this quickness, the number of non-genuine products can be reduced as much as possible, and the spread of the generation can be suppressed as small as possible.

According to the genuine product discriminating method of the present invention, as described above, the step of registering unique information for specifying a replacement part to be distributed in a storage means accessible by a computer, Detecting that the replacement part has been attached via a network, and acquiring the unique information of the replacement part, and comparing the acquired unique information with the registered unique information so that the replacement part attached to the device can be stored in the storage unit. Determining whether the product is a genuine product registered in the computer.

Therefore, the service provider gives unique information such as an ID number to the distributed replacement part, registers the information in a storage means accessible by the computer, and when the replacement part is mounted on the device. Then, the service provider operates the computer to detect the unique information of the replacement part via the network, and compares the detected unique information with the registered unique information. The computer can determine that the item is an article. In this way, by operating the computer, it is extremely easy for the service provider to identify a replacement part for which unique information is not registered as a non-genuine product. This has the effect that necessary measures can be taken promptly.

The genuine product discriminating method of the present invention, as described above, includes a step of registering unique information for specifying a replacement part in a storage device accessible by a computer, and a device installed in a service receiver. The step of receiving the read unique information of the replacement part mounted on the device from the device and collating the received unique information with the registered unique information stores the replacement part mounted on the device. Determining whether the product is a genuine product registered in the means.

Therefore, the same effect as described above can be obtained. Furthermore, since replacement parts have unique information that can be read out by the device while mounted on the device, it is not possible to manufacture a large number of imitations having unique information that identifies such replacement parts one by one. Since it is difficult, it is possible to suppress the circulation of the imitation of the replacement part more reliably.

The genuine product discriminating method of the present invention, as described above, in addition to the above steps, when it is determined that the replacement part mounted on the device is a genuine product registered in the storage means, Transmitting a signal indicating permission of the operation of using the replacement part to the device; and determining that the replacement part attached to the device is not a genuine product, the operation of using the replacement part is not performed. Transmitting a signal indicating permission to the device.

Therefore, when it is determined that the replacement part is a genuine part, a signal indicating permission of operation to use the replacement part is transmitted to the device, and when it is determined that the replacement part is a non-genuine part, Since the device transmits a signal indicating that the operation using the replacement part is not permitted to the device, the device utilizes the signal indicating permission / non-permission, and performs the operation using the replacement part based on the reception. , Or stop. As a result, it is possible to positively and reliably eliminate the use of non-genuine products without the trouble and cost of destroying the data carrier for the purpose of removing the data carrier when removing the replacement part from the device as in the past. It has the effect of being able to.

The replacement part according to the present invention is characterized in that it is used in each of the above-described genuine article determination methods.

Therefore, by applying each of the above-described genuine product discriminating methods to the above-mentioned replacement parts, it is easy to determine whether or not it is a genuine product, it is difficult for a third party to manufacture an imitation product, and distribution of the imitation product is difficult. This has the effect that the service provider can enjoy the merit that replacement parts that can be easily deterred can be distributed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the genuine product management device of the present invention has a storage unit for registering unique information for specifying a replacement part to be distributed, and a communication unit for acquiring the unique information of the replacement part. Unit and the unique information acquired via the communication unit and the unique information registered in the storage unit, and when both match, a replacement part having the acquired unique information is registered in the storage unit. And an arithmetic processing unit for determining that the product is a genuine product.

Therefore, the unique information is registered in the storage unit,
Since it is obtained via the communication unit, it is extremely easy to centrally manage the distribution of the replacement parts. Further, since the arithmetic processing unit can easily detect the distribution of the non-genuine product, the service provider can promptly take necessary measures to eliminate the non-genuine product. Also, because of this speed,
The number of non-genuine products can be reduced as much as possible, and the spread of generation can be suppressed to a minimum range.

Further, if the unique information of the replacement part is registered and the security of the information is carefully managed, imitation by a third party can be eliminated, and after the replacement, the replacement information obtained from the user of the replacement part can be obtained. It is possible to determine whether the component is a genuine product by a simple method of comparing the unique information of the component with the registration information.

In the genuine product management device of the present invention, as described above, when the arithmetic processing unit determines that the replacement part having the acquired unique information is a genuine product registered in the storage unit, While generating a signal indicating permission for use of the replacement part, if it is determined that the replacement part is not a genuine product, it generates a signal indicating permission not to use the replacement part.

Therefore, the arithmetic processing unit generates a signal indicating permission / non-permission of an operation using the replacement part according to the determination as to whether or not the replacement part is a genuine part. With such a signal, it is possible to execute control such as performing an operation using or not using the replacement part. As a result, the genuine product management device of the present invention actively promotes the use of non-genuine products without the trouble and cost of destroying the data carrier for the purpose of making the data carrier unusable when removing the replacement part from the device as in the past. This has the effect that the target can be eliminated properly and reliably.

[0220] & genuine corresponding device of the present invention, as described above, from the replacement part that holds the specific information order to identify a replacement part that flows, a reading unit for reading the said intrinsic information, the replacement part A genuine product management device that determines whether or not the device is a registered genuine product; a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives information; and the read unique information is transmitted to the genuine product management device via the transmitting / receiving unit. Permits the use of replacement parts when the replacement part is certified as a genuine part from, and prohibits the use of replacement parts when certified as a non-genuine part. And a controller unit for performing control.

Therefore, the unique information of the replacement part read by the reading unit is transmitted to the genuine product management device via the transmission / reception unit, and the genuine product management device determines whether the replacement part is a genuine product. The result is transmitted to the genuine product correspondence device. Therefore, similarly to the above, a non-genuine product can be provided by the genuine product compatible device of the present invention without the trouble and cost of destroying the data carrier for the purpose of disabling the data carrier when removing the replacement part from the device as in the related art. There is an effect that the use of the can be positively and reliably excluded.

The genuine product management network system of the present invention is characterized in that the genuine product management device and the genuine product compatible device are connected via a network as described above.

Therefore, there is an effect that a genuine product management system can be constructed via a network which can positively and surely eliminate the use of non-genuine products.

The genuine product management network system of the present invention is a device which can be specified with unique information, and in which replacement parts to be consumed or consumed are detachably disposed. A reading unit for detecting unique information from a communication unit, a transmission / reception unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller unit for controlling the reading unit and the transmission / reception unit. A first group, a communication unit for communicating with the first group, a storage unit for registering information unique to the replacement part, and a replacement part obtained from the first group via the communication unit The unique information of the replacement part is compared with the unique information of the replacement part stored in the storage unit, and when both match, it is determined that the replacement part having the acquired unique information is a genuine product registered in the storage unit. It is characterized by being composed of a processing unit that performs determination, a second group composed of genuine management apparatus having a.

Therefore, there is an effect that the above-described genuine product discriminating method can be realized by using IT technology such as a network system and an IC chip.

The genuine product management network system of the present invention is a device which can be specified with unique information, and in which replacement parts to be consumed or consumed are removably disposed. A reading unit for detecting unique information from a communication unit, a transmission / reception unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller unit for controlling the reading unit and the transmission / reception unit. A first group, a communication unit for communicating with the first group, a storage unit for registering the unique information of the replacement part, and the unique information of the replacement part requested to be collated from the first group. The unique information of the replacement part stored in the storage unit is compared, and if the two match, at least the matching information that can specify the matching requester and the matching date is stored in the storage unit. And if the collation information is not stored, it is determined that the replacement part having the unique information requested for collation is a genuine product registered in the storage unit, while if the collation information is stored, It is characterized by comprising a processing unit for determining that it is a non-genuine product, and a second group including a genuine product management device having a genuine product management device.

Therefore, after the imitation product is used, the time for requesting the verification is later than the time for verification of the genuine product. In the case of the second and subsequent verifications, it can be determined that the product is an unauthorized non-genuine product.

Therefore, compared with the case where a genuine product is determined based on whether or not the unique information is registered,
There is an effect that the accuracy of determination can be improved using the collation information as a filter.

As described above, the genuine product management network system of the present invention is a device which can be specified with unique information and in which replacement parts to be consumed or consumed are detachably mounted. A reading unit for detecting unique information from the replacement part, a transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller unit for controlling the reading unit and the transmitting / receiving unit. A first group composed of devices, a communication unit for communicating with the first group, a storage unit for registering unique information of the replacement part, and a replacement part requested to be collated by the first group Is compared with the unique information of the replacement part stored in the storage unit, and when they match, the collection date and the person who collected the replacement part from the first group are specified. A search is made as to whether possible collection information is stored in the storage unit, and if the collection information is not stored, it is determined that the replacement part having the unique information requested to be verified is a genuine product registered in the storage unit. On the other hand, when the collection information is stored, the second group includes a genuine product management device having an arithmetic processing unit that determines that the product is a non-genuine product. I have.

Therefore, the used replacement part is collected from the first group, and the collection information that can identify the collection date and the collection person is stored in the storage unit of the genuine product management device. After the is used, the collation request is made later than the genuine product collection time. Therefore, when the replacement part is requested to be verified as a genuine part via the network, and if the genuine part collection information has already been recorded, it is determined that the part is an unauthorized non-genuine part. be able to.

As a result, as compared with a case where a genuine product is determined only based on whether or not the unique information is registered, the accuracy of determination can be improved by using the collected information as a filter.

As described above, the genuine product management network system of the present invention is a device which can be specified with unique information and in which replacement parts to be consumed or consumed are detachably provided. A reading unit for detecting unique information from the replacement part, a transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller unit for controlling the reading unit and the transmitting / receiving unit. A first group composed of devices, a communication unit for communicating with the first group, and registration of unique information of replacement parts, and delivery when replacement parts are delivered to the first group. First identification information of the first group is
A storage unit for registering the delivery information associated with the unique information of the replacement part, and comparing the unique information of the replacement part requested to be checked by the first group with the unique information of the replacement part stored in the storage unit If the two match, the identification information of the first group requested to be compared is further compared with the registered identification information of the first group. And a second group comprising a genuine product management device having a genuine product management device having a processing unit for determining that the replacement part having the obtained unique information is a genuine product registered in the storage unit. And

Therefore, when delivering a replacement part to a contractor who is a member of the first group, the unique information and the identification information of the first group are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit of the genuine product management device. By registering, it can be determined whether the verification requester is different from the registered contractor, and it is determined that the replacement part of the unregistered verification requester is an unauthorized non-genuine product. be able to.

Therefore, compared to a case where a genuine product is determined only by whether or not the unique information is registered,
There is an effect that the identification accuracy can be improved by using the identification information as a filter.

The computer readable recording medium of the present invention is characterized by recording the program for executing the genuine product discriminating method of the present invention as described above.

Therefore, by loading the program recorded on the recording medium into the genuine product management device,
There is an effect that the genuine article discriminating method of the present invention can be provided to the service receiver.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a service management network system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a form of a distribution product according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection image of the service management network system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another service management network system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a distribution form of a distribution product according to the present invention.

FIGS. 6A to 6F are timing charts for explaining the operation of the device.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of a contractor table displayed on an information management screen.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing an example of a replacement part ID number list managed by a terminal.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a controller unit in a device on a service receiver side.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by an arithmetic processing unit in a terminal on the service provider side.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the processing procedure performed by the arithmetic processing unit of the terminal.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing another example of a replacement part ID number list managed by the terminal.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing still another example of a replacement part ID number list managed by the terminal.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing still another example of the processing procedure performed by the arithmetic processing unit of the terminal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 Contractor (service receiver, first group) 2 Image forming apparatus (equipment, genuine product compatible device) 3 Controller unit 4 Reading unit 5 Transmitter / receiver unit 6 Replacement part 8 Memory 9 Sensor circuit 10 Service provider (seconder) Group) 12 terminal (genuine product management device) 60 toner cartridge (replacement part) 121 communication unit 122 arithmetic processing unit 123 input unit 124 storage unit (recording medium) 125 output unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (54) [Title of Invention] Execute genuine product identification method, replacement parts used, genuine product management device, genuine product management device, genuine product management network system, and genuine product identification method Computer-readable recording medium on which the program to be recorded is recorded

Claims (14)

[Claims] A step of detecting, via a network, unique information for specifying a replacement part attached to the device; accessing a storage unit in which the unique information of the replacement part is registered;
By comparing the detected unique information with the registered unique information to determine whether the replacement part mounted on the device is a genuine product registered in the storage means, A genuine product discriminating method characterized by being executed. 2. A step of registering unique information for specifying a replacement part to be distributed in a storage means accessible by a computer, and detecting that the replacement part to be distributed is attached to a device via a network, A step of acquiring the unique information of the replacement part; and a step of determining whether the replacement part mounted on the device is a genuine product registered in the storage unit by comparing the acquired unique information with the registered unique information. A genuine product discriminating method using a computer. 3. A step of registering unique information for specifying a replacement part in a storage means accessible by a computer, and a step of reading out a device installed at the service recipient and reading the information of the replacement part attached to the device. By receiving the unique information from the device and comparing the received unique information with the registered unique information, it is determined whether the replacement part mounted on the device is a genuine product registered in the storage means. And a step of causing a computer to execute the steps. 4. When the replacement part mounted on the device is determined to be a genuine product registered in the storage means, transmitting a signal to the device indicating permission to use the replacement part. Transmitting a signal to the device, which indicates that the replacement part attached to the device is not a genuine product, indicating that the operation of using the replacement part is not permitted, is executed by the computer. The genuine product discriminating method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. A replacement part used in the genuine product discriminating method according to claim 1. 6. A storage unit for registering unique information for specifying a replacement part to be distributed, a communication unit for obtaining unique information of the replacement part, and a storage unit for storing the unique information obtained via the communication unit. And a processing unit that determines that the replacement part having the acquired unique information is a genuine product registered in the storage unit when the two match each other. A genuine product management device. 7. The arithmetic processing unit, when judging that the replacement part having the acquired unique information is a genuine part registered in the storage unit, generates a signal indicating permission to use the replacement part. 7. The genuine product management device according to claim 6, wherein when it is determined that the replacement component is not a genuine product, a signal indicating that use of the replacement component is not permitted is generated. 8. A reading section for reading unique information from a replacement part holding unique information for specifying a replacement part to be distributed, and a genuine part for determining whether the replacement part is a registered genuine part. A transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving information to / from the product management device, and transmitting the read unique information to the genuine product management device via the transmission / reception unit, and receiving a certification from the genuine product management device that the replacement part is a genuine product. A controller that permits operation using the replacement part, and prohibits the operation using the replacement part when it is certified as a non-genuine product. Genuine device. 9. A genuine product management network system, wherein the genuine product management device according to claim 6 and the genuine product management device according to claim 8 are connected via a network. 10. A replacement part identifiable and consumed or consumed with unique information, is a device that is detachably disposed, and is read for detecting unique information from the replacement part. A first group consisting of a device having a unit, a transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller for controlling the reading unit and the transmitting / receiving unit; A communication unit for performing communication with the group of the replacement part, a storage unit for registering the unique information of the replacement part, and the unique information of the replacement part obtained from the first group via the communication unit and stored in the storage unit. And a calculation processing unit that determines that the replacement part having the acquired unique information is a genuine product registered in the storage unit when the two match each other. Product management A genuine product management network system comprising a second group of devices. 11. A replacement part identifiable and consumed or consumed with unique information, which is a device which is removably arranged and read for detecting unique information from the replacement part. A first group consisting of a device having a unit, a transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller for controlling the reading unit and the transmitting / receiving unit; A communication unit for communicating with the group of the replacement part, a storage unit for registering the unique information of the replacement part, the unique information of the replacement part requested to be checked by the first group, and the replacement part stored in the storage unit Is compared with the unique information, and when they match, it is searched whether at least the collation information that can specify the collation requester and the collation date is stored in the storage unit, and if the collation information is not stored, In this case, while the replacement part having the unique information requested to be verified is determined to be a genuine product registered in the storage unit, if the verification information is stored, an arithmetic process for determining that the replacement part is a non-genuine product is performed. And a second group comprising a genuine product management device having a genuine product management device. 12. A replacement part identifiable with specific information and consumed or consumed is a device which is detachably disposed and which is used for detecting unique information from the replacement part. A first group consisting of a device having a unit, a transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller for controlling the reading unit and the transmitting / receiving unit; A communication unit for communicating with the group of the replacement part, a storage unit for registering the unique information of the replacement part, the unique information of the replacement part requested to be checked by the first group, and the replacement part stored in the storage unit And if the two match, search is made for whether the collection date and the collection information that can specify the collection person when the replacement part is collected from the first group are stored in the storage unit. , If the collection information is not stored, the replacement part having the unique information requested to be verified is determined to be a genuine product registered in the storage unit, while if the collection information is stored, the replacement part is a non-genuine product. A genuine product management network system comprising: a second group including a genuine product management device having an arithmetic processing unit that makes a determination. 13. A replacement part identifiable and consumed or consumed with unique information, is a device which is detachably disposed, and which is used to detect unique information from the replacement part. A first group consisting of a device having a unit, a transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting the read information to the outside via a network, and a controller for controlling the reading unit and the transmitting / receiving unit; A communication unit for communicating with the group of the first group and the unique information of the replacement part are registered, and when the replacement part is to be delivered to the first group, the identification information of the first group to which the part is to be delivered is replaced with the replacement information. A storage unit to be registered as delivery information associated with the unique information of the part, and a comparison between the unique information of the replacement part requested to be collated from the first group and the unique information of the replacement part stored in the storage unit. If the two match, the identification information of the first group requested to be compared is compared with the registered identification information of the first group. If the two identification information match, a matching request is made. And a second group including a genuine product management device having a processing unit for determining that the replacement part having the unique information registered in the storage unit is a genuine product registered in the storage unit. Genuine product management network system. 14. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for executing the genuine product discriminating method according to claim 1 is recorded.