JP2002318511A - Consumable with function of discriminating recycled state and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To discriminate whether or not a consumable cartridge loaded to a printer is manufactured by a genuine maker in the case where the loaded cartridge is a new one, and to discriminate whether or not the cartridge is the recycled genuine one which is obtained by applying a recycling processing in a genuine recycling factory in the case where the loaded cartridge is a recycled one. SOLUTION: When toner in the consumable cartridge 7 loaded to the printer 2 is consumed by an amount equal to or exceeding a prescribed amount, the consumable cartridge 7 is decided as the consumed one, and then, the cartridge is sent by a user to the recycling factory 5. The recycling processing is applied on the cartridge 7 in the recycling factory 5. The recycling processing history of the cartridge 7 and the machine No. to which the cartridge is loaded are recorded together with key information in a memory in the cartridge 7. The user receives the recycled cartridge 7 and then reads the information recorded in the memory of the cartridge 7 when the user loads the recycled cartridge 7 to the printer 2, and then, the user sends the information to a management center 3. The sent information is decoded with the key information in the management center 3. In the case where the sent information can be decoded as a result, it is allowed to operate the printer 2, on the other hand, in the case where the information can not be decoded, it is inhibited to operate the printer 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a consumable unit recycling system for providing identification information to a consumable unit, referring to a management center when the consumable unit is loaded into a main unit, and permitting use if approved. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional toner cartridge of an electrophotographic printer, when a predetermined amount of printing is completed or when the toner runs out and printing cannot be performed, a manufacturer or the like collects and discards the toner cartridge.

However, a recycling (reuse / refill) cartridge system has been studied from the viewpoint of resource protection in recent years, and a method of refilling and reusing toner has been spreading. Many remanufacturing factories of genuine manufacturers are also established, and genuine remanufactured cartridges are spreading. However, a large number of consumables recycled by vendors other than genuine manufacturers are on the market, causing troubles such as causing image defects and damaging the main unit.

In order to prevent this, there are a method of mounting a memory on a consumable item and identifying identification information written in the memory, and a method of pasting an identification bar code and identifying the bar code information. In these methods, it is determined whether the consumable is genuine or not, and if not, the recording process is prohibited or a message indicating that the consumable is not genuine is displayed.

[0005]

However, illegally remanufactured products by pirate traders are continually occurring, and are a major cause of troubles such as defective printing and damage to the image forming apparatus main body. For this reason, it is necessary to regulate pirates. However, even if consumables are loaded with genuine product identification information by the above-mentioned method, pirate traders illegally rewrite barcodes, or because the data in the memory is simple, it can be easily rewritten and used so that it can be used. It was not a sufficient countermeasure because it would be modified. In addition, since ordinary users can purchase pirated goods even if there are some problems because illegally modified products can be obtained at low cost, it is temporarily profitable, but continue to use pirated goods As a result, the image forming apparatus body is seriously damaged, and as a result, a large amount of damage is caused. In the present invention, in order to solve these problems, an image forming apparatus that recognizes whether or not the consumable is a genuine consumable is provided, and a consumables recycling system that makes it difficult to perform the above-described unauthorized modification is provided. It is intended to provide.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management information storage means which is detachably attached to and replaceable with a main unit which is configured to be capable of replenishing / filling / exchanging consumables. A consumable cartridge to be mounted, a main unit for mounting the consumable cartridge and executing a specific process,
When the consumables have been consumed, at least a reprocessing plant for filling / replacement of the consumables to enable reuse is provided, and information is exchanged between the main unit and the reprocessing plant via communication means to perform the reproduction. While managing the reproduction management information of the consumable cartridge processed in the processing plant in a database, receiving the management information of the consumable cartridge mounted on the main unit from the main unit via a communication line, and And a management center for issuing usable control information to the main unit in accordance with the information. The main unit is configured to perform the management from a storage unit incorporated in the consumable cartridge when the consumable cartridge is mounted. Read the information and inquire to the management center to perform the control to permit the operation only when the permission information is received. The above object is achieved by providing a consumable unit recycling system that symptoms.

[0007] In the invention according to claim 2, the management center is provided in the remanufacturing factory. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the key information is required when decoding the information in the storage means incorporated in the consumable cartridge.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the host is not connected to a network such as the Internet. For this reason, a consumables unit recycling system that does not use a management center is provided. Further, according to the invention described in claim 5, it is indicated that the information in the storage means incorporated in the consumable cartridge includes information indicating a history of a reproduction process in a genuine reproduction designated factory.

Further, according to the present invention, it is indicated that the information in the storage means incorporated in the consumable cartridge includes information indicating characteristics of the main unit which is mounted before the reproduction process. ing. According to claims 8 to 10, the information in the storage means incorporated in the consumable cartridge as described in claim 5 is:
A method of discounting the price of a consumable cartridge to be reproduced from the history information when information indicating the history of the reproduction process at the genuine reproduction designated factory is included, a control program (Web application) for executing this method, and this method Are respectively shown on a recording medium on which a control program for executing the program is executed.

[0010] Further, claim 11 relates to a label attached to a consumable cartridge. This label describes information indicating the history of the above-described consumables reproduction process.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a side view of an image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a toner cartridge 7 used in this image forming apparatus. This toner cartridge 7
For example, when printing is performed at a printing rate of about 5% in terms of A4 size paper, toner sufficient for printing 6000 sheets is sealed, and is loaded into the image forming apparatus main body to form an image. By repeating the (printing) process,
In this configuration, toner adheres to a recording medium such as paper and the toner is gradually consumed. A control device provided in the image forming apparatus measures the amount of image formation executed by counting the number of times of sheet discharge by a counter or the like, and manages the consumption state of consumables (toner). When the predetermined amount of image formation has been reached, a message is displayed indicating that the toner in the toner cartridge 7 has been consumed, prohibiting the image forming process as it is, and prompting replacement of the toner cartridge 7. Further, not only the number of sheets is counted but also the consumption of the toner is detected in accordance with an output of a toner remaining amount detection sensor (not shown) provided in the toner cartridge 7, and the toner is discharged before the predetermined number of sheets. Even in the case of exhaustion, the prohibition control of the printing process and the exchange display process of the toner cartridge 7 are performed.

In response to such a control operation, the user knows that the toner in the toner cartridge 7 has run out and that the toner cartridge 7 cannot be used, and performs a replacement operation for the next toner cartridge 7. The basic function of the toner cartridge 7 is a general one, and any one of a one-component developing system and a two-component developing system may be used. In the case of one component, a developing process is performed on the photoconductor from the developing device, and the developer (toner) is consumed. Also in the case of the two-component developing method, the toner in the developer is consumed every time the toner adheres to the photoreceptor by the developing process, and the toner is supplied from the toner hopper to the developer chamber. Is depleted.

The toner cartridge 7 includes, for example, E
A data rewritable non-volatile memory 7a (such as an IC) such as an EPROM is embedded and communicates with a control circuit of the image forming apparatus while being mounted on the image forming apparatus main body to exchange data with the main body. It is. This EEPR
OM7a (memory IC chip) has a cartridge I
Information including the D information 7a-1 is written. Also,
With a state change due to the image forming processing operation of the main body device 2,
Various data has been updated. However, these data are encrypted data, and the access control cannot be easily performed unless key information or the like is exchanged. Updates need not be read and written all the time, but may be read and written at a specific timing. For example, it may be performed at the time of replacing the toner cartridge 7 or immediately before the apparatus power is turned off.

That is, if the genuine maker is not the cartridge 7 which has been properly recycled (it is an illicit cartridge of a pirate trader), the control is performed so that it cannot be easily operated. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the system of this example. In the figure, a user issues a print instruction from a host 1 to a printer 2. The printer 2 that has received the print instruction performs a printing process based on the instruction. As the printing process proceeds, the toner in the toner cartridge 7 is consumed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the printer 2 when the toner is consumed by a predetermined amount or more. When a consumables remaining amount detection sensor (not shown) detects that the toner has been consumed by a predetermined amount or more (Yes in S901).
s), the main body characteristic information is written into the consumable memory 7a (S902), and control for inhibiting operation is issued (S90).
3) A message requesting replacement of the toner cartridge 7 is displayed (S904).

The toner cartridge 7 for which a replacement instruction has been issued
Is used and sent to the regeneration plant 5. At the recycling factory 5, the used toner cartridge 7 is subjected to a recycling process described later, and is returned to the user as a recycled toner cartridge 7 (hereinafter, referred to as a recycled cartridge 7). The user mounts the reproduction cartridge 7 on the printer 2.
At this time, the management center 3 is collated. As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that the regenerated cartridge 7 has been regenerated in the genuine reclaim factory 5, the management center 3
Issues an operation permission notification to the reproduction cartridge 7. On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, the reproduction cartridge 7
If it is determined that the cartridge is not being recycled at the genuine recycling factory 5, the management center 3 issues a notification to the recycling cartridge 7 to prohibit the operation. It should be noted that the printer 2 which has received the notification prohibiting the operation has a function of releasing the prohibition. In this way, the printer 2
Becomes a printable state when the operation permission notification is received, and when the operation prohibition notification is received, the prohibition is released and the state becomes printable.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the contents of the memory 7a incorporated in the toner cartridge 7. According to the figure, in the memory 7a, the printer (body machine) No. to which the toner cartridge 7 has been mounted in the past is stored. (For example, when there are a plurality of such machines, 7a-21, 7a-
22,. . . , 7a-2n), the date on which the regenerating process was performed at the remanufacturing factory (that is, history information of the regenerating process for this toner cartridge.
a-31, 7a-32,. . . , 7a-3m), work contents indicating the contents of the reproduction processing, test results after the reproduction processing, product rank (this rank is considered to decrease as the number of reproductions increases), cartridge ID No. Information 7a-1 (management number) and the like are stored. Among these information, the cartridge ID No. 7a-1 is essential. At the time of collation with the management center, based on the management number, this ID No. This is because a consumable item having "" is searched. Further, in the information of the memory 7a incorporated in the toner cartridge 7, the cartridge ID No. 7a-1
The information except for is encoded by the key information 4 when stored.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the contents of the control memory of the printer main unit 2. As shown in the figure, the main unit ID No. is stored in this memory. 7a-2, Main unit ID No. for enabling consumables to be shared Are stored. The control memory may read management control information from a memory 7a incorporated in the toner cartridge 7.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state where the toner cartridge 7 is mounted on the printer main unit 2. The access permission control 7b in the figure controls whether to permit the operation according to the information sent from the management center 3 as described above. That is, when the operation permission notification is sent from the management center 3, the operation is controlled to be permitted. When the operation center is notified from the management center 3, the operation is controlled to be prohibited.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the host 1 and the printer 2 in FIG. 3, the configuration of the host 1 is shown more specifically, unlike FIG. In the figure, the server PC 11 is equipped with software for collecting information of the printer 2 and mail sending software for transmitting the collected information to the management center 3. The user can use the client PCs 12-1 to 12-4 and the server P shown in FIG.
C11 issues a print instruction to the printer 2. In FIG. 7, the consumables mounting sensor 6 detects whether the consumables 7 are mounted on the printer main body 2.

Information detected by various sensors (not shown) in the printer 2, information counted by a counter, operation information of an operator (user) (power ON / OFF, body opening / closing operation, operation of an operation panel, etc.), Error occurrence information, consumables attachment / detachment detection information, and the like are sent to the server PC 11, converted into mail information in the server PC 11, and sent to the management center 3 via a network (including a communication line such as the Internet).

An e-mail is sent whenever urgent information is generated, and an e-mail is sent periodically for non-emergency information. In the management center 3 receiving these mail information, the mail information is reflected in the management database 3a.

The installation and replacement status of consumables are all recognized by the management center 3 by this system. The processes performed by the printer 2 and the management center 3 at this time are shown in flowcharts in FIGS. 8 and 11, respectively. 8, the consumables mounting sensor 6 in FIG. 7 detects whether or not consumables are mounted (S801). If it is determined that the consumable 7 is not mounted (No in S801), the consumable 7 is mounted (S802). When a new (or refurbished) consumable 7 is attached to the printer device 2, information is read from a storage memory 7a (IC chip) or the like embedded in the consumable 7, but most of this information is encrypted. Usually, the ID No. of the consumable can be read. Information 7
about a-1. The other detailed information cannot be restored to information that can be used in the apparatus unless a special code is decrypted, so that the printer 2 cannot be operated as it is.

The printer 2 reads the read consumables 7
ID No. The information including the information 7a-1 is transmitted to the management center 3 (S803). This ID No. Information 7a
-1 is received by the management center 3 (FIG. 1).
S1102). In the management database 3a in the management center 3, the update status of the database 5a of the new manufacturing factory and the remanufacturing factory 5 is constantly updated. Also,
In the management database 3a, the ID No. of the reproduction cartridge 7 sent from the reproduction factory 5 is stored. 7a-1 and the encryption key information 4 used when writing data to the memory 7a of the cartridge 7 are held. The management database 3a stores the ID No. To search and collate (Fig. 1
1 S1103). As a result of this collation, the ID No. 7
a-1 is obtained, and the ID No. 4 received by the management center 3 using the key information 4 is obtained. Information 7a
ID No. of the information including ID-1. Decoding is performed on the remaining information excluding the information 7a-1. If you can decrypt
The encryption key information 4 (random number or the like) used to write the information in the memory 7a of the consumable 7 is read and returned to the printer 2 via the network (S110 in FIG. 11).
4). The control unit of the printer 2 receives the key information 4 (S804), reads out the information from the memory 7a of the consumable 7 attached to the printer 2 using the key information 4, decodes the information, and stores it in the EEPROM of the engine control unit 14. Information is written (S805). Thus, the printer 2 becomes operable (S806).

If an unauthorized access process is performed without using the key information 4, an error occurs, and the attached consumable 7 cannot be used as a defective product. May be changed. Such use permission control of the consumables is performed every time the consumables 7 are exchanged.
Since all of the consumables 7 are not used up, even if they are replaced, the control is controlled so that they are all managed by the management center 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, necessary information during operation of the printer 2 to which the consumable 7 is mounted is written to the memory 7a of the consumable 7 each time. For example,
The ID number information 7a-2 of the printer main body 2, customer management data, total count information, mounting use start date and time, detachable replacement date and time, wear state occurrence date and time, and the like are written. Then, when the information is sent to the reproduction factory 5 for reproduction, all of this information is analyzed.

If the data cannot be decrypted in S1103 of FIG. 11, the cartridge 7 is not a genuine product. If it is not a genuine product, error information is returned to the printer 2. The control unit of the printer 2 which has received the error information warns that the product is not a genuine product and prohibits the printing process. At this time, for example, the following warning message is displayed to give a warning.

"The cartridge used by the customer is not a genuine product. It is recommended that you use a genuine product because there is a possibility of trouble such as defective images or damage to the main unit. in case of,
Please note that it may not be possible to guarantee. The printer 2 is provided with a switch for canceling the use prohibition control and turning off the function of the warning display, and when the display is invalidated, the state is transmitted to the management center 3. The management center 3 receiving this information writes the fact that the non-genuine product has been used in the management database 3a. When a trouble occurs in the printer 2, a guarantee handling process corresponding to the trouble is performed. For example, a countermeasure that no guarantee is made by using a non-genuine product is taken.

Some users do not use genuine products due to financial problems. For this reason, it is not preferable to forcibly disable the printer 2 just because the genuine product is not used. In such a case, it is desirable to display the above message and use it at the responsibility of the user.

The management center 3 is provided with a remanufacturing plant 5
May be inside. In this case, the printer device 2 can perform recognition and collation using the genuine unit by using the database 5a in the reproduction factory 5. It is also possible to use the present embodiment in combination with a toner cartridge 7 (TS) of a type that is permitted to be reused a predetermined number of times. In this case, the above-described EEPROM 7a
And the like. The cartridge ID No. 7a-1, Machine IDN of main unit
o. 7a-2, customer identification code, operation start date, toner outage date, start to end device number counter, operation amount information of cartridge itself, usage status data, etc. are encrypted, and key information 4 is used. Write. The key information 4 is used when accessing the written information.
In this way, the recording process is performed while making it impossible for the pirates to falsify the data. Until the end of the life is reached and all the pieces are dismantled for the recycling process, the history information in the memory is additionally recorded and accumulated during the refill reproducible state. The discount method of the toner cartridge 7 on the premise that such a predetermined number of times of reproduction is used will be described later in a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart for processing consumables in the genuine remanufacturing factory 5 designated by the manufacturer. In the figure, when a used consumable 7 is stored in the reproduction center 3 by a user, customer management information is registered (S1).
001). After unpacking, a barcode for customer management is attached to the housing (S1002). Then, the customer code, machine No. Read data from the memory 7a (S1
003), and updates the registration of the database 5a (S100).
4). In the inspection step of S1005, the state of the consumable 7 is inspected, and the step of the reproduction processing 5 is managed based on the inspection result. The process of S1006 is automatically allocated to a cleaning toner filling course / part replacement course / complete recycling course, etc., according to the machine use status recorded in the memory 7. When the reproduction is completed, an image inspection is performed (S1007). The content of the reproduction process is written in the memory 7a, and the database 5a is updated at the same time (S1008). The contents of the database 5a updated here are sent to the management center 3. In the management center 3, the management database 3
a is updated (S1101 in FIG. 11). Thereafter, it is always delivered to the original user (reproduction orderer) based on the customer code information (S1009).

When a refill (refill) process is ordered from the user in FIG.
Check the playback history information and identify whether it is used continuously by the same customer or the same machine. Unauthorized products will not be refilled and will be forcibly disposed of or recycled at the part / material level. Thus, the customer code machine No. Are all recorded in the database of the product management center. In the case of a customer who uses the remote automatic management system for the main product using the Internet, the history of the cartridges mounted on the machine can be compared with the cartridges ordered for reproduction.

In addition, remanufactured products whose fraud has been confirmed at the genuine remanufacturing factory of the manufacturer are not refilled even if the number of reuses is small (even if the life is not reached). Then, it is assumed to be a new recycled product (no memory history) as a recycled product. For customers who place orders for reproductions of products that show such impropriety, it is recommended that they not be replayed in the future, and products that are recycled (recycled) instead of refilled at the same rate as refilling. Replace with

As described above, in the first embodiment, use history information encoded using key information is stored in the internal memory of the consumable cartridge. Therefore, in order to decode the usage history information when the consumable cartridge is recycled, it is necessary to perform the reproduction via a genuine reproduction factory. By doing so, defective printing and damage occurring in the printer main body can be prevented, and a user who continues to use the non-genuine toner while knowing that it is not genuine can be liable for damage caused by the defective toner in the printer main body. Has the effect of clarifying where it is located. <Second Embodiment> In this example, the recycled toner cartridge 7
(Reproduction TS) and an authentication method using only the printer device itself (no management center). That is, in this example, the host is not connected to a network such as the Internet.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the system of this embodiment. In the figure, the identification information management control unit in the printer 2 checks the date of maintenance and its contents. Also, as shown in the figure, the present example differs from the first embodiment in that there is no management center 3.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process when the toner cartridge 7 is mounted on the main body device.
In the figure, when the opening / closing mechanism of the main body is closed after the toner cartridge 7 is mounted (S1201), the main body recognizes that the toner cartridge 7 is mounted (S120).
2) As described later, the memory 7 of the toner cartridge 7
Various information is written in a. This memory 7a
The information written in is read (S1203). S12
In 04, collation is performed for each piece of information read in S1203. For example, the host device number 7a-2, customer registration information, last use date, and the like are shared by both the host and the printer. Therefore, only when all of them match (Yes in S1205), the operation is permitted (S12).
06), and enters a print standby state (S1209). If any one does not match (S12
05, a message indicating that they do not match is displayed, operation is prohibited (S1207), and a release operation is performed (S1).
208), and enters a print standby state (S1209).

Various information is written into the memory 7a of the toner cartridge 7 from the main unit 2 while it is mounted on the main unit 2. Machine No. indicating the main unit 2 7
a-2, information such as the amount of execution of the image forming operation (that is, data of the number-of-prints counter), sensitivity information of the photoconductor, and information measured by various environment sensors are written.

When the toner cartridge 7 is worn out and cannot be used, the printer 2 displays a message indicating that there is no toner or the like, and is controlled to be unable to print. The printer 2 is used after replacement. The used toner cartridge 7 is transported to the recycling factory 5 by requesting a collection company. Toner cartridge 7 sent to recycling factory 5
Manages where they are collected from. At the end of collection, a management system is in place to deliver the product to this collection destination.

At the recycling factory, when the toner cartridge 7 arrives at the factory, the built-in EEPROM 7
This is sent to the step of reading data of a nonvolatile memory such as a. The information in the memory 7a is read, the collected customer is confirmed, and the toner cartridge 7 is managed based on the information. That is, the management database 5a of each toner cartridge 7 is created for each customer. The process of the reproduction process in the factory is automatically determined based on the usage data read from the memory 7a.

The type of inspection process or work process is automatically determined according to information such as the number of repetitions of reproduction, the total number of counts of the main machine, the date of purchase, the usage time of the photoconductor, and the like. And sent by the automatic transport system. When a defective part or the like is found in the inspection process, it is transported to a line including a part replacement.

In the case of a normal excellent state, after the inspection process, the toner cartridge is disassembled / cleaned / developer filled /
Regeneration is performed by seal / package. As a result of the inspection, the corresponding part may be replaced depending on the usage state of the toner cartridge or the wear and tear state of the part. Parts to be replaced include, for example, a cleaning blade, a roll, a seal part, a bearing, a case, and the like.

The image of the completed toner cartridge is subjected to image inspection and the like, and if no abnormality is recognized, the data of the completed reproduction is written to the EEPROM. The data of the reproduction completion include the code number of the reproduction factory, the reproduction date, the contents of the reproduction processing, the information on the presence / absence of the abnormal state, and the contents of the control specification for the main unit (for example, the charge amount, the exposure amount, the developing bias, etc.). Adjustment specified value) is written. And
Use permission information for enabling the reproduced toner cartridge 7 to be used when it is mounted on the main body device 2 is also written. <Third Embodiment> This example deals with a case where a company or the like uses a plurality of (consumable) compatible devices.

Registration ID No. of main unit 2 If the use (wearing) is within the allowable range of 7a-2, the use is handled in the same way as the genuine use, and no warning is given. Registration ID No. 7a-2 is preferably a system that is automatically registered in the management center 3 when the main unit 2 is installed together with a company code or the like.

In the case of a company or the like, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of main units 2 that can commonly use the consumables 7 may be used in the same business office via a LAN or the like. In such a case, it is extremely inconvenient as a practical matter to separately mount the main unit 2 that has been used before, even when the same consumable 7 is used. In such a case, the reproduction cartridge 7 is connected to a plurality of main units 2.
It is desirable to use them without distinction between them. That is, the reproduction cartridge 7 used by a certain user (company, etc.)
It is desirable that after being recovered by the recycling processing plant 5 and recycled, it is delivered again to the same user (company or the like) and used without discrimination among a plurality of main units 2 in the company.

The management center 3 registers and manages all management numbers of devices that can commonly use recycled products, such as within the same company or business establishment. This means that when the product itself is purchased (installed), the serial numbers and the like of these devices are registered and managed in a database for each user (company etc.), and based on this, other devices within the same user (company etc.) After the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge, control may be performed so that the cartridge can be mounted and used even if the cartridge has been subjected to the reproduction process.

As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the main unit N
o. Even if the cartridge identification number does not match with the cartridge identification number, if it is mounted on the machine of the number registered in the allowable machine number, control is performed so that decryption key information corresponding to the cartridge is transmitted. By doing so, it becomes possible to reuse the reproduction cartridge between a plurality of specific devices.

In the above-described embodiment, the user is assumed to be, for example, a company. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where one individual user uses consumables on a plurality of machines. In this case, the management numbers of all the machines purchased with the user name are identified and managed.

The identification number of the main machine 2 used last time is written in the EEPROM 7a of the TS.
When the consumable 7 (TS) is attached to the main machine 2, the last use main machine identification number is stored in the memory 7a (EE) of the consumable 7 (TS).
PROM), compares it with the body identification number 7a-2 in its own control unit memory, and if they do not match, it is an error. This is a method in a case where the number of machines to be used for the reusable consumables is one.

When a plurality of machines are used in an organization such as a company, the consumables are not checked each time so as to match the main machine used last time. Register the identification numbers of all machines used in the organization. When a new machine is purchased, all the identification numbers registered in the control memory are rewritten and shared. Conversely, when a machine is discarded, the serviceman repairs and manages such that the identification numbers of all the machines are corrected and the same information is shared.

Thus, it becomes possible to mount and use the reusable consumables in the organization using a plurality of machines without distinguishing the main unit. In other words, the machine ID number of the previous installation is the memory (EEPROM) of the consumable (TS).
Therefore, when a refurbished product is mounted, the main unit reads it out and determines whether it matches one of the main unit machine identification numbers registered in its own control memory. Is available if they match, and an error is made if they do not match any of them.

In a plurality of machines in the same facility, the work of sharing the identification number of the main machine and writing the same in the memory of each machine is performed by a serviceman when each machine is installed alone. The memory data is rewritten using the connected host device, etc. In the case of a printer connected to a network, when the memory information of the center machine (a certain machine) is rewritten, all the machines are automatically rewritten. It is also possible to control such that the identification number data is shared.

In a system in which the machines are connected to the management center via a line such as the Internet, and each machine is remotely managed from the management center, the management center rewrites the control memory information of the main machine. It is also possible. In this case, the management center registers and manages all the identification numbers of the machines used in the user's company in the database, and when there is a change in the situation (that is, an increase or decrease in the number of machines), the management center stores the identification numbers in the control memory of each machine. Rewrite data automatically. <Fourth Embodiment> Conventionally, there are two types of refilling (reproducing by refilling toner and the like).

One method is to return the recycled product to the user who has recovered it and use it on the original main machine. It is possible to keep track of how they are used and to maintain the reliability of recycled products. However, in this method, labor such as distribution management is required, and the cost is increased.

Another method is the method of this example. In the method of the present example, the consumable consumables are collected regardless of where the consumables are used or how the usage status in the past was. Then, after the collection, a reproduction process is performed, and a low-cost product is sold and delivered to a user unrelated to the collected user.

At this time, since the user does not know where and how the product has been used in the past, the user who uses the recycled product has a doubt about the reliability. Such a question about the reliability can be solved by using the remanufacturing factory 5 of a genuine manufacturer. This is because defective products are not usually shipped in the remanufacturing factory 5 of the genuine manufacturer.

This example can be implemented in combination with the method as in the first embodiment. That is, in the first embodiment, the management number 7a-1 of the consumable 7 is recorded in the recycling factory 5. This information is also stored in the management center 3 as a database, and consumables 7
There is no problem even if the printer main body 2 to which the (TS) is attached does not match the one used before (previous time).

For example, from the reproduction factory, Assume that 001 consumables are shipped and marketed. When this consumable is mounted on the printer 2 of any user, an inquiry for an inquiry to the management center 3 comes. In the management center 3, the management database 3a is checked, and the reproduction factory 5
If the number is found to be the number of the product shipped from (verified), use permission information is returned, and control is performed so that the product can be used.

If there is a consumable having an ID number that is not present in the management database 3a (or is not consistent with the date and time), the use is controlled to be prohibited. Even if an unauthorized reproduction company purchases a genuine product and copies and uses the ID number, there is only one product with the same ID number on the market. Can only do it.

Even if a pirate product is made with a random ID number, the ID identification number has a large number of digits, so that the probability that the ID identification number matches the number registered in the management database of the management center is small. For the reasons mentioned above, the ID
Even if it is not a method of storing numbers, a label printed with ID information such as a bar code label is attached to consumables,
The method of the present embodiment can be similarly carried out by a method in which this is read by the printer main body and referred to the management center.

That is, in the method of this example, any method can be used as long as the inquiry information is added to the consumable (TS) and the inquiry can be made to the management center via a communication line when the printer is mounted. Will be. Specifically, a new product is sold with a certain number of times (for example, five times) guaranteed for reuse, and the new price includes the amount of reuse.

That is, it is assumed that a toner cartridge equivalent to, for example, printing 6000 sheets has a new selling price of 15,000 yen. In this example, the life of the toner cartridge is 30 times including the reuse for a predetermined number of times (for example, four times).
The price is set assuming that the number is 000.

The price to be set is set to a price lower than the total of the new purchase price of 15,000 yen and the reproduction processing fee for the preset number of times. For example, the reproduction price is 8,000 yen, and the price for four reproductions is 32,000 yen. Then, the price of the toner cartridge including the reused portion for the predetermined number of times (four times) of the present example is 47000 yen, which is the sum of the price for the four reproductions and the new price of 15,000 yen.

The cartridge sold in this manner has a cartridge number and a number for managing the number of times of use, etc., and is replaced with a new label at a genuine recycling factory according to the recycling. It is also possible to manage by a method such as making a hole in the number part of the label or checking the number.

It is also possible to write a maker logo on the label. The collection of the cartridge is performed by being collected at a collection center. Here, the collection center is specified by, for example, a carrier (a convenience store or the like is considered appropriate).
When a cartridge is collected at the collection center, it is determined whether or not the cartridge is a genuine product based on a management database of each cartridge held by the collection center. Since the user has purchased a genuine cartridge first, it is always determined that the cartridge is a genuine product in this determination. Then, a reproduction process is performed on the cartridge. Upon playback, replace the label with a new label (these labels indicate the remaining number of plays), puncture the numbered portion on the same label without relabeling, or use the same label Check above or it will be returned to the user. The reproduction history is stored in the management database of the collection center.

Since the user purchases the cartridge on the premise (including the price) of reproduction a predetermined number of times (five times in this example), it is disadvantageous not to go through the collection center of the manufacturer. For this reason, it is unlikely that playback will be performed on the way through another playback company for a fee. Naturally, it will be recycled via the collection center of a genuine manufacturer.

In some cases, the cartridge after the guaranteed number of times of reproduction may be sent to another recycler. However, the number of times of reproduction is actually limited to four or five times. I do. However, in such a case, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a back margin is obtained when the product is sent to the collection center of a genuine manufacturer when the life has expired after the guaranteed number of reproductions.

Hereinafter, a printer to which the present embodiment is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of a tandem color printer. In the figure, both the toner cartridge 7 and the photosensitive drum cartridge 22 are removable (detachable). As shown in FIG. 15, a warranty label 27 is attached to the toner cartridge 7, and a warranty label 22a is affixed to the photosensitive drum cartridge 22, respectively. In FIG. 15, the guarantee label 27 is shown in an enlarged manner. The guarantee label 27 describes the remaining number of reproductions. For example, assuming that a new cartridge can be used five times at the time of purchase, the remaining number of reproductions is four. Every time this cartridge is reproduced, the remaining number of times of reproduction is reduced to 3, 2, 1 and 0 times. Reproduction processing of the cartridge having the remaining number of reproductions of 0 becomes difficult, and it is possible to send the cartridge to a collection center of a genuine manufacturer to obtain a back margin by the above-described method.

The manufacturer's logo is written on the warranty label 27 shown in FIG. And the guarantee label 27
Is desirably attached to a part that is damaged when the cartridge is disassembled (that is, a part that is combined with the lid and the side part). For example, in the case of the toner cartridge 7,
Since the lid 23 is removed and new toner is replenished, the lid 23 corresponds to the damaged portion.

In the case of the photosensitive drum cartridge 22, since each frame is removed and the photosensitive drum 21 is replaced, each frame corresponds to the damaged portion. 16 and 17 show the tape printer 30. FIG. The tape cartridge 31 is detachable from the tape printer 30. As shown in FIG. 17, the tape cartridge 31 includes a print-receiving tape 33 and a thermal transfer ink ribbon 34.
Is inserted. These tapes and ribbons are replaced with new ones after use. Therefore, a warranty label 31a shown in FIG. FIG. 17A is a top view of the cartridge, and FIG.
(B) shows the mounting state of the cartridge to the apparatus, with the lid removed.

Although the above description has been made with reference to an electrophotographic printer and a thermal printer, the present invention can be similarly applied to an ink cartridge of an ink jet printer.
As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the business of reproducing pirated cartridges by a fraudulent trader by attaching a label guaranteeing a predetermined number of times of reproduction to a cartridge by a genuine manufacturer. Become. <Fifth Embodiment> In the case of the fourth embodiment, a predetermined number of times (for example, five times) of renewal is paid in advance when a new cartridge is purchased. On the other hand, in this example, the processing fee is discounted according to the number of times of reproduction. The cartridge of this example can be recycled four times (can be used five times) up to a specified life. FIG. 18 shows the price of the cartridge of this embodiment. At the first time, a new cartridge is purchased for 15,000 yen (when purchasing a new cartridge after the first time, a price is set by a method described later). The first playback process is 8
000 yen, the second reproduction processing is 6400 yen, and thereafter, the discount rate 0.8 is similarly multiplied, and the third reproduction processing 5100 is performed.
It is assumed that the fourth reproduction processing is 4100 yen. Note that this example is based on the system configuration of the first embodiment.

That is, the system configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 7 is used. Toner cartridge 7
When the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge becomes smaller than the predetermined amount, the user replaces the toner cartridge 7. At this time, the cartridge I in the internal memory 7a of the toner cartridge 7 is read from the client PC (or server PC) in FIG.
DNo. Is transmitted to, for example, a manufacturer's homepage to request a reproduction process. In this case, the delivery company visits the user to collect the cartridge in response to the request.

FIG. 19 shows reproduction (mounting) history information of the toner cartridge 7 which has requested the reproduction processing, and information of the main unit to which the toner cartridge 7 is mounted. In the figure, the toner cartridge 7 already has 2
Times playback processing has been performed. Referring to FIG. 18, the third reproduction fee is 5,100 yen. Then, the user pays this fee (5100 yen), and the toner cartridge is reproduced at the recycling factory. And
The user receives the regenerated toner cartridge.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, if the predetermined number of times of the reproduction process is completed, a new toner cartridge is delivered free of charge (or extremely cheap). In this case, the profit is obtained only from the reproduction fee. The control program for determining the discount price based on the history information shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is recorded in the memory on the machine that receives the reproduction processing request.

On the home page, even a product having an unauthorized reproduction history may be replaced with a genuine refurbished product of the manufacturer at a normal refilling fee (reproduction fee). In addition, it is identified as defective before the refill life (even if part of the part is replaced) and cannot be regenerated (cannot return to the guaranteed performance)
If it becomes, it will be replaced free of charge at the manufacturer's responsibility.

Cartridges exceeding the specified number of times of reproduction are purchased as new or (recycled products that are not refilled). If any parts are replaced during the genuine recycling period, the manufacturer guarantees it. On the other hand, in the case of a reproduction order of a product having an unauthorized use history, the product is exchanged for a new regular product (new / reproduced product) at a reproduction price. All illegal goods shall be disposed of.

The memory chip of the cartridge has the ID No. of the main body machine when the main body is mounted. , The date of initial mounting and the date of completion of use (at the time of detection of no toner) are written. When a used cartridge is sent out for the recycling process, the recycling factory reads out the information in the memory, analyzes how the memory is used, and performs recycling, reuse, and refill operations according to the information. For example, a course is selected from a plurality of courses such as a simple cleaning + toner filling course, a drum replacement course, and a part replacement course such as a cleaner / gear.

At the remanufacturing factory, the one after the reuse processing is the main machine ID No. registered in the memory / IC chip of the cartridge. By identifying a user to be re-delivered from the company and reading information from the management database, a shipping slip or the like can be voluntarily printed and attached.

At the time of arrival at the factory, information and the like in the memory are confirmed. In addition, since a tag for management is attached, upon shipment, it is reliably delivered to the original user (customer) based on this information. The immediately preceding mounting machine ID No. stored in the IC chip. If the customer does not agree with the registration in the database, the cartridge will be used from an unauthorized route, so the customer (user) is provided with a new product (or a regular refill product) and a genuine product (refill / refill product). Use of reused products) is recommended. The identified fraudulent cartridge (for example, a person who has a trace of processing by a fraudulent trader) is completely disassembled at a recycling factory, turned into parts, and reusable cartridges are used for recycling.

Consumables that have been recycled until the end of their life (for example, consumables that have been recycled 5 times) can be used by a user who has correctly used a genuine refill product, by purchasing a new genuine cartridge at the end of the life. Or offer at a cheap price. Therefore, there is an advantage that the user only pays the cost of the reproduction (refill) until the end of the life (for example, for five times), and the replacement of a new article costs little. Therefore, users rarely use pirate products.

[0080]

As described above, according to the present invention, use history information encoded using key information is stored in the internal memory of the consumable cartridge. Therefore, in order to decode the usage history information when the consumable cartridge is recycled, it is necessary to perform the reproduction via a genuine reproduction factory. By doing so, defective printing and damage occurring in the printer main body can be prevented, and a user who continues to use the non-genuine toner while knowing that it is not genuine can be liable for damage caused by the defective toner in the printer main body. Has the effect of clarifying where it is located.

Further, according to the present invention, the encryption key information is stored in the main unit No. which has been used before. Even if the cartridge identification number does not match with the cartridge identification number, if it is mounted on the machine of the number registered in the allowable machine number, control is performed so that decryption key information corresponding to the cartridge is transmitted. By doing so, it becomes possible to reuse the reproduction cartridge between a plurality of specific devices.

Further, according to the present invention, the genuine manufacturer can attach a label for assuring the reproduction of a predetermined number of times to the cartridge, thereby making it possible to suppress the business of reproducing the pirated cartridge by an unauthorized dealer at a low cost. Further, according to the present invention, there is an advantage that the user only pays for the cost of reproduction (refill) until the end of the life (for example, for five times), and the replacement of a new product costs little. Therefore, there is an effect that the user rarely uses the pirate product.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a printer according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an appearance of a developing device toner cartridge and a photoreceptor cartridge in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an example of the contents of a consumable part built-in memory according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an example of the contents of a control memory of the main device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where a consumable cartridge is mounted on a control circuit of the main body device in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process when a consumable cartridge is attached to the printer main body device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process when the amount of toner in a consumable cartridge mounted on the printer main body becomes less than a predetermined amount in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of regenerating a consumable cartridge in a recycling factory where used consumable cartridges are collected in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a management center in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the apparatus main body according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a label attached to a cartridge in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram in which the fourth embodiment is applied to a tape printer.

FIG. 17 is a diagram in which the fourth embodiment is applied to a tape printer.

FIG. 18 is an example of a cartridge price discount according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an example of a usage history in a memory of the cartridge according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an example of a usage status history in the memory of the cartridge according to the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Host 2 Printer 3 Management center 3a Management database 5 Reproduction factory 5a Management database 6 Consumables mounting sensor 7 Toner cartridge (TS) 7a Internal memory of toner cartridge 7a-1 Toner cartridge ID No. 7a-21, 7a-22,. . . , 7a-2n. 7a-31, 7a-32,. . . . , 7a-3m History information of reproduction processing 7b Access permission control 11 Server PC 12-1 to 12-4 Client PC 14 Engine control unit 21 Photoconductor drum 22 Photoconductor drum cartridge 22a Guarantee label 23 Lid 27 Guarantee label 30 Tape printer 31 Tape cartridge 31a Warranty label 33 Printed tape 34 Thermal transfer ink ribbon

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/02 G06F 17/60 124 21/04 G03G 21/00 390 G06F 17/60 106 392 124 B41J 29 / 00B (72) Inventor Kenji Kobayashi 3-2-1, Sakaemachi, Hamura-shi, Tokyo Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Inside Hamura Technical Center (72) Inventor Kenzo Ito 3-2-1, Sakaemachi, Hamura-shi, Tokyo Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Inside Hamura Technical Center (72) Inventor Masayuki Ikeda 3-2-1 Sakaemachi, Hamura City, Tokyo Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Hamura Technical Center F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AQ06 BB37 HJ10 HK11 HN15 HP00 2H027 DA27 DA44 DA45 DD02 DE04 DE07 EE07 EE08 EJ01 EJ06 EJ08 EJ15 GB00 HB02 HB05 HB13 HB17 ZA07

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A consumable cartridge having a management information storage means configured to be detachable and replaceable from a main unit configured to be capable of replenishing / filling / replaceable consumables, A main unit for executing a specific process; a reprocessing plant for filling / exchanging at least the consumables so that the consumables can be reused when the consumables are consumed; a communication unit with the main unit and the reprocessing plant; The database manages the reproduction management information of the consumable cartridge processed in the reproduction processing factory through the exchange of information through the database, and communicates the management information of the consumable cartridge mounted on the main unit from the main unit. A management center that receives the information via a line and issues the available control information to the main unit by checking the information with the database. The main unit reads the management information from the storage means incorporated in the consumable cartridge when the consumable cartridge is mounted, and permits the operation only when the permission information is received by referring to the management center. A consumable unit recycling system characterized by performing control. 2. The consumable unit recycling system according to claim 1, wherein the management center is located in a recycling factory. 3. The management information is written in a storage unit together with key information at the time of reproduction processing, and the main unit needs the key information when reading the management information from the storage unit.
The described consumables unit recycling system. 4. A consumable cartridge containing a management information storage means detachably mounted on a main unit configured to be capable of replenishing / filling / exchanging consumables, and a cartridge mounted with the consumables cartridge. A main unit that executes a specific process; a regeneration processing plant that fills / replaces at least the consumables so that the consumables can be reused when the consumables are consumed; A consumable unit recycling system, wherein reproduction management information is written, and the main unit reads or identifies the reproduction management information when a cartridge is mounted, thereby controlling whether or not to permit operation. 5. The consumable unit recycling system according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction management information includes information indicating a history of a reproduction process in a genuine reproduction designated factory. 6. The consumable unit recycling system according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction management information includes information indicating characteristics of the main unit that is mounted before the reproduction process. 7. A method of reusing a consumable unit which is detachably attached to a main unit and supplies a consumable consumed by the main unit, wherein the consumable unit which has been used in the main unit is regenerated. A procedure for collecting the consumables in the facility, a reprocessing procedure for refilling the consumables unit with consumables, and adding identification information to the regenerated consumables unit; A step of reading the identification information when the unit is attached to the main unit and inquiring the management center, and a step of permitting the operation of the main unit by receiving permission information from the management center according to the result of the inquiry A method of recycling a consumable unit comprising: 8. A method for executing a Web application for discounting a consumable unit at the time of reproduction use, comprising: reading information indicating a history of a reproduction process in a genuine reproduction designated factory from storage means incorporated in the consumable unit. And a procedure for discounting and determining the price of the consumable unit to be reproduced based on the information indicating the read history. 9. A control program for causing a computer to execute a Web application for discounting a consumable unit at the time of reproducing and using the consumable unit, wherein a history of reproduction processing in a genuine reproduction designated factory is stored from storage means incorporated in the consumable unit. A web application for discounting a consumable unit at the time of reproduction use, comprising: a step of reading information indicating the above; and a step of discounting and determining the price of the consumable unit to be reproduced based on the read history. A control program that causes a computer to perform the control to be executed. 10. A recording medium in which a control program for causing a computer to execute a Web application for discounting a consumable unit at the time of reproduction and use is recorded. A method of reading information indicating the history of the reproduction processing in the above, and a step of discounting and determining the price of the consumable unit to be reproduced based on the information indicating the read history when reproducing and using the consumable unit. A computer-readable recording medium that records a control program for causing a computer to execute a Web application to be discounted. 11. A consumable cartridge which has a consumable therein and which is detachable from the apparatus main body, wherein the internal consumable is consumed as a result of using the new consumable cartridge for a predetermined period of time after using the new consumable cartridge. Consumables cartridges with a warranty label that guarantees a long service life and the above use. 12. The guarantee label is provided with a display for guaranteeing a reproducible number of times of disassembling the consumable cartridge and reproducing at least replacement of the consumable. Consumables cartridge. 13. The consumable cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the warranty label is stuck at a position where the consumable cartridge cannot be disassembled without damaging the warranty label. . 14. The consumable cartridge according to claim 11, wherein a maker logo is written on the warranty label.