JP2002328996A - Server and its controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server and its controlling method that enables a collector of office machine consumables to reduce the cost for the collection by centralizing the collecting operation which has been so far separately conducted by plural collectors entrusted by users for each supplier according to different ways of every collector which has had to collect used consumables from wide area because users are usually located in the wide area, which necessarily has increased the cost for the collection. SOLUTION: To perform centralized controlling for collecting consumables to be provided from plural supplier 2s, a collection center 1 receives registration from plural supplier 2s. The center issues a supplier code to be used for assorting collected consumables to a defined supplier. The center reads the supplier code from the collected consumables and assorts them so as to be distributed to the supplier 2 according to the read supplier code.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a server and a management method, and for example, a server, a management method, and a medium for centrally managing the collection of used or to-be-collected office equipment or articles related to the office equipment. About the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As office equipment, for example, copying machines, facsimile machines, printers, and the like have become widespread. Consumables such as toner used in office equipment are often supplied in a form sealed in a cartridge. This cartridge is used not only as a container for enclosing toner and the like, but also may function as a part incorporating consumable parts such as a photosensitive drum, a developing device, and a cleaning member. In some cases.

[0003] When such consumables become used, they are collected or collected in some form.

The consumables to be collected are not limited to cartridges, but include toner containers for photocopiers, photosensitive drums, ink containers for ink jet printers, cartridges and printheads, other service parts, and paper and OHP. It also includes sheets and the like, and further includes office equipment such as a printer, a copier, a scanner, and a facsimile. In the following description, articles to be collected are simply referred to as “consumables”.

[0005] Consumables such as those described above are manufactured or recycled (hereinafter referred to as "supply") by an office equipment manufacturer or seller using the consumables. Normal.

[0006] A supplier (supplier) such as a manufacturer or a seller of these consumables individually collects used consumables and consumables to be collected, and collects used consumables. We carry out duties such as recycling. Used consumables are collected by manufacturers or sellers of consumables (hereinafter referred to as "collectors"). In addition, some manufacturers recycle cartridges manufactured by another manufacturer and sell the cartridges.

On the other hand, the user of the consumable supplies requests the collection person to collect the used consumables by using a telephone or a facsimile.

[0008]

According to the above-mentioned mechanism, when a supplier requests collection of different used consumables, the user requests a plurality of collectors to collect the used consumables and sets a method for collecting the collected consumables. They have to obey and have to do complicated work.

[0009] Further, the collector collects used consumables at the request of the user. However, even if the users requesting the collection are regionalized, the locations of the collection requesters are dispersed. In such a case, it is necessary for the collector to collect a large area and deliver the truck, etc., and the collection number is small for the wide collection range, which increases the collection cost. Not only will it increase the emissions of environmental pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx) by trucking.

The present invention addresses the above problems individually or
In order to solve the problem collectively, the plurality of manufacturers or the sellers respectively supplied the plurality of manufacturers or the sellers so that the goods related to the office equipment can be efficiently collected. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism that can collectively collect such articles related to office equipment.

[0011] Further, a system is provided in which the management of the collection status of consumables collected in a centralized manner can be individually managed for each of the plurality of manufacturers or sellers, and recycling is provided to the article suppliers. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of notifying information that can be used for the purpose.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mechanism capable of reducing a load caused by a complicated operation accompanying a collection request from a user.

Further, even when the user uses consumables provided by a plurality of manufacturers or sellers,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism capable of reducing a load associated with a request for collecting these consumables.

Further, even when a request for collection of consumables is made by a user, compared with the conventional collection efficiency, articles can be efficiently used, costs can be minimized, and environmental pollution can be prevented. It is another object to provide a mechanism for performing such a collection process.

[0015]

The present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.

A server according to the present invention is a server for centrally managing the collection of articles related to office equipment supplied by a plurality of sources via communication lines, and a registration request from a plurality of sources. Registration means for receiving the registered supply source, and issuance means for issuing a supply source code for separating the collected articles to the registered supply source.

A server that unifies and manages the collection of office equipment handled by a plurality of office equipment dealers via a predetermined communication line, and receives and manages registration request information from a plurality of office equipment dealers. Management means, and issuance means for issuing a code for specifying a registered office equipment company managed by the administration means, wherein the code is provided to the consumable when the office equipment is collected. And for recognizing whether each of the office equipment of the plurality of office equipment companies collected and collected at the collection base corresponds to the plurality of office equipment suppliers. .

A server for centrally managing the collection of office equipment from each of a plurality of sources, a management means for managing the collected office equipment for each source of the office equipment, Means for notifying, via a predetermined communication line, information indicating the collection status of office equipment for each supply source managed by the management means.

A management method according to the present invention is a management method for centrally managing the collection of articles related to office equipment supplied by a plurality of suppliers via communication lines,
A registration request is received from a plurality of suppliers, a registered supplier is specified, and a supplier code for separating collected articles is issued to the registered supplier.

Also, a management method for unifying and managing the collection of office equipment handled by a plurality of office equipment dealers via a predetermined communication line, wherein registration request information from a plurality of office equipment dealers is received, Managed, each step of issuing a code for identifying a registered office equipment supplier, the code is given to the consumable at the time of collection of the office equipment, at the collection base It is characterized in that it is for recognizing whether each office equipment of a plurality of office equipment dealers collected and integrated corresponds to the plurality of office equipment dealers.

[0021] Also, a management method for centrally managing the collection of office equipment from a plurality of suppliers, wherein the plurality of collected office equipment is managed for each of the office equipment suppliers,
It is characterized in that information indicating the collection status of office equipment for each managed supply source is notified via a predetermined communication line.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a consumable goods recovery system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. If it is necessary to give specific examples of consumables in the following description,
The cartridges used in devices such as electrophotographic printers, copiers, and facsimile machines will be described.
Of course, the present invention can be applied to other consumables.
Consumables include, for example, toner containers for photocopiers, photosensitive drums, other service parts, paper and OHP sheets, ink containers for inkjet printers, cartridges and printheads. Of these, it is desirable to collect empty containers, etc.
For example, it is desired to collect a toner container or a package box for a toner for a copying machine.

[Summary of Collection System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flow of consumables among a supplier 2, a user 3, and a collection center 1. Here, the supplier in the present invention refers to an office equipment supplier (supplier) related to office equipment that sells, manufactures, or collects consumables, and includes both individuals and organizations.

A user refers to a user who uses an image forming apparatus or the like. In some cases, a consumable item is once collected from a general user, and the collected consumable item is returned to a supply source. It may also refer to a store that conducts such business, a collection company that collects consumables, and the like.

Also, the consumables will be described as an example of an article for collecting consumables such as a toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the present invention can be applied to an electronic device or the like such as a copying machine main body or a device that is to be discarded or collected. Hereinafter, the description will be given using the words “supplier”, “user”, and “consumable” described above.

Consumables are sold from supplier 2 to user 3 through a sales channel. That is, the user 3 purchases and uses consumables from the supplier 2 in exchange for the price. The used consumables pass from the user 3 to the collection center 1, are separated by the supplier 2 at the collection center 1, and are sent to the supplier 2.

FIG. 2 shows a supplier 2, a user 3 and a collection center 1.
It is a figure for explaining communication between and shows the collection system schematic diagram of the present invention.

Terminal device 21 of supplier 2, terminal device of user 3
31 and the server device 11 of the collection center 1 are communication lines such as the Internet for performing communication based on the TCP / IP communication method.
Processes such as a collection request and a collection notification are performed with each other via 4. Further, a database (DB) 15 is connected to the server device 11. Note that the DB 15 is not always provided by one server device, and may be provided by being divided into a plurality of server devices or provided in parallel. That is,
The DB 15 may be logically provided as one database.

In the present invention, the server device 1
1. An information processing device such as a personal computer can be applied to electronic devices such as the terminal device 21 and the terminal device 31. Of course, any information processing device that has a function of communicating with an external electronic device via the Internet and has a function of executing a first-time process can be a main component of a process described below. It is possible to adapt to the device. For example, as the information processing device, a printing device having an Internet communication function or a portable terminal device can be applied.

Further, as will be described in detail later, in the collection system of the present embodiment, the user 3 can uniformly use the collection center 1 regardless of the supplier 2 of the used consumables desired to be collected.
According to the present invention, it is possible to request the collection of used consumables and to transfer the requested consumables to the collection center 1. Further, since the collection center 1 can collect a large number of used consumables from a large number of users 3, it is possible to make an appropriate collection plan. In addition, the supplier
Also, since a large number of used consumables can be collectively received from the collection center 1, an appropriate consumables production plan including recycling can be made. These advantages effectively reduce collection and recycling costs at collection center 1 and supplier 2. That is, since it becomes possible to collectively collect consumables used by customers corresponding to a plurality of sources, since at least each source individually drafts a collection plan, there are many mothers of customers, Local bias of customers is reduced, and collection can be performed collectively and efficiently. Also, from the viewpoint of the customer, a uniform collection window can be used even if the supply source is different, so that complicated collection request work is reduced, and the effect of improving the collection rate of consumables is obtained. Can be.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a typical internal structure of a generally used information processing apparatus.
Alternatively, the terminal device 21 or the terminal device 31 can correspond to this. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device is C
It comprises a PU (Central Processing Unit) 2501, an input device 2502, a main storage device 2503, an output device 2504, an auxiliary storage device 2505, a communication device 2506, and the like.

The CPU 2501, which is a processing device, has a control function of sending commands to each device in the system and controlling its operation, and a function of performing digital data arithmetic processing in a central part of the server. The CPU 2501 reads the program code stored in the auxiliary storage device 2505 (ROM or hard disk) and executes processing based on the read program code. It is assumed to be realized by executing.

An input device 2502 is a device for inputting various data, such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a touch panel, a pressure-sensitive pad, a CCD camera, a card reader, a paper tape reader, and a magnetic tape device. Conceivable. For example, instruction data is input from an input device 2502 such as a mouse via a predetermined interface screen. The CPU 2501 recognizes the input information and proceeds to the next processing.

[0034] Main storage 2503 refers to the entire addressable memory space used to execute instructions in each processing unit and internal storage. Main storage device 2503
The CPU 2501 mainly includes a semiconductor element and stores and holds input programs and data. The CPU 2501 reads data held in the memory into, for example, a register.
As a semiconductor element constituting the main storage device 2503, RAM (Ra
ndom Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). I entered via a given user interface
D, password information is temporarily stored in the main storage device 2503,
The temporarily stored information is transmitted by the CPU 2501 via the communication device 2506. Further, it has a function as a display memory for displaying a predetermined user interface.

The output device 2504 is a device for outputting the calculation result by the CPU 2501, and corresponds to, for example, a CRT, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display, other display devices, a printing device such as a printer, an audio output device, and the like. For example, each display displayed on the server device 11 or each terminal device described later is performed mainly by the output device 2504.

The auxiliary storage device 2505 is a device for holding data in a nonvolatile manner to supplement the storage capacity of the main storage device 2503. For example, a magnetic disk device, an optical disk device, a semiconductor disk device, and a floppy (registered trademark) Media and drives such as discs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, MOs, and DVDs are applicable. The auxiliary storage device 2505 is a device for implementing the function of a database. In the present embodiment, for example, the DB 15 corresponds to the auxiliary storage device 2505.
In addition, it has a function of storing a program similarly to the main storage device. The auxiliary storage device 2505 includes, for example, a DB
15 or a portion that stores and manages predetermined electronic information in the terminal device.

The communication device 2506 is a device for communicating with an external network, and performs data transmission / reception and digital / analog conversion as appropriate according to the connected network. In the present embodiment, for example, the collection notification is
The communication is transmitted via the communication device 2506 under the control of 501. The transmission / reception processing of each control signal or each display information between each information processing device via a predetermined communication line described later is mainly performed by the communication device.
This function is realized by cooperation between the CPU 2506 and the CPU 2501.

The above-described devices are mutually connected by a system bus 2507, and are used for bidirectional communication of various data between the devices.

[Recovery System Sequence] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a sequence example of the recovery system. It goes without saying that the transmission and reception of each information shown in FIG. 4 is realized by accessing the server device 11 installed in the collection center 1 from the terminal devices 21 and 31 used by the supplier 2 or the user 3.

In response to the instruction from the supplier 2, the terminal device 21 accesses the server device 11 and transmits information for applying for registration of the consumable item as a supplier (S401). FIG. 9 shows S40
1 is a diagram showing an example of a registration / edit screen of the supplier information supplied and displayed from the server apparatus 11 to the terminal apparatus 21 of the supplier 2 in response to the request processing of the terminal apparatus 21, using this screen, The supplier 2 can register its own information in the DB 15 or edit registered information. The registration / edit screen of the supplier information and its function will be described later in detail. In addition, the supply of various information via the communication line in the present embodiment means the transmission or notification of information more precisely, but the description will be given using the word "supply" below for easy understanding.

In response to the application for supplier registration, the server 11
Issues a supplier code representing the supplier 2 and a DB access password for accessing the DB 15 connected to the server device. Then, the issued (generated) DB access password is transmitted to a terminal device used by the supplier via a predetermined communication line and notified. (S402). The issuance of the supplier code is a process performed by a CPU (central processing unit) provided in the server device 11 executing a process based on the program code stored in the storage unit. It is assumed that the DB 15 described later is stored and managed in association with a manufacturer or a seller.

After that, when the user 3 who supplies the consumables is determined, DB management of the determined user information is performed in the terminal device used by the supplier (S403), and the terminal device used by the supplier 2 is connected to a predetermined communication line. The server device 11 accesses the server device 11 via the, and transmits request information for applying for registration of user information of consumables (S404). FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information registration / edit screen in which display screen information supplied from the server apparatus 11 to the terminal apparatus 21 used by the supplier 2 is displayed. The user 2 can register information of a new user in the DB 15 or edit information of a registered user. The details of the user information registration / edit screen and its operation will be described later. Further, the process of S403 is not limited to the process between S401 and S404, and can be assumed as a process executed at an arbitrary timing.

It should be noted that the user 3 to be supplied with the consumables is determined at the timing of purchase request via a sales homepage or the like which can be browsed on a terminal device using the Internet, or when office equipment and consumables are supplied. It is assumed that a purchaser of office equipment or consumables is notified to the supplier 2 through a product seller or the like.

When new user information is registered in the DB 15,
The server device 11 issues a user code and a DB access password for accessing the user area of the DB 15 to the registered user, and transmits the password information to a terminal device used by the user using a predetermined communication line. Then, notification is given (S405). When the communication means such as e-mail cannot be used, the user code and the DB access password may be notified from the collection center 1 to the user 3 by mail, facsimile, or by direct telephone. It is also possible. The same applies to the supplier code described above.

At the base of the supplier 2, the supplier code notified in S402 is attached to the consumable by a predetermined manufacturing device (S406). Note that the attachment of the supplier code by the predetermined manufacturing equipment means, for example, a process of storing the supplier code in a non-volatile storage means provided in the consumable item, the supplier code being printed on the consumable item in the packing box. Refers to a process for automatically loading the media, or a process for automatically pasting the media on which the supplier code is printed to consumables flowing on a conveyor, for example. Further, as a mode in which such manufacturing equipment is not used, for example, a mode in which the processing is performed by a human operation is assumed in the present invention. Then, an operation of supplying consumables to the user 3 is performed (S407). Here, the arrow shown by a dotted line in the arrow shown in FIG. 4 indicates a physical distribution, for example, a distribution business.

When the used consumables are generated, the user 3 causes the terminal device to access the server device 11 and execute a process of requesting the collection of the used consumables (S408).
FIG. 20 illustrates an example in which display information transmitted from the server device 11 to the terminal device 31 of the user 3 is displayed.
FIG. 20 shows an example of a collection request registration screen.
Using this screen, the user 3 can request collection of used consumables. The details of the collection request registration screen and its operation will be described later. Also, the processing of S408 is performed in S4
The present invention is not limited to the processing between 07 and S409, and is assumed to be executed at an arbitrary timing.

Upon receiving the collection request information from the terminal device used by the user, the server device 11 sets the scheduled collection date and time to the user 3.
A notification process is performed to the terminal device 31 via a predetermined communication line (S409). At this time, corresponding to the processing of S409,
The display state displayed on the display unit of the user terminal device 31 is shown in FIG.
It is assumed to be displayed in correspondence with the column of “Scheduled collection date and time” in the lower part of the figure. In addition, when the calculation of the collection plan by the server device 11 is performed, for example, in a case where the collection plan is calculated at the timing of receiving collection request information from a predetermined number of user terminal devices, for example, Fig. 21
It is also conceivable that the display screen information of such a display state is notified to the user terminal device 31 after the calculation is performed at the above timing.

Then, the server apparatus 11 makes a recovery plan according to the timing and procedure described later (S411). S411
Of recovery plan (automatic calculation in server device)
The processing is not limited to be performed between S409 and S412.For example, before the processing of S409 is performed,
The server may calculate the collection plan from the information such as the collection request date accumulated in 15 and the processing of S409 may be executed based on the calculated collection plan information (collection date and the like). . Further, the user is requested not to cancel the collection request before a predetermined date before the collection request date desired by the user (for example, as shown in FIG. 21. Will not be able to delete the collection plan). At that time, the server will calculate the collection plan based on the data accumulated in DB15,
A form in which the calculated collection plan content is notified from the screen information server apparatus 11 to the user terminal apparatus 31 as shown in FIG. 21 is also assumed, and the processing of S409 may be replaced with the processing of this form. . In this case, the collection request date that can be specified by the user is realized by a mechanism that specifies a request date at least after a predetermined date (for example, a request date after one week). .

Next, in the collection center 1, a process for collecting used consumables from the user 3 is performed in accordance with the collection plan created in S411 (S412).

The server device 11 or the information processing device installed at the collection center reads the supplier code attached to the collected consumables (hereinafter referred to as “collected items”). The executed and read information is input to the server device 11 (S413). Further, according to the supplier code read by the information processing apparatus, a process for sorting the collected items so that the collected items are delivered for each supplier 1 is executed (S413). The read count information of the supplier code and the like are input to the server device 11 as information related to the supplier code and the date information and stored in the DB 15. According to the information to be managed, how many items are collected for which period for the supplier corresponding to the supplier code (recovery history in the detail section of the manufacturer information list in Fig. 5, Can be managed by the server device.

Here, as a method of reading the supplier code, for example, when the code is character information, the code is read visually by a person or read by an optical character reading device (OCR). In the case of a so-called bar code, a bar code reader using a laser beam or a reading method using a CCD area sensor may be used. The information collected by these readers is
The information is input to the server device 11 together with the collection destination user information.
In addition, as a sorting method, specifically, for example, a sorting device that sorts articles conveyed by a belt conveyor or the like, a sorting container according to the supplier code read by the server device 11 described above, In a manner such that the articles to be delivered are sorted by a partition plate or the like, or a display corresponding to the supplier code read by the server device 11 is displayed on one of the display units so that the operator can identify it. Then, the worker can perform an operation such as putting the collected consumables into a predetermined sorting box according to the display.

Based on the processing result in S413, the collection information in the DB 15 is updated, and the collection status for each supplier and the collection status for each user are managed by the server device 11 (S414). That is, the information input to the server device in S413 is stored and managed as the latest information in the DB 15. Further, the collection information accumulated in the DB 15 including the collection information updated in the DB 15 is statistically managed by the server device 11 for each supplier and for each user.

Then, the server device 11 uses the status of the consumables collected by the supplier 2 based on the managed collection information and other accumulated collection information by the supplier via a predetermined communication line. A process for notifying the terminal device 21 is performed (S
415).

Further, the processing of S415 by the server device 11 determines whether or not a predetermined number of collected goods are stored for each supplier 2 or whether or not a predetermined delivery schedule condition is satisfied. Execute based on For example, as a screen notified by the process of S415 and displayed on the terminal device used by the supplier, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. The details of FIG. 13 will be described later.

Then, the collection center 1 delivers the collected product to the supplier 2 (S416). Note that the processing in S416 may be replaced with a request processing in which the terminal device used by the supplier has the terminal device used by the supplier come to pick up a collected product using e-mail or the like when the predetermined condition is satisfied in S418. Are also envisioned in the present invention.

At the stage when the delivery of the collected product is completed, the server 11 updates the delivery information (corresponding to the delivery history in FIG. 5) stored in the supplier information list of the DB 15.
The update process may be automatically performed at a stage after a scheduled delivery date has passed, or may be performed when a delivery confirmation process is input by a delivery person or the like.

The supplier 2 performs a recycle process or the like on the collected products delivered (S417), attaches a supplier code to the regenerated consumables (S406), and supplies the consumables to the user 3 (S407). . Of course, the supply of the consumable to the user in S407 may be a new consumable in some cases.

Although not shown in FIG. 4 above, pressing information of the “collection history” button performed via the screen of FIG. 21 at an arbitrary timing (collection history request: S170 of FIG. 17)
In response to the notification of (5), the request source terminal device is searched for consumables collection information corresponding to the user using the terminal device, and the search is performed via a predetermined communication line. A process (corresponding to S1713 of FIG. 17) of notifying the collected information to the terminal device 31 used by the user is performed. The user at this time is the server device 11 when logging in to the terminal device.
And the user recognized by

[Data Structure of DB] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure in the DB 15, and the data corresponds to data stored in the storage unit of the server device. The storage unit corresponds to the auxiliary storage device 2505 in FIG.

Each time new supplier information is registered on the supplier registration / edit screen (FIG. 9), the manufacturer information 42 is added to the supplier information list 41. Similarly, every time new user information is registered on the user information registration / edit screen (FIG. 12), the user information
Is added.

Each supplier information 42 includes at least a supplier code, a DB access password, a supplier name, an address / contact information (such as a telephone number, a facsimile number, and an e-mail address), a collection quantity / delivery quantity for the current month. , This month's collection cost, scheduled delivery date / time, delivery history (quantity / cost), and a user code corresponding to the user information registered by the supplier 2. Note that the supplier information is not limited to information managed for the manufacturer, but is a seller that sells consumables or an organization that performs a business of collecting consumables as described above. Is also applicable.

Each user information 44 includes at least a user code, a DB access password, a user name, an address / contact information (telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail address, etc.), a collection request date and time, a scheduled collection date, and a scheduled collection quantity. , The collection history (date / time / quantity), and the supplier code of the supplier 2 who registered the user information. That is,
The supplier information 42 and the user information 44 are linked to each other by a supplier code and a user code. still,
The user information is not limited to an individual user who uses an image forming apparatus in which consumables such as a printer are used. For example, a seller who sells and collects consumables once, or temporarily performs a collection operation. The present invention is also applicable to a company that acts as a substitute.

[Process Provided to Supplier] FIGS. 6 and 7
5 is a flowchart illustrating a process that can be executed when the terminal device used by the supplier 2 accesses the server device 11. 6 and 7, the server device 11 processes information input (or selected) by the supplier 2 with respect to screen information supplied from the server device 11 to the terminal device 21 of the supplier 2. Needless to say, this is achieved by doing so.

When the supplier 2 accesses the server device 11 from the terminal device 21, a login screen (FIG. 8) for the supplier is first displayed on the screen supplied to the terminal device 21 (S601). For Supplier 2 who has already been registered, enter the supplier code and DB access password on the screen and press the [Login] or [Edit] button. Then, information corresponding to the user's button pressing instruction is transmitted from the terminal device 21 to the server device 11 via a predetermined communication line. On the other hand, in the case of the supplier 2 who wants to register the supplier information, the [new registration] button is pressed, and information indicating the new registration is transmitted from the terminal device 21 to the server device 11.

When the supplier 2 inputs the supplier code and the DB access password on the login screen (FIG. 8),
The terminal device 21 stores the input supplier code and DB access password until the supplier 2 presses a logout button described later. The terminal device 21 stores the stored supplier code and DB access password at each time of various processing requests from the terminal device 21 to the server device 11 to be described later, for example, at each predetermined display screen request.
Send to This process is automatically performed by the terminal device 21, and there is no need for the supplier 2 to consciously perform any operation. Based on the supplier code and the DB access password transmitted from the terminal device 21, the server device 11 can determine which supplier has requested various processing requests described below.

Subsequently, the server apparatus 11 receives the information transmitted from the terminal apparatus 21 via a predetermined communication line, inputs the supplier code and the DB access password, and presses the [Login] or [Edit] button. A determination process is performed to determine whether the selected item corresponds to the item corresponding to the pressed item or the item for which the [new registration] button has been pressed, and the process branches depending on the result of the determination (S602).

[Login] In S601, when it is determined that the [Login] button has been pressed, the server device 11 supplies the supplier code and the DB access password input to the device itself, and the manufacturer information recorded in the DB15. A login authentication process is executed based on 42 (S603). When it is confirmed that the registered supplier 2 is registered, the server device 11 further determines whether the [Login] button is pressed or the [Edit] button is pressed (S60).
4) If it is determined that the [Login] button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S610. If registered supplier 2
If it cannot be confirmed, a warning dialogue (not shown) is supplied to the terminal device 21 to prompt re-input.

Editing of Supplier Information When it is determined in S604 that the [Edit] button has been pressed, the server apparatus 11 registers / edits the supplier information including the registered supplier information (FIG. 9). Is supplied to the terminal device 21 (S605). Then, via the displayed registration / edit screen, the supplier 2 edits the supplier information that needs to be changed, and presses the [register] button. When the user presses down, the registered / edited information is transmitted from the terminal device 21 to the server device 11, and the server device 11 receiving the information.
Executes the process of storing the edited supplier information in the DB 15 (S606).

Registration of Supplier Information On the other hand, in S602, when it is determined that the [New Registration] button has been pressed, the server device 11 registers / registers the supplier information.
The editing screen (FIG. 9) is supplied to the terminal device 21 (S607). The supplier 2 inputs his / her information such as a name, address, and contact information (telephone number, facsimile number and e-mail address) via a supplier information registration / edit screen, and presses a [register] button. Then, when the button is pressed, the terminal device 11
From the information registered / edited by the user is transmitted to the server device 11 and the server device 11
Generates a supplier code and a DB access password based on the input information of the supplier 2 and stores it in the DB 15 as new supplier information 42 (S608), and a screen including the supplier code and the DB access password. The information is supplied to the terminal device 21 (S609).

Screen information including the supplier code and the DB access password is displayed on the terminal device 21, and the supplier 2
After confirming the issued supplier code and DB access password and pressing the [OK] button, the server device 11 advances the process to step S610. If the supplier 2 presses the [Cancel] button instead of the [OK] button, the supplier information registration / edit screen (FIG. 9) is initialized, not shown in the figure, and stored in the DB 15 in step S608. The supplied supplier information 42 is also deleted.

Menu Screen In step S610, the server device 11 supplies a menu screen for the supplier (FIG. 10) to the terminal device 21. The supplier menu screen (FIG. 10) showing the work that the supplier 2 who has accessed the server apparatus 11 can perform includes “delivery schedule setting”, “user information registration / editing”, “delivery collection information viewing” and “logout”. Each button is provided, and the server device 11 branches the processing according to the button pressed by the user's instruction on the terminal device (S611-S614).

Setting of Delivery Schedule When the “delivery schedule setting” button is pressed, the server device 11 supplies a delivery schedule setting screen (FIG. 11) to the terminal device 21.
(S615). The supplier 2 can use the delivery schedule setting screen to perform regular delivery (for example, delivery on every day of the month, delivery on every day of the week, or delivery on any other week), or delivery at any time (for example, delivery after every collection / sorting or when a predetermined container is full). ) Can be selected and set.

When the supplier 2 sets the delivery schedule and presses the [Approve] button, the server 11 checks the delivery schedule confirmation screen (FIG.
12) is supplied to the terminal device 21 (S616). When the supplier 2 presses the [end] button, the server device 11 registers the delivery schedule in the DB 15 and supplies the menu screen (FIG. 10) to the terminal device 21.
(S610) If Supplier 2 presses the [Change] button,
Again, the delivery schedule setting screen (FIG. 11) is supplied to the terminal device 21 (S615). The delivery schedule setting information set by the terminal device 21 and transmitted to the server in response to the supply of the setting screen of S615 is thereafter managed by the DB 15 (storage unit) of the server, and is transmitted at a predetermined interval by the CPU provided in the server. It is determined whether or not the condition set in is satisfied. If it is determined that the delivery schedule condition is satisfied, a delivery instruction is executed. The delivery instruction is given by a delivery truck held by the collection center, or by sending information to the terminal device 21 used by the consumable supply source to request delivery of consumables by truck. In the present invention, a form in which delivery request information is transmitted to a terminal device to a predetermined delivery company is assumed.

As described above, by realizing a system capable of providing setting screen information for setting a delivery schedule date to the terminal device 21, that is, a consumable supply source, a plurality of supply sources can perform their respective tasks. It is possible to realize a delivery service according to the form, and to provide a very flexible system for centrally managing consumables from a plurality of suppliers.

Viewing Delivery / Recovery Information When the terminal device 21 notifies the server device of the press of the [View Delivery / Recovery Information] button shown in FIG. 10, the server device 11 displays the delivery / collection information viewing screen in S613. It is determined that the request has been made, and the terminal device 21
A delivery collection information browsing screen is supplied to the server (S617). Figure
13 shows an example of a delivery collection information browsing screen. Figure
The display screen information such as that shown in FIG. 13 specifies a supply source in the server device 11 in response to a delivery information browsing screen request of the terminal device 21 and a DB managed in accordance with the specified supply source.
It corresponds to the one generated based on the information as shown in FIG. The delivery / recovery information browsing screen is a screen for the supplier 2 to view the collection status of the consumables in the collection center 1, the scheduled collection status, the delivery schedule of the collected products, and the like.

The delivery / recovery information browsing screen includes various information such as a delivery schedule of the collected product at least for each period. Table 1 shows the correspondence between the values displayed on the delivery / recovery information browsing screen, including other information, and the supplier information 42 of the DB 15 shown in FIG.

【table 1】 (Note 1) The scheduled collection quantity indicates the quantity of the scheduled collection date and time that has not yet been collected from the user information 44 corresponding to the user code included in the supplier information 42.

Here, information displayed in each column in FIG. 13 will be described.

First, the collection result of the current month indicates the number of consumables actually collected by the collection center during the period (predetermined month) specified by the supplier.

The total collection quantity indicates the total number of consumables collected in the past. In addition, the actual delivery quantity in the current month indicates the actual quantity in which the collected items once collected by the collection center are returned to the respective suppliers in the period specified by the supplier.

The expected collection amount indicates the number of items that have not been collected yet and for which a collection request has been made by the user. Alternatively, the number of uncollected consumables and items to be collected for which a collection request has been made may correspond to the period (May in FIG. 13) designated by the operator. In this case, the number of items to be collected corresponding to the collection request date corresponding to the date after May 17 is subtracted from the “delivery amount” 130 in FIG.

The scheduled delivery quantity is the sum of the quantity of collected goods that have not yet been actually delivered to the supplier among the collected goods collected, and the number of consumables for which the user has requested collection by the delivery date. Is equivalent to

FIG. 31 is a diagram for easily explaining the relationship between the information shown in FIG. 13 and Table 1. FIG. 31 shows the relationship between the actual collection volume of the current month, the actual delivery volume of the current month, the scheduled collection volume, the scheduled delivery volume, the undelivered quantity last month, and the variable quantity. Each date in FIG. 31 corresponds to each date shown in FIG. The scheduled recovery quantity is shown in `` 5/1
7, 5/31, 6/13 ... ", that is, how many collection requests from users have been managed in DB15 since the day when the user accessed the server to view the delivery collection information browsing request. It is shown.

Also, the scheduled delivery quantity on May 17 (from May 3 to May 17)
Between the collection results of the current month and the number of collected items that have not yet been delivered to the supplier while still being collected at the collection center, and the date when the supplier accessed the server device 11 (5 This corresponds to the number of items to be collected (corresponding to a variable amount in FIG. 31) for which a collection request has been made in the period from (/ 10) to the delivery date (5/17). The screen as shown in FIG. 13 can be viewed by the supplier, and the collection status and the expected recovery status in the future can be confirmed in more real time. For example, promotion of production planning and sales of consumables can be performed. It will be possible to help. Further, it is conceivable to cause the server device to perform control such that information such as the delivery cost in FIG. 5 is displayed in FIG.

Further, in FIG. 13, when the supplier 2 wants to refer to the past delivery history and presses the [delivery history] button, the server device 11 supplies a delivery history screen (not shown) to the terminal device 21. On the delivery history screen, the delivery history (quantity / cost) of the manufacturer information 42 of the DB 15 is displayed as a monthly list. When the “close” button is pressed, the server device 11 supplies a menu screen (FIG. 10) to the terminal device 21.

Further, a mechanism for setting the timing for transmitting the delivery information as shown in FIG. 13 to the terminal device 21 used by the supplier via a predetermined communication line is provided to the supplier. The present invention is also assumed in the present invention.

That is, instead of the delivery schedule setting screen described with reference to FIG. 11, a setting screen for setting the timing of notifying the delivery information may be assumed. If “regular delivery” and “occasional delivery” in FIG. 11 are respectively set to “regular notice” and “occasional notification”, FIG. 11 can be applied as a setting screen for setting a timing for notifying delivery information. In addition, if the interval at which periodic notifications can be specified can be set shorter than the interval at which delivery schedules are notified, the supplier can monitor the collection status at the collection center in more real-time via a communication line. It is possible to confirm. For example, a notification interval such as “every hour” is assumed.

By providing the delivery / recovery information browsing screen as described above, the supplier can check the scheduled delivery quantity for each period, so that the production plan can be easily arranged and parts can be arranged. It is possible to predict the future collection quantity using the stored information such as the past delivery history and the delivery collection quantity.

In the description of FIG. 13, the delivery schedule for a specific supplier has been described.
In practice, collection and delivery operations are performed for each of a plurality of suppliers, and collection and delivery operations are performed for any of the suppliers or users as needed.

Logout When the information that the [Logout] button is pressed is transmitted from the terminal device 11 via a predetermined communication line, the server device 11 returns to the first process again and displays the login screen (FIG. 8). The information is supplied to the terminal device 21 (S601).

Registration / Edit of User Information When the [User Information Registration / Edit] button is pressed, the server device 11 supplies a user information registration / edit screen (FIG. 14) to the terminal device 21 (S618).

As described above, the supplier 2 registers the information of the user 3 in the DB 15 when the user 3 who supplies the consumable is determined. Further, it may be necessary to change the registered user information, for example, when the location of the user 3 has moved. In such a case, the supplier 2 registers and edits user information on the user information registration / edit screen.

Here, the information input on the user information registration / edit screen shown in FIG. 14 is managed as registration information stored in the supplier information list 41 and the user information list 43 constituting the DB 15.

The user information list 43 shown in FIG. 5 contains information corresponding to the “user name” input through the user interface shown in FIG. 14, and the user information list 43 shown in FIG. Address entered
Information such as telephone numbers, fax numbers, and emails is a user information list
It is stored in the storage area of “address / contact” in 43. Of course, the storage area of “address / contact” may be further divided and managed for each address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail. In addition, registration of these pieces of information in the DB 15 is performed by the server device via a predetermined communication line from the terminal device 21 in response to the user pressing the registration button after inputting via the screen of the terminal device 21. This is a process performed by the server device 11 in response to the information input to the server 11 being transmitted.

On the other hand, the user information is stored in the supplier information list 41 in association with the supplier code.
Input the user code corresponding to the user information to be edited in the user code field of the user information registration / edit screen.
In addition, a user code can be selected from a drop-down menu in a user code column, or new registration can be selected. The user code included in the new registration and the supplier information 42 is listed in the drop-down menu.

It is also possible to search for user information by entering fragmentary information such as only a part of a user name or a telephone number in an input field and pressing a [search] button.

When the user code or new registration is set in the user code column (S619), the server device 11 determines whether it is new registration or editing (S620). For editing, server device 11
Supplies a user information registration / edit screen including user information corresponding to the user code set in the user code column to the terminal device 21 (S621). The supplier 2 edits the user information that needs to be changed and presses the [register] button. Server device 11
Stores the edited user information in the DB 15 (S622).

On the other hand, in the case of new registration, the supplier 2 inputs user information such as a user name, address, and contact information (telephone number, facsimile number and e-mail address) on a user information registration / edit screen. Press the [Register] button. The server device 11 generates a user code and a DB access password based on the input information of the user 3 and stores the user code and the DB access password in the DB 15 as new user information 44 (S623), and the screen information including the user code and the DB access password. Is supplied to the terminal device 21 (S624).

When the screen information including the user code is displayed on the terminal device 21 and the supplier 2 confirms the issued user code and presses the [OK] button, the server device 11 executes the step
The process proceeds to S627. Note that when the supplier 2 presses the [Cancel] button instead of the [OK] button, the user information registration / edit screen (FIG. 14) is initialized, not shown in the figure, and stored in the DB 15 in step S623. The deleted user information 44 is also deleted. Further, the issued DB access password is notified to the user 3, but is not notified to the supplier 2.

When the “close” button is pressed in step S627, server device 11 ends the user information registration / editing process, and returns the process to step S610. In FIG. 7,
Only in step S627, it is described that it is determined whether or not the [close] button is pressed.
The [Close] button is effective at any time while the registration / edit screen of the user information is displayed on the screen 21. That is, the supplier 2 can continue to register / edit the user information until the user presses the [Close] button. if,
If the [Close] button is pressed while the registration / edit information is undetermined, the undetermined information is discarded.

[Supplier Code] FIG. 15 shows the terminal device after the server device 11 notifies the terminal device 21 of the supplier code.
21 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an appropriate information processing device installed in 21 or the supplier 2. In addition,
FIG. 15 describes in detail the processing performed in steps S402 and S406 shown in FIG.

The supplier code is received from the server device 11 (S
1501), the received supplier code is stored in the non-volatile memory of the terminal device 21 or an appropriate information processing device (S1502).

Next, it is determined whether the supplier code is in a format that can be stored in the memory provided in the consumable item, for example, immediately before the consumable item is shipped, and whether the processing is performed when the consumable item does not have the memory. A determination is made (S1503).

If the consumable has a memory and it is possible to store predetermined information in the memory, the supplier code is stored in the memory of the consumable by a predetermined information processing device (S1504). The consumables are equipped with EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Rea
Non-volatile memory such as d-Only Memory) is assumed.

On the other hand, if the consumable supplies have no memory or cannot be stored in the memory, a label in which the supplier code is printed by a printing apparatus as shown in FIG. And attach it to consumables (S150
Five). If a paper or film having an adhesive applied to its back surface (non-printing surface) is used as a label medium, it can be easily attached to consumables. FIG. 16 shows the state of three types of supplier codes, "ABC-123" and "Canx
By labeling a display state that can be identified by a human, such as “n”, when consumables are collected at the collection center, they can be used for sorting by visual inspection or the like by an operator. FIG. 16 also shows an example of a barcode,
By making the barcode a printed label in this way, it is possible to apply the information read by a barcode reader or the like to the server device 11 and manage it when the consumables are collected at the collection center. can do.

Also, the supplier code managed by the server 11 or the supplier code shown in FIG. 16 does not need to be identical (although it may be, of course, identical). The object of the present invention can be achieved by taking a form in which the information is stored and managed in the server device 11 in association with the information indicating the printing state as shown in FIG. For example, figure
A serial number may correspond to the 16 pieces of information “ABC-123”, and the serial number may be managed by the DB 15 of the server device 11.

The shipping history of the consumables whose supplier code is stored in the memory or the consumables to which the label printed with the supplier code is attached (appended) is stored in the terminal device.
21 or is recorded in the nonvolatile memory of an appropriate information processing device (S1506). The processing of steps S1503 to S1506 is repeatedly executed for each shipment or production of consumables.

It is possible to easily specify the supplier 2 from the collected product by storing the supplier code in the memory of the consumable item or attaching a label on which the supplier code is printed to the consumable item. Yes, separation of collected products
Delivery can be performed smoothly. In addition, in order to read the supplier code, the collection center 1 has a device for reading information from a memory provided in consumables, a bar for reading a bar code or a character string (or a symbol string) printed on a label as shown in FIG. Code reader and OCR (Optical Character R
eader) and so on. The supplier code read from the collected product is stored in the DB 15 via the server device 11, and is used for viewing the delivery information described above.

If the medium on which the supplier code is to be printed is not a medium coated with an adhesive material, the consumables and the medium on which the supplier code is printed are placed in a box for storing the consumables. What is necessary is just to take measures, such as packing.

As described above, by issuing the supplier code information for specifying the supplier 2 of the collected product, it becomes possible to ship the consumable to which the information for specifying the supplier 2 is added. The collection center 1 that collects used consumables and centrally manages the consumables can easily identify to which supplier 2 the collected goods should be delivered based on the supplier code. Therefore, the collection of used consumables for a plurality of suppliers 2 is centralized, and an efficient collection system can be constructed.

[Process Provided to User] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a process that can be executed when the user 3 accesses the server device 11. The processing illustrated in FIG. 17 is realized by the server device 11 processing information input (or selected) by the user 3 with respect to screen information supplied from the server device 11 to the terminal device 31 of the user 3. Needless to say.

When the user 3 accesses the server device 11 from the terminal device 31, a login screen for the user (FIG. 18) is first displayed on the screen of the terminal device 31 (S1701). User 3 enters the user code and DB access password on the screen,
Press the [Login] button.

When the [Login] button is pressed, the server device 11 performs login authentication based on the entered user code and DB access password and the user information 44 recorded in the DB 15 (S1702). When it is confirmed that the user 3 is the registered user 3, the server device 11 supplies a menu screen for the user (FIG. 19) to the terminal device 31 (S170).
3). If the registered user 3 cannot be confirmed, a warning dialogue (not shown) is supplied to the terminal device 31 to urge re-input. User who accessed server device 11
The menu screen for the user indicating the work that can be performed in 3
There are buttons for [user information editing], [collection request], [collection schedule confirmation], and [logout], and the server device 11 branches the process according to the pressed button (S1704).
-S1707).

● Collection Request When the information of pressing the [collection request] button is transmitted from the terminal device 31 via the communication line, the server device 11 returns to FIG.
The collection request registration screen information for displaying the screen as shown in (1) is supplied to the terminal device 31 (S1708). The user 3 can request collection of used consumables on the collection request registration screen. More specifically, in the input column of the desired collection date and time in FIG. 20, an input is made at the desired date and time for requesting collection,
The desired number of items to be collected can be input in the input column for the number of items to be collected, and the contents input via the input column can be included in the request information. Although not shown, the present invention also assumes that the collection request registration screen information includes a plurality of types of desired collection dates, such as a first desired and a second desired input field for the desired collection date. (Information) that allows you to enter multiple desired dates for collection
If the collection plan is included in the collection request registration screen information, the collection plan can be created more easily when the server device 11 creates (calculates) the collection plan.

When the date and time and quantity desired to be collected are input by the instruction of the user 3 and the [Request] button is pressed, the information input to the terminal device 31 is transmitted to the server device 11 via a predetermined communication line. Then, in the server device 11 receiving the information, the process of storing (storage in the DB) in the collection request date and time and the scheduled collection quantity fields of the user information 44 of the DB 15 is executed (S1709). And server device 11
Displays screen information including the scheduled date and time of collection for user 3's collection request, including the meaning of confirmation to the user.
Supply to 31 (S1710). In addition, the server device 11 is usually
The collection date and time desired by the user 3 is answered as the scheduled collection date and time. If the desired collection date and time falls on a holiday of the collection center 1 and the like, the screen information is generated so as to reply to the next business day. The information is transmitted to the terminal device 31.

The user 3 refers to the scheduled date and time displayed on the screen of the terminal device 31 and presses the [Approve] button if there is no problem, and presses the [Re-input] button if there is any inconvenience.
Then, the pressed information is notified to the server device,
When the [Re-enter] button is pressed, all the values in the screen are cleared, and the user 3 can enter the desired collection date and time again.

On the other hand, when the [Approve] button is pressed (S171)
1), the server device 11 copies the information in the collection request date and time field of the user information 44 to the scheduled collection date and time field to determine the scheduled collection date. Further, the server device 11 adds the user information 42 to the value of the scheduled delivery quantity field of the supplier information 42 that matches the value of the supplier code field of the user information 44.
(S1712).

When the [Close] button on the collection request registration screen is pressed, the server device 11 discards the undetermined information according to the information indicating “close” transmitted via the communication line. The process is performed, and the process returns to step S1703 (display of menu screen).

[Confirmation of Collection Schedule] When the [Confirm Collection Schedule] button in FIG. 19 is pressed in response to a user's instruction in the terminal device 31, and the pressed information is transmitted to the server device 11 via the communication line,
The server device 11 executes a process of supplying information for displaying the collection schedule browsing screen (FIG. 21) to the terminal device 31 via a predetermined communication line (S1713). The user 3 can check the collection schedule (collection date and time and planned collection quantity) on the collection schedule browsing screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 31.

If the user 3 wants to cancel the collection schedule, he / she can press the [delete schedule] button.
In step S1714, it is determined whether or not information indicating “schedule deletion” has been transmitted from terminal device 31. That is, when the press information of the “schedule deletion” button is transmitted from the terminal device 31 to the server device 11 via the communication line, the server device 11 supplies the data corresponding to the value of the supplier code field of the user information 44. The value of the scheduled collection quantity field of the user information 42 is subtracted from the value of the scheduled delivery field of the user information 42, and the values of the collection request date and time, the scheduled collection date and the scheduled collection quantity field of the user information 44 are cleared (S1715). . Of course, the collection schedule on the screen is also cleared. Note that, due to the process of creating a collection plan in the server device 11 described later, it becomes impossible to delete the collection schedule using the collection schedule browsing screen a predetermined day before the scheduled collection date (for example, one week before). Before the mechanism or scheduled collection date, the server device
If the confirmation mail as shown in FIG. 11 is transmitted from the terminal 11 to the terminal device 31, it is possible to further alert the user.

Further, in FIG. 21, when the user 3 wants to refer to the past collection history, the [collection history] button is pressed, and the server that receives the pressing information of the “collection history” button transmitted via the communication line is received. The device 11 supplies a collection history screen (not shown) to the terminal device 31. On the collection history screen, a list of collection history (date / time / quantity) of the user information 44 of the DB 15 is displayed. Here, the date and time and the quantity correspond to the collection history shown in DB15. By providing a mechanism that allows the collection history user to browse on the terminal device 31 used, it is expected to promote the user's willingness to collect. Further, by adding point information to the collection history screen according to the number of collections, it is expected that the user's willingness to collect is further promoted.

Further, the collection date and time and the collection quantity for each type of consumables are associated with the collection date and time and the collection quantity in the collection history field of the DB 15 in FIG.
In the present invention, storage and management in the DB 15 is also assumed in the present invention. By providing such a mechanism, and when the [Close] button is pressed, the pressing information of the button is transmitted to the server device 11.
Is transmitted to the server device 11 at this time.
(19) is again supplied to the terminal device 31 (S170).
3).

Editing of User Information When the [Edit User Information] button is pressed, the server apparatus 11 supplies an editing screen (FIG. 22) for user information to the terminal device 31 (S1716). The user 3 can confirm / edit his / her user information (user name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address) on the user information screen.

When the [Registration] button is pressed, the server device
11 updates the values of the user name and the address / contact field of the user information 44 of the DB 15 with the values entered in the user name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address fields (S1717). Of course, if there is insufficient entry, the server device 11 supplies a warning dialog to the terminal device 31 to urge the user 3 to enter necessary information. When the [Close] button is pressed, the server device 11 supplies the menu (FIG. 19) to the terminal device 31 without updating the user information (S1703).

[Logout] When the [Logout] button is pressed, the server device 11
The login screen (FIG. 18) is supplied to the terminal device 31 (S170
1).

Next, a description will be given of the planning of a collection plan executed a predetermined day before the scheduled collection date (for example, one week before).

If the used consumables are collected by truck, the area where one truck can collect the used consumables is limited. That is, the collection target area of the collection center 1 can be divided in consideration of the traveling of the truck. FIG. 23 shows the number of used consumables requested to be collected for each area (planned collection amount) on a specific day, and shows the result calculated by the server device 11. The contents shown in FIG. 23 are input to the terminal device used by the user via, for example, FIG. 20 described above, transmitted to the server device 11 via the communication line, and transmitted to the user information list 43 of the DB 15.
Can be easily assembled from the information stored in the scheduled collection date and time and the scheduled quantity field.

Here, the collection center 1 has a dedicated truck for collecting consumables, and the number of the owned trucks is the number of consumables collected in a predetermined area for a predetermined period (for example, the past year). And so on based on past results.

In the following, it is assumed that the collection center has three trucks and that about 200 used consumables can be loaded per truck, and a collection plan drafting procedure performed by the server apparatus 11 is shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to a flowchart.

The server apparatus 11 searches the user information list 44 to check the scheduled collection quantity for each area on which a collection plan is to be made, and creates a table as shown in FIG. 23 on the memory (S2601). Then, the scheduled recovery quantity SX in the area X is divided by the load C per truck (= 200) to obtain an integer value n thereof (S2602). Then, the variable m is set to `` 1 '' (S2603), and n
> M is determined (S2604). If n> m, a divided area Xm with a collection quantity of 200 is set (S2605), and the variable m is incremented (S26).
06), and the process returns to step S2604. If n> m is not set, a divided area Xm of the remaining collection quantity is set (S2607), and the process proceeds to the next area (S2608). The collection quantity R of the last divided area is expressed by the following equation. R = SX-{200 × (m-1)}

That is, in the case of the area A shown in FIG. 23, since the scheduled collection amount SA = 240, the collection amount 200 is set in step S2605.
Is set, and the collection quantity R = 4 in step S2607
A division area A2 of 0 is set.

By the above processing, a table indicating the divided areas and the collection quantity as shown in FIG. 24 corresponding to FIG. 23 is obtained.
It is created on the memory by the server device 11 (S2609).

Next, the server device 11 sorts the records of the table shown in FIG. 24 in the order of the expected collection quantity, and creates a table as shown in FIG. 25 on the memory (S2610). Then, the trucks owned by the collection center 1 are allocated in descending order of the scheduled collection quantity (S2611). That is, divided areas A1, C
Since the quantity to be collected is large in the order of 1, B1, the trucks owned by collection center 1 are allocated to that area, and the area where trucks cannot be allocated is assigned to a different company (usually a carrier) from collection center 1. Request collection. This request is transmitted to, for example, a terminal device or a server device installed at a trader that can communicate from the server device 11 via the communication line 4.

As described above, by formulating a collection plan,
Trucks owned by the collection center 1 can be operated efficiently. In addition, the collection of used consumables that cannot be collected quantitatively with the trucks owned is entrusted to another company, so that collection is not required at the collection center 1 and collection is possible at low cost. be able to.

For example, it is assumed that the cost per day of trucks owned by the collection center 1 is 50,000 yen including labor cost, and 800 yen per collected product when a collection is requested to a trader. Therefore, the cost of 100,000 yen will be incurred if the D1 area and the A2 area are collected by their own trucks, but the cost is 80,000 yen if requested by a trader, and the collection can be performed at low cost.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user 3 can collectively request the collection center 1 to collect used consumables regardless of the supplier 2.

Further, the collection center 1 can easily specify the supplier 2 from the supplier code attached to the collected product, and can appropriately sort the collected product to the supplier 2. Therefore,
Since the history of collected products and the fee for use are unknown, used consumables that are discarded without being recycled are reduced.

Further, the collection center 1 collects used consumables supplied by a plurality of suppliers 2, so that the users 3 can be grouped regionally. As a result, trucks operated by the collection center 1 need only collect in a preset area, and do not need to collect and circulate in a wide area.
This not only reduces the cost of recovery, but also reduces the emission of environmental pollutants such as CO2, NOx, and SOx by trucking.

[Example of Consumables] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a cartridge 810 used in the printer.

The cartridge 810 incorporates a semiconductor memory 810a. When the cartridge 810 is mounted on the printer 100, the semiconductor memory 810a is electrically connected to the controller of the printer 100, so that reading and writing can be performed.

Also, although not shown in FIG.
A display panel for displaying a type ID indicating the type of the 810, a serial number, the total number of printed sheets, the remaining amount of toner, and the like may be provided. Of course, since the type ID and serial number are determined at the time of manufacture and are not changed, the cartridge 81
It may be recorded by printing on the housing of 0. on the other hand,
Since the total number of printed sheets and the remaining amount of toner change according to the use of the cartridge 810, a display panel is required to display them.

As the display panel, a small liquid crystal display panel including its control circuit and a backup power supply can be used. In addition, if a semiconductor memory 810a uses an EEPROM or a flash memory, and a display device such as a display panel using a ferroelectric liquid crystal that can maintain a display even when power is turned off is used, the semiconductor memory 810a Only when rewriting the data of
Power supply only needs to be supplied from 0), and even a backup power supply is unnecessary.

As described above, the identification information of the cartridge 810 such as the type ID and the serial number is stored in the toner cartridge 8.
By holding and displaying on 10 itself, from its appearance,
Alternatively, by reading data from the semiconductor memory 810a,
The cartridge 810 can be easily and accurately identified.

Further, information on the usage state of the cartridge 810 such as the remaining amount of toner and the number of prints
By holding and displaying on 10 itself, from its appearance,
Alternatively, by reading data from the semiconductor memory 810a,
Whether the cartridge is unused or not can be easily and accurately determined from its appearance or by reading data from the semiconductor memory 810a.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the memory 810a.

Data indicating the total number of sheets printed using the cartridge 810 and the total number of jams are stored in the memory 810a.
901 and data 902 and 903 indicating the number of prints and the number of jams for each paper size are stored. The figure
In 10, the number of prints or the number of prints is described as a count. These data are stored in cartridge 81
The counter is incremented every time one page is printed by the printer 100 in which 0 is mounted.

The memory 810a also stores data 904 indicating the remaining amount of toner. The data 904 may be a value indicating the toner remaining amount itself, or may be an output of a sensor that detects that the toner has decreased to a predetermined amount, that is, a flag indicating a so-called toner low output.

The memory 810a stores data 905 indicating a use start date and an end date, and data 906 indicating a use period. The printer 100 is usually provided with a sensor for detecting whether the cover of the cartridge mounting portion is opened or closed. For example, the controller of the printer 100
When the opening / closing of the cover is detected, the serial number of the cartridge 810 stored in the non-volatile memory is compared with the serial number read from the cartridge 810 after the detection of the cover.
It is determined that 0 has been replaced. Then, data indicating the date at that time is written to the memory 810a as the use start date. Further, when the power is turned on or every 24 hours, the data indicating the date at that time is written to the memory 810a as the use end date, and the data indicating the use period is written to the memory 810a.

Further, the memory 810a has a cartridge 81
Data indicating the type ID and serial number, which are the above-mentioned identification information, written at the time of manufacture or shipment of 0
907 is stored. The data 907 may include data indicating the service center that is the destination of the notification such as the toner exhaustion.

[Specific example of device using consumables]
FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a laser beam printer (LBP) on which consumables are mounted.

Referring to FIG. 29, the image scanner 2201
An original image is read, and digital image processing is performed on the original image. The printer 2202 is an image scanner
An image corresponding to the original image read in 2201 is formed on recording paper and output.

In the image scanner 2201, reference numeral 2200 denotes an original pressing plate; 2203, an original platen glass (platen glass);
04 is placed with its recording surface facing downward in the figure,
Fixed by 2200. Light output from the fluorescent lamp 2205 is reflected by the original 2204, guided to mirrors 2206, 2207 and 2208, and formed into an image on a linear CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 2210 by a lens 2209. Note that the lens 2209 is provided with an infrared cut filter. The CCD 2210 separates the reflected light of the original 2204 into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors and reads them, and sends the obtained analog image signal to the image processing unit 2211. Where the fluorescent light 2205
And the unit with mirror 2206 at speed V, mirror 2
The unit with 207 and 2208 has a speed of V / 2, CCD2210
The entire document 2204 is read by being mechanically moved in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the original.

The CCD 2210 has, for example, light receiving pixels of about 7500 pixels for each color of RGB arranged in three lines (1210-1 to 1210-3). It is possible. If you want to read 297mm in the width direction of an A3-size document at 400dpi resolution, use R
All that is required is a one-dimensional image sensor of about 5000 pixels for each GB color.

The image processing unit 2211 converts an analog image signal output from the CCD 2210 into a digital image signal, and converts yellow (Y), magenta (M),
Each color component image of cyan (C) and black (BK) is formed and sent to the printer 2202. Also, for each original scan (one sub-scan) in the image scanner 2201, YMCB
One color component image of K is sent to the printer 2202.
Accordingly, the image signals of the four color components are sequentially sent to the printer 2202 by the four document scans, and one print is completed. If a sufficient memory is provided in the image processing unit 2211, an image signal obtained by one original scan can be stored in the memory, and the remaining three original scans can be omitted.

The image signals of the YMCBK color components sequentially sent from the image processing section 2211 are input to the laser driver 2212 in the printer 2202. Laser driver 2212
Is a laser diode 2213 according to an input image signal.
To emit light. The laser light output from the laser diode 2213 scans the photosensitive drum 2217 via the polygon mirror 2214, the f-θ lens 2215, and the mirror 2216, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2217.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum formed by the laser beam is developed by developing units 2219 to 2222 having yellow, magenta, cyan and black toners. That is, the four developing devices 2219 to 2222 sequentially contact the photosensitive drum 2217, and the development using the color toner is performed.

The recording paper supplied from the recording paper cassette 2224 or 2225 is wound around the transfer drum 2223 by the action of static electricity, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 2217 is transferred. In the recording process using four color toners, the toner of each color is superimposedly transferred onto the recording paper by rotating the transfer drum 2223 four times. Thereafter, the recording paper is separated from the transfer drum 2223, and the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 226,
It is discharged outside the device.

In such an LBP, the photosensitive drum 221
7, toner or cartridge contained in developing units 2219 to 2222, and recording paper cassettes 2224 and 2225
The recording paper stored in is a consumable.

Although not shown in the figure, the laser beam printer shown in FIG. 29 has an interface with an external device such as a personal computer, for example, and records an image based on image data sent from the external device on a recording medium. Can be printed.

FIG. 30 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of an ink jet printer (IJRA) on which consumables are mounted.

In FIG. 30, the carriage HC which engages with the spiral groove 5005 of the lead screw 5004 rotating via the driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013 is provided with a pin (not shown). And is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. An ink jet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC.

Reference numeral 5002 denotes a paper pressing plate which presses the recording paper P against the platen 5000 in the moving direction of the carriage HC. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photosensors, which are home position detectors for checking whether or not the lever 5006 of the carriage HC exists in an area where the sensor is arranged, in order to switch the rotation direction of the motor 5013. 5016 is a member that supports a cap member 5022 that caps the front surface of the recording head IJH,
Reference numeral 5015 denotes a suction unit that suctions the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head IJH through the opening 5023 in the cap.

Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade, and reference numeral 5019 denotes a member capable of moving the blade in the front-rear direction. These members are supported by a main body support plate 5018. The cleaning blade is not limited to this form, and it goes without saying that a known cleaning blade can be applied to this embodiment. 5021 is a lever for starting suction for suction recovery,
It moves with the movement of the cam 5020 engaged with the carriage HC, and the movement of the driving force from the drive motor 5013 is controlled by a known transmission unit such as clutch switching.

The capping, cleaning and suction recovery are performed by the action of the lead screw 5004 when the carriage HC comes to the area on the home position side.
Although the desired processing can be performed at those corresponding positions, the desired operation may be performed at a known timing.

In such an IJRA, the ink jet cartridge IJC or the ink mounted therein is a consumable item.

[0165]

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, multifunction machine having a copier function, a facsimile function, etc.). Further, a form in which the above-described processing of each terminal device is processed by providing a terminal function in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer is also assumed. For example, the image forming apparatus 32 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Also,
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
It goes without saying that a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing some or all of the actual processing, and the processing performs the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion card 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. Needless to say, the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

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

[0169]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The collection of articles related to office equipment can be centrally managed.

[0170] Further, it is possible to provide the supplier of the article with the collection status of the article.

Furthermore, articles can be efficiently collected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the flow of consumables between a supplier, a user, and a collection center;

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining communication between a supplier, a user, and a collection center;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a server device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a sequence example of a collection system;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure in a DB;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing that can be executed by a supplier accessing a server device;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing that can be executed by a supplier accessing a server device;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen for a supplier;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a registration / edit screen of supplier information;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen for a supplier;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery schedule setting screen.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery schedule confirmation screen;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery information browsing screen.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a user information registration / edit screen,

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by an appropriate information processing device installed in a supplier;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a label on which a supplier code is printed,

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating processing that can be executed by a user accessing a server device;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen for a user.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen for a user;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a collection request registration screen,

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a collection schedule browsing screen.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information editing screen.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the number of used consumables requested to be collected for each area on a specific day (to be collected);

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a table showing a divided area and a collection quantity;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a table in which the table shown in FIG. 24 is sorted by the collection quantity;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining a collection planning process;

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cartridge used in the printer.

FIG. 28 is a view showing an example of data stored in a memory of a cartridge.

FIG. 29 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration example of a laser beam printer.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of an inkjet printer.

FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining FIG. 13 in detail;

Claims (31)

[Claims] 1. A server for centrally managing the collection of articles related to office equipment supplied by a plurality of suppliers via a communication line, and a registration means for receiving a registration request from the plurality of suppliers. Issuing means for identifying a registered supply source and issuing a supply source code for separating collected articles to the registered supply source. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: reading the supply source code from the collected articles, and determining a sorting destination of the articles based on the read supply source codes so that the articles are delivered to the supply sources. 2. The server according to claim 1, comprising: 3. A control unit for recording the classification result of the classification unit in a memory in order to provide information indicating the collection status of the article to the registered supply source via the communication line. 3. The server according to claim 2, wherein 4. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said information indicating said collection status is stored in said registered supply source at a timing when said articles sorted to said registered supply source reach a predetermined amount, at a predetermined cycle, or at a predetermined timing. 4. The server according to claim 3, wherein the server is notified. 5. The registration unit further receives a registration request of a user who is a collection destination of the article from the registration supply source, and the issuing unit sends a user code for specifying a registered user to the registered user. 2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server is issued to the registered supply source. 6. A receiving means for providing, via the communication line, screen information for setting the collection request in order to receive a collection request for the article from the registered user. The server according to item 5. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising planning means for planning the collection of the item requested to be collected based on the collection request information input to the screen information for setting the collection request. The server according to item 6. 8. The server according to claim 7, wherein the planning unit determines a collection area of the collection truck based on the collection request information. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply source code is stored in a memory provided in the article.
The server described in any of the above. 10. The supplier manufactures and / or manufactures the article.
10. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server is a seller. 11. The article according to claim 1, wherein the article includes a toner, an ink, a cartridge containing the toner or the ink, and a photoconductor or a photoconductor unit. Server. 12. A server that unifies and manages the collection of office equipment handled by a plurality of office equipment dealers via a predetermined communication line, and receives and manages registration request information from a plurality of office equipment dealers. Management means, managed by the management means, has a issuing means for issuing a code for specifying a registered office equipment supplier, the code is attached to the consumable at the time of collection of the office equipment And for recognizing whether each of the office equipment of the plurality of office equipment companies collected and collected at the collection base corresponds to the plurality of office equipment suppliers. server. 13. The server according to claim 12, wherein the recognition is to determine to which office equipment trader the collected office equipment is to be delivered. 14. The server according to claim 12, further comprising storage means for storing information read from a code given to the collected consumable supplies. 15. The collection status browsing screen information is transmitted via the predetermined communication line according to the collection status browsing screen information transmitted based on the code stored in the storage means and transmitted through the predetermined communication line. 13. The server according to claim 12, comprising transmission means for transmitting. 16. The previous collection status browsing request information includes information specifying the office equipment vendor, and further includes means for specifying collection status information according to the information specifying the office equipment vendor, 16. The server according to claim 15, wherein the transmission unit transmits the collection status information via the predetermined communication line. 17. A receiving unit for receiving a collection request for office equipment to be collected via the predetermined communication line, and the transmitting unit is configured to store and collect the office equipment to be collected by the receiving unit. The request information is transmitted via the predetermined communication line to an information processing device used by a company that collects the office equipment.
The server according to item 16. 18. The transmission means transmits setting screen information for setting a timing at which the collection status information is notified to a predetermined terminal device by the transmission means to the terminal device via the predetermined communication line. Claims characterized by the following:
The server according to item 17. 19. A server for centrally managing the collection of office equipment from each of a plurality of supply sources, a management means for managing the collected office equipment for each supply source of the office equipment, Means for notifying, via a predetermined communication line, information indicating the collection status of office equipment for each supply source managed by the management means. 20. A management method for centrally managing the collection of articles related to office equipment supplied by a plurality of suppliers via a communication line, wherein a registration request is received from a plurality of suppliers, and the registration is performed. A management method comprising: identifying a supplier that has been provided; and issuing a supplier code for separating the collected articles to the registered supplier. 21. The method according to claim 21, further comprising: reading the supplier code from the collected articles; and determining a sorting destination of the article based on the read supplier code so that the article is delivered to the supplier. 21. The management method according to claim 20, wherein: 22. The classification result according to claim 21, wherein the sorting result is recorded in a memory in order to provide information indicating the collection status of the article to the registered supplier via the communication line. Management method. 23. Notifying the registered supplier of information indicating the collection status at a timing when the number of articles sorted to the registered supplier reaches a predetermined amount, at a predetermined cycle, or at a predetermined timing. 23. The management method according to claim 22, wherein: 24. A registration request for a user who is a collection destination of the article is received from the registered supplier, and a user code for specifying a registered user is issued to the registered user and the registered supplier. 21. The management method according to claim 20, wherein: 25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein screen information for setting the collection request is provided via the communication line in order to receive a collection request for the article from the registered user. Management method. 26. Further, based on the collection request information input to the screen information for setting the collection request,
26. The management method according to claim 25, wherein the collection of the item requested to be collected is planned. 27. The management method according to claim 26, wherein the collection is planned based on the collection request information so that the collection cost is minimized. 28. A management method for unifying and managing the collection of office equipment handled by each of a plurality of office equipment dealers via a predetermined communication line, comprising receiving registration request information from a plurality of office equipment dealers, Each step of issuing a code for identifying a registered office equipment supplier to be managed, wherein the code is given to the consumable at the time of collection of the office equipment, and is collected at a collection base. A management method for recognizing whether office equipment of a plurality of office equipment dealers that are unified and collected correspond to the plurality of office equipment dealers. 29. A management method for centrally managing the collection of office equipment from a plurality of suppliers, wherein the plurality of office equipment collected is managed for each of the office equipment suppliers and managed. A management method, wherein information indicating the collection status of office equipment for each supply source is notified via a predetermined communication line. 30. A program for controlling a computer to realize the management method according to claim 20. 31. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 29 is recorded.