JP2003001909A - Goods administration system, storage unit, administration server, accounting server, goods administration method, goods administration program, and computer-readable recording medium with goods administration program recorded therein - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a goods administration system capable of administering goods such as a toner and a paper without requiring excessive expenditure or labor to a user, a storage unit, an administration server, an accounting server, a goods administration method, a goods administration program, and a computer-readable recording medium with a goods administration program recorded. SOLUTION: The kind of a toner 301, and papers 303, 305 stored in a storage unit 101 is identified by bar code readers 307, 309, 311. At the time the toner or the papers are taken out, a control unit 107 transmits the information on the number and the kind of the taken-out toner and papers.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an object management system, a storage device, a management server, a billing server, and an object management method suitable for managing consumable items such as office equipment. The present invention relates to a product management program and a computer-readable recording medium recording the product management program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to prevent toner, paper, and other consumable items used in office machines such as copiers, fax machines, and printers from being used up, spare parts have to be paid in advance to purchase spare parts.

As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-352846, there is a method of connecting an OA device and a host computer, monitoring the consumption amount of consumables, and predicting the end time to place an order. .

[0004]

However, in the above method, in order to prevent the consumable item from running out, unnecessary expenses are temporarily incurred, which is enormous depending on the number of office equipment used. May be required.

Further, even in the method of predicting the consumption amount of consumables from the office equipment and placing an order, there are few cases where the predicted amount and the actual consumption amount are completely the same, and there is a possibility that the consumable item may run out. There is.

Further, even when a forecast is made and an order is placed,
Consumables Unless there is a prompt response from the supplier, the situation where there are no consumables at hand when desired can occur.

Further, remote management of the stock quantity of consumables such as toner cartridges at the user's destination is known, for example, by subtracting the number of used consumables based on the value set by the user. However, the value set by the user is not always accurate, and the new addition of the consumable item other than the consumable cost counted when setting the value cannot be recognized. .

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to include inventory management of toner, paper, etc. without extra expense and time for the user. An object management system, a storage device, a management server, a billing server, an object management method, an object management program, and a computer-readable recording medium which records the object management program, which enables more accurate management of the object. To provide.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, an object management system according to the present invention comprises at least one reading means for reading information of stored objects, which are connected to each other by a network. At least one or more for storing an object, which has at least one or more detecting means for detecting whether or not the object has been stored, and at least one or more control means for transmitting the reading result by the reading means and the detection result by the detecting means. Storage device, at least one management server that performs a storage process for storing an object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading means and the detection result by the detection means transmitted from the storage device; At least one charging process is performed based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from the device. And a charging server of the above.

The storage processing by the management server is
The process of requesting the delivery of the product to the storage device is included.

The reading means is a bar code reader.

Further, the object includes at least one of paper, toner and thermal paper.

The information of the object read by the reading means includes information on the type of the object.

Further, the billing process performed by the billing server is as follows.
The process includes calculating the unit price of the product.

The reading means reads information when an object is taken out from the storage device.

Further, the control means transmits the reading result by the reading means when an object is taken out from the storage device.

The reading means reads information when an object is stored in the storage device.

Further, the control means transmits the reading result by the reading means when an object is stored in the storage device.

Furthermore, the storage device according to the present invention comprises at least one reading means for reading the information of the stored object,
A storage device for storing an object having at least one or more detection means for detecting whether or not the object has been stored and at least one or more control means for transmitting the reading result by the reading means and the detection result by the detection means. At least one management server that performs a storage process of an object in the storage device based on a reading result by the reading means and a detection result by the detection means transmitted from the storage device, and the storage A network is connected to at least one billing server that performs a billing process based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from the device.

Further, in a storage device for storing a consumable item capable of communicating with an external device, a recognition unit for recognizing a type of the extracted consumable item and a type of the consumable item recognized by the recognition unit are stored in the external device. And a transmitting means for transmitting.

Further, the management server according to the present invention has at least one reading means for reading the information of the stored object, and at least one for detecting whether or not the object is stored.
The storage connected to at least one storage device for storing an object, which has at least one control unit for transmitting the detection result by the detection unit and the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detection unit, through a network. A management server for storing an object in the storage device on the basis of a reading result by the reading unit and a detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from an apparatus, wherein the reading unit is transmitted by the storing unit. A network is connected to at least one billing server that performs billing processing based on the reading result and the detection result of the detection means.

Further, the billing server according to the present invention has at least one reading means for reading the information of the stored object, and at least one for detecting whether or not the object is stored.
At least one storage device for storing an object having at least one control device for transmitting the reading result by the detection device and the reading device and the detection result by the detection device, and transmitted from the storage device. The transmission from the storage device connected via a network to at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading device and the detection result by the detection device. The billing process is performed based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit.

Further, in the object management method according to the present invention, a reading step in which the storage device reads the stored information of the object,
A detecting step of detecting whether or not the object is stored, a transmitting step of transmitting the reading result in the reading step and the detecting result of the detecting step, and a reading step in which a management server transmits from the storage device. Storing the object in the storage device based on the reading result in the storage device and the detection result in the detecting process, and the charging server charging process based on the reading result and the detection result transmitted from the storage device. And a step of performing.

Further, a step of recognizing a type of the extracted consumable item by a storage device for storing the consumable item capable of communicating with the external device, and a step of transmitting the recognized type of the consumable item to the external device. Have.

Further, the object management program according to the present invention, the storage device, the reading means for reading the information of the stored object, the detection means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and the reading result by the reading means. A step of causing the management server to function as a control means for transmitting the detection result by the detection means, and the management server for the object based on the reading result by the reading means and the detection result by the detection means transmitted from the storage device. A step of functioning as means for performing storage processing in the storage device, and a function of means for performing accounting processing based on the reading result by the reading means and the detection result by the detection means transmitted from the storage device. And a step of

Further, at least one reading means for reading information of stored objects, which are connected to each other via a network, at least one detecting means for detecting whether or not the objects are stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one for storing an object having at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means
The storage device described above, at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detection unit transmitted from the storage device; An object management program applied to an object management system, comprising: at least one charging server that performs a charging process based on a reading result by the reading unit and a detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from a storage device. And causing the storage device to read the information of the stored object, detect whether the object is stored, and transmit the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit.

Further, at least one or more reading means for reading information of stored objects connected to each other via a network, at least one or more detecting means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one for storing an object having at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means
The storage device described above, at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detection unit transmitted from the storage device; An object management program applied to an object management system, comprising: at least one charging server that performs a charging process based on a reading result by the reading unit and a detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from a storage device. And a step of causing the management server to perform a storage process of an object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading means and the detection result by the detection means transmitted from the storage device.

[0028] Further, at least one reading means for reading information of stored objects, which are connected to each other via a network, at least one detecting means for detecting whether or not the objects are stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one for storing an object having at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means
The storage device described above, at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detection unit transmitted from the storage device; An object management program applied to an object management system, comprising: at least one charging server that performs a charging process based on a reading result by the reading unit and a detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from a storage device. Then, the billing server is caused to perform billing processing based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from the storage device.

Further, the storage device for storing the consumables that can communicate with the external device recognizes the type of the extracted consumables, and the type of the consumables recognized by the recognition means is the external device. To function as a transmission means for transmitting to.

Further, the computer-readable recording medium recording the management program of the object according to the present invention, the storage device, the reading means for reading the information of the stored object, detects whether or not the object is stored. A step of functioning as a control means for transmitting a reading result by the detecting means and the reading means and a detecting result by the detecting means; and a management server, the reading result by the reading means transmitted from the storage device and the detecting means by the detecting means. A step of functioning as a means for storing the object in the storage device on the basis of the detection result; and a billing server for the reading result by the reading means and the detection result by the detection means transmitted from the storage device. Based on the above, a management program for an object having a step of functioning as a means for performing a charging process based on the above is recorded.

Further, at least one reading means for reading information of stored objects, which are connected to each other via a network, at least one detecting means for detecting whether or not the objects are stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one for storing an object having at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means
The storage device described above, at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detection unit transmitted from the storage device; Recording an object management program applied to an object management system including at least one charging server that performs a charging process based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from the storage device. A computer-readable recording medium, which causes the storage device to read the information of the stored object and detect whether the object is stored, the reading result by the reading unit and the detection by the detecting unit. The result management program was recorded with the step of sending the results.

Further, at least one or more reading means for reading information of stored objects, which are connected to each other via a network, at least one or more detecting means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one for storing an object having at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means
The storage device described above, at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detection unit transmitted from the storage device; Recording an object management program applied to an object management system including at least one charging server that performs a charging process based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from the storage device. The computer-readable recording medium, wherein the management server stores the object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from the storage device. A control program of the things with the steps to be performed was recorded.

Further, at least one or more reading means for reading information of stored objects, which are connected to each other via a network, at least one or more detecting means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one for storing an object having at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means
The storage device described above, at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detection unit transmitted from the storage device; Recording an object management program applied to an object management system including at least one charging server that performs a charging process based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from the storage device. And a computer-readable recording medium for controlling the charging server to perform a charging process based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from the storage device. Recorded.

Further, the storage device for storing the consumables capable of communicating with the external device recognizes the type of the extracted consumables, and the type of the consumables recognized by the recognition means is the external device. The management program of the thing for making it function as a transmission means to transmit to was recorded.

Here, the billing process by the billing server includes, for example, a process of calculating the price of a product taken out from the storage device and notifying the user of the calculated price or billing the calculated price. .

For example, as a method of notifying the user of the price, there is a method of sending the amount of the price by electronic mail, and as a method of billing the user of the price, for example, a method of sending a bill to the user. is there.

Further, as the charging processing by the charging server,
For example, a server of a financial institution such as a bank that manages a user's account and a billing server are connected by a network,
It may be a process of deducting the price of the item calculated by the charging server from the user's account.

[0038]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be illustratively described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions of the components described in this embodiment,
Unless otherwise specified, the material, the shape, the relative arrangement, and the like are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto.

Further, in the following drawings, the same members as those described in the above drawings are designated by the same reference numerals. Further, the description of the embodiment of the object management system according to the present invention, which will be described below, includes the storage device, the management server, and
It also serves as a description of an embodiment of a billing server, a product management method, a product management program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the product management program.

(First Embodiment of Object Management System) A first embodiment of an object management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a first embodiment of an object management system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the first embodiment of the object management system according to the present invention includes a storage device 101 connected to the Internet 109, a management server 103, and a charging server 105.

Further, the storage device 101 is the storage device 101.
A control device 107 is provided as control means that is a component of the present invention for controlling the overall operation. However, the present invention is
The present invention is not limited to the case where the control device 107 is provided in the storage device 101, and the storage device 101 and the control device 1 are not limited thereto.
07 is a separate device, and between them is a LAN,
It may be connected by a wireless LAN, a WAN, a wireless network based on Bluetooth (trademark), or another network.

However, in the object management system according to the present invention, the number of storage devices, management servers, and billing servers is not limited to one as shown in FIG. It can be any number.

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention provides a new consumables management method using a storage device connectable to a network.

The storage device 101 shown in FIG. 1 will be further described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the storage device 101 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the storage device 101,
Monochrome toner, color toner, A3 paper, A4 paper, B4 paper, and the like, which are components of the present invention,
Various objects 203 such as B3 paper are stored. However, the constituent element of the present invention may be any one other than the above examples as long as it does not violate the gist of the present invention.

Here, in this embodiment, for example, a consumable stocker is assumed as the storage device. The consumables stocker is used for stocking consumables as the object 203, such as toner, paper, and thermal paper, which are used by copiers, fax machines, printers and the like at the user's destination. belongs to.

As shown in FIG. 2, the storage device 101 can be connected to a network by using a network cable 201.

Further, when the storage device 101 takes out or replenishes a consumable item for office equipment, it is possible to determine the type from the model number of the consumable item.

In order to determine the model number of the consumable item, the storage device of this embodiment is equipped with a bar code reader for reading the bar code printed on the exterior of the consumable item for office equipment.

Of course, in the article management system according to the present invention, the device for determining the type from the model number of the consumable item is not limited to the bar code reader, and the model number of the consumable item can be determined by any other method. It is possible to identify.

For example, a sensor is provided in each box of the storage device 101, and the sensor reads the model number stored in the non-volatile memory provided in the consumable product in a non-contact manner. The storage device 101 may be made to read the information detected by the sensor by detecting whether the product is stored in the storage base or the model number of the consumable product extracted from the storage base. .

Alternatively, when the consumable item is newly delivered to a predetermined box on the storage base, the model number of the consumable product stored in the storage base by the service man through the operation section as shown in FIG. 18 described later. Corresponding to the box and make it input in advance,
If the information is read and managed by an external device via a network and the predetermined item and the box are managed in association with each other, it is only necessary to detect that the item is extracted from the box. It is possible to remotely control whether or not various articles have been extracted.

The storage device 101 also notifies the management server installed in the dealer or the like of the read information such as the model number and the number of consumables. Here, the storage device 101 is
It is also possible to store the read price table of the consumables and transmit the price of the consumables to the management server and / or the billing server together with the information such as the model number and the number of the consumables.

Here, it is assumed that the consumable supplies for office equipment in the storage device installed at the user's site have been replenished to the user's site in advance by the dealer who purchased the office equipment. Details will be described later.

Next, the storage device 101 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the storage device 101 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of the type identifying operation of the storage device 101 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a storage device shown in FIG. 1
01 is a schematic view of the storage device 101 shown in FIG.
3 is an internal configuration diagram of a control device 107 included in FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, the storage device 1
Toners 01, paper 303, and paper 305 are stored as consumables in each storage box 01.

However, the number of objects stored in the storage device in the object management system according to the present invention is not limited to three as shown in FIG. 3, and may be any other number. Further, the stored items are not limited to toner and paper, and may be other arbitrary items.

Further, the storage device 101 has bar code readers 307, 309 and 311 as a reading means which is a constituent element of the present invention for reading the bar codes 313, 315 and 317 attached to the stored items. It is equipped.

Each bar code reader reads the bar code attached to each object and sends the read information to the control device 107.

The bar code reading operation by the bar code reader shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the bar code reader 403 shown in FIG. 3, the bar code 401 attached to the object 405 is generally used even if the object 405 moves in any direction up, down, left or right. It is possible to read.

As will be described later, this is stored when an object is stored in the storage device or is taken out,
Alternatively, it is for identifying the taken-out item.

Next, the object detection sensor provided in the storage device 101 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the storage device 101, at least one detection sensor 501 as a detection means which is a constituent element of the present invention is provided in each storage base 503.
Is provided.

The detection sensor 501 detects whether or not an object is stored in each storage base 503 and whether or not the stored object is taken out. Then, the detection sensor 501 transmits the detection result to the control device 107.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, a mechanical detection sensor is used as the detection sensor, but an optical sensor or the like may be used as the detection sensor.

Further, the number of the detection sensors may be an arbitrary number of 1 or more, and the arrangement position thereof may be an arbitrary position such as a side surface or a top surface of the storage base 503 as long as an object can be detected. Good to have

Next, the control device 107 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 107
Is a CPU (Central Processing)
Unit) 601, input device 602, and main storage device 6
03, an output device 604, an auxiliary storage device 605, a clock device 606, and a communication device 609.

The CPU 601 is a member conceived as an alias processing device, and a central part of the control unit 607 and a control unit 607 which sends an instruction to each device in the system to control the operation thereof and performs a digital data arithmetic process. And an arithmetic unit 608 for performing the calculation.

The control unit 607 reads the data input from the input device 602 or a given procedure (for example, program or software) into the main storage device 603 according to the timing of the clock generated by the clock device 606,
An instruction is sent to the arithmetic unit 608 based on the read contents to perform arithmetic processing. The result of this arithmetic processing is transmitted to an internal device such as the main storage device 603, the output device 604, and the auxiliary storage device 605 or an external device under the control of the control unit 607.

The input device 602 is a member for inputting various data, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device, a touch panel, a mouse pad, and a CC.
D camera, card reader, paper tape reader,
A magnetic tape device or the like can be considered.

The main memory device 603 is a member that is considered as another name of a memory, and is a member that refers to all of the addressable storage space used for executing instructions in the processing device and the internal storage device. This main memory device 603
Is mainly composed of a semiconductor memory element, stores and holds an input program and data, and controls the controller 60.
According to the instruction of 7, the stored and held data is read out to, for example, a register.

A RAM (Random Access) is used as a semiconductor memory element forming the main memory device 603.
Memory) and ROM (Read Only Me)
More) and the like.

The output device 604 is a member for outputting the calculation result of the calculation device 608, and corresponds to, for example, a CRT, a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal display or other display device, a printing device such as a printer, a voice output device, or the like. To do.

The auxiliary storage device 605 is a member for supplementing the storage capacity of the main storage device 603, and is, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a CD by a magnetic disk device, an optical disk device, a semiconductor disk device, or the like. -ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-
ROM, DVD-R, DVD + RW, DVD-RW, D
VD-RAM, MO, etc. correspond.

The communication device 609 is a device for communicating with an external network, and appropriately performs data transmission / reception, digital-analog conversion, etc. according to the connected network.

That is, the communication device 609 is, for example, a dial-up router or a router, a DSU, or an ADSL, depending on the network to be connected.
It may be a modem or a CATV modem. In this embodiment, for example, it is a router.

Here, the above-mentioned devices are mutually connected by an address bus or a data bus.

The numbers of the main storage device 603 and the auxiliary storage device 605 are not limited to one each.
Any number may be used. These, the main storage device 60
3 and the number of auxiliary storage devices 605 increases, the fault tolerance of the control device 107 improves accordingly.

The various programs according to the present invention are stored (recorded) in at least one of the main storage device 603 and the auxiliary storage device 605.

Therefore, the computer-readable recording medium recording the program according to the present invention corresponds to at least one of the main storage device 603 and the auxiliary storage device 605.

In the description of the present invention and this embodiment, the computer-readable recording medium includes a server-readable recording medium and a client-readable recording medium.

Here, in the present invention, the program applied to the system means an individual program applied to each of the computer, the server, the database, and the device which configure the system, and an individual program applied to each such. Applicable to any combination of programs and all such programs as applicable to each of them.

That is, in the computer-readable recording medium recording the program according to the present invention, all the steps are recorded in one device even if the program realizing the processing of the system includes a plurality of steps. May be realized as a recording medium, or a plurality of such steps can be realized by providing a recording medium in which any part of the plurality of steps is recorded in any device constituting the system. A computer-readable recording medium in which the program according to the present invention is recorded, in which an arbitrary device is equipped with a recording medium in which any part of the steps is recorded to realize system processing as a plurality of recording media as a whole. May be configured.

Further, the auxiliary storage device 605 shown in FIG.
Functions as a database that stores various information.
A database generally means a set of information (data), but in this specification, not only has such a conceptual meaning, but a database refers to a physical database that stores information. It also means a magnetic recording medium such as a server or a hard disk, or an optical recording medium such as an optical disk.

As the database, not only the auxiliary storage device 605 but also a database server connected to this server may be used.

Next, the flow until the consumable item of the user's destination is taken out of the storage device and replenished will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the operation of the object management system shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the object management system shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the operation of the object management system shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of information used in the object management system shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the operation of the object management system shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the Internet 7
The storage device 701 exchanges consumable information and charging information with the charging server and the management server 703 via 09.

Further, the management server 703 makes a replenishment request to the consumable goods supplier 705 as a component of the present invention, which is a shipping request process.

Then, the consumable item is replenished in the storage device 701 by the delivery person 707.

The above operation will be further described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, when the user runs out of toner or the like, the user takes out the toner or the like that matches the target office equipment from the storage device at the user's destination (step 80).
1).

The storage device reads the information on the taken-out consumables, for example, a barcode, and notifies the consumables management server installed in the dealer etc. of the model number information and the number of the consumables.

The consumables management server, which has received the information on the consumables taken out by the user from the storage device,
Based on the user information, the model number and the quantity, the charging server is notified of the information, and at the same time, the consumables supplier is notified of the information (step 803).

The consumables management server and billing server are
Needless to say, the same server may be used, and the dealer and the consumables supplier may be the same.

Upon receipt of the information, the billing server calculates the price from the model number and quantity of the consumable item, and bills the user who used the consumable item for the payment (step 809).

When the user pays the price (step 807), the information is notified to the billing server, and the billing server deposits the consumables supplier (step 811).

Further, the consumable goods supplier who has received the user information and the information such as the model number and the quantity of the consumable goods from the consumable goods management server (step 805), replenishes the consumable goods to the storage device of the user. (Step 817),
The user's storage device is always filled with consumables (step 813).

It is also possible to notify the management server of information regarding the replenished consumables at the time of replenishment, and to notify that the replenishment is completed (step 815).

Next, the consumables management processing operation in the storage device will be described with reference to FIG. The operation of the control device shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is performed by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 6 by the main storage device 603 and the auxiliary storage device 6.
It is realized by cooperating with the program stored in 05.

First, in step 90, the storage device determines whether the consumable supplies for office equipment have been taken out or replenished.
Judgment in 1.

The determination as to whether it has been taken out or replenished is
It is possible to make a determination using a detection sensor provided in the storage device.

If it is determined in step 901 that the state of the consumables inside the storage device has changed, the process proceeds to step 903, and if there is no change, the process ends.

At step 903, the information as the type information as the constituent element of the present invention regarding the model number, the quantity and the state of the consumables which are considered to have changed in the storage device is shown in the format shown in FIG. create.

In FIG. 10, the model number is information for identifying a consumable item that has been removed and inserted, and is read by a bar code reader provided in the storage device.

Further, the number of the expended consumables and the replenished consumables is held as a quantity.

The state is set such that 0 is set when the office equipment expendable item indicated by the model number is taken out and 1 is set when it is replenished so that the state of the expendable item can be identified. .

In step 905, the information shown in FIG. 10 created in step 903 can be used to identify the user, such as the user ID registered in the dealer and the ID number of the storage device. Is added, the information shown in FIG. 11 is notified to the management server, and the process is terminated.

Here, the user ID and the ID of the storage device are set by the service person when the storage device is set, or are set according to an instruction from an external server via the network. It is assumed in the present invention that the ID is a different ID.

The various IDs are held in the non-volatile storage means of the storage device and are included in the transmission data as needed. Further, the setting of the ID is performed via the operation unit as described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the flow of processing in the management server installed in the dealer or the like will be described with reference to FIG. The operation of the control device shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is the program stored in the main storage device 603 or the auxiliary storage device 605 by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 6 when the configuration of FIG. 6 is applied to the management server. It is realized by cooperating with.

[0116] In step 1201, the storage device shown in FIG.
The information as shown in 1 is received. If the received information includes information that the storage device at the user's destination has been replenished with consumables, it is assumed that replenishment of the consumables has been completed.

In step 1203, step 1201
Based on the information received in, the model number and quantity of the used (extracted) office machine consumables are notified to the billing server together with the user information.

In step 1205, a consumable goods supplier is informed of a replenishment instruction of the consumable goods based on the information of the used consumable goods. There are various possible ways to notify,
Instructions for replenishment are given to the terminals installed in the consumables supplier by notifying the user information (user ID), the model number and quantity of the consumables via a predetermined communication line, and displaying the information. It is generally considered to be done.

In the billing server notified of the information in step 1205, the user is billed for the price using the model number and quantity of the consumables used and the price information held in the billing server.

Of course, the price information held inside the billing server changes according to the purchase price and market trends, and it is also possible to make individual settings such as discounts depending on the user's purchase frequency. is there.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the article management system of the present invention, the barcodes 313, 315, 317 attached to articles such as consumables are read by the barcode readers 307, 309, 311. In addition to the reading, the detection sensor 501 determines whether the object is stored or taken out.

Therefore, if there is a used product,
It is possible to immediately detect this and notify the dealer and the supplier of the number and type thereof, and it is possible to reduce the user's out-of-stock even if the item is, for example, a consumable item.

Further, it is possible for the user to place an order for an item at an appropriate timing, and it is possible to reduce a large number of orders and a stock out.

That is, in this system, the consumables are held in the storage device connectable to the network, the consumables are removed from the storage device when the user (or the customer) needs them, and the consumables are classified by the timing. It is judged and charged, and the information is sent to the computer of a consumables management company such as a dealer to notify the replenishment, and by monitoring the replenishment completion notification, the replenishment omission is prevented and the user does not have to pay extra money. It is possible to reduce the worry of running out of consumables.

Here, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the bar code readers 307, 309, and 311 are installed on the side surface of the storage device, but the bar code readers according to the present invention have such a configuration. It is not limited to such cases.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a bar code reader 1305 for reading a bar code 1303 of an object.
1307 and 1309 may be arranged on the ceiling of the storage unit, for example. Here, FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a modified example of the storage device shown in FIG. However, in FIG. 13, the detection sensor included in the storage device is not shown for simplification.

Further, in the above embodiment, the bar code reader is used as the means for identifying the type of the article, but the invention is not limited to such a case of the article management system according to the present invention.

That is, a magnetic reader may be used as the means for identifying the type of the object.

The magnetic reader in this case is preferably a non-contact type magnetic reader, for example.

Further, in this case, magnetic information is attached to the object instead of the bar code.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the bar code readers 307, 309, 311 and the control device 107 are connected by a cable.
B between 7, 309, 311 and the controller 107
The control device 107 may be physically separated from the storage device 101 by connecting via a wireless interface such as Bluetooth (trademark).

(Second Embodiment of Object Management System) Next, a second embodiment of the object management system according to the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, description has been made assuming that the storage device 101 is directly connected to the network, but the connection form of the storage device 101 according to the present invention is not limited to that.

In the second embodiment, a local area network (to be referred to as a LAN hereinafter) installed in an office or the like.
The form in which the storage device 101 is connected will be described, and further characteristic parts of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example in which the storage device 101 is connected to a LAN. Personal computer 140
1. Storage device 1403 (corresponding to the storage device 101 in FIG. 1)
Since it has at least the same configuration and function as those of FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 14, the personal computer 1401 has an Internet 1407.
The management server 1408 is connected via the. This management server 1408 is the management server 103 shown in FIG.
Corresponding to.

Further, FIG. 15 shows a typical block diagram of an image forming apparatus such as the printer 1402, the copying machine 1404 and the multifunction machine 1405. However, the present invention is not limited to the case where one or more printers 1402, copying machines 1404, and multifunction machines 1405 are provided as shown in FIG. 15, and the printer 1402, copying machine 1404,
It suffices if at least one of the multifunction peripherals 1405 is provided with one or more.

As shown in FIG. 15, the printer 140
2. The image forming apparatus such as the copying machine 1404 and the multifunction peripheral 1405 has at least a detection unit 150 that detects a consumable item exhaustion.
1. For example, a personal computer 1401 connected to the information detected by the detection unit 1501 on the network
A communication unit 1502 that can be transmitted to and notified.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus such as the printer 1402, the copying machine 1404, and the multifunction machine 1405 includes a conveying roller and a resist roller for conveying a sheet material for forming an image and an original. A sheet feeding unit 1503 including a motor and an image forming unit 1504 including a photosensitive drum that forms an image on a sheet material.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus such as the printer 1402, the copying machine 1404, and the multifunction machine 1405 has an image processing unit 15 for processing an image to be output.
05, and a control unit 15 that controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus.
06 (including at least a central processing unit).

Next, the operation of the second embodiment of the object management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a process when the consumable item information detected by the office equipment such as a printer is received via the LAN in the second embodiment of the object management system according to the present invention. 14 is processed by the personal computer 1401 shown in FIG.

When the process of each step shown in FIG. 14 is applied to the configuration of the personal computer 1401, the CPU 601 cooperates with the programs stored in the main storage device 603 and the auxiliary storage device 605. It is realized by

Here, the personal computer 1401
Although it is assumed in the present invention that an information processing device normally used by a user is used together, the object of the present invention can be achieved as long as it is a server device having a configuration as shown in FIG. .

First, the personal computer 1401
In S1601, receives and acquires the consumable item information detected by each office device transmitted via the LAN 1406.

This consumable item information includes at least an ID that identifies the consumable item that has run out of consumable item or the device in which the consumable item is used.

The personal computer 1401 uses S1
Based on the consumable item information acquired in 601, the model number of the consumable item that needs to be replenished, that is, the consumable item that has run out of consumable items is specified (step 1602).

For the identification, for example, a storage unit of the personal computer 1401 stores a table in which the ID included in the consumable item information corresponds to the consumable item or the model number of the image forming apparatus using the consumable item. It will be realized by leaving it. The present invention also contemplates a form in which the ID acquired in S1601 is made to correspond to information indicating the model number of a consumable item.

When the model number (model information) of the image forming apparatus is specified, the personal computer 1401 uses the table for specifying the consumable item in association with the model information, thereby specifying the model number of the consumable item. .

When the model number of the consumable item that has run out is specified, the personal computer 1401 identifies which storage base of the storage device 1403 connected to the LAN stores the specified consumable item. (Step 1
603).

That is, the storage information of the storage device 1403 is managed in advance in the storage section of the personal computer 1401, and it is managed what kind of consumable item corresponds to each of the plurality of storage bases of the storage device 1403. Has been done. In addition, information such as whether or not the plurality of storage bases currently require replenishment is also managed.

Next, in step 1603, the personal computer 1401 identifies the storage platform,
In order to make it easy for the user to extract a new consumable item from the storage device, the display section of the personal computer 1401 displays the consumable item to be extracted by the user in a distinguishable manner (step 1604).

As another form, the storage device 1403.
When a display unit is provided in the storage device 1403, the display information of the storage device 1403 can be replaced with a process of transmitting the display information to the storage device 1403 in order to display the identification information.

Further, as the display state for identifying the identifiable storage base, for example, a display state such as "please remove the consumables of the printer A from the storage base 3" is assumed. The present invention is not limited to this, and may be a pattern or the like, and an LED provided on each storage base may be turned on.

By the processing of FIG. 16, the user can easily know from which of the plurality of storage stands the consumable article should be taken out when the consumable article runs out.

FIG. 16 shows the personal computer 1.
Although the processing of 401 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the functions of the personal computer 1401 are incorporated into the storage device 1403, so that the storage device 1
A mode in which the processing shown in FIG. 16 is executed by 403 is also envisioned in the present invention.

The management server 1 having the processing functions of the personal computer 1401 connected to the outside via the personal computer 1401 and the Internet 1407.
A mode to be executed by 408 is also envisioned in the present invention, and details thereof will be described with reference to FIG. 17 below.

Next, the operation when the processing of FIG. 16 is executed by the management server 1408 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 shows the consumable information detected by the management server shown in FIG.
It is a flow chart of processing when it receives via LAN.

The processing of each step in FIG.
When the above configuration is applied to the management server 1408 described above, the CPU 601 shown in FIG.
And the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 605.

In step 1701, the management server 1408 receives the user information for specifying the user and the consumable item information detected by each office device.

Here, the user information can correspond to an ID for identifying a user who is using the office equipment, or a serial number attached to the office equipment.

The consumable item information is the same as that described in FIG. The information is transmitted directly from the office equipment body via the Internet 1407, or once the personal computer 1
What is collected by office equipment consumables information 401 and transmitted from the personal computer 1401 via the Internet 1407, or by the storage device 1403 which collects office equipment consumables information and stored from the storage device 1403 to the Internet 1407. In the present invention, it is assumed that the data is transmitted via the Internet.

At step 1702, the management server 1
Reference numeral 408 denotes the storage device 14 corresponding to the received user information.
The information of No. 03 is searched from the storage unit, and the model number of the consumable item corresponding to the consumable item information is specified.

The identification means that information indicating the status of the storage device 1403 for each user (the number of model numbers of stored consumables, etc.) is managed in advance in the storage unit of the management server 1408. As for the table for specifying the model number of the consumable item, the same table as that described in the flowchart of FIG. 16 is stored and managed in the management server 1408.

In step 1703, the status of the specified storage device 1403 is checked by the management server 1408, and it is checked in which storage base of the storage device 1403 the consumable item of the model number specified in step 1702 is stored. , Specified.

In step 1704, step 1703 is executed.
The information for notifying the user of the storage base from which the consumable item specified in step 3 is to be identifiable is transmitted from the management server 1408 to the device on the user side. Display based on the transmitted information is performed.

The personal computer 1401, the storage device 1403, the office equipment, and the like shown in FIG. 14 are assumed as any of the devices, and are displayed on the display unit provided in any of the devices.

Also, a personal computer 1401
In step 1704, the information transmitted from the management server 1408 is received, and thereafter, the personal computer 1401 displays the information for identifying the storage stand on the display unit of each office equipment and storage device 1403 via the LAN. Forms are also envisioned in the present invention.

Next, the operation display section in the storage device 1403 when a consumable item is removed from the storage device 1403 will be described.

FIG. 18 shows the storage device 14 shown in FIG.
23 is a schematic diagram of an operation unit for inputting a password for opening the door when the storage device is provided with a door with a lock in FIG. The operation unit shown in FIG.
When the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 14 is applied to the storage device shown in FIG. 14, it is mainly configured by the CPU 601, the input device 602, and the output device 604 of FIG.

Reference numerals 1801 and 1802 denote display units for displaying the user ID and password input via the input button 1803.

The input button 1803 is a button corresponding to input of alphanumeric characters, special symbols and the like. Input button 1803
When the ID and password for the administrator are input via the, the storage device main body determines whether the ID and password are correct, and if it is determined to be correct, the door is unlocked.

By thus providing the storage device 1403 with the lock function, it is possible to prevent unauthorized removal of consumables and avoid accidental charging of consumables.
Further, it is assumed that the ID and password have been notified to the administrator in advance by using e-mail or the like.

Further, the storage device 140 shown in FIG.
The process relating to the used consumable item executed by the process 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 shows a storage device 1403.
When the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 6 is applied to the storage device shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 601 shown in FIG.
3 and the programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 605.

When a new consumable item is extracted, the storage device 140 prompts the user to store the expendable item that is to be replaced with the extracted expendable item, that is, the used expendable item.
No. 3 is displayed on the display unit (step 1901).

Further, the display may be displayed on the display unit of the personal computer 1401 or each office equipment connected to the storage device 1403 shown in FIG. 14 via the LAN. As a result, the user's attention can be more urged.

At step 1902, it is determined whether or not the consumable item has been stored. This determination is realized by determining whether or not the consumable item having the ID that matches the previously extracted consumable item ID (history information) is stored again.

Here, the reading of the ID of the consumable item is realized by the bar code reader described in the first embodiment, or magnetic information attached to the consumable item or provided on the consumable item. It is determined by reading the ID information and the like stored in the non-volatile storage means.

The history information of the expendables that have been extracted before may be stored and managed in the storage unit in the storage device 1403, or external information may be stored every time the expendables are extracted or stored. Alternatively, the detection information may be transmitted to the management server 1408 of FIG.

Further, the notification of the information to the external device may be performed by the storage device 1403 itself if the storage device 1403 has a function capable of directly communicating with an external device. Alternatively, the information may be transmitted to the management server 1408 via the personal computer 1401.

If it is determined No at step 1902, the storage device 1403 continues to display a message prompting the user to store the used consumables, and if it is determined yes, step 1903 is performed.
Process shifts to.

In step 1903, the storage device 1
The 403 performs a process of notifying (transmitting) the information in which the used consumable items are stored to the management server 1408 connected to the outside via the Internet.

The external management server 1408 can know that the used consumables are present in the storage device 1403, and can be used to make a recovery plan for the consumables.

For example, information indicating that collection and replenishment of new consumables is performed is generated in the external management server 1408, and is generated in the information processing device such as a mobile terminal used by the person who actually carries out delivery and collection. An application form that distributes information is envisioned in the present invention, and it is possible to realize a mechanism that enables new consumables and used consumables to be collected at the same time. It is possible to obtain effects such as increased efficiency.

The process of step 1902 is replaced with a process of reading the ID (consumable item information) of the used expendable item stored in the storage device 1403, and a mode following step 1903 is also envisioned in the present invention.

[0185]

As described above, according to the present invention, the user is not required to pay the price until the consumable item is really needed, so that the fund management becomes easy.

Further, it is possible to always have the consumables for office equipment which will be needed in the future at hand, and to reduce the risk that the consumables will run out.

[0187] Further, it is possible to replenish consumable items without placing an order, and convenience can be improved.

Further, it is possible to save the consumable goods inventory space at the dealer or the consumable goods company.

By monitoring the completion of replenishment, leakage of replenishment can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a first embodiment of an object management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a storage device 101 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the storage device 101 shown in FIG.

4 is a conceptual diagram of a type identifying operation of the storage device 101 shown in FIG.

5 is a schematic diagram of the storage device 101 shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

6 is an internal configuration diagram of a control device 107 included in the storage device 101 shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an operation conceptual diagram of the object management system shown in FIG.

8 is a flowchart of the operation of the object management system shown in FIG.

9 is a flowchart of the operation of the object management system shown in FIG.

10 is a conceptual diagram of information used in the object management system shown in FIG.

11 is a conceptual diagram of information used in the object management system shown in FIG.

12 is a flowchart of the operation of the object management system shown in FIG.

13 is a schematic view of a modified example of the storage device shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram in which a storage device is connected to a local area network in the second embodiment of the object management system according to the present invention.

15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus such as a printer 1402, a copying machine 1404, a multifunction machine 1405 shown in FIG.

16 is a flowchart of the operation of the personal computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of processing when the management server shown in FIG. 14 receives consumable item information detected by an office device such as a printer via a LAN.

18 is an external view of an operation unit having a display unit of the storage device shown in FIG.

19 is a flowchart of the operation of the storage device shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 storage device 103 management server 105 billing server 107 control device 109 Internet 201 network cable 203 things 301 toner 303,305 sheets 307, 309, 311 Bar code reader 313, 315, 317 barcode 401 bar code 403 Bar code reader 405 objects 501 detection sensor 503 storage stand 601 CPU 602 Input device 603 main memory 604 Output device 605 Auxiliary storage device 606 clock device 607 Control unit 608 arithmetic unit 609 Communication device 701 Storage device 703 Management server 705 Consumables Supplier 707 delivery person 709 Internet 1303 barcode 1305, 1307, 1309 Bar code reader 1401 personal computer 1402 printer 1403 storage device 1404 Copier 1405 MFP 1406 LAN 1407 Internet 1408 Management server 1801, 1802 display 1803 Input button

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 17/60 502 G06F 17/60 502 ZEC ZEC G06K 17/00 G06K 17/00 LF term (reference) 2C061 AP01 HJ08 HJ10 HK11 HP00 HP06 2H027 EJ08 EJ13 ZA07 3F022 FF01 MM02 MM03 MM08 MM28 MM35 PP04 5B058 CA40 KA02 KA04 YA20

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. Connected to each other by a network,
At least one or more reading means for reading information of the stored object, at least one or more detecting means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and a reading result by the reading means and a detection result by the detecting means. At least one storage device for storing an object, which has at least one control means, and the storage device for an object based on the reading result by the reading device and the detection result by the detecting device transmitted from the storage device. At least one management server that performs storage processing in the storage device, and at least one charging server that performs charging processing based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detection unit transmitted from the storage device. Management system for things. 2. The storage process by the management server includes a process of requesting a shipment of the product to the storage device.
Item management system described in. 3. The object management system according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit is a bar code reader. 4. The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the article includes at least one of paper, toner, and thermal paper. 5. The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the information of the article read by the reading unit includes information on the type of the article. 6. The item management system according to claim 1, wherein the billing process performed by the billing server includes a process of calculating a unit price of the item. 7. The object management system according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit reads information when an object is taken out from the storage device. 8. The object management system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits a reading result by the reading unit when an object is taken out from the storage device. 9. The object management system according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit reads information when an object is stored in the storage device. 10. The object management system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits a reading result by the reading unit when an object is stored in the storage device. 11. At least one or more reading means for reading information on a stored object, at least one or more detecting means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and a reading result by the reading means and detection by the detecting means. A storage device for storing an object, the storage device having at least one or more control means for transmitting the result, the object being based on the reading result by the reading means and the detection result by the detecting means transmitted from the storage device. At least one management server that performs storage processing in the storage device, and at least one or more that performs charging processing based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detection unit transmitted from the storage device. A storage device connected to a billing server via a network. 12. A storage device for storing a consumable item capable of communicating with an external device, the recognizing unit recognizing a type of the extracted consumable item, and the type of the consumable item recognized by the recognizing unit in the external device. A storage device comprising: a transmission unit for transmitting. 13. At least one or more reading means for reading information on a stored object, at least one or more detecting means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and a reading result by the reading means and detection by the detecting means. A result of reading by the reading means transmitted from the storage device and a detection by the detecting means, which is connected to at least one or more storage devices for storing things by a network and has at least one or more control means for transmitting the result. A management server for storing an object in the storage device based on the result, and performing a charging process based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from the storage device. A management server connected to at least one or more billing servers via a network. 14. At least one or more reading means for reading information on a stored object, at least one or more detecting means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and a reading result by the reading means and detection by the detecting means. Based on at least one storage device for storing an object, which has at least one control means for transmitting the result, and a reading result by the reading device and a detection result by the detecting device, which are transmitted from the storage device. A bill is charged based on a reading result by the reading unit and a detection result by the detecting unit, which are transmitted from the storing device and are connected by a network to at least one management server that performs a storing process of the object in the storing device. A billing server that performs processing. 15. A reading step in which a storage device reads information on a stored object, a detection step for detecting whether or not the object is stored, a reading result in the reading step, and a detection result in the detecting step. And a step of causing the management server to store the object in the storage device based on the reading result in the reading process and the detection result in the detection process transmitted from the storage device, A method of managing an article, comprising: a server performing a charging process based on a reading result and a detection result transmitted from the storage device. 16. A storage device storing a consumable item capable of communicating with an external device, recognizing a type of the extracted consumable item, and transmitting the recognized type of the consumable item to the external device. The management method of the thing which has. 17. A storage device, a reading means for reading information of a stored object, a detecting means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and a reading result by the reading means and a detection result by the detecting means. And a management server as means for performing storage processing of an object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading device and the detection result by the detecting device transmitted from the storage device. An object management program comprising: a functioning step; and a step of causing a charging server to function as a means for performing a charging process based on a reading result by the reading means and a detection result by the detecting means transmitted from the storage device. 18. At least one or more reading means for reading information of stored objects, which are connected to each other via a network, at least one or more detecting means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one storage device for storing an object, which has at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means; a reading result by the reading means transmitted from the storage device; and the detection means Based on at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the detection result by the reading device and the detection result by the reading device transmitted from the storage device. An object management program applied to an object management system including at least one charging server that performs charging processing And a step of causing the storage device to read the information of the stored object, detect whether the object is stored, and transmit the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit. A management program for objects. 19. At least one reading means for reading information of stored objects, which are connected to each other via a network, at least one detecting means for detecting whether the objects are stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one storage device for storing an object, which has at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means; a reading result by the reading means transmitted from the storage device; and the detection means Based on at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the detection result by the reading device and the detection result by the reading device transmitted from the storage device. An object management program applied to an object management system including at least one charging server that performs charging processing And a step of causing the management server to perform a storage process of an object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading means and the detection result by the detection means transmitted from the storage device. Management program. 20. At least one or more reading means for reading information of stored objects, which are connected to each other via a network, at least one or more detecting means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one storage device for storing an object, which has at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means; a reading result by the reading means transmitted from the storage device; and the detection means Based on at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the detection result by the reading device and the detection result by the reading device transmitted from the storage device. An object management program applied to an object management system including at least one charging server that performs charging processing And a management program for causing the billing server to perform billing processing based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from the storage device. 21. Recognizing means for recognizing the type of the expended consumable item, a storage device for storing the expendable item capable of communicating with the external device, and the consumable item type recognized by the recognizing means. An object management program for functioning as a transmission means for transmitting to the. 22. A storage device, a reading means for reading information of a stored object, a detection means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and a reading result by the reading means and a detection result by the detecting means. And a management server as means for performing storage processing of an object in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading device and the detection result by the detecting device transmitted from the storage device. An object management program comprising: a functioning step; and a step of causing a charging server to function as a means for performing a charging process based on a reading result by the reading means and a detection result by the detecting means transmitted from the storage device. The recorded computer-readable recording medium. 23. At least one or more reading means for reading information on a stored object, which is connected to each other via a network, at least one or more detecting means for detecting whether or not the object is stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one storage device for storing an object, which has at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means; a reading result by the reading means transmitted from the storage device; and the detection means Based on at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the detection result by the reading device and the detection result by the reading device transmitted from the storage device. An object management program applied to an object management system including at least one charging server that performs charging processing A computer-readable recording medium in which a recording medium is recorded, the storage device is made to read information of a stored object, and it is detected whether or not the object is stored. A computer-readable recording medium recording an object management program, comprising a step of transmitting the detection result of the means. 24. At least one reading means for reading information of stored objects, which are connected to each other via a network, at least one detecting means for detecting whether the objects are stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one storage device for storing an object, which has at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means; a reading result by the reading means transmitted from the storage device; and the detection means Based on at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the detection result by the reading device and the detection result by the reading device transmitted from the storage device. An object management program applied to an object management system including at least one charging server that performs charging processing A computer-readable recording medium in which an object is stored in the storage device based on the reading result by the reading unit and the detection result by the detecting unit transmitted from the storing device to the management server. A computer-readable recording medium recording a management program for an object, the method including a step of performing a storing process. 25. At least one reading means for reading information of stored objects, which are connected to each other via a network, at least one detecting means for detecting whether the objects are stored, and reading by the reading means. At least one storage device for storing an object, which has at least one control means for transmitting a result and a detection result by the detection means; a reading result by the reading means transmitted from the storage device; and the detection means Based on at least one management server for storing the object in the storage device based on the detection result by the reading device and the detection result by the reading device transmitted from the storage device. An object management program applied to an object management system including at least one charging server that performs charging processing A computer-readable recording medium in which a billing server is caused to perform billing processing based on the reading result by the reading means and the detection result by the detecting means transmitted from the storage device. A computer-readable recording medium recording a management program. 26. A storage device that stores a consumable item that can communicate with an external device, a recognition unit that recognizes a type of the extracted consumable item, and a type of the consumable item recognized by the recognition unit, the external device. A computer-readable recording medium recording a management program for an object to function as a transmitting means for transmitting to a computer.