JP2004301916A - Information management device, program used in this, information management method, charging management device, program used in this, and charging management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image which matches a user, even in the case of a printer which is not connected to a network. <P>SOLUTION: An information management device 20 includes: a user data base 34 in which user information including the user types of a color laser printer 60 is registered in advance; and an image data base 36 in which two or more kinds of image data corresponding to the user types (individuals, corporations) are registered in advance. Upon the reception of an order from a user, a toner cartridge 40 to be mounted in the color laser printer 60 is delivered. In this case, having the user type of a delivery address as a key, image data matching the user are searched from the image data base 36 and written in the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40. Thus, the image data matching the user can be provided in the delivery of the toner cartridge 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information management apparatus, a program used therefor, an information management method, a charging management apparatus, a program used for the same, and a charging management method, and more particularly to an image using a recording material of a recording material cartridge having a storage element. Management apparatus for managing information to be written to the storage element of the recording agent cartridge delivered to the user of the image forming apparatus for forming the image forming apparatus, a program used for the information management apparatus, an information management method, and image information written by the information management apparatus. An image is formed using a recording material of a recording material cartridge having a storage element, and the use of the image forming apparatus which writes usage information including information on use of the image information with the formation of the image in the storage element is imposed. Charging management device for managing charging and a program used for this charging management device As well as on the billing management method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of information management device, a Web server that distributes image data such as photos, posters, and calendars selected by a user of a client computer connected to the Internet to a printer connected to the Internet has been proposed. (For example, see Patent Document 1). The user can print using the printer that has received the image data distributed by the Web server.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-350864 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a Web server, it is assumed that the printer is connected to the Internet. Therefore, a printer not connected to the Internet cannot receive such print data. Further, in the conventional Web server, since the user himself (computer) needs to access the server and select a desired image from a plurality of images provided by the server, the user may feel troublesome. .
[0005]
An information management apparatus, a program used therefor, and an information management method according to the present invention have an object to solve such a problem and provide image information suitable for a user even to an image forming apparatus not connected to a network. One. Another object of the present invention is to provide a charging management apparatus, a program used for the same, and a charging management method, in which charging processing for use of image information provided by the information management apparatus is more appropriately performed.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]
The information management apparatus and the program and the information management method used for the same, the accounting management apparatus, the program and the accounting management method used for the information management apparatus according to the present invention employ the following means in order to achieve at least a part of the above object. .
[0007]
The information management device of the present invention includes:
An information management device that manages information written to a storage element of a recording agent cartridge to be delivered to a user of an image forming apparatus that forms an image using a recording agent of a recording agent cartridge having a storage element,
Image information storage means for storing a plurality of types of image information;
User information acquisition means for acquiring user information about the user;
Image information selection means for selecting at least one image information from a plurality of types of image information stored in the image information storage means based on the acquired user information;
Image information writing means for writing image information selected by the image information selection means to a storage element of a recording agent cartridge delivered to the user;
The gist is to provide
[0008]
In the information management apparatus of the present invention, the user information on the user of the image forming apparatus is obtained, and based on the obtained user information, a plurality of types of image information stored in the image information storage unit included in the information management apparatus are obtained. Since at least one piece of image information is selected and the selected image information is written to the storage element of the recording material cartridge to be delivered to the user, an image suitable for the user when delivering the recording material cartridge based on an order from the user. Information can be provided by writing to the storage element of the recording agent cartridge. As a result, image information suitable for the user can be provided to an image forming apparatus not connected to the network. The “recording agent cartridge” includes a toner cartridge and an ink cartridge (the same applies hereinafter).
[0009]
In the information management device of the present invention, the user information acquisition unit is a unit that acquires information on a type of a user as the user information, and the image information storage unit stores image information corresponding to each type of the user. Means for storing, wherein the image information selecting means selects image information corresponding to the type of the user obtained by the user information obtaining means from a plurality of types of image information stored by the image information storing means Can also be used. In this way, image information suitable for each type of user can be written to the storage element. Further, only image information suitable for each type of user is written, that is, unnecessary image information is not written in the storage element, so that the capacity of the storage element can be reduced. In the information management apparatus according to the aspect of the present invention, the user information acquisition unit includes information for identifying an individual or a corporation as the user information, and the image information storage unit includes at least a personal information as the plurality of types of image information. Means for storing image information and image information intended for a corporation, wherein the image information selecting means, when the acquired user information is an individual, from among the stored plural types of image information, And selecting the image information for a corporation from the stored plurality of types of image information when the acquired user information is a corporation. In the information management device according to the aspect of the present invention, the image information for individuals includes at least one of a photograph, a personal New Year's card, and a calendar, and the image information for corporations includes a business card, a corporate New Year's card, an advertisement flyer, It may also include at least one of the pamphlets.
[0010]
Further, in the information management apparatus of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge connecting unit to which the recording agent cartridge is connected, wherein the image information writing unit performs the recording when the recording agent cartridge is connected to the cartridge connecting unit. The image information may be written into the storage element of the agent cartridge.
[0011]
The information management program according to the present invention includes:
Making the computer function as the information management apparatus of the present invention in each of the above-described embodiments, that is, basically, delivering the image to the user of the image forming apparatus that forms an image using the recording material of the recording material cartridge having the storage element. An information management device for managing information to be written in a storage element of a recording agent cartridge, comprising: an image information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of image information; a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information about a user; Image information selecting means for selecting at least one image information from a plurality of types of image information stored in the image information storing means based on information; and the image information selected by the image information selecting means to the user. Function as an information management apparatus including image information writing means for writing to a storage element of a delivered recording agent cartridge The gist of the door.
[0012]
According to the information management program of the present invention, the computer is caused to function as the information management apparatus of the present invention in each of the above aspects. Therefore, the same effects as those of the information management apparatus of the present invention, for example, an image forming apparatus not connected to a network For example, it is possible to provide an effect that image information suitable for a user can be provided.
[0013]
The information management method of the present invention comprises:
An information management method used in an information management device that manages information written to a storage element of a recording agent cartridge to be delivered to a user of an image forming apparatus that forms an image using a recording agent of a recording agent cartridge having a storage element,
(A) obtaining user information about the user,
(B) selecting at least one piece of image information from a plurality of types of image information stored in image information storage means provided in the information management device based on the obtained user information;
(C) The gist is that the image information selected in the step (b) is written in a storage element of a recording agent cartridge delivered to the user.
[0014]
According to the information management method of the present invention, user information relating to a user of the image forming apparatus is obtained, and based on the obtained user information, a plurality of types of image information stored in an image information storage unit provided in the information management apparatus. Since at least one piece of image information is selected and the selected image information is written to the storage element of the recording material cartridge to be delivered to the user, an image suitable for the user when delivering the recording material cartridge based on an order from the user. Information can be provided by writing to the storage element of the recording agent cartridge. As a result, image information suitable for the user can be provided to an image forming apparatus not connected to the network.
[0015]
The billing management device of the present invention comprises:
An image is formed using a recording material of a recording material cartridge having a storage element in which image information has been written by the information management device of the present invention in each of the above aspects, and includes information relating to the use of the image information with the formation of the image. A charge management device that manages a charge imposed on use of the image forming apparatus that writes usage information to the storage element,
Usage information acquisition means for acquiring the usage information from a storage element of the recording agent cartridge collected from the image forming apparatus,
Charge calculation means for calculating a charge charged for use of the image information based on the obtained use information;
The gist is to provide
[0016]
In the billing management device of the present invention, an image is formed using a recording material of a recording material cartridge having a storage element in which the image information is written by the information management device of the present invention, and the image information is formed together with the image formation. When the recording material cartridge is recovered from the image forming apparatus that writes usage information including information on use to the storage element, the usage information is acquired from the storage element of the recording material cartridge, and an image is formed based on the acquired usage information. Since the charge imposed on the use of the information is calculated, it is possible to charge the use of the image information written in the storage element of the recording agent cartridge with the collection of the recording agent cartridge.
[0017]
In such a charge management device of the present invention, the use information includes information on a used amount of the recording material of the recording material cartridge or the number of image formation sheets, and the charge calculation unit further includes the used amount of the recording material or the number of image formation sheets. May be a means for calculating the charge based on the. In this case, it is possible to charge for the use of the image information in addition to the charging in accordance with the usage amount of the recording material and the number of formed images.
[0018]
The charge management program according to the present invention includes:
Making the computer function as the charge management device of the present invention described above, that is, basically, a recording material of a recording material cartridge having a storage element in which image information is written by the information management device of the present invention in each of the above aspects. A charge management device that manages a charge imposed on the use of the image forming apparatus that forms an image by using the image forming apparatus and writes usage information including information on use of the image information with the formation of the image in the storage element. A use information acquisition unit for acquiring the use information from a storage element of the recording agent cartridge collected from the image forming apparatus, and calculating a charge imposed on use of the image information based on the acquired use information. The gist of the invention is to function as a charge management device including a charge calculation unit.
[0019]
According to the charge management program of the present invention, the computer functions as the charge management device of the present invention described above. Therefore, the same effects as those of the charge management device of the present invention, for example, with the collection of the recording material cartridge, It is possible to obtain effects such as being able to charge for the use of image information written in the storage element of the cartridge.
[0020]
The billing management method of the present invention comprises:
An image is formed using a recording material of a recording material cartridge having a storage element in which image information has been written by the information management device of the present invention in each of the above aspects, and includes information relating to the use of the image information with the formation of the image. A billing management method used in a billing management device that manages a bill imposed on use of an image forming apparatus that writes usage information to the storage element,
(A) obtaining the usage information from a storage element of the recording agent cartridge collected from the image forming apparatus;
(B) The gist is to calculate a charge imposed on the use of the image information based on the acquired use information.
[0021]
In the charging management method of the present invention, an image is formed using a recording material of a recording material cartridge having a storage element in which the image information is written by the information management device of the present invention, and the image information is formed with the formation of the image. When the storage agent cartridge is recovered from the image forming apparatus that writes usage information including usage information to the storage element, the usage information is acquired from the storage element of the recording agent cartridge, and an image is formed based on the acquired usage information. Since the charge imposed on the use of the information is calculated, it is possible to charge the use of the image information written in the storage element of the recording agent cartridge with the collection of the recording agent cartridge.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described using examples. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an information management device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional connections of the information management device 20 according to the embodiment. It is. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information management apparatus 20 according to the embodiment includes a general-purpose computer main body 22 having a CPU 23, a ROM 24, a RAM 25, an input / output interface (not shown), a monitor 26 connected to the computer main body 22, A cartridge connecting portion 28 connected via an input / output interface (not shown) of the computer main body 22 to which the toner cartridge 40 is attached. Manages image data to be written to the storage element 50, and obtains usage information from the storage element 50 of the used toner cartridge 40 attached to the cartridge connection unit 28 to perform billing processing. The computer main body 22 includes an information processing system 30 for executing management of image information, an accounting system 32 for executing accounting, a user database 34 for storing user information relating to a user accepted at the time of user registration, An image database 36 in which a plurality of types of image data associated with each type of user are stored, and a charging database 38 in which data necessary for executing a charging process are stored.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 2, the storage element 50 includes a memory cell 52 for storing data, a read / write control unit 54 for controlling reading and writing of data in the memory cell 52, and a read / write control unit based on a clock signal CLK. An address counter 56 is provided for counting up when exchanging data with the information management apparatus 20 of the embodiment and a controller of a color laser printer main body, which will be described later, via the unit 54. As such a storage element 50, for example, an EEPROM can be used. FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating an example of the external appearance of the toner cartridge 40. In the toner cartridge 40 of the embodiment, as shown, a storage element 50 is mounted inside a storage section 41 provided at an end thereof.
[0024]
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of the color laser printer 60 to which the toner cartridge 40 is attached. The color laser printer 60 to which the toner cartridge 40 is attached is configured as a full-color electrophotographic image forming apparatus employing a single photoreceptor system and an intermediate transfer system. As shown in FIG. ), Magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) images of four colors, which are supplied from the toner cartridges 40C, 40M, 40Y, and 40K of the respective colors mounted on the developing device 61. Using a toner, a toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 63 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed for each color by the exposure unit 62 for each color, and the formed toner image is transferred onto a transfer belt 64 as an intermediate transfer member. The four-color toner images superimposed and transferred on the transfer belt 64 are supplied from the paper cassette 65 to the paper conveyed by the conveyance unit 66 to be transferred to the secondary transfer unit 6. In transferring, by a fixing unit 68 the toner image transferred onto the sheet by fusing fixed to the sheet to form a color image on the sheet. The developing device 61 is configured to be rotatable so that toner images of each color can be formed on the photoconductor 63 in this manner. In addition, the color laser printer 60 is configured such that when the storage elements 50C, 50M, 50Y, 50K of the toner cartridges 40C, 40M, 40Y, 40K mounted on the developing device 61 are located on the lower right side in FIG. A movable connection section 69 for connection is provided. Through the movable connection section 69, information relating to the use of the corresponding cartridge can be written from a controller (not shown) of the color laser printer 60 to the storage element. The electrical connection between the controller of the color laser printer 60 and the storage element is the same as the connection between the information management device 20 and the storage element 50 illustrated in FIG. 2, and the illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted.
[0025]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40. In the embodiment, as shown in the drawing, the storage element 50 stores a printer ID and a model name for identifying the color laser printer 60 to which the toner cartridge 40 is attached, a user ID for identifying the user of the color laser printer 60, and image data. Information on printing for each image data, the number of prints, the remaining amount of toner, and the like are stored. The stored image data includes image data for individual users and image data for corporate users. Image data for individual users includes images such as photographs of landscapes and people, templates for New Year's cards and calendars, and image data for corporate users such as templates used for business cards, advertisements, and brochures. There is image data. The information on printing for each image data includes information indicating whether or not the image data is printed. Among these pieces of information, the printer ID, model name, and image data are written by the information management apparatus 20 of the embodiment when the toner cartridge 40 is manufactured or the collected used toner cartridge 40 is reused. Information on printing of image data, the number of prints, and the remaining amount of toner are written by the color laser printer 60 along with printing of the image. Details of the information written by the information management device 20 of the embodiment will be described later.
[0026]
Next, processing executed by the information management apparatus 20 of the embodiment, that is, processing executed by the information processing system 30 and processing executed by the accounting processing system 32 will be described. First, processing executed by the information processing system 30 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information processing for writing image data to the storage element 50 when manufacturing the toner cartridge 40 according to an order from a user or when reusing the collected used toner cartridge 40. It is.
[0027]
In the information processing, first, the user ID of the user who ordered the toner cartridge 40 is input (step S100), and the type of the user is searched from the user database 34 based on the input user ID (step S110). FIG. 7 shows an example of data stored in the user database 34. The user database 34 is configured to store data sent from the user at the time of user registration in the form of a database, and as shown, a user ID for identifying the user of the color laser printer 60 and a name of the user. And information such as a user type, an address, a telephone number, and an e-mail address as information for identifying an individual and a corporation.
[0028]
When the type of the user is searched, image data matching the type of the searched user is extracted from the image database 36 (step S120). FIG. 8 shows an example of data stored in the image database 36. The image database 36 is configured to store image data suitable for each type of user, and as illustrated, individual users such as “Photo 1”, “Photo 2”, “New Year”, “Calendar”, and the like. The “personal” is stored in association with the image data for the “business card 1”, “business card 2”, “new year card 1”, “new year card 2”, “advertising leaflet 1”, “advertising leaflet 2”, “advertising leaflet 2” “Corporation” is stored in association with image data for corporations such as “pamphlet”.
[0029]
When the image data is extracted in this way, a process of writing the extracted image data to the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40 is performed (Step S130), and the process ends. The writing of image data to the storage element 50 is performed by outputting a read signal to the read / write control unit 54 of the storage element 50. When the image data is written in the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40 in this manner, the toner cartridge 40 is delivered to the user. The user can print by reading the image data written in the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40 by attaching the delivered toner cartridge 40 to the color laser printer 60. When the image data stored in the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40 is read, the color laser printer 60 determines that the read image data has been used and stores the image data in the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40. Write information that it has been used.
[0030]
Subsequently, a process executed by the accounting system 32 of the information management device 20 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a charging process for calculating a charging charged for printing by the color laser printer 60 when the toner cartridge 40 is collected and connected to the cartridge connection unit 28. In the charging process, first, usage information is input from the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40 (step S200). Specifically, the number of prints of the color laser printer 60, information on the use of the image data stored in the storage element 50, and the like are input as use information.
[0031]
Then, a charge for printing is calculated by multiplying the print unit price per sheet by the number of prints (step S210), and a process for calculating a charge for use of image data is performed (step S220). In the embodiment, the charge calculation for the use of the image data is performed in such a manner that a charge is set in advance for each image data, and the total charge set for the used image data is reduced to the charge calculated in step S210. The addition was performed. When the accounting calculation is performed in this manner, the calculation result is registered in the accounting database 38 (step S230), and a process of outputting the result to the monitor 26 connected to the computer main body 22 or a printer (not shown) (step S240) is performed. To end.
[0032]
According to the information management apparatus 20 of the embodiment described above, the type of the user of the color laser printer 60 is used when the toner cartridge 40 is manufactured according to an order from the user or when the collected used toner cartridge 40 is reused. Since image data suitable for (individual, corporation) is written to the storage element 50 and delivered to the user of the color laser printer 60, even if the printer is not connected to a network such as the Internet, the delivery of the toner cartridge 40 and the Can be provided. Naturally, only the image data suitable for the user is written in the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40, so that the capacity of the storage element 50 can be reduced.
[0033]
Further, according to the information management apparatus 20 of the embodiment, when the used toner cartridge 40 is collected, information on the use of the image data stored in the storage element 50 from the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40 is transferred to the cartridge connection unit. Since the charge processing is performed by reading the data via the storage device 28, the use of the image data stored in the storage element 50 can be charged. In addition, since information relating to printing by the color laser printer 60 is read and charging processing is performed, charging for use of image data can be performed together with charging for printing by the color laser printer 60.
[0034]
Here, the image database 36 that stores a plurality of types of image data corresponds to an image information storage unit, and the processing of steps S100 and S110 of the information processing in FIG. 6 in the information processing system 30 corresponds to a user information acquisition unit. The processing in step S120 of the information processing in FIG. 6 in the processing system 30 corresponds to an image information selecting unit, and the processing in step S130 in the information processing in FIG. 6 in the information processing system 30 corresponds to an image information writing unit.
[0035]
Further, the processing in step S200 of the charging process in FIG. 9 in the charging processing system 32 corresponds to use information acquisition means, and the processing in steps S210 to S240 in the charging processing in FIG. .
[0036]
In the information management apparatus 20 of the embodiment, the type of the user of the color laser printer 60 is used to distinguish between an individual and a corporation. However, the type may be used to distinguish in more detail. For example, corporations may be classified into sales-related, school-related, and food-related. At this time, in the image database 36, business-related image data such as business card and advertisement flyer templates are associated and registered in the image database 36, and school-related templates such as timetables and school event pamphlet templates are registered in the image database 36. May be registered in association with each other, and in the case of eating and drinking related, image data for eating and drinking related such as a template of eating and drinking menu may be associated and registered. Of course, the user of the color laser printer 60 may be distinguished in a manner other than the distinction between an individual and a corporation.
[0037]
In the information management apparatus 20 of the embodiment, the charge amount for the use of the image data is set for each image data stored in the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40. A uniform charge may be set by using any of the image data.
[0038]
In the information management apparatus 20 of the embodiment, the accounting process for the use of the image data stored in the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40 is executed together with the accounting process for the printing by the color laser printer 60. The billing process for the use of may be executed independently.
[0039]
In the information management apparatus 20 of the embodiment, the charge amount for printing is set according to the number of prints of the color laser printer 60, but the charge amount for printing is set according to the amount of toner used in the toner cartridge 40. It may be. At this time, for example, the billing amount may be calculated by multiplying the unit price per unit amount of toner by the usage amount of toner.
[0040]
In the information management device 20 of the embodiment, the toner cartridge 40 is attached to the cartridge connection unit 28 and the information management device 20 and the storage element 50 are directly connected to read information. A transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving data using a radio wave in a predetermined frequency band as a carrier wave, and when the storage element 50 receives a radio wave in a predetermined frequency band, obtains energy from the radio wave and transmits / receives data using the radio wave in the frequency band as a carrier wave. With this configuration, information can be read from the storage element 50 in a non-contact manner.
[0041]
The information management apparatus 20 according to the embodiment has been described as applied to a color laser printer 60 configured as a full-color electrophotographic image forming apparatus employing a single photoreceptor system and an intermediate transfer system. Is a color laser printer configured as a full-color electrophotographic image forming apparatus of a multi-photoreceptor type or a direct transfer type, as long as it can read and write data to and from the storage element 50. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a laser printer or a copying machine configured as an image forming apparatus of a monochrome electrophotographic system, or a copying machine. Further, the present invention can be applied to an inkjet printer including an ink cartridge to which a storage element is attached.
[0042]
In the embodiment, as one of the embodiments of the present invention, an information management device that manages image data written to the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40 and charges for use of the image data written to the storage element 50 20 has been described, but may be in the form of an information management method, or may be in the form of a program that causes a computer to function as the information management device 20. In the case of a program form, each process in the information processing system 30 and the billing process system 32 of the information management apparatus 20 of the embodiment and the billing process of FIG. Just program.
[0043]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described using the examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and may be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. Obviously you can get it.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of an information management apparatus 20 according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an information management device 20 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of the external appearance of a toner cartridge 40.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a color laser printer 60.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage element 50.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in a user database 34.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in an image database 36.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a billing process.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 20 information management device, 22 computer main body, 23 CPU, 24 ROM, 25 RAM, 26 monitor, 28 cartridge connection unit, 30 information processing system, 32 charging processing system, 34 user database, 36 image database, 38 charging database, 40, 40C, 40M, 40Y, 40K Toner cartridge, 41 storage section, 42 housing, 43 supply roller, 44 developing roller, 45 regulating blade, 46 support, 47 elastic member, 50, 50C, 50M, 50Y, 50K storage element, 52 Memory cell, 54 read / write control unit, 56 address counter, 60, 60a to 60n color laser printer, 61 developing unit, 62 exposing unit, 63 photoconductor, 64 transfer belt, 65 paper cassette, 66 transport unit, 67 secondary Transfer unit 68 fixing unit, 69 movable connection section.

Claims (11)

An information management device that manages information written to a storage element of a recording agent cartridge to be delivered to a user of an image forming apparatus that forms an image using a recording agent of a recording agent cartridge having a storage element,
Image information storage means for storing a plurality of types of image information;
User information acquisition means for acquiring user information about the user;
Image information selection means for selecting at least one image information from a plurality of types of image information stored in the image information storage means based on the acquired user information;
An information management apparatus comprising: an image information writing unit that writes image information selected by the image information selection unit into a storage element of a recording agent cartridge delivered to the user. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein
The user information obtaining means is means for obtaining information on a type of a user as the user information,
The image information storage unit is a unit that stores image information corresponding to each type of the user,
The information management device, wherein the image information selection unit is a unit that selects image information corresponding to the type of the user acquired by the user information acquisition unit from a plurality of types of image information stored by the image information storage unit. The information management device according to claim 2, wherein
The user information obtaining means includes information for identifying an individual or a corporation as the user information,
The image information storage means is a means for storing at least image information for individuals and image information for corporations as the plurality of types of image information,
The image information selecting means selects image information for an individual from the stored plurality of types of image information when the acquired user information is an individual, and stores the image information when the acquired user information is a corporation. An information management device as means for selecting image information for corporations from a plurality of types of image information obtained. The information management device according to claim 3, wherein
The personalized image information includes at least one of a photograph, a personal new year card, and a calendar,
An information management device, wherein the image information for a corporation includes at least one of a business card, a corporate New Year card, an advertisement flyer, and a pamphlet. The information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
A cartridge connection unit to which the recording agent cartridge is connected,
The information management device, wherein the image information writing unit is a unit that writes the image information to a storage element of the recording agent cartridge when the recording agent cartridge is connected to the cartridge connection unit. A program for causing a computer to function as the information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An information management method used in an information management device that manages information written to a storage element of a recording agent cartridge to be delivered to a user of an image forming apparatus that forms an image using a recording agent of a recording agent cartridge having a storage element,
(A) obtaining user information about the user,
(B) selecting at least one piece of image information from a plurality of types of image information stored in image information storage means provided in the information management device based on the obtained user information;
(C) An information management method for writing the image information selected in the step (b) into a storage element of a recording material cartridge delivered to the user. 6. Information on the use of the image information associated with the formation of an image using a recording material of a recording material cartridge having a storage element in which the image information has been written by the information management device according to claim 1. A charge management device that manages a charge imposed on the use of the image forming apparatus that writes use information including the storage element into the storage element,
Usage information acquisition means for acquiring the usage information from a storage element of the recording agent cartridge collected from the image forming apparatus,
A charge management unit comprising: charge calculation means for calculating a charge charged for use of the image information based on the acquired use information. The charging management device according to claim 8, wherein
The usage information includes information on the amount of recording material used in the recording material cartridge or the number of images formed,
The charge management device is a charge management unit that further calculates a charge based on the used amount of the recording material or the number of image forming sheets. A program for causing a computer to function as the charging management device according to claim 8. 6. Information on the use of the image information associated with the formation of an image using a recording material of a recording material cartridge having a storage element in which the image information has been written by the information management device according to claim 1. A charge management method used in a charge management device that manages a charge imposed on the use of the image forming apparatus that writes usage information including the storage information into the storage element,
(A) obtaining the usage information from a storage element of the recording agent cartridge collected from the image forming apparatus;
(B) a charge management method for calculating a charge charged for use of the image information based on the acquired use information.

Images