JP2004302650A - Group purchasing system of article of consumption, group purchasing method, group purchasing program, appliance using article of consumption and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a group purchasing system of articles of consumption, a group purchasing method, and a group purchasing program, wherein articles of consumption are purchased in an economical and efficient manner. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of appliances P using articles of consumption and an articles of consumption supplying part S are connected by a network N. When any of the appliances P using articles of consumption need to be replenished with articles of consumption, the appliance P using articles of consumption inquires other appliances P using articles of consumption about group purchasing and orders articles of consumption for which application was received together with the article of consumption the appliance needs. Thus, order and delivery process are not independently treated for each appliance P using articles of consumption, and the articles of consumption are purchased in the economical and efficient manner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【００３６】
【表２】

【００３７】
次に、発注情報生成部２１は、この購入必要度決定部１８で決定した各消耗品毎の購入必要度のうち、購入必要度が高い場合、すなわち、直ちに消耗品を購入する必要がある状態（「必須」）の時に、「発注情報」を生成し、発注に先立って登録された他のプリンタＰに対して消耗品の共同購入を募集する機能を提供するようになっている。
【００３８】
例えば、あるプリンタＰの発注情報生成部２１にてある「発注情報」が生成されたならば、このプリンタＰは、以下の表３に示すように、先ず、最初に登録された「ＡＡＡ０００１」というユーザＩＤを有するユーザのプリンタ（機器製造番号：ＣＩＪ００３２、消耗品型番：「ＩＣＣ」）に共同購入の有無の問い合わせを行い、希望しない旨の返答があった場合には、その「発注情報」の該当欄に、共同購入希望「なし」と追記する。次に、このプリンタＰは、次のユーザＩＤ「ＢＢＢ０００７」のプリンタ（機器製造番号：ＣＩＪ００３２、消耗品型番：「ＩＣＭ」）に対して同じく、共同購入の有無の問い合わせを行い、希望する旨の返答があった場合には、その「発注情報」の該当欄に、共同購入希望「あり」と追記してから、さらに次のプリンタに次々と問い合わせ、登録された全てのプリンタＰについて共同購入希望の有無を追記することになる。
【００３９】
【表３】

【００４０】
そして、発注処理部２２は、このようにして作成された「発注情報」をネットワークＮ、Ｗを介してサービスセンターＳに送信して必要な消耗品の発注処理を行う機能を提供するようになっている。
これに対し、購入希望情報生成部２０は、この購入必要度決定部１８で決定した各消耗品毎の購入必要度のうち、比較的購入必要度が高くない状態、すなわち近いうちに消耗品の補充が必要となるが、直ちに補充するほどでもない状態（「許諾」）の時に、「消耗品購入希望情報」を生成し、他のプリンタＰから共同購入の募集があったときに、その「消耗品購入希望情報」を送信して共同購入に参加する機能を提供するようになっている。
【００４１】
次に、消耗品残量検出部２４は、上述したように各消耗品の残量を検出する機能を提供するものであり、例えば、物理的なセンサやそのセンサ、あるいは電子的なカウンタなどからの電気的な信号を上記表２に示すように具体的な数値として上記購入必要度決定部１８等に通知するようになっている。
消耗品利用機器登録部２６は、自プリンタＰ及びその消耗品に関する情報の他に同一ネットワーク、例えば図１の例で言えば、各ローカルネットワークＮ上の他のプリンタＰを検索してその機種や、専用の消耗品に関する情報を取得して自プリンタＰの記憶部２８等に登録する機能を提供するようになっている。この登録内容としては、例えば以下の表４に示すような内容となる。
【００４２】
【表４】

【００４３】
尚、この消耗品利用機器登録部２６による他の消耗品利用機器の検索、登録する範囲としては、上記のように同じローカルネットワークＮのみならず、広域ネットワークの先にある、他のローカルネットワークＮや任意のドメイン（ＩＰアドレス範囲内）等のうち、ユーザが指定する範囲であっても良い。
記憶部２８は、この消耗品利用機器登録部２６に登録された全てのプリンタＰに関する情報の他に各種プログラムや印刷データなどを記録する機能を提供するものであり、ハードディスク装置や半導体メモリ等の書込読出自在な記録装置からなっている。
【００４４】
一方、消耗品供給部となるサービスセンターＳは、各プリンタＰからの「消耗品購入希望情報」をネットワークＮ、Ｗを介して受信し、受注、配送、決済の処理を行うものであり、図３に示すように、少なくとも受注処理部３０と、決済処理部３２と、配送処理部３４を備えたサーバ等から構成されている。
すなわち、受注処理部３０は、プリンタＰからの「消耗品購入希望情報」を登録し、配送処理部３４へ消耗品の配送を依頼するといった機能を発揮するようになっており、決済処理部３２は、プリンタＰのユーザから消耗品の代金を受け取ると共に、「発注情報」と「消耗品受領情報」を元に消耗品代金の決済処理を行うようになっている。また、配送処理部３４は、プリンタＰのユーザへ購入希望のあった消耗品の配送処理を行い、ユーザによる消耗品の受け取り確認や代金に関する情報を決済処理部３２へ通知するようになっている。
【００４５】
他方、印刷指示端末Ｔは、各プリンタＰに対して所望の印刷指示を行うものであり、図４に示すように、少なくとも基本機能部４０と通信部４２とを備えたパーソナルコンピュータ等からなっている。
具体的には、この基本機能部４０は、各プリンタＰに送信するための印刷データを作成、編集するための環境や印刷データを各プリンタＰに対して処理するためのフォーマットに変換する機能、プリンタＰの設定を行う機能等を提供するものである。また、通信部４２は、この印刷指示端末ＴをインターネットＷやローカルネットワークＮに接続するための通信インターフェースを提供するものであり、プリンタＰやサービスセンターＳ、販売店等と通信するために利用されるようになっている。
【００４６】
次に、上記のような構成をした本発明システムの処理の流れ及び作用・効果を説明する。
図５は、各プリンタＰの消耗品残量取得フローの一例を示したものである。
図示するように、先ず、各プリンタＰは、自己の消耗品残量検出部２４を用いて自己に備え付けられた各消耗品の残量を検出し、取得する（ステップＳ１００）。ここで、各消耗品の残量検出タイミングとしては「印刷処理終了後」が好ましいが、特にこれに限定するものでなく、その他に、印刷処理に関わらず、「定期的」又は「任意時」等に行っても良い。
【００４７】
次に、各プリンタＰは、このようにして取得された各消耗品の「消耗品残量状況」を最新のものに更新し（ステップＳ１０２）てから、それら各消耗品毎の購入必要度を見直す（ステップＳ１０４）。
そして、この見直しの結果、次のステップＳ１０６において、新たに購入必要度が「必須」又は「許諾」になった消耗品があるか否かを判断する。
【００４８】
例えば、購入必要度の判断基準が表１のように設定されている場合において、図６に示すように、あるプリンタＰに４種類の消耗品（Ｃ（シアン）、Ｍ（マゼンタ）、Ｙ（イエロー）、Ｋ（ブラック）、Ａ４（印刷用紙））が用いられており、それぞれの消耗品の残量が「印刷前」は、９５．３％、８０．２％、２０．８％、２６．０％、９０．１％であって、それらの購入必要度がＹ及びＫがそれぞれ「許諾」、他は「不要」であったが、「印刷後」は、それぞれ９４．７％、７９．１％、２０．５％、１４．５％、８９．３％となった場合には、Ｋの購入必要度は「許諾」から「必須」に変わることになる。
【００４９】
従って、図６の例では、Ｋが新たに購入必要度が「必須」となった消耗品ということになる。
そして、この判断ステップＳ１０６の判断の結果、新規に購入必要度が「必須」又は「許諾」になった消耗品が無いと判断した場合（なし）は、そのまま処理を終了するが、反対に、新規に購入必要度が「必須」又は「許諾」になった消耗品があると判断した場合（あり）は、次のステップＳ１０８に移行して消耗品購入処理フローを発動することになる。
【００５０】
図７は、このようにして新規に購入必要度が「必須」又は「許諾」になった消耗品の購入処理フローの一例を示したものである。
図示するように、先ず、新規に購入必要度が「必須」又は「許諾」になった消耗品があると判断したプリンタＰは、最初のステップＳ２００にて、その消耗品の中で購入必要度が「必須」となった消耗品があるか否かを判断し、購入必要度が「必須」である消耗品がある場合（あり）には、そのプリンタＰは「発注情報」を生成すると共に他プリンタＰに対して共同購入を募集（問い合わせ）する（ステップＳ２０２、ステップＳ２０３）。
【００５１】
図６の例で言えば、「印刷前」の状態では、購入必要度が「許諾」の消耗品はあっても「必須」の消耗品は存在していないが、「印刷後」の状態では、購入必要度が「許諾」の消耗品の他に「必須」の消耗品が新たに存在しているため、最初のステップＳ２００では、ステップＳ２０２側へ移行し、「必須」の消耗品であるＫを「許諾」の消耗品であるＹと共にまとめて発注する旨の「発注情報」を生成すると共に、予め登録された他の全てのプリンタＰに対して各々の消耗品の共同購入の有無を募集することになる。
【００５２】
次に、この共同購入募集の結果（ステップＳ２０４）、共同購入を希望するプリンタＰがある場合（あり）には、それら全てのプリンタＰについて必要とする消耗品（つまり、後述するように購入必要度が「許諾」の状態の消耗品）の内容（種類）を上記表３に示したように自己の「発注情報」に追記して新たな「発注情報」を生成（ステップＳ２０６）した後、その「発注情報」をサービスセンターＳへ送付する（ステップＳ２０８）。
【００５３】
尚、この共同購入募集の結果（ステップＳ２０４）、共同購入を希望するプリンタＰがない場合（参加なし）には、ステップＳ２０８までジャンプして、最初に生成された「発注情報」をそのままサービスセンターＳの受注処理部３０へ送付する。
その後、この「発注情報」を送付したプリンタＰは、共同購入募集に対して応募（参加）した全てのプリンタＰに対して各々の消耗品を発注した旨の「発注済通知」を通知（ステップＳ２１０）すると共に、発注済の消耗品の購入必要度をすべて「購入中」に変更して（ステップＳ２１２）、消耗品発注処理を終了することになる。
【００５４】
一方、図示するように、最初の判断ステップＳ２００にて、購入必要度が「必須」の消耗品がない（なし）と判断したとき、すなわち、消耗品の購入必要度が「許諾」の状態であると判断したときは、直ちに発注処理を行う必要性が低いため、取り敢えずその旨を記載した「消耗品購入希望情報」を生成して（ステップＳ２１４）から自プリンタＰを「共同購入待ち」の状態に設定する。
【００５５】
次に、この「共同購入待ち」の状態のプリンタＰは、他のプリンタＰから共同購入の募集があるか否かを監視（ステップＳ２１８）し、共同購入募集があったとき（あり）は、先のステップＳ２１４にて生成した「消耗品購入希望情報」をその共同購入募集を行ったプリンタＰに対して送付することになる（ステップＳ２２０）。
【００５６】
その後、このプリンタＰは、その「消耗品購入希望情報」を送付したプリンタＰから「発注済情報」の通知があるか否かを監視し、通知があった場合（あり）には、ステップＳ２１２に移行して上記と同様に発注済の消耗品の購入必要度をすべて「購入中」に変更して処理を終了することになる。
このように本発明は、従来各プリンタＰ毎にバラバラに行われていた発注・配送処理がまとめて行われるため、配送コストや処理に要する労力が軽減されて経済的かつ効率的な発注処理を実現することが可能となる。
【００５７】
また、自己の消耗品の残量に応じた購入必要度を決定し、その購入必要度に応じて消耗品共同購入の募集、あるいは応募を行うようにしたことから、他の消耗品利用機器から共同購入の問い合わせがあったとしても購入必要度が低いとき、すなわち残量が十分であるときは、共同購入が行われなくなるため、不必要な発注がなされることなく、多くの在庫を抱える等といった不都合を未然に防止することができる。
【００５８】
尚、本実施の形態では、他のプリンタＰから共同購入の募集があったときに、その「消耗品購入希望情報」を送付して共同購入に参加するようにしたが、他のプリンタＰから共同購入の問い合わせがある前に、予め共同購入参加の希望を表明すべく、「消耗品購入希望情報」を他の全てのプリンタＰに通知しておくようにすれば、その後、他のプリンタＰが共同購入の募集を行う際に優先的に問い合わせがなされるようになるため、より確実かつ効率的な共同購入を実施することができる。
【００５９】
また、図２の破線に示すように、サービスセンターＳから消耗品の価格情報を随時取得する機能を発揮する価格情報取得手段２９をさらに備えれば、バーゲンセールや徳用パック等といった同じ商品でも安く購入できる機会を的確に把握することが可能となり、より経済的に消耗品を購入することができる。
また、消耗品に消費期限がある場合には、消費期限管理機能（図示せず）をさらに付設し、消耗品の残量や価格といった購入基準以外に消耗品の消費期限を購入基準としてまとめて発注処理するようにしても良い。
【００６０】
また、直ちに消耗品を購入する必要性が低い場合には、各プリンタＰに対して共同購入予定の問い合わせを行い、一定数以上の申し込みがあったときに、自己の消耗品と併せて他の消耗品利用機器の消耗品を上記消耗品供給部にまとめて発注するようにすれば、常に一定数量毎の発注処理を行うことができるため、配送コストの割引などの特典を確実に享受することができ、また、忙繁期を避けた発注や配送を行うことが可能となる。
【００６１】
また、上記の如く共同購入参加形態として、複数のパターン、例えば以下の表５及び表６に示すように、「通常型」の参加形態（購入必要度が「必須」であれば共同購入を募集、「許諾」であれば、「消耗品購入希望情報」を自プリンタ内に保存し、共同購入の募集を待つ）、「積極型」の参加形態（「許諾」の状態を「必須」の状態と同じとみなし、積極的に共同購入を募集）、「共同型」の参加形態（単独での購入はせず、共同での購入を行う）の３つのパターンを用意し、各パターンを組み合わせれば、発注が行われるプリンタＰが限定されるため、管理がより簡易になる等の効果が期待できる。
【００６２】
【表５】

【００６３】
【表６】

【００６４】
また、本実施の形態では、消耗品利用機器としてプリンタＰの場合で説明したが、ネットワークで相互に情報通信可能で消耗品を利用する機器であれば、これに限定されるものでなく、その他、複写機やファクシミリ等にも同様に適用可能であり、また、プリンタＰとこれら複写機やファクシミリ等が混在した形態であっても同様な作用・効果を発揮することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】消耗品共同購入システムの実施の一形態を示す概念図である。
【図２】プリンタ（消耗品利用機器）の構成を示す概略図である。
【図３】サービスセンター（消耗品供給部）の構成を示す概略図である。
【図４】印刷指示端末の構成を示す概略図である。
【図５】消耗品残量検出から購入までの流れを示すフローチャート図である。
【図６】消耗品の残量及び各消耗品毎の購入必要度の一例を示す図である。
【図７】消耗品購入処理の流れをフローチャート図である。
【符号の説明】
１０…基本機能部、１２…通信部、１４…表示部、１６…操作パネル、１８…購入必要度決定部、２０…購入希望情報生成部、２１…発注情報生成部、２２…発注処理部、２４…消耗品残量検出部、２６…消耗品利用機器登録部、２８…記憶部、３０…受注処理部、３２…決済処理部、３４…配送処理部、４０…基本機能部、４２…通信部、Ｐ…プリンタ（消耗品利用機器）、Ｔ…印刷指示端末（ＰＣ）、Ｓ…サービスセンター（消耗品供給部）Ｎ，Ｗ…ネットワーク。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system, a joint purchasing method, a joint purchasing program, and the like for automatically and jointly purchasing consumables used for consumables using devices such as printers connected to each other via a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in offices and government offices, it has become common to connect and use various consumables utilizing devices such as printers and copiers via a communication network such as a LAN. Since the amount of consumables consumed differs for each device depending on the frequency of use of the consumables utilizing device and the like, inventory management of the consumables becomes more difficult as the number of devices increases.
[0003]
For this reason, conventionally, for example, as shown in the following Patent Documents 1 and 2, a consumable supply management server is provided on the network, or a consumable supply source such as a service company is remotely connected via a communication network. Many systems have been devised to optimize the replenishment time of consumables by managing the inventory of consumables of each consumable use device, and furthermore, grasping the use status of the consumable use device. I have.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-228762 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-175445 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, according to these conventional methods, necessary consumables are automatically or semi-automatically delivered from a consumable supply source to a user. Although it has the advantage that it can be used, it has the following problems.
[0006]
That is, in the conventional method, since the order processing of the consumables is performed independently at different times for each of the consumables using devices, the delivery cost is higher than in the case where the consumables are sent collectively, which is more expensive. It is possible that the same product, such as a bargain sale or a value pack, may miss the opportunity to purchase consumables that should be affordable.
[0007]
Therefore, the present invention has been devised in order to effectively solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new consumable consumable goods purchasing system capable of economically and efficiently purchasing consumable goods, and It provides a joint purchase method and a joint purchase program.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[Invention 1]
In order to solve the above problems, the consumable goods joint purchase system of Invention 1
A system comprising a plurality of consumables using devices connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate information, and a consumable supply unit for supplying consumables to each of the consumables using devices,
Connect the consumable supply unit to the network so that information can be communicated,
Each of the above consumables use equipment,
Consumables remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of each consumable,
Device registration means for searching for and arbitrarily registering other consumables-using devices on the network,
A purchase necessity determining unit that determines the necessity of purchasing the consumable according to the remaining amount of the consumable detected by the remaining amount detection unit;
Order / purchase request information generating means for generating order information or consumables purchase request information according to the purchase necessity determined by the purchase necessity determining means;
An order processing unit for obtaining consumable purchase information of another consumable using device registered in the device registration unit via a network and ordering consumables to be purchased collectively to the consumable supply unit; It is characterized by having.
[0009]
With such a configuration, when it becomes necessary for each consumable use device to additionally order consumables to be used by itself, the consumables use device orders its consumables together with consumables of other consumables use devices. This makes it possible to carry out economical and efficient order processing.
That is, first, each of the consumable use devices on the same network detects the remaining amount of each consumable by its own consumables remaining amount detecting means, and the purchasing necessity determining means determines the consumables according to the remaining amount. Determine the degree of necessity for each purchase.
[0010]
Next, the order / purchase request information generating means generates order or consumables purchase request information for each purchase necessity, and if an order is immediately required, the order processing section is registered in the device registration means. The consumables purchase request information of the other consumables use equipment is acquired via the network, and consumables of the other consumables use equipment are ordered together with the consumables supply unit. On the other hand, if the order is not rushed, it waits without performing the order processing immediately, and sends a consumable purchase request information to the consumable use device when another consumable use device requests joint purchase. You will delegate the purchase.
[0011]
As a result, as described above, the ordering and delivery processing, which was conventionally performed separately for each consumable use device regardless of the status of other consumable use devices, is now performed collectively. The processing frequency is greatly reduced, and the labor required for delivery costs, office work, and the like is greatly reduced, so that economical and efficient processing can be performed. This also allows the user to purchase consumables alone or at a lower price than purchasing them separately.
[0012]
[Invention 2]
In addition, the consumable goods joint purchase system of the second invention is:
At least one of the consumables utilization devices is a printer.
As a result, it is possible to economically and efficiently execute an ordering process for ink, toner, printing paper, and the like used in a typical printer as a consumables utilization device.
[0013]
[Invention 3]
In addition, the consumable goods joint purchasing system according to the third aspect of the present invention includes:
The above-mentioned consumables utilization apparatus further comprises a price information acquisition unit for acquiring consumables price information from a consumables supply unit in addition to the above configuration.
As a result, in the case of consumables whose price fluctuates depending on the purchase time, etc., it is possible to accurately grasp the price fluctuation, so that it is possible to purchase necessary consumables at a cheap time and purchase costs. Can be cheaper.
[0014]
Also, by acquiring price information, it is possible to know how much the unit price for the joint purchase has become cheaper. Therefore, only when the discount rate exceeds a certain percentage according to the user's settings, participate in the joint purchase. It is possible to take an action such as causing the user to take action.
[Invention 4]
The consumables utilization device of the fourth invention is
A consumables use device connected to another consumables use device and a consumables supply unit via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other,
Consumables remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of each consumable,
Device registration means for searching for and arbitrarily registering other consumables-using devices on the network,
A purchase necessity determining unit that determines the necessity of purchasing the consumable according to the remaining amount of the consumable detected by the remaining amount detection unit;
Order / purchase request information generating means for generating order information or consumables purchase request information according to the purchase necessity determined by the purchase necessity determining means;
An order processing unit for obtaining consumable purchase request information of another consumable using device registered in the device registration unit via a network and collectively ordering the consumables to be purchased from the consumable supply unit; It is characterized by the following.
[0015]
As a result, each consumable item-using device can order its consumable items together with other consumable item-using devices in the same manner as in the first aspect of the invention, so that an economical and efficient ordering process can be performed. Even if a new consumable device is added to or reduced from the network, the device registration means for that device will immediately search for another consumable device and register the latest status. It does not bother the user at the time.
[0016]
[Invention 5]
In addition, the consumables utilization device of Invention 5 is as follows.
In addition to the above configuration, a price information acquisition unit for acquiring price information of the consumable item from the consumable item supply unit is further provided.
As a result, necessary consumables can be purchased collectively at a cheap time similarly to the third aspect of the invention, so that the purchase cost can be reduced.
[0017]
Also, by acquiring price information, it is possible to know how much the unit price for the joint purchase has become cheaper. Therefore, only when the discount rate exceeds a certain percentage according to the user's settings, participate in the joint purchase. It is possible to take an action such as causing the user to take action.
[Invention 6]
The printer of Invention 6 is
A printer connected so as to be able to communicate information with another consumable supply device and a consumable supply unit via a network,
Consumables remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of each consumable,
Device registration means for searching for and arbitrarily registering other consumables-using devices on the network,
A purchase necessity determining unit that determines the necessity of purchasing the consumable according to the remaining amount of the consumable detected by the remaining amount detection unit;
Order / purchase request information generating means for generating order information or consumables purchase request information according to the purchase necessity determined by the purchase necessity determining means;
An order processing unit for obtaining consumable purchase information of another consumable using device registered in the device registration unit via a network and ordering consumables to be purchased collectively to the consumable supply unit; It is characterized by having.
[0018]
This makes it possible to economically and efficiently execute an ordering process for ink, toner, printing paper, and the like used in a typical printer using consumables as in the case of the second aspect of the invention, and a new consumable state similar to the fourth aspect of the invention. There is no need for the user to add / delete a product using device to / from the network.
[Invention 7]
A printer according to a seventh aspect of the present invention
In addition to the above configuration, a price information acquisition unit for acquiring price information of the consumable item from the consumable item supply unit is further provided.
[0019]
As a result, the consumables required for the printer can be purchased together at a cheap time, similarly to the third aspect, and the purchase cost can be reduced.
Also, by acquiring price information, it is possible to know how much the unit price for the joint purchase has become cheaper. Therefore, only when the discount rate exceeds a certain percentage according to the user's settings, participate in the joint purchase. It is possible to take an action such as causing the user to take action.
[0020]
[Invention 8]
The consumables joint purchase program of Invention 8
A computer of a consumables use device connected to another consumables use device and a consumables supply unit via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other,
A consumables remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of each consumable of the consumable using device;
Device registration means for searching for and arbitrarily registering other consumables-using devices on the network,
Purchase necessity determining means for determining the necessity of purchasing consumables of a consumable using device according to the remaining amount of consumables detected by the remaining amount detecting means,
Order / purchase request information generating means for generating order information or consumables purchase request information according to the purchase necessity determined by the purchase necessity determining means;
Functions as an order processing unit that obtains consumables purchase request information of other consumables-use devices registered in the device registration unit via a network and collectively orders the consumables to be purchased from the consumables supply unit. It is characterized by the following.
[0021]
As a result, the same effect as that of the fourth aspect can be obtained, and each function can be exhibited by using a computer system originally provided for realizing the basic functions of many consumables utilizing devices. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented more economically and easily as compared with a case where a new computer system or dedicated hardware is prepared.
[0022]
[Invention 9]
The consumable goods joint purchase program of invention 9
A printer computer connected to the other consumables utilizing device and the consumables supply unit via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other,
Consumables remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of each consumable of the printer;
Device registration means for searching for and arbitrarily registering other consumables-using devices on the network,
A purchase necessity determining unit that determines a necessity of purchasing consumables of the printer according to the remaining amount of the consumables detected by the remaining amount detection unit;
Order / purchase request information generating means for generating order information or consumables purchase request information according to the purchase necessity determined by the purchase necessity determining means;
The consumables purchase request information of the other consumables using devices registered in the device registration means is obtained via a network, and the consumables to be purchased are collectively functioning as an order processing unit for ordering the consumables supply unit. It is characterized by functioning.
[0023]
Accordingly, the same effects as those of the sixth aspect can be obtained, and the functions can be exhibited by using a computer system originally provided to realize the basic functions in many printers. The present invention can be realized more economically and easily as compared with a case where a new computer system or dedicated hardware is prepared for an existing printer.
[0024]
[Invention 10]
The consumable goods joint purchasing method of the tenth invention is as follows.
A plurality of consumables-using devices and a consumables supply unit for supplying consumables to these consumables-using devices are connected to each other via a network so that information can be communicated with each other. When it becomes necessary to replenish the consumables, the consumable device uses the other consumable device and makes a joint purchase inquiry, and combines the consumables of the other consumable device with the consumables. In this case, the consumable supply unit is ordered together.
[0025]
As a result, the ordering / delivery process that has been performed separately for each consumable-use device is performed collectively as in the first embodiment, so that the delivery cost and the labor required for the process are reduced, and economical and efficient ordering is performed. Processing is realized. This also allows the user to purchase consumables alone or at a lower price than purchasing them separately.
[Invention 11]
In addition, the consumables joint purchasing method of invention 11 is as follows.
Each of the above-mentioned consumable use devices checks the remaining amount of the consumables immediately after printing, periodically, or as needed, and determines the necessity of purchase according to the remaining amount, and the necessity of purchase is not high. At the time, when there is an inquiry about joint purchase from another consumable supply device, the consumable supply joint purchase request is notified to the consumable supply device.
[0026]
As a result, even if there is an inquiry about joint purchase from another consumables use device, when the degree of necessity of purchase is low, that is, when the remaining amount is sufficient, the joint purchase will not be performed, so unnecessary orders are placed. Inconveniences such as holding a large amount of inventory can be prevented beforehand.
[Invention 12]
In addition, the consumable goods joint purchasing method of the twelfth aspect is
When the necessity of purchase is not high, each of the consumables use devices notifies the other consumables use device in advance of the joint purchase application before the other consumables use device makes a joint purchase inquiry. It is characterized by having been kept.
[0027]
With this, an inquiry is given preferentially when another consumable goods use device solicits for joint purchase after a while, so that more reliable and efficient joint purchase can be performed.
[Invention 13]
Further, the consumable goods joint purchasing method of Invention 13 is as follows.
Each of the above consumables use devices, when making a joint purchase inquiry to other consumables use devices and receiving a certain number of applications, together with their own consumables, It is characterized in that the consumables of the device are ordered together at the consumable supply unit.
[0028]
As a result, order processing can be performed for each fixed quantity, so that benefits such as discounts on delivery costs can be reliably received.
[Invention 14]
Also, the consumable goods joint purchasing method of the fourteenth invention is as follows.
At least one of the consumables utilization devices is a printer.
[0029]
Thereby, an effect similar to that of the second aspect can be obtained.
[Invention 15]
Also, the consumables joint purchasing method of the fifteenth aspect is as follows.
The consumables are a photoreceptor, a transfer unit, ink or toner, and printing paper.
[0030]
As a result, the consumables for the printer, such as the photoconductor, the transfer unit, the ink, the toner, and the printing paper can be purchased at low cost.
[0031]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a consumable goods joint purchase system according to the present invention.
As shown in the figure, the consumable goods joint purchase system includes a plurality of printers P, P... Connected to each other via a local network N such as a LAN so as to be able to communicate with each other. A service center S that supplies consumables such as ink, toner, and printing paper is connected to each other via a wide area network W such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate with each other.
[0032]
Each of these printers P, P... Is managed by a different administrator for each local network N, and each local network N has at least one print instruction terminal T such as a PC (personal computer). More than one are connected.
As shown in FIG. 2, the printer P includes a basic function unit 10 that provides a print function and a paper feed function, a communication unit 12 that provides a function of receiving print data from the print instruction terminal T, and print status information. In addition to the basic components indispensable to a normal printer, such as a display unit 14 for displaying various information, an operation panel 16 for executing various operations, etc., a purchase necessity determination unit 18, a purchase desire information generation unit 20, and an order information generation unit A unit 21, an order processing unit 22, a consumables remaining amount detecting unit 24, a consumables use device registering unit 26, and a storage unit 28 are provided. The functions of 21, 22, 24, 26, and 28 will be described.
[0033]
First, the purchase necessity determining unit 18 has a function of determining the purchase necessity of each of the consumables based on the remaining amount of each of the various consumables detected by the consumables remaining amount detection unit 24 described later. To provide.
For example, regarding the consumables of a certain printer P, the purchase necessity of each consumable is classified into four levels as shown in Table 1 below (“required (remaining amount 0 to 20%)”: a case where immediate purchase is necessary) If joint purchase is not possible, purchase separately. "License (remaining amount: 20 to 30%)": It is not necessary to purchase immediately, but it is possible to purchase jointly. "Unnecessary (30 to 100%)": Sufficient If there is no remaining, there is no need to purchase. "Purchasing": If you have already completed the purchase procedure and do not need to purchase a new one.) In the case where the printer includes four types of inks (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow, K: black) and printing paper (A4) as consumables, the remaining amount of each consumable is 95%. 0.3%, 80.2%, 60.8%, 19.8% Because 90.1% and to determine its purchase necessary degree, purchase necessary degree of black ink (K) is "essential", purchase necessary degree of other supplies, any "unnecessary".
[0034]
Note that the purchase necessity determining unit 18 specifically includes a CPU, a main storage device, and a bus originally provided in each printer P for use in starting a basic system and an application for each printer. , I / F and the like, and a purchase degree determination program stored in advance in a storage unit 28 and the like, which will be described later, to be realized on software.
[0035]
[Table 1]

[0036]
[Table 2]

[0037]
Next, the order information generation unit 21 determines whether the purchase necessity is high among the purchase necessities for each consumable determined by the purchase necessity determination unit 18, that is, the state in which the consumable needs to be purchased immediately. At the time of ("required"), "ordering information" is generated, and a function is provided for inviting another printer P registered before ordering to collectively purchase consumables.
[0038]
For example, if the ordering information generation unit 21 of a certain printer P generates “ordering information”, the printer P first registers “AAA0001” as shown in Table 3 below. An inquiry is made to the printer (equipment serial number: CIJ0032, consumable part number: “ICC”) of the user having the user ID to determine whether or not there is a joint purchase. In the corresponding field, add "No" for joint purchase. Next, the printer P similarly inquires of a printer (equipment serial number: CIJ0032, consumable part number: "ICM") of the next user ID "BBB0007" to determine whether or not there is a joint purchase, and indicates that the printer P is desired. If there is a reply, add "Preferred" for joint purchase in the corresponding column of "Order Information", and then inquire the next printer one after another to request joint purchase for all registered printers P. Will be added.
[0039]
[Table 3]

[0040]
Then, the order processing unit 22 provides a function of transmitting the “order information” created as described above to the service center S via the networks N and W to perform a process of ordering necessary consumables. ing.
On the other hand, the purchase desire information generating unit 20 determines that the purchase necessity of each consumable determined by the purchase necessity determination unit 18 is not relatively high, that is, the consumable In a state where replenishment is necessary but not enough to replenish immediately ("permission"), "consumable purchase request information" is generated. It provides a function of transmitting "consumable purchase request information" and participating in joint purchase.
[0041]
Next, the consumables remaining amount detection unit 24 provides a function of detecting the remaining amount of each consumable as described above. For example, the consumables remaining amount detection unit 24 uses a physical sensor, its sensor, or an electronic counter to provide the function. Is notified to the purchase necessity determining unit 18 and the like as specific numerical values as shown in Table 2 above.
The consumables use device registration unit 26 searches for other printers P on the same network, for example, each local network N in the example of FIG. A function is provided for acquiring information about dedicated consumables and registering the information in the storage unit 28 or the like of the printer P. The registered contents are, for example, as shown in Table 4 below.
[0042]
[Table 4]

[0043]
The range of searching for and registering another consumable device using the consumable device registering unit 26 is not limited to the same local network N as described above, but may be another local network N located beyond the wide area network. Or an arbitrary domain (within the IP address range) or the like, which may be specified by the user.
The storage unit 28 provides a function of recording various programs and print data in addition to information on all printers P registered in the consumables use device registration unit 26, such as a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory. It consists of a writable and readable recording device.
[0044]
On the other hand, the service center S serving as a consumable supply unit receives “consumable purchase request information” from each printer P via the networks N and W, and performs order receiving, delivery, and settlement processing. As shown in FIG. 3, the server includes at least a server provided with an order receiving processing unit 30, a settlement processing unit 32, and a delivery processing unit 34.
That is, the order processing unit 30 has a function of registering “consumable purchase request information” from the printer P and requesting the delivery processing unit 34 to deliver the consumables. Receives the cost of the consumables from the user of the printer P, and performs settlement processing of the consumables based on the "ordering information" and the "consumables receipt information". In addition, the delivery processing unit 34 performs a delivery process of the consumable that the user has requested to purchase to the user of the printer P, and notifies the settlement processing unit 32 of the user's receipt confirmation of the consumable and information on the price. .
[0045]
On the other hand, the print instruction terminal T issues a desired print instruction to each of the printers P, and includes a personal computer or the like having at least a basic function unit 40 and a communication unit 42 as shown in FIG. I have.
Specifically, the basic function unit 40 includes an environment for creating and editing print data to be transmitted to each printer P, a function for converting print data into a format for processing each printer P, A function for setting the printer P is provided. The communication unit 42 provides a communication interface for connecting the print instruction terminal T to the Internet W or the local network N, and is used to communicate with the printer P, the service center S, a store, and the like. It has become so.
[0046]
Next, a description will be given of a processing flow and an operation / effect of the system of the present invention configured as described above.
FIG. 5 shows an example of the flow of acquiring the remaining amount of consumables of each printer P.
As shown in the drawing, each printer P first detects and acquires the remaining amount of each consumable provided in itself using its own consumables remaining amount detecting unit 24 (step S100). Here, the timing for detecting the remaining amount of each consumable is preferably “after the end of the printing process”, but is not particularly limited to this. In addition, regardless of the printing process, “regular” or “at any time” Etc.
[0047]
Next, each printer P updates the “consumables remaining amount status” of each consumable thus obtained to the latest one (step S102), and then determines the necessity of purchase for each consumable. Review again (step S104).
Then, as a result of this review, in the next step S106, it is determined whether or not there is a consumable whose purchase necessity is newly set to “essential” or “permitted”.
[0048]
For example, when the criteria for the necessity of purchase are set as shown in Table 1, as shown in FIG. 6, four types of consumables (C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y ( Yellow), K (black), A4 (printing paper)), and the remaining amount of the consumables is “before printing” when 95.3%, 80.2%, 20.8%, 26 0.0% and 90.1%, and their purchase necessities were “permitted” for Y and K, respectively, and “unnecessary” for the others. However, “after printing” was 94.7%, 79, respectively. In the case of .1%, 20.5%, 14.5%, and 89.3%, the purchase necessity of K changes from "permission" to "required".
[0049]
Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6, K is a consumable item for which the necessity of purchase is newly “essential”.
If it is determined in step S106 that there is no new consumable whose purchase necessity is “required” or “permitted” (none), the process is terminated. If it is determined that there is a new consumable whose purchase necessity is “essential” or “permitted” (Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S108 to activate the consumable purchase processing flow.
[0050]
FIG. 7 shows an example of a purchase processing flow of a consumable whose purchase necessity has become “essential” or “permitted”.
As shown in the drawing, first, in step S200, the printer P that has newly determined that there is a consumable whose purchase necessity is “required” or “permitted” is included in the consumable. It is determined whether or not there is a consumable that has become “required”, and if there is a consumable whose purchase necessity is “required” (there is), the printer P generates “ordering information” and The other printer P is invited (inquired) for joint purchase (step S202, step S203).
[0051]
In the example of FIG. 6, in the “before printing” state, there are consumables whose purchase necessity is “permitted” but no “essential” consumables, but in the “after printing” state. In addition, in the first step S200, the process moves to the step S202 side, and the consumables are "essential" because there is a new "consumable" consumable in addition to the consumables whose purchase necessity degree is "permitted". It generates "ordering information" indicating that K is ordered together with Y, which is a consumable item of "permission", and determines whether or not there is a joint purchase of each consumable item for all the other printers P registered in advance. We will recruit.
[0052]
Next, as a result of this joint purchase recruitment (step S204), if there are any printers P for which joint purchase is desired (existing), the consumables required for all of the printers P (that is, purchase necessary as described later) After adding the content (type) of the consumable having the status of "permitted" to the own "ordering information" as shown in Table 3 above, and generating new "ordering information" (step S206), The "ordering information" is sent to the service center S (step S208).
[0053]
As a result of the joint purchase recruitment (step S204), if there is no printer P that desires the joint purchase (no participation), the process jumps to step S208, and the first generated “ordering information” is directly used as the service center. S is sent to the order receiving unit 30 of S.
Thereafter, the printer P which has sent the “order information” notifies all printers P that have applied (participated) for the joint purchase offer of an “order completion notification” to the effect that the respective consumables have been ordered (step At the same time, the necessity of purchasing the ordered consumables is changed to "purchasing" (step S212), and the consumables ordering process is terminated.
[0054]
On the other hand, as shown in the figure, when it is determined in the first determination step S200 that there is no consumable whose purchase necessity is “essential” (ie, none), that is, in a state where the purchase necessity of the consumable is “permitted” If it is determined that there is, since it is not necessary to immediately execute the ordering process, “consumable purchase request information” stating that fact is first generated (step S214) and the printer P is set to “wait for joint purchase”. Set to state.
[0055]
Next, the printer P in the state of “waiting for joint purchase” monitors whether or not there is an invitation for joint purchase from another printer P (step S218). The “consumables purchase desire information” generated in the previous step S214 is sent to the printer P that has solicited the joint purchase (step S220).
[0056]
Thereafter, the printer P monitors whether or not there is a notification of "ordered information" from the printer P to which the "consumables purchase request information" has been sent, and if there is a notification (if any), step S212. Then, in the same manner as above, the necessity of purchasing the ordered consumables is changed to "purchasing", and the process is terminated.
As described above, according to the present invention, ordering / delivery processing which has been conventionally performed separately for each printer P is collectively performed, so that delivery cost and labor required for processing are reduced, and economical and efficient ordering processing can be performed. It can be realized.
[0057]
In addition, since the necessity of purchasing is determined according to the remaining amount of consumables of the user, and solicitation of joint purchase of consumables or application is made according to the necessity of purchasing, other consumables use equipment Even if there is an inquiry about joint purchase, if the degree of necessity of purchase is low, that is, if the remaining amount is sufficient, joint purchase will not be performed, so unnecessary orders will not be placed and large inventory will be held. Such inconveniences can be prevented beforehand.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, when a request for joint purchase is received from another printer P, the “consumable purchase request information” is sent to participate in the joint purchase. Before inquiring about the joint purchase, if "consumable purchase request information" is notified to all the other printers P in advance to indicate the desire to participate in the joint purchase, then the other printers P Inquiries will be given priority when soliciting joint purchase, so that more reliable and efficient joint purchase can be implemented.
[0059]
In addition, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 2, if the price information acquisition unit 29 that has a function of acquiring price information of consumables from the service center S at any time is further provided, the same product such as a bargain sale or a value pack can be cheaply provided. Consumables can be purchased more economically because it is possible to accurately grasp the purchase opportunity.
If a consumable item has an expiration date, an expiration date management function (not shown) is additionally provided to collect the expiration date of the consumable item as a purchase standard in addition to the purchase standard such as the remaining amount and price of the consumable item. Order processing may be performed.
[0060]
If the necessity of purchasing the consumables is low immediately, the printer P is inquired about the joint purchase schedule, and when a certain number of applications are made, other printers and other consumables are added together with their own consumables. By ordering the consumables of the consumables using equipment at the above consumables supply unit, order processing can be always performed for each fixed quantity, so that benefits such as discounts on delivery costs can be surely enjoyed. It is also possible to perform ordering and delivery while avoiding busy periods.
[0061]
In addition, as described above, as a joint purchase participation form, a plurality of patterns, for example, as shown in Tables 5 and 6 below, a “normal type” participation form (joint purchase is solicited if purchase necessity is “essential”). If it is "permission", save the "consumable purchase request information" in its own printer and wait for a joint purchase recruitment), "active" participation mode ("permission" status is "required" And collectively purchase joint purchases), and prepare three patterns of "joint type" participation (joining purchases, not individual purchases), and combine these patterns. For example, since the printers P for which orders are placed are limited, it is possible to expect effects such as easier management.
[0062]
[Table 5]

[0063]
[Table 6]

[0064]
Further, in the present embodiment, the description has been given of the case of the printer P as the consumables utilizing device. However, the device is not limited to this as long as it is a device capable of mutually communicating information over a network and using the consumables. The present invention can be similarly applied to a copying machine, a facsimile, and the like, and the same operation and effect can be exerted even when the printer P and the copying machine, the facsimile, and the like are mixed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing one embodiment of a consumable goods joint purchase system.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer (consumables utilization device).
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a service center (consumable supply unit).
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a print instruction terminal.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow from the detection of the remaining amount of consumables to purchase.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the remaining amount of consumables and the necessity of purchase for each consumable.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a consumable supply purchase process.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Basic function part, 12 ... Communication part, 14 ... Display part, 16 ... Operation panel, 18 ... Purchase necessity determination part, 20 ... Purchase desire information generation part, 21 ... Order information generation part, 22 ... Order processing part, 24: Consumables remaining amount detection unit, 26: Consumables use device registration unit, 28: Storage unit, 30: Order processing unit, 32: Payment processing unit, 34: Delivery processing unit, 40: Basic function unit, 42: Communication P, printer (consumables use device), T: print instruction terminal (PC), S: service center (consumables supply unit) N, W: network.

Claims (15)

A system comprising a plurality of consumables using devices connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate information, and a consumable supply unit for supplying consumables to each of the consumables using devices,
Connect the consumable supply unit to the network so that information can be communicated,
Each of the above consumables use equipment,
Consumables remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of each consumable,
Device registration means for searching for and arbitrarily registering other consumables-using devices on the network,
A purchase necessity determining unit that determines the necessity of purchasing the consumable according to the remaining amount of the consumable detected by the remaining amount detection unit;
Order / purchase request information generating means for generating order information or consumables purchase request information according to the purchase necessity determined by the purchase necessity determining means;
An order processing unit for acquiring consumable purchase request information of another consumable using device registered in the device registration unit via the network and ordering the consumables to be purchased collectively to the consumable supply unit;
A consumables joint purchase system comprising: The consumable goods joint purchase system according to claim 1,
A consumable goods joint purchase system, wherein at least one or more of the consumable goods using devices is a printer. The consumable goods joint purchase system according to claim 1 or 2,
The consumables joint purchase system, wherein the consumables utilizing device further includes price information acquiring means for acquiring consumables price information from the consumables supply unit. A consumables use device connected to another consumables use device and a consumables supply unit via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other,
Consumables remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of each consumable,
Device registration means for searching for and arbitrarily registering other consumables-using devices on the network,
A purchase necessity determining unit that determines the necessity of purchasing the consumable according to the remaining amount of the consumable detected by the remaining amount detection unit;
Order / purchase request information generating means for generating order information or consumables purchase request information according to the purchase necessity determined by the purchase necessity determining means;
An order processing unit for acquiring consumable purchase request information of another consumable using device registered in the device registration unit via the network and ordering the consumables to be purchased collectively to the consumable supply unit;
A consumables utilization device comprising: The consumables utilization device according to claim 4,
A consumables use device further comprising price information acquisition means for acquiring consumables price information from the consumables supply unit. A printer connected so as to be able to communicate information with another consumable supply device and a consumable supply unit via a network,
Consumables remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of each consumable,
Device registration means for searching for and arbitrarily registering other consumables-using devices on the network,
A purchase necessity determining unit that determines the necessity of purchasing the consumable according to the remaining amount of the consumable detected by the remaining amount detection unit;
Order / purchase request information generating means for generating order information or consumables purchase request information according to the purchase necessity determined by the purchase necessity determining means;
An order processing unit for acquiring consumable purchase request information of another consumable using device registered in the device registration unit via the network and ordering the consumables to be purchased collectively to the consumable supply unit;
A printer comprising: The printer according to claim 6,
A printer further comprising price information acquisition means for acquiring price information of consumables from the consumable supply unit. A computer of a consumables use device connected to another consumables use device and a consumables supply unit via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other,
A consumables remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of each consumable of the consumable using device;
Device registration means for searching for and arbitrarily registering other consumables-using devices on the network,
Purchase necessity determining means for determining the necessity of purchasing consumables of a consumable using device according to the remaining amount of consumables detected by the remaining amount detecting means,
Order / purchase request information generating means for generating order information or consumables purchase request information according to the purchase necessity determined by the purchase necessity determining means;
An order processing unit for acquiring consumable purchase request information of another consumable using device registered in the device registration unit via the network and ordering the consumables to be purchased collectively to the consumable supply unit;
Consumables joint purchase program characterized by functioning. A printer computer connected to the other consumables utilizing device and the consumables supply unit via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other,
Consumables remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of each consumable of the printer;
Device registration means for searching for and arbitrarily registering other consumables-using devices on the network,
A purchase necessity determining unit that determines a necessity of purchasing consumables of the printer according to the remaining amount of the consumables detected by the remaining amount detection unit;
Order / purchase request information generating means for generating order information or consumables purchase request information according to the purchase necessity determined by the purchase necessity determining means;
An order processing unit for acquiring consumable purchase request information of another consumable using device registered in the device registration unit via the network and ordering the consumables to be purchased collectively to the consumable supply unit;
Consumables joint purchase program characterized by functioning. A plurality of consumables-using devices and a consumables supply unit for supplying consumables to these consumables-using devices are communicably connected to each other via a network. When it becomes necessary to replenish the consumables, the consumables-using device makes a joint purchase inquiry to the other consumables-using device and combines the consumables of the other consumables-using device with the consumables. A consumable supply joint purchase method, wherein the consumable supply unit is ordered together. The consumable goods joint purchasing method according to claim 10,
Each of the above-mentioned consumable use devices checks the remaining amount of the consumables immediately after printing, periodically, or as needed, and determines the necessity of purchase according to the remaining amount, and the necessity of purchase is not high. In some cases, when there is an inquiry about joint purchase from another consumable supply device, the consumable supply joint request is notified to the consumable supply device. The consumable goods joint purchasing method according to claim 10 or 11,
When the necessity of purchase is not high, each of the consumable use devices described above notifies the other consumable use device in advance of the application for the joint purchase before the inquiry about the joint purchase from the other consumable use device. A method of jointly purchasing consumables, characterized in that: Consumable goods joint purchasing method according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
Each of the above consumables-using devices will use other consumables together with their own consumables when a certain number of applications have been made at the time of making a joint purchase inquiry to other consumables-using devices. A consumables joint purchasing method, wherein consumables of a device are ordered together at the consumables supply unit. The consumable goods joint purchasing method according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
A consumable goods joint purchasing method, wherein at least one or more of the consumable goods utilizing devices is a printer. The consumable goods joint purchasing method according to claim 14,
The consumable supplies joint purchase method, wherein the consumable supplies are a photoreceptor, a transfer unit, ink or toner, and printing paper.

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