JP2005339168A - Information processing device, its method, and recycling processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To construct a new recycling system which has become absolutely essential, since significant improvements in a usage rate of recycled parts cannot be expected. <P>SOLUTION: A server is installed in each of production 105 of units and components, assembly 106, sales 107, a user installation location 101, a disassembly division 102 of device products, recycling plants 103 and 104 of each unit, and a service division 108 managing supply of the units and components, and a host computer 100 can communicate with each server. Information, relevant to product information including respective states of a plurality of the device products, and unit information of each unit included in the device products, is stored and managed by the host computer 100. The service life of a unit of a device installed at the user installation location is determined on the basis of information relevant to a service life of each unit included in the unit information to instruct replacement of the unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for effectively reusing units and parts of a device installed at a user's site.

In a recycling system that reuses parts of devices such as copiers, multifunction devices, facsimile machines, and printers, identifiers (IDs) are assigned to the units and parts that make up these devices, and management for recycling is performed based on these identifiers. The method to do is taken. In addition, as the unique information of these devices, units, and parts, the unique information is used for each device, or each device processes the unique information. Humans make a judgment based on the calculation result, and the consumable parts are exchanged at the user's installation site, and all the parts to be exchanged are new. Patent Document 1 discloses a parts information management system in a recycling processing plant, and describes that communication is performed with each server installed in an assembly, sales, user installation destination, service center, and recycling place. ing.
JP-A-10-216689

  However, recently, there is an increasing demand for reusable parts required for devices such as copiers, multifunction machines, facsimile machines, and printers. However, with the conventional technology, the usage rate of reusable parts can be dramatically improved. The construction of a new recycling system is indispensable.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and collects and manages data of units and parts included in each device product, and performs processing for efficiently reusing each unit or part. An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can be used by recycling and reusing a reusable unit or component in each unit or component of an apparatus product.

The information processing apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
An information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of apparatus products each composed of a unit and a part,
Storage means for storing product information including the state of each of the plurality of device products, unit information of each unit included in the device product;
A communication means for communicating with each server installed at a place related to production of at least each unit included in the apparatus product, assembly and sale of each unit and parts, user installation destination, service center and recycling;
In accordance with information transmitted from each server via the communication means, additional update means for adding or updating information stored in the storage means;
Based on the information about the lifetime of each unit included in the unit information, a determination unit that determines the lifetime of the unit of the device installed at the user installation location;
When there is a unit whose lifetime is determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined value by the determination unit, an alternative unit of the unit is determined based on the information stored in the storage unit as to the location related to the sales, service center, and recycling. An alternative unit notifying means for determining which one is present and notifying the server of the place where the alternative unit exists by the communication means;
And a means for controlling the information stored in the storage means to be updated by the additional updating means when the communication means confirms that the unit has been replaced based on the notification by the alternative unit notifying means. It is characterized by.

The recycling system of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
A recycling system for managing a plurality of device products each composed of units and parts,
Servers installed in each of the units and parts production, assembly and sale of equipment products, user installation destinations, equipment product disassembly departments, recycling units for each unit, and service departments that manage the supply of the units and parts, ,
A host computer capable of communicating with each of the servers;
Storage means for managing product information managed by the host computer and including the status of each of a plurality of device products, and unit information of each unit included in the device product;
In accordance with information transmitted from each of the servers, additional update means for adding or updating information stored in the storage means;
Based on the information about the lifetime of each unit included in the unit information, a determination unit that determines the lifetime of the unit of the device installed at the user installation location;
When there is a unit whose lifetime is determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined value by the determination unit, an alternative unit of the unit is determined based on the information stored in the storage unit as to the location related to the sales, service center, and recycling. An alternative unit notifying means for determining where the alternative unit exists and notifying the server where the alternative unit exists;
And a means for controlling the information stored in the storage means to be updated by the additional updating means when the communication means confirms that the unit has been replaced based on the notification by the alternative unit notifying means. It is characterized by.

The information processing method of the present invention includes the following steps. That is,
An information processing method in an information processing apparatus for managing a plurality of apparatus products each composed of a unit and a part,
Product information including the state of each of the plurality of device products, information related to unit information of each unit included in the device product is stored in a memory,
A communication step of communicating with each server installed at a place related to production of at least each unit included in the device product, assembly and sale of each unit and parts, user installation destination, service center and recycling;
In accordance with the information transmitted from each server in the communication step, an additional update step of adding or updating information stored in the memory;
Based on the information on the lifetime of each unit included in the unit information, a determination step of determining the lifetime of the unit of the device installed at the user installation location;
When there is a unit whose lifetime is determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined value in the determination step, the replacement unit of the unit is selected as one of the sales, service center, and recycling locations based on the information stored in the memory. An alternative unit notification step of determining whether or not the server exists at the place where the alternative unit exists, by the communication means,
And a step of controlling to update the information stored in the memory when it is confirmed that the unit has been replaced based on the notification in the alternative unit notification step.

  According to the present invention, when the units or parts of the device products are compatible, they are configured to be replaceable, and these device products are collectively managed, so that the reuse rate of the units or parts of each device product is Has the effect of significantly improving

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a recycling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the user installation location 101, the devices PPC-A, PPC-B, PPC-C, PPC-D, PPC-E, and PPC-F are connected to any of the servers U1, U2, and U3 as shown in the figure. ing. These devices are, for example, a printer, a fax machine, a copier, and a multifunction peripheral (MFP). These are generally installed at the user's site. The servers U1, U2, and U3 are device management computers that manage and monitor the plurality of devices PPC-A to F. These device management computers are usually arranged at the same user destination as the plurality of devices PPC-A to F. The servers U1, U2, and U3 have a role of collecting and managing various types of information from the user device and transmitting the information to the host computer 100 described later. When a new device is installed at the user installation destination 101, an installation mail is created and transmitted to the host computer 100 via the communication network 109.

  The host computer 100 is a remote monitoring computer that remotely monitors the devices PPC-A to F via device management computers (servers U1, U2, U3). Usually, the host computer 100 exists in a company or a place different from the device management computer (U1, U2, U3). The host computer 100 includes a database (DB) (903 and 905 in FIG. 9), and information exchanged with each server installed at each base (101 to 108) via a communication line network (network) 109. Based on this, data is accumulated in this database.

  In the present embodiment, the host computer 100 exchanges information with servers at each site by e-mail. Even if a protocol using a telephone line is used, an Internet protocol such as TCP / IP is used. Then, data may be exchanged.

  The host computer 100 according to the present embodiment analyzes the content of the email sent from the server at each site (101 to 108), and performs processing according to the content of the email. In addition, various information such as a unit ID, a product ID, a component counter, and a mode counter described later are accumulated and managed.

  Reference numeral 105 denotes a production factory, which has production steps (11, 12, 21, 22,...) For assembling, inspecting, cleaning, packing, and the like that constitute the devices PPC-A to F. A unit produced in the production factory 105 is a minimum unit for performing the operation function of the devices PPC-A to F, and is a unit composed of one or a plurality of parts. In this production factory 105, a unit ID (unit ID) described later is generated for a newly produced unit, and the unit ID is stored in a memory attached to the unit. In the case of a unit that does not have a memory, a unit ID is generated, and a unit recognition index in which the unit ID is printed on a sticker or the like is attached to the unit. The unit ID generated at this time is notified from the servers S1 and S2 to the host computer 100 by a unit ID registration mail.

  The assembly factory 106 is an assembly factory for the devices PPC-A to F. The assembly factory 106 is a combination of the recycle units shipped from the recycle factories 103 and 104 of each unit and the new units shipped from the production factory 105. Then, the devices PPC-A to F are assembled (assembly steps K1, K2...). The devices PPC-A to F assembled in these assembling processes are subjected to various processes of cleaning, inspection, and packing, and product IDs are individually assigned to the devices PPC-A to F that have passed through all the processes. This product ID is an identifier for discriminating each device, and is written in a non-volatile memory mounted on each device. The server K of the assembly factory 106 notifies the host computer 100 of the product ID assigned thereto for each device assembled here to the host computer 100 via the communication line network 109 (product ID notification mail).

  The sales company 107 is provided with a server H for referring to user management information in the database (DB) of the remote monitoring host computer 100. Maintenance personnel (service engineers H1, H2,...) Are waiting at the sales company 107, and based on the maintenance information notified to the server H, the devices (PPC-A to F) of the user installation destination 101 are installed. ) Maintenance is performed.

  Reference numeral 108 denotes a service parts center. The maintenance person (service engineer) of the sales company 107 confirms the stock status of the service parts (P1, P2,...) From the server P of the service parts center 108, and supplies the service parts necessary for the maintenance of the device. Order from the service parts center 108. In the service parts center 108, when a unit or part constituting the devices PPC-A to F is received, an arrival notification mail is transmitted to the host computer 100.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a disassembly factory for the devices PPC-A to F. In this disassembly factory 102, a server V is installed, and information on the devices PPC-A to F can be inquired from the host computer 100 via the communication line network 109. This decomposition factory 102 has decomposition steps (V1, V2,...). These disassembling steps V1, V2... Represent steps for disassembling the devices PPC-A to F into units using a component counter and a mode counter (described later) stored in the host computer 100. When the devices PPC-A to F are disassembled, the server V transmits a product ID deletion mail instructing the host computer 100 to delete the disassembled device ID.

  103 and 104 are unit recycling factories for reusing the units (fixing unit, controller unit, etc.) disassembled in the disassembling factory 102, and are provided for each unit. These unit recycling factories have one or more recycling processes (11, 12,..., 21, 22,...) To unit inspection process, unit reuse judgment process, cleaning process, and component unit. The process of disassembling, assembly of the recycling unit, packing process, etc. are being implemented. The unit determined to be unusable here is sent to a smaller unit constituting the unit or a component disassembling process for disassembling into one or more components. At this time, the server R1 or R2 of each unit recycling factory transmits a unit ID deletion mail to the host computer 100.

  In each of these bases 101 to 108, it is possible to browse data accumulated in a database (DB) of the host computer 100 via the Web. Since the database (DB) of the host computer 100 stores information for confirming where the product and unit are, the product and unit can be easily traced by referring to this database.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a device PPC-A (printer) which is a configuration example of the device PPC according to the present embodiment.

  The printer PPC-A mainly includes units such as a writing unit, a developing unit, a transport unit, a paper feeding unit, a fixing unit, a reversing unit, and a cassette. A polygon mirror 1013 scans the laser beam by reflecting the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser (not shown) while rotating. The reflected laser beam scans on the photosensitive drum 1017 through mirrors 1014, 1015 and 1016. On the other hand, the developing device 1030 for supplying black toner forms a toner image according to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1017 according to the laser beam. The toner image thus formed can be transferred to a sheet (transfer material) to obtain an output image. A sheet fed from one of the sheet cassettes 1034 and 1035 and the manual feed tray 1036 passes through a registration roller 1037 and is sucked onto the transfer belt 1038 and conveyed. Here, the toner is developed in advance on the photosensitive drum 1017 in synchronization with the sheet feeding timing, and the toner image is transferred onto the sheet as the sheet is conveyed. The sheet on which the toner image is thus transferred is separated from the transfer belt 1038 and the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 1040. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 1040 is once guided downward by the flapper 1050, and after the trailing edge of the sheet has passed through the flapper 1050, the sheet is switched back and discharged. As a result, the sheets are ejected in the face-down state, and the correct page order is obtained when printing is performed in order from the first page.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a unit configuration of the printer PPC-A in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, this printer has a plurality of recycling units. These recycling units are detachable from the printer (product) in units, and have a structure in which recycling processes such as disassembly and regeneration processing can be performed in units. In FIG. 3, 308 is a recycling unit A, 309 is a recycling unit B, 310 is a recycling unit n, and 300 is a controller, and is not particularly limited in size or quantity. For example, in the printer PPC-A, units such as a writing unit, a developing unit, a transport unit, a paper feeding unit, a fixing unit, a reversing unit, and a cassette all correspond to these recycling units.

  The controller 300 is a controller that controls each recycling unit, and is a control means (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 301, a read only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) 302, a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) 303, which is a central processing unit, and an output. A port and an input port are provided. The ROM 302 stores a control program for the CPU 301, and the RAM 303 stores input data and work data. A drive system device 306 such as a motor, a solenoid, and a clutch for operating the drive system of each recycling unit is connected to the output port of the CPU 301. A detection device 307 such as a sensor is connected to the input port of the CPU 301. In addition, a nonvolatile storage device (EEPROM) 305 is mounted, and data of each unit and the entire apparatus can be stored in the storage device 305. The CPU 301 has a communication interface (I / F) 304 that performs serial communication with a central processing unit (CPU) of an external communication device, and is connected to the central processing unit (CPU) of the external communication device. Data can be exchanged. Then, the CPU 301 controls each drive system device 306 according to a control program stored in the ROM 302.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the recycling unit A (308) of FIG.

  This recycling unit A (308) includes a plurality of consumable parts 1 to n (401 to 403) and a plurality of non-consumable parts 1 to m (404 to 405) as a concept. A consumable part here is a part defined as a part having a finite service life for maintaining the function and performance of the part. Non-consumable parts are parts that are defined as being almost semi-permanently usable. Therefore, the above-described configuration requirements of the printer, such as a writing unit, a developing unit, a transport unit, a paper feeding unit, a fixing unit, a reversing unit, a cassette unit, and a control board, which are control units, all apply to this configuration. The recycle unit A (308) is equipped with a nonvolatile memory 406 for storing ID data of the recycle unit A (308). The non-volatile memory 406 is configured by, for example, an EEPROM, and can communicate data with the CPU 301 of the controller 300 described above by serial communication.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a detailed configuration of the recycling unit B (309), and illustrates a case where the unit is configured by only consumable parts.

  The recycling unit B (309) includes a plurality of consumable parts 1 to L (501 to 505) as a concept. The recycle unit B (309) includes a non-volatile memory (EEPROM) 506 for storing the ID data of the recycle unit B. The memory 506 is composed of, for example, an EEPROM, and can communicate data with the CPU 301 of the controller 300 described above by serial communication. Accordingly, examples of the unit corresponding to such a configuration include a toner supply bottle.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a fixing unit 1040 that is a specific example of the recycling unit of FIG.

  In this fixing unit 1040, the toner image developed in the image forming unit and transferred onto the sheet (transfer material) becomes a permanent image on the transfer material. A fixing nip portion N is configured by contacting a “fixing upper roller” 60a and a lower pressure roller (hereinafter simply referred to as “fixing lower roller”) 60b as a second rotating body. In part N, the toner image is fixed.

  In the figure, an upper fixing roller 60a in contact with a toner image has a 1 mm thick HVT (high temperature vulcanization type) silicone rubber layer 617 on an aluminum cored bar 618, and a specific additional type silicone rubber layer 616 on the outside thereof. And has a diameter of 60 mm. On the other hand, the lower fixing roller 60b is configured to have a diameter of 60 mm by providing an HVT having a thickness of 1 mm and an additional silicone rubber layer 615 having a thickness of 1 mm on an aluminum core bar 612. A halogen heater (heater) 609 as a first heating element is disposed in the cored bar 618 in the upper fixing roller 60a, and a halogen heater 613 as a second heating element is positioned in the cored bar 612 in the lower fixing roller 60b. The pressure is applied from both sides of the transfer material.

  An infrared sensor 610 as a first temperature detecting means for detecting the amount of infrared rays emitted from the surface of the upper fixing roller 60a is disposed so as to face the upper fixing roller 60a in a non-contact manner. The infrared sensor 610 detects the temperature of the fixing upper roller 60 a and inputs it to the controller 300. Further, an infrared sensor 611 as a second temperature detecting means for detecting the amount of infrared rays emitted from the surface of the lower fixing roller 60b is disposed so as to face the lower fixing roller 60b in a non-contact manner. The infrared sensor 611 detects the temperature of the lower fixing roller 60 b and inputs it to the controller 300.

  The controller 300 controls the halogen heaters 609 and 613 based on the detected temperatures of the infrared sensors 610 and 611 so that the temperature of the upper fixing roller 60a is maintained at about 170 ° C. and the temperature of the lower fixing roller 60b is maintained at about 165 ° C. To be controlled. The upper fixing roller 60a and the pressure roller 60b are pressurized with a total pressure of 80 kg by a pressure mechanism (not shown).

  In FIG. 6, O is an oil application device as a release material application means, C is a cleaning device, and C1 is a cleaning blade for removing oil and dirt on the lower fixing roller 60b. The oil application device O passes the dimethyl silicone oil 608 of the oil pan 607 through the oil pumping rollers 606 and 605 and the oil application roller 604, regulates the oil application amount by the oil application amount adjustment blade 603, and applies it to the fixing upper roller 60a. Apply. The cleaning device C cleans the surface of the fixing roller 60 a with the web 602 that is in contact with the upper fixing roller 60 a by the abutting roller 601. In this fixing device 1040, a transfer material carrying an unfixed toner image on its surface is conveyed to the fixing nip N between the upper fixing roller 60a and the lower fixing roller 60b, and at this time, the toner is pressurized and heated from both the front and back surfaces. Is fixed. At this time, the toner adhering to the upper fixing roller 60a and the lower fixing roller 60b is removed by the cleaning device C and the cleaning blade C1, respectively. An EEPROM 620 is connected to the controller 300, and the ID of the fixing unit 1040 is registered in the EEPROM 620.

  Here, when this fixing unit 1040 is applied to each part of FIG. 4, the parts corresponding to the consumable parts are the upper fixing roller 60 a, the lower fixing roller 60 b, the halogen heater 609, the halogen heater 613, the infrared sensor 210, and the infrared sensor 211. Oil application device O, cleaning device C, cleaning blade, web 602, and the like. Non-consumable parts include an aluminum cored bar 618, an aluminum cored bar 612, a frame, a frame (not shown), and the like.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the controller 300 according to the present embodiment.

  The controller 300 mainly includes a control unit 701, a detection device input unit 702, a drive system device drive unit 703, an analog circuit unit 704, a power supply unit 705, and a connector unit 706. This configuration can be changed as appropriate according to the function of the controller 300, and is not limited to this configuration. As described above, the control unit 701 is mainly composed of a control semiconductor such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, and an ASIC. The detection device input unit 702 is a circuit unit that inputs an input signal of an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter, which is a detection device, and normally forms a filter with active elements such as a ceramic capacitor and a chip resistor. The drive system device drive unit 703 is a drive unit of a drive system device such as a motor or a solenoid, and is a power system semiconductor element such as an FET, a motor driver IC or the like, a small signal semiconductor for input control, a motor or a driver power supply. It has an electrolytic capacitor for removing noise from the part. The analog circuit unit 704 is usually composed of active elements such as capacitors and chip resistors, and semiconductors such as operational amplifiers and comparators. The power supply unit 705 includes a DC / DC converter that generates, for example, DC5V or DC3.3V from DC24V supplied from a power supply (not shown), a semiconductor such as a three-terminal regulator, and an electrolytic capacitor for reducing power supply ripple and power supply noise. ing. The connector 706 is used to connect the controller 300 and the device. As the substrate 707, a substrate made of a material such as glass epoxy, SEM3, or paper phenol is usually used.

  Among the constituent requirements of the controller 300, semiconductor-related parts are guaranteed to operate semipermanently. On the other hand, the component life is clearly defined when the active component such as an electrolytic capacitor and the number of mechanical operations such as the connector are limited, and these correspond to the consumable components. Others are classified as non-consumable parts.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the data structures of the product table and the unit table registered in the database of the host computer 100 according to this embodiment.

  When the “product ID registration mail” when the product is assembled and shipped at the assembly factory 106 is received, the host computer 100 creates a new product table in the database (DB). This product table includes information of “product ID”, “product status flag”, one or more “unit IDs”, “list of counters by mode in product”, and “location”.

  “Product ID” is an identifier for identifying an individual product, and is represented by eight-digit characters including alphabets. The legend of this identifier will be described later (FIG. 15B). The “product status flag” is 1-byte data indicating the status of the product. When the assembly is completed at the assembly factory 106 and the product table is created by the host computer 100, the value becomes “1” (assembly completed). When the product is installed at the user destination 101 after product shipment, “3” (during user installation) is set. After that, when the product is collected from the user, it becomes “4” (collection completed). Then, after the product is collected, when the product is disassembled in units at the disassembly factory 102, it becomes “5” (unit disassembly complete), indicating that there is no copier with this product ID. When “product status flag” is “2”, “in stock” is indicated.

  The “unit ID” is an identifier for identifying each unit incorporated in the product, and is represented by eight-digit characters including alphabets. The legend of this identifier will be described later (FIG. 13B). This unit ID is registered in the database by the number of units incorporated in the product.

  The “counter list by mode in the product” is composed of a plurality of counters indicating the usage status of the product. The specification is such that when a sheet is discharged in a mode such as “total”, “double-sided”, “2 in 1”, “4 in 1”, the corresponding counter is counted up. “Location” indicates the user installation location 101 where the product is installed when the product status flag is “3”, that is, “installing user”. For example, characters such as “## company Tokyo head office”, “## company Osaka branch”, “## company Nagoya branch” are stored here.

  Next, the unit table registers the details of the unit ID for each unit built in the product.

  Reference numeral 801 denotes a case where the unit is the fixing unit 1040. The “unit ID” is “FX000001”, and the first two characters (FX) represent the fixing unit 1040. In the “unit name” column, “fixing device” is stored. The “unit status flag” is 1-byte data indicating the status of the unit. When the assembly is completed at the unit production factory 105 and the unit table is created by the host computer 100, “1” and “assembly completed” are obtained. When each unit is incorporated into a product at the product assembly factory 106, “2” “product is being incorporated” is displayed. In addition, when the product is disassembled into a single unit at the periodic maintenance or disassembly factory 102, “3” is “disconnected from the product”. Thereafter, when the recycling of the units is completed at the recycling factories 103 and 104, “4” and “recycling processing completed” are obtained. If it is determined that the state of the unit is not recyclable, the unit is disassembled, so “5” “part disassembly complete” is obtained. Also, if the unit is produced or is service parts instead of being incorporated into the product after recycling, it is “6” “service part handling”. Next, the “recycle count” is “0” when the unit is produced. Thereafter, it is incremented by one every time the recycling process is performed.

“Life” represents the life of the unit in units suitable for the unit, such as operating time and the number of sheets to be passed. For example, in the case of the fixing unit 1040, it is represented by the number of sheets to be passed, and is defined as “3 million sheets” here. The “unit counter” is a value for determining whether or not the unit has reached the end of its life. For example, in the case of the fixing unit 1040, as described above, the components corresponding to the consumable parts in the constituent requirements of the fixing unit are the upper fixing roller, the lower fixing roller, the halogen heater, the infrared sensor, the oil application device, the cleaning device, and the cleaning blade. Further, examples of non-consumable parts include webs made of aluminum and frames. Of these constituent requirements, the web is often handled as a service part as a replacement part. Therefore, the life of the halogen heater, which has the shortest life among the consumable parts, can be defined as the life of the fixing unit 1040. Since the life of the halogen heater varies depending on the temperature adjustment and mode of the fixing unit 1040, for example,
1.0 x (number of sheets on one side) + 0.7 x (number of sheets on both sides) ... Formula (1)
It is defined by the value calculated by. Of course, this calculation example is merely an example, and the coefficient applied to the number of sheets to be passed can take values such as the conveyance speed of the apparatus, the set temperature of the fixing unit 1040, and the material of the sheet.

  “Embedded product ID” stores the product ID of the product in which this unit is incorporated when the unit status flag is “2” or “product incorporated”. “Location” represents a location where this unit is stored as a service part when the unit status flag is “6” “handled service part”. For example, character strings indicating locations such as “Toride Center” and “Tokyo Center” are stored. “Fixing upper roller” and “fixing lower roller” are component counters corresponding to the case of the fixing unit 1040. Based on this value, the lifetime can be calculated by the above equation (1).

Reference numeral 802 denotes a case where the unit is the controller 300. Here, the “unit ID” is “DC023878”, and the first two characters (DC) represent the controller 300. “D-con” is stored in the “unit name” column. “Life” represents the life of this unit in hours. In the case of the controller 300, as described above, among the constituent requirements of the controller 300, the operation of semiconductor-related parts is guaranteed semipermanently, and it is the charge capacitor that clearly defines the life of the parts. Therefore, the lifetime of the controller 300 can be defined as the lifetime of the electrolytic capacitor, and the lifetime of the controller 300 can be defined as approximately 100,000 hours, for example. Of course, this 100,000 hours is an example, and can take a variable value depending on the withstand voltage, capacity, and ripple current of the electrolytic capacitor. The “unit counter” is a value for determining whether or not this unit has reached the end of its life. For example, in the case of the controller 300, 0.1 × (total energization time−motor driving time) + 0.9 × (motor driving time) (2)
It is defined by the value calculated by. Naturally, this calculation example is an example, and the coefficient depending on the energization time and the motor drive time can take a variable value depending on the withstand voltage, capacity, and ripple current of the electrolytic capacitor. “Total energization time” and “motor drive time” are component counters corresponding to the controller 300. Based on this value, the lifetime can be calculated by the above equation (2).

  The meanings of the values of “unit status flag”, “recycle count”, “built-in product ID”, and “location” in the controller 300 are the same as those in the fixing unit 1040 described above. Omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the host computer 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The host computer 100 includes a line communication processing unit 901, a product table / unit table database 903, a notification destination database 905, and communication data determination units 902 and 904.

  The line communication processing unit 901 transmits and receives e-mails via the communication line network 109. In this embodiment, data is transmitted / received by e-mail. However, this configuration can be realized by using a protocol using a telephone line or an Internet protocol such as TCP / IP. . The mail transmission / reception determination unit 902 analyzes the content of the email received via the line communication processing unit 901. A notification destination database (DB) 903 stores email addresses of email transmission / reception destinations. The mail transmission / reception determination unit 902 reads the mail address of the transmission source from the received e-mail, and determines whether the mail address is an address registered in the notification destination DB 903. If the received email is already registered in the notification destination DB 903, the command determination unit 904 analyzes the command included in the received email. Based on the command thus analyzed, the database processing unit 906 changes the contents of the product table / unit table database 905, adds new data, and the like.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the data format of the e-mail received by the host computer 100.

  << address >> is the email address of the email sender. When the sender of the email is registered in the notification destination database 903 of the host computer 100, it is determined that the email information is valid. << command >> is a code indicating the type of email, and the host computer 100 determines the type of email based on the email command shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 10, it is understood that “MA05” is “unit exchange mail”. The processing of the host computer 100 after this determination will be described later. << productID >> indicates the product ID of the device. << unitID >> is a unit ID constituting the device. << Product_Place >> represents the installation location information of the product. << unit_Place >> indicates unit location information, and is valid only when the unit status flag is “6” (service part setting). << attached >> indicates a file attached to the e-mail. Here, the file attached to the e-mail is counter information such as a component counter and a mode counter.

  12A and 12B are flowcharts showing the email processing in the host computer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  After turning on the power, in step S1, it waits for reception of an e-mail. When an e-mail is received, the “processing command” of the received e-mail is read to determine what kind of e-mail the e-mail is. After determining the type of e-mail in this way, it is determined whether the e-mail is a correct notification by checking the password.

  When the product ID registration mail is received in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3 to create a product ID table (FIG. 14A). Here, the product table information attached to the e-mail is read and added to the database 903 as a product table. Next, in step S4, the “product status flag” in the product table is set to “1” (assembly completed), and then in step S5, all the unit status flags of the units incorporated in the product are set to “2” (product set). Change). Thereafter, in step S6, the location code of the assembly factory that assembled the product is registered in “product location” of the product table. When these processes are completed, the process proceeds to step S7, and the product ID registration mail is deleted.

  If the received e-mail is a unit ID registration mail, the process proceeds from step S8 to step S9, and the process proceeds to a unit registration sequence. Here, the unit table is created on the database based on the unit information attached to the unit ID registration mail. In step S10, the unit status flag of the unit table is set to “1” (assembly completed), and in step S11, the location code of the production factory of the unit is stored in “unit location”. When these processes are completed, the process proceeds to step S7, and the unit ID registration mail is deleted.

  If the received e-mail is an installation mail, the process proceeds from step S12 to step S13, and the process proceeds to the installation sequence. In step S13, the product ID written in the e-mail is read, the product table corresponding to the product ID is searched from the database 903, and the product status flag is changed to “3” (user installed). In step S14, “product location” is changed to the code of the installation location where the product is installed. In step S7, the received installation mail is deleted.

  If the received e-mail is a periodic monitoring mail, the process proceeds from step S15 to step S16 and shifts to a periodic monitoring sequence. Here, the product ID written in the e-mail is read, the product table corresponding to the product ID is searched from the database 903, and the mode counter is updated. Next, in step S17, the counter of the unit incorporated in the product is calculated from the mode counter and the component counter attached to the e-mail, and the unit counter on the unit table is changed. In step S7, the mail is deleted.

  If the received e-mail is a unit exchange mail, the process proceeds from step S18 to step S19, and the unit exchange sequence is entered. In this step S19, the product ID written in the e-mail is read, the product table corresponding to the product ID is searched from the database, and the corresponding unit ID included in the product is replaced from the one before replacement. (Step S19). In step S20, the unit table of the unit attached before the replacement is searched from the database 903, the unit status flag of the unit is changed to “3” (removed from the product), and “location” is changed to the user. The installation location is changed to, for example, a decomposition plant or a recycling plant. At the same time, the unit ID of the newly attached unit is retrieved, and the unit table of the unit is added to the product table of the product (step S21). Next, in step S22, the unit status flag of the added unit table is rewritten to “2” (during product incorporation), and the “location” of the old unit attached before the replacement is changed to the code of the collected location, Next, in step S24, the “place” of the replaced new unit is changed to the code of the user installation place. In step S7, the unit replacement mail is deleted.

  If the received e-mail is a product collection mail, the process proceeds from step S25 to step S26, and the process proceeds to a product collection sequence. In this step S26, the product ID written in the E-mail is read, the product table corresponding to the product ID is searched from the database 903, and the product status flag is changed to “4” (collection completed). In step S27, “location” in the product table subordinate to the product ID is changed to the code of the collected location. In step S7, the product collection mail is deleted.

  If the email is a product status inquiry email, the process proceeds from step S28 to step S29, the product ID written in the email is read, the product table corresponding to the product ID is searched from the database 903, and the product status flag is read. , And a unit status flag subordinate to the product is returned to the inquiry source by e-mail (step S29). In step S7, the product status inquiry mail is deleted.

  Furthermore, if the received e-mail is a product ID deletion e-mail, the process proceeds from step S30 to step S31, the product ID written in the e-mail is read, and a product table corresponding to the product ID is searched from the database 903. The product status flag in the product table is changed to “5” (unit disassembly complete). In step S7, the mail is deleted.

  If the e-mail is a recycling process completion e-mail, the process proceeds from step S32 to step S33, and the unit ID written in the e-mail is read. The unit table corresponding to the read unit ID is searched from the database 903, and the unit status flag in the unit table is changed to “4” (recycling process complete). In step S7, the recycling process completion mail is deleted.

  Further, when the received email is a unit ID deletion email, the process proceeds from step S34 to step S35, and the unit ID written in the email is read. The unit table corresponding to the unit ID is searched from the database 903, and the unit status flag in the unit table is changed to “5” (part disassembly complete). In step S7, the unit ID deletion mail is deleted.

  Finally, if the received email is an arrival notification email, the process proceeds from step S36 to step S37, and the unit ID written in the email is read. The unit table corresponding to the unit ID is searched from the database 903, and the unit status flag in the unit table is changed to “6” (handled as service parts). In step S38, the “unit location” is changed to the code of “service parts center”. In step S7, the arrival notification mail is deleted.

  Through this series of processing, the database 903 of the host computer 100 is sequentially rewritten, and it is possible to immediately track where the products and units are located.

  It should be noted that products whose product status flag in the product table is “5” (unit disassembly completed) and whose unit status flag in the unit table is “5” (part disassembly complete) are deleted from the database 903 of the host computer 100. May be.

  FIG. 13A is a flowchart showing processing in the unit production factory 105 according to the present embodiment.

  Step S41 is a unit assembly process. In step S41, unit units such as the controller 300 and the fixing unit 1040 are assembled. After the individual unit assembly is completed, a unit ID for each unit is generated in step S42. This unit ID is for identifying each unit and needs to be generated so as not to overlap.

  FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of this unit ID.

  This unit ID is composed of 8 digits (1 digit corresponds to 1 byte), and the upper 2 digits indicate the type of unit. The controller 300 is “DC”, and the fixing unit 1040 is “FX”. Is shown. The remaining six digits represent a serial number.

  In step S43, the unit ID of the generated unit and the life information of the unit are written in the built-in EEPROM. In step S44, the unit ID, the unit name indicating the unit type, and the unit life data are sent to the host computer 100 by mail via each server (S1, S2,...).

  Specifically, in this process, when the fixing unit 1040 having the unit ID “FX000001” is manufactured, the host computer 100 creates data as indicated by 920 in FIG. 14B, for example. In this example, the unit name is “fixer”, the unit status flag is “1” (assembly completed), and since it is a new product, the count of recycling, the unit counter, the fixing roller, and the halogen heater are all “0”. “Life” is set to “3 million hours”. Further, since it is not incorporated into the product at this time, the ID and installation location of the “embedded product” are blank.

  Further, when the controller 300 with the unit ID “DC023878” is manufactured, the host computer 100 creates data as indicated by 930 in FIG. 14C, for example. In this example, the unit name is “D-con”, the unit status flag is “1” (assembly completed), and since it is a new product, the count values of the number of recycling, the unit counter, the total energization time, and the motor drive time are all “ “0” is set, and “Life” is set to “10,000 hours”. Further, since it is not incorporated into the product at this time, the ID and installation location of the “embedded product” are blank.

  FIG. 15A is a flowchart showing processing in the product assembly factory 106 according to the present embodiment.

  Step S51 shows a product assembly process. In step S51, the unit produced at the unit production factory 105 is used to assemble the product. After the assembly is completed, a product ID is generated in step S52. This product ID is for identifying each product and must be generated so as not to overlap.

  FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of the product ID.

  This product ID consists of 8 digits (1 digit is equivalent to 1 byte). The upper 2 digits indicate the type of product. “AL” is an analog low speed machine and “DM” is a digital medium speed machine. Show. The next 1 byte indicates the destination of the product, “J” indicates Japan and “A” indicates the United States. The remaining five digits represent a serial number.

  In step S53, the generated product ID is stored in an EEPROM built in the product. In step S54, the unit ID of the built-in unit is acquired and stored in the EEPROM of the product. In step S55, the product ID and the acquired unit ID are transmitted to the host computer 100 via the server K. After completing the transmission in this way, the product is shipped in step S56.

  Specifically, the fixing unit 1040 with the product ID “ALJ47802” and the unit ID “FX000001” created at the unit production factory 105 and the controller 300 with the unit ID “DC023878” are incorporated in the product. In this case, in the host computer 100, for example, data as indicated by 940 in FIG. 14A is stored in the product table. In this example, the product status flag is “1” (assembly completed), and the ID of the unit included in this product is set as follows. Since this is also a new product, the mode-specific counters of this product are all set to “0”. At this point, the location is blank because it is not built into the product.

  In the unit table of the fixing unit 1040, for example, “ALJ47802” is entered in the column of embedded product ID 920 in FIG. 14B, and the table is changed to a state indicated by 921. In this example, as apparent from the comparison with 920 described above, since it is in a state of being incorporated in the product, the ID of the “embedded product” is changed to “ALJ47802” which is the product ID.

  Further, the unit table of the controller 300 is similarly changed to a state indicated by 931 by entering “ALJ47802” in the embedded product ID column indicated by 930 in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing in a device operating at the user installation destination 101. With reference to this flowchart, processing in a device (copier, multifunction machine, facsimile, printer) will be described.

  This process is started by turning on the power of the device. First, in step S61, the controller on the device collects unit IDs of all connected units. Here, for example, the unit IDs of the fixing unit 1040 and the controller 300 are collected. The unit ID collected here is stored in a nonvolatile memory in the device. Next, in step S62, it is checked whether there is a new ID that does not exist in the device memory as a result of collecting the unit ID. If there is no unregistered ID in step S63, the process proceeds to step S69. Wait for the request.

  On the other hand, if there is an unregistered ID in step S63, the process proceeds to step S64, and the unit ID of the removed unit (unit ID not detected at the time of unit ID collection) is detected from the nonvolatile memory in the device. In step S65, the unit ID of the removed unit and the unregistered unit ID are held in the volatile memory, and replacement part data is created in step S66. In step S67, the component count held in the nonvolatile memory in the device is combined with the replacement component data created in step S66. In step S68, the corresponding server (U1, U2, etc.) is sent. Send data.

  In step S69, when a component counter request from the corresponding server is detected, the process proceeds to step S67, and the device transmits the component counter held in the internal nonvolatile memory to the data transmission unit and transmits it to the server (step S68). ).

  Specifically, when the product having the product ID “ALJ47802” produced in the above-described product assembly process is installed in the user installation destination 101 having the location code of Shinjuku, for example, the host computer is connected via the server. The product table of 100 is changed from “Assembly complete” in which the product state flag indicating the installation state is “1” to “User in installation” in which “3” is set in the data indicated by 940 in FIG. Further, the table is updated to data indicating “Shinjuku” in the place column and changed to a table as indicated by 941.

  In the unit table of the fixing unit 1040, the unit status flag indicating the installation status is changed from “1” “completed” to “2” “product built-in” in the data 921 in FIG. 14B. In addition, the location column is updated to data indicating “Shinjuku”, and the table is changed to a table as indicated by 922.

  Furthermore, in the unit table of the controller 300, the unit status flag indicating the installation status is changed from “1” “completed assembly” to “2” “product built-in” in the data indicated by 931 in FIG. In addition, the place column is updated to data indicating “Shinjuku” and changed to a table as indicated by 932.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a server (U1 or the like) 1103 installed at the user installation destination 101.

  Reference numeral 1101 denotes a network such as a LAN installed in the user installation destination 101. The server 1103 is connected to the network 1101 via the communication unit 1104. On the other hand, the device 1102 under the management of the server 1103 is an image forming apparatus (PPC-A to F) such as a copying machine, a multifunction machine, a facsimile machine, or a printer. The server 1103 is provided with a status monitoring unit 1106 that monitors whether there is any notification from the device 1102 or whether an email is received from the host computer 100 via the line communication processing unit 1107. ing. The state monitoring unit 1106 periodically collects component counter and mode counter values from the device 1102 via the counter acquisition unit 1105. Information such as a component counter collected from these devices 1102 is added or updated and stored in the device information DB 1108. The input unit 1109 is used by a service person to input information when a device is newly installed or collected. When information such as “new device installation” or “device collection” is input from the input unit 1109, the state monitoring unit 1106 creates an e-mail that collects component counters of the device 1102 and transmits it to the host computer 100.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure in the server 1103 installed at the user installation destination 101.

  After this server is installed, at step S71, when it is time to perform regular processing at regular time intervals (for example, once a day at 9:00 am, etc.), the process proceeds to step S72, and from the device 1102 under the management of the server 1103 Collect its component counter and mode counter. Next, in step S73, a periodic process notification mail is created from the collected counters. In step S74, the created regular action notification mail is transmitted to the host computer 100 via the line communication processing unit 1107, and the process returns to step S71 again to determine whether the time for the regular process is reached.

  On the other hand, if it is not time to perform the regular processing in step S71, the process proceeds to step S75, and it is confirmed whether there is a component replacement notification from the device 1102. If there is a part replacement notification from the device 1102, the process proceeds to step S76, and the unit ID of the unit that was immediately before the replacement is acquired. Subsequently, in step S77, the unit ID of the unit attached after the replacement is acquired, and in step S78, the component counter held in the device 1102 is acquired. Here, for example, in the case of the fixing unit 1040, for example, the unit ID “FX000001” of the fixing unit 1040 that was attached immediately before the replacement is acquired, and the unit ID “FX000002” of the fixing unit 1040 newly attached by this replacement is acquired. To get. Then, the unit IDs before and after the replacement and the component counter are combined into one file, a component replacement email is created (step S79), and the host computer 100 is notified by email in step S74.

  When the periodic processing and component replacement information are not notified from the device, the process proceeds to step S80 to check whether a new device is to be installed under the management of the server 1103. This is to determine whether or not the service person performs the new installation registration work. When the new installation work is performed and the service person finishes the new installation in the server 1103 (step S81), the server 1103 is next in step S82. The application program acquires the component counter of the new device. In step S83, an installation mail is created, and in step S74, the installation mail is transmitted to the host computer 100 by e-mail.

  When the periodic processing and component replacement information are not notified from the device, in step S84, it is determined whether or not the device 1102 under the management of the server 1103 is to be removed. Then, the device 1102 is collected. Thus, when a collection instruction is issued from the application program of the server 1103, the application program acquires a component counter of the device 1102 to be collected. Then, after the device is collected, in step S86, if the device has been collected again on the application program of the server 1103, a collection email is created. In step S74, an email is sent to the host computer 100.

  Specifically, for example, the fixing unit 1040 of the product incorporated in the product having the product ID “ALJ47802” produced in the above-described product assembly process is changed from the fixing unit 1040 having the unit ID “FX000001” to the unit ID “ When it is replaced with a fixing unit of “FX000002”, the product table of the host computer 100 changes “FX000001” in the unit ID column 941 in FIG. 14A to the new unit ID “FX000002” that has been replaced. . Further, the mode-specific counter in the product is also used for the life calculation of other units, so it is not changed by this unit replacement. Accordingly, the product table indicated by 941 in FIG. 14A is changed as indicated by 942 by replacing the fixing unit 1040.

  Further, since the fixing unit 1040 with the unit ID “FX000001” is removed from the product, the unit table has a unit state flag “2” indicating the installation state, for example, as indicated by 922 in FIG. 14B. Change (from product incorporation) to “3” (removed from product), change the embedded product ID and location fields to “-” (undecided), and move to a table as shown at 923.

  Further, the unit table of the fixing unit whose newly inserted unit ID is “FX000002” is already registered in the host computer 100 as indicated by 950 in FIG. As described above, the registration process is executed in the same process as the unit production process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the fixing unit 1040 with the unit ID “FX000002” is incorporated into the product with the product ID “ALJ47802”, the unit table of the fixing unit 1040 is, for example, a unit state as indicated by 950 in FIG. The flag is changed to “2” (during product incorporation), the embedded product ID is changed to “ALJ47802”, the location is changed to “Shinjuku”, and the table is updated as indicated by 951.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing in the disassembly factory 102 according to the present embodiment.

  First, in step S91, collected product IDs are collected. In step S92, a product ID deletion mail is generated, and the mail is transmitted to the host computer 100 via the server V in step S93.

  By this processing, the product status flag in the product table of the host computer 100 is changed to “4” (collection completed) and the location is also changed to “−” (undefined), for example, as indicated by 943 in FIG. The table is changed.

  The unit table of the fixing unit 1040 having the unit ID “FX000002” of the host computer 100 is changed to “3” (removed from the product) by this disassembly process (FIG. 14D). ) 952).

  Further, the unit table of the controller 100 whose unit ID is “DC023878” of the host computer 100 is changed to “3” (removed from the product) by this disassembly process (FIG. 14C). 933).

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the unit recycling factories 103 and 104.

  A unit recycling factory exists for each type of unit, and includes a unit recycling factory for the fixing unit 1040, a unit recycling factory for the controller 300, and the like. Here, an example of the unit A recycling factory 103 is shown.

  In this unit A recycling factory 103, a LAN is laid and connected to one or a plurality of recycling steps 11, 12,. In this embodiment, the communication line is a LAN, but a telephone line or other communication line may be used. The server R1 has a function of collecting unit IDs and the like from this recycling process and transmitting an e-mail to the communication line network 109 via the communication line. Here, there are two types of mails created by the server R1: a unit ID deletion mail and a recycling process completion mail.

  Further, the server R1 can browse the component counter for each unit ID stored in the database (DB) of the host computer 100 using WWW or the like.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the recycling process in the unit recycling factory.

  First, in step S101, a unit ID collection device (not shown) is connected to the units collected in the unit recycling factory, and unit IDs are collected and detected. Here, the target of the recycling process is, for example, the fixing unit 1040. In step S102, the host computer 100 is inquired about unit table information related to the unit ID detected in step S101. The content inquired at this time is the value of the unit counter of the fixing unit 1040. In step S103, the life counter value of the unit is compared with the actual use value (unit counter) of the unit. As a result, if the former counter (lifetime) is larger than the latter counter (usage record), it is determined that the part will satisfy the next product life cycle when it is reused, and the process proceeds to step S104, where it is sent to the recycling process. Is done.

  On the other hand, if the life counter value of the unit is smaller than the actual use value of the unit, it is determined that the life cycle of the unit has ended, and the process proceeds to step S108 to create a unit ID deletion mail. In step S109, a deletion mail of the unit ID is transmitted to the host computer 100. In step S110, the fixing unit 1040 is disassembled into components such as a fixing roller and a halogen heater, which are constituent factors.

  On the other hand, the fixing unit 1040 determined to be recyclable in step S103 is then compared with a component counter for each component, which is a constituent factor, in step S104. Here, if the value of the component counter is smaller than the lifetime counter of the component counter, it is determined that reproduction is possible. If not, the processing is terminated as it is. If it is determined that the reproduction is possible, the process proceeds to step S105, where it is determined whether each part is to be replaced or reused, and the fixing unit 1040 is regenerated. Next, a reproduction processing completion mail is created in step S106, and the reproduction processing completion mail is transmitted to the host computer 100 in step S107.

  As a result of this processing, the product status flag in the product table of the host computer 100 is updated to “5” (unit disassembly completed), and the location is also changed to “−” (undefined), for example, at 944 in FIG. The table is changed as shown.

  If the fixing unit 1040 having the unit ID “FX000001” replaced and removed from the product at the user installation location 101 is determined to be “non-recyclable”, for example, based on the determination of the service life and the unit counter, the disposal process is performed. Turned. At this time, the unit status flag in the unit table of the host computer 100 is changed to “5” (part disassembly complete) (924 in FIG. 14B).

  Further, the fixing unit 1040 having the unit ID “FX000002” removed from the product is sent to the recycling process when it is determined that “recyclable”, for example. At this time, the unit status flag in the unit table of the host computer 100 is changed to “4” (recycling process complete) (953 in FIG. 14D). Furthermore, if the regenerated fixing unit 1040 is handled as a service part, the unit status flag in the unit table of the host computer 100 is changed to “6” (service part), and the unit is used for the second time. The column of the number of times of recycling is changed to “1” (954 in FIG. 14D).

  Similarly, in the case of the controller 300, when the replacement of the electrolytic capacitor is finished in the regeneration processing step and the regeneration processing of the controller 300 is finished, the unit status flag of the unit table of the host computer 100 is changed to “4” (service part). (935 in FIG. 14C). Furthermore, if the regenerated controller 300 is handled as a service part, the unit status flag in the unit table of the host computer 100 is changed to “6” (service part), and the unit is used for the second time. The number of times column is changed to “1” (954 in FIG. 14D).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining replacement processing between units and components at the user installation destination 101 according to the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, PPC-A, PPC-B, PPC-C, PPC-D, PPC-E, and PPC-F shown in FIG. 1 are different models, but some units or parts. Are compatible, and each PPC main unit, unit, and component are configured so that replacement by the same user installation destination 101 is possible by using a tool or the like by a service person.

  As in PPC-A to PPC-F in FIG. 1, the host computer 100 reaches the remaining 20% of the set lifetime of the unit counter and component counter in step S1121 in a state where it is installed at the user's site. If it is determined that there is a unit or part that has reached the remaining life of 20% and the same type and a remaining life of 80% or more exists in the same user installation location 101 (step S122). .

  Further, in step S123, a future use prediction is made based on the use situation up to now, and after replacement, it is determined whether each unit or part has reached the life of 6 months or more. If it is determined that it has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S124, where an e-mail specifying the replacement unit or part is created, and it is transmitted to the sales company 107 in step S125. The sales company that has received this mail dispatches a service person to exchange the target units or parts with each other at the user installation site (step S126). This exchange is basically performed between models of the same contractor.

  If it is determined in step S123 that either unit or part reaches the end of its service life within 6 months after the replacement, the process proceeds to step S127, and monitoring is performed until the unit or part reaches the end of its life. Thereafter, when the unit counter or the component counter reaches the end of the life, the process proceeds to step S128, and it is confirmed whether the remaining life of the PPC main body in which the unit or the part that has reached the end of life is 30% or more. If it is 30% or more, the process proceeds to step S129 to create a mail for requesting shipment of a unit or part that has reached the end of its life, and transmits it to the service parts center 108 in step S130. Thereafter, in step S131, necessary parts are shipped from the service parts center 108. When the shipment is completed, a shipping completion mail is created in the service parts center 108 in step S132, and is transmitted to the sales company 107 in step S133. In step S134, the sales company 107 that receives this mail dispatches a service person to replace the service part and the part that has reached the end of life at the user installation location 101. Here, the service parts in the service parts center 108 are new units or parts.

  In step S128, if the remaining life of the PPC main body is not 30% or more, the process proceeds to step S135, and the host computer determines whether the unit recycling factory 103 (104) has a unit predicted to have the remaining life of the PPC main body. 100 searches. If not, the process proceeds to step S129, and the same processing as described above is executed.

  In step S135, if there is a unit that is predicted to have the remaining life of the PPC main body, the process proceeds to step S136, and an email for requesting shipment of the unit or part detected by the host computer 100 is created, and in step S137. , Send it to the unit recycling factory. Thereafter, in step S138, necessary units or parts are shipped from the unit recycling factory. When this shipment is completed, the process proceeds to step S139, where a shipment completion mail is created at the unit recycling factory, and is transmitted to the sales company 107 in step S140. Receiving it, the sales company 107 dispatches a service person to replace the recycled parts (units or parts) and the parts that have reached the end of their service life at the user installation location (step S141).

  Specifically, the replacement target is, for example, a fixing unit 1040 in the case of a unit, and a fixing roller or a fixing heater in the case of a part.

  Here, a specific flow of replacement processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 22, taking the fixing unit 1040 as an example.

  When the host computer 100 determines in step S121 that the unit counter of the fixing unit 1040 (FX00001A) in the PPC-A has reached 800,000 or more, which is 80% of the life counter value (1 million), the host computer 100 Are PPC-B, PPC-C, PPC-D, PPC-E, and PPC-F at the same user installation site (same contractor), and are the same type of fixing unit as FX00001A and have a remaining life of 80% (800,000) A search is made to see if there are any more (step S122). As a result, for example, the fixing unit (FX00001D) in the PPC-D corresponds to this, and further, the fixing unit (FX00001A) and the fixing unit (FX00001D) are exchanged based on the usage status from the installation of the PPC-D to the present. In this case, it is calculated whether the unit counter of the fixing unit 1040 reaches the end of its service life for 6 months or longer (step S123). If the result of this calculation is YES, the process proceeds to step S124, where the host computer 100 creates an email indicating that the fixing unit (FX00001A) and the fixing unit (FX00001D) can be exchanged. In step S125, the sales company 107 Send to. Upon receiving this mail, the service person goes to the user installation location of PPC-A and PPC-D and exchanges the fixing unit (FX00001A) and the fixing unit (FX00001D) at the installation location (step S126). The fixing unit 1040 is replaced by the above processing flow.

  If the determination in step S123 is NO, then replacement is not performed at that time, and monitoring is continued until the unit counter of the fixing unit (FX00001A) reaches the end of its life (step S127). Thereafter, in step S127, when the unit counter of the fixing unit (FX00001A) reaches the end of its life, the process proceeds to step S128 to check whether the remaining life of the PPC-A is 30% or more. In step S130, the host computer 100 creates an instruction content mail for sending a new fixing unit to the user installation location of the PPC-A to the service parts center 108, and transmits it in step S130. Therefore, a new fixing unit is shipped from the service parts center 108 to the user installation destination 101 of the PPC-A (step S131). When the new fixing unit is shipped in this way, the server P of the service parts center 108 creates a shipping completion mail indicating that the new fixing unit has been shipped to the user installation location 101 of the PPC-A (step S132). An e-mail is transmitted to the sales company 107 (step S133). The sales company 107 that has received the mail dispatches a service person to the user installation location 101 of the PPC-A and replaces the fixing unit that has reached the end of its life with a new fixing unit (step S134).

  If it is determined in step S128 that the remaining life of the PPC-A is not 30% or more, the process proceeds to step S135, and the unit recycling factory has the same type of unit as the fixing unit (FX00001A) predicted to have the remaining life of the PPC-A. The host computer 100 searches whether there is any. Here, if there is no corresponding unit, the process proceeds to step S129, and thereafter, the same processing as the above-described flow is executed.

  If it is determined in step S135 that the corresponding fixing unit (FX00001R) exists, the process proceeds to step S136, where the host computer 100 creates an email for requesting shipment of the fixing unit (FX00001R), and in step S137, the mail is sent to the unit recycling factory. Send to. Thereafter, in step S138, the fixing unit (FX00001R) is shipped from the unit recycling factory. When the shipment is completed, a shipment completion mail is created at the unit recycling factory (step S139), and is transmitted to the sales company 107 in step S140. The sales company 107 that has received this mail dispatches a service person to exchange the fixing unit (FX00001R) and the fixing unit (FX00001A) at the user installation location 101 (step S141).

  The above-described processing can also be applied when replacing parts such as a fixing roller, a fixing heater, and a developing drum.

  In addition, when the recycled product is incorporated into the PPC of the user installation destination 101, the agreement of the contractor is necessary.

  When the parts are replaced, the power is always turned off, and after the unit is replaced, when the PPC-A is turned on, the replaced unit or part is converted into the PPC- by the process described in the flowchart of FIG. A is registered. Further, the collected units or parts are sent to the unit recycling factory, and the processing described above with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21 is performed. By the processing described above, parts replacement is performed at the user installation destination 101.

  In the above embodiment, the case where each device (apparatus) is an image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applicable to general home appliances and mass-produced products such as cars. Of course, it can be applied.

  The present invention also provides a system or apparatus with a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the present embodiment, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. It is also achieved by reading and executing the program code. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying such program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like is used. Can do.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code Includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. This includes the case where the CPU of the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if a plurality of devices installed at a user installation site are different models, if some units or parts of the devices are compatible, they are replaced. The host computer that can be configured and manages these devices manages the usage information and maintenance information of each unit and component. Based on this information, the optimal and efficient unit and component reuse information Can be provided to sales companies. Thereby, it is possible to realize a significant improvement in the reuse rate of the units or parts of each device. In addition, due to an accurate flow check of the host computer, it is possible to sufficiently guarantee the performance and life of each device even if reused products are used.

It is a figure showing composition of a recycling system concerning an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a structural cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer that is an example of a device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of each unit of the printer illustrated in FIG. 2. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a recycling unit A. FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the example which comprises the unit only with consumable parts. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a fixing unit according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the controller which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the data structure of the product table and unit table which are registered into the host computer which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the host computer which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a data format of the email transmitted / received by the host computer which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the command contained in the email transmitted / received by the host computer which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the reception process of the email in the host computer which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the reception process of the email in the host computer which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the flowchart (A) which shows the process in the unit production factory which concerns on this Embodiment, and (B) figure explaining unit ID. It is a figure explaining the data table which the host computer concerning this Embodiment manages. It is the flowchart (A) which shows the process in the product assembly factory which concerns on this Embodiment, and the (B) figure explaining the product ID. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a system block diagram of the server installed in the user destination which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence in the server installed in the user destination which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the decomposition | disassembly factory which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the recycle unit factory which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the unit recycling factory which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the parts exchange process in the user installation place which concerns on this Embodiment.

Claims (15)

An information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of apparatus products each composed of a unit and a part,
Storage means for storing product information including the state of each of the plurality of device products, unit information of each unit included in the device product;
A communication means for communicating with each server installed at a place related to production of at least each unit included in the apparatus product, assembly and sale of each unit and parts, user installation destination, service center and recycling;
In accordance with information transmitted from each server via the communication means, additional update means for adding or updating information stored in the storage means;
Based on the information about the lifetime of each unit included in the unit information, a determination unit that determines the lifetime of the unit of the device installed at the user installation location;
When there is a unit whose lifetime is determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined value by the determination unit, an alternative unit of the unit is determined based on the information stored in the storage unit as to the location related to the sales, service center, and recycling. An alternative unit notifying means for determining which one is present and notifying the server of the place where the alternative unit exists by the communication means;
Means for controlling the information stored in the storage means to be updated by the additional updating means when the communication means confirms that the unit has been replaced based on the notification by the alternative unit notifying means;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the product information includes at least a product ID, status information indicating a current state of the apparatus product, unit information included in the product, life, and usage time.   3. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein the unit information includes at least a unit ID, status information indicating a current state of the unit, a lifetime, a usage time, and an ID of a device product in which the unit is incorporated. apparatus.   The communication unit periodically receives information indicating the usage status of the device product from the user installation destination server, and the additional updating unit stores the information in the storage unit according to the information indicating the usage status. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information is added or updated.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication by the communication unit includes an inquiry about status information of the device product from each of the servers. A recycling system for managing a plurality of device products each composed of units and parts,
Servers installed in each of the units and parts production, assembly and sale of equipment products, user installation destinations, equipment product disassembly departments, recycling units for each unit, and service departments that manage the supply of the units and parts, ,
A host computer capable of communicating with each of the servers;
Storage means for managing product information managed by the host computer and including the status of each of a plurality of device products, and unit information of each unit included in the device product;
In accordance with information transmitted from each of the servers, additional update means for adding or updating information stored in the storage means;
Based on the information about the lifetime of each unit included in the unit information, a determination unit that determines the lifetime of the unit of the device installed at the user installation location;
When there is a unit whose lifetime is determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined value by the determination unit, an alternative unit of the unit is determined based on the information stored in the storage unit as to the location related to the sales, service center, and recycling. An alternative unit notifying means for determining where the alternative unit exists and notifying the server where the alternative unit exists;
Means for controlling the information stored in the storage means to be updated by the additional updating means when the communication means confirms that the unit has been replaced based on the notification by the alternative unit notifying means;
A recycling system characterized by comprising:   The recycling system according to claim 6, wherein the product information includes at least a product ID, status information indicating a current state of the apparatus product, unit information built in the product, life, and usage time.   The recycling system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the unit information includes at least a unit ID, status information indicating a current state of the unit, a lifetime, a usage time, and an ID of an apparatus product in which the unit is incorporated. .   The host computer periodically receives information indicating the usage status of the device product from the user installation destination server, and the additional updating unit stores the information in the storage unit according to the information indicating the usage status. The recycling system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein information is added or updated.   The recycling system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the information from the server includes an inquiry about the status information of the device product from each of the servers. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus for managing a plurality of apparatus products each composed of a unit and a part,
Product information including the state of each of the plurality of device products, information related to unit information of each unit included in the device product is stored in a memory,
A communication step of communicating with each server installed at a place related to production of at least each unit included in the device product, assembly and sale of each unit and parts, user installation destination, service center and recycling;
In accordance with the information transmitted from each server in the communication step, an additional update step of adding or updating information stored in the memory;
Based on the information on the lifetime of each unit included in the unit information, a determination step of determining the lifetime of the unit of the device installed at the user installation location;
When there is a unit whose lifetime is determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined value in the determination step, the replacement unit of the unit is selected as one of the sales, service center, and recycling locations based on the information stored in the memory. An alternative unit notification step of determining whether or not the server exists at the place where the alternative unit exists, by the communication means,
Based on the notification in the alternative unit notification step, controlling to update the information stored in the memory when confirming that the unit has been replaced,
An information processing method characterized by comprising:   The information processing method according to claim 11, wherein the product information includes at least a product ID, status information indicating a current state of the device product, unit information built in the product, life, and usage time.   13. The information processing according to claim 11, wherein the unit information includes at least a unit ID, status information indicating a current state of the unit, a lifetime, a usage time, and an ID of an apparatus product in which the unit is incorporated. Method.   In the communication step, information indicating the usage status of the device product is periodically received from the server at the user installation destination, and in the additional updating step, information stored in the memory according to the information indicating the usage status The information processing method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the information is added or updated.   15. The information processing method according to claim 11, wherein the communication in the communication step includes an inquiry about status information of the device product from each of the servers.

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