JP2006166291A - Consumables collection apparatus and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely collect used consumables and impartially place a limit of use on users using the consumables in various ways in this case. <P>SOLUTION: A consumables collection apparatus and method is configured such that a main body of the apparatus recognizes that a user exchanges consumables to be collected without managing the used period of the consumables on the basis of a date and a time (period), when the user does not return the consumables for an arbitrary period, the apparatus main body stepwisely switches processes of urging the user to return the consumables in response to the quantity of the exchanged consumables. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to the recycling of consumables, and the main object is to collect parts.

  For example, toner cartridges such as copying machines and printers, and consumables such as photosensitive drums and developing devices are targeted. The present invention relates to a consumables collection apparatus and method for reliably returning used parts to a collection center when they are replaced with new ones.

  Some electrophotographic printers, facsimiles, and the like are equipped with a cartridge in which toner is enclosed, and when the toner runs out, the entire cartridge is replaced.

  In this method, toner can be easily replenished, and if consumable parts such as a photosensitive drum, a developing device, and a cleaning member are incorporated in the cartridge, the consumable parts are also replaced when the cartridge is replaced. There is an advantage that becomes easier. Further, by providing a part of the device configuration in the cartridge, the manufacturing cost of the device main body can be reduced.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the flow among cartridge manufacturers, sellers, users, and collection centers. The cartridge is usually sold to the user 3 through the sales channel from the manufacturer 1 of the device to which the cartridge is attached. That is, the user 3 purchases and uses a cartridge from the seller 2 in exchange for the price. The used cartridge is brought into the seller 2 by the user 3, packed in a recovery container by the seller 2, and sent to a recovery center 4 operated by the manufacturer 1 or the like. In some cases, the user 3 directly packs the used cartridge into a collection container and sends it to the collection center 4.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the collection work in the collection center 4. In the collection, the seller 2 or the user 3 (hereinafter referred to as “customer”) requests the collection center 4 to collect using a communication device such as a facsimile, and the collection center 4 accepts the collection (S1). Upon receiving the collection request, the collection center 4 creates a collection slip corresponding to the customer (S2), and sends the collection container (box) attached with the slip to the customer (S3). Then, the used cartridges sent from the customer are classified by visual confirmation by the operator (S4), and input to the computer through a keyboard or the like to obtain collection data for each customer (S5). The calculated collection rate is the basis for contacting the customer and setting an incentive for the customer in order to encourage the collection of the used cartridge.

  That is, the collection center 4 compares the collection data of the customer with the order (sales) record to calculate the collection rate (S6), sets an incentive (S7), and notifies the customer of them (S8). In addition, a notification method using mail or the like has been conventionally used for notification to customers. The collection of used cartridges in which such an incentive has been introduced has been extremely effective in improving the collection rate.

  On the other hand, the above-described data aggregation and incentive setting in the collection center 4 described above are extremely complicated and time-consuming work, and it is impossible to accurately perform data aggregation due to an operator classification error, input error, or the like. It was considered difficult. Furthermore, from the customer's point of view, since data collection takes time, there is a frustration that the latest collection cooperation situation cannot be immediately grasped, and it takes a long time to know the result of collection cooperation.

  In order to solve the above problem, a collection system using a computer has been proposed. As a result, a configuration has been realized in which data relating to the collection of consumables can be aggregated easily and accurately (Patent Document 1).

As a result, the user can immediately grasp the collection status, immediately reflect the result of the collection cooperation, grasp the consumables to be collected in advance, flexibly provide incentives, and collect from the requester There was an effect that it became possible to respond more promptly to the collection request of the consumables to the center.
JP 2002-56126 A

  However, the above-described configuration focuses on showing the recovery rate to the user. That is, in order to increase the recovery rate, the configuration is such that the user's recovery rate is indicated (notified) to the user. As a result, the user who does not care even if the collection rate is presented not only returns the consumables, but even throws the consumables as normal trash. For such users, the configuration (apparatus / method) described above had no effect.

  In addition, the collection target is not limited to the cartridge, but also includes a toner container for a copying machine, a photosensitive drum, an ink container for an inkjet printer, a cartridge and a print head, other service parts, and paper and an OHP sheet. Included various types of office equipment such as printers, copiers, and scanners.

  For this reason, there are some parts that are unfamiliar to the user, and there are also parts that do not know whether it is a collection target product. For this reason, there is a user who does not know the return method and takes an inappropriate disposal method.

  In the following description, the article described above may be referred to as a “consumable item”.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, when a user replaces a consumable item to be collected, the device main unit recognizes it, and when the user does not return the consumable item during an arbitrary period, the device main unit returns the used consumable item. The configuration is such that prompting processing is performed. Specifically, the following configuration is provided as one means.

  In an apparatus having means for connecting to a network and means for operating using replaceable consumables, identification signal receiving means for receiving an identification signal via the network, and recognizing the replaceable consumables Recognizing means, a use period control means for allowing the consumables recognized by the recognition means to be used only in an arbitrary period in the device, and a use restriction release signal via the network during the usable period. When it cannot be received from the identification signal receiving means, the consumables collecting apparatus is characterized in that the return request processing means for requesting the return of the exchanged consumables is activated.

  Further, in the offline environment not connected to the network, the following configuration is provided as one means.

  In an apparatus that operates using replaceable consumables, input means for encrypting and inputting information related to the consumables, decryption means for decoding a signal input from the input means, and replaceable consumables Recognizing means for recognizing, a use period controlling means for allowing the consumables recognized by the recognizing means to be used only for an arbitrary period in the apparatus, and a use restriction releasing signal from the decoding means during the usable period. When not inputted, the consumables collecting apparatus is characterized in that a return request processing means for requesting the return of the exchanged consumables is activated.

In addition, the consumables collecting method according to the present invention includes:
An apparatus having a step for connecting to a network and a step of operating using a replaceable consumable, an identification signal receiving step for receiving an identification signal via the network, and recognizing the replaceable consumable A recognition period, a usage period control step for allowing the consumables recognized in the recognition step to be used only for an arbitrary period in the device, and a usage restriction release signal via the network during the usable period. A consumables collecting method characterized by executing a return requesting step for requesting the return of the replaced consumables when it cannot be received from the identification signal receiving step;
Or
In an apparatus that operates using replaceable consumables, an input step of encrypting and inputting information related to the consumables, a decrypting step of decoding a signal input from the input step, and a replaceable consumable A recognition step for recognizing the consumable, a use period control step for allowing the consumables recognized in the recognition step to be used only for an arbitrary period in the device, and a use restriction release signal from the decoding step during the usable period When there is no input, the consumables collection method is characterized in that a return request processing step for making a request to return the exchanged consumables is executed.

  By these means or steps, it becomes possible to appropriately notify the user whether or not the replacement part is a recycled product. In addition, it is possible to appropriately prompt the user to return the consumables. As a result, it goes without saying that the recovery rate of parts required for recycling and reuse can be increased, and the illegal dumping of parts can be reduced.

  In order to efficiently recycle the product, it is essential for the user to send the used parts back to the management center (provisional name). For this reason, there has conventionally been a management method in which the product cannot be used unless the user returns the parts to the management center within the due date. However, in the method of managing the expiration date according to the date and time, there is a problem that the user who uses the product less frequently cannot use the entire product even though it is hardly used. Therefore, according to the present invention as described above, these problems can be solved.

In other words, if the user does not send the used parts back to the management center (provisional name) within the due date,
After the first semester date, a warning is displayed to inform the display section that parts will be returned.
Usage restrictions (restrictions on functions related to replaced parts) are automatically changed to this setting.
It is automatically changed to a setting that increases the copy charge.
Such control makes it possible to apply usage restrictions fairly according to the user's usage frequency.

  Further, it is possible to appropriately notify the user of whether or not the replacement part is a recycled product. In addition, it is possible to appropriately prompt the user to return the consumables. As a result, it goes without saying that the recovery rate of parts required for recycling and reuse can be increased, and the illegal dumping of parts can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

Example 1
Hereinafter, a copying machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, a consumable part of an electrophotographic copying machine will be described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to other devices such as a printer and a facsimile machine. For example, a toner container for a printer, a photosensitive drum, other service parts, an ink container for an inkjet printer, a cartridge, a print head, and the like can be given.

<Overall configuration of copier>
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the mechanical configuration of the multifunction machine used in this embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, a mechanical configuration includes a color scanner section A and a printer section B.

  In the color scanner unit A, the document feeder 201A feeds documents one by one from the last page onto the platen glass 202A. Then, after the original reading operation is finished, the original on the platen glass 202A is discharged. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 202A, the lamp 203A is turned on, and the scanner unit 204A on which the lamp 203A is mounted is moved to scan the document for exposure.

  Reflected light from the original by this scanning is guided to a CCD color image sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as “CCD”) 209A by mirrors 205A, 206A, 207A and a lens 208A. The reflected light incident on the CCD 209A is color-separated into three colors R, G, and B and read as a luminance signal for each color. Further, the luminance signal output from the CCD 209A is input to the image processing unit 304 (see FIG. 3) as digital signal image data by A / D conversion, and known image processing such as shading correction, gradation correction, and binarization. Is transferred to the printer unit B (305).

  In the printer unit B, the laser driver 221B drives the laser light emitting unit 201B, and causes the laser light emitting unit 201B to emit laser light corresponding to the image data for each color output from the image processing unit 304. The laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 202B, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 202B. Then, a toner as a developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 202B by the developing unit 203B. In FIG. 2, only one developing unit is shown for simplification of illustration, but toner is prepared for each color of C, M, Y, and K, and four developing units are provided accordingly. Of course. Further, instead of the above configuration, four sets of photosensitive drums, developing devices, and the like may be provided for each color.

  The recording paper is fed from either the cassette 204B or the cassette 205B at a timing synchronized with the start of the laser beam irradiation described above, and conveyed to the transfer unit 206B. Thereby, the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 202B can be transferred to the recording paper. The recording sheet to which the developer has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 207B, and the developer is fixed to the recording sheet by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 207B. Then, the recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 207B is discharged by the discharge roller 208B, and the sorter 220B stores the discharged recording paper in a predetermined bin and sorts the recording paper.

  The sorter 220B stores the recording paper in the uppermost bin when the sorting is not set. When double-sided recording is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 208B, and then the rotation direction of the discharge roller 208B is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path by the flapper 209B. When multiple recording is set, the recording paper is guided to the refeed conveyance path 210B by the flapper 209B so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 208B. The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path is fed to the transfer unit 206B at the timing described above. As is well known, the latent image and development processing and fixing for each color are realized by repeating the latent image formation and the like four times using the recording paper transport mechanism described above.

  Incidentally, reference numeral 314 denotes a network cable, which is a system generally called Ethernet. This allows information exchange and data transfer between connected units using a physical cable such as 10BaseT or 10Base5 by a protocol such as TCP / IP. Of course, it is not limited to wired using a network cable, and it goes without saying that a similar environment can be constructed even if wireless is used.

  In recent years, there is also a service for performing maintenance via such a network cable. Such a service is called E-maintenance.

  In the present invention, the above-described CCD color image sensor, developing device, photosensitive drum, and the like are consumables that are to be collected. In the above description, these consumables are shown separately for the sake of clarity, but in the case of a cartridge type, a photosensitive drum, a developing device, and the like are integrated. This is slightly different from the configuration described with reference to FIG. 2, but the basic configuration may be considered the same. Therefore, in the contents described later, a cartridge type is used as a representative example.

  By the way, as described above, service parts other than the above-mentioned consumables are also objects of the present invention. In addition to the individual parts, it is needless to say that the entire color scanner unit A and printer unit B may be handled as consumables.

<System configuration block diagram>
Next, an outline of electrical processing of the copying machine described with reference to FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image reading unit 309 includes a lens 301, a CCD sensor 302, an analog signal processing unit 303, and the like. A document image 300 formed on the CCD sensor 302 via the lens 301 is converted into an analog electric signal by the CCD sensor 302. Is done. The converted image information is input to the analog signal processing unit 303 and subjected to analog-digital conversion (A / D conversion) after sample & hold, dark level correction, and the like. The digital signal thus converted is subjected to color correction processing, smoothing processing, edge enhancement, video count processing, image formation processing, and the like necessary for the reading system such as shading correction and γ correction in the image processing unit 304. After that, the data is output to the printer 305. A lens 301, a CCD sensor 302, and the like are consumables, but these are usually integrated and called a CCD unit or the like.

  The printer 305 includes an exposure control unit (not shown) composed of a laser or the like, an image forming unit (not shown), a transfer paper conveyance control unit (not shown), and the like, and inputs an input image signal onto the transfer paper. To record.

  The CPU circuit unit 310 includes a CPU 306, a ROM 307, a RAM 308, and the like, and controls the image reading unit 309, the image processing unit 304, the printer unit 305, the operation unit 313, and the like, and comprehensively controls the sequence of the apparatus. . In addition, this CPU also manages the use restrictions of consumables including the points of the present invention. At that time, it is controlled by the signal of the network signal receiving unit 315. Details of the use restriction will be described later.

  The operation unit 313 is provided with a RAM 311 and a ROM 312 in advance, and is configured to be able to display characters on the UI, store and display information set by the user.

  In the flow described above, the present invention has a configuration that can display a message prompting the user to return the consumable item or restrict the use of the consumable item according to the consumption amount of the replaced consumable item. It has become. A detailed description is continued below.

<Replacing the toner cartridge>
In this embodiment, a case where the replaced consumable is a toner cartridge will be described as an example.

  FIG. 4 shows a toner cartridge (hereinafter simply referred to as a cartridge). In this, toner, a photosensitive drum, a developing device and the like are incorporated. Since the details of this incorporation method are known, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Reference numeral 401 in the figure denotes a wireless tag IC called an RFID chip. RFID is an abbreviation for Radio Frequency Identification System, which is an ID system using radio waves and electromagnetic waves as a medium. In short, it is a kind of wireless communication system that exchanges necessary data. By mounting such a chip on the cartridge, it is possible to determine whether it is correct or not when the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus body. Although not shown, the device main body has a receiving unit and is configured to communicate with the cartridge.

  By the way, the feature of the present invention is that the device body can recognize which consumable item has been replaced by receiving the RFID signal.

The flow of the recognition process is shown in FIG.
Starting from 601, at 602, the presence / absence of consumables is recognized. This recognition is due to the aforementioned RFID. When it is recognized that the consumable item has been replaced, as shown at 603, the recognition number of the consumable item replaced is stored in the RAM 308 described above. The identification number is a serial number or an identification number assigned to each consumable, and is a number that can identify the consumable or the device.

  If it is determined in step 602 that the consumables are not exchanged, the process proceeds to step 604 and normal operation is performed.

  In the above description, the case where RFID is used has been described. Needless to say, the same can be achieved by changing (processing) the shape of the cartridge as indicated by reference numeral 501 in FIG.

  Although not shown, it is needless to say that even a barcode is possible.

  Next, the image processing unit 304 related to the point control of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a part of the image processing unit 304 described above. Reference numeral 701 denotes an image forming processing unit, and 707 denotes a video counter unit. In 701, the 8-bit image signal from 0 to 255 is quantized by the screen processing 703. Specifically, it is quantization to 0, 85, 170, 255. This signal remains an 8-bit signal, but is substantially a discrete 8-bit signal, that is, a 2-bit signal that can take four types of values. At this time, density correction is performed with LUT1 (lookup table = memory) 702 before quantization. This is a correction for making the final output gradation linear. Since the processes shown in 702 and 703 are known, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, 704 is processing related to the consumable use restriction of the present invention. Specifically, LUT2 (lookup table = memory). The LUT 2 controls the density of the input 2-bit (0, 85, 170, 255) signal value. For example, 0, 85, 170, and 255 are converted to 0, 64, 128, 192, and the like. By reducing the signal value in this way, the final output density can be reduced. Arbitrary values are set by the CPU 310 as values in this table.

  In the present embodiment, the density is controlled using the LUT 2 of 704, but it goes without saying that the same processing can be realized even if the density of the output of the screen processing 703 is directly controlled (changed).

  Furthermore, it goes without saying that the density can be changed by controlling the development bias (not shown) in the process.

Returning to the description, 707 is a video counter processing unit as described above.
This calculates the amount of consumption of consumables (here, toner) by counting the locations of image signal values other than zero.

  Specifically, the image signal values other than 0 are integrated in 705 and an arbitrary coefficient is applied in 706 to obtain the toner consumption. In order to obtain accurately, it is necessary to use a table that takes into account the nonlinearity of the image signal and the toner consumption. In this embodiment, for simplicity, the table is omitted and the coefficient is uniformly multiplied and obtained. Yes.

  Since the details of this video count are a known technique, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, the use restriction of consumables, which is also a point of the present invention, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Reference numeral 801 denotes a start, and reference numeral 802 denotes a processing unit that compares the “control signal” of the consumables stored in the RAM 308 described above with the “control release signal” received from the above-described 314. This control release signal is a signal transmitted from the consumables collection center (tentative name) via the network. The consumables collection center manages the device main body installed by the user in association with the network address, and performs processing to send to that address only when the user returns a used consumable. Yes. That is, if the user does not return the used consumables to the collection center, the control release signal is not transmitted semipermanently.

  Hereinafter, returning to FIG. 8, the description will be continued.

  When the control release signal is received in the above-described 802, the process proceeds to the process 803, and the normal copy (print) process is enabled. However, if it cannot be received, the process proceeds to step 804. In step 804, the above-described “video count value” of the output 708 is compared with a preset “use limit 1”. If the toner consumption is within the usage limit 1, the process shifts to the normal output 803. If the usage limit 1 is exceeded, the process shifts to 805.

  A process 805 is a warning display to the UI. Specifically, the display is as shown in FIG.

  The contents shown in 905 are examples of the warning display. It is characterized by indicating “which consumables are not returned” and “the destination of the consumables”. In other words, if the consumable to be returned changes, the destination changes. In this embodiment, since it is a toner cartridge, the underline in FIG. The other display units are not related to the point of the present invention and will be described briefly. Reference numeral 901 denotes the entire operation unit (UI), reference numeral 902 denotes a copy (print) start button, reference numeral 903 denotes a cancel button, reference numeral 904 denotes an enlargement ratio, paper selection, number of copies, and the like.

  Hereinafter, returning to FIG. 8, the description will be continued.

In step 806, the “video count value” in 708 is compared with a preset “use limit 2”. The relationship between “Usage restriction 1” and “Usage restriction 2” in 804 is
“Usage restriction 1” <“Usage restriction 2”
It is. That is, “Usage restriction 2” is a threshold prepared for applying a stricter restriction.

  Specifically, when the result of the comparison in 806 is Yes, that is, when the usage limit is 2 or less, the above-described warning is displayed on the UI, but when the result is No, the process of 807 is performed. This is the configuration. In other words, “No” means that the user is delaying the return of the consumables, and is configured to perform processing 807 which is stricter than the processing 805 described above. The processing at 807 is control using the LUT 2 at 704 described above. By using this, it is possible to reduce the overall output density and to make the user strongly aware of returning used cartridges.

Next, in 808, a comparison is made using “Usage restriction 3” for more severe restrictions. The relationship between "Usage restriction 1" and "Usage restriction 2"
“Usage restriction 1” <“Usage restriction 2” <“Usage restriction 3”
This is a “copy charge charge change” process 809 prepared when the user does not return the used consumables even if the above-described process 807 is performed. “Copy charge charge change” means that the copy machine normally enters into a maintenance contract and performs maintenance of the apparatus at an arbitrary amount, but changes the contract amount. As a result, the user returns the consumable item without refusal.

  In this embodiment, it is up to “Usage restriction 3”, but it is needless to say that “Usage restriction 4” can be provided to restrict copying (printing). Needless to say, the restriction items shown in 805, 807, and 809 are not limited to this, but may be other things or those whose order is changed. On the other hand, it goes without saying that there may be a configuration in which the restriction items are finished up to the “UI warning display” process 805.

  By the way, even when the use restriction is applied, when the control release signal is transmitted from the above-mentioned consumables collection center and can be received at 314, the above-described restriction is released.

  With the configuration described above, it is possible to make the user strongly aware of returning used consumables. One of the features of the above-described configuration is that it is not a restriction based on the expiration date but a restriction corresponding to the consumption amount of the replaced consumable item. Thereby, it becomes possible to restrict a user fairly. In other words, with the constraints managed by the deadline (due date), it is unreasonable for users who do not use the device to use it even though they are not using it, but in the case of the present invention, Since the control is based on the consumption of the replaced consumables, it is possible to restrict fairly.

(Example 2)
Parts similar to those of the first embodiment described above in the basic apparatus configuration of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In this embodiment, a case where the CCD unit is replaced will be described as an example.

<Replacing the CCD unit>
First, when the CCD unit is replaced, the device body recognizes that the consumable has been replaced using RFID, barcode, or the like as in the first embodiment, and stores the identification signal in the RAM 308. The processing flow is equivalent to that shown in FIG. And it is the structure which counts the frequency | count of use with the processing flow shown in FIG. That is, a process of counting the number of times the CCD is used is performed.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes a start, and reference numeral 1002 denotes a scanner counter processing unit corresponding to a video count 707. Since the scanner is activated in the case of copying, a counter value corresponding to the number of copies is counted by a scan counter of 1002. Of course, it is configured to count not only when copying but also when a document is read as a scanner. The value counted in this way is transmitted from 1003 to the CPU 310.

  FIG. 11 shows a processing flow for restricting use using the above-described scan count value. In step 802, as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether a consumable control release signal stored in the RAM 308 has been received. Here, it is checked whether or not a control release signal indicating the CCD unit has been received. If it has not been received, the process proceeds to 1101.

  In 1101, the above-described scan count value is compared with the usage limit 1, and if the usage limit 1 is exceeded, the flow is to output a warning display 1104 on the UI as in the first embodiment. However, the warning content is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, it is as shown in FIG. Although 1201 is different, the point is underlined. The point is "Where to send back" which consumables. As can be seen from comparison with FIG. 9 of the first embodiment, a different message is displayed for each replaced consumable.

Hereinafter, returning to FIG. 11, the description will be continued. Reference numeral 1102 denotes a process of comparing the use restriction 2 with the scan count value. As in Example 1,
“Usage restriction 1” <“Usage restriction 2” <“Usage restriction 3”
As a result, usage restrictions are becoming stricter. Specifically, when the threshold value of usage limit 2 is exceeded, the color scanner as shown in 1105 is used.
R = G = B
Is changed to a process that can only scan in black and white. Further, in the process of 1103, when the scanner count value exceeds the usage limit 3, the process proceeds to the process 809 similar to the first embodiment, and the copy charge fee is changed.

  Incidentally, it goes without saying that the constraint processing of R = G = B shown in 1105 is meaningless for a monochrome scanner. In such a case, the output density may be reduced by changing the density by setting LUT2 as in 807. Strictly speaking, consumables that are in use are different from consumables that are subject to usage restrictions, but in any case, depending on the number (frequency) of use of the replaced consumables, use (function) restrictions are imposed. There is no difference in being. The processing flow in the case of such a monochrome scanner is shown in FIG. Basically, this is a combination of the process described in FIG. 8 and the process described in FIG. For the details, the same numbers are assigned and the description is omitted.

  By the processing described above, it is possible to prompt the return of the consumable item in the same manner regardless of whether the replaced consumable item is a CCD unit or a toner cartridge.

  As a result, it is possible to prompt the user to return the consumable item appropriately and to notify the return destination appropriately. Of course, there are some users who do not return simply by indicating the return destination. In such a case, the above-described processing was handled with a configuration in which severe restrictions were imposed.

(Example 3)
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the configuration for receiving the control release signal via the network 314 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the present invention can also be applied to offline devices. Although a specific diagram is not shown, the control release signal is input in an encrypted state from the operation unit of the device main body.

  However, even in this case, there is no difference that the control release signal is issued from the consumables collection center (tentative name).

  When no device is connected to the network as in the present embodiment, the control release password is sent to the device manager by electronic mail or physical mail (mail). Needless to say, since the device inputs the encrypted data, the device body has a means for decrypting the encrypted data.

  Furthermore, it goes without saying that the use of “recycle boxes” installed in PC shops and the like in recent years is also a target. The recycle box is a collection box mainly for printers using ink, household facsimile cartridges, and the like. Of course, there is a possibility that other cartridges may be targeted in the future.

  By the way, since an unspecified number of cartridges are gathered in the recycle box, it is necessary to specify who is using which device. However, if the configuration like the RFID described with reference to FIG. 4 is used, the user, network address, device number, and the like can be stored, so that the present invention can be used without any problem.

(Other examples)
In the present invention, a storage medium recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  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) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  For example, it goes without saying that this processing is performed by a driver on a PC.

Diagram showing the flow of consumables Diagram showing the entire copying machine used in this embodiment Block diagram showing the flow of image signals FIG. 1 shows the toner cartridge used in Example 1 FIG. 2 shows the toner cartridge used in Example 1. Process flow for recognizing replaced consumables The figure which shows a part in the image processing block concerning this invention Process flow showing usage restrictions of embodiment 1 according to the present invention UI unit representing a warning display according to the first embodiment of the present invention Flow showing a scanner counter in the second embodiment Processing Flow (for Color Scanner) Representing Usage Restrictions of Example 2 of the Present Invention UI unit representing warning display of Example 2 according to the present invention Processing flow (for black and white scanner) showing usage restrictions of embodiment 2 according to the present invention

Explanation of symbols

300 Document Image 301 Lens 302 CCD Sensor 303 Analog Signal Processing Device 304 Image Processing Unit 305 Printer 306 CPU
307 ROM
308 RAM
309 Image reading unit 310 CPU circuit unit 311 RAM
312 ROM
313 Operation unit 315 Network signal receiving unit

Claims (8)

  In an apparatus having means for connecting to a network and means for operating using replaceable consumables, identification signal receiving means for receiving an identification signal via the network, and recognizing the replaceable consumables Recognizing means, a use period control means for allowing the consumables recognized by the recognition means to be used only in an arbitrary period in the device, and a use restriction release signal via the network during the usable period. A consumables collection device that activates return request processing means for requesting the return of the exchanged consumables when it cannot be received from the identification signal receiving means.   In an apparatus that operates using replaceable consumables, input means for encrypting and inputting information related to the consumables, decryption means for decoding a signal input from the input means, and replaceable consumables A recognition unit for recognizing a product, a use period control unit for allowing the consumables recognized by the recognition unit to be used only for an arbitrary period in the apparatus, and a use restriction release signal from the decoding unit during the usable period If no is input, a consumables collection device that activates return request processing means for requesting the return of the exchanged consumables.   The identification signal according to claim 1 is transmitted by a consumables collection center, and the consumables collection center manages a device body and a network address where the consumables are used, When the consumables used in the apparatus arrive at the collection center, the consumables collection apparatus has means for transmitting an identification signal for canceling the use restriction to the network address of the apparatus.   The information related to the consumables described in claim 2 is issued by the consumables collection center, and the consumables collection center issues information for releasing the use restriction when the consumables arrive at the collection center. Consumables collection device characterized by the above.   3. The consumable item collecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the use period control unit controls a usable period according to the recognized degree of consumption of the consumable item.   The return request processing means according to claim 1 or 2 is a warning display informing that the used consumable is to be returned to the operation unit of the apparatus according to claim 1, or the consumable that has been replaced. A consumables collecting device characterized in that the use restriction is imposed on or the maintenance fee is changed.   An apparatus having a step for connecting to a network and a step of operating using a replaceable consumable, an identification signal receiving step for receiving an identification signal via the network, and recognizing the replaceable consumable A recognition period, a usage period control step for allowing the consumables recognized in the recognition step to be used only for an arbitrary period in the device, and a usage restriction release signal via the network during the usable period. A consumables collection method comprising: executing a return request step for requesting the return of the exchanged consumables when the identification signal receiving step cannot receive them.   In an apparatus that operates using replaceable consumables, an input step of encrypting and inputting information related to the consumables, a decrypting step of decoding a signal input from the input step, and a replaceable consumable A recognition step for recognizing the consumable, a use period control step for allowing the consumables recognized in the recognition step to be used only for an arbitrary period in the device, and a use restriction release signal from the decoding step during the usable period. When not inputted, a consumables collecting method characterized by executing a return request processing step for making a request to return the exchanged consumables.

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