JP2006313226A - Image forming apparatus, toner management system, and toner management program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for informing a near empty state to a user at a proper timing in order to avoid lack of a toner cartridge and storage of the toner cartridge over a long period of time. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus for using an exchangeable cartridge storing a consumable is provided with a consumption state detection means for detecting a consumption state of the consumable in the cartridge, a stock information recording means for recording information concerning the existence of stock of the cartridge, and a near empty determination means for determining the near empty state near by absence of the stock of the consumable. The near empty determination means determines the near empty state on the basis of the information concerning the existence of the stock of the cartridge recorded by the stock information recording means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is used by an image forming apparatus in which a cartridge for storing consumables such as toner is replaceable, a toner management system in which a plurality of the image forming apparatuses are communicably connected, and each image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a toner management program for managing toner.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine, a printer, or a multifunctional multifunction peripheral, when the remaining amount of toner in a toner cartridge falls below a predetermined value, the toner is almost out ( In general, it is determined that the user is in a near empty state, and a message notifying the user is displayed on a display panel provided in the apparatus, so that the user is notified. In response to the notification, the user replaces the toner cartridge, and places an order when the toner cartridge stock is low or no more. However, since the period from when it is determined that the near empty state is determined until the toner runs out (empty state) varies depending on the remaining amount of toner, the near empty based only on the remaining amount of toner is used. The determination of the state was insufficient as a trigger for ordering the toner cartridge. As a technique for determining the near empty state at a more appropriate timing, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-29584 predicts a day when the remaining amount becomes zero based on the past toner consumption state (consumption speed), and near empty. An image forming apparatus that determines the timing of reporting a state is disclosed.

JP 2003-29584 A

  However, even if the toner consumption status is taken into consideration, if the consumption speed is high, the period from the notification of the near empty state to the actual empty state is short, and even if an order is placed immediately after the notification of the near empty state, There is a possibility that the toner cartridge becomes empty before it arrives. On the other hand, when the consumption speed is low, the period from the notification of the near empty state to the empty state is long, and it is necessary to secure a relatively large space for storing the toner cartridge stock. Further, the toner cartridge is stocked for a long period of time, and there is a concern that the toner in the toner cartridge may deteriorate due to long-term storage.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems, and according to various situations, the user can be in a near empty state at a more appropriate timing so as to avoid toner cartridge shortage and toner cartridge storage for a long period of time. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a toner management system, and a toner management program which can be notified.

  Accordingly, an invention according to claim 1 of the present application is an image forming apparatus that uses a replaceable cartridge for storing consumables, a consumption status detecting means for detecting a consumption status of the consumables in the cartridge, Stock information recording means for recording information on the presence or absence of stock, and near empty judging means for judging a near empty state that is near to running out of consumables, wherein the near empty judging means is the consumption status detecting means The near empty state is determined on the basis of the consumption status of the consumables detected by the above and information on the presence or absence of the cartridge stock recorded by the stock information recording means.

  The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising threshold recording means for recording a first threshold and a second threshold larger than the first threshold. When the empty determination means determines that there is a stock based on the information on the presence or absence of the cartridge stock recorded by the stock information recording means, the first threshold value recorded by the threshold recording means is set. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no stock, a second threshold value recorded by the threshold value recording unit is set, and the consumable item is zero based on the consumption status of the consumable item detected by the consumption status detection unit. The number of days to become is predicted, and when the predicted number of days falls below the set first or second threshold, the near empty state is determined.

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 of the present application is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the first and second threshold values recorded in the threshold value recording means are one day and from the order of the cartridge to the procurement, respectively. The number of days required can be changed as a minimum value.

  Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 4 of the present application, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, when the near empty state is determined by the near empty determining means, a display to that effect is displayed. It has the means.

  Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 5 of the present application, in the invention according to claim 4, the display means has no stock based on information on the presence or absence of the stock of the cartridge recorded by the stock information recording means. In addition, when the near empty state is determined by the near empty determining means, it is displayed that the cartridge needs to be ordered.

  Further, the invention according to claim 6 of the present application is the cartridge according to the invention according to claim 4, further comprising communication means for enabling communication with an external management device, and a cartridge recorded by the stock information recording means. When it is determined that there is no stock on the basis of the information on the presence or absence of the stock, and the near empty determination means determines that the vehicle is in a near empty state, the management device is communicated via the communication means. And automatic ordering means for automatically ordering the cartridge.

  Furthermore, an invention according to claim 7 of the present application is a toner management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses according to any one of claims 1 to 6 are provided and connected so as to be communicable, In the toner management system in which the image forming apparatus uses the same cartridge and the stock of the cartridge is collectively managed among all the image forming apparatuses, each of the image forming apparatuses is in communication with the other image forming apparatuses. Stock information sharing means for sharing information on the presence or absence of the stock of the cartridge recorded in the stock information recording means.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 8 of the present application includes a procedure for recording information relating to the presence or absence of the stock of the cartridge in an image forming apparatus that uses a replaceable cartridge containing consumables, a first threshold value, If it is determined that there is a stock based on the procedure for recording a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value and the information regarding the presence or absence of the stock of the cartridge, the first threshold value recorded by the threshold value recording means is recorded. When it is determined that there is no stock while setting a threshold, a procedure for setting a second threshold recorded by the threshold recording means, a procedure for detecting the consumption status of consumables in the cartridge, A procedure for predicting the number of days until the consumables in the cartridge become zero based on the detected consumption state, and the predicted number of days is a first or second threshold value When the below have a toner management program for executing a procedure for determining the near-empty state is close the consumable shortage.

  According to the invention of claim 1 of the present application, in consideration of the consumption status of the consumables and the presence or absence of the stock of the cartridge, the near empty state at a more appropriate timing in order to avoid the shortage of the cartridge or the storage of the cartridge for a long period of time. Can be determined.

  Further, according to the invention according to claim 2 of the present application, based on the consumption status of the consumables detected by the consumption status detecting means, the number of days and the near empty state predicted as the number of days until the consumables become zero are obtained. When it is determined that there is stock of the cartridge as a threshold to be compared in the determination, the first threshold is set. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no stock, the first threshold is set. Therefore, the near empty state can be determined at a more appropriate timing in order to avoid shortage of the cartridge and storage of the cartridge for a long period of time.

  Furthermore, according to the invention according to claim 3 of the present application, from the occurrence of near empty to empty, at least one day and the number of days required from ordering to procurement of the cartridge are secured according to the presence or absence of stock, A cartridge shortage can be reliably prevented. In addition, since the first and second threshold values can be changed, the timing for determining the near empty state can be changed according to the user's preference.

  Furthermore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to notify the user of the near empty state and prompt the user to replace the cartridge.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 5 of the present application, when there is no stock and it is determined that the near empty state is determined, in addition to notifying the user of the near empty state, an order for the cartridge is placed. Can be urged.

  Further, according to the invention according to claim 6 of the present application, when there is no stock and a near empty state is determined, in addition to notifying the user of the near empty state, an external management device In contrast, the cartridge can be automatically ordered.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 7 of the present application, information on the presence / absence of cartridge stock is shared among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that use the same cartridge and collectively manage the stock of the cartridge. Thus, in a plurality of image forming apparatuses, it is possible to determine the near empty state at a more appropriate timing in order to avoid shortage of cartridges and storage of cartridges over a long period of time.

  Furthermore, according to the invention according to claim 8 of the present application, based on the consumption status of the consumables detected by the consumption status detecting means, the number of days predicted as the number of days until the consumables become zero and the near empty are calculated. When it is determined that there is stock of the cartridge as a threshold to be compared in determining the state, the first threshold is set, whereas when it is determined that there is no stock, the first threshold is set. Since the second threshold value larger than the threshold value is set, the near empty state can be determined at a more appropriate timing in order to avoid shortage of cartridges and storage of the cartridge for a long period of time.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, a multifunction multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as MFP (Multifunction Peripheral)) is taken as an “image forming apparatus” in the claims, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to other devices such as copying machines and printers.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a remote management system including a management server and a plurality of MFPs according to an embodiment of the present invention. This remote management system 1 has, as a basic configuration, a management server 10 and a plurality of MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C connected to the same network (hereinafter referred to as a LAN). 10 is connected via the Internet 50. Information exchange between the MFPs 30 </ b> A, 30 </ b> B, 30 </ b> C and the management server 10 is performed by e-mail communication via the Internet 50, for example. The LAN 20 includes a configuration other than the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 such as a proxy server, a mail server, and a router, but is omitted here. Although not particularly shown, the management server 10 may be connected to a predetermined LAN together with other configurations.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of the management server 10. The management server 10 is based on a program such as an operating system (OS) that is basic software, and the CPU 2 controls each component in the management server 10, and a ROM 3 that records a boot program executed when the management server 10 is started up. A job between a RAM 4 used as a buffer area of a work area necessary for program execution, a hard disk ("HD" in the figure) 5 for storing an OS, application programs, and various data, and an external device. And a network interface card (“NIC” in the figure) 6 for transmitting and receiving various data such as data. These components are connected to each other via a bus 7 so that data can be transmitted and received. Although not particularly illustrated, the management server 10 may have a configuration other than the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 such as a CD-ROM drive or a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the MFP 30A. Note that the configurations of the MFPs 30B and 30C are the same as those of the MFP 30A, and thus description thereof is omitted. The MFP 30A executes various instructions based on a predetermined program to control each component in the MFP 30A, a ROM 32 that stores a program that is a basis of control by the CPU 31, and a program necessary for executing the program. A RAM 33 for temporarily storing job data transmitted from the work area or the outside, an operation unit 34 having a touch panel type display panel that allows a user to operate the apparatus and input various settings, and read a document. For example, a scanning unit 35 that acquires image data in a bitmap format, a printing unit 36 that performs printing on paper based on job data, a paper feeding unit 37 that feeds paper to the printing unit 36, a job Network interface card for sending and receiving various data such as data to the outside (in the figure) Has a NIC ") 38, a. These components are connected to each other via a bus 39 so that data can be transmitted and received.

  In the present embodiment, a remote management system for remotely managing the MFP 30A from the management server 10 via the Internet 50 is configured between the management server 10 and the MFP 30A connected to the LAN 20, and functions of this remote management system are configured. In order for the management server 10 to acquire charging information such as the number of prints and information on the trouble state from the MFP 30A, and to manage a charging management and maintenance function for performing charging management and maintenance, and a toner cartridge used in the MFP 30A. Toner management function is set. In particular, as a toner management function, the MFP 30A is devised to notify the user of a near empty state that is about to run out of toner at an appropriate timing and to prompt the user to order a toner cartridge.

  Specifically, in the MFP 30 </ b> A, two threshold values (first and second threshold values) related to the number of days are recorded in the RAM 33. Between the first and second threshold values, there is a relationship that the latter is larger than the former, and the first and second thresholds are determined according to the presence or absence of toner cartridge stock for the MFP 30A stored on the LAN 20 side. Any one of the threshold values is set and used as a determination material for the near empty state. The minimum values of the first and second threshold values are regulated by one day and the number of days (so-called lead time) from ordering to procurement of the toner cartridge, respectively.

  In the MFP 30A, the number of toner cartridge stocks for the MFP 30A stored on the LAN 20 side is recorded in the RAM 33. The number of toner cartridge stocks is updated according to the usage status of the MFP 30A and the procurement of toner cartridges after ordering. Based on this stock number, the MFP 30A determines whether or not the toner cartridge for the MFP 30A stored on the LAN 20 side is present. If there is a stock, the first threshold value is set. Are set to a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value, and each is used as one of the determination materials in the near empty state.

  Further, the MFP 30A predicts the number of days until the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge in use becomes zero. In order to realize this, in the MFP 30 </ b> A, the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge in use is detected regularly or for every predetermined number of prints, and the history is recorded in the RAM 33. The toner consumption speed is calculated based on the history of the remaining amount of toner recorded in the RAM 33, and the number of days until the remaining amount of toner becomes zero is predicted based on the consumption speed.

  As the estimated number of days until the toner remaining amount is zero is acquired in this way, in the MFP 30A, the estimated number of days until the toner remaining amount is zero is determined based on whether the toner cartridge is stocked. When it is determined that the toner cartridge is below the threshold, it is determined that the toner cartridge in use is in a near empty state, and the user is notified of the near empty state.

  Note that the MFP 30A notifies the user of the near empty state as the near empty state is determined when the toner cartridge is in stock, whereas if not, the MFP 30A reports the near empty state. The user may be warned of the necessity of toner ordering, or the ordering screen may be displayed on the operation unit 34 of the MFP 30A, and the user may order a new toner cartridge via the MFP 30A. The MFP 30A may automatically execute an order for a new toner cartridge together with a near empty notification.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4, the timing at which the near empty state is notified differs based on the first and second threshold values having different sizes set according to the presence or absence of toner cartridge stock. To explain. Points P1 to P6 in FIG. 4 are each detected when a predetermined number of prints have been completed in the past, and represent the history of the remaining amount of toner recorded in the RAM 33. Based on this history, the toner consumption speed is calculated. . Based on the calculated toner consumption rate, the number of days until the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge in use becomes zero is predicted. FIG. 4 shows a straight line L having an inclination corresponding to the consumption speed calculated based on the points P1 to P6, and a point where the straight line L intersects the time axis is predicted that the remaining amount of toner becomes zero. The time point (“predicted point of toner remaining zero” in the figure) is shown. The predicted number of days until the toner remaining amount is zero is obtained as the number of days from the current time point to the toner remaining zero predicted point.

  The estimated number of days until the toner remaining amount is zero is compared with a first threshold value or a second threshold value that is set in advance depending on whether or not the toner cartridge is stocked. In the state shown in FIG. It is greater than both the first and second thresholds, and the near empty state has not been reported yet. In this case, as can be seen from FIG. 4, since the first threshold value is smaller than the second threshold value, the determination of the near empty state obtained by subtracting each threshold value from the estimated number of days until the toner remaining amount is zero. Regarding the remaining days, the remaining days D1 when the first threshold is set are longer than the remaining days D2 when the second threshold is set. That is, the timing at which the near empty state is subsequently reported is earlier when there is no stock than when there is a stock of toner cartridges.

  If there is a toner cartridge stock, the timing of reporting the near empty state is delayed by setting a first threshold whose minimum value is restricted to one day. On the other hand, if there is no stock, The minimum value is regulated by the lead time, and a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value is set, so that the timing for reporting the near empty state is advanced, so that the toner cartridge is stored for a short time or for a long time. In order to avoid this, the near empty state can be reported to the user at a more appropriate timing.

  The minimum values of the first and second threshold values are limited to one day and the number of days from ordering to procurement of the toner cartridge, respectively, while the maximum values of the first and second threshold values are the toner cartridge shortage and In order to avoid the storage of the toner cartridge for a long period of time, the user can make an arbitrary setting within a range in which the near empty state can be determined at an appropriate timing. Thereby, the timing at which the near empty state is reported can be adjusted according to the user's preference.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the near empty generation process executed by the MFP 30A. In this process, it is first determined whether or not a predetermined number of prints have been completed (# 11). If it is determined that the predetermined number of prints have not been completed, step # 11 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined number of sheets have been printed, it is then determined whether there is a toner cartridge stock (# 12). Specifically, the number of toner cartridge stocks recorded in the RAM 33 is read out, and it is determined whether or not it is zero.

  As a result of step # 12, when it is determined that the number of stocks recorded in the RAM 33 is other than 0, that is, there is stock, the first threshold value recorded in the RAM 22 is read and set (# 13). ). On the other hand, when the number of stocks recorded in the RAM 33 is 0, that is, when it is determined that there is no stock, the second threshold value recorded in the RAM 22 is set (# 14). After steps # 13 and # 14, it is determined whether or not the estimated number of days until the remaining amount of toner at that time is below the threshold set in step # 13 or # 14 (# 15).

  As a result of step # 15, when it is determined that the estimated number of days until the toner remaining amount is zero or more, the process returns to step # 11 and the subsequent steps are repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the estimated number of days until the remaining amount of toner is less than the threshold value, it is determined that the toner is in the near empty state, and the user is notified of the near empty state. The process is thus completed.

  The near empty generation process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is executed by reading a program stored in the ROM 32 of the MFP 30A. This program is a basis for control by the CPU 31 of the management server 10 and the MFP 30A. Even if it is incorporated in advance as part of the program, or downloaded as a program for executing the near empty generation process using an external recording medium such as a CD-ROM or floppy disk or via a network. Thus, it may be installed in the MFP 30A and additionally stored.

  As described above, in the MFP 30A, the number of stocks of toner cartridges stored for the MFP 30A is recorded on the LAN 20 side, and based on this, the presence / absence of the stock is determined. Information regarding the number of toner cartridge stocks stored for the MFP 30A on the LAN 20 side is preferably shared between the management server 10 and the MFP 30A constituting the system. Hereinafter, a method for sharing information regarding the number of toner cartridge stocks stored on the LAN 20 side between the management server 10 and the MFP 30A will be described. First, when a pre-ordered toner cartridge is received on the LAN 20 side, the user inputs from the operation unit 34 of the MFP 30A an increase in the number of toner cartridge stocks by the order amount. In response to this input, the MFP 30 </ b> A updates the number of toner cartridge stocks recorded in the RAM 33. Accordingly, the MFP 30A notifies the management server 10 of the increased number of toner cartridge stocks. In response to the notification of the increased number of toner cartridge stock from the MFP 30A, the management server 10 updates the number of toner cartridge stocks recorded in the RAM 4 to the notified stock number.

  As a result, when a toner cartridge ordered in advance on the LAN 20 side is received and the number of toner cartridge stocks increases, information on the number of toner cartridge stocks is shared between the management server 10 and the MFP 30A. It becomes.

  Further, when the MFP 30A detects the near empty state or the release of the empty state, that is, when the replacement of the toner cartridge is detected, the MFP 30A records in the RAM 33, reflecting that one toner cartridge stock is consumed. The number of stocks of toner cartridges being subtracted by 1 is updated and recorded. Accordingly, the MFP 30A communicates with the management server 10 to notify the number of toner cartridge stocks after the decrease. In response to the notification of the decreased number of toner cartridge stock from the MFP 30 </ b> A, the management server 10 subtracts 1 from the number of toner cartridge stock recorded in the RAM 4 and updates and records it.

  As a result, when the toner cartridge is replaced in the MFP 30A and the number of toner cartridge stocks stored on the LAN 20 side decreases, information regarding the toner cartridge stock number is shared between the management server 10 and the MFP 30A. It becomes.

  As described above, by sharing information regarding the number of toner cartridge stocks stored for the MFP 30A on the LAN 20 side between the management server 10 and the MFP 30A, for example, the management server 10 has zero stocks. Nevertheless, if an order for a toner cartridge has not been received from the MFP 30A, the MFP 30A may be prompted to order a toner cartridge via the Internet 50.

  In the above-described embodiment, the management target of the management server 10 is only one MFP 30A. However, the management server 10 is not limited to this, and the management server 10 is connected to the same LAN 10 and uses a plurality of toner cartridges. The MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C can be managed, and the toner cartridges can be collectively managed. In this case, it is assumed that the toner cartridge stock is not stored separately for each of the MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C, but is stored in a shared space on the LAN 20 side.

  However, when the management server 10 manages a plurality of MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C, just managing the MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C in the same manner as the above-described management of the MFP 30A causes the plurality of MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C to be empty. As the state occurs, there is a possibility that some MFPs become unusable due to waiting for the arrival of the toner cartridge. In order to avoid this, the following processing is further applied.

  First, each of the MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C notifies the management server 10 of this in accordance with the notification of the near empty state to the user regardless of the presence or absence of toner cartridge stock. In response to this notification, the management server 10 confirms that a near empty state has occurred in any of the MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C connected to the LAN 20 with respect to MFPs other than the MFP that has notified the near empty state notification. Notice.

  Thereafter, in response to the notification of the occurrence of the near empty state from the management server 10, the MFP confirms the number of stocks recorded in the RAM 33. When the number of stocks is less than the number of MFPs connected to the LAN 20 and managed by the management server 10, a threshold value that defines the toner cartridge lead time as the minimum value (the above-described second threshold value). ) Is automatically set, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to report the near empty state. If the number of stocks is equal to or greater than the number of MFPs connected to the LAN 20 and managed by the management server 10, a threshold value is set based on the determinations of steps # 11 and # 12 in FIG. It is determined whether or not the near empty state notification is necessary.

  Further, when the management server 10 manages a plurality of MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C, the management server 10 and the MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C share information regarding the number of toner cartridge stocks stored on the LAN 20 side. The method to do is as follows.

  First, when a pre-ordered toner cartridge is received on the LAN 20 side, the user inputs the stock number of toner cartridges by increasing the order amount from any one of the operation units 34 of the MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C. . The MFP in which this stock number input operation has been performed updates the toner cartridge stock number recorded in the RAM 33. Accordingly, the MFP in which the stock number input operation has been performed notifies the management server 10 of the increased number of toner cartridge stocks.

  In response to the notification of the increased number of toner cartridge stock from the MFP in which the stock number input operation has been performed, the management server 10 sets the number of toner cartridge stocks recorded in the RAM 4 to the notified number of stocks. Update. Thereafter, the management server 10 notifies the updated toner cartridge stock number to the MFPs other than the MFP that has notified the increased toner cartridge stock number. In response to the notification of the updated toner cartridge stock number, the MFP updates the toner cartridge stock number recorded in the RAM 33 to the notified stock number.

  As a result, when the toner cartridge ordered in advance on the LAN 20 side is received and the number of toner cartridge stocks increases, information on the number of toner cartridge stocks between the management server 10 and all the MFPs 30A, 30B, 30C. Will be shared.

  Each of the MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C reflects the fact that one toner cartridge stock is consumed when the near empty state or the release of the empty state is detected, that is, when the replacement of the toner cartridge is detected. Then, the number of toner cartridge stocks recorded in the RAM 33 is decremented by 1, and updated and recorded. Accordingly, the MFP that has detected the replacement of the toner cartridge notifies the management server 10 of the decreased number of toner cartridge stocks.

  In response to the notification of the decreased number of toner cartridge stock from the MFP that has detected the replacement of the toner cartridge, the management server 10 subtracts 1 from the number of toner cartridge stock recorded in the RAM 4 and updates and records it. Thereafter, the management server 10 notifies the updated toner cartridge stock number to MFPs other than the MFP that has notified the decreased toner cartridge stock number. In response to the notification of the updated toner cartridge stock number, the MFP updates the toner cartridge stock number recorded in the RAM 33 to the notified stock number.

  As a result, when the toner cartridge is replaced in each MFP 30A, 30B, 30C and the number of toner cartridge stocks stored on the LAN 20 side decreases, the toner cartridge between the management server 10 and all the MFPs 30A, 30B, 30C. Information on the number of stocks will be shared.

  In this manner, even when the management server 10 manages a plurality of MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C, the same stock number can be secured between the management server 10 and the plurality of MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C. In each of the MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C, the timing for reporting the near empty state can be appropriately changed according to the presence or absence of stock.

  The sharing of information regarding the number of toner cartridge stocks among the plurality of MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C is not limited to a mode realized using the management server 10 as a relay point. For example, any one of the MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C is used. It may be executed between the MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C using one as a relay point.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and it goes without saying that various improvements and design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, each MFP 30A, 30B, and 30C uses a toner remaining amount history to obtain the amount of toner consumption. A count value may be used. For example, by calculating the average toner consumption amount per day based on the increment of the count value every month, the toner consumption caused by the influence of the settlement period or the like becomes longer as the operation period of the MFPs 30A, 30B, and 30C becomes longer. Can more accurately reflect the seasonal fluctuations in quantity. As described with reference to FIG. 1, in the above-described embodiment, information exchange between each MFP 30 </ b> A, 30 </ b> B, 30 </ b> C and the management server 10 is performed by electronic mail communication via the Internet 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be performed in other manners such as communication via a telephone line.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a remote management system including a management server and an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram showing the basic composition of the above-mentioned management server. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the MFP. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which near-empty state notification timings are different based on first and second threshold values having different sizes set in accordance with the presence or absence of toner cartridge stock. It is a flowchart about a near empty generation process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Remote management system, 2 ... CPU, 3 ... ROM, 4 ... RAM, 5 ... Hard disk (HD), 6 ... NIC, 10 ... Management server, 30A, 30B, 30C ... MFP, 31 ... CPU, 32 ... ROM, 33 ... RAM, 34 ... operating unit, 35 ... scanning unit, 36 ... printing unit, 37 ... paper feeding unit, 38 ... NIC.

Claims (8)

In an image forming apparatus using a replaceable cartridge that contains consumables,
Consumption status detection means for detecting the consumption status of the consumables in the cartridge;
Stock information recording means for recording information on the presence or absence of stock of the cartridge;
And a near empty judging means for judging a near empty state that is near the expendable of the consumables,
The near-empty determining means determines the near-empty state based on the consumption status of the consumables detected by the consumption status detecting means and information on the presence or absence of the cartridge stock recorded by the stock information recording means. An image forming apparatus. Furthermore, it has a threshold value recording means for recording a first threshold value and a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value,
The near empty judging means is
When it is determined that there is a stock based on the information on the presence or absence of the cartridge stock recorded by the stock information recording means, the first threshold value recorded by the threshold recording means is set, while there is no stock. Is determined, the second threshold value recorded by the threshold value recording means is set,
Based on the consumption status of the consumables detected by the consumption status detection means, predict the number of days until the consumables become zero,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the near empty state is determined when the predicted number of days falls below a set first or second threshold value.   3. The first and second threshold values recorded in the threshold value recording unit can be changed with the minimum value of one day and the number of days required from ordering to procurement of the cartridge, respectively. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a display unit that displays the fact when the near empty state is determined by the near empty determination unit. .   The display means is based on the information on the presence or absence of the stock of the cartridge recorded by the stock information recording means, and when the near empty state is determined by the near empty determining means, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an indication that the cartridge needs to be ordered is displayed. A communication means for enabling communication with an external management device;
The management is performed when it is determined that there is no stock on the basis of the information on the presence / absence of the stock of the cartridge recorded by the stock information recording means, and when it is determined by the near empty determining means that the cartridge is in a near empty state. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising automatic ordering means for automatically ordering the cartridge via the communication means with respect to a device for use. A toner management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses according to any one of claims 1 to 6 are provided and are communicably connected, and each image forming apparatus uses the same cartridge, and all image forming apparatuses In a toner management system in which the stock of the cartridge is collectively managed between devices,
Each of the image forming apparatuses has stock information sharing means for sharing information on the presence / absence of the cartridge stock recorded in the stock information recording means with other image forming apparatuses. A toner management system. For image forming devices that use replaceable cartridges that contain consumables,
A procedure for recording information about the presence or absence of stock of the cartridge;
Recording a first threshold and a second threshold greater than the first threshold;
When it is determined that there is stock based on the information regarding the presence or absence of the stock of the cartridge, the first threshold value recorded by the threshold value recording means is set, whereas when it is determined that there is no stock, A procedure for setting a second threshold value recorded by the threshold value recording means;
A procedure for detecting the consumption status of the consumables in the cartridge;
A procedure for predicting the number of days until the consumables in the cartridge become zero based on the detected consumption status;
And a procedure for determining a near-empty state in which the consumable item is about to run out when the predicted number of days falls below a set first or second threshold.

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