JP2007213320A - Consumable material management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a consumables management system capable of suppressing the downtime of a machine to be managed as much as possible by a procedure independent of a communication means. <P>SOLUTION: On the side of a user U, a printer system 100 constituted of connecting an image forming apparatus 200 for printing out images and a plurality of personal computers 300 for instructing the image forming apparatus 200 to print out images to a network 400 is installed. The image forming apparatus 200 is equipped with consumables required to be replaced at prescribed timing. Even when a print instruction is outputted from the personal computer 300 to the image forming apparatus 200, printing is not executed and the coming of replacement time of consumables is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300. When the user U of the personal computer 300 reports the replacement to a service base S for managing consumables for replacement, a reset operation instruction is received from the service base S. Consequently, the user U can release hard stop of the image forming apparatus 200. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a consumable management system for managing replaceable consumables in a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, a multi-function machine thereof, and the like.

In general, many image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and prints are provided with consumables such as a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge. Consumables such as this kind of drum cartridge need to be replaced sometime as they are used. If the user continues to use the device without performing the necessary replacement, there is a concern that the generated copy or printed image may cause an image defect, and in some cases, the machine body may be damaged.
Therefore, as shown in, for example, Patent Document 1, there is a mechanism in which a counter is provided in a memory mounted on a consumable item, and the machine determines that the replacement is necessary when the count value reaches an appropriate value, and prompts a replacement with a new consumable item. Many have been adopted.

In the method shown in Patent Document 1, from the viewpoint of machine protection, when the end of the service life is reached, an image forming instruction (copying or printing instruction) is not easily accepted by a normal operation, and the user wears out. Because it is often designed to encourage replacement of goods (hereinafter, this state is referred to as “hard stop”), the user may experience downtime when alternative consumables are not readily available. However, there is a technical problem that the convenience of the user is greatly impaired.
This technical problem will be further described. When consumables are prepared before a hard stop (hereinafter referred to as state A), the downtime is the same as the replacement work time. On the other hand, when a consumable is prepared after a hard stop (hereinafter referred to as state B), the downtime is a time obtained by adding the consumable acquisition time to the replacement work time.

In a general image forming apparatus, the replacement work of consumables is performed in a very short time or, depending on the machine, can be replaced during an image forming operation. Then, the consumable acquisition time greatly affects downtime. Since this depends on the support system including logistics and the form of contract, it cannot be generally stated, but it is generally several hours to several days.
For this reason, an appropriate warning is usually displayed just before the time when replacement is required, and a time delay is provided until the corresponding consumable is prepared. Design to keep time. However, even if this warning is displayed, a hard stop may be reached due to various reasons such as often overlooking the warning or troublesome contact for consumables ordering. There are many cases of B.

  In order to solve this kind of technical problem, various approaches have been made from various viewpoints. As the first method, for example, a method for enhancing the appeal effect of warning can be cited. Specifically, the lighting period of the warning display is lengthened, and the number of times is not only once but also divided into two times, and the wording of the display is gradually changed to a more urgent content. In addition, a device has been devised to draw the user's attention by displaying a pop-up on the control panel or blinking a warning LED.

  As a second technique, many methods using a communication line have been proposed instead of relying on the user to notify the consumable life (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). In this method, the machine and the service base are connected by some communication, and when replacement of consumables is near, the service base is automatically notified.

JP 2001-109340 A JP 2000-69216 A JP 2001-305920 A

  However, when the first method is used, it is not preferable to make the warning period unnecessarily long from the viewpoint of using up the consumables to the end. In recent years, when a plurality of clients and printers are connected to a network and used as a network printer, factors such as the fact that the machine control panel itself is less often viewed when issuing a print instruction and the effect is not readily achieved. There is also. In any case, the essential problem of these methods is that even if a warning is issued, the printing process will be performed as usual, so if the user thinks only about the immediate area, the user may ignore it. The point is that it is sufficiently possible, and in that case, it will surely fall into state B.

  In addition, when using the second method, this method automatically notifies the service base without having to know the replacement timing of the consumables, so that the consumables can be replaced at an appropriate timing. A can be maintained. If an appropriate system is assembled, it is possible to keep the consumables inventory on the user side to the minimum necessary, and there is a great merit such that the distribution of consumables delivery on the service base side can be optimized. In this way, this method is certainly the most ideal form of maintenance service, but of course not only the cost of the equipment itself, but also the cost of maintenance / maintenance of the communication infrastructure with the service base, etc. Take it. In the first place, not all machines can be connected to a communication line.

  Such a technical problem is not limited to consumables management in the image forming apparatus, but can occur widely in managed machines equipped with replaceable consumables.

  The present invention has been made to solve the technical problems as described above, and the object of the present invention is to make it possible to minimize the downtime of a managed machine by a method that does not rely on communication means. To provide a consumable management system.

  For this purpose, a consumable management system to which the present invention is applied is directly connected to a managed machine or connected to a network to instruct the managed machine to execute a job, and is installed in the managed machine. The terminal device that receives a warning that the replacement time of the consumables is near, a recognition unit that recognizes that the user has performed a release operation on the warning received by the terminal device, and a recognition unit that recognizes that the user has performed the release operation And a job execution restricting means for enabling execution of the next job by the managed machine on the condition that it has been done.

  The warning received by the terminal device may be characterized in that the content prompts the user to contact a service base for consumable item replacement. Further, the warning received by the terminal device may be characterized in that a consumable code whose replacement time is near is notified. In addition, the terminal device receives, as warnings, a prior warning that is executed in a state where the job of the managed machine can be executed and a main warning that is executed in a state where the job of the managed machine is not executable. Can be a feature.

  The recognition means can recognize that the user has performed a password input operation. The recognizing unit may recognize that the consumable item of the managed machine related to the warning received by the terminal device is replaced with a consumable item having a remaining life. The recognizing means may be characterized in that, when recognizing that the user has performed the release operation, the recognizing means notifies the terminal device that the warning has been dealt with.

  The job execution restriction unit has a determination unit that determines whether or not the user's approval has been obtained for the fact that the operation of the management target machine cannot be guaranteed. It may be characterized by allowing execution of a machine job.

  From another point of view, the consumable management system to which the present invention is applied is directly connected to the managed machine or connected to the network to instruct the managed machine to execute a job and is installed in the managed machine. A terminal device that receives a warning that it is almost time to replace the consumables that have been replaced, and that the managed machine can execute the next job on condition that a password is input from the terminal device when the terminal device receives the warning. And job execution restriction means.

  The job execution restricting means makes it possible to execute the next job on condition that a password corresponding to a consumable related to the warning is input from the terminal device, and the password is consumable. It can be characterized by being different for each. Further, the job execution restricting means can make it possible to execute the next job on condition that a common password is inputted to a plurality of consumables from the terminal device.

  The job execution restriction means may be characterized in that the next job can be executed in accordance with information on the job restriction amount included in the password on condition that the password is input from the terminal device. Further, the job execution restricting means makes it possible to execute the next job according to the expiration date information included in the password on condition that the password is input from the terminal device, and after the expiration date, Unless the password is input, the execution of the next job is restricted.

  The job execution restriction means makes it possible for the managed machine to execute the next job on condition that the password corresponding to the managed machine is input from the terminal device, and the password is different for each managed machine. It can be characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress downtime of a managed machine as much as possible by a method that does not rely on communication means.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a consumable management system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a printer system 100 is installed on the user U side. The printer system 100 includes an image forming apparatus (target management machine) 200 that prints an image, and a plurality of personal computers (terminal devices) 300 that instruct the image forming apparatus 200 to print an image. Has been. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 prints an image in response to a print instruction from the personal computer 300, and the machine state of the image forming apparatus 200 is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300 that has issued the print instruction. Note that the printer system 100 may be configured by directly connecting the image forming apparatus 200 and the personal computer 300 without using the network 400.

The image forming apparatus 200 is equipped with consumables that need to be replaced at a predetermined timing. For this reason, the image forming apparatus 200 performs a hard stop when the replacement time of the consumables approaches. That is, even if a print instruction is issued to the image forming apparatus 200 through the personal computer 300, printing is not performed, and it is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300 that it is almost time to replace the consumables. For this reason, the user U of the personal computer 300 can grasp the replacement time of the consumables.
When the image forming apparatus 200 is hard-stopped, the user U notifies the service base S that manages the consumables for replacement, and receives a release operation instruction from the service base S. The user U can release the hard stop of the image forming apparatus 200 by performing the instructed release operation using the personal computer 300.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.
An image forming apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2 has four colors (in this embodiment, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K)) as image forming units in the apparatus housing 21. The drum cartridges 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d (hereinafter also referred to as drum cartridges 22) are so-called tandem types arranged in order in the vertical direction. A paper feed cassette 23 that accommodates the paper for supply 24 is disposed below (upstream) the lowermost (uppermost) drum cartridge 22a. In addition, a paper transport path 25 serving as a transport path for the paper 24 from the paper feed cassette 23 is arranged in a vertical direction at locations corresponding to the drum cartridges 22a to 22d.

The drum cartridges 22a to 22d form toner images for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black in order from the upstream side of the sheet conveyance path 25. On the opposite side of the paper transport path 25 of each drum cartridge 22, for example, an exposure device 40 common to each drum cartridge 22a to 22d is disposed.
Here, each of the drum cartridges 22a to 22d includes a photosensitive drum 31, a charging roll 32 that precharges the photosensitive drum 31, and an electrostatic device that is exposed and formed on the charged photosensitive drum 31 by the exposure device 40. A developing device 33 that develops a latent image with corresponding color toner (negative polarity in the present embodiment) and a cleaning device 34 that removes waste toner on the photosensitive drum 31 are integrated into a cartridge. is there. The drum cartridges 22 a to 22 d are detachably attached to the apparatus housing 21. For this reason, the attachment / detachment operation is performed by opening the front cover 21a of the apparatus housing 21. The apparatus housing 21 is provided with a set presence / absence sensor (not shown) for detecting the set state of each of the drum cartridges 22a to 22d. The detection result is output to the control device 10.

  The exposure device 40 stores a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, an imaging lens, and a mirror (not shown). That is, the exposure device 40 deflects and scans light from the semiconductor laser with a polygon mirror, and guides the light image to an exposure point on the photosensitive drum 31 through an imaging lens and a mirror.

  A conveyance belt 50 that circulates along the paper conveyance path 25 is disposed at a position corresponding to each photosensitive drum 31 of each of the drum cartridges 22a to 22d. The transport belt 50 is made of a belt material (rubber or resin) that can electrostatically attract the paper 24 and is stretched between a pair of stretching rolls 51 and 52. In the present embodiment, for example, the upper tension roll 52 is a drive roll, and the lower tension roll 51 is a driven roll. A suction roll 54 for electrostatically attracting the paper 24 to the transport belt 50 is disposed in the paper transport path 25.

  A belt cleaner 55 is attached to one side of the conveying belt 50 in the longitudinal direction. The conveyor belt 50 and the belt cleaner 55 are incorporated on the front cover 21 a side of the apparatus housing 21. For this reason, the conveyance belt 50 and the belt cleaner 55 move together with the front cover 21a as the front cover 21a opens and closes.

  A transfer roll 60 is disposed on the back side of the conveyance belt 50 corresponding to the photosensitive drum 31 of each drum cartridge 22. The transfer roll 60 is for closely contacting the photosensitive drum 31 and the paper 24 on the conveyance belt 50. A predetermined transfer bias by a transfer bias power source is appropriately applied between the transfer roll 60 and the photosensitive drum 31.

  Further, toner cartridges 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d corresponding to each of the drum cartridges 22a to 22d are disposed on the back side of the exposure device 40 in the apparatus housing 21. Each of the toner cartridges 70a to 70d is detachably provided in the apparatus housing 21, and can be attached and detached by opening a side cover (not shown). A toner supply duct 71 is disposed in a portion between each of the toner cartridges 70a to 70d and the developing device 33 of each of the drum cartridges 22a to 22d that bypasses the exposure device 40. A transfer auger 72 is provided in the toner supply duct 71.

A feeder 61 that sends out the paper 24 at a predetermined timing is provided in the vicinity of the paper feed cassette 23. Then, the paper 24 sent out by the feeder 61 is sent to the transfer position of each drum cartridge 22 via the transport roll 62 and the transport belt 50 in the paper transport path 25.
A fixing device 64 is provided in the paper conveyance path 25 located on the downstream side of the drum cartridge 22d, and a discharge roll 66 for discharging paper is provided on the downstream side of the fixing device 64. The discharged paper is stored in a storage tray 67 formed on the upper portion of the apparatus housing 21.

  The image forming apparatus 200 includes a control device (recognition means, job execution restriction means) 10 that controls the operation of each device (each unit). The control device 10 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer system (CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O port, etc.). The control device 10 is electrically connected to drum cartridges 22a to 22d as consumables. That is, each of the drum cartridges 22a to 22d is provided with a cartridge memory 82 that can rewrite life information. The cartridge memory 82 counts the number of prints of the image forming apparatus 200 in consideration of the number of times of image formation by each drum cartridge 22 (for example, the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum and the image formation mode (single color, two color, full color mode, etc.)). The number of life counts of the cartridge memory 82 is counted according to the number). Further, a toner empty detection sensor (not shown) is used for determining the life of each toner cartridge 70.

  The control device 10 is also connected to the personal computer 300 via the network 400. For this reason, the control device 10 has replacement programs for the drum cartridges 22a to 22d and the toner cartridges 70a to 70d, which are consumables, and is based on input information from the personal computer 300, the cartridge memory 82, the toner empty detection sensor, and the like. It executes various programs. That is, the control device 10 sends a predetermined control signal to various image forming devices such as the drum cartridge 22 and the screen of the personal computer 300, and performs a series of image forming process control, consumable replacement warning display and replacement. Instruction control is performed.

  Here, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a minimum necessary UI (not shown). In other words, the image forming apparatus 200 is mainly used as a printer, and includes a UI that can display complicated contents used in general copying machines, multifunction machines, and the like, and displays such complicated contents. There is no UI that can. Further, since the image forming apparatus 200 and the personal computer 300 are directly connected or connected to the network, they are not necessarily arranged adjacent to each other. For example, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 200 and the personal computer 300 are arranged on different floors. In the embodiment described below, the consumables (drum cartridges 22a to 22d and toner cartridges 70a to 70d) of the image forming apparatus 200 can be used without the user U of the personal computer 300 going to the place where the image forming apparatus 200 is disposed. ) Is configured to be manageable. In other words, even for a user U who hardly sees the UI of the image forming apparatus 200, the user PC 300 can perform the release operation without going to the image forming apparatus 200, so that the system is easy to use. be able to.

[First Embodiment]
Processing contents of the consumable item management system according to the first embodiment will be described. The symbols used in the following explanation are outlined in advance. “C” is a consumable life counter, “L” is a consumable life threshold, and “L (Warning)” is a consumable life warning time. "L (End)" is a consumables hard stop time. In this embodiment, the integration counter C is used, but a subtraction counter is also applicable. Usually, L (End) ≧ L (Warning).
“PC” is the screen state of the personal computer 300, “PC (Ready)” is a printable display, “PC (Warning)” is a consumable life warning display, and “PC (Ordered)” is consumable. “PC (End)” is a consumables hard stop display. “MC” indicates a machine print operation acceptance state, “MC (Ready)” indicates that printing is possible, and “MC (Stop)” indicates that printing is not possible.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the consumable management system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 10 (see FIG. 2) determines that the drum cartridges 22 a to 22 d (see FIG. 2) based on detection results from a set presence sensor (not shown) in the device housing 21 (see FIG. 2). Is detected (step 101), the drum cartridges 22a to 22d are checked for the presence or absence of the cartridge memory 82 (see FIG. 2) (step 102). When detecting that there is a cartridge memory 82, the control device 10 reads the accumulated value from the cartridge memory 82 (step 103), and determines whether or not this accumulated value is equal to or greater than Lw (step 104). This Lw corresponds to L (Warning).

  When the control device 10 determines that the accumulated value read from the cartridge memory 82 is equal to or greater than Lw, the control device 10 displays a warning on the screen of the personal computer 300 (step 105), and then sets the image forming device 200 to the hardware to prohibit printing. A stop state is set (step 106). If it is detected in step 102 that there is no cartridge memory 82 in the drum cartridges 22a to 22d, the process proceeds to step 105 and step 106 described above.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the accumulated value read from the cartridge memory 82 is smaller than Lw, the control device 10 performs a printing operation when there is a print instruction from the personal computer 300 (step 107). During the printing operation, the control device 10 counts the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 31 (see FIG. 2) (step 108), updates the accumulated value of the cartridge memory 82 (step 109), and the updated accumulated value. The value can be read (step 110). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 104.

Here, as the cumulative amount described above, it is also conceivable to use PV (Print Volume), pixel count number, etc. in addition to the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum 31. Of course, it is also conceivable to use these together.
Alternatively, the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 31 may be divided into the number of rotations to which a voltage is applied and the number of rotations to which the voltage is not applied, and the film reduction amount of the photosensitive drum may be calculated from these values by prediction calculation. Further, more direct physical quantity measurement results may be used. For example, in the case of a drum cartridge using a BCR (Bias Charge Roll), the DC component of the current flowing through the photosensitive drum 31 and the BCR is measured. A method of issuing a warning by calculating a film thickness from this current value and comparing it with a threshold value is also known.

  Further, the toner cartridges 70a to 70d and the toner collection bottle (not shown) often do not have a memory. In this case, for example, a warning time may be determined by means of measuring a physical quantity such as a transmission type sensor or a TC (Toner Concentration) sensor that performs sky detection or full tank detection. Further, from the warning to the hard stop, the integrated amount such as the number of printed sheets, the pixel count, the cycle number, and the toner dispensing time may be stored in a main body memory (not shown) and used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing more specifically the processing contents of the machine (image forming apparatus 200, personal computer 300), user U, and service base S when the warning time comes in the consumables management system of the first embodiment. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 10 (see FIG. 1 or 2) displays a consumables warning on the screen of the personal computer 300 (see FIG. 1) when the life of the consumables reaches the warning time (C ≧ L (Warning)). Simultaneously with the time display, the machine printing operation of the image forming apparatus 200 is prohibited (PC (Warning), MC (Stop)).

  Here, when the life of the consumables reaches the warning time (C ≧ L (Warning)), the machine printing operation of the image forming apparatus 200 is only prohibited (MC (Stop)), and the personal computer 300 (see FIG. 1) It may be possible not to display the consumable life warning display (PC (Warning)) on the screen. That is, the consumable life warning is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300 for the first time when a print instruction is issued from the personal computer 300 to the image forming apparatus 200 in which the mechanical printing operation is prohibited. (PC (Warning)). Generally, for general users other than the administrator, the consumable life warning display (PC (Warning)) is unnecessary information, so that such display is performed on the personal computer 300 that issued the print instruction. It is desirable to make it.

  Since the image forming apparatus 200 is in a hard stop state, the user U ignores the consumable life warning display (PC (Warning)) displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300 and tries to perform a print operation from the personal computer 300. The print operation cannot be performed. In order to start or restart the printing operation, it is necessary to contact the service base S according to a display screen described later. The service base S can collect customer information and screen information (message information, consumable codes, etc.) by contact from the user U, and obtain / analyze machine information from these information. Then, the service site S instructs the release password generated in accordance with a predetermined password generation rule to be described later, and performs a consumable shipping process.

  The user U inputs the release password received from the service base S to the personal computer 300. As a result, the consumables ordered display is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300 (PC (Ordered)), and only the remaining printable number or print limit amount (L (End)> C ≧ L (Warning)), The image forming apparatus 200 can be operated (MC (Ready)). That is, although it is almost time for the consumables to reach the end of their life, an order-completed display is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300 and the image forming apparatus 200 can be operated for a certain period.

  Since the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 is temporarily stopped until the unlock password input operation is completed in this manner, the consumable life warning display (PC (Warning)) is used as the downtime of the image forming apparatus 200. It takes only a short period from the time when the password is entered until the input operation of the release password is completed.

  More specifically, when the image forming apparatus 200 is operated by the remaining number of printable sheets or the print limit amount (C ≧ L (End)), the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 is completely stopped (MC (Stop)). ). However, the fact that the user U has performed the input operation of the release password means that the service base S has already performed the consumables shipping process. For this reason, when the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 is completely stopped, a consumable part for replacement (see FIG. 1) is usually prepared at the user U's hand. Therefore, when the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 is completely stopped, the user U can immediately replace the consumables, and the image forming apparatus 200 at this stage can be replaced. There is almost no downtime.

  When the user U exchanges consumables for the completely stopped image forming apparatus 200, the control device 10 clears the consumables life counter. The control device 10 displays a printable display on the screen of the personal computer 300 (PC (Ready)) and returns the image forming apparatus 200 to an operable state (MC (Ready)).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, as a means for contacting the service base S, in addition to the case where the user U contacts by calling the service base S, the personal computer 300 of the user U is connected to the outside network. In the case where there is a service, the service base S may be contacted by WEB access. By using WEB or the like, it becomes possible to obtain a release password even when telephone service such as late-night holidays cannot be used, which not only improves the convenience for the user U but also reduces the load on the service base S. be able to.

  In the case of this WEB access, it is desirable that a WEB access method and a procedure (method) are previously decided and managed separately between the service base S and the user U. For example, as a general WEB, a login system using a user number having a security authentication and a password can be cited. Here, what is important is to construct a similar general-purpose communication system (WEB access uses the HTTP protocol of the Internet) similar to inquiring of the cancellation password by telephone, and the image forming apparatus 200 and the service base S does not mean that they are directly connected to each other but is disconnected. That is, since the image forming apparatus 200 and the service base S are not directly connected, a user action is always required between them. This seems inconvenient at first glance, but the image forming apparatus 200 and the communication system are highly independent, and in fact, it is a very safe and robust mechanism.

More specifically, first, there is no fear of leaking any machine information to the service base S. Even if the machine runs out of control, there is no worry of leaking because it is not connected. As described above, although various mechanisms for contacting machine information to the service base S via a communication line have been devised and put into practical use, some users U may still not accept psychologically and are widely used. This is one of the factors that slow the rate. In addition, even if the WEB system or the like has some trouble, the machine operation is not affected at all. You just need to contact the phone as before.
In this way, even when using a printer dedicated machine that does not have a large UI screen, or when using a printer when installed on a remote floor, it is possible to reliably contact the service base S when the consumables reach the warning time. Continued use will be possible. The description will be further continued below.

5A to 5E and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E are explanatory diagrams showing contents displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A, the contents displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300 when the life of the drum cartridge 22d reaches the warning time include a message field 91, a password input field. 92 and an OK button 93 are included.

  More specifically, when the life of the black drum cartridge 22d reaches the warning time, the content shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300. That is, in the message column 91, in addition to the warning message “Drum cartridge K is about to be replaced.”, “Please contact the service site S and enter the release code below.” A contact promotion message and a predetermined consumable code are displayed.

  When the lifetime of the yellow, magenta, and cyan drum cartridges 22a to 22c reaches the warning time, the content shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300. That is, in the message column 91, in addition to the warning message “Drum cartridges C, M, and Y are about to be replaced.”, The service location “Please contact the service location and enter the release code below.” A message for promoting contact with S and a predetermined consumable code are displayed.

Here, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the consumable item code. The consumable code shown in FIG. 7 is determined according to the type of consumable. That is, the code number of the consumable item code is used for distinguishing each consumable item (drum cartridges 22a to 22d, toner cartridges 70a to 70d, etc.) with a three-digit number. Specifically, "001" is assigned to the black (K) drum cartridge 22d, "002" is assigned to the cyan (C) drum cartridge 22c, and "m" (M) drum cartridge 22b is assigned " “003” is assigned, and “004” is assigned to the yellow (Y) drum cartridge 22a.
Further, “005” is assigned to the black (K) toner cartridge 70d, “006” is assigned to the cyan (C) toner cartridge 70c, and “007” is assigned to the magenta (M) toner cartridge 70b. “008” is assigned to the yellow (Y) toner cartridge 70a.

  By displaying the consumable code in the message field 91 in this way, the user U can grasp which of the consumables needs to be replaced, and notify the service base S of the numerical value. The service base S can acquire reliable information.

  Returning to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the description will be continued. When the user U inputs the correct release password acquired from the service base S to the personal computer 300 and the OK button 93 (see FIG. 5A or FIG. 6A) is pressed, control is performed. The apparatus 10 outputs the contents shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 5 or the contents shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. That is, the password entered by the user U into the personal computer 300 is entered into a memory (not shown), and the control device 10 checks the password stored in advance in the memory (not shown). Is judged. When it is determined that the password is correct, a message “Please replace it as soon as a new drum cartridge arrives. You can use it for a while.” Is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300. Subsequently, a message “Drum cartridge is about to be replaced. We have contacted the service base. About XXX sheets can be printed.” Is displayed on the PC 300 screen.

  Here, when the user U inputs an invalid release password to the personal computer 300, the contents shown in FIG. 5E or FIG. 6E are output to the screen of the personal computer 300. That is, a message “The password is invalid. Please check and enter it correctly. If you have any questions, please contact the service base” is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300. For this reason, it is impossible to proceed to the next step if the release password is unknown.

  When the control device 10 (see FIG. 2) detects that the drum cartridge that needs to be replaced has been replaced, the content shown in FIG. 5D or 6D is output to the screen of the personal computer 300. . That is, a message “printing is possible” is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300.

Here, the matter regarding a password is demonstrated.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a random number table used when the password is a number, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a table used when the password is an alphabet.
The service base S generates a password using, for example, the last digit of the machine number and the consumable code. For example, it may be created from the consumable code and the machine number using the random number table shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows an example in which the password is a four-digit integer, and is specifically as follows.
For drum cartridge (K), machine number 123456: 6829
For drum cartridge (M), machine number 234567: 7240

As another example of the password generation method, for example, the password may be created from the consumable code and the machine number using the random number table shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows an aspect in which the password is a four-digit alphabet, for example, and is specifically as follows.
For drum cartridge (K), machine number 123456: ETDU
For drum cartridge (M), machine number 234567: XGRX

  Note that passwords may be selected as appropriate, and alphabets and numbers may be mixed. Further, the random number table to be used may be switched depending on the date when the machine is stopped. For example, the date when the machine stopped is from 1st to 10th: using random number table 1 (not shown), from 11th to 20th: using random number table 2 (not shown), from 21st to 31st: The random number table 3 (not shown) is used.

  In particular, from the viewpoint of enhancing the effectiveness of passwords, it is preferable to change the password generation rule with a validity period. The effective period here may be selected as appropriate, and may be selected as appropriate in units of one day, one week, two weeks, one month, and the like. Further, since the period itself varies depending on the print usage, it may be an effective period depending on the number of times. For example, the same password seems to be valid up to three, five, and ten times. Note that it is possible to extend the validity period or allow the use of the same password to the user U who contacts with certainty among the users U.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the password check process.
When a password is input on the screen of the personal computer 300 shown in FIG. 5A or 6A, it is determined in the following procedure whether the password is correct.
When the release password is input (step 201), the control device 10 refers to a password generation rule with an expiration date similar to the password generation rule generated at the service site S (step 202). The control device 10 checks whether or not the input release password matches the password generation rule (step 203). If it is determined that the input password matches, the control device 10 accepts the password (step 204) and performs password check processing. finish.
On the other hand, when it is determined that they do not match, the control device 10 rejects the password (step 205), displays a password re-input instruction on the display screen of the personal computer 300 (step 206), and returns to the beginning.

As described above, when a correct password input operation is performed, after the display shown in FIG. 5B or 6B is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300, FIG. 5C or FIG. A display as shown in FIG.
The display shown in FIG. 5B or 6B is for reminding the user U of the consumables replacement request message again. By pressing the OK button 93, the following is displayed. Proceed to step. The display shown in FIG. 5C or FIG. 6C indicates that the consumable is at the replacement time and has already been contacted to the service base S, and information on the remaining printable number is displayed. Show. However, the number of printable sheets in the case of FIG. 6C is the shortest of the drum cartridges (C, M, Y).

Next, FIG. 19 shows a flow of the consumable management system according to the comparative example in evaluating the consumable management system according to the present embodiment. Note that the definitions of the mathematical symbols in FIG. 19 are the same as those shown in FIG.
In FIG. 19, the consumable item management system according to the comparative embodiment displays the consumable item warning time when the life of the consumable item reaches the warning time, but enables the machine printing operation.
At this time, if the user U voluntarily contacts the service base S and makes a consumable replacement request, the machine information can be obtained / analyzed from the customer information and the consumable can be shipped. There is no problem.

However, even if the consumables warning is displayed, if the user U ignores the consumables warning display and continues the mechanical printing operation in a situation where the mechanical printing operation is possible, the consumables life will be hard. The stop time has been reached, and at this stage, there is a possibility that a consumable item is not prepared at hand of the user U.
Then, when the consumable product life reaches the hard stop time, even if the service base S is contacted and a consumable replacement request is made, the image forming apparatus will continue until the consumable product reaches the user U. There is a concern that the operation of 200 remains stopped, and the downtime of the image forming apparatus 200 becomes unnecessarily long.

  As described above, it is understood that the consumable item management system according to the present embodiment is preferable in that the downtime of the image forming apparatus 200 can be shortened as compared with the consumable item management system according to the comparative example.

In the first embodiment, the consumable life determination method, the processing when the print limit amount is reached, and the like may be appropriately changed as shown in the following modifications. One example will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the consumable item management system according to the first modification.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 has the same basic processing procedure as the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, steps 301 to 304 in FIG. 11 are the same as steps 101 to 104 in FIG. Further, steps 306 to 307 in FIG. 11 are the same as steps 105 to 106 in FIG. Further, steps 309 to 312 in FIG. 11 are the same as steps 107 to 110 in FIG. On the other hand, step 305 and step 308 of FIG. 11 are not shown in FIG. In addition, the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11 is different from the processing procedure shown in FIG.

  More specifically, in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 3, the lifespan determination of the drum cartridges 22a to 22d is determined based on one threshold value Lw. In FIG. Lw2: Lw1 <Lw2) is prepared. That is, for example, if the accumulated value of the cartridge memory 82 (see FIG. 2) is not less than the threshold value Lw1 and less than the threshold value Lw2 (step 305), a prior warning is given without stopping the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 (step 308). This warning is given when the cumulative value 82 reaches or exceeds the threshold value Lw2 (corresponding to L (Warning)) (step 306), and the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 is stopped (step 307).

(A)-(f) of FIG. 12 is explanatory drawing which shows the content displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300 which concerns on a 2nd modification.
The display contents shown in FIG. 12 are basically the same as the display contents shown in FIG. That is, (a) to (e) in FIG. 12 correspond to (a) to (e) in FIG. However, there is nothing corresponding to (f) in FIG. 12 in FIG.
FIG. 12F shows an example of a screen after reaching the print limit amount. That is, a condition for resuming when the print limit amount is reached is displayed. Specifically, in (f) of FIG. 12, “Please replace the drum cartridge K. If you do not replace it, there is a risk that the image quality will be defective, or in the worst case the machine may be damaged. If you agree, press “Yes” ”message is displayed on the screen of the personal computer (terminal device) 300. As described above, when the user U expresses his / her intention to approve that there is a possibility that the image quality is defective or the machine is broken, a method of exceptionally allowing the operation (resumption) of the image forming apparatus is adopted.

  As described above, the display shown in FIG. 12F is performed on the screen of the terminal device 300, and the keys “Yes” and “No” for selecting whether or not to accept the display items are provided, and the intention of the user U is displayed. To be able to confirm. Since the operation of this type of image forming apparatus is exceptional and corresponds to an emergency, it is preferable to display a message that promptly replaces when a new consumable (for example, a drum cartridge) arrives.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, processing contents of the consumable item management system according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the basic configuration of the consumable management system according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description of the same parts is omitted.
(A)-(e) of FIG. 13 is explanatory drawing which shows the content displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300 in the consumables management system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 13B to 13E correspond to FIGS. 6B to 6E, and the content of FIG. 13A is different from the content of FIG. 6A. .

  In the second embodiment, a plurality of consumables are assigned as a collective consumable code, and the consumable warning display is canceled in a batch with a collective release password. That is, the contents displayed on the personal computer 300 include a message field 91 and an OK button 93 as shown in FIG. Further, instead of the password input field 92, a collective cancellation password input field 94 in which a collective cancellation password can be input is included. Therefore, the user U can input a batch release password to the batch release password input field 94.

Here, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for generating a collective consumable code. As shown in FIG. 14, the collective consumables code is one in which consumables are assigned to logical bits and are collectively represented in binary, hexadecimal or decimal.
Taking the case where there are 8 consumables as an example, the minimum state value is that all logical bits are '0' (binary notation '00000000', hexadecimal notation '00', decimal notation '0'), The maximum status value is that all logical bits are '1' (binary notation '11111111', hexadecimal notation 'FF', decimal notation '255'), for example, drum cartridges C, M, and Y have reached the warning time In this case, the logical bits corresponding to these are “1” and the others are “0” (binary notation “01110000”, hexadecimal notation “70”, decimal notation “112”).

In the first embodiment described above, individual codes are assigned to a plurality of consumables. However, in the second embodiment, even if a plurality of consumables reach the warning time at the same time, the entire state value is assigned. As a simple display. For example, when the drum cartridges C, M, and Y reach the warning time at the same time, in the first embodiment, a plurality of consumables codes: '002''003''004' are displayed. In the form, it is possible to display the consumable code: '70' (hexadecimal notation) or '112' (decimal notation) as a collective code.
In particular, when the replaceable consumables other than the drum cartridge and the toner cartridge (for example, the collected toner bottle, the transfer unit, the fixing unit, etc.) are also described, the number of digits is reduced by using the hexadecimal notation. Convenient.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a random number table used in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, a batch release password is generated from the batch notation consumable code and the machine number.
For example, drum cartridge C, M, Y (collective consumable code = 70 (hexadecimal notation)), machine number 123456: 5092
For example, in the case of drum cartridges C, M, Y (collective consumable code = 70 (hexadecimal notation)) and machine number 234567: 7345

  As described above, in the second embodiment, a batch release password is assigned to each batch consumable code. The method for generating the batch release password may be selected as appropriate, but the batch release password is generated using the last digit of the machine number and the batch consumable code. As the random number table, not only alphabets but also a combination of numbers and letters can be selected as appropriate.

In addition, as another method for generating the collective cancellation password, there are a method using an MD5 value, a method of uniquely determining using a hash function, and the like.
Here, a specific example of a method using the MD5 value will be described. When a collective consumable code (for example, “70”) and a machine number (for example, “123456”) are arranged, “7013456” is obtained. It is as follows.
MD5 (7013456) = “f36889379922119a77f25e8431cebc8f58”

Further, in the case of the machine number “234567”, the MD5 value is as follows.
MD5 (70234567) = “53b5c71dbc0060939e600df57909f12d”

[Third Embodiment]
Next, processing contents of the consumable item management system according to the third embodiment will be described. Note that the basic configuration of the consumable management system according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment, and the description of the same parts is omitted.
(A)-(e) of FIG. 16 is explanatory drawing which shows the content displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300 in the consumables management system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 17A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen configuration when the warning time is reached, and FIG. 17B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an input example of the time limit setting field 95. FIG. 16B to 16E correspond to FIGS. 13B to 13E, and the content of FIG. 16A is different from the content of FIG. 13A. . That is, in the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a plurality of consumables are assigned as a collective consumable code, and the consumable warning display is canceled at once by a collective release password. However, unlike the second embodiment, a time limit setting field (time limit setting box) 95 added to the collective cancellation password is included. In addition, FIGS. 16A to 16E show examples of display screens when the drum cartridges C, M, and Y have reached the replacement time, and are used to input a collective release password with a time limit setting. It shows the screen changes that accompany it.

  In the third embodiment, the contents displayed on the personal computer 300 include a message field 91 and an OK button 93 as shown in FIG. 16 (a) or FIG. 17 (a). Further, instead of the password input field 92, a collective cancel password input field (collective cancel password box) 94 in which a collective cancel password can be input is included. In addition, a time limit setting field (time limit setting box) 95 added to the collective cancellation password is included. For this reason, in the third embodiment, the print restriction amount can be variably set.

Here, in the time limit setting box 95, for example, by inputting a two-digit number, the time limit from the warning display cancellation of the consumables to the shutdown is variably set. As an input example of the time limit setting box 95, for example, a set value shown in FIG.
For example, in the case of the machine number 123456, when the drum cartridges C, M, and Y have reached the warning time, the batch consumable code = 70 (hexadecimal notation), and the batch release password = 5092.

In this case, in order to set the print limit amount to normal, it is only necessary to input “00” in the time limit setting box 95, and eventually, the collective cancellation password with time limit setting = 5092-00.
Also, if the service location S is far away from the user U's machine installation location and it is desired to have a delivery time margin of about 1.2 times longer than usual for delivering new consumables, the expiration date setting box 95 is used. It is only necessary to input “02”, and eventually, the batch release password with a time limit setting = 5092-02.
Further, for example, when there is a request for consumable replacement from the user U on Friday and there is a request for delivery within Monday, '13' is entered in the deadline setting box 95, and eventually the deadline is set. It is also possible to set the machine to operate for 3 days by performing an input operation with a batch release password = 5092-13.
Needless to say, the expiry date setting box 95 may be added to each individual release password in the consumables management system according to the first embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, processing contents of the consumable item management system according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the consumable management system according to the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the third embodiment, and the description of the same parts is omitted.
(A)-(e) of FIG. 18 is explanatory drawing which shows the content displayed on the screen of the personal computer 300 in the consumables management system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, a plurality of consumables are assigned as a collective consumable code, and the consumables warning display is canceled at once by a collective release password with a time limit. However, unlike the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus is operated for a predetermined period without using a collective release password with a time limit setting. In addition, (a) to (e) of FIG. 18 show examples of display screens when the drum cartridges C, M, and Y have reached the replacement time, without using a collective release password with a time limit setting. 6 shows a screen change accompanying an input operation for operating the image forming apparatus for a predetermined period.

  In the fourth embodiment, the contents displayed on the personal computer 300 include a message field 91 and an OK button 93 as shown in FIG. Further, instead of the password input field 92, a collective cancel password input field (collective cancel password box) 94 in which a collective cancel password can be input is included. In addition, a time limit setting field (time limit setting box) 95 added to the collective release password and a skip button 96 as an input operation not using the collective release password are included.

  Here, when the skip button 96 is operated, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (e), in addition to the message “Please contact the service base”, “You can print for a while, but if you do not want to replace it, There is a risk that the image quality may be defective or the machine may be damaged in the worst case. If you agree to the above, please press “Yes”. . At this time, when the user U approves the display content, the user presses “Yes”, and the control device 10 (see FIG. 2) determines that the user U has approved in this approval operation, and the next step Proceed to If the user U presses “No”, the process returns to the original screen (see FIG. 18A) without proceeding to the next step.

  Next, the control apparatus 10 (see FIG. 2) displays the content shown in FIG. 18B on the screen of the personal computer 300, and then displays the content shown in FIG. The display shown in FIG. 18B prompts the user U for the consumables replacement request message again, and proceeds to the next step by pressing the OK button. Also, the display shown in FIG. 18C indicates information on the expendable supplies being replaced, prompting the service base S to contact, and the remaining printable number of sheets (print limit amount). FIG. 18D shows an example of a display screen after the drum cartridge is replaced.

  Here, the print limit amount is set according to the content of the instruction to the time limit setting box 95. Since this skip operation is an exceptional release operation that does not use a batch release password, the user U should notify the service site S of a consumable replacement request as quickly as possible when performing this skip operation. Is preferred.

  Furthermore, although this embodiment is a mode using a collective release password with a time limit setting, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mode of the first embodiment (using an individual release password), the first Of course, with respect to the aspect of the second embodiment (using a batch cancellation password with a fixed period), the image forming apparatus may be operated for a predetermined period without using the cancellation password.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the consumables management system which concerns on this Embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the consumables management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows more concretely the processing content of the machine, a user, and a service base at the time of warning in the consumables management system of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content displayed on the screen of a terminal device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content displayed on the screen of a terminal device. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a consumable article code. It is explanatory drawing which shows the random number table | surface used when a password is a number. It is explanatory drawing which shows the table | surface used when a password is an alphabet. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a password check process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the consumables management system which concerns on a 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content displayed on the screen of the terminal device which concerns on a 2nd modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content displayed on the screen of the terminal device in the consumables management system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the production | generation method of a collective supply code. It is explanatory drawing which shows the random number table used for 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content displayed on the screen of the terminal device in the consumables management system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen structure at the time of warning time arrival, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the input example of a time limit setting column. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content displayed on the screen of the terminal device in the consumables management system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the conventional consumables management system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Control apparatus, 100 ... Printer system, 200 ... Image forming apparatus, 300 ... Terminal device (personal computer), 400 ... Network, U ... User, S ... Service base

Claims (14)

A consumable management system for managing replaceable consumables installed in a managed machine,
A terminal device that is directly connected to the managed machine or connected to the network and instructs the managed machine to execute a job, and receives a warning that replacement of consumables installed in the managed machine is near When,
Recognizing means for recognizing that the user has performed a release operation on the warning received by the terminal device;
Job execution restriction means for enabling execution of the next job by the managed machine on condition that the recognition means has recognized that the user has performed a release operation;
Consumables management system including.   The consumables management system according to claim 1, wherein the warning received by the terminal device is a content that prompts contact to a service base for consumables replacement.   The consumables management system according to claim 1, wherein the warning received by the terminal device is a notification of a consumable code that is about to be replaced.   The terminal device receives, as warnings, a prior warning that is executed in a state where the job of the managed machine can be executed, and a main warning that is executed in a state where the job of the managed machine is not executable. The consumable item management system according to claim 1.   The consumable management system according to claim 1, wherein the recognizing unit recognizes that a user has performed a password input operation.   2. The recognition unit according to claim 1, wherein the recognizing unit recognizes that the consumable item of the managed machine related to the warning received by the terminal device has been replaced with a consumable item having a remaining life. Consumable management system.   The consumable management system according to claim 1, wherein when the recognizing unit recognizes that the user has performed a release operation, the recognizing unit notifies the terminal device that a warning has been handled.   The job execution restricting unit has a determination unit that determines whether or not the user's approval is obtained when the operation of the managed machine cannot be guaranteed, and the determination unit determines that the user has approval. 2. The consumable management system according to claim 1, wherein execution of a job of the managed machine is sometimes permitted. A consumable management system for managing a plurality of replaceable consumables installed in a managed machine,
A terminal device that is directly connected to the managed machine or connected to the network and instructs the managed machine to execute a job, and receives a warning that replacement of consumables installed in the managed machine is near When,
Job execution restriction means for enabling execution of the next job by the managed machine on condition that a password is input from the terminal device when the terminal device receives a warning;
Consumables management system including.   The job execution restriction means enables execution of a next job on condition that a password corresponding to a consumable item related to a warning among a plurality of consumable items is input from the terminal device. The consumable item management system according to claim 9, wherein the consumable item is different for each consumable item.   10. The job execution restriction unit enables execution of a next job on condition that a common password is input to a plurality of consumables from the terminal device. Consumables management system.   The job execution restriction means enables execution of a next job according to information on a job restriction amount included in the password on condition that a password is input from the terminal device. 9. The consumable management system according to 9.   The job execution restriction means, on condition that a password is input from the terminal device, enables execution of the next job according to the expiration date information included in the password, and after the expiration date, The consumables management system according to claim 9, wherein execution of the next job is restricted unless another password is input.   The job execution restriction unit enables execution of a next job by the managed machine on condition that a password corresponding to the managed machine is input from the terminal device, and the password The consumable management system according to claim 9, wherein the consumable management system is different for each target machine.

Images