JP2010151908A - Image forming apparatus and consumable order time determining device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make the order of consumables smooth in an image processing apparatus to which the consumables are detachably attached. <P>SOLUTION: The information of a consumable order-counting period is stored in an order counting period information storage part (S100). A consumable order time is estimated on the basis of the result of monitoring the degree of consumption (S112). When the replacement times of a plurality of consumables are overlapped with each other in the same consumable order time consumable order-counting period, the consumable order time is arranged so as to reduce the number of the overlaps of the consumable replacement times as little as possible in the same period (S114 and S116) and the estimated consumable replacement time and the determined consumable order time are reported to a user (S198). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a consumable ordering time determination device.

  In various devices, there is a device in which a replacement part is detachably attached to the apparatus body. For example, in some image forming apparatuses such as printing apparatuses and copying apparatuses, replacement parts such as a photoreceptor (drum) cartridge, a developer (toner) cartridge, and an ink cartridge are detachably attached to the apparatus main body. .

  Regarding these replacement parts, the degree of wear is automatically determined on the device side, and when the replacement time has been reached, a notification is made to prompt the user to replace (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). Normally, the user will order the replacement part based on this notification.

JP 2003-29584 A JP 2008-20536 A JP 2002-99184 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of smoothing orders when replacement times of a plurality of consumables overlap.

  The invention according to claim 1 is based on a consumption status monitoring unit that monitors a consumption level of a consumable item that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body, and a consumption level of the consumable item monitored by the consumption status monitoring unit. A replacement time estimation unit for estimating the replacement time of the consumables, an ordering time determination unit for determining an ordering time of the consumables based on the replacement time of the consumables estimated by the replacement time estimation unit, A notification unit for notifying information on replacement time of the consumables estimated by the replacement time estimation unit and / or ordering information of the consumables determined by the ordering time determination unit, and the ordering time determination unit includes: In the image forming apparatus, when the replacement times of the plurality of consumables overlap at the same ordering time, the ordering times of the consumables are determined so as to alleviate the overlap.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the ordering time determining unit determines an ordering time of each consumable so that the number of the consumables at the same ordering time is smoothed. To do.

  The invention according to claim 3 further includes an order counting period information storage unit that stores information regarding an order counting period as a periodical delimiter for placing the consumables in the invention according to claim 2, The ordering time determining unit determines to which of the ordering totaling periods stored in the ordering totaling period information storage unit the replacement time of the consumables estimated by the replacement time estimating unit belongs.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus further includes a reception unit that receives information related to the order totaling period of the consumables, and the order totaling period information storage unit is received by the reception unit. Information related to the order totaling period is stored.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourth aspect, the order totaling period information storage unit receives the receipt from a person who sells the consumable after the device to which the consumable is mounted is shipped. The information regarding the said order totaling period received via the section is stored.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 4, wherein the order totaling period information storage unit receives the order total received from the user of the device to which the consumable is mounted via the reception unit. Store information about the period.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising an amount information storage unit that stores information on the replacement price of the consumables for each of the consumables, and the ordering time determining unit is the same The ordering time of each consumable is determined so that the total replacement cost of the consumables is smoothed.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, further comprising a receiving unit that receives information related to a replacement price of the consumables, wherein the amount information storage unit is the consumables received by the receiving unit. The information about the exchange price of is stored.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 7, wherein the amount information storage unit stores information related to a replacement price for the consumables determined in advance.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the seventh aspect, the money amount information storage unit receives the reception unit from a person who sells the consumables after the device to which the consumables are mounted is shipped. And stores information related to the order totaling period received via the server.

  The invention according to an eleventh aspect is the invention according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, wherein the ordering time determining unit is configured such that a sum of replacement costs of the consumables at the same ordering time is a replacement price. The order of each consumable item is determined so as to be within the upper limit value.

  A twelfth aspect of the invention is the invention according to any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects, wherein a receiving unit that receives information related to an upper limit value of the replacement price of the consumables, and a replacement price of the consumables And a money amount information storage unit for storing information on the upper limit value.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the twelfth aspect, the amount information storage unit stores information relating to an upper limit value of the exchange price determined in advance.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the money amount information storage unit receives the receipt from a user of a device to which the consumable item is mounted after the device to which the consumable item is mounted. The information regarding the upper limit value of the exchange price received through the section is stored.

  The invention according to claim 15 is the invention according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the money amount information storage unit stores information on the upper limit value of the replacement price for each consumable ordering totaling period. To remember.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, the ordering time determining unit determines that the total replacement cost of the consumables at the same ordering time is the replacement. When there is something that does not fit within the upper limit of the price, the upper limit of the replacement price is increased, and the total replacement price of the consumables at the same ordering time is within the upper limit of the increased replacement price. In addition, the order for each consumable is determined.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, in the invention of the sixteenth aspect, the ordering time determining unit increases the natural number times the upper limit value of the original exchange price.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect of the present invention further includes a notifying unit that notifies information on an upper limit value of the exchange price increased by the ordering time determining unit.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a consumption status monitoring unit that monitors a consumption level of a consumable that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body, and a consumption level of the consumable that is monitored by the consumption status monitoring unit. A replacement time estimation unit for estimating the replacement time of the consumables, an ordering time determination unit for determining an ordering time of the consumables based on the replacement time of the consumables estimated by the replacement time estimation unit, A notification unit for notifying information on replacement time of the consumables estimated by the replacement time estimation unit and / or ordering information of the consumables determined by the ordering time determination unit, and the ordering time determination unit includes: When the replacement times of a plurality of the consumables overlap in the same ordering time, the consumables ordering time determining device determines the ordering time of each consumable so as to alleviate the overlap.

  According to the first and first aspects of the present invention, when the replacement times of a plurality of consumables overlap, the overlapping state is alleviated and the order can be smoothed.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, the number of consumables at the same ordering time is smoothed.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the number of consumables is smoothed in units of order totaling periods.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, processing can be performed based on the stored order counting period.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform processing based on the order counting period without bothering the setting of the order counting period by the user of the apparatus.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, processing can be performed based on the order counting period received via the receiving unit.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the sum of consumables replacement costs at the same ordering time is smoothed.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, processing can be performed based on the information on the exchange price received through the receiving unit.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform processing based on the information on the exchange price without bothering setting the information on the exchange price.

  According to the invention described in claim 10, it is possible to perform processing based on the information of the exchange price set by the consumable goods seller after the device is shipped.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the sum of the replacement charges for consumables at the same ordering time is smoothed so as to be within the upper limit of the replacement price.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the processing can be performed based on the stored information on the upper limit value of the consumable replacement price.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the processing can be performed based on the upper limit value of the consumable replacement price without bothering setting the upper limit value of the consumable replacement price.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, processing can be performed based on the upper limit value of the consumable item replacement price received via the receiving unit.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, processing can be performed on the basis of the upper limit value of the consumable replacement price for each consumable ordering totaling period.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, even when smoothing cannot be performed within the value initially set as the upper limit value of the consumable replacement price, smoothing can be performed within the increased upper limit value. it can.

  According to the invention described in claim 17, it is possible to easily determine the increase value of the upper limit value.

  According to the invention of claim 18, it can be known that the upper limit has been increased.

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

<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example when the image forming apparatus is applied to a printer. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main unit 102 and a paper feeding unit 190.

  The image forming apparatus 1 can be connected to an external device via a connection cable (not shown) or a network. For example, a connection cable is not illustrated by a CSMA / CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) type LAN (Local Area Network; for example, IEEE802.3) or a Gigabit (Giga Bit) based LAN (hereinafter collectively referred to as a wired LAN). Connected to an image input terminal such as a personal computer.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is not only used as a main part of a printer having a page printer function, but also a copying apparatus having a copying function, a FAX apparatus having a facsimile transmission / reception function, a page printer function, a copying function, and a facsimile transmission / reception. It can also be used as a main part as a so-called multi-function machine (multi-function machine) having a plurality of functions such as functions.

  For example, although not shown, a copying apparatus having a copying function can be configured by providing an image reading unit (scanner unit) that reads a document. By connecting to an image input terminal such as a fax machine or a personal computer via a public switched telephone network (PSTN), an integrated switched digital network (ISDN), or other communication media including the Internet. A FAX apparatus that prints out based on FAX data acquired via a communication interface can be configured.

[Basic configuration]
The image forming apparatus 1 performs an electrophotographic image forming process on an image represented by image forming data input from an image input terminal (for example, image data read by a scanner or print data input from a personal computer). Utilizing this, a visible image is formed (printed), that is, copied on a recording medium such as plain paper or thermal paper. Therefore, the main unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes an electrophotographic print engine that operates the image forming apparatus 1 as a digital printing system.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is configured to support color image formation, and a recording sheet is carried into the scan output system 103 side of the print engine or printed by the scan output system 103 in the main unit 102. A standard transport system 107 made up of various roll members (rotating bodies) 108 for discharging paper is accommodated.

  A paper feed tray 192 and a feeder unit 196 are disposed in the paper feed unit 190 provided at the lower part of the main unit 102. In the illustrated example, as the paper feed tray 192, there are two paper feed trays corresponding to a larger size (for example, B4 or more) (paper feed trays 192_1 and 192_2), and one corresponding to a smaller size (for example, A4 or less). Two (sheet feeding trays 192_3 and 192_4) are prepared. The feeder unit 196 rolls out recording sheets one by one from the paper feed tray 192 and sends them to the standard transport system 107 in the main unit 102.

  The scanning output system 103 transfers an image to an intermediate transfer belt, which is an example of a first transfer material, using a drum, which is a photosensitive member, and a primary bias transfer roll, which is an example of a first image carrier. Using an intermediate transfer belt as a second image carrier, a transfer image portion of the intermediate transfer belt and a recording sheet as an example of an output medium as a second transfer material are sandwiched between secondary bias transfer roll pairs. Thus, the image is printed (formed) on the recording medium by transferring the image onto the recording paper.

  First, the scanning output system 103 prints the Y, M, C, and K color printing execution units 130 that are juxtaposed sequentially at a fixed interval in one direction (Y, M, C, and K are assigned to each; the other members) The same applies to the above;

  The intermediate transfer belt 136 rotates in the belt conveyance direction indicated by X in the figure, and the interval between the print execution units 130 with respect to the total length (peripheral length) T is set to about 1/10. Yes.

  The printing execution unit 130 transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 131 serving as the first image carrier to the intermediate transfer belt 136 serving as the first transfer material and the second image carrier. It functions as a first transfer section.

  A photosensitive drum 131 is disposed in the central portion of the print execution unit 130, and a cleaner having a function of a static eliminator that collects toner remaining without being transferred onto the photosensitive drum 131 around the photosensitive drum 131. 132, a primary charger 133 that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 131 to the same polarity potential as the toner, and a developer 134 that visualizes the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 131 as a toner image. Yes. A toner cartridge 390 filled with toner is disposed in the vicinity of the developing device 134, and toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 390 to the developing device 134. In the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 131, an exposure unit (see FIG. 3) constituted by a laser light source (not shown), a polygon mirror, and other mirrors for recording a latent image on the photosensitive drum 131 based on a toner output signal. Is provided.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 arranges a plurality of engines (print execution unit 130) corresponding to the output colors Y, M, C, and K in an inline order in the order of Y → M → C → K. , C, K images are processed in parallel (simultaneously) by four engines. That is, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 131 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 136 for each color at a time corresponding to the arrangement position (especially referred to as primary transfer), and then the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 136 is transferred. An intermediate transfer type and tandem type color image forming apparatus configured to transfer onto a sheet (particularly referred to as secondary transfer) is provided.

  A primary bias transfer roll 135 is disposed at the upper portion of the print execution unit 130 for each color so as to face the photosensitive drum 131 so as to sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 136.

  A registration sensor 182 is provided on the downstream side of the K color print execution unit 130 of the intermediate transfer belt 136. The registration sensor 182 detects an unfixed toner image which is a reference image (toner patch / Mark On Belt) of an arbitrary density formed on the intermediate transfer belt 136 in order to obtain a stable image, and the detection result Based on the above, it is provided to control so that a constant gradation-density characteristic can be obtained even if fluctuations occur in each part of the apparatus by performing density control by feeding back process conditions such as exposure amount and development bias. Yes.

  A backup roll 137c and a secondary bias transfer roll 138 are disposed on the intermediate transfer belt 136 on the paper feed unit 190 side. In the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 136 on the right side in the drawing, a belt cleaning unit 140 for collecting toner remaining without being transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 136 is disposed.

  The backup roll 137c and the secondary bias transfer roll 138 are brought into pressure contact with each other, and the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 136, which is the first transfer material and the second image carrier, is transferred to the second transfer material. And a second transfer unit configured to contact and transfer to a printing paper as an output medium. When the toner image arrives at the second transfer portion as the intermediate transfer belt 136 rotates, the printing paper as the second transfer material is supplied from the standard conveying system 107 to the second transfer unit in synchronization with this, and is simultaneously illustrated. The transfer bias is applied to the secondary bias transfer roll 138 by a charge supply source (for example, a transfer high-voltage power supply), and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 136 side is transferred to the second transfer material (output medium / printing paper). Is done.

  On the left side of the main unit 102 in the figure, the secondary bias transfer roll 138 is disposed downstream of the recording paper conveyance direction in order to discharge the printed recording paper fed from the secondary bias transfer roll 138 to the outside of the apparatus. A fixing unit 139 is provided. Specifically, the fixing unit 139 includes a heating roll 139a1 and a pressure roll 139a2 that are pressed against each other and heat and press paper that passes through the fixing position.

  On the downstream side of the fixing unit 139 in the main unit 102, a paper reversing path 199 is provided that is used for duplex printing and back surface ejection.

  Here, the image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus main body portion to which a consumable part (replacement part) that is a part that is appropriately replaced when worn out is detachably mounted, and is a substantially fixed part. The image forming apparatus 1 executes an image forming operation using the attached consumable item.

  In the case of the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment that employs an electrophotographic system, examples of consumables include the following. The photoconductor drum 131, the cleaner 132, and the primary charger 133 are integrated to form a photoconductor cartridge 380, and the photoconductor cartridge 380 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1 as a consumable. Further, a toner cartridge 390 filled with toner to be supplied to the developing device 134 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1 as a consumable item. Further, the developing device 134 may be detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 as a developing unit, the secondary bias transfer roll 138 as a transfer unit, and the fixing unit 139 as a fixing unit.

<Control function>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control mechanism of a consumable item ordering time determination device that performs consumable item order determination processing in the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 400 includes a main control unit 420 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1, an image formation control unit 430 that controls the scanning output system 103 (image forming unit), and a paper feed control unit 440 that controls the paper feed unit 190. Have. The main control unit 420 also has a function of controlling the standard transport system 107. Furthermore, the control unit 400 includes a consumable item ordering control unit 500 (an aspect of a consumable item ordering time determining device) including a receiving unit 510, a determination information storage unit 520, a replacement time determination processing unit 540, and a notification processing unit 580. .

  Each control unit (main control unit 420, image formation control unit 430, paper feed control unit 440, consumable ordering control unit 500) has a configuration using a CPU (Central Processing Unit: not shown) as in the computer. It has become.

  A storage unit 450 that stores various types of information is mounted on the board on which the main control unit 420 is mounted. The storage unit 450 is, for example, a RAM 452 (Random Access Memory) that is an example of a volatile storage medium that can be written and read at any time, and can be written and read at any time and is nonvolatile (Non -Volatility) NVRAM 454 as an example of a storage unit, ROM 456 (Read Only Memory) as an example of a read-only storage medium, and the like. Note that a hard disk device 458 (HDD) as an example of the storage unit 450 may be provided outside the board on which the main control unit 420 is mounted.

  The “volatile storage medium” means a storage unit in a form in which the stored contents are lost when the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off. On the other hand, the “nonvolatile storage medium” means a storage medium in a form that keeps stored contents even when the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off. Any memory device can be used as long as it can keep the stored contents, and the semiconductor memory device itself is not limited to a nonvolatile memory device, but by providing a backup power source, the volatile memory device is made to be “nonvolatile”. It may be configured. Further, the configuration is not limited to a semiconductor memory element, but may be configured using a medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk (for example, a hard disk device 458).

  The accepting unit 510 accepts various information input via an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus 1 and various information input via a network. The accepting unit 510 notifies the accepted information to the main control unit 420 and the determination information storage unit 520.

  The determination information storage unit 520 includes an order totaling period information storage unit 522 and an amount information storage unit 524. The order totaling period information storage unit 522 stores information related to the consumables order totaling period in a nonvolatile storage medium. The information may be determined in advance by the apparatus and stored, or notification of the information may be received for each user via the reception unit 510 and stored. The amount information storage unit 524 stores information on the order amount of consumable parts in a nonvolatile storage medium. The information regarding the order amount of consumable parts includes, for example, a replacement price for each consumable part, a total replacement price upper limit value, a plurality of allowable orders, and the like. The information may be determined in advance by the apparatus and stored, or notification of the information may be received via the receiving unit 510 and stored. As the order totaling period information storage unit 522 and the money amount information storage unit 524, the storage unit 450 may be used as a specific storage medium.

  The replacement time determination processing unit 540 includes a consumption status monitoring unit 542, a replacement time estimation unit 544, and an order time determination unit 546. In the image forming apparatus 1, the consumption status monitoring unit 542 is notified of information indicating the degree of consumption and information used for calculating the degree of consumption from various members to be exchanged regarding consumables such as toner cartridges and paper. . The consumption state monitoring unit 542 grasps the current state of the degree of consumption of each consumable unit based on the information.

  The replacement time estimation unit 544 creates a new consumable after a certain amount of use or real time has passed based on the current consumption level (that is, the current usage status) of each consumable unit acquired by the consumption status monitoring unit 542. Estimate whether the unit needs to be replaced as follows.

  For example, an inclination of wear is obtained and estimated from “the current remaining film thickness or toner remaining amount” and “the accumulated usage amount and tendency of the latest unit time (for example, one week)”. As a specific example, a linear expression such as “Y = −ax + b”, where “x” is “a day in the future” and Y is “remaining film thickness or remaining toner”, “the latest unit time (for example, one week) ), A is calculated from the difference between the accumulated usage amount and the trend, and the intercept b is calculated from the “current remaining film thickness or remaining toner amount”. In addition, for example, there is a method of performing estimation using Bayesian estimation.

  The ordering time determining unit 546 determines the consumable item ordering time based on the information on the consumable item replacement time estimated by the replacement time estimating unit 544 and the order totaling period information and the order amount information stored in the determination information storage unit 520. To do.

  The “consumable item replacement time” is a date and time at which image formation will be impossible afterwards based on an estimation by the replacement time estimation unit 544. The “consumables ordering time” is a margin period from the ordering of the consumables to the replacement, based on the estimation by the replacement time estimation unit 544, and at least the “consumables replacement time” Set before "." The extent of the allowance period depends on the logistics of the region / environment where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed and the order from “ordering → delivery → replacement” of the consumable unit of the image forming apparatus 1. Decide based on actual conditions. For example, it is estimated by setting 10 days or 30 days.

  The ordering time determination unit 546 may provide a consumables order totaling period as a periodical period for placing consumables and determine “consumables ordering time” based on the information. That is, the ordering time determination unit 546 determines which order counting period the replacement time of consumables estimated by the replacement time estimation unit 544 belongs to. When the “order totaling period” is not provided, an appropriate ordering time may be determined ahead of the replacement time estimated by the replacement time estimation unit 544.

  The expendables order totaling period is set, for example, from the 25th of every month to the 24th of the following month, such as the 25th day of the month when the month is closed. The consumables order totaling period is not limited to monthly, but may be weekly, for example. These pieces of information may be captured in advance by the apparatus and stored in the order totaling period information storage unit 522, or the information may be received for each user and stored in the order totaling period information storage unit 522. Also good.

  The notification processing unit 580 notifies information related to consumables ordering. For example, the notification processing unit 580 uses the information on the consumable item replacement time estimated by the replacement time estimation unit 544 and / or the information on the consumable item ordering time determined by the ordering time determination unit 546 as the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 or the use thereof. The person in charge. For example, an operation screen of the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a specific means for performing the notification. Also, not limited to the operation screen, electronic means such as a short message service (SMS: Short Message Service) in a mobile phone (including PHS), telephone, FAX, e-mail using a network, a computer, etc. using a communication line. Direct automatic ordering etc. may be used.

<Monitoring mechanism for the degree of wear of consumables>
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for monitoring the degree of consumption of consumables. In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, a detachable consumable unit is mounted on the control unit 400 that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, as an example here, as a detachable consumable unit, a photoreceptor cartridge 380 and a toner cartridge 390 will be described as an example.

  For example, there are conventionally units that can be attached to and detached from image forming apparatuses such as printing apparatuses (printers) and copying machines. For example, in an electrophotographic printer using an electrophotographic image forming process, a process cartridge system in which a process unit, a developing unit, a cleaning unit, and the like that act on an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a removable unit is employed. ing. Alternatively, a toner cartridge system in which toner is loaded and integrated into a cartridge including a part of the toner supply function is employed. According to this cartridge system, the maintenance of the electrophotographic printer can be performed by the user himself / herself without depending on the service person, so convenience is improved. At present, this cartridge system is widely used in electrophotographic printers as a consumable.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 that supports color output, it is assumed that the photoreceptor cartridge 380 and the toner cartridge 390 are mounted for four colors Y, M, C, and K, respectively. As a means for estimating the degree of consumption of these detachable consumable units, a consumable status monitoring unit 542 is provided in the consumable item ordering control unit 500. For example, the current state of the degree of consumption is grasped as follows.

[Monitoring method of photoconductor cartridge]
For example, the photoconductor cartridge 380 is provided with a surface potential meter 382 that measures the surface potential of the photoconductor drum 131 and a non-volatile memory 386 that stores the cumulative number of rotations of the photoconductor drum 131. The photoreceptor cartridge 380 may include only one of the surface potential meter 382 and the nonvolatile memory 386.

  Variations in manufacturing occur in the charging characteristics and sensitivity of the photosensitive drum 131. Further, the surface layer of the photosensitive drum 131 is scraped with use, and its charging characteristics and sensitivity change. Such manufacturing variations and changes in characteristics accompanying use affect the image. Therefore, the wear state monitoring unit 542 monitors the change in film thickness based on information from the surface potentiometer 382 and the non-volatile memory 386, determines the degree of wear, and also causes variations in manufacturing and characteristics of the photosensitive drum 131. To compensate for changes in

  For example, the following two methods are conceivable as a monitoring method of the photosensitive member cartridge 380 using the information of the surface potential meter 382. In the first method, the photosensitive drum 131 of the photosensitive cartridge 380 rotates during the image forming process. The primary charger 133 outputs a reference potential A to the rotating photosensitive drum 131 to charge the photosensitive drum 131. After the charged portion on the photosensitive drum 131 reaches the surface potential meter 382, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 131 is measured by the surface potential meter 382. The consumption state monitoring unit 542 predicts the film thickness of the photosensitive drum 131 based on the degree to which the surface potential measured by the surface potential meter 382 is lower than the reference potential A.

  In the second method, the photosensitive drum 131 of the photosensitive cartridge 380 rotates during the image forming process. The primary charger 133 continuously outputs a reference potential A having a width from the reference potential B to the rotating photosensitive drum 131 to charge the photosensitive drum 131. After the charged portion on the photosensitive drum 131 reaches the surface potential meter 382, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 131 continuously changes from “equivalent to reference potential A” to “equivalent to reference potential B”. The state is measured with a surface electrometer 382. The consumption state monitoring unit 542 predicts the film thickness of the photosensitive drum 131 by searching for a potential C in which the state of the surface potential measured by the surface potential meter 382 does not follow the reference potential A → the reference potential B. To do.

  For a specific method of predicting the film thickness based on the surface potential information of the photosensitive drum 131, for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-052126 (paragraphs 13 to 14, 37 to 42). .

  For example, the following method can be considered as a method for monitoring the photosensitive member cartridge 380 using the information in the nonvolatile memory 386. In the image forming process, the photosensitive drum 131 of the photosensitive cartridge 380 rotates. The accumulated rotational speed R of the photosensitive drum 131 is held in the nonvolatile memory 386. It is assumed that the surface of the photosensitive drum 131 is worn every time it rotates, so that it is consumed according to the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 131. In this case, the maximum number of rotations Rmax that would make the photosensitive drum 131 unusable is stored in the nonvolatile memory 386 or the storage unit 450 on the control unit 400 side. The consumption state monitoring unit 542 determines the degree of consumption by comparing the cumulative rotational speed R held in the nonvolatile memory 386 and the maximum rotational speed Rmax.

  The consumption status monitoring unit 542 determines the degree of consumption of the photoconductor cartridge 380 by using any one or a combination of the above methods. Note that the determination of the degree of consumption of the photoconductor cartridge 380 is not limited to these three methods.

[Toner cartridge monitoring method]
On the other hand, the toner cartridge 390 replenishes toner to the developing device 134 via the carry-out tube 392. A flow rate sensor 394 is provided at a connecting portion between the carry-out pipe 392 and the toner cartridge 390. Further, the toner cartridge 390 is provided with a non-volatile memory 396 that stores information on the accumulated dispensing time, and a toner empty sensor 398 that detects the remaining amount using a digital switch. The toner cartridge 390 may include only one of the flow sensor 394, the nonvolatile memory 396, and the digital switch 398.

  The consumption status monitoring unit 542 determines the amount of remaining toner based on the accumulated dispensing time stored in the nonvolatile memory 396, the flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor 394, or the information of the toner empty sensor 398 using a digital switch. Judging.

  As a method for monitoring the toner cartridge 390 using the information in the nonvolatile memory 396, for example, the following method can be considered. A carry-out pipe 392 for carrying the toner from the toner cartridge 390 to the developing device 134 is provided, and a spiral wire (hereinafter referred to as a dispenser) is placed in the carry-out pipe 392, and the toner is carried out in the form of an Archimedes pump. The number of revolutions of the dispenser at that time is measured and stored in the nonvolatile memory 396. Based on the information stored in the nonvolatile memory 396, the consumption state monitoring unit 542 calculates how much toner has been discharged from the toner conveyance amount per rotation and estimates the degree of consumption.

  As a method for monitoring the toner cartridge 390 using the information of the flow sensor 394, for example, the following method can be considered. A flow rate sensor 394 that monitors the flow rate of toner is placed so as to observe the carry-out tube 392. In this case, the flow rate sensor 394 detects the magnetism of the toner and measures the flow rate. The consumption state monitoring unit 542 magnetically detects the toner flowing through the discharge pipe 392 with the flow rate sensor 394, and the measured flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 394 to the toner discharge amount per cumulative rotation number R of the photosensitive drum 131. By performing correction using F, the toner conveyance amount is measured more precisely and the degree of wear is estimated.

  As a method for monitoring the toner cartridge 390 using the information of the toner empty sensor 398, for example, the following method can be considered. The toner empty sensor 398 uses an on / off digital switch, and is arranged so that it is turned on when the toner is filled and turned off when the toner runs out. The consumption state monitoring unit 542 measures the ON / OFF state of the digital switch of the toner empty sensor 398 every predetermined period Ts (for example, every 2 seconds) like a flush toilet valve, and the number of times it has been turned off. When Noff exceeds the predetermined number Nmax, it is determined that the toner cartridge 390 is empty. In other words, it is determined that the toner cartridge 390 has been emptied when the period (= Ts × number of times Noff) that has been kept off exceeds the predetermined period Tmax (= Ts × Nmax).

  Further, the wear state monitoring unit 542 estimates a change in the degree of wear based on the change in the ON / OFF measurement ratio of the digital switch in the most recent predetermined number of times. For example, in the case of measuring the last five times, when the toner remains sufficiently, it is “on-on-on-on-on-”. The ratio of “off” increases as “on-” → “on-off-on-off-on-” →... → “off-off-on-off-off-”. The wear state monitoring unit 542 estimates the degree of wear based on such an on / off change state.

  The consumption status monitoring unit 542 determines the degree of consumption of the toner cartridge 390 by using any one or a combination of the above methods. The determination of the degree of wear of the toner cartridge 390 is not limited to these three methods.

  In general, these consumables are used by paying for each print charge. However, in particular, a user who purchases / pays these consumables for each order may disturb payment for accounting if consumable replacement times occur. In addition, the image forming apparatus may not be usable or functions may be limited. In the present embodiment, as a countermeasure, when a plurality of consumables have different replacement times, a mechanism for eliminating the overlap and smoothing the order is adopted. This will be specifically described below.

<Automatic consumable replacement time notification function: Overview>
The consumable item ordering control unit 500 estimates the consumable item replacement time in the replacement time estimation unit 544 based on the monitoring result of the consumable item consumption state acquired by the consumption state monitoring unit 542. The order time determination unit 546 matches the consumable item replacement time estimated by the replacement time estimation unit 544 with the order totaling period information and the order amount information stored in the consumable item replacement time determination information storage unit 520, thereby consumable items. Decide when to place an order. At this time, the ordering time determining unit 546 also considers information such as consumables ordering totaling period and consumables ordering totaling period for each user, which have been decided in advance, and a plurality of replacement target members are placed at the same ordering time Adjust the order of replacement parts so that they do not overlap as much as possible.

  The phrase “so that a plurality of replacement target members do not overlap as much as possible at the same ordering time” means “so that the number of replacement target members at the same ordering time is reduced”. For example, in the case where there are three replacement target members, it is optimal that there is one replacement target member at one ordering time, but this may not be secured. Even in such a case, for example, it is within the scope of the present embodiment to adjust the ordering time so that all three are not concentrated at the same time but divided into one and two.

  When a consumable unit that has reached the consumable replacement time is generated, the consumable ordering control unit 500 performs control so as to prohibit the use of the function of the image forming apparatus 1 configured by the consumable unit. For example, when the Y color toner cartridge has reached the consumable replacement time, the color printing function for forming an image using Y, M, C, and K toners cannot be used because it is impossible to form a suitable image. Ban. However, since the black and white printing function using only the K color toner does not require the Y color toner cartridge, the use of the printing function is permitted.

  In addition, when the K toner cartridge reaches the consumable replacement time, control is performed to prohibit the use of both color printing and monochrome printing functions. Alternatively, if the image quality is allowed to deteriorate, use in a color printing function for forming an image without using K toner may be permitted.

  The consumables ordering control unit 500 preferably displays whether or not the function can be used on the above-described operation screen (display panel), and indicates the reason when receiving an instruction to print a function that cannot be used by mistake. It is desirable to indicate that printing is not possible. The consumable item ordering control unit 500 may receive information on the judgment of the user, understand the risks associated with the use, and control whether the function can be used.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given based on specific examples. Unless otherwise specified, as a consumable unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “consumable”), a photoreceptor cartridge and a toner cartridge correspond to Y, M, C, and K, respectively. The ordering time determination unit 546 calculates “consumable replacement time” and “consumable ordering time” for each of these eight consumable units.

<Consumables Replacement Time Automatic Determination Process: First Embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining consumable item replacement time automatic determination processing (also referred to as order smoothing processing) according to the first embodiment.

  The first embodiment is characterized in that it uses the information stored in the order totaling period information storage unit 522 to automatically determine and notify the consumable replacement time. By making the total value of the number of consumables within the consumables order totaling period as small as possible, it is possible to smoothen the consumable replacement time. The purpose is to smoothen the number of exchanges when the products to be exchanged overlap in the same order counting period. Needless to say, “the smallest possible state” is optimally “1” (that is, a state without overlap).

[First Processing Example: First Embodiment]
FIG. 4A is a flowchart for describing the processing procedure of the first processing example according to the first embodiment.

  The first processing example in the first embodiment is an example in the case of setting and registering information on the consumables order totaling period determined in advance on the apparatus side in the order totaling period information storage unit 522. “Determined in advance on the device side” does not permit the user side (customer side) to perform the setting, but sets the setting on the seller side (for example, the service center side) at the time of product shipment or after the sale. This means performing (so-called initial setting) (S100).

  The ordering time determination unit 546 estimates (calculates) the consumables ordering time at the present time (S112). At this time, the order time determination unit 546 refers to the consumable item replacement time estimated by the replacement time estimation unit 544 and the order totaling period registered in the order totaling period information storage unit 522. For example, the consumable ordering time of six consumable units from consumable 1 to consumable 6 is calculated. The ordering time determination unit 546 determines whether or not the replacement times of a plurality of consumables overlap at the same consumable ordering time using the calculation results (S114).

  If there is no overlap, it may be left as it is (S114-NO). When the replacement times of a plurality of consumables overlap at the same consumable ordering time (S114-YES), the ordering time determination unit 546 determines the consumables during each consumable ordering total period from the present to the consumables replacement time. From the side near the replacement time, the consumables ordering time is arranged so that the number of consumables replacement times is minimized within the same period (S116).

  In other words, if there are a plurality of consumables ordering periods within the same consumable ordering period, the replacement time determination processing unit 540 replaces the consumables during each consumables ordering period from the present to the consumables ordering period. From the side close to the timing, the consumables ordering time is adjusted so that the number of overlapping consumables replacement times within the same period is minimized.

  The ordering time determination unit 546 repeats the same process for all the consumable replacement times to be processed (S180).

  When the processing for all the consumable item replacement times is completed (S180-YES), the notification processing unit 580 orders the consumable item replacement time estimated by the replacement time estimation unit 544 and the consumable item order determined by the ordering time determination unit 546. The time information is notified on the operation screen or the like (S198).

  In the example of FIG. 4, the orders for the consumables 2 and the consumables 3 are overlapped. In addition, the order of consumables 4, consumables 5 and consumables 6 also overlaps. Therefore, the ordering time determination unit 546 first determines the consumable replacement time of the consumable 2 and the consumable 3 (consumable 2 in this example) as the time when there is an empty space (this In the example, by assigning to the previous consumable ordering time), the overlap of the ordering times of the consumable 2 and the consumable 3 is alleviated / resolved.

  In addition, the ordering time determination unit 546 determines the time when the consumable replacement time among the consumables 4, the consumables 5 and the consumables 6 is earlier (the consumable 4 in this example), By assigning it to (the previous consumable ordering time in this example), the overlapping of the ordering times of the three consumables 4, 5, 6 is alleviated / resolved.

  In this state, the ordering times of the consumables 5 and the consumables 6 still overlap, so the ordering time determination unit 546 tries to eliminate this duplication. In this case, the ordering time determination unit 546 assigns the consumable replacement period of the consumables 5 and 6 (the consumable 5 in this example) to the time when there is a vacancy before that. Think about it. In this example, since there is no vacant time, duplication with either is inevitable. That is, the consumables 5 do not change by “2” even if they are assigned in any previous consumable ordering period. Therefore, the ordering time determination unit 546 maintains the current state as it is regarding the ordering of the consumables 5.

  According to the first processing example of the first embodiment, the order quantity for each consumable item order totaling period is smoothed according to the information on the consumable item order totaling period that has been determined in advance on the apparatus side.

[Second Processing Example: First Embodiment]
FIG. 4B is a flowchart for describing the processing procedure of the second processing example in the first embodiment.

  The second processing example in the first embodiment is an example in the case of setting and registering information on the consumable item order counting period for which the user's request has been received in the order counting period information storage unit 522. That is, the consumables order totaling period is adapted to the needs of each user. In this example, not only the apparatus side decides in advance (so-called initial setting) but also the side using the image forming apparatus 1 is permitted to update the initial setting or use a setting different from the initial setting.

  When the consumable item ordering control unit 500 receives information on the consumable item order counting period from the user via the receiving unit 510 (S102-YES), the consumable item ordering control unit 500 sets the received information in the order counting period information storage unit 522. Register (S104). For example, the consumables order control unit 500 accepts the input by the accepting unit 510 via the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the consumable item ordering control unit 500 may receive information on the consumable item order counting period from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the network by the accepting unit 510 for each user. If it has been received and registered before, it is processed as an update of the existing initial setting information or stored as another setting information.

  The following can be considered as a method of setting (input) the consumables order totaling period. For example, a monthly closing date may be input, for example, a quarterly closing date may be input, or a number of days may be specified such as every 30 days. Alternatively, the first consumable ordering totaling period may be individually set to a specific date and time A, the second consumable ordering totaling period may be set to B, and thereafter, until the Nth consumables ordering totaling period.

  When there are a plurality of consumables ordering periods within the same consumables ordering period, the ordering time determination unit 546 is close to the consumables replacement period in each consumables ordering period from the present to the consumables replacement period. From the side, consumables ordering time is arranged so that the number of overlapping consumables replacement times within the same period is minimized. At this time, the consumable ordering totaling period is adapted to the demand of each user (user) (S113). That is, an attempt is made to smooth the order quantity for each consumables order totaling period based on the consumables order totaling period input by the user.

  According to the second processing example of the first embodiment, the order quantity for each consumable item order totaling period is smoothed according to the information on the consumable item order totaling period received from the user. A consumables order totaling period is set according to the accounting status and approval status of the user. For example, cash accounting is suitably designated.

  In the description of the first embodiment, the configuration including the order totaling period information storage unit 522 is described in both the first processing example and the second processing example. However, in the first processing example, consumables are ordered. It is not indispensable to provide a consumables order totaling period as a periodical period to be performed and store the consumables order totaling period provided in the order totaling period information storage unit 522. In this case, as in the case where the “order totaling period” is not provided, an appropriate ordering time may be determined ahead of the replacement time estimated by the replacement time estimation unit 544, and processing may be performed based thereon.

<Consumables Replacement Time Automatic Determination Process: Second Embodiment>
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the consumable item replacement time automatic notification process according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment is characterized in that the information stored in the money amount information storage unit 524 is also used to automatically determine and notify the expendable item replacement time. The total value of consumables within the consumables order totaling period is judged to smooth out the replacement period for consumables. The purpose is to smooth the replacement price, not the number of replacements, when the products to be exchanged overlap in the same order counting period.

[First Processing Example: Second Embodiment]
FIG. 5A is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the first processing example in the second embodiment.

  In the first processing example in the second embodiment, information on the replacement price and replacement price upper limit value of each consumable item determined in advance on the device side (service center side) is set and registered in the money amount information storage unit 524. This is an example. Unlike the second processing example, the transaction amount between the seller and the user is not taken into account, and the amount (consumable sales amount and replacement price upper limit value) determined in advance on the device side (service center side) It is based on settings. In other words, the setting is not permitted on the side using the image forming apparatus 1 but on the seller side (for example, the service center side) at the time of product shipment or after the sale (so-called initial setting). This is an example in which the exchange price and the exchange price upper limit value are set to be the same for all users (S200).

  The consumable item ordering control unit 500 assigns a consumable item amount to each consumable item and stores the information in the monetary amount information storage unit 524. For example, the Y, M, and C photoconductor cartridges 380 are 45,000 yen, the K photoconductor cartridge 380 is 50,000 yen, and the Y, M, and C toner cartridges 390 are 3 yen. The replacement price for each consumable is set and registered in the money amount information storage unit 524, such as 50,000 yen and 10,000 yen for the K-color toner cartridge 390. In addition, the upper limit value of the replacement price at each consumable ordering time is also set and registered in the money amount information storage unit 524. For example, when the consumable ordering period is set for each month, the upper limit of the replacement amount is set to 70,000 yen.

  The ordering time determination unit 546 estimates (calculates) the consumables ordering time at the present time, and calculates the consumables ordering time of each consumable unit. Using the calculation results, the ordering time determination unit 546 arranges the consumables ordering time from the side close to the consumables replacement time in each consumables order totaling period from the present to the consumables replacement time.

  At this time, the replacement time determination processing unit 540 determines whether or not the replacement times of a plurality of consumables overlap at the same consumable ordering time (S214). If there is no overlap, it may be left as it is (S214-NO). If multiple consumable replacement times overlap at the same consumable ordering time (S214-YES), from the side near the consumable replacement time in each consumable ordering total period from the present to the consumable replacement time, The consumable ordering time is arranged so that the total amount of consumable replacement within the same period is as small as possible (S216). That is, the total replacement cost for consumables is smoothed.

  At this time, if a replacement price upper limit value is set, the replacement price upper limit value is set as a determination index, and the consumables replacement price total at the same ordering time is within the replacement price upper limit value. Decide when to place an order. In the following description, the upper limit of the exchange price is used as a determination index.

  Although not shown in the drawing, the consumables order totaling period may be adapted to the needs of each user (user) as in the second processing example of the first embodiment. In other words, in accordance with the consumables order totaling period desired by the user, an attempt is made to smooth the total order amount so as not to exceed the replacement price upper limit set for the consumables order totaling period.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the consumables ordering time is estimated at the present time, and the consumables ordering times of five consumable units from consumables 1 to 5 are calculated. Using the calculation results, the amount of consumables at each consumable replacement period does not exceed the upper limit of the replacement price from the side near the consumable replacement period during each consumable ordering period from the present to the consumable replacement period. Thus, each consumable order is assigned to the consumable ordering time.

  In the example of FIG. 5, consumable 1 = photosensitive body K color (replacement price 50,000 yen), consumable 2 = toner cartridge M color (replacement price 35,000 yen), consumable 3 = toner cartridge C color (replacement) The price is 35,000 yen), the consumable 4 is Y color of the photoconductor (replacement price is 45,000 yen), and the consumable 5 is the photoconductor M color (replacement price is 45,000 yen).

  Of consumables 1 to 5, the order of consumables 2 and 3 overlaps, but the replacement price upper limit (70,000 yen) is not exceeded. The orders for consumables 4 and 5 overlap, and the total replacement amount is 90,000, which exceeds the upper limit of the replacement price (70,000 yen). Therefore, the ordering time determination unit 546 determines the consumable item 4 and the consumable item 5 that have the consumable item replacement time earlier (in this example, the consumable item 4), and the earlier time (in this example, the empty item 4). By assigning it to the previous consumables ordering time), the duplication of the ordering times of the two consumables 4 and 5 is alleviated / eliminated.

  In this example, a replacement price upper limit was set for the consumables order totaling period, and the total replacement price was smoothed so that the replacement price upper limit was not exceeded, but a replacement price upper limit was set. It is not essential to do. A modification may be adopted in which the order price (exchange price total value) is smoothed without referring to the exchange price upper limit value.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 5, since the ordering times of the consumables 2 and the consumables 3 overlap, the ordering time determination unit 546 determines whether the consumables 2 and the consumables 3 Two consumables are assigned by assigning the one with a consumable replacement time earlier (in this example, consumable 2) to a time when there is a vacant time (in this example, the previous consumable ordering time). You may make it ease and eliminate the duplication of the order time of goods 2 and 3.

  The mechanism that refers to the exchange price upper limit is simpler than the modified example, but the effect of smoothing the order amount is lower than the modified example. Conversely, in the modified example, the processing is more complicated than in the basic example, but the effect of smoothing the order amount is higher than in the basic example.

  In the description of the second embodiment, the structure including the money amount information storage unit 524 is described in any of the first to third processing examples. However, in the first processing example, the order smoothing process is used. It is not essential to set the amount of consumable for each consumable and store the amount of consumable for each consumable in the amount information storage unit 524. In this case, the processing may be performed based on a value determined in advance by the apparatus.

[Second Processing Example: Second Embodiment]
FIG. 5B is a flowchart for describing the processing procedure of the second processing example according to the second embodiment.

  In the second processing example in the second embodiment, considering the transaction conditions between the seller and the user, for each user, a replacement price for each consumable or a replacement price upper limit value is set, and the information is the amount of money. This is an example of setting and registering in the information storage unit 524 (so-called registration update). In addition to making arrangements on the apparatus side in advance (so-called initial setting), it is possible to update the initial setting or use a setting different from the initial setting depending on the transaction conditions with the user of the image forming apparatus 1 It is.

  Note that, unlike the order counting period in the second processing example of the first embodiment, it is assumed that the merchant sets and registers the exchange fee. This is because it is not preferable for the user side to change the sales amount without permission. On the other hand, regarding the replacement price upper limit value, the user side may perform setting registration as in the order counting period in the second processing example of the first embodiment.

  When the consumable item ordering control unit 500 receives the information on the replacement price of each consumable item and the upper limit of the replacement price via the reception unit 510 for each user (S202—YES), the received information is the amount information. Setting and registration in the storage unit 524 (S204). For example, the consumables order control unit 500 accepts the input by the accepting unit 510 via the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the consumable item ordering control unit 500 may receive information on the replacement price and the upper limit of the replacement price of each consumable item from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the network. If it has been received and registered before, it is processed as an update of the existing initial setting information or stored as another setting information.

  For example, on the device side, for user A, Y, M, and C photoconductor cartridges 380 are 50,000 yen, K photoconductor cartridge 380 is 30,000 yen, and Y, M, and C colors. Set and register (so-called initial setting) the replacement fee for each consumable in the amount information storage unit 524, such as 20,000 yen for each color toner cartridge 390, 10,000 yen for the K color toner cartridge 390, etc. deep. Further, the upper limit value of the replacement price for the user A at each consumable ordering time is set and registered in the money amount information storage unit 524 on the apparatus side.

  On the other hand, in consideration of the subsequent transaction conditions with the user A, for example, the service engineer for the user A has Y, M and C photoconductor cartridges 380 of 50,000 yen, Each of the consumables such as 40,000 yen for the K color photosensitive cartridge 380, 20,000 yen for the Y, M, C toner cartridges, 10,000 yen for the K toner cartridge 390, etc. The exchange price is set / registered in the amount information storage unit 524. The upper limit of the replacement price for user B at each consumable ordering time is also set and registered in the money amount information storage unit 524.

  If there are a plurality of consumables ordering period within the same consumables ordering period, the ordering time determination unit 546 attempts to smooth the total order amount according to the consumables ordering period. At this time, if there is a setting based on the transaction conditions for each user, the total amount of consumables replacement time within the same period can be as much as possible using the replacement price of each consumable and the upper limit of the replacement price as a judgment index. The expendables ordering time is arranged so as to decrease (S117). The replacement price and the upper limit of the replacement price for each consumable are values that can vary individually depending on the transaction conditions with the user, so by setting that information for each user, it is possible to The consumable ordering time according to the transaction conditions is set.

  According to the second processing example of the second embodiment, the order amount for each consumable purchase order period according to the information on the replacement price of each consumable and the upper limit of the replacement price reflecting the transaction conditions between the seller and the user. Is smoothed. An order for consumables is set according to the transaction conditions of the user.

[Third Processing Example: Second Embodiment]
FIG. 5C is a flowchart for describing the processing procedure of the third processing example in the second embodiment.

  The third processing example in the second embodiment is an example in the case where the replacement price upper limit value is set for each consumable ordering totaling period, and the information is set and registered in the money amount information storage unit 524. The purpose is to order consumables according to the budget situation of the user. Considering the transaction conditions between the seller and the user, a second processing example in which a replacement price for each consumable is set for each user, and the information is set and registered in the amount information storage unit 524 You may use together.

  The consumable item ordering control unit 500 stores information on the replacement price of each consumable item and the upper limit of the exchange amount at the time of product shipment or after the sale, for each consumable item order totaling period. It is set and registered in 524 (S201).

  When the consumables ordering control unit 500 receives information on the replacement price upper limit value for each consumables order totaling period via the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 1 or the network (S203: YES), the consumables ordering control unit 500 accepts the information. The information is set and registered in the money amount information storage unit 524 for each consumable ordering totaling period (S205).

  The replacement price upper limit for each consumable item ordering period is, for example, 100,000 yen in the first consumables ordering period and 150,000 yen in the second consumables ordering period. Set the upper limit of the exchange price individually for each period.

  If there are a plurality of consumables ordering periods within the same consumables ordering period, the ordering time determination unit 546 attempts to smooth the total order amount in accordance with the consumables ordering period. At this time, using the replacement price upper limit set for each consumables order totaling period as a determination index, the consumables ordering time is arranged so that the total amount of consumables replacement time within the same period is as small as possible (S218).

  For example, in all consumable ordering totaling periods, there is a case where it is desired to reduce the upper limit of the replacement price only at a specific time in relation to the budget. This is a suitable example in such a case. For example, an upper limit is set from the remaining budget at the end of the period, and a replacement price upper limit is set for each consumables order totaling period according to the accounting situation of the user. An order for consumables is set according to the accounting situation of the user.

<Consumables Replacement Time Automatic Determination Process: Third Embodiment>
6 to 6A are diagrams for explaining the third embodiment. Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the consumable item replacement time automatic notification process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6A is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure according to the third embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, even if the consumables ordering time is arranged so that the total amount of the consumables replacement time within the same period is reduced as much as possible by applying the second embodiment, it is possible to cope with within the upper limit of the replacement price. This is a mechanism for dealing with cases where it is not possible to do this.

  As a countermeasure, the consumables ordering control unit 500 of the third embodiment has a second replacement price different from the replacement price upper limit value (denoted as the first replacement price upper limit value) employed in the second embodiment. The upper limit value (> first exchange price upper limit value) is automatically set in the money amount information storage unit 524, and the second exchange price upper limit value is used instead of the first exchange price upper limit value. It is characterized in that the method of form is applied.

  In other words, when the total of the order amount of consumables already placed exceeds the sum of the first replacement price upper limit value set for each consumables order collection period from the present to the consumables replacement time, The second replacement upper limit value is set and the expendables order amount is smoothed again (S390, S392). If the first redo is not possible, another second exchange price upper limit (> the second exchange price upper limit for the first time) is set, and the same redo is performed.

  When the consumables ordering control unit 500 automatically switches to processing using the second replacement price upper limit value, the user is notified of the second replacement upper limit value information via the notification processing unit 580. (S396).

  Here, how to set the second exchange price upper limit value at each time needs to be at least larger than the first exchange price upper limit value, that is, the second exchange price upper limit value is equal to the first exchange price upper limit value. What is necessary is just to increase the exchange price upper limit, and as long as it is set, it may be set freely. As an example, it is preferable to sequentially set multiples of the first exchange price upper limit value set in the money amount information storage unit 524.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the ordering time determination unit 546 estimates the consumables ordering time at the present time, and calculates the consumables ordering times for the nine consumable units 1 to 9. Then, the order time determination unit 546 calculates each order amount using the calculation result.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the order of consumable 1 and consumable 2 out of consumable 1 to consumable 9 overlaps and exceeds the first replacement price upper limit. Therefore, the ordering time determination unit 546 assigns the consumable item 1 and the consumable item 2 with the expendable item replacement time earlier (in this example, the consumable item 1) to the time when there is a vacancy before that. Try. In this example, since there is a consumable replacement time that can be rearranged immediately before, the duplication of the ordering times of the two consumables 1 and 2 is alleviated and eliminated.

  In addition, the order of consumables 4 and consumables 5 overlaps, and the first replacement price upper limit value is exceeded. Therefore, the ordering time determination unit 546 assigns the consumable 4 and the consumable 5 whose consumable replacement time is earlier (the consumable 4 in this example) to the time when there is a vacancy before that. Try. In this example, since there is no vacant time, duplication with either is inevitable. In other words, the consumable 4 is not resolved in the first replacement price upper limit value even if it is assigned in any previous consumable ordering period. Therefore, the ordering time determination unit 546 maintains the current state as it is regarding the ordering of the consumables 4.

  Further, the order of consumables 6, consumables 7, consumables 8 and consumables 9 overlaps and exceeds the first replacement price upper limit. Therefore, the ordering time determination unit 546 determines that the consumable replacement time among the consumables 6, consumables 7, consumables 8 and consumables 9 is earlier (consumable 6 in this example). Try to allocate at a time when there is room. In this example, there is a consumable replacement time that can be repositioned one time before, so first the consumable 6 is relocated to reduce or eliminate duplication of the ordering time with other consumables 7, 8, and 9. To do.

  In this state, the ordering times of the consumables 7, the consumables 8 and the consumables 9 still overlap and exceed the first replacement price upper limit value, so the ordering time determination unit 546 tries to eliminate this duplication. . In this case, the ordering time determination unit 546 has an empty space before the expendable supplies replacement period (consumable supplies 7 in this example) among the expendable supplies 7, consumable supplies 8 and consumable supplies 9. Consider assigning to a time. In this example, since there is no vacant time, duplication with either is inevitable. In other words, the consumable item 7 is not canceled at any previous consumable ordering period until the replacement price upper limit value is resolved. Therefore, the ordering time determination unit 546 maintains the current state as it is regarding the ordering of the consumables 7.

  As described above, in the order smoothing process at the first order time applying the second embodiment, a part of the order smoothing process is eliminated. However, even if the rearrangement is performed, the replacement total value meter is the first replacement. There is a period in which the price upper limit value is exceeded, and not all of them have become the first exchange price upper limit value or less.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, the ordering time determination unit 546 sets the second replacement value to N times (N is a natural number) the first replacement price upper limit value newly set for each existing consumables order totaling period. An exchange price upper limit value is set, and the order smoothing process at the second order time applying the second embodiment is performed. At this time, for example, first, N = 2, a second exchange price upper limit value that is twice as large as the first exchange price upper limit value is set, and rearrangement is performed so as not to exceed that value.

  Further, when the newly set double exchange price upper limit value is exceeded, the same procedure may be repeated to increase the exchange price upper limit value by 3 times or 4 times.

  The value of N when performing the order smoothing process at the second ordering time is not limited to 2, and may be 3 times or 4 times.

  In this way, the consumables order control unit 500 notifies the user that the second replacement upper limit value is to be used when the replacement price upper limit value is newly reset and the order smoothing process is performed. Notification is made at 580.

  For example, in the case of FIG. 6, the order of the consumables 4 and 5 and the order of the consumables 7, 8, and 9 are not handled in the first process. Is a duplication. Therefore, the ordering time determination unit 546 attempts to eliminate this duplication based on the second exchange upper limit value that is double the exchange amount upper limit value for the first time.

  In this case, the ordering time determination unit 546 determines that the overlap between the replacement times of the consumables 4 and the consumables 5 is within the range because of the relationship with the second replacement upper limit value doubled for the first time. In other words, the overlapping of the replacement times of the consumables 7, the consumables 8 and the consumables 9 does not fall within the range, and is therefore subject to processing.

  Consider that the ordering time determination unit 546 assigns one of the consumables 7, consumables 8 and consumables 9 that has a consumable replacement time earlier (consumable 7 in this example). . In this case, the ordering time determination unit 546 assigns one of the consumables 7, consumables 8 and consumables 9 whose consumable replacement time is earlier (consumable 7 in this example). I'll think about it. In this example, there is no vacant time and duplication is unavoidable, but there is a time when movement is possible as long as it is within the range of the second replacement upper limit value doubled for the first time. Therefore, as an example, the ordering time determination unit 546 reduces or eliminates the overlapping of the ordering times of the three consumables 7, 8, 9 by overlapping the ordering time of the consumables 7 with the ordering time of the consumables 6. .

  In the case of the second embodiment, if a consumable unit that has reached the consumable replacement time is generated without solving the problem of duplication in terms of money in the processing at the first replacement price upper limit value, the consumable item is generated. Since the use of the functions of the image forming apparatus constituted by the units is prohibited, the use of the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped.

  On the other hand, according to the third embodiment, in the case where the process of the first exchange price upper limit does not solve the problem of duplication in terms of amount, the same applies to the increased second exchange price upper limit. The process is repeated. For this reason, the use permission is continued without stopping the use of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, when the same processing is repeated with the increased second exchange price upper limit value, the user is notified in advance that the payment amount assumed by the user has been exceeded by notifying the user. Is done. In addition, since the consumables order control unit 500 automatically sets the upper limit value of the payment amount to be newly smoothed when the amount of payment assumed by the user is exceeded, the user changes the setting. Time is saved.

<Consumables ordering time determination device; computer configuration>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the consumable item ordering time determination device that performs the order smoothing process described in the embodiment. This configuration uses an electronic computer such as a personal computer constructed from a microprocessor or the like that executes software, and shows a more realistic hardware configuration of the consumable ordering time determination device.

  That is, in this embodiment, the mechanism of the control mechanism related to the order smoothing process (consumable item replacement time automatic determination process) is not limited to being configured by a hardware processing circuit, but based on a program code that realizes the function. It is realized by software using a computer (computer). Therefore, a program suitable for realizing the mechanism according to the present embodiment by software using an electronic computer (computer) or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program is extracted. By adopting a mechanism that is executed by software, the processing procedure and the like can be easily changed without changing hardware.

  For example, a computer system 900 that constructs a control mechanism related to order smoothing processing includes a central control unit 910 composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, and a ROM (Read Only) that is a read-only storage unit. Memory), a storage unit 912 including a RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be read / written as needed, an operation unit 914, and other peripheral members that are not shown.

  The central control unit 910 is similar to the central control unit 910 that forms the center of an electronic computer whose representative example is a CPU in which the functions of computation and control performed by a computer are integrated into an ultra-small integrated circuit. The ROM stores a control program for order smoothing processing. The ROM of the storage unit 612 may have the function. The operation unit 914 is a user interface for accepting an operation by a user.

  As a control system of the computer system 900, an external recording medium (not shown) such as a memory card can be inserted and removed, and can be connected to a communication network such as the Internet. For this purpose, the control system includes a memory reading unit 920 that reads information on a portable recording medium and a communication I / F 922 as a communication interface unit with the outside in addition to the central control unit 910 and the storage unit 912. It is good to make it. By providing the memory reading unit 920, a program can be installed or updated from an external recording medium. By providing the communication I / F 922, the program can be installed or updated via the communication network. The order smoothing process is the same as that in the above embodiment.

  Here, the configuration example in which the control mechanism related to the order smoothing process is realized by software on a computer is described. However, each part (functional block of the control mechanism for realizing the order smoothing process of the present embodiment). The specific means (including) can be hardware, software, communication means, a combination thereof, and other means, and this is obvious to those skilled in the art. Moreover, the functional blocks may be combined and integrated into one functional block. Also, software that causes a computer to execute program processing is installed in a distributed manner according to the combination.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and embodiments to which such changes or improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Further, the above embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims (claims), and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention. Absent. The embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. Even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, as long as an effect is obtained, a configuration from which these some constituent requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  In the above embodiment, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus has been described as an example, but other types such as an ink jet method may be used. For example, in the case of an ink jet system, an ink cartridge corresponds to a consumable item, and the mechanism of the above embodiment is similarly applied to order management of the ink cartridge.

  In the above-described embodiment, the replacement parts such as the photoconductor cartridge and the toner cartridge in the image forming apparatus 1 have been specifically described. However, the application target of the mechanism of the above-described embodiment is not limited to the image forming apparatus. In various devices, any replacement parts that can be detachably attached to the apparatus main body can be applied.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the control mechanism of a consumable goods order time determination apparatus. It is a figure explaining the method of monitoring the consumption degree of a consumable article. It is a figure explaining the consumable goods exchange time automatic determination process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of 1st Embodiment and a 1st process example. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of 1st Embodiment and a 2nd process example. It is a figure explaining the consumable goods exchange time automatic notification process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of 2nd Embodiment and a 1st process example. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of 2nd Embodiment and a 2nd process example. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of 2nd Embodiment and a 3rd process example. It is a figure explaining the consumable goods replacement time automatic notification process of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of 3rd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the hardware constitutions at the time of comprising a consumable goods ordering time determination apparatus using an electronic computer.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 130 ... Print execution part 131 ... Photoconductor drum, 380 ... Photoconductor cartridge, 382 ... Surface potential meter, 386 ... Non-volatile memory, 390 ... Toner cartridge, 392 ... Outlet tube, 394 ... Flow rate sensor 396: Non-volatile memory, 398: Toner empty sensor, 400: Control unit, 420 ... Main control unit, 430 ... Image formation control unit, 440 ... Paper feed control unit, 500 ... Consumables ordering control unit, 510 ... Accepting unit 520 ... Determination information storage unit, 522 ... Order totaling period information storage unit, 524 ... Amount information storage unit, 540 ... Replacement time determination processing unit, 542 ... Consumption status monitoring unit, 544 ... Replacement time estimation unit, 546 ... Ordering time Determination unit, 580 ... notification processing unit

Claims (19)

A consumption status monitoring unit for monitoring the degree of consumption of the consumables that are detachably attached to the apparatus body;
A replacement time estimation unit that estimates a replacement time of the consumable item based on a consumption level of the consumable item monitored by the consumption state monitoring unit;
An ordering time determining unit for determining the ordering time of the consumables based on the replacement time of the consumables estimated by the replacement time estimating unit;
A notification unit for notifying information on replacement time of the consumables estimated by the replacement time estimation unit and / or ordering information of the consumables determined by the ordering time determination unit;
With
The ordering time determining unit determines an ordering time of each consumable so as to alleviate the overlap when the replacement times of the plurality of consumables overlap in the same ordering time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ordering time determining unit determines an ordering time of each consumable so that the number of the consumables at the same ordering time is smoothed. An order counting period information storage unit for storing information on an order counting period as a periodical delimiter for placing the consumables,
The ordering time determination unit determines to which of the ordering totaling periods stored in the ordering totaling period information storage unit the replacement time of the consumables estimated by the replacement time estimation unit belongs. The image forming apparatus described in 1. A reception unit that receives information related to an order counting period of the consumables;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the order counting period information storage unit stores information regarding the order counting period received by the receiving unit. 5. The order counting period information storage unit stores information related to the order counting period received via the receiving unit from a person selling the consumables after shipment of the device to which the consumables are mounted. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the order totaling period information storage unit stores information regarding the order totaling period received from the user of the apparatus to which the consumable is mounted via the receiving unit. A money amount information storage unit that stores information on the consumable replacement price for each consumable;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the order time determination unit determines an order time of each consumable so that a sum of replacement costs of the consumables at the same order time is smoothed. A reception unit for receiving information on the replacement price for the consumables;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the money amount information storage unit stores information related to a replacement price for the consumables received by the reception unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the money amount information storage unit stores information related to a replacement price for the consumables determined in advance. The amount-of-money information storage unit stores information related to the order totaling period received via the reception unit from a person selling the consumables after shipment of the device to which the consumables are mounted. Image forming apparatus. The ordering time determination unit determines the ordering time of each consumable so that the total replacement cost of the consumables within the same ordering time is within the upper limit of the replacement price. The image forming apparatus according to one item. A reception unit for receiving information on the upper limit value of the consumable replacement price;
An amount information storage unit for storing information on the upper limit value of the consumable replacement price;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the money amount information storage unit stores information related to an upper limit value of the exchange price determined in advance. The money amount information storage unit stores information relating to an upper limit value of the exchange price received from the user of the device to which the consumable item is mounted via the receiving unit after the device to which the consumable item is mounted. Item 13. The image forming apparatus according to Item 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the money amount information storage unit stores information related to an upper limit value of the replacement price for each consumables order counting period. The ordering time determining unit is
When there is a total of the replacement price of the consumables at the same ordering time that does not fall within the upper limit value of the replacement price, the upper limit value of the replacement price is increased,
16. The ordering time of each consumable item is determined so that the total replacement cost of the consumable item at the same ordering time is within the upper limit value of the increased replacement price. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the order timing determination unit increases the natural exchange rate by a multiple of the upper limit of the original replacement price. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify information on an upper limit value of the exchange price increased by the order time determination unit. A consumption status monitoring unit for monitoring the degree of consumption of the consumables that are detachably attached to the apparatus body;
A replacement time estimation unit that estimates a replacement time of the consumable item based on a consumption level of the consumable item monitored by the consumption state monitoring unit;
An ordering time determining unit for determining the ordering time of the consumables based on the replacement time of the consumables estimated by the replacement time estimating unit;
A notification unit for notifying information on replacement time of the consumables estimated by the replacement time estimation unit and / or ordering information of the consumables determined by the ordering time determination unit;
With
The ordering time determining unit determines the ordering time of each consumable so as to eliminate the overlap when the replacement times of the plurality of consumables overlap in the same ordering time.

Images