JP2019053320A - Consumable unit determination method for image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a consumables unit ordering system for an image forming apparatus capable of using up toner while using the consumable unit among devices in the vicinity depending on a frequency of use to thereby prevent an unnecessary order for consumables.SOLUTION: A consumable unit determination method is the method for an image forming apparatus on which a toner cartridge (60) is detachably mounted. The image forming apparatus (1) comprises: a detection part (509a); consumable unit determination means (552); and consumable item information display means (553). The image forming apparatus is configured to allow a user to select whether or not the toner cartridge (60) before replacement should be returned when a remaining amount of the consumable item in the toner cartridge (60) before the replacement is a predetermined amount or more after the toner cartridge (60) has been replaced with another one.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a consumable unit determination method for an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus having a function that allows a consumable unit to be detachably mounted and to order a consumable unit. The present invention relates to a consumable unit determination method and an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer, a consumable unit containing toner is detachably mounted, and the toner is supplied from the consumable unit to the developing device. When the toner runs out, the toner can be supplied again by replacing the consumable unit.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, in recent years, there has been known an image forming apparatus in which a consumable unit to be used (for example, a toner cartridge) can be ordered through a network line.

  As a conventional technique, for example, in an image forming apparatus, there is disclosed a method for collectively ordering cartridges with a small amount of toner in the vicinity for the purpose of suppressing the transportation cost of consumables to be used below a certain level. (See Patent Document 1).

  As described above, when the main body of the image forming apparatus recognizes that the remaining amount of toner, which is a consumable item, has decreased, the user orders the next cartridge as soon as possible by automatically placing an order to the order receiving side through the network line. According to the method (accessing the order-side homepage and placing an order for consumables), the user can never go to the nearest consumables store or forget to buy, which is very useful in terms of usability.

JP 2007-279944 A

  However, according to the method of Patent Document 1, in the image forming apparatus, for example, when a consumable unit is replaced, the consumable unit is immediately replaced when a low toner level (near, near end, or near end) is notified. When a user interface (UI) screen for placing an order for consumables via a network line is activated, the amount of remaining toner in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus is large (the usage frequency is low and the remaining amount is large). Even though there is a device that has just been replaced and has a large remaining capacity, there was a wasteful ordering of consumables (or an ordering too early).

  That is, if the consumable unit is immediately replaced, the toner in the consumable unit before the replacement cannot be used up, and an apparatus having a large amount of toner in the vicinity has not been effectively used.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, can prevent wasteful ordering of consumables, can divert consumable units according to the frequency of use among nearby devices, and Another object of the present invention is to provide a consumable unit determination method for an image forming apparatus that can use up toner and an image forming apparatus.

  The consumable unit determination method and the image forming apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems are as follows.

  The present invention relates to a method for determining consumables for an image forming apparatus in which a consumable unit (toner cartridge) having storage means for storing consumables (toner) and storing consumables information (toner information) is detachably mounted. In the configuration of the image forming apparatus, a consumable item detection step for detecting a consumable item remaining state (presence / absence, near end state) in the consumable unit, and image formation detected by the consumable item detection step A consumable information display step for displaying the consumable information of the apparatus on the display unit, and after the consumable unit of the image forming apparatus is replaced, the remaining amount of the consumable unit before the replacement is a predetermined amount or more. If it is, it is possible to select whether or not to return to the consumable unit before the replacement.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable item determination method for the image forming apparatus, and when the consumable unit is not returned to the pre-replacement consumable unit, it is preferable to perform update registration of the consumable unit after the replacement.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for determining a consumable item for the image forming apparatus, wherein when returning to the consumable unit before replacement, a message prompting the user to use the consumable unit before replacement is displayed. Is preferred.

  Further, the present invention is a method for determining consumables for the image forming apparatus, and when returning to the consumable unit before replacement, when the consumable unit before replacement is attached to the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus can be operated.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for determining the consumables of the image forming apparatus, and when not returning to the consumable unit before the replacement, a message indicating that the consumable unit has been replaced is displayed. It is preferable.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus in which a consumable unit having storage means for storing consumables and storing consumables is detachably mounted, and the remaining amount of consumables in the consumable unit Consumables detecting means for detecting a state, and consumables information display means for displaying consumables information of the image forming apparatus detected by the consumables detecting means on a display unit, and a consumables unit of the image forming apparatus After the replacement, if the remaining amount of the consumable unit before the replacement is a predetermined amount or more, it is possible to select whether or not to return to the consumable unit before the replacement.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the replacement of the consumable unit after replacement is performed when the image forming apparatus is not returned to the consumable unit before replacement.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that when returning to the consumable unit before replacement, a message prompting to use the consumable unit before replacement is displayed.

  Further, the present invention provides the image forming apparatus, and when returning to the consumable unit before replacement, when the consumable unit before replacement is attached to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes: It is characterized by enabling operation.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that a message indicating that the consumable unit is replaced is displayed when the consumable unit is not returned to the pre-replacement consumable unit.

  According to the present invention, after the consumable unit of the image forming apparatus is replaced, it is confirmed again whether or not the consumable unit before replacement is used. It is possible to prevent wasteful orders or premature orders, and use up consumables appropriately.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus that constitutes a consumable unit ordering system for an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the toner cartridge mounted in the said image forming apparatus, (b) is A arrow directional view of (a). FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the communication network which comprises the consumables unit ordering system of the said image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for displaying a confirmation message when a toner cartridge is replaced by the consumable unit ordering system of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message (with an OK key) prompting replacement of a toner cartridge displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message (with an OK key) indicating that there is a divertable toner cartridge. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message (no OK key) indicating that there is a divertable toner cartridge. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message prompting replacement with a new toner cartridge. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for displaying a confirmation message when a new toner cartridge is replaced by a consumable unit ordering system for an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message prompting the user to return to the original toner cartridge displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message instructing to return to the original toner cartridge displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message for notifying operation and processing when the toner cartridge is replaced. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for displaying a confirmation message when a toner cartridge is replaced by a consumable unit ordering system for an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a procedure for ordering a new toner cartridge. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message (with an OK key) for prompting an order for a new toner cartridge displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the invention, and is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a toner cartridge (consumable unit) 60 having storage means for storing consumable toner and storing consumable information is detachably mounted. As a consumables unit ordering system for the image forming apparatus 1 having a function capable of ordering, a configuration of a consumables unit ordering system for image forming apparatuses according to the present invention is employed.

First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a predetermined sheet (recording paper, recording medium) according to image data transmitted from the outside. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 mainly includes an image forming unit 3 including an electrophotographic process unit (not shown) as a main unit, an operation panel 10, and a scanner unit (not shown). The image reading unit 2 is provided.

  The image data obtained by reading the original image with the scanner unit is subjected to various processes and then temporarily stored in the memory. In response to an output instruction, the image data is output from the memory to the image forming unit 3 and is exposed to light. After being reproduced as a visible image on a body drum (not shown), the image is transferred onto a sheet to form a toner image.

A paper feed unit 4 for supplying paper adjacent to the image forming unit 3 is configured.
The sheet feeding unit 4 includes first to third cassettes 31, 32, and 33, and a large-capacity cassette 34 as an option. The large-capacity cassette 34 can accommodate a large amount of standard paper that is most frequently used, for example, A4 size.

A paper discharge tray 51 is formed between the image reading unit 2 and the image forming unit 3.
A post-processing device 5 is configured adjacent to the image forming unit 3.
The post-processing device 5 is provided with a first paper discharge tray 52 and a second paper discharge tray 53.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 10 is provided with an operation surface (input unit) 10 a, and a display unit 11 is configured at a substantially central portion thereof.

  Note that the display unit 11 may not be flush with the operation surface (input unit) 10a, but may be open / closed with respect to the operation surface (input unit) 10a. It may be provided separately. Moreover, you may combine them.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a PC, FAX, and a data management server such as a manufacturer, sales destination or lease destination via a network line (LAN, telephone line, etc.) not shown.

Next, the toner cartridge 60 that is a consumable unit mounted in the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a toner cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the toner cartridge 60 used in the image forming apparatus 1 is detachably mounted in the image forming unit 3. When attaching or detaching the toner cartridge 60, the outer cover 3a is opened.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the toner cartridge 60 includes a toner storage portion 62 that is formed of a columnar body and stores supply toner.

A toner replenishing port 63 is provided at the bottom (lower side in the figure) of the toner containing portion 62.
One end 60a of the toner cartridge 60 attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a storage unit (storage unit) 61 in which consumable information is stored.

  The storage unit 61 is configured using any one of an IC chip (for example, a non-volatile memory such as a wireless IC tag or a contact type CRUM), or a two-dimensional code such as a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark). In the present embodiment, the storage unit 61 is provided with a contact type CRUM of a non-volatile memory composed of a device or the like that incorporates an EEPROM or the like that stores information relating to the toner cartridge 60. The memory includes a model number of the toner cartridge, Information such as the manufacturing location, the remaining amount of toner (updated sequentially), whether or not the product is new, and the serial number of the installed device are stored.

  The storage unit 61 is provided with a storage unit positioning boss 64. The storage unit positioning boss 64 is a positioning member for positioning the storage unit 61 with respect to a storage unit connector (not shown) on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 1 when the toner cartridge 60 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. It is. In the drawing, reference numeral 65 denotes a connection terminal, and 66 denotes an attachment hole for attaching the storage unit 61 to the toner cartridge 60.

Next, a characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a block diagram.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 includes, as an electrical configuration, a control unit 501 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, a storage unit 502, a calculation unit 503, a display unit 11, an input unit 505, and a network line. A communication unit 506 that performs LAN connection with a PC or the like, an image processing unit 508 that performs image processing, an image forming unit 509 that performs image formation, a fixing unit 510 that performs toner image fixing processing, and a scanner that reads an image A reading unit 507, a control unit 511 for controlling the operation of the post-processing device 5 (referring to the peripheral device in FIG. 4), and the like are provided.

  In the first embodiment, the toner cartridge 60 used in the image forming apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 61. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a detection unit (consumable item detection unit) 509 a that detects information stored in the storage unit 61 of the toner cartridge 60.

The detection unit 509 a detects information on consumables used by the user in the image forming apparatus 1.
The calculation unit 503 has a function (printing number calculating means) for calculating the number of printed sheets according to the usage state of the consumables.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the detection result (consumable information) detected by the detection unit 509a, the control unit 501 uses the calculation result (number of prints by consumables) calculated by the calculation unit 503 as a data management server. In addition to the consumables information notifying unit 551 for notifying to 701, a consumable unit determining unit 552 and a specific image forming apparatus information displaying unit 553 are further provided.

  The consumable unit determination unit 552 determines the toner cartridge having a large amount of toner by comparing the toner remaining amount of each toner cartridge based on the toner remaining amount information of the toner cartridges mounted on the plurality of image forming apparatuses. .

  The specific image forming apparatus information display unit 553 is a display unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 that is using information on a specific image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge with a large amount of toner determined by the consumable unit determination unit 552 is mounted. To display.

  In the first embodiment, the consumable unit ordering system is configured to display the specific image forming apparatus information display unit 553 when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 60 of the image forming apparatus 1 in use is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, for example, near end. Thus, information on a specific image forming apparatus on which a toner cartridge with a large amount of toner is mounted is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in use.

  Next, a characteristic configuration of the consumable unit ordering system for the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a communication network constituting the consumable unit ordering system for the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the consumable unit ordering system for the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is a consumable unit ordering system that prompts acquisition of the toner cartridge 60 from the usage status of the toner cartridge 60 used in the image forming apparatus 1. A plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 (1A, 1B, 1C) are connected by a communication unit 506 via a LAN (local area network) 700, and are connected to a data management server 701 such as a manufacturer, a sales destination, or a lease destination. Connected, the operator managing the data management server 701 notifies the user that consumables are to be acquired (purchased) before the consumables are exhausted.

  In this consumable unit ordering system, the image forming apparatus 1 and the consumable sales destination data management server 701 are connected via a LAN (local area network (communication means)) 700 as a communication connection. The usage status of the consumables of the forming apparatus 1 is configured to be monitored, and the data management server 701 and the consumables sales company are connected via the LAN 700.

  In addition, the consumable unit ordering system has a function of detecting information stored in the storage unit 61 (storage unit) or recording unit provided in the toner cartridge 60 used in the image forming apparatus 1 on the image forming apparatus 1 side. (Detection means), a function of notifying the data management server 701 of the detection result (information of consumables) (consumables information notification means), and a function of calculating the number of prints by consumables (print number calculation means). The data management server 701 side has a function (consumable use state determination means) for determining whether or not the calculated number of prints by the consumables is close to the manufacturer-guaranteed print number of the consumables (print guarantee number). If it is determined that the number of prints made by the consumables is close to the manufacturer-guaranteed number of consumables, the user information of the image forming apparatus 1 and the number of prints guaranteed by the manufacturer are used. Consumables usage information that the product has been used is notified from the installation location of the image forming apparatus to the nearest consumables sales company, and consumables purchase information that consumables purchase time is approaching, and consumables order information A function (information notifying means) for notifying the forming apparatus 1 is provided.

  In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a detection unit 509a that detects information stored in a storage unit or a recording unit included in a consumable used for the image forming apparatus 1, and the number of prints by the consumable. And a control unit 501 for notifying the data management server 701 of the information on the consumables detected by the detection unit 509a and the calculation result calculated by the calculation unit 503. It is comprised so that it may be provided.

  In addition, the data management server 701 functions as a consumable information storage unit that stores information on consumables used in the image forming apparatus 1, and the number of prints based on the consumables calculated by the calculation unit 503 is guaranteed by the manufacturer. It functions as a consumable usage status determination unit that determines whether or not the number of printed sheets (print guarantee number) has been approached, and when it is determined that the number of consumables printed has approached the manufacturer's guaranteed number of consumables. The user information of the forming apparatus 1 and the consumable use information that the manufacturer-guaranteed print count has been approached are notified from the installation location of the image forming apparatus to the nearest consumables sales company, and the consumable that the expendable purchase date is approaching The image forming apparatus 1 is configured to function as information notifying means for notifying the image forming apparatus 1 of the item purchase information and consumable order information.

  In the first embodiment, the data management server 701 manages the usage status of the toner cartridge 60. However, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a function for managing the usage status of the toner cartridge 60. Also good.

Next, the connection between the image forming apparatus 1 and the data management server 701 constituting the consumable unit ordering system for the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, overall control of the image forming apparatus 1 is performed by a control unit 501 as shown in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 and the data management server 701 are connected via communication means. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 (1A, 1B, 1C) sell other image forming apparatuses and consumables via the LAN (local area network) 700 by the respective communication units 506. It is possible to connect to a data management server 701 such as a store or a leasing company, or to connect via a satellite communication infrastructure 710 using a communication satellite 711.

  As the LAN (local area network) 700, in the case of wired, Ethernet (registered trademark) IEEE standard 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 10GBASE-T, etc., and their optical multimode 10BASE-F, 100BASE-F. , 1000BASE-X, 10GBASE-R, 10GBASE-W, 10GBASE-X, in the case of wireless, WiMAX IEEE 802.16 (broadband wireless standard), IEEE 802.16a (standard wireless communication standard, IEEE 802.16 standard frequency band used) ), IEEE 802.16-2004 (method used for fixed sections, also known as IEEE 802.16a / REVd), WAN, and cloud computing services (dedicated operators: cloud providers) can also be used.

The communication connection method between the image forming apparatus 1 and the data management server 701 is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, an ISDN, a VAN, a CATV communication network, a virtual private network, A telephone line network, a mobile communication network, etc. can be used.
Further, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired communication such as IEEE1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 radio, and radio such as HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like.

Next, a procedure for displaying a confirmation message when replacing the toner cartridge 60 when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 60 is reduced by the consumable unit ordering system of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for displaying a confirmation message when the toner cartridge is replaced by the consumable unit ordering system of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a toner displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message (with an OK key) prompting cartridge replacement, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message (with an OK key) suggesting that there is a divertable toner cartridge, and FIG. 10 is divertable. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message (no OK key) suggesting that there is a new toner cartridge, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message prompting replacement with a new toner cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on and the control for acquiring the toner cartridge to be used for the image forming apparatus 1 is started by the consumable unit ordering system of the image forming apparatus, Based on the toner remaining amount information of the cartridge 60, it is determined whether or not the toner remaining amount is in a near-end state (step S1).

  If it is determined in step S1 that the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 60 is in the near end state, as shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 prompts the user to replace the toner cartridge. A message screen 111 including a message “Please do” is displayed (step S2). When the OK key 111a in the screen is touched, the message screen 111 disappears.

  In step S3, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to another image forming apparatus or the like via the network.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to another image forming apparatus or the like, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, it is determined whether or not there is a divertable toner cartridge that has the same color and type and has not reached the so-called near-near end state, that is, the remaining toner amount before the near-end toner. Is done. Then, the consumable unit determination unit 552 compares the toner remaining amounts of the toner cartridges based on the toner remaining amount information of the toner cartridges mounted on the other image forming apparatuses, so that the toner cartridge with a large toner remaining amount is determined. Determined.

  If it is determined in step S4 that there is a divertable toner cartridge, as shown in FIG. 9, a message “Please replace the toner cartridge” prompts the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 to replace the toner cartridge. In addition, there is a message screen 112 indicating that there is an optimum toner cartridge that can be diverted, and a management number, a device name, a toner model number, and the like of the device on which the optimum toner cartridge is mounted by the specific image forming apparatus information display means 553. It is displayed (step S5). When the OK key 112a in the screen is touched, the message screen 112 disappears. Then, the process proceeds to step S6.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the image forming apparatus 1 is not connected to another image forming apparatus or the like, or there is a divertable toner cartridge that has not reached the near / near end state in step S4. If it is determined not to do so, the process directly returns to step S1.

  If it is determined in step S1 that the toner remaining amount of the toner cartridge 60 is not in the near-end state, the process proceeds to step S6, and it is determined whether or not the toner remaining amount of the toner cartridge 60 is in the toner end state. .

  If it is determined in step S6 that the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 60 has reached the toner end state, the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 prompts the user to replace the toner cartridge as shown in FIG. A message screen 111 including a message “Please do” is displayed (step S7). When the OK key 111a in the screen is touched, the message screen 111 disappears.

  In step S8, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to another image forming apparatus or the like via the network.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to another image forming apparatus or the like, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, it is determined whether there is a divertable toner cartridge that has the same color and type and the remaining amount of toner has not reached near or near end. Then, the consumable unit determination unit 552 compares the toner remaining amounts of the toner cartridges based on the toner remaining amount information of the toner cartridges mounted on the other image forming apparatuses, so that the toner cartridge with a large toner remaining amount is determined. Determined.

  If it is determined in step S9 that there is a divertable toner cartridge, as shown in FIG. 10, a message “Please replace the toner cartridge” prompts the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 to replace the toner cartridge. At the same time, there is a message screen 113 indicating that there is an optimum toner cartridge that can be diverted, and a management number, a device name, a toner model number, and the like of the device on which the optimum toner cartridge is mounted by the specific image forming apparatus information display means 553. It is displayed (step S10).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the image forming apparatus 1 is not connected to another image forming apparatus or the like, or there is a divertable toner cartridge that has not reached the near / near end state in step S9. If it is determined not to do so, as shown in FIG. 11, a message screen 114 including a message “Replace new toner cartridge” prompting replacement of a new toner cartridge is displayed on the display unit 11 (step S11). ).

  As described above, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 60 is low, it is possible to check whether there is a divertable toner cartridge in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1 before replacing the toner cartridge 60. it can.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the toner cartridge 60 having storage means for storing the consumable toner and storing the consumable information is detachably mounted, and the toner cartridge is ordered. As a consumable unit ordering system for the image forming apparatus 1 having a function capable of connecting a plurality of image forming apparatuses to be communicable via a network, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a detection unit 509a serving as a consumable detection unit. And a consumable unit determination unit 552 and a specific image forming apparatus information display unit 553, and the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 60 of the image forming apparatus 1 in use is below a predetermined amount (near end state or end state). In this case, before ordering the toner cartridge, the specific image forming apparatus information display means 553 displays the remaining amount of toner. By displaying information on a specific image forming apparatus on which a reusable toner cartridge is mounted on the display unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 in use, it is possible to prevent unnecessary or premature ordering of the toner cartridge, In a nearby device, a toner cartridge with a large amount of remaining toner can be used according to the frequency of use, and the toner can be used up.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the second embodiment, when the toner cartridge 60 of the image forming apparatus 1 is replaced, in addition to the function of displaying a usable toner cartridge, the toner cartridge 60 of the image forming apparatus 1 is replaced with a new toner cartridge. , And a processing step for urging the reuse of the original toner cartridge having the remaining toner amount.

  Hereinafter, a procedure for displaying a confirmation message for using the original toner cartridge when the toner cartridge 60 is replaced in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for displaying a confirmation message when a new toner cartridge is replaced by the consumable unit ordering system of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 13 is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message prompting the user to return to the original toner cartridge, and FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message instructing to return to the original toner cartridge displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message for notifying operation and processing when the toner cartridge is replaced.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the user replaces the original toner cartridge 60 with a new toner cartridge in accordance with the toner cartridge replacement process of the image forming apparatus 1 (step S201), as shown in FIG. A message screen 115 including a message “Toner cartridge used until now can still be used” is displayed (step S202).

  On the message screen 115, a selection key 115a for selecting “Yes” and a selection key 115b for selecting “No” are displayed.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, it is determined whether or not the original toner cartridge 60 is used.

  In step S203, when the user touches the selection key 115a for selecting “Yes”, it is determined that the original toner cartridge 60 is used. As shown in FIG. The message screen 116 including the message “Please return to” is displayed (step S204). When the OK key 116a in the screen is touched, the message screen 116 disappears.

  When the user installs the original toner cartridge 60 (step S205), the image forming apparatus 1 shifts to a state where a copying operation is possible (step S207).

  On the other hand, when the selection key 115b for selecting “NO” is touched by the user in step S203, it is determined that the original toner cartridge 60 is not used, and as shown in FIG. A message screen 117 including the message “mass” is displayed (step S206). When the OK key 117a in the screen is touched, the message screen 117 disappears. Then, the process proceeds to step S207.

  As described above, when the used toner cartridge 60 is replaced with a new toner cartridge, it can be confirmed again whether or not the original toner cartridge 60 is used.

  With the above configuration, according to the second embodiment, when the used toner cartridge 60 is replaced with a new toner cartridge, it is confirmed again whether or not the original toner cartridge 60 is used. It is possible to prevent the toner cartridge from being replaced while there is a remaining amount of toner, and the toner in the toner cartridge can be used up.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the third embodiment, when the toner cartridge 60 of the image forming apparatus 1 is replaced, in addition to the function of displaying a usable toner cartridge, the consumable unit determination unit 552 causes the remaining amount of toner in the plurality of image forming apparatuses. When it is determined that there are not many divertable toner cartridges, an ordering screen for ordering toner cartridges is activated.

  The procedure for displaying a confirmation message when replacing the toner cartridge 60 and ordering a new toner cartridge when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 60 is reduced by the consumable unit ordering system of the image forming apparatus will be described below. It demonstrates along a flowchart.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure for displaying a confirmation message when replacing a toner cartridge by the consumable unit ordering system of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment and a procedure for ordering a new toner cartridge. FIG. 17 shows the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message (with an OK key) prompting for an order for a new toner cartridge displayed on the display unit of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the power to the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on and the control for acquiring the toner cartridge to be used for the image forming apparatus 1 is started by the consumable unit ordering system of the image forming apparatus, Based on the toner remaining amount information of the cartridge 60, it is determined whether or not the toner remaining amount is in a near-end state (step S301).

  If it is determined in step S301 that the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 60 is in the near-end state, as shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 prompts the user to replace the toner cartridge. A message screen 111 including a message “Please do” is displayed (step S302). When the OK key 111a in the screen is touched, the message screen 111 disappears.

  In step S303, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to another image forming apparatus or the like via the network.

  If it is determined in step S303 that the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to another image forming apparatus or the like, the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, it is determined whether there is a divertable toner cartridge that has the same color and type and has not reached the so-called near-near end state, that is, the remaining toner amount before the near-end toner amount. Is done. Then, the consumable unit determination unit 552 compares the toner remaining amounts of the toner cartridges based on the toner remaining amount information of the toner cartridges mounted on the other image forming apparatuses, so that the toner cartridge with a large toner remaining amount is determined. Determined.

  If it is determined in step S304 that there is a divertable toner cartridge, as shown in FIG. 9, the message “Please replace the toner cartridge” prompts the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 to replace the toner cartridge. In addition, there is a message screen 112 indicating that there is an optimum toner cartridge that can be diverted, and a management number, a device name, a toner model number, and the like of the device on which the optimum toner cartridge is mounted by the specific image forming apparatus information display means 553. It is displayed (step S305). When the OK key 112a in the screen is touched, the message screen 112 disappears. Then, the process proceeds to step S306.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the image forming apparatus 1 is not connected to another image forming apparatus or the like, or there is a divertable toner cartridge that has not reached the near / near end state in step S304. If it is determined not to do so, the process directly returns to step S301.

  If it is determined in step S301 that the toner remaining amount of the toner cartridge 60 is not in the near-end state, the process proceeds to step S306, and it is determined whether or not the toner remaining amount of the toner cartridge 60 is in the toner end state. .

  If it is determined in step S306 that the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 60 has reached the toner end state, as shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 is prompted to replace the toner cartridge. A message screen 111 including a message “Please do” is displayed (step S307). When the OK key 111a in the screen is touched, the message screen 111 disappears.

  In step S308, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to another image forming apparatus or the like via the network.

  If it is determined in step S308 that the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to another image forming apparatus or the like, the process proceeds to step S309. In step S309, it is determined whether there is a divertable toner cartridge that has the same color and type and the remaining amount of toner has not reached near and near end. Then, the consumable unit determination unit 552 compares the toner remaining amounts of the toner cartridges based on the toner remaining amount information of the toner cartridges mounted on the other image forming apparatuses, so that the toner cartridge with a large toner remaining amount is determined. Determined.

  If it is determined in step S309 that there is a divertable toner cartridge, as shown in FIG. 10, a message “Please replace the toner cartridge” prompts the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 to replace the toner cartridge. At the same time, there is a message screen 113 indicating that there is an optimum toner cartridge that can be diverted, and a management number, a device name, a toner model number, and the like of the device on which the optimum toner cartridge is mounted by the specific image forming apparatus information display means 553. It is displayed (step S310).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S308 that the image forming apparatus 1 is not connected to another image forming apparatus or the like, or there is a divertable toner cartridge that has not reached the near / near end state in step S309. If it is determined not to do so, as shown in FIG. 17, a message screen 118 including a message “please order a new toner cartridge” is displayed on the display unit 11 to prompt an order for a new toner cartridge (step S311). ). When the OK key 118a in the screen is touched, the message screen 117 disappears.

  Then, an ordering screen is displayed on the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 (step S312). Then, the user places an order for the toner cartridge in accordance with the instruction on the ordering screen.

  As described above, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 60 is low, it is possible to check whether there is a divertable toner cartridge in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1 before replacing the toner cartridge 60. In addition, a new toner cartridge can be ordered when there is no usable toner cartridge.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, in the consumables unit ordering system of the image forming apparatus, when the toner cartridge 60 is replaced, in addition to the function of displaying a usable toner cartridge, it is consumed. When the product unit determination unit 552 determines that there are no divertable toner cartridges with a large amount of remaining toner in the plurality of image forming apparatuses, a waste toner cartridge is ordered by starting an ordering screen for ordering the toner cartridge. Or, orders that are too early can be prevented.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the configuration of the consumable unit ordering system for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 1 having the operation panel 10 as shown in FIG. As long as the apparatus includes a display unit capable of displaying a message related to the product, the apparatus is not limited to the image forming apparatus and the copying machine having the above-described configuration, and an inkjet recording apparatus or other apparatus such as a home appliance, Consumer devices (electronic devices, devices, or terminals related to video, audio, communication, etc. that are intended for use by general consumers or general homes, or that are developed and designed on the assumption that Products and standards), and business equipment (products (corporations, schools, government offices, etc.) It is possible.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Operation panel 11 Display part 60 Toner cartridge (consumables unit)
61 Storage unit (storage means)
111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118 Message screen 501 Control unit 509a Detection unit (consumables detection means)
551 Consumables information notification means 552 Consumables unit determination means 553 Specific image forming apparatus information display means 700 LAN (local area network)

Claims (10)

A consumable unit determination method for an image forming apparatus in which a consumable unit having storage means for storing consumables and storing consumable information is detachably mounted,
A consumable item detecting step for detecting a consumable item remaining state in the consumable unit of the image forming apparatus;
A consumable information display step for displaying consumable information of the image forming apparatus detected by the consumable detection step on a display unit;
With
After the consumable unit of the image forming apparatus is replaced, if the remaining amount of the consumable unit before the replacement is a predetermined amount or more, it is possible to select whether to return to the consumable unit before the replacement. A method for determining a consumable unit for an image forming apparatus.   2. The consumable unit determination method according to claim 1, wherein when the consumable unit is not returned to the pre-replacement, the consumable unit after the replacement is updated and registered.   3. The consumable unit determination method according to claim 1, wherein when returning to the consumable unit before replacement, a message prompting to use the consumable unit before replacement is displayed.   2. When returning to the consumable unit before replacement, when the consumable unit before replacement is attached to the image forming apparatus, the operation of the image forming apparatus is enabled. 4. The consumable unit determination method according to any one of 3.   5. The consumable unit according to claim 1, wherein a message indicating that the consumable unit has been replaced is displayed when the consumable unit is not returned to the pre-replacement consumable unit. Judgment method. An image forming apparatus in which a consumable unit having storage means for storing consumables and storing consumables information is detachably mounted,
Consumable item detecting means for detecting a remaining state of the consumable item in the consumable unit of the image forming apparatus;
Consumables information display means for displaying consumables information of the image forming apparatus detected by the consumables detection means on a display unit;
With
After the consumable unit of the image forming apparatus is replaced, if the remaining amount of the consumable unit before the replacement is a predetermined amount or more, it is possible to select whether to return to the consumable unit before the replacement. An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the replacement of the consumable unit after replacement is performed when the consumable unit is not returned to the pre-replacement consumable unit.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when returning to the consumable unit before replacement, a message prompting to use the consumable unit before replacement is displayed.   7. When returning to the consumable unit before replacement, the operation of the image forming apparatus is enabled when the consumable unit before replacement is mounted on the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.   10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when not returning to the consumable unit before replacement, a message indicating that the consumable unit has been replaced is displayed. .

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