JP3885047B2 - Information processing apparatus and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a billing mechanism in a device such as a printer that uses consumables such as a cartridge filled with toner.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a recording material such as a printer or a facsimile, particularly an electrophotographic device that consumes toner as a recording material, a cartridge-type device in which the toner is enclosed in a cartridge and replaced when the remaining amount of toner is exhausted. was there. This method has the advantage that the cartridge can be easily replaced, and if the cartridge is provided with other consumable parts such as a transfer member, the parts can be replaced together with the replacement of the cartridge, and maintenance is very easy. is there. In addition, the manufacturing cost of the device main body can be reduced by providing the cartridge with a part of the device configuration.

  This cartridge (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as CRG) is usually sold to the equipment user through the sales channel from the manufacturer of the equipment that uses the cartridge, and the used cartridge is also collected by the equipment manufacturer. The

  FIG. 31A is a diagram showing a sales form of the cartridge. The cartridge is sold to the user from the store in exchange for the price, and the user manages the purchased cartridge by himself / herself. The sold-out form here is a form in which the user completely purchases the cartridge (CRG).

  FIG. 31B is a diagram showing how the used cartridge has been collected conventionally. As shown in this figure, the user generally collects used cartridges by bringing them to a store or by putting them in a collection box and sending them to a collection base.

  FIG. 31C shows a conventional maintenance mode of the apparatus main body. In this way, since the device itself and consumables such as cartridges were sold out in a sold-out form, unless the maintenance contract is concluded with the dealer, the user either maintains the device himself or if necessary It was necessary to request repair (spot repair).

  On the other hand, there is also a charging method called click charge, apart from such a sold-out form. This is the method used in copying machines and the like. This system is equipped with a counter for counting the number of copies made to the copier. The technician goes to the user's site regularly or at the request of the user. The value is read and the difference between the value and the counter value checked last time is recorded as the number of copies. Then, the user is charged via mail or the like for the total value of the amount corresponding to the number of copies and the maintenance cost.

  However, in the case of a cartridge sold-out method like a printer, the time when the toner runs out (toner out) cannot be predicted, and the replacement time is not constant, so the budget required for equipment maintenance and purchase of consumables Management is difficult. For example, it is necessary to pay for each repair or replacement of the cartridge. In addition, it is difficult to accurately estimate the cost because the number of prints and the operating status of the printer cannot be grasped.

  In addition, since a printer or the like must be always available during business hours, a spare cartridge must be secured at all times so that it can be replaced immediately when toner runs out. If a storage place for the cartridge is provided and the inventory is kept at all times, the cost for that will occur.

  On the other hand, the click charge method used in copiers, etc. has the advantage that the user can know the number of copies and it is easy to budget, but the engineer must visit the user site regularly or irregularly, There was a problem that maintenance costs were expensive. In addition, in order to respond immediately when the toner runs out, the user must supply the toner, and the reserve toner for that purpose must be prepared at all times. It was the same as the method.

  Furthermore, in a copying machine and the like, since toner is replenished, toner is not wasted and the click charge method can be realized. However, if the click charge method is applied to a cartridge type device as it is, it remains in the cartridge. Wasted toner is wasted and increases costs. For this reason, the click charge method cannot be applied to general devices such as a printer.

  Also, in copiers that do not use the cartridge system, the deterioration of parts progresses according to the number of copies, so that periodic maintenance work such as replacement of parts is necessary, so the click charge system may be applied. There were many. However, in a printer that uses a process cartridge (hereinafter simply referred to as “cartridge”) that stores toner, a developing device, and the like, many of the consumables and parts that are likely to fail due to deterioration are stored in the cartridge. If the service life of the forming apparatus body does not elapse so much, it is rare to ask a serviceman to repair, and regular maintenance and inspection are not usually performed. Moreover, even if the number of prints is large, the cost required for maintenance does not necessarily increase. Therefore, normally, when a maintenance contract is made in a cartridge type printer, the maintenance service fee is constant regardless of the number of output sheets.

  On the other hand, the cartridge system in the printer is superior in terms of maintenance and inspection because it is easy to replenish consumables and replace parts at the same time. It becomes a problem. Each manufacturer strives to collect, disassemble, and reuse used cartridges, and in order to solve environmental problems, it is essential to improve the collection rate of used cartridges.

  Many printers issue an out-of-toner warning before printing becomes impossible, but even if such a warning is issued, several tens to hundreds of prints can be made, and the cartridge is replaced immediately after the warning. There are few users. Therefore, there is a problem that when the remaining amount of toner is low, the user is forced to reprint due to blurring of printing, or to remove the cartridge and shake it left and right to remount it.

  In recent years, multifunction peripherals having a copying function, a scanner function, and a printer function have become widespread. However, there is no distinction between a copying machine, a printer, and the like with respect to such a device, and a device mainly having a copying function. In addition, products that use the cartridge system have been sold. In the case of such a device, although the cartridge system is adopted, maintenance is not unnecessary as in the case of a printer device used in a general household because of an increase in the number of parts accompanying the increase in functionality. Regardless of the multifunction device, the high-speed output image forming apparatus requires maintenance even if the cartridge system is used. If the product is used for a certain period of time, it may cause parts to wear out. Therefore, maintenance is required. Under such circumstances, there has been a problem that the conventional maintenance contract form cannot be used. For example, the maintenance service may be contracted by a charge system (click charge) according to the number of printed sheets and the cartridge fee may be paid separately. However, the payment is very complicated, which is inconvenient for the user and the serviceman who receives the payment. It is a thing.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.

In an information processing apparatus for managing consumables having a nonvolatile memory mounted on an image forming apparatus,
Acquisition means for storing information on the number of printed sheets from the image forming apparatus in a non-volatile memory of the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus and acquiring the consumables identifier together with a network identifier ;
Storage means for storing a different charge amount per printed output for each consumable identifier ;
Wherein a cumulative number of printed sheets in correspondence with consumable identifier stored in the storage means, wherein the charging amount of the printing output per sheet stored in correspondence with the consumable identifier, the billing amount based on And calculating means for calculating.

According to the present invention, in an information processing apparatus that manages a consumable that includes a non-volatile memory that is attached to an image forming apparatus, information on the number of prints from the image forming apparatus is supplied to the image forming apparatus. Acquisition means for acquiring consumables via a network together with consumable identifiers stored in the non-volatile memory, storage means for storing different charge amounts per printed output for each of the consumable identifiers, and the consumables A calculation for calculating a billing amount based on the cumulative number of printed sheets stored in the storage unit corresponding to the identifier of the printer and the charge amount per printed output stored corresponding to the identifier of the consumable item An information processing apparatus having a means can be provided.

  Before describing the details of the cartridge management system according to the embodiment of the present invention, its features will be described.

(1) A charging system corresponding to the number of printed sheets (print number charging system) is realized for a cartridge type printer. As a result, the following effects can be obtained.
The user can distribute the payment of the printing cost while the price is sold at once in the selling-out form.
-It is possible to grasp the number of printers used and the amount required for maintenance. For this reason, if the printers are grouped in units, it is easy to grasp the amount of money required for maintenance in units.
-In addition to the printer, it is possible to perform batch management including all of a plurality of devices incorporated in the cartridge management system. As a result, services for each user, such as discount (volume discount), can be provided to users who consume a large amount of consumables.
・ The system is automated using a network. This saves labor costs for managing the system. In the conventional click charge method, since it requires manpower, going to check the counter itself has been a factor of cost increase.
-The status of the printer can be grasped on the network, and the number of service visits by users can be minimized.
-Since the user can charge for the printer as long as the user uses it, the seller can stabilize the profit. This also has the effect of improving serviceability for the user.

(2) The delivery and collection of cartridges was systemized using a network. As a result, the following effects can be obtained.
・ By arranging delivery and collection on the network, it reduces the troubles related to arrangement and contributes to cost reduction.
-A system with high added value can be achieved by combining with maintenance.
-All management is performed at the service center, so the user only needs to print.
・ Recovering used cartridges more reliably.
-Because the service center keeps track of the printer status, it can respond quickly to out of consumables and repair requests, and reduce downtime.

(3) The cartridge is provided with a non-volatile storage medium so that arbitrary data can be stored. As a result, the following effects can be obtained.
-Accurate data can be collected for each cartridge.
・ This makes it possible to create a delivery / collection schedule more accurately.
Since toner out can be predicted more accurately, toner can be used as much as possible without causing toner out. This contributes to resource savings and cost savings.

  The cartridge management system having the above features will be described below.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the cartridge management system. This system includes a service center of a device manufacturer and a user site connected via a telephone line such as a public line or a dedicated line or a remote communication network 205 such as the Internet. Normally, a plurality of user sites are connected to one service center, and there can be a plurality of service centers. Here, only one service center and one user site will be described. Note that the user site in this embodiment is a user who has signed a contract with a device manufacturer or a dealer to perform service and billing using the print number billing method of the present system. The service center is provided by a device manufacturer or a dealer who has contracted with the user, and provides maintenance, cartridge delivery and collection services to the user, billing, and the like.

  In the service center 101, a gateway 202 is connected to a remote communication network 205. A database server 201 for managing a database, which will be described later, a personal computer (PC) 203, and a network server 204 for managing a LAN are connected to the gateway 202 via a LAN. The gateway here includes a router. A database 1999 described later is constructed in the database server 201. Further, the PC 203 is used as a window terminal that performs processing in the service center 101. In the PC 203 serving as the window terminal, a service module 210 and an analysis system (analysis module) 220 for predicting toner out are executed to perform processing on the service center side in FIGS. The window terminal 203 also displays a user interface screen. The configuration of this service center is an example, and it is sufficient if there is a mechanism for fetching data from the remote communication network 205 into the PC 203 and a mechanism for accessing the database 1999 from the PC 203.

  In the user site 102, a gateway 207 is connected to the remote communication network 205. A PC 208 and a printer 100b are connected to the gateway 207 via a LAN. The PC 208 has a local printer 100a. The printer 100b and the PC 208 can access the remote communication network 205 via the LAN. Further, a facsimile 206 connected to the remote communication network 205 via a line different from the gateway 207 is placed at the user site. The PC 208 is used as a window terminal that performs processing at the user site. In the PC 208 serving as the window terminal, a user module 250 for executing processing on the user site side in FIGS. 11 to 12 described later is executed. Further, a device module 240 for transmitting data originating from a device such as a toner low signal and the number of prints in FIGS. 10 and 12 to be described later to a device such as a facsimile 206 and a printer 100b that can directly access the remote communication network 205. Is included. The device module 240 has the same function as the device module 230 described later. A device such as the printer 100a connected to the remote communication network 205 via the host includes a device module 230 for transmitting data originating from the device such as a toner low signal and the number of prints in FIGS. 10 and 12 to the host. In this case, a transfer module for transmitting a signal received from the device to the service site 100 is included in the host.

  As described above, each device of the user site 102 and the service center 101 are connected at all times or as necessary, and can communicate with each other.

  In the following description, the term “user site” or “service center” refers to each window terminal. In this example, the window terminal is a computer connected to the LAN of each site, but a network in which the window terminals are directly connected by the remote communication network 205 may be formed. Further, it is assumed that all printers and facsimiles at the user site 102 are charged by the print number charging method.

(Computer)
FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the personal computer. The PC implements various controls and procedures (for example, a service module, a user module, etc.) described later by executing a program written in the ROM 307 or an OS or application program written in the RAM 302 by the CPU 301. An HD 303 and an FD / CD (floppy (registered trademark) disk drive or CD drive) 308 are file storage media and store program files and data files. In particular, the storage medium of the FD / CD 308 can be exchanged, and data and programs can be supplied from the medium to the PC. A keyboard and pointing device 309 is an input device for a user to input, and realizes a user interface and the like described later together with the display 304. A LAN interface 306 is an interface circuit for connecting to a LAN. A printer interface 305 is an interface for locally connecting a printer to a PC, and only the PC 208 is used in the example of FIG. The remote interface 310 is a device such as a modem or a router for connecting to the remote communication network 205. In FIG. 2, the gateway 202 and the gateway 207 are used. Since the remote communication network is not limited to a telephone line, when it is not a telephone line (for example, a cable TV line or a wireless communication line), an interface suitable for the communication network is used. With this configuration, the service center computer and the user site computer are connected to each other.

(facsimile)
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the facsimile 206. In FIG. 2, a document feeder 4101 of the reader unit 1 feeds documents one by one from the last page to the platen glass 4102 one by one, and discharges the document on the platen glass 4102 after the document reading operation is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 4102, the lamp 4103 is turned on, and the movement of the scanner unit 4104 is started to expose and scan the document. The reflected light from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 4109 by mirrors 4105, 4106, 4107 and a lens 4108. As described above, the scanned document image is read by the CCD 4109. The image data output from the CCD 4109 is transferred to the image input / output control unit 4110, encoded, and connected to the image input / output control unit 4110 (not shown). To the destination on the telecommunications network.

  On the other hand, when a facsimile signal is received from the remote communication network, it is decoded, and the laser light emitting unit 4201 is driven by the laser driver 4221 of the printer unit 2 in accordance with the decoded image data. Then, the laser light emitting unit 4201 emits laser light corresponding to the image data. The laser beam is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 4202, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 4202. A developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 4202 by a developing unit included in the toner cartridge 4203. Then, at the timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation, the recording paper is fed from either the cassette 4204 or the cassette 4205 and conveyed to the transfer unit 4206, and the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 4202 is transferred to the recording paper. To do. The recording paper on which the developer is placed is conveyed to the fixing unit 4207, and the developer is fixed to the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 4207. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 4207 is discharged by a discharge roller 4208, and the sorter 4220 sorts the recording paper by storing the discharged recording paper in each pin. Note that the sorter 4220 stores recording paper on the uppermost pin when sorting is not set. If double-sided recording is set, after the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 208, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 4208 is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path by the flapper 4209. When multiple recording is set, the recording paper is guided to the refeed conveyance path by the flapper 4209 so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 4208. The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path is fed to the transfer unit 4206 at the timing described above. In this way, the facsimile 206 implements image transmission / reception.

  FIG. 7 shows a control configuration of the facsimile 206. In FIG. 7, a ROM 706 stores a control program, font data, and the like for driving the printer, and facsimile reception and printing operations are realized by the CPU 701 executing the program including the device module. The external memory 705 stores data supplied from the outside. The operation unit 707 is a panel integrated with the display unit, and the state is displayed thereby, and the user can perform an operation input. The remote interface 703 is one of interfaces for connecting to the remote communication network 205 such as a modem.

  The scanner unit 704 is the scanner unit 1 shown in FIG. 4, and the printing unit 708 corresponds to the printer unit 2 shown in FIG. A cartridge 4203 is mounted on the printing unit 708. The cartridge 4203 is provided with a nonvolatile writable memory 4203a. When the cartridge 4203 is mounted, the memory 4203a is electrically connected to the control unit of the facsimile 206, and the CPU 701 or the printing unit 708 is locally connected. Writing and reading can be performed from a CPU (not shown). Data read from the memory 4203a can be sent to the LAN or the host via the LAN interface 704 or the host interface 703. Note that the memory and the control unit are not necessarily connected by electrical contacts, and may be connected in a non-contact form such as a radio wave or an optical signal. It is simply called an electrical connection.

(Printer)
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the printers 100a and 100b. In FIG. 5, paper for printing is supplied from either paper cassette 802 or 805 by paper feed rollers 803 and 806 and transport rollers 804 and 807. Which paper feed cassette is used is specified at the time of printing from a host computer or the like using this printer. The sheet passes through the registration roller 808 and under the toner cartridge 810, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 811 is transferred to the sheet by the charge of the transfer roller 15. The toner image on the photosensitive drum was developed by attaching toner to an electrostatic latent image formed by a laser beam emitted from a laser scanner unit 809 and reflected by a reflecting mirror 817 and modulated by an image signal. Is.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is heated by the fixing drum 812, and the melted toner is fixed on the sheet. The paper that has passed through the fixing roller is directed by the double-sided deflector 813 to enter the duplex unit 820 or to be discharged. When the paper is directed upward and discharged, the discharge path is further switched by the face up / face down selector 814. In the case of face-down discharge, the sheet is directed rightward in the drawing, and is discharged by the face-down discharge roller 815 with the face printed on the face-down discharge tray 816 facing down. When face-up discharge is selected, the face is discharged from a face-up discharge port 819 onto a tray (not shown) with the printed side up. The position of the face up / face down selector is detected by a sensor and output as a signal.

  On the other hand, when duplex printing is selected, the sheet that has entered duplex unit 820 is conveyed by conveyance roller 821 and is temporarily placed on duplex tray 826. The paper on which printing on one side is completed is conveyed from the double-sided tray by the feeding roller 822. The conveyed paper is once sent to the double-sided path 824, and when the trailing edge of the paper reaches the double-sided conveyance roller 823, the reversing deflector 825 whose center of rotation substantially coincides with the double-sided conveyance roller 823, Rotate until reaching path 828. In this state, when the sheet is conveyed in the reverse direction (left side in the figure), the left end of the sheet is lifted by the deflector and is conveyed as it is by the double-sided path pickup roller 828 and reaches the registration roller 808. Thereafter, an image is formed by the same path and procedure as in normal printing.

  At the time of duplex printing, the printing control is performed by an instruction from the host computer. For example, in order to print efficiently, instead of printing and ejecting sheets one by one on both sides one by one, control is performed such that sheets are alternately supplied from the paper feed tray and the two-sided tray to the developing unit and printed alternately. There is a way. That is, the printing order is “first sheet table” → “second sheet table” → “first sheet back” → “third sheet table” → “second sheet sheet” → “fourth sheet table” → “3rd back” →… → “3rd back from last” → “Last 1 front” → “2nd back from last” → “Back of last 1” The front and back prints are alternately performed except that the front and back prints are continuous. The paper on which the front side is printed is sent to the duplex unit, and the paper on which the back side is printed is discharged as it is onto the paper discharge tray. That is, the paper on which the image is formed on the paper supplied from the paper feed tray is sent to the double-sided tray, and when the image is formed on the paper sent from the double-sided tray, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray. The

  The control at the time of duplex printing is not limited to this, and printing can be performed such that both sides are printed one by one and both sides are similarly printed on the next sheet. Such control can be switched by a command from the host computer.

  If multiple sheets can be placed on the double-sided tray, you can print on one side as many as the number of sheets that can be placed on the double-sided tray, and then sequentially remove the sheets from the double-sided tray and print them on the other side. . Again, if the host computer can know the capacity on the double-sided tray, the control method can be switched from the host computer.

  In response to a command from the host computer, the control unit 801 controls the entire printer. Furthermore, the duplex unit 810 is detachable, and information on whether it is attached or removed is detected by a sensor and passed to the host computer.

  Here, the housing is a cover that can be freely opened and closed on the cartridge 810, and the opening and closing of the cover can be detected by a sensor. If the cartridge is provided with a memory, means for reading and writing data is prepared for the memory.

  In addition, a sensor indicating that the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge has decreased to a predetermined amount is incorporated in the cartridge, and a device such as a printer or a facsimile device to be described later receives a detection signal from the sensor and receives a toner low signal. Is output. That is, the toner low signal is a signal indicating that the remaining amount of toner has reached a predetermined amount. This toner low signal is generated in response to a detection signal from the cartridge when the remaining amount sensor is provided in the cartridge. However, a device using a cartridge that does not have a remaining amount sensor estimates the approximate remaining amount and updates the number of prints and the printing rate each time printing is performed with the cartridge replacement time as an initial state, and generates a toner low signal. be able to.

  FIG. 6 is a control configuration of the printers 100a and 100b. In FIG. 6, a ROM 606 stores a control program, font data, and the like for driving the printer, and the CPU 601 executes the program to realize a printing operation. The external memory 605 stores data supplied from the outside. The operation unit 607 is a panel integrated with the display unit, which displays a state and allows a user to perform a simple operation input. A host interface 603 is an interface for connecting a printer as a local printer such as a personal computer, and is used by the printer 100a in FIG. A LAN interface 604 is an interface for connecting to the LAN. In FIG. 2, the printer 100b is connected to the LAN via this.

  The printing unit 608 is the mechanism itself shown in FIG. The cartridge 810 includes a nonvolatile rewritable memory 810a. Along with the mounting of the cartridge 810, the memory 810a is electrically connected to the control unit of the printer 100a or 100b, and writing and reading can be performed from the CPU 601 or a CPU (not shown) locally provided in the printing unit 608. Data read from the memory 810a can be sent to the LAN or the host via the LAN interface 604 or the host interface 603.

(Configuration of cartridge)
FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the cartridge 810 or 4203 (hereinafter simply referred to as the cartridge 810). The cartridge 810 is attached to the printer 100a, 100b or the facsimile 206 as shown in the figure. A semiconductor memory 810a (4203a for the cartridge 4203) is attached to the cartridge 810, and is electrically connected to the printer main body when the cartridge is attached, so that reading and writing are possible. Although not shown in FIG. 8, a display panel for displaying the data shown in FIG. 9, in particular, the cartridge type ID / serial number, the total number of printed sheets, the remaining amount of toner, and the like may be provided. Since the cartridge type ID / serial number is determined at the time of manufacture and is not changed, the cartridge type ID / serial number may be printed by being printed on a cartridge housing or pasted as a seal. Since the total number of printed sheets and the remaining amount of toner are values that change according to the use of the cartridge, a display panel is required to display these values. As the display panel, a small liquid crystal display panel including a control circuit and a backup power source can be used. In addition, if a display device that can remain in the display state even when the power source is cut off, such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal, the power source is supplied from the device body, and the display panel only needs to be attached to the cartridge. In the case of having a display panel, the display is updated by a device that uses the cartridge periodically or in accordance with the transmission timing of the remaining toner amount to be described later.

  In this way, an identifier such as the cartridge type ID / serial number, and information on the cartridge status such as the remaining amount of toner and the number of prints are displayed on the cartridge itself, so that unused cartridges and used cartridges can be identified. It can be determined by appearance. For this reason, for example, when replacing a cartridge, it is possible to prevent an operator (user or serviceman) from erroneously recognizing that a used cartridge is a new cartridge and mounting a used cartridge.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the memory 810a. The memory 810a stores the total number of sheets printed using the cartridge, the total count indicating the total number of jammed sheets / total jam count, the number of printed sheets for each size, and the number of jammed sheets 902 and 903. These counters are incremented every time one page is printed by the device in which the cassette is mounted. A value indicating the remaining amount of toner itself may be stored in the remaining amount of toner 904, but an output of a sensor (not shown) that detects that the toner has decreased to a predetermined amount (that is, a toner low output) is stored as a flag. May be.

  Furthermore, the memory 810a stores a cartridge ID / serial number 907 for identifying each cartridge. The cartridge ID / serial number 907 is written in advance at the time of manufacture or shipment. Furthermore, the memory 810a may store data such as a service center destination that is a destination such as a toner out notification.

  The use start date / end date 905 stores the start date of use and the end date of use. For this purpose, for example, when the opening / closing sensor of the cover of the cartridge detects that the cover has been opened / closed, the cartridge ID / serial number in use stored in advance and the cartridge ID / serial read from the cartridge are stored. The numbers are compared, and if they do not match, it is considered that the cartridge has been replaced, and the date at that time may be written as the use start date. For example, if the date is always written as the use end date every 24 hours, the use end date can be recorded. As for the use period 906, the period from the use start date to the use end date may be written simultaneously with the use end date.

  In the system of this embodiment, the above data is held in the cartridge. In the following description, the term “printed sheet number” includes all data relating to the number of printed sheets such as the number of printed sheets for each size and the total number of printed sheets.

<Cartridge management and billing procedure>
Next, a cartridge replacement management procedure in the system will be described. Note that the user site refers to a user who has signed a contract with a device manufacturer or a dealer to perform service and billing in particular with the cartridge management system. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the management procedure.

  In the printer 100a or 100b or the facsimile 206 at the user site 102, when the toner is reduced to a predetermined amount or less, that is, toner low (Toner Low) occurs, this is detected by a sensor built in the toner cartridge. This state is reported from the user site 102 to the service center 101 as a toner low signal (1). Although this is simply called a service center, specifically, this notification is transmitted to the PC 203 in which the service module functions in the service center 101.

  The service center 101 that has received this notification by the PC 203 issues a request (2) for delivery of a new toner cartridge to the user site 102 and collection of used cartridges to the delivery company 103, and the delivery schedule is sent from the delivery company 103. Get answer (3) about.

  The service center 102 transmits a cartridge delivery / collection notification (4) to the user site 102 based on the answer obtained from the delivery company. However, as will be described later, this notification is not simply transmitted, but includes a schedule adjustment sequence with the user. The notification in the present invention refers to information transmission processing. When data is transmitted from the service center 101 to the user site 192, specifically, the data is transmitted from the service center PC 203 to the PC 208 in which the user module functions at the user site. .

  On the other hand, the delivery company 103 receives the schedule determined by the delivery and collection notification (4) of the cartridge from the service center 101, and delivers the new cartridge to the user site 102 according to the schedule (5) and the used cartridge. Perform recovery (6). The delivery company 103 further carries the collected cartridge to the collection base 104.

  The collection base 104 reads necessary data from the collected used cartridge memory and stores the read data in a database managed by the service center 101.

  Asynchronously with the delivery of these cartridges, print number data (8) based on the print number count read from the cartridge memory 820a is transmitted from the user site 102 to the service center 101.

  The service center 101 calculates a fee according to the received print number data, and transmits a fee charge (9) to the user site 102. The user pays the billed amount to the service center by a separately determined payment method. Further, the payee at this time may be a payee separately determined other than the service center.

  As described above, the service center 101 receives the event notification (toner low notification) from the user site 102, collects necessary data from the user site, arranges cartridge delivery and recovery, generates billing information, and arranges the schedule. And billing information to the user site 102 are all realized via the remote communication network 205.

  The relationship between the delivery company 103 and the user site 102 involves movement of people and goods, but the relationship between the delivery company 103 and the service center 102 is only data exchange. Therefore, when the delivery company 103 has a PC connected to a network such as a telephone line, the exchange of information between the service center and the delivery company can be automated by executing a program on the PC. Is also possible.

  In this case, if the PC 203 receives the toner low signal (1), a program step for realizing a function of transmitting a cartridge collection request (2) as an electronic message to the delivery company 103 is incorporated in the service module. deep. Further, when the PC 203 receives the reply (3) from the delivery company as an electronic message, a program step for realizing the function of transmitting the notification (4) to the user's PC 208 is also incorporated in the service module.

  With this configuration, information exchange can be computerized not only between the user site 102 and the service center 101 but also the delivery company 103.

  Next, details of the procedure of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

<Notification of cartridge replacement schedule and adjustment sequence>
FIGS. 10 and 11 show a procedure for adjusting the schedule for cartridge replacement between the service center 101 and the user site 102. In FIG. 10, the portion described as the user site is performed by the user site 102 in FIG. Further, in the processing of the user site 102, the step described as “device” is executed by the device modules 230 and 240 of each device such as a printer or a copier to which the toner cartridge is mounted. The device module is realized as a program module executed by a processor for controlling each device. A step described as a host is executed by a host computer such as a PC to which a device is connected. The part described as service center is a process executed by the service module 210 executed by the PC 203 of the service center 101.

  FIG. 10 shows a procedure from the transmission of the toner low notification (1) from the user site 102 to the reception by the service center 101. First, in step 1001, a toner low is detected in a device owned by the user, for example, the printers 100a and 100b or the facsimile 206 in FIG. 2, and the information is output as a toner low signal by the device modules 230 and 240. If the device is the facsimile 206 or the printer 100b, the toner low signal is transmitted to the service center 101 as the toner low signal (1) in FIG. The toner low signal is accompanied by the cartridge ID / serial number read from the cartridge together with information indicating that the toner is low. Further, information such as the remaining amount of toner and the number of printed sheets may be attached to the toner low signal as necessary. When the cartridge has memories 810 a and 4203 a for storing information as shown in FIG. 9, these pieces of information are acquired from the memories and transmitted to the service center via the remote communication network 205. If there is no memory, as described above, the toner remaining amount estimated from the cumulative number of prints and the printing rate since the start of use of the cartridge is the information attached to the toner low notification (1). Used. This information is stored in a nonvolatile memory provided in the device device body, and the ID / serial number of the body is also stored in the nonvolatile memory. For example, in step 1001, the cumulative number of prints and the remaining toner amount information are transmitted together with the ID / serial number information of the main body.

  If the device is directly connected to the computer network such as the printer 100b or the facsimile 206, the toner low notification (1) is directly transmitted to the PC 203 of the service center as indicated by an arrow 1001a in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the device is a printer locally connected to the host, such as the printer 100a, or if communication with the service center is possible via the host, a toner low signal is issued to the host. In this case, the host receives a toner low signal in step 1002. Thereafter, if the host can access the remote communication network 205 according to the connection form of the host to the remote communication network 205 (remote mutual communication means), a toner low signal is notified from the host to the service center 101 in step 1004. Is done.

  If the host cannot access the remote communication network 205 or access is prohibited, in step 1003, the administrator manually inputs data indicating toner low, for example, from the personal computer 208 of FIG. It is transmitted to the service center 101 as a signal.

  In step 1005, the service center 101 receives the toner low signal transmitted by any method. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the step of FIG.

  The processing in FIG. 11 is performed by the service module 210 and the analysis module 220 on the PC 203 of the service center 101. In FIG. 11, when data is transmitted from the service center 101 to the user site 102, the transmission destination is the window terminal 208, and processing such as display of a user interface screen is performed by the user module 250.

  In FIG. 11, first, in step 1101, processing is divided depending on whether the data input method to the analysis system in the service center 101 is automatic or manual. Step 1101 is not necessarily performed in the service center. This is a pseudo step for expressing a processing procedure according to the configuration of the service center, and actual processing in the service center starts from step 1102 or step 1103 depending on the configuration.

  In the case of manual input, in step 1102, a screen display for notifying the operator in charge of receiving the toner low signal is displayed, and the operator inputs information to the analysis system for managing the delivery schedule. .

  On the other hand, in the case of automatic input, the received toner low signal and the data read from the cartridge are directly input to the analysis system 220 (step 1103). Here, when the remaining toner amount information and the number of printed sheets information are attached to the input toner low information, the information is also received by the service center PC 203 together with the cartridge ID / serial number and input to the analysis system 220. The

  When data is input to the analysis system 220, the analysis system predicts the date of running out of toner, and based on this, a delivery date candidate is determined (step 1104). This prediction procedure will be described later. The subsequent steps may be performed manually, but here all are automated.

  When a delivery date candidate is determined, the determined date is notified from the PC 203 to the delivery company 103 (step 1105).

  In Step 1106 and Step 1107, the delivery company 103 adjusts the schedule and transmits it to the service center. In other words, a schedule such as inventory, a suitable delivery vehicle or delivery vehicle candidate, delivery time, etc. is determined by the delivery company, and the schedule is notified to the PC 203 of the service center. If an undeliverable day is included, it is notified including that day.

  The PC 203 of the service center that has received the schedule transmits the expected replacement time to the window terminal 208 of the user site (step 1108). At this time, the transmission data also includes delivery schedule information.

  In response to this, the user site 102 displays the user interface (UI) screen of FIG. When the operator inputs (OK) to replace the cartridge on this screen, the screen in FIG. 14 is displayed based on the delivery date and time received in step 1108. On this screen, the operator inputs the desired date and time from the expected replacement period.

  The input designated date is transmitted to the PC 203 of the service center 101. The service center 101 notifies the user (PC 208 of the user site or a device such as a printer) of the scheduled date of delivery / collection determined based on the designated date (step 1109), and asks for final confirmation. FIG. 15 shows a screen displayed on the user side at this time.

  The delivery date and time determined by the above procedure is also notified to the delivery company, and the delivery company delivers and collects the cartridges at the designated date and time.

  In FIG. 11, steps 1103, 1104, 1105, 1108, and 1109 are executed by the service center PC 103, and steps 1106 and 1107 are executed by the delivery company's PC and the like. That is, the PC 203 waits for a response from the delivery company after step 1105, and upon receiving the response, the processing is resumed from step 1108. In step 1108, information such as a specified date is transmitted from the user's PC 203 to the service PC.

<Toner out prediction>
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a procedure for predicting a toner out time, which is a reference for determining a delivery / collection date schedule, which is executed by the analysis system 220 in step 1104. The toner out timing is predicted based on the toner low signal received from the device and the database 1999.

  A database 1999 is constructed in the database server 201. In this database 1999, for each user / device / consumable, the number of printed sheets 1915, the average printing rate 1916 per cartridge, the cartridge delivery date 1917, the toner low signal generation date 1918, the cumulative use number 1906, the cumulative number of printed sheets 1907 Is accumulated. Further, the data recorded in the memory of the cartridge is transmitted from the PC installed at the collection base to the service center, so that the toner out signal generation date 1908 for each cartridge, the toner low signal generation date 1909 for each cartridge, Usage period 1910, used number of sheets 1911 for each cartridge, and printed sheet number data 1912 for each cartridge are also stored.

  As the average print rate 1916 per cartridge, an average print rate 1913 for each cartridge calculated from the number of used cartridges 1903, the collection date 1904, and the number of printed sheets 1905 per cartridge is accumulated. In addition, the number-of-prints transition 1915 accumulates the number-of-prints data 1905 for each month and is accumulated as a transition for each month.

  Further, from the collected cartridge, an average cartridge coverage 1919 (which is obtained for each type of cartridge) which is more accurate than the average coverage 1913 and an average period 1920 from toner low to actual toner exhaustion are obtained. This is also stored in the database 1999.

  In the prediction, first, the remaining printable sheet number 1921 is predicted from the average print rate 1919 of the cartridge, and a period 1922 from there to the toner exhaustion is predicted. At this time, the predicted value can also be corrected using data such as the number of printed sheets 1915. An appropriate delivery date 1923 is obtained from the obtained period 1922 until the toner runs out and the generation date 1901 of the toner low signal, and an expected replacement time is output. The user site is output as candidates for replacement dates from the date when delivery is possible with reference to the inventory, delivery schedule, etc. to the predicted date of toner exhaustion.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the content of correction processing for more accurately predicting the toner out time. For example, it is assumed that the toner low signal is received by the service center PC 203 on August 31. Since the toner low signal includes the cartridge ID / serial number, it can be understood that the remaining number of printable sheets is 1000 from the average print rate of the same type of cartridge. If the previous number of printed sheets is 1000 per month, it can be seen that the remaining toner runs out after one month and the cartridge needs to be replaced by then.

  Here, the correction value is referred to. The number of printed pages per month 1915 shows that the number of printed pages per month from September to December is 2000, and this year the number of printed pages has increased twice as much as last year. From the values, it can be seen that 4000 pages may be printed per month in September.

  If 1000 sheets, which is the number of sheets that can be printed with the remaining toner, is converted into a period using this estimated printing amount, it can be seen that the remaining toner may be kept only for about one week in a quarter. Therefore, September 7th, one week after August 31, is obtained as the expected exchange time. For the user, a period from the date when the cartridge can be delivered to September 7 is presented (sent) as a candidate for delivery and collection date.

  As described above, based on the data accumulated in the database, the expected replacement time is first calculated from the average value, and this is also determined from periodic fluctuations and recent trends that can be acquired from the database. The expected replacement time has been corrected. In this way, a more accurate toner expiration date can be predicted and the expected date can be shown to the user so that the cartridge can be replaced by that time. If it is expected that the remaining toner can be printed for a very long period, the delivery and collection date period of the cartridge is set to a predetermined value including the expected toner exhaustion period in order to use the toner as much as possible. It may be limited to the number of days, for example, one week. In this case, for example, if the remaining printable period of toner is predicted to be one month, the last one of them is presented to the user as a delivery and collection date candidate.

  In addition, when the PC 203 of the service center 101 receives the cartridge ID / serial number and the remaining amount of toner together with the toner low signal, the date when the toner runs out can be predicted more accurately from the cartridge ID / serial number and the remaining amount of toner. For example, if the cartridge ID / serial number is known, the model of the device in which the cartridge is used can be limited. For this reason, the average print rate and the number of prints can be obtained only for the device using the cartridge, based on the cartridge ID / serial number obtained from the cartridge and the information on the remaining amount of toner. By correcting this with information such as periodic fluctuations and trends managed in the database 1999, it is possible to predict toner outage more accurately.

  Furthermore, if the cartridge delivered to each user is managed by the PC 203 of the service center, it can be determined to which user the cartridge is used by which device. If the database 1999 manages toner consumption, printing rate, number of prints, etc. for each user, and for each model of each user, the average printing rate, periodic fluctuations, Information such as trends can be accumulated. By using the information accumulated for each user and each device in the same manner as the above-described database, it is possible to predict toner out.

  In this way, the delivery and collection schedule of the cartridge can be determined by accurately predicting the time of toner out, so that the toner in the cartridge can be used up as much as possible by adjusting the cartridge replacement time to the time when the toner runs out. Can do. This contributes to resource saving. Further, since the number of printed sheets is charged according to the number of printed sheets, the cost can be lowered by reducing the amount of unused toner that is discarded, which contributes to a reduction in fees and an increase in profit margin.

<Billing sequence>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a procedure for charging according to the number of printed pages at the user site. Here, it is assumed that the billing sequence is triggered by print number data periodically transmitted from the user site. However, it may be started in response to a request from the service center, or may be started in response to a toner low signal. Further, billing work such as invoicing by the service center may be performed asynchronously with transmission of print number data from the user site to the service center.

  In FIG. 12, the part described as the user site is a process executed by the user site 102, and the part described as the service center is a process executed by the PC 208 of the service center. In the processing of the user site 102, the step described as “device” is executed by the device to which the toner cartridge is mounted, and the step described as “host” is a PC or the like to which the device is connected via a cable or a network. Executed by the host computer. In addition, once the print number data is transmitted to the PC 203 of the service center 101, communication between the service center and the user site is communication between the respective window terminals.

  First, in FIG. 12, the number of print sheets generated after the previous charge sequence is read by the device module and transmitted to the service center 101 from the device included in the user site 102 and contracted for the print number billing method. (Steps 1201, 1202, 1202a). Since cartridge replacement and billing are performed asynchronously, the print number data to be transmitted is obtained by the procedure described later.

  If the device is connected to the remote communication network 205 via the host, the host computer once receives the print number data (step 1203). If it is manually input, it is input by the administrator. Automatically transmits the received data to the service center (steps 1204 and 1205). In the present invention, the form of connection to the remote communication network 205 via the host is that the device is connected to the host via a cable, or the device is connected to the host via a network such as a LAN. Is assumed. The host also has a server function, and a form in which another host (host not having a server function) is connected to the host having the server function is also assumed.

  The PC 203 of the service center 101 receives the print number data (step 1206), and the data is transferred to the service module 210 of the PC 203. Then, for each user, the service module 210 totals the number of prints of each device (step 1207), calculates a billing amount based on the value (step 1208), and uses the amount as the number of contracts and the number of prints. The detailed information is transmitted to the user module 250 of the PC 208 (step 1209).

  The screen displayed at this time is the screen of FIG. Details are displayed on the screen along with the charge amount. The user presses the YES button when responding to this request, and presses the No button when there is a suspicion, and makes a separate inquiry / negotiation. Finally, settlement is performed by a predetermined method (step 1210). This step 1210 can be executed as part of a series of processing if it is a payment through a computer network, but if a predetermined method is not an electronic payment method, for example, a transfer to a bank account, The processing in the service module 210 ends without performing step 1210.

  FIG. 17B is a diagram showing an example of details of steps 1201 and 1202 of FIG. 12 for transmitting the number of prints from the user's device, which is executed by the device modules 230 and 240. FIG. 17A shows an area for storing the number of prints that the device has in its RAM. The storage area includes an unbilled number of prints 1711 representing the number of prints for which the charge has not yet been settled for the toner cartridges used so far, and an already charged charge for the currently installed toner cartridge. A charge print number 1712 and a print number 1713 read from a used cartridge immediately before the cartridge replacement are included.

  When transmitting print number data from the device, first the number of prints is read from the memory of the cartridge, the value of the charged print number 1712 is subtracted from the read number of prints, and the value is stored as the uncharged print number 1711 ( Step 1701). The number of unbilled prints is transmitted to the service center or host (step 1702). Finally, if it is confirmed that the unbilled print number has been transmitted, 0 is set in the unbilled print number 1711, and the print number read from the cartridge is set in the billed print number. Note that the flowchart of FIG. 17 is executed every predetermined period such as every month by a clock function provided in the device. Although not shown in FIG. 12, a command for transmitting the unbilled output number information of the device stored in the PC 208 is transmitted from the PC 203 to the PC 208 every predetermined period to In the present invention, it is assumed that the billing information is acquired by the PC 203. Further, in the present invention, it is also assumed in the present invention that non-billing information such as the number of output devices stored in the self apparatus is transmitted to the P203 every predetermined period by the clock function provided in the PC 208.

  On the other hand, when the cartridge is replaced, devices such as the printer 100 and the facsimile 206 perform the procedure of FIG. The procedure of FIG. 18 is performed assuming that the cartridge may be replaced when the cover of the cartridge housing portion provided in the device body is opened and then closed again, or when the power is turned on. . Whether or not the cover of the cartridge storage unit is open is detected by a sensor. The device reads the print number data from the memory of the cartridge mounted at that time immediately after the cover of the cartridge is opened or in the processing sequence after the power is turned off, and stores it as the print number 1713 of the cartridge.

  After that, when the cartridge cover is closed or the power is turned on, the cartridge ID / serial number is read from the currently installed cartridge, and compared with the cartridge ID / serial number read and stored after the cartridge replacement. (Step 1801). The result is determined in step 1802. If they are the same, the cartridge has not been exchanged, and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if they are not the same, the cartridge has been replaced, and the read cartridge ID / serial number is stored as the current cartridge ID / serial number (step 1803).

  The stored number of prints is read from the print number 1713 of the cartridge (step 1804), and a value obtained by subtracting the value of the charged print number 1712 from the read number of prints is added to the uncharged print number (step 1804). 1805).

  Then, 0 is set to the billed print number 1712 (step 1806).

  By doing so, it is possible to distinguish between the number of prints recorded on the cartridge and the amount that has already been charged and the amount that has not been charged yet. For this reason, in the billing process, it is possible to charge the user for an accurate fee based on the unbilled number of prints.

  Note that new cartridges delivered to the user are supplied without substantially collecting a fee.

  As described above, it is possible to apply the print number charging method for charging according to the number of prints to devices such as a printer that supplies toner from the toner cartridge. By applying the print number billing method, it is possible to pay out asynchronously with work such as cartridge replacement and collection, and to realize a fee system according to the print amount. As a result, the service side such as the manufacturer or the seller can expect continuous and stable profits, so that the service can be expanded. Further, since data collection for the print number billing method is performed via the network, it is possible to reduce the number of manual steps and to obtain highly accurate data quickly.

  In addition, by linking with a management system that more accurately predicts when the cartridge runs out of toner, it is possible to prevent the cost from rising due to the disposal of unused toner, and to put a print number charging system for cartridges on a commercial basis. Is possible.

  On the other hand, on the user side, fluctuations in printing expenses will be reduced, and since it is possible to simply check and estimate charges based on the number of prints, it will be easier to check payment amounts and budget printing expenses. It contributes to the productivity improvement of these operations.

  When the device transmits the number of prints, the cartridge ID / serial number may be transmitted at the same time. In this case, the service center receives this and stores the data in the database of FIG.

<Device maintenance>
FIG. 21 shows a procedure when a problem occurs in a device owned by a user. In this embodiment, since the user site and the service center are connected via a network, it is possible to report the occurrence of a failure and request repairs via the network.

  When trouble information is generated, for example, when a user's device detects a failure, if the device is connected to the remote communication network 205, the device is directly connected to the service center or via the host. If it is connected to 205, defect information is transmitted to the host (step 2101).

  If the device does not maintain a fault sensor, the fault that has occurred cannot be detected, or the device is not connected to a remote communication network, the operator can manually provide the fault information and the remote communication network. The data is input directly to 205 or to a host connected to the remote communication network 205 (step 2102).

  When defect information is transmitted to the host, the host receives the defect information (step 2103), and the defect information is received through the operator's hand (step 2104) or automatically (step 2105). Sent to the service center.

  In the service center, when the PC 203 receives the defect information (step 2106), the necessary information is notified to the service department or repair company of the equipment manufacturer automatically or manually, and between the service department and the trader. The schedule is adjusted (step 2107). When the adjusted schedule is transmitted to the window terminal 208 of the user site, and the schedule is further adjusted and confirmed (step 2108), the repair is performed on the determined schedule. In order to adjust the schedule, data may be exchanged between the service department in step 2107 and the user site in step 2108.

  FIG. 22A is a screen displayed when a schedule is notified from the service center to the user site in step 2108. The user selects a schedule on this screen and returns it to the service center.

  FIG. 22B shows a display state of screen information transmitted from the service center to the user site for confirming the content of the defect in advance. The user selects the corresponding failure content from the displayed candidates and transmits it to the service center. FIG. 22B may be displayed when the schedule is adjusted, or may be displayed before the schedule is adjusted. If the user is notified of the contents of the defect before the schedule adjustment, the degree of failure can be reflected in the schedule.

  As described above, it is possible to notify the trouble and adjust the repair schedule via the network. In this way, a service person who checks and repairs the printer is dispatched to the user from the service center. However, in this case, charges other than the charges according to the data related to the number of prints are actually collected. Not.

  As described above, in the print number billing system billing system according to this embodiment for the use of a printer in which at least a cartridge containing toner and a developing device can be attached and detached, printing is performed in the printer that is output from the printer in which the cartridge is mounted. The data regarding the number of printed sheets and the data regarding the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge are supplied to the service center via the remote communication unit, and the service center responds to the data regarding the number of prints supplied via the remote communication unit. In addition to collecting the collected charge from the printer user, the new cartridge that should be installed in exchange with the cartridge in the printer is collected from the user without substantially collecting the charge. Supply.

  Further, the fee according to the data relating to the number of prints is included in the maintenance service fee for the printer, and further, the data relating to the failure of the printer, which is output from the printer in which the cartridge is mounted, is transmitted via the remote communication means. The service center supplies the service center with substantially no charge other than the charge according to the data relating to the number of prints based on the data relating to the failure of the printer supplied via the remote communication means. Dispatches service personnel to inspect and repair printers.

  Further, the function of the service center includes a delivery function such as a cartridge delivery company, and collects used cartridges when a new cartridge is supplied.

<Effect in the first embodiment>
According to the cartridge management system of the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) When the toner low signal is generated, the toner out time is predicted, and the toner in the cartridge can be used up in order to replace the cartridge at that time. This contributes to resource saving and cost reduction. .

  (2) Since the cartridge can be replaced immediately before the cartridge runs out of toner, the downtime of a device such as a printer due to running out of toner is eliminated.

  (3) Since the cartridge is delivered to the user immediately before the cartridge runs out of toner, it is not necessary to purchase and store a replacement cartridge and to store a used cartridge.

  (4) The combination of cartridge delivery and collection eliminates the need for the user to bring a used cartridge to the manufacturer or dealer, and replaces it with a used one immediately after delivery of a new cartridge. The cartridge can be reliably collected.

  (5) A plurality of devices held at the user site can be charged together. For this reason, billing and maintenance can be performed for each user.

  (6) Since the cartridge itself has a memory and print record data such as the number of prints is recorded there, the data can be stored in a database and used to accurately run out of toner. Can be predicted.

  (7) Since the cartridge itself has identification data such as an ID and a serial number indicating the type of cartridge for uniquely identifying the cartridge, it is possible to confirm replacement of the cartridge. Also, using these identification data, it can be confirmed whether the cartridge is delivered by a print number billing method contract, and unauthorized use of the cartridge can be prevented. In addition, the cycle of reuse / recycling can be managed.

  (8) Since the cartridge itself has data, the number of printed sheets and the like can be grasped from the data of the cartridge even when it is removed from the device.

  (9) Since data is centrally managed at the service center, more accurate printing ratios and replacement times can be calculated.

[Second Embodiment]
As a second embodiment, a system using a cartridge that does not have a memory will be described. This system will be described based on the first embodiment, with only the differences. Therefore, the overall configuration is as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the configuration of the apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the cartridge does not have a memory.

<Billing sequence>
FIG. 23 shows an example of the data area prepared in the memory of the device charged for the print number billing method of this embodiment. The data is basically the same as the data held in the memory of the cartridge, but the data unique to the cartridge is excluded. The total number of printed sheets / the number of jammed sheets 2300 indicates the number of printed sheets and the total number of failed printing. The number A3 of printed sheets / the number of jams 2301 and the number of printed sheets A4 / the number of jammed 2302 indicate the number of sheets for each size. These values are incremented by one each time the device prints one page of the corresponding size paper.

  A service center destination 2303 is a destination for transmitting the number of prints and a toner low signal. This field is used when the device is directly connected to the remote communication network 205. The cartridge type ID is used for notifying the type of cartridge from the device to the service center. Since the contents of these fields 2303 and 2304 are rarely changed, they may be recorded in the ROM. In addition, instead of the cartridge ID (2304), an ID of the device main body (stored in the main body memory) may be applied in the present invention.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a charging procedure executed in the present embodiment in place of FIG. 12 in the first embodiment.

  The device module reads the print number data 2300 to 2302 in FIG. 23 periodically or in response to a request from the service site, and transmits it to the remote communication network 205 or the host to which the device is connected according to the connection destination (step 2401). ). If transmission is confirmed, 0 is set in the read print number data 2300-2302.

  Steps 2403 to 2410 are the same as steps 1203 to 1210 in FIG.

  As described above, even when the cartridge does not include a memory, the service center can charge according to the number of prints for each device. Since this sequence is also effective for a device using a cartridge having a memory, the procedure of FIG. 24 of this embodiment can be used instead of the procedure of FIG. 12 of the first embodiment. . 12 is different from FIG. 24 only in the process on the device side. Therefore, the procedure of FIG. 12 is applied to a device using a cartridge having a memory, and the cartridge having no memory is used. By applying the procedure of FIG. 24 to the device to be performed, it is possible to cope with a user site in which those devices are mixed.

<Toner out prediction>
In this embodiment, the cartridge replacement schedule notification and adjustment sequence, which is started when the device sends a toner low signal, is almost the same as that in FIGS. 10 and 11 in the first embodiment. However, since there is no data for each cartridge, the serial number of the cartridge is not transmitted together with the toner low signal. Further, the data reflected in the database is different from that in the first embodiment, and the prediction method is also different.

  FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a procedure for predicting a toner out time, which is a reference for determining the schedule of delivery and collection date, which is executed by the analysis system 210 in step 1104 of FIG.

  A database 2599 is constructed in the analysis system. This database 2599 stores, for each user, the number-of-prints transition 1915, the average print rate 1916 per cartridge, the cartridge delivery date 1917, the toner low signal generation date 1918, the cumulative use date 191906, and the cumulative print number 1907.

  The average printing rate 1916 per cartridge stores the average printing rate 1913 calculated from the number of cartridges used 1903, the collection date 1904, and the number of printed sheets 1905 per cartridge. In addition, the number-of-prints transition 1915 accumulates the number-of-prints data 1905 for each month and is accumulated as a transition for each month.

  In the prediction, first, the remaining printable number of sheets 2501 is predicted from the average printing rate 1913, and the period 2502 from there to the toner exhaustion is predicted. At this time, the predicted value can be corrected using data such as the past average printing rate 1916 and the number of printed sheets 1915. An appropriate delivery date 2503 is obtained from the obtained period 2502 until the toner runs out and the generation date 1901 of the toner low signal, and an expected replacement time is output. The user site is output as candidates for replacement dates from the date when delivery is possible with reference to the inventory, delivery schedule, etc. to the predicted date of toner exhaustion.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the content of correction for more accurately predicting the toner out time. For example, it is assumed that the toner low signal is received at the service center on August 31. From the printable number of sheets obtained from the average print rate of the immediately preceding cartridge, it can be seen that the remaining toner runs out after one month and the cartridge needs to be replaced by then.

  Here, the correction value is referred to. If the average print rate per cartridge 1916 and the monthly print number transition 1915 indicate that the print rate will increase to 10% from September to November, the average print rate from September to November Is approximately three times the average printing rate. That is, it can be seen that there is only 10 days from the toner low signal to the toner exhaustion. Therefore, the expiration date of the delivery date of the replenishment cartridge is set to September 10, which is 10 days after August 31, which is the toner low signal generation date. A period from the date when the cartridge can be delivered to September 10 is presented to the user as a candidate for delivery and collection date.

  As described above, it is possible to predict the exact date when the toner runs out, and to indicate the expected date to the user so that the cartridge can be replaced by then. If it is expected that the remaining toner can be printed for a very long period, the delivery and collection date period of the cartridge is set to a predetermined value including the expected toner exhaustion period in order to use the toner as much as possible. It may be limited to the number of days, for example, one week. In this case, for example, if the printable period is one month, the last one week is presented to the user as a candidate for delivery and collection date.

  As described above, since the delivery / collection schedule of the cartridge can be determined by predicting the toner exhaustion timing with high accuracy, the toner in the cartridge can be used up as much as possible. Since the number of printed sheets is charged according to the number of printed sheets, if the amount of unused toner is reduced, the cost can be reduced by that amount, which contributes to a reduction in fees and an increase in profit margin.

  It is also possible to construct an analysis system in which the prediction method of FIG. 19 and the prediction method of FIG. 25 are mixed. In that case, toner out is predicted by the method shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 for the cartridge not provided with the memory, and toner out is predicted for the cartridge provided with the memory by the method shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

<Effect in 2nd Embodiment>
According to the cartridge management system of the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) When the toner low signal is generated, the toner out time is predicted, and the toner in the cartridge can be used up in order to replace the cartridge at that time. This contributes to resource saving and cost reduction. .

  (2) Since the cartridge can be replaced immediately before the cartridge runs out of toner, the downtime of a device such as a printer due to running out of toner is eliminated.

  (3) Since the cartridge is delivered to the user immediately before the cartridge runs out of toner, it is not necessary to purchase and store a replacement cartridge and to store a used cartridge.

  (4) Since the delivery and collection of the cartridge are combined, the user does not need to bring the used cartridge to a manufacturer or a dealer, and the used cartridge is replaced by a used cartridge immediately after the delivery of a new cartridge. Can be recovered more reliably.

  (5) A plurality of devices held at the user site can be charged together. For this reason, billing and maintenance can be performed for each user.

  (6) Compared to the first embodiment, it is possible to construct a billing system and a delivery / collection system using a print number billing system using a conventional device that uses a cartridge that does not include a memory.

  (7) Since data is centrally managed at the service center, more accurate printing ratios and replacement times can be calculated.

[Third Embodiment]
As a third embodiment, a system excluding a delivery company entrusting a delivery operation on a network from the system of the first embodiment will be described. The configuration of this system and the configuration of each device are the same as those in FIGS. 2 to 9 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 27 shows an outline of the management procedure of the third embodiment. The same number is assigned to the same message as in FIG.

  In the printer 100a or 100b or the facsimile 206 at the user site 102, when the toner is reduced to a predetermined amount or lower, that is, toner low (Toner Low) occurs, this is detected by a sensor built in the cartridge. This state is reported to the service center 101 as a toner low signal (1) from the PC 208 or the direct device of the user site 102. Here, although it is simply called a service center, the PC 203 included in the service center is a report destination.

  In response to this, the service center 101 transmits a cartridge delivery and collection notification (4) to the user site 102. However, as will be described later, this notification is not simply transmitted, but includes a schedule adjustment sequence with the user.

  The service center 101 delivers new cartridges (10) to the user site 102 according to the schedule determined by the cartridge delivery and collection notice (4), and simultaneously collects used cartridges (11). Then, the collected cartridge is carried to the collection base 104.

  The collection base 104 reads necessary data from the collected used cartridge memory and stores the read data in a database managed by the service center 101. The read data is transmitted to the service center 101 as cartridge data (12).

  Asynchronously with the delivery of these cartridges, print number data (8) based on the print number count read from the cartridge memory 820a is transmitted from the user site 102 to the service center 101.

  The service center 101 calculates a fee according to the received print number data, and transmits a fee charge (9) to the user site 102. The user pays the billed amount to the service center by a separately determined payment method. In addition, the payee at this time may be a payee separately determined other than the service center.

  As described above, the service center 101 receives the event notification (toner low notification) from the user site 102, collects necessary data from the user site, arranges cartridge delivery and recovery, generates billing information, and arranges the schedule. And billing information to the user site 102 are all realized via the remote communication network 205.

<Notification of cartridge replacement schedule and adjustment sequence>
In the configuration of FIG. 27, the procedure for transmitting the toner low signal from the user site 102 to the service center 101 and receiving it is as shown in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment. However, the processing in the service center that receives the toner low signal is as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 28, first, in step 1101, processing is divided depending on whether the data input method to the analysis system in the service center 101 is automatic or manual. Step 1101 is not necessarily performed in the service center. This is a pseudo step for expressing a processing procedure according to the configuration of the service center, and actual processing in the service center starts from step 1102 or step 1103 depending on the configuration. In this embodiment, the analysis system is realized on the PC 203 by referring to a database constructed in the database server 201 and executing an analysis program of a procedure described later.

  In the case of manual input, in step 1102, a screen display for notifying the operator in charge of receiving the toner low signal is displayed, and the operator inputs information to the analysis system for managing the delivery schedule. .

  On the other hand, in the case of automatic input, the received toner low signal and the data read from the cartridge are directly input to the analysis system (step 1103).

  When data is input to the analysis system, the analysis system predicts a toner out date and determines a delivery date candidate based on that date (step 1104). This prediction procedure will be described later. The subsequent steps may be performed manually, but here all are automated.

  When a delivery date candidate is determined, the date is notified to the user as an expected replacement time (step 1108).

  In response to this, the user site 102 displays the user interface (UI) screen shown in FIG. When the operator inputs (OK) to replace the cartridge on this screen, the screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. On this screen, the operator inputs a desired date and time from the expected replacement period.

  The input designated date is transmitted to the service center 101. The service center 101 notifies the user of the scheduled date and time of delivery and collection determined based on this designated date, and asks for final confirmation (step 1109). FIG. 15 shows a screen displayed on the user side at this time.

  According to the date and time determined by the above procedure, service personnel and IT personnel who perform maintenance and the like from the service center 101, delivery that merely performs delivery, etc. are dispatched to the user site, and delivery and collection of cartridges, and if necessary, the equipment Perform maintenance. The dispatched personnel and work contents depend on a contract or the like between a store operating the service center or a manufacturer and a user.

  In addition, a charging system based on a charging method depending on the number of prints (print number charging method) is asynchronous with cartridge delivery and collection, and thus functions in the same manner as the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to construct a system that does not entrust delivery work on the network. The effect in this case is the same as the effect of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The system of the fourth embodiment has the same basic configuration as that of the first embodiment, but differs from the system of the first embodiment in that the user site includes an inventory management system. As shown in FIG. 29, the inventory management system 260 is realized by executing a predetermined program on the PC 4 or the like at the user site 102. This inventory management system 260 also manages in-house inventory of toner cartridges and is linked to the cartridge management system. The computer on which the inventory management system operates needs to be able to access the remote communication network 205 directly or indirectly.

  FIG. 30 shows a procedure from the transmission of the toner low notification from the user site 102 to the reception by the service center 101 in the fourth embodiment. First, in step 2901, a toner low is detected in a device owned by the user, for example, the printers 100a and 100b or the facsimile 206 in FIG. 2, and the information is output as a toner low signal by the device module. Here, if the device is the facsimile 206 or the printer 100b, the toner low signal is transmitted to the PC 208 on which the in-house inventory management system operates and becomes an input signal to the inventory management system 260.

  If the device is a printer locally connected to the host such as the printer 100a, a toner low signal is issued to the host. In this case, the host receives a toner low signal in step 2902. Thereafter, a toner low signal is transmitted from the host to the in-house inventory management system 260.

  Upon receipt of the toner low signal, the inventory management system 260 determines the cartridge used by the device from the information of the transmission source of the toner low signal or from the main body ID / serial number or cartridge type ID / serial number information transmitted together with the toner low signal. The type is discriminated and it is judged whether there is the stock (step 2903). If there is a stock, the fact is displayed on the display or the like of the PC 208 to alert the user (step 2904).

  When it is determined that there is no stock, the toner low signal is transmitted from the inventory management system 260 to the service center 101 in accordance with the connection form between the device that transmits the toner low signal and the remote communication network 205. If the device can directly access the remote communication network 205, a toner low signal is transmitted directly to the service center (step 2907). If the host computer is connected, a toner low signal is transmitted from the host to the service center 101 (step 2906). If the remote communication network cannot be accessed online, a toner low signal is transmitted to the service center 101 by manual input by the operator (step 2905).

  The toner low signal thus generated is received by the service center 101 (step 2908), and the processing is advanced by the service module 210 and the user module 250 in the same procedure as in FIG.

  As described above, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when the user performs inventory management, a cartridge management system using the user's inventory can be constructed. .

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the description of FIG. 12 of the first embodiment, charging is performed in accordance with the number of output sheets printed at the user site, and in the description of FIG. We have explained the process of dispatching a service person to inspect and repair the printer without actually collecting a fee other than the fee according to the data related to the number of prints, including the maintenance service fee for the printer. It was.

  In the fifth embodiment, a billing system that can provide a maintenance service more convenient for the user will be described.

  FIG. 32 shows an outline of data transmission / reception related to contract processing between the user site and the service center. The user site and the service center correspond to the user site and the service center in FIG. In the processing of each step in FIG. 32, processing on the user site side is performed by the PC 208, and processing on the service center side is performed by the PC 203. Here, the functions of the PC 208 and PC 203 are the same as those described in the first to fourth embodiments, and the block configuration diagram corresponds to that shown in FIG. Each processing in the PC 208 and PC 203 is realized by the CPU 301 controlling processing based on the program code stored in any of the ROM 307, RAM 302, and HD 303. Further, the PC 203 is linked to the database server 201 and is performed by the CPU 301 based on the data content stored in the database server 201 and data provision (data transmission to the user site). Of course, even if the PC 203 and the database server 201 are physically separate or the same, the functions of the present invention can be realized, and the PC 203 and the database 201 can work together to achieve the functions of the present invention. That's fine.

  Further, the processing on the user site side is not limited to the PC 208, but functions equivalent to those of the PC 208 (for example, both externally and via the remote communication network 205) can be applied to device devices such as the printer 100a, the printer 100b, and the facsimile 206. It is also envisaged in the present invention that processing is performed by a device device by providing a function capable of communication in the direction. The block configuration diagram of each device at that time is the same as that shown in FIGS. 6, 7, etc., and the processing based on the program code stored in the storage unit provided in the device is performed by the CPU 601, 701. Realized by control.

  In step S3201, ID transmission is executed from the user site. The ID corresponds to a user ID or a contract ID associated with a specific user, and is an ID for specifying contract information for a certain user. In the following, description will be made taking the user ID as an example.

  The ID transmitted in S3201 is information input to the PC 208 or each device via the display screen. In the present invention, it is desirable that the PC 208, the PC 203, and each device have a browser function that can process languages such as HTML and XML. The screen for inputting the ID is generated and transmitted by the PC 203 by the user specifying the URL and the file specifying information. Then, it is displayed on a display unit such as the PC 208 or a device. Further, if a screen that prompts the user to input login information is displayed before the screen for inputting the ID is displayed, unauthorized access can be prevented. Note that the functions of the present invention are not limited to those having a browser function, but may be any functions that support a function capable of mutual communication.

  Here, the transmission of the ID information from the user site to the service center includes the device module 240, the device module 230, the user module 250 of the host computer, and the inventory management system for transmitting the device-origin data described above to the service center. 260 or the like.

  In step S3202, search for contract information corresponding to the ID transmitted from the user site is executed. In step S3203, the information retrieved in step S3202 is transmitted from the service center to the user site.

  In step S3204, display processing of the information transmitted in step S3203 is performed by the device on the user site side. The display process is displayed on a display unit provided in the PC 208, the printer 100a, or the like at the user site. Here, the display unit corresponds to the display 304 in FIG. 3, the operation unit 607 in FIG. 6, the operation unit 707 in FIG.

  Also, display examples (display information) shown in FIGS. 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 41 described later are all stored in the storage unit such as the database server 201 and the PC 203 on the service center side. Data to be managed, which are transmitted to the user site side and displayed on a display unit such as the printer 100a, the printer 100b, the facsimile 206, the PC 208, or the like. The same mechanism is used for FIGS. 13 to 16 and FIGS. 22A and 22B.

  FIG. 33 shows a display example in step S3204, which shows contract contents (3306) for each device model (3305). In the following description, the change of contract contents for each device will be described. Further, the type of device indicated by 3305 in FIG. 33 is not limited to a printer, and devices such as a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction peripheral, and a personal computer are assumed. Also, FIGS. 34 to 41 are not limited to printers.

  FIG. 34 is also a display example in step S3204. The display information includes the device device (3401) owned by the user, the ID (3402) corresponding to the device, the contract status (3403), and the number of outputs per device (3404). The output unit price per sheet (3405) corresponding to the contract status, the billing amount (3406) based on the output unit price per sheet, and the contract period (3407) corresponding to each device are displayed. The number of output sheets for each device (3404) shows a form corresponding to the unbilled number of sheets. In addition, the total number of printed sheets within the contract period, the total number of printed sheets for a predetermined period such as month, week, etc. are displayed. It is also envisaged herein. Further, based on the mechanism of the first to third embodiments, the number of output sheets (3404) is counted at the service center every predetermined period, and the billing calculation process is executed at the service center according to the counted number. Since the display information as shown in FIG. 34 can be viewed on the user site, the user can clearly know to which device the contract should be updated when updating the contract. The acquisition of the output number 3404 for each device and consumable in the service center is the same as the mechanism described in the first, second, and third embodiments, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In step S3205, information specifying a device to be contracted is input in response to an instruction input in a check field 3304 in FIG.

  In step S3206, the information about the contract target device input in step S3205 is transmitted from the user site to the service center together with the ID (ID in step S3201).

  In the service center, a detailed information search based on the information specifying the contract device transmitted from the user site and the ID transmitted in step S3206 is executed, and the search result is transmitted to the user site (S3207).

  FIG. 35 shows a display example on the user site of the information transmitted in step S3207. The display example of FIG. 35 shows the result of selecting LBP-A2 (meaning the second LBP) in FIG. Reference numeral 3503 indicates that “a“ spot maintenance contract ”is signed to LBP-A2 until December 31, 2001”. Reference numeral 3505 denotes a check field for the user to select contract contents to be changed. When an input is made in the check field, a mark that can be identified by the user is added to the screen. Reference numeral 3507 denotes an instruction button for displaying detailed information of each contract content. When an input is made to the instruction button, details of each contract content are displayed on the screen. The instruction button for displaying the detailed contents is also displayed as 3307 in FIG. 33. By doing so, the user can confirm the contract contents in advance.

  36 and 37 show data stored and managed in the database server 201 of the service center, and correspond to the instruction information and ID of the detail buttons 3307 and 3507 in the detailed diagrams 33 and 35 described above (S3209). Then, it is transmitted to the user side (S3210) and viewed. Here, the details of each contract shown in FIGS. 36 (A) and 36 (B) will be described.

(Spot maintenance contract)
The spot maintenance contract is a form in which only a CRG (cartridge) usage fee is included in the fee, and a business trip fee, a repair fee, a parts fee, etc. are paid each time.

(Basic maintenance contract)
For basic maintenance contracts, in addition to CRG usage fees, periodic visit maintenance, and costs associated with repairs, such as business trip fees, repair fees, and parts costs, if the repair amount within the contract period does not exceed the upper limit Everything can be repaired free of charge regardless of the number of repairs. The amount exceeding the upper limit will be settled at the actual cost. FIG. 36B shows a case where the upper limit amount for each model is stored and managed, and is stored and managed in the database server 201 as in FIG.

(General maintenance contract)
General maintenance contracts, in addition to CRG usage fees, regular visit maintenance during the contract period, business trip charges, repair charges, parts charges, etc., incurring costs related to repairs, with the exception of exceptions regardless of the number of repairs and the amount All are free of charge.

  Users can select and change these terms and conditions at any time. For example, assuming that the failure frequency is low in the first year after purchasing a printer, you can select a spot maintenance contract, select a basic maintenance contract in the second year, and a general maintenance contract in the third year and later. It is.

  The type and content of the contract is not limited to these three types. For example, an instruction to select whether or not to use an option relating to an image forming apparatus such as a scanner and a reserved printing, such as an HD and a sorter. It is also possible to consider a contract in which a button is provided on the display of FIG. In this case, a billing table is assumed in which data is stored in the billing table shown in FIG.

  FIG. 37 shows data indicating the charge amount per print output print according to the contract contents, and shows the charge amounts per print output of various maintenance contracts corresponding to LBP-A, B, C, and D. ing. As described above, there are cases where the charge amount per sheet includes a maintenance fee and cases where the charge amount does not include the maintenance fee, as described above. In S3206, when information specifying the device is transmitted to the service center, only the billing table display information corresponding to the device specified as information to be browsed by the user is transmitted from the service center to the user site. Then, it becomes more convenient for the user.

  Further, according to the present invention, the charge amount to the user is calculated at the service center according to the number of print output sheets of the image forming apparatus and the amount of print output sheets per sheet obtained from the charging table as shown in FIGS. The Note that the service center acquires information about the number of printed output sheets of the image forming apparatus at the user site as described in FIGS. 12, 17B, 24, 27, etc. in the first to third embodiments. The detailed description will be omitted.

  36 and 37 may be displayed at the same time or may be displayed in a switching manner. Although not shown in the figure, if an instruction button such as “Return” is provided to return to the screen that was viewed immediately before, the screen shown in FIGS. 33 and 35 can be returned.

  On the other hand, when the detailed button is not input in step S3208 (No in S3208), or after the processing in S3209 and S3210 is performed, in response to an instruction from the user via the screen in FIG. 35 in S3211. The contract update information (corresponding to the input of 3509 in FIG. 35) is transmitted from the user site to the service center in S3212 where the contract information specifying the maintenance mode is input. This contract update information includes at least information for identifying a maintenance mode for a certain device generated via the screen of FIG. 35 and an ID. The service center that has received the information transmitted in step S3212 transmits information for specifying the contract period to the user site (not shown). An example of the display is shown in FIG.

  Further, in step S3213, when the contract period is input via 3804 in FIG. 38 and the “OK button” 3806 is input, the transmission of the period designation information for the new contract specifies the ID, device, and maintenance mode. It is performed from the user site to the service center together with information.

  In S3214, transmission of contract confirmation screen information according to S3213 from the service center is transmitted to the user site. A display example at the user site is shown in FIG. If the user agrees to this (input of the approval button 3905 in FIG. 39), information indicating approval is transmitted from the user site to the service center.

  The service center that has received the approval information transmits information as shown in FIG. 40 to the user site (not shown in the flow). The display information includes instruction button information (4005) for executing printing. When the button is input, print output corresponding to the displayed information is executed. When the device displaying the information of FIG. 40 is a personal computer (PC), the print output is from a printer connected to the PC, or the device displaying FIG. In the case of the device device, output processing is performed in the own device.

  The contract information management in the server after the process shown in FIG. 40 is completed will be described. In FIG. 40, when the user's contract content is finally changed, or when it is scheduled to be changed during the designated period, the screen as shown in FIG. 34 is displayed with new contract content. The contents are changed, and the contents of the corresponding data are also changed. The changed data is stored in the storage unit such as the database server 201 and the PC 203 on the service center side, and can be browsed by the user.

  Referring to FIG. 35, the “spot maintenance contract” is concluded as the contract information for LBP-A2 until December 31, 2001. However, the contract information for 2002 is shown in FIG. When the user gives an instruction to enter a “basic maintenance contract” from January 01 to June 30, 2002, the display in FIG. 34 is changed as shown in FIG. Further, the information stored in the storage unit such as the database server 201 and the PC 203 is also changed from the information shown in FIG. 34 to the information shown in FIG. When the database server 201 and the PC 203 recognize that the model has been changed from “spot contract” to “basic maintenance contract” in LBPA, the storage table in FIG. 37 is referred to, and the unit price per sheet is from 10 yen to 13 The data is changed to a circle, and data as shown in FIG. 41 is generated and managed. In FIG. 41, the contracted model (4108) and the contracted model (4109) are displayed so as to be identifiable, and data corresponding to the model is stored in the database server 201 and the PC 203. . Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that a model whose contract has expired is displayed in an identifiable manner.

  The management table as shown in FIGS. 34 and 41 as described above is stored and managed by the database server 201 and the PC 203, so that the usage status information such as the number of prints transmitted from the user site with the ID is used. , And the billing amount information is transmitted to the user every predetermined period based on the number of printed sheets corresponding to the received ID and the tables shown in FIGS. In addition, the display example which shows the bill amount information displayed on a user destination corresponds to the display example shown in FIG.

  At this time, user ID, model ID (machine number ID), contract ID, etc. can be considered as IDs transmitted from the user site together with usage status information. These ID information is a non-volatile information provided in the cartridge. This information is stored in the storage memory, the non-volatile memory provided in the image forming apparatus, or the storage unit of the PC 208, and is information for specifying which device the usage status information is.

  In addition, regarding a mechanism in which usage status information such as the number of output sheets for each image forming apparatus (printer 100a, printer 100b, facsimile 206, etc.) or for each consumable is transmitted from the user site side to the service center together with the ID, This is the same as that described in FIGS. 12, 17 (b), 24, 27, etc. of the first to third embodiments. That is, the present invention assumes a form in which the usage status information is transmitted from the PC 208 together with the ID and a mode in which the usage status information is transmitted from the device device body together with the ID. The ID transmitted together with the use status information of the image forming apparatus or the consumable is preferably the same ID as the ID (user ID) for specifying the contract information of a specific user in S3201 of FIG. However, it is possible to achieve the object of the present invention even with a different ID.

  A further application example of the fifth embodiment described above will be described below.

  (1) In the description of S3201 to S3204 in FIG. 32, a user ID has been described as an example of an ID for identifying user contract information. However, the present invention is not limited to a user ID. The present invention can also be applied to “apparatus ID”, “consumable ID” such as a toner cartridge, “contract ID corresponding to a specific apparatus and consumable”, and the like. That is, the object of the present invention can be achieved as long as it is an ID that can specify the contract contents and the device to be contracted. For example, by applying any one of the device body ID, the consumable ID, the specific device, the contract ID corresponding to the consumable, etc. to the ID transmitted from the user site to the service center in S3201 of FIG. 32, FIG. Each step process is executed for a specific device or consumable. This is useful when, for example, contract modification target models are narrowed down in advance.

  (2) In the display example in step 3204, the form in which the contract content corresponding to the device main body of the image forming apparatus is displayed has been described. However, the consumable ID is related to the ID (user ID) transmitted in S3201. It is also assumed in the present invention that the contract contents for each consumable item (for example, cartridge) are displayed. Here, the ID for each consumable is managed by the database server 201 in association with the user ID, and the CPU 301 can search the consumable used by the user from the user ID, and contract management for each consumable ID. Is done. Here, by combining the mechanism for obtaining the usage status information such as the number of printed output for each consumable in the service center described in the first to third embodiments, the charge per print can be charged by a specific consumable. It will be done according to the contents of the contract. Further, when the consumable item is provided with a storage unit for storing the ID, even if the consumable item is used by moving between a plurality of devices within the contract target range, the consumable item depends on the device to which the consumable item is attached Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to manage consumables contracts and usage conditions across a plurality of devices. Thus, in the form of managing the ID for each consumable, the ID in each step of FIG. 32 corresponds to the consumable ID, and each display screen is not displayed for each device, but for each consumable. Will be done.

  (3) The database server 201 installed in the service center manages information such as the usage status, failure status, and usage period of the image forming apparatus of a specific user, and the maintenance shown in FIG. 36 according to the managed information. If appropriate maintenance contract information is generated or searched from the contract and notified to the user site, the user can be easily provided with a maintenance service according to the consumption status of the image forming apparatus. For example, the failure information of the device (printer or the like) owned by the user as described with reference to FIG. 21 of the first embodiment is stored in the database server 201 and is appropriately set in accordance with the model and the failure status. The contents of the contract can be notified to the user.

  In the present invention, it is also possible to automatically switch a plurality of contracts such as “general maintenance contract”, “basic maintenance contract”, and “spot maintenance contract” shown in FIG. is there. For example, appropriate contract information corresponding to the usage status (total number of printed output sheets and various fault statuses) for each device model is stored in the database server 201 in advance, and the user's device malfunction as described in FIG. By receiving the information, it is possible to automatically provide an appropriate maintenance contract to the user. Furthermore, when the contents of the maintenance contract are automatically changed and the contents of the contract information stored in the database server 201 are updated, an e-mail or the like for notifying the user is transmitted and confirmed. In addition, the maintenance contract can be automatically changed.

<Effects of Fifth Embodiment>
According to the cartridge management system of the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) Since the maintenance fee is included in the charge amount per sheet printed out by the device, it is possible to provide a system that can flexibly cope with changes in the maintenance contract contents from the user. . By providing a billing table as shown in FIG. 37 in the service center, it is possible to set a print output fee per sheet corresponding to each device, consumable, and user, which meets the needs of the user. It is possible to build a system that provides maintenance contracts.

  (2) The user can arbitrarily select a plurality of contract conditions such as a spot maintenance contract, a basic maintenance contract, and a general maintenance contract according to the desired maintenance mode via the user interface shown in FIGS. Users can select and change these terms and conditions at any time. For example, assuming that the failure frequency is low in the first year after purchasing a printer, you can select a spot maintenance contract, select a basic maintenance contract in the second year, and a general maintenance contract in the third year and later. It is.

  Note that the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer), and a device (for example, a copying machine and a facsimile device) including a single device. You may apply to.

  The object of the present invention is to realize the functions of the first to fifth embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, FIGS. 17 to 18, FIGS. 21, 24, 28, 30, and 32. The program code of the indicated procedure is classified into a device module, a user module, and a service module according to the execution subject and recorded on a storage medium, and the storage medium (or recording medium) is recorded on the device that is the execution subject, It is also achieved by supplying each to a personal computer and reading them out and executing the program code stored in the storage medium (or CPU or MPU).

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. A case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. This includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The present invention is not limited to toner, and can be applied to all consumables such as a photosensitive drum, a fixing member, and a cleaning member.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the cartridge management system in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the user site and service center in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of a personal computer. It is sectional drawing of a facsimile. It is sectional drawing of a printer. It is a block diagram of a printer. It is a block diagram of a facsimile. FIG. 3 is an external view of a toner cartridge including a memory. It is a figure which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in the memory with which a cartridge is provided. 3 is a system flowchart illustrating a procedure of transmitting and receiving a toner low signal in the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a service center that has received a toner low signal in the first embodiment. It is a system flow chart which shows transmission and processing of billing information in a 1st embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen that prompts cartridge replacement. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for adjusting the cartridge replacement date and time. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen that prompts confirmation of delivery and collection schedule of a cartridge. It is a figure which shows an example of UI screen which notifies billing amount. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of print number transmission in a device. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure at the time of cartridge replacement | exchange in a device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the analysis system which estimates the toner out of the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the analysis system which estimates the toner out of the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. It is a system flowchart from transmitting defect information from a user to repairing. It is a figure which shows an example of UI screen for adjusting repair date and time, and UI screen for notifying malfunction content. It is a figure which shows an example of the data which each device hold | maintains in 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a system flowchart illustrating transmission and processing of billing information in the second embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the analysis system which estimates the toner out of the cartridge in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the analysis system which estimates the toner out of the cartridge in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline of the cartridge management system in 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a service center that has received a toner low signal according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the user site and service center in 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a system flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting and receiving a toner low signal according to a fourth embodiment. It is a diagram for explaining how to sell, collect, and maintain a conventional toner cartridge. It is a flowchart of an example of the contract process between the user site and service center in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of UI screen which shows the contract condition for every user in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory | storage content of UI screen which shows the contract condition for every user in 5th Embodiment, or a database server. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory content of the UI screen for performing contract change in 5th Embodiment, or a database server. It is a figure which shows an example of UI screen for confirming the contract content in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of UI screen for confirming the contract content in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of UI screen for performing designation | designated of the contract period in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of UI screen for performing contract change confirmation in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of UI screen for confirming contract change confirmation in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory | storage content of UI screen which shows the contract condition for every user in 5th Embodiment, or a database server.

Claims (3)

In an information processing apparatus for managing consumables having a nonvolatile memory mounted on an image forming apparatus,
Acquisition means for storing information on the number of printed sheets from the image forming apparatus in a non-volatile memory of the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus and acquiring the consumables identifier together with a network identifier ;
Storage means for storing a different charge amount per printed output for each consumable identifier ;
Wherein a cumulative number of printed sheets in correspondence with consumable identifier stored in the storage means, wherein the charging amount of the printing output per sheet stored in correspondence with the consumable identifier, the billing amount based on An information processing apparatus comprising: calculation means for calculating. An information processing method for managing a consumable comprising a non-volatile memory attached to an image forming apparatus,
An acquisition step of storing information on the number of printed sheets from the image forming apparatus in a non-volatile memory of the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus together with an identifier of the consumables , via a network;
For each identifier of the consumable, a storing step of storing the charge amount per one different print output storage means,
Wherein a cumulative number of printed sheets in correspondence with consumable identifier stored in the storage means, wherein the charging amount of the printing output per sheet stored in correspondence with the consumable identifier, the billing amount based on An information processing method comprising: a calculation step for calculating. A program causing a computer to execute each step of the method according to claim 2 .

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