JP6272439B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, an emission right authentication information display method, an emission right authentication information confirmation system, a program, and a recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic apparatus that performs processing by mounting a consumable cartridge to which greenhouse gas emission rights are granted is known. For example, identification information indicating that a greenhouse gas emission right is granted is added to a cartridge attached to the electronic device described in Patent Document 1. The electronic device reads the identification information added to the mounted cartridge, evaluates the greenhouse gas reduction by the main device based on the read identification information, and displays the evaluation result.

JP 2010-002442 A (published January 7, 2010)

  However, the conventional technology as described above can raise awareness of greenhouse gas reduction for the user who sees the evaluation result. However, by purchasing consumables such as the cartridge, as a result, the user can Since it is not the structure which shows a user the specific content regarding the emission right of the purchased greenhouse gas, a user will work on greenhouse gas reduction without knowing a specific content.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to obtain a greenhouse gas that is purchased as a result of the user purchasing a consumable product to which a greenhouse gas emission right is granted. It is to provide an image forming apparatus, an emission right authentication information display method, and an emission right authentication information confirmation system that can easily know more specific contents regarding the emission right.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus to which a consumable item to which an exchangeable greenhouse gas emission right is given is attached, and the consumable item can be identified. Extraction means for extracting information from the first storage unit included in the attached consumables, and specific contents of the greenhouse gas emission rights assigned to the consumables associated with the extracted unique information And a display control means for displaying the included emission right authentication information on the display unit.

  According to said structure, the specific information which can identify a consumable is extracted from the 1st memory | storage part with which the mounted | worn consumable is equipped, and was given to the said consumable associated with the extracted specific information. Emission certification information including specific contents of greenhouse gas emission rights is displayed on the display. Therefore, the user can confirm from the emission right authentication information that the attached consumables are authorized to emit greenhouse gases. Also, the user can know the specific contents of the greenhouse gas emission rights by looking at the emission certification information. Therefore, an image forming apparatus capable of easily knowing more specific contents regarding the greenhouse gas emission rights purchased as a result of the purchase of consumables to which the user has given greenhouse gas emission rights. Can be provided. In addition, it is currently unthinkable for a manufacturer / seller of an irregular consumable to apply for a greenhouse gas emission right for an irregular consumable. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not the product is genuine by checking whether or not the emission credit authentication information is displayed. For example, when the emission credit authentication information cannot be displayed, a message indicating that the product is non-genuine is displayed. By doing so, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the image forming apparatus due to the use of non-genuine products.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus of the present invention relates to the second storage unit that stores the specific information of the consumables that can be attached to the image forming apparatus and the discharge right authentication information of the consumables having the specific information, Collating means for collating the extracted unique information with the unique information stored in the second storage unit and extracting emission right authentication information associated with the matching unique information; and the display control means, The extracted emission right authentication information is displayed on a display unit.

  According to the above configuration, the extracted unique information, which is the unique information of the consumables attached to the image forming apparatus, is collated with the unique information stored in the second storage unit, and matching unique information is obtained. If present, the emission right authentication information associated with the matching unique information is displayed. Thereby, the structure which displays the emission credit authentication information linked | related with the extracted specific information is easily realizable.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is a first management apparatus outside the image forming apparatus, and includes the unique information of consumables that can be attached to the image forming apparatus and the discharge right of the consumables having the unique information. Communication is performed so as to transmit the extracted unique information to a first management device that manages the authentication information in association with the authentication information, and to receive emission right authentication information associated with the extracted unique information from the first management device. 1st communication control means which controls a section, The display control means displays discharge right authentication information received by the communication section on a display section.

  According to said structure, the specific information extracted by transmitting the specific information extracted to the 1st management apparatus, and receiving the discharge | emission right authentication information linked | related with the specific information extracted from the 1st management apparatus You can display the emission certification information associated with the. Accordingly, the unique information of the consumables that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus and the discharge right authentication information of the consumables having the unique information are stored in the storage device in association with each other. Therefore, the storage capacity can be reduced, and an inexpensive storage device can be used.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the display control means displays summary information indicating an outline of the granted greenhouse gas emission right as the emission right authentication information.

  According to the above configuration, the summary information indicates an outline of the emission right of the greenhouse gas given to the consumables. By looking at the summary information, the user can recognize the greenhouse effect given to the attached consumables. The specific contents of gas emission rights can be recognized accurately. In addition, the user can be shown that he / she is participating in activities that are friendly to the global environment, and can be satisfied with the environment.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the display control unit includes, as the emission right authentication information, outline information indicating an outline of the granted greenhouse gas emission right, and details of contents more detailed than the outline information. Displayed together with a display request key that accepts a display request for information, and when the display request key is operated, it is a second management device outside the image forming apparatus and is unique information of consumables that can be attached to the image forming apparatus And requesting detailed information to the second management device that manages the greenhouse gas emission rights assigned to the consumables having the specific information in association with each other, and sends the detailed information from the second management device. And a second communication control unit configured to control the communication unit to receive the display unit, wherein the display control unit displays the detailed information received by the communication unit as the emission right authentication information instead of the summary information. It is characterized in.

  According to said structure, the detailed information of the greenhouse gas emission right more detailed than summary information can be shown not only to summary information but to a user. Further, detailed information on greenhouse gas emission rights can be presented to the user by a simple operation of operating a display request key for receiving a display request. Thereby, the user can learn more about the emission right of greenhouse gas, and can further promote the improvement of environmental motivation.

  As the specific information, for example, at least one of a manufacturing number of the consumables, a credit number of the emission right given to the consumables, or an authentication number of the emission rights given to the consumables is included. It can be set as the structure containing.

  The summary information includes, for example, a credit number, an offset certification number, an offset certification applicant name, an offset amount / calculated emission amount, an offset project name, an offset purchase cost, It may be configured to include at least any one piece of date information for which the offset becomes invalid.

  Further, the detailed information may include at least information for explaining an offset mechanism related to the emission right given to the consumables.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus is configured such that when the consumable is mounted, the image forming operation is stopped while performing a predetermined operation associated with the replacement of the consumable. When the consumable item is mounted, the extraction unit extracts the unique information from the first storage unit provided in the consumable item, and the display control unit performs an operation while the image forming operation is stopped. The emission right authentication information is displayed together with standby information to be waited.

  According to the above configuration, since the emission right authentication information is displayed while the image forming operation is stopped, it is possible to display the emission right authentication information at a timing that does not hinder the user's operation.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes a mounting detection unit that detects mounting of the consumable item, and an operation end detection unit that detects the end of the predetermined operation associated with replacement of the consumable item, and the extraction unit. When the consumable is detected by the mounting detection unit, the first authentication information is extracted, and the display control unit detects the end of the predetermined operation by the end detection unit. The display of the emission right authentication information is terminated.

  According to the above configuration, the emission right authentication information is displayed from the start to the end of the predetermined operation, so that the user's time waiting for the end of the predetermined operation can be used effectively.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the display control means displays the emission right authentication information together with a process reservation key for accepting a process request reservation using a process function of the image forming apparatus. To do.

  According to the above configuration, since the emission right authentication information is displayed together with the process reservation key, the user can make a reservation for a desired process even from the screen on which the emission right authentication information is displayed.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes an image forming control unit that controls an image forming unit that forms an image, and the display control unit has a processing function that the image forming apparatus has the emission right authentication information. Displayed together with a processing reservation key for receiving a reservation for the processing request used, and when the processing reservation key is operated, the image formation control means executes the received processing after completion of the predetermined operation accompanying replacement of consumables It is characterized by doing.

  According to said structure, it becomes possible to perform the process reserved with the process reservation key displayed with the emission right authentication information rapidly after completion | finish of a predetermined | prescribed operation | movement.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the display control means displays the emission right authentication information together with a preview display instruction key for receiving an instruction to display a preview of the emission right authentication information, and the display control means When the preview display instruction key is operated, the emission right authentication information is displayed as a preview, and the image formation control unit performs a printing process of the emission right authentication information in a state where the emission right authentication information is displayed as a preview. When instructed, after completion of the predetermined operation associated with replacement of consumables, the emission right authentication information is printed in the same manner as the preview display.

  According to the above configuration, since the user who wants to save the emission right authentication information as paper data can check the output image mode in advance in a preview, an image formed in a desired mode can be obtained. .

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the emission right authentication information confirmation system according to the present invention is a first management device outside the image forming apparatus, and includes unique information on consumables that can be attached to the image forming apparatus. The extracted unique information is transmitted to a first management device that manages the consumables having the unique information in association with the emission right authentication information, and is associated with the extracted unique information from the first management device. First communication control means for controlling the communication unit to receive the emission credit authentication information, wherein the display control means displays the emission right authentication information received by the communication part on the display unit. And a first management device communicable with the image forming apparatus, the unique information of the consumables that can be attached to the image forming apparatus, and the discharge right authentication information of the consumables having the unique information And With managing, when receiving the unique information from the image forming apparatus includes a first management apparatus for transmitting emission credits authentication information associated with the peculiar information to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible for the user to easily know more specific contents regarding the greenhouse gas emission rights purchased as a result of purchasing consumables to which greenhouse gas emission rights are granted. A system for confirming emission credit authentication information can be provided.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the emission right authentication information confirmation system of the present invention is characterized in that the display control means is a summary information indicating an outline of a greenhouse gas emission right assigned as the emission right authentication information. Is displayed together with a display request key that accepts a display request for detailed information having a more detailed content than the summary information, and when the display request key is operated, the second management device outside the image forming apparatus includes: Detailed information for the second management device that manages the specific information of the consumables that can be attached to the image forming apparatus and the detailed information of the emission rights of the greenhouse gas given to the consumables having the specific information in association with each other. A second communication control unit that requests and controls the communication unit to receive detailed information from the second management device, wherein the display control unit substitutes the summary information for the detailed information received by the communication unit. An image forming apparatus, and a second management apparatus communicable with the image forming apparatus, the unique information of consumables that can be attached to the image forming apparatus, and The detailed information of the greenhouse gas emission right given to the consumables having unique information is managed in association with each other, and upon receiving a detailed information acquisition request from the image forming apparatus, the detailed information is associated with the unique information of the image forming apparatus And a second management device that transmits the detailed information to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible for the user to easily know more specific contents regarding the greenhouse gas emission rights purchased as a result of purchasing consumables to which greenhouse gas emission rights are granted. A system for confirming emission credit authentication information can be provided.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the emission right authentication information display method of the present invention is configured to display emission right authentication information of an image forming apparatus to which a consumable item to which an exchangeable greenhouse gas emission right is attached is attached. An extraction step of extracting unique information that can identify the consumable from a first storage unit included in the worn consumable, and the consumable associated with the extracted unique information And a display step of displaying on the display section the emission right certification information including the specific contents of the greenhouse gas emission rights assigned to the.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible for the user to easily know more specific contents regarding the greenhouse gas emission rights purchased as a result of purchasing consumables to which greenhouse gas emission rights are granted. It is possible to provide a method for displaying emission credit authentication information.

  The image forming apparatus may be realized by a computer. In this case, by causing the computer to operate as the respective units, a program for realizing the image forming apparatus by the computer and a computer readable recording thereof are possible. Such recording media are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  In the present invention, the unique information capable of identifying the consumable is extracted from the first storage unit included in the attached consumable, and the greenhouse gas added to the consumable is associated with the extracted unique information. Since the emission right authentication information including the specific contents of the emission right is displayed on the display unit, the user can confirm that the attached right of the greenhouse gas emission is certified for the consumables. In addition, the user can know the specific contents of the greenhouse gas emission rights by looking at the displayed emission rights authentication information. Therefore, the user purchases the consumables to which the greenhouse gas emission right is given, and as a result, it is possible to easily know more specific contents regarding the purchased greenhouse gas emission right.

It is a figure which shows an example of the whole outline | summary of the display processing system in 1st Embodiment. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an example of a schematic structure of an MFP. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a toner cartridge. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an operation panel. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a control unit included in the MFP according to the first embodiment, together with information stored in a storage unit. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a 1st offset credit authentication screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a 2nd offset credit authentication screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st, 2nd confirmation screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a starting control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an authentication information display and reservation reception process. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a control unit included in an MFP according to a second embodiment, together with information stored in a storage unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a 1st preview screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a 2nd preview screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a 1st preview display and reservation reception process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a 2nd preview display and reservation reception process.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall outline of an emission right authentication information confirmation system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an emission right authentication information confirmation system 1 includes a plurality of multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as “MFPs”) 100 and server PCs 101 and 101A (first management device, first management device) connected to a network 102, respectively. 2 management devices), a mobile terminal 110, a notebook computer 120, and a mobile phone 130. The MFP 100 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and includes a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function.

  A plurality of MFPs 100, portable terminals 110, notebook computers 120, and mobile phones 130 are connected via the network 102 and can communicate with each other. The network 102 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network 102 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), or the like.

  In addition, the network 102 is connected to the Internet 105 via a gateway, and a plurality of MFPs 100, portable terminals 110, notebook computers 120, and mobile phones 130 can communicate with server PCs 101 and 101A connected to the Internet 105, respectively. It is. Communication may be performed using the satellite communication infrastructure 103.

  MFP 100 can execute a browsing program and has a browsing function. For example, when the URL of a web page stored in the server PC 101 is designated by the user, the MFP 100 requests the server PC 101 to transmit the web page specified by the URL, receives the web page transmitted from the server PC 101, and displays it. To do.

  The server PCs 101 and 101A in the present embodiment are a leasing company that leases the MFP 100, a dealer that sells the MFP 100, a manufacturer of the MFP 100, a manufacturer of consumables, a cloud provider (a dedicated provider that provides a cloud computing service), a public A server installed by an application certification organization (for example, the Ministry of the Environment) or an offset provider, and stores various types of information related to the image forming apparatus. Various types of information include at least authentication information regarding MFP 100.

The authentication information includes information related to carbon offset. With carbon offset, members of society such as citizens, NPO / NGOs, local governments, and governments recognize their own greenhouse gas (including CO ₂ ) emissions and make efforts to reduce them independently. By purchasing the greenhouse gas emission reduction / absorption amount (hereinafter referred to as “credit”) realized in other locations, we will make up for all or part of the emission of the part that is difficult to reduce. (Hereinafter referred to as “offset”). For example, projects that achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction / absorption (hereinafter referred to as “offset projects”) are implemented by greenhouse gas absorption projects, such as Brazil afforestation projects (mangrove afforestation), ocean absorption projects, Soil absorption business, carbon sequestration method, underground sequestration method and ocean sequestration method, or renewable energy business (including hydropower generation (including the use of agricultural water and sabo dams), wind power generation (including offshore wind power generation), Such as ocean current power generation, geothermal power generation, solar power generation, solar thermal power generation, tidal power generation, vibration power generation, biomass power generation).

  FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a schematic structure of the MFP. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes an image forming unit 20 and a document reading unit 30. The image forming unit 20 is configured to include four image forming stations P1 to P4. Each of the four image forming stations P1 to P4 includes a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a charger 5, and a cleaner unit 4, and has basically the same configuration. However, each image forming station P has identification information individually, and the control unit 201 described later can distinguish the image forming station P individually. By providing four image forming stations P, the MFP 100 can form an image using four colors of toner (developer).

  The charger 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. A contact type charger such as a roller type or a brush type may be used in addition to a non-contact type. is there.

  The exposure unit 8 forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data by exposing the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to the input image data. The exposure unit 8 can be configured as a laser scanning unit (LSU) including a laser emitting portion, a reflection mirror, and the like, or an EL or LED writing head in which light emitting elements are arranged in an array.

  The developing device 2 develops the electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 3 by using toner to make them visible. Each of the four developing devices 2 contains one of four types of toners of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). An electrostatic latent image on each photosensitive drum 3 is formed for each color component included in the image data, and is developed by each developing device 2. Above each developing unit 2, toner cartridges 98 containing corresponding color replenishment toners are respectively arranged. Each developing device 2 is appropriately supplied with supply toner from a corresponding toner cartridge 98 through a supply path (not shown). The toner cartridge 98 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt unit 6 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, an intermediate transfer roller 64, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. ing. Four intermediate transfer rollers 64 are provided corresponding to the four image forming stations P1 to P4.

  The intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 are driven to rotate by stretching the intermediate transfer belt 61. Each intermediate transfer roller 64 provides a transfer bias for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The intermediate transfer belt 61 is provided in contact with each photosensitive drum 3. The toner image of each color formed on the photosensitive drum 3 has a function of forming a multi-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 61 by sequentially superimposing and transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 61. . The intermediate transfer belt 61 is formed in an endless shape using, for example, a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm.

  Transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61 is performed by an intermediate transfer roller 64 that is in contact with the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 61. A high-voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 64 in order to transfer the toner image. The intermediate transfer roller 64 is a roller whose base is a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, or the like). With this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the intermediate transfer belt 61. In this embodiment, a roller shape is used as the transfer electrode, but a brush or the like can also be used.

  As described above, the electrostatic images visualized according to the hues on the photosensitive drums 3 are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 61. As described above, the laminated image information is transferred onto the sheet by the transfer roller 10 disposed at a contact position between the sheet and the intermediate transfer belt 61 described later by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 61 and the transfer roller 10 are pressed against each other at a predetermined nip, and a voltage for transferring the toner onto the sheet is applied to the transfer roller 10 (the polarity opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)). (+) High voltage). Furthermore, in order to obtain the above nip constantly, the transfer roller 10 uses either the transfer roller 10 or the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62 as a hard material (metal or the like) and the other as a soft material such as an elastic roller (an elastic rubber roller). Or a foaming resin roller or the like).

  Further, as described above, the toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 61 due to contact with the photosensitive drum 3 or the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 61 without being transferred onto the sheet by the transfer roller 10 is used in the next step. In order to cause a color mixture of toner, the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 is configured to remove and collect the toner. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 is provided with a cleaning blade that is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 61, for example, as a cleaning member. The intermediate transfer belt 61 that is in contact with the cleaning blade is supported by the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63 from the back side. Has been.

  The paper feed cassette 81 is a tray for storing paper used for image formation, and is provided below the exposure unit 8 in the MFP 100. In addition, paper used for image formation can be placed in the manual paper feed cassette 82. A paper discharge tray 91 provided at the top of the MFP 100 is a tray for collecting printed sheets face down.

  Further, the MFP 100 is provided with a substantially vertical sheet conveyance path S for sending the sheets of the sheet feeding cassette 81 and the manual sheet feeding cassette 82 to the sheet discharge tray 91 via the transfer roller 10 and the fixing unit 7. Yes. In the vicinity of the paper transport path S from the paper feed cassette 81 or the manual paper feed cassette 82 to the paper discharge tray 91, pickup rollers 11a and 11b, a plurality of transport rollers 12a to 12d, a registration roller 13, a transfer roller 10, and a fixing unit. 7 etc. are arranged.

  The transport rollers 12 a to 12 d are small rollers for promoting and assisting the transport of paper, and a plurality of transport rollers 12 a to 12 d are provided along the paper transport path S. The pickup roller 11 a is provided near the end of the paper feed cassette 81, picks up paper one by one from the paper feed cassette 81, and supplies it to the paper transport path S. Similarly, the pickup roller 11 b is provided near the end of the manual paper feed cassette 82, picks up paper one by one from the manual paper feed cassette 82, and supplies it to the paper transport path S.

  The registration roller 13 temporarily holds the paper conveyed through the paper conveyance path S. The sheet has a function of conveying the sheet to the transfer roller 10 at the timing when the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 is aligned with the leading edge of the sheet.

  The fixing unit 7 includes a heat roller 71 and a pressure roller 72, and the heat roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 are configured to rotate with a sheet interposed therebetween. Further, the heat roller 71 is set by the control unit 201 (see FIG. 4) to have a predetermined fixing temperature based on a signal from a temperature detector (not shown). By pressing, the multi-color toner image transferred onto the paper is melted, mixed, and pressed to be thermally fixed to the paper. Further, an external fixing belt 73 for fixing the heat roller 71 from the outside is provided.

  Next, the paper transport path S will be described in detail. As described above, the MFP 100 is provided with the paper feed cassette 81 and the manual paper feed cassette 82 for storing paper in advance. Pickup rollers 11a and 11b are arranged to feed paper from the paper feed cassettes 81 and 82, and guide the paper one by one to the paper transport path S.

  The paper conveyed from each of the paper feed cassettes 81 and 82 is conveyed to the registration roller 13 by the conveyance roller 12a in the paper conveyance path S, and the transfer roller is aligned with the timing of aligning the leading edge of the paper and the leading edge of the image information on the intermediate transfer belt 61. 10 and image information is written on the paper. Thereafter, the sheet passes through the fixing unit 7 so that the unfixed toner on the sheet is melted and fixed by heat, and is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 91 through the transport roller 12b disposed thereafter.

The sheet transport path S is used when a single-sided printing request is made on the paper. On the other hand, when a double-sided printing request is made, the single-sided printing is finished as described above, and the trailing edge of the paper that has passed through the fixing unit 7 is used. Is gripped by the final transport roller 12b, the transport roller 12b rotates reversely to guide the paper to the transport rollers 12c and 12d. Then, after printing is performed on the back side of the sheet through the registration roller 13, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 91.

  The document reading unit 30 mainly includes an automatic document feeder 29 and a scanning unit 90. The plurality of document sheets placed on the placing table of the automatic document feeder 29 are sequentially supplied to the upper part of the scanning unit 90, and the document is read.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the toner cartridge. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing an overview of the toner cartridge, and FIG. 3B is a front view of the toner cartridge. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the toner cartridge 98 includes a toner cartridge main body 142 and a storage unit 150 provided on the front side thereof. The toner cartridge main body 142 includes a waste toner storage unit 141 and a replenishment toner storage unit 143. The supply toner storage unit 143 stores one of four types of toner, and the stored toner is supplied to the developing device 2 corresponding to the toner. The waste toner storage unit 141 is provided with a waste toner supply port 141a, and accumulates waste toner discharged to the waste toner supply port 141a after being used for development of the developing device 2.

  The storage unit 150 includes a terminal 153 and positioning bosses 151a and 151b. The storage unit 150 is fixed by screws 155a and 155b at the mounting position of the toner cartridge main body 142. The storage unit 150 is connected to a connector provided in the image forming unit 20 by setting the toner cartridge 98 at the set position of the toner cartridge 98 in the image forming unit 20. Although not particularly illustrated, the connector has a terminal and a positioning hole, and the positioning bosses 151a and 151b formed in the storage unit 150 are inserted into the positioning hole, whereby the storage unit 150 and the connector are connected. And are aligned. By connecting storage unit 150 and the connector, terminal 153 of storage unit 150 and the terminal of the connector come into contact with each other, so that storage unit 150 and MFP 100 are electrically connected. The storage unit 150 also stores information indicating that the toner cartridge 98 is a consumable item with a credit.

  Information stored in the storage unit 150 is authentication information of the toner cartridge 98. The authentication information of the toner cartridge 98 is information given when the toner cartridge 98 receives the offset authentication, and is registered in the server PCs 101 and 101A. Specifically, the authentication information of the toner cartridge 98 is at least one of a manufacturing number of the toner cartridge 98, a credit number assigned to the toner cartridge 98, and an offset authentication number. The production number is an identification number of the toner cartridge 98 attached at the time of production. The credit number is an identification number for identifying the credit that the toner cartridge 98 has. The offset authentication number is an identification number for identifying an offset given when the toner cartridge 98 is authenticated for offset by a third party organization (public organization). Hereinafter, the authentication information of the toner cartridge 98 is referred to as first authentication information.

  Note that although the storage unit 150 is a contact-type nonvolatile memory here, the present invention is not limited to this. The storage unit 150 may be a non-contact type using radio such as an IC chip, a barcode, and a QR code (registered trademark).

  In addition, a carbon footprint mark (registered trademark) indicating a conversion value obtained by converting the greenhouse gas emitted in the entire life cycle of the product and service (from raw material procurement to disposal / recycling) into the amount of carbon dioxide in the toner cartridge 98. May be attached. As a result, it is possible for a user with high environmental awareness to easily recognize that the manufacturer of the toner cartridge 98 is actively working to reduce greenhouse gases. The carbon footprint mark may be attached to the toner cartridge 98 itself or may be attached to the packing material of the toner cartridge 98.

Furthermore, in addition to the carbon footprint mark, a description of the carbon footprint mark may be added. As a result, it is possible to easily recognize that the user is a consumables manufacturer who is working on reducing greenhouse gases, and to give a sense of security to users who are particularly environmentally conscious. In addition, for users with low environmental awareness, the importance of reducing greenhouse gases can be noticed and promoted, thereby contributing to the prevention of global warming. Note that the greenhouse gases include six types of CO ₂ , CH ₄ , N ₂ O, HFC _S , PFC _S, and SF ₆ targeted by the Kyoto Protocol.

The CO ₂ emission amount is calculated by the following general formula using an LCA (life cycle assessment) method.
General formula: CO ₂ emissions = Σ (activity amount x CO ₂ emissions intensity)
i represents the amount of activity (process) from the above-mentioned raw material procurement to disposal / recycling. The unit of the CO ₂ emission amount is represented by a unit representing weight such as (kg), (g), and (t). The life cycle stage and the amount of activity can be handled as in the following (1) to (5).
(1) The amount of activity at the raw material procurement stage is the amount of material used.
(2) The amount of activity at the production stage is assembly weight and power consumption during production.
(3) The amount of activity at the distribution stage is the transportation amount (the product of the transportation distance, loading ratio, and truck loading).
(4) The amount of activity in the usage / maintenance stage is the amount of power consumed during use.
(5) The amount of activity at the disposal / recycling stage is landfill weight and recycled weight.

In this embodiment, the total of (1) to (5) is displayed. In the present embodiment, the total of (1) to (5) is 7.0 ton-CO ₂ . This value is for explaining the present embodiment, and is not a value calculated using the LCA method.

However, the breakdown of 7.0 ton-CO ₂ is (1) raw material procurement 0.5 ton, (2) production 1.0 ton, (3) distribution 2.0 ton, (4) use / maintenance management 3.0 ton, ( 5) Disposal and recycling 0.5ton.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the MFP 100 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202 for storing a program executed by the control unit 201, and a control unit 211 for controlling the peripheral device 220.

  The control unit 201 is connected to the display unit 51, the operation unit 53, the data communication control unit 206, the document reading unit 207, the image processing unit 208, the image forming unit 209, and the fixing unit 210, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The data communication control unit 206 (communication unit) includes a LAN terminal 206a that is an interface for communication using a communication protocol, and a serial interface terminal 206b for serial communication. The data communication control unit 206 transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the LAN terminal 206a or the serial interface terminal 206b in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 201.

  When a cable for connecting to the Internet 105 is connected to the LAN terminal 206a, the data communication control unit 206 communicates with the server PCs 101 and 101A connected via the LAN terminal 206a (see FIG. 1).

  A memory card 206c with a built-in flash memory can be connected to the serial interface terminal 206b. The control unit 201 can update the program by controlling the data communication control unit 206 to read out a program to be executed by the control unit 201 from the memory card 206 c and store it in the storage unit 202.

  The storage medium for storing the program executed by the control unit 201 is not limited to a memory card, and may be a medium such as a semiconductor memory such as a flexible disk, an optical disk, an IC card, an optical card, a mask ROM, and an EEPROM (registered trademark). There may be.

  The document reading unit 207 corresponds to the document reading unit 30 in FIG. 2, and includes a light source that emits light to the document that has been conveyed to the document reading position, and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light reflected from the document. A document image corresponding to the size of the document is scanned. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data that is an electrical signal and outputs the image data to the image processing unit 208.

  The image processing unit 208 performs various data processing such as shading correction on the image data input from the document reading unit 207, and then outputs the data to the image forming unit 209. A paper feed unit (not shown) conveys the paper stored in the paper feed cassette 81 and the manual paper feed cassette 82 to the image forming unit 209.

  The image forming unit 209 corresponds to the image forming unit 20 in FIG. 2, and forms an image on a sheet conveyed by a sheet feeding unit (not shown) based on the image data after data processing. Then, the image forming unit 209 discharges the paper on which the image has been formed onto the paper discharge tray 91.

  The image forming unit 209 includes a connection detection unit 209a. The connection detection unit 209a detects whether or not communication is possible between the storage unit (first storage unit) 150 provided in the toner cartridge 98 and the connector provided in the image forming unit 209. Specifically, an electrical connection state between the connector of the image forming unit 209 and the storage unit 150 provided in the toner cartridge 98 is detected. When the connection detection unit 209a detects that the connector terminal of the image forming unit 209 and the terminal 153 of the storage unit 150 provided in the toner cartridge 98 are electrically connected, the connection completion signal indicating that the connection is completed Is output to the control unit 201. Although details will be described later, the storage unit 150 stores first authentication information (unique information) that enables the toner cartridge 98 to be identified.

  The fixing unit 210 (corresponding to the fixing unit 7 in FIG. 2) melts and fixes the toner image formed on the paper by the image forming unit 209 to the paper.

  Error detection unit 212 detects errors that occur in MFP 100 from the start to the end of calibration. In the calibration of the image forming unit 209, an operation for raising the temperature of the fixing unit 7 to a set temperature, confirmation of the charging property of the photosensitive drum 3, confirmation of the amount of consumables in the developing device 2, and operation of the developing device 2 Confirmation, operation of various sensors, confirmation of driving of the intermediate transfer belt unit 6, image quality adjustment operation, communication function and electrical system operation confirmation, and the like are performed. The error detection unit 212 detects an operation failure or a failure to be confirmed during calibration, and detects an error, and outputs an error signal indicating that an error has been detected to the control unit 201. Note that the error detection unit 212 may output an error code corresponding to the detected error to the control unit 201.

  Calibration is performed at a predetermined timing when the MFP 100 is turned on, when a consumable such as the toner cartridge 98 is replaced, and the like.

  Safety switch 99 is turned on or off according to opening / closing of an opening / closing door provided on the front surface of MFP 100. Specifically, when the open / close door (not shown) is closed, it is turned on by being pressed by the projection of the open / close door, and when the open / close door is opened, the press by the protrusion of the open / close door is released to turn it off. It becomes a state. If the safety switch 99 is in an on state, the safety switch 99 outputs an on signal indicating that the safety switch 99 is in an on state to the control unit 201. If the safety switch 99 is in an off state, the safety switch 99 indicates that the safety switch 99 is in an off state. The off signal shown is output to the control unit 201.

  Since the replacement of the toner cartridge 98 is performed with the open / close door open, the safety switch 99 is turned off and outputs an off signal to the control unit 201 at the time of replacement. Control unit 201 keeps the electrical system of the operation system of MFP 100 in the off state while the off signal is input (when the open / close door is open, that is, when safety switch 99 is in the off state). Yes. Accordingly, even if the user touches the inside of MFP 100, for example, it is possible to prevent a hand from being caught, an electric shock, or the like.

  Input unit 205 includes an operation panel 50 and a safety switch 99. The operation panel 50 includes a display unit 51 and an operation unit 53. The display unit 51 uses a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), a display such as electronic paper using electrophoresis, a plasma display (PDP), a plasma tube array display (PTAD), and an electron-emitting device. A display device such as a display (FED, SED) or the like, which displays an instruction menu such as a setting screen for the user, a screen including information about acquired image data, and authentication information.

  The operation unit 53 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. The plurality of keys provided in the operation unit 53 are hard keys provided with switches. Note that the operation unit 53 may include a touch panel as a part of the key, or may be configured by the touch panel itself. When the operation unit 53 includes a touch panel, or when the operation unit 53 includes a touch panel, the touch panel is provided on the display unit 51. The operation unit 53 of this embodiment is assumed to include a touch panel. Note that gesture input using a finger wearable wearable interface may be used.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel 50 includes a display unit 51, an operation unit 53, a fax key 31 for switching the MFP 100 to a facsimile mode for transmitting and receiving a facsimile, and a print mode for executing print processing. A printer key 32 for causing the MFP 100 to transition, a copy key 33 for causing the MFP 100 to transition to a copy mode for executing a copy process, and a scan for causing the MFP 100 to transition to a scan mode for executing a scan process. A key 34, a print key 35 for shifting the MFP 100 to a print mode for executing print processing, a special function key 41, a duplex copy key 42, a sorter / staple key 43, a setting confirmation key 44, The operation guide key 45 and the car displayed on the display unit 51 An up key 46 for inputting an instruction to move the cursor up, a down key 47 for entering an instruction to move the cursor displayed on the display unit 51 down, a communication status confirmation key 48, and a numeric keypad 54 An interrupt key 55, a clear key 56 for canceling the input content, a full release key 57, and a start key 58.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the control unit included in the MFP according to the first embodiment, together with information stored in the storage unit. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control unit 201 includes an operation reception unit 221 that receives a user operation, a calibration detection unit (operation end detection unit) 223, an extraction unit (extraction unit) 225, and a collation unit (collation) Means) 227, an authentication information receiving unit 229 (first communication control unit, second communication control unit), a display control unit (display control unit) 231, and an image formation control unit (image formation control unit) 241. .

  Storage unit (second storage unit) 202 is a storage unit that stores various types of information of MFP 100, and stores second authentication information 251. The second authentication information 251 is authentication information (emission right authentication information, summary information) of the toner cartridge 98 that is compatible with the MFP 100, and the administrator of the MFP 100 properly acquires information registered in the server PCs 101 and 101A. It is updated by doing. Note that the administrator of the MFP 100 has an access right to the server PCs 101 and 101A, whereby the second authentication information 251 can be updated.

  The storage unit 202 stores the second authentication information, which is such summary information, in association with both pieces of information together with the first authentication information. The first authentication information is unique information that can identify the toner cartridge that is a consumable, and based on the first authentication information, the second authentication information given to the toner cartridge (consumable) is extracted. Can do. Here, the server PCs 101 and 101A register that the toner cartridge 98 has received the offset authentication, and the information registered by the server PCs 101 and 101A includes the first for identifying the toner cartridge 98. Authentication information and second authentication information 251 are included.

  Specifically, the first authentication information is at least one of a manufacturing number of the toner cartridge 98, a credit number assigned to the toner cartridge 98, and an offset authentication number. The production number is an identification number of the toner cartridge 98 attached at the time of production. The credit number is an identification number for identifying the credit that the toner cartridge 98 has. The offset authentication number is an identification number for identifying an offset given when the toner cartridge 98 is authenticated for offset by a third party organization (public organization).

  The second certification information includes the offset certification applicant name, consumables sales company name, offset amount / calculated emission amount, offset project name, offset purchase cost (donation), and information on the date on which the offset becomes invalid. . The offset authentication applicant name is information for identifying a person who applied for offset authentication. The consumable sales company name is information for identifying the sales company that sells the toner cartridge 98.

  The calibration detection unit 223 detects the start and end of calibration. In this embodiment, the calibration detection unit 223 detects the start of calibration when a signal output from the safety switch 99 changes from an off signal to an on signal after a consumable item such as the toner cartridge 98 is replaced. To do. Specifically, when the connection completion signal is input from the safety switch 99, it is determined that the calibration is started, and the calibration start signal is output to the extraction unit 225. Further, upon detecting the start of calibration, the calibration detection unit 223 determines that the calibration is completed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time of detection, and outputs a calibration end signal to the display control unit 231. The predetermined elapsed time after the detection of communication possible by the connection detection unit (mounting detection means) 209a used to determine the end of calibration is a value determined by the time required for calibration.

  Note that the calibration end may be detected by the calibration detection unit 223 receiving a confirmation completion signal from each unit for which an operation check or the like is performed in the calibration.

  As described above, the replacement of consumables such as the toner cartridge 98 is performed with the open / close door opened, and the open / close door is closed when the replacement is completed. This is because the calibration is started. Therefore, it is possible to detect the start of calibration at the timing when the open / close door is closed during consumable replacement.

  In addition, the calibration detection unit 223 can be configured to detect the start of calibration, for example, by detecting that the connection detection unit 209a can communicate with the storage unit 150 included in the toner cartridge 98. This is because, as described above, calibration is performed when a consumable such as the toner cartridge 98 is replaced.

  In response to detection of the start of calibration by the calibration detection unit 223, the extraction unit 225 accesses the storage unit 150 included in the toner cartridge 98 and determines whether or not authentication information that can be extracted is stored. If the authentication information that can be extracted is stored in the storage unit 150, the authentication information is extracted from the storage unit 150. If not, the authentication information that can be extracted is output to the display control unit 231. Here, since the first authentication information (unique information) is stored in the storage unit 150, the extraction unit 225 outputs the first authentication information extracted from the storage unit 150 to the collation unit 227 and the display control unit 231. To do.

  The collation unit 227 collates the first authentication information extracted from the storage unit 150 by the extraction unit 225. The collation unit 227 extracts the second authentication information 251 associated with the matching first authentication information when the first authentication information that matches the extracted first authentication information exists in the storage unit 202. Therefore, the second authentication information 251 extracted from the storage unit 202 by the collation unit 227 is authentication information of the toner cartridge 98 that is compatible with the MFP 100 registered in the server PCs 101 and 101A. Accordingly, the collation unit 227 can determine whether or not the toner cartridge 98 is a genuine product suitable for image formation by the MFP 100. The collation unit 227 determines that the toner cartridge 98 mounted on the MFP 100 is a genuine product that is suitable for image formation by the MFP 100 if there is matching information. Judged to be genuine. The collation unit 227 outputs the determined result to the display control unit 231 as the collation result. Further, the collation unit 227 outputs a collating signal indicating that the first authentication information and the second authentication information 251 are being collated to the display control unit 231.

  The extracted first authentication information is only m pieces of information (for example, item: serial number), and the first authentication information stored in the storage unit 202 is n pieces (n> m) of information. In the case of (for example, three items: a manufacturing number, a credit number, and an offset authentication number), one or more pieces of information (items) may be matched.

  The authentication information receiving unit 229 receives the third authentication information from either the server PC 101 or 101A. The third authentication information (detailed information) is authentication information of the toner cartridge 98, and includes information that makes the contents of the discharge right granted more detailed than the second authentication information 251. In the present embodiment, the detailed information of the second authentication information 251 includes at least information that describes the mechanism of the offset. In addition, the carbon offset attribution destination, the offset calculation emission amount, the credit type, and the carbon offset Including mark (registered trademark). The third certification information may further include information on promotion of greenhouse gas reduction efforts, explanation of guidelines based on offset / calculated emissions, outline of the project, offset target period, etc. .

  When the user operates the operation unit 53 and the operation receiving unit 221 receives an acquisition instruction for acquiring the third authentication information, the authentication information receiving unit 229 causes the data communication control unit 206 to be connected to one of the server PCs 101 and 101A. A transmission request for the third authentication information is transmitted. The server that has received the third authentication information transmission request among the server PCs 101 and 101A transmits the third authentication information to the MFP 100, and the data communication control unit 206 outputs the third authentication information to the authentication information receiving unit 229. The authentication information receiving unit 229 outputs the third authentication information input from the data communication control unit 206 to the display control unit 231 and stores the third authentication information in the storage unit 202 as the third authentication information 255.

  The display control unit 231 controls the display unit 51 and displays various types of information. The display control unit 231 includes a first offset credit authentication screen generation unit 233, a second offset credit authentication screen generation unit 235, and a message screen generation unit 237.

  When the verification unit 227 determines that the first offset credit authentication screen generation unit 233 is a genuine product, the first offset credit authentication screen generation unit 233 stores the second authentication information 251 stored in the storage unit 202 or the second authentication information stored in the storage unit 202. Using the authentication information 251 and the first authentication information extracted from the toner cartridge 98, a first offset credit authentication screen (see FIG. 7) is generated.

  The second offset credit authentication screen generation unit 235 generates a second offset credit authentication screen (see FIG. 8) based on the third authentication information corresponding to the specified toner cartridge 98 received by the authentication information receiving unit 229. To do. When the third authentication information is input from the authentication information receiving unit 229 and the display instruction of the third authentication information is input from the operation receiving unit 221, the second offset credit authentication screen generation unit 235 receives the input third authentication information. A second offset credit authentication screen including is generated.

  The first and second offset credit authentication screens may further include operation standby information. The operation standby information is information prompting the user to wait for an operation. For example, a first operation standby message (see FIG. 7) of “Adjusting the image quality of the image forming apparatus. "Please wait for a while. Detailed carbon offset certification information is displayed on the next page" and the second operation waiting message (see Fig. 8).

  The display control unit 231 causes the display unit 51 to display the first offset credit authentication screen generated by the first offset credit authentication screen generation unit 233 including the first operation standby message. The display control unit 231 switches the screen being displayed on the display unit 51 to a standby screen (standby screen) on condition that the calibration detection unit 223 detects the end of calibration. The standby screen is a screen for accepting a plurality of processes that can be executed by MFP 100.

  As described above, the display of the first offset credit authentication screen by the display control unit 231 is during calibration from the start to the end of calibration. For this reason, the specific information regarding the carbon offset of the consumable can be displayed at a timing that does not hinder the user's operation. In addition, it is possible to easily make a user who waits for calibration visually recognize that the manufacturer is a consumable manufacturer working on reducing greenhouse gases. Furthermore, it is possible to prove to the user who views the first offset credit authentication screen that the toner cartridge 98 is a consumable item with a credit. Furthermore, since it can be confirmed on the first offset credit authentication screen that the credit purchase cost is properly used, it is possible to prove to the user that the credit purchase cost of the toner cartridge 98 is not useless. Further improvement of the user's environmental motivation can be promoted.

  The first offset credit authentication screen may be displayed on condition that the setting for displaying the screen is made in advance. In addition, the first offset credit authentication screen generation unit 233 may store the generated first offset credit authentication screen in the storage unit 202 when a predetermined instruction is given by the operation reception unit 221. In this case, the display of the first offset credit authentication screen may be terminated, and the first offset credit authentication screen may be displayed according to a user instruction after the calibration is completed. The predetermined instruction is, for example, a copy instruction, a fax / image transmission instruction, a mail transmission instruction, a document filing process, or the like. In this embodiment, when these instructions are made during calibration, they are accepted as reservations, and processing is performed after the calibration is completed. Note that the fax / image transmission and mail transmission processes do not use the image forming unit 209, and therefore may be configured to perform the processes during calibration.

  The display control unit 231 causes the display unit 51 to display the second offset credit authentication screen that is generated by the second offset credit authentication screen generation unit 235 and includes the second operation standby message. The second offset credit authentication screen is a screen that is displayed after the first offset credit authentication screen is displayed. The second offset credit authentication screen is displayed on the condition that an instruction to acquire third authentication information is displayed during the display of the first offset credit authentication screen.

  Further, the display control unit 231 displays the screen (first or second offset credit authentication screen) being displayed on the display unit 51 on the condition that the calibration detection unit 223 detects the end of calibration. Switch to.

  As described above, since the display of the second offset credit authentication screen by the display control unit 231 is being calibrated, it is easy for the user waiting for calibration to be a consumable manufacturer working on greenhouse gas reduction. It can be visually recognized. Further, since the second offset credit authentication screen includes the third authentication information, the information about the carbon offset of the consumable can be displayed in more detail than the second authentication information 251.

  Note that the second offset credit authentication screen generation unit 235 displays the generated second offset credit authentication screen in the same manner as the first offset credit authentication screen when the operation receiving unit 221 receives a predetermined instruction similar to the above. You may make it memorize | store in the memory | storage part 202. FIG. In this case, the display of the second offset credit authentication screen may be terminated, and the second offset credit authentication screen may be displayed according to a user instruction after the calibration is completed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first offset credit authentication screen. As shown in FIG. 7, the first offset credit authentication screen 300 includes an information display area 311 and various button display areas around the information display area 311. The information display area 311 displays first and second authentication information and a first operation standby message as operation standby information. The first authentication information includes a manufacturing number, a credit number, and an offset authentication number. As the second authentication information, “black toner cartridge” as the type of toner cartridge, “XX Co., Ltd.” as the name of the applicant for offset authentication and the name of the consumable sales company, offset amount / calculated discharge amount, etc. including.

  The various buttons displayed in the various button display areas include at least an icon 301, a copy reservation start button 303, a copy button 305, a fax / image transmission button 307, and a document filing button 309. The icon 301 includes a character string “obtain offset information”, and when the user presses the icon 301, the third authentication information is acquired, and the second offset credit generated based on the acquired third authentication information. The authentication screen is displayed. The copy reservation start button 303 is a button for instructing the display unit 51 to print the screen being displayed. When the user presses the copy reservation start button 303, it is reserved that the first and second authentication information displayed in the information display area 311 on the first offset credit authentication screen 300 is formed on the sheet, and the calibration is completed. It will be output later. Thereby, since it can be stored as paper data, it can be easily browsed without using the image forming apparatus. In addition, when there is an accounting audit of expenditure expenses such as the use of consumables, authentication information for consumables can be quickly presented to the accounting auditor.

  A copy button 305 is a button for instructing a copy reservation. The fax / image transmission button 307 is a button for instructing reservation for fax / image transmission. The document filing button 309 is a button for instructing reservation of image filing storage for storing the read image data in the storage unit 202. When the user presses any one of the copy button 305, the fax / image transmission button 307, and the document filing button 309, a reservation instruction is accepted. Thus, the user can input a desired instruction without waiting for the end of calibration. The first offset credit authentication screen 300 is displayed until calibration is completed unless an error is detected by the error detection unit 212 or the display of the second offset credit authentication screen is requested using the icon 301. Is done.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second offset credit authentication screen. FIG. 8A shows an example of the second offset credit authentication screen on the first page. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of the second offset credit authentication screen on the second page. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the second offset credit authentication screen 400 of the first and second pages includes an information display area 311 and various button display areas in which various buttons are displayed. . In the information display area 311 of the second offset credit authentication screen 400 on the first page, a second operation standby message as operation standby information is displayed. In the information display area 311 of the second offset credit authentication screen 400 of the second page, the first page of the third authentication information is displayed.

  The various buttons include a copy reservation start button 303, a copy button 305, a fax / image transmission button 307, a document filing button 309, a page feed button 421, and a page return button 423.

  When the user presses the page feed button 421 while the second offset credit authentication screen 400 for the first page is displayed, the second offset credit authentication screen 400 for the second page is displayed. On the second offset credit authentication screen 400 for the second page, when the page feed button 421 is pressed, if the second page is included in the third authentication information, the second offset credit authentication screen for the third page is displayed. . In addition, when the user presses the page return button 423 while the second offset credit authentication screen 400 of the second page is displayed, the screen returns to the second offset credit authentication screen 400 of the first page.

  The message screen generation unit 237 generates first and second confirmation screens, a warning screen, and an error screen. When an error signal is input from the error detection unit 212, the message screen generation unit 237 generates an error screen including an error message. The error message is, for example, a message “An error has occurred in the image forming apparatus. Please contact a service person”.

  Message screen generation unit 237 generates a warning screen including a warning message on condition that the collation result by collation unit 227 indicates a non-genuine product in which toner cartridge 98 mounted on MFP 100 is not suitable for image formation by MFP 100. . The warning message is, for example, a message “This is a non-genuine consumable and may cause trouble in the image forming apparatus.”

  When the toner cartridge 98 is set, the message screen generation unit 237 generates a first confirmation screen including a first confirmation message while the connection detection unit 209a confirms the connection state. The first confirmation message is, for example, a message “Please wait for a while. Checking for replaced consumables”. When the connection completion signal is input from the connection detection unit 209a and the acquisition of the first authentication information from the storage unit 150 of the toner cartridge 98 by the extraction unit 225 is started, the message screen generation unit 237 receives the second confirmation message. A second confirmation screen including is generated. The second confirmation message is, for example, a message of “Please wait for a while. Checking information on consumables.” During this time, a verification signal is input from the verification unit 227 to the display control unit 231. As described above, the collation unit 227 accesses the storage unit 150 included in the toner cartridge 98 in response to the detection of the start of calibration by the calibration detection unit 223. Note that the message screen generation unit 237 generates a message screen (not shown) indicating that the toner cartridge is incompatible when no connection completion signal is input from the connection detection unit 209a.

  When one of the first and second confirmation screens, the warning screen, and the error screen is generated by the message screen generation unit 237, the display control unit 231 displays the generated screen on the display unit 51 (see FIG. 5). The display of the warning screen allows the user to recognize that the mounted toner cartridge is a non-genuine product, and can therefore be used to prevent malfunction of the image forming apparatus due to a non-genuine product. In addition, when the second confirmation screen is generated by the message screen generation unit 237 while the first confirmation screen is displayed, the display control unit 231 switches the screen to be displayed on the display unit 51 to the second confirmation screen.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first and second confirmation screens. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of the first confirmation screen, and FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of the second confirmation screen. Further, the first confirmation screen 430 displays a message “Please wait for a while. Checking for replaced consumables” when the toner cartridge 98 as a consumable is mounted on the MFP 100 and the opening / closing door is closed. Is displayed. Then, when the verification of the first authentication information stored in the storage unit 150 provided in the toner cartridge 98 is started, the screen is switched to the second confirmation screen including the message “Please wait for a while. Consumable information is being checked.” Change.

  The image formation control unit 241 controls the image formation unit 209 to form an image on a sheet. Specifically, the image formation is performed on an image of a screen displayed by the display control unit 231 or image data generated by reading a document placed on a document table. However, when a print instruction (copy instruction) is input from the operation reception unit 221 during calibration, the image formation control unit 241 receives a print reservation and forms an image after the calibration is completed. The screen displayed by the display control unit 231 includes first and second offset credit authentication screens 300 and 400. When the user presses the copy reservation start button 305 in a state where one of the first and second offset credit authentication screens 300 and 400 is displayed, the image formation control unit 241 displays the authentication information included in the displayed screen. Schedule printing. In addition, when the user presses the copy button 305 in a state where one of the first and second offset credit authentication screens 300 and 400 is displayed, the image formation control unit 241 reads the document placed on the document table. The image formation of the image data generated by the above is reserved. The formation of the image of the image data generated by reading the document placed on the document table is not limited to the state in which one of the first and second offset credit authentication screens 300 and 400 is displayed. Absent.

  Here, the image for which the print reservation has been received is formed in the image forming unit 209 after the calibration is completed, but the processing performed after the calibration is completed is not limited to this. For example, processing such as mail transmission, copy or fax transmission may be executed. In this case, the operation reception unit 221 may monitor the start and end of calibration, and output a process execution instruction to each unit responsible for mail transmission, copying, and fax transmission after the calibration is completed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of activation control processing at the time of consumable replacement. The activation control process is a process executed by the control unit 201 when the control unit 201 (see FIG. 4) executes an activation control program stored in the ROM or the HDD. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the safety switch 99 is turned on (step S01). Specifically, it is determined whether a signal from the safety switch 99 input to the control unit 201 has changed from an off signal to an on signal. If the signal has changed from the off signal to the on signal, the process proceeds to step S02. The activation control process is a process executed when the safety switch 99 changes from OFF to ON, in other words, when the open / close door changes from an open state to a closed state. As described above, it may be configured to determine whether the signal input from the connection detection unit 209a to the control unit 201 has changed from the non-connection detection signal to the connection detection signal.

  In the next step S02, calibration is started. Then, it is determined whether or not an error has been detected (step S03). If an error is detected, the process proceeds to step S04. If not, the process proceeds to step S05.

  In the next step S04, calibration is stopped, an error screen including an error message is displayed, and the start control process is terminated. The error message is, for example, a message “An error has occurred in the image forming apparatus. Please contact a service person”.

  In step S05, it is determined whether calibration is completed. If calibration is complete, the process proceeds to step S06; otherwise, the process returns to step S03.

  In step S06, it is determined whether or not there is a print reservation reception for printing at least one of the first and second offset credit authentication screens 300 and 400. If there is a print reservation acceptance, the process proceeds to step S7; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S08.

  In step S07, printing of a screen for which a print reservation is accepted is executed out of first and second offset credit authentication screens 300 and 400, and the process proceeds to step S08.

  In step S08, it is determined whether there is a predetermined instruction reservation reception. The predetermined instruction reservation reception specifically includes a copy reservation reception, a fax / image transmission reservation reception, a document filing reservation reception, and the like. If there is a predetermined instruction reservation acceptance, the process proceeds to step S09; otherwise, the activation control process is terminated.

  In step S09, a process for which a predetermined instruction reservation is accepted is executed, and the activation control process is terminated. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, the authentication information is printed (S06, S07) prior to the execution of the process reserved on the first and second offset credit authentication screens 300, 400 (S08, S09). Prior to the printing of the authentication information, the reserved processing may be executed on the first and second offset credit authentication screens 300 and 400.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of authentication information display / reservation acceptance processing. The authentication information display / reservation reception process is a process executed by the control unit 201 when the control unit 201 executes an authentication information display / reservation reception program stored in the ROM or HDD. As shown in FIG. 11, when the toner cartridge 98 is set, the control unit 201 generates a first confirmation screen 430 and displays the generated first confirmation screen 430 (step S21).

  In step S22, it is determined whether the start of calibration is detected. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the safety switch 99 has changed from an off signal to an on signal. If safety switch 99 changes from the off signal to the on signal, the process proceeds to step S23. That is, the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process is a process that is executed by detecting the start of calibration, and is executed in parallel with the activation control process shown in FIG. That is, the processing from step S23 is executed by starting calibration in step S03 shown in FIG. However, if an error is detected in step S04 shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 201 interrupts the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process.

  In step S23, the first authentication information stored in the storage unit 150 included in the toner cartridge 98 is extracted, and the extracted first authentication information is collated (step S24). At this time, the display is switched from the first confirmation screen 430 to the second confirmation screen 440.

  In the next step S25, it is determined whether or not it is a genuine consumable. Specifically, if the first authentication information that matches the extracted first authentication information exists in the storage unit 202, it is determined as a genuine consumable, and the process proceeds to step S27. And the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S <b> 26, a warning screen is generated and the generated warning screen is displayed on the display unit 51. The warning screen is, for example, a screen including a message “This is a non-genuine consumable and may cause trouble in the image forming apparatus.” Since the warning screen is displayed when it is determined that the mounted consumable is not a genuine consumable, the user who views the warning screen can be prompted to use the genuine consumable. Thereby, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the image forming apparatus due to the use of non-genuine consumables.

  In the next step S27, it is determined whether or not there is a display setting for the second authentication information 251. If there is a display setting for second authentication information 251, the process proceeds to step S30. If not, the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S28, the first operation standby message is displayed on display unit 51, and the process proceeds to step S29. The first operation standby message is, for example, a message “Adjusting the image quality of the image forming apparatus. Please wait for a while”.

  In step S29, it is determined whether the calibration time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of calibration in step S22. If a predetermined time has elapsed from the detection of the start of calibration, the process proceeds to step S45, the screen display is switched to the standby screen (standby screen), and the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process is terminated.

  In step S30, the first offset credit authentication screen 300 is generated based on the first authentication information extracted in step S23 and the second authentication information 251 stored in the storage unit 202, and the generated second offset is generated. A credit authentication screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 51.

  In the next step S31, it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the copy reservation start button 303 is pressed on the first offset credit authentication screen 300 displayed in step S30. If copy reservation start button 303 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S32. If not, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S32, the print instruction in step S31 is accepted as a print reservation, and the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, it is determined whether or not a predetermined instruction has been given. Specifically, it is determined whether any of the copy button 305, the fax / image transmission button 307, or the document filing button 309 is pressed on the first offset credit authentication screen 300 displayed in step S30. If any of copy button 305, fax / image transmission button 307, or document filing button 309 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S34; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S34, a reservation for a predetermined instruction in step S33 is accepted, and the process proceeds to step S35. If a fax / image transmission instruction or mail transmission instruction is accepted in step S33, the accepted instruction may be executed.

  Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, when printing or a reservation for a predetermined instruction is accepted in steps S32 and S34, the displayed first offset credit authentication screen 300 is once deleted. The screen is shifted to a screen for inputting specific processing conditions such as printing or a predetermined instruction. When the input of specific processing conditions is completed, the first offset credit authentication screen 300 is displayed again. .

  In step S35, it is determined whether the calibration time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of calibration in step S22. If a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of the start of calibration, the process proceeds to step S45, the screen display is switched to the standby screen (standby screen), and the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process is terminated. Advances to step S36.

  In step S36, it is determined whether or not the icon 301 on the first offset credit authentication screen 300 displayed in step S30 has been pressed. If icon 301 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S37; otherwise, the process returns to step S31. If a print instruction has already been given in step S31, steps S31 and 33 may be skipped.

  In step S37, the server PC 101 or 101A is requested to transmit the third authentication information. Then, it is determined whether or not the third authentication information has been received (step S38). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the third authentication information transmitted by the server that has received the third authentication information transmission request among the server PCs 101 and 101A is received via the data communication control unit 206. If the third authentication information is received, the process proceeds to step S39.

  In step S39, the second offset credit authentication screen 400 is generated based on the third authentication information received in step S38, and the generated second offset credit authentication screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 51.

  In the next step S40, it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the copy reservation start button 303 is pressed on the second offset credit authentication screen 400 displayed in step S39. If copy reservation start button 303 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S41; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S41, the print instruction in step S40 is accepted as a print reservation, and the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S42, it is determined whether or not a predetermined instruction has been given. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the copy reservation start button 303 is pressed on the second offset credit authentication screen 400 displayed in step S39. If copy reservation start button 303 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S43; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S44.

  In step S43, a reservation for a predetermined instruction in step S42 is accepted, and the process proceeds to step S44.

  In this case as well, in step S41 and step S43, when printing or a reservation for a predetermined instruction is accepted, the displayed second offset credit authentication screen 400 is temporarily deleted, etc. When the screen transitions to a screen for inputting a specific processing condition of a predetermined instruction and the input of the specific processing condition is completed, the second offset credit authentication screen 400 is displayed again.

  In step S44, it is determined whether the calibration time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of calibration in step S22. If a predetermined time has elapsed from the detection of the start of calibration, the process proceeds to step S45. If not, the process returns to step S41.

  In step S45, the screen display is switched to a standby screen (standby screen), and the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process is terminated.

  As described above, the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process ends when it is determined that the calibration time in steps S29, S35, and S44 has elapsed. That is, the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process is a process that ends when it is determined that the calibration is completed in step S05 of the activation control process shown in FIG. For this reason, the activation control process shown in FIG. 10 is continuously executed after the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process is completed. The processes after step S06 of the activation control process are processes executed based on the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process. The process of step S07 is executed when a print reservation is accepted in steps S32 and S41, and the process of step S09 is executed when a predetermined instruction reservation is accepted in steps S34 and S43.

  As described above, the MFP 100 according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus to which a toner cartridge to which an exchangeable greenhouse gas emission right is given is mounted. The extraction unit 225 for extracting the first authentication information and the second authentication information 251 including the specific contents of the greenhouse gas emission right assigned to the toner cartridge 98 associated with the extracted first authentication information. And a display control unit 231 that is included in the one-offset credit authentication screen 300 and is displayed on the display unit 51.

  Accordingly, the first content including the specific contents of the greenhouse gas emission rights assigned to the toner cartridge 98 associated with the first authentication information extracted from the storage unit 150 provided in the toner cartridge 98 mounted on the MFP 100. 2 authentication information 251 is included in the first offset credit authentication screen 300 and displayed. For this reason, the user can confirm on the first offset credit authentication screen 300 that the attached toner cartridge 98 is authorized to emit greenhouse gases. In addition, the user viewing the first offset credit authentication screen 300 can know the specific contents of greenhouse gas emission rights. Therefore, when the user purchases the toner cartridge 98 to which the greenhouse gas emission right is given, it is possible to easily know more specific contents regarding the purchased greenhouse gas emission right as a result.

  In addition, it is not currently conceivable for a manufacturer / seller who manufactures / sells an irregular toner cartridge to apply for a greenhouse gas emission right for the irregular toner cartridge. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not it is a genuine product based on whether or not the emission certification information is displayed. As described above, when the emission certification information cannot be displayed, a message notifying that the product is a non-genuine product is displayed. By displaying, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the MFP 100 due to the use of an unauthorized product.

  Further, the MFP 100 of the present invention is an image forming apparatus to which a toner cartridge to which an exchangeable greenhouse gas emission right is given is attached, and the first authentication information from the storage unit 150 provided in the attached toner cartridge 98. And the third authentication information 253 including the specific content of the greenhouse gas emission right assigned to the toner cartridge 98 associated with the extracted first authentication information. And a display control unit 231 that is included in the authentication screen 400 and displayed on the display unit 51.

Accordingly, the first content including the specific contents of the greenhouse gas emission rights assigned to the toner cartridge 98 associated with the first authentication information extracted from the storage unit 150 provided in the toner cartridge 98 mounted on the MFP 100. 3 authentication information 253 is included in the second offset credit authentication screen 400 and displayed. For this reason, the user can confirm on the first offset credit authentication screen 300 that the attached toner cartridge 98 is authorized to emit greenhouse gases. In addition, the user viewing the first offset credit authentication screen 300 can know the specific contents of greenhouse gas emission rights. Therefore, when the user purchases the toner cartridge 98 to which the greenhouse gas emission right is given, it is possible to easily know more specific contents regarding the purchased greenhouse gas emission right as a result. In addition, since the second offset credit authentication screen 400 includes more detailed information on greenhouse gas emission rights than the first offset credit authentication screen 300, the user can learn about greenhouse gas emission rights, and has an environmental motivation. Can be improved.
<Second Embodiment>
The MFP 100 according to the first embodiment displays the first offset credit authentication screen 300 or the second offset credit authentication screen 400 during calibration. When the preview display instruction is given while the first offset credit authentication screen 300 or the second offset credit authentication screen 400 is displayed, the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment displays the first offset credit authentication screen 300 or 400. In the middle screen, the second authentication information or the third authentication information displayed in the information display area 311 is preview-displayed.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the control unit included in the MFP according to the second embodiment, together with information stored in the storage unit. The control unit 201A is different from the control unit 201 illustrated in FIG. 6 in that the operation reception unit 221 is changed to the operation reception unit 221A and the display control unit 231 is changed to the display control unit 231A. The other configuration is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The operation reception unit 221A includes a preview display instruction reception unit 245. The preview display instruction accepting unit 245 accepts a preview display instruction when the user presses a preview display button provided in the operation unit 53. The operation reception unit 221A outputs the received preview display instruction to the display control unit 231A.

  The display control unit 231A includes a preview screen generation unit 243. The preview screen generation unit 243 generates a preview screen based on the first to third authentication information. The preview screen is generated corresponding to the screen being displayed in a state where any one of the first and second offset credit authentication screens 300 and 400 is displayed by the display control unit 231A. The display control unit 231A causes the display unit 51 to display the preview screen generated by the preview screen generation unit 243. Note that the preview screen may further include operation standby information.

  The preview screen includes a first preview screen and a second preview screen. When the preview display instruction receiving unit 245 receives a preview display instruction during display of the first offset credit authentication screen 300, the preview screen generating unit 243 generates a first preview screen including the first and second authentication information. To do. The first and second authentication information included in the first preview screen generated by the preview screen generation unit 243 is displayed as a preview image smaller than the screen size. For this reason, the user who sees the preview image can confirm the mode after printing before the image formation.

  When the preview display instruction receiving unit 245 receives a preview display instruction while the second offset credit authentication screen 400 is displayed, the preview screen generating unit 243 generates a second preview screen including the third authentication information. The third authentication information included in the second preview screen generated by the preview screen generation unit 243 is displayed as a preview image smaller than the screen size. For this reason, the user who sees the preview image can confirm the mode after printing before the image formation. Here, the third authentication information is information of a plurality of pages. For example, when the third authentication information is an even number page, the odd numbered page and the even numbered page of the third authentication information are displayed on one page for every two pages on the second preview screen. As a result, the user viewing the second preview screen can confirm the third authentication information in a spread state.

  Note that the second offset credit authentication screen generation unit 235 may switch to a predetermined message when there is a predetermined instruction from the operation reception unit 221A during the display of the second preview screen. In this case, the third authentication information received by the authentication information receiving unit 229 may be stored in the storage unit 202, and the second preview screen may be displayed again after processing corresponding to a predetermined instruction. The predetermined message is an instruction acceptance message indicating that a predetermined instruction has been accepted. Specifically, the predetermined instruction is a copy instruction, a fax / image instruction, a mail transmission instruction, or the like.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first preview screen. As shown in FIG. 13, the first preview screen 450 includes an information display area 311, various button display areas around the information display area 311, and a preview image 451. A preview image 451 is displayed in the information display area 311. The preview image 451 is an image that includes the first and second authentication information and is smaller than the size of the information display area 311.

  The various buttons displayed in the various display areas include at least an icon 301, a copy reservation start button 303, a copy button 305, a fax / image transmission button 307, and a document filing button 309. When the user presses the copy reservation start button 303, an image in the same mode as the preview image 451 is formed. Thereby, the paper data printed in the mode desired by the user can be obtained.

  Further, when the user presses the icon 301, the third authentication information is acquired, and the second offset credit authentication screen 400 generated based on the acquired third authentication information is displayed. Various instructions can be input by pressing the copy button 305, the fax / image transmission button 307, or the document filing button 309.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second preview screen. As shown in FIG. 14, the second preview screen 500 includes an information display area 311 and various button display areas around the information display area 311. A preview image 511 is displayed in the information display area 311. The preview image 511 is an image that includes the third authentication information 253 and is smaller than the size of the information display area 311. Here, the third authentication information 253 is information of a plurality of pages, and the first page and the second page of the third authentication information 253 are shown in the preview image 511. Here, although the preview image 511 is shown as an image including two pages, it may include four pages or more pages. Further, how many pages the preview image 511 includes may be switchable by the user.

  The various buttons displayed in the various button display areas include at least a copy reservation start button 303, a copy button 305, a fax / image transmission button 307, and a document filing button 309. When the user presses the copy reservation start button 303, an image having the same form as the preview image 511 is formed. Thereby, the paper data printed in the mode desired by the user can be obtained.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the first preview display / reservation acceptance process. The first preview display / reservation acceptance process is a process executed by the control unit 201A when the control unit 201A executes the first preview display / reservation acceptance program stored in the ROM or HDD. As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 201A displays the first offset credit authentication screen 300 (step S51). Then, a preview display instruction is accepted (step S52), a first preview screen 450 is generated, and the generated first preview screen 450 is displayed on the display unit 51 (step S53). That is, the processing from step S53 is executed when a preview display instruction is accepted in step S31 shown in FIG.

  In the next step S54, it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the copy reservation start button 303 is pressed on the first preview screen 450 displayed in step S53. If copy reservation start button 303 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S55; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S56.

  In step S55, the print instruction in step S54 is accepted as a print reservation, and the process proceeds to step S56.

  In step S56, it is determined whether or not a predetermined instruction has been given. Specifically, it is determined whether any of the copy button 305, the fax / image transmission button 307, or the document filing button 309 is pressed on the first offset credit authentication screen 300 displayed in step S30. If either fax / image transmission button 307 or document filing button 309 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S57; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S57, an instruction acceptance message is displayed. The instruction reception message is a message corresponding to the processing instruction received in step S56. For example, the instruction acceptance message is a message “Copy accepted”.

  In step S58, a reservation for a predetermined instruction in step S56 is accepted. Then, the display of the instruction acceptance message displayed in step S57 is terminated (step S59).

  In the next step S60, it is determined whether or not the calibration time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of calibration in step S22. If a predetermined time has elapsed from the detection of the start of calibration, the first preview display / reservation acceptance process ends. If not, the process returns to step S53.

  As described above, the first preview display / reservation acceptance process ends when it is determined that the calibration time in step S60 has elapsed. That is, the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process is a process that ends when it is determined that the calibration is completed in step S05 of the activation control process shown in FIG. For this reason, the activation control process shown in FIG. 10 is continuously executed after the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process is completed. The processes after step S06 of the activation control process are processes executed based on the authentication information display / reservation acceptance process. The process of step S07 is executed when a print reservation is accepted in step S55, and the process of step S09 is executed when a predetermined instruction reservation is accepted in step S58.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of the second preview display / reservation acceptance process. The second preview display / reservation acceptance process is a process executed by the control unit 201A when the control unit 201A executes the second preview display / reservation acceptance program stored in the ROM or HDD. The second preview display / reservation acceptance process is different from the first preview display / reservation acceptance process shown in FIG. 15 in that steps S51 and S53 are changed to steps S51A and 53A and steps S71 and S72 are added. It is. Since the other processes are the same as the first preview display / reservation acceptance process shown in FIG. 15, differences from the first preview display / reservation acceptance process shown in FIG. 15 will be mainly described here.

  In step S51A, second offset credit authentication screen 400 is displayed. Then, a preview display instruction is accepted (step S52), a second preview screen 500 is generated, and the generated second preview screen 500 is displayed on the display unit 51 (step S53A). That is, the processing from step S53A is executed when a preview display instruction is accepted in step S40 shown in FIG.

  In step S71, it is determined whether or not the third authentication information received in step S39 is stored in storage unit 202. If the third authentication information is stored in storage unit 202, the process proceeds to step S58; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S72.

  In step S72, the third authentication information received in step S39 is stored in storage unit 202, and the process proceeds to step S58.

  The MFP 100 according to the second embodiment displays the second preview screen 500 on condition that the preview display instruction during the display of the second offset credit authentication screen 400 is received, and displays a predetermined instruction during the display of the second preview screen 500. The third authentication information is stored in the storage unit 202 on the condition of acceptance. The MFP 100 is configured to display a third authentication information display button for instructing the operation unit 53 to display the third authentication information on the initial screen on condition that the third authentication information is stored in the storage unit 202. Furthermore, you may provide. In this case, the third authentication information can be directly browsed without going through the first offset credit authentication screen 300 by a simple operation in which the user presses the third authentication information display button. Thereby, the detailed information regarding the carbon offset of a consumable can be freely browsed regardless of timing.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the MFP 100 verifies the first authentication information extracted from the storage unit 150, but the first authentication information is based on the information registered in the server PCs 101 and 101A. You may make it collate authentication information. In this case, the MFP 100 transmits the first authentication information extracted from the storage unit 150 included in the toner cartridge 98 to one of the server PCs 101 and 101A, and the server that has received the first authentication information receives the registered information and the first authentication information. And when there is one or more matching information, information unique to the toner cartridge 98 may be transmitted to the MFP 100 as the second authentication information. In this case, the storage capacity of the storage unit 202 of the MFP 100 can be small, and the collation unit 227 is unnecessary. Thereby, an inexpensive and small-sized image forming apparatus can be provided.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to the MFP 100 having the operation panel 50 has been described. However, if the apparatus includes the display unit 51 capable of displaying a message or the like, the MFP 100 configured as described above. Inkjet recording devices or other devices such as home appliances, consumer devices (electronic devices and devices related to video, sound, communication, etc., or terminals used by general consumers) Applications intended for use in general households, or products / standards developed / designed on the premise thereof, and business equipment (corporations (corporations, schools, government offices)) Products developed on the premise of When the present invention is applied to the ink jet recording apparatus, the ink jet recording apparatus displays the second authentication information and the third authentication information, cleans the ink head, confirms the amount of waste ink in the waste ink tank, and operates the ink head. Target before operation such as confirmation.

Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the user may be a general device administrator who manages the MFP 100, or has a professional qualification “carbon manager” for reducing CO ₂ emissions. Good. The professional qualification “Carbon Manager” enables objective evaluation of expertise and know-how regarding global warming countermeasures, so that the system of the present invention can be understood and used more effectively, and multiple carbon offsets can be reliably used. It can be prevented from being used in initiatives (greenhouse gas reduction projects and projects).

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Finally, each block of MFP 100, in particular, control units 201 and 201A may be configured by hardware logic, or may be realized by software using a CPU as follows.

  That is, the MFP 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of a control program that implements each function, a read only memory (ROM) that stores the program, a random access memory (RAM) that expands the program, and the program And a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing various data. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium in which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program of the MFP 100 that is software for realizing the functions described above is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. This can also be achieved by reading the program code recorded on the recording medium and executing it by the computer (or CPU or MPU).

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM (registered trademark) / flash ROM.

  Further, MFP 100 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Further, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

1 Emission Right Authentication Information Confirmation System 98 Toner Cartridge 99 Safety Switch 100 MFP
150 storage unit (first storage unit)
201, 201A Control unit 202 Storage unit (second storage unit)
209a Connection detection unit (mounting detection means)
212 Error detection units 221 and 221A Operation reception unit 223 Calibration detection unit (operation end detection means)
225 Extraction unit (extraction means)
227 Verification unit (verification means)
229 Authentication information receiver (first communication control means, second communication control means)
231, 231A Display control unit 233 First offset credit authentication screen generation unit 235 Second offset credit authentication screen generation unit 237 Message screen generation unit 241 Image formation control unit (image formation control means)
243 Preview screen generation unit 245 Preview display instruction reception unit 251 Second authentication information (summary information)
255 Third authentication information (detailed information)
300 First offset credit authentication screen 301 Icon 400 Second offset credit authentication screen 450 First preview screen 451 Preview image 500 Second preview screen 511 Preview image 101, 101A Server PC (first management device, second management device)

Claims (4)

Each consumable is given unique information that allows it to be identified,
On the display unit, the summary information indicating the outline of the greenhouse gas emission right assigned to each consumable, which is associated with the specific information of each consumable that can be attached to the image forming apparatus, is displayed on the display unit. An image forming apparatus comprising display control means for displaying together with a display request key for requesting display of detailed information indicating detailed contents. A storage unit that associates and stores unique information of each consumable and the summary information of the consumable having the unique information;
When acquiring the unique information of the consumable to be displayed, the unique information is collated with the unique information stored in the storage unit, and collation means for extracting the summary information associated with the matching unique information, Prepared,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the extracted summary information together with a display request key.   The summary information is any one of offset certification applicant name, offset amount / calculated emission amount, offset project name, offset purchase cost or date of date when the offset becomes invalid, regarding emission credits given to the consumables. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes at least one of the two.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detailed information includes at least information that explains an offset mechanism related to a discharge right given to the consumable.

Images