JP2004050678A - Consumables, consumables management system and management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide consumables wherein management of distribution and quality is facilitated, and to provide a system and a method for managing consumables. <P>SOLUTION: An ink cartridge 11 is provided with an IC chip 12 having a nonvolatile memory capable of noncontact read/write. A terminal RWF for writing a production number identifying each ink cartridge 11 and the information of a shipping physical distribution center LC in the nonvolatile memory is provided in a production factory F. Each transit physical distribution center LC and sales company SC in the way from the production factory F to the home H of an end user of the ink cartridge 11 is provided with a terminal RW for writing the information of destination sales company SC and shop S. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to consumables such as a colorant storage member and a print recording medium, and a management system and a management method for these consumables.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, consumables such as ink cartridges are produced and packaged by a production company, and then distributed through a sales company or a store to a consumer who is an end user. Therefore, information such as the type and the date of manufacture of these consumables is described in the packaging of the consumables so as to be understood even in the packaged state.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, when some trouble actually occurs, the package of each consumable is viewed one by one to obtain information on the consumable. Therefore, finding consumables in which a problem has actually occurred is very troublesome and troublesome.
[0004]
In addition, a problem may occur in the distribution route of the consumables, and a management method capable of easily managing the distribution of the consumables has been desired. Since the information on these distributions becomes clear at each point where the consumables pass, it is necessary to write the information on the consumables at each point in order to obtain more reliable information.
[0005]
On the other hand, consumables equipped with a storage element for storing information on the remaining amount of ink in an ink cartridge have appeared. Since this consumable supplies information in a contact manner, information can be written only when the consumable is not packaged. That is, only the user who opened the factory or the packaging of the production company could write information to this storage element.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and consumables that can easily perform distribution-related management and quality-related management can be easily managed. It is to provide a method.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, an invention according to claim 1 is a consumable provided with a storage element to which information can be written in a non-contact manner, wherein the consumable is produced in the storage element. It is a gist of the present invention to store distribution history information including information on relay locations that pass from a production factory to a consumer who uses the consumable.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2 is a consumable provided with a storage element capable of writing information in a non-contact manner, wherein the storage element stores the stored information even when the consumable is packaged. The main point is that it is possible to read out the information in a non-contact manner.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the consumable according to the first or second aspect, the storage element stores identification information for identifying the consumable.
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the consumable according to the first to third aspects, a writable area corresponding to the relay location is set in the storage element.
[0011]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the consumable according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the consumable is a colorant accommodating member, and the storage element is a colorant accommodating member. The gist of the invention is that it is a storage element for storing information on the remaining amount of the colorant contained therein.
[0012]
The invention according to claim 6 is a consumable goods management system provided with a storage element capable of writing information in a non-contact manner, wherein the consumable goods are used from a production factory where the consumable goods are produced. The point is that a writing means for storing distribution history information including information on a relay place that passes through to the user in the storage information is provided at the relay place.
[0013]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the consumable goods management system according to the sixth aspect, the relay location is provided with a reading unit that reads the distribution history information stored in the storage element in a non-contact manner. The point is that
[0014]
An invention according to claim 8 is a consumable supply management system including a storage element capable of writing information in a non-contact manner, wherein the consumable supplies are used from a production factory where the consumable supplies are produced. The point is that a read unit capable of reading out the information stored in the storage element in a non-contact manner is provided at a relay place where the information passes through to a person.
[0015]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the consumables management system according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, in the production plant, identification information for identifying the consumable is stored in the storage element. The gist of the present invention is that a unique information storage unit is provided.
[0016]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for managing a consumable provided with a storage element for storing non-contact writable and readable information, a method of using the consumable from a production factory where the consumable is produced is used. The point is to write distribution history information including information on relay locations that pass through to the storage element in the storage element, read the information written in the storage element, and manage the consumables.
[0017]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the management method according to the tenth aspect, at the production factory or the relay location, the information of a next relay location at which the production factory or the relay location ships the consumable is stored. The point is to store the information in the element.
[0018]
(Action)
According to the invention described in claim 1, 6, or 10, the recording element provided in the consumable supplies stores information in a non-contact manner. Therefore, necessary information on the distribution history information can be written at the relay place where the consumable supplies pass in a packed state without opening the consumable supplies packaging. Further, the relay place where the consumables are distributed cannot be known unless it is a production factory or a relay place in front of the shipping destination. That is, since the distribution route is clear at the relay location, more reliable distribution history information can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to easily and more reliably manage the distribution of consumables.
[0019]
According to the invention described in claim 2 or 8, since the readout means for reading out the information stored in the storage element in a non-contact manner is provided at the relay location, the consumables are packed in the relay location at the relay location. , The information stored in the storage element can be read. Therefore, for example, when a defective product occurs and needs to be collected, at the relay location, the information stored in the storage element is acquired in a state where the consumables are packaged, and based on the acquired information, The corresponding defective consumable can be easily found.
[0020]
According to the third or ninth aspect of the present invention, the storage element of each consumable stores unique information for identifying the consumable. Therefore, each of the consumables can be individually specified using this unique information. Therefore, even if the consumables are collectively stored in a collection box or the like, each of the consumables can be easily specified. Therefore, for example, even if the collection or the like occurs due to some trouble, it is possible to identify the consumable having the trouble and quickly collect it.
[0021]
According to the invention described in claim 4, the storage element is provided with the writable area according to the relay location. That is, even in a writable relay location, information written by another relay location cannot be deleted or changed, so that the distribution history can be stored more accurately and managed more reliably. it can.
[0022]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the consumable is a colorant storage member, and the supply of the consumable is distributed to the storage element provided for managing the remaining amount of the colorant in the colorant storage member. The history information is stored. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a storage element in the consumable to store the distribution history information.
[0023]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the relay location is provided with a reading unit that reads the distribution history information in a non-contact manner. Therefore, for example, if it is found that some trouble has occurred in the distribution process, the information is read out by the reading means at each relay place where the dispersed consumables are present, so that the consumable having the corresponding troubles Can be easily found.
[0024]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 11, since the information of the shipping destination is stored in the production factory or the relay location, even if the shipping destination attempts to rewrite the information for the sake of convenience, the production factory and the relay location before the destination are stored. Since the information of the shipping destination is described, the distribution route can be grasped more reliably.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a consumable goods distribution management system embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, the manufacturing company PC includes a production factory F that manufactures an ink cartridge 11 as a consumable item and a colorant storage member, and a distribution center that packs the ink cartridge 11 in an individual box B or a collection box GB. LC. The manufacturing company PC ships the ink cartridges 11 manufactured and packed in the distribution center LC to, for example, one of a plurality of sales companies SC provided in each region.
[0027]
The sales company SC ships the ink cartridge 11 to a store S such as a wholesaler or a sales agent. The ink cartridge 11 shipped to the store S is purchased by the end user who is a consumer, and is mounted on the printer 16 in the house H of the end user. That is, the ink cartridge 11 manufactured in the production factory F of the manufacturing company PC reaches the end user via the distribution center LC, the sales company SC, and the sales store S of the manufacturing company PC as a relay location.
[0028]
In the production factory F, a terminal RWF is installed as unique information storage means. In the distribution center LC and the sales company SC, terminals RW of writing means and reading means are installed. These terminals RWF and RW have the same configuration, and can automatically generate information to be written to the IC chip 12 by a built-in program. The terminals RWF and RW each include a keyboard 13 for inputting a process, a monitor 14 for displaying information, and a read / writer unit 15. The lead writer 15 transmits an electromagnetic wave having a predetermined frequency within a predetermined range and receives an electromagnetic wave having a predetermined frequency. That is, the terminals RWF, RW can transmit and receive information by putting information on electromagnetic waves, and can write and read information to and from the IC chip 12 of the ink cartridge 11 in a non-contact manner.
[0029]
On the other hand, the end user mounts and uses the ink cartridge 11 purchased at the store S on the printer 16 in the house H of the end user.
As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 16 of the end user includes a carriage 17 on which a plurality of ink cartridges 11 containing inks of different colors are mounted. The carriage 17 is movably supported in the X direction by a timing belt 19 and a guide shaft 20 driven by a motor 18, and has a recording head 21 below which a plurality of nozzles are formed. Each nozzle of the recording head 21 is supplied with ink from the ink cartridge 11. Accordingly, the printer 16 prints on the paper P that has reached below the recording head 21 when the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 11 is ejected from each nozzle while the carriage 17 moves in the X direction.
[0030]
The printer 16 includes a wireless communication unit 23 for reading or writing information in the IC chip 12. The wireless communication unit 23 radiates an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency so as to reach a predetermined range, and obtains information of the IC chip 12 transmitted from the ink cartridge 11 by receiving the electromagnetic wave by the IC chip 12. Further, the wireless communication unit 23 transmits information on the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 11 calculated from the used amount at the time of printing to the IC chip 12 and is stored in the IC chip 12 every time printing is completed. The information on the remaining amount of ink is rewritten without contact.
[0031]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the above-described ink cartridge 11 is composed of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body 11a and a lid 11b, and contains ink of a predetermined color inside. The ink cartridge 11 is provided with an IC chip 12 on the outer peripheral surface.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 4, the IC chip 12 includes a resonance capacitor 25, a power supply circuit 26 for generating electric power, a rectifier circuit 27, a nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 28 as a storage element, and a control circuit 29, which are connected. Information is transmitted to and received from the outside via the antenna 30. More specifically, when an electromagnetic wave having a predetermined frequency is received by the antenna 30, the power supply circuit 26 rectifies the received electromagnetic wave into a direct current by the rectifier circuit 27, charges the resonance capacitor 25, and obtains driving power. Then, the control circuit 29 transmits the information read from the non-volatile memory 28 via the antenna 30 or newly writes the information included in the received electromagnetic wave to the non-volatile memory 28 using the obtained drive power. .
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 5, the non-volatile memory 28 is composed of dedicated files (Dedicated files) for four applications, and includes a production factory file 31, an ink remaining amount management file 32, and a distribution center file 33, respectively. , A sales company file 34. Each of the files 31, 32, 33, 34 includes a security file 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a, and work files 31b, 32b, 33b, 34b attached thereto.
[0034]
The security files 31a to 34a store permission identification information for identifying writing means that can write to the work files 31b to 34b attached to each of the security files 31a to 34a. This permission identification information is already stored when the IC chip 12 is manufactured, and cannot be rewritten. Further, only the writing means stored in each of the security files 31a to 34a can read the information of each of the work files 31b to 34b. Therefore, a terminal that is not stored in the security files 31a to 34a cannot read or write information stored in the work files 31b to 34b.
[0035]
More specifically, in the security file 31a of the production factory file 31, the identification information of the terminals RWF of all the production factories F is stored. In the security file 32a of the remaining ink amount management file 32, identification information of the terminals RWF of all the production factories F and the wireless communication unit 23 of the printer 16 that can be mounted is stored. The security file 33a of the distribution center file 33 stores identification information of the terminals RW of all the distribution centers LC. The security file 34a of the sales company file 34 stores the identification information of the terminals RW of all the sales companies SC.
[0036]
On the other hand, each of the work files 31b to 34b is an area in which various types of information from the permitted terminals RWF and RW can be written. More specifically, information stored in the production factory F by the terminal RWF of the production factory F is stored in the work file 31b of the production factory file 31. The information stored in the production factory F includes, for example, a unique serial number assigned to identify each ink cartridge 11, the type of the ink cartridge 11, the color of the stored ink, the date of manufacture, and the date of manufacture. For example, the name of the production factory F and the name of the distribution center LC at the next relay location, which is the shipping destination, are included.
[0037]
In the working file 32b of the remaining ink management file 32, an ink filling amount that is an initial value of the remaining amount of ink in the production factory F is stored by the terminal RWF of the production factory F. When the work file 32b is mounted on the printer 16, the remaining amount of ink calculated by the printer 16 based on the ink filling amount stored by the terminal RWF is stored.
[0038]
In the work file 33b of the distribution center file 33, the name of the sales company SC at the next relay location, which is the shipping destination, the type of the packaged individual box B, the name of the distribution center LC that performed the packaging, the date and time of packaging The date and time of shipment and the like are stored by the terminal RW of the distribution center LC. Note that the type of the packaged individual box B is classified based on, for example, the described language or the description items.
[0039]
Further, in the work file 34b of the sales company file 34, the name of the store S at the next relay location, which is the shipping destination, the number of units shipped together, the date and time of shipment, and the like are stored in the terminal RW of the sales company SC. Is stored.
[0040]
Next, the operation of the distribution management system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the production factory F, the IC chip 12 is mounted on the ink cartridge 11 assembled from the main body 11a and the lid 11b. In the IC chip 12, permission identification information for identifying the writing means is already stored in each of the security files 31a to 34a. When the ink cartridge 11 is filled with ink and the ink cartridge 11 is completed, the terminal RWF of the production factory F stores the above-described various information in the work file 31b.
[0041]
More specifically, the completed ink cartridge 11 is transported within a predetermined distance from the terminal RWF. When the ink cartridge 11 reaches the vicinity of the terminal RWF and the ink cartridge 11 is specified, identification information for specifying the terminal RWF, various signals to be stored in the write signal and the work file 31b are generated according to a program. (Step S10 in FIG. 6). Then, the terminal RWF transmits an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency including the generated various information (step S11). Upon receiving the electromagnetic wave, the IC chip 12 of the ink cartridge 11 rectifies the electromagnetic wave into a direct current by the rectifier circuit 27, charges the resonance capacitor 25, generates driving power, and drives each circuit. Then, the IC chip 12 determines whether or not the identification information of the terminal RWF included in the electromagnetic wave is stored in the security file 31a of the nonvolatile memory 28 (Step S12). At this time, since the identification information of the terminal RWF of the production factory F is stored in the security file 31a (YES in step S12), the IC chip 12 stores the received various information in the work file 31b. That is, the terminal RWF determines the serial number of the ink cartridge 11, the type of the ink cartridge 11, the color of the stored ink, the date of manufacture, the name of the production factory F that produced the product, and the next relay location that is the shipping destination. The name of the distribution center LC and the like are stored in the work file 31b. Subsequently, the terminal RWF stores the ink filling amount in the ink cartridge 11 in the working file 32b of the remaining ink management file 32. Then, the ink cartridge 11 completed in the production factory F is shipped to each distribution center LC with the name stored in the IC chip 12.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the distribution center LC, the ink cartridges 11 are packaged in individual packaging boxes B. Further, the plurality of individual boxes B are accommodated in the collective box GB. Then, in a state where the ink cartridge 11 is accommodated in the individual box B and the collection box GB, the terminal RW of the distribution center LC transmits and receives information to and from the IC chip 12 of the ink cartridge 11, The predetermined information is stored in the memory 28.
[0043]
More specifically, when the collection box GB reaches the vicinity of the lead writer 15, the terminal RW of the distribution center LC transmits its own identification information and a read signal via an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency (step S 21 in FIG. 7). ). Upon receiving this electromagnetic wave, the IC chip 12 generates driving power in the power supply circuit 26, and determines whether or not the identification information included in the electromagnetic wave is the identification information stored in the security files 31a to 34a. (Step S22). If the IC chip 12 determines that the received identification information is the stored identification information (YES in step S22), the IC chip 12 reads the information stored in the work files 31b to 34b. The IC chip 12 transmits the read information, that is, the information such as the serial number of the ink cartridge 11 and the type of the ink cartridge 11 stored in the work files 31b and 32b of the nonvolatile memory 28 to an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency. To the terminal RW (step S23).
[0044]
Next, the received terminal RW displays the received information on the monitor 14 (step S24), and generates information to be stored in the work file 32b such as the sales company SC and the packaging date and time as the next relay location by a program. (Step S25). Then, the terminal RW transmits the identification information of itself, the serial number of the ink cartridge 11, the write signal, and the write information generated to be stored in the work file 33b to the IC chip 12 via an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency. (Step S26).
[0045]
When receiving the electromagnetic wave of the predetermined frequency, the IC chip 12 generates driving power by the power supply circuit 26 when the electromagnetic wave is received, drives each circuit, and obtains information included in the electromagnetic wave. Then, the control circuit 29 of the IC chip 12 determines whether or not the identification information of the terminal RW stored in the security files 31a to 34a has been obtained during the electromagnetic wave (step S27). If the received identification information of the terminal RW is the stored identification information (YES in step S27), control circuit 29 determines whether or not its own manufacturing number is included in the electromagnetic wave. A determination is made (step S28). The control circuit 29 determines that the serial number is included (YES in step S28). If the information includes the write signal, the control circuit 29 stores the information in the work file 33b of the nonvolatile memory 28. Write and store various information (step S29). Then, the ink cartridge 11 stored in the collection box GB at the distribution center LC is shipped to a predetermined sales company SC, which is the next relay location.
[0046]
The sales company SC distributes the number of ink cartridges 11 according to the order of each store S. Then, information on the next relay location, the store S, the shipping date and the like is written in the IC chip 12 of each ink cartridge 11 in the same manner as the terminal RW of the distribution center LC (see FIG. 7). More specifically, the terminal RW of the sales company SC reads the serial number assigned to the ink cartridge 11, and reads the serial number, the identification information of the terminal RW, the write signal, and the information to be stored (sales at the next relay location). (The name of the company SC, the number of products shipped together, the date and time of shipment, etc.). The IC chip 12 in the collective box GB determines whether or not it is the serial number and the identification information of the writable terminal RW, and then writes the information in the work file 34b of the nonvolatile memory 28.
[0047]
Then, the ink cartridge 11 including the IC chip 12 in which the predetermined information is stored in the work files 31b to 34b is shipped to the store S. Then, it is purchased by each end user from the store S, and is mounted and used in the ink cartridge 11 in the house H of the end user.
[0048]
Next, a description will be given of a case where a problem occurs in the distribution process, for example, a case where an ink cartridge 11 packed in a country that does not conform to the laws of a certain country is erroneously sold in the country.
[0049]
In this case, the ink cartridge 11 sold in this manner is obtained by the manufacturer PC or the sales company SC, and from the information stored in the IC chip 12 of the ink cartridge 11, what kind of distribution center LC and sales company Information about the distribution history, such as whether the vehicle has passed through the store and the store S, is acquired. More specifically, as described with reference to FIG. 7, the reader / writer unit 15 of the terminal RW of the manufacturing company PC or the sales company SC transmits the identification information and the read signal of the terminal RW to the ink cartridge 11 (step S21). . Then, in response to the signal, the non-volatile memory 28 of the IC chip 12 reads out the information stored in each of the work files 31b to 34b and transmits it to the reader / writer unit 15 of the terminal RW (step S23). .
[0050]
Accordingly, the terminal RW displays the received information on the monitor 14 (step S24), and information on the distribution route of the IC chip 12, that is, the production factory F, the distribution center LC, the sales company SC, and the store S Get information such as. Therefore, it is possible to take measures against the sales company SC and the store S so that the above-described problem does not occur.
[0051]
Next, a case will be described in which it is later determined that a malfunction has occurred in the ink cartridge 11 produced during a predetermined period due to a malfunction of the production line or the like in the production factory F.
[0052]
In the IC chip 12 of the ink cartridge 11, the date of manufacture is stored in the work file 31b. Therefore, the read / write unit 15 of the terminal RW of each distribution center LC and each sales company SC reads out the information stored in the work file 31b of each ink cartridge 11 so that the defective ink cartridge 11 Information on whether or not there is can be obtained. More specifically, the reader / writer 15 in the production factory F, the distribution center LC, and the sales company SC transmits its own identification information and a readout signal via a predetermined frequency (step S21 in FIG. 7). When each IC chip 12 determines that the received identification information is stored in the security files 31a to 34a (step S22), the work files 31b to 34b such as the serial number and type assigned to the ink cartridge 11 are determined. Is transmitted to the reader / writer 15 (step S23). The read writer unit 15 displays the received information on the monitor 14 (Step S24). That is, even if the ink cartridge 11 is still packaged in the individual box B or the collective box GB, the manufacturing date can be read. Therefore, it is possible to easily and quickly collect the ink cartridge 11 in which a failure may have occurred.
[0053]
According to the distribution management system of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
In the present embodiment, the IC chip 12 of the ink cartridge 11 stores information in a non-contact manner. Therefore, in the distribution center LC and the sales company SC in which the ink cartridges 11 are packaged, information on the distribution center LC and the sales company SC as the shipping destination and information on the next shipping with the sales company SC are stored in the IC chip 12. It is possible to store information of the store S that is the destination. That is, since the distribution history information can be written on the IC chip 12 without opening the package of the ink cartridge 11, the distribution history according to the actual shipping destination can be stored at the distribution center LC and the sales company SC, which are relay locations. Information can be easily written on the IC chip 12. Therefore, by reading the information of the IC chip 12 on which the distribution history information is written later, the distribution history can be obtained, and the management of the distribution of the ink cartridge can be easily performed.
[0054]
In the present embodiment, the terminal RW of the production factory F, the distribution center LC, and the sales company SC can read the information stored in the nonvolatile memory 28. Accordingly, the information stored in the IC chip 12 can be read while the ink cartridges 11 in the distribution center LC and the sales company SC are housed in the individual box B or the collection box GB. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily and quickly specify the ink cartridge 11 that needs to be collected due to a problem.
[0055]
In the present embodiment, a serial number for identifying each ink cartridge 11 is assigned, and the serial number is stored in the IC chip 12. For this reason, each ink cartridge 11 can be easily specified using the serial number, and therefore, even when the ink cartridges 11 are collectively housed in the collection box GB, the respective ink cartridges 11 can be specified. Can be easily done. Therefore, for example, when a trouble occurs in the production factory F, the distribution center LC at the relay location, and the sales company SC, the corresponding ink cartridge 11 can be quickly identified and can be collected more quickly.
[0056]
In the present embodiment, the work files 31b and 32b that can be written by the terminal RWF of the production factory F, the work file 33b that can be written by the terminal RW of the distribution center LC, and the terminal RW of the sales company SC can be written. Work file 34b is provided. That is, the writable area of the nonvolatile memory 28 of the IC chip 12 is determined according to the production factory F and the relay location. Therefore, each of the production plants F, the distribution center LC as the relay location, and the sales company SC can only write in a predetermined area. That is, the information stored in the production factory F, the distribution center LC, the sales company SC, and the like cannot be easily changed, and the distribution history information of the ink cartridge 11 is stored more accurately, and more reliable management is performed. Can be.
[0057]
In the present embodiment, in the ink cartridge as a consumable item, the non-volatile memory 28 of the IC chip 12 stores the remaining amount of ink and the distribution history information. That is, since the distribution history information is stored together with the IC chip 12 for managing the remaining amount of ink, it is not necessary to separately provide an IC chip 12 for storing the distribution history information, which is economical.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the terminal RWF of the production factory F, the terminal RW of the distribution center LC, and the terminal RW of the sales company SC can read the distribution history information described in the nonvolatile memory 28 in a non-contact manner. Therefore, when a problem occurs during the distribution process, the information stored in the IC chip 12 can be read out in a state where the ink cartridge 11 is packaged in the individual packaging box B. And the corresponding ink cartridge 11 can be selected. Therefore, quality control can be easily performed.
[0059]
In this embodiment, the names of the sales company SC of the shipping destination in the distribution center LC and the names of the sales stores S of the shipping destination in the sales company SC are stored in the work files 31b, 33b, and 34b, respectively. Therefore, even if the shipping destination attempts to change the information, the information on the shipping destination is stored in the production factory F, the distribution center LC, or the store S, which is the shipping source, so that the distribution route can be grasped more reliably. be able to.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, the terminal RW of the distribution center LC and the sales company SC can write and read information on the IC chip 12. Therefore, the terminal RW of the distribution center LC and the sales company SC can be made compact.
[0061]
In the present embodiment, the terminal RW of the identification information stored in the security files 31a to 34a can read the information stored in the work files 31b to 34b. That is, reading of information stored in the non-volatile memory 28 is prohibited for the terminal RW that is not stored in the security files 31a to 34a. Therefore, the information cannot be easily read out by anyone other than the manufacturer PC and the sales company SC, so that the distribution information is not easily leaked.
[0062]
(Example of change)
Further, the above embodiment may be modified as follows.
In the above embodiment, one terminal RW is provided in the distribution center LC and the sales company SC as a read unit and a write unit that read information from and to the IC chip 12, but the read unit and the write unit are provided as separate devices. It may be provided.
[0063]
In the above embodiment, the non-volatile memory 28 of the IC chip 12 stores distribution information and information on the remaining amount of ink. The non-volatile memory 28 may store other information, or may store only part of the information described above. Further, information at the time of recycling the ink cartridge 11 may be stored.
[0064]
In the above-described embodiment, the work files 33b and 34b store the information of the relay place (the sales company SC or the store S) of the shipping destination and the information of the relay place actually passed. Instead, only one of the information may be stored. Even in this way, distribution management can be performed.
[0065]
In the above embodiment, the terminal RW is provided in the distribution center LC and the sales company SC, and various types of information are respectively written. Instead, a terminal RW may be provided in the store S, and information on the end user who is a consumer may be written in the store S.
[0066]
In the above embodiment, the information written in the production factory F, the distribution center LC, and the sales company SC is stored in the IC chip 12 of the ink cartridge 11 that has reached the end user. Instead of this, even if not all information is stored in the ink cartridge 11 reaching the end user, for example, only the last distribution destination may be known. Alternatively, when the ink cartridge 11 is located at the sales company SC and the sales company SC is the same as the shipping destination stored in the work file 33b at the distribution center LC, information on the distribution center LC is provided. May be deleted.
[0067]
In the above embodiment, the ink cartridge 11 has been described as an example of a consumable item. However, any consumable provided with the IC chip 12 serving as a storage element may be used, such as another colorant accommodating member such as a toner cartridge or a print recording medium such as paper.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since the recording element provided in the consumable supplies stores information in a non-contact manner, even in a relay place where the consumable supplies pass in a packaged state, the packaging of the consumable supplies is not opened. However, necessary information including distribution history information can be written at the relay location. In addition, since the distribution history information becomes clear at the relay location, the distribution history can be acquired more reliably. Therefore, management of the distribution of consumables can be performed more reliably and easily.
[0069]
Further, according to the present invention, since information stored in the storage element of each consumable is read out in a non-contact manner, even in a relay place where the consumable supplies pass in a packaged state, even if the package is not opened. Information can be easily read. Therefore, for example, even in the case where a defective product needs to be collected due to occurrence of a defective product, the consumable product having the problem can be identified and quickly collected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a consumable supply management system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a configuration perspective view of a printer in which a consumable ink cartridge according to the embodiment is used.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a consumable ink cartridge according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram in an IC chip of the ink cartridge.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of data stored in a nonvolatile memory.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process of storing information in an IC chip in a production factory where an ink cartridge is manufactured.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process in which information is stored in an IC chip at a relay place where ink cartridges are distributed.
[Explanation of symbols]
F production factory
Distribution center as an LC relay station
RW Terminal as writing means and reading means
RWF Terminal as unique information storage means
S Store as a relay location
Sales company as SC relay station
11 Ink cartridge
21b, 32b, 33b, 34b Work file as writable area
28 Nonvolatile Memory as Storage Element

Claims (11)

A consumable provided with a storage element capable of writing information by non-contact,
A consumable item, wherein the storage element stores distribution history information including information on a relay place where the consumable item passes from a production factory where the consumable item is produced to a consumer who uses the consumable item. A consumable provided with a storage element capable of writing information by non-contact,
The consumable, wherein the storage element is capable of reading stored information in a non-contact manner even when the consumable is packaged. The consumable according to claim 1, wherein the storage element stores identification information for identifying the consumable. The consumable according to claim 1, wherein a writable area corresponding to the relay location is set in the storage element. The consumable is a colorant storage member,
The consumable item according to claim 1, wherein the storage element is a storage element that stores information on a remaining amount of the colorant stored in the colorant storage member. A consumable management system including a storage element capable of writing information in a non-contact manner,
Writing means for storing in the storage information distribution history information including information on a relay location that passes from a production factory where the consumable is produced to a consumer who uses the consumable, A consumables management system, which is provided. 7. The consumables management system according to claim 6, wherein a reading unit that reads the distribution history information stored in the storage element in a non-contact manner is provided at the relay location. A consumable management system including a storage element capable of writing information in a non-contact manner,
A reading unit that can read out the information stored in the storage element in a non-contact manner, at a relay location where the consumables pass from a production factory where the consumables are produced to a consumer who uses the consumables. A consumables management system, which is provided. The consumable according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a unique information storage unit that stores identification information for identifying the consumable in the storage element is provided in the production factory. Goods management system. In a method for managing consumables including a storage element that stores information that can be written and read out in a non-contact manner,
Writing the distribution history information to the storage element, including information on relay locations that pass from the production factory where the consumable was produced to the consumer using the consumable,
A management method, wherein the consumable is managed by reading information written in the storage element. 11. The management method according to claim 10, wherein, at the production factory or the relay location, information of a next relay location at which the consumable item is shipped by the production factory or the relay location is stored in the storage element.

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