WO2019016868A1 - Information processing method and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

This system comprises a plurality of image-forming devices which can communicate with one another. With use of a communication interface, each image-forming device transmits, to the other image-forming devices, consumable item information that indicates the use-by expiration date of a consumable item and the number of images able to be formed with the consumable item. The image-forming device determines, on the basis of the consumable item information received from the other image-forming devices, whether or not there is a separate image-forming device that has a candidate consumable item 1 among the other image-forming devices, the use-by expiration date of the candidate consumable item 1 being to come earlier than a predetermined expiration date 1, the number of images able to be formed with the candidate consumable item 1 being greater than a predetermined number 1. The image-forming device having determined that there is the separate image-forming device having the candidate consumable item 1 determines, on the basis of the use-by expiration dates of consumable items of this image-forming device and the numbers of images able to be formed with the consumable items, whether or not there is a candidate consumable item 2 among the consumable items, the use-by expiration date of the candidate consumable item 2 being to come later than a predetermined expiration date 2, the number of images able to be formed with the candidate consumable item 2 being less than a predetermined number 2. The image-forming device having determined that there is the second candidate consumable item notifies a user of a proposal of exchanging the candidate consumable item 1 and the candidate consumable item 2 with each other between this image-forming device and the separate image-forming device having the candidate consumable item 1.

Description

Information processing method and information processing system

The present invention relates to an information processing method and an information processing system.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus forms an image using replaceable consumables such as a toner cartridge.

For example, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum portion forms a latent image of an original image, and the developing portion causes toner to adhere to the latent image to become a toner image, and then the toner image becomes a sheet Is transferred to Then, the fixing unit heats the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred to fuse and fix the transferred toner image on the sheet, thereby forming an image on the sheet.

In the image forming apparatus, a consumable having a expiration date is used. Consumables are replaceable. The consumable item is replaced with a new consumable item when its expiration date has expired, or when the number of sheets printed using the consumable item reaches the print upper limit number (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The photosensitive drum portion has a drum cartridge in which a layer of the photosensitive member is formed on the circumferential surface as a consumable. Further, the developing unit has a toner cartridge in which toner is accommodated as a consumable. The fixing unit is itself replaceable as a consumable item.

JP, 2015-184585, A

Two image forming apparatuses may be used in one office. Because the usage of the two image forming apparatuses is not the same, the usage of the consumables is also different. For example, in the drum cartridge of the first image forming apparatus, the expiration date may be reached before the print number limit is reached. The drum cartridge which has passed the expiration date of the first image forming apparatus will be discarded. On the other hand, with the drum cartridge of the second image forming apparatus, it is possible that the printing upper limit number is reached before the expiration date.

In such a case, by replacing the drum cartridge of the first image forming apparatus with the drum cartridge of the second image forming apparatus, the drum cartridge used in the first image forming apparatus can be effectively used. it is conceivable that.

However, no information processing method has been proposed for notifying replacement of consumables among a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to propose an information processing method and an information processing system for notifying exchange of consumables among a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

In one aspect, in the information processing method, each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses communicably connected with each other has an expiration date of a consumable item of the image forming apparatus and an image capable of forming an image using the consumable item. Sending consumable item information indicating the number of sheets that can be formed to another image forming apparatus, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses has a first expiration date based on the consumable item information received from the other image forming apparatus. Determining the presence or absence of another image forming apparatus having a first candidate consumable that has an image formable number of sheets greater than a first predetermined number of sheets earlier than a predetermined time limit, and the other having the first candidate consumables The image forming apparatus determined to have the image forming apparatus has an expiration date later than the second predetermined time limit and the image formation is possible based on the expiration date and the number of images that can be formed on the consumables of the image forming apparatus. Number of sheets Determining whether or not the second candidate consumable has a number smaller than the second predetermined number, and forming another image having the first candidate consumable as the image forming apparatus determined to have the second candidate consumable Notifying the user of a proposal for exchanging the first candidate consumable and the second candidate consumable between the apparatus and the image forming apparatus.

In one aspect, in the information processing method, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses communicably connected to the server uses the expiration date of the consumable item that the image forming apparatus has and uses the consumable item to form an image. Transmitting consumables information indicating the possible number of image formations to the server, and based on the consumables information received by the server from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the expiration date is earlier than the first predetermined deadline, and Determining whether there is an image forming apparatus having a first candidate consumable having a number of image formable sheets greater than a first predetermined number, and the server determines that there is an image forming apparatus having a first candidate consumable In this case, based on the consumable item information received from the image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item, the expiration date is later than the second predetermined expiration date, and the number of image formable sheets is the second. Specified The image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable and the second candidate consumable are determined by determining whether the second candidate consumable is smaller than the number and the server determines that the second candidate consumable is present. Notifying the user of a proposal for exchanging the first candidate consumable and the second candidate consumable among the image forming apparatuses.

In one aspect, the information processing system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses communicably connected to each other, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses communicates with a consumable used to form an image. Using the communication interface, the consumable item information indicating the interface, the output unit, the expiration date of the consumable item, and the number of sheets on which image formation is possible using the consumable item is transmitted to another image forming apparatus, A first candidate whose use expiration date is earlier than the first predetermined expiration date and the number of image formable sheets is larger than the first predetermined number based on consumables information received from another image forming apparatus using the communication interface If it is determined that there is another image forming apparatus having a consumable item and it is determined that there is another image forming apparatus having a first candidate consumable item, the expiration date and image of the consumable item of the image forming apparatus It is determined whether or not there is a second candidate consumable item whose use expiration date is later than the second predetermined time limit and the image formable number of sheets is smaller than the second predetermined number of sheets, based on the possible number of sheets, If it is determined that there is a candidate consumable item, a proposal to exchange the first candidate consumable item and the second candidate consumable item between another image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item and the image forming apparatus is And a processing unit for notifying the user using the output unit.

Furthermore, in one aspect, the information processing system comprises a server and a plurality of image forming devices communicably connected to the server, each of the plurality of image forming devices being used to form an image Consumables, first communication interface, first output unit, expiration date of the consumables, and consumables information indicating the number of images that can be formed using the consumables, the first communication interface Using the first processing unit to transmit to the server, the server using the second communication interface and the second communication interface based on the consumables information received from the plurality of image forming apparatuses An image having a first candidate consumable is determined by determining whether there is an image forming apparatus having a first candidate consumable whose deadline is earlier than the first predetermined deadline and the number of image formable sheets is greater than the first predetermined number. form If it is determined that the apparatus is present, the expiration date is later than the second predetermined time limit and the image formation is performed based on the consumable item information received from the image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item. The image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable and the second candidate consumable may be determined based on the determination of the presence or absence of the second candidate consumable which is smaller than the second predetermined number. And a second processing unit configured to notify a user of a proposal for exchanging the first candidate consumable and the second candidate consumable with the image forming apparatus having the candidate consumable.

As one aspect, consumables of an image forming apparatus can be exchanged between a plurality of image forming apparatuses and effectively used.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the system disclosed herein. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining a memory of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining an image forming apparatus management table, and FIG. 3C shows a consumable item table. FIG. FIG. 4A is a view for explaining toner cartridge information of the image forming apparatus 10a, FIG. 4B is a view for explaining drum cartridge information of the image forming apparatus 10a, and FIG. 4C is a view 4D is a diagram for explaining information of the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10b, FIG. 4D is a diagram for explaining drum cartridge information of the image forming apparatus 10b, and FIG. 4E is a diagram of the image forming apparatus 10c. FIG. 4F is a view for explaining drum cartridge information of the image forming apparatus 10c. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram (part 1) for explaining the operation of the system of the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining consumable item information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10a, and FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining consumable item information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10b. FIG. 6C is a view for explaining consumable item information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10c. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram (part 2) for explaining the operation of the system of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram (part 3) for explaining the operation of the system of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram (part 4) for explaining the operation of the system of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram (No. 5) for explaining the operation of the system of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the system disclosed herein. FIG. 12 (A) is a diagram for explaining a server, and FIG. 12 (B) is a diagram for explaining a memory of the server. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a terminal. FIG. 14A is a view for explaining toner cartridge information of the image forming apparatus 10a, FIG. 14B is a view for explaining drum cartridge information of the image forming apparatus 10a, and FIG. 14C is a view 14D is a diagram for explaining the information of the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10b, FIG. 14D is a diagram for explaining the drum cartridge information of the image forming apparatus 10b, and FIG. 14E is a diagram of the image forming apparatus 10c. FIG. 14F is a view for explaining drum cartridge information of the image forming apparatus 10c. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram (part 1) for explaining the operation of the system of the second embodiment. FIG. 16A is a diagram for explaining consumable item information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10a, and FIG. 16B is a diagram for explaining consumable item information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10b. FIG. 16C is a view for explaining consumable item information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10c. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram (part 2) for explaining the operation of the system of the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram (part 3) for explaining the operation of the system of the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram (part 4) for explaining the operation of the system of the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram (No. 5) for explaining the operation of the system of the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram (part 6) for explaining the operation of the system of the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, a first preferred embodiment of the information processing system disclosed in the present specification will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the system disclosed herein.

The system 1 of the present embodiment includes three image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c. The three image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c are communicably connected to one another via a network N.

In the system 1, each of the image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c determines whether or not the consumables can be exchanged between itself and another image forming apparatus based on the expiration date of the consumables and the number of image formable sheets. Do. When each of the image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c determines that replacement of its own consumables with consumables of another image forming apparatus is possible, it notifies the user of a proposal for replacing the consumables. The user may perform the exchange based on the notified proposal.

In the system 1, although the three image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c are of the same model, if at least two image forming apparatuses have consumables that can be exchanged with each other, the image forming apparatuses are of different models. It is also good.

Next, the image forming apparatus 10a will be described in detail. The description of the image forming apparatus 10a is appropriately applied to the other image forming apparatuses 10b and 10c.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the image forming apparatus 10a.

The image forming apparatus 10a is an electrophotographic printing apparatus. The image forming apparatus 10 a includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a display device 13, an input interface 14, a communication interface 15, and an image forming mechanism 16. The processor 11 is an example of a processing unit or a processing device. The memory 12 is an example of a storage unit or a storage device.

In the system 1, the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge used in the image forming mechanism 16 are consumables that can be exchanged between the image forming apparatuses.

The processor 11 has one or more central processing circuits, registers, cache memory, and peripheral circuits such as an interface. The processor 11 controls each hardware component of the image forming apparatus 10a and performs various processes in accordance with a predetermined program 12a stored in advance in the memory 12, and stores the data generated during the process temporarily. Use 12

The memory 12 may have a semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), or a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk or a flash memory. Also, the memory 12 may have a drive (not shown) capable of reading a computer program stored in the non-transitory storage medium 12 d.

FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining a memory of the image forming apparatus 10a.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the memory 12 stores a predetermined program 12a, an image forming apparatus management table 12b, and a consumable item table 12c. Information of each image forming apparatus provided in the system 1 is registered in the image forming apparatus management table 12 b. In the consumable item table 12c, consumable item identification information for identifying consumable items available in the image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c is registered in association with the type of the consumable item. In the present embodiment, the same information is registered in the consumable item table 12c stored in the memory 12 of each of the image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c, but the registered information may be different. For example, if the image forming apparatus is different, the consumables used may also be different.

FIG. 3B shows an example of the image forming apparatus management table.

The image forming apparatus management table 12 b has a column 301 in which an image forming apparatus identification number for identifying an image forming apparatus is registered. Each piece of information registered in the image forming apparatus management table 12b is associated with an image forming apparatus identification number. The image forming apparatus management table 12b includes a column 302 in which a manufacturer identification number for identifying a manufacturer of the image forming apparatus is registered, a column 303 in which a model code of the image forming apparatus is registered, and a serial number of the image forming apparatus. It has a column 304 to be registered. Since the three image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c are the same model, the manufacturer identification number and the model code are the same. Further, the image forming apparatus management table 12 b has a column 305 in which the installation location of the image forming apparatus is registered, and a column 306 in which an address in the network N of the image forming apparatus is registered. When communicating with another image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus 10a performs communication with reference to the address registered in the image forming apparatus management table 12b.

FIG. 3C shows an example of the consumable item list.

The consumables table 12c includes a column 311 in which types of consumables used in the image forming apparatus 10a are registered, and a column 312 in which consumables identification information for identifying consumables usable in the image forming apparatus 10a is registered. Have. In the consumable item table 12c, TC and UC are registered as consumable item identification information usable as a toner cartridge. The upper limit number of printable sheets (the number of image formable sheets) is different in the toner cartridge identified by the two consumable item identification information. Similarly, in the consumables table 12c, DC and EC are registered as consumables identification information that can be used as a drum cartridge. The drum cartridges identified by the two consumable item identification information have different upper limit numbers of printable sheets.

The display device 13 can be controlled by the processor 11 to display various information associated with the operation of the image forming apparatus 10a on the screen. For example, a liquid crystal display can be used as the display device 13. The display device 13 is an example of an output unit with which the image forming apparatus 10 a outputs information.

The input interface 14 can be operated by the user of the image forming apparatus 10 a to input an operation. For example, a keyboard or a mouse can be used as the input interface 14. Alternatively, a touch panel in which the input interface 14 and the display device 13 are integrated may be used as the input interface 14.

The communication interface 15 transmits and receives information to and from another image forming apparatus via the network N. The communication interface 15 has a communication circuit and a communication line that transmit and receive signals.

The image forming mechanism 16 is controlled by the processor 11 to form an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic image forming process. The image forming mechanism 16 includes the developing device 16a and the photosensitive drum device 16c, and other components (not shown) such as a charging roller, an exposure unit, a transfer roller, a cleaner, a conveyance roller, and a fixing unit.

The developing device 16a has a toner cartridge 16b containing a toner for forming a latent image of a document image on the photosensitive drum device 16c as a replaceable consumable. The toner cartridge 16 b has a storage circuit and peripheral circuits not shown. The storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b stores information of the toner cartridge. The processor 11 can read information stored in a storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b.

FIG. 4A is a view for explaining the toner cartridge information 400a stored in the storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b of the image forming apparatus 10a.

The toner cartridge information 400 a includes consumable identification information 401 for identifying a consumable toner cartridge, a serial number 402, an expiration date 1403, an expiration date 2404, a usage start date 405, and a printable number 406. Have. The expiration date 1 is determined based on the manufacturing date of the toner cartridge. Expiration date 1 is determined by the consumable item and is a period for which the use of the consumable item is guaranteed. The expiration date 1 is, for example, three to five years. Expiration date 2 is determined based on the consumable start date of use of the image forming apparatus. The expiration date 2 is determined by consumables, and is, for example, 1 to 2 years. If the use date 2 comes before the use date 1, the use date 1 is used as the use date 2. That is, the expiration date 2 never comes before the expiration date 1. The use start date is the date when the toner cartridge was attached to the image forming apparatus. The expiration date 2 and the usage start date are information written by the processor 11 to the storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b. In the unused toner cartridge, the printable upper limit number is stored as the printable number. The printing upper limit number is calculated as a case where an image is formed on a sheet under a predetermined condition. Every time the image forming apparatus 10a forms an image on a sheet, the processor 11 reduces the number of printable sheets and writes the updated number of printable sheets in the storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b. The consumable item identification information, the serial number, the expiration date 1 and the upper limit number of printing sheets are stored in advance in the storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b.

The photosensitive drum device 16c has a drum cartridge 16d as a replaceable consumable.

FIG. 4B is a view for explaining the drum cartridge information 400b stored in the storage circuit of the drum cartridge 16d of the image forming apparatus 10a.

The drum cartridge information 400 b includes consumable item identification information 401 for identifying a consumable drum cartridge, a serial number 402, an expiration date 1403, an expiration date 2404, a usage start date 405, and a printable sheet number 406. Have. The expiration date 1 is determined based on the manufacture date of the drum cartridge. The expiration date 2 is determined based on the start date of use of the drum cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus. The use start date is the date when the drum cartridge was attached to the image forming apparatus. The expiration date 2 and the usage start date are information written by the processor 11 to the storage circuit of the drum cartridge 16d. In the unused drum cartridge 16d, the printable upper limit number is stored as the printable number. Every time the image forming apparatus 10a forms an image on a sheet, the processor 11 reduces the number of printable sheets and writes the updated number of printable sheets in the storage circuit of the drum cartridge 16d. The consumable item identification information, the serial number, the expiration date 1 and the upper limit number of printing sheets are stored in advance in the storage circuit of the drum cartridge 16d.

4C shows toner cartridge information 400c of the image forming apparatus 10b, and FIG. 4D shows drum cartridge information 400d of the image forming apparatus 10b. FIG. 4E shows toner cartridge information 400e of the image forming apparatus 10c, and FIG. 4F shows drum cartridge information 400f of the image forming apparatus 10c.

Next, the operation of the above-described system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. The operation of the system 1 shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 is for determining the presence or absence of consumables that can be exchanged between image forming apparatuses, and is executed at predetermined intervals. For example, one day may be mentioned as the predetermined interval.

First, in step S501, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a reads out the toner cartridge information of the storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b and the drum cartridge information of the storage circuit of the drum cartridge 16d, and generates consumable item information. Then, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a transmits the consumable item information to all the other image forming apparatuses 10b and 10c via the network N.

FIG. 6A shows consumable item information 600a transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10a.

The consumable item information 600 a includes image forming apparatus identification information 601 for identifying an image forming apparatus that has generated the consumable item information 600 a, first consumable item information 610, and second consumable item information 620. The first consumable item information 610 is information of a toner cartridge, and includes consumable item identification information 611, a use period 612, and a printable number 613. Here, the expiration date 612 corresponds to the expiration date 2 of the toner cartridge information. The second consumable item information 620 is information on the drum cartridge, and includes consumable item identification information 621, an expiration date 622, and a printable sheet count 623. Here, the expiration date 622 corresponds to the expiration date 2 of the drum cartridge information.

Next, in step S503, the image forming apparatus 10b receives the consumable item information from the image forming apparatus 10a. In step S505, the image forming apparatus 10c receives consumable item information from the image forming apparatus 10a.

Next, in step S507, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10b reads out the toner cartridge information of the storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b and the drum cartridge information of the storage circuit of the drum cartridge 16d to generate consumable item information. Then, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 b transmits the consumable item information to all the other image forming apparatuses 10 a and 10 c via the network N.

FIG. 6B shows consumable item information 600b transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10b.

Next, in step S509, the image forming apparatus 10a receives the consumable item information from the image forming apparatus 10b. In step S511, the image forming apparatus 10c receives consumable item information from the image forming apparatus 10b.

Next, in step S513, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10c reads out the toner cartridge information of the storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b and the drum cartridge information of the storage circuit of the drum cartridge 16d to generate consumable item information. Then, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 c transmits the consumable item information to all the other image forming apparatuses 10 a and 10 b via the network N.

FIG. 6C shows consumable item information 600c transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10c.

Next, in step S515, the image forming apparatus 10a receives the consumable item information from the image forming apparatus 10c. In step S517, the image forming apparatus 10b receives the consumable item information from the image forming apparatus 10c.

The order of the processes in steps S501, S507, and S513 described above may be different.

Next, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a performs each process of step S701 to step S713 on each of the received consumable item information.

First, in step S703, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a refers to the consumables table 12c stored in the memory 12, and the consumables information 600b received from the image forming apparatus 10b includes replaceable consumables. To judge. Since the consumable item information 600b includes the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC and the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, the processor 11 determines that there is a replaceable consumable item ((1) Step S703-Yes). On the other hand, when the processor 11 determines that there is no replaceable consumable item (No in step S703), the process proceeds to step S713.

Next, in step S705, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a uses the expiring date earlier than July 15, 2017, one month from today, based on the consumable item information 600b received from the image forming apparatus 10b. In addition, it is determined whether the number of printable sheets is greater than a predetermined number, that is, 5,000. Here, it is assumed that the date when the system 1 is operating is June 15, 2017. In addition, the predetermined time limit and predetermined number of sheets mentioned above are an example, and are not restrict | limited to these. For example, the expiration date may include July 15, 2017, one month from today. Further, the determination of the printable number may be made as to whether the predetermined number is 5000 or more.

The processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that June 30, 2017, which is the expiration date of the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC, is earlier than July 15, 2017, one month after today. Do. Further, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that the printable number 10000 of the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC is larger than the predetermined number 5000 (step S705—Yes).

Next, in step S707, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there is an image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge. The first candidate toner cartridge is a toner cartridge that the image forming apparatus 10 b has. If the first candidate toner cartridge continues to be used in the image forming apparatus 10b, the expiration date may end with a large number of printable sheets remaining. Therefore, it is expected to be effectively used by being used in other image forming apparatuses that may perform more printing. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no first candidate toner cartridge, the process proceeds to step S709 (step S707—No).

Next, in step S709, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a uses the expiring date earlier than July 15, 2017, one month after today, based on the consumable item information 600b received from the image forming apparatus 10b. In addition, it is determined whether or not there is a drum cartridge having a printable number greater than the predetermined number of 5,000. In addition, the predetermined time limit and predetermined number of sheets mentioned above are an example, and are not restrict | limited to these.

The processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that December 31, 2017, which is the expiration date of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, is later than July 15, 2017, which is the predetermined expiration date. Further, the processor 11 determines that the printable number 4999 of the drum cartridges identified by the consumable item identification information DC is smaller than the predetermined number 5000 (step S709—No). Therefore, the process proceeds to step S713.

Next, returning to step S703, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a refers to the consumables table 12c stored in the memory 12, and the consumable information 600c received from the image forming apparatus 10c can be exchanged. Determine if the item is included. Since the consumable item information 600c includes the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC and the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, the processor 11 determines that there is a replaceable consumable item ((1) Step S703-Yes).

Next, in step S705, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a uses the expiration date earlier than July 15, 2017, one month after today, based on the consumable item information 600c received from the image forming apparatus 10c. In addition, it is determined whether the number of printable sheets is greater than a predetermined number, that is, 5,000.

The processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that December 31, 2017, which is the expiration date of the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC, is later than July 15, 2017, which is the predetermined expiration date. Step S705-No). Therefore, the process proceeds to step S709.

Next, in step S709, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a uses the expiration date earlier than July 15, 2017, one month after today, based on the consumable item information 600c received from the image forming apparatus 10c. In addition, it is determined whether or not there is a drum cartridge having a printable number greater than the predetermined number of 5,000.

The processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that June 30, 2017, which is the expiration date of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, is earlier than July 15, 2017, which is the predetermined expiration date. Also, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that the printable number 10000 of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC is larger than the predetermined number 5000 (step S709—Yes).

Next, in step S711, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there is an image forming apparatus having the first candidate drum cartridge. The first candidate drum cartridge is a drum cartridge that the image forming apparatus 10 c has. If the first candidate drum cartridge continues to be used in the image forming apparatus 10c, the expiration date may end with a large number of printable sheets remaining. Therefore, it is expected to be effectively used by being used in other image forming apparatuses that may perform more printing. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no first candidate drum cartridge, the process proceeds to step S 713 (step S 709 -No).

Next, in step S715, when the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses having the first candidate toner cartridge, the expiration date is on July 15, 2017, one month after today. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus having the earliest first candidate toner cartridge is selected. Alternatively, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a may select an image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge having the largest number of printable sheets. In the present operation example, since there is one image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge, it is not determined that there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses having the first candidate toner cartridge.

Next, in step S717, when the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses having the first candidate drum cartridge, the expiration date is on July 15, 2017, one month after today. In contrast, the image forming apparatus having the earliest first candidate drum cartridge is selected. Alternatively, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a may select an image forming apparatus having the first candidate drum cartridge having the largest number of printable sheets. In the present operation example, there is one image forming apparatus having the first candidate drum cartridge. It is not determined that there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses having the first candidate drum cartridge.

Next, in step S801, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines whether it is determined that there is a first candidate toner cartridge. In this operation example, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there is a first candidate toner cartridge (step S801—Yes). On the other hand, if the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there is no first candidate toner cartridge, the process proceeds to step S807.

Next, in step S803, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a uses the expiration date and the printable number of toner cartridges of the image forming apparatus 10a, and the expiration date is December 15, 2017, six months from today. It is determined whether the image forming apparatus 10a has a toner cartridge slower than the predetermined number of printable sheets, which is slower than 1000 sheets. Specifically, the processor 11 reads the toner cartridge information of the storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b, and compares the expiration date and the printable number with the above conditions. In addition, the time limit and predetermined number of sheets six months after today are an example, and are not restrict | limited to these.

The processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that December 31, 2017, which is the expiration date 2 of the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC, is later than December 15, 2017 six months from today. to decide. Further, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that the printable number 999 of toner cartridges identified by the consumable item identification information TC is smaller than the predetermined number 1000 (step S803—Yes).

Next, in step S805, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there is a second candidate toner cartridge. The second candidate toner cartridge is a toner cartridge that the image forming apparatus 10a has. The image forming apparatus 10a is expected to perform more printing than the image forming apparatus 10b having the first candidate toner cartridge. Therefore, it is considered that the first candidate toner cartridge can be effectively used by using the first candidate toner cartridge in the image forming apparatus 10a. Further, since the expiration date of the second candidate toner cartridge precedes that of the first candidate toner cartridge, it can be expected that the first candidate toner cartridge is effectively used in the image forming apparatus 10b. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no second candidate toner cartridge, the process proceeds to step S 807 (No in step S 803).

Next, in step S807, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines whether it is determined that there is a first candidate drum cartridge. In this operation example, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there is a first candidate drum cartridge (step S807—Yes). On the other hand, when the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there is no first candidate drum cartridge, the process proceeds to step S811. In step S811, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a stands by for a predetermined period of time until the operation of the next step S501 is performed with respect to the operation regarding replacement of the consumable item.

Next, in step S809, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a uses the expiration date and the printable number of drum cartridges of the image forming apparatus 10a, and the expiration date is December 15, 2017 six months from today. It is determined whether the image forming apparatus 10a has a drum cartridge which is slower than the predetermined number of printable sheets and is less than 1000 sheets. Specifically, the processor 11 reads the toner cartridge information of the storage circuit of the drum cartridge 16d, and compares the expiration date and the printable number with the above-mentioned conditions. In addition, the time limit and predetermined number of sheets six months after today are an example, and are not restrict | limited to these.

According to the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a, it is assumed that December 31, 2017, which is the expiration date 2 of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, is later than December 15, 2017 six months from today. to decide. Also, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that the printable number 999 of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC is smaller than the predetermined number of 1000, which is 1000 (step S809—Yes).

In step S813, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there is a second candidate drum cartridge. The second candidate drum cartridge is a drum cartridge that the image forming apparatus 10a has. The image forming apparatus 10a is expected to perform more printing than the image forming apparatus 10c having the first candidate drum cartridge. Therefore, it is considered that the first candidate drum cartridge can be effectively used by using the first candidate drum cartridge in the image forming apparatus 10a. Further, since the second candidate drum cartridge has its expiration date before the first candidate drum cartridge, it can be expected that the first candidate drum cartridge will be effectively used in the image forming apparatus 10c. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no second candidate drum cartridge, the process proceeds to step S811 (step S809-No).

The image forming apparatus 10b and the image forming apparatus 10c perform the same processes as those in FIGS. 7 and 8 described above, but do not determine that there is a first candidate consumable and a second candidate consumable, and therefore stand by in step S811. It becomes a state.

Next, in step S901, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a sets the first candidate toner cartridge and the second candidate toner cartridge between the image forming apparatus 10b having the first candidate toner cartridge and the image forming apparatus 10a. Is displayed on the display device 13 to notify the user of the proposal for exchanging the That is, the processor 11 notifies the user of a proposal to replace the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10b with the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10a. The image forming apparatus 10a may notify the user of the proposal using an audio output that outputs an audio.

Further, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a transmits a replacement request for replacing the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10b with the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10a to the image forming apparatus 10b via the network N. .

Next, in step S903, the image forming apparatus 10b receives the exchange request.

Next, in step S905, the image forming apparatus 10b displays on the display device 13 a proposal to replace the toner cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10b with the toner cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10a, and notifies the user. .

Next, in step S 907, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 a sets the first candidate drum cartridge and the second candidate drum cartridge between the image forming apparatus 10 c having the first candidate drum cartridge and the image forming apparatus 10 a. Is displayed on the display device 13 to notify the user of the proposal for exchanging the That is, the processor 11 notifies the user of a proposal to replace the drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10c with the drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10a.

Further, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a transmits a replacement request for replacing the drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10c with the drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10a to the image forming apparatus 10c via the network N. .

Next, in step S909, the image forming apparatus 10c receives the exchange request.

Next, in step S911, the image forming apparatus 10c displays on the display device 13 a proposal to replace the drum cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10c with the drum cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10a, and notifies the user. .

In the operation example described above, the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable has received a consumable replacement request from one image forming apparatus having the second candidate consumable. On the other hand, there may be a case where the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable receives a request for replacement of consumables from a plurality of image forming apparatuses having the second candidate consumable. Therefore, an operation example in this case will be described below with reference to FIG.

In the operation example shown in FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 10b having the second candidate toner cartridge requests exchange of consumables from the image forming apparatus 10a having the first candidate toner cartridge and the image forming apparatus 10c having the first candidate toner cartridge. Receive

First, in step S1001, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a sets the first candidate toner cartridge and the second candidate toner cartridge between the image forming apparatus 10b having the first candidate toner cartridge and the image forming apparatus 10a. The proposal to be exchanged is displayed on the display device 13 to notify the user. That is, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a notifies the user of a proposal to replace the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10b with the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10a.

Further, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a transmits a replacement request for replacing the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10b with the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10a to the image forming apparatus 10b via the network N. .

Next, in step S1003, the image forming apparatus 10b receives the exchange request. When receiving a replacement request from another image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus 10b waits for a predetermined period of time to receive a replacement request from another image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 10b notifies the user of the received exchange proposal when the predetermined period has elapsed without receiving a further exchange request. If a replacement request is received from another image forming apparatus after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, this replacement request is ignored. In this operation example, as described below, the image forming apparatus 10b receives a replacement request from the image forming apparatus 10c while waiting for a predetermined period.

Next, in step S1005, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10c sets the first candidate toner cartridge and the second candidate toner cartridge between the image forming apparatus 10b having the first candidate toner cartridge and the image forming apparatus 10c. Is displayed on the display device 13 to notify the user of the proposal for exchanging the That is, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10c notifies the user of a proposal to replace the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10b with the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10c.

Further, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10c transmits a replacement request for replacing the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10b with the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10c to the image forming apparatus 10b via the network N. .

Next, in step S1007, the image forming apparatus 10b receives the exchange request.

Next, in step S1009, the image forming apparatus 10b determines whether the consumables requested to be replaced from the image forming apparatus 10a are the same as the consumables requested to be replaced from the image forming apparatus 10c. In the case where consumables requested to be exchanged from two image forming apparatuses are the same, the image forming apparatus 10b uses the second candidate consumable that has the latest expiration date with respect to the predetermined expiration date or the largest number of printable sheets. It is selected as a second candidate consumable to be replaced with the first candidate consumable of the image forming apparatus 10b. In this operation example, the image forming apparatus 10 b is required to replace the toner cartridge from two image forming apparatuses. In the present operation example, the image forming apparatus 10b selects a second candidate toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10a. On the other hand, when the consumable item requested to be replaced from the image forming apparatus 10a is different from the consumable item requested to be replaced from the image forming apparatus 10c, the same process as that of FIG. 9 described above is performed.

Next, in step S1011, the image forming apparatus 10b transmits a rejection notification for rejecting replacement of consumables to the image forming apparatus 10c that has not been selected as an image forming apparatus for replacing the second candidate toner cartridge.

Next, in step S1013, the image forming apparatus 10c receives a rejection notification.

Next, in step S1015, the image forming apparatus 10c stops notifying the user of a proposal to replace the first candidate toner cartridge and the second candidate toner cartridge.

Next, in step S1017, the image forming apparatus 10b notifies the user of a proposal to replace the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10b with the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10a.

According to the system of the present embodiment described above, consumables of the image forming apparatus can be exchanged among a plurality of image forming apparatuses and effectively used.

Next, a second embodiment of the information processing system disclosed in the present specification will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 21. For the points that are not particularly described for the second embodiment, the detailed description for the first embodiment described above is applied as appropriate. Further, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the system disclosed herein.

The system 1 according to the present embodiment includes three image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c, a server 20 communicably connected to the image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c via the network N, and a terminal 30. The terminal 30 is communicably connected to the three image forming apparatuses 10 a to 10 c and the server 20 via the network N. The three image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c are also communicably connected via the network N.

The three image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c transmit the consumable item information having the expiration date and the printable number of consumable items that each has to the server 20 via the network N. The server 20 determines whether consumables can be exchanged between the two image forming apparatuses based on the received consumables information. If the server 20 determines that consumables can be exchanged between the two image forming apparatuses, the server 20 notifies the user of a proposal for exchanging consumables.

FIG. 12A is a diagram for explaining the server.

The server 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a display device 23, an input interface 24, and a communication interface 25. The processor 21 is an example of a processing unit or a processing device. The memory 22 is an example of a storage unit or a storage device.

The processor 21 has one or more central processing circuits, registers, cache memories, and peripheral circuits such as an interface. The processor 21 controls each hardware component of the server 20 and performs various processes in accordance with a predetermined program 22a stored in advance in the memory 22 to temporarily store data generated during the process. Use

The memory 22 may have a semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), or a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk or a flash memory. Also, the memory 22 may have a drive (not shown) capable of reading a computer program stored in the non-transitory storage medium 22 d.

FIG. 12B is a diagram for explaining the memory of the server.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the memory 22 stores a predetermined program 22a, an image forming apparatus management table 22b, and a consumable item table 22c. The description of the image forming apparatus management table in the first embodiment described above is appropriately applied to the image forming apparatus management table 22b. In the consumable item table 22c, consumable item identification information that identifies consumable items commonly available to the three image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c is registered in association with the type of the consumable item. An example shown in FIG. 3C is given as a specific example of the consumable item table 22c.

The display device 23 can be controlled by the processor 21 to display various information associated with the operation of the server 20 on the screen. For example, a liquid crystal display can be used as the display device 23. The display device 23 is an example of an output unit from which the server 20 outputs information.

The input interface 24 can be operated by the user of the server 20 to input an operation. As the input interface 24, for example, a keyboard or a mouse can be used. Further, as the input interface 24, a touch panel in which the input interface 24 and the display device 23 are integrated may be used.

The communication interface 25 transmits and receives information to and from another image forming apparatus via the network N. The communication interface 25 includes a communication circuit and a communication line that transmit and receive signals.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a terminal.

The terminal 30 includes a processor 31, a memory 32, a display device 33, an input interface 34, and a communication interface 35. The processor 31 is an example of a processing unit or a processing device. The memory 32 is an example of a storage unit or a storage device. Examples of the terminal 30 include a high-performance mobile phone, a laptop computer, and a desktop computer.

The processor 31 has one or more central processing circuits, registers, cache memory, and peripheral circuits such as an interface. The processor 31 controls each hardware component of the terminal 30 and performs various processes in accordance with a predetermined program stored in advance in the memory 32, and uses the memory 32 to temporarily store data generated during the process. Do.

The memory 32 may have a semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), or a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk or a flash memory.

The display device 33 can be controlled by the processor 31 to display various information associated with the operation of the terminal 30 on the screen. As the display device 33, for example, a liquid crystal display can be used.

The input interface 34 can be operated by the user of the terminal 30 to input an operation. As the input interface 34, for example, a keyboard or a mouse can be used. Further, as the input interface 34, a touch panel in which the input interface 24 and the display device 23 are integrated may be used.

The communication interface 35 transmits and receives information to and from the server 20 or the image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c via the network N. The communication interface 35 includes a wired communication circuit and a communication line that transmit and receive signals. The communication interface 35 may also have a wireless communication circuit.

The configuration of the three image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c is the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

FIG. 14A is a view for explaining toner cartridge information 1400 a of the image forming apparatus 10 a. FIG. 14B is a view for explaining drum cartridge information 1400b of the image forming apparatus 10a. FIG. 14C shows toner cartridge information 1400c of the image forming apparatus 10b, and FIG. 14D shows drum cartridge information 1400d of the image forming apparatus 10b. FIG. 14E shows toner cartridge information 1400e of the image forming apparatus 10c, and FIG. 14F shows drum cartridge information 1400f of the image forming apparatus 10c.

Next, the operation of the above-described system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. The operation of the system 1 described later is to determine the presence or absence of consumables that can be exchanged between image forming apparatuses, and is executed at predetermined intervals. For example, one day may be mentioned as the predetermined interval.

First, in step S1501, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a reads out the toner cartridge information of the storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b and the drum cartridge information of the storage circuit of the drum cartridge 16d to generate consumable item information. Then, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 a transmits the consumable item information to the server 20 via the network N.

FIG. 16A shows consumable item information 1600a transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10a.

The consumable item information 1600 a includes image forming apparatus identification information 1601 identifying the image forming apparatus that has generated the consumable item information 1600 a, first consumable item information 1610, and second consumable item information 1620. The first consumable item information 1610 is information of a toner cartridge, and includes consumable item identification information 1611, a use time limit 1612, and a printable number 1613. Here, the expiration date 1612 corresponds to the expiration date 2 of the toner cartridge information. The second consumable item information 1620 is information on a drum cartridge, and includes consumable item identification information 1621, a use time limit 1622, and a printable number 1623. Here, the expiration date 1622 corresponds to the expiration date 2 of the drum cartridge information.

In step S1503, the server 20 receives the consumable item information from the image forming apparatus 10a.

Next, in step S1505, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10b reads out the toner cartridge information of the storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b and the drum cartridge information of the storage circuit of the drum cartridge 16d to generate consumable item information. Then, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 b transmits the consumable item information to the server 20 via the network N.

FIG. 16B shows consumable item information 1600b transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10b.

In step S1507, the server 20 receives the consumable item information from the image forming apparatus 10b.

Next, in step S1509, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10c reads out the toner cartridge information of the storage circuit of the toner cartridge 16b and the drum cartridge information of the storage circuit of the drum cartridge 16d to generate consumable item information. Then, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 c transmits the consumable item information to the server 20 via the network N.

FIG. 16C shows consumable item information 1600c transmitted by the image forming apparatus 10c.

In step S1511, the server 20 receives the consumable item information from the image forming apparatus 10b.

The order of the processes in steps S1501, S1505, and S1509 described above may be different.

Next, the processor 21 of the server 20 performs each process of step S1701 to step S1713 on each of the received consumable item information.

First, in step S1703, the processor 21 of the server 20 refers to the consumables table 22c stored in the memory 22 and determines whether the consumables information 1600a received from the image forming apparatus 10a includes replaceable consumables. to decide. Since the consumable item information 1600a includes the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC and the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, the processor 21 determines that there is a replaceable consumable item ((1) Step S1703-Yes). On the other hand, when the processor 21 determines that there is no replaceable consumable item (step S1703-No), the process proceeds to step S1713.

Next, in step S1705, the processor 21 of the server 20 uses the expiration date earlier than July 15, 2017, one month from today, based on the consumables information 1600a received from the image forming apparatus 10a, and It is determined whether the number of printable sheets is greater than the predetermined number of 5,000 sheets. Here, it is assumed that the date when the system 1 is operating is June 15, 2017. Note that the predetermined time limit and the predetermined number of sheets are an example, and are not limited to these.

The processor 21 of the server 20 determines that December 31, 2017, which is the expiration date of the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC, is later than July 15, 2017 one month after today. Also, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that the printable number 999 of toner cartridges identified by the consumable item identification information TC is smaller than the predetermined number 5000 (step S1705-No).

Next, in step S1709, the processor 21 of the server 20 uses the expiration date earlier than July 15, 2017, one month from today, based on the consumables information 1600a received from the image forming apparatus 10a, and It is determined whether or not there is a drum cartridge having a printable number greater than the predetermined number of 5,000. Note that the predetermined time limit and the predetermined number of sheets are an example, and are not limited to these.

The processor 21 of the server 20 determines that December 31, 2017, which is the expiration date of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, is later than July 15, 2017, which is the predetermined expiration date. Further, the processor 11 determines that the printable number 4999 of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC is smaller than the predetermined number 5000 (step S1709-No). Therefore, the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a proceeds to step S1713.

Next, the process returns to step S1703 and the processor 21 of the server 20 refers to the consumables table 22c stored in the memory 22, and the consumables information 1600b received from the image forming apparatus 10b is a consumable which can be replaced. Determine if it contains. Since the consumable item information 1600b includes the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC and the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, the processor 21 determines that there is a replaceable consumable item ((1) Step S1703-Yes).

Next, in step S1705, the processor 21 of the server 20 uses the expiration date earlier than July 15, 2017, one month after today, based on the consumable item information 1600b received from the image forming apparatus 10b, and It is determined whether the number of printable sheets is greater than the predetermined number of 5,000 sheets.

The processor 21 of the server 20 determines that June 30, 2017, which is the expiration date of the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC, is earlier than July 15, 2017, which is one month after today. Also, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that the printable number 10000 of toner cartridges identified by the consumable item identification information TC is larger than the predetermined number 5000 (step S1705-Yes).

Next, in step S1707, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that there is an image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge. The first candidate toner cartridge is a toner cartridge that the image forming apparatus 10 b has.

Next, in step S1709, the processor 21 of the server 20 uses the expiration date earlier than July 15, 2017, one month from today, based on the consumables information 1600b received from the image forming apparatus 10b, and It is determined whether or not there is a drum cartridge having a printable number greater than the predetermined number of 5,000.

The processor 21 of the server 20 determines that December 31, 2017, which is the expiration date of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, is later than July 15, 2017, which is the predetermined expiration date. Further, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that the printable number 999 of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC is smaller than the predetermined number 5000 (step S1709-No).

Next, the process returns to step S1703 and the processor 21 of the server 20 refers to the consumables table 22c stored in the memory 22, and the consumables information 1600c received from the image forming apparatus 10c can replace consumables that can be replaced. Determine if it contains. Since the consumable item information 1600c includes the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC and the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, the processor 21 determines that there is a replaceable consumable item ((1) Step S1703-Yes).

Next, in step S1705, the processor 21 of the server 20 uses the expiration date earlier than July 15, 2017, one month from today, based on the consumable item information 1600c received from the image forming apparatus 10c, and It is determined whether the number of printable sheets is greater than the predetermined number of 5,000 sheets.

The processor 21 of the server 20 determines that December 31, 2017, which is the expiration date of the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC, is later than July 15, 2017 one month after today ((1) Step S1705-No).

Next, in step S1709, the processor 21 of the server 20 uses the expiration date earlier than July 15, 2017 one month after today, based on the consumable item information 1600c received from the image forming apparatus 10c, and It is determined whether or not there is a drum cartridge having a printable number greater than the predetermined number of 5,000.

The processor 21 of the server 20 determines that June 30, 2017, which is the expiration date of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, is earlier than July 15, 2017, which is the predetermined expiration date. Further, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that the printable number 10000 of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC is larger than the predetermined number 5000 (step S1709-Yes).

Next, in step S1711, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that there is an image forming apparatus having the first candidate drum cartridge. The first candidate drum cartridge is a drum cartridge that the image forming apparatus 10 c has.

Next, in step S1715, when the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses having the first candidate toner cartridge, the expiration date is July 15, 2017, one month after today. An image forming apparatus having the earliest first candidate toner cartridge is selected. Alternatively, the processor 21 of the server 20 may select an image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge having the largest number of printable sheets. In the present operation example, since there is one image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge, it is not determined that there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses having the first candidate toner cartridge.

Next, in step S1717, when the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses having the first candidate drum cartridge, the expiration date is July 15, 2017, one month after today. The image forming apparatus having the earliest first candidate drum cartridge is selected. Alternatively, the processor 21 of the server 20 may select an image forming apparatus having the first candidate drum cartridge having the largest number of printable sheets. In the present operation example, since there is one image forming apparatus having the first candidate drum cartridge, it is not determined that there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses having the first candidate drum cartridge.

Next, in step S1801, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines whether it is determined that there is a first candidate toner cartridge. In this operation example, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that there is a first candidate toner cartridge (step S1801—Yes). On the other hand, if the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there is no first candidate toner cartridge, the process proceeds to step S1901.

Next, in step S1803, the processor 21 of the server 20 has a expiration date of six months from today based on the consumable item information received from the image forming apparatuses 10a and 10c other than the image forming apparatus 10b having the first candidate toner cartridge. It is judged later than December 15, 2017, and the presence or absence of the toner cartridge having the printable number smaller than the predetermined number 1000 is determined. Specifically, the processor 21 refers to the consumable item information 1600a received from the image forming apparatus 10a and the consumable item information 1600c received from the image forming apparatus 10c to determine the expiration date and the number of printable sheets of the toner cartridge, and the above. Compare with the conditions. In addition, the time limit and predetermined number of sheets six months after today are an example, and are not restrict | limited to these.

The processor 21 of the server 20 refers to the consumable item information 1600a of the image forming apparatus 10a, and December 31, 2017, which is the expiration date of the toner cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information TC, is six months from today. It is judged that it is later than December 15, 2017. Further, the processor 21 of the server 20 refers to the consumable item information 1600a of the image forming apparatus 10a, and the printable number 999 of toner cartridges identified by the consumable item identification information TC is smaller than the predetermined number of 1000s. It is determined that there is (step S1803). The processor 21 of the server 20 determines that there is no toner cartridge satisfying the above conditions, with reference to the consumable item information 1600c of the image forming apparatus 10c.

In step S1805, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that there is a second candidate toner cartridge. The second candidate toner cartridge is a toner cartridge that the image forming apparatus 10a has. Here, the processor 21 of the server 20 may determine that there is a plurality of toner cartridges whose expiration date is later than December 15, 2017, and the number of printable sheets is smaller than 1000. In this case, the processor 21 of the server 20 selects the toner cartridge whose use date is the latest with respect to December 15, 2017. Alternatively, the processor 21 of the server 20 may select the toner cartridge with the largest number of printable sheets as the second candidate toner cartridge. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no second candidate toner cartridge, the process proceeds to step S1901 (step S1803: no).

Next, in step S1901, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines whether it is determined that there is a first candidate drum cartridge. In this operation example, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that there is a first candidate drum cartridge (step S1901-Yes). On the other hand, if the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 10a determines that there is no first candidate drum cartridge, the process proceeds to step S1905.

In step S1905, the system 1 stands by for a predetermined period of time until the operation of the next step S1501 is performed with respect to the operation regarding replacement of consumables.

Next, in step S1903, the processor 21 of the server 20 has a expiration date of six months from today based on the consumable item information received from the image forming apparatuses 10a and 10b other than the image forming apparatus 10c having the first candidate drum cartridge. It is judged later than December 15, 2017, and the presence or absence of the drum cartridge having the printable number smaller than the predetermined number 1000 is determined. Specifically, the processor 11 refers to the consumable item information 1600a received from the image forming apparatus 10a and the consumable item information 1600b received from the image forming apparatus 10b to determine the expiration date and the number of printable sheets of the toner cartridge, and Compare with the conditions. In addition, the time limit and predetermined number of sheets six months after today are an example, and are not restrict | limited to these.

The processor 21 of the server 20 refers to the consumable item information 1600b of the image forming apparatus 10b, and December 31, 2017, which is the expiration date of the drum cartridge identified by the consumable item identification information DC, is six months from today. It is judged that it is later than December 15, 2017. Further, the processor 21 of the server 20 refers to the consumable item information 1600a of the image forming apparatus 10a, and the printable number 999 of drum cartridges identified by the consumable item identification information DC is less than the predetermined number of 1000s. It is determined that there is (step S1903). The processor 21 of the server 20 determines that there is no toner cartridge that satisfies the above conditions, with reference to the consumable item information 1600a of the image forming apparatus 10a.

In step S1907, the processor 21 of the server 20 determines that there is a second candidate drum cartridge. The second candidate drum cartridge is a toner cartridge that the image forming apparatus 10 b has. Here, the processor 21 of the server 20 may determine that there is a plurality of drum cartridges whose use period is later than December 15, 2017, and the number of printable sheets is smaller than 1000. In this case, the processor 21 of the server 20 selects the drum cartridge whose use date is the latest for December 15, 2017. Alternatively, the processor 21 of the server 20 may select the drum cartridge with the largest number of printable sheets as the second candidate drum cartridge.

Next, in step S2001, the processor 21 of the server 20 sets the first candidate toner cartridge and the first candidate toner cartridge between the image forming apparatus 10b having the first candidate toner cartridge and the image forming apparatus 10a having the second candidate toner cartridge. 2 Create a proposal to replace the candidate toner cartridge. That is, the processor 21 of the server 20 makes a proposal to replace the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10b with the toner cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10a. Then, the processor 21 of the server 20 transmits this proposal to the image forming apparatus 10 a and the image forming apparatus 10 b via the network N.

Next, in step S2003, the image forming apparatus 10a receives the proposal.

Next, in step S2005, the image forming apparatus 10a displays on the display device 13 a proposal to replace the toner cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10b with the toner cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10a, and notifies the user. . The image forming apparatus 10a may notify the user of the proposal using an audio output that outputs an audio.

In step S2007, the image forming apparatus 10b receives the proposal.

Next, in step S2009, the image forming apparatus 10b displays on the display device 13 a proposal to replace the toner cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10b with the toner cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10a, and notifies the user. . The image forming apparatus 10b may notify the user of the proposal by using an audio output for outputting an audio.

Also, in step S2011, the processor 21 of the server 20 sets the first candidate drum cartridge and the second candidate drum cartridge between the image forming apparatus 10c having the first candidate drum cartridge and the image forming apparatus 10b having the second candidate drum cartridge. Create a proposal to replace the candidate drum cartridge. That is, the processor 21 of the server 20 makes a proposal to replace the drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10c with the drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus 10b. Then, the processor 21 of the server 20 transmits this proposal to the image forming apparatus 10 b and the image forming apparatus 10 c via the network N.

Next, in step S2013, the image forming apparatus 10b receives the proposal.

Next, in step S2015, the image forming apparatus 10b displays on the display device 13 a proposal to replace the toner cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10c with the toner cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10b, and notifies the user. . The image forming apparatus 10b may notify the user of the proposal by using an audio output for outputting an audio.

In step S2017, the image forming apparatus 10c receives the proposal.

Next, in step S2019, the image forming apparatus 10c displays on the display device 13 a proposal to replace the toner cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10c with the toner cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 10b, and notifies the user. . The image forming apparatus 10 c may notify the user of the proposal using an audio output that outputs an audio.

In the operation example described above, the order of the processes of steps S2001 and S2011 may be different. Also, the order of the processes in steps S2003 and S2007 may be different. Furthermore, the order of the processes of steps S2013 and S2017 may be different.

In addition, the server 20 may display the above-described proposals on the display device 23 to notify the user.

Next, an operation example of the system 1 in which the user forms an image on a sheet using any of the three image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c using the terminal 30, while referring to FIG. It will be described below.

First, in step S 2101, the terminal 30 receives an operation of forming an image on a sheet by the user. Then, the processor 31 of the terminal 30 transmits, to the server 20 via the network N, an apparatus notification request for requesting notification of an image forming apparatus to which an image formation instruction including image data is to be transmitted.

Next, in step S2103, the server 20 receives a device notification request.

Next, in step S2105, the processor 21 of the server 20 selects an image forming apparatus on which an image is to be formed based on an image forming command from the terminal 30. The processor 21 of the server 20 determines an image forming apparatus to be selected, for example, in the order of the image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge and the image forming apparatus having the first candidate drum cartridge. If there is an image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge, the processor 21 of the server 20 selects the image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge as an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet. On the other hand, when there is no image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge, the image forming apparatus having the first candidate drum cartridge is selected as an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet. If there is no image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge and no image forming apparatus having the first candidate drum cartridge, the processor 21 of the server 20 randomly selects one of the three image forming apparatuses 10a to 10c. Select an image forming device. In the present operation example, the processor 21 of the server 20 selects the image forming apparatus 10b as an image forming apparatus having the first candidate toner cartridge.

Then, the processor 21 of the server 20 refers to the image forming apparatus management table 22 b stored in the memory 22 to acquire an image forming apparatus identification number and an address for identifying the image forming apparatus 10 b. Then, the processor 21 of the server 20 transmits the image forming apparatus identification number and the address for identifying the image forming apparatus 10 b to the terminal 30 via the network N.

Next, in step S2107, the terminal 30 receives the image forming device identification number and the address.

Next, in step S2109, the terminal 30 transmits an image formation command to the image forming apparatus 10b identified by the received image forming apparatus identification number via the network N using the address of the image forming apparatus 10b. Send.

Next, in step S2111, the image forming apparatus 10b receives an image forming command.

Next, in step S2113, the image forming apparatus 10b forms an image on a sheet based on the image formation command.

According to the system 1 of the above-described embodiment, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. In addition, when forming an image on a sheet based on an image formation command from a terminal, since the image forming apparatus having consumables with a fast expiration date and a large number of printable sheets is used, the consumables are effectively used. Being promoted.

In the present invention, the information processing method and the information processing system of the above-described embodiment can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the configuration requirements of one embodiment can be appropriately applied to the other embodiments.

For example, although the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is used in each embodiment described above, if the image forming apparatus has consumables, the image forming apparatus is limited to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. It is not something to be done. Another image forming apparatus is a dot impact type image forming apparatus having an ink ribbon as a consumable.

All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader deepen and understand the inventions and concepts contributed by the inventor. All examples and conditional language described herein should be interpreted without limitation to such specifically stated examples and conditions. Also, such exemplary features of the specification are not relevant to demonstrating the superiority and inferiority of the present invention. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, replacements or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Reference Signs List 1 system 10a, 10b, 10c image forming apparatus 11 processor 12 memory 12a program 12b image forming apparatus management table 12c consumables table 12d storage medium 13 display device 14 input interface 15 communication interface 16 image forming mechanism 16a developing device 16b toner cartridge 16c photosensitive Body drum device 16d Drum cartridge 20 Server 21 Processor 22 Memory 22a Program 22b Image forming device management table 22c Consumables table 22d Storage medium 23 Display device 24 Input interface 25 Communication interface 30 Terminal 31 Processor 32 Memory 33 Display device 34 Input interface 35 Communication Interface N network

Claims (11)

Each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses communicably connected to each other has a consumable item information indicating the expiration date of the consumable item of the image forming apparatus and the number of sheets capable of forming an image using the consumable item. Sending to the image forming apparatus of
The expiration date of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is earlier than the first predetermined expiration date based on the consumable item information received from the other image forming apparatuses, and the number of image formable sheets is the first predetermined Determining the presence or absence of another image forming apparatus having a first candidate consumable item greater than the number of sheets;
The image forming apparatus that has determined that there is another image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item has a use expiration date that is based on the expiration date and the number of image formable sheets of the consumable item that the image forming apparatus has. Determining whether or not there is a second candidate consumable that is later than the predetermined time limit of 2 and has a number of image formable sheets smaller than the second predetermined number;
The image forming apparatus determined to have the second candidate consumable item is the first candidate consumable item and the first candidate consumable item between the other image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item and the image forming apparatus. (2) notifying the user of a proposal for exchanging the candidate consumables;
Information processing method including: The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined time limit is earlier than the second predetermined time limit. It is possible to determine the presence or absence of another image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable,
If each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses determines that there are a plurality of other image forming apparatuses having the first candidate consumable item, the expiration date is the earliest with respect to the first predetermined expiration date, or 3. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising selecting another image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item having the largest number of image formable sheets. The notification to the user is
The image forming apparatus having the second candidate consumable transmits the proposal to the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable, and the image forming apparatus notifies the user of the proposal.
When the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable receives the proposal from the plurality of image forming apparatuses having the second candidate consumable, the use term is the latest with respect to the second predetermined term. The second candidate consumable or the second candidate consumable having the largest number of image formable sheets is selected as the second candidate consumable to be replaced with the first candidate consumable, and the first candidate consumable is selected. The user is notified of a proposal for exchanging the product and the second candidate consumable, and the consumable for the image forming apparatus which has not been selected as the image forming apparatus for exchanging the second candidate consumable Sending a rejection notice to reject the exchange of
Stopping the image forming apparatus having received the refusal notification from notifying the user of the proposal;
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which includes Each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses communicably connected to the server has consumable information indicating the expiration date of consumables of the image forming apparatus and the number of sheets capable of forming an image using the consumables. Sending to the server;
A first expiration date is earlier than a first predetermined expiration date, and the number of image formable sheets is larger than a first predetermined number, based on the consumable item information received by the server from the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Determining the presence or absence of the image forming apparatus having a candidate consumable item;
If the server determines that the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item is present, it is based on the consumable item information received from the image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item. Determining whether there is a second candidate consumable item whose use expiration date is later than the second predetermined expiration date and the image formable number is smaller than the second predetermined number.
If the server determines that the second candidate consumable item is present, the first image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item and the image forming apparatus having the second candidate consumable item (1) notifying a user of a proposal for exchanging the candidate consumable and the second candidate consumable;
Information processing method including: The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined time limit is earlier than the second predetermined time limit. It is possible to determine the presence or absence of the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item,
When the server determines that there are a plurality of the image forming apparatuses having the first candidate consumable item, the expiration date is the earliest with respect to the first predetermined expiration date, or the image formable sheet count is the largest. 7. The information processing method according to claim 5, further comprising selecting the image forming apparatus having a first candidate consumable. Determining the presence or absence of the second candidate consumable is:
If the server determines that there are a plurality of the second candidate consumables, the second candidate consumables whose use period is the latest with respect to the second predetermined period or whose image formable number is the largest. The information processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, including selecting. A plurality of image forming apparatuses communicably connected to each other;
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is
Consumables used to form an image;
Communication interface,
An output unit,
Using the communication interface, the consumable item information indicating the expiration date of the consumable item and the number of images that can be formed using the consumable item is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus,
The expiration date is earlier than the first predetermined time limit and the number of image formable sheets is larger than the first predetermined number based on the consumable item information received from the other image forming apparatus using the communication interface. Determining the presence or absence of another image forming apparatus having a first candidate consumable,
If it is determined that there is another image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item, the second predetermined expiration date is based on the expiration date of the consumable item of the image forming apparatus and the number of image formable sheets. It is determined whether or not there is a second candidate consumable that is slower than the second predetermined number of image formable sheets, and is slower than the second predetermined number.
When it is determined that the second candidate consumable item is present, the first candidate consumable item and the second candidate consumable item may be provided between the other image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item and the image forming apparatus. A processing unit for notifying the user of a proposal to exchange the above using the output unit;
An information processing system having A server,
A plurality of image forming apparatuses communicably connected to the server;
Equipped with
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is
Consumables used to form an image;
A first communication interface,
A first output unit,
A first processing unit that transmits consumable information indicating the expiration date of the consumable and the number of sheets on which an image can be formed using the consumable, to the server using the first communication interface;
Have
The server is
A second communication interface,
Based on the consumable item information received from the plurality of the image forming apparatuses using the second communication interface, the expiration date is earlier than the first predetermined expiration date, and the number of image formable sheets is the first predetermined number. Determining the presence or absence of the image forming apparatus having more than the first candidate consumables;
If it is determined that the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item is present, the expiration date is based on the consumable item information received from the image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item. Determining that there is a second candidate consumable that is later than the second predetermined time limit and in which the number of image formable sheets is smaller than the second predetermined number.
When it is determined that the second candidate consumable item is present, the first candidate consumable item is between the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable item and the image forming apparatus having the second candidate consumable item. A second processing unit that notifies a user of a proposal to replace the second consumable item with the second candidate consumable item;
An information processing system having A terminal communicably connected to the server and a plurality of image forming apparatuses;
The terminal receives identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus having the first candidate consumable from the server, and transmits an image forming instruction including image data to the image forming apparatus. The information processing system described in.

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