Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20030055732A1/en
Timestamp: 2019-03-24 07:10:39
Document Index: 325797662

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 71', 'art 72', 'art 71', 'art 72', 'art 71', 'art 72']

US20030055732A1 - Service management method, service management apparatus, service management network system, service management program, and computer program product storing the service management program - Google Patents
Service management method, service management apparatus, service management network system, service management program, and computer program product storing the service management program Download PDF
US20030055732A1
US20030055732A1 US10/083,409 US8340902A US2003055732A1 US 20030055732 A1 US20030055732 A1 US 20030055732A1 US 8340902 A US8340902 A US 8340902A US 2003055732 A1 US2003055732 A1 US 2003055732A1
US10/083,409
Masaya Nagata
2001-03-23 Priority to JP2001086201A priority Critical patent/JP3686003B2/en
2001-03-23 Priority to JP2001-86256 priority
2001-03-23 Priority to JP2001086256A priority patent/JP3686004B2/en
2001-03-23 Priority to JP2001-86201 priority
2002-02-27 Assigned to SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA reassignment SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NAGATA, MASAYA
2003-03-20 Publication of US20030055732A1 publication Critical patent/US20030055732A1/en
In the service management method for providing a product-in-circulation to a service receiver, a terminal managed by a service provider includes: a memory section for registering data of a product-in-circulation delivered to a contract signer and an expiring date of the product-in-circulation; an input section for inputting the status on use of the product-in-circulation, or a communications section for detecting the status on use of the product-in-circulation; and an arithmetic processing section for calculating an account of a product-in-circulation whose status on use has been input, of all products-in-circulation delivered to the service receiver, in accordance with expiring date data of the product-in-circulation. According to the arrangement, it is possible to provide a rational service management system whereby the service receiver does not have to purchase extra products-in-circulation in advance, and a product-in-circulation can be charged according to the expiring date.
The present invention is directed to service management methods for degradables and consumables and service management network systems related with the method and preferably directed to management, delivery, charging, and other related methods for the degradables and consumables, including those used in copying machines, printers, and other image forming apparatuses, which the service receiver can keep a stock of and be charged on the quantities of the products used. [0001]
Copying machines, printers, and other image forming apparatuses need a refill after continuous use over an extended period of time, and degradables and consumables, such as toner cartridges and photosensitive body cartridges, must be replaced. [0002]
Throughout this document, we use degradables in reference to those photosensitive body cartridges and other photosensitive parts that wear out by use and consumables in reference to toner and ink cartridges and other similar parts that hold toner, ink, etc. that are consumed by use. However, degradables are also consumable in the sense that they have to be replaced with new ones after an extended period of use, and some toner cartridges include a built-in photosensitive body cartridge. In light of these facts, when degradables and consumables are not necessarily differentiated from each other, consumables collectively refers to both kinds of products. [0003]
The user of a machine that requires replacement of consumables typically buys new ones before he/she uses up old ones. By so doing, he/she can keep a stock of them and avoid situations where the machine becomes inoperative because he/she has run out of the consumables. [0004]
In the current payment system, the user can legitimately own consumable products only after buying them. Put differently, without paying, he/she cannot own them, much less to keep a stock of them. Thus, in order to keep a stock of them, they have to be purchased. [0005]
Meanwhile, when a generous budget is a thing that is hard to come, the user needs to curb expenses on consumable products. Maybe he/she could do this by keeping a smaller stock of spare consumable products, but the stock would have to be refilled more often. He/she would fairly frequently have to bother to check the stock to find out how many of them are left unused and also the consumable products currently in use to know how longer they could be used. The user or manager of the machine would be typically responsible for doing this job, but could not dedicate his/her whole time to it. Under these circumstances, he/she probably could not, or would not, manage the consumables. [0006]
A likely result is that more than a currently necessary number of consumable products are bought and stocked. [0007]
There exists a technique to exploit use-by date data of general articles (daily and medical goods, preserved foods, etc.) including the foregoing consumable products in sales activities of the articles. [0008]
For example, Japanese Published Patent Application 9-30055/1997 (Tokukaihei 9-30055) discloses a technique whereby using a label printer which is equipped with article data memory means for recording data on each article to print labels carrying sales data of the articles according to the article data retrieved from the article data memory means, an optimum method to display a date-of-manufacture cell title type, such as dates of fabrication, manufacture, and display; an expiry date cell title type, such as an expiry date, use-by date, quality guarantee period, and valid period; and a data type given corresponding to the date of manufacture cell title type and the expiry date cell title type (method to display by way of date or time as the expiry and method to display by way of days or hours as a period) is selected for each article according to the nature of the article. [0009]
The date of fabrication or expiry date is time-related data to ensure the quality of the article. The date of fabrication may be, for example, the date of manufacture, display, etc. The expiry date may be, for example, a use-by date, quality guarantee period, and valid period. [0010]
Specifically, there is provided a print selection table file in which print selection tables are specified to determine a date of fabrication cell title type to specify an item of the date of fabrication, a date of fabrication cell data type to specify a date and time of fabrication, an expiry date cell title type to specify an item of the expiry date, and an expiry date cell data type to specify an expiry date and time, as well as a switching days area to store switching days data to select a print selection table, a print selection table is selected and read based on a comparison between the switching days data and valid period data in the article data read out from a PLU (price look up) file, and the date-of-fabrication cell and expiry-date cell are created based on the readout print selection table. [0011]
In this manner, no data is specified to create date-of-fabrication and expiry-date cells for each article; therefore, the title and data types for the date-of-fabrication and expiry-date cells can be automatically specified without a need for large volume memory. Consequently, an operator only needs to select a print selection table file and switching days file appropriately in advance, which helps to improve operability. [0012]
Meanwhile, in a case where a mistake occurs in making contract between a seller of an article and a purchaser of the article, return of the supplied article is permitted otherwise only the purchaser makes a mistake. Further, it is typical in a mail order that return of a received article is permitted otherwise the article is opened. There exists such business model. [0013]
There are situations where the spare consumables kept by the user are totally wasted: for example, the user has been renting an image forming apparatus from a leasing company, but returns it as the contract expires; or the user simply discards an old image forming apparatus that has been used up to its expected life. [0014]
Even when the user renews the contract, unless he/she rents a compatible model with the consumable products he/she has kept a stock of for the old model, they are totally wasted. [0015]
This is especially true in offices where vast amounts of pages are printed. Many consumable products therefore must be bought and kept in stock to satisfy the needs in exchange for a large amount of advance payment. If the foregoing situations occur, loss is very large accordingly. [0016]
The problem is partly solved by predicting how longer the photosensitive body and toner are usable. The prediction can be made by an IC chip provided in the consumable product to record data on operation conditions, such as the date and time the consumable product was last replaced, the total time of use of the consumable product since its installation, and the number of pages printed. [0017]
Using an image forming apparatus with the function to predict the remaining product life by electronic means may be somewhat helpful to establish a fairly reliable, automatic day-to-day control system that even works with a stock of a least number of spare consumable products possible. [0018]
Nevertheless, however precisely the prediction is made, the user still needs to pay to keep some spare consumable products at hand. Anyway, the precision of the prediction varies greatly depending on the performance of the algorithm involved, and the prediction is in no case 100% reliable. [0019]
To sum up the description so far, the user needs to keep spare consumable products at hand to avoid situations where the machine becomes inoperative because he/she has run out of consumable products. To this end, the user has to buy the consumable products in the current accounting system. In addition, the user may not actually use those spare consumable products he/she has paid for and let them waste. [0020]
Tokukaihei 9-30055 relates to a method to determine a date-of-fabrication cell title type, a date-of-fabrication cell data type corresponding to the date-of-fabrication cell title type, an expiry date cell title type, and an expiry date cell data type corresponding to the expiry date cell title type in accordance with the nature of the article by comparing the valid period data of the article and the predetermined switching data. Although article information is recorded, together with valid period information, as an electronic file (PLU file), the disclosure totally differs from the configuration in which the expiry date data of the article is used to handle accounting. [0021]
While, in a case where an article received by a purchaser is returned, the article is stocked. Particularly in a case where an article customized for a purchaser is returned, it is sometimes impossible to sell the customized article at a regular price due to its uniqueness. Thus, it is necessary for a seller to contrive to dispose of the returned article, but the way the article is disposed of varies depending on its uniqueness or the seller's way of thinking. Thus, in some cases, the article is disposed of as a discounted article, or in other cases, the article is disposed at a net auction in a home page. There is also a case where the article is sold so that the article is not found to be an article which has been returned. [0022]
It is efficient to sell a returned article to another purchaser in the light of utilization. However, even though there is no difference between an entirely new product and the returned article as unused articles, the purchaser does not desire to be charged for the returned article at the same price as a new one. Further, in a case where the purchaser is not be informed that the article is a recycled article, the seller may be blamed that the attitude is not be permitted. [0023]
Further, it is impossible to avoid such disadvantage that an appearance of the article is damaged while the article is returned and supplied again. If the damage can be recognized visually and the extent of the damage can be classified in accordance with a value, it is possible to reflect the extent of the damage on charge, but much time is required in making such valuation table, and this is so difficult. [0024]
The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system etc. whereby it is possible to curb unnecessary expenses, without resorting to forecast or other unreliable methods, by charging only the degradables and the consumables he/she actually used, out of those delivered to the service receiver, so as to avoid situations where the machine becomes inoperative because he/she has run out of the consumables. [0025]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a rational accounting system whereby an account varies in accordance with use-by date data. [0026]
Further, a system in which also a collected article is dealt provides a rational accounting system in which accounting calculation is based on the number of times the article has been collected, data which can be expressed as a value, so as to clarify the accounting calculation system from the beginning, so that the transparency of a corporation can be declared, and an account varies in accordance with the number of times collected. [0027]
Note that, examples of products-in-circulation covered by the service include not only products-in-circulation used in machines that require use of products-in-circulation, but also recording paper and other office supplies, soap and other everyday commodities used at home, parts used in manufacture of products at factories, etc. The present invention is applicable to any such product that the service receiver would find it more convenient and would not have to waste purchased goods if the service receiver has the product delivered in advance and is later charged only for the amount actually used. [0028]
In order to achieve the foregoing object, a service management method of the present invention makes a computer execute the steps of: (a) registering (by input means provided in a terminal which functions as the computer) unique data to specify each product-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver and expiry date data of the product-in-circulation (as a product-in-circulation data table in a memory section); (b) detecting (by communication means provided in the terminal) use of the product-in-circulation used by the service receiver, via a network; (c) recognizing (by arithmetic processing means provided in the terminal) the use of the product-in-circulation as a purchase action; and (d) calculating (by arithmetic processing means provided in the terminal) an account of a product-in-circulation recognized as the purchase action, of all products-in-circulation delivered to the service receiver, in accordance with the expiry date data. [0029]
According to the arrangement, if there is a use regarded as a purchase action (for example, use detected for the first time via a network), of all uses (commencement of use, in use, end of use etc.) detected via the network, a product-in-circulation concerning the use is charged. Thus, it is possible to provide such system that an unused product-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver in advance is not charged, and only the product-in-circulation that has been actually used is charged. [0030]
Note that, the present invention is applicable not only to existing products-in-circulation such as daily necessities, office supplies, and industrial parts, but also to any material products-in-circulation other than products-in-circulation whose period-before-expiring is extremely short, for example, within a week. [0031]
Thus, it is not necessary for a service receiver to manage the stock, and unnecessary advance expense can be curbed. Further, the service provider can certainly secure customers, so that it is possible to sell products-in-circulation steadily. [0032]
Further, the most characteristic point of the present invention is as follows. Even when products-in-circulation of the same kind are dealt, an account is calculated in accordance with expiring date data (for example, period-before-expiring, quality guarantee period) of a product-in-circulation, so that it is possible to lower a price of the product-in-circulation whose period-before-expiring is short in a case where the products-in-circulation of the same kind are different from each other in the period-before-expiring due to difference of the manufacturing date. Thus, it is possible to provide an account system which can solve such problem that a product-in-circulation whose period-before-expiring is short is hard to be purchased. [0033]
Further, in a case where performance of a product-in-circulation degrades or deteriorates with passage of time compared with initial performance at a time when the product-in-circulation was manufactured, an account can be varied by considering degrading or deterioration of the performance, so that it is possible to provide a rational accounting system whereby an account can be calculated according to current performance at a time when the product-in-circulation is used. [0034]
Further, even when the obvious degrading or deterioration is not found in a product-in-circulation, there is a case where expiring date data is written and displayed. Conventionally, this often influenced determination on whether to purchase the product-in-circulation or not. For example, in a case where products-in-circulation of the same or similar kind which are different only in the expiring date exist in a shop at the same time, there is a possibility that a product-in-circulation whose period-before-expiring is longer is selected and a product-in-circulation whose period-before-expiring is shorter remains unsold. However, according to the present invention, it is possible to exclude such anxiety of consumers, and it is possible to obtain such effect that sales can be promoted. [0035]
Further, since expiring date data is registered in the terminal, it is not required to form the data in a product-in-circulation in a case where there is no obligation to write the data on the product-in-circulation itself. Thus, it is not required to obtain expiring date data from the product-in-circulation, and it is possible to obtain the expiring date data easily by a computer operation performed by a service provider. [0036]
Note that, the present invention is particularly applicable in the following case. If period-before-expiring is several years and a product-in-circulation which was delivered in advance is not used, it is possible that the product-in-circulation is collected and is used for another service receiver, or it is possible to provide the product-in-circulation at a price lowered in accordance with the period-before-expiring when the product-in-circulation is sold to another service receiver. By so doing, it is possible to promote the sales. Thus, the present invention is particularly effective in a service method in which collection of products-in-circulation is permitted. [0037]
Further, in order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management method of the present invention makes a computer execute the steps of: accessing management data which records, as required, (a) unique data to specify each product-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver, (b) expiring date data of the product-in-circulation, and (c) status on use of the product-in-circulation used by the service receiver, so as to specify a product-in-circulation recognized to be purchased by the service receiver, and so as to read out the expiring date data of the product-in-circulation that has been specified; calculating a period-before-expiring of the product-in-circulation that has been specified, in accordance with the expiring date data that has been read out; and calculating an account of the specified product-in-circulation, and the account is varied according to the calculated period-before-expiring. [0038]
According to the arrangement, the management data records, as required, the unique data to specify each product-in-circulation delivered to the service receiver and the expiring date data of the product-in-circulation and the status on use (unused, in use, used etc.) of the product-in-circulation used by the service receiver. As to obtaining the status on use of the product-in-circulation, a computer may receive the status on use of the product-in-circulation via a network from a communication apparatus on the side of the service receiver as described above, or a service person dispatched by the service provider may grab the status on use of the product-in-circulation used by the service receiver so as to transmit the status on use from a communication terminal of the service person to the computer, or the service person may take it back to the service station so as to enter the status on use into the computer manually. The foregoing and similar manners can be employed. [0039]
Further, as long as the management data can be accessed by a computer, it does not matter whether memory means of the management data is provided in or outside a computer, or it does not matter whether the memory means is detachable with respect to the computer or not. Further, the memory means may be managed by another computer connected by a network. [0040]
In accordance with such status on use and unique data recorded in the management data, a computer can specify a product-in-circulation recognized to be purchased by a service receiver. Further, expiring date data of the specified product-in-circulation is read out from the management data so as to calculate a period-before-expiring in which the product-in-circulation can be used effectively, so that an account which varies according to the period-before-expiring is calculated. [0041]
Thus, as described above, it is possible to provide an extremely rational accounting system whereby an account, which varies depending on performance of a product-in-circulation and according to a period-before-expiring, is charged to a service receiver after the product-in-circulation has been actually used. [0042]
Further, in order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management method of the present invention, in which a computer causes a product-in-circulation for use in operating a machine to be provided, makes a computer execute the steps of: causing (arithmetic processing means of) a terminal managed by a service provider to register unique data of a product-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver and expiring date data of the product-in-circulation in (memory means of) the terminal; causing (read-out means of) a machine provided on a side of the service receiver to read out the unique data of the product-in-circulation installed in the machine; transmitting data which contains at least the unique data that has been read out (by transmission/reception means in accordance with control of a controller section) to the service provider; causing (communications means of) the terminal managed by the service provider to detect the data via a network; recognizing installation of the product-in-circulation in the machine as a purchase action in accordance with the unique data that has been detected (by the arithmetic processing means of the terminal); and calculating (by the arithmetic processing means of the terminal) an account of the product-in-circulation that has been regarded as the purchased, of all products-in-circulation delivered to the service receiver, in accordance with the expiring date data of the product-in-circulation. [0043]
According to the arrangement, by a simple step on the side of the service receiver in which unique data of a product-in-circulation installed in a machine is read out, the terminal managed by the service receiver detects use of the product-in-circulation and determines whether the use should be recognized as purchase or not in accordance with the unique data (for example, in accordance with judgement that the unique data is received for the first time), so that it is possible to obtain a basic effect that it is possible to know precisely how many products-in-circulation are actually used. [0044]
Further, the most characteristic point of the present invention is as follows. Also as described above, it is possible to provide an extremely rational accounting system whereby an account, which varies depending on performance of a product-in-circulation and according to a period-before-expiring, is charged to a service receiver after the product-in-circulation has been actually used. [0045]
Note that, if a machine provided on the side of the service receiver executes automatically the steps of reading out unique data of a product-in circulation and transmitting data which contains at least the unique data that has been read out to the service provider, it is possible to execute the foregoing steps without fail so that the service receiver does not have to pay attention to the execution and avoids trouble in the execution. Further, since the foregoing steps are executed via a network, it is possible to perform a real time process. [0046]
Further, by the step of reading out unique data of a product-in-circulation installed in a machine provided on the side of a service receiver, it is possible to execute the step of obtaining status on use of the product-in-circulation used by the service receiver and the step of recognizing use of the product-in-circulation as a purchase action in a case where the status on use of the product-in-circulation is judged to be the use of the product-in-circulation. Both the steps can be executed at the same time. Thus, it is possible to make the process simpler. [0047]
Further, data formed in a product-in-circulation is data to specify each product-in-circulation. If products-in-circulation having the same unique data have already been registered by a service provider, a checking operation is performed for a reason that two or more products-in-circulation having the same unique data exist. Typically, a product-in-circulation detected later is likely to be a pirated version (having unique data which is a duplicate of a regular product's unique data), and the service provider can take a measure for excluding the pirated version. [0048]
Further, in order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management apparatus of the present invention includes: a product-in-circulation data memory section for registering data to specify a product-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver and expiring date data of the product-in-circulation in pairs; an input section for inputting status on use of the product-in-circulation; and an arithmetic processing section for calculating an account of a product-in-circulation that has been actually used, of all products-in-circulation delivered to the service receiver, in accordance with the expiring date data of the product-in-circulation. [0049]
According to the arrangement, the arithmetic processing section detects that a product-in-circulation is used and specifies the used product-in-circulation in accordance with data to specify a product-in-circulation that has been registered in the product-in-circulation data memory section and data of the status on use that has been entered via the input section, and reads out expiring date data concerning the specified product-in-circulation from the product-in-circulation data memory section, so that it is possible to calculate an account of the product-in-circulation. [0050]
Thus, in the service management apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to collectively manage a basic service whereby an unused product-in-circulation that has been delivered in advance is not charged, and only the product-in-circulation that has been actually used is charged. [0051]
Further, as an effect particular to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the following advantage. Even when products-in-circulation of the same kind are dealt, an account of each used product-in-circulation is calculated in accordance with expiring date data of the product-in-circulation. Thus, for example, it is possible to promote the sales of products-in-circulation by setting an account of a product-in-circulation whose use-by date nearly expires to be less than a basic account. As a result, it is possible to clear away stocks kept by a service provider. [0052]
Note that, as long as data to specify the product-in-circulation (for example, model name, model number etc.) and service receiver data are recorded in pairs upon registering, it is possible to specify a service receiver who have used the product-in-circulation in the terminal, even in a case where the service receiver transmits only the product-in-circulation data to the terminal while using the product-in-circulation. Thus, compared with a case where unique data of a product-in-circulation and service receiver data are received in pairs upon using the product-in-circulation, it is possible to reduce the amount of data which should be received. Thus, it is possible to reduce input load and arithmetic processing load. [0053]
Further, an input section for inputting status on use of a product-in-circulation may be input means whereby an operator of the service management apparatus inputs data manually, or may be input means having an interface into which data is input via physical lines or radio transmission such as infrared line communication form, for example, a portable data processing apparatus into which data of status on use is input by a service person etc. [0054]
Further, the arithmetic processing section may calculate an account by performing a program process in which calculation based on an arithmetic expression is performed, or may calculate by performing a process in which a look-up table is used. The look-up table outputs an account by adjusting an account calculated in advance, corresponding to a period-before-expiring that has been calculated from expiring date data. [0055]
Further, in order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management apparatus of the present invention includes: a product-in-circulation data memory section for registering unique data to specify each product-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver and expiring date data in pairs; a communications section for detecting use of the product-in-circulation via a network; and an arithmetic processing section for calculating an account of a product-in-circulation that has been detected being used, of all products-in-circulation delivered to the service receiver, in accordance with the expiring date data of the product-in-circulation. [0056]
According to the arrangement, in addition to the foregoing effects, the communications section detects use of a product-in-circulation via a network, so that the service provider can obtain the purchase status on the side of the service receiver remote from the service provider without fail and in a substantially real time process. [0057]
Further, since unique data is allocated to each product-in-circulation provided to a service receiver and is registered in the memory section, it becomes easier to perform electrical management. Further, for example, in a case of an image forming apparatus, according to whether or not unique data of a product-in-circulation received from the product-in-circulation installed in an image forming apparatus is identical to data which has been registered, the arithmetic processing section can judge electrically whether it is a case where the same product-in-circulation is detached and attached in removing jammed papers etc. or a case where the product-in-circulation is replaced with a new product-in-circulation. Thus, in a case where data of an installed product-in-circulation is new, notice of the foregoing case can be recognized as a purchase action for the product-in-circulation. [0058]
Note that, as long as unique data of the product-in-circulation and service receiver data are stored in pairs upon registering, it is possible to specify a service receiver in accordance with the unique data of the product-in-circulation even though plural service receivers exist. That is, it is possible to manage not only a product-in-circulation but also a service receiver by using unique data of the product-in-circulation as basic management data. [0059]
Further, compared with a case where unique data of a product-in-circulation and contract signer data are received in pairs upon using the product-in-circulation, it is possible to reduce the amount of data which should be received. Thus, it is possible to reduce input load and arithmetic processing load. [0060]
Further, in order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management network system of the present invention includes: a first group and a second group, wherein the first group is a machine in which a product-in-circulation, having unique data, which is consumed or degraded, is installed so as to be detachable, and the machine has: (a) a read-out section for detecting unique data of the product-in-circulation from the product-in-circulation; (b) a transmitter section for externally transmitting the unique data that has been read out via a network; and (c) a controller section for controlling the read-out section and the transmitter section, and the second group is a service management apparatus having: (a) a communications section for performing communications with the first group; (b) a product-in-circulation data memory section for registering the unique data of the product-in-circulation and expiring date data of the product-in-circulation generated in the first group; and (c) an arithmetic processing section for confirming status on use of the product-in-circulation so as to calculate an account of a used product-in-circulation, of all products-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver, in accordance with the expiring date data of the product-in-circulation. [0061]
According to the arrangement, it is possible to realize the service management method that has already been described, by using a network system and an IT technique such as an IC chip. [0062]
If the network system is characterized in that the machine is an image forming apparatus, it is possible to collectively manage, via a network, product-in-circulation data of a delivered toner cartridge etc. with respect to the image forming apparatus connected to the network. [0063]
Further, in order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management network system of the present invention includes: a first group and a second group, wherein the first group is a machine having: (a) a read-out section for detecting unique data of a product-in-circulation from the product-in-circulation having the unique data; (b) a transmitter/receiver section for externally transmitting the unique data that has been read out via a network; and (c) a controller section for controlling the read-out section and the transmitter/receiver section, and the second group is a service management apparatus having: (a) a communications section for performing communications with the first group; (b) a product-in-circulation data memory section for registering the unique data of the product-in-circulation and expiring date data of the product-in-circulation generated in the first group; and (c) an arithmetic processing section for confirming status on use of the product-in-circulation so as to calculate an account of a used product-in-circulation, of all products-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver, in accordance with the expiring date data of the product-in-circulation. [0064]
According to the arrangement, a serviced object is not restricted to a product-in-circulation required in operating the machine, and substantially all the general articles which are typically circulated can be delivered to a service receiver as stocks. Thus, it is possible to service all the articles that can be charged according to the status on use. [0065]
The causes of this are as follows. The read-out section of the machine can detect unique data of a product-in-circulation from the product-in-circulation having the unique data, so that it is not necessary that the product-in-circulation is installed in the machine. Further, as to substantially all the articles that are typically circulated, unique data for specifying each article can be added to the article by means of various data recording forms such as IC chips and bar codes. [0066]
Note that, an input section for entering the status on use of a product-in-circulation may be provided on the service management apparatus additionally, and the status on use of the product-in-circulation may be updated by entering data via the input section as required. [0067]
Further, in order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management method of the present invention makes a computer program executes the steps of: registering (by input means provided in a terminal used as a computer) unique data of a product-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver and number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation (as a product-in-circulation table) in a memory section that is capable of being accessed by a computer; detecting (by communications means provided in the terminal) use of the product-in-circulation used by the service receiver via a network; recognizing (by arithmetic processing means provided in the terminal) the use that has been detected as a purchase action; and calculating an account of a product-in-circulation recognized as the purchase action by considering the number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation, of all products-in-circulation. [0068]
According to the arrangement, an unused product-in-circulation that has been merely delivered to the service receiver is not charged, and an account calculated with respect to a product-in-circulation that is recognized to be purchased by the service receiver is charged to the service receiver. As a result, it is possible to provide such rational service that the service receiver is not charged for an unnecessary product, and the load of the service receiver required in stock management is reduced and the service receiver can curtail unnecessary advance expenses. Further, the service provider can certainly secure customers by providing the foregoing service, so that it is possible to sell products-in-circulation steadily. [0069]
Further, an account is calculated based on the number of times collected data of a product-in-circulation which can be managed with a numerical value, so that it is possible to exclude vagueness which tends to occur in calculating an account. Further, even in a case where the same product-in-circulation is dealt, an account can be varied according to how many times the product-in-circulation has been collected. Thus, for example, a product-in-circulation which has been collected frequently is charged less, so that it is possible to promote the sales of the product-in-circulation which has been collected frequently. [0070]
The number of times collected data is registered in and is managed by a memory section, so that it is not required to generate the data with respect to the product-in-circulation basically. Thus, it is not required to obtain the number of times collected data from the product-in-circulation, and it is possible to obtain the data easily by a computer operation performed by the service provider and it is possible to update the data easily by processing the data electrically. [0071]
Note that, a basic account may be varied by reflecting a price reduction effect which is brought about by a mass production, or price lowering which is performed to promote the sales of a product which is hard to sell because long time has passed since the product became on sale, and by further reflecting rise of a price which occurs on the basis of unbalance between the demand and the supply. [0072]
Note that, the number of times collected data may include not only the number of times collected but also additional information such as “SCRATCH ON THE SURFACE” or “NO WRAPPING”. [0073]
Further, in order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management method of the present invention, in which a computer cuases a product-in-circulation for use in operating a machine to be provided, makes the computer execute the steps of: causing a terminal managed by a service provider to register unique date of the product-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver and number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation in memory means which that is capable of being accessed by the computer; causing a machine provided on a side of the service receiver to read out unique data of a product-in-circulation installed in the machine; transmitting data, that includes the unique data of the product-in-circulation, to a terminal managed by the service provider; causing the terminal managed by the service provider to detect the data via a network; recognizing installation of the product-in-circulation in the machine as a purchase action in accordance with the unique data of the product-in-circulation; and calculating an account of a product-in-circulation recognized to be the purchase action in accordance with the number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation. [0074]
According to the arrangement, use of the product-in-circulation is detected by a simple step in which the unique data of the product-in-circulation installed in the machine is read out on the side of the service receiver, and whether the use of the product-in-circulation is equivalent to purchase or not is determined on the side of the service provider, so that it is possible to know how many products-in-circulation has been consumed, with a numeric value precisely. [0075]
Further, the terminal managed by the service provider calculates an account in accordance with the number of times collected data of a product-in-circulation which can be managed with a numerical value. Thus, even in a case where the same product-in-circulation is dealt, the account can be varied depending on how many times the product-in-circulation has been collected. Thus, for example, a product-in-circulation which has been collected frequently is charged less, so that it is possible to promote the sales of the product-in-circulation which has been collected frequently. [0076]
Note that, when the step of reading out unique data of a product-in-circulation and the step of transmitting data which contains at least the read out data to the service provider are executed automatically by the machine provided on the side of the service receiver, it is possible to execute the steps without fail while the service receiver does not pay attention to the execution and does not feel any trouble. Further, since the process is performed via a network, a real time process can be realized. [0077]
Further, in accordance with the step of reading out unique data of a product-in-circulation installed in a machine provided on the side of the service receiver, not only the step of obtaining the status on use of a product-in-circulation used by the service receiver, but also the step of recognizing the use of the product-in-circulation as a purchase action in the case where the status on use is judged to be the use of the product-in-circulation, are executed at the same time. Thus, it is possible to simplify the process. [0078]
In order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management method of the present invention includes: a product-in-circulation data recording section for registering unique data of a product-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver and number of times collected data in pairs; an input section for inputting status on use of the product-in-circulation; and an arithmetic processing section for calculating an account of the product-in-circulation by considering the number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation. [0079]
According to the arrangement, the arithmetic processing section takes in the number of delivered products-in-circulation from data of the products-in-circulation registered in the product-in-circulation data recording section, and subtracts the number of used products-in-circulation from the number of the delivered products-in-circulation, so that it is possible to know how many products-in-circulation are actually used. Thus, it is possible to collectively manage such service that unused products-in-circulation that has been delivered in advance are not charged and only products-in-circulation that has been actually used are charged. [0080]
Since the service management apparatus calculates an account in accordance with the number of times collected data of a product-in-circulation which can be managed with a numerical value, even in a case where the same product-in-circulation is dealt, an account can be varied depending on how many times the product-in-circulation has been collected. Thus, for example, a product-in-circulation which has been collected frequently is charged less, so that it is possible to promote the sales of the product-in-circulation which has been collected frequently. As a result, it is possible to clear away stocks kept by a service provider. [0081]
As long as unique data of a product-in-circulation or data for specifying the product-in-circulation (for example, model name, model number etc.) and service receiver data are recorded in pairs upon registering, it is possible to specify a service receiver who used the product-in-circulation in the service management apparatus, even in a case where the service receiver transmits only the data of the product-in-circulation to the service management apparatus while using the product-in-circulation. Thus, compared with a case where unique data of a product-in-circulation and service receiver data are received in pairs upon using the product-in-circulation, it is possible to reduce the amount of data which should be received. Thus, it is possible to reduce input load and arithmetic processing load. [0082]
Further, in order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management apparatus of the present invention includes: a product-in-circulation data recording section for registering unique data of a product-in-circulation delivered to a service receiver and number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation in pairs; a communications section for detecting use of the product-in-circulation via a network; and an arithmetic processing section for calculating an account of a product-in-circulation detected being used by means of the communications section, of all products-in-circulation delivered to the service receiver, in accordance with the number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation. [0083]
According to the arrangement, since the communications section can detect use of a product-in-circulation by receiving data from a network, it is not required to confirm the use of the product-in-circulation additionally. Thus, it is possible to save trouble that the service receiver and the service provider would have. [0084]
Since unique data is allocated to each product-in-circulation provided to a service receiver and is registered in the memory section, it becomes easier to perform electrical management. Further, for example, according to whether or not unique data of a product-in-circulation received from the product-in-circulation installed in an image forming apparatus is identical to data which has been registered, the arithmetic processing section electrically determines whether it is a case where the same product-in-circulation is detached and attached or a case where the product-in-circulation is replaced with a new product-in-circulation. Thus, in a case where the data of an installed product-in-circulation is new, notice of the foregoing case can be recognized as a purchase action for the product-in-circulation. [0085]
Since the communications section detects use of a product-in-circulation via a network, a service provider can obtain status on purchase on the side of the service receiver remote from the service provider in a substantially real time process. [0086]
As long as unique data of a product-in-circulation and service receiver data are stored in pairs upon registering, it is possible to specify a service receiver in accordance with the unique data of the product-in-circulation even though plural service receivers exist. That is, it is possible to manage not only a product-in-circulation but also a service receiver by using unique data of a product-in-circulation as basic management data. Further, in a using process of a product-in-circulation, even in a case where a service receiver transmits only the unique data of a product-in-circulation to the service management apparatus, the service management apparatus can specify the service receiver who used the product-in-circulation. Thus, compared with a case where unique data of a product-in-circulation and service receiver data are received in pairs upon using the product-in-circulation, it is possible to reduce the amount of data which should be received. Thus, it is possible to reduce input load and arithmetic processing load. [0087]
Further, in order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management network system of the present invention includes: a first group and a second group, wherein the first group is a machine in which a product-in-circulation, having unique data, which is consumed or degraded, is installed so as to be detachable, and the machine has: (a) a read-out section for detecting unique data of the product-in-circulation from the product-in-circulation; (b) a transmitter section for externally transmitting data which contains the unique data via a network; and (c) a controller section for controlling the read-out section and the transmitter section, and the second group is a service management apparatus having: (a) a product-in-circulation data recording section for registering the unique data of the product-in-circulation and number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation; (b) a communications section for performing communications with the first group so as to obtain the data which contains the unique data; and (c) an arithmetic processing section for calculating an account of a product-in-circulation detected being used in accordance with the data, of all products-in-circulation delivered to the first group, by considering the number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation. [0088]
According to the arrangement, it is possible to realize the service management method described above by using a network system and electric management of the number of times collected, and an IT technique such as an IC chip. [0089]
Note that, in a case of a system in which an image forming apparatus is used as the machine, it is possible to collectively manage, via a network, product-in-circulation data of a toner cartridge etc. in the image forming apparatus connected to the network. [0090]
Further, in order to achieve the foregoing object, the service management network system of the present invention includes: a first group and a second group, wherein the first group is a machine having: (a) a read-out section for detecting unique data of a product-in-circulation from the product-in-circulation having the unique data; (b) a transmitter section for externally transmitting data which contains the unique data via a network; and (c) a controller section for controlling the read-out section and the transmitter section, and the second group is a service management apparatus having: (a) a product-in-circulation data recording section for registering the unique data of the product-in-circulation and number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation; (b) a communications section for performing communications with the first group so as to obtain the data which contains the unique data; and (c) an arithmetic processing section for calculating an account of a product-in-circulation detected being used in accordance with the data, of all products-in-circulation delivered to the first group, by considering the number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation. [0091]
According to the arrangement, a serviced object is not restricted to a product-in-circulation for use in operating a machine, and it is possible to service substantially all the general articles that are typically circulated, that is, all the articles that can be delivered to the service receiver as stocks and can be charged according to the number of articles used actually. [0092]
The causes of this are as follows. A read-out section of a machine can detect unique data of a product-in-circulation from the product-in-circulation having the unique data, so that it is not necessary that the product-in-circulation is installed in the machine. Further, as to substantially all the articles that are typically circulated, unique data for specifying each article can be added to the article by means of various data recording forms such as IC chips and bar codes. [0093]
Note that, an input section for entering the status on use of a product-in-circulation may be provided in the service management apparatus, and the status on use of the product-in-circulation may be updated by manually entering data by means of the input section as required. [0094]
For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.[0095]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a service management network system of the present invention. [0096]
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a form of a product-in-circulation of the present invention. [0097]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory drawing showing connection of a service management network system of the present invention. [0098]
FIG. 4 is a drawing to describe how a product-in-circulation of the present invention is packed. [0099]
FIG. 5([0100] a) to FIG. 5(c) are drawings to describe a circulation form of a product-in-circulation of the present invention.
FIG. 6([0101] a) to FIG. 6(c) are drawings which show an example of a product-in-circulation data table in which product-in-circulation data and the number of times collected are registered in pairs.
FIG. 7 and FIG. 7([0102] b) are drawings which show an example of a contract signer table displayed on a data manager window.
FIG. 8([0103] a) and FIG. 8(b) are drawings which show an example of a management table (by default) displayed on the data manager window.
FIG. 9([0104] a) and FIG. 9(b) are drawings which show an example of the management table (upon advance registration) displayed on the data manager window.
FIG. 10([0105] a) and FIG. 10(b) are drawings which show an example of the management table (during use of a product-in-circulation) displayed on the data manager window.
FIG. 11([0106] a) and FIG. 11(b) are drawings which show an example of the management table (upon replacement of a product-in-circulation) displayed on the data manager window.
FIG. 12([0107] a) and FIG. 12(b) are drawings which show an example of the management table (upon collection of a product-in-circulation) displayed on the data manager window.
FIG. 13 is a drawing to describe an accounting method. [0108]
FIG. 14 is a drawing which shows an example of a processing flow of an account processing method of the present invention. [0109]
FIG. 15 is a drawing which shows an example of an account factor table used in an account process of the present invention. [0110]
FIG. 16([0111] a) and FIG. 16(b) are drawings which show an example of a basic account table used in the account process of the present invention.
FIG. 17([0112] a) and FIG. 17(b) are drawings which show an example of unique data/contract signer ID table of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a drawing which shows an example of a processing flow of a process in which the number of times collected is updated. [0113]
FIG. 19 is a drawing which shows an example of a processing flow of a process in which the unique data/contract signer ID table shown in FIG. 17 is updated. [0114]
FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing another service management network system of the present invention. [0115]
FIG. 21([0116] a) and FIG. 21(b) show another example of a machine used in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20.
FIG. 22([0117] a) to FIG. 22(c) are drawings which show an example where a typical article is integrated with its unique data.
FIG. 23([0118] a) to FIG. 23(c) are drawings which show another example where a typical article is integrated with its unique data.
FIG. 24([0119] a) to FIG. 24(c) are drawings which show still another example where a typical article is integrated with its unique data.
FIG. 25([0120] a) to FIG. 25(c) show still another example of a machine used in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20.
FIG. 26 is a drawing which shows how a terminal management table is connected to a customer table by using a contract signer ID as a key in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20. [0121]
FIG. 27 is a drawing which shows an example of a management table (by default) displayed on a data manager window in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20. [0122]
FIG. 28 is a drawing which shows an example of the management table (upon advance registration) displayed on the data manager window in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20. [0123]
FIG. 29 is a drawing which shows an example of the management table (during use of a product-in-circulation) displayed on the data manager window in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20. [0124]
FIG. 30 is a drawing which shows an example of the management table (upon collection of a product-in-circulation) displayed on the data manager window in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20. [0125]
FIG. 31 is a drawing which shows an example of the management table (upon collection of a product-in-circulation) in a case where display concerning a product-in-circulation to be collected is deleted in the management table shown in FIG. 30. [0126]
FIG. 32 is a drawing to describe a charging process in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20. [0127]
FIG. 33 is a drawing which shows an example of a processing flow in which an initial registration of a service management table is performed. [0128]
FIG. 34 is a drawing which shows an example of a processing flow in which a first update of the service management table is performed. [0129]
FIG. 35 is a drawing which shows an example of a processing flow which includes second and subsequent updates of the service management table. [0130]
FIG. 36 is a drawing which shows an example of a processing flow which includes an update of the service management table performed upon collection of a product-in-circulation. [0131]
FIG. 37 is a schematic view showing still another service management network system of the present invention. [0132]
FIG. 38([0133] a) and FIG. 38(f) are drawings which show a timing chart to describe an operation of a machine.
FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing a flow of a control operation of an arithmetic processing section with respect to an automatic update process of a spare cartridge table. [0134]
FIG. 40 is a schematic view showing another service management network system of the present invention. [0135]
FIG. 41([0136] a) to FIG. 41(e) are drawings to describe an advance request method with respect to a product-in-circulation.
FIG. 42([0137] a) to FIG. 42(c) are schematic perspective view showing an example of a second terminal used in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20.
FIG. 43([0138] a) to FIG. 43(c) show still another example of a machine used in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20.
FIG. 44 shows still another example of a machine used in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20. [0139]
FIG. 45([0140] a) and FIG. 45(b) show still another example of a machine used in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20.
FIG. 46([0141] a) and FIG. 46(b) are drawings which show an example of a product-in-circulation data table in which product-in-circulation data and expiring data are registered in pairs.
FIG. 47([0142] a) and FIG. 47(b) are drawings which show an example of the management table (by default) displayed on the data manager window.
FIG. 48([0143] a) and FIG. 48(b) are drawings which show an example of the management table (upon advance registration) displayed on the data manager window.
FIG. 49([0144] a) and FIG. 49(b) are drawings which show an example of a management table (during use of a product-in-circulation) displayed on the data manager window.
FIG. 50([0145] a) and FIG. 50(b) are drawings which show an example of the management table (upon replacement of a product-in-circulation) displayed on the data manager window.
FIG. 51([0146] a) and FIG. 51(b) are drawings which show an example of the management table (upon collection of a product-in-circulation) displayed on the data manager window.
FIG. 52 is a drawing which shows an example of a processing flow of an accounting process of the present invention. [0147]
FIG. 53 is a drawing which shows an example of an account factor table used in the accounting process of the present invention. [0148]
FIG. 54 is a drawing which shows an example of a processing flow of a process for calculating a period-before-expiring. [0149]
FIG. 55 is a drawing which shows an example of the management table (by default) displayed on the data manager window in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20. [0150]
FIG. 56 is a drawing which shows an example of the management table (upon advance registration) displayed on the data manager window in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20. [0151]
FIG. 57 is a drawing which shows an example of the management table (during use of a product-in-circulation) displayed on the data manager window in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20. [0152]
FIG. 58 is a drawing which shows an example of the management table (upon collection of a product-in-circulation) displayed on the data manager window in the service management network system shown in FIG. 20.[0153]
[Embodiment 1][0154]
(Product-in-Circulation) [0155]
In the present embodiment, a product-in-circulation means a part of an apparatus in terms of a function, and replacement of the product-in-circulation enables the apparatus to restore and keep its function. For example, in a case where the apparatus is an image forming apparatus, a toner cartridge or a developing cartridge, a photosensitive body cartridge, a cartridge in which a developing member and a photosensitive body are formed integrally, an ink cartridge, and a cartridge in which an ink tank and a printing head are formed integrally, are regarded as the product-in-circulation. In this industry, these products are called supply products. [0156]
General products-in-circulation which do not necessarily constitute part of an apparatus will be described in later embodiments. [0157]
FIG. 4 shows a general example of a case where a product-in-circulation [0158] 6 is a toner cartridge. A toner cartridge 60 in a circulating state is wrapped or packed with a wrapping material 62 or a packing material 63. The wrapping material 62 or the packing material 63 is used to keep the quality of the product or to protect the product, and, for example, an aluminum pack is used as the wrapping material 62, and paper or corrugated paper is used as the packing material 63, and they are not required in actually using a toner cartridge. Thus, although the wrapping material 62 and the packing material 63 are included in the product-in-circulation 6 in a circulating state, the product-in-circulation 6 installed in a machine means the toner cartridge 60.
The present invention is characterized by an IC chip [0159] 61, which functions as an unique data generating section for generating unique data with respect to the toner cartridge 60, and the IC chip can specify (identify) each product-in-circulation.
An ink cartridge of an inkjet printer is arranged in the same manner. [0160]
(Arrangement of a Network and an Apparatus) [0161]
FIG. 3 shows a general arrangement of a service provider [0162] 10 and a contract signer 1 in a network.
The service provider [0163] 10 provides the contract signer 1 (service receiver) with service concerning the product-in-circulation 6 such as the toner cartridge 60 which will be concretely described later.
In a case where the service provider [0164] 10 is a leasing company etc., the service provider 10 may provide service to make a leasing contract with respect to a main body of an image forming apparatus.
The network [0165] 20 is, for example, a public network such as a telephone line. A relation between a specific contract signer 1 and the service provider 10 is described as follows.
First, the service provider [0166] 10 delivers an image forming apparatus 2 and the product-in-circulation 6 such as the toner cartridge 60 which is applicable to the image forming apparatus 2. Generally, when image forming apparatuses made by the same maker differ from each other in terms of types, it is often that products-in-circulation used in different apparatuses also differ from each other accordingly, so that a type number and a code number etc. of the product-in-circulation 6 are determined and confirmed in accordance with main body data of the image forming apparatus 2.
In this case, the number of the products-in-circulation [0167] 6, which are to be delivered, is not particularly determined, but one or more spares are enough except for a product which is immediately used in a main body of the apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus [0168] 2 on the side of the contract signer 1 is connected to a terminal 12 on the side of the service provider 10 by a telephone line 20A etc. as a network 20.
An arrangement of the image forming apparatus [0169] 2 on the side of the contract signer 1 is described as follows. The image forming apparatus 2 (machine) includes: image forming means (not shown) for forming images on a recording material such as paper by toner, ink, and the like; a toner cartridge 60 used as a degradable; a read-out section 4 for reading out data (described later) formed in the toner cartridge 60; a transmitter/receiver section 5 for outputting the data that has been read out to outside; and a controller section 3 for controlling the read-out section 4 and the transmitter/receiver section 5. A sensor circuit 9 is made up of a sensor, which detects whether the toner cartridge 60 is installed in the image forming apparatus 2 or not, and peripheral circuits of the sensor, and it is often that the sensor circuit 9 is installed in a typical copying machine and a printer, so that the entire operations are based on the use of the sensor circuit 9. However, in a case where the sensor is not installed, it is possible to employ substitute means, so that the sensor is not necessarily required.
It is preferable that the toner cartridge [0170] 60 records its own unique data either on its surface or therein. For example, there is provided an IC chip (first data recording body) 61 as shown in FIG. 2 to store a product model number and an ID number in advance in internal EEPROM, ferroelectric memory, or other nonvolatile memory. Alternatively, the unique data may be recorded in the form of a bar code or other simple method, because in the present invention, the ID number recorded in the IC chip 61 is not secret and does not need special protection.
Note that, some products are conventionally marked using bar codes to distinguish between product-in-circulation for convenience in circulation and inventory management and other purposes. All the individual pieces of the same model share the same bar code to reduce labor and time in printing and management, etc. The bar code is therefore useless in distinguishing individual product-in-circulation [0171] 6 unless they are of different models or products.
This makes a sharp contrast with the present invention. According to the present invention, different bar codes are given to different pieces of product-in-circulation [0172] 6 to distinguish between individual pieces. The present invention differs from the prior art in that individual pieces of product-in-circulation 6 are distinguishable according to the present invention, but not by the use of conventional bar codes.
According to the present invention, the IC chip [0173] 61 basically records nothing but a product model number and an ID number for that particular product (in other words, ID numbers of the respective cartridges for specifying the products-in-circulation 6 individually), and does not have to be rewritten. The IC chip 61 therefore does not need to be large in memory capacity or versatile in function, permitting great simplification of both software and hardware, including memory controller.
A sensor may be provided, if necessary, to detect the quantity of remaining toner. By so doing, the quantity of the toner currently in use can be detected with improved precision. [0174]
The read-out section [0175] 4 varies depending on how data is recorded in the toner cartridge 60: if the data is recorded in the form of a bar code, the read-out section 4 is a bar code reader; if the data is recorded in an IC chip, the read-out section is electric or high frequency read-out means.
The transmitter/receiver section [0176] 5 is a modem, for example, and is connected via telephone lines or a similar network like CATV. Data may be exchanged between the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal 12 only via physical lines or partly via radio transmission.
An example is shown in FIG. 37, where the transmitter/receiver section [0177] 5 provided in, or connected to, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits data to a second transmitter/receiver section 51 of the contract signer 1 via radio transmission, and the second transmitter/receiver section 51 transmits data on to the network 20 (telephone lines 20A) via physical transmission lines. Alternatively, the transmitter/receiver section 5 may be capable of connecting to a local network 21. The second transmitter/receiver section 51 may of course be connected to the a communications section 121 of the terminal 12 partly via radio transmission.
The sensor circuit [0178] 9 is composed of various sensors and peripheral circuits for processing signals from the sensors. The sensors include a door sensor and a cartridge sensor, and may be mechanical, optical, etc. The door sensor detects whether the door of the image forming apparatus 2 is open or closed. The cartridge sensor detects whether the toner cartridge 60 is installed in the image forming apparatus 2. The peripheral circuits include, among them, a filter circuit, a binarizer circuit, a voltage level adjusting circuit, and a waveform modifier circuit for modifying the waveforms of sensor outputs, so as to produce digital signals with 0 V to 5 V logical levels from sensor outputs.
The controller section [0179] 3 causes the read-out section 4 to access the IC chip 61 and read out toner cartridge data when, for example, the toner cartridge 60 is replaced. The controller section 3 further causes the transmitter/receiver section 5 to externally transmit the read-out data as required. The controller section 3 monitors signals from various sensors to give predetermined commands according to the contents of the signals. When a CPU is used to control the entire image forming apparatus, the CPU may double as the controller section 3.
Now, the contents of the data recorded in the toner cartridge [0180] 60 is described. The IC chip 61 stores in advance, for example, 0011 0001 0010 1101 1010, a 20-digit binary number which carries data (ID number) unique to a toner cartridge 60. The number of digits may vary. The number is generated by the service provider 10 and managed on a product-in-circulation data table of a product-in-circulation data memory section 124 of a terminal 12.
Next, the way the number represents data is described. [0181]
The first 4 digits represent the model of the toner cartridge [0182] 60. In this case, 16 models are distinguishable by the use of numbers 0000 through 1111. In the case of a color image forming machine using four toner cartridges 60, one for each of the four colors, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and Bk (black), the first two digits may represent color data. Table 1 gives such an example.
In this case, the remaining two digits can be used to distinguish between up to four models. An example is given in Table 2. [0183]
Product Name Model Number Third Digit Fourth Digit
Toner Cartridge A AR-2000TC 0 0
(for AR-2000)
Toner Cartridge B AR-2001TC 0 1
(for AR-2001)
Toner Cartridge C AR-2010TC 1 0
(for AR-2010)
Toner Cartridge D AR-2200TC 1 1
(for AR-2200)
Another example is given in Table 3, where two numbers represent toner cartridges A and B respectively, and the two others represent photosensitive cartridges C and D. [0184]
Photosensitive AR-2000OPC 1 0
Photosensitive AR-2001OPC 1 1
Cartridge D
These correspondence tables are prepared and stored in the terminal [0185] 12 of the service provider 10 as product-in-circulation data tables as will be detailed later.
The remaining sixteen digits give, in the foregoing example, toner cartridges [0186] 60 of model 0011 their own, unique numbers (unique data). Each of such toner cartridges 60 is assigned its own, unique number selected from 65536 numbers from 0000 0000 0000 0000 through 1111 1111 1111 1111. This data is also added to the product-in-circulation data table stored in the terminal 12 of the service provider 10. In the above description, the ID numbers were characterized as unique data that makes it possible to distinguish between individual toner cartridges 60; however, the model number and the ID number may collectively be treated as unique data.
Now, the structure of the terminal [0187] 12 (service management device) of the service provider 10 is described.
The terminal [0188] 12 is a personal computer (PC) or a work station (WS), and includes a communications section 121, an arithmetic processing section 122, an input section 123, a memory section 124, and an output section 125.
The communications section [0189] 121 is configured to detect the status of the product-in-circulation 6 in the image forming apparatus 2 and is a modem, for example, when the network 20 is telephone lines 20A. The communications section 121 may be capable of connecting to a local network 22.
The arithmetic processing section [0190] 122 executes operations on the data input via the communications section 121 or the input section 123, and is made of a CPU and memory. The memory is RAM or similar memory where results of operations are stored temporarily. If the operations are to be executed by software, a nonvolatile memory is provided to store a program to execute those operations. Alternatively, a memory section 124 (detailed later) may be provided to store a program that is read into RAM before it is executed.
The input section [0191] 123 is a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device, an image scanner, a bar code scanner, or a similar device used to input data on contract signers 1, etc.
The memory section [0192] 124 (product-in-circulation data memory section, account factor memory section, basic account memory section, and list memory section) stores data entered via the communications section 121 or the input section 123, as well as results of operations executed by the arithmetic processing section 122. The memory section 124 is a hard disk, an optical disk, or a similar device. The contents of the memory section 124 include product-in-circulation data tables like those shown in Tables 1-3, contract signer data table (detailed later), service management table (management table recording updated data on the use of product-in-circulation) for contract signers, and application program which stores a processing flow of the service management method in accordance with the present invention. Note that, the memory section 124 corresponds to a recording medium of the present invention.
The foregoing tables and tables described later can be associated with each other using a common key as the main key. For example, the product-in-circulation data table, the service management table, the basic account table, and the unique data/contract signer ID table can be associated with each other by using unique data as the main key. The contract signer table, the service management table, the terminal table, and the unique data/contract signer ID table can be associated with each other using a contract signer ID as the main key. [0193]
The output section [0194] 125 corresponds to a CRT or a liquid crystal display for outputting data in the form of soft copies. Alternatively, the output section 125 corresponds to a printer for outputting data in the form of hard copies.
(Registration Process of a Product-in-Circulation Covered by the Service: Example 1) [0195]
The following will describe the workings of the system. [0196]
The service provider [0197] 10 creates the product-in-circulation data table [1] as shown in FIG. 46(a), and stores the table in the memory section 124. The product-in-circulation of the product-in-circulation data table [1] is covered by the service.
An important point of the product-in-circulation data table [1] is that the unique data of the product-in-circulation [0198] 6 and the expiring date data of the product-in-circulation 6 are associated with each other as a pair. Further, in the figure, the product-in-circulation data table [1] has “product-in-circulation note data” which indicates what is dealt as the -product-in-circulation 6, and “charged/non-charged data” which indicates whether the product-in-circulation 6 is charged or not.
The expiring date data is data required in calculating an account in the service of the present invention, and represents the period in which it is guaranteed that the product-in-circulation [0199] 6 is usable with a desired level of quality. The data is generally given by a date (and/or a time) of manufacture plus quality guarantee period known through experiment or actual use. The date of course varies depending on the kind of the product-in-circulation 6 and also depending on the date of manufacture and lot even for the same product-in-circulation 6. See, for example, the product-in-circulation data table [1]: the black toner cartridges for AR-2000 have different expiring dates T as unique data given in the form of “0000 XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX” (X is either 0 or 1).
The charged/non-charged data is included subserviently and indicates whether the product-in-circulation [0200] 6 deserves to be provided in the service. Concretely, a product-in-circulation 6 indicative of “used” is a product which was used by any one of the contract signers 1 and cannot be provided in the service. Such a product may not be covered by the management if the current purpose is to manage the product in terms of validity as a subject of the service. A product-in-circulation 6 indicative of “unused” is a product which has not been used by the contract signer 1 and can be provided in the service. Such a product is valid as a subject to the service.
FIG. 46([0201] b) shows an example of another product-in-circulation data table, and this is detailed later.
(Registration Process of a Product-in-Circulation Covered by the Service: Example 2) [0202]
The service provider [0203] 10 creates the product-in-circulation data table [1] as shown in FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(b), and stores the table in the memory section 124. The product-in-circulation of the product-in-circulation table [1] is covered by the service.
An important point of the product-in-circulation data table [1] is that the unique data of the product-in-circulation [0204] 6 and number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation 6 are associated with each other as a pair. Further, the product-in-circulation data table [1] has “product-in-circulation note data” which indicates what is dealt as the product-in-circulation 6, and “charged/non-charged data” which indicates whether the product-in-circulation 6 is charged or not.
The number of times collected data is data required in calculating an account in the service of the present invention, and the data is managed by counting and renewing the number of times collected accumulated so far in a case where unused product-in-circulation [0205] 6 which has been collected is used again as an article covered by the service. An initial value is “0”, and varies with increase of the number of times collected as 1, 2, 3 . . . .
The charged/non-charged data is included subserviently and indicates whether the product-in-circulation [0206] 6 deserves to be provided in the service. Concretely, a product-in-circulation 6 indicative of “used” is a product which was used by any one of the contract signers 1 and cannot be provided in the service. A product-in-circulation 6 indicative of “unused” is a product which has not been used by the contract signer 1 and can be provided in the service.
FIG. 6([0207] c) shows an example of another product-in-circulation data table, and this will be detailed later.
(Registration Process of Contract Signer Data) [0208]
The service provider [0209] 10 obtains data on a contract signer 1 as advance data. As shown in the contract signer table [1] of FIG. 7(a), the data is data whereby one can specify the contract signer 1: for example, if the contract signer 1 is a company, the data includes a company name. The data should further include office names of a single company to distinguish between them if a separate contract is signed with each office.
Next, to process the contract signer data in the terminal [0210] 12, the service provider 10 issues a contract signer ID to each contract signer 1. Each contract signer ID is a unique number given to a contract signer 1: for example, 000125.
Then, address data is obtained to deliver a product-in-circulation [0211] 6 as serviced object. Further, payment method data is obtained to collect payments.
The foregoing data is stored in the memory section [0212] 124 of the terminal 12 in a form of an electronic file. FIG. 7(a) shows an example where the file is displayed on the output section 125 of the terminal 12.
Next, the service provider [0213] 10 dispatches a service person to the contract signer 1 to install and set up an image forming apparatus 2 and deliver the product-in-circulation 6. The image forming apparatus 2 is connected and set up so that it can communicate via the external network 20. A model number of the image forming apparatus 2 and an ID number which is unique to that particular image forming apparatus 2, as well as the issued contract signer ID, may be transmitted when the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the external network 20.
If the service provider [0214] 10 has to know nothing but the model of the image forming apparatus owned by the contract signer 1, all the data the service provider 10 needs is the model number, product model number, or other data by which the service provider 10 can specify the model. However, if the contract signer 1 has more than one image forming apparatus of the same model, and the service provider 10 needs data about each image forming apparatus, manufacturing number or other unique data by which the service provider 10 can specify each image forming apparatus is essential.
If the image forming apparatus [0215] 2 is a copying machine, it is equipped with numeric keys to enter, for example, the number of pages to be printed; this input means can be readily used to enter the ID number of the contract signer and/or the ID number of the image forming apparatus 2 to the image forming apparatus 2. If the contract signer ID number is stored in nonvolatile memory after it is entered for the first time, the contract signer 1 does not need to enter the data again when it must be transmitted to the service provider 10. If the image forming apparatus ID number is stored in nonvolatile memory on delivery, it does not thereafter need to be entered, and these series of operations are automatically completed by electronic means. The nonvolatile memory is built in as a part of the controller section 3.
Thus, the contract signer table [2] is filled in as shown in FIG. 7([0216] b). The table shows, for example, that the two image forming apparatuses, an AR-2000 model and an AR-2001 model, owned by the contract signer specified by the ID number 000003 are serviced in accordance with the present invention.
The contract signer table [1] and the contract signer table [2] can be combined as common data to associate ID numbers (contract signer IDs). Hence, by referring to FIG. 7([0217] a), one can tell that the contract signer specified by the ID number 000003 in FIG. 7(b) is “ABC Division, D Co. Ltd.”
By this step, the terminal [0218] 12 can automatically detect the model(s) of the image forming apparatus(s) 2 owned by the contract signer 1 and collect data on the model(s) which is the serviced object.
When a performance-improved version of the toner cartridge [0219] 60 with a new model number is introduced into the market for use in the image forming apparatus 2, for example, the service provider 10 can provide the latest version of the toner cartridge 60 on the basis of the model data on the image forming apparatus 2. The ID number, which is unique to each piece of the product, is not essential; it is however included here. The ID number is useful for the service provider 10 to appropriately service its products, since the products can be possibly modified over an extended period of time albeit retaining the same old model numbers, and the modification may affect toner cartridges 60 and other products-in-circulation 6 in a way or the other. The ID number is also useful in providing additional services: for example, the service provider can inform the contract signers 1 of newly discovered defects of the image forming apparatus 2 based on the ID number before and after such a modification.
Note that, the terminal [0220] 12 of the service provider 10 creates a service management file (the foregoing service management table) for each contract signer 1 and stores them in memory section 124. FIG. 8(a), FIG. 8(b), FIG. 47(a), and FIG. 47(b) show an example of the file displayed on the output section 125 of the terminal 12. In this example, cartridges in use are shown in the table (FIG. 8(a)), and spare cartridges are shown in the table (FIG. 8(b)). Alternatively, the table of cartridges in use can be omitted. As default, as shown in FIG. 8(a), FIG. 8(b), FIG. 47(a), and FIG. 47(b), no data is given on the cartridges currently used in the image forming apparatus 2 of the contract signer 1 or the spare cartridges kept in stock by the contract signer 1.
(Registration Process of a Delivered Product-in-Circulation Data) [0221]
The service provider [0222] 10 collects data on all the toner cartridges 60 that are to be delivered to the contract signer 1 and stores the data in the terminal 12 of the service provider 10 immediately or later.
In order to collect the data, a data recording body (second data recording body) [0223] 7 which stores data (unique data on the product-in-circulation) is attached to a wrapping material of the product-in-circulation 6 so as to distinguish each toner cartridge 60 from the others as shown in FIG. 5(a) to FIG. 5(c) and the data generated in a data generating section 73 of the data recording body 7 is read out by means of a scanner when the product-in-circulation is delivered to the contract signer 1. The contents of the data recording body 7 are identical to the contents stored in the IC chip 61 in the toner cartridge 60: for example, the ID number given to the toner cartridge 60. However, the data may be stored in different ways: it may stored in the form of a bar code that is readable by a bar code scanner. In the present invention, the ID number stored in the IC chip 61 as unique data on a product-in-circulation is not secret and does not need special protection; the ID number can be created easily without encryption, encoding, or other complex data processing.
By thus separately attaching a data recording body [0224] 7 whose contents (i.e., unique data of the product-in-circulation) are identical to those of the IC chip 61 to the packing material 63 of the product-in-circulation 6, the service person can obtain data on the delivered product-in-circulation 6 from the data recording body 7 attached to the packing material 63 or the surface of the product-in-circulation 6, when the product-in-circulation 6 is delivered. The service person does not have to open the packing material 63 etc. to take out the product-in-circulation 6 and obtain the unique data stored on the product-in-circulation 6, and therefore the commodity value of the product is not lost since the packing is not opened.
Having collected the data, the service person pulls off the data recording body [0225] 7 to confirm that the data has been read out. By thus forming the data recording body 7 so that it can be detached from the product-in-circulation 6, one can tell based on the presence or absence of the data recording body 7 whether the product has been delivered or not. Since the data recording body 7 can be taken back, even if the scanner is out of order or other inconvenience occurs, it is possible to avoid such situation where the advance registration cannot be performed on the delivery site, so that the servicemen can still take it back to a service station where he/she can feed the data and complete advance registration.
In these cases, the data recording body [0226] 7 is attached so that it can be detached without opening the toner cartridge 60: as shown in FIG. 5(a), a part 71 of the data recording body 7 is attached to the external surface of a protection member such as the wrapping material 63 or the packaging material 62, by using adhesive or staplers, so that a part 72 where the data is written can be pulled off the part 71 along a tear-off line K.
The data recording body [0227] 7 is made of a film member, such as paper or resin, or a sheet member that is sufficiently thick and does not curl or cause other inconveniences. If the data recording body 7 is made of a hard sheet member, it is cut off along the line K. In view of durability and readability of data, hard resin is preferred.
FIG. 5([0228] b) shows an alternative method to attach the data recording body 7, in which it is attached on its back, where no data is formed, to the packing material 63 of the product-in-circulation 6 by using adhesive or other similar material, and the part 72, in which data 73 is written, is torn off the attached part 71 along the tear-off lines K1 and K2.
A further alternative is shown in FIG. 5([0229] c), in which the data recording body 7 is attached to the interior 64 of the lid of the protection member 63, but is assessable without damaging the product. By so doing, the data recording body 7 is not damaged during circulation and can therefore be made of paper or another fragile material.
In the description above, it was assumed that the product-in-circulation [0230] 6 was packed in packing material 63 during circulation; the data recording body 7 was therefore attached to the packing material 63. In practice, the packing material refers to the ultimate exterior of the product-in-circulation 6. However, the data recording body 7 may be inserted into a pocket part of the packing material 63, which is formed in a pocket manner.
As detailed in the foregoing, the IC chip [0231] 61 and the data recording body 7 need to store the same data, but not necessarily in the same manner.
The data read out by the scanner is immediately transmitted to the terminal [0232] 12 of the service provider 10 by communications means (not shown). Alternatively, the data read out by the scanner is stored on a floppy disk, memory stick, or a similar medium so that the medium can be taken back to the service station for later retrieval and input to the terminal 12 of the service provider 10.
When the data read out by the scanner is transmitted immediately by communications means, the read out data and the contract signer ID number are transmitted in pairs to the terminal [0233] 12. By so doing, the terminal 12 can associate the contract signer 1 with the data on the product-in-circulation 6 delivered to the contract signer 1.
Now, operations of the terminal [0234] 12 will be described in more detail. The terminal 12 specifies the contract signer 1 based on the incoming data from the communications section 121. This is achieved by the arithmetic processing section 122 specifying the contract signer ID contained in the incoming data. Alternatively, when the unique data and contract signer ID of a product-in-circulation are stored in the memory section 124 so that they are related to each other, the terminal 12 can specify the contract signer 1 based on the incoming unique data from the communications section 121.
Next, the arithmetic processing section [0235] 122 recalls the service management tables related to the specified contract signer 1 (FIG. 8(a), FIG. 8(b), FIG. 47(a), and FIG. 47(b)). The management table is made for each contract signer 1, when it becomes clear which models the contract signer 1 wants to be serviced, for example, when a contract is made.
Then, the arithmetic processing section [0236] 122 retrieves the ID number of the toner cartridge 60 contained in the incoming data. The ID number goes in the “FULL DATA (FULL DIGITS)” cell in FIG. 8(a), FIG. 8(b), FIG. 47(a), and FIG. 47(b). FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 48(b) show the management table after the full incoming data is entered. Spare cartridges are numbered in the order of the incoming data; alternatively, they may be sorted by color. The full incoming data may be temporarily stored in a virtual memory region (or processing region) of the memory section 124 to sort cartridges by color by identifying the color data (the first two digits of the full data) contained in the full data, and automatically entered to the spare cartridge table as shown in FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 48(b). In such a situation, cartridges of the same color are sorted by the ID numbers, and their data is entered into the table in the ascending order of the ID numbers.
A further alternative is possible, where the data read out by the scanner is stored in combination with a contract signer ID number in a portable data terminal or a similar device at the installation spot and then taken back to a service station of the service provider [0237] 10. The service person can transfer the data stored in the portable data terminal to the terminal 12 after establishing a physical line connection or radio communications such as infrared communications between the terminal 12 and the portable data terminal.
A further alternative is possible, where the part [0238] 72 of the data recording body 7 is collected and taken back without using a scanner at the installation spot. The data is then input to the terminal 12 by reading out the part 72 using a bar code scanner or another input section 123 connected to the terminal 12 of the service provider 10 or by manual input through a keyboard or a similar input device. In this case, the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 is again input in combination with the contract signer ID data. The earlier real-time method of electronic on-the-spot readout and transmission of data is more reliable in that it can eliminate a possibility of delivering goods that do not appear on the delivery slip by error, and in view of these advantages, is more preferred.
The unique data of the product-in-circulation [0239] 6 may be entered manually through a keyboard or a similar input device at the terminal 12 of the service provider 10 in combination with the contract signer ID data before the product-in-circulation 6 is dispatched from the service provider 10 to the contract signer 1.
Hence, the terminal [0240] 12 of the service provider 10 can store the number of the toner cartridges 60 that have been supplied to the specific contract signer 1, but are yet to be used, as well as their model numbers and ID numbers.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that data is electronically read out and immediately transmitted on the spot. [0241]
The terminal [0242] 12 of the service provider 10 updates the data based on incoming data. Specifically, FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 48(b) show a case where black, yellow, magenta, and cyan toner cartridges 60 are supplied, two for each color, eight in total, and twenty-digits, unique code data is entered for each cartridge. Note that, in the description of FIG. 9, the display which indicates each type of the toner cartridges 60 etc. includes not only the code data but also actual names such as “black toner” subserviently in the light of the user interface. In the table shown in the figure, the model data of the toner cartridges 60, etc. is not only represented in the form of code, but also accompanied by actual names, like “black toner” as an aid to the user. The arithmetic processing section 122 determines for each toner cartridge 60 whether or not the data on the toner cartridge 60 is entered into the spare cartridge table for the first time so far, and the table automatically shows “NEW (SPARE)” in all the cells under “CURRENT STATUS.”
Date of delivery, expiring date data, and period-before-expiry are additionally entered in FIG. 48([0243] b). Date of delivery and the number of times collected data are additionally entered in FIG. 9(b).
Date when the unique data of the product-in-circulation [0244] 6 was entered into the spare cartridge table by the input section 123 or the communications section 121 is automatically entered into a cell which indicates date of delivery. Since a timer section (not shown) is provided in the terminal 12, in a case where the arithmetic processing section 122 detects that the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 was entered into the spare cartridge table, current time and date data is obtained from the timer section so as to input the obtained time and date data to the “DATE OF DELIVERY” cell. In more detail, when the “FULL DATA (FULL DIGITS)” cell which indicates “SPARE CARTRIDGE DATA” is filled and “REGISTRATION BUTTON” is clicked, the arithmetic processing section 122 confirms whether the “FULL DATA (FULL DIGITS)” cell is filled or not. When the arithmetic processing section 122 confirms that the “FULL DATA (FULL DIGITS)” cell is filled, the “DATE OF DELIVERY” which was obtained by the foregoing step is automatically entered.
Further, the product-in-circulation data tables shown in FIG. 46([0245] a), FIG. 46(b), FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 6(c), or the Tables 1 to 3 are referred to by using the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 entered into the “FULL DATA (FULL DIGITS)” as a retrieving key, so that the color data (the first two digits) and “MACHINE DATA” are automatically entered.
Alternatively, the service provider [0246] 10 may enter the date of delivery by the input section 123. By so, it is possible to input a precise value in a case where the date data of the timer section differs from the actual date.
Next, the way the expiring date data (expiring date T) is obtained is described. [0247]
The arithmetic processing section [0248] 123 refers the product-in-circulation data table shown in FIG. 46(a) and FIG. 46(b) on the basis of the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 so as to read a expiring date T from the “EXPIRING DATE DATA” cell.
In more detail, retrieval is performed with respect to “FULL DATA (FULL DIGITS)” of FIG. 47([0249] b) and FIG. 48(b) etc. When the data is entered, the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 is read out. The read out data is temporarily stored in a RAM of the arithmetic processing section 122. When nothing is entered, the processing is finished.
Next, the arithmetic processing section [0250] 123 reads out the product-in-circulation data table [1] shown in FIG. 46 from the memory section 124, and obtains an expiring date T with respect to the product-in-circulation 6 by using the obtained unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 which has been temporarily stored in the RAM as a retrieving key (the data is stored in the RAM temporarily). The arithmetic processing section 123 copies the obtained expiring date T in the “USE-BY DATE T” cell of the spare cartridge data table shown in FIG. 47(b).
As shown in FIG. 48([0251] b), “EXPIRING DATE T” is filled in related to the unique data of the product-in-circulation by the foregoing operation.
The “IN-USE” cartridge table in FIG. 48([0252] a) shows the same contents as that in FIG. 47(a). No data is updated right after delivery, since data is entered to the table when the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 is obtained via a network or the use of the product-in-circulation 6 is confirmed by another means such as telephone or e-mail.
Next, the way the number of times collected data N is obtained is described. [0253]
The arithmetic processing section [0254] 122 refers the product-in-circulation data table shown in FIG. 6 on the basis of the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 so as to read a value of the number of times collected (=N times) from the “NUMBER OF TIMES COLLECTED (=N TIMES)” cell. In more detail, retrieval is performed with respect to “FULL DATA (FULL DIGITS)” of FIG. 8(b) and FIG. 9(b) etc. When the data is entered, the data value (unique data of the product-in-circulation 6) is read out. The read out data is temporarily stored in a RAM of the arithmetic processing section 122. When nothing is entered, the processing is finished.
Next, the arithmetic processing section [0255] 122 reads out the product-in-circulation data table [1] shown in FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 6(c) from the memory section 124, and obtains a value of the number of times collected (=N times) with respect to the product-in-circulation 6 by using the obtained unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 which has been temporarily stored in the RAM as a retrieving key, so as to store the data in the RAM temporarily. The arithmetic processing section 122 copies the obtained the number of times collected data N in the “NUMBER OF TIMES COLLECTED (=N TIMES)” cell of the spare cartridge data table shown in FIG. 8(b).
As shown in FIG. 9([0256] b), “NUMBER OF TIMES COLLECTED (=N TIMES)” is automatically filled by the foregoing operation.
Note that, in the spare cartridge data table, there is a case where a line specified by No. # (# is 1, 2, 3 . . . ) is called a record. [0257]
When the unique data of the product-in-circulation [0258] 6 is obtained via a network, or when use of the product-in-circulation 6 is confirmed by other means such as a telephone call or an electric mail, data is entered into the cartridge data table, shown in FIG. 9(a), which is being used, so that the cartridge data table does not vary at a time of delivery, and its content is the same as that shown in FIG. 8(a).
(Using Confirmation Process of a Delivered Product-in-Circulation) [0259]
The service person opens a necessary toner cartridge [0260] 60 that enables the image forming apparatus 2 to operate, and installs that toner cartridge 60 in the image forming apparatus 2. Having already been connected and properly set up for external communication, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the data on the installed toner cartridge 60 to the terminal 12 of the service provider 10. The data is transmitted together with the contract signer ID to enable the terminal 12 to tell from which contract signer 1 the data is coming in.
Automated execution of the foregoing operations is now described. The image forming apparatus [0261] 2 is typically equipped with various sensors to detect opening of doors and installation of the toner cartridge 60, and the controller section 3 monitors these sensors. As installation of toner cartridge 60 is detected on the basis of signals from a toner cartridge sensor, the controller section 3 gives a command, causing the read-out section 4 to read out the data stored in the IC chip 61 of the toner cartridge 60. The controller section 3 then gives another command to the transmitter/receiver section 5, causing the transmitter/receiver section 5 to the transmit data. This operation will be described in detail later.
FIG. 10([0262] a) and FIG. 49(a) show results of the arithmetic processing section 122 of the terminal 12 of the service provider 10 having updated the data on cartridges currently used in the image forming apparatus 2 of the contract signer 1 on the basis of the incoming data from the communications section 121. FIG. 10(b) shows results of the arithmetic processing section 122 having updated data on some of the toner cartridges 60: they first appeared as spare cartridges in the column under “CURRENT STATUS,” but the display is now updated from “NEW (SPARE)” to “IN USE” as a result of the foregoing operation.
The arithmetic processing section [0263] 122 checks the table of cartridges in use for the same unique data as that of the toner cartridge 60 contained in the data received by the communications section 121, to determine whether or not the toner cartridge 60 has been newly installed. Alternatively, the arithmetic processing section 122 checks the table of spare cartridges for the same unique data as that of the toner cartridge 60 contained in the data received by the communications section 121, to determine whether or not the toner cartridge 60 has been newly installed: if the same unique data is sorted in the table as “NEW (SPARE)” in the column under “CURRENT STATUS” and is also received by the communications section 121, the unique data is that of a newly installed toner cartridge 60.
This completes initial set-up and registration. [0264]
In the foregoing description, it was assumed that the model number, the unique ID number, and other data of the image forming apparatus [0265] 2 were automatically transmitted to the terminal 12 of the service provider 10. An alternative configuration is possible where the service provider 10 executes registration through the input section 123 of the terminal 12.
(Replacement Process of the Product-in-Circulation) [0266]
Now, the operations of the arithmetic processing section [0267] 122 when a toner cartridge 60 is replaced will be described.
A machine manager or user of the contract signer [0268] 1 who has a contract with the service provider 10 replaces an old toner cartridge 60 with a new one in spare stock based on a “Replace Toner Cartridge” message given by the image forming apparatus 2. The present embodiment will focus on a case where only black toner has run out.
The old toner cartridge [0269] 60 (spare cartridge No. 1) shown in FIG. 10(b) and FIG. 49(b) is removed from the image forming apparatus 2, and a new toner cartridge 60 (spare cartridge No. 5) is installed replacing the old one.
Referring to FIG. 38, the following will describe internal operations of the image forming apparatus [0270] 2.
The image forming apparatus [0271] 2 is typically equipped with a sensor to detect a toner cartridge 60 being installed. The arithmetic processing section 122 detects installation and removal of a toner cartridge 60 on the basis of sensor reactions.
FIG. 38([0272] a) and FIG. 38(b) show, as an example, the installation/removal operation of a toner cartridge 60 and associated sensor outputs. When there is a toner cartridge 60 installed, the sensor output signal is low; when there is no toner cartridge 60 installed, the sensor output signal is high.
The sensor circuit [0273] 9 produces a trigger pulse shown in FIG. 38(c) based on the sensor output signal. Specifically, a pulse signal is produced with a fixed width when the sensor output signal falls. This is achieved by a circuit including a mono multivibrator: the circuit feeds the sensor output signal to the mono multivibrator and produces a pulse that rises at a fall of the sensor output signal. The sensor output signal may be fed to a Shmit trigger circuit, filter circuit, etc., before supplied to the mono multivibrator to prevent noise and chattering in the sensor output signal from causing malfunction of the mono multivibrator.
The installation timing of the toner cartridge [0274] 60 is thus detected, and the read-out section 4 is triggered at this timing.
As the trigger is produced, the read-out section [0275] 4 accesses the IC chip 61 on the toner cartridge 60. FIG. 10(d) shows the duration of the access to the IC chip 61 by the read-out section 4. Specifically, the signal is a strobe signal, and address specification and data reading are done in the duration. The read out data is stored in RAM or other volatile memory.
At the fall of the strobe signal, the pulse signal of FIG. 10([0276] e) is produced with a fixed width.
The trigger pulse is used as a timing signal for the transmitter/receiver section [0277] 5 to transmit the data read out by the read-out section 4. The transmitter/receiver section 5, for example, processes data appropriately to communications system based on the trigger pulse, before transmitting it as shown in FIG. 10(f).
With these operations, the image forming apparatus [0278] 2 transmits data on the unused toner cartridge 60 to the terminal 12 of the service provider 10.
In the description so far, it was assumed that a sensor was disposed to detect a toner cartridge [0279] 60 installed in the image forming apparatus 2. If there is no such sensors, a door sensor may be used. The door is provided to allow internal access when the toner cartridge 60 needs to be replaced or jammed paper needs to be removed. As a safety precaution, the door is usually equipped with a sensor to detect the opening/closure of the door. To replace the toner cartridge 60, the door must be opened and then shut. Therefore, an access timing to the toner cartridge 60 may be produced based on signals from the door sensor, hence, the opening/closure of the door.
Alternatively, for a machine with no sensors at all, the controller section [0280] 3 may be programmed to cause a reading at a regular interval.
At the terminal [0281] 12 of the service provider 10, the current status for the spare cartridges No. 1 and No. 5 is updated to “USED” and “IN USE” respectively as shown in FIG. 11(b) and FIG. 50(b). In the in-use cartridge table, the data (date of replacement, full data, unique data, expiring date, period-before-expiry, number of times collected data, spare cartridge) is updated only on the black toner cartridge as shown in FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 50(a).
That is, the arithmetic processing section [0282] 122 compares the unique data of the toner cartridge 60 whose status is represented as “NEW (SPARE)” in the “CURRENT STATUS” column of the spare cartridge table with the unique data contained in the data received by the communications section 121; if the unique data of the toner cartridge 60 (spare cartridge No. 5) is detected, the arithmetic processing section 122 recognizes that the spare cartridge No. 1 of the same color is replaced with a spare cartridge No. 5. In other words, the arithmetic processing section 122 detects changes in the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 received via the communications section 121, so that it serve as a replacement recognition section for recognizing replacement, i.e., purchase, of the product-in-circulation 6 by the contract signer 1.
Based on the recognition, the arithmetic processing section [0283] 122 updates the current status of the spare cartridge No. 5 to “IN USE.” Concurrently, the arithmetic processing section 122 detects that the new toner cartridge 60 (spare cartridge No. 5) is for black toner and recognizes that the toner cartridge 60 (spare cartridge No. 1) also for black toner is used up and updates the current status of the spare cartridge No. 1 to “USED.” The arithmetic processing section 122 updates the spare cartridge table through these recognition operations.
Now, there is no more spare black toner cartridge left, and the service provider [0284] 10 dispatches at least a black toner cartridge to the contract signer 1. FIG. 12(a), FIG. 12(b), FIG. 51(a), and FIG. 51(b) show such a situation. New spare cartridge data is added for No. 9 by a process similar to the foregoing initial setup and registration.
Thus, the service provider [0285] 10 always monitors the spare toner cartridge data and prevents the contract signer 1 from running out of the consumable product by dispatching a new spare toner cartridge 60 to the contract signer 1 when or before the contract signer 1 runs out of spare toner cartridges 60.
To cause the terminal [0286] 12 to electronically execute the foregoing operations, the arithmetic processing section 122 subtracts Nu from Nf where Nf is the number of toner cartridges delivered, and Nu is the number of toner cartridges used; if Nf-Nu equals 0, the arithmetic processing section 122 executes steps to instruct a dispatch. Nf is stored in the memory section 124 for individual contract signers 1. Nf is retrieved from the memory section 124 before executing the foregoing process and updated when a new cartridge is delivered. Nf may be set equal to the largest of the numbers successively assigned to the cartridges (the numbers appear in FIG. 11(b) in the column under “NO.”).
Nu is calculated as follows. [0287]
The memory section [0288] 124 have in records the accumulative number of cartridges used up and in used to the previous update. As latest data is entered to the terminal 12, the number of cartridges newly put in use this time is added to the accumulative number to keep Nu updated. Specifically, this is achieved, for example, in FIG. 11(b), by adding up the number of cartridges sorted as “USED” or “IN USE” under “CURRENT STATUS.” The accumulative number of cartridges used and in use, which is stored in the memory section 124, is update also in this case.
The instruction for a delivery may be a message popping up on the output section [0289] 125 of the terminal 12. Alternatively, the instruction may be sent via the communications section 121 and then over the local network 22 to the delivery department of the service provider 10 in the form of, for example, electronic mail. Further, a notice of delivery may be sent in advance via the communications section 121 and then over the network 20 (telephone lines 20A) to the contract signer 1.
Spare toner cartridges [0290] 60 may be dispatched to the contract signer 1 when N′ grows smaller than N, where N is a predetermined reference value larger than 0, and N′ is the number of spare cartridges kept in stock at the contract signer 1. When this is the case, the contract signer 1 has a smaller risk of running out of the product than when setting N=0; however, cartridges are dispatched more frequently. This is a trade-off situation between low risk and high frequency; experience will tell a suitable value for N. (Account Calculation Process) Next, an account calculation process will be explained. FIG. 13 shows a list of consumable products which are to be charged (account lists [1] to [3]). For example, one month is one charging period. The consumable product list, for example, is generated by extracting, from a spare cartridge table shown in FIG. 10(b), FIG. 11(b), FIG. 49(b), and FIG. 50(b), data of used cartridges accumulated for a month: from a closing date (in the present embodiment, 15 in every month) to a previous month. This is achieved by extracting cartridges which has been used or is being used during the period from the closing date to the previous month.
Thus, a product-in-circulation [0291] 6 which is to be charged is specified.
Now, referring to FIG. 52, the following will describe a first example of an accounting process, which is a feature of the present invention. [0292]
Step [0293] 110 [S110]
First, a period-before-expiring Tr is obtained as expiring date data of the product-in-circulation [0294] 6.
Specifically, in reference to the spare cartridge table in FIG. 48([0295] b), etc., a corresponding period-before-expiring Tr is read out based on the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6.
Step [0296] 111 [S111]
The accounting factor table shown in FIG. 53 is read out from the memory section [0297] 124 based on the period-before-expiring Tr to obtain an accounting factor k corresponding to the obtained period-before-expiring Tr. The accounting factor k is temporarily stored in the RAM in the arithmetic processing section 122.
Step [0298] 112 [S112]
Next, the basic account table [1] shown in FIG. 16([0299] a) is read out from the memory section 124 based on the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 to obtain a basic account p. The basic account p is temporarily stored in the RAM in the arithmetic processing section 122.
Step [0300] 113 [S113]
The accounting factor k is multiplied with the basic account p, both temporarily stored in the RAM, to calculate an account P in consideration of the period-before-expiring Tr. [0301]
Step [0302] 114 [S114]
Referring to the unique data/contract signer table in FIG. 17([0303] a), the contract signer 1 is identified by obtaining his/her contract signer ID based on the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6.
Step [0304] 115 [S115]
The account list shown in FIG. 13 is created for each contract signer [0305] 1 based on the results from the steps so far.
Step [0306] 116 [S116]
It is determined whether there are any additional products-in-circulation [0307] 6 subject to the accounting; if there are none, the process terminates here, and if there are some, the process returns to Step 110 to repeat the same steps for those products-in-circulation 6.
Note that Step [0308] 114 may be skipped if the process is continued to execute Step 110 and its succeeding steps repeatedly for the same contract signer 1.
Referring to FIG. 54, the following will describe how to calculate the period-before-expiring Tr which was used to calculate the account. [0309]
Step [0310] 120 [S120]
First, referring to the product-in-circulation data table [1] shown in FIG. 46([0311] a), an expiring date T is obtained based on the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6.
Step [0312] 121 [S121]
Next, referring to the spare cartridge table (FIG. 48([0313] b), etc.) for each contract signer 1, a delivery date (or installation date) Td is obtained of the product-in-circulation 6.
Step [0314] 122 [S122]
Now, the period-before-expiring Tr is calculated from T and Tp above as: [0315]
Tr=T−Td
Incidentally, the period-before-expiring Tr is obtainable based on either the delivery date or the installation date. This is optional and determined by the service provider [0316] 10 at their disposal. In the latter case, the service provider 10 can offer services which better reflect the actual use by the contract signer 1 and efficiently solve the problem of low sales of products-in-circulation 6 with a short expiring period.
Step [0317] 123 [S123]
Finally, the calculated result is entered in the “Period-before-expiring Tr” data cell in the spare cartridge table of the contract signer [0318] 1. In FIG. 48(b), etc. the data is entered by means of symbols which are managed according to the table shown in Table 4.
Representation Period-Before-Expiring
Tr0 More than 1 Year
Tr1 6 Months to 1 Year
Tr2 2 Months to 6 Months
Tr3 1 Month to 2 Months
Tr4 Less than 1 Month
In the foregoing, the delivery date when the product-in-circulation [0319] 6 was delivered to the contract signer 1 or the installation date was used as date and time data to calculate the period-before-expiring Tr. Alternatives include the date of a delivery instruction for the product-in-circulation 6 or the actual delivery date.
Referring to FIG. 14, a second processing flow of the account calculation will be described. [0320]
Step [[0321] 10] (S10)
The number of times collected (=N times) of the product-in-circulation [0322] 6 is obtained.
In more detail, a product-in-circulation data table [1] shown in FIG. 6([0323] a) to FIG. 6(c) is read out from the memory section 124 so as to obtain the number of times collected (=N times) of the product-in-circulation 6 in accordance with the unique data of the product-in-circulation.
Step [[0324] 11] (S11)
An account factor table [1] shown in FIG. 15 is read out from the memory section [0325] 124 in accordance with the number of times collected (=N times) so as to obtain an account factor k. The account factor k is stored temporarily on the RAM of the arithmetic processing section 122.
Step [[0326] 12] (S12)
A basic account table [1] shown in FIG. 16 is read out from the memory section [0327] 124 in accordance with the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 so as to obtain a basic account p. The basic account p is stored temporarily on the RAM of the arithmetic processing section 122.
Step [[0328] 13] (S13)
The account factor k and the basic account p, both of which are stored temporarily on the RAM, are multiplied so as to calculate an account p considering the number of times collected (=N times). [0329]
Step [[0330] 14] (S14)
Referring to a unique data/contract signer table shown in FIG. 17, a contract signer [0331] 1 is specified by obtaining a contract signer ID in accordance with the unique data of the product-in-circulation 6.
Step [[0332] 15] (S15)
In accordance with a result obtained by the foregoing processes, an account list shown in FIG. 13 is made for each contract signer [0333] 1.
Step [[0334] 16] (S16)
Whether or not there is another product-in-circulation [0335] 6 which is to be charged is confirmed, and if there is not another product-in-circulation 6, the process is finished, and if any, the process goes back to step 10 so as to perform the same process with respect to the product-in-circulation 6.
Note that, in a case where a process performed after step [0336] 10 is repeated with respect to the same contract signer 1 successively, the step 14 may be omitted.
FIG. 13 shows a list of past three months. [0337]
The account list [1] shows that an account factor k for a black toner cartridge is k[0338] 3 (<1), and the account factor k for Y, M and C toner cartridges is k0=1. This clarifies that these factors are adjusted according to the number of times collected (=N times) or the period-before-expiry Tr.
As described above, in the present invention, only the toner cartridge [0339] 60 which is actually used by the contract signer 1 is charged, and an unused toner cartridge 60 is not charged. This forms the basis on which the account is calculated, which is further changed in accordance with the expiry date of the product-in-circulation 6. Thus, the contract signer 1 can use the image forming apparatus 2 without stocking unnecessary toner cartridges 60, running out of consumable products, and performing complicated management. Also, by setting the account to be a reasonable price with respect to a product-in-circulation 6 whose expiry date is coming soon, etc., the contract signer can use the product-in-circulation 6 with a sense of safety and is encouraged to make the purchase.
Further, it is possible to set the account to be a reasonable price with respect to a product-in-circulation [0340] 6 whose number of times collected (=N times) is large, so that it is possible to remove uneasiness that the contract signer 1 feels with respect to use of the product-in-circulation 6, and to make such situation where the product-in-circulation 6 can be purchased easily. The service provider 10 can reduce an amount of the stock by promoting sales of the product-in-circulation 6 whose number of times collected (=N times).
Installation of a new toner cartridge [0341] 60 is detected, so that the number of spare cartridges is confirmed. Thus, it is possible to realize conventional management of the image forming apparatus 2 itself and management of the stock of the spare toner cartridges 60 at once.
(Collection Process) [0342]
In a typical form in which the image forming apparatus [0343] 2 is used for the extended period of time, a new product-in-circulation 6 is supplemented to the contract signer 1. However, there occurs a case where the product-in-circulation 6, which has been delivered to and kept in the installation spot, is required to be returned, due to cancellation of the contract or similar case. FIG. 12(b) and FIG. 51(b) show an example thereof, and is a management table in a case where Y, M, and C toner cartridges shown in No. 6 to No. 8 are returned.
Data “COLLECTION” is entered into a “USE DATE” cell and a “CURRENT STATUS” cell. The “COLLECTION” data is entered via the input section [0344] 123 on the terminal 12. However, in a case where the system causes a product to be returned after a prescribed duration has passed since date of delivery, the “COLLECTION” data may be entered automatically at a time when the scheduled date of collection. However, in this case, this is nothing but a scheduled, and whether a collection operation has been actually performed or not is not confirmed. Thus, it is necessary to give an instruction for collection additionally. Furthermore, data such as “SCHEDULED TO COLLECT”, “INSTRUCTION FOR COLLECTION”, and “SCHEDULED DATE OF COLLECTION (month, date, year)” etc. are displayed until whether the collection operation has been actually performed or not is confirmed. After the collection is confirmed, “COLLECTION” or “COLLECTION IS CONFIRMED” may be displayed. By so doing, it is possible to confirm the current status of the collection without fail.
The foregoing situation occurs, for example, in a case where the service contract with respect to toner cartridges of only Y, M, and C colors is cancelled since an image forming apparatus [0345] 2 which can perform color printing is used to perform only the monochro printing, or in a case where it is found that the toner cartridges of Y, M, and C colors are consumed much more slowly than a black cartridge is and it is more advantageous to both the service provider 10 and the contract signer 1 that the toner cartridges of Y, M, and C colors which has been delivered are returned.
In a case where the collection operation is performed, the product-in-circulation data table is updated as shown in FIG. 6([0346] b). That is, in the spare toner cartridge table of FIG. 12(b), a value of the number of times collected data of the product-in-circulation 6 shown in No. 6 to No. 8 is updated, and “1” is entered with increment of +1 with respect to the previous value “0”.
Referring to FIG. 18, a processing flow, in which the number of times collected is updated, is described as follows. [0347]
Step [[0348] 20] (S20)
First, whether any product-in-circulation has been collected or not is judged. The judgement is achieved, for example, by retrieving a product-in-circulation [0349] 6 indicative of the “COLLECTION” data entered in the “USE DATE” cell of the spare cartridge table. Alternatively, this is achieved by confirming whether or not there is a product-in-circulation 6 judged to have been collected referring to a collection table (not shown). The collection table is a file for managing unique data of a product-in-circulation 6 and whether or not there is the product-in-circulation 6 having the unique data. If it is made electronic, it is possible to perform a retrieving process by computer processing easily. Note that, in a case where it is certain that the collection has been performed, the foregoing judgement may be performed without waiting for the confirmation on whether the product has been collected or not, when the instruction for collection is given.
Step [[0350] 21] (S21)
The unique data of the product-in-circulation is obtained. In the foregoing example, this is achieved by reading out the unique data of the product-in-circulation [0351] 6 which is checked in the “COLLECTION” cell in the collection table.
Step [[0352] 22] (S22)
The obtained unique data is used as a retrieving key, so that a value N, the current number of times the product-in-circulation has been collected, is read out in accordance with the product-in-use data table [1]. [0353]
Step [[0354] 23] (S23)
The read out value, the number of times collected, increases with increment of +1 as follows. [0355]
Step [[0356] 24] (S24)
The “NUMBER OF TIMES COLLECTED” cell of the product-in-circulation data table is updated. [0357]
Step [[0358] 25] (S25)
Whether any other products-in-circulation are to be updated or not is judged. When the update is not required, the process is finished, and when the update is required, the process goes back to the step [0359] 21.
It is rational that the service provider [0360] 10 provides an unused product-in-circulation 6, which has been collected in this way, to another contract signer 1.
FIG. 17([0361] b) shows an example of a unique data/contract signer table in a case where a product-in-circulation 6, collected from a contract signer whose contract signer ID is 000125, is delivered to another contract signer 1 (contract signer ID: 102611). Comparison of FIG. 17(a) and FIG. 17(b) clarifies that three products-in-circulation 6 which were represented by the contract signer ID: 000125 on Mar. 22, 2000 are represented by the contract signer ID: 102611 on Jun. 20, 2000.
In this case, it is possible to use a contract signer table [2] shown in FIG. 7([0362] b) so as to retrieve a contract signer 1 who receives the provision of the collected product-in-circulation 6.
Referring to FIG. 19, a processing flow of the foregoing update is described as follows. [0363]
Step [[0364] 30] (S30)
Referring to the contract signer table [2], the first detection is performed by listing corresponding contract signer IDs in accordance with machine data (in this example, the machine data of AR-2000, an image forming apparatus). [0365]
Step [[0366] 31] (S31)
Referring to the spare cartridge table prepared for each contract signer [0367] 1, whether the product-in-circulation 6 is required or not is judged in accordance with the contract signer ID data.
The judgement on whether the product-in-circulation [0368] 6 is required or not is performed as follows. For example, spare cartridges number data of FIG. 10(a) FIG. 49(a), FIG. 11(a), FIG. 11(a), FIG. 50(a), FIG. 12(a), and FIG. 51(a) is retrieved so as to detect whether a value is “0” or “1”, that is, whether a spare cartridge is stocked or not. If the value is “0”, this means that the spare cartridge is not stocked. Then, it is necessary to avoid situations where the image forming apparatus 2 becomes inoperative because he/she has run out of the toner cartridge 60, when the contract signer 1 wants to use the image forming apparatus 2 for the extended period of time; thereby, it can be determined that the contract signer still needs the service with respect to the collected product-in-circulation 6.
Step [[0369] 32] (S32)
As a result of the foregoing judgement, whether a contract signer [0370] 1, judged to need the product-in-circulation 6, exists or not is detected. If the contract signer 1 exists, the process goes to step 33, and if the contract signer 1 does not exist, the process goes to step 34.
Step [[0371] 33] (S33)
As a result of the foregoing detection, if contract signers [0372] 1 judged to need the products-in-circulation 6 exist, the number of the contract signers 1 is detected. If plural contract signers 1 exist, the process goes to step 35. If a single contract signer 1 exists, the process goes to step 36.
Step [[0373] 34] (S34)
As a result of the foregoing detection, if there is no contract signer [0374] 1 judged to need the product-in-circulation 6 exists, in the unique data/contract signer table, such content that a contract signer 1 has not been determined is entered into the contract signer data cell corresponding to the unique data, so that the unique data/contract signer table is updated. In this case, such content that a contract signer 1 has not been determined is entered by deleting a contract signer ID which has been already entered, and by entering “SUSPENSION” or “-” etc.
Step [[0375] 35] (S35)
When there are more than one contract signer [0376] 1 is judged to need the product-in-circulation 6 in S33, referring to an in-use cartridge table, a contract signer 1, who is retrieved first from the contract signers 1 whose spare cartridges number are “0”, is determined as a candidate. Note that, the candidate may be determined as follows. Referring to the spare cartridge table, a period from the installation date of a product-in-circulation 6 in use to the current date is calculated. If a contract signer 1 whose calculated period is longer than that of any other contract signer 1 is detected, the contract signer 1 may be determined as the candidate. According to the process, a contract signer 1, who needs the earliest supplement of the product-in-circulation 6, is predicted, so that it can be described that this process is more rational. The prediction may be performed in other ways.
Step [[0377] 36] (S36)
If a single contract signer [0378] 1 is judged to need the product-in-circulation 6 at a ramification command of step 33, in the unique data/contract signer table, a contract signer ID of the contract signer 1 judged to need the product-in-circulation 6 is overwritten and saved in the contract signer data cell corresponding to the unique data.
Step [[0379] 37] (S37)
Following the operation in S[0380] 36, a dispatch department and a similar department are instructed to dispatch the product-in-circulation 6 to the contract signer 1 judged to need the product-in-circulation 6.
Step [[0381] 38] (S38)
Meanwhile, after candidates are determined from the contract signers [0382] 1 whose spare cartridge data is “0” in the operation of S35, in the unique data/contract signer table, a contract signer ID of the contract signer is overwritten and saved in the contract signer data cell corresponding to the unique data.
By the foregoing processes, if the unique data/contract signer table shown in FIG. 17([0383] b) is referred to, the unique data is used as a retrieving key, so that it is possible to confirm and specify the latest contract signer 1 of a product-in-circulation 6 having the unique data.
Further, when a product-in-circulation [0384] 6 whose contract signer ID data is not entered, this means that where the product-in-circulation 6 is to be delivered has not been determined yet. Thus, the product-in-circulation 6 is to be provided as a serviced object to the contract signer 1 who needs the product-in-circulation 6.
Next, the following is a description of a processing procedure of the arithmetic processing section [0385] 122 for executing a registration process of a new service management table (a new in-use cartridge table and a new spare cartridge table) and update thereof. This is described referring to FIG. 33 to FIG. 36.
(1) Registration Process of a New Spare Cartridge Table [0386]
Step [[0387] 40] (S40)
First, in response to an instruction from a program executing registration of a new spare cartridge table, the output section [0388] 125 displays a new registration window for a spare cartridge table shown in FIG. 8(b). The program executing registration of a new spare cartridge table is nothing but the program executing S41-S48 detailed below. The program is pre-installed in the memory section 124 in the terminal 12 and launched at detection of a click on an on-screen execution button of the program for new registration displayed on the output section 125.
Step [[0389] 41] (S41)
Cells showing “CONTRACT SIGNER ID,” “MACHINE MODEL DATA,” and “FULL DATA (FULL DIGITS)” in the column under “SPARE CARTRIDGE DATA” are now ready to accept data entry and are displayed to show the machine is waiting for data entry through the input section [0390] 123. For example, a prompt message appears encouraging the user to enter data and notifying where to enter. FIG. 8(b) shows the table after “CONTRACT SIGNER ID” (not shown) and “MAIN BODY MODEL” data have been entered.
Step [[0391] 42] (S42)
A check button (not shown) is displayed on screen, allowing the person to confirm the data entered in the registration window. If the button is clicked on, the arithmetic processing section [0392] 122 executes S43. Otherwise, the arithmetic processing section 122 stands by.
Step [[0393] 43] (S43)
In S[0394] 44, the arithmetic processing section 122 checks as to whether every piece of essential data was entered in an appropriate cell. If there is no piece of essential data missing, the arithmetic processing section 122 executes S44. Otherwise, the arithmetic processing section 122 executes S45.
Step [[0395] 44] (S44)
In S[0396] 44, the product name and model number are read out in reference to the “REMARKS” cells in the product-in-circulation data table [1] shown in FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(b) on the basis of the unique data entered in the “FULL DATA (FULL DIGITS)” cell, and then pasted to “COLOR DATA,” “MODEL DATA,” and other cells in the spare cartridge table. The “DATE OF DELIVERY” cell may be automatically filled in with the date of the entering of unique data into the “FULL DATA (FULL DIGITS)” cell, i.e., the date of the delivering of the toner cartridge 60 to the contract signer 1, in response to the entering. To this end, a timer function of the terminal 12 is used.
This step is intended to improve the operation efficiency of the operator of the terminal [0397] 12. The unique data (or full data in this case) of the toner cartridge 60 is numerically represented, and the operator cannot figure out a specific product name, model number etc. from the numeric data alone. The step is optional and not essential if the processing is handled all by a computer.
Step [[0398] 45] (S45)
If there is any piece of essential data missing in S[0399] 43, the arithmetic processing section 122 executes S45 where a prompt message appears encouraging data entry, before returning to S41. To be more specific, the arithmetic processing section 122 causes an error message like “Essential Data Missing. Try Again.” to be displayed on-screen with a check button, and executes S41 again in response to a click on the button. In the second session of S41, the data entered in the previous session is not deleted, but retained as was entered: the cells are simply ready again for data entry.
Step [[0400] 46] (S46)
Referring to the “NUMBER OF TIMES COLLECTED (=N TIMES)”! cell shown in FIG. 6([0401] a) and FIG. 6(b), the number of times collected of the corresponding product-in-circulation 6 is read out in accordance with the unique data entered in the “FULL DATA (FULL DIGITS)”, and is pasted on the “NUMBER OF TIMES COLLECTED (=N TIMES)” cell.
Step [[0402] 47] (S47)
Following to operations of S[0403] 46, the arithmetic processing section 122 checks as to whether registration of a new spare cartridge table has been completed and a registration instruction has been made by a click on a registration button.
Step [[0404] 48] (S48)
The data entered in the spare cartridge table is recorded to complete the new registration. As a result, the manager window changes from that shown in FIG. 8([0405] b) to that shown in FIG. 9(b).
By executing these steps, the terminal [0406] 12 of the service provider 10 can store the number, model types, ID numbers, and other data on the toner cartridges 60 that has been delivered to the contract signer 1, but are yet to be use.
(2) Update Process [0407] 1 of a Spare Cartridge Table Next, referring to FIG. 34, an update process of the spare cartridge table will be described.
Step [[0408] 50] (S50)
Judgement on whether or not data (contract signer ID and unique data of a product-in-circulation [0409] 6) is received from the contract signer 1 via the communications section 121 is performed.
Step [[0410] 51] (S51)
In accordance with the received contract signer ID, the spare cartridge table (see FIG. 9([0411] b)) for each contract signer 1, which is stored in the memory section 124 by the process of the new registration, is read out, and the read out spare cartridge table is displayed on the output section 125 as required.
Step [[0412] 52] (S52)
In accordance with the received unique data of the product-in-circulation [0413] 6, date is entered in the “USE DATE” cell. Reception date can be entered as the foregoing date. This date entry may be made, as described above, based on the timer function of the terminal 12, whereby the timer value at a time when the unique data is received is read out and copied.
Step [[0414] 53] (S53)
“IN USE” is entered in the “CURRENT STATUS” cell. The “CURRENT STATUS” cell is described as follows. In the “CURRENT STATUS” cell, five items, that is, “NO DATA”, “UNUSED (SPARE)”, “IN USE”, “USED”, and “COLLECTION” are prepared in advance. In the registration window, an initial value “NO DATA” is automatically selected and entered. Further, after the registration is completed, “NO DATA” is changed to “UNUSED (SPARE)”. [0415]
In the present update process, unique data obtained by reception is checked with the registered unique data, and “UNUSED (SPARE)” is changed to “IN USE” in the “CURRENT STATUS” cell corresponding to the registered unique data identical to the obtained unique data. [0416]
Step [[0417] 54] (S54)
Whether any other unique data has been received or not is judged. If any other unique data has not been received, the foregoing data is updated and the process is finished. If another unique data has been received, the process returns to step [0418] 53.
(3) Update Process [0419] 2 of a Spare Cartridge Table
The foregoing steps are executed in a case where use of a product-in-circulation [0420] 6 is detected for the first time. However, in a case where a machine 2 is used for an extended period of time, a replacement process of the product-in-circulation 6 occurs.
Next, referring to FIG. 35, an update process of the spare cartridge table performed in the replacement process will be described. [0421]
Step [[0422] 60] (S60)
First, whether the unique data is detected for the first time or not is judged. If the unique data is detected for the first time, processes after the foregoing step [0423] 51 are performed. If the unique data is judged to be detected in the replacement process, the following processes are performed.
Specifically, the foregoing judgement is performed as follows. Upon reception of the unique data, a spare cartridge table concerning the corresponding contract signer [0424] 1 is read out, so as to detect whether or not there is a record which was entered as “IN USE” in the “CURRENT STATUS”. In a case where a product-in-circulation 6 is used for the first time, unique data 6 is also detected for the first time. This means that entrance of “IN USE” has not been performed. While, in a case where the replacement of the product-in-circulation 6 is performed, the unique data 6 has been detected twice or more. This means that “IN USE” has been entered in the “CURRENT STATUS” cell.
In an example of FIG. 10([0425] b), entrance of “IN USE” exists in each of four records (records No. 1 to No. 4).
Step [[0426] 61] (S61)
Type data of incoming unique data is read out so as to specify calor data. The specification of the color data is as follows. According to the foregoing rules whereby unique data is created, the first four digits in the incoming unique data is the data representing type. Thus, the color data is specified by reading out the first four digits and referring to the product-in-circulation data table given in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 etc. [0427]
Taking the case of FIG. 11([0428] b) as an example, the incoming unique data was a record indicated by No. 5. In accordance with the first four digits, “0000” , the data is judged to be that of a black toner cartridge compatible with AR-2000 model, an image forming apparatuses 2.
Note that, in a case where only one image forming apparatus [0429] 2 as a serviced object for the contract signer 1 exists, machine data can be omitted. Thus, color data may be specified in accordance with the first two digits.
Step [[0430] 62] (S62)
A record which has been entered as “IN USE” in the “CURRENT STATUS” cell is retrieved by using the color data obtained in the foregoing step [0431] 62. The example of FIG. 10(b) shows that the record is No. 1 record.
Step [[0432] 63] (S63)
The record retrieved by the foregoing step [0433] 62 is updated so that its “CURRENT STATUS” cell is changed from “IN USE” to “USED”. Further, a record No. 5 corresponding to the incoming unique data is updated so that its “CURRENT STATUS” cell is changed from “UNUSED (SPARE)” to “IN USE”.
Step [[0434] 64] (S64)
Whether there is another corresponding unique data or not is judged. If there is not another corresponding unique data, the foregoing data is updated and the process is finished. If there is another unique data, the process returns to step [0435] 61.
FIG. 11([0436] b) shows an example of a result of the foregoing processes. This shows that the records No. 1 and No. 5 are updated.
(4) Update Process [0437] 3 of a Spare Cartridge Table
Referring to FIG. 36, an update process of the spare cartridge table performed in a collection process of a product-in-circulation [0438] 6 will be described.
Step [[0439] 70] (S70)
First, whether or not there is a product-in-circulation [0440] 6 which is to be collected is judged on the basis of reception or entrance of arbitrary collection data.
Step [[0441] 71] (S71)
In a case where there is the product-in-circulation [0442] 6 which is to be collected, contract signer ID is obtained from unique data of the product-in-circulation 6 so as to read out a spare cartridge table for each contract signer 1 in accordance with the contract signer ID.
Step [[0443] 72] (S72)
In accordance with the unique data of the product-in-circulation [0444] 6, “COLLECTION” is entered in the “USE DATE” cell and the “CURRENT STATUS” cell of a corresponding record.
Step [[0445] 73] (S73)
The “USE DATE” cell and the “CURRENT STATUS” cell of the corresponding record are updated. [0446]
Step [[0447] 74] (S74)
Whether or not there is another unique data of the product to be collected is judged. If there is not another unique data, the process is finished. If there is another unique data, the process returns to step [0448] 72.
FIG. 12([0449] b) shows an example of a result of the foregoing processes. This shows that the records No. 6 to No. 8 are updated.
Basically, the in-use cartridge table is created by merely extracting a part of the foregoing spare cartridge table. The data content of the spare cartridge table is not changed, but how the content is displayed is rearranged. In this way, main data is based on the spare cartridge table and independent rectification of data is forbidden in the in-use cartridge table, so that it is possible to keep the consistency in the both tables. [0450]
In more detail, when there are plural records, entered in the “USE DATE” cell, which are identical to each other in terms of color type data, a record whose “USE DATE” is the latest is displayed in the spare cartridge table. [0451]
Thus, in an example shown in FIG. 9([0452] a) and FIG. 9(b), data is partially entered into the spare cartridge table, but no data has been entered into the “USE DATE” cell, so that no data is entered into the in-use cartridge table.
Further, in an example shown in FIG. 11([0453] b), there are two records having “00” as color data: records No. 1 and No. 5. As a result of comparison of two “USE DATE” cells of the both records, data of the records No. 5 is displayed.
When a contract signer [0454] 1 uses not genuine products but pirated versions such as imitative products which has been delivered by a service provider 10, this is detected as follows.
For example, data received by the communications section [0455] 121 is checked with data that the arithmetic processing section 122 registered in a service management table shown in FIG. 12(b) etc. As a result of checking, in a case where the arithmetic processing section 122 detects that the same ID number as the ID number which has already been registered as “USED” is included, or the same individual number (unique data) as an individual number (unique data) which has been already registered is included, there is a possibility that pirated versions such as imitative products are used. Then, the arithmetic processing section 122 performs a process for informing the use of the pirated version to the service provider 10 (display process, electric mail transmission process etc.).
Thus, the service provider [0456] 10 dispatches a service person to the contract signer 1 who may be using pirated versions such as imitative products, so that it is possible to confirm whether the pirated versions are used or not, and the service provider 10 spies out a circulating path of the pirated versions such as imitative products, so that it is possible to employ necessary measures to eradicate the pirated versions.
Note that, the data received by the communications section [0457] 121 is checked with data registered in each of all the service management tables created with respect to all the contract signers 1 respectively. Further, the following arrangement may be made. When a product-in-circulation 6 is manufactured or wrapped, an ID number management file for managing ID numbers assigned to respective products-in-circulation 6 is stored in memory means of the memory section 124, and the data received by the communications section 121 is checked with a