JP2002111943A - System and method for managing consumable of image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a consumable management system that can easily handle consumables which can be attached to and detached from the body of an image forming device, particularly, those which are not fitted to the body. SOLUTION: A radio module having a nonvolatile memory is installed to each consumable and consumable information, such as the serial number, parts ID, working state, guarantee period, fitting/non-fitting to the image forming device, etc., of each consumable is stored in the nonvolatile memory. The body of the image forming device mainly communicates with the radio modules of the consumables which are not fitted to the body through transmission- reception (step S3), correlates the articles with the image forming device by processing consumable management (step S4), and prepares inventory management information for managing each consumable based on the consumable information, such as the working state, guarantee period, etc., of each article read from the nonvolatile memory of each article.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a management system and a management method for consumables which are detachable from an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in the field of an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic technique, a photosensitive drum, which is an image forming element containing a consumable material,
A developing unit, a transfer unit, a cleaner, etc., may be configured as a unit detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, or a consumable material for each image forming element may be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, such as a toner cartridge or a toner hopper. And the unit / sub-unit is
In recent years, replacement of a consumable material after replacement or removal of the consumable material according to failure, service life, or deterioration has become widespread.

[0003]

However, there are cases where the user stores a large number of units not mounted on the image forming apparatus in addition to the units mounted on the image forming apparatus. These units include, for example, new units, units that have reached the end of their life and can be reused, units that have reached their end of life that cannot be reused, and units that cannot be reused due to failure. It takes time.

For example, it is difficult for a user who uses a plurality of image forming apparatuses to determine which type of image forming apparatus can be mounted on a non-mounted unit, especially after unpacking the unit. In such a case, a unit that cannot be mounted on the image forming apparatus will be determined only when a non-mounted unit cannot be mounted on a specific image forming apparatus in an attempt to actually mount the unit.

[0005] Also, after unpacking the units, the appearance of each unit is very similar.
It is often difficult not only to the user but also to a service person to determine which non-mounted unit is reusable. It is not uncommon for a unit to be found to be non-reusable only after it has been mounted on the image forming apparatus, turned on, and found not to perform a printing operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has been made in consideration of the above-described problems. It is an object to provide a system and a consumables management method.

[0007]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumables management system including a management device for managing at least one consumable configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. The at least one consumable item includes consumable item information including information on whether the consumable item is being mounted on the image forming apparatus main body and information on a type of the image forming apparatus on which the consumable item can be mounted. A non-volatile storage unit for storing the consumables, and a first wireless communication unit for establishing communication with the management device and transmitting the consumables information, wherein the management device includes a first wireless communication unit for the consumables. Second wireless communication means for establishing communication with the consumable and receiving consumable information about the consumable, and consumable stock information for creating consumable stock information based on the consumable information received by the second wireless communication means Creator It is characterized in that it comprises and.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable having a management device for managing at least one consumable which is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body and is not attached to the image forming apparatus main body. A management system, wherein the at least one consumable includes a non-volatile storage unit configured to store consumable information including a use state thereof, and a first unit configured to establish communication with the management device and transmit the consumable information. A wireless communication unit, wherein the management device establishes communication with the first wireless communication unit for the consumables not attached to the image forming apparatus main body, and receives the consumables information. And consumables stock information creating means for creating consumables stock information based on the consumables information received by the second wireless communication means.

Here, the management device may be provided in the image forming apparatus main body. Further, the management device may be configured by a portable information terminal having a communication function. Further, according to the present invention, the management device includes: a consumables detecting unit configured to detect that the at least one consumable is within a predetermined range communicable with the image forming apparatus main body; A management target determining unit for determining whether or not the consumable is already managed by the management device; and determining that the consumable is not a management target by the determination unit. It is characterized by comprising a receiving means for receiving an input of a purport, and a registering means for registering the consumable as a management target when the input of the purport is received by the receiving means.

Further, according to the present invention, in the management apparatus, there is provided no consumables for detecting that the consumables to be managed are no longer within a predetermined range communicable with the image forming apparatus main body. It is characterized by comprising detection means, and non-existence warning means for warning an operator when it is detected that the value is not within the predetermined range. Still further, according to the present invention, it is preferable that the management device includes a mounting necessity determining unit that determines necessity of mounting or replacing the consumable, and an operator when the necessity of the mounting or replacement is determined. And mounting warning means for warning that effect.

Further, according to the present invention, when the management necessity judging means judges that there is a necessity to install or replace consumables, the management device determines the image based on the stock management information. The apparatus includes a selection unit for selecting a consumable that can be mounted on the forming apparatus, and a first display unit that displays information for specifying the selected consumable. Further, the inventory management information includes information on the expiration date of the expendable supplies, and the selection unit selects the expendable expendable supplies that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by the following.

Still further, according to the present invention, the management device receives an instruction from an operator, and emits light and / or sounds the selected consumable via a second wireless communication unit. The consumable supplies receive a request from the management device via a light emitting means and / or a sounding means and a first wireless communication means, and the light emitting means and / or a sound emitting means. Control means for controlling the means to emit light and / or sound.

Still further, according to the present invention, the management device includes position detecting means for detecting a position of the consumable, and second display means for displaying the detected position of the selected consumable. Features. In addition, a consumables management system for a plurality of image forming apparatuses according to the present invention includes a plurality of the consumables management systems, and a totalizing device connected to a management device in each consumables management system via a network. And a total consumables stock information creating means for acquiring the respective consumables stock information from each of the management devices via the network and creating the total consumables stock information in all the image forming apparatuses.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumables management method in a consumables management system including a management device for managing at least one consumable configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. Consumables, information on whether or not the consumables are being mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, and nonvolatile storage means for storing information on the type of image forming apparatus to which the consumables can be mounted as consumables information,
A first wireless communication unit that communicates with the management device; the management device includes a second wireless communication unit that communicates with the first wireless communication unit of the at least one consumable; A first step of inquiring the consumable information about the consumable item from the device via the second wireless communication means, and a second step of transmitting the consumable information from the consumable item via the first wireless communication means And a third step in which the management apparatus creates consumables stock information based on the consumables information received by the second wireless communication means.

According to the present invention, there is provided a consumable having a management device which manages at least one consumable which is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body and is not attached to the image forming apparatus main body. A consumables management method in a management system, wherein the at least one consumable includes a non-volatile storage unit that stores consumables information including a use state thereof, and a first wireless communication unit that communicates with the management device. And the management device includes a second wireless communication unit that communicates with a first wireless communication unit of a consumable that is not attached to the image forming apparatus main body, and controls the second wireless communication unit from the image forming apparatus. A first step of inquiring of consumables not attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus about the consumables information, and the consumables information from the consumables via a first wireless communication unit A second step of transmitting, in the management apparatus is characterized in that it comprises a third step of creating a consumable inventory information based on the consumable information received by the second wireless communication means.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a consumables management system for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (1) Overall Configuration of Consumables Management System First, an outline of a consumables management system (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “consumables management system”) 1 for consumables of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. . Here, the consumable means a unit configured to be detachable from each image forming apparatus main body so that maintenance is easy,
It includes an imaging unit (a unit in which a photosensitive drum and a charger are integrated), a developing unit, a toner unit, a fixing unit, and the like. In addition,
FIG. 1 shows only consumables in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 10, and illustrations of other parts in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus are omitted.

The consumable supplies management system 1 includes a first management system that is performed by wireless communication between each of the image forming apparatuses 10, 20, and 30 and consumables around the image forming apparatuses. The configuration is such that a second management system configured by connecting the total management device 30 and the aggregation management device 40 via a wired network 60 is combined. In the first management system, each of the image forming apparatuses 10, 20, and 30 and the consumables stored around the image forming apparatuses are wireless L
The image forming apparatus 1 includes a wireless transmission / reception unit for constructing an AN, and mainly exchanges information about the use state of consumables and the image forming apparatus that can be set.
0, 20, and 30 respectively create inventory management data of the consumables around them. In addition, each consumable is basically associated with one image forming apparatus on a one-to-one basis, and is managed by the associated image forming apparatus.

In the second management system, three image forming apparatuses 10, 20, and 30 and a total management apparatus 40 are connected via a network 60 by respective NICs (network communication control units). The first management system transfers the inventory management data created in each of the image forming apparatuses 10, 20, and 30 to the aggregation management apparatus 40 via the network 60, where the total number of consumables in the entire system is aggregated and stored. Is to be managed.

The tally management device 40 may be installed in the same building in the same company and managed by the general affairs department in the company, or may be mounted in a maintenance company via a telephone line or the like. Although only three image forming apparatuses are connected to the tally management apparatus 40 here,
This is merely an example, and the number of image forming apparatuses is not limited to this. Further, the image forming apparatus may be not only a copying machine but also a printer or a plain paper facsimile.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a portable terminal carried by a service person or the like, which wirelessly communicates with a consumable to check the stock status and use state or perform data communication when maintenance is performed. You can do it. (2) Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus and Imaging Unit Next, the case where the image forming apparatus is a copying machine in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. Another image forming apparatus 2
0 and 30 have almost the same configuration.

Although various types of consumables can be considered as described above, here, the description will be made focusing on the imaging unit. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 130 that reads a document image,
An electrophotographic image forming unit 140 that reproduces the read image on transfer paper.

The image reading unit 130 includes an automatic document feeder 110 that feeds documents placed on a document tray 111 one by one to a lower glass table 112 and a scanner 121 that feeds the documents.
And an image reader 120 for converting the image signal into an image signal by the CCD sensor 122. The image signal of the document acquired by the image reader 120 is transmitted to the signal processing unit 1
After receiving known data processing such as density conversion and edge enhancement processing at 23, the image data is sent to the control unit 200 in the image forming unit 140.

The image forming section 140 includes the printer head 15
0, an image processing unit 160, a paper feeding unit 170, and the like. The control unit 200 drives the laser diode 151 based on the image signal, deflects the emitted laser beam by the polygon mirror 152, and
The 0 photosensitive drum 161 is exposed and scanned. The image processing unit 160 includes an imaging unit 165, a developing device 166, a transfer charger 167, and the like. The imaging unit 165 includes a photosensitive drum 161, a charger 162, a cleaner 163, and a wireless module 300 in a housing 164 so that a maintenance door (not shown) on the front side of the image forming apparatus 10 can be opened and replaced. Is configured.

The photosensitive drum 161 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow A by a drive motor (not shown).
After the residual toner on the surface is removed at 63, the toner is uniformly charged by the charging charger 162, and receives an exposure scan of the laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by supplying toner from the developing device 166, and the toner image is transferred to the sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit 170 by the electrostatic force of the transfer charger 167.
The transferred toner image is heated and pressed by the fixing device 180 to be fixed on the sheet, and is discharged via the discharge roller 181 to the discharge tray 1.
82.

The surface of the photoconductor drum 161, the photoconductor, the wire of the charger 162, and the cleaning blade of the cleaner 163 are consumed with the number of image formations and need to be replaced periodically. The unit is integrated as an imaging unit 165, and can be exchanged with a new unit immediately after being pulled out to the front, and maintenance is very easy.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view when viewed from the image forming apparatus 10 side when the imaging unit 165 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10. A wireless module 300 for communicating the consumables with the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 is provided in a gap inside the housing 164. A connector 350 that is connected to a connector (not shown) of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 at the time of mounting is attached to an end surface of the housing 164, and power is supplied from the main body via a pin 3501 of the connector 350. It is composed of

Reference numeral 305 denotes a light emitting unit of the wireless module 300, and reference numeral 306 denotes a sound generating unit. In particular,
For example, an LED and an electronic buzzer are used, respectively, but are not limited thereto. When not wearing each,
It is provided for a user or service person to confirm its existence and type. Reference numeral 1611 denotes a resin spur gear fixed to the rotating shaft 1312 of the photoconductor drum 161, which meshes with a pinion connected to a drive shaft of a driving device of the main body when the photoconductor drum 161 is mounted. It is driven to rotate. Reference numeral 1645 denotes a scanning window through which a laser beam passes. 1641 to 1644 are guide plates,
By sliding this along the guide rail 168 (FIG. 2) of the main body, the mounting and dismounting of the imaging unit 165 is facilitated.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 190 is provided at an easily operable position on the front surface of the image reader 120 of the image forming apparatus 10. FIG.
Is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation panel 190. As shown in the figure, the operation panel 190 includes an operation unit having ten keys 192 and a copy start key 193 for instructing the number of copies and the like, and a display unit 191 formed by stacking a touch panel on the display surface of a liquid crystal display panel. It has. In the figure,
Although a basic input screen is displayed, various screens are displayed as necessary as described later, and a predetermined input can be performed by pressing a button displayed on the screen with a finger. I have.

On this screen, a stock information button 194 is for displaying a stock management table indicating the stock status of consumables managed by the image forming apparatus, and an option button 195 is for setting the consumables. Is to change. Details will be described later. (3) Configuration of Wireless Module in Imaging Unit FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the wireless module 300. As shown in FIG.
Comprises a control unit 301, a wireless communication unit 302, a nonvolatile memory 303, a power supply unit 304, a light emitting unit 305, a sound emitting unit 306, and a set detection sensor 307.

The wireless communication section 302 wirelessly communicates with the control section 200 of the image forming apparatus 10 under the control of the control section 301. The non-volatile memory 303 includes, for example, EE
A PROM stores information unique to the imaging unit 165 as well as information obtained through communication with the image forming apparatus 10 (hereinafter, such information is referred to as “consumable information”).

The power supply section 304 is made of a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion rechargeable battery. When the main body is mounted, the power supply section 304 receives power from the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 via the connector 350 and is charged. Power is supplied to each part of. The light emitting unit 305 and the sound generating unit 306 are provided by the imaging unit 16 in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 10.
In order to inform the user or the like of the presence of 5, each emits light or emits an electronic sound. Set detection sensor 307
Is for detecting that the imaging unit 165 has been set in the main body of the image forming apparatus 10, and in the present embodiment, detecting that power has been supplied to the power supply unit 304, and thus, ”Is detected. As such a device, a known configuration such as a switching circuit using a semiconductor can be used. As a simpler method, for example, using a push button switch or the like, when the push button comes into contact with a part of the body frame when the body is mounted and is turned on, it is determined that the “set” is set, and the push button is pulled out and When the contact state is released and turned off, it may be determined that “removed”. Reference numeral 308 denotes a voltmeter, which monitors the voltage of the power supply unit 304 to detect a charging state, and the image forming apparatuses 20 and 30 determine whether charging is necessary based on the detected value.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a consumables information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 303. The “unit type ID” is an identifier indicating the type of the consumable, and is predetermined according to the type of the imaging unit, the developing unit, and the like. “S / N (serial number)” is a serial number, “part ID” is an identifier unique to the unit, “body ID” is an identifier of an image forming apparatus body associated in a new communication mode described below, The "settable device" is the type (model number) of the main body to which the unit can be attached, and the "usage status" is the current usage status of the unit (new, used, used, set or unset). ), “Warranty period” is a period during which the manufacturer guarantees that the unit operates as per the performance, “power state” is a charge state of the rechargeable battery in the power supply unit 304, “print number” and “running number” are The number of images formed in the main body of the image forming apparatus and the operation time (rotation time of the photosensitive drum) performed by using the unit.
And is used to determine the time to replace the imaging unit 165. The "recycling information" is entered with the telephone number of the company at the time of recycling the unit, and the "recycle count" is entered with the number of times the unit was recycled.

The "unit type ID", "S / N",
Except for the “part ID” and the “settable device”, other items can be rewritten by communication with the image forming apparatuses 10, 20, 30 or the portable terminal 50 as needed. In addition, process parameters of the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, a voltage value applied to the charging charger 162) may be stored. Thus, when the consumable is reused, the parameter value can be read and immediately set to the optimum image forming condition. Also, it is very convenient to store, as necessary, recycling process information and information on a recycling delivery date as necessary, and to display the information on the operation panel 190 when the need for recycling occurs.

(4) Configuration of Control Unit 200 of Image Forming Apparatus 10 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 200 inside the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 200 includes a main control unit 210,
It comprises an image reading control unit 220, an image forming control unit 230, a network communication control unit 240, and a wireless communication unit 250. The image reading control unit 220 includes the automatic document feeder 11
0, the image reader 120 is controlled to read the original image. The image forming control unit 230 includes the printer head 15
0, by controlling the image processing unit 160, the paper feeding unit 170, etc., to execute image formation on transfer paper based on the read original image or print data sent from another terminal via the network 60. .

The network communication control unit 240 is connected to the other image forming apparatuses 20 and 3 via the network 60.
It controls the transmission and reception of information on the inventory of consumables with 0 and the total management device 40. The wireless communication unit 250 includes a transmission unit 251
And the first to fourth receiving units 252 to 255. Under the control of the main control unit 210, information on inventory is communicated with the wireless module of the consumable supplies and the portable terminal 50 via radio waves of a predetermined frequency. The transmission distance of the transmission unit 251 is approximately 10 m, and the first to fourth reception units 252 to 252
The receiving sensitivity of 55 can be switched between two stages of 10 m and 5 m.

As will be described later, four first to fourth receiving units 2
Reference numerals 52 to 255 are attached to the four sides of the image forming apparatus 10 at approximately appropriate centers at appropriate heights, so that an approximate storage position of the consumables can be detected based on the reception status of these. The main control unit 210
CPU 211, ROM 212, RAM 213, E
An EPROM 214 is provided. The ROM 212 stores a control program for the image reading control unit 220, the image forming control unit 230, the network communication control unit 240, the wireless communication unit 250, a program for controlling display on the operation panel 190, and the like.

The RAM 213 temporarily stores the contents received on the operation panel 190 and stores various flags when the control program is executed. EEPROM
Reference numeral 214 stores an inventory management table for consumables associated with the image forming apparatus 10. CPU 211
Indicates the timing of control in the image reading control unit 220, the image forming control unit 230, and the network communication control unit 240, based on the control program in the ROM 212, or the communication of the wireless communication unit 250 and the display of the operation panel 190. And an inventory management table of consumables is created in the EEPROM 214.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inventory management table. As shown in the figure,
In addition to the data of the same items as the consumables information table of FIG.
Data such as “state 1”, “state 2”, “usable device”, and “detected position information” are stored.
“State 1” is information indicating whether the consumable is currently new, in use, or used, and “State 2” is
This is information indicating whether the consumable is currently attached to the image forming apparatus main body or not attached. The “usable device” is a model number of a main body of the image forming apparatus which is approved for use by a user or the like among models in which the consumable item can be set. The “detection position information” is information indicating a storage position of the consumable item in the image forming apparatus main body. These management data are data obtained mainly by wireless communication with the wireless module 300 of consumables.

FIG. 9 shows the display unit 1 when the stock information button 194 (see FIG. 4) on the operation panel 190 is pressed.
The basic screen 801 of the inventory management information displayed at 91 is displayed. When one of the consumables is pressed, a detailed information screen 802 as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed for the consumable. Thus, the user or serviceman can easily and reliably grasp the stock information of the consumables managed by the image forming apparatus.

When a light emission / sounding button below the basic screen 801 in FIG. 9 is pressed, a light emission / sounding instruction screen 803 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. Is reversed (in the figure, a state in which the serial number 100125 is selected), and by pressing the lower light emission button or sounding button, an instruction is transmitted from the control unit 200 to the wireless module 300 of the consumable. In response to the instruction, the light emitting unit 305 blinks or the sound generator 306 emits a predetermined electronic sound. As a result, the user and the service person can immediately find the intended consumable even if the appearance is similar.

(5) Configuration of Total Management Device 40 and Portable Terminal 50 FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 400 in the total management device 40. The control unit 400 includes a CPU 4
01, the network communication control unit 402, and the display unit 403
, An operation unit 404, a ROM 405, and an EEPROM 4
06 or the like.

The ROM 405 stores programs for controlling communication with other image forming apparatuses and display contents on the display unit 403. The CPU 401 obtains the program via the network communication control unit 402 based on these programs. Statistics of the stock management information of each image forming apparatus
An inventory management information table for the entire system is created in the EPROM 406, and necessary information regarding the inventory of consumables is displayed on the display unit 403 based on the instruction received by the operation unit 404.

In this embodiment, the inventory information is confirmed on the display unit 403, but the inventory management information may be output by a printer (not shown) as necessary. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the control unit 500 in the portable terminal 50. This control unit 5
00 denotes a CPU 501, a wireless communication unit 502, and a display unit 5
03, the operation unit 504, the ROM 505, and the EEPROM
M506 and the like.

The ROM 405 stores programs for controlling the communication of each consumable item with the wireless module 300 via the wireless communication unit 502 and the display contents on the display unit 503. The CPU 501 stores the programs in these programs. The contents stored in the non-volatile memory 303 of the wireless module 300 are changed based on the conditions (for example, the condition or mode of light emission / sounding is changed, the number of times of recycling at the time of recycling is updated), and the usage status of consumables is changed. You can check it. At this time, information obtained from the consumables by communication is stored in an EEPROM as necessary.
506.

(6) Protocol of Wireless Communication Next, the protocol of the wireless communication exchanged between the consumable item and the image forming apparatus main body, and between the consumable item and the portable terminal will be described. Here, the case where the consumable is an imaging unit will be described, but the same applies to other consumables. <Communication Mode A> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a protocol of communication mode A when a new communication is performed between the image forming apparatus main body and the imaging unit.

From the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as “main body of the apparatus”) to the imaging unit 165,
The main body ID, the consumable type ID (here, the type ID of the imaging unit), the fact that the communication mode is the new communication mode, and the consumables ID response request are transmitted. The imaging unit 165 confirms that the transmitted consumable type ID coincides with its own type ID and is in the communication mode A, and indicates that the consumable item ID, the main body ID, and the new communication mode are set. To the device body. It is well known to transmit the own ID and the other party's ID when communicating with a specific partner, so that the following description will be omitted and only the characteristic transmission contents will be described.

If there are a plurality of consumables of the same type when returning from the imaging unit 165 to the apparatus main body, interference will occur if these return to the apparatus main body at the same time. Transmission to the device body is performed. The method of shifting the timing is, for example, a MAC (Media ID) in a normal LAN.
Access Control) is used. Specifically, when the same frequency emitted from another consumable is detected, a random number is generated, and transmission is performed after waiting for a time according to the random number.

The main body of the apparatus is an imaging unit 165.
When the consumable item ID is obtained by the reply from, a new communication mode response prohibition request is transmitted to the unit, and the imaging unit 165 receives this signal and turns off a predetermined flag in the nonvolatile memory 303. This is set so as not to respond to transmission in the communication mode A. Then, the imaging unit 165 notifies the apparatus main body of the completion of the setting of prohibition of the response to the transmission of the communication mode A. Note that the content of this flag can be rewritten by receiving a call permission request received from the device main body or the portable terminal 50. <Communication Mode B> This communication mode B is a communication mode for reading the contents stored in the non-volatile memory 303 of the consumables, and the memory is read from the apparatus main body to the imaging unit 165 as shown in FIG. After transmitting the mode and the memory address of the non-volatile memory 303 in which the target data is stored, the imaging unit 165 executes the reading, and the address designated as the memory reading mode and its value ( Information) is returned to the device body. <Communication Mode C> This communication mode C is a communication mode for writing predetermined data to the non-volatile memory 303 of the consumables, and is a memory writing mode in which the apparatus main body is directed to the imaging unit 165 as shown in FIG. Is transmitted, and the memory address for writing the data in the nonvolatile memory 303 and the value (information) to be written are transmitted, the imaging unit 165 executes the writing, and in the memory writing mode for confirmation, A memory address designated as being present and the contents of the written value (information) are returned to the apparatus main body. <Communication mode D> This communication mode D is used for light emission /
This is a mode in which the sounding unit is operated. As shown in FIG. 17, when the device main body transmits information on designation of light emission / sounding mode to the imaging unit 165 and designation of light emission / sounding operation, the imaging unit Reference numeral 165 denotes a light emitting unit 305 / sound generating unit 30 as specified.
The light emitting / emitting device 6 emits light, and returns to the device main body the fact that the mode is the light emitting / sounding mode and the content of the executed operation. Here, the content of the light emitting operation includes lighting, blinking, extinguishing, and the like, and the content of the sounding operation includes ON, ON / OFF repetition, and OFF.
Is included. <Communication mode with portable terminal> Portable terminal 50
The communication modes for reading and writing information between the and the imaging unit 165 are the same as the communication modes B and C described above.

FIG. 18 illustrates a protocol for specifying a certain condition from the portable terminal 50 and instructing light emission / sounding when the condition is satisfied. First, the main body ID, the consumable type ID of the imaging unit, and the light emission / sounding instruction from the apparatus main body,
Transmits light emission / pronunciation conditions. Assuming that the condition here is, for example, “new”, each imaging unit that has received the transmission searches the consumables table in the nonvolatile memory 303 and reads “new” according to the condition designated by the condition. Is determined, and if so, the light-emitting unit 305 / sound-producing unit 306 emits / produces a sound,
Along with D, the operation content of the light emission / pronunciation is returned to the portable terminal 50. Also in this communication mode, the instruction of the light emission operation includes lighting, blinking, extinguishing, and the like, and the instruction of the sound generation operation includes ON, ON / OFF repetition, and OFF.

Note that communication similar to the communication mode may be executed between the apparatus main body and the consumables. In this case, the option button 195 on the operation panel 190 is used.
By pressing (FIG. 4), a light emission / sounding operation designation screen (not shown) may be displayed so that input can be performed. Also,
When confirming only the presence of the registered consumables, an instruction of “no light emission / no sound” may be given from the apparatus main body, and only the presence or absence of a response from the consumables may be confirmed.

In the execution of the above communication protocol, the communication protocol (Blu
eTooth, ir-DA, IEEE 802.11, etc.) are used. (7) Control Operation of Wireless Communication in Image Forming Apparatus 10 Next, the wireless module 300 of the imaging unit 165 performed by the main control unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 10
The content of the communication control with the server will be described with reference to a flowchart.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the communication control process executed by the main control section 210. When the apparatus is powered on, the CPU 211
The internal registers and the contents stored in the RAM 214 are initialized (step S1), and a counter for setting a control cycle is set to start time measurement (step S1).
2). Then, a transmission / reception process for executing communication with the wireless module 300 of the imaging unit 165 is performed (step S3), and a consumable item management process for creating inventory management information and the like based on information obtained by communication with the wireless module 300 is executed. (Step S4).

After that, other processing, for example, display control of the operation panel 190 is executed (step S6), and after waiting for the end of the timer (Yes in step S6), the process returns to step S2, and thereafter, the process is repeated at a constant control cycle. S3 to S
It is configured to repeat the operation up to 5. FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the transmission / reception process of said step S3.

First, in step S31, the presence or absence of transmission data is determined, and if so, transmission processing is executed (step S31).
32) If not, skip step S32 and move to step S33. In step S33, it is determined whether or not data received from the transmission destination is within a predetermined time (step S33). If there is no received data, it is determined that the consumable is out of the communication range (communication is impossible). The process returns to the main routine at step S19.

In step S33, if the received data is received within a predetermined time after the transmission of the transmitted data,
The consumable is determined to be within the communication range (step S3).
4), execute received data processing (step S35).
The transmission / reception processing here uses a communication mode corresponding to the currently executed control content among the above-described communication protocols.

Thereafter, the component position is determined (step S36), the results of these determinations are stored in a later-described inventory management table, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. The component position determination is performed as follows using the reception signals of the first to fourth reception units 252 to 255 in the wireless communication unit 250. FIG. 21 is a diagram of the image forming apparatus 10 as viewed from above, and a solid semicircle in FIG. 21 schematically indicates a receivable area of each of the receiving units 252 to 255.

That is, each of the receiving units 252 to 255 is installed at a central position at an appropriate height on the front, left, rear, and right sides of the image forming apparatus 10, respectively.
A directional antenna (not shown) is provided so that the reception area is within a range of 180 degrees in front of each, and the reception sensitivity of each reception unit is controlled by the CPU 211 so that the reception sensitivity is centered on each antenna. A first receiving sensitivity whose possible range is approximately a radius of 5 m (an inner semicircle), and approximately 1
The second sensitivity is set to be 0 m (outer semicircle), and the approximate location where the consumable is placed can be known based on the reception state.

For example, all the receiving units are set to the first sensitivity, and the fourth receiving unit 255
If there is only a received signal from the
It is determined that it exists in almost all areas. Also, the first
If there is no response from any receiver at the sensitivity of,
Raise to the second sensitivity. Therefore, for example, when receiving signals are obtained from the first and second receiving units 252 and 253, it is determined that the target consumable exists in the hatched area.

Therefore, if the currently set sensitivity of each receiving section and the receiving section at which the receiving section is received are known, the approximate position of the target consumable can be known. Such information on the sensitivity state and the position of the received receiving unit and consumables is stored in a table in the ROM 213 in association with each other in advance, and the CPU 211 refers to the table based on the reception status in each receiving unit. The position is determined, and the content is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 190, for example. Thus, even when a large number of consumables are scattered around, the user can easily search for a target consumable, which is very convenient.

After the transmission / reception processing is executed, the consumables management processing (FIG. 19) in step S4 is executed. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the consumable supply management process.
As shown in the flowchart, the consumables management process includes an association process (step S41), a set detection process (step S42), and a process when set (step S4).
3) processing during setting (step S44), processing when removed (step S45), and inventory management processing (step S46). Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail.

<Association Processing (Step S41)> FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of the association processing in step S41. Here, the “association process” refers to a process of associating a consumable with a specific apparatus main body, and thereby identifies a consumable that is to be subjected to inventory management by the apparatus main body.

First, it is determined whether a new consumable is newly detected within a predetermined range (step S101). The communication mode A is executed in the transmission / reception processing of FIG. 20 to determine whether or not the consumable is newly detected within the predetermined range. Judgment can be made based on whether or not a response to the new product has returned within the time.

If it is newly detected that the new consumable is within the predetermined range, the CPU 211 determines whether or not a screen for prompting the user to associate is currently displayed on the display of the operation panel 190. Judge. FIG. 36 shows an example of the display screen 804. The data (S / N) regarding the consumables obtained by executing the communication mode B is shown.
(Serial number), new product and expiration date, model number of settable device), a text asking the user whether or not to register this in the inventory management list, and a registration button 8041 and a non-registration button 8042 are displayed. Is done.

Returning to FIG. 23, it is determined in step S104 whether or not there is a relation input. Here, when the registration button 8041 is pressed on the display screen of FIG. 31, it is determined to be “Yes”, the association process of the next step S105 is performed, and thereafter, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. In this association, the consumable ID is registered in the image forming apparatus, and the ID of the apparatus is registered in the consumable.
Is registered in the inventory management table. The latter is performed by executing the communication mode C. At this time, the information on the consumables obtained by executing the communication mode B is stored in accordance with the inventory management table in the EEPROM 215 of the control unit 200.

Note that, in this association, furthermore, as shown in FIG. 37, the apparatus is configured to switch to an input screen 805 in which models that can use the consumables are listed.
When the user selects and presses one of them, the part may be highlighted as shown in the figure, and the content may be registered in the inventory management table inside the EEPROM 215 by pressing the decision button 8051.

When the non-registration button 8042 is pressed on the display screen 804 in FIG. 36, the input screen returns to the basic screen for inputting a copy mode or the like (see FIG. 4). <Set Detection Processing (Step S42)> FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the set processing in step S42. This set detection process is a process for detecting whether a consumable item has been set in the image forming apparatus.

Here, a mounting flag is stored in the RAM 214,
Four types of flags are set: a previous mounting flag, a mounting edge flag, and a non-mounting edge flag. Here, the mounting flag is a flag indicating whether or not the consumable is currently mounted, and the previous mounting flag is whether the consumable was set or mounted in the last control cycle. It is a flag indicating whether or not it is. Also, the wearing / non-wearing edge flag. Each is a flag indicating that a consumable item has been set or removed in the control cycle.

First, in step S201, internal data processing is performed. More specifically, two edge flags, a mounting edge flag and a non-mounting edge flag, are initialized.
Next, it is determined whether the previous mounting flag is ON (step S202). If it is ON, then it is determined whether the consumable set detection sensor 307 (see FIG. 5) is OFF (step S203). Here, if the set detection sensor 307 is OFF, it means that the consumables have been removed at that time.
Turn on the non-mounting edge flag (steps S204, S
205), and further turns off the previous mounting flag (step S206), and returns to the flowchart of FIG. The ON / OFF of the set detection sensor 307 is
It is obtained by inquiring about consumables in the communication mode B (FIG. 15). In order to simplify the operation, a limit switch or a photoelectric sensor for detecting the attachment of the consumable is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side, and the limit switch is turned on and off.
The result of “F” may be referred to.

In step S203, the set detection sensor 30
If No. 7 is ON, steps S204 to S206
Is skipped and the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the previous mounting flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S207 and the set detection sensor 30
It is determined whether or not 7 is ON. If it is ON, the consumables are set during the control cycle, and therefore all of the consumables mounting flag, the mounting edge flag, and the last mounting edge flag are ON. (Steps S208 and S20)
9, S210), and returns. N in step S207
In the case of o, since there is no change in the non-attached state, the process returns with the other flags as they are.

By the above processing, four types of judgment can be made as to whether the consumable is set, whether it is mounted, whether it is removed, or whether it is not mounted. . <Process When Set (Step S43)> FIG.
Is a flowchart showing the processing contents when the setting in step S43 is performed. In this process, when a consumable is set in the image forming apparatus main body, it is determined whether the consumable is usable in the image forming apparatus.

First, it is determined whether or not the mounting edge flag is ON (step S301).
Next, it is determined whether or not the association has been completed (step S302). This determination is made by the wireless module 3 in the communication processing.
This is easily done by obtaining the ID of the consumable from 00 and searching whether or not the ID is stored in the inventory management table.

If it is determined in step S302 that the set consumables have already been associated, the process directly proceeds to step S304. If the associated consumables have not been processed yet (step S3).
02), the process proceeds to step S303, and
After performing the association processing similar to Steps S102 to S105 of Step 3, the process proceeds to Step S304.

In step S304, based on the contents of the inventory management table, it is determined whether or not the set consumable is specified as usable in the image forming apparatus. For example, the image forming operation is permitted (step S305), otherwise the image forming operation is prohibited (step S306), and the consumables warning display process is executed (step S307).

Here, the permission or prohibition of the image forming operation is specifically made by turning on or off the image forming permission flag in the RAM 214. Even if the copy key of the operation panel 190 is pressed, the flag is set. O
In the case of the FF, it is programmed not to execute the image forming operation. In addition, the consumables warning display process displays, for example, "This imaging unit cannot be used with this apparatus. Please replace it" on the display unit 191 of the operation panel 190, and in accordance with this display or instead of this. In this case, an electronic sound may be generated.

<Process during Set (Step S44)> The process during the set is a process executed while the consumable is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. An update process is performed. For example, when the set consumable is new, when the image forming operation is started, a process for changing the column corresponding to the consumable in the inventory management table from “new” to “in use” is executed, and Periodically, the number of prints and running time
A value serving as an index for determining the replacement time of consumables, such as (the time the photosensitive drum is being rotated) is written.

<Process when removed (step S4)
5)> FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing contents when a consumable is removed. This process is a process of writing necessary data in the inventory management table of the apparatus main body to the nonvolatile memory 303 of the wireless module 300 of the consumable item when the consumable item is removed from the image forming apparatus 10.

First, it is determined whether or not the non-attached edge flag (see the set detection process in FIG. 24) has been turned on (step S401). If it has not been turned on, the process returns as it is, but it has been turned on. For consumables,
It sends the status data and the recycle data and requests them to be written to the nonvolatile memory 303 in the wireless module 300 (steps S402 and S40).
3).

Here, the status data is data indicating that the printer has been used, the number of prints, the running time, the process parameters, the threshold for determining the life, and the like. In addition, the recycle data here is data representing a recycler, image forming apparatus information, user information, and the like. These communications are performed using the communication mode C of FIG. Thereafter, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

<Inventory Management Process (Step S46)> FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the inventory management process in step S46. First, the stock status is checked based on the consumables stock management table stored in the EEPROM 214 (step S510). Based on the contents of the check, a stock ordering process (step S520) and a communication disable notification process (step S530) are performed. , Warranty expiration notification processing (step S540), set request notification processing (step S55)
0), an exchange request notification process (step S560), a charge notification process (step S570), and a light emission / sound generation process (step S580).

Hereinafter, description will be made step by step. <Inventory Ordering Process (Step S520)> This inventory ordering process is a process of ordering a new product according to the stock status, and FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the content of the process. First, the number of new parts in the inventory management registration is detected (step S521). Specifically, the inventory management table is searched for each type of consumables, and the number of new products registered is counted.

If the number of specific new parts is less than N (Yes in step S522), a screen 806 as shown in FIG. It is inquired whether or not an order is required (step S523). So, the user "orders"
Button 8061 is pressed (Y in step S523).
es), an ordering process is executed (step S525), and FIG.
It returns to the flowchart of FIG.

This ordering process is a process of transmitting an e-mail requesting ordering of the consumables to the aggregation management device 40 via the network. The manager in charge (often a trader) arranges to deliver the consumables for which the order has been requested. In the case where other types of consumables are in short supply, the above processing is repeatedly executed for the consumables.

<Communication disabled notification processing (step S530)
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the contents of the communication failure notification process. In this process, first, step S53
In 1, it is determined whether or not there is a registered component that cannot be detected. This is performed by sequentially transmitting a response request to the consumables registered in the inventory management table, and determining that the consumable cannot be detected if a response to the request is not received within a predetermined time.

If there is a consumable that cannot be detected (step S
(Yes in 531), the display section of operation panel 190 shown in FIG.
Is displayed as shown in FIG. In the example of this screen, a message that informs that the consumable with the corresponding serial number is not in the detection range, the previous registration status, and prompts the user to input whether or not the consumable can be deleted from the inventory management list is displayed. Is done.

Here, the user presses the “delete” button 8071
Is pressed (Yes in step S533), the information about the consumable having the serial number is deleted from the inventory management list (step S534), and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. Also, a “do not erase” button 808
When 2 is selected, a screen 808 shown in FIG. 40 is displayed,
“Unknown” is entered in the “state” column of the consumable item in the lowermost column.

If there are a plurality of registered consumables that cannot be communicated, the above-mentioned processing is repeatedly executed for them. <Warranty Expiration Notification Process (Step S540)> FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows the content of a guarantee expiration notification process.
First, it is determined whether there is a part exceeding the warranty period in the inventory management registration (step S541). This determination is based on the warranty expiration date registered in the inventory management table (or a timing earlier than this by a predetermined period) and the CPU 2
The comparison is made by comparing the date and time by the clock IC inside 11.

If it is determined in step S541 that there is a part whose warranty period has expired (Yes in step S541)
s) The warranty expiration notice screen 809 as shown in FIG. 41 is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 190, and the user is warned of that (step S542), and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If there are a plurality of notification target parts among the registered consumables, the above processing is repeatedly executed for those parts.

Note that this warranty expiration notice screen 809 includes
A “light-emission” button 8091 and a “pronounce” button 8092 are displayed for convenience when the user wants to know the storage location of the target consumable, and the user can select one of these buttons or both of them. When is pressed, the control unit 200 transmits a light emission and / or sounding instruction to the wireless module 300 of the expired consumable, and the wireless module 300 causes the light emitting unit 305 to emit light or the sound generating unit 306 to emit an electronic sound. Cause it to occur. As a result, the user can immediately know the storage location of the expiration item whose expiration date has expired.

<Set Request Notification Processing (Step S55)
0)> FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the contents of the set request notification processing. First, in step S551,
It is determined whether a consumable is set. This determination is made by determining the setting state of the mounting flag in the set detection processing of FIG. 24 described above. Here, when it is determined that the consumable item is not set, the priority candidate selecting process of step S552 is executed. This process is a process of selecting a candidate to be mounted preferentially from consumables in a non-mounted state.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the contents of the priority candidate selection process. As shown in FIG.
A part that can be used for the image forming apparatus is searched in the inventory management table (step S5521), and it is determined whether or not there is a part that is being used (step S55).
22). If there is any part in use, the part with the closest warranty period is selected (step S5523), and the selected part is set as a priority candidate (step S55).
25). If it is determined in step S5522 that there is no consumable part in use, a new part having the closest warranty period is selected (step S5524) and set as a priority candidate (step S5525). , FIG.
It returns to the flowchart of FIG.

After executing the priority candidate selection processing in step S552 as described above, a screen requesting the user to set the consumables of the priority candidate is displayed on the operation panel 190 (step S553). FIG. 42 shows an example of the set request screen 810. As shown in FIG. 42, the screen indicates that a specific consumable (for example, an imaging unit) is not set, and a priority is displayed. A serial number of a candidate component to be set temporarily and its expiration date are displayed, and an “OK” button 8101 and a “display next candidate” button 8102 are provided.

In the next step S554, it is determined whether or not the user has selected "display next candidate". If this is selected, the flow returns to step S552 to execute the priority candidate selection process again. At this time, it goes without saying that a candidate is selected among consumables other than the above-mentioned candidate. If it is determined No in step S554, that is, if the user presses the “ON” button 8101 and understands the consumable item of the first priority candidate, the process proceeds to step S555, where the selected consumable item emits light and emits light. After instructing to generate sound, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

By this light emission / sound emission processing, the user can easily determine the storage location of the consumable item to be set, and the setting operation is easily performed. <Exchange Request Notification Processing (Step S560)> FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows the content of the exchange request notification process.
First, in step S561, it is determined whether the attached consumable is in a used state. For example, when the consumable is an imaging unit as in the present embodiment, its traveling time (or traveling distance)
Is determined to be in a used state when exceeds a predetermined threshold. The threshold value is determined in advance for each consumable item or model to be attached, and is stored in the ROM 213.

If it is determined in step S561 that the consumable currently mounted is in the "used" state, it is necessary to replace the part, so that it should be mounted first with priority. A part is selected (step S562), but this is exactly the same as the priority candidate selection processing of step S552 in the above-described set required notification processing of FIG. 31, and the subsequent processing is also performed at step S56.
Almost the same processing is executed except that the content of the message displayed in 3 is slightly different.

That is, in the priority candidate selection processing of step S562, the inventory management table is searched, and if there is any “in use”, the one with the closest warranty expiration is selected, and the “in use” one is selected. If not, select the “new” one with the closest warranty
An exchange request screen 811 as shown in FIG. 43 is displayed (step S563). Then, the user “displays the next candidate”
It is determined whether or not has been selected (step S564). If this is selected, the process returns to step S562 to execute the priority candidate selection process again. Is selected. If No in step S564, the process proceeds to step S565 to instruct the selected consumable to emit light and / or sound, and then returns to the flowchart of FIG.

<Charge Notification Process (Step S570)> FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the contents of the charge notification process. First, it is determined whether any of the consumables registered for inventory management needs to be charged (step S571).
This determination can be easily made by inquiring the power supply state in the consumables information for each consumable in the communication mode B.

If it is determined in step S571 that there is a component that needs charging, a charge notification screen 812 as shown in FIG. 44 is displayed to prompt the user to charge the component (step S572). ).
If the user wants to know immediately the location of the consumable item that needs to be charged, the light emitting button 8121 or the sounding button 81
22 is pressed, the communication mode D (see FIG.
7) is executed so that the target consumable can emit light or sound.

If there are a plurality of parts that need to be charged, the above-described charge notification processing is repeatedly executed for those parts. Note that the charging can be performed by setting the charging unit in the image forming apparatus. However, it is troublesome to replace the mounted component, and if the user forgets that the charging is being performed and performs the image forming operation. For example, since a "new" item is registered as "in use" (see the above-described "processing during setting"), it is desirable to use a dedicated charger.

<Light Emitting / Sounding Processing (Step S580)>
FIG. 35 corresponds to step S555 in FIG. 31 or FIG.
12 is a flowchart showing the content of light emission / sounding processing performed in response to a light emission / sounding instruction in step S565 of FIG. First, in step S581, it is determined whether or not a light emission input has been made by the user.
An instruction to emit light toward the corresponding consumable is transmitted (step S582). Next, it is determined whether or not a pronunciation input has been made by the user (step S583), and if there is a pronunciation input, an instruction is issued to produce a sound toward the corresponding consumable (step S584). Then, it is determined whether the corresponding consumable is set in the main body (step S585). This determination can be easily made by the processing when the setting is described with reference to FIG. When the set of the consumables is confirmed (Yes in step S585)
s), and when the predetermined time has elapsed even if the set is not confirmed (No in step S585, step S586)
(Yes in step S587), an instruction to stop light emission and sound generation is sent to the consumable (step S587), and the process returns to the flowchart in FIG.

The communication control processing in the image forming apparatus 10 has been described above, and the control of the consumable supplies will now be described. (8) Control on Consumables FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the contents of control on the consumables side. First, in step S601, the CPU
Internal registers and the like are initialized. This initialization is performed, for example, when the power supply unit 304 is charged at a shipping stage or at the time of purchase, and a user or the like turns on a switch.

Thereafter, an internal timer for a control cycle is set (step S602), and a process of receiving wireless communication from the image forming apparatus main body or the portable terminal is executed (step S602). This receiving process is performed according to the state of the communication mode flag stored in the nonvolatile memory 303. For example, if the flag of the communication mode with the portable terminal is set, the reception is performed using the communication protocol.

Then, based on the signal from the set detection sensor 307, it is detected whether or not the consumable has been set in the image forming apparatus main body, and the result is stored in the nonvolatile memory 303 (step S604). In step S605, the state of charge of the power supply unit 304 is detected. This is power supply 3
The detection is performed by a detection signal from a voltmeter 308 inside 04. When the detection result is lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 301 stores that charging is necessary in a table in the nonvolatile memory 303.

In step S606, step S606 is executed.
If the data received in step 603 is a read request from the image forming apparatus main body or the portable terminal, necessary data is read from the specified memory address in the nonvolatile memory 303 to prepare for transmission. Also,
In step S607, if the data received in step S603 is a write request from the image forming apparatus main body or the portable terminal, a process of writing necessary data to a memory address in the nonvolatile memory 303 designated there is performed. .

Further, in step S608, the light emission. It is determined whether or not the pronunciation condition is satisfied. Step S60
9, in S610, the light emission. When the sound emission condition is met or when a light emission / sound generation instruction is given directly from the apparatus main body, a process of causing the light emission unit 305 and the sound emission unit 306 to emit or emit sound is executed.

In step S611, necessary data is wirelessly transmitted to the image forming apparatuses 10, 20, and 30 and the portable terminal 50. The transmission to the image forming apparatus 10 is executed according to the communication mode accepted in step S603. Further, when the communication mode is changed to the communication mode with the portable terminal 50, the portable terminal 50 is configured to communicate with the portable terminal 50.

After the above processing, the process waits for the timer to end (Yes in step S612), and returns to step S602 to repeatedly execute the processing in steps S603 to S611 at regular control intervals, thereby forming an image. Smooth wireless communication is achieved between the device 10 or the portable terminal 50 and the consumable. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 requests the set detection state, the result detected in step S604 is determined in step S611.
Is sent back to the image forming apparatus 10 in the transmission processing of. When the power supply state is inquired from the image forming apparatus 10, the result detected in step S605 is returned to the image forming apparatus 10 in the transmission processing in step S611.
Further, when the image forming apparatus 10 makes an inquiry by designating an address for other data in the nonvolatile memory 303, the data of the address is read out in step S606, and the image forming apparatus 10 is transmitted in the transmission processing in step S611. Reply to. Further, when the image forming apparatus 10 is requested to emit light or sound, light emission and sound generation are executed in step S609, and the content is reported to the image forming apparatus 10 in the transmission process in step S611.

When the portable terminal 50 requests light emission / sound emission by designating conditions, first, in step S606, the contents of the corresponding address are read.
Only when the contents match the designated condition, light emission / sound generation is performed in step S609 or S610.
The contents are reported to the portable terminal 50 in the transmission processing of step S611.

(9) Control in Portable Terminal FIG. 46 shows a flowchart of mainly communication control in the portable terminal 50. The portable terminal 50 is used by a service person or the like to read or rewrite consumable data as needed, or to specify a consumable that emits or emits light for a consumable that meets predetermined conditions. .

When the portable terminal 50 is powered on, the contents stored in the registers inside the CPU 501 of the control section 500 are initialized. Thereafter, an internal timer for a control cycle is set (step S702). Next, the contents of the consumable to be processed and the memory of the non-volatile memory 303 in the wireless module 300 of the consumable for which the processing is to be set are set. Set the address (step S70
3) Then, the set contents are transmitted to the consumable (step S704). Then, a process of receiving data from the consumable is performed (step S705).

After the above processing, the process waits for the timer to end (Yes in step S706), and returns to step S702, whereby the processing in steps S703 to S705 is repeatedly executed at regular control intervals, and the portable terminal 50 Smooth wireless communication with the consumable is achieved.
Note that the same communication control as that between the image forming apparatus and the consumables described above is executed between the portable terminal 50 and the consumables, so that the image forming apparatus 10
It is possible to have exactly the same inventory management as.

(10) Communication Control Between Each Image Forming Apparatus and Tabulation Management Apparatus Communication between each image forming apparatus 10, 20, 30 and the tabulation management apparatus 40 is executed via a wired network. The inventory management data at 10, 20, and 30 are aggregated in the aggregation management device 40 to create an inventory management table for the entire system. More specifically, in the inventory management table of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
A total inventory management table of the entire system is formed in a form in which the item D is added, whereby the number of new consumables and the number of used parts in the entire system can be easily managed.

Communication with each image forming apparatus may be executed in substantially the same manner as the protocol of the communication mode B in FIG. 15. In this case, the main body of the image forming apparatus in FIG. The unit is replaced with the image forming apparatus main body. A known communication protocol is used as a basic communication protocol between the image forming apparatus and the tally management apparatus via a network.

In the case where the image forming apparatus and the consumables are connected by wireless LAN as in the present embodiment, when each image forming apparatus is close to each other, one consumable is used.
There is a possibility that the above-mentioned image forming apparatus may detect and duplicately manage inventory, which is not desirable. In order to avoid such duplicate management, the following method is conceivable.

(I) In the case of coping with the tally management device 40, the tally management device 40 searches the created inventory management table of the entire system and finds that the same serial number is not registered in the same unit type. Or search. If a plurality of registrations are made, for example, the administrator of the tally management apparatus 40 may delete the registration of the consumable in another image forming apparatus in order to allow any one of the image forming apparatuses to manage the consumable. . At this time, the deletion may be performed by operating the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. However, when the distance between the totaling management apparatus 40 and the image forming apparatus 10 is large, it is very troublesome. If a program is created so that it can be deleted via a network from an administrator, it is very convenient because an administrator can easily perform the processing at hand.

Further, for the consumables that are registered in duplicate, the distance of the consumable from the image forming apparatus or the consumables of the same type associated with one image forming apparatus can be determined without waiting for the judgment of the administrator. In consideration of the number, etc., a program is set to automatically control so that the consumable is related to the device with the smallest number first and the device with the shortest distance second. May be.

(Ii) When the Image Forming Apparatus 10 Responds When the image forming apparatus 10 detects a consumable item, the consumable item ID is obtained by communicating with the consumable item. Then, the program inquires of the other image forming apparatus or the aggregation management apparatus 40, and executes the program so as to allow the association with the image forming apparatus that has detected the consumable item only when the association with the other image forming apparatus has not been made yet. Constitute.

(Iii) Countermeasures on the Consumables Once the association with the image forming apparatus 10 has been made, a program is executed to reject communication from the image forming apparatus having another apparatus ID. (11) Modifications Although the consumable goods management system according to the present invention has been described based on the embodiment, it goes without saying that the content of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Various modifications can be implemented.

(11-1) In the process of associating the consumables with the image forming apparatus in the above embodiment (FIG. 23), it is determined whether or not a new consumable not registered within a predetermined range is detected. If it has been detected, the association is performed only by inputting the user's association, but in a specific case, the association may be automatically executed. FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the contents of the association process in this case. First, in step S111, it is determined whether or not the user has input an association regarding the consumable. This can be easily determined based on whether or not the ID of the consumable is registered in the inventory management table. Here, when there is no association input, the process proceeds to step S112, and it is determined whether a new consumable is detected within a predetermined range. If a new consumable has been detected, it is determined whether there is no other image forming apparatus that can use the consumable.

Specifically, an inquiry is made to the consumables about the image forming apparatus that can be set and other consumables information, and whether or not another image forming apparatus is the settable image forming apparatus via a network. Check. If there is no image forming apparatus on which the consumable item can be set other than the own device, No is determined in step S113, and the ID of the consumable item and the own device are automatically registered and associated (step S113). S114). At this time, the consumables information of the consumables is also stored in the inventory management table in the EEPROM 215, and the consumables inventory management information is generated.

However, if there is another image forming apparatus in which the consumable item can be set (step S115), the process also proceeds to step S115 so as to leave the association to the user, and a display prompting the user to enter the association (see FIG. 36). hand,
Returning, the routine circulates and waits for a user input in step S111. As described above, when it is recognized that the use of the consumable item in the image forming apparatus is obvious, it is possible to reduce the user's trouble of inputting by automatically associating, without waiting for the user's judgment. Can be reduced.

By further promoting the automation of the association, for example, the data of the model which can be attached to the detected consumable is read, and its own device is included in the data.
In addition, when the consumable is located within a range of 5 m from the own apparatus, regardless of whether or not there is another image forming apparatus that can be mounted, the consumable is always mechanically associated as a management target of the own apparatus. You may.

(11-2) In the above embodiment, in order to know the storage location of the consumable item to be set or replaced, the wireless module 300 emits light and emits sound so that the user can easily confirm the position. But instead of, or in conjunction with, such a method,
The storage position may be displayed on the operation panel 190, for example.

That is, the position information of the consumable obtained by the processing in step S36 of FIG. 20 is displayed on the display section 191 of the operation panel 190. FIG. 48 shows an example of the position display screen 813. In the figure, the serial number is 1010
The relative positions of the consumables No. 03 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body (Pr2301) are indicated by black stars, which are obvious at a glance. The white circles indicate the positions of other consumables for reference, and are devised so that the storage positions are clearer.

(11-3) In the above embodiment,
Although the explanation has been made assuming that the aggregation management device 40 is a dedicated machine,
A general-purpose machine such as a personal computer or a print server may be used. By installing the above-mentioned inventory management program, it is possible to function as a tally management device. In this case, the network for the printer and the network for inventory management can be shared. Also, the portable terminal 50 does not need to be a dedicated device, and it is also possible to execute a stock management program by mounting a PC card with a communication function on a general-purpose PDA (morphological information terminal) or the like.

(11-4) Consumable Wireless Module 30
Although the LED and the electronic buzzer are used as the light emitting unit 305 and the sounding unit 306 at 0, it is needless to say that other lamps may be used as the light emitting unit 305, Voice ROM
The user may be notified of the position by playing back the audio data using.

Even if the light emitting unit and the sound emitting unit are not necessarily provided on the consumables side, the image forming apparatus manages the information such as the type of the non-wearable consumables and the usable devices, and operates the operation panel 190. Since the display can be displayed on the display unit 191, the corresponding consumable can be specified without mistake from the serial number or the like. You will not make such mistakes.

(11-5) In the above-described embodiment, the wireless communication is performed between the image forming apparatus and the consumables for the consumables mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. It is not always necessary to communicate with the consumable being mounted as long as the management of which image forming apparatus can be mounted on each consumable being mounted or the distinction between unused and used is provided. In this case, for example, the control program is set so as to respond to the transmission from the image forming apparatus main body only when the set detection sensor 307 detects that the consumable is not attached to the apparatus main body. You should keep it.

[0128]

As described above, the present invention relates to a consumables management system for an image forming apparatus including a management device for managing at least one consumable configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. A non-volatile storage unit that stores, as consumable information, information on whether the at least one consumable is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body and information on whether the at least one consumable is mountable on the image forming apparatus main body. Since the information is given to the management device via wireless communication and the management device creates the inventory information of the consumables, especially for the consumables not attached to the image forming apparatus main body, It is easy to know which type of image forming device can be installed, and users can work smoothly when setting or replacing consumables in the image forming device without any confusion among users. It can be carried out.

The present invention also provides a consumable having a management device for managing at least one consumable which is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body and is not mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. A management system, wherein the at least one consumable has non-volatile storage means for storing consumables information including its use status, and provides the management device with the information via wireless communication to perform management. Since the apparatus creates the inventory information of the consumables in the non-mounted state, the use state of the consumables not mounted on the image forming apparatus main body can be accurately grasped, and the inventory management of those consumables can be performed. Can be done accurately.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a consumable goods management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a partial external perspective view of an imaging unit in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation panel in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a wireless module in the imaging unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a table of consumables information stored in a nonvolatile memory of the wireless module.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a table of stock management information of consumables stored in an EEPROM of the control unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of inventory management information displayed on an operation panel.

FIG. 10 is an example of a screen for displaying more detailed inventory management information for a specific consumable item.

FIG. 11 is an input screen displayed on an operation panel to emit or emit a specific consumable item.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the aggregation management device.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the portable terminal.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol when newly communicating between the image forming apparatus and a consumable.

FIG. 15 illustrates a communication protocol between the image forming apparatus and the consumable when reading the consumable from the memory.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol between the image forming apparatus and the consumable when writing the consumable in the memory.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol between the image forming apparatus and the consumable when a request for emission / sound emission is issued to the consumable.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol between the portable terminal and the consumable when a request for light emission / sound emission is issued to the consumable.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of communication control in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of transmission / reception processing in step S3 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting the position of a consumable item in the image forming apparatus according to the reception states of four receiving units.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a consumable supply management process in step S4 of FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an associating process in step S41 of FIG. 22;

24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a set detection process in step S42 in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a process when step S43 in FIG. 22 is set.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a process at the time of removal in step S45 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an inventory management process in step S46 of FIG.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an inventory ordering process in step S520 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a communication disable notification process in step S530 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a warranty expiration notification process in step S540 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a set request notification process in step S550 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a priority candidate selection process in step S552 in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an exchange request notification process in step S560 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a charge notification process in step S570 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of light emission / sound emission processing in step S580 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the operation panel when a new consumable is detected around the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an operation panel for registering a model of an image forming apparatus usable as a consumable item.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on an operation panel for ordering consumables whose stock has decreased.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the operation panel when a registered consumable is no longer detected around the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a registered state of inventory management information when “not erase” is selected on the input screen of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the operation panel for warning that the expiration date of the expendable supplies has expired.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the operation panel when consumables are not set in the image forming apparatus main body.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the operation panel when a time for replacing consumables has come.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the operation panel when the power supply of the consumable supplies needs to be charged.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing control contents on the consumable supply side.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing control contents in the portable terminal.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing another subroutine of the associating process in step S41 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the operation panel to show the positions of consumables.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Consumables Management System 10, 20, 30 Image Forming Apparatus 40 Aggregation Management Apparatus 50 Portable Terminal 160 Image Processing Unit 165 Imaging Unit 170 Feed Unit 180 Fixing Unit 190 Operation Panel 191 Display Unit 200, 301, 400, 500 Control Unit 210 Main control unit 214 EEPROM 220 Image reading control unit 230 Image formation control unit 240, 402 Network communication control unit 250 Wireless communication unit 300 Wireless module 302 Wireless communication unit 303 Non-volatile memory 304 Power supply unit 305 Light emitting unit 306 Sound emitting unit 307 Set detection unit 308 Voltmeter 350 Connector

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 3/12 B41J 29/00 E (72) Inventor Yoshikazu Takesada 2-3 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka No. 13 Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Takashi Ito 2-313 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AQ06 CG15 HH13 HK11 HV14 HV26 HV32 2H027 DD00 DD02 DD09 EJ08 EJ15 HB05 HB13 HB14 HB15 HB16 HB17 5B021 AA01 NN16 NN17 NN19 5C062 AA05 AA29 AA37 AB23 AB26 AB43 AD05 AF06 AF15 BA00 BB03

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A consumable goods management system comprising a management device for managing at least one consumable product detachably attached to an image forming apparatus main body, wherein the at least one consumable product is: A non-volatile storage unit that stores, as consumable information, information on whether or not the consumable is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body and information on a type of the image forming apparatus on which the consumable is mountable; A first wireless communication unit for establishing and transmitting the consumable information, the management device establishing communication with the first wireless communication unit for the consumable and receiving consumable information of the consumable And a consumables stock information creating means for creating consumables stock information based on the consumables information received by the second wireless communication means. Extinction Consumables management system. 2. An image forming apparatus, comprising:
A consumables management system including a management device that manages at least one consumable that is not attached to the image forming apparatus main body, wherein the at least one consumable includes a consumable including a usage status thereof. Nonvolatile storage means for storing article information; and first wireless communication means for transmitting the consumable information by establishing communication with the management apparatus, wherein the management apparatus is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. No Consumables First
A second wireless communication means for establishing communication with the wireless communication means and receiving the consumable information, and a consumable part for creating consumable stock information based on the consumable information received by the second wireless communication means. A consumables management system for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a stock information creating unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management device is provided in the image forming apparatus main body.
A consumables management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 4. The consumables management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management device is configured by a portable information terminal having a communication function. 5. The consumable supply detecting means for detecting that the at least one consumable is within a predetermined range that can be communicated from the image forming apparatus main body, the consumable supply detecting means comprising: A management target determining unit for determining whether or not the consumable is already managed by the management device; and determining that the consumable is not a management target by the determination unit. 4. The receiving apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a receiving unit that receives an input indicating that the consumable is to be managed, and a registration unit that registers the consumable as a management target when the receiving unit receives an input indicating that the consumable is to be managed. Consumables management system for image forming apparatus. 6. The consumables absence detecting means for detecting that the consumables to be managed are no longer within a predetermined range communicable from the image forming apparatus main body, 6. The consumable item management of the image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a non-existence warning unit that warns an operator when the detection result is not within the predetermined range. 7. system. 7. The management device includes: a mounting necessity determining unit that determines necessity of mounting or replacing consumables; and when it is determined that the mounting or replacement is necessary, an operator is notified of the necessity. The consumables management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a mounting warning unit that warns. 8. The management device may be mounted on the image forming apparatus based on the inventory management information when the mounting necessity determining unit determines that mounting or replacement of a consumable is necessary. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a selection unit configured to select a consumable item; and a first display unit configured to display information for specifying the selected consumable item. 9. Product management system. 9. The inventory management information includes information on the expiration date of a consumable item, and the selection unit determines that the expiration date of the consumable item that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus is the earliest. The consumables management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: is selected. 10. The light-emitting / sound-producing device which receives an instruction from an operator and requests the selected consumable to emit light and / or sound via a second wireless communication means. Request means, wherein the consumable supplies a light emitting means and / or a sound generating means, and receives a request from the management device via a first wireless communication means, and emits light to the light emitting means and / or the sound generating means and / or The consumables management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising control means for controlling sound generation. 11. The management device according to claim 8, further comprising: a position detecting unit that detects a position of the consumable, and a second display that displays the detected position of the selected consumable. 11. The consumables management system for an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10. 12. A consolidation device, comprising a plurality of consumables management systems according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and a tallying device connected to a management device in each consumables management system via a network. Comprises a total consumables stock information creating means for acquiring respective consumables stock information from each of the management devices via the network and creating total consumables stock information in all the image forming apparatuses. Consumables management system for image forming apparatus. 13. A consumables management method in a consumables management system including a management device for managing at least one consumable configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus main body, wherein the at least one consumables is: A non-volatile storage unit that stores, as consumable information, information on whether or not the image forming apparatus is being mounted on the image forming apparatus main body and information on a type of the image forming apparatus to which the consumable can be mounted, and communicates with the management apparatus; And a second wireless communication means for communicating with the first wireless communication means of the at least one consumable, wherein the management device comprises a second wireless communication means for communicating with the first wireless communication means of the at least one consumable. A first step of inquiring the consumable information about the consumable via the communication means, and a second step of transmitting the consumable information from the consumable via the first wireless communication means. And a third step of, in the management apparatus, creating consumables stock information based on the consumables information received by the second wireless communication means. . 14. A consumables management system including a management device that manages at least one consumable that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body and is not attached to the image forming apparatus main body. An article management method, wherein the at least one consumable includes a non-volatile storage unit that stores consumable information including a use state of the consumable, and a first wireless communication unit that communicates with the management device. The management device includes a second wireless communication unit that communicates with a first wireless communication unit of a consumable that is not attached to the image forming apparatus main body. A first step of inquiring about consumable information about consumables not attached to the forming apparatus main body, and a step of transmitting the consumables information from the consumables via first wireless communication means. Consumables management for the image forming apparatus, comprising: a second step; and a third step of, in the management apparatus, creating consumables inventory information based on the consumables information received by the second wireless communication unit. Method.