JP3739050B2 - Reuse management device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention also relates to the re-use management equipment.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, there is a roll paper used for a receipt printer of a POS (Point of Sales) terminal as a consumable item. As this roll paper, there is a cored roll paper having a structure in which a receipt paper as a web-like medium is wound around a core which is a paper core.
[0003]
In recent years, manufacturers have been demanding recycling-type production in which products are reused (reused) and recycled (reused as resources) from the viewpoint of environmental protection.
[0004]
Here, methods for efficiently reusing and recycling electrical appliances have been proposed. For example, a method is proposed in which an IC label is attached to a product, maintenance details such as repair details of an electrical appliance are written on the IC label, and whether the product is to be reused or recycled is determined based on the written maintenance content. (For example, Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-133383
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when the roll paper with core is used in the receipt printer and the receipt paper is used up, the core is discarded. Here, when considering the reuse of the lead, the lead is made of paper, so that there is a problem that it is gradually damaged by use and it is not known whether it can be reused. Therefore, it can be considered to check the core state one by one to see if it can be reused, but this takes a lot of work. A solution regarding such a problem is not proposed in Patent Document 1.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to enable reuse of a consumable core including a web-like medium and a core around which the web-like medium is wound without trouble.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention stores reuse status data relating to the number of reuse limits and the number of reuses of a consumable comprising a web-like medium (for example, receipt paper) and a core (for example, core) around which the medium is wound. A reuse status data acquisition unit acquired from the unit, a determination unit that determines whether or not the core can be reused based on the acquired reuse status data, and a re-use of the core based on the acquired reuse status data. A means for determining whether or not the remaining number of times can be used, a case where it is determined that the core cannot be reused, and a case where it is determined that the number of times the core can be reused is one time. Includes notification means for executing different notifications.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is an application example to a cored roll paper used in a receipt printer provided in a POS terminal as a consumable item. Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the cored roll paper of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the life cycle flow of the core of the cored roll paper.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 1, the roll paper 1 with a core has a structure in which a receipt paper 3 that is a web-like medium is wound around a core 2 that is a core. The core 2 is made of paper, and a wireless tag 4 that functions as a storage unit is embedded in the core 2.
[0011]
An example of the life cycle of the cored roll paper 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the cored roll paper 1 is manufactured at a roll paper manufacturing factory that is a manufacturing site, and a POS terminal manufacturing factory that is a relay location, a distribution center that is a relay location, and various service centers that are relay locations. Via, it is delivered to each store that is a consumption place. The core 2 after the receipt paper 3 is used up in the store is returned to the roll paper manufacturing factory again. The wireless tag 4 of the cored roll paper 1 is written with reuse status data and distribution data regarding the reuse status of the core 2 at the distribution location. And the process which determines the reusability with respect to the core 2 returned to the manufacturing factory is performed. Here, the selling price of the cored roll paper 1 includes a deposit for the core 2, and the deposit is returned to the user by returning the core 2 after the cored roll paper 1 is used. ing. Thereby, the return rate of the lead 2 is improved.
[0012]
Next, the wireless tag 4 embedded in the core 2 distributed in this way and the device installed in each place where the core 2 distributes will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the wireless tag, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a reuse status table 9.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 3, the wireless tag 4 includes an IC chip 7 including a CPU 5, a memory unit 6, and the like, and a coil antenna 8, so that wireless data communication is possible. Specifically, the coil antenna 8 is configured to be able to transmit / receive (read / write) data to / from the IC chip 7 by generating an induced electromotive force. The memory unit 6 of the IC chip 7 is composed of an EEPROM or the like that is a nonvolatile memory that holds data rewritable and does not require power to hold the data. Here, the wireless tag 4 may be of any system such as an electrostatic coupling system, an electromagnetic coupling system, an electromagnetic wave induction system, and a microwave system.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 4, a reuse status table 9 and a distribution file (not shown) are provided in the EEPROM of the memory unit 6 of the wireless tag 4. In the reuse status table 9, the reuse limit count area 10 storing the limit count of reuse of the lead 2, which is the reuse status data of the lead 2, and the reuse count, which is the reuse status data of the lead 2, are stored. A reuse count area 11 for storing is provided.
[0015]
Next, the apparatus provided in each place is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 1, a reuse management device 21 is installed at the roll paper manufacturing site. The reuse management device 21 is provided with a wireless tag reader / writer 22, a keyboard 23, a display 24, and the like that are data communication units that perform data communication with the wireless tag 4. The wireless tag reader / writer 22 has a gate shape, and performs wireless communication with the core 2 that is conveyed by the belt conveyor B and passes through the inside thereof.
[0016]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each unit provided in the reuse management apparatus. As shown in FIG. 5, the reuse management device 21 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 26, and the microcomputer 26 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 27 that performs drive control of each unit and various calculations. Via a bus line 28, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 29 for storing fixed data such as a startup program in advance and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 30 functioning as a work area for storing various data in a rewritable manner are connected. Has been configured.
[0017]
Connected to the bus line 28 connected to the CPU 27 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 31 that stores a computer program for operating the microcomputer 26. The computer program stored in the HDD 31 is copied to the RAM 30 when the reuse management apparatus 21 is started up, so that the microcomputer 26 can perform drive control of each unit and various calculations.
[0018]
The microcomputer 26 is connected to a wireless tag reader / writer 22, a keyboard 23, a display 24, and a buzzer 32 via a bus line 28. Next, each part of the reuse management apparatus 21 that is driven and controlled by the microcomputer 26 will be described.
[0019]
The keyboard 23 inputs a signal corresponding to the operated key to the microcomputer 26. The display 24 displays predetermined items according to the display data input from the microcomputer 26. The buzzer 32 sounds when driven by the microcomputer 26. The wireless tag reader / writer 22 performs reading and writing on the wireless tag 4 embedded in the core 2 passing through the gate by the belt conveyor B by electromagnetic induction.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, a PC (personal computer) device 52 to which a wireless tag reader / writer 51 is connected is installed in a POS terminal manufacturing factory, a distribution center, a service center, and a store. The PC device 52 is composed of a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and includes a microcomputer (not shown) that executes various calculations and drive control of each unit. The microcomputer includes a keyboard 53, a display 54, and a wireless tag reader / writer. 51 is connected. Although not specifically shown, a POS terminal is installed in the store.
[0021]
Next, the process performed in each place in the process in which the core 2 is distributed will be described.
[0022]
First, the roll paper manufacturing factory performs a reuse feasibility determination process for the core 2 before the receipt paper 3 is wound. This reuse determination process is executed by the microcomputer 26 of the reuse management apparatus 21 based on a computer program. This reusability determination process will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reusability determination process.
[0023]
First, the microcomputer 26 waits until the reuse status data in the reuse status table 9 of the core 2 stored in the wireless tag 4 attached to the core 2 is input (N in step S1). This input is performed by the wireless tag reader / writer 22 that has read the reuse status data in the reuse status table 9 stored in the wireless tag 4 attached to the core 2 conveyed by the belt conveyor B.
[0024]
When the reuse status data of the reuse status table 9 of the lead 2 is input (Y in step S1 (reuse status data acquisition means)), the determination of whether or not the lead 2 can be reused is made based on the data. Is executed (step S2, determination means). Specifically, it is determined whether the reuse count of the lead 2 has reached the reuse limit count. If the number of reuses of the lead 2 has not reached the reuse limit number (Y in step S2), it is determined that it can be reused, and the process proceeds to step S3. Here, the number of reuses “0” is stored in the wireless tag 4 of the new core 2, and such processing is performed on the new core 2 without any problem. On the other hand, when the number of reuses of the lead 2 has reached the reuse limit number (N in step S2), it is determined that the reuse is impossible and the process proceeds to step S6.
[0025]
If it is determined in step S2 that the core 2 is reusable and the process proceeds to step S3, it is determined in step S3 whether or not the number of reusable cores 2 is one. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the number of reuses is the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the reuse limit number.
[0026]
When the number of reusable cores 2 is not the remaining one (N in Step S3), the wireless tag reader / writer 22 is driven to add 1 to the number of reuses in the reuse status table 9 of the wireless tag 4. The number of reuses is updated (step S4).
[0027]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S3 that the number of reusable cores 2 is one (Y in step S3), the fact that the number of reusable cores 2 is one is notified ( Step S5, notification means). As an example of this notification, for example, the notification is made by sounding the buzzer 32 at regular intervals. In this way, the core 2 informed that the remaining number of reusable times is one is stamped by the worker.
[0028]
After notifying that the number of reusable times of the core 2 is 1 in step S5, the process proceeds to step S4, and the reuse count is updated by adding 1 to the reuse count in the reuse status table 9 of the wireless tag 4 To do.
[0029]
Through such processing, distribution data in the roll paper manufacturing factory is written in the distribution file of the wireless tag 4 of the core 2 determined to be reusable. The distribution data includes a manufacturing date that is distribution date data, a manufacturing location that is distribution location data, a transportation means (land or air route) to a POS terminal manufacturing factory that is transportation means data, a shipping date that is distribution date data, and a distribution location. This is the shipping location that is data. These pieces of distribution data are input to a microcomputer (not shown) by key input of the keyboard 53 or the like, and written to the wireless tag 4 by the wireless tag reader / writer 51 that is driven and controlled by the microcomputer.
[0030]
Next, processing performed at the POS terminal manufacturing factory, distribution center, and service center will be described. At each of these locations, the distribution data at those locations is written into the distribution file of the wireless tag 4. The distribution data includes an arrival date that is distribution date data, distribution location data arrival location, transportation means data to the next location, shipping date that is distribution date data, distribution location data shipping location, and the like. These pieces of distribution data are input to a microcomputer (not shown) by key input of the keyboard 53 or the like, and written to the wireless tag 4 by the wireless tag reader / writer 51 that is driven and controlled by the microcomputer.
[0031]
Next, processing performed at the store will be described. In the store, distribution data in the store is written in the distribution of the wireless tag 4. Distribution data includes distribution date data arrival date, distribution location data arrival location, use start date, use end date, transport means data to roll paper manufacturing factory, distribution date data return date, distribution location This is the return location that is data. These pieces of distribution data are input to a microcomputer (not shown) by key input of the keyboard 53 or the like, and written to the wireless tag 4 by the wireless tag reader / writer 51 that is driven and controlled by the microcomputer.
[0032]
Each processing described above is performed every time the core 2 is distributed. Then, the core 2 that has been reused once is engraved, and when the nib 2 is reused and returned to the roll paper manufacturing factory after the engraving, it can be seen that the engraving cannot be reused. Therefore, it is not necessary to execute the reusability determination process for the core 2 with the marking, and the core 2 can be immediately sorted into recycling or disposal.
[0033]
In addition, when the core 2 with the mark, that is, the core 2 in which the number of reuses of the core 2 has reached the reuse limit number is subjected to the reuse management device 21 by the reuse management device 21 for some reason, the reuse management device As shown in FIG. 6, in step S2, it is determined that the lead 2 cannot be reused, and the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the notice that the lead 2 cannot be reused is notified (notification means). As an example of this notification, for example, notification with a continuous sound by the buzzer 32 is performed. Thus, the core 2 informed that it cannot be reused may be collected by an operator and separated into recycling and disposal.
[0034]
As described above, in this embodiment, the readable / writable wireless tag 4 storing the reuse status data regarding the reuse status of the core 2 is provided on the core 2 around which the receipt paper 3 is wound. Thus, when the core 2 is reused, it is possible to determine whether or not the core 2 can be reused based on the reuse status data stored in the wireless tag 4, and it is necessary to check the state of the core 2 one by one. Therefore, the reuse of the core 2 of the roll paper 1 with the core can be made without any trouble.
[0035]
In the present embodiment, the core 2 of the cored roll paper 1 that is a consumable product including the receipt paper 3 that is a web-like medium and the core 2 that is a core around which the receipt paper 3 is wound is reused. Reuse status data acquisition means for acquiring reuse status data related to the status from the wireless tag 4 that is a storage unit, determination means for determining whether or not the core 2 can be reused based on the acquired reuse status data, and its determination By providing an informing means for informing the result, it is automatically known whether or not the core 2 can be reused.
[0036]
Further, in the present embodiment, the storage unit is a wireless tag 4 capable of wireless data communication and provided on the core 2, and the reuse status data acquisition means can wirelessly communicate with the wireless tag 4. By acquiring the reuse status data from the wireless tag 4 via the wireless tag reader / writer 22 which is a simple data communication unit, the reuse status data can be easily acquired.
[0037]
Further, in the present embodiment, the core 2 of the cored roll paper, which is a consumable product, includes the receipt paper 3 that is a web-like medium and the core 2 that is the core around which the receipt paper 3 is wound. The reuse status data stored in the wireless tag 4 is accurately updated by updating the reuse status data regarding the reuse status of the core 2 stored in the wireless tag 4 which is a storage unit capable of reading and writing data. It will be something.
[0038]
Further, in the present embodiment, the core 2 in the roll paper manufacturing factory is distributed when the core 2 as the core circulates in the roll paper manufacturing factory where the cored roll paper 1 as a consumable is manufactured. A POS terminal manufacturing factory which is a relay place between the step of storing distribution data related to distribution in the wireless tag 4 which is a storage unit and the roll paper manufacturing factory and the store where the cored roll paper 1 is used; Storing the distribution data in the POS terminal manufacturing factory, distribution center, and service center in the wireless tag 4 when the core 2 is distributed through the distribution center and service center; and at the store when the core 2 is distributed in the store Storing the distribution data of the core 2 in the wireless tag 4, the distribution data of the core 2 is stored in the wireless tag 4, so that the entire life cycle of the core 2 can be grasped.
[0039]
Moreover, in this Embodiment, distribution data can grasp | ascertain the distribution location of the core 2 by including distribution location data.
[0040]
Further, in the present embodiment, the distribution data includes the distribution date data, so that the distribution date of the core 2 can be grasped.
[0041]
Further, in the present embodiment, the distribution data includes the transportation means data, so that the transportation means of the core 2 can be grasped.
[0042]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the same parts as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Here, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the data server 201 of the present embodiment together with the life cycle flow of the core of the cored roll paper.
[0043]
This embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that the reuse status table of the core 2 and the distribution file are stored in the data server 201 shown in FIG. The data server 201 is connected to the reuse management apparatus 21 and the PC apparatus 52 via a communication line 401.
[0044]
The data server 201 is provided with a control unit 202 including a CPU that centrally controls each unit, a ROM that stores computer programs, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, a timer, and the like. Controls various operations and data transfer. Connected to the control unit 202 is an HDD 203 that stores various data and computer programs and functions as a storage unit. In the HDD 203, the reuse status table 9 and the distribution file (not shown) of the core 2 described in the above-described embodiment are stored in association with the manufacturing number of the core 2 for identifying the core 2. .
[0045]
In the wireless tag 4 of the present embodiment, only the serial number of the core 2 is stored.
[0046]
A communication interface (not shown) for performing data communication with the data server 201 is connected to the microcomputer 26 of the reuse management apparatus 21 and the microcomputer of the PC apparatus 52 via a communication line 401.
[0047]
Next, reusability determination processing executed by the microcomputer 26 of the reuse management apparatus 21 based on a computer program will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of reusability determination processing.
[0048]
First, the microcomputer 26 stands by until the input of the serial number of the core 2 stored in the wireless tag 4 attached to the core 2 (N in step S21). This input is performed by the wireless tag reader / writer 22 that reads the manufacturing number stored in the wireless tag 4 attached to the core 2 conveyed by the belt conveyor B.
[0049]
When the manufacturing number of the core 2 is input (Y in step S21), a request signal for requesting transmission of reuse status data corresponding to the manufacturing number of the core 2 is transmitted to the data server 201 via the communication interface. (Step S22).
[0050]
On the other hand, although not particularly illustrated, the data server 201 that has received such a request signal stores the reuse status data stored in the reuse status table 9 corresponding to the serial number included in the signal according to the request signal. Is transmitted to the reuse management apparatus 21.
[0051]
When the reuse status data of the requested production number is received from the data server 201 (Y in step S23), the process proceeds to step S2. Here, the function of the reuse status data acquisition means is executed in steps S21 to S23.
[0052]
And the process from step S2 to step S6 is performed similarly to embodiment mentioned above. Here, in step S4 of the present embodiment, the reuse management device 21 adds 1 to the number of reuses stored in the reuse status table 9 corresponding to the serial number of the core 2 from the data server 201. An update signal for updating is transmitted. Receiving this update signal, the data server 201 updates the reuse count in the reuse status table 9 corresponding to the serial number by adding 1 in accordance with the update signal.
[0053]
Next, a description will be given of a process of writing distribution data to the distribution file included in the HDD 203 performed by the microcomputer 26 of the reuse management apparatus 21, the microcomputer of the PC apparatus 52, and the control unit 202 of the data server 201 based on the computer program. In the reuse management device 21 and the PC device 52, the manufacturing number of the core 2 stored in the wireless tag 4 is input by the wireless tag reader / writers 22, 51, and the distribution data corresponding to the manufacturing number is input by the keyboards 23, 53. If the key is entered by key input or the like, the distribution data is associated with the production number and transmitted to the data server 201 via the communication interface. On the other hand, the data server 201 that has received the distribution data associated with the manufacturing number stores the distribution data in the distribution file corresponding to the manufacturing number stored in the HDD 203.
[0054]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the reuse status data acquisition unit acquires the manufacturing number that is the core identification data for identifying the core 2 provided in the core 2 that is the core, and corresponds to the acquired manufacturing number. By acquiring the reuse status data of the core 2 from the HDD 203 as a storage unit, the amount of data stored in the wireless tag 4 is small, so the storage capacity of the wireless tag 4 can be small.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to without the hassle reuse of the core of consumables.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cored roll paper according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a life cycle of a core of roll paper with a core.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless tag.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a reuse status table.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit included in the reuse management apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of reusability determination processing.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the data server of the second embodiment of the present invention together with the life cycle flow of the core of the cored roll paper.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of reusability determination processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Roll paper with a core (consumable), 2 ... Core (core), 3 ... Receipt paper (medium), 4 ... Wireless tag (storage part), 21 ... Reuse management apparatus, 203 ... HDD (storage part), step S1 ... Reuse status data acquisition means, Step S2 ... Determination means, Step S5 ... Notification means, Step S6 ... Notification means, Steps S21 to S23 ... Reuse status data acquisition means

Claims (3)

Reuse status data acquisition means for acquiring reuse status data regarding the reuse limit number and reuse count of the core of a consumable comprising a web-like medium and a core around which the medium is wound;
Determining means for determining whether or not the core can be reused based on the acquired reuse status data;
Means for determining whether or not the number of reusable cores is one time based on the acquired reuse status data;
In the case where it is determined that the core cannot be reused, and in the case where it is determined that the number of times that the core can be reused is one time, notification means for executing different notifications, respectively ,
Reuse management device comprising The storage unit is a wireless tag capable of wireless data communication and provided in the core,
The re-usage data acquiring means, reuse management apparatus according to claim 1 for obtaining the re-usage data from the wireless tag via the wireless communication possible data communication unit between the wireless tag. The reuse status data acquisition unit acquires core identification data for identifying the core included in the core, and acquires the reuse status data of the core corresponding to the acquired core identification data from the storage unit The reuse management device according to claim 1 .

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