Print management system, recycled paper production method, and storage medium

Abstract

A printing management system, a recycled paper production method, and a storage medium. The printing management system includes a printing device, a first acquisition unit that acquires printing information indicating a printing condition, a second acquisition unit that acquires recovery information indicating a recovery condition of waste paper, and a benefit giving instruction unit that instructs giving of a benefit to a user of the printing device based on the printing information and the recovery information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing management system and a printing management method. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, printing apparatuses that form characters and images on paper have been known to be able to communicate via the Internet, as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-088593

[0004] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for environmental protection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the printing management system involved in this invention comprises:

[0006] A printing apparatus, including a printing unit for printing on recording paper;

[0007] The first acquisition unit acquires printing information indicating the printing status of the printing unit;

[0008] The second acquisition unit acquires recycling information indicating the recycling status of waste paper; and

[0009] The instruction unit, based on the printing information and the recycling information, instructs that benefits be provided to the user of the printing device.

[0010] One aspect of the recycled paper production method involved in this invention includes:

[0011] The first acquisition process acquires printing information indicating the printing status in the printing department;

[0012] The recycling process involves the collection of waste paper.

[0013] The second acquisition step involves acquiring recycling information indicating the recycling status of the waste paper.

[0014] The benefit-giving process involves giving benefits based on the printing information and the recycling information; and

[0015] The production process utilizes the recycled waste paper to produce recycled paper.

[0016] One method of storing a program in the storage medium involved in this invention causes a computer to perform the following functions:

[0017] The first acquisition function is to communicate with the printing device to acquire printing information indicating the printing status of the printing device;

[0018] The second acquisition function retrieves recycling information indicating the recycling status of waste paper; and

[0019] The function provides a benefit to the user of the printing device based on both the printing information and the recycling information. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an overview of waste paper recycling using a print management system.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of a printing management system.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a printing management system.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a printing management system.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the printing management system according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an outline of waste paper recycling using the printing management system of the third embodiment.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0027] 1… Printing apparatus, 2… Management server, 3… User, 4… Waste paper recycler, 10… Printing unit, 20… Printing status acquisition unit, 30… Recycling status acquisition unit, 100… Printing control unit, 110… Input unit, 120… Display unit, 130… Storage unit, 150… Printing processing unit, 200… Printing status acquisition and control unit, 210… Mode switching unit, 230… Storage unit, 250… Recycling request unit, 260… Document information output unit, 270… Benefit instruction unit, 300… Recycling status acquisition and control unit, 310… Input unit, 320… Output unit, 330… Storage unit. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described using the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for ease of explanation. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the components described below are essential elements of the present invention.

[0029] 1. First Implementation Method

[0030] 1.1 Overview of Waste Paper Recycling Using a Printing Management System

[0031] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an overview of waste paper recycling using the SY print management system. (See diagram for details.) Figure 1 As shown, the printing management system SY of the first embodiment includes a printing apparatus 1 and a management server 2. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1 and the management server 2 are connected communicatively, for example, via a signal line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) cable. In addition, in Figure 1 In addition to the printing management system SY, the diagram also shows users 3 of the printing unit 1 and waste paper recyclers 4 who collect the used recording paper as waste paper from users 3. It should be noted that the printing unit 1 and the management server 2 can also be connected wirelessly without using signal lines. Here, waste paper refers to discarded paper, including paper that has been used for its intended purpose after printing, and paper that was no longer used due to printing failures. Furthermore, users 3 are not limited to personnel directly operating the printing unit 1, but also include corporations that have employees operate it.

[0032] The printing device 1 stores the identification information ID of a designated user 3. The identification information ID is information used to identify the user 3 using the printing device 1, including, for example, the user 3's name, address, and contact address. The identification information ID stored in the printing device 1 is output to the management server 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1 generates and outputs printed materials by performing printing processing on recording paper based on the operation of the user 3. Specifically, in the printing apparatus 1, image data Dp, including information about characters and images formed on the recording paper, is input by the user 3. The printing apparatus 1 performs printing processing on the recording paper to print the characters and images corresponding to the information included in the input image data Dp. Additionally, the printing apparatus 1 outputs the recording paper, after the printing processing has been performed, as printed materials.

[0034] Here, the printing device 1 only needs to be able to print the characters and images corresponding to the information included in the image data Dp on the recording paper. For example, it can be an inkjet printer that applies ink to the recording paper to print the desired characters and images, or a laser printer that fixes toner onto the recording paper to print the desired characters and images. In addition, the printing device 1 can also be a multifunction printer, which, in addition to the function of printing characters and images on the recording paper, also has multiple functions such as scanning to read images and copying images.

[0035] As the printing apparatus 1 performs the printing process on the recording paper, it generates printing status information Psi indicating the execution status of the printing process. The printing apparatus 1 retains the generated printing status information Psi and outputs the retained printing status information Psi to the management server 2 at predetermined times.

[0036] The management server 2 inputs the identification information ID and printing status information Psi output by the printing device 1. Furthermore, the management server 2, through the operation of the waste paper recycler 4, inputs recycling status information Csi indicating the recycling status of waste paper collected by the waste paper recycler 4 from the user 3, and the identification information ID of the user 3. Additionally, the management server 2 maintains the printing status information Psi indicating the printing status of the printing device 1 and the recycling status information Csi indicating the recycling status of waste paper in association with the identification information ID of the user 3 used to designate the printing device 1.

[0037] Printing device 1 prints a return receipt containing at least a portion of the information included in the document information Fif input from management server 2. This provides the return receipt to user 3. Here, even when document information Fif has been input from management server 2, printing device 1 can print the return receipt without waiting for instruction from user 3. Alternatively, printing device 1 can notify user 3 to urge the printing of the return receipt when document information Fif has been input from management server 2, and print the return receipt if user 3 grants permission to print the return receipt in response to the notification. It should be noted that the following description assumes the following scenario: printing device 1 notifies user 3 to urge the printing of the return receipt when document information Fif has been input from management server 2, and prints the return receipt if user 3 grants permission to print the return receipt in response to the notification.

[0038] Here, the recycling slip printed by printing device 1 refers to a slip used to move waste paper from user 3 to waste paper recycler 4. For example, the recycling slip may include the name, address, and contact address of user 3, and the name, address, and contact address of waste paper recycler 4. That is, the recycling slip may include identification information such as the name, address, and contact address of user 3. In addition to the above information, the recycling slip may also include various information related to waste paper recycling, such as the quantity, type, and date and time of recycling entrusted by user 3. Such a recycling slip may, for example, conform to the format of a delivery slip used when delivering waste paper from user 3 to waste paper recycler 4.

[0039] User 3 bundles waste paper into a recycling bin such as a cardboard box, affixes the recycling slip printed by the printing device 1, and sends it to waste paper recycler 4. Thus, the waste paper owned by User 3 is recycled by waste paper recycler 4. Waste paper recycler 4 uses the waste paper recycled from User 3 to produce recycled paper, and inputs the recycling status information Csi corresponding to the waste paper recycled from User 3 and the identification information ID printed on the recycling slip onto the recycled waste paper into the management server 2. Thus, through the identification information ID, User 3 is associated with the recycling status information Csi, and therefore, the recycling status information Csi representing the waste paper recycling status from User 3, maintained by the management server 2, is updated.

[0040] As described above, in the printing management system SY of the first embodiment, the management server 2 determines whether waste paper recycling is necessary based on the printing status of the printing device 1. Furthermore, when the management server 2 determines that recycling waste paper from the user 3 is preferable, the management server 2 outputs document information Fif to the printing device 1, and the printing device 1 prints a recycling form based on the document information Fif input from the management server 2. That is, in the printing management system SY of the first embodiment, by notifying the user 3 of a suitable time for waste paper recycling, the user 3 is urged to recycle waste paper, and by providing the user 3 with a recycling form for waste paper recycling, the labor required for waste paper recycling by the user 3 can be reduced. As a result, the waste paper recycling rate from the user 3 is increased, and consequently, the effective utilization of resources can be further promoted.

[0041] Furthermore, when the management server 2 determines that it is preferable to recycle waste paper from user 3, the management server 2 can also instruct the waste paper recycler 4 to send a recycling bin to user 3. Thus, at a suitable time for waste paper recycling, a recycling bin for recycling waste paper is provided to user 3. That is, in the printing management system SY of the first embodiment, at a suitable time for waste paper recycling from user 3, a recycling bin for recycling waste paper and a recycling slip for sending the recycling bin to the waste paper recycler 4 are provided to user 3. This reduces the labor required for waste paper recycling by user 3. As a result, the waste paper recycling rate from user 3 is further improved, which can further promote the effective utilization of resources.

[0042] Furthermore, by increasing the waste paper recycling rate from user 3, waste paper recycler 4 can achieve continuous waste paper recycling with less labor. As a result, the production efficiency of recycled paper using waste paper recycled by waste paper recycler 4 is improved. That is, based on the printing management system SY of the first embodiment, by enabling waste paper recycler 4 to perform waste paper recycling and recycled paper production, the waste paper recycling rate and the production efficiency of recycled paper are improved, thereby further promoting the effective utilization of resources.

[0043] Furthermore, the management server 2 determines whether to grant benefits to the user 3 designated by the identification information ID based on the printing status information Psi input from the printing unit 1 and the recycling status information Csi input from the waste paper recycler 4. If it is determined that benefits should be granted to user 3, the management server 2 generates benefit granting information Bgi for granting benefits to user 3 and outputs it to the printing unit 1. Specifically, the management server 2 calculates the waste paper recycling rate at user 3 based on the recycling status information Csi and the printing status information Psi. Furthermore, if the calculated waste paper recycling rate is above a predetermined value, the management server 2 determines that user 3 is actively engaged in waste paper recycling, generates benefit granting information Bgi for granting benefits to user 3, and outputs it to the printing unit 1.

[0044] The printing device 1 generates benefit information Bif, which includes the benefits specified by the input benefit grant information Bgi. Furthermore, the printing device 1 notifies the user 3 of the benefits included in the benefit information Bif. Thus, the user 3 is granted the benefits specified by the benefit grant information Bgi. Specifically, when the management server 2 provides consumables such as recording paper used in the printing device 1 as a benefit to the user 3, the management server 2 generates benefit grant information Bgi and outputs it to the printing device 1. This benefit grant information Bgi includes information about coupons that can be exchanged for consumables such as recording paper. The printing device 1, through the user 3's operation or at the time when the benefit grant information Bgi is input, prints coupons that can be exchanged for consumables such as recording paper included in the benefit grant information Bgi. Thus, the user 3 is granted consumables such as recording paper.

[0045] It should be noted that the benefits given to user 3 are not limited to consumables such as recording paper, as described above; any benefit that user 3 can directly or indirectly obtain is acceptable. For example, if user 3 pays a usage fee for printing device 1, a discount on that usage fee could be given as a benefit. Furthermore, items unrelated to printing device 1 could also be given as benefits.

[0046] Furthermore, management server 2 can calculate the amount of waste paper recycled from user 3 based on the recycling status information Csi input by waste paper recycler 4. If the calculated amount of waste paper recycled is above a predetermined value, it determines that user 3 should receive a benefit. Moreover, management server 2 can also determine whether to grant user 3 a benefit based on both the amount of waste paper recycled from user 3 and the waste paper recycling rate at user 3's location. Furthermore, it can determine whether to grant benefits in multiple stages, thus granting greater benefits for higher recycling volumes or higher recycling rates.

[0047] In the printing management system SY of the first embodiment described above, by providing benefits to user 3 based on the recycling status of waste paper, user 3's awareness of waste paper recycling can be increased. As a result, the amount and rate of waste paper recycled by user 3 are further improved. Consequently, efficient use of resources can be achieved, thereby further promoting environmental protection.

[0048] 1.2 Composition of the Printing Management System

[0049] The following describes the functional composition of the printing management system SY. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the printing management system SY. (See diagram for example.) Figure 2 As shown, the printing management system SY has a printing device 1 and a management server 2.

[0050] The printing apparatus 1 includes a printing unit 10. Furthermore, the printing unit 10 includes a printing control unit 100, an input unit 110, a display unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a printing processing unit 150. Additionally, the printing unit 10 generates printed materials and provides them to the user 3 by performing printing processing on recording paper to print desired characters and images. In other words, the printing apparatus 1 includes a printing unit 10 for printing on recording paper.

[0051] The input unit 110 includes one or more switches that accept operations from the user 3. Furthermore, when the user 3 operates the input unit 110, an input signal Uin, including image data Dp, is input to the print control unit 100. Here, given that the input unit 110 is configured to input the input signal Uin to the print control unit 100, the input unit 110 is not limited to a switch. For example, it could be a connector with a cable for communicatively connecting the printing apparatus 1 to an external device, an antenna for wireless communication between the printing apparatus 1 and the external device, or a communication module for communication between the printing apparatus 1 and the external device.

[0052] The printing control unit 100 controls the operation of various components included in the printing unit 10. Such a printing control unit 100 is composed of one or more semiconductor devices including a processor.

[0053] When image data Dp is input via input unit 110, printing control unit 100 causes printing processing unit 150 to perform printing processing corresponding to image data Dp. Printing processing unit 150 includes a transport unit (not shown) for transporting recording paper for which printing processing is performed, and a print head (not shown) for printing characters and images corresponding to image data Dp onto the transported recording paper. Printing control unit 100 controls the transport of recording paper in the transport unit and the printing of characters and images on the recording paper in the print head based on the input image data Dp. Thus, printing processing unit 150 performs printing processing corresponding to image data Dp.

[0054] In addition, the printing control unit 100 stores various types of information in the storage unit 130 and reads out the information stored in the storage unit 130.

[0055] Specifically, the printing control unit 100 stores the identification information ID in the storage unit 130. That is, the storage unit 130 stores the identification information ID used to designate the user 3 of the printing device 1, namely, the user 3's name, address, contact address, and other information.

[0056] Furthermore, the printing control unit 100 generates printing status information Psi indicating the status of the printing process performed by the printing processing unit 150. Additionally, the printing control unit 100 stores the generated printing status information Psi in the storage unit 130. That is, the storage unit 130 stores the printing status information Psi indicating the printing status of the printing unit 10.

[0057] Here, a specific example of the printing status information Psi generated by the printing control unit 100 will be described. The printing status information Psi generated by the printing control unit 100 is one of the pieces of information indicating the printing status of the printing unit 10. The printing status information Psi includes information on the type and number of pages of the recording paper for which the printing process was performed by the printing processing unit 150.

[0058] Specifically, the printing control unit 100 obtains information such as the size and thickness of the recording paper that the printing object is printed on, based on the information about the type of recording paper set in the printing apparatus 1, as the type of recording paper, and obtains the number of pages of the recording paper that has been printed on in the printing processing unit 150.

[0059] Furthermore, the printing control unit 100 associates the number of pages of the recording paper that underwent printing with the acquired information on the type of recording paper, including its size and thickness. As a result, the printing control unit 100 generates printing status information Psi, which includes information on the type and number of pages of the recording paper that underwent printing by the printing processing unit 150. Specifically, it includes information on the number of pages of the recording paper that underwent printing, associated with the information on the type of recording paper.

[0060] In addition, printing status information Psi is generated as one of the information indicating the printing status of the printing unit 10, including information about errors generated when the printing processing unit 150 performs printing processing.

[0061] Specifically, the printing control unit 100 obtains information on transport errors and printing errors from the printing processing unit 150 as information on errors generated during the printing process performed by the printing processing unit 150. Here, the transport error information obtained by the printing control unit 100 refers to information on the number of pages of recording paper that experienced abnormalities during the transport of recording paper by the transport unit, such as the number of pages of recording paper that experienced a so-called paper jam, where the recording paper got stuck inside the printing apparatus 1 during transport. Furthermore, the printing error information obtained by the printing control unit 100 refers to information on the number of pages of recording paper that experienced abnormalities during the printing of characters or images on the recording paper by the print head, such as the number of pages of recording paper where insufficient ink or toner resulted in reduced print quality during the printing of characters or images by the print head.

[0062] In addition, the printing control unit 100 generates printing status information Psi, which includes information on errors such as the acquired transport error and the printing error.

[0063] In addition, the printing control unit 100 generates printing status information Psi as one of the information indicating the printing status of the printing unit 10. The printing status information Psi includes information on whether the printed matter generated by the printing process of the printing processing unit 150 contains confidential information.

[0064] Specifically, the printing control unit 100 analyzes the image data Dp input by the user 3 to determine whether the characters or images printed on the recording paper contain characters indicating confidential information such as "company internal secret," "confidential," or "confidential." Furthermore, if the characters or images printed on the recording paper contain characters indicating confidential information, the printing control unit 100 determines that the printed material output based on the input image data Dp contains confidential information.

[0065] Furthermore, when the printing apparatus 1 is a multifunction printer with a copying function for copying originals, the printing control unit 100 reads the image information recorded on the original to be copied by controlling an image sensor (not shown), and prints the read image information on recording paper by controlling the printing processing unit 150. Thus, the printing apparatus 1 outputs a printed matter with copies of the original. When determining whether the printed matter output by such a copying function contains confidential information, the printing control unit 100 performs optical character recognition (OCR) processing on the image information read by the image sensor (not shown). Additionally, the printing control unit 100 determines whether the characters or images obtained through this OCR processing contain characters indicating confidential information such as "company internal secret," "confidential," or "confidential."

[0066] In addition, the printing control unit 100 generates printing status information Psi, which includes information about the number of pages of the printed material containing the characters representing confidential information.

[0067] As described above, the printing status information Psi includes: information on the type and number of pages of the recording paper that was printed by the printing processing unit 150; information on errors generated during the printing processing by the printing processing unit 150, namely, information on transport errors and printing errors; and information on whether the printed matter produced by the printing processing by the printing processing unit 150 contains confidential information. Therefore, the storage unit 130 stores, as the printing status information Psi indicating the printing status in the printing unit 10, information on the number of pages printed for each type of recording paper, information on whether there are transport errors or printing errors, information on whether there are printing errors or printing errors, and information on whether the printed matter contains confidential information. It also stores the identification information ID for the user 3 who is designated as the printing device 1.

[0068] It should be noted that, in addition to the information described above, the printing status information Psi stored in the storage unit 130 may also include information such as the date and time when the printing apparatus 1 performs the printing process. Such a storage unit 130 is composed of one or more semiconductor devices including non-volatile memory. Here, part or all of the storage unit 130 may also be included in the semiconductor devices constituting the printing control unit 100.

[0069] Furthermore, the printing control unit 100 controls the display content of the display unit 120. The display unit 120 notifies the user 3 of information indicating the operating status of the printing apparatus 1, information accompanying the user 3's operation of the input unit 110, information input from the management server 2, and various information about the printing apparatus 1 and the printing management system SY. As such a display unit 120, various display panels can be used, for example, such as liquid crystal displays, EL (Electronic Luminescent) displays, and electronic paper. It should be noted that in... Figure 2 In the illustration, the display unit 120 and the input unit 110 are shown as having different configurations. However, the display unit 120 and the input unit 110 can also be integrated into one unit, such as a touch panel.

[0070] Furthermore, the printing control unit 100 is communicatively connected to the printing status acquisition control unit 200 of the management server 2, which will be described later.

[0071] The management server 2 has a printing status acquisition unit 20 and a recycling status acquisition unit 30. Furthermore, the recycling status acquisition unit 30 includes a recycling status acquisition control unit 300, an input unit 310, an output unit 320, and a storage unit 330. Additionally, the recycling status acquisition unit 30 acquires recycling status information Csi, representing the recycling status of the waste paper input by the waste paper recycler 4.

[0072] The input unit 310 includes one or more switches that accept operations from the waste paper recycler 4. Furthermore, by operating the input unit 310 via the waste paper recycler 4, recycling status information Csi, indicating the recycling status of the waste paper corresponding to the user 3, and an input signal Cin, specifying the user 3 who discharged the waste paper, such as identification information DI, are input to the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 via the input unit 310. That is, the recycling status acquisition unit 300 acquires the recycling status information Csi along with the identification information ID.

[0073] Here, the information of the user 3 who discharges waste paper in the input recycling status acquisition control unit 300 is not limited to the identification information ID. For example, it may be some or all of the information included in the identification information ID, or it may be the designated management code corresponding to the identification information ID.

[0074] Furthermore, the recycling status information Csi input by the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 includes information indicating the recycling status of waste paper, such as the amount of waste paper recycled from user 3, and information on foreign matter mixed in with the waste paper recycled from user 3. Specifically, the recycling status information Csi includes at least one of the following as information on the amount of waste paper recycled from user 3: the number of pages of waste paper recycled from user 3, the number of recycling bins used to bundle the waste paper recycled from user 3, and the weight of the waste paper recycled from user 3. It also includes at least one of the following as information on the type of foreign matter mixed in with the recycling bins recycled from user 3: the cost of handling the foreign matter, and the ratio of the weight of the foreign matter to the total weight of the waste paper recycled from user 3. It should be noted that, in addition to the above information, the recycling status information Csi may also include information on the type of paper used in the waste paper recycled from user 3, the date and time of waste paper recycling from user 3, etc.

[0075] Here, given that the input unit 310, which inputs the input signal Cin through the operation of the waste paper recycler 4, is configured to input the input signal Cin into the recycling status acquisition control unit 300, the input unit 310 is not limited to a switch. For example, it may be a connector with a cable installed to connect the management server 2 and external devices such as a weighing scale in a communicative manner, or it may be a communication module for communication between the management server 2 and external devices.

[0076] The recycling status acquisition control unit 300 controls the operation of various components included in the recycling status acquisition unit 30. This recycling status acquisition control unit 300 is composed of one or more semiconductor devices, including a processor.

[0077] The recycling status acquisition control unit 300 stores various types of information in the storage unit 330 and reads the information stored in the storage unit 330. Specifically, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 inputs the identification information ID output by the printing unit 10 via the printing status acquisition unit 20 (described later). The recycling status acquisition control unit 300 stores the input identification information ID in the storage unit 330. In addition, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 inputs recycling status information Csi and information for specifying the user 3 who discharged waste paper via the input unit 310. Based on the input information for specifying the user 3 who discharged waste paper, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 assigns an identification information ID corresponding to the user 3. Furthermore, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 stores the recycling status information Csi in the storage unit 330 in a state associated with the assigned identification information ID.

[0078] Such a storage unit 330 is composed of one or more semiconductor devices including non-volatile memory. Here, part or all of the storage unit 330 may also be included in the semiconductor device constituting the recycling status acquisition control unit 300.

[0079] Furthermore, based on the control of the printing status acquisition unit 20 (described later), the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 generates a recycling request Crq from the user 3 requesting waste paper recycling. Additionally, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 outputs an output signal Cout from the output unit 320, including the generated recycling request Crq. Thus, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 urges the waste paper recycler 4 to recycle the waste paper from the user 3. Specifically, the output unit 320 may include a display panel or similar display unit, which the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 uses to display information corresponding to the recycling request Crq from the user 3, urging the user 3 to recycle the waste paper. Alternatively, the output unit 320 may include an email sending module, which the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 uses to send an email containing the recycling request Crq from the user 3 to the waste paper recycler 4, thereby urging the waste paper recycler 4 to recycle the waste paper.

[0080] Furthermore, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 is communicatively connected to the printing status acquisition control unit 200, which will be described later. Moreover, as previously mentioned, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 is communicatively connected to the printing control unit 100. That is, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 is communicatively connected to both the printing status acquisition control unit 200 and the printing control unit 100.

[0081] The printing status acquisition unit 20 includes a printing status acquisition control unit 200, a mode switching unit 210, a storage unit 230, a retrieval request unit 250, a document information output unit 260, and a benefit instruction unit 270. Additionally, the printing status acquisition unit 20 acquires printing status information Psi, which indicates the printing status of the printing unit 10.

[0082] The print status acquisition control unit 200 controls the operation of the mode switching unit 210, storage unit 230, retrieval request unit 250, document information output unit 260, and benefit instruction unit 270 included in the print status acquisition unit 20. Such a print status acquisition control unit 200 is configured, for example, to include one or more semiconductor devices such as a processor.

[0083] Specifically, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 outputs a switching control signal to the control mode switching unit 210 to switch the operation mode of the printing management system SY. Based on the input switching control signal, the mode switching unit 210 switches the operation mode of the printing management system SY according to a first mode MD1 and a second mode MD2. The first mode MD1 is the mode for collecting waste paper from user 3 using a recycling form, and the second mode MD2 is the mode for collecting waste paper from user 3 without using a recycling form. Furthermore, the mode switching unit 210 switches the benefit-giving mode MB, which provides benefits to user 3, on and off based on the input switching control signal.

[0084] Specifically, for example, in the event of a change in the contractual terms regarding the waste paper recycling method between waste paper recycler 4 and user 3, waste paper recycler 4 inputs a request to switch the operating mode of the printing management system SY via input unit 310. This switching request is input to the printing status acquisition control unit 200 via the recycling status acquisition control unit 300. Furthermore, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 generates a switching control signal based on the input operating mode switching request, for switching the operating mode of the printing management system SY to either the first mode MD1 or the second mode MD2, and outputs it to the mode switching unit 210. Thus, the mode switching unit 210 switches the operating mode of the printing management system SY to either the first mode MD1 or the second mode MD2.

[0085] Similarly, in the event of a change in the contractual terms regarding the benefit provision between waste paper recycler 4 and user 3, waste paper recycler 4 inputs a switching request to switch the benefit provision mode MB on / off via input unit 310. This switching request is input to printing status acquisition control unit 200 via recycling status acquisition control unit 300. Furthermore, printing status acquisition control unit 200 generates a switching control signal for switching the benefit provision mode MB in the printing management system SY on / off based on the input operation mode switching request, and outputs it to mode switching unit 210. Thus, mode switching unit 210 switches the benefit provision mode MB in the operation mode of printing management system SY on / off.

[0086] In addition, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 inputs the identification information ID output by the printing control unit 100. The printing status acquisition control unit 200 stores the input identification information ID in the storage unit 230 and outputs it to the recycling status acquisition control unit 300.

[0087] Furthermore, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 acquires the printing status information Psi stored in the storage unit 130 of the printing unit 10. Specifically, when the number of pages of the recording paper that has undergone printing processing by the printing processing unit 150 reaches a predetermined number, the printing control unit 100 outputs the printing status information Psi to the printing status acquisition control unit 200. The printing status acquisition control unit 200 acquires and holds the input printing status information Psi, and stores it in the storage unit 230 in association with the acquisition time.

[0088] Furthermore, when the printing status acquisition control unit 200 acquires the printing status information Psi output by the printing control unit 100, it requests the output of recycling status information Csi from the recycling status acquisition control unit 300. The recycling status acquisition control unit 300 reads the recycling status information Csi stored in the storage unit 330 according to the request from the printing status acquisition control unit 200. Additionally, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 outputs the read recycling status information Csi to the printing status acquisition control unit 200. The printing status acquisition control unit 200 acquires and holds the input recycling status information Csi, and stores it in the storage unit 230 in association with the acquisition time.

[0089] Subsequently, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines whether waste paper recycling from user 3 is required based on the printing status information Psi and the recycling status information Csi. Specifically, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 calculates the waste paper recycling rate of user 3 based on the printing status information Psi and recycling status information Csi stored in the storage unit 230 and the recycling status information Csi input from the recycling status acquisition and control unit 300. In addition, based on the calculated waste paper recycling rate and the printing status information Psi obtained from the printing control unit 100, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 estimates the amount of waste paper possessed by user 3, and determines whether waste paper recycling from user 3 is required based on the estimated amount of waste paper.

[0090] Here, the waste paper recycling rate calculated by the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 can also be, for example, the ratio of the amount of waste paper recycled by the waste paper recycler 4 from the user 3 to the result of subtracting the number of pages of printed materials containing confidential information generated in the printing device 1 from the types and number of pages of recording paper that were previously printed in the printing device 1. Alternatively, it can be, for example, the ratio of the amount of waste paper recycled by the waste paper recycler 4 from the user 3 to the result of correcting the result of subtracting the number of pages of printed materials containing confidential information generated in the printing device 1 from the types and number of pages of recording paper that were previously printed in the printing device 1 from the result of subtracting the number of pages of printed materials containing confidential information generated in the printing device 1 from the result of subtracting the number of pages of recording paper that were previously printed in the printing device 1 from the result of subtracting the number of pages of printing materials containing confidential information from the printing device 1, with a correction factor corresponding to the intended use of the user 3's printed materials. Of course, in either case, the number of pages of printed materials containing confidential information may not be subtracted.

[0091] When the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines that waste paper from user 3 needs to be recycled, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 controls the operation of the document information output unit 260 and the recycling request unit 250 according to the operation mode of the printing management system SY selected by the mode switching unit 210.

[0092] Specifically, when the mode switching unit 210 selects the first mode MD1, and the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines that waste paper from user 3 needs to be recycled, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 requests the output of document information Fif from the document information output unit 260. Thereby, the document information output unit 260 outputs document information Fif, which includes information specifying user 3, based on the user 3's identification information ID.

[0093] The document information Fif output by the document information output unit 260 is input to the printing control unit 100 of the printing unit 10. The printing control unit 100 confirms with the user 3 whether waste paper recycling based on the input document information Fif is required. Specifically, the printing control unit 100 displays information on the display unit 120 to confirm with the user 3 whether waste paper recycling based on the input document information Fif is required. In addition, by having the user 3 perform the operation corresponding to the display content on the display unit 120, the printing control unit 100 determines whether the user 3 requests waste paper recycling.

[0094] When the printing control unit 100 determines that user 3 requests waste paper recycling, the printing control unit 100 instructs the printing processing unit 150 to perform the printing process of a recycling form containing the information included in the document information Fif. Thus, user 3 obtains a recycling form for waste paper recycling. On the other hand, when the printing control unit 100 determines that user 3 does not request waste paper recycling, the printing control unit 100 does not instruct the printing processing unit 150 to perform the printing process of a recycling form containing the information included in the document information Fif. At this time, after a certain period of time, the printing control unit 100 again instructs the display unit 120 to display information for confirming whether waste paper recycling based on the document information Fif is required.

[0095] As described above, the document information output unit 260 outputs document information Fif, which is a printing request for a recycling document, to the printing unit 10 based on the judgment result of the printing status acquisition control unit 200. The printing control unit 100 determines whether waste paper recycling is required based on the input document information Fif of the recycling document, according to the request of the user 3. Furthermore, if the user 3 requests waste paper recycling through the operation of the input unit 110, that is, if the printing of the recycling document is permitted through the operation of the input unit 110, the printing processing unit 150 executes the printing of the recycling document containing the information included in the document information Fif. On the other hand, if the user 3 does not request waste paper recycling through the operation of the input unit 110, that is, if the printing of the recycling document is not permitted through the operation of the input unit 110, the printing processing unit 150 does not execute the printing of the recycling document. In this case, the document information output unit 260 outputs the document information Fif, which is a printing request for a recycling document, to the printing unit 10 again. In other words, the printing management system SY has an input unit 110 that authorizes the printing of returnable documents. When the input unit 110 authorizes the printing request of the returnable document output by the document information output unit 260, the printing unit 10 prints the returnable document. When the input unit 110 does not authorize the printing request of the returnable document output by the document information output unit 260, the printing unit 10 does not print the returnable document, and the document information output unit 260 outputs the printing request of the returnable document to the printing unit 10 again.

[0096] That is, the document information output unit 260 prints the recycling documents based on the judgment result of the printing status acquisition control unit 200. Specifically, if the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines that waste paper recycling is needed and approves the printing request for the recycling documents output by the document information output unit 260 through the operation of the input unit 110, the document information output unit 260 prints the recycling documents based on the judgment result of the printing status acquisition control unit 200. If the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines that waste paper recycling is needed but does not approve the printing request for the recycling documents output by the document information output unit 260 through the operation of the input unit 110, the document information output unit 260 does not print the recycling documents. Alternatively, the document information output unit 260 waits for a printing request for the recycling documents output by the document information output unit 260 to be approved through the operation of the input unit 110 before printing the recycling documents.

[0097] Here, the timing for the document information output unit 260 to re-output a printing request for the return document to the printing unit 10 can be, for example, if the document information output unit 260 outputs document information Fif as a printing request for the return document and, within a certain period of time, the printing of the return document is not authorized by the operation of the input unit 110. Alternatively, it can be if the document information output unit 260 outputs document information Fif as a printing request for the return document and, within a certain period of time, the printing processing unit 150 generates a printed matter with the prescribed number of pages.

[0098] Afterwards, user 3 puts the waste paper into the recycling bin, attaches the printed recycling slip, and sends the recycling bin to waste paper recycler 4. This can also be interpreted as the slip information output unit 260 instructing user 3 to send the waste paper.

[0099] Furthermore, when the mode switching unit 210 selects the first mode MD1, the waste paper recycler 4 can also send a recycling bin to the user 3. Specifically, when the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines that waste paper from the user 3 needs to be recycled, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 requests the recycling request unit 250 to recycle the waste paper using the recycling slip. Based on the request from the printing status acquisition control unit 200, the recycling request unit 250 generates recycling request information requesting the recycling of waste paper using the recycling slip and outputs it to the recycling status acquisition control unit 300. In addition, based on the recycling request information input from the recycling request unit 250, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 generates a recycling request Crq for requesting the recycling of waste paper using the recycling slip. Furthermore, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 outputs the generated recycling request Crq as an output signal Cout via the output unit 320. Thus, the request for recycling of waste paper using the recycling slip is notified to the waste paper recycler 4.

[0100] Based on the recycling request Crq, waste paper recycler 4 learns that user 3 requested the recycling of waste paper using a recycling slip. Furthermore, waste paper recycler 4 sends a recycling bin to user 3. Upon receiving the recycling bin from waste paper recycler 4, user 3 bundles the waste paper into the bin, affixes the recycling slip, and returns it to waste paper recycler 4. Thus, the waste paper owned by user 3 is recycled by waste paper recycler 4. It should be noted that waste paper recycler 4 prints the recycling slip, and by sending the recycling bin with the affixed slip to user 3, printing device 1 may not need to print the recycling slip. Additionally, when waste paper recycler 4 receives the recycling bin, it inputs the identification information ID included in the recycling slip into input unit 310, thereby enabling the printing management system SY to recognize that waste paper recycling from user 3 has been completed.

[0101] When the mode switching unit 210 selects the second mode MD2, if the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines that waste paper recycling from user 3 is required, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 does not request the output of document information FIF to the document information output unit 260. That is, when the mode switching unit 210 selects the second mode MD2, regardless of the determination result regarding whether waste paper recycling from user 3 is required, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 does not request the output of document information FIF to the document information output unit 260. In other words, regardless of the determination result of the printing status acquisition control unit 200, the document information output unit 260 does not output a printing request for recycled documents to the printing unit 10.

[0102] Furthermore, when the mode switching unit 210 selects the second mode MD2, and the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines that waste paper recycling from user 3 is required, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 requests the recycling request unit 250 to recycle waste paper without a recycling slip. Based on the request from the printing status acquisition control unit 200, the recycling request unit 250 generates recycling request information requesting the recycling of waste paper without a recycling slip and outputs it to the recycling status acquisition control unit 300. Based on the recycling request information input from the recycling request unit 250, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 generates a recycling request Crq requesting the recycling of waste paper without a recycling slip. Additionally, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 outputs the generated recycling request Crq as an output signal Cout via the output unit 320. Thus, the request to recycle waste paper without a recycling slip is notified to the waste paper recycler 4. This recycling request Crq includes identification information ID. That is, the recycling request unit 250 requests waste paper recycling along with the identification information ID of the user 3 of the designated printing device 1.

[0103] Based on the recycling request Crq, waste paper recycler 4 obtains the identification information ID corresponding to the user 3's request to recycle waste paper without using a recycling slip. Therefore, waste paper recycler 4 does not send a recycling bin to user 3; for example, it goes directly to user 3 to collect the waste paper owned by user 3. Furthermore, when waste paper recycler 4 performs recycling, it inputs the identification information ID included in the recycling request Crq into the input unit 310, thereby the printing management system SY recognizing that waste paper recycling has been performed from user 3.

[0104] As described above, the printing management system SY in this embodiment includes a first mode MD1 for recycling waste paper using recycling slips and a second mode MD2 for recycling waste paper not using recycling slips as operating modes. This allows for waste paper recycling tailored to the needs of user 3, improving the convenience for user 3 using the printing device 1 and the printing management system SY.

[0105] Furthermore, when the mode switching unit 210 selects the "ON" of the benefit-giving mode MB, the print status acquisition control unit 200 determines whether to grant the user 3 a benefit based on at least one of the recycling status information Csi and print status information Psi stored in the storage unit 230. Additionally, if the print status acquisition control unit 200 determines that the user 3 should receive a benefit, it instructs the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 to perform benefit-giving processing. During benefit-giving processing, the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 generates benefit-giving information Bgi, including information about granting the user 3 a benefit, according to the request from the print status acquisition control unit 200, and outputs it to the print control unit 100.

[0106] The printing control unit 100 generates benefit information Bif, representing the benefit to be granted to user 3, based on the benefit information Bgi included in the input benefit granting information Bgi. Furthermore, the printing control unit 100 displays the benefit content represented by the benefit information Bif on the display unit 120 via control. In other words, the display unit 120 notifies user 3 of the benefit granted as specified by the benefit information Bif. It should be noted that the benefit granting instruction unit 270 can also notify user 3 through other means, such as recording the benefit content in an email sent to user 3.

[0107] In addition, in parallel with this, the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 gives instructions for giving benefits. Specifically, for example, the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 issues a system instruction to issue a coupon as an instruction for giving benefits to user 3. Alternatively, the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 may also request a system instruction from the fee department to give a discount to user 3 as an instruction for giving benefits. Or the benefit-giving instruction may be given through other methods.

[0108] That is, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines whether to grant benefits to user 3 based on at least one of the recycling status information Csi and the printing status information Psi. Furthermore, if benefits are to be granted, the benefit granting instruction unit 270 outputs benefit granting information Bgi indicating the granting of benefits to user 3 based on at least one of the recycling status information Csi and the printing status information Psi.

[0109] Here, an example of the criteria for determining whether the printing status acquisition control unit 200 grants user 3 benefits in the benefit-giving mode MB will be explained.

[0110] For example, in the benefit-giving mode MB, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 reads the recycling status information Csi and printing status information Psi stored in the storage unit 230. Furthermore, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 calculates the waste paper recycling rate at user 3 based on the read recycling status information Csi and printing status information Psi. If user 3's waste paper recycling rate exceeds a predetermined value during a specified period, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 can also instruct the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 to generate benefit-giving information Bgi for giving benefits to user 3. That is, the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 can also instruct the giving of benefits to user 3 based on the waste paper recycling rate.

[0111] Furthermore, in the benefit-giving mode MB, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 reads the recycling status information Csi stored in the storage unit 230. Additionally, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 calculates the amount of waste paper recycled from user 3 within a specified period based on the read recycling status information Csi. The printing status acquisition control unit 200 can also instruct the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 to generate benefit-giving information Bgi for giving benefits to user 3 when the amount of waste paper recycled from user 3 within a specified period exceeds a specified value. That is, the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 can also instruct the benefit-giving to user 3 based on the amount of waste paper recycled from user 3.

[0112] Furthermore, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 can also add the quality of waste paper collected from user 3 within a specified period as a criterion for determining whether to grant benefits to user 3. The quality of waste paper refers to the status of foreign matter, such as the foreign matter contamination rate, included in the recycling status information Csi stored in the storage unit 230. In addition, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 adds the read foreign matter contamination rate to the waste paper recycling rate and the amount of waste paper recycled by user 3 within the specified period to determine whether to grant benefits to user 3. That is, the benefit granting instruction unit 270 can also instruct the granting of benefits to user 3 when the foreign matter contamination rate of waste paper is relatively small, and not grant benefits to user 3 when the foreign matter contamination rate is relatively large.

[0113] 1.3 Operations of the Printing Management System

[0114] The following describes a printing management method as an example of the actions of the printing management system SY. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the printing management system SY. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3As shown, the printing management system SY executes the printing sequence SP of printing device 1 performing printing processing on recording paper, the management server 2 outputs the recycling sequence SC of the waste paper recycling request from user 3, and stores the recycling status of waste paper recycled by waste paper recycler 4 in the management server 2 in the recording sequence SM, and, as... Figure 4 As shown, the printing management system SY executes the benefit-giving sequence SB to user 3.

[0115] First, the printing sequence SP in which the printing apparatus 1 performs printing processing on the recording paper will be described. When the printing sequence SP is executed, the printing control unit 100 determines whether a printing execution request for the recording paper has been input (step S110). Specifically, when image data Dp is input into the printing apparatus 1 by the user 3, or when image information of a copy object to be copied using the copying function is input into the printing apparatus 1 by the user 3, the printing control unit 100 determines that a printing execution request for the recording paper has been generated when the printing apparatus 1 receives information for printing on the recording paper.

[0116] When the printing control unit 100 determines that there is an input request for printing of recording paper (Yes in step S110), the printing control unit 100 causes the printing processing unit 150 to perform printing processing based on the input information (step S120). At this time, the printing control unit 100 generates printing status information Psi and stores it in the storage unit 130. The printing status information Psi includes information on the type and number of pages of the recording paper for which printing processing was performed, information on errors generated during the execution of printing processing, and information on whether the printed material generated by the printing processing contains confidential information.

[0117] After the printing processing unit 150 finishes printing the recording paper, or if the printing control unit 100 determines that no printing execution request for the recording paper has been input into the printing apparatus 1 (step S110 No), the printing control unit 100 determines, based on the printing status information Psi stored in the storage unit 130, whether the number of pages of the recording paper that has undergone printing processing has reached the specified number of pages (step S130). Alternatively, if the printing control unit 100 determines that the number of pages of the recording paper that has undergone printing processing has not reached the specified number of pages (step S130 No), the printing control unit 100 performs a determination on whether a printing execution request for the recording paper has been input (step S110).

[0118] On the other hand, when the printing control unit 100 determines that the number of pages of the recording paper for which printing processing has been performed has reached the predetermined number (yes in step S130), the printing control unit 100 reads the printing status information Psi stored in the storage unit 130 and outputs it to the printing status acquisition control unit 200 of the management server 2 (step S140). By inputting the printing status information Psi to the management server 2, the recycling sequence SC described later is executed.

[0119] After outputting the printing status information Psi to the printing status acquisition control unit 200, the printing control unit 100 determines whether document information Fif has been input from the management server 2 (step S150). If document information Fif has been input into the printing control unit 100 (yes in step S150), the printing control unit 100 causes the display unit 120 to display a printing request for the retrieved document based on the document information Fif (step S160). Furthermore, based on the display on the display unit 120, the printing control unit 100 determines whether a printing execution request for the retrieved document has been input (step S170).

[0120] Based on the display on the display unit 120, when the user 3 inputs a request to print a return document, that is, when the printing control unit 100 determines that a request to print a return document has been input (Yes in step S170), the printing control unit 100 instructs the printing processing unit 150 to perform printing processing of the return document based on the input document information Fif (step S180). Thus, the return document is provided to the user 3. Furthermore, after the printing processing of the return document by the printing processing unit 150 is completed, or if the printing control unit 100 determines that no request to print a return document has been input (No in step S170), the printing control unit 100 performs a determination of whether a request to print on the recording paper has been input (step S110).

[0121] As described above, in the printing sequence SP, the printing process of the recording paper is performed based on the printing execution request for the recording paper input by the user 3, and when the printing request for the recycling form is displayed on the display unit 120, the printing process of the recycling form is performed based on the printing execution request for the recycling form input by the user 3.

[0122] The following describes the recycling sequence SC, in which the management server 2 outputs a waste paper recycling request from the user 3. The recycling sequence SC begins in step S140 of the printing sequence SP when the printing status information Psi output by the printing control unit 100 is input into the management server 2.

[0123] By initiating the recycling sequence SC, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 acquires the printing status information Psi output by the printing control unit 100 (step S210). Furthermore, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 acquires the recycling status information Csi from the storage unit 330 of the recycling status acquisition unit 30 (step S220). Specifically, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 requests the output of the recycling status information Csi from the recycling status acquisition control unit 300. Based on the request from the printing status acquisition control unit 200, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 reads the recycling status information Csi stored in the storage unit 330 and outputs it to the printing status acquisition control unit 200. Thus, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 acquires the recycling status information Csi.

[0124] Furthermore, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 acquires the operating mode of the printing management system SY from the mode switching unit 210 (step S230). Therefore, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 controls the operation of the printing management system SY, including the printing status acquisition unit 20, according to the operating mode of the printing management system SY.

[0125] Subsequently, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines whether waste paper recycling from user 3 is required based on the printing status information Psi and the recycling status information Csi (step S240). If the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines that waste paper recycling from user 3 is not required (no in step S240), the recycling sequence SC in the management server 2 ends.

[0126] On the other hand, if the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines that waste paper recycling from user 3 is required (yes in step S240), the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines whether the recycling form in the printing unit 10 needs to be printed (step S250).

[0127] Specifically, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines whether the printing of return forms in the printing unit 10 needs to be performed according to the operation mode of the printing management system SY. More specifically, when the operation mode of the printing management system SY is the first mode MD1, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines that the printing of return forms in the printing unit 10 is necessary; when the operation mode of the printing management system SY is the second mode MD2, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines that the printing of return forms in the printing unit 10 is not necessary.

[0128] Furthermore, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 can also acquire information on whether the printing unit 10 has printed a return form based on document information Fif, and determine whether printing of the return form in the printing unit 10 is necessary based on the acquired information. Specifically, after the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 outputs a signal requesting the output of document information Fif to the document information output unit 260, if no information indicating that a return form corresponding to document information Fif has been printed is input into the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 within a specified period, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines that printing of the return form in the printing unit 10 is necessary. On the other hand, if the printing status acquisition control unit 200 outputs a signal requesting the output of document information Fif to the document information output unit 260, and within a specified period, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 receives information indicating that the return document corresponding to the document information Fif has been printed, or if the printing status acquisition control unit 200 outputs a signal requesting the output of document information Fif to the document information output unit 260 but before the specified period has elapsed, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines that the printing of the return document in the printing unit 10 is not required.

[0129] When the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines that printing of the return form in the printing unit 10 is required (yes in step S250), the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 outputs document information Fif to the document information output unit 260 (step S260). Thus, under the control of the printing control unit 100 included in the printing unit 10, the printing request for the return form based on the document information Fif is displayed on the display unit 120.

[0130] If the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines that printing of the recycling forms in the printing unit 10 is not required (No in step S260), or after the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 outputs the form information Fif to the printing unit 10, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 calculates the number of recycling bins to be sent to the user 3 based on the printing status information Psi (step S270).

[0131] Here, an example of a method for calculating the number of recycling bins in the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 will be explained. It should be noted that in the following explanation, when calculating the number of recycling bins each time, the bottom area of ​​the recycling bin is assumed to be A3 and the depth of the recycling bin is depth D.

[0132] When calculating the number of recycling bins each time, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 first calculates the total height H of the recycled waste paper.

[0133] Specifically, the Printing Status Acquisition and Control Unit 200 estimates the waste paper collected from User 3 based on the information included in the Printing Status Information Psi, such as the type and number of pages of the recording paper that underwent printing processing, information on errors generated during printing processing, and information on whether the printed matter generated by the printing processing contains confidential information. Here, the Printing Status Acquisition and Control Unit 200 estimates the waste paper collected from User 3 based on the Printing Status Information Psi, which includes situations such as: for example, based on the information of the type and number of pages of the recording paper that User 3 has processed since the last waste paper collection from User 3, and the collection status of waste paper collected from User 3 in the past, the Printing Status Acquisition and Control Unit 200 estimates the type and number of pages of waste paper expected to be discharged from User 3 this time as waste paper.

[0134] Subsequently, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200, based on the estimated information of waste paper expected to be collected from user 3, classifies the waste paper into n zones of thickness zones Tc1 to Tcn according to its thickness. Furthermore, from the information of waste paper classified into thickness zones Tc1 to Tcn, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 identifies the following: the number of pages of waste paper larger than A4 and smaller than A3 within the information of waste paper classified into thickness zone Tc1 is designated X1; the number of pages of confidential documents included in X1 is designated Xd1; the number of pages of recording paper that caused a delivery error within X1 is designated Xj1; and the number of pages of waste paper smaller than A4 is designated Y1; the number of pages of confidential documents included in Y1 is designated Yd1; and the number of pages of recording paper that caused a delivery error within Y1 is designated Yj1.

[0135] Subsequently, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 substitutes the thickness t1, which is the central value of the thickness zone Tc1, the number of waste paper pages greater than A4 and less than A3 X1, the number of confidential documents included in X1 Xd1, the number of recording paper pages that caused delivery errors included in X1 Xj1, the number of waste paper pages less than A4 Y1, the number of confidential documents included in Y1 Yd1, and the number of recording paper pages that caused delivery errors included in Y1 Yj1 into the following formula (1) to calculate the height H1 of the recycled waste paper included in the thickness zone Tc1.

[0136] [Mathematical Expression 1]

[0137]

[0138] Similarly, the printing condition acquisition and control unit 200 acquires the following information from waste paper classified into thickness zones Tc2 to Tcn: the number of pages larger than A4 and smaller than A3, the number of pages containing confidential documents among the pages larger than A4 and smaller than A3, the number of pages with delivery errors among the pages larger than A4 and smaller than A3, the number of pages smaller than A4, the number of pages smaller than A4, the number of pages containing confidential documents among the pages smaller than A4, and the number of pages with delivery errors among the pages smaller than A4. Furthermore, based on the same formula as in the case of thickness zone Tc1, the printing condition acquisition and control unit 200 calculates the heights H2 to Hn of the waste paper recovered corresponding to each zone of thickness zones Tc2 to Tcn. Additionally, the printing condition acquisition and control unit 200 calculates the total height H of the recovered waste paper by summing the calculated heights H1 to Hn.

[0139] Then, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 divides the calculated total height H of the waste paper by the depth D of the recycling bin, and rounds the obtained value to the nearest decimal. The printing status acquisition and control unit 200 keeps this calculation result as the number of recycling bins sent to the user 3.

[0140] Here, the coefficient A included in equation (1) is a correction coefficient used to correct for the thickness of the recording paper caused by a feeding error during the printing process in the printing processing unit 150. When the recording paper is fed, if a feeding error such as a paper jam occurs, wrinkles will form on the recording paper, resulting in the actual space occupied by the recording paper becoming thicker. The coefficient A is a correction coefficient used to correct for the change in the thickness of the recording paper that occurs along with such a feeding error, and is set to a value of "1" or higher.

[0141] As described above, after the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 calculates the number of recycling bins sent to the user 3, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 outputs various information, including the calculated number of recycling bins sent to the user 3, the operation mode information of the printing management system SY, and the information of the user 3 specified based on the identification information ID, to the recycling status acquisition and control unit 300 via the recycling request unit 250.

[0142] The recycling status acquisition control unit 300 generates a recycling request Crq, which includes information about the specified user 3, based on the input information about the number of recycling bins, the operation mode information of the printing management system SY, and the identification information ID, and outputs it to the waste paper recycler 4. That is, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 and the printing status acquisition control unit 200 output a recycling request Crq for recycling waste paper from user 3 to the waste paper recycler 4 (step S280). In addition, the recycling sequence SC ends by outputting the recycling request Crq for recycling waste paper from user 3 to the waste paper recycler 4.

[0143] Waste paper recycler 4 collects waste paper from user 3 based on recycling request Crq. Specifically, when the operation mode of the printing management system SY specified in recycling request Crq is mode MD1, waste paper recycler 4 sends the number of recycling bins specified in recycling request Crq to user 3. User 3 bundles the waste paper in the recycling bins sent by waste paper recycler 4, affixes a recycling slip, and returns it to waste paper recycler 4. In addition, waste paper recycler 4 recycles the waste paper in the returned recycling bins. On the other hand, when the operation mode of the printing management system SY specified in recycling request Crq is mode MD2, waste paper recycler 4 carries the number of recycling bins specified in recycling request Crq, or a waste paper recycling container capable of recycling the same amount of waste paper, to user 3 to recycle the waste paper owned by user 3. In addition, waste paper recycler 4 uses the recycled waste paper to produce recycled paper.

[0144] After waste paper recycler 4 collects waste paper from user 3, waste paper recycler 4 inputs the recycling status information Csi corresponding to the collected waste paper into management server 2. This triggers a recording sequence SM that stores the recycling status of the waste paper collected by waste paper recycler 4 in the recycling sequence SC in management server 2. Specifically, in the recording sequence SM, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 stores the input recycling status information Csi in storage unit 330 (step S310). At this time, the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 may also store information such as the date, time, and location of the input recycling status information Csi. Furthermore, the recording sequence SM ends when the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 stores the recycling status information Csi in storage unit 330.

[0145] Management server 2 updates the waste paper recycling status corresponding to user 3 based on the recycling status information Csi stored in the record sequence SM. Therefore, management server 2 can determine whether waste paper recycling for user 3 is necessary based on the latest waste paper recycling status.

[0146] The following describes the benefit-giving sequence SB for providing benefits to user 3. The benefit-giving sequence SB is executed when providing benefits to user 3, with the benefit-giving mode MB set to ON. Upon initiating the benefit-giving sequence SB, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 reads and acquires the printing status information Psi and recycling status information Csi stored in the storage unit 230 (step S410). Furthermore, based on the acquired printing status information Psi and recycling status information Csi, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 calculates user 3's waste paper recycling rate, waste paper recycling amount, and foreign matter contamination rate, and determines whether to provide benefits to user 3 based on the calculation results (step S420). Here, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 may determine whether to provide benefits to user 3 based on any one of user 3's waste paper recycling rate, waste paper recycling amount, and foreign matter contamination rate, or it may combine two or more of user 3's waste paper recycling rate, waste paper recycling amount, and foreign matter contamination rate to determine whether to provide benefits to user 3. Furthermore, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 can also determine whether benefits need to be provided based on other information.

[0147] If the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines that it is necessary to provide benefits to user 3 (No in step S420), the benefit provision sequence SB in the management server 2 ends. On the other hand, if the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines that it is necessary to provide benefits to user 3 (Yes in step S420), the printing status acquisition control unit 200 instructs the benefit provision instruction unit 270 to perform benefit provision processing. As a result, the benefit provision instruction unit 270 outputs benefit provision information Bgi (step S430) including information about the benefits to be provided to user 3 and performs the benefit provision, ending the benefit provision sequence SB in the management server 2.

[0148] The benefit-giving information Bgi output by the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 is input into the printing unit 10, initiating the benefit-giving sequence SB in the printing unit 10. The benefit-giving information Bgi output by the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 is input into the printing control unit 100. Based on the benefit-giving information included in the input benefit-giving information Bgi, the printing control unit 100 generates benefit information Bif representing the benefit given to the user 3. Furthermore, the printing control unit 100 displays the information based on the benefit information Bif on the display unit 120 (step S440).

[0149] Here, the benefit given by the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 can be a monetary benefit that directly becomes the benefit for user 3, or a non-monetary benefit that does not directly become the benefit for user 3, or both. For example, the benefit-giving instruction unit 270 may issue a coupon as a benefit to user 3 through a system instruction to issue a coupon. It may also issue a fee request system instruction to user 3 as a benefit-giving discount. Furthermore, it may instruct the waste paper recycler 4 to send items such as tissues along with the waste paper when sending it to the recycling bin. It may also commend user 3. Finally, it may issue a certificate to user 3 proving that the waste paper has been properly handled. These are just some examples, but the unit is not limited to them. Additionally, the benefit can be given each time waste paper is collected, or it can be given monthly, annually, or as a cumulative total over a certain period.

[0150] Here, the printing status acquisition unit 20 is an example of a first acquisition unit, the recycling status acquisition unit 30 is an example of a second acquisition unit, the benefit granting instruction unit 270 is an example of a granting instruction unit, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 is an example of a judgment unit, the document information output unit 260 is an example of a printing request unit, and the display unit 120 is an example of a notification unit. Furthermore, the printing status information Psi is an example of printing information, and the recycling status information Csi is an example of recycling information. Furthermore, the printing sequence SP in which the printing unit 10 prints on the recording paper is an example of a printing process; the step S210 of the printing status acquisition unit 20 acquiring printing status information Psi indicating the printing status in the printing unit 10 is an example of a first acquisition process; the recording sequence SM of the recycling status acquisition unit 30 acquiring recycling status information Csi indicating the recycling status of waste paper is an example of a second acquisition process; the benefit granting instruction unit 270 instructing the user 3 of the printing device 1 to grant benefits based on at least one of the printing status information Psi and the recycling status information Csi is an example of a benefit granting process; the waste paper recycling performed by the recycling status acquisition control unit 300 and the printing status acquisition control unit 200 outputting a recycling request Crq for recycling waste paper from the user 3 (step S280) to the waste paper recycler 4 is an example of a recycling process; and the production of recycled paper based on waste paper performed by the waste paper recycler 4 after the recycling process is an example of a production process.

[0151] 1.4 Effects

[0152] As described above, the printing management system SY of the first embodiment includes: a printing unit 10 for printing on recording paper; storage units 130, 230, and 330 for storing printing status information Psi indicating the printing status in the printing unit 10; a printing status acquisition and control unit 200 for determining whether waste paper recycling is required based on the printing status information Psi; a document information output unit 260 for outputting a printing request for recycling documents to the printing unit 10 based on the determination result of the printing status acquisition and control unit 200; and a recycling request unit 250 for requesting the recycling of waste paper using recycling documents based on the determination result of the printing status acquisition and control unit 200.

[0153] In this first embodiment of the printing management system SY, the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 can determine whether waste paper recycling is necessary based on the printing status of the printing apparatus 1 and the printing unit 10. Furthermore, when the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines that recycling waste paper from user 3 is preferable, the document information output unit 260 outputs document information Fif to the printing unit 10, and the printing unit 10 prints the recycling form corresponding to the input document information Fif. That is, it is possible to urge user 3 using the printing apparatus 1 to recycle waste paper at a suitable time and to provide recycling forms for waste paper recycling. Therefore, the labor required for waste paper recycling from user 3 can be reduced. As a result, the recycling rate of waste paper is increased, and consequently, the effective use of resources and environmental protection can be further promoted.

[0154] Furthermore, when the printing status acquisition and control unit 200 determines that it is preferable to recycle waste paper from user 3, the recycling request unit 250 outputs a recycling request Crq to the waste paper recycler 4, requesting the recycling of waste paper. As a result, the waste paper recycler 4 sends and provides a recycling bin for recycling waste paper from user 3 to user 3. That is, in the printing management system SY of the first embodiment, the waste paper recycler 4 does not need to manage the status of user 3 separately, but is notified of the appropriate time for waste paper recycling from user 3. As a result, the waste paper recycler 4 can urge the user 3 using the printing apparatus 1 to recycle waste paper at the appropriate time and provide a recycling bin for waste paper recycling. This reduces the labor required for waste paper recycler 4 to manage waste paper recycling and further reduces the labor required for waste paper recycling from user 3. Consequently, the waste paper recycling rate from user 3 is further improved, which can further promote the effective use of resources and environmental protection.

[0155] Furthermore, the printing management system SY of the first embodiment includes: a printing apparatus 1, including a printing unit 10 for printing on recording paper; a printing status acquisition unit 20 for acquiring printing status information Psi indicating the printing status of the printing unit 10; a recycling status acquisition unit 30 for acquiring recycling status information Csi indicating the recycling status of waste paper; and a benefit granting instruction unit 270 for instructing the granting of benefits to the user 3 of the printing apparatus 1 based on at least one of the printing status information Psi and the recycling status information Csi.

[0156] In this printing management system SY, the benefit instruction unit 270 can provide benefits to user 3 based on the printing status of the printing unit 10 at user 3 and the waste paper recycling status from user 3, thereby raising user 3's awareness of waste paper recycling. As a result, the amount and rate of waste paper recycled from user 3 are further increased. Consequently, the effective use of resources and environmental protection can be further promoted.

[0157] Furthermore, due to the increased waste paper recycling rate from user 3, waste paper recycler 4 can achieve continuous waste paper recycling with less labor. As a result, the production efficiency of recycled paper based on waste paper recycled by waste paper recycler 4 is improved. That is, in the printing management system SY of the first embodiment, the waste paper recycling rate and the production efficiency of recycled paper are improved, which further promotes the effective utilization of resources.

[0158] 1.5 Variation Example

[0159] In the printing management system SY of the first embodiment described above, the configuration of both the printing status acquisition unit 20 and the recycling status acquisition unit 30 is provided in the management server 2. However, some or all of the configurations of the printing status acquisition unit 20 and the recycling status acquisition unit 30 may also be provided in the printing apparatus 1. Furthermore, any one of the configurations of the printing unit 10, the printing status acquisition unit 20, and the recycling status acquisition unit 30 may be comprised of a single semiconductor device.

[0160] Furthermore, in the printing management system SY of the first embodiment described above, the identification information ID stored in the printing device 1 can be either input by the user through the operation of the printing device 1 or uniquely assigned to the printing device 1. By pre-associating the name, address, contact address, etc., of the user 3 of the printing device 1 with the identification information ID, the management server 2 can obtain the identification information ID from the printing device 1 and print the return documents.

[0161] Furthermore, the various components of the printing management system SY of the first embodiment described above can be combined by multiple devices to form a single configuration, or they can be part of the aforementioned configuration and included in different devices.

[0162] Furthermore, in the printing management system SY of the first embodiment described above, the waste paper recycler 4 may also be configured to include one or more individuals or legal entities that recycle waste paper from users 3, and one or more individuals or legal entities that use the recycled waste paper to produce recycled paper.

[0163] Furthermore, the calculation method and formula described in the first embodiment above are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0164] Furthermore, some or all of the various processes performed by the printing management system SY in the first embodiment described above can also be performed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). For example, AI can also perform tasks such as determining the timing of waste paper recycling, determining whether or not benefits are granted, and determining the amount of benefits granted.

[0165] Furthermore, the benefits of inputting recycling status information Csi with waste paper recycler 4, and the priority of waste paper recycler 4's production of recycled paper, can be either taken into account.

[0166] 2. Second Implementation Method

[0167] The printing management system SY according to the second embodiment will be described. When describing the printing management system SY according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used for components identical to those in the printing management system SY according to the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0168] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the printing management system SY according to the second embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 5 As shown, in the printing management system SY of the second embodiment, when the printing sequence SP is executed, the printing control unit 100 determines whether a printing execution request for recording paper has been input (step S110). Furthermore, if the printing control unit 100 determines that a printing execution request for recording paper has been input (yes in step S110), the printing control unit 100 causes the printing processing unit 150 to perform printing processing based on the input information (step S120). At this time, the printing control unit 100 generates printing status information Psi and stores it in the storage unit 130. This printing status information Psi includes information about the type and number of pages of the recording paper that underwent printing processing, information about errors generated during printing processing, and information about whether the printed material generated by the printing processing contains confidential information.

[0169] Furthermore, after the printing process in the printing processing unit 150 is completed, or if the printing control unit 100 determines that a printing execution request for the recording paper has not been input into the printing apparatus 1 (No in step S110), the printing control unit 100 converts the number of pages of the recording paper that have undergone printing processing into the number of pages of a specified size based on the printing status information Psi stored in the storage unit 130. That is, the printing control unit 100 performs the conversion of the number of pages processed in printing (step S125).

[0170] A specific example of converting the number of pages processed in printing by the printing control unit 100 will be explained. It should be noted that in explaining one example of converting the number of pages processed in printing, the following explanation will use the case of converting the number of pages processed in printing to A3 size as an example.

[0171] When performing the conversion of the number of pages in the printing process, the printing control unit 100 obtains the number of pages of recording paper larger than A4 and smaller than A3 from the printing status information Psi as x, the number of pages of confidential documents included in x as xd, and the number of pages of recording paper included in x that have caused a delivery error as xj. In addition, it obtains the number of pages of recording paper smaller than A4 as y, the number of pages of confidential documents included in y as yd, and the number of pages of recording paper included in y that have caused a delivery error as yj.

[0172] Then, the printing control unit 100 calculates the converted page number CON obtained by converting the printing processing page number by substituting x, which is the number of pages of recording paper larger than A4 and smaller than A3, xd, which is the number of pages of confidential documents included in x, xj, which is the number of pages of recording paper that caused the delivery error included in x, y, which is the number of pages of recording paper smaller than A4, yd, which is the number of pages of confidential documents included in y, and yj, which is the number of pages of recording paper that caused the delivery error included outside of y, into the following formula (2).

[0173] [Mathematical Expression 2]

[0174]

[0175] Here, the coefficient B included in equation (2) is a correction coefficient used to correct for the thickness of the recording paper caused by a feeding error during the printing process in the printing processing unit 150. When feeding the recording paper, if a feeding error such as a paper jam occurs, wrinkles will form on the recording paper, resulting in the actual space occupied by the recording paper becoming thicker. The coefficient B is a correction coefficient used to correct for the change in the thickness of the recording paper caused by such a feeding error, and is set to a value of "1" or higher.

[0176] After the printing control unit 100 performs the conversion of the number of pages to be printed, the printing control unit 100 determines whether the converted number of pages CON has reached the specified number of pages (step S130). Alternatively, if the printing control unit 100 determines that the converted number of pages CON has not reached the specified number of pages (No in step S130), the printing control unit 100 performs a determination on whether a printing activation request has been input to the printing apparatus 1 (step S110).

[0177] On the other hand, when the printing control unit 100 determines that the number of pages of the recording paper that has undergone printing processing has reached the specified number of pages (yes in step S130), the printing control unit 100 reads the printing status information Psi stored in the storage unit 130 and outputs it to the printing status acquisition control unit 200 of the management server 2 (step S140).

[0178] Subsequently, the printing management system SY performs the actions following step S140 in the printing sequence SP in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and performs the actions in each sequence of the recycling sequence SC, the recording sequence SM, and the benefit-granting sequence SB.

[0179] Even the printing management system SY of the second embodiment, constructed as described above, can achieve the same effect as the printing management system SY of the first embodiment. Moreover, in the printing management system SY of the second embodiment, by using formula (2) to convert the number of pages processed in printing to calculate the converted number of pages CON, even if a conveying error occurs during printing processing on the recording paper and the thickness of the waste paper increases, the timing of the waste paper recycling requested by the user 3 can be grasped in more detail.

[0180] Specifically, the printing status information Psi includes information indicating whether there is a paper feeding error. When the printing control unit 100 determines that the predetermined number of pages has been reached, the printing status information Psi including information indicating a feeding error occurs occurs earlier than when the printing status information Psi does not include information indicating a feeding error. Therefore, when the printing status information Psi includes information indicating whether there is a paper feeding error, the printing status acquisition control unit 200 determines that waste paper recycling is necessary when the printing status information Psi includes information indicating a feeding error occurs, compared to when the printing status information Psi includes information indicating no feeding error occurred.

[0181] Therefore, we can gain a more detailed understanding of when User 3 requests waste paper recycling, and urge User 3 to recycle waste paper at a more appropriate time.

[0182] 3. Third Implementation Method

[0183] The printing management system SY according to the third embodiment will now be described. In describing the printing management system SY according to the third embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as those in the printing management systems SY of the first and second embodiments, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0184] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an overview of waste paper recycling using the printing management system SY according to the third embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 6 As shown, in the third embodiment of the printing management system SY, the user 3 operates two printing devices 1, which differs from the printing management systems SY of the first and second embodiments. That is, in the third embodiment of the printing management system SY, the two printing devices 1 used by the user 3 are communicatively connected to a management server 2, which differs from the printing management systems SY of the first and second embodiments.

[0185] In the following description, the printing device 1 operated by user 3 will be referred to as printing device 1-1, and the printing device 1 operated by user 3 will be referred to as printing device 1-2. Furthermore, printing device 1-1 and printing device 1-2 have the same configuration. Figure 2 The printing apparatus 1 shown is configured as follows: Printing apparatuses 1-1 and 1-2 respectively include a printing control unit 100, an input unit 110, a display unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a printing processing unit 150. In the following description, the printing control unit 100, input unit 110, display unit 120, storage unit 130, and printing processing unit 150 included in printing apparatus 1-1 will sometimes be referred to as printing control unit 100-1, input unit 110-1, display unit 120-1, storage unit 130-1, and printing processing unit 150-1, and the printing control unit 100, input unit 110, display unit 120, storage unit 130, and printing processing unit 150 included in printing apparatus 1-2 will be referred to as printing control unit 100-2, input unit 110-2, display unit 120-2, storage unit 130-2, and printing processing unit 150-2.

[0186] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1-1 can communicatively connect to the management server 2. The printing apparatus 1-1 inputs identification information ID and image data Dp1. The identification information ID is information specifying the user 3, and the image data Dp1 is information about the characters and images formed by the printing apparatus 1-1 on the recording paper. Therefore, the printing processing unit 150 included in the printing apparatus 1-1 performs the printing process of printing the characters and images corresponding to the information included in the input image data Dp1 onto the recording paper. At this time, the printing control unit 100-1 included in the printing apparatus 1-1 generates printing status information Psi1 indicating the execution status of the printing process performed by the printing processing unit 150-1, and stores it in the storage unit 130-1. Additionally, if the printing control unit 100-1 determines that the number of pages on the recording paper exceeds a predetermined number of pages after the printing processing unit 150-1 has performed the printing process, it outputs the printing status information Psi1 stored in the storage unit 130-1 to the management server 2.

[0187] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1-2 can be communicatively connected to the management server 2. The printing apparatus 1-2 inputs identification information ID and image data Dp2. The identification information ID is information specifying the user 3, and the image data Dp2 is information about the characters and images formed by the printing apparatus 1-2 on the recording paper. Therefore, the printing processing unit 150 included in the printing apparatus 1-2 performs the printing process of printing the characters and images corresponding to the information included in the input image data Dp2 onto the recording paper. At this time, the printing control unit 100-2 included in the printing apparatus 1-2 generates printing status information Psi2 indicating the execution status of the printing process performed by the printing processing unit 150-2, and stores it in the storage unit 130-2. Additionally, if the printing control unit 100-2 determines that the number of pages on the recording paper exceeds a predetermined number, it outputs the printing status information Psi2 stored in the storage unit 130-2 to the management server 2.

[0188] The printing status acquisition control unit 200, included in the printing status acquisition unit 20 of the management server 2, determines whether waste paper recycling is required for user 3 based on the printing status information Psi1 output by printing device 1-1, the printing status information Psi2 output by printing device 1-2, and the recycling status information Csi input by waste paper recycler 4. If the management server 2 determines that waste paper recycling is required for user 3, it outputs document information Fif to printing device 1-1 and a recycling request Crq to waste paper recycler 4, according to the operation mode of the printing management system SY.

[0189] In addition, the management server 2 generates benefit-giving information Bgi for giving benefits to user 3 based on the printing status information Psi1 input from printing device 1-1, the printing status information Psi2 input from printing device 1-2, and the recycling status information Csi input from waste paper recycler 4, and outputs it to printing device 1-1.

[0190] In the printing management system SY of the third embodiment described above, two printing devices 1-1 and 1-2, which are communicatively connected to the management server 2 and can be operated by the user 3, are also connected. Even in this printing management system SY of the third embodiment, the same functional effects as those in the printing management systems SY of the first and second embodiments can be achieved.

[0191] The embodiments and variations have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit. For example, the above embodiments can also be appropriately combined.

[0192] This invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as those described in the embodiments (e.g., configurations with the same function, method, and result, or configurations with the same purpose and effect). Furthermore, this invention includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. Additionally, this invention includes configurations capable of achieving the same effect or purpose as the configurations described in the embodiments. Furthermore, this invention includes configurations incorporating known techniques into the configurations described in the embodiments. This invention can also implement one configuration described in the embodiments through a combination of multiple devices, or multiple configurations described in the embodiments can be implemented through a single device. Furthermore, this invention can also be an invention for a printing management system, an invention for a program controlling a printing management system, or an invention for a printing management method, a method for recycling waste paper and producing recycled paper.

[0193] The following content is derived based on the above implementation method.

[0194] One approach to a print management system includes:

[0195] A printing apparatus, including a printing unit for printing on recording paper;

[0196] The first acquisition unit acquires printing information indicating the printing status of the printing unit;

[0197] The second acquisition unit acquires recycling information indicating the recycling status of waste paper; and

[0198] The instruction unit, based on the printing information and the recycling information, instructs that benefits be provided to the user of the printing device.

[0199] According to this printing management system, based on printing information indicating the printing status of the printing department and recycling information indicating the recycling status of waste paper, benefits are provided to users of the printing equipment, thereby raising users' awareness of waste paper recycling. As a result, the amount of waste paper recycled from users and the waste paper recycling rate are further increased. Consequently, the effective use of resources and environmental protection can be further promoted.

[0200] Alternatively, in one mode of the aforementioned printing management system,

[0201] The first acquisition unit includes:

[0202] The judgment unit determines whether waste paper recycling is necessary based on the waste paper recycling rate calculated from the printing information and the recycling information, and the printing information; and

[0203] The recycling request unit requests the recycling of the waste paper based on the judgment result of the judgment unit.

[0204] According to this printing management system, the judgment department determines whether waste paper recycling is necessary based on the printing status of the printing department. If the judgment department determines that waste paper recycling is necessary, it requests recycling from waste paper recyclers. This eliminates the need for recyclers to manage the timing of waste paper collection from users, improving their convenience. Furthermore, because recyclers can identify the most suitable recycling time and provide users with the necessary resources and materials, they can also encourage users to recycle at the most appropriate time. As a result, the printing management system improves user convenience and further reduces the labor required for waste paper recycling. Therefore, the increased recycling rate of waste paper from users can further promote the effective use of resources and environmental protection.

[0205] Alternatively, it can be in one mode of the aforementioned printing management system.

[0206] The recycling request unit requests the recycling of waste paper along with identification information specifying the user of the printing device.

[0207] The second acquisition unit acquires the recycling information along with the identification information.

[0208] The instruction unit instructs the user specified by the identification information to receive the benefit.

[0209] Alternatively, it can be in one mode of the aforementioned printing management system.

[0210] The first acquisition unit includes:

[0211] The judgment unit determines whether waste paper recycling is necessary based on the waste paper recycling rate calculated from the printing information and the recycling information, as well as the printing information.

[0212] The printing request unit, based on the judgment result of the judgment unit, outputs a printing request for the return document to the printing unit; and

[0213] The recycling request unit, based on the judgment result of the judgment unit, requests the recycling of the waste paper using the recycling document.

[0214] According to this printing management system, the judgment department determines whether waste paper recycling is necessary based on the printing status of the printing department, thus eliminating the need to manage the timing of waste paper recycling by users and improving user convenience. Furthermore, when the judgment department determines that waste paper recycling is necessary, it provides users with recycling forms, reducing user labor. Moreover, when the judgment department determines that waste paper recycling is necessary, it requests recycling from waste paper recyclers, eliminating the need for recyclers to manage the timing of waste paper recycling from users, thus improving their convenience as well. Furthermore, since recyclers can determine the most suitable recycling time, by providing users with the necessary resources and materials for waste paper recycling, they can provide these resources at the most appropriate time, thereby urging users to recycle their waste paper. In short, the improved user convenience provides a printing management system that further reduces the labor required for waste paper recycling. Therefore, the increased waste paper recycling rate from users can further promote the effective use of resources and environmental protection.

[0215] Alternatively, in one mode of the aforementioned printing management system,

[0216] The recycling form contains identification information specifying the user of the printing device.

[0217] The second acquisition unit acquires the recycling information along with the identification information.

[0218] The instruction unit instructs the user specified by the identification information to receive the benefit.

[0219] Alternatively, one embodiment of the printing management system may include:

[0220] The notification department informs users of the benefits mentioned.

[0221] Alternatively, in one mode of the aforementioned printing management system,

[0222] The second acquisition unit acquires the foreign matter contamination rate of the waste paper as the recycling information.

[0223] The benefit instruction unit instructs the benefit to be granted based on the foreign matter incorporation rate.

[0224] According to this printing management system, the possibility of foreign matter getting into waste paper is reduced, and the efficiency of reusing recycled waste paper is improved. Therefore, it can further promote the effective use of resources.

[0225] One approach to printing management includes:

[0226] The first acquisition process acquires printing information indicating the printing status in the printing department;

[0227] The recycling process involves the collection of waste paper.

[0228] The second acquisition step involves acquiring recycling information indicating the recycling status of the waste paper.

[0229] The production process utilizes the recycled waste paper to produce recycled paper; and

[0230] The benefit-giving process involves giving benefits based on the printing information and the recycling information.

[0231] According to this printing management method, in the first acquisition step, printing information indicating the printing status of the printing section is acquired, and in the second acquisition step, recycling information indicating the recycling status of waste paper is acquired. Furthermore, in the benefit-giving step, benefits are given to the users of the printing equipment based on the printing and recycling information. Therefore, users' awareness of waste paper recycling can be increased. Consequently, the amount of waste paper recycled from users and the waste paper recycling rate are further improved. As a result, the effective use of resources and environmental protection can be further promoted.

Claims

1. A printing management system, characterized in that, A printing apparatus, including a printing unit for printing on recording paper; The first acquisition unit acquires printing information indicating the printing status of the printing unit and outputs a printing request for a return receipt to the printing unit. The return receipt includes identification information for specifying the user of the printing device. The second acquisition unit acquires recycling information indicating the recycling status of waste paper and acquires the identification information from the recycling document recycled together with the waste paper. as well as The instruction unit, based on both the printing information and the recycling information, instructs the user of the printing device specified by the identification information to receive benefits. The printing information includes information about the type and number of pages of the recording paper that were printed by the printing department.

2. The printing management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first acquisition unit includes: The judgment unit determines whether waste paper recycling is necessary based on the waste paper recycling rate calculated from the printing information and the recycling information, and the printing information; and The recycling request unit requests the recycling of the waste paper based on the judgment result of the judgment unit.

3. The printing management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The recycling request unit requests the recycling of waste paper along with the identification information used to designate the user of the printing device.

4. The printing management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first acquisition unit includes: The judgment unit determines whether waste paper recycling is necessary based on the waste paper recycling rate calculated from the printing information and the recycling information, as well as the printing information. The printing request unit outputs a printing request for the recycling document to the printing unit based on the judgment result of the judgment unit. as well as The recycling request unit, based on the judgment result of the judgment unit, requests the recycling of the waste paper using the recycling document.

5. The printing management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, have: The notification department informs users of the benefits mentioned.

6. The printing management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second acquisition unit acquires information about foreign matter mixed into the waste paper as the recycling information. The giving instruction unit instructs the giving of benefits based on the information of the foreign object.

7. A method for producing recycled paper, characterized in that, have: The first acquisition process involves acquiring printing information indicating the printing status in the printing department and outputting a printing request for a return receipt to the printing department. The return receipt includes identification information for specifying the user of the printing device. The recycling process involves the collection of waste paper. The second acquisition step involves acquiring recycling information indicating the recycling status of the waste paper, and acquiring the identification information from the recycling document that was recycled together with the waste paper. The benefit-granting process, based on the printing information and the recycling information, grants benefits to the user of the printing device specified by the identification information; and The production process utilizes the recycled waste paper to produce recycled paper. The printing information includes information on the type and number of pages of the recording paper that were printed by the printing department.

8. A storage medium, characterized in that, The computer stores a program that causes it to perform the following functions: The first acquisition function communicates with the printing device to acquire printing information indicating the printing status of the printing device, and outputs a printing request for a return receipt to the printing department of the printing device. The return receipt includes identification information for specifying the user of the printing device. The second acquisition function is to acquire recycling information indicating the recycling status of waste paper, and to acquire the identification information from the recycling documents that are recycled together with the waste paper; as well as The function, based on both the printing information and the recycling information, instructs the user of the printing device specified by the identification information to receive benefits. The printing information includes information on the type and number of pages of the recording paper that were printed by the printing department.

Images