Management system and method for controlling management device

Abstract

The invention relates to a management system and a control method of a management device, which contribute to a sustainable development target (SDGs) target 12. A control method for a management device, characterized in that the management device manages a storage container for storing consumables used in a printing device, causes a processor of the management device to function as an imparting unit, and causes the imparting unit to impart the consumables to the storage container. And an assigning unit that assigns a first amount of privileges to the user when the user has entered a first number of storage containers during a collection behavior of entering the storage containers into a collection device for collecting the storage containers, and assigns a second amount of privileges to the user when the user has entered a second number of storage containers greater than the first number during the collection behavior. And an assigning unit that assigns a second amount of privileges to the user, the value obtained by dividing the second amount by the second number being greater than the value obtained by dividing the first amount by the first number.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system and a control method of a management device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is known a method of individually collecting containers that contain consumables used in a printing apparatus and reusing the collected containers.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-039708

[0004] However, when the container is collected separately and the collected container is reused as in the prior art, the environmental load associated with the collection of the container increases. Therefore, the prior art has room for improvement with respect to SDGs, i.e., the 17 sustainable development goals selected by the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2015, such as Goal 12 "Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns".

[0005] It should be noted that the above-mentioned problem is not limited to the problem of recycling the storage container for accommodating consumables used in the printing device, and is also applicable to the scene of recycling reusable parts, for example. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the control method of the management device involved in the present invention manages storage containers, wherein the storage containers store consumables used in the printing device. The control method of the management device is characterized in that the processor of the management device functions as an assigning unit, and when a user brings a first number of storage containers into a recycling behavior of bringing the storage containers into a recycling device for recycling the storage containers, the assigning unit assigns a first amount of privileges to the user, and when the user brings a second number of storage containers that is greater than the first number in the recycling behavior, the assigning unit assigns a second amount of privileges to the user, and a value obtained by dividing the second amount by the second number is greater than a value obtained by dividing the first amount by the first number.

[0007] In addition, the management system of the present invention manages reusable specific components, and is characterized in that the management system includes an assignment unit, and when a user brings a first number of specific components into a recycling behavior of bringing the specific components into a recycling device for recycling the specific components, the assignment unit assigns a first amount of privileges to the user, and when the user brings a second number of specific components that is greater than the first number in the recycling behavior, the assignment unit assigns a second amount of privileges to the user, and a value obtained by dividing the second amount by the second number is greater than a value obtained by dividing the first amount by the first number. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system Sys according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the cassette 7.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the user card 8.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the collection box 3.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 1 .

[0013] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the point granting information D21.

[0014] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the point granting information D21.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the management system Sys.

[0016] Fig. 9 It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the management system Sys.

[0017] Description of Reference Numerals

[0018] 1: Management server; 3: Recycling box; 5: Recycling acceptance terminal; 7: Box; 8: User card; 9: Recycling plant; 10: Control device; 11: Number information acquisition unit; 12: Points determination unit; 13: Points granting unit; 14: User management unit; 30: Box input port; 31: Box information reading device; 32: User card information reading device; 40: Control device; 41: Box recycling determination unit; 42: Box number counting unit; 43: User card authentication unit; 70: Storage device; 80: Storage device; PR: Printing device; Sys: Management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, the mode for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in each figure, the size and scale of each part are appropriately different from the actual one. In addition, the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, and therefore various technically preferred limitations are added, but in the following description, as long as there is no special description of the content of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these modes.

[0020] A. Implementation Method

[0021] In the present embodiment, the management system Sys for managing the cartridge 7 containing the ink used in the printing apparatus PR is described as an example.

[0022] Management system structure

[0023] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 5 , an example of the structure of the management system Sys involved in this embodiment is described.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system Sys.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the management system Sys includes a management server 1, one or more collection boxes 3, one or more collection reception terminals 5, and a recycling factory 9, and manages cartridges 7 containing ink used in the printing apparatus PR.

[0026] The management server 1 is a server device for managing the cartridge 7. Here, the cartridge 7 is a container that stores ink used in the printing apparatus PR and is a container that can be mounted on the printing apparatus PR.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the management server 1 is an example of a “management device”, the ink is an example of a “consumables”, and the cartridge 7 is an example of a “storage container”.

[0028] The collection box 3 is a device for collecting the used cartridge 7 from the user UP of the printing device PR. Here, the used cartridge 7 is, for example, a cartridge 7 in which the remaining amount of ink contained inside has become small, or a cartridge 7 in which the ink contained inside has deteriorated. That is, in this embodiment, even if there is ink remaining inside the cartridge 7, the collection box 3 can collect the cartridge 7.

[0029] In this embodiment, the collection box 3 is installed in the commercial facility FS. Here, the commercial facility FS refers to a commercial facility such as a home appliance retail store that sells the printing device PR, a shopping mall that sells various products, a public facility such as a cultural center, or a medical facility such as a hospital.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the collection box 3 is an example of a “collection device”.

[0031] The collection acceptance terminal 5 is a terminal device installed in the collection center FE. Specifically, the collection acceptance terminal 5 is a terminal device used by the person in charge UE of the collection center FE to input information of the cartridge 7 mailed by the user UP of the printing device PR to the collection center FE. Here, the collection center FE is a facility for collecting the used cartridge 7 from the user UP of the printing device PR.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the recycling center FE is another example of the “recycling facility”.

[0033] The recycling plant 9 is a facility for recycling the used cartridges 7 collected from the user UP in the collection box 3 or the collection center FE as a recyclable product. Specifically, the recycling plant 9 is a facility for manufacturing a recyclable product of the cartridge 7 by refilling the cleaned cartridge 7 with ink after cleaning the used cartridge 7. However, the recycling plant 9 may manufacture a recyclable product of the cartridge 7 by disassembling the used cartridge 7 into raw materials and using the decomposed raw materials. In addition, the recycling plant 9 may manufacture a product different from the cartridge 7 as a recyclable product by disassembling the used cartridge 7 into raw materials and using the decomposed raw materials.

[0034] In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the printing apparatus PR is installed in a user facility FU. Here, the user facility FU is a facility where the user UP uses the printing apparatus PR, such as the home of the user UP or the office of the user UP.

[0035] In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that there is a case where a user brings in two collection paths, namely, the collection path RT1 and the mailing collection path RT2 , as collection paths for the used cartridges 7 .

[0036] The user-brought-in recycling path RT1 is a path for collecting the used cartridge 7 from the user UP by bringing the cartridge 7 that has been used in the user facility FU into the recycling box 3 provided in the commercial facility FS. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that when the used cartridge 7 is collected through the user-brought-in recycling path RT1, when the user UP puts the used cartridge 7 into the recycling box 3, the user UP is authenticated by the user card 8 possessed by the user UP.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the action of the user UP bringing the cartridge 7 into the collection box 3 of the commercial facility FS is an example of a “collection action”.

[0038] The mailing collection route RT2 is a route for collecting the used cartridge 7 from the user UP by mailing the used cartridge 7 from the user facility FU to the collection center FE. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, when collecting the used cartridge 7 through the mailing collection route RT2, as an example, it is assumed that the user UP mails the mail object ML enclosing the used cartridge 7 and the collection application form P to the collection center FE.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the action of the user UP mailing the box 7 to the collection center FE is another example of the “collection action”.

[0040] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the cassette 7.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the cartridge 7 includes a storage device 70. The cartridge 7 is also provided with an ink containing chamber (not shown) for containing ink.

[0042] The storage device 70 is, for example, an IC chip, and stores cartridge model information D71 , cartridge manufacturing date information D72 , and cartridge reuse information D73 .

[0043] The cartridge model information D71 is information indicating the product model of the cartridge 7 .

[0044] In the present embodiment, the cartridge model information D71 is an example of “container information”.

[0045] The cartridge manufacturing date information D72 is information indicating the year, month, and day when the cartridge 7 was manufactured.

[0046] The cartridge reuse information D73 is information showing the number of times the cartridge 7 has been regenerated as a recycled product. Specifically, when the cartridge 7 is a new product before recycling, the cartridge reuse information D73 indicates "0", and when the cartridge 7 is a recycled product, the cartridge reuse information D73 indicates a value greater than "1".

[0047] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the user card 8.

[0048] like Figure 3As shown, the user card 8 has a storage device 80, and the storage device 80 stores information related to the points that can be used by the user UP. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, it is assumed that when the user UP purchases the recyclable products of the box 7, the points can replace part or all of the purchase amount. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that when the user UP purchases goods in the commercial facility FS, the points can replace part or all of the purchase amount. That is, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the points can be exchanged for the recyclable products of the box 7, and the points can be exchanged for the goods that can be purchased in the commercial facility FS. However, the present invention is not limited to such a method. The points can at least be exchanged for the recyclable products of the box 7.

[0049] In addition, in the present embodiment, points are awarded to the user UP when the user UP brings the used box 7 into the collection box 3, when the user UP mails the used box 7 to the collection center FE, and when the user UP purchases goods at the commercial facility FS. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. At least when the user UP has brought the used box 7 into the collection box 3, and when the user UP has mailed the used box 7 to the collection center FE, points are awarded to the user UP. That is, at least when the user UP performs a recycling behavior, points are awarded to the user UP.

[0050] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, points are an example of “privileges”.

[0051] The storage device 80 is, for example, an IC chip, and stores user identification information D81, user point information D82, user accumulated point information D83, and point history information D84.

[0052] The user identification information D81 is information showing a user ID for uniquely identifying each user from among a plurality of users who own the user card 8. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user who owns the user card 8 is a user UP who uses the printing device PR. However, the present invention is not limited to such a method. The user who owns the user card 8 may also be a user UP who uses the printing device PR and a user who uses the commercial facility FS. In addition, the user who owns the user card 8 may also be a user who uses the box 7.

[0053] The user owned points information D82 is information showing the number of points owned by the user UP. Here, the number of points is the number of points.

[0054] The user accumulated points information D83 is information showing the accumulated value of the points that the user UP has obtained since the management system Sys started to manage the user UP. Here, the management system Sys may start managing the user UP, for example, when the user UP purchases the printing device PR. In addition, the management system Sys may start managing the user UP, for example, when the user UP purchases the cassette 7.

[0055] The point history information D84 is information showing the history of points awarded to the user UP and the history of use of points by the user UP during the period from the start of management of the user UP by the management system Sys to the present.

[0056] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the collection box 3.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the collection box 3 includes a box input port 30 , a box information reading device 31 , a user card information reading device 32 , a communication device 33 , and a control device 40 .

[0058] The cartridge insertion port 30 is an opening for the user UP to insert the cartridge 7 into a cartridge storage space (not shown) provided inside the collection box 3 .

[0059] When the box 7 is inserted into the box insertion port 30, the box information reading device 31 reads the box model information D71, the box manufacturing date information D72, and the box reuse information D73 stored in the storage device 70 from the storage device 70 provided in the box 7. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. When the box 7 is inserted into the box insertion port 30, the box information reading device 31 only needs to read at least the box model information D71 stored in the storage device 70 from the storage device 70 provided in the box 7.

[0060] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the cartridge information reading device 31 is an example of a “reading device”.

[0061] When the user UP touches the user card 8 to the user card information reading device 32, the user card information reading device 32 reads the user identification information D81, the user's points information D82, the user's accumulated points information D83, and the points history information D84 stored in the storage device 80 from the storage device 80 provided in the user card 8. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. When the user UP touches the user card 8 to the user card information reading device 32, the user card information reading device 32 at least reads the user identification information D81 from the storage device 80 provided in the user card 8.

[0062] The communication device 33 is hardware for communicating with an external device existing outside the collection box 3 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network.

[0063] The control device 40 includes a cartridge collection determination unit 41 , a cartridge number counting unit 42 , and a user card authentication unit 43 .

[0064] The box collection determination unit 41 determines whether the object inserted into the box insertion port 30 corresponds to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3 based on the reading result of the box information reading device 31. Specifically, the box collection determination unit 41 determines whether the model number indicated by the box model number information D71 read by the box information reading device 31 is the model number corresponding to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3.

[0065] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the box collection determination unit 41 is an example of an “article determination unit”.

[0066] Furthermore, when the model indicated by the box model information D71 read by the box information reading device 31 is the model corresponding to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3, the box collection determination unit 41 determines that the object put into the box insertion port 30 corresponds to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3. Furthermore, when the model indicated by the box model information D71 read by the box information reading device 31 is not the model corresponding to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3, the box collection determination unit 41 determines that the object put into the box insertion port 30 does not correspond to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3. Furthermore, when the box information reading device 31 does not read the box model information D71, the box collection determination unit 41 determines that the object put into the box insertion port 30 does not correspond to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3.

[0067] It should be noted that, when the determination result of the box recovery determination unit 41 is positive, that is, when the object inserted into the box insertion port 30 corresponds to the box 7 that can be recovered by the recovery box 3, the recovery box 3 accommodates the box 7 in the box accommodation space in the recovery box 3. On the other hand, when the determination result of the box recovery determination unit 41 is negative, that is, when the object inserted into the box insertion port 30 does not correspond to the box 7 that can be recovered by the recovery box 3, the recovery box 3 discharges the object to the outside of the recovery box 3.

[0068] The cassette number counting unit 42 generates cassette number information DK indicating the number of cassettes 7 inserted into the cassette insertion port 30 based on the determination result of the cassette collection determination unit 41 .

[0069] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the cassette number counting unit 42 is an example of a “number information generating unit”, and the cassette number information DK is an example of “number information”.

[0070] Here, the box number information DK is information indicating the number of boxes 7 that the user UP puts into the box inlet 30 in one collection behavior when the user UP brings the boxes 7 to the commercial facility FS in order to put the boxes 7 into the collection box 3. For example, the box number information DK may be information indicating the number of boxes 7 that the user UP puts into the box inlet 30 from the time when the user UP authenticates the user UP with the user card 8 and the user UP presses a putting completion button (not shown) provided in the collection box 3 until the user UP finishes putting the boxes 7. In addition, for example, the box number information DK may be information indicating the number of boxes 7 that the user UP puts into the box inlet 30 from the time when the user UP visits the commercial facility FS to the time when the user UP leaves the commercial facility FS. Hereinafter, the number of boxes 7 indicated by the box number information DK, that is, the number of boxes 7 that the user UP puts into the box inlet 30 in one collection behavior, may be referred to as the collection number KK.

[0071] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, one recycling behavior refers to one visit behavior of the user UP to the commercial facility FS, such as bringing one or more boxes 7 into the recycling box 3 provided in the commercial facility FS. In addition, in the present embodiment, one recycling behavior may also be one mailing behavior of the user UP to the recycling center FE, such as mailing one or more boxes 7 as mail items ML to the recycling center FE.

[0072] When the user card 8 is brought into contact with the user card information reading device 32 , the user card authentication unit 43 identifies the user ID of the user UP who owns the user card 8 based on the user identification information D81 stored in the storage device 80 included in the user card 8 .

[0073] Below, refer to Figures 5 to 7 , the management server 1 involved in this embodiment is described.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 1 .

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the management server 1 includes a control device 10 , a storage device 20 , and a communication device 29 .

[0076] The communication device 29 is hardware for communicating with an external device existing outside the management server 1 through one or both of a wired network and a wireless network.

[0077] The storage device 20 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a work area of ​​the control device 10 and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) that stores various information. In the present embodiment, the storage device 20 stores point granting information D21, user management information D22, accumulated point information D23, and a control program PG-K for controlling each unit of the management server 1.

[0078] The control device 10 is provided with a processor. The processor of the control device 10 is composed of, for example, one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). In the present embodiment, the processor of the control device 10 executes the control program PG-K stored in the storage device 20, and acts according to the control program PG-K, so that it can function as a number information acquisition unit 11, a credit number determination unit 12, a credit granting unit 13, and a user management unit 14. It should be noted that the processor of the control device 10 can also be composed of hardware such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) in addition to one or more CPUs, or instead of part or all of one or more CPUs. In this case, part or all of the functions implemented by the processor of the control device 10 can also be implemented by hardware such as a DSP.

[0079] The number information acquisition unit 11 acquires the box number information DK from the collection box 3 .

[0080] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the number information acquiring unit 11 is an example of an “acquisition unit”.

[0081] The point number determination unit 12 determines the number of points to be given to the user UP based on the box number information DK acquired by the number information acquisition unit 11 and the point giving information D21 stored in the storage device 20 .

[0082] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the point granting information D21.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, the point granting information D21 is information that defines the relationship between the number of recovered items KK and the number of unit points PT.

[0084] Here, the unit credit number PT refers to the credit number given to the user UP corresponding to one of the one or more boxes 7 when the user UP puts one or more boxes 7 into the box insertion port 30. That is, in the present embodiment, assuming that the number of boxes 7 put into the box insertion port 30 in one recycling behavior of the user UP is the recycling number KK, the management system Sys gives the user UP a credit number "KK*PT" obtained by multiplying the unit credit number PT and the recycling number KK.

[0085] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, Figure 6 As shown in the relationship line LP1, when the value KK1 and the value KK2 are set to natural numbers that satisfy "1≤KK1<KK2", the unit credit number PT corresponding to the recycling number KK of "KK1" is "PT1", and the unit credit number PT corresponding to the recycling number KK of "KK2" is "PT2". Moreover, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the recycling number KK and the unit credit number PT is specified so that between the unit credit number PT1 and the unit credit number PT2, "0<PT1<PT2" holds. However, the recycling number KK and the unit credit number PT shown in the point granting information D21 are not limited to having a relationship between the recycling number KK and the unit credit number PT. Figure 6 For example, it is also possible to Figure 7 As shown in the relationship line LP2, when the value KK1 and the value KK2 are set to natural numbers satisfying "1≤KK1<KK2", the relationship between the recycling number KK and the unit credit number PT is specified in such a way that the unit credit number PT1 corresponding to the recycling number KK of "KK1" and the unit credit number PT2 corresponding to the recycling number KK of "KK2" satisfy "0<PT1≤PT2".

[0086] It should be noted that in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the case where the number of recovered items KK is "KK1", the number of points granted to the user UP is "KK1*PT1". In addition, when the number of recovered items KK is "KK2", the number of points granted to the user UP is "KK2*PT2".

[0087] Here, "KK1 pieces" is an example of the "first number", "KK2 pieces" is an example of the "second number", "KK1*PT1" is an example of the "first quantity", "KK2*PT2" is an example of the "second quantity", the unit integral number PT1 is an example of the "value obtained by dividing the first quantity by the first number", and the unit integral number PT2 is an example of the "value obtained by dividing the second quantity by the second number".

[0088] Figure 5The indicated point granting unit 13 grants the number of points determined by the point number determining unit 12 to the user UP. In addition, information indicating the number of points granted by the point granting unit 13 to the user UP may be referred to as granting point information DP hereinafter.

[0089] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the point granting unit 13 is an example of a “granting unit”.

[0090] The user management unit 14 updates the user management information D22 when the point granting unit 13 grants points to the user UP or when the user UP uses the points.

[0091] Here, the user management information D22 is information including the following information: information showing a user ID for identifying the user UP, information showing the number of points owned by the user UP, information showing a history of points granted to the user UP, information showing a history of points used by the user UP, and information showing a cumulative value of points granted to the user UP. That is, the user management information D22 is information showing the same contents as the user identification information D81, the user owned points information D82, the user accumulated points information D83, and the points history information D84.

[0092] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the user management information D22 is an example of “history information”.

[0093] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the storage device 80 stores the user identification information D81, the user's points information D82, the user's accumulated points information D83, and the points history information D84, and the storage device 20 stores the user management information D22, but the present invention is not limited to such a method. For example, the storage device 80 only needs to store the user identification information D81 indicating the user ID, and may not store the user's points information D82, the user's accumulated points information D83, and the points history information D84.

[0094] It should be noted that in this embodiment, assuming that when the user UP performs recycling behavior, in addition to the management system Sys giving points to the user UP, the management system Sys gives points to the user UP when the cumulative value of the points obtained by the user UP meets specific conditions.

[0095] It should be noted that the accumulated value of the number of points obtained by the user UP is sometimes referred to as the accumulated earned points. In addition, the points awarded to the user UP when the accumulated value of the number of points obtained by the user UP satisfies specific conditions are sometimes referred to as the accumulated awarded points.

[0096] In this embodiment, the point number determination unit 12 determines the number of cumulative points to be given to the user UP based on the cumulative points obtained by the user UP and the cumulative point information D23. Then, the point giving unit 13 gives points corresponding to the number of cumulative points determined by the point number determination unit 12 to the user UP.

[0097] Here, the accumulated points information D23 is information that specifies the relationship between the accumulated points that the user UP has and the number of accumulated points that should be granted to the user UP. In the present embodiment, as described above, it is assumed that when the accumulated points that the user UP has satisfies a specific condition, the accumulated points are granted to the user UP. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that when the accumulated points that the user UP has does not satisfy a specific condition, the accumulated points are not granted to the user UP. Therefore, the accumulated points information D23 may also be information showing a specific condition that the accumulated points should satisfy. Here, the so-called specific condition may be, for example, that the accumulated points become a specific value, or that the accumulated points are a multiple of a specific value.

[0098] 2. Manage the actions of the system

[0099] Below, refer to Figures 8 to 9 , an example of the operation of the management system Sys involved in this embodiment is described.

[0100] Figure 8 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing of the management system Sys when the user UP performs a recycling behavior of the user-introduced recycling path RT1. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the processing of the management system Sys when the user UP performs a recycling behavior of the user-introduced recycling path RT1 is referred to as user-introduced recycling processing.

[0101] like Figure 8 As shown, during the user-carried recycling process, when the user UP touches the user card 8 to the user card information reading device 32, the user card information reading device 32 reads the user identification information D81 from the storage device 80 provided in the user card 8, and the user card authentication unit 43 of the recycling box 3 determines the user ID of the user UP who owns the user card 8 based on the user identification information D81 (S101).

[0102] Next, when the user UP puts the cartridge 7 into the cartridge insertion port 30 , the control device 40 of the collection box 3 controls the cartridge information reading device 31 to read the cartridge model information D71 and other information stored in the storage device 70 provided in the cartridge 7 ( S103 ).

[0103] Next, the cartridge collection determination unit 41 of the collection box 3 determines whether the object inserted into the cartridge insertion port 30 corresponds to the cartridge 7 collectable by the collection box 3 based on the reading result of the cartridge information reading device 31 in step S103 ( S105 ).

[0104] Next, the box number counting unit 42 of the collection box 3 generates box number information DK indicating the number of boxes 7 inserted into the box insertion port 30 based on the determination result of the box collection determination unit 41 in step S105 ( S107 ).

[0105] Next, the box number counting unit 42 of the collection box 3 controls the communication device 33 to transmit the user identification information D81 identifying the user UP specified in step S101 and the box number information DK generated in step S107 to the management server 1 ( S109 ).

[0106] Thereafter, the number information acquisition unit 11 of the management server 1 acquires the box number information DK and the user identification information D81 transmitted by the box number counting unit 42 in step S109 ( S111 ).

[0107] Next, the point number determination unit 12 of the management server 1 determines the number of points to be given to the user UP based on the box number information DK acquired by the number information acquisition unit 11 in step S111 and the point giving information D21 stored in the storage device 20 ( S113 ).

[0108] Next, the user management unit 14 of the management server 1 updates the user management information D22 corresponding to the user UP indicated by the user identification information D81 acquired by the number information acquisition unit 11 in step S111 based on the determination result of the number of points determination unit 12 in step S113 (S115). Specifically, in step S115, the user management unit 14 updates the number of points of the user UP indicated by the user identification information D81, the history of points given to the user UP indicated by the user identification information D81, and the cumulative value of points given to the user UP indicated by the user identification information D81 in the user management information D22.

[0109] Next, the point granting unit 13 of the management server 1 issues a point granting notification (S117). Here, the point granting notification is a notification indicating that the number of points determined by the point number determining unit 12 is granted to the user UP indicated by the user identification information D81 acquired by the number information acquiring unit 11 in step S111 in step S113. Specifically, the point granting notification is information including the user identification information D81 acquired by the number information acquiring unit 11 in step S111 and the granting point information DP indicating the number of points determined by the point number determining unit 12 in step S113.

[0110] Thereafter, the control device 40 of the collection box 3 acquires the point granting notification transmitted by the point granting unit 13 in step S117 ( S119 ).

[0111] Next, the control device 40 of the collection box 3 reflects the point granting result on the user card 8 (S121). Specifically, in step S121, the control device 40 controls the user card information reading device 32 to update the user's point information D82, the user's accumulated point information D83, and the point history information D84 stored in the storage device 80 provided in the user card 8 of the user UP based on the point granting notification, thereby reflecting the point granting result on the user card 8.

[0112] Fig. 9 It is a timing diagram showing an example of the processing of the management system Sys when the user UP performs the recycling behavior of the mailing recycling path RT2. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the processing of the management system Sys when the user UP performs the recycling behavior of the mailing recycling path RT2 is referred to as the mailing recycling processing. In addition, in the present embodiment, the recycling acceptance terminal 5 provided in the recycling center FE has the same functions as the box information reading device 31, the communication device 33 and the control device 40 possessed by the recycling box 3. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that when the user UP performs the recycling behavior of the mailing recycling path RT2, the user ID for uniquely identifying the user UP is recorded in the recycling application form AP sealed together with the mailed items mailed to the recycling center FE.

[0113] like Fig. 9 As shown, when the person in charge UE of the collection center FE inputs the user ID recorded in the collection application form AP sealed with the mailing item ML from the user UP to the collection acceptance terminal 5, the collection acceptance terminal 5 accepts the user ID and generates user identification information D81 indicating the user ID (S201).

[0114] Next, the person in charge UE of the collection center FE uses a reading device (not shown) to read the box model information D71 stored in the storage device 70 provided in the box 7 sealed with the mail item ML from the user UP. Then, the collection acceptance terminal 5 receives the box model information D71 read by the reading device (S203).

[0115] Next, the collection acceptance terminal 5 determines whether the box 7 sealed with the mailing object ML from the user UP is equivalent to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection center FE based on the box model information D71 accepted in step S203 ( S205 ).

[0116] Next, the person in charge UE of the collection center FE inputs the number of boxes 7 sealed together with the mail item ML from the user UP to the collection acceptance terminal 5. Then, the collection acceptance terminal 5 generates box number information DK indicating the input number of boxes 7 (S207).

[0117] Next, the collection acceptance terminal 5 transmits the user identification information D81 indicating the user ID accepted in step S201 and the box number information DK generated in step S207 to the management server 1 ( S209 ).

[0118] Thereafter, the management server 1 executes the processing of steps S111 to S117 described above.

[0119] Thereafter, the collection acceptance terminal 5 acquires the point granting notification transmitted by the point granting unit 13 in step S117 ( S219 ).

[0120] Then, the collection acceptance terminal 5 notifies the user UP of the point granting result using a communication means such as an e-mail ( S221 ).

[0121] 3. Summary of implementation methods

[0122] As described above, the management server 1 involved in the present embodiment is a management server 1 for managing the box 7 containing the ink used in the printing device PR, and is characterized in that: the management server 1 has a point granting unit 13, and the point granting unit 13 grants "KK1*PT1" points to the user UP when the user UP brings "KK1" box 7 into the collection box 3 for collecting the box 7 in the recycling behavior, and grants "KK2*PT2" points to the user UP when the user UP brings "KK2" boxes 7 more than "KK1" in the recycling behavior, and the unit point number PT2 is greater than the unit point number PT1.

[0123] Thus, according to the present embodiment, when the user UP brings many boxes 7 into the collection box 3 in one recycling behavior, the management server 1 increases the number of points per box 7 given to the user UP by increasing the unit point number PT, compared with the case where a small number of boxes 7 are brought into the collection box 3. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user UP is urged to bring more boxes 7 into the collection box 3 in one recycling behavior, thereby increasing the number of boxes 7 brought into the collection box 3 in one recycling behavior, and thus, compared with the conventional method of collecting boxes 7 one by one, the environmental load involved in the collection of one box 7 can be reduced.

[0124] Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with the previous method of collecting boxes 7 individually one by one, it is possible to make a greater contribution to the goal 12.4 of SDGs, which is to "minimize adverse effects on human health and the environment, thereby significantly reducing the release of chemicals and waste into the atmosphere, water, and soil."

[0125] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the user UP is prompted to bring more boxes 7 into the recycling box 3 in one recycling behavior, thereby increasing the number of boxes 7 brought into the recycling box 3 in one recycling behavior. Therefore, compared with the previous method of collecting boxes 7 individually one by one, the total amount of recycled boxes 7 can be increased and the used boxes 7 that are not recycled can be reduced.

[0126] Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with the conventional method of collecting the cartridges 7 one by one, it is possible to make a greater contribution to "substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse" described in SDGs Target 12.5.

[0127] In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the user UP is given points corresponding to the number of boxes 7 brought into the collection box 3 in one collection behavior, the user UP can be motivated to increase the number of boxes 7 brought into the collection box 3 in one collection behavior. That is, according to the present embodiment, compared with the conventional method of collecting boxes 7 one by one, the user UP can be more strongly inspired to reduce the environmental load by increasing the number of boxes 7 brought in in one collection behavior.

[0128] Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with the conventional method of collecting boxes 7 one by one, it is possible to make a greater contribution to "improving education, enlightenment, human capabilities and institutional functions related to climate change mitigation, adaptation, mitigation and early warning" stated in SDGs Target 13.3.

[0129] In addition, in the present embodiment, the management server 1 includes a number information acquisition unit 11 for acquiring box number information DK, wherein the box number information DK indicates the number of boxes 7 brought into the recycling bin 3 during the recycling behavior, the box 7 includes a storage device 70, and the storage device 70 stores box model information D71 related to the box 7, and the recycling bin 3 includes: a box information reading device 31, which reads the box model information D71 from the storage device 70; a box recycling determination unit 41, which determines whether the item brought into the recycling bin 3 is a box 7 that can be recycled by the recycling bin 3 based on the reading result of the box model information D71 by the box information reading device 31; and a box number counting unit 42, which generates the box number information DK based on the determination result of the box recycling determination unit 41, and the number information acquisition unit 11 acquires the box number information DK generated by the box number counting unit 42 from the recycling bin 3.

[0130] Thus, according to the present embodiment, since the recycling box 3 determines whether the item brought into the recycling box 3 is the box 7 that should be collected in the recycling box 3 based on the box model information D71, it is easier to distinguish the box 7 compared to previous methods such as a method of configuring personnel with specific skills that can distinguish the type of box 7 and a method of configuring a specific sensor device that can distinguish the type of box 7.

[0131] Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with the conventional method of deploying personnel with specific skills or specific sensor devices, it is possible to make a greater contribution to "promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and increasing employment" in the industrial field involving recycling as stated in SDGs Target 9.2.

[0132] In addition, in the present embodiment, the point is exchangeable for the right to obtain a recycled product of the cartridge 7 remanufactured using the cartridge 7 brought to the collection box 3 .

[0133] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the amount of discarded cartridges 7 can be reduced compared to a method in which the used cartridges 7 are not reused.

[0134] Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with the conventional method of collecting the cartridges 7 one by one, it is possible to make a greater contribution to "substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse" described in SDGs Target 12.5.

[0135] In addition, in this embodiment, the management server 1 is characterized in that it includes a user management unit 14 that manages user management information D22 related to the history of recycling behavior of the user UP, and the point granting unit 13 determines the number of accumulated points granted to the user UP based on the user management information D22.

[0136] Thus, according to the present embodiment, since points are awarded to the user UP based on the history of the user UP's recycling behavior, compared with a method in which the history of the user UP's recycling behavior is not taken into consideration when awarding points to the user UP, the user UP can be provided with an incentive to increase the number of boxes 7 brought into the recycling box 3 in one recycling behavior for a longer period of time.

[0137] Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with a method in which the history of the user's UP recycling behavior is not taken into account when awarding points to the user's UP, a greater contribution can be made to "improving education, inspiration, human capabilities and institutional functions related to climate change mitigation, adaptation, mitigation and early warning" stated in SDGs Target 13.3.

[0138] In the present embodiment, the recovery box 3 is characterized in that the recovery box 3 can be recovered in two cases: when no ink remains in the ink storage chamber of the cartridge 7 , and when ink remains in the ink storage chamber of the cartridge 7 .

[0139] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, compared with a system in which the collection box 3 can collect the cartridge 7 only when no ink remains inside the cartridge 7, the possibility of environmental pollution caused by improper discarding of ink by the user UP can be reduced.

[0140] Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with a method in which the collection box 3 can collect the box 7 only when there is no residual ink inside the box 7, a greater contribution can be made to "reducing the number of deaths and diseases caused by harmful chemicals and air, water and soil pollution" recorded in SDGs goal 3.9.

[0141] In addition, according to this embodiment, compared with a method in which the collection box 3 can collect the box 7 only when there is no residual ink inside the box 7, it is possible to make a greater contribution to the "improvement of water quality by minimizing the release of harmful chemicals" recorded in SDGs goal 3.9.

[0142] B. Modification

[0143] The above methods can be modified in various ways. The following examples illustrate specific modification methods. Two or more methods arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined within the scope of non-contradiction. It should be noted that, for the elements in the modification examples illustrated below whose roles and functions are the same as those in the implementation method, the symbols referenced in the above description are used, and the detailed descriptions of each are appropriately omitted.

[0144] Modification 1

[0145] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the box 7 is provided with the storage device 70 for storing the box model information D71 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the box 7 may be provided with a symbol for indicating the box model information D71. Here, the symbol may also be a display object having a pattern for indicating the box model information D71. More specifically, the symbol may be a two-dimensional code for indicating the box model information D71, or may be a one-dimensional code for indicating the box model information D71.

[0146] It should be noted that, when the box 7 has a symbol, the box information reading device 31 may be a camera that captures the symbol, or may be an image processing device that reads the box model information D71 from the symbol.

[0147] That is, in this variant example, the management server 1 is characterized in that it has a number information acquisition unit 11 for acquiring box number information DK, wherein the box number information DK represents the number of boxes 7 brought into the recycling box 3 during the recycling behavior, the box 7 has a symbol representing the box model information D71 related to the box 7, and the recycling box 3 has: a box information reading device 31, which reads the box model information D71 from the symbol; a box recycling determination unit 41, which determines whether the item brought into the recycling box 3 is a box 7 that can be recycled by the recycling box 3 based on the reading result of the box model information D71 by the box information reading device 31; and a box number counting unit 42, which generates the box number information DK based on the determination result of the box recycling determination unit 41, and the number information acquisition unit 11 acquires the box number information DK generated by the box number counting unit 42 from the recycling box 3.

[0148] In addition, in the present variation, the management server 1 may be characterized in that it comprises a number information acquisition unit 11 for acquiring box number information DK, wherein the box number information DK indicates the number of boxes 7 brought into the recycling bin 3 during the recycling behavior, the box 7 includes a symbol indicating box model information D71 related to the box 7, and the recycling bin 3 includes: a box information reading device 31 for reading the symbol; a box recycling determination unit 41 for determining whether the item brought into the recycling bin 3 is a box 7 that can be recycled by the recycling bin 3 based on the reading result of the box information reading device 31; and a box number counting unit 42 for generating the box number information DK based on the determination result of the box recycling determination unit 41, and the number information acquisition unit 11 acquires the box number information DK generated by the box number counting unit 42 from the recycling bin 3.

[0149] Therefore, according to the present variation, since the recycling box 3 determines whether the item brought into the recycling box 3 is a box 7 that should be collected in the recycling box 3 based on the symbol set in the box 7, it is easier to distinguish the box 7 compared to previous methods such as a method of configuring personnel with specific skills that can distinguish the type of box 7 and a method of configuring a specific sensor device that can distinguish the type of box 7.

[0150] Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with the conventional method of deploying personnel with specific skills or specific sensor devices, it is possible to make a greater contribution to "promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and increasing employment" in the industrial field involving recycling as stated in SDGs Target 9.2.

[0151] Modification 2

[0152] In the above-described embodiment and Modification 1, the case where the cartridge information reading device 31 reads the cartridge model information D71 from the cartridge 7 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such a form.

[0153] For example, the box information reading device 31 may be an image analysis device that reads the shape of the box 7. In this case, the box collection determination unit 41 may determine whether the article brought into the collection box 3 is a box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3 based on the shape of the box 7 read from the box information reading device 31.

[0154] In addition, for example, the box information reading device 31 may be a camera that captures the box 7. In this case, the box collection determination unit 41 may determine whether the article brought into the collection box 3 is a box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3 based on the image capture result of the box information reading device 31.

[0155] Modification 3

[0156] In the above-mentioned embodiment and variant examples 1 and 2, an example is given in which the management server 1 awards points to the user UP when the user UP performs a recycling behavior, and further awards points to the user UP when the accumulated points obtained by the user UP meet the specified conditions, but the present invention is not limited to such a method.

[0157] For example, when the user UP performs a collection action, the management server 1 may determine the points to be given to the user UP based on the number of times the cartridge 7 that is the target of the collection action is regenerated as a recyclable product.

[0158] Furthermore, for example, when the user UP performs a recycling action, the management server 1 may determine the points to be given to the user UP based on the manufacturing date of the cartridge 7 that is the target of the recycling action.

[0159] Modification 4

[0160] In the above-mentioned embodiment and Modifications 1 to 3, the management server 1 gives points to the user UP when the user UP performs a recycling behavior, but the present invention is not limited to such a method. For example, the management server 1 may increase the rate of points given to the user UP when the user UP performs a recycling behavior. That is, in this modification, the increase in the rate of points given is an example of a "privilege".

[0161] It should be noted that, in the present invention, "privileges" are not limited to points and an increase in the point granting rate, etc. "Privileges" may be, for example, a physical or non-physical object that is valuable to the user UP, such as money or a gift certificate, or may be something that motivates the user UP to recycle, or may be something that motivates the user UP to bring more boxes 7 into the recycling box 3 in one recycling behavior.

[0162] Modification 5

[0163] In the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 4, the cartridge 7 is described as an example of a specific component to be collected, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The target of the collection in the management system Sys may be any specific component that can be reused.

[0164] Here, the specific component may be, for example, a cartridge 7 for storing ink as a consumable, or a toner bottle for storing toner as a consumable used in the printing apparatus PR. In addition, the specific component may be, for example, a container for storing waste generated by the use of the printing apparatus PR, such as a waste ink box for storing waste ink as waste and a waste toner box for storing waste toner as waste.

[0165] Furthermore, the specific component is not limited to the component related to the printing apparatus PR, and may be, for example, a projector including a lamp as a consumable component, a smartphone including a battery as a consumable component, or other components that can be reused by replacing consumable components.

[0166] It should be noted that the specific component preferably has a storage device that stores component information related to the specific component or a symbol that indicates component information related to the specific component. Here, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the container information exemplified as the box model information D71 is an example of "component information" for identifying the specific component.

[0167] Furthermore, the specific parts are not limited to parts that can be reused by replacing consumables. For example, the specific parts can also be parts that can be reused by disassembling into raw materials such as clothing composed of cloth as raw materials and printing paper composed of fibers as raw materials.

Claims

1. A control method for a management device, characterized in that: The management device manages a storage container that stores consumables used in the printing device, and the control method of the management device causes the processor of the management device to function as an assigning unit. When the user brings a first number of storage containers into a recycling facility for recycling the storage containers, the granting unit grants a first amount of privileges to the user. When the user brings a second number of storage containers greater than the first number during the collection behavior, the granting unit grants a second amount of privileges to the user, A value obtained by dividing the second amount by the second number is greater than a value obtained by dividing the first amount by the first number.

2. The control method of the management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method of the management device causes the processor of the management device to function as an acquisition unit, the acquisition unit acquiring number information indicating the number of storage containers brought into the recycling equipment during the recycling behavior, The storage container includes a storage device, and the storage device stores container information related to the storage container. The recycling equipment has: a reading device, for reading the container information from the storage device; an article determination unit, which determines whether the article brought into the recycling device is the storage container based on the reading result of the container information by the reading device; as well as A quantity information generating unit generates the quantity information based on the determination result of the article determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires the number information generated by the number information generation unit from the recycling equipment.

3. The control method of the management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method of the management device causes the processor of the management device to function as an acquisition unit, the acquisition unit acquiring number information indicating the number of storage containers brought into the recycling equipment during the recycling behavior, The storage container has a symbol, and the symbol indicates container information related to the storage container. The recycling equipment has: a reading device for reading the symbol; an article determination unit, which determines whether the article brought into the recycling device is the storage container based on the reading result of the reading device; as well as A quantity information generating unit generates the quantity information based on the determination result of the article determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires the number information generated by the number information generation unit from the recycling equipment.

4. The control method of the management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The privilege is the right to obtain a remanufactured containing container using the containing container brought into the recycling facility.

5. The control method of the management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method of the management device causes the processor of the management device to function as a user management unit, and the user management unit manages historical information related to the history of the user's recycling behavior. The granting unit determines an amount of privileges granted to the user based on the history information.

6. The control method of the management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The recycling device can recycle the storage container in both cases: a case where no consumables remain in the storage container; and a case where consumables remain in the storage container.

7. A management system, characterized in that: managing specific parts that can be reused, the management system comprising an assigning unit, The granting unit grants a first amount of privileges to the user when the user brings a first number of specific components into a recycling facility for recycling the specific components. When the user brings in a second number of specific parts greater than the first number during the recycling activity, the granting unit grants a second amount of privileges to the user, A value obtained by dividing the second amount by the second number is greater than a value obtained by dividing the first amount by the first number.

8. The management system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The management system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires number information indicating the number of specific parts brought into the recycling facility during the recycling activity. The specific component includes a storage device, and the storage device stores component information related to the specific component. The recycling equipment has: a reading device for reading the component information from the storage device; an article determination unit, which determines whether the article brought into the recycling device is the specific component based on the reading result of the component information by the reading device; as well as A quantity information generating unit generates the quantity information based on the determination result of the article determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires the number information generated by the number information generation unit from the recycling equipment.

9. The management system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The management system further includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire number information indicating the number of specific parts brought into the recycling facility during the recycling activity. The specific component has a symbol, and the symbol indicates component information related to the specific component. The recycling equipment has: a reading device for reading the symbol; an article determination unit that determines whether the article brought into the recycling device is the specific component based on the reading result of the reading device; as well as A quantity information generating unit generates the quantity information based on the determination result of the article determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires the number information generated by the number information generation unit from the recycling equipment.

10. The management system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The privilege is the right to obtain a specific part that is remanufactured using a specific part brought into the recycling facility.

11. The management system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The management system further includes a user management unit, which manages historical information related to the history of recycling behavior of the user. The granting unit determines an amount of privileges granted to the user based on the history information.

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