Electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device. A contribution is made to the goal 13 of sustainable development goals (SDGs). An electronic device is provided with a replaceable specific component, and is characterized by being provided with: an acquisition unit that acquires reuse information relating to a history of reuse of the specific component; a generation unit that generates, on the basis of the reuse information, reuse-scheduled information indicating the form of future reuse of the specific component; and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a future reuse form of the specific component on the basis of the reuse schedule information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in an electronic device including a replaceable specific component such as a toner container, a technology is known in which, when a used specific component is reused, the number of times the specific component is reused is stored.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-224273 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the conventional technology, users of electronic devices cannot know whether specific parts can be reused in the future. Therefore, in the conventional technology, there is a case where the incentive for users of electronic devices to reuse specific parts is insufficient. For example, in the SDGs, which are the 17 sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2015, there is room for improvement in Goal 13, "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts."

[0008] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the electronic device involved in the present invention is characterized in that it has a replaceable specific component, and the electronic device comprises: an acquisition unit, which acquires reuse information related to the reuse history of the specific component; a generation unit, which generates reuse reservation information based on the reuse information, and the reuse reservation information indicates the future reuse form of the specific component; and a display control unit, which causes the display unit to display the future reuse form of the specific component based on the reuse reservation information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system Sys according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the cartridge 7.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the user card 8.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the collection box 3.

[0014] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 1 .

[0015] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printing device 5 .

[0016] Figure 7 : is a data structure diagram showing an example of the data structure of the message template information DM.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 6.

[0018] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the printing device 5 when the reuse schedule presentation process is executed.

[0019] Description of Reference Numerals

[0020] 1: Management server; 3: Recycling box; 5: Printing device; 6: Terminal device; 7: Box; 8: User card; 9: Recycling plant; 51: Control device; 52: Storage device; 53: Communication device; 63: Display device; 64: Speaker; 70: Storage device; 80: Storage device; 511: Reuse information acquisition unit; 512: Reuse reservation information generation unit; 513: Display control unit; 514: Printing control unit; Sys: Management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following is a description of the method for implementing the present invention 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, so various technically preferred limitations are added, but in the following description, as long as there is no special record of limiting the meaning of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these methods.

[0022] A. Implementation Method

[0023] In the present embodiment, the description will be expanded by taking as an example a management system Sys that manages a cartridge 7 containing ink used in the printing device 5. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the printing device 5 is an example of an "electronic device".

[0024] 1. Composition of the management system

[0025] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 8 An example of the configuration of the management system Sys according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0026] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system Sys.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the management system Sys includes a management server 1, one or more recycling boxes 3 capable of communicating with the management server 1 via a network NW, one or more printing devices 5 capable of communicating with the management server 1 via the network NW, one or more terminal devices 6 arranged corresponding to the one or more printing devices 5, and a recycling plant 9 capable of communicating with the management server 1 via the network NW. The management system Sys manages a box 7 containing ink for the printing device 5.

[0028] The management server 1 is a server device for managing the management system Sys.

[0029] The cartridge 7 is a container that stores ink used in the printing device 5 and is mountable in the printing device 5 .

[0030] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the cartridge 7 is an example of a “specific component”.

[0031] The collection box 3 is a device for collecting the used cartridge 7 from the user UP of the printing device 5. Here, the used cartridge 7 is, for example, a cartridge 7 in which the remaining amount of ink contained inside is small or a cartridge 7 in which the ink contained inside is deteriorated. That is, in this embodiment, even if the ink remains inside the cartridge 7, the collection box 3 can collect the cartridge 7.

[0032] In this embodiment, the collection box 3 is installed in a commercial facility FS. The commercial facility FS refers to a commercial facility such as a home appliance store that sells printing devices 5 or a shopping center that sells various products, a public facility such as a community center, or a medical facility such as a hospital.

[0033] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the case where the used cartridge 7 is collected by the user UP by placing the used cartridge 7 in the collection box 3 is assumed as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the used cartridge 7 may be collected by the user UP by mailing the used cartridge 7 to the recycling plant 9.

[0034] The recycling factory 9 is a facility for recycling the used cartridges 7 collected from the users UP in the collection box 3 into recycled products of the cartridges 7. Specifically, the recycling factory 9 is a facility for manufacturing recycled products of the cartridges 7 obtained by recycling the used cartridges 7 by refilling the cleaned cartridges 7 with ink after cleaning the used cartridges 7. Hereinafter, the recycled products of the cartridges 7 are sometimes referred to as "recycled cartridges 7X".

[0035] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the recycling factory 9 can also disassemble the used cartridge 7 into raw materials and then use the disassembled raw materials to manufacture the recycled cartridge 7X. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the recycling factory 9 can also disassemble the used cartridge 7 into raw materials and then use the disassembled raw materials to manufacture a product different from the recycled cartridge 7X as a recycled product.

[0036] It should be noted that, hereinafter, manufacturing a regenerated cartridge 7X using a used cartridge 7 is referred to as "refilling". Also, hereinafter, manufacturing a regenerated cartridge 7X or a product different from the regenerated cartridge 7X after disassembling the used cartridge 7 into raw materials is referred to as "raw material recycling".

[0037] In this embodiment, the case where the printing device 5 is installed in a user facility FU is assumed as an example. Here, the user facility FU is a facility where the user UP uses the printing device 5, such as the user UP's own home or the user UP's office.

[0038] That is, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the used cartridge 7 used in the printing device 5 provided in the user facility FU is collected through the cartridge collection path RT1 from the user facility FU to the collection box 3. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, it is assumed as an example that when the used cartridge 7 is collected through the cartridge collection path RT1, when the user UP puts the used cartridge 7 into the collection box 3, the user UP is authenticated by the user card 8 owned by the user UP.

[0039] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the used cartridge 7 collected through the cartridge collection path RT1 is recycled as a regenerated cartridge 7X in the recycling factory 9 and then delivered through the cartridge delivery path RT2 from the recycling factory 9 to the user facility FU.

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

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cartridge 7 includes a storage device 70 . In addition, the cartridge 7 is provided with an ink containing chamber (not shown) for containing ink.

[0042] The storage device 70 is, for example, an IC chip, and stores the cartridge model information DQ1 and the cartridge reuse information DQ2.

[0043] The cartridge model information DQ1 is information indicating the product model of the cartridge 7 .

[0044] The cartridge reuse information DQ2 indicates the reuse count AQ. Here, the reuse count AQ is the number of times the cartridge 7 is regenerated as a regenerated product. Specifically, the reuse count AQ is set to "0" when the cartridge 7 is a new product (new product) before recycling, and is set to a value greater than "1" when the cartridge 7 is a regenerated product to be recycled.

[0045] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the user card 8.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the user card 8 includes a storage device 80. The storage device 80 is, for example, an IC chip, and stores user identification information DU.

[0047] The user identification information DU is information indicating a user ID for uniquely identifying each user from among a plurality of users who have the user card 8. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user who has the user card 8 is a user UP who uses the printing device 5. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. It is also possible that the user who has the user card 8 is a user UP who uses the printing device 5 and a user who uses the commercial facility FS. In addition, the user who has the user card 8 may also be a user who uses the box 7.

[0048] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the collection box 3.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the collection box 3 includes a box insertion port 30 , a box information reading device 31 , a user card information reading device 32 , a communication device 33 , and a control device 35 .

[0050] The cartridge insertion port 30 is an opening through which the user UP inserts the cartridge 7 into a cartridge storage space (not shown) provided inside the collection box 3 .

[0051] When the box 7 is put into the box inlet 30, the box information reading device 31 reads the box model information DQ1 and the box reuse information DQ2 stored in the storage device 70 provided in the box 7. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. It is sufficient that the box information reading device 31 reads at least the box model information DQ1 stored in the storage device 70 from the storage device 70 provided in the box 7 when the box 7 is put into the box inlet 30.

[0052] 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 DU stored in the storage device 80 provided in the user card 8 .

[0053] The communication device 33 is hardware for communicating with an external device existing outside the collection box 3 via a network NW such as a wired network or a wireless network.

[0054] The control device 35 includes a cartridge collection determination unit 36 ​​and a user card authentication unit 37 .

[0055] The box collection determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the object put into the box drop-in 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 36 ​​determines whether the model indicated by the box model information DQ1 read by the box information reading device 31 is a model corresponding to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3.

[0056] Then, when the model indicated by the box model information DQ1 read by the box information reading device 31 is a model corresponding to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3, the box collection determination unit 36 ​​determines that the object put into the box drop-in port 30 corresponds to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3. In addition, when the model indicated by the box model information DQ1 read by the box information reading device 31 is not a model corresponding to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3, the box collection determination unit 36 ​​determines that the object put into the box drop-in port 30 does not correspond to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3. In addition, when the box information reading device 31 fails to read the box model information DQ1, the box collection determination unit 36 ​​determines that the object put into the box drop-in port 30 does not correspond to the box 7 that can be collected by the collection box 3.

[0057] It should be noted that, when the determination result of the box recovery determination unit 36 ​​is positive, that is, when the object put into the box drop-in port 30 is a box 7 that can be recovered by the recovery box 3, the recovery box 3 stores the box 7 in the box storage space in the recovery box 3. Then, the boxes 7 stored in the box storage space in the recovery box 3 are regularly collected and transferred to the recycling plant 9.

[0058] On the other hand, when the determination result of the box recovery determination unit 36 ​​is negative, that is, when the object dropped into the box drop-in port 30 does not correspond to the box 7 recoverable by the recovery box 3 , the recovery box 3 discharges the object to the outside of the recovery box 3 .

[0059] When the user card 8 touches the user card information reading device 32, the user card authentication unit 37 determines the user ID of the user UP who owns the user card 8 based on the user identification information DU stored in the storage device 80 of the user card 8. In addition, the user card authentication unit 37 notifies the management server 1 of the determined user ID through the network NW.

[0060] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 1 .

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the management server 1 includes a control device 11 , a storage device 12 , and a communication device 13 .

[0062] The control device 11 is hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each unit of the management server 1 .

[0063] The communication device 13 is hardware for communicating with an external device existing outside the management server 1 via the network NW.

[0064] The storage device 12 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a work area of ​​the control device 11 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 12 stores the reuse upper limit number of times information DS and the user history information DR.

[0065] The reuse upper limit number information DS indicates the reuse upper limit number AS. Here, the reuse upper limit number AS refers to the upper limit value of the number of times that the box 7 can be refilled. That is, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the box 7 can be refilled "AS times". In other words, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the recycling factory 9 refills the used box 7 for manufacturing the recycled box 7X using the used box 7 that has been refilled "AS times" or less in the past, and implements raw material recycling by decomposing the used box 7 into raw materials for reuse for the used box 7 that has been refilled "AS times" in the past.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, the reuse upper limit number of times S is an example of a "reference value".

[0067] The user history information DR indicates the recycled product cumulative usage count AR. Here, the recycled product cumulative usage count AR refers to the number of recycled cartridges 7X used by the user UP so far. In this embodiment, the number of times the user UP purchases the recycled cartridge 7X is set as the recycled product cumulative usage count AR.

[0068] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the management server 1 communicates with the collection box 3 via the network NW to manage the collection status of the used cartridges 7 in the collection box 3. In addition, in the present embodiment, the management server 1 communicates with the recycling factory 9 via the network NW to manage the purchase status of the recycling cartridge 7X by the user UP.

[0069] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printing device 5 .

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, the printing device 5 includes a control device 51 , a storage device 52 , a communication device 53 , and one or more cartridges 7 .

[0071] The cartridge 7 provided in the printing device 5 is a new cartridge 7 or a regenerated cartridge 7X. That is, among one or more cartridges 7 provided in the printing device 5, some or all may be regenerated cartridges 7X, all may be regenerated cartridges 7X, or all may be new cartridges 7.

[0072] The communication device 53 is hardware for communicating with the terminal device 6 and communicating with an external device existing outside the management server 1 via the network NW.

[0073] The storage device 52 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM that functions as a work area of ​​the control device 51 and a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM that stores various information. In the present embodiment, the storage device 52 stores message template information DM, reused message information DY, and a control program PG-P for the printing device 5.

[0074] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the message template information DM.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, the message template information DM is information indicating a candidate message to be notified to the user UP, that is, the message AM. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of messages AM are provided corresponding to the combination of the number of reuses AQ and the box utilization time T indicated by the box reuse information DQ2. Hereinafter, the message AM when the number of reuses is "AQ" and the box utilization time is "T" is referred to as the message AM[AQ][T]. It should be noted that the box utilization time T refers to the time from when the box 7 is installed in the printing device 5 to the present.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the cartridge use time T is equal to or less than the threshold time Tth, the printing device 5 can perform printing processing to form an image on a medium using the ink filled in the cartridge 7. Hereinafter, the cartridge use time T equal to or less than the threshold time Tth is referred to as normal use time T1.

[0077] In the present embodiment, when the cartridge use time T is longer than the threshold time Tth, there is a possibility that the printing device 5 cannot perform the printing process using the ink filled in the cartridge 7, and in order for the printing device 5 to perform the printing process, it is recommended to replace the cartridge 7. Hereinafter, the cartridge use time T longer than the threshold time Tth is referred to as the replacement recommended time T2. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the period when the cartridge use time T is the replacement recommended time T2 is an example of a "replacement period".

[0078] In the present embodiment, the message AM[0][T1] is a message indicating that the cartridge 7 mounted in the printing device 5 is a new product (new product) cartridge 7. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the message AM[0][T1] is a message such as "You are using a new product cartridge."

[0079] It should be noted that the message AM[0][T1] is a message notified to the user UP when the number of reuse times AQ is "0" and the cartridge usage time T is the normal usage time T1. That is, the message AM[0][T1] is a message notified to the user UP when the cartridge 7 installed in the printing device 5 is a new cartridge 7 and printing can be performed without replacing the cartridge 7.

[0080] In addition, in the present embodiment, the message AM[0][T2] is a message indicating that the cartridge 7 installed in the printing device 5 is in the replacement period and that the cartridge 7 is recycled and then refilled to be reused as a regenerated cartridge 7X. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the message AM[0][T2] indicates the following message, that is, "It is time to replace the cartridge. Please replace it with a new cartridge. Please put the removed cartridge in the recycling box. We will try to make the recycled cartridges available to customers as recyclable items."

[0081] It should be noted that the message AM[0][T2] is a message notified to the user UP when the number of reuse times AQ is "0" and the cartridge usage time T is the recommended replacement time T2. That is, the message AM[0][T2] is a message notified to the user UP when the cartridge 7 installed in the printing device 5 is a new cartridge 7 and there is a high possibility that the printing process will be difficult to execute without replacing the cartridge 7.

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, the message AM[AQ1][T1] is a message indicating that the cartridge 7 mounted on the printing device 5 is a recycled cartridge 7X that has been recycled AQ times and that the user UP has contributed to environmental protection by using the recycled cartridge 7X. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the message AM[AQ1][T1] is the following message, that is, "You are using a cartridge that has been recycled AQ times. Thank you for helping to protect the environment through recycling."

[0083] It should be noted that the message AM[AQ1][T1] is a message notified to the user UP when the number of reuses AQ is "AQ1" and the cartridge use time T is the normal use time T1. The number of reuses AQ1 is a natural number satisfying "1≤AQ1≤AS". That is, the message AM[AQ1][T1] is a message notified to the user UP when the cartridge 7 mounted in the printing device 5 is a regenerated cartridge 7X that has been reused "AQ times (=AQ1 times)" and printing processing can be performed without replacing the cartridge 7.

[0084] In addition, in the present embodiment, the message AM[AQ1][T2] is a message indicating that the regeneration cartridge 7X installed in the printing device 5 is in the replacement period and that the regeneration cartridge 7X is recycled and then refilled to be reused as the regeneration cartridge 7X. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the message AM[AQ1][T2] is the following message, that is, "It is time to replace the cartridge. Please replace it with a new cartridge. Please put the removed cartridge in the recycling box. We will try to make the recycled cartridge available to customers as a recyclable item."

[0085] It should be noted that the message AM[AQ1][T2] is a message notified to the user UP when the number of reuses AQ is "AQ1" and the cartridge use time T is the recommended replacement time T2. That is, the message AM[AQ1][T2] is a message notified to the user UP when the cartridge 7 mounted in the printing device 5 is a regenerated cartridge 7X that has been reused "AQ times (=AQ1 times)" and there is a high possibility that the printing process will be difficult to execute without replacing the cartridge 7.

[0086] In addition, in the present embodiment, the message AM[AQ2][T1] is a message indicating that the cartridge 7 mounted on the printing device 5 is a recycled cartridge 7X that has been recycled AQ times and that the user UP has contributed to environmental protection by using the recycled cartridge 7X. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the message AM[AQ2][T1] is the following message, that is, "You are using a cartridge that has been recycled AQ times. Thank you for helping to protect the environment through recycling."

[0087] It should be noted that the message AM[AQ2][T1] is a message notified to the user UP when the number of reuses AQ is "AQ2" and the box utilization time T is the normal utilization time T1. The number of reuses AQ2 is a natural number that satisfies "AQ2>AS". More specifically, the number of reuses AQ2 is a natural number that satisfies "AQ2=1+AS". That is, the message AM[AQ2][T1] is a message notified to the user UP when the box 7 installed in the printing device 5 is a recycled box 7X that has been reused "AQ times (=AQ2 times)" and printing processing can be performed without replacing the box 7.

[0088] In addition, in the present embodiment, the message AM[AQ2][T2] is a message indicating that the regeneration box 7X installed in the printing device 5 is in the replacement period and that the regeneration box 7X is recycled by being decomposed into raw materials and recycled into raw materials for reuse. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the message AM[AQ2][T2] is the following message. That is, "It is time to replace the box. Please replace it with a new box. Please put the disassembled box in the recycling box. We will strive to make the recycled boxes able to be used as materials for other products after decomposition, and contribute to environmental protection activities."

[0089] It should be noted that the message AM[AQ2][T2] is a message notified to the user UP when the number of reuses AQ is "AQ2" and the cartridge use time T is the recommended replacement time T2. That is, the message AM[AQ2][T2] is a message notified to the user UP when the cartridge 7 mounted in the printing device 5 is a regenerated cartridge 7X that has been reused "AQ times (=AQ2 times)" and there is a high possibility that printing processing will be difficult to perform without replacing the cartridge 7.

[0090] The reuse schedule message information DY is information indicating the reuse schedule message AY notified to the user UP. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the reuse schedule message AY changes in accordance with the reuse count AQ and the box utilization time T indicated by the box reuse information DQ2. Specifically, when the reuse count is "AQ" and the box utilization time is "T", the reuse schedule message AY is the message AM[AQ][T].

[0091] The control device 51 is provided with a processor. The processor of the control device 51 is configured to include, for example, one or more CPUs. In the present embodiment, the processor of the control device 51 executes the control program PG-P stored in the storage device 52, and acts according to the control program PG-P, so that it can function as a reuse information acquisition unit 511, a reuse scheduled information generation unit 512, a display control unit 513, and a printing control unit 514. It should be noted that the processor of the control device 51 can also be configured to include 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 can also be configured to include hardware such as a GPU, a DSP, or an FPGA to replace 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 51 can also be implemented by hardware such as a DSP.

[0092] The reuse information acquisition unit 511 acquires the cartridge reuse information DQ2 from the storage device 70 provided in the cartridge 7 of the printing device 5. In the present embodiment, the reuse information acquisition unit 511 is an example of an "acquisition unit", and the cartridge reuse information DQ2 is an example of "reuse information".

[0093] The reuse plan information generation unit 512 generates the reuse plan message information DY based on the box reuse information DQ2, the reuse upper limit number of times information DS and the message template information DM. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the reuse plan information generation unit 512 is an example of a "generation unit", and the reuse plan message information DY is an example of "reuse plan information".

[0094] The display control unit 513 causes the display device 63 of the terminal device 6 described later to display the reuse schedule message AY indicated by the reuse schedule message information DY.

[0095] The print control unit 514 controls a print head (not shown) included in the printing device to execute a print process for forming an image on a medium.

[0096] Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 6.

[0097] like Figure 8 As shown, the terminal device 6 includes a control device 61 , a communication device 62 , a display device 63 , and a speaker 64 .

[0098] The control device 61 is hardware such as a CPU that controls each unit of the terminal device 6 .

[0099] The communication device 62 is hardware for communicating with an external device existing outside the terminal device 6 via the network NW or the like.

[0100] The display device 63 is hardware for displaying an image based on the control of the control device 61. In addition, in this embodiment, the display device 63 is an example of a "display unit".

[0101] The speaker 64 is hardware for emitting sound based on the control of the control device 61 .

[0102] When the reuse scheduled message information DY is supplied from the printing device 5, the control device 61 controls the display device 63 to display the reuse scheduled message AY, and controls the speaker 64 to read out the reuse scheduled message AY. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. When the reuse scheduled message information DY is supplied from the printing device 5, the control device 61 controls the display device 63 and the speaker 64 to perform one of displaying the reuse scheduled message AY on the display device 63 and reading out the reuse scheduled message AY through the speaker 64.

[0103] 2. Reuse the reservation reminder process

[0104] Refer to the following Fig. 9 An example of the reuse plan presentation process will be described.

[0105] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device 51 when the control device 51 performs the reuse schedule prompting process. It should be noted that the reuse schedule prompting process refers to the process of the printing device 5 prompting the reuse schedule message AY to the user UP. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the reuse schedule prompting process is performed when the power of the printing device 5 is turned on, when the cartridge 7 is installed in the printing device 5, and when the printing process is performed in the printing device 5.

[0106] like Fig. 9 As shown, in the reuse plan notification process, the reuse information acquisition unit 511 acquires the cartridge reuse information DQ2 from the cartridge 7 ( S101 ).

[0107] Next, the reuse plan information generating unit 512 acquires the reuse upper limit number of times information DS from the management server 1 via the terminal device 6 ( S103 ).

[0108] Furthermore, the reuse plan information generating unit 512 acquires the message template information DM from the storage device 52 ( S105 ).

[0109] Next, the reuse schedule information generating section 512 generates the reuse schedule message information DY based on the cartridge reuse information DQ2 , the reuse upper limit number of times information DS, and the message template information DM acquired in steps S101 to S105 ( S107 ).

[0110] Then, the display control unit 513 controls the terminal device 6 by supplying the reuse reservation message information DY generated in step S107 to the terminal device 6, so that the reuse reservation message AY is displayed on the display device 63 provided in the terminal device 6, or the reuse reservation message AY is read out through the speaker 64 provided in the terminal device 6 (S109), and the reuse reservation prompt processing is ended.

[0111] 3. Summary of implementation methods

[0112] As described above, the printing device 5 involved in the present embodiment is characterized in that it has a replaceable box 7, and the printing device 5 has: a reuse information acquisition unit 511, which acquires box reuse information DQ2 related to the reuse history of the box 7; a reuse reservation information generation unit 512, which generates a reuse reservation message information DY indicating a reuse reservation message AY related to the future reuse form of the box 7 based on the box reuse information DQ2; and a display control unit 513, which causes the display device 63 to display the reuse reservation message AY related to the future reuse form of the box 7 based on the reuse reservation message information DY.

[0113] As can be seen from this, according to this embodiment, by displaying the future form of reuse of the box 7, the user UP of the printing device 5 is given an incentive to reuse the box 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with a method in which the future form of reuse of the box 7 is not displayed, the user UP can be more strongly inspired to reuse the box 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with a method in which the future form of reuse of the box 7 is not displayed, a greater contribution can be made to "strengthen education and publicity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning, and strengthen the capabilities of people and institutions in this regard" as stated in SDGs target 13.3.

[0114] In addition, in the present embodiment, the feature is that the reuse schedule message information DY is a message indicating whether the cartridge 7 can be used to manufacture the regenerated cartridge 7X or whether the cartridge 7 can be reused after being disassembled into raw materials.

[0115] That is, according to this embodiment, by specifically displaying whether the future reuse form of the cartridge 7 is refilling or recycling of raw materials, the user UP of the printing device 5 is given an incentive to reuse the cartridge 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with a method in which the future reuse form of the cartridge 7 is not displayed, a greater contribution can be made to "strengthen education and publicity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning, and strengthen the capabilities of people and institutions in this regard" as stated in SDGs Target 13.3.

[0116] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when it is time to replace the cartridge 7 , the display control unit 513 causes the display device 63 to display a planned reuse message AY regarding the future reuse form of the cartridge 7 .

[0117] That is, according to this embodiment, when it is time to replace the cartridge 7, by displaying the future reuse form of the cartridge 7, the user UP of the printing device 5 is given an incentive to reuse the cartridge 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with a method in which the future reuse form of the cartridge 7 is not displayed, a greater contribution can be made to "strengthen education and publicity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning, and strengthen the capabilities of people and institutions in this regard" as stated in SDGs Target 13.3.

[0118] In addition, in the present embodiment, the display control unit 513 causes the display device 63 to display whether the cartridge 7 is a remanufactured product of a cartridge 7 manufactured using a used cartridge 7 in the past.

[0119] That is, according to this embodiment, by displaying whether the cartridge 7 is a recycled product of the cartridge 7 that has been reused in the past, the user UP of the printing device 5 is given an incentive to reuse the cartridge 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with the form in which whether the cartridge 7 is a recycled product of the cartridge 7 that has been reused in the past is not displayed, it is possible to make a greater contribution to "strengthening education and publicity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning, and strengthening the capabilities of people and institutions in this regard" as stated in SDGs Target 13.3.

[0120] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the cartridge 7 is a recycled cartridge 7 manufactured using a used cartridge 7 in the past, the display control unit 513 causes the display device 63 to display that the use of the cartridge 7 contributes to environmental protection.

[0121] That is, according to this embodiment, by displaying that the reuse of the cartridge 7 contributes to environmental protection, the user UP of the printing device 5 is given an incentive to reuse the cartridge 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with a form in which the meaning of contributing to environmental protection is not displayed as the reuse of the cartridge 7, a greater contribution can be made to "strengthen education and publicity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning, and strengthen the capabilities of people and institutions in this regard" as stated in SDGs Target 13.3.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, it is characterized in that when the number of reuse times AQ of box 7 indicated by box reuse information DQ2 is less than the reuse upper limit AS, the reuse schedule information generation unit 512 generates reuse schedule message information DY indicating that box 7 can be used to manufacture regenerated box 7X.

[0123] That is, according to this embodiment, by specifically displaying that the future reuse form of the cartridge 7 is refilling, the user UP of the printing device 5 is given an incentive to reuse the cartridge 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with a method in which the future reuse form of the cartridge 7 is not displayed, a greater contribution can be made to "strengthen education and publicity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning, and strengthen the capabilities of people and institutions in this regard" as stated in SDGs Target 13.3.

[0124] In addition, in this embodiment, it is characterized in that when the number of reuse times AQ of box 7 indicated by the box reuse information DQ2 is greater than the reuse upper limit AS, the reuse schedule information generation unit 512 generates a reuse schedule message information DY indicating that the box 7 can be reused after being disassembled into raw materials.

[0125] That is, according to this embodiment, by specifically displaying that the future reuse form of the cartridge 7 is raw material recycling, the user UP of the printing device 5 is given an incentive to reuse the cartridge 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with a method in which the future reuse form of the cartridge 7 is not displayed, a greater contribution can be made to "strengthen education and publicity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning, and strengthen the capabilities of people and institutions in this regard" as stated in SDGs Target 13.3.

[0126] In addition, the present embodiment is characterized in that the display control unit 513 causes the display device 63 to display the number of times the cartridge 7 has been manufactured as a regenerated cartridge 7X in the past, that is, the number of reuses AQ.

[0127] That is, according to this embodiment, by displaying the number of times the cartridge 7 has been reused in the past, that is, the number of reuses AQ, the user UP of the printing device 5 is given an incentive to reuse the cartridge 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with the form in which the number of times the cartridge 7 has been reused in the past is not displayed, it is possible to make a greater contribution to "strengthening education and publicity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning, and strengthening the capabilities of people and institutions in this regard" as stated in SDGs target 13.3.

[0128] B. Modification

[0129] The above methods can be modified in various ways. Specific modified forms are illustrated below. Two or more forms arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined within the scope of no contradiction. It should be noted that, for the elements with the same effects and functions as those in the embodiments in the modified examples illustrated below, the reference numerals used in the above description are used to appropriately omit their detailed descriptions.

[0130] Modification 1

[0131] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the scheduled reuse prompting process is executed when the power of the printing device 5 is turned on, when the cartridge 7 is installed in the printing device 5, and when the printing process is executed in the printing device 5 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. The scheduled reuse prompting process may be executed, for example, when the cartridge 7 is removed from the printing device 5. In this case, the control device 51 may cause the storage device 52 to store the cartridge reuse information DQ2 acquired from the cartridge 7 before the cartridge 7 is removed from the printing device 5.

[0132] That is, in this modification, the feature is that when the cartridge 7 is removed from the printing device 5 , the display control unit 513 causes the display device 63 to display a scheduled reuse message AY regarding the future reuse form of the cartridge 7 .

[0133] Therefore, according to this variation, when the cartridge 7 is removed from the printing device 5, the user UP of the printing device 5 is given an incentive to reuse the cartridge 7 by displaying the future reuse form of the cartridge 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with a method in which the future reuse form of the cartridge 7 is not displayed, it is possible to make a greater contribution to "strengthening education and publicity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning, and strengthening the capabilities of people and institutions in this regard" as stated in SDGs target 13.3.

[0134] Modification 2

[0135] In the above embodiment and modification 1, the terminal device 6 is provided with the display device 63 and the speaker 64, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the display device 63 may be provided in the printing device 5. In addition, the speaker 64 may be provided in the printing device 5.

[0136] Modification 3

[0137] In the above-mentioned embodiment and Modifications 1 and 2, the cartridge 7 provided in the printing device 5 is described as an example of a management object of the management system Sys, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. The management object of the management system Sys can be any specific replaceable component provided in the electronic device.

[0138] Here, for example, in addition to the cartridge 7 that contains the ink as a consumable, the specific component may be a container for containing consumables used in the printing device 5, such as a toner bottle that contains the toner as a consumable. In addition, the specific component may be, for example, a container for containing waste generated by the use of the printing device 5, such as a waste ink box that contains waste ink as waste and a waste toner box that contains waste toner as waste.

[0139] Furthermore, the specific component is not limited to the component related to the printing device 5. For example, the specific component may be a replaceable component provided in an electronic device, such as a lamp provided in a projector and a battery provided in a smartphone.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device has replaceable specific parts, wherein: an acquisition unit that acquires reuse information related to a history of reuse of the specific component; a generating unit that generates, based on the reuse information, scheduled reuse information indicating a future reuse form of the specific component; as well as The display control unit causes the display unit to display a future reuse form of the specific component based on the reuse schedule information.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reuse schedule information is information indicating whether the specific component can be used to manufacture a recycled product of the specific component or whether the specific component can be reused after being disassembled into raw materials.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the specific component is due for replacement and the specific component is removed from the electronic device, The display control unit causes the display unit to display a future reuse form of the specific component.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display control unit causes the display unit to display whether the specific component is a recycled product of a specific component manufactured in the past using a specific component.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the case where the specific component is a recycled product of a specific component manufactured using a specific component in the past, The display control unit causes the display unit to display that the use of the specific component contributes to environmental protection.

6. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the number of times of reuse of the specific component indicated by the reuse information is less than or equal to a reference value, The generating unit generates the planned reuse information indicating that a recycled product of a specific component can be manufactured using the specific component.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the number of times of reuse of the specific component indicated by the reuse information is greater than a reference value, The generating unit generates the planned reuse information indicating that the specific component can be reused after being disassembled into raw materials.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display control unit causes the display unit to display the number of times the specific component has been manufactured as a recycled product of the specific component in the past.

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