Print consumable management IC chip, management device, and computer program

Abstract

The invention provides a management device which can reduce processing load when an IC chip arranged on a consumable is reused. A control device (40) provided in a management device (2) acquires information relating to the number of reuses of an IC chip (1) stored in an IC storage unit (32) provided in the IC chip (1) (step S1), determines whether or not the number of reuses (N) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times (T) on the basis of the acquired information (step S2), and if it is determined that the number of reuses (N) is less than the predetermined number of times (T), controls the management device (2). Information in which the number of reuses (N) has been counted incrementally is stored again in the IC storage unit (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an IC chip for managing printing consumables, a management device for managing the IC chip, and a computer program. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ink cartridge provided with an IC chip storing predetermined information. Patent Document 1 also proposes removing the IC chip from a recycled ink cartridge, performing predetermined cleaning, and then reusing the IC chip that has passed an electrical characteristics test.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-75997 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in Patent Document 1, all recovered IC chips must undergo electrical property testing, resulting in a high processing load when they are reused. Furthermore, this problem is not limited to IC chips incorporated into ink cartridges; it can be said that the same problem exists for any IC chip incorporated into consumables installed in or supplied to a printing device.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a printing consumables management IC chip, a management device, and a computer program that can reduce the processing load when reusing an IC chip provided in consumables.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The management device involved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure is a management device for an IC chip provided for consumables installed or supplied to a printing device, wherein the management device includes a control unit, which obtains information related to the number of times the IC chip is reused and stored in an IC storage unit of the IC chip. The control unit determines whether the number of times of reuse is greater than a prescribed number based on the obtained information. If the control unit determines that the number of times of reuse is less than the prescribed number, the control unit will store the information of the incremental count of the number of times of reuse in the IC storage unit again.

[0011] Thus, whether the IC chip can be reused can be easily determined based on whether the number of reuses is greater than or equal to the specified number. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform electrical characteristic inspection on all recovered IC chips, which can reduce the processing burden required for reuse.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the processing load for reusing an IC chip provided in a consumable product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of the reuse cycle of the IC chip 1 that includes the printing consumables management IC chip and the management device of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 (A) is a block diagram showing the structure of an IC chip. Figure 2 (B) is a block diagram showing the structure of the management device.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the reuse cycle of IC chips implemented by the management device.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing a first example of the reuse process executed by the management device.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing a second example of the reuse process executed by the management device.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing a third example of the reuse process executed by the management device.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the reuse process executed by the management device.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing a fifth example of the reuse process executed by the management device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in the following, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of the reuse cycle of the IC chip 1 (hereinafter referred to as “IC chip 1”) and the management device 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 1As shown, IC chip 1 is a consumable item installed in a printer device 3 used by a user. These consumable items are used by the printer device 3 to perform its functions and are installed or supplied to the printer device 3. Typical examples of consumable items include ink, toner, and other colorants, pre-treatment fluid, post-treatment fluid, the print head that ejects ink, cleaning components such as wipers for cleaning the print head, and cleaning fluid for cleaning the print head and cleaning components. Furthermore, consumable items are not limited to those with a usage period shorter than the product life of the printer device 3; they can also be used for a period equal to or longer than the product life of the printer device 3.

[0024] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , an inkjet printer is exemplified as the printing device 3 , and ink used for image formation (printing) in the printing device 3 is exemplified as a consumable item. Figure 1 The illustrated printing device 3 includes a printing unit 10 and an ink supply unit 13. The printing unit 10 includes a platen 11, which places a recording medium and moves to a predetermined position for printing; an input / output unit 12, such as a touch panel display capable of inputting and outputting various information; and a print head, which ejects ink onto the recording medium to form an image. The ink supply unit 13 includes multiple tanks 14 corresponding to the ink color, and the ink stored in the tanks 14 is supplied to the print head.

[0025] Here, the tank 14 can be refilled with ink from an ink bottle 16 separate from the printer 3. This refilling is performed by the user. Ink bottles 16 vary depending on the type of ink, and users can purchase ink bottles 16 filled with the desired type of ink from, for example, an online store. The ink bottle 16 is provided with the printing consumables management IC chip 1 of the present disclosure.

[0026] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the IC chip 1 is mounted on a chip holder 17, and the chip holder 17 with the IC chip 1 mounted thereon is detachably mounted at a predetermined position in the ink bottle 16. Meanwhile, the ink supply unit 13 of the printing device 3 is provided with an insertion portion 15 for the chip holder 17. Furthermore, when supplying ink to the tank 14, the user removes the chip holder 17 with the IC chip 1 from the ink bottle 16 and inserts it into the insertion portion 15, and then refills the ink in the ink bottle 16 into the tank 14.

[0027] Figure 2 (A) is a block diagram showing the structure of the IC chip 1. Figure 2As shown in (A), IC chip 1 includes a computing unit 30, an interface (I / F) 31, and an IC storage unit 32. The computing unit 30 is composed of circuits such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a microcomputer. The interface 31 transmits and receives data to and from the outside via wired or wireless communication. The IC storage unit 32 is composed of a nonvolatile memory element such as a NAND flash memory. It stores data received via the interface 31 or deletes stored data based on instructions from the computing unit 30.

[0028] The IC storage unit 32 stores consumables information related to the consumables in which the IC chip 1 is installed. Therefore, as described above, when the chip holder 17 carrying the IC chip 1 is inserted into the insertion portion 15 of the printer 3, the printer 3 retrieves the consumables information from the IC chip 1 for use in consumables management.

[0029] However, when the contents of the ink bottle 16 become empty, the IC chip 1 mounted on the ink bottle 16 is collected by a designated recycling company or the like. The collected IC chip 1 is then managed for reuse. Figure 1 In the reuse cycle shown, a management device 2 for managing the reuse of the IC chip 1 is provided.

[0030] Figure 2 (B) is a block diagram showing the structure of the management device 2. Figure 2 As shown in (B), management device 2 includes a control device 40, interfaces (I / F) 41 and 42, a reader / writer (R / W) 43, an input / output device 44, and a storage device 45. Control device 40, which is composed of circuits such as an MPU, controls various operations of management device 2. Interface 41 transmits and receives data to and from interface 31 of IC chip 1 via wired or wireless communication.

[0031] It should be noted that if Figure 1 As shown, the management device 2 includes a loading section 46 for loading the IC chip 1. Furthermore, when the IC chip 1 is loaded into the loading section 46, data can be transmitted and received between the IC chip 1 and the management device 2 via interfaces 31 and 41. Another interface 42 transmits and receives data to and from another communication device, such as a server 5, via a communication line 4 such as the Internet.

[0032] The reader / writer 43 is provided near the loading section 46 and sends control signals and data to the IC chip 1 loaded in the loading section 46 according to the instructions from the control device 40, and writes (stores) and deletes data in the IC storage section 32. The input / output device 44 is composed of a touch panel display, etc. Figure 1As illustrated, the input / output device 44 is provided at a position where the user can directly operate the management device 2. The input / output device 44 can input various information by the operator or output various information to the operator.

[0033] The storage device 45 is a storage unit including ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). This storage device 45 stores computer programs required for the management device 2 to function, stores data generated by the control device 40 executing the computer programs, and stores data obtained from the outside via interfaces 41 and 42. In other words, the management device 2 implements various actions (functions) according to the present disclosure by executing the computer programs stored in the storage device 45. This will be referred to later. Figures 4 to 8 The specific actions of the management device 2 are described.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the reuse cycle of the IC chip 1 implemented by the management device 2. Figure 1 The ink stored in the ink bottle 16 is regarded as a consumable item, and a reuse cycle is described with attention paid to the IC chip 1 provided in the ink bottle 16 .

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, in this recycling cycle, a user purchases an ink bottle 16 containing an IC chip 1 (step S100). The user refills the ink in the ink bottle 16 into the tank 14 and uses the ink, such as by printing an image (step S101). Once all the ink in the ink bottle 16 has been refilled into the tank 14, the ink bottle 16 becomes empty and reaches the end of its life (step S102). Next, the IC chip 1 is removed from the end-of-life ink bottle 16 and collected (step S103), and then delivered to a management company. The IC chip 1 can be collected by a designated recycling company or the user can deliver it to a management company.

[0036] The IC chips 1 returned to the management company are processed for reuse using the management device 2 (step S104). For example, the specified information stored in the IC memory unit 32 of the IC chip 1 is updated and stored again in the IC memory unit 32, or the IC chips 1 are sorted based on the information stored in the IC memory unit 32. This makes the IC chips 1, which have been collected after use, reusable. Then, when a user purchases an ink bottle 16 with an IC chip, the ink bottle 16 with the IC chip 1 is delivered to the user (step S105) and used (reused) by the user (step S101).

[0037] Next, refer to Figures 4 to 8The reuse process executed in step S104 of the above-described reuse cycle will be described. This reuse process is implemented by the control device 40 of the management device 2 executing the computer program according to the present disclosure stored in the storage device 45 .

[0038] (First example of reuse)

[0039] Figure 4 1 is a flowchart showing a first example of the reuse process executed by the management device 2. Figure 4 As shown, when the operator loads the collected IC chip 1 into the loading unit 46, the management device 2 acquires predetermined information from the IC chip 46 (step S1). The acquired information includes information related to the consumables in which the IC chip 1 is installed (e.g., ink color, ink bottle 16 capacity, etc.) and information related to the number of times (reuse count) N that the IC chip 1 has been used since being installed in the consumables.

[0040] It should be noted that, in order to prepare the IC chip 1 for reuse, information related to the next consumables to be used is written into the IC memory unit 32. The calculation unit 30 within the IC chip 1 writes this information in response to an instruction from the reader / writer 43 included in the management device 2. Therefore, the "number of reuses N" of the IC chip 1 can be represented by the number of reuses of the calculation unit 30 of the IC chip 1, or in other words, the cumulative number of writes to the IC memory unit 32 by the calculation unit 30.

[0041] Next, the management device 2 determines whether the acquired reuse count N is greater than a predetermined count (threshold T) (step S2). This threshold T limits the number of reuses of the IC chip 1 and can be appropriately set within a range that ensures the operation of the IC chip 1. For example, the threshold T can be set to the upper limit of the cumulative number of writes allowed by the calculation unit 30, or to a value that subtracts a predetermined number from the upper limit. Furthermore, the threshold T can be set based on the specifications of the components used in the IC chip 1, previously implemented actual data, and the like.

[0042] When the number of reuse times N is less than the threshold value T in step S2 ( S2 : Yes), the management device 2 increases the number of reuse times N obtained from the IC chip 1 by 1 (step S3 ), and stores the information related to the increased number of reuse times in the IC storage unit 32 of the IC chip 1 again (step S4 ).

[0043] On the other hand, if the number of reuses N is greater than the threshold value T (S2: No), the management device 2 outputs an alarm message to the input / output device 44 (step S5). This alarm message indicates that the number of reuses of the IC chip 1 has reached the number of times that reuse should be restricted. It should be noted that the IC chip 1 for which the alarm message is output is no longer used and is discarded.

[0044] The reuse process described above allows recycled IC chips 1 to be reused after use within a range that ensures their operation. Therefore, for example, electrical characteristics testing is only required for IC chips 1 determined in step S2 to have a reuse count N less than threshold value T. Therefore, the electrical characteristics testing of recycled IC chips 1 does not require a burdensome process such as a full inspection.

[0045] (Second example of reuse)

[0046] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing a second example of the reuse process executed by the management device 2 . Figure 5 The reuse process shown includes Figure 4 The reuse process (first example) shown in FIG. 1 is the same as steps S1 to S5 and includes Figure 4 Therefore, only matters related to step S6 will be described here.

[0047] exist Figure 5 During the reuse process, if the number of reuses N of the collected IC chip 1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value T (step S2: No), an alarm is output (step S5), and a reuse prohibition process is executed on the IC chip 1 (step S6). In this reuse prohibition process, for example, predetermined reuse prohibition information is stored in the IC storage unit 32 of the IC chip 1, or a process is executed to set the IC chip 1 to a non-reusable state.

[0048] As an example of disabling reusability, information is provided for displaying "disabled" on the input / output unit 12 of the printer 3, assuming the IC chip 1 is reinstalled as a consumable and inserted into the insertion unit 15 of the printer 3. Another example of processing that disables reusability is storing control information in the IC storage unit 32, which prevents the printer 3 from executing a predetermined process based on the information stored in the IC chip 1 (a process that the printer 3 can execute based on this information when an IC chip 1 that has not been subjected to the reuse prohibition process (S6) is inserted). Another example of processing that disables reusability is storing control information in the IC storage unit 32, such as preventing the computing unit 30 of the IC chip 1 from responding to access from the interface 41 of the management device 2, to prevent the management device 2 from retrieving information from the IC storage unit 32.

[0049] The reuse process described above achieves the same effects as the first example. Furthermore, according to the reuse process of the second example, even if an IC chip 1 exceeding the upper limit of the number of reuses is mistakenly placed in the reuse cycle, such an inappropriate IC chip 1 can be discovered by the user. Therefore, the reuse of IC chips 1 exceeding the upper limit can be prevented.

[0050] (Third example of reuse)

[0051] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing a third example of the reuse process executed by the management device 2 . Figure 6 The reuse process shown includes Figure 5 The reuse process (second example) shown in FIG. 1 is the same as steps S1 to S6, and includes Figure 5 Therefore, only matters related to step S7 will be described here.

[0052] exist Figure 6In the reuse process, classification information generation processing (step S7) is performed for the recovered IC chips 1 that have undergone the re-storage process (S4) and the reuse prohibition process (S6). This "classification" is the process of classifying the IC chips 1 into predetermined categories. For example, the classification of reusable IC chips 1 and IC chips 1 prohibited from reuse is provided. For reusable IC chips 1, there are also examples of classification based on the number of reuses (the number of times the next use will be made), or classification based on the number of reuses and the category of consumables. It should be noted that the category of consumables includes information such as the type of color of the ink, colorant, pre-treatment liquid, post-treatment liquid, print head, cleaning parts, and cleaning liquid, in addition to the aforementioned information.

[0053] In step S7, each IC chip 1 is classified as described above based on the number of times it has been reused, the type of consumable, and other factors, and classification information representing the results is generated. The generated classification information may also be output (displayed) by the input / output device 44 of the management device 2. In this case, the operator may view the classification information and sort the IC chips 1 into containers of the types indicated by the classification information. Alternatively, a system for automatically (mechanically) sorting the IC chips 1 by type based on the generated classification information may be incorporated into the management device 2, or may be provided separately from the management device 2.

[0054] According to the reuse process described above, the same effect as in the second example is achieved. Furthermore, according to the reuse process involved in the third example, the IC chip 1 can be classified based on the number of reuses and the category of consumables. Therefore, optimization of the subsequent reuse can be achieved. For example, additional inspections can be performed based on the size of the number of reuses. That is, for IC chips 1 that are classified as types with a number of reuses exceeding a specified value, additional specified inspections can be performed, thereby ensuring the reliability of the operation of the IC chip 1. In addition, based on the category of consumables, consumables of the same category as the consumables used last time can also be provided in the next reuse.

[0055] (Fourth example of reuse)

[0056] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the reuse process executed by the management device 2 . Figure 7 The reuse process shown includes Figure 5 The reuse process (second example) shown in FIG. 1 is the same as steps S1 to S6, and includes Figure 5 Therefore, only matters related to step S8 will be described here.

[0057] exist Figure 7During the reuse process, a cleaning method determination process (step S8) is performed on recovered IC chips 1 that have undergone the restorage process (S4) and the reuse prohibition process (S6). For example, for reusable IC chips 1, a cleaning method is determined from among different cleaning methods based on the number of reuses. Furthermore, for IC chips 1 prohibited from reuse, it is determined that no cleaning is required. Examples of cleaning methods that vary based on the number of reuses N for reusable IC chips 1 include "dust removal using an air jet" when N = 2 and "immersion in a liquid that removes contaminants adhering to the IC chip 1" when N = 3. It should be noted that as the number of reuses N increases, the IC chip 1's usage period increases, and the likelihood of a greater amount of contaminants adhering to the chip increases, so a more aggressive cleaning method is preferably applied.

[0058] Such cleaning method can also be determined according to Figure 6 After the classification information generation process (S7) shown, a cleaning method is determined based on the classification. Alternatively, the cleaning method determined by the cleaning method determination process may be output (displayed) by the input / output device 44 of the management device 2. In this case, the operator can view the information related to the cleaning method and transfer the IC chip 1 to the corresponding cleaning device. Alternatively, a system may be provided to automatically (mechanically) transfer the IC chip 1 to the corresponding cleaning device based on the determined cleaning method, or the management device 2 may be integrated with the cleaning device.

[0059] The reuse process described above achieves the same effects as in the second example. Furthermore, the reuse process of this fourth example allows the cleaning method of IC chip 1 to be determined based on the number of times it has been reused. Therefore, appropriate cleaning can be performed based on the state of IC chip 1 (number of times it has been reused), optimizing subsequent reuse.

[0060] (Fifth example of reuse)

[0061] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing a fifth example of the reuse process executed by the management device 2 . Figure 8 The reuse process shown includes Figure 4 The reuse process (first example) shown in FIG. 1 is the same as steps S1 to S5 and includes Figure 4 Therefore, only matters related to step S9 will be described here.

[0062] exist Figure 8During the reuse process, the management device 2 obtains specified information from the IC chip 1 (step S1). The information obtained here includes information related to the user of the consumable product in which the IC chip 1 is installed. For example, when a user purchases a consumable product from an online store where the user has registered, after the registered user information is stored in the IC storage unit 32, the IC chip 1 is installed in the consumable product and sent to the user. When the consumable product reaches the end of its life and the IC chip 1 is recycled, the management device 2 can obtain user information from the IC chip 1 (S1). In this way, the user information obtained in step S1 includes information related to the user of the consumable product in which the IC chip 1 is installed, including information related to the user of the printing device 3 that uses the consumable product in which the IC chip 1 is installed.

[0063] The management device 2 then processes the user information to assign specified points (step S9). For example, it associates the user information with the specified points to generate point assignment information, and then uploads this point assignment information to the server 5 via the network 4. Based on the received point assignment information, the server 5 stores the accumulated points for each user. It should be noted that the management device 2 may store the accumulated points for each user, rather than the server 5.

[0064] The reuse process described above achieves the same effects as the first example. Furthermore, the reuse process of the fifth example can store accumulated points corresponding to each user's purchase history (usage history) of consumables. This provides added value to the user corresponding to the accumulated points, incentivizing them to purchase specific consumables and encouraging them to assist in the recycling of IC chips 1.

[0065] It should be noted that while the above example shows an example of awarding points to users, it is also possible to, instead of or in addition to awarding points to IC chip 1 recyclers based on the number of IC chips 1 recycled. For example, the recycler's identification information and the number of IC chips 1 recycled can be input via the input / output device 44 of the management device 2, and the recycler can be awarded predetermined points based on the input information. This can provide incentives for recyclers to assist in the recycling of IC chips 1.

[0066] (other)

[0067] Figures 4 to 8 The flowcharts shown are examples, and not all processing blocks shown in the flowcharts are necessary. Some of them can be omitted, or other processing blocks can be added. Figures 5 to 7 In the process of outputting the alarm (step S5), the process of outputting the alarm can also be omitted. Figure 8In the process of outputting an alarm (step S5 ), or in place of the process, a reuse prohibition process (step S6 ) may be added.

[0068] Industrial Application Possibilities

[0069] The present disclosure can be applied to a management device that manages the reuse of IC chips provided in consumables.

[0070] Description of Reference Numerals

[0071] 1 IC chip

[0072] 2 Management device

[0073] 3 Printing device

[0074] 30 Operation unit

[0075] 32 IC storage unit

[0076] 40 control devices.

Claims

1. A management device for an IC chip provided on consumables installed or supplied to a printing device, wherein: The management device includes a control unit, The control unit acquires information related to the number of times the IC chip has been reused, which is stored in an IC storage unit included in the IC chip. The control unit determines whether the number of reuses is greater than or equal to a predetermined number based on the acquired information. When the control unit determines that the number of reuses is less than a predetermined number, the control unit stores information on the number of reuses being counted up again in the IC storage unit.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit generates classification information related to classification of the IC chip based on the number of reuses stored again in the IC storage unit.

3. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit determines a cleaning method for the IC chip based on the number of reuses stored again in the IC storage unit.

4. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit acquires information on the category of the consumables provided with the IC chip, stored in the IC storage unit, and generates classification information on the classification of the IC chip based on the category.

5. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The management device further includes a storage unit. The control unit obtains user information and associates specified points with the user information and stores it in the storage unit. The user information is information related to the user of the consumables provided with the IC chip that causes the IC storage unit to store the number of reuses again. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein: The management device further includes a storage unit. The control unit acquires recycler information related to the recycler who caused the IC storage unit to store the number of reuses, and associates predetermined points with the recycler information and stores the information in the storage unit.

7. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit outputs information indicating that the number of reuses is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times, when determining based on the information stored in the IC storage unit that the number of reuses is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times.

8. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit stores reusable information in the IC storage unit or sets the IC chip to a reusable state when it is determined based on the information stored in the IC storage unit that the number of reuses is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times.

9. A computer program executed by a computer in a management device including a computer, wherein the management device manages an IC chip provided in consumables installed in or supplied to a printing device, wherein: The computer program causes the computer to execute: a process of acquiring information related to the number of times the IC chip has been reused, stored in an IC storage unit included in the IC chip; a process of determining whether the number of reuses is greater than a predetermined number based on the acquired information; as well as A process of storing information on the number of reuses incremented in the IC storage unit again when it is determined that the number of reuses is less than a predetermined number.

10. A printing consumables management IC chip, Equipped with a computing unit and an IC storage unit, The printing consumables management IC chip is provided in consumables installed in or supplied to the printing apparatus, and the IC storage unit stores information related to the number of times the calculation unit is reused.

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